The Dad Edge Podcast

David Hauser is an American entrepreneur, speaker, and angel investor, best known for co-founding the Grasshopper Group, a virtual telephone service that was acquired by Citrix Systems for $170 million in 2015. He is also a founding member of the National Entrepreneurs' Day and has co-founded several tech companies, including Grasshopper, Chargify, Spreadable, PopSurvey, and Deck Foundry.

In this episode, David Hauser and Larry Hagner discuss the concept of work-life balance and challenge its validity. They argue that balance is elusive and can prevent us from fully engaging in both work and personal life. Instead, they advocate for integration, finding ways to include family and personal responsibilities into our professional pursuits. They also explore the history of the term "work-life balance" and its connection to the increase of women in the workforce.

David Hauser then argues that constantly striving for balance can be detrimental, as it consumes valuable time and energy. Instead of constantly thinking about how to allocate time between different areas of life, he suggests integrating family and personal commitments into daily activities.

The origins of the term "work-life balance" are also briefly discussed, with David Hauser suggesting that it emerged in the 70s or 80s when more women entered the workforce. The term was created to address the challenge of balancing work responsibilities with the role of being a mother.

However, the concept of balance itself is questioned, as it implies a trade-off between work and personal life, which may not be the most effective approach. By integrating work and family life, parents can demonstrate the importance of dedication, perseverance, and delayed gratification to their children.

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Dr. Michael Gervais is a renowned high-performance psychologist and the host of the Finding Mastery podcast, where he explores the psychology of peak performance with world-leading experts and athletes. His work focuses on helping individuals excel in high-stakes environments and unlock their full potential.

In this episode, Larry Hagner and Dr. Michael Gervais delve into a fascinating discussion about the mind, emotions, and the power of being present. They explore the concept of the brain as hardware and the mind as software, emphasizing the importance of upgrading our mental software through training and self-awareness. They also distinguish between emotions (observable and physical) and feelings (subjective and interpretive), highlighting the role of thoughts in shaping our emotional experiences.

The conversation further explores the challenges of being present in a world filled with distractions and the aversion many people have to being alone with their thoughts. They discuss the fear of not being enough and the deep-rooted need for acceptance and belonging. Dr. Michael Gervais shares insights from his book, highlighting the real consequences of stress and anxiety and offering practical strategies for managing them.

Throughout the episode, Dr. Michael Gervais emphasizes the importance of training the mind, just like we train our physical and technical skills. He discusses the power of acute stress and the benefits of pushing ourselves to the messy edge, as well as the value of mindfulness meditation and other contemplative practices in cultivating presence and navigating stress.

Overall, this episode offers valuable insights and practical tools for upgrading our mental software and living a more fulfilled and present life. By increasing awareness of our thoughts, feelings, and emotions, we can better navigate the external world and cultivate a sense of calm and confidence.

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Finding Mastery Podcast

The First Rule of Mastery: Stop Worrying about What People Think of You

Larry Hagner hosts members of the Dad Edge Mastermind in this behind-the-scenes episode. This is an opportunity for members to ask Larry and the community their most pressing questions and get tailored insights from experienced dads.

From work-life balance to dealing with tough emotions and building stronger relationships with our kids, this episode is packed with actionable insights and practical strategies to help you become the best dad you can be.

Sit back, listen in and get ready to level up your fatherhood game.

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Connor Beaton is a men's life coach, founder of ManTalks, and an author focusing on men's wellness and personal growth. He integrates Jungian psychology and somatic therapy into his coaching and speaking engagements​

In this episode of the Dad Edge podcast, host Larry Hagner and guest Connor Beaton talk about the power of voice in conveying emotions and creating a comfortable environment for effective communication. They discuss how slowing down speech and being mindful of tone can reduce anxiety and improve relationships.

Connor Beaton shares his expertise in voice training and music, explaining how a person's voice can reflect their internal state. He suggests that speaking quickly or in a high-pitched tone can be indicative of anxiety or discomfort. By intentionally slowing down speech, individuals can bring attention and presence to their delivery, thereby potentially reducing anxiety and creating a more calm external perception.

The conversation also extends to the impact of voice in parenting and marriage. Connor Beaton emphasize how their calm demeanor and voice can influence the behavior and emotions of their children and partners. They note that when they are calm, their children and partners also tend to be calm. This demonstrates that voice plays a crucial role in creating a sense of safety and comfort in relationships.

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JC Batista is a father and a husband. He shares his powerful and heartbreaking story of losing his 25-year-old son to substance abuse and gun violence. Despite facing unimaginable pain and grief, JC and his wife have shown incredible resilience and strength in navigating through this tragedy.

In this Dad Edge Podcast episode, Larry Hagner is joined by JC Batista and heard about JC's poignant tale of losing his 25-year-old son and the profound impact it had on him and his wife. Their journey, steeped in sorrow, is also a narrative of resilience and shared purpose. The episode explores crucial themes like personal growth in the face of adversity, the effects on marital and family bonds, and discovering strength amidst tragedy.

JC Batista places a strong emphasis on personal growth, underscoring the necessity of mental, emotional, and physical preparedness for life's challenges. He advocates for continuous self-improvement as a tool for building resilience, enabling individuals to more effectively overcome difficult periods.

The strength of JC's marriage shines through as he recounts the various hurdles they've encountered. Their united vision of nurturing a robust family unit has consistently guided them. They've learned the importance of mutual support during times of grief, becoming each other's pillars of strength. This unwavering commitment to their union has significantly contributed to their collective resilience.

