The Dad Edge Podcast

How to Lead Your Son Into Manhood & Build A Strong Relationships That Lasts

In this special episode of the Dad Edge Podcast, I’m joined once again by my son Ethan for another honest and often hilarious father-son conversation. This week, we’re kicking off our August series focused on helping young men grow into adulthood with integrity, resilience, and intention. We unpack what it really means to become a man in today’s world and why so many guys stay stuck in a boyhood mindset well into their 40s and beyond. Ethan shares firsthand experiences from his first full-time job, launching a car detailing business in high school, and learning life skills that go far beyond the classroom. We talk about emotional regulation, grit, finding meaningful work, and how to support your kids without micromanaging their growth. Whether you’re raising sons or just want insight into building a better father-child bond, this episode is packed with perspective, wisdom, and a few laughs. TIMELINE SUMMARY [0:00] - Welcome to the podcast and the mission behind the Dad Edge [1:30] - The origin and theme of our father-son conversations [3:06] - Why August is all about helping boys become men [5:00] - The First Phorm 8-week challenge and tools to get started [7:01] - The moment I realized no one was coming to save me [8:22] - Ethan’s experience at his first real job in an auto shop [11:30] - Learning to grow up through the CAPS entrepreneurship program [13:42] - How Ethan started and ran a successful car detailing business [17:07] - Signs a boy is becoming a man: long-term thinking, embracing discomfort [20:37] - The danger of staying in a soul-sucking job and the power of choice [26:30] - Stories of perseverance from Steve Jobs, Colonel Sanders, and J.K. Rowling [30:21] - Ethan’s reflections on helping others break limiting beliefs [35:45] - Why emotional regulation is key to maturing into manhood [39:00] - Learning to pause, respond, and reflect through challenging days [43:27] - How fathers can support sons without overstepping [47:03] - Using better questions to develop critical thinking and self-direction 5 KEY TAKEAWAYS: 1. Becoming a Man Requires Intentional Growth The shift from boyhood to manhood doesn’t happen automatically; it’s shaped by life experiences, learning responsibility, and the conscious decision to grow up. No one is coming to save you, and it’s up to you to take ownership. 2. Let Sons Struggle, But Be Their Safe Place Growth often happens in the discomfort. As dads, it’s tempting to step in and fix things. But real development comes when we let our kids wrestle with problems while knowing they have a safe place to process and recover. 3. Embrace and Teach Emotional Regulation Maturity is marked by how well we manage our emotions. Learning to pause, breathe, and choose a thoughtful response instead of reacting impulsively is a life skill every young man needs to master. 4. Work Experience Teaches More Than Just Skills From oil changes to running a business, Ethan’s journey proves that real-world jobs and responsibilities develop grit, confidence, and a clearer sense of what one wants and doesn’t want in life. 5. Success Is Measured by Fulfillment, Not Fortune We often think success means more money, bigger homes, or flashier titles. But as we explore in this episode, true success is found in happiness, strong relationships, and doing work that brings purpose, not just a paycheck. LINKS & RESOURCES DB OVERDRIVE: https://1stphorm.com/products/1-db-overdrive-fastpack/?a_aid=dadedge. CREATINE LINK: https://1stphorm.com/products/micronized-creatine-monohydrate/?a_aid=dadedge  1st PHORM APP:  https://share.1stphorm.app/67eJWnb94Ub Join the First Phorm Challenge: https://www.firstphorm.com/dadedge Podcast Website: https://www.thedadedge.com Join The Alliance: https://www.thedadedge.com/alliance Explore More Episodes: https://www.thedadedge.com/podcast If this episode inspired you or gave you a new perspective, please rate, follow, review, and share the podcast. Together, we’re building stronger families—and stronger men—for generations to come.

