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Jul 23
1 h

The Faith Talk Between Father and Son

Larry Hagner
About this episode

Have you ever asked yourself?

  • When’s the last time I really asked my kids what they think about God or faith?
  • How can I start the journey of exploring faith side-by-side with my kids?
  • What are the ways I can create more open, judgment-free conversations with my children?

For many dads, the idea of being a “spiritual leader” in the home feels intimidating, even paralyzing. Maybe you grew up with rigid, guilt-driven religious expectations or maybe you just don’t feel like you know enough. The truth? None of that has to stop you. In fact, the most meaningful spiritual leadership happens when we admit we don’t have it all figured out—and decide to walk the road of faith together with our kids.

My Favorite Protein

Larry and Ethan get real about their own experiences growing up Catholic—the guilt, confusion, and the struggles to make sense of complex religious teachings. They share how, as adults, they’ve navigated those challenges together and discovered the power of learning side by side, embracing faith as a shared father-son journey rather than a top-down lecture.

You’ll hear their honest talk about breaking down the barriers of feeling “not good enough” to lead spiritually, why vulnerability can actually be your greatest asset in these moments, and practical ideas for connecting with your children around faith without fear or overwhelm. Plus, they touch on the importance of building a personal relationship with God—outside of simply following rituals or attending church—and how even small daily steps, like reading a chapter from the Book of John together, can transform your family’s spiritual life.

So if you’re a dad who’s ever felt uncertain about how to talk faith with your kids, or if you’re looking for encouragement to deepen those connections, this episode is for you. Let’s step into the arena together, lead and learn as a team, and discover what it truly means to create a legacy of intentional, faith-filled fatherhood.

Become the best husband you can: https://bit.ly/deamarriageyoutube

Today, we dig into:

  1. You don’t have to “have it all figured out” to lead spiritually: Many dads, including myself, feel intimidated by spiritual conversations because we think we need to be experts. The truth? The best leadership often comes from learning side-by-side with our kids.
  2. Make it a journey, not a lecture: Spiritual leadership isn’t about preaching from a pedestal. It’s about reading, questioning, and growing together—sometimes stumbling, sometimes leading, always learning.
  3. Relationship over ritual: The most powerful faith lessons come from genuine connection and conversation—not just attending church or following rituals. Building a relationship with God, and helping our kids do the same, is what matters most.

This episode is packed with wisdom, encouragement, and practical advice for fathers who want to step up as spiritual leaders without the fear of not being “good enough.”

Here's what research and observation highlight about religious and spiritual conversations within families:

  • Studies found that 58% of men admit to avoiding religious or spiritual conversations for fear of being unprepared or judged.
  • Research  found that 67% of adolescents reported feeling more connected to parents when both were engaged in joint learning or spiritual exploration.
  • Research indicates that 73% of practicing Christian parents say it’s essential to teach their children about the faith, yet only 35% report regularly engaging in spiritual conversations at home.

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