Purposeful Parenting to Build Strong, Responsible Young Men
Release Date: 08/19/2025
Raising Emotionally Intelligent Sons in Today’s World ft. Ethan Hagner
The Dad Edge Podcast
In this heart-to-heart episode of the Dad Edge Podcast, I sit down with my 19-year-old son, Ethan Hagner, for a raw and honest conversation about growing up, gaining independence, and building strong family bonds in the process. Together, we explore what it means to transition from teenager to young adult while still staying connected to family values, respect, and open communication. We dive into how to respectfully disagree with parents, how to manage emotions in a healthy way, and the importance of creating space without disconnection. Ethan shares his personal experiences—from...
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The Five Pillars of Health, Marriage, and Fatherhood Every Man Needs ft. Heath & Chrissy Evans
The Dad Edge Podcast
In this episode of the Dad Edge Podcast, I sit down with Super Bowl Champion Heath Evans and his wife Chrissy, a powerhouse couple raising six kids—four of them adopted siblings—and leading with faith, love, and intentionality. Beyond the NFL career and business ventures, their mission is about adoption, marriage, and creating a Christ-centered home where safety, strength, and sacrificial love are at the core. We dive deep into adoption, marriage dynamics, leadership in the home, and the foundation of their health and fitness business, Built Ready. From why safety is the #1...
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The Father’s Guide to Raising Kids Safely in a Digital World
The Dad Edge Podcast
In this solo episode of the Dad Edge Podcast, I dive into one of the greatest challenges facing parents today: raising kids in the digital age. Between iPhones, TikTok, YouTube, and even AI tools like ChatGPT, technology is moving at lightning speed—and as fathers, we can’t afford to bury our heads in the sand. I share three powerful strategies that will help you set the right boundaries for your kids without putting them in “tech prison.” From creating guardrails with apps like Bark, to implementing a family tech contract, to modeling discipline with our own devices, this...
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What My Son Taught Me About Dating in 2025 (And What I Wish I Knew at 19) ft. Ethan Hagner
The Dad Edge Podcast
In this special father-son episode of the Dad Edge Podcast, I sit down with my 19-year-old son, Ethan Hagner, to talk about the ever-evolving world of modern dating, masculinity, and what respect looks like in today’s culture. From Snapchat and Bitmoji “vibes” to the dangers of digital footprints, Ethan pulls back the curtain on what Gen Z is really experiencing when it comes to relationships, identity, and self-worth. We get raw and real about breakups, social media drama, posting for “social therapy,” and what red flags look like in 2025. But the conversation goes much...
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How Men Heal Through Vulnerability & Going From A Secret Struggle to A Safe Connection ft. Chandler Rogers
The Dad Edge Podcast
In this powerful episode of the Dad Edge Podcast, I sit down with Chandler Rogers—founder of the Relay app and a man on a mission to help men break free from pornography and reclaim deep connection. Chandler shares his raw personal story as a new dad, a husband navigating the fog of sleep deprivation, and a man who turned his own struggle with porn into a platform that has already helped over 5,000 men heal. This conversation isn’t just about addiction—it’s about isolation, shame, leadership, and stepping into the masculine role your family needs. Chandler reveals the emotional spiral...
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The Father’s Guide to Back-to-School Routines & Quality Communication
The Dad Edge Podcast
In this solo episode of the Dad Edge Podcast, I’m talking directly to you, the fathers, about stepping up as school is back in session. Life gets busier with drop-offs, homework, sports, and late-night routines, but this season also gives us new opportunities to lead and connect with our families in meaningful ways. I share three powerful strategies for creating deeper bonds at home: owning one routine with your kids, maximizing “connection cues” during daily transitions, and holding a weekly huddle with your wife to reduce stress and strengthen your marriage. If you’re...
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Why Men Struggle to Keep Friends and How to Reignite Brotherhood ft. Ethan Hagner
The Dad Edge Podcast
In this episode of the Dad Edge Podcast, Ethan and I dive into a topic most men don’t talk about nearly enough—male friendships. From high school bonds that fade after graduation to the loneliness many men feel in their 30s and 40s, we unpack why brotherhood is so hard to maintain and why it matters more than ever. We share personal stories, both from Ethan’s perspective at 19 and my experience at 50, about what it looks like to build lasting friendships at different stages of life. From the silent killers of connection—busyness, unspoken expectations, and lack of...
