About the Guest:
Preston Mercer is a dedicated family man, outdoorsman, and public servant with over 31 years of experience as a firefighter with the Forest Service. For more than 25 years, he has also served as a professional hunting guide, leading a life defined by adventure and high-stakes environments. Alongside his wife, Kelsey, Preston has raised six children and is now a grandfather of two, focusing his life’s work on the "greatest task": building a lasting family legacy through commitment, accountability, and faith.
Preston Mercer is a dedicated family man, outdoorsman, and public servant with over 31 years of experience as a firefighter with the Forest Service. For more than 25 years, he has also served as a professional hunting guide, leading a life defined by adventure and high-stakes environments. Alongside his wife, Kelsey, Preston has raised six children and is now a grandfather of two, focusing his life’s work on the "greatest task": building a lasting family legacy through commitment, accountability, and faith.
Preston and Kelsey explore the importance of having a "foundation of vision" that extends beyond oneself. They discuss their dynamic as a "visionary" (Kelsey) and a "doer" (Preston), and how they align their efforts to progress toward long-term family goals.
Preston identifies finances, sex, and time as the primary stressors in any relationship. He shares his philosophy that in marriage, "if I win [an argument], I still lose," emphasizing the need to check one's ego for the sake of the couple's cohesiveness.
In a vulnerable moment, Preston shares a "crossroads" in their marriage involving a betrayal of trust. He discusses his seven-year (nearly 4,000-day) commitment to daily accountability, which includes sending Kelsey a daily text with a scripture verse and a prayer.
The Mercers discuss their "pillars of parenting," which included homeschooling, the absence of TV and video games, and prioritizing family dinners to foster real conversation. Preston emphasizes raising "adults, not children," teaching life skills like eye contact and respectful communication.
Managing a home with six children while maintaining demanding careers requires intense intentionality. They discuss the "fourth quarter" concept—bringing the same energy and focus to family life at the end of the day as they do to their professional roles.
For the Mercers, faith is not just a survival tool but the key to thriving. They share their practical approach to integrated faith, including daily prayer on speaker with their children and the habit of reading the Proverb of the day.
Reference to "The Four Horsemen"
(Stonewalling/Withdrawing) in conflict.
Reading the Proverbs (one for each day of the month).
The first five chapters of James.
Jocko Willink’s 4:30 AM discipline.
This episode explores the grit and intentionality required to maintain a thriving 27-year marriage while raising six children. Preston and Kelsey pull back the curtain on the "real, real," discussing how to navigate career-driven absences, restore trust after betrayal, and foster an environment where children feel pride in their family identity.
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This podcast is for informational purposes only. The host is not a licensed therapist or medical professional. The content is not intended as a substitute for professional advice from a qualified expert .
