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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 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
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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

In this Dad Edge Podcast episode, I’m joined by my son Ethan for a powerful father-son conversation about money, mistakes, and mindsets. But this episode goes way beyond budgeting tips. It’s about the deeper fear, pressure, and responsibility men feel when it comes to providing and preparing the next generation.
 
 
 
We explore everything from cost of living fears to smart saving habits, early investing, and the emotional rollercoaster of becoming financially independent. Ethan shares candid reflections about what worries him most as a 19-year-old and the surprising movie that inspired his money mindset. This episode is filled with laughs, lessons, and the kind of intentional parenting that creates legacy.
 
 
 
 
 
EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS
 
[0:00] – Introduction
 
[1:02] – Why talking to our kids about money matters more than ever
 
[3:49] – Celebrating transformation: The First Form Dad of the Month
 
[15:21] – What scares Ethan most about adulting and financial independence
 
[19:36] – The 20% rule and why most people never start saving
 
[29:23] – Ethan’s frugal mindset shift (inspired by a Jim Carrey movie!)
 
[38:58] – Understanding assets vs. liabilities and why real estate matters
 
[46:34] – Passive income, investing in apartments, and building wealth young
 
[49:11] – The challenge to aggressively save while you have no bills
 
[55:12] – New resource: 25 questions to spark deeper conversations in the car
 
 
 
 
 
5 KEY TAKEAWAYS
 
 
 
1. Start Financial Conversations Early
 
Your kids are already forming money beliefs—talking about finances now sets them up with real tools and confidence.
 
2. Fear of Failing as a Provider Is Real
 
Ethan opens up about the weight of becoming a provider and why young men need reassurance and education, not shame.
 
3. Saving While You Have No Bills is a Superpower
 
We talk about how living at home can be a golden window to stack savings, invest early, and get a head start on life.
 
4. Assets Build Freedom—Liabilities Drain It
 
From real estate to investments, we break down the difference between money that works for you vs. money you spend for status.
 
5. Legacy is Intentional, Not Accidental
 
These conversations are how we pass down values, strategy, and strength. The way you talk about money sets your family’s future.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
LINKS & RESOURCES
 
 
 
 • 25 Questions to Spark Connection with Your Kids: https://www.thedadedge.com/kidquestions
 • Join the Dad Edge Alliance: https://www.thedadedge.com/alliance
 • First Form Products: 1stphorm.com/dadedge
 • Dad Edge Podcast Episodes: 
https://www.thedadedge.com/1391 
 
 

 
 
 
 
 
If this episode sparked new conversations at your dinner table—or made you rethink your financial game plan—please rate, review, follow, and share the podcast. Let’s raise strong, wise, and prepared men.

Real Money & Finance Lessons I Wish I Learned at 19 featuring Ethan Hagner

In this Dad Edge Podcast episode, I’m joined by Joel Staley, husband, father, and fasting expert—but the real story here isn’t about weight loss. It’s about the emotional and relational weight men carry and how mastering the physical body can help men show up more powerfully for their families.
 
 
 
We unpack Joel’s transformation from feeling “fluffy” and distracted to leading his wife and kids with presence and purpose. Joel doesn’t hold back when talking about how his physical condition was limiting his energy, sex drive, self-respect, and ultimately his connection at home. This isn’t a gimmicky fitness episode—it’s a raw look at what happens when a man decides he’s no longer okay with coasting.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS 
 
 
[0:00] – Joel’s wake-up call and early struggles with self-image
 
[4:18] – Feeling physically present but emotionally absent as a dad
 
[8:20] – Why getting shredded wasn’t the real goal
 
[12:03] – How fasting gave him structure, confidence, and clarity
 
[16:55] – Leading your family starts with leading yourself
 
[20:41] – Joel’s marriage breakthrough through vulnerability
 
[24:18] – Sex drive, shame, and physical transformation
 
[28:36] – Teaching his kids about delayed gratification and purpose
 
[33:02] – The real impact of watching your dad take care of himself
 
[37:14] – Daily disciplines that keep him grounded and focused
 
[40:57] – Joel’s final challenge for every dad listening
 
 
 
 
 
 
 5 KEY TAKEAWAYS 
 
 
1. When You Lead Yourself, You Lead Better at Home
 
Joel discovered that when he took full ownership of his physical health, it cascaded into better decisions, emotional presence, and connection with his family.
 
