Welcome to Fatherhood on Purpose, a new Father Friend podcast series about intentional fathering and raising strong, connected families. Before we jump into the framework and practical conversations ahead, this first episode is a little different. In Episode 0, I share some of my own story—where my view of fatherhood came from, what shaped me, and why I care so deeply about helping dads lead with purpose. Together, we’ll explore what shapes us as fathers, why purpose matters, and how intentional choices over time create the kind of relationships most dads hope to have with their kids. This episode introduces the Father Friend model and the heart behind this series. Because most dads don’t fail because they don’t love their kids. They fail because life gets busy and they never intentionally decide what kind of father they want to become. If you’ve ever wanted to be more thoughtful, more present, and more purposeful as a dad, this series is for you.

In this Memorial Day episode of Father Friend, Mike reflects on the deeper meaning behind a holiday often overshadowed by cookouts and long weekends. Through powerful stories—including the courage displayed aboard the Titanic—he explores the quiet sacrifice and everyday courage that still hold families, communities, and nations together. This episode is not about politics or military history. It’s about gratitude. It’s about the fathers who quietly carry responsibility, the men and women who serve others without recognition, and the kind of sacrificial love that shapes strong homes and meaningful lives. Mike also reflects on the example of Christ’s sacrifice on the cross and how true courage is often found not in dramatic moments, but in ordinary faithfulness, responsibility, and love. A thoughtful and heartfelt Memorial Day conversation about sacrifice, courage, fatherhood, and the kind of people we are becoming.

Anxiety and depression are impacting more children, teenagers, and families than ever before. But dads often feel unprepared, overwhelmed, or unsure how to respond, both in their kids and in themselves. In this special episode of Father Friend, I sit down with my wife, Amy Ayers, LPC, for an honest conversation about emotional health, fatherhood, anxiety, depression, and the role dads play in creating emotional safety and resilience in the home. We talk about: • Signs parents often miss • How anxiety shows up in boys and men • Technology and social media’s impact on kids • How children absorb the emotional atmosphere of the home • What dads can practically do to help their families thrive emotionally This is one of the most important conversations we’ve had on the podcast because emotional health affects every relationship in the home.