The Dad Edge Podcast

In this Christmas Eve solo episode, I shift gears from our recent focus on online safety and talk about one of the most common—and painful—issues I see in long-term marriages: roommate syndrome. That quiet drift where intimacy fades, connection feels awkward, and marriage starts to feel more like co-parenting logistics than a romantic partnership. If you've ever laid in bed next to your wife feeling disconnected, unwanted, or unsure how things got this way, this episode is for you.

I share my own experience falling into roommate syndrome after years of marriage, kids, exhaustion, and unmet expectations. We talk about resentment, covert contracts, why nagging is often a cry for connection, and how most men were never taught how attraction actually works in marriage. I also explain why marriage—like jiu-jitsu or any skill—requires training, intentional effort, and doing what most men aren't willing to do if you want a relationship that's truly on fire.

[0:00] What roommate syndrome feels like when intimacy has faded.

[1:39] Why so many marriages slowly slip into "friend zone" dynamics.

[2:02] The statistic that 57% of married couples experience this season.

[2:28] How resentment, logistics, and exhaustion kill connection.

[3:07] Closing out the online safety series and shifting topics.

[3:50] Why Larry chose to release this episode on Christmas Eve.

[4:26] Introducing roommate syndrome as a core marriage issue.

[5:03] Larry's 22-year marriage and personal experience with disconnection.

[6:17] How kids, work, and busyness slowly erode intimacy.

[6:53] When sex starts to feel transactional or obligatory.

[7:13] Why "nagging" is often a bid for attention and being seen.

[7:33] Sitting on opposite ends of the couch scrolling instead of connecting.

[7:56] Covert contracts and resentment in marriage.

[8:17] Why solving instead of listening makes wives feel unseen.

[8:56] Awkward date nights and avoiding real conversations about intimacy.

[9:18] A client story that began with signed divorce papers.

[9:41] How real change happens when a man does the work.

[10:15] Why becoming the man you're meant to be changes everything.

[10:57] Marriage requires training just like work or martial arts.

[11:14] Understanding attraction and speaking the right "currency" in marriage.

[11:51] Loving your spouse the way they receive love.

[12:11] Introducing the Roommates to Soulmates live course.

[12:56] Creating confidence, attraction, and intimacy without neediness.

[13:17] Why uncommon marriages require uncommon effort.

[13:38] The reality that only 10–12% of marriages feel "on fire."

[14:03] Rejecting the belief that passion naturally dies over time.

[14:32] Marriage as a skill set that can be learned and mastered.

[15:05] Course details, limited spots, and next steps.

[15:25] Christmas message and encouragement to live legendary.

1. Roommate syndrome doesn't happen overnight—it's the result of neglecting connection, intimacy, and intentional effort.
2. Resentment grows when expectations go unspoken and needs are assumed instead of communicated.
3. Attraction in marriage is a learned skill, not something that automatically sustains itself over time.
4. Men must lead attraction with confidence, not needy or transactional energy.
5. Exceptional marriages are uncommon because they require uncommon effort, training, and intentional action.

• Roommates to Soulmates Course: https://thedadedge.com/soulmates
• 1st Phorm (Dad Edge Partner): https://1stphorm.com/dadedge
• Episode Show Notes & Resources: https://thedadedge.com/1418

If this episode hit home and reminded you that marriage doesn't have to settle into mediocrity, please rate, review, follow, and share the podcast. You weren't meant to be roommates—you were meant to build a marriage on fire. From my heart to yours, have a Merry Christmas and continue to live legendary.

In today's episode, I sit down with Brent Gleeson, former Navy SEAL, combat veteran, entrepreneur, leadership expert, and author of his newest book All In. But this conversation isn't about résumés or accolades. It's about grief, discipline, marriage, fatherhood, and the systems that allow a man to truly live "all in" where it matters most.

Brent opens up about losing his father unexpectedly in 2023—a moment that forced deep reflection and radical change. We talk about the three pillars his dad lived by, how eliminating alcohol completely transformed Brent's marriage and leadership, and why discipline isn't about doing more—but about saying no to the wrong things. This episode is a masterclass in systems, habits, and intentional living for men who want to lead their families with clarity and conviction.

[0:00] Introducing Brent Gleeson and why this conversation goes far beyond achievements.

[2:09] Losing his father in 2023 and the three pillars that shaped Brent's life.

[2:57] How discipline is modeled—not preached.

[3:28] Why saying yes to everything means saying no to the right things.

[5:11] Family, work, and fitness as non-negotiable pillars.

