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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

In this solo episode, I pull back the curtain on everything happening inside the Dad Edge ecosystem as we close out January and head into February. If your marriage feels disconnected, your health slipped during the holidays, or you've been looking for real skills—not motivation—this episode lays out exactly what's available and how to plug in.
 
 
 
I share my own story of marriage struggle, why only a small percentage of couples truly feel connected, and how becoming a student of marriage completely changed the trajectory of my relationship. From February's marriage-focused tactical agenda inside the Dad Edge Alliance, to the 1st Phorm 8-week challenge, to major announcements around preview calls and the Men's Forge event, this episode is about clarity, opportunity, and intentional action for men who want their marriage and leadership to look different in 2026.
 
 
 
 
 Timeline Summary: 
[0:00] Keeping the blooper and why imperfection matters in fatherhood
 
[1:35] Larry reflects on the first 10–12 years of marriage struggles
 
[2:27] When marriage turns into co-parenting and roommate syndrome
 
[3:07] Becoming a student of marriage and why things finally changed
 
[3:27] Only 12% of marriages report deep connection
 
[3:52] Introducing the Dad Edge ecosystem
 
[4:11] Overview of the Dad Edge Alliance
 
[4:50] February tactical agenda inside the Alliance
 
[5:09] Why February always focuses on marriage skills
 
[5:28] Week 1: Attraction, identity, and masculine presence
 
[6:11] Week 2: Leading without chasing or needy energy
 
[6:35] Week 3: Boundaries that create desire
 
[6:55] Week 4: Emotional safety and attraction
 
[7:39] Why February is the best month to join the Alliance
 
[8:01] Roommates to Soulmates cohort selling out quickly
 
[8:41] Holiday weight gain and the need for a physical reset
 
[9:01] 1st Phorm Dad Edge 8-week challenge overview
 
[9:42] Challenge dates and community support
 
[10:19] January Dad Edge 1st Phorm Dad of the Month recognition
 
[11:01] Alliance preview call announcement
 
[11:24] What men will learn on the preview call
 
[12:17] Moving away from social media noise
 
[14:06] Men's Forge 2026 announcement
 
[14:51] Why this event is different
 
[15:41] Where to find all links and next steps
 
[16:04] Gratitude and closing encouragement
 
 
 
 
 Five Key Takeaways Most men were never taught how to lead a marriage 1. , which is why skill-building—not willpower—creates change.
 Attraction in marriage evolves 2. , and men must adapt leadership, presence, and identity.
 Boundaries and emotional safety create desire, not chasing or people-pleasing. Physical health fuels confidence and leadership, especially inside marriage. Community accelerates growth 3. , when men commit to accountability and action.
 
 
 
 
 Links & Resources: Dad Edge Alliance (Marriage, Parenting, Health, Leadership): • 
https://thedadedge.com/alliance Dad Edge Alliance Preview Call: • 
https://thedadedge.com/preview 1st Phorm Dad Edge 8-Week Challenge: • 
https://1stphorm.com/dadedge Men's Forge 2026 Event: • 
https://themensforge.com All Episode Resources: • 
https://thedadedge.com/1431 
 
 
 
 Closing Remark 
Gentlemen, if you want your marriage, health, and leadership to look different in 2026, this is your moment to engage. Thank you for your continued support, your reviews, and your commitment to doing the work. From my heart to yours—let's continue to live legendary.

The Skills Men Need for Marriage Health and Leadership at Home

In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Nicole McNichols, psychologist, professor at the University of Washington, and author of You Could Be Having Better Sex, for one of the most honest, research-backed conversations we've ever had about sex, intimacy, and connection in long-term marriage.
 
 
 
This isn't about sex positions, tricks, or "trying harder." It's about why good marriages lose momentum over time, how pressure and expectations quietly kill desire, and why emotional connection is often the real foreplay. Dr. Nicole breaks down why scheduling sex can backfire, how shame and guilt around sex are learned early, and how curiosity—not performance—creates the kind of intimacy couples actually crave. I also share personal stories from my own marriage about connection, timing, and why mediocre sex just to "check the box" no longer works. If you want a healthier, more connected sex life, this episode gives you a roadmap grounded in science and real-life experience.
 
