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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

The Dad Edge Podcast

We're kicking off a brand-new year with something many of you have asked for—the return of our live Q&A episodes. In this conversation, I'm joined once again by Uncle Joe as we answer real questions from men inside our community about parenting, connection with daughters, discipline, stoicism, faith, and leadership at home.
 
 
 
This episode goes deep. We talk about building trust with kids who feel distant, why saying "no" too often damages connection, how fathers can lead without demanding reciprocity, and the difference between white-knuckling life versus living from identity. If you're a dad who wants deeper relationships with your kids and clarity around leadership, faith, and emotional presence, this episode will challenge and ground you.
 
 
 Timeline Summary 
[0:00] Welcoming listeners to the 11th year of The Dad Edge Podcast.
 
[1:37] Reflection on longevity, gratitude, and why this work still matters.
 
[1:59] Announcement: Roommates to Soulmates eight-week course starting January 14.
 
[2:19] What men will learn in the Roommates to Soulmates marriage training.
 
[2:42] RSVP details for the January 7 preview call.
 
[3:07] Welcoming Uncle Joe back to the show.
 
[3:39] Listener question about connecting with daughters at different developmental stages.
 
[5:14] Joe shares his experience raising three daughters.
 
[6:33] Loving kids without expecting emotional reciprocation.
 
[7:16] Why trust—not control—is the foundation of fatherhood.
 
[8:08] Changing the default answer from "no" to "yes."
 
[9:19] Joe shares the powerful "father promise ring" moment with his daughter.
 
[10:41] Why fathers must make covenants to their kids—not demand them.
 
[12:26] Larry shares his struggle connecting with his youngest son.
 
[13:26] Letting kids lead connection through their interests.
 
[14:12] Hiking, martial arts, and intentional one-on-one time.
 
[15:19] Creating unique rituals with each child.
 
[16:03] Capturing small moments for deep emotional connection.
 
[18:12] Invitation to join the Dad Edge Alliance for live support and brotherhood.
 
[19:51] Listener question about stoicism and discipline.
 
[21:27] Larry explains why he moved away from stoicism.
 
[22:29] Joe breaks down the appeal—and danger—of half-truths in stoicism.
 
[24:07] White-knuckling life vs. living from identity.
 
[25:00] Faith, identity, and emotional regulation.
 
[27:28] Comparing stoicism with surrender and relationship-based leadership.
 
[29:05] Psalm 23 and why dependence beats self-mastery.
 
[31:30] Filtering wisdom through Scripture and lived experience.
 
[34:41] How suffering builds empathy and leadership capacity.
 
[35:19] Final thoughts, gratitude, and where to find resources.
 
 
 
 
 Five Key Takeaways Connection with kids is built through trust, consistency, and presence—not control. Fathers must lead relationships without demanding emotional repayment. White-knuckling discipline leads to exhaustion; identity-based leadership leads to peace. Kids feel deeply seen when dads meet them inside their interests. True strength comes from surrender, faith, and relational grounding—not self-reliance alone. 
 
 
 
 Links & Resources Dad Edge Mastermind & Alliance: • 
https://thedadedge.com/mastermind Roommates to Soulmates Course: • 
https://thedadedge.com/soulmates Episode Show Notes & Resources: • 
https://thedadedge.com/1423 
 
 
 
 Closing Remark 
 
 
If this episode encouraged you, challenged your thinking, or gave you practical tools to lead better at home, please rate, review, follow, and share the podcast. These conversations matter—and your support helps us reach more men who are committed to becoming better fathers, husbands, and leaders.

Raising Kids Through Identity Not Pressure or Performance

To kick off 2026, I sit down with Dr. Paul Leonardi, author of the bestselling book Digital Exhaustion, for a conversation that felt incredibly timely—and personal. If you've been feeling distracted, mentally drained, short-tempered, or like your family is getting the leftovers of your energy, this episode puts clear language around what's happening inside your brain.
 
 
 
We dive deep into how constant app switching, nonstop notifications, and digital overload are quietly exhausting our attention, memory, marriages, and relationships with our kids. Paul breaks down the science behind digital exhaustion in a practical, grounded way, and I share a powerful moment when my 12-year-old voluntarily handed back his phone because he didn't like how it made him feel. This episode isn't about rejecting technology—it's about learning how to use it without letting it use us.
 
 
 
 
 Timeline Summary: 
[0:00] Introduction
 
[1:02] Welcoming listeners to 2026 and the 11th year of The Dad Edge Podcast.
 
[1:40] Introducing Dr. Paul Leonardi and the concept of digital exhaustion.
 
[2:22] How digital overload impacts attention, memory, marriage, and family life.
 
