In this solo episode of the Dad Edge Podcast, I’m talking directly to you, the fathers, about stepping up as school is back in session. Life gets busier with drop-offs, homework, sports, and late-night routines, but this season also gives us new opportunities to lead and connect with our families in meaningful ways.

I share three powerful strategies for creating deeper bonds at home: owning one routine with your kids, maximizing “connection cues” during daily transitions, and holding a weekly huddle with your wife to reduce stress and strengthen your marriage. If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the chaos of the school year, this episode will help you find clarity, lead intentionally, and make sure your family thrives instead of drifts.

TIMELINE SUMMARY

[0:00] - Welcome to the Dad Edge movement and back-to-school chaos

[1:02] - Kids’ homework struggles and funny math frustrations

[2:21] - A message for kids listening in the car: your dad loves you deeply

[3:44] - Why most dads want to succeed—not fail—in fatherhood

[4:26] - Transitioning from summer to school as a leadership opportunity

[5:21] - Balancing school, sports, homework, and family commitments

[6:20] - Reflections on August episodes with Jessica and the power of marriage conversations

[7:53] - Strategy #1: Own one routine (breakfast, bedtime, school prep, homework help)

[9:32] - Reducing invisible labor for your wife by owning key tasks

[10:23] - Why bedtime routines are gold for connection (even if you’re exhausted)

[11:31] - Asking open-ended questions that spark real conversations

[12:57] - Adapting routines for different kids’ personalities and needs

[14:41] - Bedtime as a place of safety, vulnerability, and connection

[15:21] - Strategy #2: Connection cues in car rides, drop-offs, and pickups

[16:18] - Side-by-side conversations and the power of turning off the radio

[17:05] - Strategy #3: Weekly huddle with your wife (planning + intimacy)

[18:19] - Reducing stress by clarifying who owns which tasks at home

[19:39] - Using weekly huddles as both a planning and intimacy tool

[20:31] - Free weekly huddle resource (coming soon)

[20:53] - Tools for protecting kids online with Bark (sponsor)

[21:52] - Closing encouragement and reminder of available resources

5 KEY TAKEAWAYS

1. Own One Routine

Whether it’s bedtime, breakfast, or homework, fathers who fully own one routine lighten their wife’s mental load while deepening connection with their kids.

2. Bedtime Is Golden

Even when you’re exhausted, bedtime is a unique opportunity for authenticity and safety. One open-ended question can spark conversations that matter.

3. Connection Cues Matter

Car rides, drop-offs, and side-by-side moments are often when kids open up most. Turning off the radio and asking thoughtful questions makes a difference.

4. Weekly Huddles Reduce Stress

A short check-in with your wife about what’s working, what’s draining, and what needs adjusting creates alignment and strengthens intimacy.

5. Leadership Is About Presence, Not Perfection

You don’t need to do everything—you just need to be intentional with what you choose to own. Presence, clarity, and consistency are what families need most.

LINKS & RESOURCES

• Bark (Protect your kids online): https://www.thedadedge.com/bark

• 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 leading your family during the school year, please rate, review, follow, and share the podcast. Together, we’re raising a generation of fathers who lead with clarity, intention, and love.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

In this special episode of the Dad Edge Podcast, I’m joined once again by my wife, Jessica Hagner, for another honest and heartfelt conversation about marriage, parenting, and family life. Together, we pull back the curtain on how we’ve learned to operate as a team, resolve conflict with respect, and create a family culture where our kids feel seen, loved, and guided.

We discuss the importance of friendship in marriage, the challenges of raising four boys with different personalities, and how grace and intentionality shape our home. Jessica also shares her perspective on what keeps our relationship strong after more than two decades together, even when life gets messy. If you’re looking for practical tools and encouragement for your marriage and parenting, this episode delivers a mix of wisdom, laughter, and real-life stories.

TIMELINE SUMMARY

[0:00] - Why conversations like this matter for marriage and parenting

[2:10] - Building a marriage on respect and friendship

[5:18] - How we handle conflict without tearing each other down

[9:02] - Parenting four boys with different needs and personalities

[13:37] - Why consistency matters in discipline and guidance

[17:25] - The role of grace in creating a safe family environment

[21:48] - Keeping our marriage strong in the middle of chaos

[26:13] - Making intentional time for connection as a couple

[30:05] - How we show each child that they are seen and valued

[34:40] - Teaching respect by modeling it in our marriage

[39:12] - The balance between structure and flexibility in parenting

[43:55] - Why shared values anchor our family through challenges

[48:21] - Leading our family spiritually and emotionally

[52:18] - How laughter and friendship keep us connected

[56:44] - Final reflections on creating a family rooted in love and respect

5 KEY TAKEAWAYS

1. Respect Is the Glue in Marriage

Every successful partnership is built on mutual respect. It sets the tone for conflict resolution, parenting, and the overall health of the relationship.

