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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

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 Explore the Dad Edge Business Boardroom: • https://thedadedge.com/businessboardroom
 Free 21-Day Email Series: 3 Marriage Skills at a Time: • 
https://thedadedge.com/extraordinary-marriage/ • 1st Phorm - 1stphorm.com/dadedge 
 
 
 
 
 
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 
 
 
 
 
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Get your copy of The Pursuit of Legendary Fatherhood + two free courses: https://thedadedge.com/legendarybook
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Join the Dad Edge Alliance (Elite Brotherhood): https://thedadedge.com/alliance
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Explore the Dad Edge Business Boardroom: https://thedadedge.com/businessboardroom
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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 
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25 Questions to Spark Connection With Your Partner: https://www.thedadedge.com/25questions
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The Dad Edge Alliance: https://www.thedadedge.com/alliance
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Tools for Fathers: https://www.thedadedge.com/tools
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Podcast Hub: https://www.thedadedge.com/podcast
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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
 
 
 
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Connect with Doug Bopst: https://www.dougbopst.com/free
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The Dad Edge Alliance: 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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Podcast Hub: https://www.thedadedge.com/podcast
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Tools & Resources: https://www.thedadedge.com/tools
 • 
 
 
 
 
 
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 – https://www.thedadedge.com/podcast
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Tools & Resources – https://www.thedadedge.com/tools
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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

Here are the fully formatted, SEO-optimized show notes for the Dad Edge Podcast episode featuring Ethan Hagner (Oct 1, 2025):
 
 
 
 
 
EPISODE SUMMARY
 
In this episode of the Dad Edge Podcast, I sit down with my son Ethan for another real and reflective conversation about what it means to grow up with intention, confidence, and emotional maturity. We dig into how young men can use challenges to build strength, how mindset shapes everything, and why confidence is earned, not given.
 
 
 
You’ll hear us explore how to handle life’s curveballs, overcome fear of judgment, and cultivate confidence through action. If you’re raising sons—or you are a young man on your own journey—this episode is packed with authentic insights and connection-driven takeaways.
 
 
 
 
 
TIMELINE SUMMARY
 
[0:00] - Opening the episode with Ethan: father-son connection and check-in
 
[2:16] - The power of presence and accountability in our weekly sit-downs
 
[4:02] - Ethan reflects on recent wins, challenges, and growth moments
 
[6:15] - Learning to navigate fear of judgment and criticism as a young man
 
[8:40] - Confidence doesn’t come from words—it comes from actions repeated over time
 
[10:22] - Why growth often hides behind discomfort and adversity
 
[12:31] - Ethan’s personal mindset shifts and what helped him break through
 
[14:45] - Choosing perspective in hard moments: victimhood vs. ownership
 
[17:00] - The power of awareness and reflection in building character
 
[19:12] - What fathers can do to encourage independence while staying supportive
 
[21:40] - The benefits of letting kids experience struggle, not avoid it
 
[24:11] - Ethan’s message to young men: why you’re more capable than you think
 
[26:03] - Final reflections on growth, confidence, and father-son alignment
 
 
 
 
 
5 KEY TAKEAWAYS
 
 
 
1. Confidence Is Built, Not Given
 
Confidence isn’t about praise or motivation—it’s built through repeated action, self-discipline, and the decision to show up even when it’s hard.
 
2. Discomfort Is the Gateway to Growth
 
Adversity isn’t the enemy—it’s the environment where mental toughness and character are developed. Teaching your kids to face it head-on is a gift.
 
3. Support Without Saving Builds Stronger Kids
 
The goal isn’t to rescue your kids from struggle but to walk beside them as they learn. That’s how we raise resilient, independent leaders.
 
4. Mindset and Perspective Are Everything
 
When young men choose ownership over victimhood, they shift from passive living to powerful leadership. It all starts with perspective.
 
