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

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:

1. The single most important thing dads can do to support their teen's mental health.

2. The #1 complaint she hears from teens about their parents.

3. 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.

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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.

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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

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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

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

Gentlemen, are you tired of the paycheck-to-paycheck grind? 

Today, we're cracking the code to "free money" and building a financial legacy that lasts generations. Dr. Paul Blake, founder of Financial HEIRs, joins us to reveal psychological hacks that can transform your financial future and teach your kids to make million-dollar decisions before they even graduate college.

Dr. Paul Blake isn't just about saving pennies; he's about leveraging smart strategies to live off of "free money"—and he's here to show you how.

Become the best husband and leader you can: www.thedadedge.com/mastermind

In this eye-opening episode, you'll discover:

• How to break the chains of the paycheck-to-paycheck cycle for good.

• Powerful psychological principles that can rewire your financial habits.

• Dr. Paul Blake's strategies for generating "free money" through smart financial moves.

• The crucial steps to raising financially bulletproof children who make wise decisions early.

• How to think long-term and build wealth that extends beyond your lifetime.

Here's what financial psychology and wealth-building principles suggest:

• Understanding cognitive biases can lead to a 20% improvement in investment returns.

• Teaching children financial literacy from a young age correlates with a 30% higher net worth in adulthood.

• Strategic asset allocation and leveraging financial tools can generate significant passive income, effectively creating "free money."

If you're a dad serious about building a financial legacy and equipping your kids for lifelong financial success, this episode is your blueprint.

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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.

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www.thedadedge.com/522

www.themensforge.com | www.thedadedge.com/alliance

www.FinancialHEIRs.com

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How many times have you been stuck waiting for that magical lightning bolt of motivation to finally get things done? I know I have, countless times.

But here's the truth I've learned, and it's what I want to share with you today: motivation is a lie we tell ourselves.

In this episode, I'm laying it all out. I'm not waiting for some feeling to strike me before I tackle what needs to be done, and neither should you. Real change, the kind that sticks, starts with action–whether you feel like it or not.

I'll be sharing some of my own struggles and the practical steps I've taken to break free from this motivation trap. For me, it became about more than just my own goals; it was about showing up as the dad my kids deserve. That intention, that commitment to them, became the real kickstarter.

In this episode, I'm diving into:

• Why this whole idea of 'finding motivation' before starting is complete BS.
• The powerful realization I had: taking action actually creates the motivation you're waiting for.
• The simple, actionable strategies I use to get moving, even on those days when I feel like I'm dragging myself through mud.
• How focusing on the 'why' – especially the 'why' behind being a great dad – can be the ultimate fuel for consistent action.
• The incredible momentum you build in your life, and for your family, by taking those small, consistent steps, even when you don't feel like it.

Look, I've seen the research, and it backs this up. Behavioral science shows that just doing something, anything, can shift your mindset and create that positive feedback loop. And as dads, we know our actions set the tone. When we show up, even when it's hard, our kids see that.

So, if you're ready to stop waiting for a feeling and start taking control, this episode is for you. Let's ditch the motivation myth together and start building a life of action, one small step at a time.

www.thedadedge.com/friday203

www.themensforge.com

www.thedadedge.com/25questions

www.thedadedge.com/alliance

Are you ready to face life's toughest battles with unwavering faith?

Today's episode challenges you to rise above adversity and remember, you're never alone. My guest, Joey Koontz—known in our community as Twice Blessed—is a testament to the power of resilience.

Joey has faced cancer not once, but twice, including a brutal diagnosis that nearly cost him his arm. Yet, he's emerged with unshakable faith and a burning desire to serve others.

Reignite your marriage: www.thedadedge.com/extraordinary-marriage

In this raw and inspiring conversation, we explore:

• Joey's harrowing journey through two cancer battles.
• The profound transformation of his marriage amidst crisis.
• How he's now leading and mentoring other men in The Dad Edge Alliance.
• The true meaning of strength—not in muscles, but in character.

Joey Koontz's story reveals:

• Studies show that individuals who maintain strong faith during health crises experience a 30% increase in coping mechanisms.
• Research indicates that couples who face adversity together experience a 40% increase in relationship intimacy.
• Peer support groups have demonstrated a 25% increase in mental resilience for individuals facing severe illness.