2. Your Body is a Spiritual and Emotional Instrument
 
Getting fit wasn’t just about looking good—it gave Joel the energy and confidence to show up for his wife and kids like never before.
 
3. Fasting Is a Discipline That Builds Mental Toughness
 
Joel explains how structured fasting helped him reclaim control and break unhealthy patterns that were sabotaging his time and attention at home.
 
4. Physical Change Can Spark Relational Breakthroughs
 
As Joel got healthier, his marriage improved—not because of appearance, but because of how he began showing up with integrity and consistency.
 
5. Your Kids Notice Everything
 
Joel shares how his daughters now see him as someone who takes care of himself and others—and how that’s creating a new generational standard.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 LINKS & RESOURCES 
 
 
 • 

25 Questions to Spark Connection with Your Partner: https://www.thedadedge.com/25questions
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Learn More About Joel’s Coaching & Programs: https://shedfatfast.com
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Follow Joel on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/joelstaleyfitness
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 Joel's GoFundMe: https://gofund.me/b8fcf7ca3 • 

Join the Dad Edge Alliance: https://www.thedadedge.com/alliance
 • 
 • 

Dad Edge Podcast Episodes: thedadedge.com/1390
 • 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
If this episode pushed you to confront your own health or leadership gaps, rate, review, follow, and share. Let’s live legendary, in every way that matters.

Reclaiming Fatherhood Energy by Leading Yourself First featuring Joel Staley

In this solo episode, I dive deep into one of the most vital life skills we can teach our kids—financial literacy. From Halloween costumes to quarterly financial reviews, I walk you through my real-life journey of raising four boys with a focus on money management, financial responsibility, and the value of earning over entitlement. This isn’t about theory—it’s about what I’ve tried, what’s worked, and the lessons I’ve learned the hard way.
 
 
 
Whether your kids are 5 or 19, this episode delivers actionable ideas and candid reflections to help you guide your children toward a financially empowered future. If you’ve ever wondered how to talk to your kids about saving, spending, budgeting, or even compound interest—this is the episode for you.
 
 
 
 Timeline Summary 
 
 
[0:00] - Introduction
 
[1:27] - Feeling unequipped as a dad when it comes to teaching kids about money
 
[2:22] - Shocking statistics about the state of money management in America
 
[4:04] - A peek into how I started teaching money to my younger kids
 
[6:10] - The Halloween costume system: chores for rewards
 
[8:48] - Teaching the value of delayed gratification through real choices
 
[10:07] - Why even young kids can handle more responsibility than we think
 
[12:01] - Using a simple allowance system to teach saving, giving, and spending
 
[12:47] - Bringing my teens to financial advisor meetings
 
[13:51] - The impact of exposing kids to real-world financial conversations
 
[14:36] - Teaching compound interest and the power of investing early
 
[15:18] - Setting up budgeting tools like EveryDollar for teens
 
[15:57] - My son’s dog-walking side hustle—entrepreneurship at 17
 
[17:02] - Why real-life problem solving is the best financial teacher
 
[18:33] - Encouraging kids to budget their own money and learn from mistakes
 
[19:46] - New free resource: “25 Questions for the Car” to spark connection
 
[21:03] - Final thoughts and heartfelt thanks to the community
 
 
 
 
 5 Key Takeaways 
 
 
1. Start Early with Financial Lessons
 
Even young kids can begin understanding the basics of money through age-appropriate systems like chores for rewards, visual goal tracking, and simple budgeting methods. It’s never too early to introduce financial literacy.
 
2. Teach Earning Over Entitlement
 
Using real-life goals—like Halloween costumes or name-brand shoes—can help kids grasp the concept of earning. When kids work for what they want, they value it more and learn essential decision-making skills.
 
3. Make It Real for Teens
 
Bringing your older kids into financial conversations, like advisor meetings or discussions about interest and investing, empowers them to make smart money decisions now and in the future.
 
