Podcast · Kids & Family

Dads On Tap

by Scott Mawdesley · English · Kids & Family

Being a dad isn't easy and we often feel alone. This is why we launched Dads on Tap to provide a place for dads to hang out with other dads in a laid-back environment, have a great beer and learn some practical ways to become a better dad. On the DOT Podcast you'll hear real stories from real dads a

New episodes: Weekly
Typical length: 17 min
Latest: 8 Oct 2026
Language: English

Latest episode

8 Oct 2026 · 28 min

When Life Doesn't Go the Way You Hoped

Where is God when the future we hoped for disappears? In this episode, Scott explores the road to Emmaus, where two discouraged disciples discover that Jesus has been walking beside them long before they recognize Him. Through their honest words—“We had hoped”—and a deeply personal reflection on disappointment, grief, and companionship, this episode offers a hopeful reminder: the absence of an explanation doesn’t mean the absence of God. Jesus may already be present in the questions, conversations, and ordinary moments of our lives—even when we can’t yet see Him.

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Earlier episodes 29 most recent

E65 · 25 Sep 2026 · 18 min
Don't Let the Dream Become the Nightmare
We all carry hopes and dreams around with us. Sometimes we even believe they will make our lives feel more complete. But what happens when those good hopes and dreams begin to carry the weight of proving our value, securing our future, or telling us who we are? In this deeply personal episode, Scott shares what happened when a dream he had carried for nearly two decades suddenly seemed possible—and then disappeared through an unexpected death. It’s an honest exploration of grief, desire, and surrender, and an invitation to both trust our Heavenly Father and pursue our dreams faithfully…
E64 · 17 Aug 2026 · 25 min
The Vows We Don't Know We Made
Most of us have made promises we don’t remember making: “I won’t need anyone,” “I won’t get my hopes up,” or “I’ll handle life on my own.” These hidden vows often begin as intelligent ways of surviving pain, disappointment, or loneliness—but over time, they can keep us from the connection, hope, and trust we genuinely desire. In this episode, Scott explores how these quiet agreements shape our relationships with others and with God. In the process he shares his own struggle with self-reliance and disappointment and considers what we can learn from a desperate man's interaction with Jesus.…
E63 · 7 Aug 2026 · 22 min
When God Doesn't Fix It
What happens when you pray, believe, and God still doesn’t give you the outcome you desperately hoped for? In this deeply personal episode, Scott reflects on the loss of a good friend and the painful tension of trusting God when healing doesn’t come and the story remains unresolved. Through Jesus’ prayer in Gethsemane and His grief at Lazarus’s grave, Scott explores what it means to move beyond formula faith and remain with the Father when life still hurts. This isn’t an attempt to explain suffering or offer an easy answer—it’s an invitation to be an example to our family by grieving…
E62 · 4 Aug 2026 · 24 min
Stop Fixing, Start Listening
When someone close to you is struggling, your instinct is often to jump in with advice, correct the problem, or move the conversation toward a quick resolution. But sometimes the most loving thing you can do is simply stay, listen, and help the other person feel seen. In this episode, Scott explores what Jesus teaches us about remaining present in uncomfortable and unresolved conversations—and shares how his urge to coach, defend, or accelerate can get in the way of genuine connection with his wife and children. Because the people closest to us don’t always need us to fix them; sometimes…
E61 · 25 Jul 2026 · 23 min
When the Things You Own Start Owning You
Most of us don’t think our possessions own us—but what does it mean when a cracked windshield, an unexpected expense, or the pressure to be successful begins to quietly control us? In this episode, Scott shares what he learned from an interaction Jesus had with a wealthy man, a Lent experiment in buying nothing new and an embarrassing reaction to a crack in his Volvo windshield. It’s an honest look at how money, possessions, appearance, and achievement capture our attention and begin to shape our identity, often without us knowing it. At the end of the day, the goal isn’t for us to stop…
E60 · 17 Jul 2026 · 20 min
The Hidden Places: Slow Down Before You Blow Up