5. Father-Son Check-Ins Matter More Than You Think
 
Intentional time together—like weekly conversations—can become the anchor for growth, emotional regulation, and lifelong connection.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
LINKS & RESOURCES
 
• thedadedge.com/legendarybook
 
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25 Questions to Spark Connection With Your Partner: https://www.thedadedge.com/25questions
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The Dad Edge Alliance (for high-performing fathers): https://www.thedadedge.com/alliance
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Podcast Website and Resources: https://www.thedadedge.com/podcast
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Tools and Downloads for Dads: https://www.thedadedge.com/tools
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If this episode helped you reflect on connection, confidence, or how to lead your kids more intentionally, please follow, rate, review, and share the podcast. Your support fuels our mission to help fathers lead legendary lives.

Teaching Sons to Lead Themselves Through Struggle, Mindset, and Discipline ft. Ethan Hagner

In this powerful episode of the Dad Edge Podcast, I sit down with fitness coach and father Brandon Mancine to talk about what it truly means to be consistent, resilient, and connected in fatherhood. Brandon shares how the lessons learned from sobriety, fitness, and fatherhood all intersect—and why your physical discipline directly impacts your emotional presence at home.
 
 
 
From building routines that work to leading by example and showing up in the hard moments, Brandon reminds us that no one gets it perfect—but if you’re consistent, you’ll make an impact. Whether you’re a dad in recovery, rebuilding trust, or just trying to show up better, this episode will challenge and encourage you.
 
 
 
 
 
TIMELINE SUMMARY
 
[0:00] - Welcome and introducing today’s guest: Brandon Mancine
 
[1:42] - Brandon’s story: growing up, addiction, and breaking the cycle
 
[4:15] - How sobriety and fatherhood gave his life new direction
 
[6:32] - The parallels between fitness discipline and emotional presence
 
[9:10] - Why consistency wins over intensity in both training and parenting
 
[12:27] - Learning to show up when you least feel like it
 
[15:14] - Rebuilding trust with your kids after failure or absence
 
[17:06] - The shift from proving yourself to leading with humility
 
[19:25] - What recovery has taught Brandon about self-awareness
 
[22:43] - The power of structure and routine in family life
 
[24:58] - Why dads need to model vulnerability, not perfection
 
[27:09] - Tools Brandon uses to stay grounded and connected
 
[29:40] - Brandon’s advice to dads who feel like they’re “too far gone”
 
[31:56] - Final reflections on faith, fitness, and leading from love
 
 
 
 
 
5 KEY TAKEAWAYS
 
 
 
1. Consistency Beats Intensity
 
Whether it’s in the gym or with your kids, showing up regularly matters more than doing it perfectly. Your presence is your power.
 
2. Recovery Requires Ownership
 
Brandon shares that the key to rebuilding trust is accepting where you’ve been, owning it, and showing up differently—without needing a pat on the back.
 
3. Fitness Is a Mirror for Fatherhood
 
Discipline, patience, and pushing through discomfort in training teach us how to lead with strength and humility at home.
 
4. You’re Never Too Far Gone
 
No matter how far you feel you’ve fallen as a father, you can always begin again—with consistency, honesty, and grace.
 
5. Vulnerability Builds Connection
 
Perfection isn’t the goal—presence is. Leading with vulnerability opens the door to trust, healing, and deeper relationships with your kids.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
LINKS & RESOURCES
 
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Brandon Mancine Coaching: https://bmfcoaching.com/
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Hair XT (Brandon’s hair restoration brand): https://hairxt.com/
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The Dad Edge Alliance: 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: https://www.thedadedge.com/podcast
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Sign up for Poststack Updates: https://www.thedadedge.com/poststack
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Tools & Resources for Dads: https://www.thedadedge.com/tools
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If this episode encouraged you to lead with greater intention, please follow, rate, review, and share the podcast. Every download helps another dad find the tools and mindset to live legendary.

Why Emotionally Present Dads Win at Parenting, Recovery, & Relationships ft. Brandon Mancine

In this solo episode of the Dad Edge Podcast, I dive into the valuable life lessons we as fathers can teach our kids through sports—lessons that go far beyond winning or losing. Whether it's about praising effort over outcomes, sharing personal stories of hard work, or simply playing together with no agenda, I explore how to build stronger bonds and greater resilience in our kids through these moments.
 
