The Dad Edge Podcast – Détails, épisodes et analyse

If you're a parent with a kid in youth sports—rec, competitive, or full-blown travel—today's episode will hit home. I sit down with Jonathan Carone, creator of Healthy Sports Parents, for a powerful conversation about what youth sports have become, why burnout is skyrocketing, and how well-meaning parents (including me in the early years) unknowingly make the experience more stressful for their kids.

We break down shocking stats—like why 70% of kids quit sports by age 13, why travel leagues are burning families out, and how overtraining is causing injuries in 9-, 10-, and 11-year-olds. Jonathan brings immense wisdom about the car ride home, sideline behavior, when to step in with coaches, and how to raise confident, resilient athletes without crushing the joy of the game.

[0:00] The surprising reason most kids quit sports by age 13.

[2:14] Larry shares his own evolution from "obnoxious sideline dad" to quiet encourager.

[3:41] Introducing guest Jonathan Carone of Healthy Sports Parents.

[4:10] Why travel sports are wrecking family time and burning kids out.

[4:40] The truth about scholarships and NIL fantasies.

[5:00] How the car ride home can make or break a kid's love for the game.

[6:04] The pressure kids feel once sports stop being fun.

[7:04] Why rec leagues are disappearing—and why that matters.

[8:29] How travel sports exploded over the last 25 years.

[10:25] A realistic look at what travel sports demand from families.

[12:09] Early onset injuries from overscheduling and year-round seasons.

[14:21] Real-life stories of parents whose kids never get a break.

[16:06] Why travel sports can destroy family dinners and family culture.

[17:05] The fear-based mindset driving parents to overcommit.

[19:47] The burnout cycle and why most kids stop enjoying the sport.

[20:05] The psychology behind parents who push too hard.

[21:13] Self-love vs. self-glory and how they influence parenting.

[22:29] The myth of scholarships and how rare they really are.

[23:24] How unhealthy pressure destroys a child's love for physical activity.

[24:13] Why running became punishment for our generation.

[26:33] Protecting kids' mental health in the digital age with Bark.

[31:43] What parents should be doing on the sidelines.

[34:36] The car ride home: three things you should ALWAYS say.

[35:42] When and how to give feedback the right way.

[38:44] Using a 5-to-1 positivity ratio to help kids grow.

[41:22] Being an "obnoxious encourager."

[43:33] The power of tone and why it changes everything.

[45:04] When coaches only play to win—and your kid never gets in.

[47:04] Teaching kids to advocate for themselves, age by age.

[49:20] How ADHD affects emotional regulation in sports.

[53:14] The long-tail impact of how we parent through sports.

[54:18] Generational change starts with how we show up today.

1. Kids quit because the game stops being fun—not because of screens, school, or injuries. Pressure from adults is the biggest culprit. 
2. Travel sports demand 6–15 hours per week before adding training or lessons, often at the cost of family dinners and downtime. 
3. Overuse injuries are exploding in kids as young as 9 due to year-round seasons and lack of rest. 
4. Parents often push due to fear, self-validation, or scholarship fantasies, even though less than 5% of athletes ever receive any scholarship money. 
5. The car ride home should NEVER be coaching time. The only things kids need to hear are: "I loved watching you play," "Where do you want to eat?" and "What do you want to listen to?" 

• Bark Monitoring for Families: https://thedadedge.com/bark

• Healthy Sports Parents (Jonathan Carone): https://healthysportsparents.com

• Healthy Sports Parents on Social: https://www.instagram.com/healthysportsparents/

• Episode Show Notes: https://thedadedge.com/1413

If this episode gave you a new perspective on supporting your youth athlete, take a moment to rate, review, follow, and share the podcast. Your support helps us reach more dads who want to lead with intention—on the sidelines and at home.

In this solo December episode, I continue a month-long series dedicated to educating parents about the real dangers our kids face online. After last week's story about Adam Tate, today I share two more real cases—one involving sextortion and another involving swatting—that every parent needs to understand. These aren't rare events. They're happening quickly, quietly, and often right under our noses while our kids sit in their bedrooms playing games like Roblox, Fortnite, and more.