[8:05] The economic pressure and personal stress leading into 2023.

[10:33] Being present for his father's final moments and the impact of that loss.

[13:28] Going "all in" after grief and eliminating alcohol completely.

[15:03] Why alcohol was no longer serving his marriage, health, or leadership.

[17:21] How quitting drinking changed Brent's temperament, joy, and presence.

[20:03] Larry shares his own experience stepping away from alcohol.

[23:00] The cue–routine–reward framework for breaking habits.

[28:39] Introducing Brent's "Remarkable Results Pyramid."

[30:37] Why marriage must come first in the family system.

[33:18] Committing to growth by intentionally cringing at who you were six months ago.

[36:05] Why kids are always watching how parents treat each other.

[39:30] Brent's 20–20–20 morning routine and disciplined evening habits.

[41:25] Preparing daily to show up better as a husband, father, and leader.

[46:03] Adjusting routines without abandoning discipline.

[50:43] Why overscheduling kids destroys family balance.

[54:27] Saying no to excessive activities and rejecting comparison parenting.

1. Discipline is about alignment, not intensity. What you say no to matters just as much as what you say yes to.

2. Grief can be a catalyst for clarity. Losing his father forced Brent to re-evaluate habits, priorities, and presence.

3. Eliminating alcohol radically improved marriage and leadership. Removing numbing behaviors created more joy, patience, and connection.

4. Systems create results. Whether in business, marriage, or parenting, outcomes come from well-designed systems—not willpower.

5. Marriage must come first. When the relationship between mom and dad is prioritized, the rest of the family system functions better.

• Brent Gleeson's Book — https://a.co/d/7DOrJPE
• Dad Edge Soulmates Program: https://thedadedge.com/soulmates
• 1st Phorm (Dad Edge Partner): https://1stphorm.com/dadedge
• Episode Show Notes & Resources: http://thedadedge.com/1419
• Bark Monitoring for Families: https://thedadedge.com/bark

If this episode challenged you to rethink discipline, habits, or what it really means to go all in as a husband and father, please rate, review, follow, and share the podcast. Your support helps us reach more men who are ready to lead with intention instead of drift.

What if the real scoreboard for fatherhood isn't your bank account, your job title, or your kids' trophies—but how much your adult kids actually want to spend time with you? In this deeply moving conversation, I sit down with Tim Campbell, an 82-year-old father, author, and living example of what long-term connection and trust with your kids can look like—even after a lifetime of hardship.

Tim shares his journey of being married for 50 years, raising three children—two with significant disabilities—and navigating medical crises, bullying, fear, and exhaustion that would have broken most families. We talk about growing up with a Marine father who lacked emotional tools, the moment Tim realized he had become the dad he swore he'd never be, and how he rebuilt trust one moment at a time. This episode is a masterclass in breaking generational patterns, showing up authentically, and understanding why trust is the real gold in fatherhood.

[0:00] Rethinking the true scoreboard of fatherhood and legacy.

[1:20] Introducing Tim Campbell and his 50-year marriage.

[2:19] Raising three kids, two with significant disabilities, and surviving medical crises.

[3:09] Why trust and connection are the biggest themes of Tim's fatherhood journey.

[3:29] Growing up with a Marine father and limited emotional connection.

[4:16] How crisis can either weld a marriage together or tear it apart.

[4:41] Tim introduces his book Holding Up the Sky.

[5:02] Writing a healing, imaginary conversation with his late father.

[7:00] How trauma early in marriage revealed character and long-term strength.

[8:25] Learning you don't have to win every argument to win the long game.

[12:23] Vowing to break generational patterns from his own childhood.

[14:09] Wanting to be a better dad—but not knowing how at first.

[16:24] Realizing fear turned him into the father he never wanted to be.

[17:11] A breaking-point moment that forced real change.

[18:19] Why leveling with your kids builds trust during hard moments.

[18:52] Learning from the next generation, not just the previous one.

[21:17] Larry shares his own parenting experience with a child with disabilities.

[22:44] A bullying moment involving Tim's son and how he responded.

[23:45] "Trust is the real gold" and how it compounds over time.

[24:41] Parenting adult children with disabilities and letting go.

[26:23] Knowing you did fatherhood right when adult kids still want connection.

[28:16] Revisiting the final chapter of Holding Up the Sky.

[30:58] Imagining his father's response and finding peace.

[33:06] Authenticity, masks, and being human with your kids.

[36:01] Why sharing your own childhood stories builds instant connection.

[37:13] Where to find Tim, his book, and additional resources.

