The Dad Edge Podcast

Are You Leading Your Kids or Just Bossing Them Around? The Dad Edge Blueprint for True Leadership

Ever feel like you're constantly telling your kids what to do, but it's just not sticking? What if there's a more effective way to guide them, one that fosters trust and connection instead of resentment? Today, Larry Hagner dives deep into the heart of true fatherly leadership.

Drawing from powerful training and timeless wisdom shared within The Dad Edge Alliance, Larry unpacks the critical differences between authoritarian parenting (control and commands) and authoritative parenting (clarity, empathy, and presence). He shares real-life stories from dads who are transforming their families by actively listening to their kids, setting consistent boundaries with understanding, and, most importantly, modeling the very behaviors they want to see.

Reignite your marriage: https://bit.ly/deamarriageyoutube

In this essential episode, you'll learn:

• The crucial distinction between "ruler" and "leader" in your parenting approach. Understand why authoritarian methods often breed rebellion, while authoritative leadership fosters respect and cooperation.
• Practical strategies to cultivate deep trust with your children. Learn how open communication, honesty, and following through on promises create an unbreakable bond.
• Why highlighting effort trumps mere achievement in building resilient and motivated kids. Discover how to praise perseverance and the learning process, fostering a growth mindset.
• How to create a home environment where your children feel truly seen, heard, and safe. Explore the elements of a psychologically safe space where vulnerability is encouraged.
• Actionable ways to disrupt the drift of autopilot parenting and become fully present with your kids. Understand the profound benefits of being engaged and attentive in everyday moments.

If you're ready to step into your greatest role as a father and lead your family with intention, passion, and purpose, this episode is packed with the gold you've been searching for.

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

Have you ever asked yourself:

• "Is money a constant source of stress in our family?"
• "How do we teach our kids financial smarts without being preachy?"
• "Are we making the right financial moves for our family's future?"

If these questions hit home, today's conversation offers practical wisdom for navigating your family's financial journey.

Larry Hagner sits down with Sophia Yudkowsky, a seasoned financial planner, who dives into the emotional side of money, the importance of a shared financial vision, and how to create individualized approaches to money management that work for your unique family. Sophia Yudkowsky also shares her personal journey, including her upcoming transition into motherhood and how her late mother, Abby, profoundly influenced her balanced approach to career and family.

Become the best husband and leader you can: bit.ly/deamarriageyoutube

In this essential episode, we dig into:

• Navigating Financial Emotions: How to stay steady during market ups and downs by having clear goals and open communication.
• Tailored Financial Education: Understanding each child's personality to teach them about money in a way that truly resonates.
• Avoiding Common Pitfalls: Identifying typical mistakes families make during the wealth-building phase and the importance of a solid long-term plan.
• Social Media's Financial Impact: How online trends can both inform and mislead your financial decisions.
• Future-Proofing Education: Debating the value of traditional college versus trade schools and how to prepare for future expenses while instilling financial responsibility.

Sophia Yudkowsky's insights are crucial for any family looking to build a healthy relationship with money and secure their financial legacy. This episode is packed with practical advice to make informed decisions that align with your family's unique values and goals.

www.thedadedge.com/528

www.thedadedge.com/alliance

www.mesirow.com/bio/sophia-yudkowsky

www.linkedin.com/in/sophia-yudkowsky

What If Obedience Isn't the Same as Respect?

We all want to raise good kids — respectful, obedient, and successful.

But what if obedience is just compliance… no connection?

In this episode, I dive deep into the final chapter of Netflix's Adolescence, and the heartbreaking unraveling of Jamie Miller, a 13-year-old boy whose silent pain led to tragedy.

His father, Eddie, never saw it coming. Why? Because the connection was missing, even though he thought he was doing everything "right."

I open up about how even committed, hardworking dads like us can miss the quiet red flags our kids are waving. We explore how our need to discipline, protect, and "fix" can sometimes get in the way of the one thing our kids need most: to feel seen and safe.