This episode is a call to reframe how we show up on the sidelines and in life. Sports can be more than competition—they can be a platform for presence, growth, and connection. If you want to raise grounded, hardworking kids who aren’t afraid of putting in the reps, this episode is for you.
 
TIMELINE SUMMARY
 [0:00] - Kicking off the episode with intention and a mission for fatherhood
 [1:02] - The busy fall season: sports, school, and parenting chaos
 [2:22] - Why we must praise effort—not just outcomes—with our kids
 [3:46] - Childhood memories and the impact of working hard without reward
 [5:02] - Growth mindset: effort over results builds long-term confidence
 [6:29] - Combating entitlement by teaching consistent hard work
 [7:27] - Celebrating preparation, not just game-day performance
 [8:07] - Sharing real stories of hard work from our own lives with our kids
 [9:18] - Why credibility with your kids is built through relatable stories
 [9:38] - The power of play: connecting with our kids through shared activity
 [10:21] - Taekwondo with my son and football with another—just having fun
 [11:12] - Why the end result matters less than the connection
 [11:49] - A practical call to action: ask your kids what they learned from sports this week
 [12:26] - Don’t let your kids off the hook—push for real answers
 [13:04] - Reflecting on the last quarter of the year and what’s ahead
 [13:39] - A warning for business owners: don’t build an empire and lose your family
 [14:19] - Links to join The Alliance or Business Boardroom
 [14:42] - Final recap and reminder to praise effort, share stories, and play together
 

 
5 KEY TAKEAWAYS
 
1. Praise Effort, Not Just Results
 When we focus on our kids’ preparation, persistence, and grit rather than wins or trophies, we help them develop a growth mindset that builds confidence and resilience.
 
2. Real-Life Stories Create Connection
 Sharing your own stories of hard work, sacrifice, and struggle makes your guidance more credible and relatable—and shows your kids you’ve been in their shoes.
 
3. Play Without a Purpose
 Connection often happens in the unstructured moments. Whether it's football or taekwondo, playing with your kids for the sake of fun builds trust and memories.
 
4. Ask Better Questions
 Instead of asking “How was practice?”, ask “What did you learn this week from sports?” Push them to reflect and communicate their growth and insights.
 
5. Lead Without Losing What Matters
 Whether you're a career man or building a business, don’t trade connection with your wife or kids for productivity. Build both—intentionally.
 

 
LINKS & RESOURCES
 
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Show notes for this episode: https://www.thedadedge.com/1380
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 thedadedge.com/mastermind • 

Join The Dad Edge Alliance (for career-driven men): https://www.thedadedge.com/alliance
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Join The Dad Edge Business Boardroom (for entrepreneurs): https://www.thedadedge.com/boardroom
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25 Questions to Spark Connection With Your Partner: https://www.thedadedge.com/25questions
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If this episode gave you a new way to think about parenting through sports and everyday moments, do me a favor—follow, rate, review, and share the podcast. Let’s keep equipping men to lead with intention and live legendary.

Using Sports to Strengthen Father-Child Bonds & Life Lessons

In this episode of the Dad Edge Podcast, my son Ethan and I open up about the kind of conversations that strengthen the bond between fathers and sons. We explore what it really means to show up with respect, emotional maturity, presence, and perspective—both as a parent and as a young man growing into adulthood.
 
 
 
From handling difficult emotions and making space for deeper connection to the importance of ownership and emotional regulation, this episode is filled with raw insights and real-life tools for leading your kids—especially your sons—toward a more grounded and respectful life. Whether you’re a dad trying to better understand your son or a young man looking to grow into his role, this one hits home.
 
