The Show UP Dad

Pastor David Mendonca
  • 4.9 (47)
  • Parenting
  • Updated Monthly

This podcast is your essential resource for fathers seeking to deepen their connection with their children and embrace their God-given roles in parenting. We explore the blessings of children and provide practical examples on how to minister to your family through discipleship and discipline. Each episode is filled with scripture, thought-provoking questions, and biblical advice designed for parents who may not have had positive role models. Featuring guests from various backgrounds, this show offers hope and guidance for those striving to create a godly home. Join us on the Show up Dad

  1. 5d ago

    Why Laughter Opens Hearts When Preaching Alone Cannot with Comedian Virginia Gonzales

    Laughter can open a heart faster than an argument, and Virginia Gonzalez proves it. In this powerful conversation, comedian and faith-filled storyteller Virginia shares how God used her humor, her pain, and her wildly unexpected life story to shape a ministry that reaches women, children, and families in a deeply memorable way.From a wild youth and a radical Easter Sunday conversion to nearly 19 years in children’s ministry, Virginia reveals how God turned her past into purpose. She and Pastor David Mendonca talk about identity in Christ, the Titus 2 calling, and why comedy can be one of the most effective tools for sharing truth without shutting people down.You'll discover: How Virginia went from prison guard, teacher, and property manager to standup comic and ministry voiceWhy laughter lowers defenses and creates real connectionWhat it means to live as a Titus woman in a culture obsessed with comparisonHow she uses testimony, Scripture, and humor to reach people who might never listen to a sermonWhy modesty, dignity, and spiritual maturity still matter for women todayVirginia also opens up about devastating loss, including the death of her son, the pain of abortion, and a long season of trials that tested her faith, marriage, and endurance. Through it all, she keeps coming back to the same truth: God is faithful, even when life is hard, and He is still transforming His people.David and Virginia also dig into marriage, submission, leadership, and what biblical partnership actually looks like when both spouses are committed to Christ. If you’ve ever wondered how joy, holiness, humor, and hard truth can live in the same conversation, this one will stay with you.Essential listening for women wanting to grow in faith, husbands who want to lead well, and anyone who needs a reminder that God can redeem every part of your story.Virginia Gonzalez is a standup comedian, Christian speaker, and ministry leader based in New Mexico, known for blending sharp wit with heartfelt testimony and biblical truth. She serves at Legacy Church in Albuquerque and brings years of experience in children’s ministry, education, and faith-based outreach.

  2. Sep 21

    The Body Is a Temple - But Most Men Train It Like an Afterthought with Capt. David Frost

    What does it mean to honor God by caring for the body He has entrusted to us? Pastor David Mendonca sits down with retired Navy Captain, fitness coach, and author Dave Frost for a practical, faith-centered conversation about strength, health, purpose, and leadership. Together, they explore how movement, rest, nutrition, stress management, and self-awareness can help men show up more fully for their families, communities, and calling.From the value of restorative sleep and sustainable exercise to leading with humility at home, this episode is an encouraging reminder that caring for your physical health can be part of faithful stewardship.Whether you’re a husband, father, leader, veteran, or simply looking to build a healthier life with purpose, this conversation will challenge you to slow down, grow stronger, and keep showing up.

  3. Aug 30

    Why the Church Keeps Failing Boys and What Fathers Can Do Instead

    Most fathers are trying to win at work while losing the most important battle at home. Daniel Smith reveals why the real solution is not more success, but a deliberate path into biblical manhood, fatherhood, and presence.After 14 years in law enforcement, including time as an FBI special agent, Daniel’s life changed when he saw the cost of being absent from his wife and three sons. That turning point led him to build Voyage Rights, a ministry designed to restore rites of passage and help fathers intentionally guide their boys into manhood. In this conversation, he and Pastor David Mendonca unpack what’s missing in modern fatherhood, why so many men remain stuck in passivity, and how the church can do a better job of forming boys into strong, faithful men.You’ll discover: Why a father’s presence matters more than gifts, income, or good intentionsThe simple, repeatable rhythm Daniel uses to disciple his sons day to dayHow rites of passage create clarity, confidence, and responsibility in boysWhy men need brotherhood, not isolation, when work takes them away from homeHow churches can build ministries that actually draw men in and keep them engagedDavid and Daniel also break down the “Mighty Men Path,” including pre-puberty discipleship, post-puberty initiation, and the long-term journey beyond a one-time event. They talk honestly about father wounds, single-parent challenges, spiritual attack, and why prayer, Scripture, and forgiveness are essential for breaking generational cycles.This episode is for fathers, stepfathers, mentors, pastors, and any man who knows he’s called to more than passive survival. If you want practical encouragement and a clearer vision for leading your family well, this conversation will challenge you to step up and keep walking.Daniel Smith is the founder of Voyage Rights, a ministry focused on restoring rites of passage for fathers and sons. He also serves as kids ministry director at Freedom Church and helps lead men’s discipleship through 11th Hour Alliance.

