Podcast Summary: Mick Unplugged

Episode: Raw, Unfiltered, Purpose: The Dad Edge Unleashed with Larry Hagner
Host: Mick Hunt (Realm)
Guest: Larry Hagner
Date: February 9, 2026

Overview

In this heartfelt episode of Mick Unplugged, host Mick Hunt sits down with Larry Hagner, creator of The Dad Edge podcast and community. Together, they dive deep into the purpose behind modern fatherhood, breaking generational cycles, building intentional legacies, and leading with vulnerability. The discussion is rich with personal stories, practical frameworks, and emotional moments that speak directly to fathers, sons, and anyone seeking to live with intention and leave an impact.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Discovering Your "Because" (03:32–05:51)

• Beyond the 'Why': Mick prompts Larry to share his deeper driving force—his "because."
• Larry’s Multiple ‘Becauses’:
  • Escaping “the drift”—moving through life without purpose.
  • Living to avoid the regret of meeting “the man you could have been” (quoting Napoleon Hill).
  • Breaking generational cycles by raising four boys differently than he was raised.
• Quote:

  “The definition of hell is meeting the man that you could have been when you're laying on your deathbed.”
  —Larry Hagner (04:33)

2. Breaking Cycles & Childhood Reflections (05:51–10:29)

• Both hosts share experiences of absent or emotionally distant fathers and the resolve to end those family legacies.
• Larry details his childhood: a succession of toxic men in his mother’s life, not knowing his biological father, a brief reunion, and the vow at age 12 to “never repeat the cycle.”
  • The gap between the desire to be a good parent and doing the work.
• Pivotal Story:
  • Larry recalls a moment when he struck his then-4-year-old son out of anger, breaking his personal vow—an event that catalyzed his personal growth and led to his focus on learning and changing his patterns.
• Quote:

  “The desire to be a good dad... it's important, but it's not going to get you there.”
  —Larry Hagner (09:07)

3. Qualities of a “Good Dad” & Lifelong Learning (14:11–15:46)

• Characteristics of Good Fathers:
  • Lifelong students, always learning and willing to drop the ego.
  • Willingness to be “bad at something” (e.g., learning guitar with his son) to grow together.
  • The importance of adaptability as children grow into adults.
• Quote:

  “Anybody can learn anything. It’s just a matter of, are you going to allow yourself to learn it?”
  —Larry Hagner (14:49)

4. Father-Child Relationship Evolution (15:51–20:09)

• Navigating the shift from “parent” to “friend”, especially as kids age into adulthood.
• Larry distinguishes between friendship and parenthood, stressing the role of a parent during formative years versus later, more friendship-based connections.
• Rituals for connection: Larry shares how he intentionally spends time with his 18-year-old son before he leaves for college (haircuts, meals out, etc.).
• Quote:

  “We ain’t best friends yet, okay? I’m still your dad, right? You got plenty of friends. You don’t need another one. And I ain’t gonna be one of them. I love you...but I ain't your friend. Yeah, I'm your dad.”
  —Larry Hagner (17:40)

5. Living and Leading with Intention – The Brave Man Code (20:58–24:55)

• Intentional Living Framework:
  • The Brave Man Code:
    • Bond (Marriage)
    • Raise (Fatherhood)
    • Amplify (Business & Wealth)
    • Vitality (Health)
    • Enjoy (Joy & Fun)
  • Larry describes his "General’s Tent" weekly planning ritual—setting three SMART goals in each area.
  • Importance of scheduling joy and connection alongside hustle.
• Quote:

  “If you have no joy, you have no joy to give.”
  —Larry Hagner (21:50)

6. The Power and Purpose of Community (The Dad Edge Alliance) (26:00–32:22)

• Origin Story:
  • Inspired by joining Aaron Walker’s mastermind; found the difference between old buddies and men committed to growth and vulnerability.
  • Founded Dad Edge Alliance to foster a brotherhood of learning, sharing, and mutual growth.
• Impact:
  • Stories of men's transformations and the hope that such communities can change “the trajectory of families.”
• Quote:

