The Daily Dad

Pete Holmes Has a Message for Every Parent

22 snips
Dec 13, 2025
Comedian Pete Holmes, known for his work on HBO's Crashing and the podcast You Made It Weird, dives into the often-unspoken truths about work and family. He challenges the popular excuse of ‘doing it for family,’ suggesting it can mask personal ambition. With a clever Mark Wahlberg analogy, Pete emphasizes the importance of honesty regarding our motivations. The discussion covers balancing career dreams with family needs, highlighting the trade-offs and sacrifices that define modern parenthood.
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INSIGHT

'Doing It For The Family' Is Often A Cover

  • Saying "I do it for my family" often masks personal ambition or ego rather than selflessness.
  • Acknowledging true motives clarifies trade-offs and avoids deluding yourself and others.
ANECDOTE

Mark Wahlberg Example Reveals The Contradiction

  • Pete Holmes recounts watching Mark Wahlberg claim he does everything for his family while shown doing extreme personal stunts abroad.
  • Holmes uses the contrast to show that public claims of selflessness often conflict with obvious personal motivations.
ADVICE

Be Honest About Motives And Trade-Offs

  • Be honest with your partner about why you pursue demanding work instead of hiding behind noble-sounding reasons.
  • Own both the rewards you get and the trade-offs your family makes so decisions are mutual and realistic.
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