Raising Emotionally Intelligent Sons in Today’s World ft. Ethan Hagner
Release Date: 09/17/2025
Breaking Generational Trauma to Become a Present Father featuring Adam Schafer
The Dad Edge Podcast
In this episode of the Dad Edge Podcast, I sit down with Adam Schafer, co-host of the popular Mind Pump Podcast, for a vulnerable, authentic, and deeply reflective conversation on fatherhood, healing generational trauma, and building connection through presence—not performance. Adam opens up about his own childhood trauma, how it shaped his identity, and the intentional work he’s done to break the cycle and show up differently for his son. We dive into the power of emotional safety, why performance-based love doesn’t work, and the simple but powerful practice of being fully...
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Why Fun Conversations Build Deeper Father-Son Bonds featuring Colton Hagner
The Dad Edge Podcast
In this heartwarming and hilarious episode, I sit down with my 9-year-old son Colton for a spontaneous and deeply connective conversation. Using our brand-new Questions for the Car resource, we explore everything from nightmares and Dog Man books to space rides and secret lemonade recipes. It’s a candid glimpse into father-son bonding, full of laughter, surprises, and those unscripted moments that truly matter. Whether you’re a dad looking for creative ways to connect with your kids or just need a smile today, this episode is a reminder of the magic that happens when we slow...
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Rewriting Your Story After Trauma and Identity Loss featuring Candice Horbacz
The Dad Edge Podcast
In this episode of the Dad Edge Podcast, I sit down with Candice Horbacz, a former adult film star turned mindfulness advocate, podcaster, and homeschooling mother. Candice brings a rare blend of candor, introspection, and wisdom to this deeply personal conversation. We explore how she navigated radical life transitions, healed from childhood trauma, and created a home rooted in authenticity, curiosity, and emotional safety. Candice opens up about her own upbringing, the dysfunction that shaped her early worldview, and how she found her way to a new version of identity after...
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How to Be Heard, Seen & Understood at Home featuring Josh Davis
The Dad Edge Podcast
Ever found yourself trying to fix a problem with your spouse or kids—only to make it worse? Yeah, me too. In today’s episode, I sat down with Josh Davis, a neuroscientist, author, and master of Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP), to explore how the way we communicate—our words, tone, body language, and mindset—can shape the emotional responses of those we love most. Josh didn’t just explain NLP; he showed it in action—by putting me in the hot seat. We talked real-life scenarios that dads like us face daily, from explosive moments with kids to feeling emotionally disconnected...
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Building Deeper Father-Son Bonds Through Meaningful Questions featuring Colton Hagner
The Dad Edge Podcast
Today marks the 1400th episode of the Dad Edge Podcast, and I couldn’t be more excited to celebrate it with one of the most important people in my life—my 9-year-old son, Colton. In this fun, heartfelt, and candid father-son conversation, we dive into some of the powerful questions from my free resource, Questions for the Car, to model what intentional connection looks like between a dad and his kid. Colton opens up about everything from his love of dodgeball and tacos to what makes him feel proud, loved, and connected to our family. We laugh, share stories, and flip the script...
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TRT, Vasectomies, & the Truth About Men’s Health featuring Dr. Justin Houman
The Dad Edge Podcast
In this eye-opening episode of the Dad Edge Podcast, I sit down with Dr. Justin Houman, a leading urologist and men’s health expert, to talk about everything most guys avoid—hormones, testosterone, fertility, vasectomies, and how your lifestyle is impacting your long-term health as a man. Dr. Houman pulls back the curtain on what’s really happening with declining testosterone levels, the truth about TRT (testosterone replacement therapy), and why many young men are already showing signs of hormonal imbalance. We also dive deep into how stress, diet, alcohol, and even simple...
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Presence During Hardship Defines Your Legacy featuring John O’Leary
The Dad Edge Podcast
In this deeply moving and perspective-shifting episode of the Dad Edge Podcast, I sit down with John O’Leary, a bestselling author, motivational speaker, and burn survivor whose life is a testament to the power of resilience, hope, and radical love. At age nine, John suffered severe burns across 100% of his body. He wasn’t supposed to live. But not only did he survive—he became one of the most impactful voices inspiring people to live fully, love deeply, and lead fearlessly. John and I talk about what truly matters in life, the legacy we leave through small, consistent acts...
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Building Focus, Discipline, and Connection with Your Kids featuring Lawson Hagner
The Dad Edge Podcast
In this special episode of The Dad Edge Podcast, I sit down with a very special guest—my 11-year-old son, Lawson Hagner. This episode is unlike any other, because it’s not about interviews or experts—it’s about connection. It’s about the power of slowing down, asking questions, and being intentional with our kids. Lawson and I dive into simple but meaningful topics—his favorite memories, what it means to “lock in,” and how he’s learning to handle school, sports, and life. What starts as a lighthearted father-son chat turns into an authentic, heartfelt conversation...
