

The Daily Dad
Daily Dad
The audio companion to DailyDad.com’s daily email meditations on fatherhood, read by Ryan Holiday. Each daily reading will help you find the wisdom, inner strength, and good humor you need in order to be a great dad. Learn from historical figures and contemporary fathers how to do your most important job. Find more at dailydad.com.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Jan 1, 2026 • 5min
Do You Know When to Pull Them Close?
The discussion centers on the delicate balance between patience and discipline in parenting. A nostalgic fishing story highlights the importance of knowing when to let go. Insightful reflections on forgiveness reveal how understanding your children's needs can strengthen your bond. The conversation emphasizes the power of leniency and knowing the right moments to either push them to grow or pull them close for support.

6 snips
Dec 31, 2025 • 5min
You Have to Ditch This Notion
Embrace the chaos of parenting! Acceptance of wear and tear is key, as kids will inevitably make a mess. Instead of striving for a perfect home, focus on practical, durable furniture that withstands family life. A humorous tale about swapping an elegant sofa for a sturdy Costco couch underscores this point. By choosing low-maintenance options, you can liberate yourself from obsessing over possessions, allowing more room for meaningful family moments.

Dec 30, 2025 • 5min
Let Them See What This Looks Like
Discover exciting ways to set a positive tone for 2026 as a family. Learn how to cultivate resilience in children by modeling grit and embracing challenges. Find out how the New Year can serve as a launchpad for personal habits that inspire kids. Explore a family-oriented 21-day challenge designed to foster unity, help shed emotional baggage, and build lasting habits together. It’s all about leading by example and strengthening family bonds!

Dec 29, 2025 • 5min
This Is What We Have to Try to Get Better At
Explore the idea that being a good parent and partner requires intentional effort, not just good intentions. Discover why prioritizing meaningful relationships over superficial goals can lead to personal growth. Ryan Holiday shares insights on using daily prompts to enhance parenting skills and encourages listeners to invest in their familial bonds. Dive into practical tools to foster a supportive community for parents. Unlock the ultimate gift of parenting with valuable resources and reflections.

8 snips
Dec 27, 2025 • 20min
You Can’t Control 2026. But You Can Control How It Starts. | Ryan and Sam Holiday
Ryan and Samantha explore a transformative New Year reset that deeply impacts their family life. They emphasize the importance of choosing a theme, like 'less,' to simplify commitments and cultivate healthier habits. Unique family traditions, including cold plunges and burning past baggage, set the tone for renewal. They discuss practical strategies like email bankruptcy to lighten mental loads. Ultimately, the focus is on small, daily actions that lead to significant change, urging listeners to control their responses as they approach the unpredictable year ahead.

Dec 26, 2025 • 4min
Why Are We Giving This All Away?
Discover why patience is a precious resource, especially in parenting. Learn how accommodating exhausting people can drain your limited patience. Explore the importance of reserving patience for your children and loved ones. Set boundaries for a fulfilling life this New Year with practical resolutions. Join the 21-day challenge to cultivate generosity, discipline, and better practices. Embrace the journey of personal growth and make 2026 the year you prioritize what truly matters!

4 snips
Dec 25, 2025 • 4min
Give Yourself (And Your Family) This Gift
Discover the shift from wanting presents to cherishing presence as a hallmark of true family connection. Explore Ryan Holiday's insights on defining success in parenting—where your children choose to be with you as they grow. He emphasizes the importance of creating a warm, inviting family atmosphere that encourages gatherings. The conversation inspires listeners to invest in meaningful relationships and build a community that thrives on togetherness.

Dec 24, 2025 • 3min
You Know What Your Job Is
Navigating the whirlwind of parenting can be overwhelming, but recognizing your core responsibilities is key. Be present, nurture curiosity, and exemplify strong adulthood. Insights from Bob Odenkirk highlight the importance of clarity in parenting. Focus on raising good humans and find your community for support. Prioritization is essential in this rewarding yet challenging journey.

Dec 23, 2025 • 5min
Oh These Wonderful Sounds
Dive into the beautiful chaos of parenthood! Discover the contrast between exhausting sounds and the lovely moments that often go unnoticed. Ryan shares nostalgic examples that remind us to treasure giggles and off-key singing. He highlights the importance of quality family time, suggesting that even simple outdoor outings can create lasting memories. Plus, learn about the Tempus Fugit medallion, a symbol to cherish fleeting family moments. Tune in for reflections that capture the essence of parenting!

Dec 22, 2025 • 4min
It’s Not How It Looks
Exploring the realities of parenthood, the conversation challenges the curated images of family life often seen online. It emphasizes that a comfortable home trumps a perfectly decorated one. The host shares personal stories about the importance of creating spaces where kids can be themselves without fear of messing up. He reflects on a lesson learned from a cozy couch that fostered closeness. Ultimately, the discussion highlights that true success in parenting is making children feel safe and free.


