Purposeful Parenting to Build Strong, Responsible Young Men

10 snips

Aug 19, 2025

Ethan Hagner, son of Larry Hagner, shares his journey through the trials of young adulthood. He discusses the importance of accountability and resilience in overcoming failure. They explore how freedom must be balanced with responsibility and the significance of building grit over seeking comfort. Ethan opens up about navigating friendships and the power of influence, while reflecting on his biggest life lessons so far. Their candid conversation is both relatable and inspiring for fathers and sons aiming to grow together.

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INSIGHT

Resilience Outweighs Talent

Resilience matters more than talent because it lets you finish hard, unpleasant work.
Larry and Ethan frame grit as the key differentiator in long-term success.

ANECDOTE

Summer At The Tire Shop

Ethan described working a sweltering tire-shop and teammates walking out mid-shift.
He stayed and focused on one ticket at a time to keep the shop running.

ADVICE

Leave With Integrity

Honor commitments: give notice and finish your responsibilities before leaving.
Show up on time and complete your work to preserve integrity and team trust.

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In this special father-son episode of the Dad Edge Podcast, I sit down with my son, Ethan, to continue our August series on raising boys into strong, capable men. Together, we dive into the real challenges young men face today and the lessons that shape character, responsibility, and confidence.

Ethan opens up about what he’s learning through work, relationships, and personal growth, while I share insights on how fathers can guide without controlling. We discuss resilience, accountability, and the importance of choosing the right path—even when it’s difficult. This conversation is raw, relatable, and packed with wisdom for both dads and sons who want to grow together.

TIMELINE SUMMARY

[0:00] - Welcome to our August father-son series

[2:10] - Ethan’s reflections on independence and early adulthood

[5:25] - Why accountability is the key to long-term success

[8:41] - Lessons from failure and how to bounce back stronger

[12:03] - How to balance freedom with responsibility

[15:37] - Why building grit matters more than chasing comfort

[19:10] - Navigating friendships and the power of influence

[23:46] - What intentional living looks like as a young man

[28:04] - Handling setbacks without losing confidence

[32:19] - Why fathers need to lead by example, not just advice

[36:55] - The role of gratitude in keeping perspective

[40:28] - Ethan’s biggest lessons so far in work and life

[44:12] - Final reflections on manhood, growth, and legacy

5 KEY TAKEAWAYS

1. Accountability Creates Growth

The willingness to own your choices and mistakes is what separates boys from men—it’s the foundation of maturity.

2. Resilience Is Built Through Struggle

Failure is not the end but the classroom. Every setback is an opportunity to learn grit and perseverance.

3. Freedom Without Responsibility Leads to Chaos

True independence isn’t doing whatever you want—it’s learning to carry the weight of your decisions.

4. Influence Shapes Identity

The people you surround yourself with will either pull you forward or drag you down. Choose wisely.

5. Gratitude Keeps You Grounded

No matter how tough life gets, practicing gratitude helps you stay centered, focused, and motivated to keep moving forward.

LINKS & RESOURCES

• 1st Phorm Creatine: https://1stphorm.com/products/micronized-creatine-monohydrate/?a_aid=dadedge • LEVEL 1 BARS: https://1stphorm.com/products/level-1-bar/?a_aid=dadedge • Dad Edge Podcast Website: https://www.thedadedge.com • Join The Alliance: https://www.thedadedge.com/alliance • Listen to More Episodes: https://www.thedadedge.com/podcast • 25 Questions to Spark Connection With Your Partner: https://www.thedadedge.com/25questions

If this episode challenged or encouraged you, please rate, follow, review, and share the podcast. Together, we’re raising the next generation of men to live with grit, responsibility, and purpose.