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Larry Hagner

The Dad Edge Podcast is a movement. It is a strong community of Fathers who all share a set of values.

Larry Hagner, founder of The Dad Edge, breaks down common challenges of fatherhood, making them easy to understand and overcome.  Tackling the world of Fatherhood can be a daunting task when we try to do it alone.

The mission of The Dad Edge Podcast is to help you become the best, strongest, and happiest version of yourself so that you can help guide your kids to the best version of themselves. Simple as that.  

Everything you need and all of our resources can be found at thedadedge.com/podcast

The Dad Edge Podcast

In this deeply moving and perspective-shifting episode of the Dad Edge Podcast, I sit down with John O'Leary, a bestselling author, motivational speaker, and burn survivor whose life is a testament to the power of resilience, hope, and radical love. At age nine, John suffered severe burns across 100% of his body. He wasn't supposed to live. But not only did he survive—he became one of the most impactful voices inspiring people to live fully, love deeply, and lead fearlessly.
 
 
 
John and I talk about what truly matters in life, the legacy we leave through small, consistent acts of presence, and how pain—when faced with faith and courage—can become the very tool that transforms us into the fathers and husbands we were meant to be. This isn't just an episode about overcoming—it's about becoming.
 
 
 
 
 EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS 
[0:00] – Introduction
 
[1:45] – The moment that changed John's life forever
 
[4:18] – How his parents showed up during trauma and why it shaped him
 
[7:32] – The role of forgiveness in healing deep wounds
 
[10:06] – Why pain isn't the enemy—but a bridge to deeper purpose
 
[13:14] – John's perspective on legacy and the value of being there
 
[17:05] – The power of small, consistent actions over grand gestures
 
[21:38] – Loving your spouse through service and sacrifice
 
[25:12] – Raising kids who are resilient, grateful, and grounded
 
[28:59] – The single most powerful lesson John learned from his father
 
[32:30] – A challenge for every dad listening: What are you really living for?
 
 
 
 
 5 KEY TAKEAWAYS 
 
 
 Pain Can Be a Catalyst, Not a Curse: 1. John's story proves that life's most devastating moments can forge our deepest character and call us to higher purpose if we choose to face them with courage.
 Legacy Is Built in Presence, Not Perfection: 2. His parents' unwavering presence—especially during trauma—taught him that how we show up in the hardest times says everything about who we are.
 Love Is Action, Not Just Intention: 3. Whether it's in marriage or parenting, love must be expressed through service, sacrifice, and consistency—not just feelings or words.
 Our Kids Learn More from Observation Than Instruction: 4. John learned resilience, discipline, and deep love not by being told what to do, but by watching how his parents lived during the toughest seasons.
 You Were Meant to Live Fully, Not Just Survive: 5. Every dad has the opportunity—and responsibility—to stop sleepwalking through life and start leading intentionally with love, clarity, and vision.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 LINKS & RESOURCES 
 
 
 Learn more about John O'Leary • – 
https://johnolearyinspires.com 25 Questions to Spark Connection • – 
https://thedadedge.com/25questions More Podcast Episodes • – 
https://thedadedge.com/podcast • The Dad Edge Boardroom Mastermind - thedadedge.com/mastermind
 • Shownotes for this episode: thedadedge.com/1397
 
 
 
 
 
If this conversation sparked something in you, share it with a fellow dad who needs this message. And don't forget to rate, review, and follow the podcast.
 
 
 
Live legendary.

Presence During Hardship Defines Your Legacy featuring John O'Leary

In this special episode of The Dad Edge Podcast, I sit down with a very special guest—my 11-year-old son, Lawson Hagner. This episode is unlike any other, because it's not about interviews or experts—it's about connection. It's about the power of slowing down, asking questions, and being intentional with our kids.
 
 
 
Lawson and I dive into simple but meaningful topics—his favorite memories, what it means to "lock in," and how he's learning to handle school, sports, and life. What starts as a lighthearted father-son chat turns into an authentic, heartfelt conversation about discipline, focus, and what it truly means to build a strong relationship between a dad and his son.
 