How Dads Can Boost Energy, Lose Fat, and Lead Strong at Home ft. Andrew Jax

Would you die for your kids? Most dads would. But would you live for them? In this powerful episode of the Dad Edge Podcast, I sit down with Andrew Jax—father of three, Australian natural bodybuilding champion, and founder of the “Ditch the Dad Fat” program. Known as the “6 Pack Dad,” Andrew shares how optimizing your health isn’t just about looking good—it’s about leading with strength, energy, and integrity at home. We explore the silent leadership of fatherhood, why most men’s health declines after marriage, and how to reverse that trend with small, sustainable changes. Andrew breaks down the real cost of saying “I don’t have time,” the importance of emotional and physical energy for our families, and how you can enjoy your pizza and beer—and still lose the dad bod. Whether you’re already committed to health or just thinking about getting back in the game, this episode will fire you up and equip you with strategies you can use today.   TIMELINE SUMMARY: [0:00] - Would you die for your kids? What about live for them? [2:10] - Introducing Andrew Jax: father, champion bodybuilder, and coach [3:17] - Why health is a leadership issue, not just a vanity project [5:00] - The “Dad decline”: why men fall apart after marriage [8:22] - Guilt, shame, and why self-care isn’t selfish [13:06] - The myth of “no time” and how to make fitness fit your life [17:07] - Why starting small matters—and why most men wait for a crisis [21:22] - Andrew’s “Habit Sustainability Formula” explained [25:17] - Daily accountability: the #1 key to long-term success [28:10] - How to stay lean without relying on exercise [31:08] - Why sleep and stress management are crucial to fat loss [34:03] - Finding balance: eating clean without giving up your life [37:04] - Prioritizing protein, carbs, fats, and smart supplementation [43:08] - How Andrew leads his family spiritually, emotionally, and physically [46:10] - Where to connect and get a free copy of Andrew’s book   5 KEY TAKEAWAYS Health Is a Legacy Issue Your kids aren’t just watching—they’re modeling. Leading with health means passing on a generational inheritance of physical, emotional, and mental well-being. They’ll follow your example more than your advice. Self-Care Is Not Selfish Skipping your workout may feel noble in the moment, but long-term neglect robs your family of your energy, presence, and vitality. When you take care of yourself, you increase your capacity to take care of others. You Don’t Need Hours or Perfection You don’t need five workouts a week or chicken and broccoli forever. Andrew’s clients are busy dads and business owners who see results with three efficient sessions per week and a flexible, sustainable eating plan. Daily Accountability Changes Everything Forget once-a-week check-ins. Andrew’s clients get results through daily guidance and support. If you want real change, don’t go it alone—build a system that keeps you on track every single day. Lead at Home Like You Lead at Work Andrew’s success isn’t just in coaching—it’s in how he shows up as a husband and father. He shares how servant leadership, spiritual alignment, and presence fuel his connection with his wife and kids every day.   LINKS & RESOURCES: Free copy of my Ditch The Dad Fat eBook: ditchthedadfatbook.gr8.com Free training on How Busy Dads Are Losing 10-35lbs & Reclaiming Their Health, Energy & Confidence In 6 Weeks Without Exercise or Extreme Diets: ditchthedadfat.com Ditch The Dad Fat Podcast: rebrand.ly/DTDFPodcast Dad Edge Podcast Website: https://www.thedadedge.com Episode Page: https://www.thedadedge.com/538 If this episode gave you fresh perspective or practical tips, please rate, follow, review, and share the podcast. Your support fuels this mission to help fathers lead legendary lives—for themselves and their families.

Lessons Learned From 22 Years of Marriage and Raising Four Boys ft. Jessica Hagner