[3:05] Parenting in a world our brains were never designed for.
 
[4:12] Raising kids with devices and navigating unfamiliar territory.
 
[6:07] Independence, social media, and emotional complexity in today's kids.
 
[7:35] How online trends shape kids' identity and self-image.
 
[9:58] What's actually happening in the brain during prolonged digital use.
 
[11:16] The hidden "taxes" we pay for constant connectivity.
 
[12:26] Driver #1: attention and constant context switching.
 
[13:31] Driver #2: inference and filling in the blanks online.
 
[15:26] Driver #3: amplified emotions—both positive and negative.
 
[16:31] Why multitasking burns massive mental energy.
 
[17:20] The impact of digital overload on memory and mental residue.
 
[18:41] Outsourcing memory to devices and what it costs us.
 
[21:15] When kids are actually ready for devices—and when they're not.
 
[23:42] Why screen time isn't the real issue—interruptions and content are.
 
[26:35] The emotional cost of likes, validation, and online comparison.
 
[28:39] Larry shares the story of his son giving up his phone voluntarily.
 
[31:11] Why kids struggle to articulate digital overwhelm.
 
[32:06] The Facebook outage study and the surprising relief people felt.
 
[35:10] Introducing the Roommates to Soulmates live course.
 
[37:54] Digital exhaustion inside marriage and miscommunication over text.
 
[38:58] "Make the match" — choosing the right communication medium.
 
[43:12] "Be here, not elsewhere" and the power of undistracted presence.
 
[46:09] How distraction has become socially normalized.
 
[49:21] Why work interruptions at home send the wrong message.
 
[51:39] Modeling priorities for kids through availability and presence.
 
[56:21] Where to find Paul, his book, and additional resources.
 
 
 
 
 Five Key Takeaways Digital exhaustion comes from attention switching, inference-making, and emotional overload, not just screen time alone. Multitasking is a myth 1. —the brain burns massive energy switching contexts, leaving us mentally drained.
 Kids often feel overwhelmed by devices before they can explain it, which shows up as stress or behavior changes. Choosing the right communication tool matters, especially in marriage and parenting. Presence beats duration 2. —ten fully focused minutes matter more than hours of distracted time.
 
 
 
 
 Links & Resources Paul Leonardi — Digital Exhaustion Book: • 
https://paulleonardi.com/digital-exhaustion-book/ Paul Leonardi on LinkedIn: • 
https://www.linkedin.com/in/paul-leonardi-45b67321/ Dad Edge Mastermind & Alliance: • 
https://thedadedge.com/mastermind Roommates to Soulmates Course: • 
https://thedadedge.com/soulmates Episode Show Notes & Resources: • 
https://thedadedge.com/1422 
 
 
 
 Closing Remark 
If this episode made you rethink how you're using your phone, your attention, or your presence at home, please rate, review, follow, and share the podcast. The way we show up—focused, intentional, and available—shapes not just our kids' childhoods, but the adults they become.

Digital Exhaustion and Why Technology Is Draining Our Focus at Home featuring Paul Leonardi

In the final episode of 2025, I take time to reflect, express deep gratitude, and share what's coming next for The Dad Edge as we head into 2026. This episode is about honoring what this community has built together over the past ten years, celebrating the wins, and casting a clear vision for what's ahead for men who want to lead their families with intention.
 
 
 
I walk you through several major announcements—from the return of Wednesday Q&A with Uncle Joe, to our brand-new Dad Edge Alliance membership platform, upcoming marriage and health initiatives, and powerful in-person experiences like Men's Forge. This episode is both a thank-you and a rallying cry for men who are ready to step into the next year with clarity, purpose, and brotherhood.
 
 
 
 
 Timeline Summary: 
[0:00] Welcoming listeners and reflecting on the final episode of 2025.
 
[1:23] Celebrating 10 full years of podcasting and the growth of The Dad Edge.
 
[1:41] Gratitude for listeners, downloads, and being ranked #1 again.
 
[2:22] Why fatherhood, marriage, and family are the most important work we do.
 
[2:56] A heartfelt thank-you to the community for showing up all year.
 
[3:13] Announcement: Wednesday Q&A episodes return with Uncle Joe in 2026.
 
[3:49] How to submit your questions for the Q&A episodes via email.
 
[4:06] Introducing the brand-new Dad Edge Alliance membership site.
 
[4:49] Why moving away from Facebook, Slack, and WhatsApp changed everything.
 
[5:24] Weekly call teams and global time-zone support for members.
 
[5:47] January focus inside the Alliance: marriage, parenting, vitality, and money.
 
[6:26] February marriage training focused on intimacy, passion, and connection.
 
