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The Dad Edge Podcast

The Cost of Chasing Success

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

🗓️ 18 July 2025

⏱️ 24 minutes

🧾️ Download transcript

Summary

Have you ever asked yourself:

  1. Am I sacrificing too much time with my wife and kids in pursuit of my career or financial goals?
  2. What small changes could I make right now to build more connection points and memories with my family?
  3. Am I making choices that line up with the kind of legacy and example I want to set for my children?

Whether you’re a career-driven dad, a business owner, or just trying to do your best for your family, this episode is an honest look at why intentional time, connection, and legacy matter far more than your next paycheck.

This week, Larry takes us on a heartfelt journey inspired by his recent 50th birthday, reflecting on the advice he wishes he could have given his younger self during his 30s and 40s. With deep sincerity, he opens up about the “rookie mistakes” he made by spending years grinding in a demanding career—sacrificing precious time with his wife and kids in pursuit of financial success.

Drawing from powerful examples, including an emotional moment from Tom Brady reflecting on the cost of greatness, Larry reminds us that while hustling to provide is noble, it often comes at a price that money can’t buy back: time, connection, and memories with our loved ones. He shares statistics on how finances often strain marriages, highlights the importance of intentional living, and encourages dads to pause and assess what their hard work might be costing them outside the office.

So if you’ve ever questioned if the grind is worth it, or worried about missing out on what truly matters, this one’s for you. 

 

Become the best husband you can: https://bit.ly/deamarriageyoutube

In this vital conversation, we dig into:

  1. The Hidden Price of Success: Working 60, 70, or even 80 hours a week is celebrated by many men. Yet, as Larry reveals, this dedication is often worn as a badge of honor. While providing for a family is noble, the cost can be severe. Countless hours spent at work are hours lost with children, spouses, and friends. Larry’s own journey included long weeks on the road and executive-level sacrifices in the medical industry. Despite earning a good living, he found himself disconnected and unfulfilled.
  2. The Irreplaceable Asset: Time with Family: Time is the one thing every parent has in equal measure—24 hours each day. Although bank accounts and careers differ, the hours we have with loved ones are finite. Larry highlights this by referencing Tom Brady’s emotional reflection on his father. Even with record-breaking success and financial security, Brady admitted to sacrificing precious moments with his children. This lesson resonates with many fathers who struggle to strike a healthy balance.
  3. Wealth, Marriage, and the Stress Factor: Finances play a leading role in marital stress. In fact, 37% of divorces are linked primarily to money disagreements. Arguments about spending, saving, and debt are rampant in households. Sometimes, financial infidelity—like secret spending—can quietly erode trust. Moreover, differences in money personalities between spouses can further complicate things. One partner may be a saver while the other prefers to spend, creating ongoing tension.
  4. Rethinking the Grind: Society tells us we must stick with what we know, even if it costs us happiness. Larry demonstrates that it’s possible to shift careers, learn new skills, and pursue passions. He provides examples of his own path, as well as others who made midlife career changes successfully. There are more ways to generate income today than ever before. From real estate to side hustles, passive revenue is accessible for those willing to be creative and disciplined.
  5. Practical Advice for Fathers: Larry urges fathers to pause and consider what the grind is truly costing them. Is it worth missing key moments with your children? Instead of only focusing on earning, he recommends open communication with your spouse. Aligning financial goals can ease the burden and reduce the need for endless overtime. Fathers don’t have to choose between security and connection. With intention, you can build both.

This episode is packed with raw, practical wisdom on finding balance, embracing new opportunities, and living with intentionality.

Here's what research and observation highlight about financial issues in relationships:

  • Almost 3 out of 10 couples are secretly spending money that the other person doesn’t know about.
  • Money fights show up in nearly 40 to 50% of all marital arguments.
  • 27% of couples or partners admit to secretly spending, and 10% say it will lead directly to divorce

thedadedge.com/friday217

thedadedge.com/mastermind

 

Transcript

Click on a timestamp to play from that location

0:00.0

Welcome to the Dad Edge podcast. The Dad Edge movement creates leaders of men,

0:07.7

leaders of families, and leaders of communities. We will not only impact this generation of

0:12.9

fathers, but the next generation as well. The kids we are raising will have better chances and

0:18.4

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

0:27.5

relationships. We are here to positively disrupt this generation of fathers so no man goes to their

0:33.5

grave with regret. We disrupt the drift of busyness and replace it with razor-focused

0:39.1

intention, passion,

0:41.4

purpose, and direction.

0:43.7

We are the Dad Edge,

0:45.8

and we're here to change the game.

0:47.8

We're here to with the hours, you know, you're working're working 50 60 70 hours a week 80 hours a

1:15.2

week right and we're working our tails off maybe we're in our 30s maybe we're in our 40s but we're

1:22.5

sacrificing so much to provide and while that's noble, it also comes with the cost.

1:29.3

And I'll tell you, today's podcast is all about, as you guys know, for the entire month

1:33.8

of July, it's I turned 50 this past month.

1:36.9

And what I've been doing is I've been doing these solo shows in July around the advice

1:42.1

that I would give to myself in my 30s because to be honest,

1:45.3

like I made all these crazy rookie mistakes in my 30s. And if I could give myself some advice

1:50.8

and if I could tap myself on my really thick skull, I would have would have done things a little

1:56.1

bit differently. And what I'm doing here, guys, is I'm sharing this very, very openly because I know that there are men out there who were who are knuckleheads just like me, but they're super driven and they want to make a difference.

2:07.8

They want to provide.

...

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