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The Dad Edge Podcast

Larry Hagner
The Dad Edge Podcast
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  • Why Men Struggle to Keep Friends and How to Reignite Brotherhood ft. Ethan Hagner
    In this episode of the Dad Edge Podcast, Ethan and I dive into a topic most men don’t talk about nearly enough—male friendships. From high school bonds that fade after graduation to the loneliness many men feel in their 30s and 40s, we unpack why brotherhood is so hard to maintain and why it matters more than ever.   We share personal stories, both from Ethan’s perspective at 19 and my experience at 50, about what it looks like to build lasting friendships at different stages of life. From the silent killers of connection—busyness, unspoken expectations, and lack of intentionality—to the keys that keep brotherhood alive, this episode is a raw and honest roadmap for men who don’t want to go through life alone.     TIMELINE SUMMARY [0:00] - Welcome to the Dad Edge movement and today’s theme: friendships and brotherhood [1:02] - Why male friendships dwindle after high school [2:45] - How friendships shift in your 20s, 30s, 40s, and 50s [4:58] - Why achievement never replaces connection [6:13] - Ethan’s perspective at 19: losing friends as everyone goes their separate ways [8:46] - Larry’s college stories: parties, hangovers, and life lessons learned the hard way [12:23] - The shift from convenience-based friendships to intentional ones [15:01] - Why men struggle to make new friendships as they age [17:30] - The role of shared struggle, vulnerability, and consistency in building brotherhood [21:10] - Why “let’s hang out sometime” rarely works—and what to do instead [25:18] - Larry’s example of rekindling friendships with intentional planning [28:35] - How marriage and fatherhood shift men’s priorities and isolate them [31:05] - The silent killers of friendship: busyness, lack of vulnerability, inconsistency [34:16] - Why brotherhood is essential for emotional, spiritual, and relational health [37:02] - Advice for young men: stay proactive, visit friends, make memories now [41:33] - How to prevent friendships from fading with intentionality and consistency [48:11] - Parallels between the silent killers of friendship and the silent killers of marriage [54:09] - Final reflections: why men need brotherhood and how to fight for it     5 KEY TAKEAWAYS   1. Friendships Require Intentionality Unlike the easy friendships of high school and college, adult brotherhood must be built with deliberate effort—planning, showing up, and refusing to drift. 2. Achievement Doesn’t Replace Connection No amount of success, money, or accolades can substitute for the bond of brotherhood. Men need friendships to thrive, not just careers and families. 3. Vulnerability Creates Real Brotherhood Surface-level conversations keep men distant. True friendship grows when we open up honestly about struggles, challenges, and real life behind the scenes. 4. Consistency Keeps Bonds Alive Friendships die in silence. Weekly check-ins, shared rituals, or even planned coffee dates create the reps that make brotherhood last. 5. The Same Rules Apply to Marriage The silent killers of friendship—busyness, lack of vulnerability, loss of intentionality—also destroy marriages. Strong relationships, whether with friends or a spouse, require consistent effort and openness.       LINKS & RESOURCES   DB OVERDRIVE:  https://1stphorm.com/products/thyro-drive/?a_aid=dadedge First Phorm DB Overdrive (supplement featured): https://www.thedadedge.com/1361 25 Questions to Spark Connection With Your Partner: https://www.thedadedge.com/25questions Dad Edge Podcast Website: https://www.thedadedge.com/podcast Join The Alliance: https://www.thedadedge.com/alliance Dad Edge Tools & Resources: https://www.thedadedge.com/tools       If this episode gave you fresh insight into friendship, brotherhood, or marriage, please rate, review, follow, and share the podcast. Let’s build a generation of men who refuse to live life alone.