 
 
 
 Timeline Summary 
[0:00] Why this episode isn't about sex positions or tricks
 
[1:26] Introducing Dr. Nicole McNichols and her background
 
[2:09] Why scheduling sex can quietly backfire
 
[2:36] How pressure and expectation kill intimacy
 
[2:58] Emotional connection as the real foreplay
 
[3:36] Why intimacy dates matter more than sex calendars
 
[5:18] How Dr. Nicole became a "sex professor" by accident
 
[6:10] Loneliness, disconnection, and the role of sexual health
 
[7:08] Shame, stigma, and misinformation around sex—especially for women
 
[9:14] Why healthy sex improves forgiveness, health, and longevity
 
[10:25] The failure of shame-based sex education
 
[12:10] Countries with sex-positive education and better outcomes
 
[13:18] Identifying the sources of shame we carry into marriage
 
[15:09] Why sex shouldn't be the first thing sacrificed in busy seasons
 
[16:07] Why conversations about sex should happen with clothes on
 
[17:00] Using curiosity instead of pressure to improve intimacy
 
[18:11] Announcement: Dad Edge Alliance February focus on intimacy and attraction
 
[20:03] Curiosity vs. agenda in hard conversations
 
[21:17] Why scheduling sex alone doesn't work
 
[22:09] Creating the right context and mood for intimacy
 
[23:24] Sexual effort that creates pressure instead of desire
 
[24:55] Emotional lead-up and responsive desire
 
[26:01] Initiation–rejection cycles and resentment
 
[27:23] "Intimacy dates" and reconnecting outside the bedroom
 
[29:11] Larry shares a personal story about connection over convenience
 
[31:26] Choosing quality connection over mediocre sex
 
[33:17] Maintenance sex vs. meaningful sexual connection
 
[35:04] Balancing connection and realistic expectations
 
[37:22] Long-term rejection cycles and rebuilding intimacy
 
[39:00] Hormones, menopause, and why libido changes aren't personal
 
[41:29] Division of labor, resentment, and loss of identity
 
[43:48] Gottman research and why distance doesn't heal intimacy
 
[45:43] Making your partner feel seen and heard
 
[47:23] Listening vs. fixing in emotional conversations
 
[49:13] Resources for better conversations with your wife and kids
 
[49:31] Dr. Nicole's book and New York Times features
 
[50:44] Where to find Dr. Nicole and her work
 
[53:08] Why improving your sex life is a powerful way to start 2026
 
 
 
 
 Five Key Takeaways Pressure and expectation kill desire 1. , while curiosity and emotional safety create attraction.
 Emotional connection is often the real foreplay, especially in long-term marriages. Scheduling sex without context can backfire 2. if couples don't create space to reconnect first.
 Sexual shame is learned 3. , and identifying its sources is the first step toward healthier intimacy.
 Better sex isn't about frequency—it's about quality, safety, and connection. 
 
 
 
 
 
 Links & Resources 25 Intimate Conversation Starters: • 
https://thedadedge.com/25questions Conversation Cards for Kids (Ages 5–Teen): • 
https://thedadedge.com/kidquestions Dr. Nicole McNichols – Faculty Spotlight (University of Washington): https://psych.uw.edu/newsletter/summer-2020/faculty/faculty-spotlight-on-nicole-mcnichols New York Times – Modern Love Podcast Feature: https://www.nytimes.com/2026/01/07/podcasts/modern-love-better-sex-tips.html Book — You Could Be Having Better Sex Episode Show Notes & Resources: • 
https://thedadedge.com/1430 
 
 
 
 Closing Remark 
If this episode gave you language, clarity, or hope around intimacy in your marriage, please rate, review, follow, and share the podcast. Strong marriages don't drift into great sex—they build it intentionally, with curiosity, connection, and courage.