 
 
We also talk about a new free resource I created called "Questions for the Car"—designed to help dads spark deeper conversations with their kids during everyday moments. This episode is a reminder that great connections don't happen by accident—they happen when we choose to show up and be curious.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 What You'll Learn in This Episode 
[0:00] – Introduction
 
[1:02] – Introducing Lawson Hagner — my 11-year-old son and first-time podcast guest.
 
[2:25] – The fun and chaos of sixth grade (and yes, girls come up right away).
 
[4:58] – How Lawson's football team went undefeated—and what "locking in" means to him.
 
[6:06] – Our father-son bond and why intentional connection matters so much.
 
[7:08] – Introducing the Questions for the Car resource and how dads can use it.
 
[8:33] – Lawson's favorite memories and why going to breakfast together means so much.
 
[10:19] – How meaningful conversations can come from simple, everyday questions.
 
[12:11] – "Locking in": Lawson's personal philosophy on focus and discipline in sports and school.
 
[15:20] – How to manage overwhelm—teaching kids (and adults) how to take on the "next right thing."
 
[20:02] – What tradition means to Lawson and why Christmas represents deeper family connection.
 
[23:14] – The power of presence—how just three questions can spark a 25-minute, life-giving conversation.
 
 
 
 
 Key Takeaways Connection happens in small moments. 1. Breakfasts, car rides, and one-on-one chats matter more than grand gestures.
 "Lock in" isn't just for sports. 2. Lawson reminds us that focus and effort apply to school, family, and life.
 Asking great questions creates great relationships. 3. Curiosity opens the door for deeper understanding.
 Tradition builds belonging. 4. Family rituals—like Christmas mornings and hot cocoa nights—create lasting bonds.
 Dads set the tone. 5. Our consistency, presence, and willingness to engage build the foundation our kids stand on.
 
 
 
 
 Links & Resources 
 
 
 
 
 • 

Download Questions for the Car: https://thedadedge.com/kidquestions
 • 
 • 

Episoe Shownotes: thedadedge.com/1398
 • 
 
 
 
 
 Closing Thoughts 
 
 
This episode isn't just a podcast—it's a moment between a dad and his son that shows what intentional fatherhood looks like in real time. Whether it's on the way to school, over breakfast, or sitting by the fire, every dad has the opportunity to lead with curiosity and love.
 
 
 
If this conversation inspired you, please rate, review, and share The Dad Edge Podcast. And remember, gentlemen—don't just go through the motions… Live Legendary.

Building Focus, Discipline, and Connection with Your Kids featuring Lawson Hagner

In this episode of The Dad Edge Podcast, we dive into a topic every parent faces daily — our kids' teeth. From baby gums to braces, I sit down with orthodontist, educator, and author Dr. Robert Geiman to unpack the essential truths about children's dental health and what parents can do to set their kids up for lifelong confidence and health.
 
 
 
Dr. Geiman's new book, The Tooth Bible: A Parent's Guide to Their Child's Smile, turns decades of clinical experience into practical, bite-sized advice every parent can understand and apply. In our conversation, we cover everything from fluoride myths to brushing battles, flossing habits, and how oral health connects to our kids' overall well-being. But this episode goes beyond teeth — we talk about leadership, humility, and how the way we show up as dads can shape our families for generations.
 
 
 Episode Timeline 
 
 
[0:00] – Introduction
 
[2:27] – Introducing Dr. Robert Geiman and his mission behind The Tooth Bible.
 
[5:07] – How a COVID lockdown project became a parenting essential.
 
[8:12] – What parents should do from birth to age three: brushing basics and fluoride facts.
 
[10:22] – The truth about fluoride and why science still matters.
 
[15:00] – Why The Tooth Bible is written in Q&A format and the most common dental questions parents ask.
 
[18:10] – What parents should and shouldn't say to their kids before braces.
 
[20:16] – The real reason snacking on sugar all day is worse than eating it all at once.
 
[23:00] – How orthodontic technology has made braces more comfortable and effective.
 