The busier Jesus became, the more He withdrew—but most of us do the opposite. When life accelerates, we work harder, react faster, and leave less room to notice what’s happening inside us. In this episode, Scott explores how the hidden places of silence and attentiveness can shape our reactions in life’s loudest moments. Through an honest story about nearly blowing up at his son, he shows how creating space between reaction and response can lead to greater maturity, stronger relationships, and a life lived with God rather than merely for Him. You’ll discover a simple rhythm from the life of…
E59 · 10 Jul 2026 · 18 min
When is God Pleased with You?
Most of us quietly believe that God is most pleased with us after we've had a good quiet time, served faithfully, shared our faith, or lived out a really good day. But what if that's not the story the Bible tells? In this episode of The Dads on Tap Podcast, Scott explores one of the most surprising moments in the life of Jesus—when the Father declared His love and pleasure over His Son before Jesus preaches a sermon, performs a miracle, or builds a platform. If you've ever wondered whether you're doing enough to earn God's approval, this episode offers a refreshing invitation to stop…
E58 · 7 Jul 2026 · 15 min
The Most Important Question I've Ever Been Asked
What's in the Gap? Have you ever found yourself reacting to a situation in a way that seemed bigger than the moment called for? Maybe it was frustration with your spouse, impatience with your kids, or anger over something relatively small. In this episode of the Dads on Tap Podcast, Scott shares the most important question he's ever been asked. It was a simple question a mentor asked him that became a turning point in his life: "What's in the gap?" Discover how our biggest reactions often reveal something deeper happening beneath the surface and why learning to notice that "gap" may be one…
E56 · 26 Jun 2026 · 16 min
Something Stuck in Your Spiritual Life?
Have you ever felt spiritually stuck? Not because you've stopped believing, praying, or going to a local church—but because something just feels off. In this episode of Dads on Tap, Scott explores the frustrating experience of doing all the "right" spiritual things while still feeling restless, disconnected, or unable to find the soul-deep peace Jesus promised. Drawing from his own journey, Scott unpacks why so many sincere Christians struggle to make their faith feel real in everyday life and offers a transformative shift in perspective that can help you experience God in a whole new way.
E57 · 22 Jun 2026 · 5 min
Don't Go BIG, Go small
When it comes to being a great dad, we often think we need to create big moments, big memories, and big experiences. But what if the things that matter most are actually much smaller? In this Quick Sip Scott shares five small habits that have made a big impact on his relationship with his kids. If you're looking for practical ways to strengthen your connection with your children, this episode is a reminder that the best dads don't go big—they go small.
E55 · 19 Jun 2026 · 10 min
A Toast to Dads on Fathers Day
This Father's Day, instead of focusing on what dads need to do better, we're taking a moment to recognize the men who keep showing up day after day for their families. In this special episode, Scott Mawdesley raises a glass to the dads who are working hard, carrying responsibility, learning as they go, and loving their families the best way they know how. Whether you're raising toddlers, teenagers, or adult children, this episode is a reminder that your presence matters, your sacrifices matter, and you're probably making a bigger impact than you realize. So grab your favorite drink and join…
E54 · 15 Jun 2026 · 4 min
Weekly Quick Sip - The Myth of Catching Up
How many times have you told yourself, "Once I get through this week, things will finally slow down"? In this 3 1/2-minute Quick Sip episode, Scott explores the myth that we're ever going to be completely caught up. The emails keep coming, the to-do list keeps growing, and life never seems to stop moving. But what if the goal isn't to finish everything—what if the goal is to stop missing the moments that matter most? This short episode is a reminder to put down the checklist for a few minutes and enjoy the people and opportunities right in front of you.
E53 · 12 Jun 2026 · 14 min
The Dad Next Door Isn't Doing as Well as You Think