What Couples Get Wrong About Sex in Long-Term Relationships featuring Dr. Nicole McNichols

In this Q&A episode, I'm joined once again by Uncle Joe for a deep, honest conversation around one of the most painful places a man can find himself—feeling unwanted, disconnected, and hopeless in his marriage. We respond to a question from a husband who hasn't felt physical or emotional connection from his wife in over two years, and we unpack what really breaks down in marriages long before intimacy disappears.
 
 
 
This conversation goes far beyond surface-level advice. We talk about why most men were never trained for marriage, how resentment quietly builds, why treating marriage like a contract destroys connection, and how changing your internal narrative can shift everything. We also bring in perspectives from men inside the Dad Edge Alliance to show how humility, coachability, and intentional skill-building can restore trust, safety, and leadership at home. If your marriage feels distant or stuck, this episode offers clarity, hope, and a path forward.
 
 
 
 
 Timeline Summary 
[0:00] Welcoming listeners to the third Q&A episode of January 2026
 
[1:19] Uncle Joe returns and the power of community-driven wisdom
 
[2:13] Introducing a listener's marriage question about rejection and hopelessness
 
[2:55] Why only 12% of married couples report feeling deeply connected
 
[3:33] Asking the most important question: what have you actually learned about marriage?
 
[4:26] Joe reflects on personal failure, divorce, and hard-earned lessons
 
[5:14] Why hope exists if attraction once existed
 
[5:35] How complacency and busyness quietly push marriage to the back burner
 
[6:02] Marriage compared to learning an instrument—you can't wing it
 
[7:21] Resentment, skill gaps, and whether marriages can truly be restored
 
[8:05] Marriage as a covenant, not a contract
 
[8:55] How destructive inner narratives shape behavior and connection
 
[9:43] Transactional expectations and why they kill intimacy
 
[10:41] Why "nice guy" energy erodes respect and attraction
 
[11:30] Listening to understand instead of listening to defend
 
[12:12] Mutual submission, humility, and shared leadership in marriage
 
[13:15] Alliance member insight on asking for feedback from your wife
 
[14:16] Faith, unity, and intentionally doing life together
 
[15:49] Receiving feedback without ego or defensiveness
 
[17:14] Emotional bank accounts and the power of daily deposits
 
[18:50] Gottman's 5:1 and 10:1 ratios for healthy marriages
 
[19:40] Giving your wife permission to coach you
 
[20:45] Why conflict isn't the enemy—avoidance is
 
[22:00] Reframing the role of a wife as a strengthener, not a subordinate
 
[23:17] "It's not me vs. you, it's us vs. the problem"
 
[23:43] Larry shares a personal season of anger and choosing humility
 
[25:16] How couples can build something better than what they had before
 
[25:51] Episode wrap-up and where to find resources
 
 
 
 
 Five Key Takeaways Most men were never taught how to lead a marriage 1. , and guessing your way through it creates disconnection.
 Marriage breaks down through narratives and resentment long before intimacy disappears. Treating marriage like a covenant—not a contract—changes everything. Emotional deposits made consistently rebuild trust and safety over time. When couples unite against the problem instead of each other, restoration becomes possible. 
 
 
 
 Links & Resources Dad Edge Alliance: • 
https://thedadedge.com/alliance The Legendary Marriage Book: • 
https://thedadedge.com/legendarybook Episode Show Notes & Resources: • 
https://thedadedge.com/1429 
 
 
 
 Closing Remark 
If this episode resonated with where you're at in your marriage, please rate, review, follow, and share the podcast. You don't have to figure this out alone—skill-building, humility, and brotherhood can change the direction of your marriage and your family. From my heart to yours, go out and live legendary.

When Marriage Feels Hopeless How to Rebuild Connection and Attraction

What does real leadership actually look like at home—not just at work? In this episode, I sit down with Mick Hunt, leadership and culture coach, to break down what emotional intelligence, boundaries, and masculine presence really mean for husbands and fathers.
 
