Stop Controlling Your Kids: A Marine Vet's Guide to Real Leadership ft. Jeremy Stalnecker

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Jun 9, 2025

Join Jeremy Stalnecker, a Marine Corps veteran and co-leader of the Mighty Oaks Foundation, as he shares insights on leading children without control. He reveals personal lessons from a life-altering moment in Iraq, emphasizing faith and resilience. Jeremy discusses his 26-year marriage, highlighting emotional connection and the balance of guiding adult children. He reflects on the joys of raising a larger family, the importance of integrity and intergenerational wisdom, and how community support can heal veterans and first responders facing trauma.

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ANECDOTE

Cherishing Deep Father-Son Talks

Larry Hagner shared a personal story about bonding with his son through meaningful conversations during a long drive.
He wished for more direct talks with his own grandfather before he passed, inspiring openness with his son.

INSIGHT

Authenticity Fuels Faith Attraction

Children often reject faith when they witness hypocrisy between public and private behavior of parents.
Authentic consistent living of faith from parents builds genuine respect and attraction to faith in children.

ANECDOTE

Life-Altering Iraq Combat Story

Jeremy Stalnecker shared a life-changing combat story of an ambush on a bridge in Iraq where he narrowly survived mortar and gunfire.
This experience deepened his faith and realization of controlling only his actions while trusting God's plan.

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Have you ever asked yourself:

"How do I truly lead my kids without falling into controlling behaviors?"
"Is it possible to have a strong, lasting marriage while staying emotionally connected?"
"How do I find purpose and resilience when life throws its biggest curveballs?"

If these questions resonate, get ready for a powerful conversation that will challenge and inspire you to lead with greater intention—at home and beyond.

Larry Hagner sits down with Jeremy Stalnecker—a Marine Corps veteran, father of four, pastor, and co-leader of the Mighty Oaks Foundation. Jeremy brings a unique blend of military discipline, spiritual wisdom, and practical fatherhood insights to this crucial discussion on leadership, intention, and trusting in a higher purpose.

Jeremy Stalnecker shares powerful insights from his own life: from lessons learned growing up in a faith-filled family, to experiencing a life-altering moment on a bridge in Iraq that solidified his belief in letting go of control and surrendering to a greater plan.

He opens up candidly about navigating marriage for over 26 years, staying emotionally connected without mistaking emotions for weakness, and wisely guiding his adult children without overstepping.

Become the best husband and leader you can: https://www.thedadedge.com/mastermind

In this essential conversation, we dig into:

Leading Without Controlling: The crucial distinction between guiding your children with intention versus attempts at authoritarian control.
The Power of Higher Purpose: How a life-altering moment in Iraq cemented Jeremy's belief in letting go of control and trusting faith.
Emotional Connection in Long-Term Marriage: Strategies for maintaining intimacy and understanding emotions without equating them to weakness over 26 years.
Guiding Adult Children: The wisdom of supporting and influencing grown kids without overstepping boundaries.
Finding Resilience Through Trauma: Jeremy Stalnecker’s impactful work with the Mighty Oaks Foundation, providing support for veterans and first responders dealing with trauma and PTSD.

This episode is packed with raw, candid, and actionable advice that speaks right to the heart of every dad striving to grow, strengthen his marriage, or find unwavering resilience in tough times.

Here's what research and observation highlight about purposeful living and strong family dynamics:

Individuals who live with a clear sense of purpose report a 25% higher level of overall well-being and life satisfaction.
Long-term marriages that prioritize emotional connection over control show a 30% lower divorce rate.
Faith-based resilience programs, like those offered by Mighty Oaks, have shown significant positive impacts on veterans' mental health recovery.

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