STRONG DADS!

Merrill Hutchinson & Andy Dalton

STRONG DADS is hosted by Merrill Hutchinson and Andy Dalton. STRONG DADS strives to be an informative and entertaining discussion for all men but in particular, husbands and fathers. Our message is straight shooting, challenging, and encouraging to men that desire to follow their calling to be the man God designed them to be. We make no apologies for grounding our message in the Word of God. We also admit to being flawed. We readily admit to being sinners and challenged in many ways, however, we also know we are loved and called by God to be Strong Dads! With the help of local sponsors and the word spreading through listeners like you, Strong Dads is committed to building and strengthening families. The mission is to equip and empower dads to be all God created them to be.

  1. JAN 12

    Saturday Morning Strong Dads Giving Their Input on Real Life - Ep 272

    Questions for Round Table Discussion: 1. On Faith: The "Hidden" Life "As we look at 2026, many of us are experts at looking like followers of Christ on Sunday morning. But if we pull back the curtain on your private thoughts and habits this week, where is the gap between the man people see and the man God sees? What is one specific 'secret struggle' you want to surrender today so you can walk in true renewal?" 2. On Marriage: The Heart of the Home "In Ephesians, husbands are called to love their wives as Christ loved the church—sacrificially and selflessly. In the busyness of work and kids, it’s easy to treat our wives like 'roommates' or 'co-managers' of a household. Where have you been selfish or emotionally absent lately, and what is one way you can be more selfless or present with your wife? 3. On Fatherhood: Presence vs. Provision "It is often easier to provide for our children financially than it is to be present with them spiritually. When your children look at your life right now, do they see a man who is 'too busy' for them, or a man who reflects the patience of the Heavenly Father? What is the biggest hurdle preventing you from being the primary spiritual leader in your children’s lives?" 4. On Occupation: Work as Worship "We spend the majority of our waking hours at work. Do you view your job primarily as a paycheck and a source of stress, or as your mission field? Be honest: where has 'climbing the ladder' or workplace anxiety taken priority over your integrity or your witness to your colleagues?" Is your job simply a paycheck, or is it a mission field? How can you make changes to improve your mission at work? 5. On Community: The Courage to Lead "The world in 2026 is often characterized by division and 'lone ranger' Christianity. We are called to be salt and light in our neighborhoods and cities. Where have you stayed 'safely on the sidelines' of your community when God might be calling you to lead, serve, or speak up for the truth?" 6. On Leadership: The Burden of Ego "Biblical leadership is 'servant leadership,' yet our pride often demands we be served. Where has your ego caused friction in your home,  workplace, church, or community recently? Share a moment where you chose to be 'right' rather than being righteous, and how you can practice humility in that relationship moving forward." 7. On Brotherhood: The Accountability Gap "Proverbs 27:17 says 'Iron sharpens iron.' Who are the men in your life who actually know the full truth about your struggles? Who has the permission to call you out? rocksolidfamilies.org Support the show #Rocksolidfamilies,#familytherapy,#marriagecounseling,#parenting,#faithbasedcounseling,#counseling,#Strongdads,#coaching,#lifecoach,#lifecoaching,#marriagecoaching,#marriageandfamily,#control,#security,#respect,#affection,#love,#purpose,#faith,#mastersofdisaster,#storms,#disasterrelief,#tornados,#hurricanes,#floods

    55 min
  2. 12/29/2025

    What's Your Mission Field - Jeff Duerler - Ep 271

    What's Your Mission Field - Jeff Duerler - Ep 271 Strong Dads  The video opens with hosts Andy and Merrill expressing excitement about their upcoming guest, Jeff Duerler, a thoughtful and intentional speaker known for his rich insights. They emphasize the value of the content Jeff brings, noting that it’s so substantial that listeners will want to revisit it. The conversation begins with a couple of announcements regarding their Strong Dads Saturday morning workouts. They highlight a special event, Strong Dads Live, scheduled for January 3rd, aimed at sharing inspiring stories from their community. As the hosts officially welcome Jeff, they delve into his background. Jeff introduces himself by sharing his foundation in faith, emphasizing that his identity is rooted in his relationship with Jesus. He reflects on how this has shaped his life mission and the work he does, including leading a church and helping couples rekindle their marriages through Airbnb getaways. Jeff talks about the crucial questions of identity, purpose, and hope that every individual grapples with, stressing the importance of these in understanding one’s mission. The conversation takes a poignant turn as Jeff shares about his personal challenges, particularly the profound loss of his daughter, which forced him to reevaluate his mission in life. He discusses how suffering can lead to clarity about what truly matters, encouraging listeners to focus on how they can redeem their pain for a greater purpose. The discussion shifts to the importance of a mission-driven life, touching on the misconception that only certain people, like pastors, have a mission. Jeff argues that everyone is called to serve and make a difference, no matter their profession. He emphasizes that our work and interactions can be infused with purpose, urging listeners to seek out ways they can be a positive influence within their spheres of life. Andy and Merrill contribute their own experiences and insights, reflecting on their challenges and how they have found strength and purpose through their faith. They discuss the importance of community and service, especially for men who may struggle with being engaged or vulnerable. As they wrap up, the hosts underline that living a mission-oriented life not only enhances one’s personal fulfillment but also serves as an example for families, especially children. They invite viewers to consider joining their community and being part of their Strong Dads program, reinforcing the idea that nobody should undertake their spiritual journey alone. Remember, your mission starts by understanding your identity in Christ. rocksolidfamilies.org Support the show #Rocksolidfamilies,#familytherapy,#marriagecounseling,#parenting,#faithbasedcounseling,#counseling,#Strongdads,#coaching,#lifecoach,#lifecoaching,#marriagecoaching,#marriageandfamily,#control,#security,#respect,#affection,#love,#purpose,#faith,#mastersofdisaster,#storms,#disasterrelief,#tornados,#hurricanes,#floods