 
 
Mick shares powerful insights on why being the "nice guy" often kills polarity and attraction in marriage, how emotional intelligence is a strength (not a soft skill), and why men need intentional transition rituals to show up fully present for their families. We talk about journaling as a daily leadership practice, setting boundaries without control, and how a father's emotional presence shapes the safety and confidence of his kids. This conversation is practical, grounded, and deeply relevant for men who want to lead with backbone and heart.
 
 
 
 
 Timeline Summary 
[0:00] Introducing Mick Hunt and why leadership matters most at home
 
[2:06] Morgan Freeman narrating Mick's videos and the unexpected connection
 
[2:27] Why emotional intelligence is a critical leadership skill
 
[3:01] How the "nice guy" approach kills polarity and attraction
 
[3:29] Daily practices Mick uses to stay emotionally present with his kids
 
[4:09] The importance of transition rituals between work and home
 
[6:04] Mick's marriage story and reconnecting after decades of friendship
 
[9:07] Emotional intelligence as awareness, regulation, and response
 
[11:01] Why empathy doesn't mean losing authority as a husband or father
 
[14:05] Self-awareness as the foundation of emotional leadership
 
[15:18] Growing up with an emotionally unavailable father
 
[17:13] Mick's simple daily journaling practice
 
[19:17] Why writing trains the brain to separate fact from emotion
 
[21:07] Boundaries as love—not control—in marriage and family
 
[23:54] Defining boundaries through core values
 
[24:16] Protecting "me time" to show up better for others
 
[27:33] Why skipping transition time hurts marriages and families
 
[28:38] A real story of ignoring boundaries and paying the emotional cost
 
[31:27] Masculine presence and modeling healthy marriage for kids
 
[33:11] Being the emotional anchor of the household
 
[35:30] Teaching daughters confidence and sons how to care
 
[38:44] Where to find Mick and his leadership resources
 
 
 
 
 Five Key Takeaways: Emotional intelligence is a leadership advantage 1. , not a weakness, for men at home and at work.
 Being agreeable isn't the same as being emotionally present, and "nice guy" energy often kills attraction. Transition rituals protect your family from your stress, allowing you to show up grounded and present. Boundaries rooted in core values create safety, not distance, in marriage and parenting. A father's emotional presence shapes confidence, safety, and leadership in his children. 
 
 
 
 Links & Resources Mick Hunt Official Website: • 
https://mickhuntofficial.com Instagram: • @mickunplugged
 LinkedIn: • @mickhunt
 Episode Show Notes & Resources: • 
https://thedadedge.com/1428 
 
 
 
 Closing Remark 
If this episode challenged how you think about leadership, boundaries, or emotional presence at home, please rate, review, follow, and share the podcast. The most important leadership role you'll ever have is the one your family experiences every day.

Why Emotional Intelligence Is the Missing Skill in Modern Fatherhood featuring Mick Hunt

Why do kids raised in the same home react so differently to the exact same situation? In this episode, I'm joined by Alyssa Campbell, author, educator, and founder of Seed & Sew, to unpack what's really happening beneath our kids' behaviors—and why understanding their nervous systems changes everything about how we parent.
 
 
 
Alyssa returns to the show to talk about her new book Big Kids, Bigger Feelings, and we go deep into the overlooked developmental stage of kids ages 5–12. We discuss why "shouldn't they know better?" is the wrong question, how regulation and access to skills are two different things, and why each child's unique sensory profile determines how they experience stress, connection, discipline, and learning. This conversation will give you clarity, compassion, and practical tools to parent each child for who they actually are—not who you expect them to be.
 