4. Use Tools That Promote Independence
 
Programs like EveryDollar are great for helping teens budget and track their spending. This teaches them accountability and gives them a sense of control over their finances.
 
5. Connection Is the Catalyst for Teaching
 
Use intentional questions and shared activities to create moments of connection. When you’re interested in your kids’ lives, it opens the door to deeper, more impactful conversations—including those about money.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Links & Resources 
 
 
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Free Resource: 25 Questions for the Car — https://thedadedge.com/1389
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Budgeting Tool: EveryDollar — https://www.everydollar.com/
 • 
 thedadedge.com/kidquestions 
 
 
 
 
 
 
If this episode helped you shift your mindset about parenting and money, take a moment to rate, review, and share it with another dad who could benefit. Your support helps us reach more fathers who are ready to lead with intention.
 
 
 
Live Legendary.

Teaching Your Kids Financial Responsibility Without Overcomplicating It

In this episode, I’m joined by my good friend Coach Frank Rich for one of the most eye-opening and urgent conversations we’ve ever had on this show. We dig deep into the disturbing ways artificial intelligence is now intersecting with the porn industry—from deepfake technology to fully AI-generated adult content. It’s not just impacting adults anymore—this tech is trickling into high schools, being used to bully, humiliate, and emotionally destroy kids. This is a conversation every father, husband, and leader needs to hear.
 
 
 
Frank and I explore how AI porn is evolving faster than laws can keep up, how it’s rewiring minds, damaging marriages, and becoming a hidden epidemic in homes across the world. But it’s not all doom and gloom—we also share stories of transformation, tools to protect your family, and how to have honest, shame-free conversations with your kids about sex, technology, and identity. If you care about protecting your family in the digital age, this one is a must-listen.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Episode Highlights & Timeline: 
 
 
[0:00] – Introduction
 
[2:18] – AI’s alarming infiltration into the porn industry—from deepfakes to AI-generated performers
 
[4:01] – My raw reaction: learning about deepfake porn for the first time
 
[6:10] – Is AI porn found on mainstream sites like Pornhub? Frank breaks it down
 
[8:45] – Why the porn industry has always driven tech innovation
 
[9:36] – Men monetizing themselves with deepfakes—how that’s happening
 
[12:25] – High schoolers using AI to create and share fake nude images of classmates
 
[14:00] – Why I use Bark to monitor my kids’ devices—and how it’s changed our conversations
 
[17:00] – AI is evolving faster than the laws designed to regulate it
 
[22:28] – How I talk to my sons about sex, porn, and masturbation—with honesty and no shame
 
[30:20] – The sobering reality of porn-induced erectile dysfunction in young men
 
[33:00] – Modeling healthy marriage and intimacy for your kids
 
[41:24] – A redemption story: how David saved his marriage and reclaimed his life
 
[49:14] – The hidden cost of porn: time, presence, and connection
 
[51:18] – Watching a little boy get ignored by his phone-distracted dad—and the mirror it held up for me
 
[53:47] – Final thoughts: let’s stay alert, have the hard conversations, and lead with love
 
 
 
 
 
 
 5 Key Takeaways: 
 
 
 
 
1. AI-generated porn is dangerously realistic—and widely accessible.
 
What once sounded like sci-fi is now mainstream and emotionally devastating.
 
2. Teens are weaponizing deepfake technology.
 
Fake nudes created via AI are being used for bullying, revenge, and harassment in schools.
 
3. Don’t wait to talk to your kids.
 
The average age of first exposure to porn is 8–11. Have the talk early, openly, and without shame.
 
4. Porn addiction steals your presence—and your purpose.
 
Whether it’s five minutes or five hours, it erodes your integrity and disconnects you from what matters most.
 
5. Redemption is real.
 
Frank’s programs have helped countless men rebuild their lives, their faith, their marriages, and their connection to their kids.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Links & Resources: 
 
 
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David's story - https://youtu.be/dh-Enf6z-I8
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FRANKS COMMUNITY- https://www.therebuiltman.com/7dayreset
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BARK - thedadedge.com/bark
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Full show notes: TheDadEdge.com/1388
 • 
 
 
 
 
 
If this episode opened your eyes or helped you in any way, please take a moment to rate, follow, review, and share the podcast. Let’s continue these hard but necessary conversations—and raise a generation of men and women who lead with purpose, presence, and integrity.