[27:00] – The link between oral health, heart health, and overall well-being.
 
[30:00] – Making brushing fun and consistent for kids of all ages.
 
[40:30] – How and when to start flossing — and tools that make it easier for kids.
 
[43:33] – Leading by example: how your dental habits as a dad influence your children.
 
[48:41] – Dr. Geiman on marriage, communication, and leading at home with humility.
 
[50:45] – The importance of owning mistakes and teaching kids through example.
 
 
 
 
 Key Takeaways: Oral health is a reflection of overall health. 1. Healthy gums and teeth often mirror good habits and wellness throughout the body.
 Fluoride, when used in proper doses, is safe and essential for preventing cavities. 2. 
Dr. Geiman emphasizes trusting science over social media noise. Make brushing fun and consistent. 3. Give kids ownership—let them choose their toothbrush and toothpaste flavor to increase motivation.
 Lead by example. 4. Your kids are watching; if they see you brushing and flossing daily, they're more likely to do the same.
 Parenting is leadership in action. 5. Whether in dental habits or daily life, your consistency, humility, and example create lasting impact.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Links and Resources • The Tooth Bible website: https://thetoothbible.com
 • The Tooth Bible Smile Shop: 
https://thetoothbible.com/smile-shop • ChildandAdultOrthodontics.com
 • Follow Dr. Geiman on Instagram: 
https://www.instagram.com/author_dr.bobby/ https://www.instagram.com/brace_thyself/ • Podcast Episode Show Notes: http://thedadedge.com/1396
 
 
 
 
 Closing Thoughts 
 
 
This episode reminds us that leadership starts with example — even in the smallest routines, like brushing your teeth beside your kids. When we lead with intention and humility, our children learn more than just good dental hygiene; they learn integrity, consistency, and care.
 
 
 
If you enjoyed this conversation, please rate, review, and share The Dad Edge Podcast to help more fathers build stronger, more intentional families.

Raising Kids Who Smile with Confidence By Leading by Example featuring Dr. Robert Geiman

In this solo episode, I open up about one of the most overwhelming seasons my family has faced—fall. Between school demands, sports, band, and everything else, our schedule was maxed out and our connection suffered. Jessica and I found ourselves constantly busy but emotionally distant, operating more like teammates than soulmates.
 
 
 
I share how we recognized the symptoms of "roommate syndrome," what we did to course-correct, and why protecting margin in your life and marriage is non-negotiable. I also introduce my brand-new course launching in January, From Roommates to Soulmates, designed for husbands who are ready to rebuild emotional connection and intimacy.
 
 
 
 
 EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS 
[0:00] – Introduction
 
[2:31] – Why fall marks the beginning of chaos for many families
 
[3:07] – Introducing the From Roommates to Soulmates course
 
[4:15] – What roommate syndrome looks like and why it's dangerous
 
[5:20] – Cultural lies men believe about marriage and fatherhood
 
[6:45] – The silent struggle of disconnection
 
[8:06] – Our family's real-life overscheduling mistake
 
[10:28] – When joy turns into exhaustion
 
[10:54] – The "Sunday Night Reset" strategy
 
[11:27] – How shared calendars and huddles create clarity
 
[12:13] – Learning to say no with purpose
 
[13:16] – Protecting margin and prioritizing connection
 
[14:42] – Why our "Date Days" are sacred
 
[15:38] – Free gift: Questions for the Car PDF
 
[16:41] – Start deeper conversations with your kids today
 
 
 
 
 
 
 5 KEY TAKEAWAYS 
 
 
1. Busyness Is the Enemy of Intimacy
 
Just because you're doing a lot doesn't mean you're connecting. Overscheduling your family can slowly erode the relationships that matter most.
 
2. Roommate Syndrome Is Real—But Reversible
 
When you and your partner start functioning as co-managers instead of lovers, it's time to course-correct. Connection requires intention.
 
3. Margin Is Not a Luxury, It's a Necessity
 
If your calendar is full but your marriage feels empty, it's a sign you need to guard time for each other and for rest.
 