This episode isn't about shame. It's about waking up.

Because your influence as a dad doesn't come from authority—it comes from emotional safety.

If you've ever believed "my kid is doing fine," this might be the most eye-opening 20 minutes you'll spend all year.

I'll also give you a practical framework to help you ask better questions, create deeper emotional connections, and build a relationship your kids will trust—especially when things get tough.

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

In this episode, I share:

• Why "How was your day?" might be the weakest way to check in
• The 3 fatherhood defaults that kill connection: Distance, Disapproval, and Discipline
• How to use the CARE method (Curiosity, Affirmation, Repair, Expectation) to reconnect with your child
• Why our kids confuse disconnection with disinterest—and how to fix it
• The real reason obedience without emotional connection doesn't build trust

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/friday209

www.1stphorm.com/dadedge

www.thedadedge.com/25questions

www.thedadedge.com/alliance

What does it really take for your teenager to trust you with everything? Are you creating a home where your wife feels truly safe to open up? Could a father-son conversation reveal the surprising answers?

Today I'm bringing you something truly special: a replay of one of the most meaningful live Q&A sessions I've ever recorded. This one goes way back to 2023, and I had my oldest son, Ethan, who was just 17 at the time (he's 19 now) join me, along with 35 awesome guys from The Dad Edge Alliance.

What made this conversation so powerful is that it was completely unscripted. Real questions, raw answers, and packed with the kind of gold you can only get from honest, open dialogue. Even though it was a live stream with our members, the themes we dove into are just as crucial today.

In this episode, you'll hear us tackle some major challenges that I know resonate with so many of you:

• Connecting with Your Wife When She's Emotionally Distant: Real strategies for bridging that gap.
• Creating Psychological Safety in Conversations: How to foster an environment where true communication can thrive.
• Navigating Discipline Without Losing Connection with Your Kids: Ethan even chimes in with his perspective on this one!
• The Power of the Experience Cube: We explore this incredible conflict resolution tool (originally taught by ClearLeadership.com) that's a game-changer for tough conversations with your wife, kids, and even at work.

But what truly blew me away during this Q&A was hearing, in his own words, what builds trust between Ethan and me. And spoiler alert: it's not about being the perfect dad. It's about something much more real: showing up, owning your mistakes, and spending genuine time together.

I'm not going to lie, you might even hear a little emotion in my voice when Ethan starts talking about this–it really hit home the importance of creating that safe space where our kids feel they can tell us anything.

So, whether you're a dad wanting to lead your family better, a husband striving for deeper connection, or just a man wanting to improve your relationships, this episode is packed with hard-earned wisdom. Sit back, relax, and get ready for some real talk that still rings true today.

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

Have you ever achieved your biggest dreams, only to find they leave you feeling empty?

What happens when the spotlight fades, and you're left facing the shadows within?

Today, Larry Hagner sits down with Michael Gazzo—a platinum DJ, internationally touring musician, and now a transformational coach with a story that's as captivating as his music. From remixing for pop icons like Ariana Grande to rocking global stages, Michael Gazzo seemingly had it all—until he realized external success couldn't fill the void within.

Michael Gazzo bravely opens up about the hidden battles behind the fame: the crushing burnout, the allure of the party scene, and the relentless pursuit of validation from the outside world. He shares deeply personal turning points, including a transformative silent meditation retreat in Hong Kong and confronting his deepest fears during days-long darkness retreats.

Through these intense experiences, Michael Gazzo learned the profound power of pausing, looking inward, and finally healing the wounds he'd been running from since childhood.

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

In this raw and insightful conversation, we dig into:

• The honest realities of chasing your dreams and the unexpected emptiness that can follow.
• The courage it takes to confront long-buried childhood wounds and begin the journey of healing.
• The transformative power of authentic brotherhood and finding support in unexpected places.
• Michael Gazzo's perspective on fatherhood and the importance of vulnerability in raising the next generation.
• Practical insights on creating meaningful and lasting change, both in your own life and for your children.