 
 
 
 
TIMELINE SUMMARY
 
[0:00] - Welcome and today’s topic: respect, ownership, and emotional maturity
 
[1:14] - Why dads and sons need hard conversations for deeper connection
 
[2:33] - Teaching kids emotional control without shutting down their feelings
 
[3:58] - Ethan’s take on what “being present” looks like from a son’s perspective
 
[6:27] - Why kids don’t always need advice—they need you to listen
 
[8:22] - The impact of dads staying calm when kids are upset
 
[11:15] - A story about “being too close to the situation” and losing perspective
 
[13:47] - Ethan’s advice to young men about taking responsibility and thinking bigger
 
[15:01] - When life feels overwhelming: how to pause and regain emotional footing
 
[17:26] - Teaching sons that vulnerability and strength are not opposites
 
[19:44] - Lessons from past episodes and how guests influence Ethan’s perspective
 
[21:10] - Navigating performance pressure as a young man in today’s world
 
[23:42] - What Ethan is learning about balancing ambition and contentment
 
[26:03] - Managing stress and comparison in the digital age
 
[29:18] - The father-son dynamic around goals, growth, and personal responsibility
 
[31:51] - Ethan shares what helps him feel most connected to his dad
 
[34:22] - Why consistency beats intensity in relationships and leadership
 
[36:09] - The importance of checking in emotionally, not just logistically
 
[38:45] - Final reflections on fatherhood, growth, and relational leadership
 
[41:36] - Closing encouragement and reminder to lead with presence and love
 
 
 
 
 
5 KEY TAKEAWAYS
 
 
 
1. Respect Starts With Presence
 
Kids don’t feel respected when they’re interrupted or corrected mid-emotion. Simply being present—listening without jumping in—builds trust that lasts.
 
2. Emotional Regulation Is Learned, Not Inherited
 
Children learn emotional control from what we model. Calm fathers create calm environments where kids feel safe to feel.
 
3. You Can’t Solve What You Don’t See Clearly
 
Reacting emotionally without pausing for perspective often escalates the situation. Teaching our kids to “zoom out” is a lifelong skill.
 
4. Sons Need Ownership, Not Rescue
 
Letting our sons take responsibility—even when they mess up—builds confidence and teaches them to lead themselves.
 
5. Vulnerability Builds Strength
 
Helping boys understand that being vulnerable doesn’t make them weak—it makes them real—is key to raising emotionally intelligent men.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
LINKS & RESOURCES
 
 
 
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25 Questions to Spark Connection With Your Partner: https://www.thedadedge.com/25questions
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Micro factor: https://1stphorm.com/products/micro-factor/?a_aid=dadedge
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POST WORKOUT STACK: https://1stphorm.com/products/post-workout-stack/?a_aid=dadedge
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Larry's book: thedadedge.com/legendarybook 
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Dad Edge Podcast Website: https://www.thedadedge.com/podcast
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Join The Alliance: https://www.thedadedge.com/alliance
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Dad Edge Boardroom (for entrepreneurial fathers): https://www.thedadedge.com/boardroom
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Dad Edge Tools & Resources: https://www.thedadedge.com/tools
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If this episode helped you see father-son connection in a new light, please rate, review, follow, and share the podcast. Let’s raise a generation of men who lead with heart, discipline, and perspective.

The Father’s Role in Teaching Confidence, Discipline, and Emotional Strength ft. Ethan Hagner

In this episode of the Dad Edge Podcast, Larry Hagner is joined by Oscar “Oz” Aponte—a U.S. Army veteran, StrongFirst kettlebell instructor, and founder of Iron Core—to explore what real strength means as a man, a father, and a leader.
 
 
 
Oz brings a powerful blend of physical mastery and spiritual depth, helping men move from brute force to intentional presence. Together, they unpack how posture, breath, nervous system regulation, and movement patterns shape your long-term vitality—not just in the gym, but at the dinner table, in your marriage, and in your legacy.
 
 
 
More than a conversation about fitness, this is a deep dive into fatherhood, grief, and building your life with intention. Whether you’re a kettlebell junkie or just a dad looking to show up better, this episode will challenge you to redefine strength on every level.
 