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Raising Kids Who Smile with Confidence By Leading by Example featuring Dr. Robert Geiman
The Dad Edge Podcast
In this episode of The Dad Edge Podcast, we dive into a topic every parent faces daily — our kids’ teeth. From baby gums to braces, I sit down with orthodontist, educator, and author Dr. Robert Geiman to unpack the essential truths about children’s dental health and what parents can do to set their kids up for lifelong confidence and health. Dr. Geiman’s new book, The Tooth Bible: A Parent’s Guide to Their Child’s Smile, turns decades of clinical experience into practical, bite-sized advice every parent can understand and apply. In our conversation, we cover everything...
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Maintaining Connection & Relationships When Life Gets Busy
The Dad Edge Podcast
In this solo episode, I open up about one of the most overwhelming seasons my family has faced—fall. Between school demands, sports, band, and everything else, our schedule was maxed out and our connection suffered. Jessica and I found ourselves constantly busy but emotionally distant, operating more like teammates than soulmates. I share how we recognized the symptoms of “roommate syndrome,” what we did to course-correct, and why protecting margin in your life and marriage is non-negotiable. I also introduce my brand-new course launching in January, From Roommates to Soulmates,...
info_outlineIn 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 turning down college parties to navigating long-distance relationships—and how he’s developed healthy coping mechanisms like ice baths, workouts, and prayer.
This episode isn’t just for parents of teens. It’s for any father who wants to lead his family with grace, patience, and intention—and raise young men of character in a chaotic world.
TIMELINE SUMMARY
[0:00] - Welcome to the Dad Edge movement
[1:01] - Raising independent, critical-thinking kids
[2:12] - Respectful disagreements with parents and communication
[3:02] - Pumpkin spice protein ice cream (yes, seriously)
[5:03] - The scary truth about a Starbucks PSL’s sugar content
[6:42] - Why protein-first choices matter for men’s health
[9:34] - Introducing today’s topic: family ties and independence
[10:02] - Life after high school: structure vs. freedom
[11:52] - Taking initiative as a young adult
[13:35] - Visiting college friends and choosing not to party
[15:12] - Why making different choices matters to dads
[16:13] - Navigating peer pressure and honoring your values
[17:02] - “Liquor is poison in a fancy bottle” – a mindset shift
[18:01] - Recognizing alcohol for what it is: a toxin
[21:03] - Creating safe space for respectful disagreements
[23:04] - How to make kids feel seen, heard, and understood
[25:21] - All emotions are welcome, not all behaviors are
[26:26] - Ethan’s favorite stress relief tool: beating up “Bob”
[27:37] - Navigating long-distance relationships as a teen
[29:13] - Classical music, cards, and healthy distraction
[30:23] - Coping mechanisms that actually improve your life
[32:05] - Ice plunges and dopamine boosts
[34:20] - Why saunas win over cold plunges for dad
[36:26] - A reminder: every man needs a list of positive go-to’s
[37:15] - The highs and fears of new independence
[39:17] - What scares Ethan most about his future path
[40:02] - Why dad feels the clock ticking at age 50
[42:25] - Book launch: The Pursuit of Legendary Fatherhood
[43:17] - Two free bonus courses for a limited time
[44:15] - Why this father-son podcast is one-of-a-kind
[46:00] - Temptation and faith: how Ethan calls on God
[48:01] - God always provides a way out of temptation
5 KEY TAKEAWAYS
1. Independence Comes With Responsibility
Growing up means more than freedom—it means taking ownership of your time, habits, and health.
2. All Emotions Are Welcome—Not All Behaviors Are
Feeling anger, sadness, or frustration is normal. Acting with intention is what matters.
3. Respectful Disagreements Build Connection
When parents create space for respectful pushback, kids learn how to think critically while staying connected.
4. Healthy Coping Mechanisms Are Essential
From ice baths and workouts to music and prayer, having go-to tools keeps stress from taking control.
5. Faith and Intention Defeat Temptation
Whether it’s porn, partying, or self-doubt, Ethan reminds us that calling on God in moments of weakness gives us strength to choose better.
LINKS & RESOURCES
Order the new book: The Pursuit of Legendary Fatherhood:
https://thedadedge.com/legendarybook
Free Courses for a Limited Time:
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Creating More Patience
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Creating an Extraordinary Marriage
Episode page: https://thedadedge.com/1376
First Phorm Pumpkin Spice Protein:
Only available for a limited time — https://1stphorm.com/collections/pumpkin-spice
James Swanwick’s Alcohol-Free Program: https://www.jamesswanwick.com