It's never been easier for dads to compare themselves to other families, other fathers, and other versions of success. But comparison has a way of stealing our joy, distorting our perspective, and making us forget the good things right in front of us. In this episode of the Dads on Tap podcast, Scott explores why so many dads feel like they're falling behind, what Jesus' conversation with Peter teaches us about staying in our own lane, and how gratitude can help us break free from the comparison trap. If you've ever wondered whether you're measuring yourself against an impossible standard,…
E52 · 8 Jun 2026 · 5 min
"Judgy, Are We?!" Quick-Sip
It's easy to point fingers, assume motives, and become the self-appointed judge of everyone around us. In this week's Quick Sip episode, Scott explores why the temptation to judge others goes all the way back to the Garden of Eden—and why humility, curiosity, and grace may be the better path. If you've ever caught yourself criticizing someone else out loud or even in your head, this short episode offers a simple challenge that could change the way you see your family and other people this week.
E51 · 5 Jun 2026 · 17 min
What Your Kids Will Actually Remember
As dads, it's easy to spend our energy worrying about the wrong things—whether we're providing enough, succeeding enough, or getting everything right. But years from now, your kids probably won't remember your job title, your income, or how busy you were. They'll remember how it felt to be with you and whether or not they truly mattered to you. In this episode of The Dads on Tap Podcast, Scott explores the small, everyday moments that shape a child's heart and leave a lasting impact. Discover why your presence matters more than your provision and how simple, intentional moments today can…
E50 · 1 Jun 2026 · 3 min
Quick Sip - Not OK?
The Quick Sip is a weekly 3–5-minute short episode where Scott shares a simple thought for dads. Today's episode is about those times when you're not ok and what to do about it.
E49 · 29 May 2026 · 16 min
Dad, You're Doing Better Than You Think!
It's easy to focus on where we're falling short as dads, but what if we're growing more than we realize? In this episode, Scott explores why the best dads don't go big—they go small. Through everyday choices like being present, apologizing quickly, listening well, and showing up consistently, real transformation takes place over time. Drawing from both personal experience and biblical wisdom, Scott encourages dads to stop measuring growth only by their failures and start noticing the small signs of maturity that are quietly shaping them into the fathers they want to become. If you've ever…
E48 · 26 May 2026 · 4 min
Quick Sip - Today IS The Good Old Days!
A weekly 3–5-minute quick sip of practical wisdom to help you become a better dad!
E47 · 18 May 2026 · 3 min
Weekly Quick-Sip
A quick 3-5 minute thought to help you get better as a dad this week.
E46 · 15 May 2026 · 19 min
What To Do When You Blow It
Every dad has moments he regrets — yelling at a child, shutting down emotionally, or reacting out of stress instead of love. But what happens after we blow it matters far more than the mistake itself. In this episode, Scott explores the power of repair, humility, and reconnection in fatherhood. Through practical insights and the restoration story of Peter in John 18 and 21, dads are reminded that healthy fatherhood isn’t about perfection — it’s about learning how to repair the relationship after we blow it.
E45 · 13 May 2026 · 4 min
The Dads on Tap Weekly Quick-Sip
Welcome to the Dads on Tap Weekly Quick-Sip episode. For the next several weeks, Scott will record a new 3-5 minute Quick-Sip episode to give you a small sip of wisdom along with our regularly scheduled Friday episodes. The Quick Sip will be an in-the-moment thought meant to give you a quick infusion of encouragement for the day. Enjoy!
E44 · 8 May 2026 · 21 min
When You're Not the Dad You Want to Be
Why do good dads sometimes become reactive, angry, distant, or emotionally shut down? In this episode, Scott explores the deeper reasons dads get emotionally hijacked and why our reactions are often symptoms of exhaustion, stress, and overloaded souls rather than simply “anger problems.” Drawing from the lives of Elijah and Jesus, this episode offers practical thoughts on slowing down, resetting emotionally, and becoming more present with the people who matter most.
E43 · 28 Apr 2026 · 20 min
4 Ways Rest Makes You a Better Dad
