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

Maintaining Connection & Relationships When Life Gets Busy

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 Show Notes:
www.thedadedge.com/352

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

In this episode, I sit down with Clay Butler, CEO of Agape International Missions (AIM), for a powerful conversation on fighting child trafficking and how present, intentional fatherhood is one of the most effective weapons in that fight. With over 2,000 rescues and hundreds of traffickers arrested, Clay's work is nothing short of heroic—but it's his role as a father that has most shaped his mission.
 
 
 
We explore what it truly means to lead as a man, not just in high-stakes global work, but in the day-to-day role of being a protector at home. Clay shares how fatherhood has deepened his approach to leadership, the importance of modeling safe masculinity, and why raising strong, loved, and secure children is one of the greatest forms of resistance to evil. This episode will challenge and inspire any man who wants to leave a legacy worth living for.
 
 
 
 
 
Episode Highlights
 
[0:00] – Introduction
 
[1:01] – A staggering global reality: a child is trafficked every 30 seconds
 
[2:24] – Clay's transformation from young volunteer to CEO of AIM
 
[5:13] – Why Clay initially took a three-month volunteer trip… and never left
 
[9:06] – Finding emotional equilibrium in a traumatic field
 
[10:29] – How fatherhood amplified—not hindered—Clay's leadership
 
[12:04] – The power of modeling safe fatherhood for rescued girls
 
[14:21] – Humility, teamwork, and spiritual grounding in life-or-death operations
 
[20:03] – Tactical and emotional ways to protect your family in public
 
[22:15] – Why kids from foster care are the most trafficked in America
 
[28:12] – Real actions men can take to stop trafficking—starting at home
 
[29:02] – Navigating the tension of preserving childhood innocence while teaching safety
 
[34:45] – Avoiding burnout: ruthless prioritization and reverse engineering legacy
 
[38:07] – Clay's evolving legacy: from warrior to father to restorer
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
5 Key Takeaways
 
 
 
1. Fatherhood is powerful – Being a present, loving father is one of the most effective deterrents to child trafficking, both at home and globally.
 
2. Rescue is only the beginning – AIM's model goes beyond rescue to include healing, job training, and long-term restoration.
 
3. The U.S. isn't exempt – Most trafficking victims in the U.S. come from broken foster care systems. Supporting those systems can change lives.
 
4. You can protect your kids daily – Small actions like staying aware in public, modeling healthy masculinity, and teaching intuitive safety make a big difference.
 
5. Your legacy starts now – You don't need to lead a global organization to be a hero. Leading at home with purpose and love is enough.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Links & Resources
 
 
 
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Agape International Missions (AIM): https://aimfree.org
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AIM Apparel – Support rescued girls through ethical apparel: https://aimapparel.com
 • 
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Bark (Parental Control App): https://thedadedge.com/bark
 • 
 • Episode Show notes: 
thedadedge.com/1393 
 
 
 
 
If this episode sparked something in you, share it with a fellow dad, leave a review, and don't forget to follow the podcast. Together, we can protect our families—and generations to come.

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

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

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

Learn More About Joel's Coaching & Programs: https://shedfatfast.com
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Follow Joel on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/joelstaleyfitness
 • 
 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 
 
 
 • 

Free Resource: 25 Questions for the Car — https://thedadedge.com/1389
 • 
 • 

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

Armando Cruz is back on The Dad Edge podcast! He is the author of The Legacy Code: Modern Man's Guide To Escape Obscurity & Live A Life Unleashed, a performance coach, and a father of three.
 
In this episode, he talks about why building a legacy is about much more than leaving wealth behind for your children. He also gives us his five key steps to purposefully creating a legacy that inspires ... starting today!
 
For the show notes and links mentioned in this episode, go to gooddadproject.com/161.

Creating A Legacy That Inspires with Armando Cruz

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