The Dad Edge Podcast
Larry Hagner
The Dad Edge Podcast is a movement. It is a strong community of Fathers who all share a set of values.
Larry Hagner, founder of The Dad Edge, breaks down common challenges of fatherhood, making them easy to understand and overcome. Tackling the world of Fatherhood can be a daunting task when we try to do it alone.
The mission of The Dad Edge Podcast is to help you become the best, strongest, and happiest version of yourself so that you can help guide your kids to the best version of themselves. Simple as that.
Everything you need and all of our resources can be found at thedadedge.com/podcast
Larry Hagner, founder of The Dad Edge, breaks down common challenges of fatherhood, making them easy to understand and overcome. Tackling the world of Fatherhood can be a daunting task when we try to do it alone.
The mission of The Dad Edge Podcast is to help you become the best, strongest, and happiest version of yourself so that you can help guide your kids to the best version of themselves. Simple as that.
Everything you need and all of our resources can be found at thedadedge.com/podcast
Episodes
Mentioned books
Oct 5, 2025 • 1h 8min
Using Your Rock Bottom Story & Struggles to Heal Others & Grow as a Father ft. Doug Bopst
Doug Bopst, a former felon turned award-winning personal trainer and transformational speaker, shares his incredible journey of overcoming addiction and incarceration. He discusses how his time in jail ignited a passion for fitness, serving as a path to discipline and redemption. Doug emphasizes the importance of taking ownership of one's life and how the pain from his past fuels his mentorship to young men. He highlights the power of accountability and small daily wins, showing that embracing struggles can lead to growth and stronger fatherhood.
Oct 3, 2025 • 49min
What it Means to be Present As A Father in Your Children's Lives ft. Michael Rothman
Michael Rothman, entrepreneur and co-founder of Fatherly, shares his insights on modern fatherhood. He emphasizes that being present as a father is about intention rather than perfection. The discussion dives into the importance of secure emotional attachment, particularly during critical early years, and how marriage dynamics influence children. Rothman also addresses the risks of oversharing kids' lives online and advocates for creating a nurturing community to combat negative influences. His reflections offer valuable lessons on leading with strength and vulnerability.
12 snips
Oct 1, 2025 • 52min
Teaching Sons to Lead Themselves Through Struggle, Mindset, and Discipline ft. Ethan Hagner
Ethan Hagner, son of the host, shares his journey to manhood with passion and insight. He explores how young men can embrace struggle as a growth tool and discusses the crucial role of mindset in overcoming fear and building confidence. Ethan emphasizes that true confidence stems from consistent action rather than mere words. He reflects on the importance of self-awareness in character development and highlights practical strategies for navigating life's challenges. This candid conversation offers valuable lessons for both fathers and young men.
39 snips
Sep 29, 2025 • 1h 14min
Why Emotionally Present Dads Win at Parenting, Recovery, & Relationships ft. Brandon Mancine
Brandon Mancini, a former Marine and professional coach, shares his inspiring journey of overcoming addiction and embracing fatherhood. He discusses how sobriety transformed his life, emphasizing the connection between fitness, emotional presence, and parenting. Brandon highlights the importance of consistency over intensity in both training and raising children. He encourages dads to model vulnerability and maintain strong routines, illustrating that showing up in tough moments can foster resilience and rebuild trust with kids.
Sep 26, 2025 • 15min
Using Sports to Strengthen Father-Child Bonds & Life Lessons
Discover how sports can forge deeper bonds between fathers and children. Explore the value of praising effort over outcomes and the importance of celebrating preparation. Learn how to foster a growth mindset that breeds resilience and combats entitlement. Enjoy playful, agenda-free interactions to connect meaningfully. Plus, hear practical tips on sharing personal stories that build credibility with your kids. This discussion emphasizes that sports can be more than just competition—they're a platform for lasting life lessons.
16 snips
Sep 24, 2025 • 43min
The Father's Role in Teaching Confidence, Discipline, and Emotional Strength ft. Ethan Hagner
Ethan Hagner, the son of the host, dives into the complex world of father-son relationships with a fresh perspective. He passionately discusses the importance of emotional maturity and how being present fosters deeper connections. Ethan reveals that listening often matters more than giving advice, and shares valuable insights on handling overwhelming emotions. He emphasizes teaching future generations about vulnerability, responsibility, and the core values of faith and resilience, connecting the dots between identity and confidence.
12 snips
Sep 22, 2025 • 55min
Healing From Trauma and Leading Your Family Through Grace and Grit ft. Os Aponte
Oscar "Oz" Aponte, a U.S. Army veteran and kettlebell instructor, shares profound insights on strength and fatherhood. He reflects on his father's legacy and the transformative power of presence in parenting. Oz explores the connection between nervous system health and longevity, introducing concepts like the 'threat bucket' for better wellness. He emphasizes the importance of movement and posture, advocating for a balanced approach to masculinity and fitness that prioritizes intentionality over ego.
24 snips
Sep 19, 2025 • 22min
How to Control Stressful & Heated Moments in Your Home as A Father
In this insightful discussion, the host emphasizes the importance of being a 'thermostat' instead of a 'thermometer' in family dynamics. He shares practical strategies for creating a calm home environment, including establishing transition rituals and explaining stress in ways that children can understand. Listeners learn how to secure a daily 'anchor moment' with their families, fostering connection amidst daily chaos. This episode serves as a guide for dads navigating the challenges of modern parenting with intention and presence.
Sep 17, 2025 • 49min
Raising Emotionally Intelligent Sons in Today's World ft. Ethan Hagner
In this engaging conversation, 19-year-old Ethan Hagner shares insights from his unique journey towards independence while maintaining strong family ties. He discusses the balance between freedom and responsibility, offering practical strategies for respectful communication with parents. Ethan opens up about choices like turning down college parties and embracing healthy coping mechanisms, including ice baths and workouts. Their candid discussion serves as a guide for building emotional intelligence and character in young men, making it relatable for both teens and parents.
20 snips
Sep 15, 2025 • 59min
The Five Pillars of Health, Marriage, and Fatherhood Every Man Needs ft. Heath & Chrissy Evans
Join former NFL player and Super Bowl champion Heath Evans and his wife, Chrissy, as they share insights on raising six kids, including four adopted siblings. They dive into the importance of a Christ-centered home, discussing how faith and marriage dynamics shape family life. The couple presents five essential pillars of health for men, combining holistic living with spiritual well-being. They tackle the fatherless crisis, advocating for supportive communities and strong partnerships in parenting, all while emphasizing love, intentionality, and the power of safety in relationships.
