logo
episode-header-image
Jun 9
1h 1m

Stop Controlling Your Kids: A Marine Vet...

Larry Hagner
About this episode

Have you ever asked yourself:

  • "How do I truly lead my kids without falling into controlling behaviors?"
  • "Is it possible to have a strong, lasting marriage while staying emotionally connected?"
  • "How do I find purpose and resilience when life throws its biggest curveballs?"

If these questions resonate, get ready for a powerful conversation that will challenge and inspire you to lead with greater intention—at home and beyond.

Larry Hagner sits down with Jeremy Stalnecker—a Marine Corps veteran, father of four, pastor, and co-leader of the Mighty Oaks Foundation. Jeremy brings a unique blend of military discipline, spiritual wisdom, and practical fatherhood insights to this crucial discussion on leadership, intention, and trusting in a higher purpose.

Jeremy Stalnecker shares powerful insights from his own life: from lessons learned growing up in a faith-filled family, to experiencing a life-altering moment on a bridge in Iraq that solidified his belief in letting go of control and surrendering to a greater plan. 

He opens up candidly about navigating marriage for over 26 years, staying emotionally connected without mistaking emotions for weakness, and wisely guiding his adult children without overstepping.

Become the best husband and leader you can: https://www.thedadedge.com/mastermind

In this essential conversation, we dig into:

  1. Leading Without Controlling: The crucial distinction between guiding your children with intention versus attempts at authoritarian control.
  2. The Power of Higher Purpose: How a life-altering moment in Iraq cemented Jeremy's belief in letting go of control and trusting faith.
  3. Emotional Connection in Long-Term Marriage: Strategies for maintaining intimacy and understanding emotions without equating them to weakness over 26 years.
  4. Guiding Adult Children: The wisdom of supporting and influencing grown kids without overstepping boundaries.
  5. Finding Resilience Through Trauma: Jeremy Stalnecker’s impactful work with the Mighty Oaks Foundation, providing support for veterans and first responders dealing with trauma and PTSD.

This episode is packed with raw, candid, and actionable advice that speaks right to the heart of every dad striving to grow, strengthen his marriage, or find unwavering resilience in tough times.

Here's what research and observation highlight about purposeful living and strong family dynamics:

  • Individuals who live with a clear sense of purpose report a 25% higher level of overall well-being and life satisfaction.
  • Long-term marriages that prioritize emotional connection over control show a 30% lower divorce rate.
  • Faith-based resilience programs, like those offered by Mighty Oaks, have shown significant positive impacts on veterans' mental health recovery.

www.thedadedge.com/530

www.thedadedge.com/alliance

www.thedadedge.com/boardroom

www.jeremystalnecker.com

Facebook | Instagram | YouTube

Up next
Yesterday
Purposeful Parenting to Build Strong, Responsible Young Men
In this special father-son episode of the Dad Edge Podcast, I sit down with my son, Ethan, to continue our August series on raising boys into strong, capable men. Together, we dive into the real challenges young men face today and the lessons that shape character, responsibility, ... Show More
54m 36s
Aug 18
How to Redesign Your Life Intentionally with Identity, Mindset, and Ownership ft. Rock Thomas
In this powerful episode of the Dad Edge Podcast, I sit down with Rock Thomas—entrepreneur, bestselling author, and founder of the I Am Movement—to explore what it truly means to break free from limiting beliefs and take ownership of your life. Rock shares his journey from humble ... Show More
56m 38s
Aug 15
How We Stay Close When Life Gets Loud ft. Jessica Hagner
In this heartfelt episode of the Dad Edge Podcast, I’m joined once again by my wife, Jessica Hagner, to share an inside look at how we approach marriage, parenting, and family life as a team. From building respect and handling conflict to raising four boys with shared values, thi ... Show More
1 h
Recommended Episodes
Jun 27
519. Connection in Your Marriage with Brooke Castillo
When your spouse doesn't open up, doesn't communicate the way you want, or seems emotionally unavailable, it's easy to believe that connection is impossible. This is a story many women tell themselves. But what if this belief is actually what keeps you stuck in frustration and re ... Show More
26m 39s
Apr 2025
Top 3 Tips to Fix The Communication In Your Marriage
Enjoy the episode? Send us a text!Ever found yourself wondering why your spouse doesn't just "get it" without you having to say anything? You're not alone. Marriage communication breaks down in predictable patterns, but understanding these patterns is your first step to ... Show More
14m 7s
Oct 2024
How To Stop Mirroring Your Spouse's Negative Emotions
Have you ever had your spouse come home stressed and before you know it you're feeling stressed, too? This is mirroring, and it's what happens automatically because of mirror neurons. But just because it's automatic doesn't mean it's the only way. In fact, there's a much better w ... Show More
26m 25s
Jul 2
How To Ask Your Spouse To Work On The Marriage With You
Enjoy the episode? Send us a text!You want to save your marriage, but your spouse doesn’t seem interested. What now?In this powerful episode, Kimberly Beam Holmes and Dr. Joe Beam walk you step-by-step through how to approach your spouse about working on the marriage—even if they ... Show More
1h 9m
Jun 5
Even If Your Spouse Doesn’t Deserve Grace
How do you show your mate kindness when you don't feel like it? Sean and Lanette Reed speak with Jim Daly about how all of us need grace and a chance to grow sometimes. Also, John asks Greg Smalley about how grace has strengthened his marriage. Find us online at focusonthefamily. ... Show More
13m 46s
Jul 2024
#411: Did You Marry The Wrong Person?? How to Tell...
Was your marriage a MISTAKE? Today we’re diving into a question I hear a lot: "Did I marry the wrong person?" If your relationship feels hard and you're starting to wonder if you made the right choice, you’re in the right place. We’ll tackle four essential areas to help you gain ... Show More
38m 15s
Sep 2024
825: WORKING TOGETHER ISN'T ALL IT'S CRACKED UP TO BE
Let's discuss a topic we’ve been asked about a lot: working together…How do you do it? How do you navigate all the ups and downs? | "If every couple quit when marriage got hard 100% of couples would be divorced. Challenges in your marriage are an opportunity to work together; not ... Show More
31m 20s
Jun 12
Seeing Life Through Your Spouse’s Temperament
Anyone who's been married for a while will tell you that you and your spouse will have different perspectives sometimes. Dr. Kevin Leman and Jim Daly explain how you need to learn to see things through your spouse's eyes. Also, the Smalley's provide some hope if your temperament ... Show More
13m 33s
Mar 2022
Work Wife
A term often used at work, is "work wife" or "work spouse," is this a harmless saying or is there potential danger in thinking this way? On today's episode we tackle what is appropriate conduct in the workplace to protect yourself and your spouse. Today's Question (21:00): My in ... Show More
32m 25s
Oct 2024
3353: Enriching Your Marriage by Creating Shared Meaning by Terry Gaspard of the Gottman Institute
Discover all of the podcasts in our network, search for specific episodes, get the Optimal Living Daily workbook, and learn more at: OLDPodcast.com.Episode 3353:Terry Gaspard explores how couples like Teresa and Brian, struggling with everyday frustrations, can strengthen their m ... Show More
11m 35s