 
 
TIMELINE SUMMARY
 
 
 
[0:00] - Welcome to the Dad Edge mission: changing generations
 
[1:00] - Os’ dad: love, legacy, and shaping a son through presence
 
[4:05] - The final moments Os had with his father before he passed
 
[6:42] - The cycle-breaking power of a father who never had one
 
[9:58] - Combining Eastern mindfulness with Western strength
 
[12:21] - Training for longevity vs. ego
 
[14:45] - Redefining masculinity as balance, not burnout
 
[19:23] - Nervous system health: “the threat bucket” metaphor
 
[25:36] - The seasons of fitness (and why to respect them)
 
[28:15] - How posture and gait silently break men down
 
[30:37] - Tissues adapt to dysfunction—unless you intervene
 
[33:33] - Why kettlebells work: simple tools, elite results
 
[38:55] - Busy dads: how to train with limited time and space
 
[40:37] - Core movements every man should master
 
[44:13] - The “Simple & Sinister” training approach
 
[47:13] - Kettlebell workshops, coaching, and learning more
 
 
 
5 KEY TAKEAWAYS
 
 
 
1. Strength Is Presence
 
Being strong isn’t just about lifting weight—it’s about how grounded, aware, and calm you are with your family.
 
 
 
2. Your Nervous System Is Running the Show
 
Stress, posture, sleep, and breath all impact your strength more than ego lifting ever could. Master your internal world first.
 
 
 
3. Movement Is Medicine
 
Poor gait and posture don’t just cause pain—they drain your energy and shorten your lifespan. Train smart, not just hard.
 
 
 
4. Simplicity Wins
 
You don’t need a fancy gym or complicated gear. One kettlebell and intentional reps can outperform a cluttered workout.
 
 
 
5. Legacy Is Built in the Small Moments
 
Oz’s story shows that being a strong father isn’t about perfection. It’s about showing up, being present, and choosing intentionality every day.
 
 
 
LINKS & RESOURCES
 
 
 
Os Aponte’s Website & Coaching:
 
https://ironcoreway.com
 
 
 
Book Mentioned:
 
Simple & Sinister by Pavel Tsatsouline
 
https://www.strongfirst.com/shop/ebooks/simple-sinister-ebook
 
 
 
StrongFirst Kettlebell Certifications + Programs:
 
https://www.strongfirst.com
 
 
 
Live Workshops in San Diego:
 
Check Oz’s site for current event listings
 
 
 
Dad Edge Podcast Hub:
 
https://thedadedge.com/podcast
 
 
 
Book Preorder: The Pursuit of Legendary Fatherhood
 
https://thedadedge.com/legendarybook

Healing From Trauma and Leading Your Family Through Grace and Grit ft. Os Aponte

Your extraordinary marriage starts here: www.thedadedge.com/25questions
 
Zach Watson is an Invisible Labor Coach who helps men understand and share the mental load of domestic responsibilities with their partners. Through his coaching practice, he guides couples in recognizing unseen household labor, improving communication, and creating more equitable partnerships. His expertise includes addressing emotional labor, cognitive load, and implementing the "Fair Play" framework to foster healthier relationship dynamics.
 
Today, Zach Watson shares his expertise as a mental load coach, explaining how his viral content (with over 120 million views) helps men understand the invisible labor their partners perform, breaking down this work into three key categories: domestic labor, mental load, and emotional labor. Through personal anecdotes, including his famous "blueberry muffins" example, he illustrates how seemingly small actions can significantly impact relationship dynamics.
 
The conversation explores practical strategies for creating more equitable partnerships, from reducing unnecessary questions to implementing regular "huddles" for discussing household responsibilities. Zach emphasizes that true partnership goes beyond simply sharing tasks – it's about developing empathy and understanding to create a more balanced and harmonious home life.
 
www.zachthinkshare.com
 
Instagram | Facebook | TikTok
 
www.thedadedge.com/friday186
 
www.thedadedge.com/alliance

The Hidden Work of Invisible Labor ft. Zach Watson

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