In this deeply personal and refreshingly raw episode of the Dad Edge Podcast, I’m joined by my incredible wife, Jessica Hagner, for a long-overdue conversation that many of you have been asking for. After years of encouragement (and a little nudging), Jessica stepped up to the mic to help me share the real, behind-the-scenes story of our 22-year marriage. We go back to the early days of college, reliving the awkwardness of our first kiss and my embarrassing (but strategic) attempt to get her on a student committee just to spend time with her. But we don’t just stay in the past. We dive deep into the challenges of our early marriage, the struggles I had showing up as a husband and father, and how Jessica’s unwavering grace, direct but loving communication, and deep emotional strength helped pull us through. From parenting four boys to rediscovering connection after disconnection, we explore how we’ve stayed aligned, what we’ve learned, and why our friendship is the real heartbeat of our relationship. Whether you’re a husband, wife, parent, or someone navigating the messy middle of a relationship, this episode will speak to your heart and give you practical hope that real love is always within reach, if you’re willing to work for it.   TIMELINE SUMMARY [1:34] - Jessica joins the podcast for the first time—and how long it took to convince her [4:35] - The (disastrous) first kiss story from both our perspectives [10:22] - My clever scheme to get Jessica on the student committee [13:36] - Celebrating 22 years: reflections on young love and early marriage [16:05] - My struggles early on as a husband and father [20:48] - Jessica’s thoughtful, respectful way of expressing hard truths [26:02] - A rough week of disconnection—and why we refuse to let it linger [29:30] - How we sense and address emotional distance before it becomes dangerous [35:31] - Replacing blame with grace: the power of constructive feedback [38:01] - Jessica’s journey through self-image and how we supported each other [40:35] - Our secret weapon: friendship as the foundation [44:12] - Creating emotional safety in a marriage [46:40] - Reflections on sobriety and emotional consistency [47:17] - The role of counseling and shared tools in sustaining growth [50:21] - That time we tried swing dancing—and what it taught us about trying new things   5 KEY TAKEAWAYS Marriage Is Built, Not Found Strong relationships don’t happen by accident—they’re intentionally created through effort, vulnerability, and consistent choices. Love is less about fate and more about foundation, and we’ve learned that every season of growth requires patience and partnership. Grace Changes Everything Jessica’s ability to express concerns with love instead of criticism shaped how I received them—and how I grew. Her grace didn’t minimize the message; it softened the delivery so that it could be heard. When grace leads, growth follows. Friendship Is the Foundation Beyond intimacy and partnership lies a deep friendship. We laugh, challenge, and enjoy one another—whether we’re hitting the gym or sitting in silence. That comfort and camaraderie anchor us in hard times and elevate the everyday. Disconnection Is a Signal, Not a Sentence We all drift sometimes—but we’ve trained ourselves not to tolerate that drift for long. Disconnection is simply a call to reconnect. We address it, own it, and rebuild before it becomes a pattern. Shared Growth Sustains Love What keeps us aligned is our shared commitment to grow—individually and as a couple. From therapy to new hobbies, we make space for evolution. That growth keeps the relationship fresh, resilient, and deeply fulfilling. LINKS & RESOURCES Pre-order my book Legendary Fatherhood: http://thedadedge.com/legendarybook Podcast Website: https://www.thedadedge.com Join Our Community: https://www.thedadedge.com/alliance Tools & Resources: https://www.thedadedge.com/tools All Podcast Episodes: https://www.thedadedge.com/podcast Recommended Episode: https://www.thedadedge.com/intentional-marriage     If this episode resonated with you, please take a moment to rate, follow, review, and share the podcast. Your support helps us reach more families, more fathers, and more couples who need real, honest conversations like this one. Thanks for being here.

The Skills Every Young Man Needs — That Schools Don’t Teach

Have you ever asked yourself? Do I show my children, through my actions, how to maintain a healthy marriage and set high standards for future relationships? How do I intentionally teach my kids lessons about money, relationships, and mental health that they aren’t learning in school? How do I respond when my kids come to me with emotional struggles? If you ever thought parenting was just about getting your kids to do their homework and behave, think again. The real curriculum happens at home, in the conversations we have with our children. Today, Larry and Ethan dive into the essential life lessons that high school just doesn't teach—think managing money, building real relationships, navigating mental health, and mastering communication beyond the digital world. Along the way, you'll hear personal stories about fatherhood, learning how to treat women with respect, and the power of leading by example at home. Larry and Ethan also shine a spotlight on the importance of old-school manners, effective boundary-setting, and even the art of saving and investing early. Plus, they get candid about handling rejection, repairing relationships, and the sometimes tough but necessary skill of saying “no.” As always, they keep things light and relatable, weaving in fun anecdotes and a dash of family banter Become the best husband you can: https://bit.ly/deamarriageyoutube In this vital conversation, we dig into: Relationship Skills Aren’t Taught in School: Ethan shares how Larry modeled (not just talked about!) the importance of treating women with respect—from a proper handshake to introducing himself to his girlfriend’s parents, and how these “old school manners” set him apart in today’s world. Larry and Ethan agree: the best lessons are caught, not taught. Money Management Early On Makes a Difference: Larry reminisces about starting Ethan and his brothers on the envelope savings system and quarterly meetings with a financial advisor from a young age. It pays off: Ethan feels more confident with money than most of his peers, recognizing the power of starting early, setting goals, and understanding critical concepts like compound interest. Create a Safe Space for Mental Health: Ethan reflects on how being able to talk openly about tough situations—whether it’s heartbreak, anxiety, or just a hard day—has helped him develop emotional resilience. Larry encourages parents to model vulnerability, listen, and share stories from their own journey (even the awkward ones). Saying “No” and People Pleasing: Larry and Ethan get honest about people pleasing, time management, and learning to filter commitments. Larry’s golden rule: “If it’s not a hell yes, it’s a no.” They discuss real-life examples, from turning down extra work projects to standing strong against peer pressure. Repairing Relationships & Healthy Conflict: Ethan shares what works in his relationship: addressing conflict calmly, not going to bed angry if possible, but also not being afraid to sleep on things when emotions run high—with the agreement to circle back and resolve it the next day. Whether you’re a dad, a son, or just someone looking to live more intentionally, this conversation is packed with relatable humor, honest reflections, and practical takeaways to help you. Here's what research and observation highlight about family communication: Research shows that 86% of adolescents identify parents as their primary model for relationship skills and values. Studies found that 49% of Americans say they frequently agree to things they don’t want to do to avoid disappointing others. Studies found that over 80% of teens say the way their parents communicate with each other directly affects how they approach their own romantic relationships. Pre-order the 'The Pursuit of Legendary Fatherhood' book: thedadedge.com/legendarybook thedadedge.com/alliance  https://1stphorm.com/?a_aid=dadedge Level 1 Bars - https://1stphorm.com/products/level-1-bar/?a_aid=dadedge Phormula 1 -https://1stphorm.com/products/phormula-1/?a_aid=dadedge Join the #1 Mastermind for Legendary Fathers: https://www.thedadedge.com/

