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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 special solo episode of the Dad Edge Podcast, I take a moment to reflect on the power of gratitude, especially as we approach Thanksgiving. What started out as a funny story about a failed attempt to record with my nine-year-old quickly turned into a heartfelt message for the men who make this podcast possible. I open up about the lessons I've learned over the past 10 years of podcasting, leading the Dad Edge movement, and the importance of appreciating life's simplest blessings—even when the world feels chaotic.
 
 
 
Whether you're navigating challenging family dynamics over the holidays or simply want to deepen your connection with those you love, this episode is packed with encouragement and reminders about what truly matters.
 
 
 
 
 EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS 
 
 
[0:00] – Introduction
 
[1:22] – Why this solo episode almost didn't happen
 
[2:38] – Reflections on Thanksgiving and what it represents
 
[3:55] – How simple gratitude (like working fingers and toes) shifts perspective
 
[4:56] – The Hagner family Thanksgiving tradition of spoken gratitude
 
[5:35] – The importance of setting healthy boundaries around alcohol
 
[6:17] – A hilarious and humbling personal story from a past holiday
 
[7:37] – Deep gratitude to the Dad Edge community and listeners
 
[9:51] – Shout-out to men in the Alliance, Boardroom, and 1-on-1 coaching
 
[11:39] – Celebrating Wade Hendry as First Form Dad Edge Dad of the Month
 
[14:29] – How First Form's company culture mirrors our values
 
[15:20] – Where to find full show notes and resources for this episode
 
 
 
 
 5 KEY TAKEAWAYS 
 
 
 Gratitude Doesn't Require Perfection: 1. Even in chaotic or stressful family situations, choosing to focus on small, simple blessings—like health or a working car—can reframe your entire experience.
 Holiday Traditions Can Be Powerful Tools: 2. Larry's family tradition of expressing specific gratitude around the Thanksgiving table serves as a model for meaningful connection, not just with family but with intention.
 Guard Your Energy and Presence: 3. The episode includes a candid and humorous warning about overindulging in alcohol during the holidays—a reminder that one night can become a story you regret for decades.
 Celebrate Your Journey, Even If It's Imperfect: 4. Larry shares how the 
Dad Edge Podcast 5. began as a passion project and evolved into a global movement—proof that you don't have to have it all figured out to make an impact.
 The Community Is What Makes This Possible: 6. From listeners to Alliance members to coaching clients, this episode is a heartfelt "thank you" to the men doing life together, growing, contributing, and showing up with courage.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 LINKS & RESOURCES 
 
 
 • 

Full episode details: https://thedadedge.com/1406
 • 
 • 

Download "25 Questions to Help You Connect with Your Kids": https://thedadedge.com/25questions
 • 
 • 

Shop First Form and support the podcast: https://1stphorm.com/dadedge
 • 
 • Podcast Shownotes: thedadedge.com/1406
 
 
 
 
 
If this episode resonated with you, please rate, review, and share it with another father. Let's keep building this community of intentional men who lead and love well.
 
 
 
Live legendary.

Gratitude That Grounds You During the Holidays

In this episode of the Dad Edge Podcast, I sit down with Bryan Driscoll, a successful digital marketer and real estate investor who's also a devoted husband and father. Bryan opens up about his journey balancing business and family, the intentional decisions he's made to protect his time, and how he structures his life around his values—faith, presence, and legacy.
 
 
 
From tech startup burnout to creating a lifestyle that prioritizes family dinners and morning routines, Bryan shares the strategies and mindset shifts that helped him go from reactive to intentional. If you're a dad wrestling with how to succeed in business without sacrificing your family, this episode is a blueprint for building both.
 