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  • Building Intimacy and Trust Through Grounded Masculine Leadership ft. GS Youngblood
    In this episode of the Dad Edge Podcast, I sit down with GS Youngblood—author of The Masculine in Relationship and The Art of Embodiment for Men. GS brings decades of experience coaching men on leadership in marriage, parenting, and personal growth through his Masculine Blueprint framework. Together, we unpack what it really means to live from your masculine core while creating safety, connection, and trust in your relationships.   We talk about balancing firmness with heart, why composure beats control, and how to provide structure without domination. GS also dives into the importance of embodiment practices for men, how to stop reacting and start responding, and the role of clarity in building intimacy with your partner. This is a conversation about leadership that goes beyond the surface—helping men shift from fear and reactivity into grounded presence and intentional direction.     TIMELINE SUMMARY [0:00] - Welcome to the Dad Edge movement and introduction to GS Youngblood [1:56] - GS’s bestselling books and the Masculine Blueprint framework [2:28] - What it means to live from your masculine core [3:08] - Why composure is more powerful than control in leadership [5:03] - Growing up with an intense father and lessons for parenting [6:23] - Balancing firmness and love with your kids [7:30] - Relational masculinity: strength with empathy [9:21] - The artful blend of clarity and heart in family leadership [12:17] - Clarity as the foundation of effective masculine leadership [13:33] - The “nice guy” trap and why men seek external validation [15:10] - Why grounding your nervous system must come before clarity [16:57] - Daily embodiment practices for staying present and calm [20:06] - Breathwork, meditation, and awareness as tools for men [23:12] - How embodiment reduces fixation and increases intimacy [27:59] - The energetic flow between men and women in communication [30:08] - Renewing curiosity in long-term marriage and intimacy [32:18] - Why women crave being known and understood [33:42] - Emotional safety as the gateway to sexual connection [38:15] - The three parts of the Masculine Blueprint explained [40:07] - Respond vs. react: staying grounded under pressure [44:14] - “You may not be the problem, but you are the solution.” [45:16] - Providing structure without domination—clarity plus inclusion [48:32] - The spectrum of leadership: tenderness to directness [50:01] - Sexual tension, rejection, and how men can hold ground [52:11] - Why sexuality is vulnerable for men and how to own it [54:31] - Avoiding the “hurt boy” response in relationships [56:00] - When women need men to be bigger than their moods [57:44] - Staying grounded when intimacy needs don’t align [1:00:12] - The power of presence in building intimacy over time     5 KEY TAKEAWAYS   1. Composure Beats Control True masculine leadership isn’t about domination—it’s about staying grounded, calm, and clear even when emotions run high. 2. Firmness With Heart Creates Trust Children and partners thrive when a man brings clarity and structure without fear. The combination of strength and empathy builds long-term respect. 3. Embodiment Grounds the Nervous System Daily practices like breathwork and meditation keep men from being reactive, helping them lead from presence instead of anxiety or reactivity. 4. Curiosity Keeps Intimacy Alive Long-term relationships require ongoing curiosity. When women feel known and understood, emotional safety deepens—and so does sexual connection. 5. Men Are the Solution Even if you aren’t the cause of conflict, you can choose to be the solution. Leadership means stepping up with clarity, direction, and presence to create connection.       LINKS & RESOURCES   GS Youngblood Website: https://gsyoungblood.com The Masculine in Relationship Book: https://gsyoungblood.com/books The Alliance and Boardroom - thedadedge.com/mastermind Dad Edge Podcast Website: https://www.thedadedge.com/podcast Join The Alliance: https://www.thedadedge.com/alliance 25 Questions to Spark Connection With Your Partner: https://www.thedadedge.com/25questions       If this episode gave you new insight into marriage, masculinity, or fatherhood, please rate, review, follow, and share the podcast. Together, we’re raising the standard for men who lead with both strength and heart.
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  • Dividing Roles in Marriage: Finances, Parenting, & Family Responsibilities ft. Jessica Hagner
    In this candid episode of the Dad Edge Podcast, I’m joined once again by my wife, Jessica, for a raw and relatable conversation about marriage, parenting, and family dynamics. Together, we dive into the often-unspoken expectations that can trip couples up—from finances and chores to parenting roles and communication.   We unpack stories from our own journey, including how we’ve learned to navigate paying bills vs. investing, handling family dinners without resentment, and even the role each of us plays in talking with our boys about tough subjects like sex and relationships. Jessica also shares her gift for approaching conversations with grace and timing, while I reflect on my more reactive nature. This episode is packed with practical takeaways for couples who want to strengthen teamwork, avoid resentment, and lead their families with intention.     