  4. Aug 17

    I Was Homeless, Died Twice, and Found God on the Street.

    The advice most addiction and recovery experts miss? Lasting change is not just about stopping the behavior - it is about healing fear, abandonment, shame, and the trauma wired underneath it. Dr. Robb Kelly shares the wild, faith-filled story that turned him from homeless, hopeless alcoholic to addiction specialist with a 98% success rate and a global recovery organization.What begins as a raw testimony quickly becomes a powerful blueprint for real transformation. David Mendonca presses into the moment that changed everything, and Dr. Kelly reveals how a mysterious 12-week discipleship relationship, a new understanding of neuroscience, and a relentless belief in God helped him rebuild his life, his family, and his mission.You'll discover: Why Dr. Kelly says alcohol and addiction are symptoms, not the root problemHow childhood trauma, repetition, and learned behavior shape adult self-sabotageWhat neuroscience says about neural pathways, DNA, and healingWhy he believes faith and recovery must work together for lasting changeHow relapse can become part of the training, not the end of the storyWhy environment, accountability, and the people around you can either heal or destroy youDr. Robb Kelly also opens up about losing everything, surviving homelessness, dying twice on the street, and the moment a stranger named John walked him into a new life. He shares how that breakthrough eventually led to restored relationships with his daughters, a deeper calling, and a recovery model built on personal mentorship, discipline, and spiritual truth.If you or someone you love is stuck in addiction, anxiety, depression, or cycles that never seem to break, this conversation brings hope with substance. It is especially essential for fathers, husbands, and anyone fighting to become the kind of man, parent, or leader God calls them to be.Dr. Robb Kelly is a recovered alcoholic and addiction specialist based in Texas, with offices in multiple countries and decades of experience helping people overcome addiction, trauma, PTSD, anxiety, and depression. He blends lived experience with neuroscience and faith-centered recovery, and has worked with more than 11,000 patients.David Mendonca hosts the conversation with a father-first, discipleship-driven lens, grounding the episode in Scripture, accountability, and the power of walking beside people through hard seasons.

  5. Aug 3

    The Hidden Connection Between City Policies, Drug Abuse, and Out-of-State Abortion Tourism

    Most companies unknowingly hinder their growth by ignoring what truly matters — and Elias Cisneros reveals the bold, faith-driven strategy to turn around that trajectory. After witnessing firsthand the devastation caused by violence in his community, Elias turned tragedy into activism, exposing corruption and fighting for safer streets through the political forum "Race to the Roundhouse." In this powerful conversation, he shares how faith, truth, and community engagement can challenge systemic failures and ignite real change.You'll discover how Elias’ personal journey from tragedy to activism can inspire any father, believer, or community leader to stand firm in righteousness. We break down urgent topics like the weaponization of legislation, the true state of law enforcement in Albuquerque, and the moral decline fueled by misguided policies. Elias reveals how corruption, societal apathy, and spiritual neglect intersect — and offers tangible steps to restore integrity from the home to the courthouse.This episode is a wake-up call for pastors, dads, and believers feeling overwhelmed by the chaos; it’s a blueprint for leading with faith in a divided nation. You’ll learn about the importance of true discipleship, the power of accountability, and why facing uncomfortable truths — like the out-of-state abortion influx or the crisis on our streets — is essential for biblical believers committed to biblical righteousness.The stakes are high. The future of your children, community, and country depend on the boldness of those willing to stand in truth. Elias demonstrates how to unify faith and action, and why the local church must be the front line of spiritual revival. If you’re ready to fight for righteousness, this episode will equip you to be a catalyst for lasting change.Elias Cisneros is a Christian leader, community advocate, and political commentator passionate about restoring America’s morals through faith and truth. He’s the founder of "Race to the Roundhouse" and actively engages in shaping policies that align with biblical values.Whether you're a Christian parent, a community organizer, or a believer feeling the weight of spiritual compromise, this episode challenges you to elevate your voice and actions. The fight for righteousness starts in our own homes, and Elias shows how faith can be the foundation for courageous leadership in turbulent times.

  6. Jul 19

    The Near-Death Car Crash That Changed My Life Forever — A Journey from Darkness to Faith

