
STRONG DADS! Doing Real Life
Merrill Hutchinson & Kyle Crofford
STRONG DADS is hosted by Merrill Hutchinson and Kyle Crofford. 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.
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Goodpods has curated a list of the 10 best STRONG DADS! Doing Real Life episodes, ranked by the number of listens and likes each episode have garnered from our listeners. If you are listening to STRONG DADS! Doing Real Life for the first time, there's no better place to start than with one of these standout episodes. If you are a fan of the show, vote for your favorite STRONG DADS! Doing Real Life episode by adding your comments to the episode page.

Are You Going to Heaven? Only Through His Grace! Ep 255
STRONG DADS! Doing Real Life
04/11/25 • 59 min
The episode of “Strong Dads,” hosted by Merrill Hutchinson and Carl Andry, discusses the profound and multifaceted concept of grace, particularly within the context of Christian faith. The hosts share personal experiences and insights to illustrate how the understanding of grace can transform one’s relationship with God and oneself. They emphasize that grace is what separates Christianity from other belief systems, challenging the prevalent works-based mentality.
The Nature of Grace
•Preconceived Notions: Carl begins by discussing the preconceived ideas that hinder an authentic understanding of grace.
•Works vs. Grace: The hosts note that many Christians mistakenly believe they must earn God’s favor through good deeds.
Personal Experiences with Grace
•Transformative Moments: Carl shares a pivotal moment when he realized the depth of God’s grace, describing it as one of the best months of his life.
•Church Dynamics: He conducted informal surveys within his church to gauge members’ understanding of grace, discovering that many, like him, had misconceptions.
Biblical Foundations of Grace
•Law and Sin: The introduction of the law through Moses is discussed as a means to make humanity aware of sin.
•Righteousness through Faith: They emphasize that righteousness comes from faith in Christ rather than adherence to the law.
Contrasting Perspectives
•Comparison and Judgment: The discussion touches on the human tendency to compare oneself to others, which breeds a toxic environment in churches and personal lives.
•The Prodigal Son: They reflect on the parable of the Prodigal Son, highlighting the contrast between the grace extended to the wayward son and the resentment of the elder brother.
Living in Grace
•Doubt and Assurance: believers may struggle with doubts and feelings of unworthiness even after understanding grace.
•The Role of Works: Carl argues that while works should naturally flow from a heart transformed by grace, they are not a means to earn salvation. Instead, good works become an expression of gratitude for what has already been received.
Scriptures:
Sin not imputed: 2Cor. 5:19, Romans 12-21, Romans 5:13-14
Saved by faith and not by Law (works): Eph. 2:8-9, Romans 4:13-15, Heb. 8:7,
Romans 5:6 Gal. 5:4
Dead to the Law: Romans 7:1-11, Romans 6:14, Gal. 3:23-25 (*18,19,21) Christ
released man from bondage to the Law.
Law condemned: Romans 3:19-20, 4:15, 5:20, 7:8, 7:21-25, 1Cor. 15:56, Gal. 3:10-
13, Heb. 7:19, 10:1
No condemnation for those under Christ: Romans 6:14 and 8:1-2
Law made no man righteous: Gal. 2:16, 2:21, 3:11
Law was a curse: Gal. 3:10-13
We are made righteous through Christ: Acts 13:39, Romans 3:21-24, 10:4, Gal. 2:16
The Law never applied to Gentiles: 1Cor. 9:21, Gal. 5:18, Eph. 1:12,15, 2:15, 1Tim.
1:7-10
Don’t leave your first Love (grace): Gal. 3:1-5, 5:1, 5:4, 5:18
Galatians 3:9-12 and 5:16-17, Romans 5:8-9, Romans 11:6, Romans 8:8-13, 2Cor
5:19, Romans 14:23, 1Cor 15:56, 2Cor 3:6-9, 1John 4:18, Hebrews 7:16-19 and 8:7-
13 and 10:35
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Dying to Live - Killing Pride - Introducing Carl Andry - Ep 236
STRONG DADS! Doing Real Life
07/05/24 • 54 min
We are called to die to ourselves. What in the heck does that even mean? And even a better question; why?