 
 
 
 EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS 
 
 
[0:00] – Introduction
 
[2:04] – Bryan's background and unexpected pivot into entrepreneurship
 
[4:28] – How a college hack turned into a full-time digital marketing agency
 
[6:53] – Navigating growth while staying aligned with his faith
 
[9:46] – Building in boundaries to be fully present for his family
 
[12:12] – The moment Bryan decided to stop working nights and weekends
 
[14:25] – Why success means nothing if your kids don't know you
 
[17:00] – How he structures his day to serve his business and family
 
[20:42] – Creating a routine that includes daily prayer and gratitude
 
[24:31] – Why his calendar now includes "unmovable" family time
 
[27:18] – Final reflections: letting your family see your heart, not just your hustle
 
 
 
 
 
 
 5 KEY TAKEAWAYS 
 
 
 
 
 Faith and Family Define Success: 1. Bryan isn't just building wealth—he's building a legacy rooted in faith, integrity, and presence.
 You Control the Calendar: 2. Intentional time blocking, morning routines, and family dinners aren't "nice to haves"—they're non-negotiables for lasting connection.
 Boundaries Are Leadership: 3. Saying no to work after 5 PM was Bryan's way of saying yes to what matters most.
 Kids Need Your Heart, Not Your Hustle: 4. Bryan reflects on how being physically present isn't enough—emotional presence is the real gift.
 Build a Business That Serves Your Life: 5. By designing his business around his family values, Bryan proves you don't have to choose between impact and intimacy.
 
 
 
 
 LINKS & RESOURCES • Connect with Bryan Driscoll and explore real estate investing tips: 
https://motivatedleads.com • Download the 
Questions for the Car • PDF: 
https://thedadedge.com/25questions • 1st Phorm: 
www.1stphorm.com/dadedge • Podcast Shownotes: thedadedge.com/1405
 
 
 
 
 
If you enjoyed today's episode, don't forget to rate, review, and share the podcast. Let this conversation be the spark that helps you lead your family with intention.
 
 
 
Live legendary.

Building a Business That Serves Your Life with Intentional Boundaries featuring Bryan Driscoll

In this episode of the Dad Edge Podcast, I sit down with Adam Schafer, co-host of the popular Mind Pump Podcast, for a vulnerable, authentic, and deeply reflective conversation on fatherhood, healing generational trauma, and building connection through presence—not performance. Adam opens up about his own childhood trauma, how it shaped his identity, and the intentional work he's done to break the cycle and show up differently for his son.
 
 
 
We dive into the power of emotional safety, why performance-based love doesn't work, and the simple but powerful practice of being fully present. Whether you're a father looking to lead with more empathy or a man learning to love from a healed place, this conversation will resonate deeply.
 
 
 
 
 EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS 
 
 
[0:00] – Introduction
 
[2:07] – Adam reflects on his father's absence and the pain of unfulfilled promises
 
[5:45] – How unresolved trauma shaped his early identity and choices
 
[8:10] – The pivotal moment he realized his success was masking deeper wounds
 
[11:28] – Why he decided to show up differently for his son
 
[14:42] – The importance of building emotional safety, not just structure
 
[17:36] – Why "being there" is different from being present
 
[20:03] – Teaching through modeling instead of controlling
 
[22:14] – Using breathwork, journaling, and awareness to stay grounded
 
[25:11] – Why your kids don't need perfection—they need you
 
[28:55] – Adam's approach to leading with grace and empathy at home
 
[31:30] – Navigating self-doubt and letting go of old patterns
 
[35:07] – Final reflections: leading with love, not ego
 
 
 
 
 
 
 5 KEY TAKEAWAYS 
 
 
 Unresolved Trauma Shows Up in Fatherhood: 1. Adam shares how his unprocessed childhood pain impacted how he first approached success, relationships, and parenting—until he consciously chose to heal and grow.
 Presence Is More Than Proximity: 2. Simply being around isn't enough. Kids need engaged, emotionally available fathers who are attuned to their needs.
 Breaking Generational Patterns Starts With Awareness: 3. Adam emphasizes that healing begins when we're honest about what shaped us—and we choose to respond differently moving forward.
 Your Kids Need Safe, Not Perfect: 4. It's not about being the perfect dad. It's about being the one your kids feel emotionally safe with—where they can be seen, heard, and loved unconditionally.
 You Can't Teach What You Don't Practice: 5. Breathwork, journaling, emotional regulation—Adam models these daily so he can parent from a grounded and connected place.
 
