The Dad Edge Podcast

• STOP Making This Common MOTIVATION Mistake With Your KIDS

  How often do we wait for motivation to show up—especially when it comes to our kids? I’ve been there too, thinking it would just "hit me" when the time was right. But here’s what life has taught me: real motivation isn’t found; it’s built through action. In this episode, I’m getting real about what motivation actually looks like when you’re a dad. I’m sharing the behind-the-scenes story of how my teenage son challenged me to step way outside my comfort zone — all the way to a bodybuilding stage. It wasn’t about winning medals or getting a six-pack. It was about showing up, pushing through the hard days, and keeping promises to myself and to him. I’ll break down the three simple but powerful rules we lived by during this journey—rules that helped us grow stronger as individuals and even closer as father and son. This isn't just about fitness. It’s about choosing connection, ownership, and legacy, even when it’s uncomfortable. If you’ve ever felt stuck, waiting for a spark to get started, this one’s for you. Become the best husband and leader you can: www.thedadedge.com/mastermind In this episode, I'll explore: Why waiting for motivation can cost you priceless moments with your kids. The three simple rules that helped us grow stronger—on and off the bodybuilding stage. Why keeping promises to yourself builds lasting trust with your family. How saying "yes" to challenges can create memories that last a lifetime. Here's what research supports about the power of action and intention: Studies show that couples who engage in regular, small acts of kindness report a 28% increase in relationship satisfaction. Research indicates that setting specific, shared goals increases the likelihood of improved communication and intimacy by 35%. Prioritizing quality time has been shown to reduce feelings of loneliness in relationships by 20%. If you're ready to stop waiting for motivation and start actively building a stronger, more connected marriage, this episode is for you. Let's take that first step together. Key Takeaways Own your choices—no excuses. Prioritize connection over outcome Seek growth in discomfort.   What You’ll Learn 00:00 - Introduction 00:41 – The Three Rules to Live By 01:13 – Keeping Promises to Yourself 03:33 – The Bodybuilding Challenge with My Son 04:52 – Family New Year’s Traditions 06:18 – Confronting the Challenge: Initial Reactions 07:13 – The Power of Shared Motivation 07:59 – Changing Your “Why” and Motivation 08:44 – The Value of the Journey, Not Just the Results 09:59 – Lessons from Training Together 10:40 – Reflecting on Achievements vs. Experiences 11:36 – The True Value of Time Spent with Loved Ones 12:12 – A Message for My Son 13:04 – Taking Opportunities Before They’re Gone 13:35 – Committing to the Process Together 14:16 – Digging Deep for Your “Why” 14:53 – What Really Matters: Metals vs. Memories 15:22 – Closing Thoughts and Next Week’s Episode Links www.1stphorm.com/products/level-1/?a_aid=dadedge www.thedadedge.com/friday205 www.themensforge.com www.thedadedge.com/25questions www.thedadedge.com/alliance  

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• The Truth About Co-Parenting ft. JJ Carlson | Dad Edge WINSday Member Spotlight

  What does it truly mean to be a good father, especially when life throws you curveballs like divorce and blended families? Today, Larry Hagner connects with JJ Carlson, a dedicated member and coach within the Dad Edge Alliance, who shares his powerful and relatable journey through the complexities of modern fatherhood. Reignite your marriage: www.thedadedge.com/extraordinary-marriage JJ Carlson doesn't shy away from the tough stuff. He opens up about the pivotal wake-up call of his divorce and how it ignited his commitment to becoming the best version of himself for his son. His insights challenge the notion of needing to be a "perfect" dad, emphasizing the profound impact of simply being present and emotionally attuned to our children. Discover the transformative power of vulnerability and emotional intelligence in navigating co-parenting and blended family dynamics as JJ Carlson and Larry explore: The Divorce Catalyst: How JJ Carlson's divorce became a powerful motivator for personal growth and a deeper commitment to his son. Presence Over Perfection: The liberating realization that being fully present with your children outweighs the unattainable pursuit of perfection. Understanding Feelings, Not Just Behavior: The crucial shift in focusing on the emotional landscape of your children to build stronger connections. Navigating Blended Families: Practical insights on setting healthy boundaries and fostering trust within new family structures. The Power of Simple Connection: Heartfelt stories of connection with JJ Carlson's son, Cohen, highlighting the impact of small, loving gestures. Ego vs. Growth: The role of ego in hindering personal development and the strength found in vulnerability and seeking feedback. Making Every Moment Count: A powerful reminder of the precious and limited time we have with our children. JJ Carlson's journey underscores the importance of emotional intelligence and vulnerability in building strong, lasting relationships with our children, regardless of family structure. This episode is a powerful reminder to be present, be real, and make every moment with your kids count. This special "WINSday" edition is all about celebrating our members' successes and sharing the valuable lessons they've learned on their journey to becoming better dads. Sit back, tune in, and get ready to be motivated by the remarkable guests of the Dad Edge community. www.thedadedge.com/alliance www.1stphorm.com/dadedge

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• The #1 Reason Your Teen Shuts You Out ft. Kristin MacDermott