1. Trust is the real currency of fatherhood. It opens the door to love, communication, and long-term connection.
2. Crisis reveals character. Hard seasons can either fracture a family or weld it together depending on how we show up.
3. Fear can turn us into the parent we swore we'd never be if we don't consciously course-correct.
4. Getting down to your child's level—literally and emotionally—builds safety and trust.
5. Adult children choosing to stay connected is the truest measure of success.

• Tim Campbell's Book — Holding Up the Sky: https://holdingupthesky.net
• Tim Campbell Website: https://timcampbellodysseys.net
• Episode Show Notes & Resources: https://thedadedge.com/1416
• Bark Monitoring for Families: https://thedadedge.com/bark

If this episode reminded you what really matters in fatherhood, please rate, review, follow, and share the podcast. And remember—titles fade, money comes and goes, but trust with your kids is the gold that lasts a lifetime.

In this deeply emotional solo episode, I continue our December series focused on protecting kids from online predators. I walk you through two real and devastating cases that show exactly how grooming, sextortion, and long-term digital harassment happen—often without parents having any idea it's occurring. These aren't edge cases. This is the reality of the digital world our kids are growing up in.

We break down a Roblox grooming case involving an eight-year-old girl, how predators slowly build trust and move conversations to private apps, and why platform bans don't actually stop them. I also share the heartbreaking story of Amanda Todd, a seventh grader who was hunted online for years by a predator who weaponized images, social media, and bullying across schools and borders. This episode is hard to listen to—but necessary—because awareness is the first step in protecting our kids.

[0:00] Why online grooming often goes unnoticed until it's too late.

[1:48] How predators now access kids directly in their bedrooms through devices.

[2:46] Why this generation of parents is navigating entirely new digital dangers.

[3:52] Parenting the first generation of kids growing up fully online.

[4:20] Introducing a real Roblox grooming case involving an eight-year-old girl.

[5:24] How predators use in-game chat and "helping" to gain trust.

[6:18] The move from public game chat to private apps like WhatsApp.

[6:44] Grooming tactics that feel like friendship to kids.

[7:09] How exploitation and sextortion begin once trust is built.

[8:07] Why platform bans don't stop predators from returning.

[9:06] Key lessons parents must understand about Roblox and open chat systems.

[10:06] Larry shares a personal experience with a suspicious "wrong number" text.

[11:54] Why text messages and private apps are also major risk areas.

[12:25] Introducing the Amanda Todd case from British Columbia.

[12:52] How sextortion followed Amanda across schools and years.

[13:58] Why Amanda wasn't bullied—she was hunted.

[14:27] The mental health toll of long-term digital harassment.

[15:18] Amanda's nine-minute YouTube video explaining her story.

[15:49] Arrest, conviction, and sentencing of her predator years later.

[16:41] Why one image can give predators long-term control.

[17:39] How predators weaponize anonymity, time, and technology.

[18:38] Why Bark has helped Larry catch issues proactively for seven years.

[19:26] How parents can honor victims by protecting their own kids.

[20:11] Final call to action to monitor devices and stay engaged.

1. Online grooming happens slowly and quietly, often disguised as friendship and "help" inside games like Roblox.
2. Predators almost always move kids from public chats to private apps, where there is no moderation or logging.
3. One image is all a predator needs to control, extort, and emotionally destroy a child over time.
4. Platform bans do not protect kids, because predators can create new accounts in minutes.
5. Parental awareness and monitoring can change outcomes, and proactive conversations can prevent lifelong trauma.

• Bark Monitoring for Families: https://thedadedge.com/bark
• Episode Show Notes & Resources: https://thedadedge.com/1415
• Mentioned Link: https://www.amandatoddlegacy.org/aydin-coban.html?utm_source=chatgpt.com

These stories are hard—but they matter. The best way we can honor kids who've been hurt or lost is by protecting our own. Please rate, review, follow, and share this episode, and most importantly, stay involved in your kids' digital lives. From my heart to yours—let's do better.

What if the most dangerous addiction in the world isn't drugs, alcohol, or gambling—but revenge? In this eye-opening conversation, I sit down with Dr. James Kimmel Jr., Yale School of Medicine researcher, attorney, and author of The Science of Revenge, to unpack what actually happens in our brains when we feel wronged, humiliated, or disrespected.

Dr. Kimmel breaks down the neuroscience behind revenge, why it lights up the brain the same way cocaine does, and how seeking retaliation gives us a temporary dopamine hit that ultimately leaves us worse off. We talk about anger, forgiveness, sibling rivalry, marriage conflict, parenting mistakes, and why forgiveness isn't weakness—it's one of the most powerful tools we have to reclaim peace, leadership, and self-control as men and fathers.