4. Clarity and Communication Prevent Chaos
 
Tools like family huddles and shared calendars aren't just logistical—they're emotional anchors that keep the household united.
 
5. Leading Your Family Starts With Leading Yourself
 
Recognizing when you're off-track and initiating reconnection is the mark of strong leadership—both as a husband and a father.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 LINKS & RESOURCES 
• Free Resource – Questions for the Car: https://thedadedge.com/kidquestions
 
• Show Notes for this episode: https://thedadedge.com/1395
 
 
 
If this episode resonated with you, rate, review, follow, and share it with another dad who needs it. Let's lead our families with presence and purpose.
 
 
 
Live legendary.

Maintaining Connection & Relationships When Life Gets Busy

For all the show notes and to connect with Sean Whalen, check out our show notes page HERE.

Taking 100% Responsibility and Being a Lion Not a Sheep with Sean Whalen

In this special Father-Son Wednesday edition of the Dad Edge Podcast, Ethan and I have an open and heartfelt conversation about the kind of legacy we want to leave—not in terms of money, but in how we show up for our families, our faith, and our future. With Halloween around the corner, we explore the idea of what truly haunts fathers—missed moments, emotional distance, and failing to lead with purpose.
 
 
 
We dive into what it means to lead a family spiritually without pushing religion, how a father's love for his wife becomes a model for children, and how intentional home culture shapes future generations. Ethan shares his vision for his future family and career as a firefighter—and how he wants to lead by presence, not pressure.
 
 
 
 
 EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS 
 
 
[0:00] – Introduction
 
[1:15] – Ethan's "Winter Arc" and using seasons to spark growth
 
[2:59] – Redefining legacy beyond wealth or achievements
 
[5:14] – Why health and strength are crucial to long-term fatherhood
 
[8:32] – Spiritual leadership without religiosity
 
[10:04] – Passing down a relationship with God to future generations
 
[12:33] – Faith, emotional safety, and keeping an open mind
 
[15:21] – Ethan's vision of future fatherhood and home culture
 
[17:42] – How your home environment speaks louder than your words
 
[20:07] – The impact of loving your spouse well in front of your kids
 
[23:15] – Why we choose to gross our kids out with affection—not arguments
 
[24:49] – The power of being the "warrior in the garden"
 
[25:29] – Ethan's passion for firefighting and leaving impact
 
[27:56] – Halloween memories, safety tips, and shoutouts
 
 
 
 
 5 KEY TAKEAWAYS 
1. Legacy Is Emotional, Not Just Financial
 
The mark we leave on our kids isn't in bank accounts—it's in the daily presence, protection, and love they feel from us.
 
2. Faith Is Modeled, Not Mandated
 
Ethan speaks on how he wants to raise his future family to know God through a relationship—not religion—and how that shaped his upbringing.
 
3. Your Marriage Is the Blueprint
 
How you treat your wife sets the tone for how your kids will approach love, commitment, and conflict in their own relationships.
 
4. Presence Over Perfection
 
Kids remember if you were there and emotionally available—not if you were flawless. Being the safe space is what sticks.
 
5. Strength Is Best When Softened by Love
 
Ethan reflects on the need for dads to be both strong and gentle—to be warriors in the garden, not tyrants in the home.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 LINKS & RESOURCES • 

25 Questions to Spark Deeper Connection – https://thedadedge.com/25questions
 • 
 • Level 1 Protein - 
https://1stphorm.com/products/level-1/?a_aid=dadedge • BCAAs - https://1stphorm.com/products/bcaa/?a_aid=dadedge 
 • 

Pastor Paul Daily Bible Studies – Search "Pastor Paul" on YouTube
 • 
 • 

Dad Edge Podcast & Show Notes – thedadedge.com/1394
 • 
 
 
 
 
 
If this episode brought you closer to how you want to show up as a father and husband, please rate, review, follow, and share the show. Let's keep building legacies that matter.
 
 
 
Live legendary.