Protecting Our Homes in the Age of AI-Driven Pornography featuring Frank Rich

What would you do if the scale flashed “error” because it couldn’t register your weight? For most men, that might feel like the end—but for Johnny Muresan, it was day one. In this deeply moving and brutally honest episode, I sit down with the man behind Johnny Goes Running to unpack his staggering 160+ pound weight loss journey, his emotional rock bottom, and how a single painful step forward sparked a complete life transformation.
 
 
 
Johnny shares the realities of chronic pain, food addiction, and near-marital collapse—but more importantly, he walks us through how he reclaimed his health, family, and purpose. From running marathons to rebuilding his marriage and launching a community of hope for other men, this conversation will challenge you to rethink what’s possible—no matter where you’re starting from.
 
 
 
 
 
Episode Timeline Highlights
 
[0:00] – Introduction
 
[1:01] – What would you do if the scale read “error”? Johnny’s weight reality check.
 
[3:17] – The painful first step and the mindset shift from victimhood to action.
 
[6:49] – Life at nearly 500 lbs: chronic knee pain, parenting while immobile, and losing hope.
 
[14:06] – The wake-up call: realizing his choices were writing his kids’ future.
 
[24:09] – How a 30-day water fast broke Johnny’s food addiction.
 
[27:42] – Losing 61 pounds in 30 days—and the humble first meal after.
 
[33:08] – How changing food habits restored his health and mindset.
 
[39:02] – His first full marathon—returning to Hawaii where he once hit rock bottom.
 
[45:00] – Rewiring his entire family dynamic by leading with example.
 
[50:11] – Running 82 miles across Tennessee for a cause—on just 11 days’ notice.
 
[51:32] – His upcoming book Run Your Life and what it means to take up space where you don’t feel you belong.
 
 
 
 
 
5 Key Takeaways
 
 
 
1. Rock Bottom is a Starting Line – Johnny didn’t wait until he was “ready” or “fit”—he started while in pain, overweight, and discouraged.
 
2. Living for Your Kids Means Showing Up – Johnny’s breakthrough came when he realized he’d die for his kids—but wasn’t willing to live for them.
 
3. Small Wins Compound – From diet soda swaps to walking just a few minutes, Johnny’s journey was built on gradual, sustainable steps.
 
4. Leading by Example Changes Everything – His transformation didn’t just affect him—it rewired his entire family’s emotional, physical, and relational health.
 
5. You Belong in Every Room You Enter – Whether it’s the start line of a marathon or a new chapter in life, you don’t need permission to take up space.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Links & Resources
 
 
 
 Follow Johnny on Instagram: @johnnygoesrunning Get your copy of The Pursuit of Legendary Fatherhood • + two free courses: https://thedadedge.com/legendarybook
 Join the Dad Edge Alliance (Elite Brotherhood): • 
https://thedadedge.com/alliance Free 21-Day Email Series: 3 Marriage Skills at a Time: • 
https://thedadedge.com/extraordinary-marriage/ • 1st Phorm - 1stphorm.com/dadedge 
 • Show notes: 
thedadedge.com/1387 
 
 
 
 
Inspired by Johnny’s journey? Share this episode with another dad who needs a boost. And if you loved it, be sure to follow, rate, and review the show. Your support helps us continue bringing real, raw, and life-changing stories to men around the world.

The 497 Pound Comeback Story That Started One Step At A Time featuring Johnny Muresan

If your days feel like a relentless sprint—from school drop-offs to late-night routines—you’re not alone. In this short and powerful solo episode, I open up about the challenges of maintaining intimacy, presence, and intention in marriage when life gets overwhelmingly busy. With fall sports, kid activities, and work responsibilities piling up, it’s all too easy to slip into “roommate mode” with your spouse.
 
 
 
But here’s the truth: Strong families start with strong marriages. I share three deeply practical ways to create micro-moments of connection, build intentional rituals, and avoid emotional drift. Whether it’s through a 30-minute walk, a forehead kiss, or a late-night two-minute check-in, this episode is your reminder that you’re not just co-parents—you’re still each other’s chosen partner.
 