[0:00] Why revenge may be the most dangerous addiction in the world.

[2:10] Introducing Dr. James Kimmel Jr. and his research on revenge and forgiveness.

[3:02] How revenge activates the same brain circuitry as drugs like cocaine.

[4:38] Dr. Kimmel's background as both a lawyer and Yale researcher.

[6:33] Marriage, faith, and building a family with shared purpose over 37 years.

[9:12] Advice on long-term marriage and selecting the right partner early.

[13:23] Why revenge seeking escalates conflict in families and relationships.

[16:17] Defining revenge as an addictive, pleasure-seeking process.

[17:17] How grievances activate the brain's pain and reward systems.

[21:25] Why emotional pain registers as physical pain in the brain.

[23:13] Dopamine, craving, and why revenge never actually satisfies.

[25:32] How the prefrontal cortex gets hijacked during revenge seeking.

[28:06] Revenge cycles in marriage and intimate relationships.

[31:20] Losing control: when logic shuts down during retaliation.

[33:27] Larry shares a real-life road rage trigger moment.

[37:39] How quickly fight-or-flight turns into revenge seeking.

[39:52] Why only about 20% of people become "revenge addicted."

[42:16] Differences between men and women when seeking revenge.

[43:28] Why revenge plots dominate movies like John Wick and The Lion King.

[47:07] Sibling rivalry and how revenge shows up between brothers.

[54:23] Parenting discipline vs. revenge-driven punishment.

[58:25] Why forgiveness is essential for breaking the revenge cycle.

1. Revenge activates the same brain circuits as drugs and gambling, making it addictive and compulsive for some people.
2. Emotional wounds register as real physical pain in the brain, triggering a desire to self-medicate through retaliation.
3. Revenge provides temporary relief but increases anger, anxiety, and depression after the dopamine fades.
4. Parents can unintentionally cross the line from discipline into revenge, especially when ego and shame are triggered.
5. Forgiveness is not weakness—it's neuroscience. It's one of the most powerful ways to reclaim control, peace, and leadership.

• The Science of Revenge: https://bit.ly/4q1khVd

• Bark Monitoring for Families: https://thedadedge.com/bark

• Podcast Shownotes: http://thedadedge.com/1414

If this episode challenged the way you think about anger, conflict, and forgiveness, please take a moment to rate, review, follow, and share the podcast. Your support helps us reach more men who want to lead with intention instead of reaction.

If you're a parent with a kid in youth sports—rec, competitive, or full-blown travel—today's episode will hit home. I sit down with Jonathan Carone, creator of Healthy Sports Parents, for a powerful conversation about what youth sports have become, why burnout is skyrocketing, and how well-meaning parents (including me in the early years) unknowingly make the experience more stressful for their kids.

We break down shocking stats—like why 70% of kids quit sports by age 13, why travel leagues are burning families out, and how overtraining is causing injuries in 9-, 10-, and 11-year-olds. Jonathan brings immense wisdom about the car ride home, sideline behavior, when to step in with coaches, and how to raise confident, resilient athletes without crushing the joy of the game.

[0:00] The surprising reason most kids quit sports by age 13.

[2:14] Larry shares his own evolution from "obnoxious sideline dad" to quiet encourager.

[3:41] Introducing guest Jonathan Carone of Healthy Sports Parents.

[4:10] Why travel sports are wrecking family time and burning kids out.

[4:40] The truth about scholarships and NIL fantasies.

[5:00] How the car ride home can make or break a kid's love for the game.

[6:04] The pressure kids feel once sports stop being fun.

[7:04] Why rec leagues are disappearing—and why that matters.

[8:29] How travel sports exploded over the last 25 years.

[10:25] A realistic look at what travel sports demand from families.

[12:09] Early onset injuries from overscheduling and year-round seasons.

[14:21] Real-life stories of parents whose kids never get a break.

[16:06] Why travel sports can destroy family dinners and family culture.

[17:05] The fear-based mindset driving parents to overcommit.

[19:47] The burnout cycle and why most kids stop enjoying the sport.

[20:05] The psychology behind parents who push too hard.

[21:13] Self-love vs. self-glory and how they influence parenting.

[22:29] The myth of scholarships and how rare they really are.

[23:24] How unhealthy pressure destroys a child's love for physical activity.

[24:13] Why running became punishment for our generation.