TIMELINE SUMMARY [0:00] - Welcome to the Dad Edge movement and today’s focus on roles in marriage [1:01] - Defining who does what in parenting, finances, and chores [2:06] - The hidden danger of unspoken expectations [3:30] - Behind the scenes: energy, stress, and real-life struggles [5:10] - Midwest float trip stories and creating family traditions [9:27] - Why shared memories matter more than perfection [11:16] - Breaking down marriage roles: paying bills vs. investing [15:23] - The early financial mistakes that created stress in our marriage [18:05] - Why swapping roles can sometimes create resentment [21:16] - How Jessica manages bills and accountability with confidence [24:19] - Investments, risks, and learning to stomach financial swings [27:15] - Family dinners: why they often cause conflict and how we shifted the burden [29:03] - The turning point when Jessica admitted she hated cooking [31:36] - Why meal planning is harder than it looks (and how we simplified it) [34:47] - Balancing preferences, health, and kids’ picky eating habits [39:11] - Parenting roles: who has the sex talk with the kids [41:12] - Creating safe, open conversations about sex, porn, and relationships [44:12] - How to approach hard conversations with timing and grace [47:26] - Why gentleness and patience often lead to better results [50:18] - Picking the right time and tone to address conflict at home [53:03] - Dividing responsibilities with kids’ sports and activities [56:08] - Communication as the glue that keeps roles balanced [57:12] - Closing reflections and an invitation for listener topic suggestions     5 KEY TAKEAWAYS   1. Unspoken Expectations Create Resentment Most marital conflict stems not from tasks themselves, but from unspoken roles and assumptions. Clarity prevents conflict. 2. Play to Your Strengths Dividing responsibilities based on natural strengths—like Jessica handling bills and me handling investments—makes life easier and reduces stress. 3. Dinners Are About Connection, Not Perfection Family meals can quickly turn into a source of resentment. Sharing the load and letting go of perfection creates a healthier environment. 4. Hard Conversations Require Timing Approaching difficult topics at the right time and with the right tone changes everything. Grace and patience often achieve more than urgency. 5. Parenting Is a Team Effort From sex talks to sports practices, showing up as a united front teaches kids stability, respect, and the value of shared responsibility.       LINKS & RESOURCES   21 DAYS TO EXTRAORDINARY MARRIAGE - https://thedadedge.com/extraordinary-marriage/ Share your topic suggestions: [email protected] 25 Questions to Spark Connection With Your Partner: https://www.thedadedge.com/25questions Dad Edge Podcast Website: https://www.thedadedge.com/podcast Join The Alliance: https://www.thedadedge.com/alliance Dad Edge Tools & Resources: https://www.thedadedge.com/tools       If this episode gave you practical tools for marriage or parenting, please rate, follow, review, and share the podcast. Together, we’re creating stronger marriages, stronger families, and stronger futures.
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  • Father-Son Lessons on Patience, Communication, and Respect ft. Ethan Hagner
    In this father-son conversation on the Dad Edge Podcast, I sit down once again with my son Ethan as we wrap up our August series on what it really means to grow from boyhood into manhood. This episode digs into the lessons society often fails to teach young men—like emotional regulation, conflict resolution, and the importance of spiritual leadership.   We share personal stories—some funny, some raw—about patience, distractions, and the times I’ve missed the mark as a dad. Ethan opens up about his work, his relationship, and how he’s learning to grow into the kind of man the world truly needs. Together, we unpack what fathers and sons alike can do to become intentional leaders in their families, relationships, and communities.     TIMELINE SUMMARY [0:00] - Welcome to the Dad Edge movement and today’s theme [2:02] - What kind of men the world needs (and what’s missing today) [3:33] - Morning routines and health habits for energy and focus [4:06] - Ethan’s take on toxic behaviors and emotional regulation [6:13] - Why patience is a skill every man must learn [9:08] - The dangers of unchecked anger and modeling healthy behavior [10:43] - Spiritual leadership: why families need fathers of faith [12:55] - Technology distractions and missing moments with family [14:13] - Ethan’s memory of a walk interrupted by a work call [16:04] - Why presence matters more than productivity for kids [17:11] - Emotional IQ and learning to communicate feelings clearly [19:34] - The “blame game” in conflict and what’s really being argued [21:29] - Why stating what you do want changes arguments instantly [23:51] - Communication lessons that transform relationships [26:14] - Humor, family dogs, and how laughter shapes connection [28:26] - Ethan’s approach to relationship check-ins with his girlfriend [32:10] - Why small gestures (videos, letters, notes) keep love alive [34:09] - Preventative maintenance in relationships—like car care [35:41] - Ethan’s life transitions: work, school, and EMT training [37:00] - Looking back: how podcasting captured growth in real time [39:22] - Lessons learned from starting with imperfect beginnings [41:25] - Tangents, laughter, and building stronger bonds through honesty [42:29] - Resources, free tools, and a final call to lead with intention     5 KEY TAKEAWAYS   1. Patience Is a Choice, Not a Trait Life tests your patience daily—but choosing to pause, breathe, and respond with calm sets the tone for your family and your relationships. 2. Spiritual Leadership Matters A father who prays, leads spiritually, and models faith gives his family the foundation they need to thrive—not perfection, but presence. 3. Distractions Cost Connection Every time work or technology interrupts family time, the message sent is “this is more important than you.” Presence is the true gift kids crave. 4. Communication Is Preventative Maintenance Arguments often circle around what we don’t want. Learning to clearly state what we do want transforms conflict into connection. 5. Relationships Grow Through Small, Intentional Acts From handwritten letters to a quick morning video, little efforts create lasting connection. Relationships require maintenance—just like everything worth keeping.       LINKS & RESOURCES   First Phorm Supplements: https://www.thedadedge.com/1358 CREATINE LINK: https://1stphorm.com/products/micronized-creatine-monohydrate/?a_aid=dadedge Hydration Sticks: https://1stphorm.com/products/hydration-sticks/?a_aid=dadedge 25 Intimate Conversation Starters (Free Resource): https://www.thedadedge.com/25questions Dad Edge Podcast Website: https://www.thedadedge.com/podcast Join The Alliance: https://www.thedadedge.com/alliance Dad Edge Tools & Resources: https://www.thedadedge.com/tools     If this episode gave you a new perspective on fatherhood, marriage, or raising sons, please rate, follow, review, and share the podcast. Together, we’re building a generation of men who live, lead, and love with intention.