 
 
 
 Episode Highlights 
 
 
[0:00] - Introduction
 
[1:05] - Why strong marriages are the foundation of strong families
 
[2:55] - The common trap of prioritizing everything but your marriage
 
[4:46] - The September-October “whiplash” that hits most parents hard
 
[5:43] - Celebrating the release of The Pursuit of Legendary Fatherhood
 
[8:19] - How an unbalanced focus on your kids can erode your marriage
 
[10:09] - The power of micro-moments: texts, sticky notes, forehead kisses
 
[12:31] - Creative date ideas (even when time is scarce)
 
[14:29] - Why sometimes the world has to suffer—but your marriage shouldn’t
 
[15:14] - End-of-day rituals that spark closeness even in exhaustion
 
[17:41] - The compound interest effect of tiny deposits in your marriage
 
[18:03] - You are more than a co-parent—you’re still her Casanova
 
[19:13] - A free 21-day email series to help you build an extraordinary marriage
 
[20:54] - Final rally cry: be uncommon, be legendary
 
 
 
 
 5 Key Takeaways 
 
 
1. Strong Marriages Build Strong Families
 
When your marriage is thriving, it naturally strengthens the emotional climate of your entire home. Don’t neglect the foundation.
 
2. Micro-Moments Matter More Than Grand Gestures
 
A quick kiss, a thoughtful note, or a midday “thinking of you” text can do more for connection than elaborate plans you never get to.
 
3. Busy Seasons Are Inevitable—Disconnection Isn’t
 
Just because life is chaotic doesn’t mean your relationship has to suffer. Intention and awareness are your defense against emotional drift.
 
4. You’re Still Her Lover, Not Just Her Co-Parent
 
The role of “dad” is important—but don’t forget you were her partner first. That romance needs nurturing, especially when time is tight.
 
5. Investing in Your Marriage Pays Long-Term Dividends
 
Like compound interest, the small daily investments you make in your marriage build a future of closeness, trust, and enduring partnership.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Links & Resources 
 
 
 
 
 • 

Get your copy of The Pursuit of Legendary Fatherhood + two free courses: https://thedadedge.com/legendarybook
 • 
 • 

Join the Dad Edge Alliance (Elite Brotherhood): https://thedadedge.com/alliance
 • 
 • 

Free 21-Day Email Series: 3 Marriage Skills at a Time: https://thedadedge.com/extraordinary-marriage/
 • 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
If this episode helped reignite your drive to be more intentional in your marriage, please rate, follow, and review the show. Share it with a fellow dad who might be feeling the weight of the season—we’re in this together.
 
 
 
Let’s go out and live legendary.

Creating Intentional Moments to Strengthen Your Marriage In the Busy Season

In this candid father-son episode of the Dad Edge Podcast, I sit down once again with my son Ethan for a real-time look at what growth, struggle, and emotional awareness look like in the life of a young man. We dive into why ownership is key when navigating life’s challenges, how to catch yourself when falling into patterns of blame, and what it takes to shift your state when your mindset is working against you.
 
 
 
This is one of those conversations where nothing is sugarcoated. Ethan opens up about areas where he’s felt “off,” what he’s learned from coaching conversations, and how choosing personal responsibility over defensiveness continues to shape his confidence and leadership.
 
 
 
 
 
TIMELINE SUMMARY
 
[0:00] - Welcoming Ethan back for another check-in
 
[1:47] - Recognizing emotional off days and calling them out honestly
 
[3:20] - How state, story, and strategy shape our reality
 
[5:01] - Catching the victim mindset and flipping the script
 
[7:14] - Owning mistakes vs. falling into blame or excuses
 
[9:28] - Ethan on noticing his tone and making intentional corrections
 
[11:03] - Coaching tools that help interrupt negative spirals
 
[13:24] - The power of “what’s within your control” thinking
 
[15:46] - Why your energy impacts others and how to shift it
 
[18:12] - Seeing every hard moment as feedback, not failure
 
[20:05] - Final thoughts on presence, responsibility, and consistent growth
 
 
 
 
 
5 KEY TAKEAWAYS
 
 
 
1. Awareness Is the First Step Toward Change
 
Before you can shift your behavior or attitude, you’ve got to recognize when something’s off. Awareness creates the gap between reaction and choice.
 