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Building Intimacy and Trust Through Grounded Masculine Leadership ft. GS Youngblood
The Dad Edge Podcast
In this episode of the Dad Edge Podcast, I sit down with GS Youngblood—author of The Masculine in Relationship and The Art of Embodiment for Men. GS brings decades of experience coaching men on leadership in marriage, parenting, and personal growth through his Masculine Blueprint framework. Together, we unpack what it really means to live from your masculine core while creating safety, connection, and trust in your relationships. We talk about balancing firmness with heart, why composure beats control, and how to provide structure without domination. GS also dives into the...
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Dividing Roles in Marriage: Finances, Parenting, & Family Responsibilities ft. Jessica Hagner
The Dad Edge Podcast
In this candid episode of the Dad Edge Podcast, I’m joined once again by my wife, Jessica, for a raw and relatable conversation about marriage, parenting, and family dynamics. Together, we dive into the often-unspoken expectations that can trip couples up—from finances and chores to parenting roles and communication. We unpack stories from our own journey, including how we’ve learned to navigate paying bills vs. investing, handling family dinners without resentment, and even the role each of us plays in talking with our boys about tough subjects like sex and relationships....
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Father-Son Lessons on Patience, Communication, and Respect ft. Ethan Hagner
The Dad Edge Podcast
In this father-son conversation on the Dad Edge Podcast, I sit down once again with my son Ethan as we wrap up our August series on what it really means to grow from boyhood into manhood. This episode digs into the lessons society often fails to teach young men—like emotional regulation, conflict resolution, and the importance of spiritual leadership. We share personal stories—some funny, some raw—about patience, distractions, and the times I’ve missed the mark as a dad. Ethan opens up about his work, his relationship, and how he’s learning to grow into the kind of man...
info_outlineIn this special father-son episode of the Dad Edge Podcast, I sit down with my son, Ethan, to continue our August series on raising boys into strong, capable men. Together, we dive into the real challenges young men face today and the lessons that shape character, responsibility, and confidence.
Ethan opens up about what he’s learning through work, relationships, and personal growth, while I share insights on how fathers can guide without controlling. We discuss resilience, accountability, and the importance of choosing the right path—even when it’s difficult. This conversation is raw, relatable, and packed with wisdom for both dads and sons who want to grow together.
TIMELINE SUMMARY
[0:00] - Welcome to our August father-son series
[2:10] - Ethan’s reflections on independence and early adulthood
[5:25] - Why accountability is the key to long-term success
[8:41] - Lessons from failure and how to bounce back stronger
[12:03] - How to balance freedom with responsibility
[15:37] - Why building grit matters more than chasing comfort
[19:10] - Navigating friendships and the power of influence
[23:46] - What intentional living looks like as a young man
[28:04] - Handling setbacks without losing confidence
[32:19] - Why fathers need to lead by example, not just advice
[36:55] - The role of gratitude in keeping perspective
[40:28] - Ethan’s biggest lessons so far in work and life
[44:12] - Final reflections on manhood, growth, and legacy
5 KEY TAKEAWAYS
1. Accountability Creates Growth
The willingness to own your choices and mistakes is what separates boys from men—it’s the foundation of maturity.
2. Resilience Is Built Through Struggle
Failure is not the end but the classroom. Every setback is an opportunity to learn grit and perseverance.
3. Freedom Without Responsibility Leads to Chaos
True independence isn’t doing whatever you want—it’s learning to carry the weight of your decisions.
4. Influence Shapes Identity
The people you surround yourself with will either pull you forward or drag you down. Choose wisely.
5. Gratitude Keeps You Grounded
No matter how tough life gets, practicing gratitude helps you stay centered, focused, and motivated to keep moving forward.
LINKS & RESOURCES
• 1st Phorm Creatine: https://1stphorm.com/products/micronized-creatine-monohydrate/?a_aid=dadedge
• LEVEL 1 BARS: https://1stphorm.com/products/level-1-bar/?a_aid=dadedge
• Dad Edge Podcast Website: https://www.thedadedge.com
• Join The Alliance: https://www.thedadedge.com/alliance
• Listen to More Episodes: https://www.thedadedge.com/podcast
• 25 Questions to Spark Connection With Your Partner:
https://www.thedadedge.com/25questions
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