[26:33] Protecting kids' mental health in the digital age with Bark.

[31:43] What parents should be doing on the sidelines.

[34:36] The car ride home: three things you should ALWAYS say.

[35:42] When and how to give feedback the right way.

[38:44] Using a 5-to-1 positivity ratio to help kids grow.

[41:22] Being an "obnoxious encourager."

[43:33] The power of tone and why it changes everything.

[45:04] When coaches only play to win—and your kid never gets in.

[47:04] Teaching kids to advocate for themselves, age by age.

[49:20] How ADHD affects emotional regulation in sports.

[53:14] The long-tail impact of how we parent through sports.

[54:18] Generational change starts with how we show up today.

1. Kids quit because the game stops being fun—not because of screens, school, or injuries. Pressure from adults is the biggest culprit.
2. Travel sports demand 6–15 hours per week before adding training or lessons, often at the cost of family dinners and downtime.
3. Overuse injuries are exploding in kids as young as 9 due to year-round seasons and lack of rest.
4. Parents often push due to fear, self-validation, or scholarship fantasies, even though less than 5% of athletes ever receive any scholarship money.
5. The car ride home should NEVER be coaching time. The only things kids need to hear are: "I loved watching you play," "Where do you want to eat?" and "What do you want to listen to?"

• Bark Monitoring for Families: https://thedadedge.com/bark

• Healthy Sports Parents (Jonathan Carone): https://healthysportsparents.com

• Healthy Sports Parents on Social: https://www.instagram.com/healthysportsparents/

• Episode Show Notes: https://thedadedge.com/1413

If this episode gave you a new perspective on supporting your youth athlete, take a moment to rate, review, follow, and share the podcast. Your support helps us reach more dads who want to lead with intention—on the sidelines and at home.

In this solo December episode, I continue a month-long series dedicated to educating parents about the real dangers our kids face online. After last week's story about Adam Tate, today I share two more real cases—one involving sextortion and another involving swatting—that every parent needs to understand. These aren't rare events. They're happening quickly, quietly, and often right under our noses while our kids sit in their bedrooms playing games like Roblox, Fortnite, and more.

You'll hear the heartbreaking story of 17-year-old Ryan Lass from San Jose, who took his own life within hours of being extorted by an overseas criminal network. Then we break down the tragic case of Andrew Finch, a 28-year-old father of two who was killed after a swatting prank triggered a full SWAT response to the wrong house. Both stories highlight how dangerous the digital world has become—and why we must be proactive, aware, and deeply involved in protecting our kids' online lives.

[0:00] Introduction

[1:02] Why December episodes are focused on online safety and protecting kids.

[1:50] Recap of last week's episode about Adam Tate and the Sean Ryan interview.

[2:32] Why sinister online activity is escalating and why parents must stay informed.

[3:02] Introducing two new stories: a sextortion case and a swatting case.

[3:48] Explanation of "swatting" and why even young kids are now doing it.

[4:48] Beginning Ryan Lass's story — a high school senior extorted online.

[5:38] How a predator posed as a woman and launched a rapid blackmail attack.

[6:07] FBI findings and identification of the international criminal ring.

[7:41] Why Ryan's case matters: he was targeted, not reckless.

[8:37] How modern predators manipulate teens using panic and pressure.

[9:02] Parents' blind spots about who kids are connected to online.

[10:17] Reminder that kids are connected to global predators—not just friends.

[11:03] Introduction to Andrew Finch's swatting case.

[12:06] The false 911 call describing a violent hostage situation.

[12:57] How Andrew Finch was shot despite having no involvement.

[14:01] Why swatting is deadly—and how it grew out of gaming communities.

[15:39] The seriousness of online conflict and its real-world consequences.

[16:33] How swatting and predator activity now infiltrate gaming platforms.

[16:54] Why Bark is one of the most effective tools for monitoring kids' devices.

[17:19] The need for proactive online supervision—like helmets for digital life.

[18:18] A recent incident with my own son that Bark helped me catch early.

[19:09] The urgency of protecting our kids from online predators.

[19:32] Directing listeners to the show notes and resources at thedadedge.com/1412.

[20:10] Additional resources including PenTester, YouTube links, and conversation guides.

[20:27] Free "Conversations for the Car" PDF for kids ages 5–18.

[20:45] Encouragement for parents: we fight this fight together.

