🎙️ Summary What if the key to raising faithful, resilient children is as simple—and as hard—as returning to reality? In this episode of Father and Friend, Father Peter Kavanaugh and Educator Benjamin Lyda explore how fathers can reclaim family, work, and worship as sacred acts.

🌱 Episode Overview In a culture of distraction, disconnection, and digital overload, this conversation dives deep into the pursuit of a meaningful family life. Father Peter shares how his family’s 40-acre Texas farm has become a classroom of virtue, work, and wonder—where imagination grows in the dirt and real education begins at the dinner table. Benjamin Lyda brings an educator’s insight into how fathers can form their children through leisure, liturgy, and shared life.

Together, they challenge the idea that parenting is about preparing kids for the “real world” and instead suggest that fathers should invite their children into reality through worship, suffering, beauty, and joy.

Books for further reading mentioned in episode:

The Family Economy by Rory Groves - https://amzn.to/4lvMYr6

Leisure: The Basis Of Culture By Josef Pieper - https://amzn.to/4kjgCPv

The Death Of Christian Culture by John Senior - https://amzn.to/3Gk9gxb

Connect with Father Peter and the Orthodox Church at https://www.saintbenedictorthodox.com/

Connect with Benjamin Lyda at https://scriptoriumwriting.com

📣 Call to Action - If this episode challenged or inspired you, please like, subscribe, and share it with a fellow father. Drop a comment about your own family rituals or efforts to reconnect with reality—we’d love to hear from you.

-----------------------------------------------------

Join Our Fatherhood Email list at https://fatherandfriend.com or connect with us on social media:

https://www.facebook.com/LivingForTheirGood

https://instagram.com/livingfortheirgood

https://www.tiktok.com/@fatherandfriend

@fatherandfriend

In this powerful episode, Michael shares his journey from a childhood marked by foster care, instability, and loss to becoming a devoted father and pastor. Mike opens up about the negative examples that shaped his early understanding of fatherhood, the moments of peace he found in churches and libraries, and the mentors—both real and philosophical—who helped form his identity.

We explore how true provision goes beyond financial support to include emotional and spiritual presence, and how fathers can intentionally guide their children with love, wisdom, and purpose. Mike reflects on his early draw to faith, his evolving role as a dad, and the impact of simply showing up.

Whether you're a father, a son, or someone seeking meaning in the challenges of life, this conversation is a heartfelt call to lead with integrity, prioritize your home, and raise children who are grounded, joyful, and ready to lead themselves.

🔔 Subscribe for more conversations on fatherhood, faith, and purpose.

🎧 Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and wherever you get your podcasts.

#Fatherhood #Podcast #ChristianFather #FosterCare #EmotionalIntelligence #ParentingWithPurpose #MichaelMattson #Provision #Faith #FatherAndFriend

-----------------------------------------------------

Join Our Fatherhood Email list at https://fatherandfriend.com or connect with us on social media:

https://www.facebook.com/LivingForTheirGood

https://instagram.com/livingfortheirgood

https://www.tiktok.com/@fatherandfriend

@fatherandfriend

In this conversation, Zach shares his journey from a troubled upbringing and addiction to a fulfilling family life centered around faith and intentional parenting. He discusses the impact of his father's actions on his life, his recovery journey, and the positive practices he has implemented in his family, such as prayer, attending church, and sharing meals together. Zach emphasizes the importance of selflessness and love in fatherhood, aiming to instill strong values in his children as they grow.

----------------------------------------------------- Join Our Fatherhood Email list at https://fatherandfriend.com or connect with us on social media:

https://www.facebook.com/LivingForTheirGood

https://instagram.com/livingfortheirgood

https://www.tiktok.com/@fatherandfriend

@fatherandfriend