Beyond the Rut: Create a Life Worth Living in Your Faith, Family, Career

Is your marriage thriving, or are you just coexisting? Marriage isn’t just about sharing a home, managing finances, or raising kids—it’s about growing together as true life partners. But too often, couples drift into a rut, treating their relationship like a business arrangement rather than a sacred partnership built on faith, trust, and mutual support. In this episode of Beyond the Rut, we’re exp...

In the hustle and bustle of life, it’s easy to let family time slip through the cracks. Work deadlines, endless errands, and distractions like social media often push the people who matter most to the margins of our schedules. But here’s the truth: Family time matters, and your relationships at home deserve the best of your time, not what’s left over. In this episode of Beyond the Rut, we’re tackl...

Welcome back to Beyond the Rut, the podcast about helping married Christian men create a life worth living in your faith, family, and career. I’m your host, Jerry Dugan, and author of the book titled, Beyond the Rut: Create a Life Worth Living in Your Faith, Family, and Career. Join me as we dive into Week 2 of the Beyond the Rut Journey with a focus on Faith Beyond Sunday. Grab a notebook and a p...

This episode tackles a fundamental question: What does success truly mean? It will challenge you to re-evaluate your current definitions of success, often shaped by worldly standards like wealth, status, and possessions, and to consider a God-centered perspective.   The world's definition of success often leads to emptiness, even when external achievements are attained. It emphasizes that a high s...

Have you ever felt like life is just one endless treadmill? You’re running hard, keeping up with the demands of work, family, and faith—but no matter how fast you go, you still feel stuck. You’re successful by the world’s standards—a steady job, a comfortable home, maybe even a promotion here or there—but deep down, you wonder, Is this really it?   If you’ve ever felt like you’re missing out on so...

Are you tired of spending your days putting out fires instead of leading your team to lasting success? In this episode of Beyond the Rut, USMC veteran and leadership consultant, Ben Killoy, shares how to shift from firefighting crises to becoming a transformational leader who builds a thriving, resilient organizational culture. Discover how moving beyond daily crisis management can prevent burnout...

Are you a new Christian man seeking a solid foundation to grow your faith? In this episode, I’m sharing three incredible books that profoundly impacted my journey as a husband, father, and follower of Christ. These books helped me discover my true identity in Christ and gave me practical insights for leading my family with love, strength, and faith. Whether you’re starting your walk with Jesus or...

In this episode of Beyond the Rut, we sit down with Jim Ramos, host of Men in the Arena podcast, pastor, and author, to discuss how biblical masculinity and living with integrity can transform your marriage and family life. Jim shares his personal journey of leading with faith, serving his wife and family, and building strong, lasting Christian relationships. Discover how embracing biblical mascul...

In this heartfelt episode of Beyond the Rut, Jerry Dugan returns from a brief hiatus to share personal insights and a powerful piece of marriage advice that he recently gave at his son's wedding. Reflecting on his journey from a corporate career to entrepreneurship, Jerry opens up about the challenges and breakthroughs he experienced while finding his true calling in voiceover work and creative pr...

In this special episode, I open up about the whirlwind of 2023 and why my podcast has seen fewer episodes this year. Life has been a series of unexpected turns, and I want to share the importance of taking a break to reorganize and find clarity. Sometimes, stepping back is the most valuable move we can make to propel forward. Join me as I recap my entrepreneurial journey over the past year. It's b...

Lyle and Leanne McCabe, hosts of the Beach Travel Wine podcast, join Jerry Dugan on Beyond the Rut to discuss their adventurous approach to retirement. The couple emphasizes the importance of shared experiences over material possessions, highlighting how their travels have deepened their bond and enriched their lives. They share practical tips for prioritizing travel, even for those not yet retire...

We tackle the challenges Christian men face in expressing their faith at work. Host Jerry Dugan delves into the top three concerns: fear of judgment, navigating secular environments, and balancing faith with professionalism. Jerry offers practical tips drawn from his personal journey and biblical wisdom. Discover how to excel in your job as a testament to your faith, embodying Colossians 3:23. Lea...

