The Father Who Ran: When A Child Refuses
From The Catholic Gentleman by John Heinen, Devin Schadt
March 19, 2026 · 1h 17m
About this episode
The episode discusses how fathers can navigate the challenges of a child pulling away, using the parable of the Prodigal Son as a framework for understanding and healing.
Every father eventually faces a moment when his child pulls away. The distance grows, the relationship hardens, and most men respond in one of three ways. In this episode, John Heinen and Devin Schadt use the parable of the Prodigal Son to diagnose what's really happening beneath the surface: why rebellion cuts so deeply into a man's sense of worth, and what the wounds underneath his reactions are actually telling him. But this conversation doesn't stay in the failings we have, it moves toward the father who ran. John and Devin unpack what it looks like to stop protecting your ego and start pursuing your child, how to separate your hurt from their harm, and why asking for forgiveness is one of the most powerful things a father can do. 🟢 FREE ROSARY - Join Catholic Gentleman+ for over 31 sessions of exclusive formation, daily saint quotes, and a brotherhood of men pursuing holiness: https://catholicgentlemanplus.com 👉 Devin Schadt's new book The Rule: https://sophiainstitute.com/product/the-rule/COUPON CODE for 20% Off: Gentleman20 Video Producer – Pietro Damasceno ______________________ -- FOLLOW THE CATHOLIC GENTLEMAN – ➡️ https://www.instagram.com/catholicgentleman ➡️…
People in this episode
Hosts: John Heinen, Devin Schadt
Topics covered
- fatherhood
- parent-child relationship
- forgiveness
- rebellion
- spiritual growth
Keywords
- fatherhood
- Prodigal Son
- rebellion
- forgiveness
- parenting advice
Sponsors
Catholic Gentleman+
Mentioned in this episode
Organizations: Sofia Institute
Products: The Rule
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