If you're a dad, a dreamer, or anyone on a path of self-discovery seeking purpose beyond achievement, Michael Gazzo's story and wisdom will resonate deeply, offering a powerful reminder that true fulfillment comes from looking within.

www.thedadedge.com/527

www.thedadedge.com/alliance

www.michaelgazzo.com

www.instagram.com/michaelvgazzo

Ever look at your kids and see echoes of your own struggles?

Today, Larry Hagner dives into a powerful and often uncomfortable truth: the unhealed wounds we carry as fathers can cast unseen shadows on our children.

Inspired by the Netflix series "Adolescence," this episode unpacks the subtle yet significant ways our unresolved childhood pain impacts our ability to connect with and truly support our kids.

Larry uses the story of Eddie and Jamie from "Adolescence" to illustrate how even well-intentioned dads can unintentionally pass down emotional scars if they haven't actively confronted and healed their own pasts.

It's not about blame; it's about awareness and the courage to break free from generational cycles.

In this raw and honest episode, you'll learn:

• The subtle ways your own unhealed childhood experiences can manifest in your parenting.
• How unresolved pain can create emotional distance and hinder genuine connection with your children.
• Why repeating the mistakes of our fathers is often an unconscious act rooted in our own unresolved issues.
• Practical steps you can take to begin confronting and healing your past wounds.
• The profound impact of emotional presence and intentionality in breaking generational cycles.

This episode is a powerful call to action for fathers to step up—not just as providers, but as emotionally aware men who are committed to healing themselves for the sake of their families. It's a guidepost on the journey to living and fathering more intentionally, creating a new legacy for the next generation.

www.thedadedge.com/friday208

www.1stphorm.com/dadedge

www.thedadedge.com/25questions

www.thedadedge.com/alliance

Are you pulling your hair out trying to motivate your kids? Do chores feel like a constant battle in your house? Is homework a never-ending saga of lollygagging and procrastination for you too?

If so, then this episode of The Dad Edge is definitely for you. I'm revisiting one of our most popular Q&A sessions because it's packed with the kind of crowdsourced wisdom that can really help us crack the code on kid motivation.

This Q&A was originally recorded a couple of years back, but the principles we shared then are still incredibly relevant today. I wanted to bring this one back because I'm getting ready to launch my fifth book, Pursuit of Legendary Fatherhood.

It's been a journey getting this book out, and some of the core ideas I've been exploring were definitely in the air during this original Q&A.

And hey, if your marriage could use a boost too, check out: www.thedadedge.com/extraordinary-marriage

In this deep dive into real-life parenting strategies, you and I, along with the guys from The Dad Edge Alliance, explore:

• Creating Connection Through Ownership and Structure: Practical ways to foster responsibility in your kids.
• Modeling Responsibility and Emotional Intelligence: How your own actions speak volumes at home.
• Gamifying Contributions and Chores: Making tasks engaging and less of a battle.
• The Balance Between Incentives and Expectations: Finding the right approach to motivation.
• Proactive Communication and Family Agreements: Eliminating power struggles before they begin.

Later in the session, the conversation shifts to the bedrock of the family:

• Emotional Connection and Marriage: The vital role of intentional communication.
• Small Shifts, Big Impact: How subtle changes in posture can build psychological safety in your most important relationships.

While some specific examples regarding children's ages or routines might be from the past, the core principles and actionable takeaways shared in this Q&A remain incredibly valuable for fathers navigating the daily challenges of raising motivated and responsible kids, and building a strong family foundation.

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

Have you ever asked yourself:

• "Why am I not achieving my full potential?"
• "How can I break free from these negative thought patterns?"
• "Is it possible to truly manifest the life I desire?"

If these questions resonate with you, today's conversation offers powerful insights into the transformative power of your mind.