You'll hear the heartbreaking story of 17-year-old Ryan Lass from San Jose, who took his own life within hours of being extorted by an overseas criminal network. Then we break down the tragic case of Andrew Finch, a 28-year-old father of two who was killed after a swatting prank triggered a full SWAT response to the wrong house. Both stories highlight how dangerous the digital world has become—and why we must be proactive, aware, and deeply involved in protecting our kids' online lives.

[0:00] Introduction

[1:02] Why December episodes are focused on online safety and protecting kids.

[1:50] Recap of last week's episode about Adam Tate and the Sean Ryan interview.

[2:32] Why sinister online activity is escalating and why parents must stay informed.

[3:02] Introducing two new stories: a sextortion case and a swatting case.

[3:48] Explanation of "swatting" and why even young kids are now doing it.

[4:48] Beginning Ryan Lass's story — a high school senior extorted online.

[5:38] How a predator posed as a woman and launched a rapid blackmail attack.

[6:07] FBI findings and identification of the international criminal ring.

[7:41] Why Ryan's case matters: he was targeted, not reckless.

[8:37] How modern predators manipulate teens using panic and pressure.

[9:02] Parents' blind spots about who kids are connected to online.

[10:17] Reminder that kids are connected to global predators—not just friends.

[11:03] Introduction to Andrew Finch's swatting case.

[12:06] The false 911 call describing a violent hostage situation.

[12:57] How Andrew Finch was shot despite having no involvement.

[14:01] Why swatting is deadly—and how it grew out of gaming communities.

[15:39] The seriousness of online conflict and its real-world consequences.

[16:33] How swatting and predator activity now infiltrate gaming platforms.

[16:54] Why Bark is one of the most effective tools for monitoring kids' devices.

[17:19] The need for proactive online supervision—like helmets for digital life.

[18:18] A recent incident with my own son that Bark helped me catch early.

[19:09] The urgency of protecting our kids from online predators.

[19:32] Directing listeners to the show notes and resources at thedadedge.com/1412.

[20:10] Additional resources including PenTester, YouTube links, and conversation guides.

[20:27] Free "Conversations for the Car" PDF for kids ages 5–18.

[20:45] Encouragement for parents: we fight this fight together.

1. Predators are organized, trained, and global. Kids on gaming systems are interacting with far more than just "friends." 
2. Sextortion happens extremely fast. In Ryan's case, the window from first contact to death was only hours. 
3. Swatting is no longer just a gaming prank—it's deadly. The Andrew Finch tragedy shows how quickly it can turn fatal. 
4. Parents must stay vigilant, informed, and engaged. Safety now requires ongoing conversations and digital monitoring. 
5. Tools like Bark can save lives. Monitoring texts, DMs, and online chats can catch danger long before it escalates. 

• Bark Monitoring for Families: https://thedadedge.com/bark
• Ryan Montgomery Episode:
• https://open.spotify.com/episode/2GPd36fFPuLsBSlZp6WUvc?si=BPYACSoWRRin9MatFHMGbg
• Facebook Story Referenced in Episode:
• https://www.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=32876961955250751&id=100000911118224&mibextid=wwXIfr&rdid=nnmVU8LFIdec2oLO#
• PenTester (Ryan Montgomery's Cybersecurity Site): https://pentester.com/
• Ryan Montgomery's YouTube Channel (@0dayCTF): https://www.youtube.com/@0dayCTF
• NBC Bay Area News — Sextortion Case of San Jose Teen:
• https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/4-arrested-sextortion-san-jose-teen-suicide/3865298/?utm_source=chatgpt.com
• ABC News — Swatting Incident Leading to Andrew Finch's Death:
• https://abcnews.go.com/US/la-man-arrested-swatting-incident-led-police-killing/story?id=52057251&utm_source=chatgpt.com
• Podcast Episode Shownotes: http://thedadedge.com/1412

If this episode helped open your eyes to the realities our kids face online, please take a moment to rate, review, follow, and share the show. Together, we can protect our kids and make the digital world a safer place for every family.

In this heartwarming and hilarious episode, I sit down with my 9-year-old son Colton for a spontaneous and deeply connective conversation. Using our brand-new Questions for the Car resource, we explore everything from nightmares and Dog Man books to space rides and secret lemonade recipes. It's a candid glimpse into father-son bonding, full of laughter, surprises, and those unscripted moments that truly matter.