  Transform your parent-teen relationship this May!  https://www.macdermottmethod.com/parent-teen-relationship-reset Use code DADEDGE30 for 30% - valid only May 2025 Today's guest, Kristin MacDermott is a licensed marriage and family therapist, author, and creator of The MacDermott Method with over a decade of research in resilience. Her resilience training curriculum has been validated in four studies with researchers from The Duke Clinical Research Institute, published in peer-reviewed journals, and proven to promote clinically-significant improvement in distress, depression, anxiety, PTSD, and self-efficacy. Kristin MacDermott shares three crucial insights every father needs to hear: The single most important thing dads can do to support their teen's mental health. The #1 complaint she hears from teens about their parents. How to create a relationship where your teen doesn't feel the need to lie to you. Kristin MacDermott's passion is reconnecting parents and teens, and her methods are backed by rigorous research. Here's what evidence supports her approach: Studies show that strong parent-teen relationships are correlated with a 40% reduction in teen depression and anxiety. Effective communication skills training for parents leads to a 30% decrease in risky behavior among teens. Teens who perceive their parents as trustworthy are 50% less likely to engage in substance abuse. If you're ready for practical tools, real talk, and a new perspective on fatherhood, this is one conversation you don't want to miss. Let's get into it. ---------------------------- Gentlemen, if you're ready to level up, don’t miss The Forge: A Gathering of Men—an exclusive event created by leaders like Connor Beaton, Larry Hagner, Matt Beaudreau, and Ryan Michler to help you connect, grow, and become the best version of yourself. Learn more at The Men's Forge. ---------------------------- Transform your parent-teen relationship this May! Use code DADEDGE30 for 30% off he Parent/Teen Relationship Reset program, starting May 2nd, valid within 30 days only. www.thedadedge.com/523 www.themensforge.com | www.thedadedge.com/alliance www.macdermottmethod.com Instagram | Facebook | TikTok | YouTube

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• What I Learned About Motivation That Saved My Marriage

  How often do we find ourselves waiting for motivation to magically appear, especially in our closest relationships?  I've been there too, more times than I'd like to admit. But here's the hard truth I've learned: motivation isn't a reliable spark; it's something we create. In this deeply personal episode, I'm getting raw and honest about the reality of motivation in marriage. I'm sharing behind-the-scenes moments from my own journey with Jessica, the times I let motivation slip, and the small, intentional actions that helped me rebuild connection and intimacy. It's not about grand gestures; it's about showing up even when you don't "feel" like it. Become the best husband and leader you can: www.thedadedge.com/mastermind In this episode, I'll explore: Why relying on "feeling" motivated is a recipe for disconnection in your marriage. The insidious ways that distance can quietly creep into even the strongest relationships. The power of small, consistent acts of love to reignite intimacy and connection. Practical strategies to prioritize your spouse, even when life feels overwhelming. How to break the cycle of waiting for motivation and start leading with action. Here's what research supports about the power of action and intention: Studies show that couples who engage in regular, small acts of kindness report a 28% increase in relationship satisfaction. Research indicates that setting specific, shared goals increases the likelihood of improved communication and intimacy by 35%. Prioritizing quality time has been shown to reduce feelings of loneliness in relationships by 20%. If you're ready to stop waiting for motivation and start actively building a stronger, more connected marriage, this episode is for you. Let's take that first step together. www.thedadedge.com/friday204 www.themensforge.com www.thedadedge.com/25questions www.thedadedge.com/alliance  

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  26:43
• The Uncommon Conversation That Can Save Your Marriage ft. Cam Hall | Dad Edge WINSday Member Spotlight

  Are you truly connecting with your wife and kids, or just going through the motions? Today, Cam Hall shares his transformative journey from chasing "shredded abs" to understanding the profound power of intentional conversations in marriage and fatherhood. Reignite your marriage: www.thedadedge.com/extraordinary-marriage Cam Hall's story reveals that building a strong family isn't about outward appearances, but about inward presence and genuine connection. He shares how his focus shifted from self-improvement in the gym to actively listening and being emotionally available for his wife and children. Discover the power of being "uncommon" in your relationships and personal growth as Cam Hall and Larry Hagner explore: The Eye-Opening Shift: How Cam Hall realized that physical fitness wasn't the key to his wife's heart and the crucial importance of emotional presence. The Appreciative Interview: Learn this game-changing technique from the Dad Edge Alliance – asking open-ended questions and truly listening to foster deeper understanding with your loved ones. The Connection Currency: Why curiosity and vulnerability in conversations are essential for building unbreakable bonds with your wife and children. The Consistency Key: The vital parallel between staying consistent with your fitness goals and making daily efforts to nurture your marriage through regular, meaningful conversations. Living Uncommon: Cam Hall's passion for breaking the mold in life, his work in education, his "Fight the Dad Bod" program, and his unwavering commitment to being a better leader and husband. Here's what research underscores about the power of intentional communication: Studies show that couples who engage in regular, meaningful conversations report a 30% higher level of marital satisfaction. Active listening, a core component of intentional conversation, has been shown to reduce conflict in families by 25%. Emotionally present fathers have children with higher levels of empathy and social skills. Stop settling for surface-level interactions. Learn how to cultivate uncommon conversations that will transform your marriage and your relationship with your kids. This special "WINSday" edition is all about celebrating our members' successes and sharing the valuable lessons they've learned on their journey to becoming better dads. Sit back, tune in, and get ready to be motivated by the remarkable guests of the Dad Edge community. www.thedadedge.com/alliance www.1stphorm.com/dadedge

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