Have you ever felt that nagging feeling that it might be time to move on from your job, but weren't quite sure? Naomi Hattaway is an expert in helping people navigate those tricky workplace transitions. She'll share her framework for leaving well, which covers everything from recognizing the signs that it's time to go, to ensuring a smooth knowledge transfer, and communicating your decision effect...

David Landis's journey highlights the transformative power of journaling in cultivating the right mindset for success. Despite having a fulfilling career as a professional firefighter and a balanced family life, David felt trapped and unfulfilled. Through journaling, he gained clarity on his desires and who he wanted to be, enabling him to take practical steps toward a more fulfilling life. This p...

In this insightful podcast episode, join host Jerry Dugan as he delves into the fascinating world of entrepreneurship and parenting with special guest Jason Galicinski. With a family of ten children, Jason brings a wealth of experience as both an entrepreneur and a dedicated father. Discover how Jason's journey through homeschooling his children allowed him to be a present dad and also provided un...

Let's dive deep into the lies that hold us back and the truths that set us free. Have you ever felt stuck in a rut, unsure of how to break free and live the life you truly desire? In this episode, we'll explore the common lies that keep us trapped – from feelings of unworthiness to the belief that we don't have enough time or resources to pursue our dreams. But fear not, because we'll also uncover...

Step into the captivating story of digital creator and public speaker Ed Squire as he courageously reveals his journey of overcoming childhood trauma and discovering healing beyond the mask. In this compelling episode, Ed candidly shares the challenges of concealing his pain while chasing success and recognition. Through introspection and resilience, he embarked on a transformative journey, breaki...

Embark on a transformative journey with Jon McLernon, where authenticity meets mentorship in "Navigating Life's Path: An Anti-Guru Approach." In a world inundated with self-proclaimed experts, Jon stands out for his genuine connection and commitment to helping individuals live their best lives. Drawing from his experience in business leadership and personal development, Jon offers practical wisdom...

In the latest episode of our podcast, I had the privilege of sitting down with Robert and Kay Lee Fukui, the dynamic duo behind MarriedEntrepreneur.co . With their extensive experience as founders and authors of "Tandem: The married entrepreneurs’ guide for greater work-life balance," and hosts of the "Thriving in Tandem" podcast, they shed light on the intricacies of balancing career aspirations...

Welcome to a special episode delving into the overlooked alerts that shape our journeys to success. Join us as we unravel the intricate web of cautionary tales hidden within everyday products, exploring how heedlessly we navigate life's hazards. Jerry applies lessons learned from hiking in the spring and summer seasons to help you create that life worth living in your faith, family, and career. We...

Brett's realization of living without intentionality and alignment with his Christian values prompted a transformative journey, leading to the inception of Iron Deep. In a candid conversation with Brett Snodgrass, the founder of Iron Deep Ministry, his journey from a conventional entrepreneur to a purpose-driven leader unfolds. Discovery of Purpose Brett's entrepreneurial journey began with a prof...

In the United States, once you hit 18, you begin surrendering your future to the weight of student loan debt. It's a burden that never seems to lighten, extending its grasp with mortgages, car loans, and credit cards as you journey through life. Then comes the awakening: despite appearing successful, you find yourself lacking in genuine happiness. Retirement feels like a distant dream, college for...

Mastering time management doesn't have to be an uphill battle - with just one productivity hack, you can revolutionize the way you work and reclaim control over your day. In today's fast-paced world, where distractions lurk around every corner and demands on our time seem never-ending, mastering time management has become a crucial skill for success.  For many, finding the right balance between ta...

In a culture plagued by superficiality, Ray LaCara, Jr. champions the revival of genuine connection, empowering individuals to embrace their true identity with one powerful question: Who are you, really? Educator, author, and certified coach, Ray LaCara, Jr. is on a mission to help people identify what makes them who they truly want to be so they can live a life of authenticity. It’s said that 61%...

In the pursuit of personal fulfillment and resilience, Jon Mayo champions the ethos of Sisu to create a life worth living as both a mantra and a guiding principle. Shedding Compartmentalization with Relentless Action Have you heard these myths about unifying all aspects of life? Myth #1: You have to sacrifice one area of your life for another. Myth #2: Personal growth is a solo journey. Myth #3: I...