 
 
 
 Timeline Summary 
[0:00] Why kids raised by the same parents can behave so differently
 
[2:33] Introducing Alyssa Campbell and her work in emotional intelligence
 
[3:27] Alyssa's first book Tiny Humans, Big Emotions and its success
 
[3:49] Celebrating Alyssa hitting the New York Times bestseller list
 
[4:11] Introducing the new book Big Kids, Bigger Feelings
 
[5:00] Why ages 5–12 are a massively overlooked developmental stage
 
[6:03] Central nervous systems and why kids respond differently to the same stimulus
 
[7:36] "Knowing better" vs. having access to skills in the moment
 
[9:15] Dysregulation in adults—and why kids struggle even more
 
[14:24] Why kids under 25 don't have fully developed prefrontal cortexes
 
[16:03] How screens and overstimulation dysregulate kids
 
[18:12] Why nervous system awareness builds empathy instead of frustration
 
[22:45] The nine sensory systems every parent should understand
 
[24:01] Vestibular, proprioceptive, and interoceptive senses explained
 
[26:17] Sensory sensitivity vs. sensory seeking
 
[28:12] Introducing the Seed Quiz as "GPS for your kid's brain"
 
[29:05] How the Seed Quiz works for kids, parents, and families
 
[31:10] Real-life school example of regulation transforming behavior
 
[33:09] Why behavior improves when regulation improves
 
[35:25] Trauma, environment, and how nervous systems evolve
 
[41:03] Why understanding nervous systems transforms marriages too
 
[42:06] Parenting two kids with opposite sensory needs
 
[44:48] Why the same parenting response can calm one child and escalate another
 
[45:30] Tapping out to your partner when regulation styles differ
 
[47:01] Where to find Alyssa, her books, and Seed & Sew resources
 
 
 
 
 Five Key Takeaways: Every child has a unique nervous system 1. , which determines how they experience stress, connection, and learning.
 Knowing what to do and being able to do it in the moment are not the same thing, especially when kids are dysregulated. Behavior improves when regulation improves, not when punishment increases. One-size-fits-all parenting often backfires 2. because kids need different inputs to calm and connect.
 Understanding nervous systems builds empathy 3. , patience, and more effective parenting strategies.
 
 
 
 
 Links & Resources Seed Quiz (Free Tool): • 
https://seedquiz.com Seed & Sew Website: • 
https://www.seedandsew.org Seed & Sew on Instagram: • 
https://www.instagram.com/seed.and.sew/ Seed & Sew on Facebook: • 
https://www.facebook.com/seedandsew.org Episode Show Notes & Resources: • 
https://thedadedge.com/1427 
 
 
 
 Closing Remark 
If this episode helped you understand your kids—and yourself—on a deeper level, please rate, review, follow, and share the podcast. Parenting isn't about getting it right every time; it's about learning how to show up for the unique humans we're raising.

Parenting Big Emotions Without Yelling Punishing or Guessing featuring Alyssa Campbell

In this second Q&A episode of 2026, I'm joined once again by Joe Bailey for a raw, honest, and deeply practical conversation with men inside our Dad Edge Alliance. We tackle two of the most common—and emotionally charged—challenges dads face: navigating marriage when divorce feels like it's on the table, and learning when to step in (or step back) as parents with our kids.
 
 
 
Joe brings wisdom forged through failure, humility, and redemption as he shares lessons learned from three divorces and what it actually takes to rebuild trust, emotional safety, and leadership in marriage. We also dig into parenting—specifically how often we default to "no," how helicopter parenting robs kids of growth, and how learning to pause can transform our connection with our children. If you're a dad who wants to lead with ownership instead of ego, and presence instead of control, this episode is for you.
 
 
 
 
 Timeline Summary 
[0:00] Welcoming listeners to the second Q&A of 2026 with Joe Bailey
 
[1:37] Live Q&A format with Alliance members on the call
 
[2:03] Anonymous question: marriage arguments escalating and divorce being discussed
 
[2:52] Joe shares his experience with three divorces and hard-earned lessons
 
[3:49] Taking full ownership as the leader of the relationship
 
[4:18] Winning the argument vs. winning your wife's heart
 
[5:02] Separating identity from failure in marriage
 
[5:21] Why agreement gives things power over your life
 
[5:40] Emotional safety, being seen, and being heard
 
[6:04] How your inner world creates your outer world
 
[6:55] Why asking "What are you willing to do?" matters more than "Can we fix this?"
 
