Why Presence Matters: Be the Thermostat

In this solo episode of the Dad Edge Podcast, host Larry Hagner opens up about what it means to be the thermostat in your home, not just the thermometer. With economic uncertainty, workplace stress, and daily responsibilities piling up, Larry shares a powerful message: while we can’t always control the outside world, we can control the atmosphere inside our homes.

Drawing from his own experience as a husband, father of four, entrepreneur, and coach to hundreds of men, Larry offers three simple but game-changing practices to help you lead with presence, peace, and intentionality. You’ll learn how to create transition rituals, share stress in age-appropriate ways, and protect one daily “anchor moment” with your family.

This isn’t just advice—it’s a battle plan for fatherhood in today’s chaotic world.

TIMELINE SUMMARY

[0:00] - The Dad Edge movement: raising the next generation of fathers

[1:06] - Why “Dad Jones” matters more than Dow Jones

[2:30] - From entrepreneurship to emotional presence at home

[3:38] - Why dads must become the thermostat, not the thermometer

[4:31] - Breaking generational cycles through intentional leadership

[5:21] - Tactical Nugget #1: Create a transition ritual

[6:02] - From Zoom calls to family time in 60 seconds or less

[7:39] - Zoom fatigue, blue-collar exhaustion, and stress overload

[8:18] - Real-world examples of transition rituals that work

[9:36] - The “warm-up” metaphor: why you can’t sprint cold

[10:40] - Tactical Nugget #2: Share age-appropriate context

[11:48] - Explaining stress to a 9-year-old without oversharing

[12:49] - Tactical Nugget #3: Protect one anchor moment daily

[13:46] - The dinner table is sacred—don’t let sports take it away

[14:55] - The Hagner family: 70% dinner consistency even with teens

[16:05] - Anchoring doesn’t have to be nightly—just intentional

[17:09] - What it means to protect your family’s emotional economy

[18:18] - Action step: Choose one ritual to stabilize your home

[19:02] - Want to go deeper? Why Larry created the Dad Edge Alliance

[20:14] - Introducing: The Dad Edge Business Brotherhood

[21:01] - “If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.”

5 KEY TAKEAWAYS

1. Be the Thermostat, Not the Thermometer

Your mood sets the emotional tone in your home. Don’t react to the chaos—lead through it.

2. Create a Transition Ritual

Whether it’s deep breathing, walking, or reading scripture, take 5–10 minutes to reset before re-entering home life.

3. Speak to Your Kids at Their Level

You don’t need to dump stress on your children—but you can share what’s going on in ways they understand.

4. Protect One Daily Anchor Moment

Whether it’s a meal, bedtime routine, or morning coffee with your spouse—make it non-negotiable.

5. Your Family Needs a Grounded Leader

They don’t need a stressed-out provider. They need you—calm, present, and emotionally available.

LINKS & RESOURCES

Join the Mastermind Paths

• Dad Edge Alliance: https://thedadedge.com/mastermind

• Business Owner Brotherhood: https://thedadedge.com/mastermind

Books Mentioned:

• Building a Non-Anxious Life by Dr. John Delony: https://www.ramseysolutions.com/store/books/building-a-non-anxious-life-by-john-delony

Full Episode & Other Resources:

• Podcast Homepage: https://thedadedge.com/podcast

• Larry Hagner Instagram: https://instagram.com/thedadedge