Joining me is Rudi Riekstins—a high-performance mindset coach, entrepreneur, and devoted family man. Together, we dive deep into the incredible influence our thoughts have over every single aspect of our lives, from the way we see ourselves to the very foundation of our relationships with our partners and our kids.

Rudi Riekstins shares his own compelling journey, revealing how he transformed from feeling like the "stupid kid" in school to building significant financial success, only to realize that true fulfillment comes from within.

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

In this episode, we dig into:

• How overcoming deeply ingrained childhood narratives and limiting beliefs can unlock your true potential.
• Practical strategies for shifting your focus away from what you don't want and boldly claiming and visualizing the life you truly desire.
• The real-life struggles that modern dads face and the unique dynamics of raising both sons and daughters with intention.
• The fascinating science behind how your mindset, the power of visualization, and your emotions can tangibly change not only how you feel but also what you are capable of achieving.
• Inspiring stories from Rudi Riekstin's work with top executives and the profound breakthroughs he's witnessed within his own family.

Rudi Riekstin's insights are crucial for anyone looking to break free from limitations, level up in their career, lead their family with deeper connection, and cultivate a life filled with intention and joy. Let's tune in!

www.thedadedge.com/526

www.thedadedge.com/alliance

www.rudiriekstins.com

www.instagram.com/rudiriekstins

www.1stphorm.com/dadedge

We often wear busyness like a badge of honor. Providing, building, grinding. But what if all that hustle is costing us the one thing our kids truly need—connection?

In this episode, I break down episode three of Netflix's Adolescence and the subtle ways fathers like Jamie's dad, Eddie, lose emotional ground with their kids. Not through abuse. Not through neglect. But through the quiet drift that happens when we mistake physical presence for emotional connection.

I opened up about a real conversation I had with my 11-year-old, and why I almost missed the emotional signals he was sending. We'll talk about how to stop measuring parenting by grades, games, and screen time—and instead, start showing up in the moments that matter.

This episode isn't about blaming busy dads. It's a challenge to become more intentional, emotionally available, and tuned in to what's really going on beneath the surface.

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

In this episode, I share:

• Why "he's just in his room" might be the most dangerous assumption we make

• How busyness and good intentions can still lead to emotional neglect

• The exact conversation that helped me reconnect with my 11-year-old

• Why isolation isn't the same as safety—especially in the age of devices

• Simple ways to create connection daily (without needing big moments)

• How to spot the quiet warning signs that your kid is drifting

• Why dinner table conversations are a secret weapon for emotional check-ins

• The psychological effects of low emotional connection between dads and kids

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/friday207

www.themensforge.com

www.thedadedge.com/25questions

www.thedadedge.com/alliance

Are you ready to build a stronger, more fulfilling relationship?

In this episode, we're joined by Shiloh Minor, a certified relationship coach who specializes in helping individuals and couples create deep emotional connection, improve communication, and build strong, intentional partnerships.

Shiloh brings a wealth of knowledge to the table, drawing from her expertise in emotional intelligence, attachment theory, and practical tools for conflict resolution. Her approach is grounded and compassionate, focusing on the real work it takes to cultivate thriving relationships.

With years of experience coaching individuals and couples through the challenges of marriage, parenting, and personal growth, Shiloh offers a unique perspective. She provides clarity and insight from a woman's point of view, while also empowering men to lead with greater empathy, confidence, and purpose in their homes.

Whether she's working one-on-one or speaking to groups, Shiloh's mission is clear: to help people show up with more courage, presence, and love in their most important relationships.

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

Here's what you can expect:

• Heartwarming stories of transformation and growth from Dad Edge Mastermind members.
• Invaluable lessons learned on the path to becoming more intentional and effective fathers.
• Shiloh Minor's insights into cultivating fulfilling marriages through her Real-Love Method.
• Strategies for breaking generational patterns of emotional neglect in relationships.
• Empowerment for women to create the loving and supportive partnerships they desire.

This episode is a testament to the power of community and the transformative potential of dedicated support in both fatherhood and marriage.

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