[6:44] Partnership with 1st Phorm and upcoming health initiatives.
 
[7:18] Announcement of the 8-week transformation challenge starting February 1.
 
[7:55] Coaching, accountability, and community inside the challenge.
 
[8:54] Information call for the Roommates to Soulmates live course.
 
[9:14] What the Roommates to Soulmates course will teach men about marriage.
 
[10:02] Larry shares his personal experience with marriage disconnection.
 
[10:39] Men's Forge announcement with Ryan Michler and Order of Man.
 
[11:01] Event dates, speakers, and why nearly everyone returned from last year.
 
[11:56] "Bring a Brother" and "Bring a Son" ticket options.
 
[12:12] Why exposing teenage sons to intentional masculinity matters.
 
[13:10] Announcing the December Dad Edge 1st Phorm Man of the Month.
 
[13:55] Recognizing Shay Chase for leadership and health coaching impact.
 
[14:39] Directing listeners to the full show notes and resources.
 
[15:01] Final thank-you and encouragement heading into 2026.
 
 
 
 
 Five Key Takeaways: Intentional fatherhood creates generational impact 1. , and this community exists to raise the standard for men.
 Brotherhood and accountability matter 2. , especially when men are navigating marriage, parenting, health, and finances.
 Marriage requires skill-building and leadership, not passive hope that things will improve. Physical health fuels leadership at home 3. , and structured challenges create momentum and consistency.
 The next year can look different 4. if men commit to standards, community, and intentional action.
 
 
 
 
 Links & Resources Dad Edge Alliance Membership: • 
http://thedadedge.com/alliance Roommates to Soulmates Course: • 
https://thedadedge.com/soulmates 1st Phorm Partnership: • 
https://1stphorm.com/dadedge Episode Show Notes & Resources: • 
https://thedadedge.com/1421 https://themensforge.com/ 
 
 Closing Remark 
Gentlemen, thank you for an incredible 2025. Thank you for showing up, doing the work, and choosing to lead your families with intention. My hope is that we bring even more men to this table in 2026 so we can continue to change lives, marriages, and families for the better. Go out and live legendary.

Reflecting on Ten Years of Impact and Building What Comes Next

What do you do when life changes in ways you didn't choose—and didn't see coming? In this deeply emotional and intellectually grounding conversation, I sit down with Dr. Maya Shankar, cognitive scientist, former White House advisor, and host of the podcast A Slight Change of Plans, to talk about change, identity, grief, and uncertainty.
 
 
 
Maya shares her powerful personal story of being accepted into Juilliard at a young age, only to have her violin career abruptly end due to a devastating injury. From there, we explore how unexpected change threatens our identity, why the human brain craves certainty, and how men, husbands, and fathers can navigate seasons where the future they imagined suddenly disappears. This conversation hit me personally as I opened up about my son preparing to leave for college, and Maya offers language, tools, and clarity for anyone navigating major life transitions.
 
 
 
 
 Timeline Summary: 
[0:00] What happens when life changes and you don't get a vote.
 
[1:28] Introducing Dr. Maya Shankar and the theme of unexpected change.
 
[2:10] Being accepted into Juilliard at age nine and pursuing music at the highest level.
 
[3:05] A career-ending violin injury and the grief that followed.
 
[4:05] How loss threatens not just what we do—but who we are.
 
[7:44] Learning violin by ear and developing passion without perfection.
 
[9:03] A mother's fearlessness and the power of bold action.
 
[11:06] Cold emailing, courage, and creating unexpected opportunities.
 
[13:39] Being bullied as a child and finding safety in family and music.
 
[15:16] Larry reflects on marriage drift and identity shifts.
 
[18:06] Pivoting from academia to public policy and working at the White House.
 
[21:51] The power of defaults and how behavioral science changed public outcomes.
 
[25:17] Why uncertainty is harder on the brain than certainty—even bad certainty.
 
[27:05] The illusion of control and how change shatters it.
 
[27:31] Anchoring identity to why you do things, not just what you do.
 
[29:45] Navigating infertility, loss, and redefining self-worth.
 
[33:11] Why we resist change even when it's necessary for growth.
 
[36:00] Marriage, evolution, and the "end of history illusion."
 
[39:32] How hardship can lead to unexpected personal growth.
 
[45:43] Gratitude as a tool for identity resilience.
 
[48:25] Helping kids navigate change while managing your own emotions.
 
[50:28] The grief of kids leaving home—even when it's a good thing.
 
[54:26] Why we are more resilient than we think.
 
[56:15] The importance of community during seasons of change.
 
[59:19] Maya shares her book, podcast, and where to connect.
 