 
 LINKS & RESOURCES 
 
 
 • Connect with Adam Schafer and Mind Pump Media: 
https://mindpumppodcast.com • thedadedge.com/soulmates
 • Download the 
Questions for the Car • resource: 
https://thedadedge.com/25questions • Explore more episodes and resources: 
https://thedadedge.com/podcast thedadedge.com/soulmates 
 
 
 
 
If this episode helped you reflect, reframe, or reconnect, don't forget to rate, review, and share the podcast. One conversation can change everything.
 
 
 
Live legendary.

Breaking Generational Trauma to Become a Present Father featuring Adam Schafer

In this heartwarming and hilarious episode, I sit down with my 9-year-old son Colton for a spontaneous and deeply connective conversation. Using our brand-new Questions for the Car resource, we explore everything from nightmares and Dog Man books to space rides and secret lemonade recipes. It's a candid glimpse into father-son bonding, full of laughter, surprises, and those unscripted moments that truly matter.
 
 
 
Whether you're a dad looking for creative ways to connect with your kids or just need a smile today, this episode is a reminder of the magic that happens when we slow down, ask meaningful questions, and just listen. Colton brings the energy and honesty only a 9-year-old can, and the stories he shares will absolutely make your day.
 
 
 
 
 
Episode Highlights
 
[0:00] - Introduction
 
[1:10] - Introducing Colton and the new "Questions for the Car" resource
 
[3:35] - The big move from Facebook to our private Dad Edge Alliance platform
 
[5:00] - Colton shares his outfit of the day and his excitement for Black Friday merch
 
[6:00] - Colton's wild dream involving spooky gray eyes and… Mr. Doo Doo?
 
[8:45] - Talking books: Colton breaks down his latest Dog Man read (spoiler alert!)
 
[11:00] - Reflecting on romance, weddings, and seeing parents show love
 
[13:10] - Favorite family memory: Disney World and the magic of Space Mountain
 
[15:45] - If he had a magic wand… Colton's Paris dreams and golden chocolate
 
[17:03] - What makes a good friend, and Colton's trampoline generosity
 
[18:00] - Why asking fun questions builds better conversations and memories
 
[20:00] - The best lemonade in the world (and the secret ingredient Colton won't tell!)
 
 
 
 
 
5 Key Takeaways
 
 
 
 Ask Better Questions 1. – Engaging your kids with meaningful questions opens the door to unforgettable conversations.
 Connection Over Perfection 2. – Conversations with younger kids might "squirrel," but the real gift is in the connection.
 Create Fun Family Rituals 3. – Resources like 
Questions for the Car 4. can turn everyday drives into bonding moments.
 Celebrate the Small Things 5. – From dreams to books to lemonade, everything is an opportunity to connect.
 Lead by Example 6. – Showing love, presence, and intention as a father shapes your child's inner world.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Links & Resources
 
 
 
 • 

Questions for the Car: thedadedge.com/kidquestions
 • 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Closing Thoughts
 
 
 
Even the shortest chats with our kids can leave lasting impressions. Whether you're talking about books, dreams, or lemonade recipes, remember—it's not about the topic, it's about the connection. If this episode inspired you, made you laugh, or gave you new ideas to connect with your kids, please rate and review the show, and don't forget to share it with another dad who might need it.
 
 
 
Stay legendary.

Why Fun Conversations Build Deeper Father-Son Bonds featuring Colton Hagner

In this episode of the Dad Edge Podcast, I sit down with Candice Horbacz, a former adult film star turned mindfulness advocate, podcaster, and homeschooling mother. Candice brings a rare blend of candor, introspection, and wisdom to this deeply personal conversation. We explore how she navigated radical life transitions, healed from childhood trauma, and created a home rooted in authenticity, curiosity, and emotional safety.
 
 
 
Candice opens up about her own upbringing, the dysfunction that shaped her early worldview, and how she found her way to a new version of identity after walking away from the adult industry. This episode is about reclaiming power—through parenting, partnership, and personal evolution.
 