Whether you're a dad looking for creative ways to connect with your kids or just need a smile today, this episode is a reminder of the magic that happens when we slow down, ask meaningful questions, and just listen. Colton brings the energy and honesty only a 9-year-old can, and the stories he shares will absolutely make your day.

Episode Highlights

[0:00] - Introduction

[1:10] - Introducing Colton and the new "Questions for the Car" resource

[3:35] - The big move from Facebook to our private Dad Edge Alliance platform

[5:00] - Colton shares his outfit of the day and his excitement for Black Friday merch

[6:00] - Colton's wild dream involving spooky gray eyes and… Mr. Doo Doo?

[8:45] - Talking books: Colton breaks down his latest Dog Man read (spoiler alert!)

[11:00] - Reflecting on romance, weddings, and seeing parents show love

[13:10] - Favorite family memory: Disney World and the magic of Space Mountain

[15:45] - If he had a magic wand… Colton's Paris dreams and golden chocolate

[17:03] - What makes a good friend, and Colton's trampoline generosity

[18:00] - Why asking fun questions builds better conversations and memories

[20:00] - The best lemonade in the world (and the secret ingredient Colton won't tell!)

5 Key Takeaways

1. Ask Better Questions – Engaging your kids with meaningful questions opens the door to unforgettable conversations.
2. Connection Over Perfection – Conversations with younger kids might "squirrel," but the real gift is in the connection.
3. Create Fun Family Rituals – Resources like Questions for the Car can turn everyday drives into bonding moments.
4. Celebrate the Small Things – From dreams to books to lemonade, everything is an opportunity to connect.
5. Lead by Example – Showing love, presence, and intention as a father shapes your child's inner world.

Links & Resources

• Questions for the Car: thedadedge.com/kidquestions

Closing Thoughts

Even the shortest chats with our kids can leave lasting impressions. Whether you're talking about books, dreams, or lemonade recipes, remember—it's not about the topic, it's about the connection. If this episode inspired you, made you laugh, or gave you new ideas to connect with your kids, please rate and review the show, and don't forget to share it with another dad who might need it.

Stay legendary.

What does it truly mean to be a good father, especially when life throws you curveballs like divorce and blended families?

Today, Larry Hagner connects with JJ Carlson, a dedicated member and coach within the Dad Edge Alliance, who shares his powerful and relatable journey through the complexities of modern fatherhood.

Reignite your marriage: www.thedadedge.com/extraordinary-marriage

JJ Carlson doesn't shy away from the tough stuff. He opens up about the pivotal wake-up call of his divorce and how it ignited his commitment to becoming the best version of himself for his son. His insights challenge the notion of needing to be a "perfect" dad, emphasizing the profound impact of simply being present and emotionally attuned to our children.

Discover the transformative power of vulnerability and emotional intelligence in navigating co-parenting and blended family dynamics as JJ Carlson and Larry explore:

• The Divorce Catalyst: How JJ Carlson's divorce became a powerful motivator for personal growth and a deeper commitment to his son.
• Presence Over Perfection: The liberating realization that being fully present with your children outweighs the unattainable pursuit of perfection.
• Understanding Feelings, Not Just Behavior: The crucial shift in focusing on the emotional landscape of your children to build stronger connections.
• Navigating Blended Families: Practical insights on setting healthy boundaries and fostering trust within new family structures.
• The Power of Simple Connection: Heartfelt stories of connection with JJ Carlson's son, Cohen, highlighting the impact of small, loving gestures.
• Ego vs. Growth: The role of ego in hindering personal development and the strength found in vulnerability and seeking feedback.
• Making Every Moment Count: A powerful reminder of the precious and limited time we have with our children.

JJ Carlson's journey underscores the importance of emotional intelligence and vulnerability in building strong, lasting relationships with our children, regardless of family structure. This episode is a powerful reminder to be present, be real, and make every moment with your kids count.

This special "WINSday" edition is all about celebrating our members' successes and sharing the valuable lessons they've learned on their journey to becoming better dads. Sit back, tune in, and get ready to be motivated by the remarkable guests of the Dad Edge community.

www.thedadedge.com/alliance

www.1stphorm.com/dadedge

All marriages have highs and lows, but what happens when things never seem to get better? Have you tried to do everything you think is right, but nothing seems to be working? Communication with your wife has broken down. Resentment grows, walls build up, and you look at your spouse and wonder, what happened to us?

