61. The Gift of Presence w/author Jeff Zaugg

In this deeply reflective episode of Being Sons, host Jay welcomes Jeff Zaugg, author of the new book *Dad Awesome, Dad Discoveries to Activate Awesomeness*, for a heartfelt conversation on fatherhood rooted in presence, identity, and divine sonship. Jeff shares his personal journey of discovering that he is a beloved son of God—a revelation that transformed his parenting from striving to abundance. He emphasizes that true fatherhood begins not with strategies or hacks, but with a heart turned toward God’s love, where presence becomes the primary gift a father can offer. Through stories of family prayer, mission updates, and intentional storytelling, Jeff illustrates how dads can become primary storytellers of God’s faithfulness, helping children see His hand in both triumphs and trials. The conversation underscores that fatherhood is not about perfection, but about vulnerability, curiosity, and the courage to begin again. The episode explores practical steps for dads who feel behind or disconnected, urging them to start small: spend time with God, practice gratitude, and engage in simple journaling exercises like the 'black pen, blue pen' method. Jeff highlights the power of approaching God as a child—free from fear, self-reliance, or performance—drawing from the story of the prodigal son and the gospel’s call to childlike trust. He concludes with a powerful invitation: find three other dads to walk alongside, creating accountability loops that multiply impact. Ultimately, this is a call to identity over action, presence over performance, and sonship as the foundation of all good fatherhood.