2. Victimhood Kills Ownership and Confidence
 
It’s easy to blame circumstances or others when things go wrong—but choosing responsibility is what builds maturity and trust in yourself.
 
3. Your State Impacts Your Story
 
How you feel physically and emotionally influences the narrative you create in your mind. Shifting your state can instantly shift your mindset.
 
4. Tone Matters in Leadership
 
Even when your intentions are good, your tone can undermine the message. Ethan shares how he’s learning to adjust and communicate more effectively.
 
5. Every Struggle Is an Opportunity to Grow
 
Whether it’s a rough day, a mistake, or a mindset spiral—each one holds the potential for learning, growth, and leadership if you lean into it.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
LINKS & RESOURCES
 
 
 
 • thedadedge.com/legendarybook 
 • 

25 Questions to Spark Connection With Your Partner: https://www.thedadedge.com/25questions
 • 
 • 

The Dad Edge Alliance: https://www.thedadedge.com/alliance
 • 
 • 

Podcast Show notes: thedadedge.com/1385
 • 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
If this episode helped you think differently about growth, mindset, or your role as a father, please rate, follow, review, and share the podcast. These moments of connection and reflection can change everything.

Teaching Sons That Every Struggle Is an Opportunity to Grow ft. Ethan Hagner

In this episode of the Dad Edge Podcast, I sit down with Doug Bopst—former felon, now personal trainer, author, and transformational speaker—to unpack how adversity, addiction, and rock-bottom moments can become the fuel for growth, purpose, and fatherhood. Doug opens up about his journey from incarceration and drug addiction to becoming a man of impact and integrity.
 
 
 
We explore how pain can become power when ownership is embraced, how faith and fitness became Doug’s lifeline, and why men must choose responsibility over blame to rewrite their story. This episode is a raw and redemptive look at what happens when a man stops running and starts leading—with heart, humility, and grit.
 
 
 
 
 
TIMELINE SUMMARY
 
[0:00] - Welcome and Doug’s powerful backstory: from pills to prison
 
[3:48] - The moment everything changed: awakening behind bars
 
[6:22] - Fitness as a path to discipline, clarity, and redemption
 
[9:10] - Rebuilding trust with family through consistent action
 
[11:36] - The identity shift from addict to athlete to leader
 
[14:44] - Why your past doesn’t disqualify you from fatherhood or purpose
 
[17:32] - How Doug uses his pain to mentor young men and fathers
 
[20:01] - The role of faith in healing and daily direction
 
[23:10] - Accountability and structure as freedom—not limitation
 
[25:38] - Why your mess can become your message
 
[28:19] - The impact of small daily wins over massive overhauls
 
[30:56] - Final reflections on masculinity, resilience, and second chances
 
 
 
 
 
5 KEY TAKEAWAYS
 
 
 
1. Your Past Doesn’t Define You—Your Choices Do
 
Doug proves that where you come from doesn’t have to determine where you’re going. Redemption starts when you take full ownership.
 
2. Fitness Can Be a Spiritual Practice
 
Exercise became Doug’s anchor. It wasn’t just about the body—it became a tool for mental clarity, emotional regulation, and self-worth.
 
3. Consistency Rebuilds Trust
 
Doug didn’t win back respect overnight. It was through showing up daily—at home, at work, in faith—that others started believing in him again.
 
4. Your Story Can Heal Others
 
When you share your scars instead of hiding them, you give others permission to grow. Doug’s journey now empowers men to rise from their lowest points.
 
5. Discipline Is the Gateway to Freedom
 
True freedom doesn’t come from avoiding pain. It comes from building structure, owning your role, and becoming someone your family can count on.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
LINKS & RESOURCES
 
 
 
 • 

Connect with Doug Bopst: https://www.dougbopst.com/free
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 • 

The Dad Edge Alliance: https://www.thedadedge.com/alliance
 • 
 • 

25 Questions to Spark Connection With Your Partner: https://www.thedadedge.com/25questions
 • 
 • 

Podcast Show notes: thedadedge.com/1384
 • 
 
 
 
 
 
If this episode inspired you to own your past and step into your potential, follow, rate, review, and share the podcast. Your comeback story starts now.

