Legacy Dads with Dave and Dante

In this challenging and timely conversation, Dave and Dante sit down with theologian and author Dr. Joe Rigney to discuss a topic that has sparked significant debate in both Christian and cultural spaces: the sin of empathy.

Empathy is often celebrated as an unquestioned virtue—but what happens when empathy is detached from truth? Dr. Rigney helps clarify the difference between biblical compassion and disordered empathy, showing how misplaced emotional identification can lead men away from wisdom, courage, and faithful leadership.

This episode is especially relevant for fathers and husbands navigating emotional pressure, cultural confusion, and moral compromise—both inside the home and in the public square.

• What Dr. Rigney means by "the sin of empathy"

• Why empathy is not always a virtue when divorced from truth

• The difference between compassion and emotional manipulation

• How empathy can be weaponized in modern culture

• Biblical examples of rightly ordered love and mercy

• Why men are especially vulnerable to disordered empathy

• How fathers can lead with both truth and tenderness

• The role of courage and clarity in Christian masculinity

• Teaching children to care without surrendering conviction

• Pastoral and parental wisdom for engaging emotionally charged issues

• Truth must lead love, not the other way around

• Compassion does not require agreement

• Fathers must model emotional strength rooted in Scripture

• Saying "no" can be the most loving response

• Biblical empathy always points people toward repentance, restoration, and Christ

Dr. Joe Rigney is a theologian, author, and pastor known for his work on Christian ethics, masculinity, and cultural engagement. He has written extensively on the relationship between truth, love, and emotional formation within the church.

In this first episode of our Christmas in Genesis series, Dave and Dante take listeners all the way back to the beginning — literally. Before shepherds heard angels sing, before Mary received Gabriel's announcement, before Bethlehem was even a town, God Himself declared the very first Christmas promise in Genesis 3:15. This passage — often called the Protoevangelium, or "first gospel" — reveals God's redemptive plan immediately after humanity's fall. In this episode, we unpack how this ancient verse points forward to Jesus, what it teaches us about sin, hope, and spiritual warfare, and how men can lead their families with the confidence that God always keeps His promises.

Dante has a conversation with friend and elder David Kline about the fall of capitalism when good men do nothing. The conversation covers a bit of history around socialism and communism and transitions to the truth found in Scripture...that Jesus is the WAY, the TRUTH, and the LIFE. Listen in and enjoy the conversation!

In this powerful conversation, Dave and Dante sit down with Clifford Stephan, founder of BoozeVacation.com, to talk about the journey of taking a "vacation" from drinking and how intentional breaks from alcohol can transform your faith, family life, health, and leadership.

Clifford shares his personal story, the moment he realized alcohol was holding him back, and why he built a community to help others explore life with less booze — or none at all. This episode encourages men to evaluate their habits, prioritize their spiritual and physical health, and lead their families with clarity and conviction.

• Clifford's personal turning point and what inspired BoozeVacation.com

• The difference between quitting drinking and taking a healthy break

• Why alcohol has become so normalized in culture — and why men rarely talk about it

• How a drinking "vacation" can improve sleep, energy, mood, and relationships

• The spiritual implications of numbing, coping, and self-medicating

• Rebuilding discipline and mental resilience

• Being a better husband, father, and leader through sobriety or moderation

• How community and accountability fuel long-term success

• Clifford's practical steps for anyone wanting to start a 30-day break

• What churches, men's ministries, and small groups can do better in this area

• Identify if alcohol is filling a role that God should fill

• Notice the patterns: stress drinking, weekend "reward" cycles, or emotional escape

• Begin with a clear goal — "cut back," "take a break," or "quit"

• Invite one trusted brother into the process for accountability

• Replace old routines with healthier rhythms: exercise, prayer, hobbies, service

• Track how your body, mind, and spiritual life respond during the break

• Set boundaries around environments that trigger unhealthy habits

• 1 Corinthians 6:12 (ESV) – "All things are lawful for me," but not all things are helpful.

• Ephesians 5:18 (ESV) – "Do not get drunk with wine… but be filled with the Spirit."

• Proverbs 25:28 (ESV) – "A man without self-control is like a city broken into and left without walls."

These verses guide men toward living with intentionality, discipline, and spiritual clarity.

Clifford is the founder of BoozeVacation.com, a platform designed to help individuals take meaningful breaks from alcohol through structured challenges, coaching, and community support. His mission is to empower people to rediscover their best selves and experience life without the haze and habits alcohol often brings.

In this powerful episode, Dave and Dante sit down with Daniel Puder—former MMA fighter turned educator and youth advocate—to discuss the urgent challenges facing today's schools, kids, and families. Puder shares how his experience in the cage shaped his passion for protecting and empowering young people, and why he believes our education system needs a complete culture shift.