In this episode of the Dad Edge Podcast, I’m joined once again by my son, Ethan, for another candid father-son conversation on navigating life, manhood, and building the skills that last a lifetime. As part of our August series on helping boys transition into strong, capable men, we dig into Ethan’s experiences in work, relationships, and personal growth—and the lessons that come with them.
We talk about learning the value of hard work, handling failure without losing momentum, and why being intentional with your time can change everything. Ethan also opens up about balancing independence with staying connected to family, how to choose the right influences, and the importance of staying grounded in who you are—especially when life throws curveballs. Whether you’re raising a son or trying to grow as a man yourself, this conversation is filled with practical wisdom, personal stories, and plenty of laughs along the way.
TIMELINE SUMMARY
[0:00] - Welcome and context for our August series on raising boys into men
[2:15] - Ethan’s reflections on his first real work experiences
[5:04] - Learning self-reliance through challenges and problem-solving
[8:12] - The importance of staying humble and teachable
[11:30] - How to take responsibility without losing confidence
[15:18] - Building resilience after setbacks and mistakes
[18:40] - Choosing influences and friends that push you forward
[21:53] - Balancing independence with strong family connection
[25:17] - What it means to be intentional with your time and energy
[28:34] - Handling the pressure to perform in work and life
[32:56] - Using failures as fuel for growth and self-improvement
[36:11] - The role of discipline in achieving long-term goals
[40:00] - How gratitude changes your outlook and relationships
[43:28] - Ethan’s advice for young men starting their journey to adulthood
[46:02] - Lessons learned from taking risks and stepping into uncomfortable situations
[49:15] - Why adaptability is essential in both work and relationships
[52:40] - The impact of mentorship and learning from older, wiser voices
[56:22] - Strategies for keeping your mindset strong during setbacks
[1:00:05] - How Ethan applies life lessons from sports into everyday decisions
[1:03:30] - The importance of giving back and serving others as a sign of maturity
[1:06:54] - Final reflections on becoming the kind of man you’d be proud to follow
5 KEY TAKEAWAYS
1. Hard Work Builds Character
Real growth comes when you embrace responsibility, push through discomfort, and give your best—whether you’re excited about the task or not.
2. Stay Teachable
No matter how much you know, there’s always something to learn. A teachable spirit keeps you adaptable and ready for opportunity.
3. Choose Your Circle Wisely
The people you surround yourself with will either pull you forward or drag you down. Select influences who challenge and inspire you.
4. Resilience Comes From Recovery
Everyone fails—but it’s how quickly you get back up and how much you learn from it that determines your strength.
5. Intentional Living Creates Direction
Without a plan, you drift. Being deliberate with your time, energy, and commitments gives you control over the man you’re becoming.
LINKS & RESOURCES
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