 
 
 
 EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS 
 
 
[0:00] – Introduction
 
[1:36] – How Candice's childhood shaped her early sense of self
 
[4:18] – Growing up in a home where emotions weren't safe
 
[7:03] – Her path into the adult film industry and what it masked
 
[9:55] – Why the lack of secure relationships drew her toward unhealthy dynamics
 
[12:30] – How she began to explore healing, trauma work, and self-awareness
 
[14:49] – The role of her partner in helping her see her worth
 
[17:01] – What led her to leave the adult industry behind
 
[18:57] – Shifting identity and rebuilding trust within herself
 
[21:04] – Navigating marriage with vulnerability and truth
 
[23:15] – Creating emotional safety for her son as a homeschooling mom
 
[26:40] – Why curiosity is her #1 parenting tool
 
[29:21] – Helping kids navigate their own triggers without shame
 
[32:09] – Final reflections on how to lead with authenticity at home
 
 
 
 
 5 KEY TAKEAWAYS Early Dysfunction Often Masks Itself in Achievement or Escape: 1. Candice shares how a childhood without emotional safety pushed her to find validation in unhealthy spaces, including adult entertainment.
 Self-Awareness Begins with Naming the Pain: 2. Her healing journey started by recognizing how trauma shaped her reactions, her self-worth, and her definition of love.
 You Can Reinvent Your Identity Without Shame: 3. Leaving the adult film industry was a reclamation of agency, and her story proves it's never too late to rewrite your narrative.
 Parenting with Curiosity Builds Emotional Safety: 4. Rather than reacting with control, Candice leans into curiosity when her son struggles—inviting connection instead of conflict.
 Partnerships Flourish in Vulnerability, Not Performance: 5. With her husband, Candice found safety to explore who she truly was—laying the foundation for a conscious, present, and authentic marriage.
 
 
 LINKS & RESOURCES • Learn more about Candice and her work: 
https://www.chattingwithcandice.com • Candice's Website: candicehorbacz.com 
 • Discover our free 
Questions for the Car • download: 
https://thedadedge.com/25questions • The Dad Edge & Bark: 
http://thedadedge.com/bark • Show Notes for this episode: thedadedge.com/1402
 
 
 
 
 
If this episode gave you a new perspective on parenting, healing, or connection, share it with someone who needs to hear it—and don't forget to rate and review the podcast.
 
 
 
Live legendary.

Rewriting Your Story After Trauma and Identity Loss featuring Candice Horbacz

Ever found yourself trying to fix a problem with your spouse or kids—only to make it worse? Yeah, me too. In today's episode, I sat down with Josh Davis, a neuroscientist, author, and master of Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP), to explore how the way we communicate—our words, tone, body language, and mindset—can shape the emotional responses of those we love most.
 
 
 
Josh didn't just explain NLP; he showed it in action—by putting me in the hot seat. We talked real-life scenarios that dads like us face daily, from explosive moments with kids to feeling emotionally disconnected from our spouses. Josh walked me through powerful, science-backed communication tools that shifted my perspective in real time. Trust me, this episode isn't just about theory—it's a game changer that could transform how you show up in your marriage, fatherhood, and even your inner dialogue.
 
 
 
 
 
Timeline Summary
 
[0:00] - Introduction
 
[1:19] - Common communication missteps with our wives and kids
 
[2:07] - What is NLP and why every dad should care
 
[6:56] - Josh's background and why NLP is his passion
 
[12:06] - Comparing NLP to cognitive behavioral therapy
 
[14:10] - Real-world examples of how NLP creates breakthroughs
 
[23:25] - Josh's personal story about improving his marriage through NLP
 
[33:21] - A deep-dive NLP coaching session with me as the guinea pig
 
[40:00] - Identifying limiting beliefs and how they shape our behavior
 
[42:00] - The surprising power of body language in father-child connection
 
[45:04] - How to build rapport with your kids through posture and tone
 
[54:12] - Reframing limiting beliefs our kids express
 
[57:00] - Simple language tweaks to open emotional doors
 
[1:01:20] - A tactical breakdown of how to validate emotions without enabling
 
 
 