Addressing the inevitable anger and unanswered questions that follow tragedy, JC Batista admits to grappling with these emotions himself. He stresses the importance of redirecting anger into constructive paths like personal growth and solution-finding. Rather than dwelling on the unanswerable "why," he advocates for focusing on the "how" – how to grow, how to help others.

In conclusion, JC's story is a powerful illustration of the resilience possible in the face of personal tragedy. Through their harrowing experience of losing a child, JC Batista and his wife have confronted their grief together, offering unwavering support to each other and their family. Their story is not just one of enduring pain but also of finding purpose and strength in each other, highlighting the value of self-improvement, open communication, and helping others navigate their struggles.

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Larry Hagner hosts members of the Dad Edge Mastermind in this behind-the-scenes episode. This is an opportunity for members to ask Larry and the community their most pressing questions and get tailored insights from experienced dads.

From work-life balance to dealing with tough emotions and building stronger relationships with our kids, this episode is packed with actionable insights and practical strategies to help you become the best dad you can be.

Sit back, listen in and get ready to level up your fatherhood game.

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Gary Chapman, Ph.D. is an author, speaker, and counselor. He has a passion for people, and for helping them form lasting relationships. The 5 Love Languages® is one of Chapman's most popular titles, topping various bestseller charts for years, selling over twenty million copies and has been on the New York Times bestsellers list since 2007.

In this episode of Dad Edge, Dr. Gary Chapman discusses his new book on the five traits of a healthy family. He shares that many people struggle with understanding what a good family looks like, especially if they come from a dysfunctional background. Dr. Chapman wrote the book to provide guiding principles for those who are unsure or struggling with creating a healthy family dynamic.

Dr. Gary Chapman emphasizes that the attitude of service is crucial for building a healthy family. He acknowledges that humans are naturally self-centered, but in order to have a healthy family, individuals must adopt an attitude of service. This means approaching relationships and family life with a mindset of wanting to help each family member reach their potential for good in the world.

He also emphasizes that while individuals may not have control over their emotions, they can choose their attitude. This means that even when negative feelings arise, such as anger or hurt, individuals can still choose to think in terms of how they can enrich the lives of their family members. By choosing an attitude of love, individuals can respond to their family members in a positive and loving way, even when their emotions might be telling them otherwise.

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Joel Staley is a fitness coach and the creator of the Shed Fat Fast program, specializing in helping individuals optimize their health and reduce body fat through methods like intermittent fasting. Despite holding a lucrative six figure job, he made the brave decision to quit on his daughter Kennedy's first day at daycare.

In this episode of The Dad Edge, host Larry Hagner sits down with Joel Staley for a raw and insightful conversation about fitness, fasting, and finding your purpose. They dive deep into the importance of nutrition, the benefits of fasting, and the keys to building a great physique. Joel Staley, a successful fitness coach and entrepreneur, shares his own journey of leaving a corporate job to pursue his passion for helping others. They also discuss the significance of setting small goals, finding a supportive community, and being an active and involved parent.

Joel Staley emphasizes the importance of finding a sustainable diet that includes a balance of healthy meals and indulgences. It's not about depriving yourself, but rather enjoying nutritious food while still allowing room for treats.

While Joel used to believe fasting was the answer to everything, he now sees it as just one tool for building a lean physique. Fasting can optimize hormone levels, aid in weight loss, and improve energy levels and self-mastery. However, it's essential to break a fast with healthy, whole foods to feel great and avoid discomfort.

Both Larry and Joel stress the importance of finding a strong reason or "why" to prioritize physical fitness. Whether it's being an active and involved parent or wanting to keep up with your kids, having a compelling purpose will motivate you to take action and make positive changes.

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Larry Hagner hosts members of the Dad Edge Mastermind in this behind-the-scenes episode. This is an opportunity for members to ask Larry and the community their most pressing questions and get tailored insights from experienced dads.

From work-life balance to dealing with tough emotions and building stronger relationships with our kids, this episode is packed with actionable insights and practical strategies to help you become the best dad you can be.

Sit back, listen in and get ready to level up your fatherhood game.

thedadedge.com/mastermind

Aaron Hale is a former Navy chef and Army EOD team leader turned motivational speaker and entrepreneur, overcoming blindness and deafness to found the chocolate company Extra Ordinary Delights​​​​​​.

In this episode, host Larry interviews guest Aaron Hale who shares his powerful story of resilience and overcoming the odds. Aaron Hale reflects on his journey from being an all-American slacker to facing challenges in college and gaining the "Freshman 50." Determined to find his purpose, he turned to cooking, a passion he had since childhood. From being a Navy cook to becoming an Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) technician. Aaron's journey is one of determination, adaptability, and a desire to serve their country in the best way possible.

Aaron Hale's journey begins with a comfortable job in the military. He enjoys the perks and safety that come with his position, and for a while, it feels like a cushy gig. However, he soon realizes that he craves something more. He wants to serve a greater purpose and be on the front lines of danger.

Another factor that contributes to Aaron Hale's decision to transition from comfort to danger is the nature of his job as a Navy cook. The Navy views cooks as the military equivalent of hotel restaurant management. Their duties often involve working in dining facilities on bases or in barracks, which can be mundane and unchallenging. Aaron's placement as a night clerk at the front desk of the bachelor quarters during his shore duty further reinforces his desire for something more stimulating.

Aaron's motivation to serve others and make a positive impact also drives his transition from comfort to danger. He believes that by doing his best for others, he can lead a more fulfilling life. This mindset aligns with his desire to contribute and do something greater than himself. Additionally, Aaron Hale admits that it's also fun to blow things up, highlighting his adventurous spirit and willingness to embrace the excitement and challenges that come with being an EOD technician.

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