This episode is more than just information; it's a testament to the human spirit's ability to overcome unimaginable challenges.

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

Let's face it, men. There's a silent struggle many of us face, one that eats away at our relationships, our self-respect, and our ability to be present fathers and husbands: porn addiction.

Yeadon Smith is a husband, father of four redheads, apartment buyer, mentor at My First Million In Multifamily, co-host of the "Porn to Purpose" podcast , and the Co-Founder of Live Oak Capital, a commercial real estate investment firm focusing on multifamily apartment properties, offering investment opportunities to private investors.

Become the best husband and leader you can: www.thedadedge.com/mastermind

Today, he steps into the light to share his raw and powerful journey of breaking free. This isn't a lecture; it's a real conversation with a guy who's been in the trenches and found his way out.

Yeadon doesn't sugarcoat the awkward moments or the serious consequences of this addiction. He shares the triggers, the lies we tell ourselves, and the practical steps he took to reclaim his life after over 700 days of recovery.

In this episode, you'll gain insight into:

• The insidious ways porn addiction takes root and escalates.

• The devastating impact it has on intimacy and trust in marriage.

• Concrete tools and strategies Yeadon implemented for lasting freedom.

• How to confront the shame and start the journey toward healing.

• The profound positive changes that recovery brings to fatherhood and manhood.

Consider these realities:

• Neurological studies indicate that the reward pathways in the brain respond to pornography in ways similar to addictive substances.

• Relationship research consistently shows a strong negative correlation between pornography use and marital satisfaction.

• Personal accounts within recovery communities highlight the significant improvements in self-esteem and overall well-being after breaking free from porn addiction.

If you're wrestling with this or care about someone who is, this episode offers a message of hope and a tangible path toward lasting freedom.

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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.

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www.thedadedge.com/521

www.themensforge.com | www.thedadedge.com/alliance

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Porn to Purpose Website ➤ www.porntopurpose.com

How many times have you told yourself, 'I'll start when I feel more motivated?' 

Stop lying to yourself. Motivation is a myth. 

It's fleeting, unreliable. 

If you're waiting for it, you're wasting your life.

This episode dismantles the motivation myth and reveals the true driver of action: DISCIPLINE.

Become the best husband and leader you can: www.thedadedge.com/mastermind

Larry Hagner cuts through the noise and delivers the hard truth:

• Motivation is a lie; discipline is the only truth.

• Successful men don't rely on feelings; they rely on action.

• Small, daily wins create unstoppable momentum.

• Your "why" is your fuel.

• The 3-step process to discover a purpose that makes quitting impossible.

Here's why this works:

• Studies show that discipline is a stronger predictor of success than motivation.

• Small wins release dopamine, creating a positive feedback loop that fuels further action.

• A strong "why" activates the brain's prefrontal cortex, enhancing focus and persistence.

This episode is a challenge: write down one thing you've been avoiding, and do it for just five minutes today. Stop waiting for motivation; start taking control of your life.

www.thedadedge.com/friday202

www.themensforge.com

www.thedadedge.com/25questions

www.thedadedge.com/alliance

Gentlemen, are you coasting, or are you building a legacy?

Today, Paul Bengel affectionately known as "Biceps," challenges us to step up and lead with unwavering purpose. He's not just another dad; he's a devoted husband, a father of (almost) three, and a man who refuses to leave his family's future to chance.

From his days on the football field, playing center and tight end, to his current role as a centered and intentional father, Paul embodies leadership and presence. He's especially passionate about raising daughters with intention and preparing to welcome his first son.

Reignite your marriage: www.thedadedge.com/extraordinary-marriage

In this powerful conversation, we explore:

• The art of emotional coaching for our children.
• How to raise daughters with strength and purpose.
• Why Paul refuses to leave his family's future to chance.
• The connection between leadership, legacy, and personal responsibility.

Paul's journey reveals:

• Studies show that fathers who engage in emotional coaching have children with a 35% higher emotional intelligence.
• Research indicates that fathers who actively participate in their daughters' lives contribute to a 28% increase in their daughters' self-esteem.
• Intentional fathers create a 40% higher chance of their children having a healthy self-concept.

Paul's story is a testament to the power of intentional living and courageous leadership. Get ready to be motivated to step up and lead your family with purpose.

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