  “Every answer to every question that I ever wanted to ask is actually in this room. And they really care. This is amazing.”
  —Larry Hagner (27:31)
  “I believe that with every ounce of me, man.” (on changing the world through fatherhood) (32:10)

7. Resources & Next Steps (32:43–34:08)

• How to Get Involved:
  • Listen to The Dad Edge Podcast (available everywhere).
  • Read Larry’s books, especially The Pursuit of Legendary Fatherhood.
  • Join the Dad Edge Alliance (for career men) or Dad Edge Business Boardroom (for entrepreneurs).
  • One-on-one coaching offered.

8. Emotional “Dad Wins” & Rapid-Fire Questions (35:05–41:39)

• Most Memorable Dad Moment (36:33):

  • Training for and competing in a bodybuilding competition alongside his son; cherishing the process, not the medals.
  • Emotional Quote:

    “It wasn’t like the weights, it wasn’t the training, it was the connection, the conversations between the sets and making this memory with you, man. Like, that's it. Medals will come and go... but man, this is in the hard drive forever for me.”
    —Larry Hagner (37:59)

• Favorite Book for Fathers: Wild at Heart by John Eldredge (39:00)

• Leadership Lesson from Fatherhood: Importance of clear communication and foresight (39:23)

• Desired Dad Superpower: Greater emotional regulation and resilience (40:18)

• Saturday Routine: Solo workout followed by pancakes and time with his son (41:07)

  • Real-life example: taking his 9-year-old to taekwondo and out for pancakes.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments (with Timestamps)

• “The definition of hell is meeting the man that you could have been when you're laying on your deathbed.”
  —Larry Hagner (04:33)

• “The desire to be a good dad... it's important, but it's not going to get you there.”
  —Larry Hagner (09:07)

• “Anybody can learn anything. It’s just a matter of, are you going to allow yourself to learn it?”
  —Larry Hagner (14:49)

• “We ain’t best friends yet, okay? I’m still your dad, right? You got plenty of friends. You don’t need another one. And I ain’t gonna be one of them.”
  —Larry Hagner (17:40)

• “If you have no joy, you have no joy to give.”
  —Larry Hagner (21:50)

• “Every answer to every question that I ever wanted to ask is actually in this room. And they really care.”
  —Larry Hagner (27:31)

• “Medals will come and go and dust will get on them. But, man, this is in the hard drive forever for me.”
  —Larry Hagner (37:59)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• 03:32 — Discovering Larry’s "Because"
• 05:51 — Breaking family cycles; childhood stories
• 09:07 — The gap between wanting and doing as a father
• 14:11 — Top traits of good fathers
• 15:51 — From “Dad” to “Best Friend”: evolving relationships
• 20:58 — Living intentionally: The Brave Man Code
• 24:55 — Community: The Dad Edge Alliance
• 32:43 — Resources & calls to action
• 36:33 — Most memorable Dad win (Bodybuilding with son)
• 39:00–41:39 — Rapid-fire questions

Tone & Language

The conversation balances vulnerability, practical advice, humor, and emotional candor. Larry and Mick both candidly share personal struggles and victories, fostering a sense of realness and connection. The tone is supportive, inspiring, and direct, encouraging listeners to reflect, connect, and take action.

Final Takeaways

• Living an intentional, legendary life begins with defining your deepest “because.”
• Breaking cycles and healing the past are noble—and ongoing—pursuits for fathers and leaders.
• The best dads and leaders are humble, always learning, and intentionally present.
• Community and support are critical; “lone wolf” thinking is outdated.
• The most treasured moments are often in the simple, together experiences, not achievements.
• Legacy is built day by day, across marriage, parenting, work, vitality, and joy.

For those listening or looking to take the next step, check out The Dad Edge podcast or Larry’s books—and consider fostering your own circle of intentional community and conversation.