
Episode #75
Pt. 2 - Tim Hawkins on Raising Kids, Chasing Success & Coming Back to Jesus
Tim Hawkins on Raising Kids, Chasing Success & Coming Back to Jesus PART 1 of 2: You probably know Tim Hawkins for making families laugh. But this conversation goes somewhere much deeper. In this two-part conversation, Hannah sits down with comedian Tim Hawkins for an unexpectedly honest discussion about parenting, marriage, raising kids in the faith, homeschooling, calling, success, burnout—and what happens when the life you've worked so hard to build begins taking more from you than you realized. Tim shares what he and his wife learned raising their children and why they intentionally resisted becoming overly focused on producing a particular “result” in their kids. They talk about giving children room to wrestle with difficult questions about faith, maintaining boundaries without parenting from fear, and raising children who actually still want to come home when they're grown. They also dig into humor and family life—including the surprising ways sarcasm can become a defense mechanism, why not every uncomfortable moment needs a joke, and how learning to communicate honestly can transform conflict in both parenting and marriage. But as the conversation continues, Tim gets deeply personal about his own journey. At the height of a demanding comedy career—touring extensively, managing employees, buses, travel and the constant pressure to create—Tim realized something wasn't right. His energy was depleted, his family was getting what was left of him, and eventually his marriage reached a breaking point. Tim shares what that season taught him about success, being truly present with the people you love, knowing when something has run its course, and ultimately coming back to the simplicity of the Gospel. This is a conversation about much more than comedy. It's about raising kids without trying to control the outcome. Building something without allowing it to consume you. Knowing when to put down the hustle and be present. And remembering that Christianity isn't ultimately about making our lives more successful—it's about Jesus. There are plenty of laughs along the way (it is Tim Hawkins, after all), but stick with this conversation through Part Two and all the way to the very end. Some of the most vulnerable and encouraging moments happen in the final minutes. IN THIS CONVERSATION: • Tim Hawkins on parenting and raising four kids • Raising children who still want a relationship with you as adults • Why parents can't control the outcome of their children's faith • Giving kids permission to ask difficult questions about God • Boundaries versus authoritarian parenting • Tim and his family's experience with homeschooling • Raising teenagers without parenting from fear • Sarcasm, humor and emotional avoidance • Learning healthier communication in marriage and parenting • Why “always” and “never” can destroy productive conflict • Helping kids discover their individual gifts and calling • College, gap years and the changing path into adulthood • Why young adults face different challenges than previous generations • Tim's unconventional path from college baseball to comedy • Building a creative career without losing yourself • Fame, social media and staying authentic • Why clean comedy still matters • Tim Hawkins' Fist Bump comedy special • The emotional cost of success • What happens when work gets the best of you and your family gets the leftovers • Tim's deeply personal season of exhaustion and marital separation • Learning to be at work when you're at work—and home when you're home • Why success and Christian self-help aren't the Gospel • Returning to worship, gratitude and the finished work of Jesus • Knowing when a season, relationship or way of doing life has run its course • What Tim wishes he had understood sooner about following Jesus ABOUT TIM HAWKINS Tim Hawkins is a comedian, songwriter and musician known for finding the funny in marriage, parenting, church, homeschooling and everyday family life. Over the course of his career, Tim has built a massive audience through live touring, comedy specials, music and online videos—all while developing a style of clean comedy families can actually enjoy together. His latest comedy special, Fist Bump, continues that tradition with stand-up, music and Tim's unmistakable observations about the absurdity of everyday life. CONNECT WITH TIM Official Website + Live Tour Dates: TimHawkins.net Instagram, Facebook & TikTok: @TimHawkinsComic Watch Tim Hawkins: Fist Bump: Available to stream on Amazon Prime and other digital platforms. Tim Hawkins — Official Website, Tour Dates & Specials Tim Hawkins — Official Links & Socials Watch Tim Hawkins: Fist Bump on Prime Video Tim Hawkins: Fist Bump on Apple TV CONNECT WITH UPRIGHT CHRISTIAN PARENTING Upright Christian Parenting is your place for upright parenting in today's sideways culture. We don't tiptoe around hard truths. We tackle cultural issues head-on, build a bold biblical worldview, and equip parents to lead their families with courage. Because our kids are being discipled by something—let's make sure it's us. TheTreehouseStoryteller.com Follow @TheTreehouseStoryteller on Instagram and Facebook. Special Thanks to Our Sponsor College of the Ozarks & School of the Ozarks The future of America depends on the character, faith, and formation of the next generation. College of the Ozarks and School of the Ozarks are committed to preparing students—from elementary school through college—with a foundation rooted in faith in God, personal responsibility, servant leadership, love of country, and Classical Christian education. Located just south of Branson, Missouri, their campus is dedicated to developing leaders of conviction, wisdom, and strong biblical character. Learn more at https://www.cofo.edu More Resources from Treehouse Storyteller Support the ministry: https://thetreehousestoryteller.com/shop/ols/products/give-now-to-keep-the-treehouse-storyteller-thriving Shop books, devotionals, and family resources: https://thetreehousestoryteller.com/shop Read the Bible with us and save 30% on Dwell Bible (affiliate): https://dwellapp.io/aff?ref=mjhlmdy ️ Printing Center USA: https://refer.printingcenterusa.com/hannahpierrou TOPICS + KEYWORDS Tim Hawkins, Tim Hawkins interview, Tim Hawkins podcast, Tim Hawkins Christian comedian, Tim Hawkins Fist Bump, Tim Hawkins family, Tim Hawkins wife, Tim Hawkins marriage, Tim Hawkins testimony, Christian parenting, Christian parenting podcast, biblical parenting, raising Christian kids, raising teenagers, raising kids who love Jesus, Christian parents, parenting adult children, kids questioning Christianity, kids questioning faith, homeschool family, Christian homeschooling, faith and family, Christian marriage, marriage and parenting, Christian family podcast, parenting without fear, parenting without control, raising independent kids, Christian parenting teenagers, clean comedy, family friendly comedy, Christian comedian, faith and success, Christian burnout, work life balance, Christian testimony, putting Jesus first, Christian family relationships, parenting and faith, biblical worldview, Christian worldview parenting