    Most people are living in cycles of shame, addiction, and spiritual blindness—until a near-death crash becomes the diverging point between destruction and divine transformation.Matt Farnsworth’s story is raw, shocking, and ultimately, victorious. An ex-Hollywood director who hit rock bottom after a car flip at 80 miles per hour, facing paralysis, demons, and despair—that moment in the hospital was a crossroads. Facing the real possibility of eternal torment, Matt's life was radically rewritten the moment he cried out, “God, if you’re real, I need help.” What followed was a journey through addiction, spiritual warfare, and miraculous redemption that will wake you up and shake your faith.You’ll discover: How a Hollywood career turned into a spiritual battleground—until Jesus intervened.The power of divine encounters—visions, near-death experiences, and how God speaks without words.The truth about identity in Christ that breaks the cycle of shame and addiction.Why understanding the Word of God is critical for discernment and spiritual warfare—your only weapon against evil.How to wake up every day with purpose, discipline, and hope, no matter how dark your past.This episode isn’t just about survival—it's about transformation. If you’ve ever felt trapped in your sins, doubts, or fears, and you're desperate for hope that’s real, raw, and rooted in truth—this is your life-changing moment.Matt Farnsworth is a former Hollywood director turned Christian leader, bestselling author, and addiction coach who’s helped over a thousand men reclaim their lives through faith. His stories of near-death, demons, and divine love show what’s possible when God steps into the chaos.Don't wait until it’s too late. Whether you're battling addiction, spiritual confusion, or just seeking fresh hope—this episode will challenge and inspire you to rise. Hit play now and start your healing journey.

  7. Jun 28

    The Shocking Origin of the Jezebel Spirit—What Every Christian Must Know

    Most discussions around the Jezebel spirit miss the mark. Pastor Craig Caster shatters the misconceptions, revealing its true origin rooted in spiritual warfare — not just a demonic label, but a call to awakening. If you’re tired of being deceived and ready to understand how this spirit influences women, men, and the church, this episode is your breakthrough.Explore how Jezebel’s roots stretch back to Genesis and the rise of idolatry, rebellion, and manipulation — all tactics Satan used then, and still uses today. Pastor Craig shares eye-opening insights on Satan’s three primary lies: doubting God's Word, denying consequences, and embracing independence from His authority. You’ll discover how these deceptions fuel not just the spirit of Jezebel but the chaos we witness in families, churches, and communities.We break down real, tangible strategies to combat this spirit—how to disciple women, defend your marriage, and confront spiritual blindness. Pastor Craig emphasizes the biblical truths that expose the devil’s schemes and empower believers to stand firm. If you want to protect your loved ones, recognize the lies, and reclaim authority over your spiritual life, this is essential listening.In a culture obsessed with self-reliance and rebellion, understanding the spiritual warfare behind Jezebel isn’t optional—it’s vital. This episode will ignite your faith, refine your discernment, and equip you to confront evil with truth. The spiritual battle is real, but victory is available when you know your authority in Christ.Are you ready to break free from deception? To see past the lies and step into biblical victory? Then don't miss this episode—your spiritual awakening starts now.

  8. Jun 15

    What Cain and Abel Teach Us About Jealousy and Envy with Jacob Ryan Gustafson

    Most Christian music sounds the same—until now. Jacob Gustafson, a firefighter, singer, and powerhouse storyteller, drops truth bombs in a way that hits your heart, challenges your faith, and pushes you to live boldly. His latest song, Cain and Abel, is more than a biblical warning—it's a wake-up call for the modern man craving authenticity and real spiritual strength.In this fiery episode, Jacob shares how his journey from a rough past to a victorious faith inspired him to create music that doesn't hold back. You’ll discover how biblical stories are powerful warnings for today’s struggles—jealousy, envy, and the fight to remain faithful when life’s fires threaten to consume us. He unpacks the profound lessons from Cain and Abel, Job’s suffering, and walking on water—reminding us that our trials are opportunities for divine growth.We break down: How to interpret biblical warnings and turn them into practical modern-day revelationsThe importance of staying in God's Word to avoid spiritual driftThe raw, relatable truth about the struggles of sobriety, stress, and the line between faith and vulnerabilityWhy living lives of integrity, fueled by truth and boldness, can transform your entire family and communityThis isn't just another Christian artist sharing lyrics—it's a call to awaken your spirit, confront your shame, and step into the power God intended for you. Perfect for fathers, first responders, leaders, or anyone hungry for authenticity and spiritual revival. If you're tired of superficial faith—and ready to walk in real power—this episode will hit home.Jacob Ryan Gustafson is a passionate singer-songwriter, a devout father, and a voice for men who refuse to settle for “good enough” faith. His mission? To inspire a generation to live loudly, love fiercely, and walk boldly in God's warnings and promises.Are you ready to stop surviving and start thriving—by the truth that sets you free? Hit play, step into your calling, and let this episode ignite the fire within.

See All (243)

4.9
out of 5
47 Ratings

About

This podcast is your essential resource for fathers seeking to deepen their connection with their children and embrace their God-given roles in parenting. We explore the blessings of children and provide practical examples on how to minister to your family through discipleship and discipline. Each episode is filled with scripture, thought-provoking questions, and biblical advice designed for parents who may not have had positive role models. Featuring guests from various backgrounds, this show offers hope and guidance for those striving to create a godly home. Join us on the Show up Dad

Information

  • Creator
    Pastor David Mendonca
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2026
  • Episodes
    243
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Pastor David Mendonca
  • Show Website
    The Show UP Dad

You Might Also Like