In this episode Hutch introduces Carl Andry to the Strong Dads audience. Carl is not only a smart man, but more so, he's a man of wisdom. He truly enjoys looking back in his own life and the lives of others to see what he can learn to take into the future.
Power, money, sex, control, words, you name it and we will strive to show ourselves better than the next. Just as bad, we will protect ourselves from being discovered as less than the next. A little alcohol to help loosen our inhibitions and not worry so much about what others might think. I would never want to be thought of as a failure.
Our topic today is "Pride", but more specifically it centers around learning how to identify the function of pride in one's life, why it is dangerous if left unchecked, and then learning how to make something better out of your life as your deal with your pride.
We wish we could say that this is a one and done operation of removing pride from your life. But, the reality is that it is ongoing. Satan believes he knows what is feels like to desire to be all controlling and all powerful, even superseding the power of God. But, as we know, God is never to be mocked. He is a jealous God and lets us know that our ways will never be better than his ways.
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Abortion is Not a Political Issue - Ep 243
STRONG DADS! Doing Real Life
10/11/24 • 27 min
Wouldn’t it be interesting to see a museum in our country to memorialize the atrocities we have committed on the unborn. We have museums to remind us of our terrible allowance and support for slavery, we have museums to remind us of the tragedy of the holocaust. The museums are not for celebration but rather for the strong reminder that we should never forget lest we risk repeating evils that we’re capable of.
The Unborn Child is a Person.
Psalm 139:13-16: "For You formed my inward parts; You wove me in the womb. I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Marvelous are Your works; and that my soul knows very well. My frame was not hidden from You, when I was made in secret, and intricately woven in the depths of the earth. Your eyes saw my unformed substance; and in Your book were all written, the days that were formed for me, when as yet there was none of them."
It is important to remember that those who have had abortions are not alone. God offers forgiveness and healing to all who turn to Him. We should extend compassion and love to those who have made difficult choices, while also upholding the sanctity of life. Let us work together to create a culture that values and protects all human life, from conception to natural death.
The Desire for Convenience
While the reasons for abortion are complex and multifaceted, one common factor is the desire for convenience. Some individuals may choose abortion because they believe that having a child would disrupt their plans, careers, or lifestyles.
It is important to recognize that the desire for convenience does not justify the termination of a human life. Each unborn child is a unique and precious individual, created in the image of God. To treat them as mere inconveniences is to devalue their inherent worth.
The Sacrifice of a Child
While the concept of abortion is often framed as a woman's right to choose, it is important to consider the profound implications for the unborn child. In essence, abortion involves the sacrifice of an innocent human life for the benefit of the adult.
This sacrificial dynamic stands in stark contrast to the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ. Jesus willingly laid down His life for the salvation of humanity. His sacrifice was not a means of self-preservation or convenience, but rather a selfless act of love and obedience to His Father.
In contrast, abortion often reflects a desire for convenience or a belief that one's own life or circumstances take precedence over the life of an unborn child. While the challenges faced by pregnant women are real and should be addressed with compassion, they do not justify the termination of an innocent life.
Men are not to be let off the hook of responsibility in the abortion conversation. Just as a woman may desire to relieve herself of the perceived burden of raising a child, the men have in many cases, completed jumped ship. They had their fun in the bedroom but want nothing to do with the sharing of the responsibility. Thus, leaving the woman in a sad and desperate state of needing to figure things out on her own.
As a culture it is time to change the conversation of the value of life. All life is valuable and should never be disregarded as an inconvenience.
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Strong Dads - How to Understand and Study the Bible -Old Testament - Episode 189
STRONG DADS! Doing Real Life
03/17/23 • 38 min
When you look at the Bible and see the thickness and sheer volume of writings, it can be a bit overwhelming. However, as the old saying goes, "how do you eat an elephant? One bite at a time!" That's the idea with the Bible as well.
To begin to understand the Bible it helps to start breaking it down into smaller bites. There are multiple sections and books of the Bible that help to make up the full context, so start with learning a little about the various sections and books.