Today we have everyday dad and husband, Ryan on the show. He is the thirty-five-year-old father of three and has a fourth child on the way. His marriage fell into a slump, and he knew he couldn't just leave it on auto-pilot. He joined The Dad Edge Alliance, and in talking with the other members, learned that the marriage problems he had were extremely common and fixable.

Ryan shares what he's learned to take his marriage from "fine" to on fire, and one communication tip that will totally shifted the way his marriage works.

For the show notes and exclusive links mentioned in this episode go to gooddadproject.com/thursday164.

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Join the Free Dad Edge Facebook Group at gooddadproject.com/group.

Apply for The Dad Edge Alliance at gooddadproject.com/alliance.

This episode was recorded live in the Dad Edge Alliance Mastermind community.   We've turned this into a live radio show and it's awesome!

Join Larry and JMack as they bring men from The Alliance LIVE and take their questions.

Today we're going to focus in on our marriages. Tony and Alisa DiLorenzo are the hosts of the One Extraordinary Marriage podcast, which has been running for nine years strong. They are also the co-authors of the Amazon best seller, 7 Days of Sex Challenge. When you listen to their actionable advice, you'll understand how they've helped people from all over the world transform their relationships with their spouses.

In this show, John and Alisa talk about: 

• How to become a proactive instead of reactive participant in your marriage
• Why you need to take divorce off the table and go "all in"
• How to approach your spouse with appreciation, not expectation
• How to begin difficult conversations about raising kids, sex, and finances
• What their 7 Days of Sex Challenge is all about and how it will make your marriage extraordinary

Learn the principles of keeping your marriage passionate, alive, and flourishing!

For the show notes and exclusive links mentioned in this episode go to gooddadproject.com/220.

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Join the Free Dad Edge Facebook Group at gooddadproject.com/group.

Apply for The Dad Edge Alliance at gooddadproject.com/alliance.

Today, more parents are raising kids with anxiety, depression, and OCD but have no idea how to cope. Judging by the downloads on our shows about anxiety and depression in kids, this topic is in high demand.

Unfortunately, the stigma that still surrounds mental health issues prevents parents from talking about them. The truth is, many mental health issues are part of physiological problems that are beyond a child's control. We need to educate ourselves as parents and help our children walk through their fear and manage their feelings. That is why today we have an exclusive Dad Edge Alliance Q&A with child therapist, Natasha Daniels.

In this show, you will hear everyday dads talk about the real struggles they have with their kids in ages ranging from toddler to teenagers. Natasha Daniels answers questions about different behaviors including panic attacks, strange phobias, and drug abuse.

Find out how to help kids with anxiety and depression and what signs to look out for in this episode! 

For the show notes and exclusive links mentioned in this episode go to gooddadproject.com/thursday163.

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Join the Free Dad Edge Facebook Group at gooddadproject.com/group.

Apply for The Dad Edge Alliance at gooddadproject.com/alliance.

This episode was recorded live in the Dad Edge Alliance Mastermind community.   We've turned this into a live radio show and it's awesome!

Join Larry and JMack as they bring men from The Alliance LIVE and take their questions.

What is the story you've been telling yourself over and over again that keeps you from stepping into the best self you can possibly be?

Mark Crandall is a Transformational Life Coach, host of the Purpose Chasers Podcast, and the author of Embrace Your Past Win Your Future: The Difference Between Being A Victim and Playing One. He was not a dad at the recording of this episode, but he will likely be one when it airs.

Mark has tremendous insight as a son who was abandoned by his biological parents and a man who is about to step into his role as a father.

Mark tells us how to:

• detect and debunk self-limiting beliefs
• change the toxic story you have about yourself
• keep pushing through fear
• resist the temptation to fall back into a destructive mindset
• stop playing small and step into the role of the hero of your story

Get ready to win your future!

For the show notes and exclusive links mentioned in this episode go to gooddadproject.com/219.

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Join the Free Dad Edge Facebook Group at gooddadproject.com/group.

Apply for The Dad Edge Alliance at gooddadproject.com/alliance.