The Dad Edge Podcast

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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www.EODfudge.com

Michelle Icard is the author of the books "Fourteen Talks by Age Fourteen" and "Middle School Makeover". She has a degree in Education and has worked with parents, children, and teachers for more than 20 years, creating curriculum, books, and programs that help them better understand and navigate early adolescence.

In this episode, Larry Hagner interviews Michelle Icard about their family and their experiences in parenting. Michelle shares that she has two adult children and two dogs. The conversation also touches on their long-term marriage and recent celebration at a concert.

Setbacks can lead to success. This is a concept that is explored in the podcast transcript, where the author, Michelle Icard, discusses her book "8 Setbacks That Can Make a Child a Success." The conversation revolves around the idea that setbacks and failures are not necessarily negative experiences, but rather opportunities for growth and development.

Michelle begins by sharing her own experience of being relationship and commitment phobic before getting married. She explains that she and her husband dated for seven years before tying the knot, which she finds amusing. This sets the stage for the discussion on setbacks and how they can shape individuals and relationships.

She reveals that she does not have a lot of frustration in her marriage and that it has been mostly easy. She attributes this to the fact that both she and her husband came into the relationship with burdens from their own childhoods and approached their marriage with loyalty and flexibility. They deeply appreciate stability, which they lacked in their upbringing.

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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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Matt Parker is the co-founder of The Exodus Road, a non-profit organization dedicated to combating human trafficking. He started his anti-trafficking efforts in Thailand in 2010, which led to the creation of the organization in 2012.

In this episode of The Dad Edge podcast, host Larry Hagner interviews Matt Parker, the co-founder of The Exodus Road. Matt Parker shares his journey from running a children's home in Thailand to becoming an undercover operative working with the Thai Royal Police to rescue victims of trafficking.

Matt Parker discusses the importance of being vulnerable and open with his wife and children about the challenges he faces in his work, and how it has strengthened their relationships. Matt also emphasizes the need for couples to invest in their marriage through date nights, counseling, and open communication.

He then shares insights on trauma and the importance of seeking help and healing, as well as the impact of online exploitation on children and the steps parents can take to protect their kids. Throughout the episode, Matt's message of resilience, growth, and the power of vulnerability shines through.

Matt's story serves as a powerful reminder that even in the face of darkness, we can find strength and make a difference in the lives of others. He encourages listeners to redefine success as personal growth and improvement, rather than striving for perfection.

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www.theexodusroad.com

Instagram: @theexodusroad

Eric Grannis is the co-author of the book "A+ Parenting: The Surprisingly Fun Guide to Raising Surprisingly Smart Kids." Eric's ethos revolves around challenging the traditional definition of intelligence based on academic performance.

In this episode, Eric Grannis joins Larry Hagner and explores the topic of raising smart kids. He begins by discussing the concept of intelligence and how it has evolved over time. He shares his personal experience of struggling in school but eventually excelling through understanding his own learning style. Eric Grannis also emphasizes the importance of recognizing that intelligence is not solely defined by grades or traditional measures, but rather by understanding how each child learns best.

Eric Grannis acknowledges that the term "smart" is used in the podcast title to attract attention, but the book they discuss is about helping kids find their interests and passions in life. They emphasize the importance of going beyond school and college, where knowledge is dictated, and instead finding what truly interests and engages them.

The conversation also touches on the harmful tendency of parents to compare their children to others, particularly in terms of educational achievements. Eric Grannis suggests that this comparison can be detrimental and that parents should focus on fostering their child's passions and creativity instead.

Investing in our kids is of utmost importance. As parents, we have a responsibility to guide and nurture our children, helping them grow into successful and fulfilled individuals. However, it is essential to recognize that success and intelligence are not solely determined by grades and academic achievements.