The Most Important Trait You Can Pass to Your Kids (Why Legacy Is Emotional, Not Just Financial)

When it comes to conflict, do you find yourself frustrated or lost? Relationships is not something that we are taught. We grow up and we are taught different skills, trigonometry, social studies, but rarely how to resolve conflict. And it's really unfortunate because think of what our marriages and relationships could look like if we knew how to resolve conflict and how we could actually do it from an objective standpoint to where when we try to resolve conflict just normally in day to day.
 
My guest today, Jayson Gaddis, a licensed family therapist knows exactly how to do it. He wrote a book, How To Get to Zero and we talk about conflict resolution with those we love the most. It's a deep episode, so I encourage you to take notes. 
 

 Show Notes:
www.thedadedge.com/352

Working Through Conflict with People We Care for the Most with Jayson Gaddis

In this episode, I sit down with Clay Butler, CEO of Agape International Missions (AIM), for a powerful conversation on fighting child trafficking and how present, intentional fatherhood is one of the most effective weapons in that fight. With over 2,000 rescues and hundreds of traffickers arrested, Clay's work is nothing short of heroic—but it's his role as a father that has most shaped his mission.
 
 
 
We explore what it truly means to lead as a man, not just in high-stakes global work, but in the day-to-day role of being a protector at home. Clay shares how fatherhood has deepened his approach to leadership, the importance of modeling safe masculinity, and why raising strong, loved, and secure children is one of the greatest forms of resistance to evil. This episode will challenge and inspire any man who wants to leave a legacy worth living for.
 
 
 
 
 
Episode Highlights
 
[0:00] – Introduction
 
[1:01] – A staggering global reality: a child is trafficked every 30 seconds
 
[2:24] – Clay's transformation from young volunteer to CEO of AIM
 
[5:13] – Why Clay initially took a three-month volunteer trip… and never left
 
[9:06] – Finding emotional equilibrium in a traumatic field
 
[10:29] – How fatherhood amplified—not hindered—Clay's leadership
 
[12:04] – The power of modeling safe fatherhood for rescued girls
 
[14:21] – Humility, teamwork, and spiritual grounding in life-or-death operations
 
[20:03] – Tactical and emotional ways to protect your family in public
 
[22:15] – Why kids from foster care are the most trafficked in America
 
[28:12] – Real actions men can take to stop trafficking—starting at home
 
[29:02] – Navigating the tension of preserving childhood innocence while teaching safety
 
[34:45] – Avoiding burnout: ruthless prioritization and reverse engineering legacy
 
[38:07] – Clay's evolving legacy: from warrior to father to restorer
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
5 Key Takeaways
 
 
 
1. Fatherhood is powerful – Being a present, loving father is one of the most effective deterrents to child trafficking, both at home and globally.
 
2. Rescue is only the beginning – AIM's model goes beyond rescue to include healing, job training, and long-term restoration.
 
3. The U.S. isn't exempt – Most trafficking victims in the U.S. come from broken foster care systems. Supporting those systems can change lives.
 
4. You can protect your kids daily – Small actions like staying aware in public, modeling healthy masculinity, and teaching intuitive safety make a big difference.
 
5. Your legacy starts now – You don't need to lead a global organization to be a hero. Leading at home with purpose and love is enough.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Links & Resources
 
 
 
 • 

Agape International Missions (AIM): https://aimfree.org
 • 
 • 

AIM Apparel – Support rescued girls through ethical apparel: https://aimapparel.com
 • 
 • 

Bark (Parental Control App): https://thedadedge.com/bark
 • 
 • Episode Show notes: 
thedadedge.com/1393 
 
 
 
 
If this episode sparked something in you, share it with a fellow dad, leave a review, and don't forget to follow the podcast. Together, we can protect our families—and generations to come.

What Rescuing 2,000 Children Taught Me About Being a Dad featuring Clay Butler

In this solo episode, I dig into one of the most crucial parenting challenges—helping our kids face their fears and build real, lasting confidence. From sports pressure to academic stress to the emotional struggles they often keep bottled up, our kids are living in a high-pressure world. And as fathers, it's our job to create a space where they feel safe, heard, and guided—not just fixed.
 