 
 
 
 Five Key Takeaways Change threatens identity as much as circumstance, which is why it feels so destabilizing. The brain prefers certainty—even negative certainty—over uncertainty, making transitions especially stressful. Anchoring identity to your values and motivations creates resilience 1. 
when roles and plans fall away. We underestimate our ability to adapt 2. and overestimate how painful change will be long-term.
 Connection, community, and self-reflection are essential tools 3. 
for navigating major life transitions. 
 
 
 
 Links & Resources Dr. Maya Shankar's Book: https://a.co/d/3u87zps Dr. Maya Shankar on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drmayashankar/?hl=en Roommates to Soulmates Course: • 
https://thedadedge.com/soulmates Episode Show Notes & Resources: • 
https://thedadedge.com/1420 
 
 
 
 Closing Remark 
If this episode gave you language for a season of change you're navigating right now, please rate, review, follow, and share the podcast. You're not alone in the uncertainty—and you're far more resilient than you think.

The Psychology of Change What It Takes to Rebuild After Loss featuring Dr. Maya Shankar

In today's episode, I sit down with Eric Kennedy, founder of Recovery Vow and author of Marriage After Addiction, for one of the most raw and redemptive conversations we've ever had on this show. Eric spent 15 years deep in addiction—alcohol, cocaine, crack, jail time, suicide attempts, losing his marriage, and losing himself. This isn't a story of high-functioning addiction. This is rock bottom in every sense of the word.
 
 
 
Eric opens up about growing up with emotional neglect, how unresolved trauma fueled his addiction, and the moments that finally forced him to choose life. We talk about the long road to sobriety, rebuilding trust with his kids, walking through divorce and remarriage, and what radical ownership really looks like when you're trying to rebuild a marriage after years of destruction. Whether you've battled addiction yourself or you're carrying unspoken wounds from your past, this episode is a powerful reminder that healing, redemption, and generational change are possible.
 
 
 
 
 Timeline Summary: 
[0:00] Introduction
 
[1:02] Why addiction isn't the real problem—trauma, disconnection, and silence are.
 
[1:40] Introducing Eric Kennedy and the depth of his addiction story.
 
[2:08] Addiction beginning with alcohol and escalating to cocaine and crack.
 
[5:14] Using substances to bury trauma, anxiety, and depression.
 
[7:13] Growing up with an emotionally unavailable father.
 
[11:23] Seeing his father drunk as a child and the lasting impact.
 
[15:00] Addiction escalating alongside marriage and fatherhood.
 
[22:44] A suicide attempt and waking up in an ambulance.
 
[25:05] Driving to get drugs with his kids in the car.
 
[29:29] Arrest, jail time, and asking for help again.
 
[30:10] Entering a 30-day treatment program in Florida.
 
[33:14] Gaining custody of his sons while newly sober.
 
[35:32] Finding faith, community, and structure in recovery.
 
[37:02] Meeting his wife Kristin and rebuilding a healthy marriage.
 
[42:44] Radical ownership and rebuilding trust through action.
 
[51:48] Being fully honest with his sons about his past.
 
[53:31] Choosing life, sobriety, and fatherhood every day.
 
 
 
 
 Five Key Takeaways Addiction is often rooted in unresolved trauma and emotional disconnection, not just substance abuse. Recovery requires radical ownership and healthy selfishness 1. 
so you can show up for your kids and relationships. Trust is rebuilt through consistent actions over time, not promises or apologies. Honesty with your kids can break generational cycles 2. 
and rebuild connection. Redemption is always possible 3. , but it requires humility, structure, and daily commitment.
 
 
 
 
 Links & Resources Eric Kennedy's Book — Marriage After Addiction: https://a.co/d/4uYCpvT Recovery Vow: • 
https://recoveryvow.com MicroFactor (1st Phorm): • 
https://1stphorm.com/products/micro-factor/?a_aid=dadedge Opti-Greens 50 (1st Phorm): • 
 https://1stphorm.com/products/opti-greens-50-stick-packs/?a_aid=dadedge Roommates to Soulmates Course: • 
https://thedadedge.com/soulmates Episode Show Notes & Resources: • 
https://thedadedge.com/1417 
 
 
 
 Closing Remark 
 
 
If today's episode gave you hope or reminded you that it's never too late to change, please rate, review, follow, and share the podcast. Your support helps us reach men who need to hear that recovery, redemption, and reconnection are possible.

Marriage After Addiction What It Takes to Rebuild Trust featuring Eric Kennedy

In this Christmas Eve solo episode, I shift gears from our recent focus on online safety and talk about one of the most common—and painful—issues I see in long-term marriages: roommate syndrome. That quiet drift where intimacy fades, connection feels awkward, and marriage starts to feel more like co-parenting logistics than a romantic partnership. If you've ever laid in bed next to your wife feeling disconnected, unwanted, or unsure how things got this way, this episode is for you.
 
