In the debut episode of Thinking Dads, Dr. Mike Ayers tackles the controversial subject of spanking. He offers insightful responses to mainstream research and societal attitudes, offering a perspective that spanking, when used thoughtfully and with love, can be an effective tool for discipline. Dr. Ayers challenges listeners to make informed parenting decisions free from fear and judgment, while exploring the role of spanking in fostering respect, moral growth, and connection with children.

If you were training for a marathon, would you seek advice from someone who’s run a 5K, or from a runner who's successfully completed the full 26.2 miles multiple times?

The Thinking Dads Model© and the resources here come from over 30 years of Mike's experience as a dad. With three young adult children (two sons and a daughter), he's run the long race of fatherhood—and shares all his joys, challenges and successes. Insights are also based upon Mike's doctoral research on identity formation in children and adolescents, and its connection to leadership. Mike has coached and taught dads for over a decade.

So, do you want experience or experiments? Our goal is to provide you with the most relevant, research-driven, values-based wisdom available for fathers anywhere.

Hey! I'm Dr. Mike Ayers. Why a new podcast on fatherhood? Because most fatherhood resources I've found don't align with traditional values or address needs of dads in a rational, conservative way. I was tired of hearing advice from self-proclaimed experts—mostly young moms— who told dads to coddle their kids instead of leading them.

The truth is, we know better. The dominant parenting narratives today—shaped by woke ideologies, overindulgence of children, moral relativism, and a push to sexualize kids—are harming families. That’s why Thinking Dads was created.

We’re here to promote a neo-traditional approach to fatherhood—one that pushes back against the herd and embraces faith, family, morality, and masculinity. It’s in the balance of authority and affection dads find their strength to lead. We're experience-driven and research-based, all while staying to true to your values. That's why we're here.