2. Conflict Doesn’t Have to Divide

Handled well, disagreements can actually strengthen connection. The goal isn’t to win—it’s to work together with empathy and understanding.

3. Parent as a United Team

Kids feel safest when parents operate from the same playbook. Presenting a united front creates stability and clarity at home.

4. Grace Creates Space for Growth

Rules matter, but grace ensures your home is a safe place to learn, fail, and try again. It’s what makes discipline effective without resentment.

5. Friendship Keeps Love Alive

Romance ebbs and flows, but friendship sustains the relationship. Laughter, fun, and shared companionship are what carry you through every season.

LINKS & RESOURCES

• Download the 25 Questions to Spark Connection With Your Partner: https://www.thedadedge.com/25questions

• Dad Edge Podcast Website: https://www.thedadedge.com

• Join The Alliance: https://www.thedadedge.com/alliance

• Listen to More Episodes: https://www.thedadedge.com/podcast

• Tools & Resources: https://www.thedadedge.com/tools

If this episode encouraged you or gave you a fresh perspective on your marriage and parenting, please rate, follow, review, and share the podcast. Together, we’re building stronger marriages, stronger families, and stronger futures.

In this special father-son episode of the Dad Edge Podcast, I sit down with my son, Ethan, to continue our August series on raising boys into strong, capable men. Together, we dive into the real challenges young men face today and the lessons that shape character, responsibility, and confidence.

Ethan opens up about what he’s learning through work, relationships, and personal growth, while I share insights on how fathers can guide without controlling. We discuss resilience, accountability, and the importance of choosing the right path—even when it’s difficult. This conversation is raw, relatable, and packed with wisdom for both dads and sons who want to grow together.

TIMELINE SUMMARY

[0:00] - Welcome to our August father-son series

[2:10] - Ethan’s reflections on independence and early adulthood

[5:25] - Why accountability is the key to long-term success

[8:41] - Lessons from failure and how to bounce back stronger

[12:03] - How to balance freedom with responsibility

[15:37] - Why building grit matters more than chasing comfort

[19:10] - Navigating friendships and the power of influence

[23:46] - What intentional living looks like as a young man

[28:04] - Handling setbacks without losing confidence

[32:19] - Why fathers need to lead by example, not just advice

[36:55] - The role of gratitude in keeping perspective

[40:28] - Ethan’s biggest lessons so far in work and life

[44:12] - Final reflections on manhood, growth, and legacy

5 KEY TAKEAWAYS

1. Accountability Creates Growth

The willingness to own your choices and mistakes is what separates boys from men—it’s the foundation of maturity.

2. Resilience Is Built Through Struggle

Failure is not the end but the classroom. Every setback is an opportunity to learn grit and perseverance.

3. Freedom Without Responsibility Leads to Chaos

True independence isn’t doing whatever you want—it’s learning to carry the weight of your decisions.

4. Influence Shapes Identity

The people you surround yourself with will either pull you forward or drag you down. Choose wisely.

5. Gratitude Keeps You Grounded

No matter how tough life gets, practicing gratitude helps you stay centered, focused, and motivated to keep moving forward.

LINKS & RESOURCES

• 1st Phorm Creatine: https://1stphorm.com/products/micronized-creatine-monohydrate/?a_aid=dadedge • LEVEL 1 BARS:  https://1stphorm.com/products/level-1-bar/?a_aid=dadedge • Dad Edge Podcast Website: https://www.thedadedge.com • Join The Alliance: https://www.thedadedge.com/alliance • Listen to More Episodes: https://www.thedadedge.com/podcast • 25 Questions to Spark Connection With Your Partner: https://www.thedadedge.com/25questions

If this episode challenged or encouraged you, please rate, follow, review, and share the podcast. Together, we’re raising the next generation of men to live with grit, responsibility, and purpose.

In this powerful episode of the Dad Edge Podcast, I sit down with Rock Thomas—entrepreneur, bestselling author, and founder of the I Am Movement—to explore what it truly means to break free from limiting beliefs and take ownership of your life. Rock shares his journey from humble beginnings on a farm to building multiple successful businesses, and he unpacks the mindset shifts that helped him rise above struggle and design a life of purpose.

We dive into how the words you speak shape your identity, the importance of surrounding yourself with the right influences, and why most men never reach their full potential. Rock also shares practical strategies for fathers to model growth, resilience, and confidence for their children. If you’ve ever felt stuck, defined by your past, or unsure of your next step, this conversation will challenge you to rewrite your story and live with intention.