 
 
I share my own experience falling into roommate syndrome after years of marriage, kids, exhaustion, and unmet expectations. We talk about resentment, covert contracts, why nagging is often a cry for connection, and how most men were never taught how attraction actually works in marriage. I also explain why marriage—like jiu-jitsu or any skill—requires training, intentional effort, and doing what most men aren't willing to do if you want a relationship that's truly on fire.
 
 
 
 
 Timeline Summary: 
[0:00] What roommate syndrome feels like when intimacy has faded.
 
[1:39] Why so many marriages slowly slip into "friend zone" dynamics.
 
[2:02] The statistic that 57% of married couples experience this season.
 
[2:28] How resentment, logistics, and exhaustion kill connection.
 
[3:07] Closing out the online safety series and shifting topics.
 
[3:50] Why Larry chose to release this episode on Christmas Eve.
 
[4:26] Introducing roommate syndrome as a core marriage issue.
 
[5:03] Larry's 22-year marriage and personal experience with disconnection.
 
[6:17] How kids, work, and busyness slowly erode intimacy.
 
[6:53] When sex starts to feel transactional or obligatory.
 
[7:13] Why "nagging" is often a bid for attention and being seen.
 
[7:33] Sitting on opposite ends of the couch scrolling instead of connecting.
 
[7:56] Covert contracts and resentment in marriage.
 
[8:17] Why solving instead of listening makes wives feel unseen.
 
[8:56] Awkward date nights and avoiding real conversations about intimacy.
 
[9:18] A client story that began with signed divorce papers.
 
[9:41] How real change happens when a man does the work.
 
[10:15] Why becoming the man you're meant to be changes everything.
 
[10:57] Marriage requires training just like work or martial arts.
 
[11:14] Understanding attraction and speaking the right "currency" in marriage.
 
[11:51] Loving your spouse the way they receive love.
 
[12:11] Introducing the Roommates to Soulmates live course.
 
[12:56] Creating confidence, attraction, and intimacy without neediness.
 
[13:17] Why uncommon marriages require uncommon effort.
 
[13:38] The reality that only 10–12% of marriages feel "on fire."
 
[14:03] Rejecting the belief that passion naturally dies over time.
 
[14:32] Marriage as a skill set that can be learned and mastered.
 
[15:05] Course details, limited spots, and next steps.
 
[15:25] Christmas message and encouragement to live legendary.
 
 
 
 
 Five Key Takeaways: Roommate syndrome doesn't happen overnight 1. —it's the result of neglecting connection, intimacy, and intentional effort.
 Resentment grows when expectations go unspoken 2. and needs are assumed instead of communicated.
 Attraction in marriage is a learned skill 3. , not something that automatically sustains itself over time.
 Men must lead attraction with confidence, not needy or transactional energy. Exceptional marriages are uncommon because they require uncommon effort, training, and intentional action. 
 
 
 
 Links & Resources: Roommates to Soulmates Course: • 
https://thedadedge.com/soulmates 1st Phorm (Dad Edge Partner): • 
https://1stphorm.com/dadedge Episode Show Notes & Resources: • 
https://thedadedge.com/1418 
 
 
 
 Closing Remark 
 
 
If this episode hit home and reminded you that marriage doesn't have to settle into mediocrity, please rate, review, follow, and share the podcast. You weren't meant to be roommates—you were meant to build a marriage on fire. From my heart to yours, have a Merry Christmas and continue to live legendary.

How to Reignite Attraction & Intimacy in Your Marriage

In today's episode, I sit down with Brent Gleeson, former Navy SEAL, combat veteran, entrepreneur, leadership expert, and author of his newest book All In. But this conversation isn't about résumés or accolades. It's about grief, discipline, marriage, fatherhood, and the systems that allow a man to truly live "all in" where it matters most.
 
 
 
Brent opens up about losing his father unexpectedly in 2023—a moment that forced deep reflection and radical change. We talk about the three pillars his dad lived by, how eliminating alcohol completely transformed Brent's marriage and leadership, and why discipline isn't about doing more—but about saying no to the wrong things. This episode is a masterclass in systems, habits, and intentional living for men who want to lead their families with clarity and conviction.
 
 
 
 
 Timeline Summary: 
[0:00] Introducing Brent Gleeson and why this conversation goes far beyond achievements.
 
[2:09] Losing his father in 2023 and the three pillars that shaped Brent's life.
 
[2:57] How discipline is modeled—not preached.
 
[3:28] Why saying yes to everything means saying no to the right things.
 