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www.amazon.com/Parenting-Surprisingly-Guide-Raising-Smart

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/alliance

Dr. Doug Lucas is a double board certified physician specializing in metabolic health, hormone optimization for both men and women, as well as osteoporosis. He is known for his innovative approach in patient care, leveraging his expertise to improve longevity and vitality​

In this episode, Dr. Doug Lucas shares his journey into the medical field as an orthopedic surgeon specializing in foot and ankle. He discusses the significance of diseases that impact feet, such as diabetes, and the importance of nutrition and aging. After seven years, he transitioned into pursuing additional training to focus on these areas.

The episode delves into the topic of nutrient-poor, calorie-dense food and its impact on our health. Larry Hagner and Dr. Doug Lucas discuss how our diet has evolved over the past century, transitioning from simple, locally sourced foods to highly processed and calorie-dense options. This shift was initially driven by the need to transport food into cities and support a growing population. However, what was once a practical solution to food scarcity has now become a major contributor to the obesity epidemic.

The abundance of food available today has led to a situation where most people have access to more food than they could ever need. However, this food is often lacking in essential nutrients and packed with empty calories. As a result, people are becoming overweight and suffering from diet-induced diseases.

The consequences of consuming nutrient-poor, calorie-dense food are far-reaching. Not only does it contribute to obesity, but it also leads to a host of other health issues. Dr. Doug Lucas also mentions the prevalence of chronic diseases such as diabetes and osteoporosis, which can be attributed, at least in part, to poor dietary choices. This highlights the need for a shift towards a more balanced and nutrient-rich diet.

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www.optimalhumanhealth.com

www.drdouglucas.com

Todd Herman is an acclaimed performance strategist and coach, known for helping athletes, business leaders, and entrepreneurs unleash their potential by tapping into alter egos. He is also the author of the book called "The Alter Ego Effect". His innovative methods blend psychology and peak performance tactics to achieve exceptional results.

In this Dad Edge episode, host Larry Hagner and guest Todd Herman discuss various topics, including their age, prescription glasses, and a quote about spending time with children. The guest shares a statistic that 80% of personal time with kids is used up by the age of 12. This quote has had a profound impact on the host, prompting him to reflect on how he uses his time with his own children.

Children grow up quickly, and the opportunities to create lasting memories and build strong relationships are fleeting. It is essential to be present, engaged, and intentional in our interactions with them. Quality time spent together not only strengthens the bond between parent and child but also contributes to the child's overall well-being and development.

As parents, we must make a conscious effort to create meaningful experiences and memories with our children. This may involve setting aside dedicated time for activities, conversations, and shared interests. It may also require us to be fully present, putting aside distractions and focusing on the present moment.

In a world filled with constant distractions and busy schedules, it is easy to overlook the value of time with children. However, as the podcast conversation highlighted, time is a finite resource, and once it is gone, it cannot be reclaimed. Therefore, it is crucial to prioritize and make the most of the time we have with our children.

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www.alteregoeffect.com

www.amazon.com/Alter-Ego-Effect-Identities-Transform-ebook

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/alliance

Don Manning is a father of seven children and the co-founder of Crazy Cool Family. With three decades of marriage experience, Don has paved the way for success in the family relationship category. He emphasizes the importance of embracing differences for stronger relationships and prioritizing growth.

In this episode, Larry interviews Don Manning, a father of seven children. Don shares his experience of raising a blended family with four girls and three boys. He discusses the challenges he faced and his determination to figure it all out. Don also talks about the genesis of his project, Crazy Cool Family, which aims to help other parents navigate the complexities of parenting.

Differences in marriage provide opportunities for personal development. When faced with differences, individuals are challenged to step out of their comfort zones and learn new ways of thinking and being. This growth can lead to increased self-awareness, empathy, and a broader perspective on life. Don mentions that his wife's relational orientation has taught him valuable lessons about family relationships, highlighting the importance of understanding and appreciating the unique strengths that each partner brings to the marriage.

It is important to note that embracing differences in marriage requires effort and a willingness to learn and grow together. It is not always easy, and conflicts may arise along the way. However, by viewing differences as opportunities rather than obstacles, couples can transform their challenges into catalysts for personal and relational development.

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www.crazycoolfamily.com

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