In this special father-son episode of the Dad Edge Podcast, I sit down with my 19-year-old son, Ethan Hagner, to talk about the ever-evolving world of modern dating, masculinity, and what respect looks like in today’s culture. From Snapchat and Bitmoji “vibes” to the dangers of digital footprints, Ethan pulls back the curtain on what Gen Z is really experiencing when it comes to relationships, identity, and self-worth.
We get raw and real about breakups, social media drama, posting for “social therapy,” and what red flags look like in 2025. But the conversation goes much deeper than dating. Ethan opens up about his personal growth, past mistakes, and what he’d tell his 16-year-old self—and future daughter—about how to protect your integrity in the world of online relationships and viral opinions.
This is a must-listen for any dad raising teens or preteens. It’s funny, eye-opening, brutally honest, and packed with generational wisdom from both sides of the table.
TIMELINE SUMMARY
[0:00] - Welcome to the Dad Edge mission
[1:04] - How dating has changed since “back in the day”
[2:38] - Meet Ethan Hagner: college, EMT prep, and dad banter
[3:58] - Inside the Dad Edge studio & sponsor shoutout (First Form)
[5:36] - Ignition + Formula 1 explained: post-workout must-haves
[8:08] - Pre-order info: The Pursuit of Legendary Fatherhood
[9:11] - How 19-year-olds actually meet people now (Snapchat!)
[10:20] - Snapchat’s “Quick Add” and Bitmoji-deep dating decisions
[14:04] - Dating vs. passing notes in the 90s, how we used to ask friends to “talk to her for me”
[16:06] - Red flags on social profiles: vaping, weed, or weird vibes
[20:30] - Toxicity, trust, and “the feeling you just can’t explain”
[24:30] - Social media therapy: breakups that go viral
[27:03] - Digital drama and public TikTok crying
[30:27] - The real meaning of “game” for Gen Z (hint: not confidence)
[32:02] - Confidence vs. bravado: what women really respond to
[34:09] - What healthy confidence looks like in teens
[35:30] - Are ICks ruining relationships before they start?
[39:22] - Ego, lifting, and growing up with the wrong friend group
[41:13] - Self-awareness: from wife beater tanks to regretful beliefs
[42:35] - Advice Ethan would give his future 16-year-old daughter
[43:10] - Digital safety, values, and protecting your future
[46:40] - Larry’s top two dating lessons for his younger self
[47:40] - Regret from not approaching vs. regret from rejection
[48:16] - When you strike out, you’re still winning
[51:11] - Protecting your reputation on social media
[52:22] - First Form Dad of the Month: Ty Twizzler’s inspiring story
5 KEY TAKEAWAYS
1. Snapchat Changed Dating Forever
For Gen Z, Snapchat is the new hallway, lunch table, and dating app combined. But what happens there leaves a permanent digital trail—so teach your kids to tread carefully.
2. Confidence Wins—Ego Repels
Bravado might grab attention, but real confidence comes from knowing who you are and not bending for validation. It’s quiet, steady, and deeply attractive.
3. Respect Is Never Outdated
Whether it’s how you treat a teacher, a girlfriend, or yourself, respect is foundational. True character shows when no one’s watching—or when everyone’s watching online.
4. Your Digital Footprint Never Goes Away
Posting relationship drama on TikTok or Snapchat may feel therapeutic in the moment, but it can damage reputations, create enemies, and attract the wrong kind of attention.
5. You’re Not Too Young to Lead
Ethan may be 19, but his mindset about dating, identity, and future family is already grounded in wisdom. His generation needs more examples like this—and so do ours.
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