[5:11] Family, work, and fitness as non-negotiable pillars.
 
[8:05] The economic pressure and personal stress leading into 2023.
 
[10:33] Being present for his father's final moments and the impact of that loss.
 
[13:28] Going "all in" after grief and eliminating alcohol completely.
 
[15:03] Why alcohol was no longer serving his marriage, health, or leadership.
 
[17:21] How quitting drinking changed Brent's temperament, joy, and presence.
 
[20:03] Larry shares his own experience stepping away from alcohol.
 
[23:00] The cue–routine–reward framework for breaking habits.
 
[28:39] Introducing Brent's "Remarkable Results Pyramid."
 
[30:37] Why marriage must come first in the family system.
 
[33:18] Committing to growth by intentionally cringing at who you were six months ago.
 
[36:05] Why kids are always watching how parents treat each other.
 
[39:30] Brent's 20–20–20 morning routine and disciplined evening habits.
 
[41:25] Preparing daily to show up better as a husband, father, and leader.
 
[46:03] Adjusting routines without abandoning discipline.
 
[50:43] Why overscheduling kids destroys family balance.
 
[54:27] Saying no to excessive activities and rejecting comparison parenting.
 
 
 
 
 Five Key Takeaways 
 
 
 1. 

Discipline is about alignment, not intensity. What you say no to matters just as much as what you say yes to. 
 2. 
 3. 

Grief can be a catalyst for clarity. Losing his father forced Brent to re-evaluate habits, priorities, and presence. 
 4. 
 5. 

Eliminating alcohol radically improved marriage and leadership. Removing numbing behaviors created more joy, patience, and connection. 
 6. 
 7. 

Systems create results. Whether in business, marriage, or parenting, outcomes come from well-designed systems—not willpower. 
 8. 
 9. 

Marriage must come first. When the relationship between mom and dad is prioritized, the rest of the family system functions better. 
 10. 
 
 
 
 
 Links & Resources Brent Gleeson's Book — https://a.co/d/7DOrJPE Dad Edge Soulmates Program: • 
https://thedadedge.com/soulmates 1st Phorm (Dad Edge Partner): • 
https://1stphorm.com/dadedge Episode Show Notes & Resources: http://thedadedge.com/1419 Bark Monitoring for Families: • 
https://thedadedge.com/bark 
 
 Closing Remark 
If this episode challenged you to rethink discipline, habits, or what it really means to go all in as a husband and father, please rate, review, follow, and share the podcast. Your support helps us reach more men who are ready to lead with intention instead of drift.

Going All In as a Husband and Father featuring Brent Gleeson

What if the real scoreboard for fatherhood isn't your bank account, your job title, or your kids' trophies—but how much your adult kids actually want to spend time with you? In this deeply moving conversation, I sit down with Tim Campbell, an 82-year-old father, author, and living example of what long-term connection and trust with your kids can look like—even after a lifetime of hardship.
 
 
 
Tim shares his journey of being married for 50 years, raising three children—two with significant disabilities—and navigating medical crises, bullying, fear, and exhaustion that would have broken most families. We talk about growing up with a Marine father who lacked emotional tools, the moment Tim realized he had become the dad he swore he'd never be, and how he rebuilt trust one moment at a time. This episode is a masterclass in breaking generational patterns, showing up authentically, and understanding why trust is the real gold in fatherhood.
 
 
 
 
 Timeline Summary: 
[0:00] Rethinking the true scoreboard of fatherhood and legacy.
 
[1:20] Introducing Tim Campbell and his 50-year marriage.
 
[2:19] Raising three kids, two with significant disabilities, and surviving medical crises.
 
[3:09] Why trust and connection are the biggest themes of Tim's fatherhood journey.
 
[3:29] Growing up with a Marine father and limited emotional connection.
 
[4:16] How crisis can either weld a marriage together or tear it apart.
 
[4:41] Tim introduces his book Holding Up the Sky.
 
[5:02] Writing a healing, imaginary conversation with his late father.
 
[7:00] How trauma early in marriage revealed character and long-term strength.
 
[8:25] Learning you don't have to win every argument to win the long game.
 
[12:23] Vowing to break generational patterns from his own childhood.
 
[14:09] Wanting to be a better dad—but not knowing how at first.
 
[16:24] Realizing fear turned him into the father he never wanted to be.
 
[17:11] A breaking-point moment that forced real change.
 
[18:19] Why leveling with your kids builds trust during hard moments.
 
[18:52] Learning from the next generation, not just the previous one.
 
[21:17] Larry shares his own parenting experience with a child with disabilities.
 
[22:44] A bullying moment involving Tim's son and how he responded.
 