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  • Discipline vs Punishment & the Inner Voice Every Father Instills in His Kids ft. Dr. Blaise Aguirre
    In this powerful episode of the Dad Edge Podcast, I sit down with Dr. Blaise Aguirre, a Harvard psychiatrist and global expert on adolescent mental health, to unpack one of the most important—and often overlooked—parts of parenting: the inner voice we help shape in our kids.   We dive into the role of tone, discipline, and compassion in parenting, and how the words we use as fathers often become the voice our kids carry for life. Dr. Aguirre breaks down how to raise resilient, critical thinkers without crushing their confidence, and why creating an environment of both structure and safety is essential to building emotionally healthy children. If you’ve ever wondered how to balance discipline with grace, or how to stop fueling your child’s inner critic, this conversation is a must-listen.     TIMELINE SUMMARY [0:00] - Introduction to the Dad Edge movement and today’s topic on kids’ inner voice [2:24] - Why your tone as a father becomes your child’s inner dialogue [4:58] - Dr. Aguirre’s background and 25 years at Harvard [7:10] - How the inner critic forms in childhood [9:37] - The difference between helpful self-reflection and harmful self-hatred [13:05] - Signs your child may be struggling with a damaging inner voice [15:32] - Why “what’s wrong with you?” is one of the most destructive phrases a dad can say [18:30] - The role of technology and peer influence on self-worth [21:03] - How to raise critical thinkers who don’t default to catastrophizing [25:51] - Emotional regulation: why your calm becomes their calm [28:08] - Addressing bullying and teaching kids which voices to trust [30:22] - Why negativity sticks more than praise (and how to counter it) [34:04] - Finding balance between praise, discipline, and boundaries [36:55] - The difference between punishment and effective discipline [42:12] - Repairing mistakes as a parent and the power of apology [47:14] - Creating psychological safety at home so kids feel seen and heard [51:16] - Why fear-based parenting backfires and undermines performance [55:07] - The dangers of boundary-less parenting and raising entitled kids [57:43] - Wrapping it all together: structure + compassion = resilience     5 KEY TAKEAWAYS   1. Your Voice Becomes Their Voice The tone you use with your kids doesn’t just shape the moment—it shapes the inner dialogue they carry into adulthood. 2. Discipline Must Be Tied to Behavior, Not Identity Punishment that attacks who a child is damages self-worth. Effective discipline connects consequences to actions while preserving dignity. 3. Safety Builds Confidence Kids thrive when they know they’re safe to fail, safe to talk, and safe to be themselves at home. Psychological safety is the foundation of resilience. 4. Emotional Regulation Is Contagious When fathers stay calm, they teach kids how to regulate their own emotions. Your calm presence can be the anchor in their storms. 5. Balance Is Key Parenting that blends structure, limits, and grace raises children who are both confident and resilient—ready to face life with critical thinking and courage.       LINKS & RESOURCES   Resources from Dr. Blaise Aguirre: https://thedadedge.com/1357 Bark Phone & App (protect your kids online): https://thedadedge.com/bark Dad Edge Alliance (career-driven dads): https://thedadedge.com/alliance Dad Edge Boardroom (entrepreneurial dads): https://thedadedge.com/mastermind Dad Edge Podcast Website: https://thedadedge.com/podcast       If this episode challenged you as a father, share it with another dad who needs to hear it. And if you found value here, please rate, follow, and review the show—it helps us reach more men committed to leading with strength, compassion, and purpose.
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About The Dad Edge Podcast

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
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