[8:03] Leading with humility, apology, and commitment to growth
 
[8:26] The importance of being coachable as a man and husband
 
[9:35] Larry explains why the Dad Edge Alliance exists
 
[10:37] More context: resentment and imbalance with kids and responsibilities
 
[11:16] Why we're trained for careers—but not for marriage
 
[12:15] Marriage compared to training and skill development
 
[13:29] The mental load and resentment that silently builds in relationships
 
[14:35] Larry shares his own wake-up moment with his wife
 
[16:19] How to approach conversations with curiosity instead of defense
 
[17:19] Expecting resistance and understanding trust rebuilds slowly
 
[18:46] A real coaching story where separation was reversed after consistency
 
[21:03] "Waiting for the other shoe to drop" and consistency over time
 
[22:12] Second question: saying "no" too often to kids
 
[23:12] Helicopter parenting and letting kids solve problems
 
[24:27] Letting kids work it out unless safety is at risk
 
[26:02] Stepping in when conflict becomes dangerous
 
[28:16] Boys, aggression, and healthy outlets
 
[29:45] Is saying "no" about safety—or convenience?
 
[30:51] Searching for the "yes" and using delayed yeses
 
[31:38] The day kids stop asking—and why it matters
 
[32:16] How selfishness often drives our "no"
 
[33:22] Episode wrap-up and directing listeners to the show notes
 
 
 
 
 Five Key Takeaways 
 
 
 1. 

Marriage leadership starts with ownership, not blame or defensiveness. 
 2. 
 3. 

Your inner world shapes your marriage, and emotional chaos creates relational chaos. 
 4. 
 5. 

Trust is rebuilt through consistency over time, not quick fixes or intensity. 
 6. 
 7. 

Kids grow through problem-solving, and dads don't need to jump in unless safety is at risk. 
 8. 
 9. 

Saying "yes" whenever possible builds connection, while reflexive "no's" often come from selfishness or convenience. 
 10. 
 
 
 
 
 Links & Resources • 

Dad Edge Alliance (Apply & Book a Call): https://thedadedge.com/alliance
 • 
 • 

Episode Show Notes & Resources: https://thedadedge.com/1426
 • 
 
 
 
 
 Closing Remark 
If today's episode gave you clarity, hope, or a new way to lead at home, please rate, review, follow, and share the podcast. You don't have to white-knuckle marriage or fatherhood alone—brotherhood, humility, and consistency change everything.

Rebuilding Trust in Marriage and Confidence in Fatherhood

Most couples don't drift apart because they stop loving each other—they drift apart because no one ever taught them how to stay connected. In this episode, I sit down with Mark and Brianna Carey, a powerhouse husband-and-wife team who work with couples on intimacy, communication, and emotional safety, to unpack what really happens to marriage after kids enter the picture.
 
 
 
We talk openly about why intimacy breaks down in the early years of parenting, why sex is rarely the real problem, and how resentment quietly builds when couples stop having honest conversations. Mark and Brianna share powerful insights around postpartum realities for both men and women, desire discrepancy, emotional safety, tonality, and the small misfires that slowly turn partners into roommates. If you want real tools to rebuild connection—not surface-level advice—this conversation will meet you right where you are.
 
 
 
 
 Timeline Summary 
[0:00] Why couples drift apart without ever stopping loving each other
 