In this show, Hutch and Kyle begin by just talking about the Old Testament and what the general themes are in this section. Once you realize that the Old Testament is describing God's Nature, His Will, and then Human Nature and the will of humans. From the first two books of the Bible, Genesis and Exodus, we are introduced to these to themes and how they are opposing each other. But, in these books we immediately see God's love for us. He pursues us even as we run away. He offers a clear pathway to Him, even when we think we know of a better way. This is the start of the great conflict and expression of Love between God and man.
Hutch and Kyle do not intend this show to be deep with theology, but rather, their own experiences and awakenings that brought them back to a better understanding of God's Will. When you listen, think about your own experiences and where you are in the discussion with your will versus God's Will.
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Strong Dads - How Are Police Officers Trained? - Special Guest, Lt. Tom Moore - Episode 106
STRONG DADS! Doing Real Life
08/13/21 • 62 min
It is no secret that police in the United States have been under more scrutiny than any other profession in recent times. Riots, protest, and violence have been the fruits of this scrutiny. People often believe that justice is not being served, power is being abused, and prejudice runs amok. This belief has gone deep and has incited levels of emotion surrounding the work of police officers. Some say the police are bad. Some say the police are just dealing with bad people. Some say that most police are great people, but a few bad apples are getting all the media's attention.
Strong Dads believes that this country is one of greatness, but not perfection. Greatness in that it has systems set up to handle lawlessness and provide justice when necessary. We are blessed by a court system and an opportunity to see justice be served appropriately. With that being said, it is not perfect because it is made up of imperfect people.
During this show, Lt. Tom Moore with the Indiana Law Enforcement Academy, joins us as our guest and helps to explain what goes into the training and preparation of today's police officers. This show gives us great insight to the challenges our police officer face and how that system is working to meet the needs of an ever-changing society.
It is clear that what used to be done in the work of a police officer is not necessarily what should be done in today's world.
Check this show out and grow your level of understanding about what you can do as a citizen to make our society healthier and safer.
#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

Growth and Resilience: Cultivating Community and Faith at McCabe's Greenhouse - Adam Legge - EP 229
STRONG DADS! Doing Real Life
03/14/24 • 26 min
Nestled in the heart of Lawrenceburg, McCabe's Greenhouse is more than a garden center; it's a living lesson in the art of cultivation, both of plants and community bonds. My conversation with Adam Legge offers an authentic glimpse into the daily rhythms of nurturing seedlings and the resilience of pansies, paralleling the strength found in family and faith. As Adam walks us through the greenhouse's operations, from the importance of soil temperature to the craft of fudge-making, we uncover the shared roots between the growth of plants and the growth of relationships.
The thread of resilience weaves through our discussion as I open up about the profound impact of my daughter Evelyn's passing on our family's faith journey. In the delicate dance of strength and vulnerability, we explore how leadership within the family unit, the tenacity of marriage, and the anchoring presence of faith sustain us through life's most tempestuous seasons. The community's nurturing role parallels the patient care of our beloved plants, offering solace and support in times of sorrow, and helping us to find parallels between the seasonal ebbs and flows of nature and our own spiritual cycles.
As the episode draws to a close, we reflect on the unshakeable foundation faith provides, even when shrouded by life's storms. With heartfelt thanks to Adam and the community that stands as a lighthouse of hope, we look forward to future gatherings and the promise of unity they bring. This episode is a tribute to the legacy of loved ones, the conscious pursuit of faith, and the enduring power of community—a celebration of the ties that bind us in our shared journey of growth and discovery.
http://rocksolidfamilies.org
https://mccabesgreenhouseand floral.com
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Strong Dads - Race Talk with Special Guest, Durran Alexander - Episode 117
STRONG DADS! Doing Real Life
10/27/21 • 49 min
As the fourth show in our series, "When Was The Last Time You Talked To ...", we are bringing up the subject of race. When Was The Last Time You Talked To Someone of a Different Race? In this series we have challenged our Strong Dads to be willing to have the tough conversations rather than avoid them. As men it is not uncommon to feel uncomfortable about a topic so we just avoid it. This seems like a good option in the moment, but the reality is that it leads to greater ignorance, apathy, prejudice, and even racism.
