From Struggle to Strength: One Dad's Journey - Casey Wagonfield

Send us a text The moment Casey Wagonfield"s now-wife and her six-month-old son entered his life, everything changed. After years of job-hopping and questionable decisions, he suddenly faced a profound realization: "Now I"ve got responsibilities and a little human to take care of." This awakening marks the beginning of a remarkable fatherhood journey shared in this heartfelt conversation. With raw honesty, Casey opens up about adopting his oldest son at age eight, revealing the beautiful truth that fatherhood transcends biology. "I"m his, he"s mine," Casey affirms, describing how he"s the only father his son has ever known. This chosen relationship forms the foundation of a blended family that now includes three children. Listeners will connect with Casey"s candid admission about the differences in parenting boys versus his daughter: "You can"t talk to her like you talk to the boys" – a learning curve many fathers experience. The conversation explores how Casey"s own upbringing shaped his parenting philosophy. Raised by parents who emphasized honesty and accountability, these values became cornerstones in his own household alongside faith, which grew central to their family through his wife"s influence. A particularly touching moment comes when Casey shares his pride in his son"s spiritual journey and requests to be rebaptized – a decision made entirely on his own. Working parents will find Casey"s struggle with work-life balance deeply relatable. After spending six months working in North Carolina while only coming home on weekends early in his career, he recognized the need for change as his children grew. This balancing act between professional ambition and family presence represents one of modern fatherhood"s greatest challenges, as does teaching children to remain humble despite material comfort. Casey leaves us with three powerful pieces of advice: spend more time with your kids, talk to them (and encourage them to talk to you), and keep them humble. These principles form the foundation of intentional fatherhood, creating a lasting impact. Whether you"re a new dad finding your way or an experienced father looking to strengthen your connection with your children, this conversation offers both inspiration and practical wisdom for the journey. Support the show Please don"t forget to leave us a review wherever you consume your podcasts! Please help us get more dads to listen weekly and become the ultimate leader of their homes!