[23:45] "Trust is the real gold" and how it compounds over time.
 
[24:41] Parenting adult children with disabilities and letting go.
 
[26:23] Knowing you did fatherhood right when adult kids still want connection.
 
[28:16] Revisiting the final chapter of Holding Up the Sky.
 
[30:58] Imagining his father's response and finding peace.
 
[33:06] Authenticity, masks, and being human with your kids.
 
[36:01] Why sharing your own childhood stories builds instant connection.
 
[37:13] Where to find Tim, his book, and additional resources.
 
 
 
 
 Five Key Takeaways Trust is the real currency of fatherhood. 1. It opens the door to love, communication, and long-term connection.
 Crisis reveals character. 2. Hard seasons can either fracture a family or weld it together depending on how we show up.
 Fear can turn us into the parent we swore we'd never be 3. 
if we don't consciously course-correct. Getting down to your child's level—literally and emotionally—builds safety and trust. Adult children choosing to stay connected is the truest measure of success. 
 
 
 
 Links & Resources Tim Campbell's Book — Holding Up the Sky: • 
https://holdingupthesky.net Tim Campbell Website: • 
https://timcampbellodysseys.net Episode Show Notes & Resources: • 
https://thedadedge.com/1416 Bark Monitoring for Families: • 
https://thedadedge.com/bark 
 
 Closing Remark 
If this episode reminded you what really matters in fatherhood, please rate, review, follow, and share the podcast. And remember—titles fade, money comes and goes, but trust with your kids is the gold that lasts a lifetime.

Building Lifelong Trust With Your Kids Even Through Crisis featuring Tim Campbell

In this deeply emotional solo episode, I continue our December series focused on protecting kids from online predators. I walk you through two real and devastating cases that show exactly how grooming, sextortion, and long-term digital harassment happen—often without parents having any idea it's occurring. These aren't edge cases. This is the reality of the digital world our kids are growing up in.
 
 
 
We break down a Roblox grooming case involving an eight-year-old girl, how predators slowly build trust and move conversations to private apps, and why platform bans don't actually stop them. I also share the heartbreaking story of Amanda Todd, a seventh grader who was hunted online for years by a predator who weaponized images, social media, and bullying across schools and borders. This episode is hard to listen to—but necessary—because awareness is the first step in protecting our kids.
 
 
 
 
 Timeline Summary: 
[0:00] Why online grooming often goes unnoticed until it's too late.
 
[1:48] How predators now access kids directly in their bedrooms through devices.
 
[2:46] Why this generation of parents is navigating entirely new digital dangers.
 
[3:52] Parenting the first generation of kids growing up fully online.
 
[4:20] Introducing a real Roblox grooming case involving an eight-year-old girl.
 
[5:24] How predators use in-game chat and "helping" to gain trust.
 
[6:18] The move from public game chat to private apps like WhatsApp.
 
[6:44] Grooming tactics that feel like friendship to kids.
 
[7:09] How exploitation and sextortion begin once trust is built.
 
[8:07] Why platform bans don't stop predators from returning.
 
[9:06] Key lessons parents must understand about Roblox and open chat systems.
 
[10:06] Larry shares a personal experience with a suspicious "wrong number" text.
 
[11:54] Why text messages and private apps are also major risk areas.
 
[12:25] Introducing the Amanda Todd case from British Columbia.
 
[12:52] How sextortion followed Amanda across schools and years.
 
[13:58] Why Amanda wasn't bullied—she was hunted.
 
[14:27] The mental health toll of long-term digital harassment.
 
[15:18] Amanda's nine-minute YouTube video explaining her story.
 
[15:49] Arrest, conviction, and sentencing of her predator years later.
 
[16:41] Why one image can give predators long-term control.
 
[17:39] How predators weaponize anonymity, time, and technology.
 
[18:38] Why Bark has helped Larry catch issues proactively for seven years.
 
[19:26] How parents can honor victims by protecting their own kids.
 
[20:11] Final call to action to monitor devices and stay engaged.
 
 
 
 
 Five Key Takeaways Online grooming happens slowly and quietly 1. , often disguised as friendship and "help" inside games like Roblox.
 Predators almost always move kids from public chats to private apps, where there is no moderation or logging. One image is all a predator needs 2. to control, extort, and emotionally destroy a child over time.
 Platform bans do not protect kids 3. , because predators can create new accounts in minutes.
 Parental awareness and monitoring can change outcomes 4. , and proactive conversations can prevent lifelong trauma.
 