During this show we invited back Durran Alexander. Durran was willing to sit in for a very real and honest conversation in which no one felt attacked or belittle for questions or feelings they had. We were simply able to talk about the race issues and experiences that we have had with the hopes of learning more about each.
This show proved to be exactly what we had hoped. We explored the roots of prejudices that can be passed into a culture generation after generation. We discussed the inherant desire to "pre-judge" circumstances, but how that can lead us astray if we do not seek the knowledge and facts behind the circumstances.
We discussed the importance of gaining information and whether or not the information is reliable or not. Knowledge comes from personal experiences, God's Word, research, discussion, and even gossip. Learning how to separate the good from the bad is done through putting our thoughts to the test. The test is simply meeting and interacting with people of other races.
When we delve into honest conversation with others we quickly see commonalities in which we can share mutual values, experiences, and beliefs. We see that their is an individual behind the face. We see that they are no better or worse than ourselves. We are all people with gifts as well as flaws.
Strong Dads challenges each and everyone of us to be willing to have intentional and safe conversations with our fellow man, whether they are in our neighborhood or not.
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Strong Dads - Moving on after divorce - Diesel Update - Episode 110
STRONG DADS! Doing Real Life
09/09/21 • 50 min
Divorce is hard! It is hard on everyone involved. That is why we want to do everything possible to not get to the point of divorce. Doing things like premarital coaching, making sure to be equally aligned in faith, and establishing common values to live by are critical to preventing divorce.
However, the reality is that divorce does happen. Immaturity, selfishness, arrogance, and a host of other variables come to rest only making the marriage weaker and people begin to get hurt. This hurt will alter the life path of the people involved. When we are hurt, we must heal, and healing can be done well or not. In order to heal, a wound must be stabilized and protected. Whether we are talking about he healing of a broken bone or the people involved in a divorce. Healing done well is essential to living well after the wound is inflicted.
This show revisits a guest that was on Strong Dads nearly two years ago, Derek Fee. At the time of our first show Derek was just separating from his wife after he had walked out of the marriage and into an adulterous affair. Initially, Derek would rationalize his behaviors and even attempt to blame his actions on others. But soon Derek recognized that this was the work of a boy and not a true man of God. Derek began to seek counsel and understand all that was at stake. He began to confess and seek forgiveness from his wife and family. At times he even thought there may be a chance of marital restoration. But as time passed, he realized the marriage was not going to be restored.
When Derek reflected on the damage he had created he had to make some decisions on what healing would look like and how he would go about the actual process. This show reveals what Derek and many men discover about themselves when they go through this kind of healing. His eyes become more wide-open to his assumed past ways of living. He sees what his actions have led too, but more importantly, what he can do to change his future. Derek's walk is simply that, a walk. A slow, but purposeful walk of re-establishing who he is, who God is to him, and what he wants to be as a man, father, and maybe husband. This is a story of growth and healing after a self-inflicted wound.
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Killing Pride - It All Comes Down to This... Ep 238
STRONG DADS! Doing Real Life
08/02/24 • 29 min
In our third of four shows on Killing Pride, this is the one that begins to move you forward. This show boldly comes out and tells you exactly where we can all begin to grab our pride by the throat and begin to choke it out!
The tactic described is not for the faint of heart. It causes most to run and avoid the inevitable. The inevitable of surrender! Let's be clear, surrendering sounds like the last thing any warrior should ever do. But let's consider who we are surrendering to and why we might surrender.
If you were in a battle and shot your last bullet only to find yourself under endless gunfire, you would have to make some choices. Do I run, do i sit, or do I surrender? If I run, I will likely get shot. If I sit I will likely get shot. If I consider the option of surrendering, I have to ask myself the questions; who am I surrendering to and what is the likely outcome? If the likely outcome is death, then it may be best to choose the fastest path to death, since it's coming anyway. However, if I find that my capture puts me in the hands that will promise and deliver something better and life preserving, then I need to deeply consider this option.
Life is going to keep shooting endless gunfire your way. When will you look up and recognize that Christ is not the enemy, but rather the savior. He is waiting for your surrender so that he can carry you to a better place. A place of peace, hope, security, promise, and ultimately, eternal life.
