Teaching Sons to Lead Themselves Through Struggle, Mindset, and Discipline ft. Ethan Hagner

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Oct 1, 2025

Ethan Hagner, son of the host, shares his journey to manhood with passion and insight. He explores how young men can embrace struggle as a growth tool and discusses the crucial role of mindset in overcoming fear and building confidence. Ethan emphasizes that true confidence stems from consistent action rather than mere words. He reflects on the importance of self-awareness in character development and highlights practical strategies for navigating life's challenges. This candid conversation offers valuable lessons for both fathers and young men.

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INSIGHT

Patience Is A Trainable Muscle

Patience is both an internal muscle and an external skill we must train deliberately.
Larry frames patience as self-compassion plus the grit to keep improving after setbacks.

ADVICE

Choose Progress Over Perfection

Track progress with small daily actions and accept that growth is slow and compounding.
Do choose progress over perfection and avoid rushing results in fitness, school, or relationships.

INSIGHT

Mistakes Shape Growth

People treat mistakes as proofs of failure instead of signals for learning.
Viewing mistakes as shaping growth prevents quitting and fuels consistent improvement.

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Here are the fully formatted, SEO-optimized show notes for the Dad Edge Podcast episode featuring Ethan Hagner (Oct 1, 2025):

EPISODE SUMMARY

In this episode of the Dad Edge Podcast, I sit down with my son Ethan for another real and reflective conversation about what it means to grow up with intention, confidence, and emotional maturity. We dig into how young men can use challenges to build strength, how mindset shapes everything, and why confidence is earned, not given.

You'll hear us explore how to handle life's curveballs, overcome fear of judgment, and cultivate confidence through action. If you're raising sons—or you are a young man on your own journey—this episode is packed with authentic insights and connection-driven takeaways.

TIMELINE SUMMARY

[0:00] - Opening the episode with Ethan: father-son connection and check-in

[2:16] - The power of presence and accountability in our weekly sit-downs

[4:02] - Ethan reflects on recent wins, challenges, and growth moments

[6:15] - Learning to navigate fear of judgment and criticism as a young man

[8:40] - Confidence doesn't come from words—it comes from actions repeated over time

[10:22] - Why growth often hides behind discomfort and adversity

[12:31] - Ethan's personal mindset shifts and what helped him break through

[14:45] - Choosing perspective in hard moments: victimhood vs. ownership

[17:00] - The power of awareness and reflection in building character

[19:12] - What fathers can do to encourage independence while staying supportive

[21:40] - The benefits of letting kids experience struggle, not avoid it

[24:11] - Ethan's message to young men: why you're more capable than you think

[26:03] - Final reflections on growth, confidence, and father-son alignment

5 KEY TAKEAWAYS

1. Confidence Is Built, Not Given

Confidence isn't about praise or motivation—it's built through repeated action, self-discipline, and the decision to show up even when it's hard.

2. Discomfort Is the Gateway to Growth

Adversity isn't the enemy—it's the environment where mental toughness and character are developed. Teaching your kids to face it head-on is a gift.

3. Support Without Saving Builds Stronger Kids

The goal isn't to rescue your kids from struggle but to walk beside them as they learn. That's how we raise resilient, independent leaders.

4. Mindset and Perspective Are Everything

When young men choose ownership over victimhood, they shift from passive living to powerful leadership. It all starts with perspective.

5. Father-Son Check-Ins Matter More Than You Think

Intentional time together—like weekly conversations—can become the anchor for growth, emotional regulation, and lifelong connection.

LINKS & RESOURCES

• thedadedge.com/legendarybook

25 Questions to Spark Connection With Your Partner: https://www.thedadedge.com/25questions
The Dad Edge Alliance (for high-performing fathers): https://www.thedadedge.com/alliance
Podcast Website and Resources: thedadedge.com/1382

If this episode helped you reflect on connection, confidence, or how to lead your kids more intentionally, please follow, rate, review, and share the podcast. Your support fuels our mission to help fathers lead legendary lives.