TIMELINE SUMMARY

[0:00] - Welcome and introduction to Rock Thomas and the I Am Movement

[3:08] - Growing up on a farm and the lessons of early hardship

[7:15] - How childhood experiences shaped Rock’s drive and identity

[10:42] - Breaking free from the labels others put on you

[14:20] - Why the words you use about yourself matter

[18:55] - The turning point that shifted Rock’s life trajectory

[23:11] - The mentors who changed his mindset and path

[27:36] - Building wealth without losing yourself in the process

[31:48] - Why environment and community shape who you become

[36:29] - The importance of modeling resilience for your kids

[41:03] - Rock’s strategies for reframing failure into fuel

[45:17] - How to stop living by default and start living by design

[50:42] - Parenting lessons: teaching kids ownership and responsibility

[54:33] - Daily rituals and practices that keep Rock grounded

[59:15] - The power of declaring “I Am” statements for identity

[1:03:22] - Final reflections on building a life of purpose and growth

5 KEY TAKEAWAYS

1. Your Words Shape Your World

The labels and stories you tell yourself directly influence your identity. Shifting your “I am” statements can transform your confidence, actions, and results.

2. Mentorship Accelerates Growth

The right mentors can help you break through limitations and see possibilities you couldn’t on your own. Who you learn from shapes who you become.

3. Environment Drives Identity

The people you surround yourself with will either elevate you or keep you stuck. Community matters as much as personal discipline.

4. Failure Is Feedback

Instead of avoiding mistakes, Rock reframes failure as fuel for growth. Every setback is a stepping stone to greater resilience and wisdom.

5. Parenting Is About Modeling

Your children are watching how you live, not just what you say. Modeling ownership, resilience, and intentional living teaches them how to thrive.

LINKS & RESOURCES

• Rock Thomas Website: https://rockthomas.com

• Learn About the I Am Movement: https://rockthomas.com/iam-movement

• thedadedge.com/legendarybook

• Dad Edge Podcast Website: https://www.thedadedge.com

• Join The Alliance: https://www.thedadedge.com/alliance

• Listen to More Episodes: https://www.thedadedge.com/podcast

If this episode inspired you to take ownership of your story, please rate, follow, review, and share the podcast. Let’s continue building a generation of men who live by design, not default.

In this heartfelt episode of the Dad Edge Podcast, I’m joined once again by my wife, Jessica Hagner, to share an inside look at how we approach marriage, parenting, and family life as a team. From building respect and handling conflict to raising four boys with shared values, this conversation is packed with personal stories, laughter, and real-life strategies for staying connected through all of life’s ups and downs.

We talk about how we’ve learned to operate in parenting, the role of respect in every interaction, and the tools that help us resolve conflict without damaging trust. Jessica opens up about her perspective as a wife and mother, and together, we discuss the importance of modeling the behavior we want to see in our kids. Whether you’re in the early years of marriage or decades in, this episode offers encouragement and actionable ways to strengthen your family relationships.

TIMELINE SUMMARY

[0:00] - Welcome and why this conversation with Jessica matters

[2:12] - The role of mutual respect in keeping a marriage strong

[5:07] - How we handle conflict and keep trust intact

[9:15] - Parenting as a united front and setting shared expectations

[13:28] - Balancing structure and flexibility with four boys

[16:44] - Teaching respect by modeling it in our marriage

[20:15] - How we navigate disagreements in front of our kids

[23:51] - Creating space for connection in a busy household

[27:06] - The importance of making each child feel seen and valued

[30:42] - Our approach to discipline without creating resentment

[34:25] - How parenting styles evolve as kids grow

[38:18] - Keeping romance alive while raising a family

[42:56] - The value of open, honest communication in marriage

[46:39] - Leading our family spiritually and emotionally

[50:20] - Why grace matters as much as structure in parenting

[54:14] - Final reflections on building a family rooted in respect and love

5 KEY TAKEAWAYS

1. Respect Is the Foundation

Every strong marriage and family dynamic begins with mutual respect—how we speak to each other, handle disagreements, and set the tone for our household.

2. Conflict Can Strengthen Connection

When handled with honesty and empathy, disagreements can build trust instead of breaking it. It’s not about avoiding conflict—it’s about navigating it well.

3. Parent as a Team

Kids thrive when they see their parents united. Operating from the same playbook creates stability and prevents division in the home.

4. Model the Behavior You Want to See

Children learn more from what you do than what you say. By demonstrating respect, patience, and grace, we set the example for how they’ll treat others.

5. Grace Balances Structure

Rules and boundaries are essential, but grace creates a safe and loving environment where kids can learn from their mistakes without fear.

LINKS & RESOURCES

• Download the 25 Questions to Spark Connection With Your Partner: https://www.thedadedge.com/25questions

• Dad Edge Podcast Website: https://www.thedadedge.com

• Join The Alliance: https://www.thedadedge.com/alliance

• Listen to More Episodes: https://www.thedadedge.com/podcast

• Tools & Resources: https://www.thedadedge.com/tools

If this episode encouraged you or gave you new insight into your marriage or parenting, please rate, follow, review, and share the podcast. Together, we’re building stronger families and stronger futures.