1. Predators are organized, trained, and global. Kids on gaming systems are interacting with far more than just "friends."
2. Sextortion happens extremely fast. In Ryan's case, the window from first contact to death was only hours.
3. Swatting is no longer just a gaming prank—it's deadly. The Andrew Finch tragedy shows how quickly it can turn fatal.
4. Parents must stay vigilant, informed, and engaged. Safety now requires ongoing conversations and digital monitoring.
5. Tools like Bark can save lives. Monitoring texts, DMs, and online chats can catch danger long before it escalates.

• Bark Monitoring for Families: https://thedadedge.com/bark
• Ryan Montgomery Episode:
• https://open.spotify.com/episode/2GPd36fFPuLsBSlZp6WUvc?si=BPYACSoWRRin9MatFHMGbg
• Facebook Story Referenced in Episode:
• https://www.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=32876961955250751&id=100000911118224&mibextid=wwXIfr&rdid=nnmVU8LFIdec2oLO#
• PenTester (Ryan Montgomery's Cybersecurity Site): https://pentester.com/
• Ryan Montgomery's YouTube Channel (@0dayCTF): https://www.youtube.com/@0dayCTF
• NBC Bay Area News — Sextortion Case of San Jose Teen:
• https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/4-arrested-sextortion-san-jose-teen-suicide/3865298/?utm_source=chatgpt.com
• ABC News — Swatting Incident Leading to Andrew Finch's Death:
• https://abcnews.go.com/US/la-man-arrested-swatting-incident-led-police-killing/story?id=52057251&utm_source=chatgpt.com
• Podcast Episode Shownotes: http://thedadedge.com/1412

If this episode helped open your eyes to the realities our kids face online, please take a moment to rate, review, follow, and share the show. Together, we can protect our kids and make the digital world a safer place for every family.

In this powerful and deeply emotional episode, I sit down with my good friend Sean Cochran, CEO of Men for Life, to have one of the rawest conversations we've ever shared on this podcast. Sean opens up about losing his first child to abortion at 19 and the seven-year spiral that followed—addiction, gambling, overdoses, isolation, and hitting rock bottom on the floor of a dirty hotel room. His story is one of unimaginable darkness, but also unbelievable redemption.

We explore how culture has silenced men in the abortion conversation, the devastating emotional impact so many men carry in secret, and Sean's journey from shame to recovery, fatherhood, and ultimately becoming a national voice for men who feel unseen in this space. We also dive into the mission behind Men for Life, the data behind father involvement, and how redefining authentic masculinity can change families and communities for generations.

[0:00] Sean begins sharing why abortion is not just a "women's issue."

[2:03] The staggering data on how many men are affected by abortion every year.

[3:56] Sean's personal story begins—19 years old, his girlfriend is pregnant.

[5:06] Learning the abortion would happen despite his desire to keep the baby.

[6:34] The counselor who told him "this doesn't affect you"—and how that shaped years of silence.

[8:05] Addiction escalates: cocaine, ecstasy, gambling, and stealing.

[9:25] Hitting rock bottom in a hotel room and believing he would die.

[10:59] A moment of surrender and prayer that changed everything.

[12:50] Entering treatment, beginning healing, and naming his son "Michael."

[15:38] Rebuilding: finishing college, law school, starting a family.

[17:04] Adopting three children—and the powerful contrast between two mothers' choices.

[18:28] Realizing he was failing as a lawyer, husband, and father—and shutting down his law practice.

[21:00] Discovering men everywhere carry hidden abortion wounds after speaking publicly for the first time.

[23:03] How Sean was led—against his own plans—to become CEO of Men for Life.

[26:05] The mission: creating a fatherhood program that transforms young men and saves lives.

[28:00] Why authentic masculinity is rooted in service, courage, sacrifice, and Christ-like leadership.

[30:00] How men can get involved and support Men for Life.

1. Men are deeply impacted by abortion, yet culture has told them their voice doesn't matter.
2. One in five men will lose a child to abortion by age 45—and most carry that pain alone.
3. Sean's seven-year spiral was fueled by unprocessed grief, shame, and the belief that he "didn't matter."
4. Father involvement changes outcomes: when men see an ultrasound and go through a fatherhood program, 97% choose life.
5. Authentic masculinity isn't domination—it's service, courage, sacrifice, and living for something bigger than yourself.

• Men for Life Website: https://menforlife.org
• Contact Sean Directly: Email: [email protected] or https://menforlife.org/contact-us
• Sean's Instagram: https://instagram.com/lseancorcoran
• Dad Edge Mastermind: https://thedadedge.com/mastermind
• Episode Show Notes Page: https://thedadedge.com/1411

If today's episode moved you, inspired you, or helped you feel less alone, please take a moment to rate, review, and share the podcast. Your support helps us reach more men who need these conversations.

