Watch on YouTubeWhat if the hardest thing you’ve ever faced wasn’t 60 days in the wilderness, but the weight of leading your family through suffering?
In this episode, Jerrad sits down with Alone Season 5 winner, Sam Larson, whose victory on national TV was followed by a far heavier reality at home: all three of his children being diagnosed with CLN3 Batten Disease, a rare terminal illness.
With raw honesty and gospel hope, Sam shares how grief stripped away every illusion of control, what it means to father children with a limited timeline, and how Jesus became more real than ever in the middle of heartbreak.
With insight from 2 Corinthians 12, Matthew 5, and Romans 8, you’ll discover:
- Why suffering can feel like an uninvited gift that drives us closer to Christ
- The difference between choosing hardship (like Alone) and enduring pain you never asked for
- How to anchor your family in gospel hope when life feels unbearable
- Why men need brothers in Christ to speak truth when they’re drowning in lies
- What it looks like to find joy, purpose, and community even in seasons of deep suffering
Whether you’re walking through grief, feeling the crushing weight of fatherhood, or just longing for purpose in your everyday life, this episode will remind you that
Jesus has conquered even the darkest parts of our story—and He is with you.
Scriptures Mentioned2 Corinthians 12:9–10
Matthew 5:4
Romans 8:18–25
John
16:332 Corinthians 4:16–18
Psalm
34:181 Peter 1:6–7
James 1:2–4
Philippians 1:6
Resources & LinksToday’s Sponsors:
World Watch NewsVisit Sam’s church:
Redemption Hill Bible Church – Hickman, NebraskaInvite Jerrad To
Speak At Your ChurchBecome A
Monthly PartnerWhat is Dad Tired?
You’re tired.
Not just physically; though yeah, that too.
You’re tired in your bones. In your soul.
Trying to be a steady husband, an intentional dad, a man of God… but deep down, you feel like you’re falling short. Like you’re carrying more than you know how to hold.
Dad Tired is a podcast for men who are ready to stop pretending and start healing.
Not with self-help tips or religious platitudes, but by anchoring their lives in something (and Someone) stronger.
Hosted by Jerrad Lopes, a husband, dad of four, and fellow struggler, this show is a weekly invitation to find rest for your soul, clarity for your calling, and the courage to lead your family well.
Through honest stories, biblical truth, and deep conversations you’ll be reminded:
You’re not alone. You’re not too far gone. And the man you want to be is only found in Jesus.
This isn’t about trying harder.
It’s about coming home.