Most dads don’t struggle because they don’t care—they struggle because they’re exhausted, distracted, and constantly reacting. In this episode, we take a step beyond slowing down and answer the question: What actually changes when a dad begins to live from a place of rest? You’ll discover four powerful ways a rested soul transforms your home—from becoming less reactive and more present, to leading with clarity and modeling a healthy way to live for your kids. This isn’t about doing less—it’s about becoming the kind of man your family can follow.
E42 · 17 Apr 2026 · 23 min
4 Practices to Quiet Your Mind & Be More Present at Home
Most dads don’t struggle with wanting rest—they struggle with knowing how to actually experience it. In this episode, Scott moves from theory to practice, sharing 4 simple, powerful contemplative practices that slow your mind and reconnect you with God in the middle of your busy life. Drawing from his personal practice and his experience leading The Soul Retreat in the mountains of Western North Carolina, he walks through breath as a return to God’s life within you, visual practice to see God through nature, auditory practice to hear His voice in the quiet, and engaging Scripture through the…
E41 · 13 Apr 2026 · 16 min
Why You Can’t Slow Down (Even When You Know You Should)
In this episode, we take an honest look at why slowing down feels so difficult—even when we know we need it. Building on the last episodes conversation about rest, we explore the deeper reason many of us stay busy: not because life demands it, but because stillness reveals what’s really going on inside us. Drawing from the story of Elijah in 1 Kings 19 and the example of Jesus in Luke 5 , we see that God often meets us not in the noise, but in the quiet. If you’ve ever felt the tension between wanting rest and resisting it, this episode will help you understand why—and give you a simple next…
E40 · 27 Mar 2026 · 22 min
Rest? Are You Kidding Me?!
In this episode, we tackle a belief many dads carry but rarely name: the idea that if we slow down, everything might fall apart. Beneath the pressure to provide, lead, and hold it all together is a quiet fear that rest isn’t safe—it’s risky. But what if the constant pace isn’t strength… it’s strain? In this conversation, we unpack why so many men struggle to truly rest, what it’s costing us in our relationships, and how learning to slow down might actually make us more present, patient, and grounded as fathers. If you’ve been running hard and feeling the weight of it, this episode will help…
E39 · 24 Mar 2026 · 9 min
4 Keys to a Great Marriage
A bonus quick episode where Scott shares his reflections on celebrating 25 years of marriage and 4 keys he's learned to having a great marriage.
E38 · 13 Mar 2026 · 20 min
The Darn Voice in Your Head!
Every dad has a voice in his head. It would be great if that voice was always positive, but the truth is, it's often negative and filled with shame and insecurity. In fact, many of us assume this voice is telling us the truth. In this episode, we explore how the internal stories we’ve believed—about performance, conflict, failure, and shame—shape the way we see ourselves and live our lives. More importantly, we talk about how to begin challenging those narratives and replacing condemnation with curiosity. Because one of the most important shifts a man can make is learning to recognize the…
E37 · 6 Mar 2026 · 16 min
The Quiet Weight of Shame
In this episode, we explore the quiet weight of shame that many men carry but rarely talk about. While guilt tells us we made a mistake, shame whispers that something is wrong with us — pushing men into hiding, performance, or numbing behaviors to protect their image. Drawing from the story of Genesis and the hope of the gospel, Scott explains how shame isolates us from God and others, and why bringing our struggles into the light is the first step toward healing. For dads especially, learning to face shame with honesty and humility can transform not only our own lives but also the culture…

About Dads On Tap

Dads On Tap is a English kids & family podcast from Scott Mawdesley. Melo plays each episode straight from the publisher's own feed — no ads added, no account needed — and remembers where you stopped, in this browser only.

Publisher: Scott Mawdesley
Language: English
Category: Kids & Family
New episodes: Weekly
Typical length: 17 min
Latest episode: 8 Oct 2026
Feed: RSS — paste into any podcast app
Apple Podcasts: podcasts.apple.com/podcast/id1667383447
Rights: Dads on Tap

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