In today's conversation, I sit down with Ian Cron — a psychotherapist, priest, bestselling author of The Road Back to You, and one of the world's leading experts on the Enneagram. This episode hit me far harder than I expected. Ian doesn't just explain the Enneagram… he helps us understand how our personality type shapes our marriage, our parenting, our leadership, and even the stories we tell ourselves.

But things get incredibly real when Ian puts me through a live guided inner-work exercise. Within minutes, he led me straight into one of the deepest beliefs I carry about success, provision, and worth — taking me face-to-face with the 12-year-old version of myself who still drives far more than I realized. It was raw, vulnerable, uncomfortable… and one of the most powerful moments I've had behind this microphone. If you've ever wondered why you do what you do, why you push so hard, or why your strengths sometimes undermine you, this conversation will stop you in your tracks.

[0:00] – Introducing the episode and why today's conversation hit harder than expected.

[1:27] – Ian Cron's background as a psychotherapist, priest, and Enneagram expert.

[2:12] – Ian explains the nine personality types in plain language.

[2:42] – Why I chose to get vulnerable and let Ian guide me through inner work.

[3:25] – A moment of intense authenticity as I sit face-to-face with my younger self.

[11:51] – Nature vs. nurture — where personality comes from.

[13:34] – Why self-awareness is essential for good living, marriage, and parenting.

[15:31] – Applying Enneagram wisdom to understanding kids and their inner worlds.

[17:22] – How knowing my wife's type changed our marriage.

[18:27] – "What's best about you is also what's worst about you."

[19:59] – Ian analyzes my type (3w2) and explains why he knew so much about me instantly.

[21:42] – How threes may unintentionally run over people while chasing goals.

[22:50] – Parenting kids who aren't wired like you — and avoiding making them copies.

[24:12] – Why every type has strengths, weaknesses, and a path toward health.

[26:32] – Understanding your kids' Enneagram types and customizing your parenting.

[27:48] – When kids should take the Enneagram test.

[29:03] – My own reflections on turning 50 and becoming more self-aware.

[30:19] – How to begin inner work and understand your type's shadow side.

[31:21] – The shift from first-half-of-life achievement to second-half-of-life meaning.

[32:36] – Do Enneagram types change over time?

[33:58] – Ian shares the hard truths about being a Type 4 and the work it required.

[35:51] – What makes the Enneagram "painfully accurate" — and why it stings at first.

[43:03] – Why dating app "compatibility" algorithms may be misleading.

[46:16] – The danger of being married to someone exactly like you.

[47:15] – Why I talk to the "achiever" part of myself and how Ian explains this phenomenon.

[49:21] – Understanding internal "parts" and learning to lead them well.

[52:06] – The moment my 12-year-old self emerges during the guided exercise.

[1:02:14] – Why self-knowledge is the beginning of wisdom.

[1:03:27] – Ian's resources: assessments, coaching, books, and his Typology podcast.

[1:04:45] – Final reflections and directing listeners to the show notes.

1. The Enneagram reveals core motivations, not just behaviors. Understanding your type gives you a mirror into why you act, think, and feel the way you do.
2. Self-awareness is foundational to healthy marriage and parenting. When you understand your patterns, blind spots, and triggers, you show up more intentionally for the people you love.
3. Your strengths also contain your shadow. "What's best about you is also what's worst about you" — and growth requires facing both sides honestly.
4. Inner-work exposes old parts still running your life. The guided exercise revealed a wounded 12-year-old part of me still driving my need to achieve and provide.
5. Your type doesn't change, but you evolve within it. True maturity comes from learning to lead your personality, not letting it lead you.

• Ian's website & resources: https://www.ianmorgancron.com
• Ian's book: The Road Back to You: https://www.amazon.com/Road-Back-You-Enneagram-Self-Discovery/dp/0830846190
• Bark x The Dad Edge: http://thedadedge.com/bark
• Show notes: https://thedadedge.com/1410

If this episode gave you a moment of clarity, helped you understand yourself better, or challenged you to grow, please rate, review, follow, and share the podcast. From my heart to yours, thank you for listening — now go out and live legendary.

In this first solo show for December, the host, Larry Hagner, comes to the audience with anger and urgency to discuss a massive, sinister online threat targeting children through seemingly innocent games like Roblox and Minecraft. Drawing heavily from a recent Sean Ryan Show interview with ethical hacker Ryan Montgomery (Episode 255), the host alerts parents to the dark fringes of the internet and a dangerous group, 764, described as a dark web cult with an "indifference" belief that lives and families mean nothing.

