Legacy Dads with Dave and Dante

📖 Episode Overview When we think of Christmas, we often picture peace, perfection, and tidy manger scenes. But when we look back to Genesis, we find something very different — broken people, dysfunctional families, and repeated failure. In this episode of the Christmas in Genesis series, Dave and Dante walk through the messy family tree that leads to Jesus and reveal a powerful truth every dad needs to hear: God doesn't wait for perfect families — He works through broken ones. From Abraham's deception, to Jacob's favoritism, to Judah's moral collapse, Genesis makes one thing clear: the line of the Messiah is anything but clean. And that's exactly the point. 🔎 What You'll Learn in This Episode Why God intentionally chose flawed men and families to bring forth the Savior How Genesis dismantles the myth of the "perfect dad" What Judah's story teaches us about repentance, responsibility, and redemption How God's mercy shows up again and again in generational brokenness Why Christmas is ultimately a story of grace, not genetics 🧬 Key Passages Discussed Genesis 12; 16; 27; 37–38 — A family marked by deceit, favoritism, and sin Genesis 38 — Judah, Tamar, and the unexpected path of redemption Matthew 1:1–6 — The Messiah's genealogy includes scandal, outsiders, and grace Romans 5:8 — God's mercy meets us in our mess 👨‍👩‍👧 Application for Dads This episode speaks directly to men who feel the weight of their failures: You don't need a perfect past to lead well today God can redeem your mistakes and use them for good Your repentance matters more than your record Faithfulness now can change the legacy of generations to come If you've ever felt disqualified as a husband or father, this conversation reminds you that God specializes in restoring broken men and broken families. 🔥 Big Takeaway Christmas didn't come through perfect people — it came through repentant ones. God's mercy is bigger than your mess, and His redemption reaches further than your failure. 🎧 Listen & Subscribe Be sure to subscribe to the Legacy Dads Podcast and follow along with the rest of the Christmas in Genesis series as Dave and Dante uncover the hope of Christmas where we least expect it — right at the beginning of the Bible. For more about Legacy Dads, click here: Legacy Dads Website Legacy Dads Facebook Group: Legacy Dads Facebook Legacy Dads Instagram: Legacy Dads

📖 Episode Overview 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. 🔥 Key Topics Discussed 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 🛡️ Legacy Dads Takeaways 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 📚 About the Guest 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. For more about Legacy Dads, click here: Legacy Dads Website Legacy Dads Facebook Group: Legacy Dads Facebook Legacy Dads Instagram: Legacy Dads

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. For more about Legacy Dads, click here: Legacy Dads Website Legacy Dads Facebook Group: Legacy Dads Facebook Legacy Dads Instagram: Legacy Dads

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! For more about Legacy Dads, click here: Legacy Dads Website Legacy Dads Facebook Group: Legacy Dads Facebook Legacy Dads Instagram: Legacy Dads

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. Key Topics Discussed 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 Practical Takeaways for Men 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 Scripture to Reflect On 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. About Clifford Stephan & Booze Vacation 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. Learn more at BoozeVacation.com.