The Social Media Body Image Trap - Rich Dorment

Have you ever asked yourself: Am I really aware of how much social media and online content is influencing my kids? Have I noticed my kids becoming overly focused on their physical appearance or diet? How do I handle conversations about nutrition and fitness at home? If you’ve noticed your son obsessing over his physique or protein intake, or your daughter silently struggling with self-worth because of what she sees online, this episode is for you. Larry and Rich dive deep into how today’s digital landscape is distorting kids’ perceptions of themselves, driving issues like body dysmorphia, disordered eating, and unhealthy relationships with food and fitness—affecting boys and girls earlier than ever before. You’ll hear real talk on what warning signs to watch out for, how to foster healthy conversations about food and body image, and the steps you can take to protect your kids from the relentless pressures of curated perfection online. Plus, learn practical strategies for monitoring your child’s digital world and discover why it’s crucial to model resilience, open dialogue, and authentic self-worth in your home. Whether you’re a dad, coach, or mentor, this episode is your wake-up call and toolbox—because the world is changing, and as fathers, we need to step up, disrupt the status quo, and help our kids build unshakeable confidence in themselves. Become the best husband you can: https://bit.ly/deamarriageyoutube In this vital conversation, we dig into: Why Social Media Is A Game-Changer: Unlike the occasional magazine we grew up with, today’s kids are constantly exposed to unrealistic body standards, curated feeds, and supplement ads designed to make them feel “less than.” The result? Kids (especially boys ages 12-14!) are reporting anxiety, body dysmorphia, compulsive exercising, and disordered eating at skyrocketing rates. Spot the Warning Signs: It’s not just about undereating—obsession with protein grams, excessive workouts, and constant flexing in the mirror can all point to an unhealthy relationship with food and body image. Smart Conversations, Not Confrontations: The episode shares actionable tips to open up dialogue with your kids. Watch "Generation Flex" together, use it as a springboard for honest conversation, and focus on how food and fitness make us feel—not just how we look. Model Healthy Habits: As dads, it’s not about being perfect—it's about showing our kids that food isn’t “good” or “bad,” and that balance is key (yes, you can have that burger and a salad). Digital Safety for Peace of Mind: Larry also highlights tools like Bark, which alert you to concerning activity on your kids’ devices—so you’re not left in the dark about what they’re seeing online. If you care about raising healthy, resilient sons and daughters in an always-connected world—and want to know the practical steps you can take at home—this episode is for you Here's what research and observation highlight about Studies show that hospitalizations for pediatric eating disorders rose by 139% from 2002 to 2018, with the largest relative increase seen in males aged 12 to 14 Boys and men now represent a third of all eating disorder diagnoses today Nearly 100% of kids with internet access are exposed to carefully curated or unrealistic fitness/body images daily. thedadedge.com/bark  thedadedge.com/alliance  https://menshealth.com @menshealthmag @richdorment Read more about Men's Health's documentary "Generation Flex": https://www.menshealth.com/generationflex Watch Generation Flex on Apple TV+:https://tv.apple.com/us/clip/generation-flex Watch Generation Flex on Amazon Prime Video: https://www.amazon.com/gp/video/detail/B0DJCND11R