Healing From Trauma and Leading Your Family Through Grace and Grit ft. Os Aponte

In this episode of the Dad Edge Podcast, Larry Hagner is joined by Oscar “Oz” Aponte—a U.S. Army veteran, StrongFirst kettlebell instructor, and founder of Iron Core—to explore what real strength means as a man, a father, and a leader.

 

Oz brings a powerful blend of physical mastery and spiritual depth, helping men move from brute force to intentional presence. Together, they unpack how posture, breath, nervous system regulation, and movement patterns shape your long-term vitality—not just in the gym, but at the dinner table, in your marriage, and in your legacy.

 

More than a conversation about fitness, this is a deep dive into fatherhood, grief, and building your life with intention. Whether you’re a kettlebell junkie or just a dad looking to show up better, this episode will challenge you to redefine strength on every level.

 

TIMELINE SUMMARY

 

[0:00] - Welcome to the Dad Edge mission: changing generations

[1:00] - Os’ dad: love, legacy, and shaping a son through presence

[4:05] - The final moments Os had with his father before he passed

[6:42] - The cycle-breaking power of a father who never had one

[9:58] - Combining Eastern mindfulness with Western strength

[12:21] - Training for longevity vs. ego

[14:45] - Redefining masculinity as balance, not burnout

[19:23] - Nervous system health: “the threat bucket” metaphor

[25:36] - The seasons of fitness (and why to respect them)

[28:15] - How posture and gait silently break men down

[30:37] - Tissues adapt to dysfunction—unless you intervene

[33:33] - Why kettlebells work: simple tools, elite results

[38:55] - Busy dads: how to train with limited time and space

[40:37] - Core movements every man should master

[44:13] - The “Simple & Sinister” training approach

[47:13] - Kettlebell workshops, coaching, and learning more

 

5 KEY TAKEAWAYS

 

1. Strength Is Presence

Being strong isn’t just about lifting weight—it’s about how grounded, aware, and calm you are with your family.

 

2. Your Nervous System Is Running the Show

Stress, posture, sleep, and breath all impact your strength more than ego lifting ever could. Master your internal world first.

 

3. Movement Is Medicine

Poor gait and posture don’t just cause pain—they drain your energy and shorten your lifespan. Train smart, not just hard.

 

4. Simplicity Wins

You don’t need a fancy gym or complicated gear. One kettlebell and intentional reps can outperform a cluttered workout.

 

5. Legacy Is Built in the Small Moments

Oz’s story shows that being a strong father isn’t about perfection. It’s about showing up, being present, and choosing intentionality every day.

 

LINKS & RESOURCES

 

Os Aponte’s Website & Coaching:

https://ironcoreway.com

 

Book Mentioned:

Simple & Sinister by Pavel Tsatsouline

https://www.strongfirst.com/shop/ebooks/simple-sinister-ebook

 

StrongFirst Kettlebell Certifications + Programs:

https://www.strongfirst.com

 

Live Workshops in San Diego:

Check Oz’s site for current event listings

 

Dad Edge Podcast Hub:

https://thedadedge.com/podcast

 

Book Preorder: The Pursuit of Legendary Fatherhood

https://thedadedge.com/legendarybook