    1h 1m
  3. 12/01/2025

    Men On a Mission - Ep 269

    Strong Dads Podcast Episode Summary In this episode of the Strong Dads Podcast, hosts Merrill Hutchinson and Andy Dalton dive into the significance of having a mission in life, particularly from a man’s perspective. The discussion unfolds in a structured manner, highlighting key themes and insights for fathers and men striving to lead purposeful lives. The Importance of a Mission The podcast opens with a brief advertisement for Quality Autoart, emphasizing their multifaceted services for both cars and golf carts, while thanking them for their sponsorship. This sets a community-focused tone for the episode. Merrill and Andy then introduce the central theme of the month: mission. They discuss how their content will become more theme-based, providing a roadmap for their discussions ahead. Merrill and Andy express a desire to explore the concept of mission from various perspectives, especially what it means for men. Intentionality in Life The conversation shifts toward the importance of living intentionally and not drifting through life. They reference Ephesians 2:10, which emphasizes that individuals are created for good works, highlighting the significance of being deliberate in one’s actions and decisions. Merrill and Andy emphasize that a man’s mission should align with God’s mission. They stress the importance of understanding God’s ways, not just personal ambitions, echoing the idea that serving God ultimately enhances one’s role as a father and husband. The Role of Christ Merrill articulates the distinction between God as a general concept and Christ as a defined figure, suggesting that understanding Christ’s example is crucial for men to grasp what it means to be a strong leader in their families. They discuss how Christ came to serve rather than be served, a countercultural idea that men often struggle to embrace. Practical Application of Mission Merrill and Andy then provide practical advice on living out one’s mission, focusing on home first. They argue that the family should be the primary mission field, urging fathers to actively lead their children in faith rather than leaving them to choose their paths without guidance. Merrill and Andy also touch on the idea that mission is not just about the family; it extends into the workplace and community. They encourage listeners to serve with integrity and to view every role, no matter how mundane, as an opportunity to reflect Christ’s love. Spiritual Warfare and Intentional Living The discussion deepens into the spiritual dimensions of mission, recognizing that there are forces at play that seek to disrupt families and individuals. They highlight the need for vigilance and intentionality in protecting one’s family from spiritual attacks. Merrill and Andy affirm that complacency is a danger, urging men to actively engage in their mission to counteract such threats. Conclusion and Call to Action rocksolidfamilies.org Support the show #Rocksolidfamilies,#familytherapy,#marriagecounseling,#parenting,#faithbasedcounseling,#counseling,#Strongdads,#coaching,#lifecoach,#lifecoaching,#marriagecoaching,#marriageandfamily,#control,#security,#respect,#affection,#love,#purpose,#faith,#mastersofdisaster,#storms,#disasterrelief,#tornados,#hurricanes,#floods