 
 
 
 Links & Resources Bark Monitoring for Families: • 
https://thedadedge.com/bark Episode Show Notes & Resources: • 
https://thedadedge.com/1415 • Mentioned Link: 
 https://www.amandatoddlegacy.org/aydin-coban.html?utm_source=chatgpt.com 
 
 Closing Remark 
These stories are hard—but they matter. The best way we can honor kids who've been hurt or lost is by protecting our own. Please rate, review, follow, and share this episode, and most importantly, stay involved in your kids' digital lives. From my heart to yours—let's do better.

The Dark Reality of Roblox & Online Chat for Kids

What if the most dangerous addiction in the world isn't drugs, alcohol, or gambling—but revenge? In this eye-opening conversation, I sit down with Dr. James Kimmel Jr., Yale School of Medicine researcher, attorney, and author of The Science of Revenge, to unpack what actually happens in our brains when we feel wronged, humiliated, or disrespected.
 
 
 
Dr. Kimmel breaks down the neuroscience behind revenge, why it lights up the brain the same way cocaine does, and how seeking retaliation gives us a temporary dopamine hit that ultimately leaves us worse off. We talk about anger, forgiveness, sibling rivalry, marriage conflict, parenting mistakes, and why forgiveness isn't weakness—it's one of the most powerful tools we have to reclaim peace, leadership, and self-control as men and fathers.
 
 
 
 
 Timeline Summary 
 
 
[0:00] Why revenge may be the most dangerous addiction in the world.
 
[2:10] Introducing Dr. James Kimmel Jr. and his research on revenge and forgiveness.
 
[3:02] How revenge activates the same brain circuitry as drugs like cocaine.
 
[4:38] Dr. Kimmel's background as both a lawyer and Yale researcher.
 
[6:33] Marriage, faith, and building a family with shared purpose over 37 years.
 
[9:12] Advice on long-term marriage and selecting the right partner early.
 
[13:23] Why revenge seeking escalates conflict in families and relationships.
 
[16:17] Defining revenge as an addictive, pleasure-seeking process.
 
[17:17] How grievances activate the brain's pain and reward systems.
 
[21:25] Why emotional pain registers as physical pain in the brain.
 
[23:13] Dopamine, craving, and why revenge never actually satisfies.
 
[25:32] How the prefrontal cortex gets hijacked during revenge seeking.
 
[28:06] Revenge cycles in marriage and intimate relationships.
 
[31:20] Losing control: when logic shuts down during retaliation.
 
[33:27] Larry shares a real-life road rage trigger moment.
 
[37:39] How quickly fight-or-flight turns into revenge seeking.
 
[39:52] Why only about 20% of people become "revenge addicted."
 
[42:16] Differences between men and women when seeking revenge.
 
[43:28] Why revenge plots dominate movies like John Wick and The Lion King.
 
[47:07] Sibling rivalry and how revenge shows up between brothers.
 
[54:23] Parenting discipline vs. revenge-driven punishment.
 
[58:25] Why forgiveness is essential for breaking the revenge cycle.
 
 
 
 
 Five Key Takeaways Revenge activates the same brain circuits as drugs and gambling, making it addictive and compulsive for some people. Emotional wounds register as real physical pain 1. in the brain, triggering a desire to self-medicate through retaliation.
 Revenge provides temporary relief but increases anger, anxiety, and depression 2. 
after the dopamine fades. Parents can unintentionally cross the line from discipline into revenge, especially when ego and shame are triggered. Forgiveness is not weakness—it's neuroscience. 3. It's one of the most powerful ways to reclaim control, peace, and leadership.
 Links & Resources • 

The Science of Revenge: https://bit.ly/4q1khVd
 • 
 • 

Bark Monitoring for Families: https://thedadedge.com/bark
 • 
 Podcast Shownotes: http://thedadedge.com/1414 
 
 
 
 Closing Remark 
 
 
If this episode challenged the way you think about anger, conflict, and forgiveness, please take a moment to rate, review, follow, and share the podcast. Your support helps us reach more men who want to lead with intention instead of reaction.

How Anger Becomes an Addiction & What It Does to Families featuring Dr. James Kimmel Jr.

This show is full of mindset gold. When it comes to self-sabotage thoughts, when things aren't going right, this is the show for you. My guest on this episode is Dr. John Delony and he comes on with so much energy. We talk about shame and what it does to our mentality.
 
Dr. John Delony is a mental health expert with two PhDs in counselor education and supervision, and higher education administration from Texas Tech University. Before joining Ramsey Solutions in 2020, John worked as a senior leader, professor and researcher at multiple universities. He also spent two decades in crisis response, walking with people through severe trauma. Now as a Ramsey Personality, he teaches on relationships, mental health and wellness.
 
Show Notes: 
www.thedadedge.com/366

Owning Your Past to Change your Future with Dr. John Delony

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