[2:08] Introducing Mark and Brianna Carey and their work with couples
 
[3:15] Why sex is often the symptom—not the problem—in marriage
 
[4:00] How kids, stress, exhaustion, and resentment fuel disconnection
 
[6:03] Brianna's background in sexual health education and intimacy coaching
 
[8:02] Why women often don't feel empowered to talk about sex
 
[10:34] Desire discrepancy and why it's normal in long-term relationships
 
[11:17] Invitation to the Dad Edge Alliance and Boardroom
 
[14:00] Emotional intimacy and the depth of real connection
 
[15:12] Assumptions, misfires, and missed bids for connection
 
[17:15] Why individuality actually fuels attraction in marriage
 
[18:25] Communicating directly about intimacy without pressure
 
[21:31] The first domino of disconnection after having kids
 
[22:54] Children as magnifiers of unhealed wounds and identity shifts
 
[24:58] Postpartum realities for women—and why it's rarely discussed
 
[25:17] Postpartum identity struggles for fathers
 
[26:03] What "roommate syndrome" feels like for both partners
 
[27:22] Feeling "touched out" and navigating physical boundaries
 
[30:11] The pressure of the six-week postpartum clearance myth
 
[33:02] How resentment forms and why it's so dangerous
 
[34:00] Why talking about divorce can actually strengthen commitment
 
[36:33] "Name it to tame it" and removing fear from hard conversations
 
[43:14] Why most conflict is unresolvable—and how to manage it
 
[45:07] Trauma, tonality, and recurring relationship patterns
 
[47:49] How tone changes meaning more than words
 
[50:19] Intent vs. impact and closing the communication gap
 
[54:07] How Mark and Brianna work with couples together
 
[55:24] Why intensity of support must match intensity of problems
 
[58:27] Webinar announcement and upcoming relationship resources
 
 
 
 
 Five Key Takeaways Intimacy fades when couples stop communicating—not when attraction disappears. Desire discrepancy is normal, but silence around it breeds resentment. Postpartum challenges affect both partners 1. , including identity loss and emotional disconnect.
 Tone and emotional safety matter as much as words 2. 
when navigating conflict and intimacy. Connection—not performance—is the fastest path back to intimacy. 
 
 
 
 Links & Resources: Dad Edge Alliance: • 
https://thedadedge.com/alliance Intimacy Evolution Website: • 
https://www.intimacyevolution.com Webinar Registration: • 
https://intimacyevolution.kit.com/9a33bf4eaa Intimacy Evolution on Instagram: • 
https://www.instagram.com/intimacy_evolution Brianna Carey on Instagram: • 
https://www.instagram.com/brianna_carey Mark Carey on Instagram: • 
https://www.instagram.com/mark__carey Episode Show Notes & Resources: • 
https://thedadedge.com/1425 
 
 
 
 Closing Remark 
If this episode helped you see your marriage differently—or gave you language for conversations you've been avoiding—please rate, review, follow, and share the podcast. Strong marriages aren't built by guessing; they're built through connection, courage, and intentional leadership.

Why Intimacy Breaks Down After Kids & How to Rebuild Connection featuring Mark and Brianna Carey

Leadership isn't about position, title, or authority—it's about who you are on the inside and how you show up every day for the people who depend on you. In this episode, I sit down with Brent Pohlman, bestselling author of Leaders Look Within and the upcoming book Leading with Zest, for a powerful conversation about values-based leadership, faith, health, and having the courage to lead from the heart.
 
 
 
Brent shares lessons from 31 years of marriage, raising a faith-centered family, and building a thriving workplace culture rooted in people-first leadership. We dive into why leaders must define a strong "why," how physical health fuels emotional and relational leadership, and how to have hard, triggering conversations without destroying morale—at work or at home. If you're a husband, father, or man who wants to lead with clarity, conviction, and integrity, this episode will challenge you in the best way.
 
 
 
 
 Timeline Summary 
[0:00] Why leadership applies to every man—especially husbands and fathers.
 
[2:07] Introducing Brent Pohlman and his leadership philosophy.
 
[2:29] 31 years of marriage and building a faith-centered family.
 
[2:53] Brent's son serving communion to Pope Francis and the power of faith legacy.
 
[3:20] Leading from the inside out instead of ego.
 
[3:45] Why leaders must define a strong, unshakable "why."
 
[4:43] Marriage, faith, and learning each other after decades together.
 
[6:16] Converting to Catholicism and claiming faith as your own.
 