In this episode of Killing Pride, we unveil the biggest step you must take to killing your pride. We recognize that it is not easy, but we also recognize that it is only made difficult because of our sinful pride. We have taken so long to develop a false shroud of who we believe we are that we have lost sight of who God made us to be. It's time to take off the shroud and die to self and live for Christ!
https://rocksolidfamilies.org
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Shyness - The Quiet Battle - Ep 253
STRONG DADS! Doing Real Life
03/14/25 • 60 min
Shyness - The Quite Battle Ep 253
Introduction
The podcast is hosted by Merrill Hutchinson and Carl Andry, featuring discussions about overcoming shyness and social anxiety, particularly focusing on strategies to engage with people and "work a room." They emphasize that shyness often stems from self-centeredness and anxiety rather than humility, and provide insights on how to develop social skills.
Understanding Shyness
Personal Experiences
Merrill shares his struggle with painful shyness and anxiety, which he felt deeply affected his social interactions.
Carl discusses his own experiences with shyness, highlighting that both men often have a silent internal struggle when it comes to social situations.
The Mechanics of Shyness
The hosts identify shyness as not merely a personality trait but a skill that can be learned and improved upon.
They explain that natural extroverts might find social interactions easier, while others need to develop techniques to manage their anxiety and communicate effectively.
Strategies for Overcoming Shyness
1. Desire to Change
The first step in overcoming shyness is the sincere desire to engage with others. Individuals must recognize the benefits of social interactions, including networking opportunities and personal connections.
2. Learning to "Work a Room"
Working a room is not about manipulation but about developing the skill to engage genuinely with others.
The importance of learning and practicing skills such as making eye contact, shaking hands, and being present in conversations.
3. The Importance of Small Talk
Small talk is vital in breaking the ice.
Engaging in small talk allows individuals to gauge a person’s interest and comfort level before diving into deeper discussions.
4. Asking Questions
They encourage asking open-ended questions to invite others into a conversation. This technique reduces the pressure on the shy individual to share about themselves and allows others to express their thoughts.
Carl emphasizes the art of questioning, stating that it can lead to meaningful exchanges and help shy individuals engage more comfortably.
5. Active Listening
Active listening is crucial in social interactions. The hosts stress the importance of giving full attention to the person speaking, which helps to foster connections and validate others’ feelings and stories.
6. Practicing Public Speaking
Engaging in public speaking can significantly help shy individuals. By practicing in front of larger groups, individuals can build confidence in their speaking abilities and learn to manage their anxiety.
7. Body Language and Presence
Proper body language, such as standing tall, making eye contact, and offering a firm handshake, communicates confidence.
The hosts note that these non-verbal cues can significantly affect how others perceive and respond to you.
8. Embracing Authenticity
Authenticity is essential. The hosts encourage individuals to be genuine in their interactions, sharing real thoughts and feelings rather than trying to conform to expectations.
9. Using Humor and Self-Deprecation
Learning to laugh at oneself and embracing mistakes can diffuse tension and foster a more relaxed atmosphere. The hosts share personal anecdotes about moments of awkwardness that ended up being humorous.
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FAQ
How many episodes does STRONG DADS! Doing Real Life have?
STRONG DADS! Doing Real Life currently has 257 episodes available.
What topics does STRONG DADS! Doing Real Life cover?
The podcast is about Christianity, Faith, Kids & Family, Religion & Spirituality, Podcasts, Marriage, Dads, Men and Christian.
What is the most popular episode on STRONG DADS! Doing Real Life?
The episode title 'Strong Dads - Parable of the Workers in the Vineyard - Episode 203' is the most popular.
What is the average episode length on STRONG DADS! Doing Real Life?
The average episode length on STRONG DADS! Doing Real Life is 41 minutes.
How often are episodes of STRONG DADS! Doing Real Life released?
Episodes of STRONG DADS! Doing Real Life are typically released every 7 days.
When was the first episode of STRONG DADS! Doing Real Life?
The first episode of STRONG DADS! Doing Real Life was released on Jun 6, 2019.
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