 
 
Key Takeaways
 
 
 
 Stop Fixing, Start Connecting 1. – Your instinct to solve may actually be creating distance; connection begins with emotional validation.
 NLP Isn't Magic—It's Strategy 2. – Small shifts in language, posture, and tone can create big breakthroughs in how others respond to you.
 Meet People Where They Are 3. – Emotional safety starts with joining your child or partner in their current state before trying to lead them somewhere else.
 Your Body Talks Too 4. – Mirroring posture and energy isn't manipulation—it's subconscious empathy that builds trust.
 Change Begins with You 5. – Whether it's marriage, parenting, or personal beliefs, the transformation starts by examining your internal dialogue and behavior.
 
 
 
Links & Resources
 
 
 
 • Josh Davis' Book: https://www.amazon.com/Difference-that-Makes-Science-Positive/dp/1250349087
 thedadedge.com/soulmates joshdavisphd.com/dads • Podcast Show Notes: thedadedge.com/1401
 
 
 
 
 
If this episode sparked some ah-ha moments, hit that follow button, leave a review, and share it with a fellow dad who's ready to level up his communication and connection at home.

How to Be Heard, Seen & Understood at Home featuring Josh Davis

Today marks the 1400th episode of the Dad Edge Podcast, and I couldn't be more excited to celebrate it with one of the most important people in my life—my 9-year-old son, Colton. In this fun, heartfelt, and candid father-son conversation, we dive into some of the powerful questions from my free resource, Questions for the Car, to model what intentional connection looks like between a dad and his kid.
 
 
 
Colton opens up about everything from his love of dodgeball and tacos to what makes him feel proud, loved, and connected to our family. We laugh, share stories, and flip the script as Colton even asks me a question or two. This episode is a reminder that our kids are always listening—and when we ask the right questions, they start to open up in ways that shape our relationship forever.
 
 
 
 
 EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS 
 
 
[0:00] – Introduction
 
[1:01] – Why this episode is so personal and meaningful
 
[2:45] – Introducing the Questions for the Car PDF
 
[4:05] – Colton jumps on the mic for the first time!
 
[5:26] – What 4th grade is like from a kid's perspective
 
[6:47] – Dodgeball, gym class, and why Colton loves competition
 
[9:53] – The game-winning catch that boosted his confidence
 
[10:47] – Colton's proudest sports moment and how it made him feel
 
[11:21] – What makes hiking with Dad so special
 
[12:44] – Colton defines love in his own words
 
[14:17] – Why spending time as a family matters to kids
 
[15:37] – His favorite family meals (hint: tacos and wings!)
 
[16:22] – The superpowers he'd love to have
 
[18:51] – Colton flips the script and interviews me
 
[19:56] – Favorite books, stories, and why we love reading together
 
[21:23] – How to grab the Questions for the Car PDF to connect with your own kids
 
 
 
 
 5 KEY TAKEAWAYS 
 
 
 Kids Just Want Time with You: 1. Colton said it best—kids feel love when parents spend time with them. It's not about big moments, but consistent presence.
 Ask Better Questions, Get Better Connection: 2. Our 
Questions for the Car 3. tool helps dads go beyond "How was your day?" and into deeper, more meaningful conversations.
 Celebrate the Small Wins: 4. Confidence grows from moments like a dodgeball victory or a hike with Dad—highlight them and talk about them.
 Let Them See You as Human: 5. When Colton asked 
me 6. a question, it reminded me how valuable it is to let our kids learn about us, too.
 Legacy Is Built One Conversation at a Time: 7. Every car ride, bedtime chat, or dinner table question is a chance to connect, shape, and influence our kids for life.
 
 
 
 
 LINKS & RESOURCES • 

Questions for the Car (Free PDF): http://thedadedge.com/kidquestions
 • 
 • Podcast Shownotes: thedadedge.com/1400
 
 
 
 
 
If this episode brought you joy—or gave you a new way to connect with your kids—please take 30 seconds to rate, review, and share it. And if you mention Colton in your review, I promise I'll read it to him!
 
