Building Respect, Navigating Conflict, and Parenting as a Team After 22 Years of Marriage ft. Jessica Hagner

The Dad Edge Podcast

Larry Hagner

Project, Self-improvement, Stevenson, Podcast, Edge, Education, Kids, Shawn, Family, Kids & Family, Fathers, Fatherhood, Community, Advice, Dad, Good, Health & Fitness, Children

4.8 • 1.5K Ratings

🗓️ 7 August 2025

⏱️ 57 minutes

🔗️ Recording | iTunes | RSS

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Summary

In this deeply personal episode of the Dad Edge Podcast, I’m joined by my incredible wife, Jessica Hagner, for a raw, real, and honest conversation about what 22 years of marriage has truly looked like behind the scenes. From our awkward beginnings in college to raising four boys and building a life together, this is a rare inside look into the foundation of our relationship—what’s worked, what hasn’t, and how we’ve grown together through every season.

We unpack everything from emotional disconnect and healing past wounds to the power of intentional communication, spiritual alignment, and shared leadership at home. Jessica shares her heart and wisdom on how we create emotional safety in our marriage, why friendship is key to our connection, and how we’ve come back from disconnection stronger every time. Whether you’re in year one or year twenty of your relationship, this episode offers powerful insight into the daily work of lasting love.

TIMELINE SUMMARY

[0:00] - Why this episode with Jessica is one of the most special yet

[1:28] - How we first met—and the infamous “first kiss” moment

[4:12] - Celebrating 22 years: early struggles and breakthrough moments

[8:05] - Navigating emotional disconnection and how we’ve learned to reconnect

[11:55] - Jessica’s approach to giving feedback without criticism

[15:30] - The role of grace and safety in helping me grow as a husband

[18:43] - Getting on the same page spiritually and emotionally

[21:10] - Why we never let distance linger too long in our relationship

[24:02] - The value of therapy, reflection, and personal healing

[28:09] - Parenting four boys with teamwork, honesty, and prayer

[32:18] - How our friendship fuels every other aspect of our marriage

[36:42] - Leading by example as partners, parents, and individuals

[39:55] - Why we believe your past doesn’t define your potential

[42:20] - The power of intentional connection—even when life is messy

5 KEY TAKEAWAYS

1. Lasting Marriages Are Built on Daily Intentions

It’s not grand gestures that sustain a relationship—it’s the daily choice to show up, stay connected, and grow together, even when things feel hard or messy.

2. Grace Is the Bridge Between Conflict and Connection

Jessica’s ability to approach tough conversations with empathy and grace allowed us to repair emotional rifts without blame or shame. That kind of safe space creates real transformation.

3. Emotional Safety Is a Foundation for Growth

We can’t become better spouses or parents unless we feel secure to be vulnerable. Emotional safety means knowing you can be honest without fear of judgment or rejection.

4. Friendship Fuels Long-Term Love

Romantic sparks matter—but friendship sustains. Laughing, enjoying time together, and being each other’s best friend is what carries the relationship through every season.

5. Spiritual Alignment Strengthens the Bond

When we committed to growing together spiritually, we experienced deeper intimacy and peace. Shared faith, prayer, and purpose have anchored us through life’s storms.

LINKS & RESOURCES

Download the 25 Questions to Spark Connection With Your Partner: https://www.thedadedge.com/25questions
Dad Edge Podcast Website: https://www.thedadedge.com
Join The Alliance: https://www.thedadedge.com/alliance
Listen to More Episodes: https://www.thedadedge.com/podcast
Tools & Resources: https://www.thedadedge.com/tools
Recommended Episode: How to Lead Your Marriage with Intention

If this episode spoke to your heart, encouraged your marriage, or gave you hope, please rate, follow, review, and share the podcast. Every share helps us reach more couples and families who need real conversations like this one. Thanks for listening and being part of the Dad Edge community.

Transcript

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0:00.0	Welcome to the Dad Edge podcast. The Dad Edge movement creates leaders of men, leaders of families, and leaders of communities. We will not only impact this generation of fathers, but the next generation as well. The kids we are raising will have better chances and odds stacked in their favor because of the amazing example
0:21.2	that their fathers emulated for them. We are here to change the world. We are here to change
0:27.6	relationships. We are here to positively disrupt this generation of fathers so no man goes to their
0:33.6	grave with regret. We disrupt the drift of busyness and replace it with razor-focused intention,
0:40.3	passion, purpose, and direction.
0:43.7	We are the Dad Edge,
0:45.7	and we're here to change the game.
0:47.8	We're here to change the game.
1:03.7	I don't know. Why is today's important?
1:08.6	Today's show is important, number one, because I'm not alone in studio today.
1:27.9	I actually have the very beautiful, the very amazing, and the very humble, and she's, she's, she's, she's blushing right now. And that is my wife, Jessica. I think you guys would agree that I have completely and totally outkicked my coverage. And so, uh, so those you guys who are watching us on YouTube, you're probably shaking your head. Yes, yes, you definitely did.
2:01.0	So why is today's show important? Today's show is important because last week, what Jess and I did is we talked a lot about how we met. And we talked a lot about some of the crucibles that we have been through over the years. And we talked a little bit about our communication. And we talked a lot about our friendship. And today, what we're going to talk about is parenting and how we got alignment with parenting. We're also going to talk about how we go about conflict resolution. Also, how we have each other's backs in front of the kids, whether we agree or disagree. So that's going to be today's podcast. So Jessica, how are you doing? I'm good.
2:05.2	You don't look as nervous as you did last week.
2:09.0	I mean, I still am.
2:14.7	You look so much more relaxed that last week when we did this show,
2:17.0	like you were literally sitting there. Like, it was a bit nerve-wracking
2:19.7	for you, which by the way, I can totally understand because, like, I remember when I first started
2:23.3	podcasting, like, I was, my hands would sweat. I would shake a little bit before every show. Like,
2:27.6	it was nerve-wracking. Yeah. Well, and I don't like being in front of the camera. No, you don't.
2:35.2	But you look lovely today, though.
2:37.2	Thank you.
2:37.8	Happy anniversary tomorrow.
	...

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