The episode features the heartbreaking, public post from Adam and Amanda Tate whose 15-year-old son, Bryce Tate, tragically took his own life after being a victim of sextortion. The host details how these criminals build trust, escalate quickly (the Tate tragedy occurred in just three hours), and use threats of public exposure to manipulate vulnerable children. Beyond sextortion, the episode warns about extreme acts of self-harm, pet-killing, and even violence against family members being coerced for things as trivial as Roblox Robux.

The host emphasizes that parental awareness is the only defense. He strongly recommends using a parental monitoring software like Bark (about $15/month) to monitor online chats, text messages, and social media, allowing parents to get immediate alerts and intervene before tragedy strikes. This is a passionate call to action for fathers to educate themselves, have ongoing, fruitful conversations, and protect their children's lives.

TIMELINE SUMMARY

[0:00] Introduction

[1:47] Episode disclaimer for parents

[2:22] Alerting parents to the "massive threat" in games like Roblox and Minecraft

[3:35] How innocent games can be tampered with and made evil

[3:59] Introducing the Sean Ryan Show and the interview with Ryan Montgomery

[4:37] Episode 255 of The Sean Ryan Show: "Roblox and Minecraft. Hacker exposes the largest online video games."

[5:22] Warning: Roblox is not safe; introduction to the online group 764

[6:07] The 764 group's belief in indifference and not caring about the welfare of children

[6:51] Sharing the story of Bryce Tate (15) and his parents, Adam and Amanda Tate

[8:57] The discovery: Bryce was a victim of sextortion—a serious and growing threat

[9:49] The extortion phase: demanding $500 and threatening to share photos.

[10:22] Bryce, believing his world was destroyed, was manipulated into taking his own life

[11:11] The rapid timeline: the first message to the final tragic act occurred in just three hours

[12:02] Episode recommendation: Sean Ryan/Ryan Montgomery interview

[13:13] Discussing extreme acts: forcing a 14-year-old girl to hang herself naked on video

[14:08] Forcing kids to tattoo usernames, burn themselves, and kill their pets or parents/siblings on video

[15:10] The shocking detail: kids are being coerced for Roblox Robux, not even real money

[16:49] Bark: Parental Monitoring Software

[19:11] Call to parents: Make an effort to have ongoing conversations with your kids

[19:35] The modern threat: the bully can be in your kid's bedroom, 25 feet away, and you have "no idea"

[20:25] Conclusion: The only protection our kids have is us; a passionate final call to action.

5 KEY TAKEAWAYS

1. The Threat is Real and Sinister Online platforms like Roblox and Minecraft are being exploited by a large, sadistic group (764) on the dark web that preys on vulnerable children, escalating from sextortion to coercing extreme acts of self-harm and violence for Robux or recognition.
2. Speed is Critical—Intervention Must Be Immediate. The sextortion process is incredibly fast. A child can be manipulated into a catastrophic decision in as little as three to six hours, as seen in the Bryce Tate tragedy, highlighting the crucial need for immediate digital awareness and monitoring.
3. The Stakes Are Life and Death. These criminals are professionals who exploit children's innocence and sense of shame, often leading victims to take their own lives. The host argues this is a heinous crime, describing the acts as being "murdered... through his phone".
4. Awareness is the Only Defense. Parents cannot protect their children unless they know what is happening. The host urges parents to research the topic (especially the Sean Ryan Show interview with Ryan Montgomery) to understand the depth of the technological and psychological infiltration.
5. Protect Your Kids with Technology and Ongoing Conversation. While open, ongoing conversations are vital, parental monitoring tools like Bark are essential for a safety net. Bark monitors 30+ apps and texts, sending immediate alerts to parents, allowing intervention within minutes to stop a fast-moving threat.

LINKS

• Podcast Shownotes: https://thedadedge.com/1409
• Bark: Parental Monitoring Software: https://thedadedge.com/bark
• #255 Ryan Montgomery - Roblox & Minecraft: Hacker Exposes the Largest Online Video Games: https://open.spotify.com/episode/2GPd36fFPuLsBSlZp6WUvc?si=7BfOCdNOTzuoW4LkvHzyAA
• #JusticeforBryce - Adam Tate's Official Announcement: https://www.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=32876961955250751&id=100000911118224&mibextid=wwXIfr&rdid=nnmVU8LFIdec2oLO#
• Pentester: https://pentester.com
• Ryan Montgomery: https://www.youtube.com/@0dayCTF