 
 
I share a recent emotional conversation with my own son that completely reframed how I approach fear with my kids. You'll hear practical scripts, parenting frameworks, and validation tools that you can immediately use to strengthen your relationship and lead your kids through difficult emotions—while empowering them to lead themselves.
 
 
 
 
 EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS 
 
 
[0:00] – Introduction
 
[1:47] – The "scary" reality kids face daily
 
[3:16] – Gratitude for the community + book update
 
[5:03] – Announcing the next live cohort: Overcoming Roommate Syndrome
 
[9:12] – What fear looks like in your child's world
 
[10:17] – Why asking for permission to talk matters
 
[12:14] – My son's moment of vulnerability on the football field
 
[14:00] – Helping kids name fear and remove shame
 
[15:15] – Shifting identity from failure to effort
 
[16:23] – Creating micro-wins to reinforce confidence
 
[17:41] – Reminding your kids they are already brave
 
[18:08] – Why praising effort beats praising results
 
[19:30] – Free resource: "Questions for the Car"
 
[21:54] – Final thoughts and wrap-up
 
 
 
 
 
 
 5 KEY TAKEAWAYS 
1. Validate Before You Advise
 
Asking your child for permission to talk, rather than jumping into correction or pep talks, shows respect and builds trust. Kids don't want quick fixes—they want to feel seen.
 
2. Name the Fear to Dismantle the Shame
 
Fear loses power when it's named out loud. Helping your child articulate what they're afraid of creates emotional distance from the fear and invites clarity.
 
3. Reinforce Identity Through Effort, Not Outcome
 
Focus on who your child is becoming through their effort—not whether they win or lose. This reinforces growth and helps them detach from external validation.
 
4. Small Wins Build Big Confidence
 
Kids don't need giant leaps to feel successful. Celebrating the little wins builds momentum and reinforces the belief that they can handle what life throws at them.
 
5. Your Voice Becomes Their Inner Voice
 
How you speak to your kids—especially when they're struggling—directly influences how they'll talk to themselves when you're not around. Lead with empathy, patience, and strength.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 LINKS & RESOURCES: • 

Car Ride Questions for Kids: thedadedge.com/kidquestions
 • 
 • 

Get the Book + Free Courses: https://thedadedge.com/legendarybook
 • 
 • 

Episode Show notes: thedadedge.com/1392
 • 
 
 
 
 
 
If this episode helped you better understand how to guide your child through fear and build real connection, please rate, follow, and share the show. Let's raise brave, grounded, emotionally intelligent kids—together.
 
 
 
Live legendary.

How to Guide Your Child Through Fear with Confidence & Safety

Erik Orton is an Emmy Award-winning writer and producer who has worked on iconic Broadway productions like Wicked and Les Miserables. After facing financial and emotional challenges, Erik and his family embarked on a transformative adventure, living aboard a sailboat in the Caribbean and chronicling their journey in the New York Times Top 10 Travel book, "Seven at Sea."
 
Today, Erik Orton shares his family's unconventional journey from living in a cramped Manhattan apartment to embarking on a year-long sailing adventure in the Caribbean. He discusses the transition from financial hardship to an enriching family experience at sea, highlighting the importance of involving children in significant roles to build their confidence and self-reliance. Erik also shares unique family practices like their creative bathroom-sharing rule and the cherished tradition of "Weekend Pictures."
 
The conversation also explores valuable insights on leadership, resilience, and family bonding under pressure, drawn from Erik's experiences managing emergencies at sea and navigating everyday life. His stories demonstrate the strength of family unity and the pursuit of dreams against all odds. The episode offers inspiration and practical tips for enhancing family dynamics, encouraging listeners to tackle life's challenges head-on and cherish moments with loved ones.
 
www.thedadedge.com/friday172
 
www.thedadedge.com/alliance
 
Sail with Erik | Seven at Sea Book | What Could Go Right Podcast
 
Coaching | Instagram | Facebook | Youtube

How Bankruptcy Led to Paradise ft. Erik Orton

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