    41 min
  4. 11/17/2025

    How Many Days Do You Have Left? Ep. 268

    Background -  As a Christian father, the answers are deeply rooted in my faith and my commitment to my family.   How Much Time Do You Have Left? The simple answer is: I don't know, but I know it's a gift. The Bible teaches us in James 4:14, “Yet you do not know what tomorrow will bring. What is your life? For you are a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes.” As a father, I feel the weight of this truth more acutely than ever. My time is not my own; it's a stewardship entrusted to me by God. • Finite and Fragile: Whether I have 50 years, 5 years, or just the remainder of this day, the clock is ticking on my earthly assignment. My hope is not in the length of my life, but in the promise of eternity with Christ. • The Focus is Today: I try to live in light of Psalm 90:12, which asks God to “teach us to number our days, that we may get a heart of wisdom.” Numbering them means cherishing this moment—not procrastinating the important things until a promised tomorrow that may never come. What Are You Doing With It? I am trying, imperfectly but earnestly, to do three main things with the time I have left: Love, Serve, and Equip. 1. Loving God and My Wife • My primary call is to love the Lord with all my heart, soul, and mind (Matthew 22:37). This informs everything else. • I am committed to loving my wife as Christ loved the church (Ephesians 5:25), sacrificially and faithfully. She is my partner in this journey, and a strong, Christ-centered marriage is the foundation of our home. 2. Serving My Family and Community • Being Present: This is the hardest part. I have not always been good at this. • Serving Others: My wife and I aim to model selfless service, whether it’s volunteering at our church, helping a neighbor, or supporting missions. I want my children to see that life isn't about accumulating but about contributing. 3. Equipping My Children • This is the core of my fatherhood. My job isn't just to provide for them physically, but to pass on a durable faith—a faith that can survive college, career pressure, and cultural chaos. • We regularly pray together, read the Bible, and talk openly about God's role in our daily lives. I am constantly asking myself: If I were gone tomorrow, have I pointed them clearly enough to the Savior? One Thing You Can Do If I could only choose one thing to focus my remaining time on, it would be this: rocksolidfamilies.org Support the show #Rocksolidfamilies,#familytherapy,#marriagecounseling,#parenting,#faithbasedcounseling,#counseling,#Strongdads,#coaching,#lifecoach,#lifecoaching,#marriagecoaching,#marriageandfamily,#control,#security,#respect,#affection,#love,#purpose,#faith,#mastersofdisaster,#storms,#disasterrelief,#tornados,#hurricanes,#floods

    56 min
  5. 11/03/2025

    Trail Life - Guest Speaker Mike Smith Ep. 267

    Key Points 1. Introduction to Trail Life •Trail Life is a Christian outdoor adventure program aimed at guiding boys to become godly men. •The organization encourages skills development, leadership, and outdoor experiences. 2. The Problem •Children today are increasingly disconnected from nature and real-life social interactions, often spending excessive time on screens. •This trend leads to skill gaps in socialization and conflict resolution among boys, who may also lack exposure to Christian values. 3. Role of Fathers •Active fatherly involvement significantly improves the chances that boys will grow into well-adjusted men. •Statistics indicate that boys with engaged fathers are more likely to become productive members of society and, if raised in a Christian environment, are more likely to follow Christ. 4. Trail Life’s Mission •The mission of Trail Life is to inspire boys to lead with integrity, serve others, and enjoy outdoor adventures while being grounded in Christian faith. •The program emphasizes character development through experiential learning. 5. Community and Volunteerism •The episode encourages dads and community members to get involved, either as leaders or participants, to foster a supportive environment for boys. •Volunteers in Trail Life play a crucial role in mentoring and guiding the next generation. 6. Activities and Engagement •Trail Life offers various activities such as camping, fishing, archery, and biblical studies. •The program is designed to cater to different age groups, progressively building skills and confidence. 7. Call to Action •Listeners are encouraged to explore Trail Life as an option for their sons, whether they are Christian or not, emphasizing that all are welcome. •Community members are invited to volunteer, pray for the organization, and support local troops through involvement. Conclusion The Strong Dads Podcast episode presents a compelling case for the Trail Life program as a vital resource for nurturing young boys into responsible, faith-driven men. Through community involvement and mentorship, families can work together to address the challenges faced by today’s youth while fostering strong, godly values. rocksolidfamilies.org Support the show #Rocksolidfamilies,#familytherapy,#marriagecounseling,#parenting,#faithbasedcounseling,#counseling,#Strongdads,#coaching,#lifecoach,#lifecoaching,#marriagecoaching,#marriageandfamily,#control,#security,#respect,#affection,#love,#purpose,#faith,#mastersofdisaster,#storms,#disasterrelief,#tornados,#hurricanes,#floods

    44 min

Ratings & Reviews

4.8
out of 5
17 Ratings

About

STRONG DADS is hosted by Merrill Hutchinson and Andy Dalton. STRONG DADS strives to be an informative and entertaining discussion for all men but in particular, husbands and fathers. Our message is straight shooting, challenging, and encouraging to men that desire to follow their calling to be the man God designed them to be. We make no apologies for grounding our message in the Word of God. We also admit to being flawed. We readily admit to being sinners and challenged in many ways, however, we also know we are loved and called by God to be Strong Dads! With the help of local sponsors and the word spreading through listeners like you, Strong Dads is committed to building and strengthening families. The mission is to equip and empower dads to be all God created them to be.