Using Your Rock Bottom Story & Struggles to Heal Others & Grow as a Father ft. Doug Bopst

In this episode of the Dad Edge Podcast, I sit down with Michael Rothman—entrepreneur, father, and co-founder of Fatherly—to talk about what it really means to show up for your family with intention and presence in a rapidly evolving world.
 
 
 
Before he ever became a dad, Michael was shaping the conversation around modern fatherhood. Now, with a toddler at home and a lifetime of service under his belt, he reflects on how being a present father isn’t about perfection—but about presence, community, and character. We dive into powerful insights on building secure attachment with your kids, the risks of oversharing online, how marriage impacts your children more than you think, and what dads can do to lead with both strength and vulnerability.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 TIMELINE SUMMARY 
 
 
[0:00] – Introduction
 
[1:25] – Why “wife care” is often harder than baby care
 
[4:22] – The origin of Fatherly and Mike’s shift from single men’s media to parenting
 
[7:20] – How Mike’s dad inspired a life of service
 
[10:44] – The awkward “birds and bees” talk and learning from what wasn’t said
 
[15:10] – Mentoring kids without fathers and the deep need for stable male figures
 
[19:15] – Why kids seek connection in gangs, screens, or wherever they’re accepted
 
[20:30] – What it means to build a secure emotional foundation for your kids
 
[23:47] – Attachment theory and the critical role of ages 0–3
 
[26:41] – Presence vs. proximity: how dads can show up without distraction
 
[31:00] – How kids absorb emotional tension in marriage
 
[34:01] – Should you stay in a marriage just for the kids?
 
[36:09] – The hidden dangers of exposing your kids’ lives online
 
[38:34] – The AI risk: voice spoofing, facial recognition, and digital breadcrumbs
 
[41:21] – What Tinybeans does differently for family privacy
 
[45:00] – The mission behind Fatherly, Tinybeans, and The Dispatch
 
[46:55] – Encouraging respectful debate and deeper understanding through The Dispatch
 
 
 
 
 5 KEY TAKEAWAYS 
 
 
1. Presence Is More Than Just Showing Up
 
Kids feel when we’re distracted. Being physically there isn’t enough—our full attention is the greatest gift we can give.
 
 
 
2. Secure Attachment Starts Early
 
The first three years are foundational. Love, encouragement, and consistency build the confidence kids need to thrive later in life.
 
 
 
3. Your Marriage Sets the Emotional Tone of the Home
 
Children sense tension. Investing in your relationship with your partner creates the safety your kids deeply crave.
 
 
 
4. Be Cautious With Digital Sharing
 
The internet remembers everything. What you post about your kids could be used in ways you can’t predict. Protect their digital footprint.
 
 
 
5. Leadership Starts With Community
 
Dads can’t do it alone. Leading your family includes building community around you—because your kids benefit from seeing other strong, grounded men too.
 
 
 
 
 LINKS & RESOURCES • 

The Dad Edge Alliance (Join Us) – https://www.thedadedge.com/alliance
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25 Questions to Spark Connection With Your Partner – https://www.thedadedge.com/25questions
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Dad Edge Podcast Website – thedadedge.com/1383
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If this episode gave you insight or encouragement, rate, review, and share it with another dad who needs to hear it. Don’t forget to follow the podcast so you never miss the wisdom and real talk we bring every week. Let’s keep leading our families with presence, power, and purpose.

What it Means to be Present As A Father in Your Children's Lives ft. Michael Rothman

We had high performance coach and TEDx speaker Devon Brandison on the show way back in the beginning of GDP. Almost 100 episodes later, Devon is back to explain how fatherhood is leadership on so many levels – in our homes and in our communities. He also talks about how to live life to the fullest without burning out and how to control our thoughts so we can control the emotions that are holding us back. This interview is full of heavy-hitting wisdom. Make sure you take notes. For the show notes and exclusive links in this episode CLICK HERE.

How Fatherhood is Leadership with TEDx Speaker Devon Bandison

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