 
 
Live legendary.

Building Deeper Father-Son Bonds Through Meaningful Questions featuring Colton Hagner

In this eye-opening episode of the Dad Edge Podcast, I sit down with Dr. Justin Houman, a leading urologist and men's health expert, to talk about everything most guys avoid—hormones, testosterone, fertility, vasectomies, and how your lifestyle is impacting your long-term health as a man. Dr. Houman pulls back the curtain on what's really happening with declining testosterone levels, the truth about TRT (testosterone replacement therapy), and why many young men are already showing signs of hormonal imbalance.
 
 
 
We also dive deep into how stress, diet, alcohol, and even simple daily choices are influencing not just your performance—but your future as a father and husband. If you've ever felt off, sluggish, or just "not yourself," this episode could be the wake-up call you didn't know you needed.
 
 
 
 
 EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS 
[0:00] – Introduction
 
[2:11] – Why testosterone levels are dropping in younger men
 
[3:38] – The impact of stress and modern lifestyle on men's hormones
 
[6:52] – What every guy should know about fertility and sperm health
 
[9:26] – The myth of "you're too young to have hormone issues"
 
[11:33] – Why alcohol may be hurting your testosterone more than you think
 
[13:05] – The truth about TRT: who should and should not consider it
 
[16:10] – Lifestyle first: how diet, exercise, and sleep influence hormones
 
[18:22] – The impact of porn and digital overstimulation on sexual function
 
[21:04] – What you need to know about vasectomies and reversals
 
[23:44] – The mental health component of hormone imbalance
 
[25:31] – Final advice from Dr. Houman: take control of your health early
 
 
 
 
 5 KEY TAKEAWAYS Hormone Imbalance Isn't Just for Older Men: 1. Men in their 20s and 30s are now experiencing low testosterone and fertility issues due to stress, poor sleep, and environmental toxins.
 TRT Isn't a Shortcut—It's a Tool: 2. Testosterone Replacement Therapy can be life-changing for the right candidates, but it's not a cure-all. Lifestyle must come first.
 Small Choices Equal Big Outcomes: 3. Daily habits like reducing alcohol, managing stress, and improving sleep can significantly improve testosterone and overall vitality.
 Digital Overstimulation Is Rewiring Sexual Health: 4. Excessive porn use and screen time are contributing to erectile dysfunction and lowered libido in men of all ages.
 Proactive Health Wins the Long Game: 5. Don't wait until something breaks—taking action now protects your ability to lead, love, and show up strong for your family.
 
 
 
 
 LINKS & RESOURCES 
 
 
 • 

Learn more about Dr. Justin Houman: https://houmanmd.com/
 • 
 • 

25 Questions to Spark Connection: https://thedadedge.com/25questions
 • 
 • 

More podcast episodes and resources: https://thedadedge.com/podcast
 • 
 • Episode Shownotes: 
thedadedge.com/1399 
 
 
 
 
If this episode opened your eyes, don't keep it to yourself. Share it with another dad, and remember to rate, follow, and review the podcast.
 
 
 
Live legendary.

TRT, Vasectomies, & the Truth About Men's Health featuring Dr. Justin Houman

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

We only get one chance to be a dad, but life gets busy and sometimes we barely have time to think about what we're doing. It's easy to get wrapped up in work and shuttling kids off to sports and activities without mindfully taking action to level up when we can.
 
Today we have Dad Edge Alliance member Ray Matz on the show. He is the author of Game Changing Dads: Get Off The Bench and Into The Game! He is a husband and a father to three who talks about what we can do to get off the bench and take small actions for big improvements in our roles as fathers, husbands, and leaders.
 
For the show notes and exclusive links mentioned in this episode go to gooddadproject.com/thursday140.
 
————
 
Join the Free Dad Edge Facebook Group at gooddadproject.com/group.
 
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How to Become a Game Changing Dad

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