[7:26] Reactive leadership versus values-based leadership.
 
[9:07] Faith moments that shape identity and conviction.
 
[11:01] Why leaders must look inward to understand values and motivation.
 
[12:16] Second-generation leadership and stepping into your own identity.
 
[14:28] Defining a personal leadership "why" that doesn't change weekly.
 
[15:26] The importance of physical health for leadership readiness.
 
[16:03] Daily workouts, awareness, and being prepared for pressure.
 
[18:08] Being fully present with your wife and kids.
 
[19:30] Leading at home the same way you lead at work.
 
[20:17] Developing people instead of managing them.
 
[21:03] Coaching versus training in leadership development.
 
[22:49] How direct conversations prevent cultural breakdown.
 
[23:59] Calling people forward without damaging morale.
 
[26:02] Fighting to be effective instead of fighting to be right.
 
[27:11] The power of using someone's name in hard conversations.
 
[30:03] Why people just want to be heard.
 
[33:06] Avoiding reactive cultures and emotional time bombs.
 
[35:08] Asking "What do you really want?" in conflict resolution.
 
[37:15] Introducing Brent's upcoming book Leading with Zest.
 
[38:41] People, process, and technology—in that order.
 
[39:10] Protecting imagination and creativity in a tech-driven world.
 
[42:16] Putting faith into action through workplace culture.
 
[45:09] Where to find Brent, his books, and daily reflections.
 
 
 
 
 Five Key Takeaways Leadership starts on the inside. 1. You must know your values, faith, and motivations before you can lead others well.
 A strong "why" stabilizes leadership. 2. Without it, leaders become reactive and inconsistent.
 Physical health fuels leadership presence. 3. Energy, discipline, and consistency matter in how you show up.
 Coaching builds leaders; training builds skills. 4. Growth happens through direct, caring conversations.
 People-first leadership creates thriving cultures—at work, at home, and in communities. 
 
 
 
 Links & Resources MicroFactor (1st Phorm): https://1stphorm.com/products/micro-factor/?a_aid=dadedge Level-1 Protein (1st Phorm): https://1stphorm.com/products/level-1/?a_aid=dadedge Brent Pohlman — Leaders Look Within: https://a.co/d/aIPZqXo Brent Pohlman — Leading with Zest: https://a.co/d/78BUngL Brent Pohlman Website: • 
https://ceoofyourheart.com Episode Show Notes & Resources: • 
https://thedadedge.com/1424 
 
 Closing Remark 
If this episode challenged you to lead with more intention, health, and heart, please rate, review, follow, and share the podcast. Leadership isn't about perfection—it's about showing up aligned, grounded, and willing to grow.

Values-Based Leadership for Men Who Want to Lead at Home and Work featuring Brent Pohlman

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

Are you concerned about your alcohol intake?
 
It's the peak season for drinking. Many guys waking up with a nasty hangover will wonder what it would be like to give up alcohol for awhile.
 
But we worry.
 
Wouldn't it be boring? What would our friends think? How would we relax at the end of the day?
 
Today we have everyday dad and Dad Edge Alliance member, Darren Bellew on the show. After 35 years of drinking, he decided to try a 30-day detox. Once he reached that milestone, Darren experienced the benefits of being alcohol-free and just kept going.
 
More than a year later, Darren is still alcohol-free. Instead of feeling deprived, he has more energy, more time, better performance, and a deeper connection with his family. Darren has built a better relationship with himself, learning to solve his problems rather than putting them off by drinking.
 
If you're thinking of taking a break from the beer and the booze in 2020, this episode will help you understand what to expect when you go alcohol-free!
 
For the show notes and exclusive links mentioned in this episode go to gooddadproject.com/thursday187.
 
————
 
Join the Free Dad Edge Facebook Group at gooddadproject.com/group.
 
Apply for The Dad Edge Alliance at gooddadproject.com/alliance.
 
Follow us on Instagram at @thedadedge!

What to Expect When You Go Alcohol-Free

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