
The 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.
Latest episodes

Apr 4, 2022 • 3min
You’ll Never Be Proud Of This
Ryan explores the challenges of managing anger while parenting. He emphasizes that losing your temper rarely leads to positive outcomes. The conversation offers practical techniques for self-control and introduces a challenge to help parents cultivate patience. Tune in for strategies that could transform your emotional responses and enhance family dynamics.

Apr 2, 2022 • 24min
Daily Dad on the Balance Being Overly Permissive and too Strict
Nils Parker, a writer and collaborator with Ryan Holiday, shares insights from his journey as a father. They explore the nuanced balance between being overly permissive and too strict with kids. Nils discusses teaching responsibility and organization in an age of convenience, while emphasizing the importance of valuing personal belongings. The duo also analyzes generational shifts in attitudes towards materialism, advocating for a nurturing environment that allows children to thrive with the right mix of structure and freedom.

Apr 1, 2022 • 4min
You Have To Explain
Communication is key in parenting, and children deserve explanations about life changes. A touching story from Rudyard Kipling's youth illustrates the emotional need for this dialogue. By fostering understanding, parents can help build their children's resilience and support their emotional development.

Mar 31, 2022 • 5min
Hit Them With One Of These
Explore the vital importance of expressing love to your children and how it strengthens emotional bonds. Learn why open affection and verbal affirmations like 'I love you' are essential as children grow. Additionally, discover Hiya, a new chewable vitamin designed specifically for kids, endorsed by pediatricians. It’s a great solution for parents who want to avoid common pitfalls of traditional vitamins. Perfect for nurturing both physical health and emotional well-being!

Mar 30, 2022 • 3min
Make Sure They’re Drinking This
Discover the secrets to keeping kids hydrated and why it's more crucial than ever today. Explore the signs of dehydration that parents should watch for. The discussion highlights how past generations managed hydration better and offers practical tips for ensuring your children drink enough water. Plus, uncover a nostalgic twist with a guilt-free cereal option perfect for adults!

Mar 29, 2022 • 4min
What Are Your Rules?
Discover the vital role of instilling values in children through clear household rules. Learn how structure positively impacts parenting and why explaining the reasons behind rules fosters better understanding. Plus, hear about an innovative kids' vitamin that’s both effective and enjoyable. Tune in for insightful discussions that can help shape your family's dynamics!

Mar 28, 2022 • 5min
There Is A Difference. A Big Difference.
Explore the vital difference between good and bad parenting, focusing on how true commitment shapes our children's futures. Discover a healthier approach to kids' vitamins, moving away from sugary gummies to a pediatrician-approved option. Get insights on enhancing your parenting journey with meaningful rituals and deeper engagement. This discussion encourages parents to reflect on their practices and embrace the challenges of nurturing their children's growth.

Mar 26, 2022 • 13min
Daily Dad on Embracing the Ordinary
A parent shares delightful moments from a family trip, highlighting how simple outings become extraordinary in a child's eyes. The discussion touches on the importance of creating lasting memories, especially during challenging times like the pandemic. Embracing everyday experiences, like a drive in the snow or a visit to a dinosaur park, showcases how these moments can strengthen family bonds. Plus, a unique gift helps preserve cherished family stories, ensuring connections endure.

Mar 25, 2022 • 4min
Cherish the Good Moods
The discussion revolves around the significance of cherishing joyful moments with your children. It emphasizes the need for parents to be fully present during these fleeting times. Engaging deeply with your kids can create lasting memories, making the most of their rapid growth and development. Additionally, there's a fun mention of an adult cereal that's reminiscent of childhood favorites, but without the guilt!

Mar 24, 2022 • 5min
There’s Consequences To This Too
Discover the importance of teaching children essential virtues like kindness and sacrifice to shape responsible community members. Ryan shares his personal journey of improving his children’s nutrition with a healthier vitamin option, emphasizing the shortfalls of traditional vitamins. He also discusses the impact of pandemic policies on child development, highlighting the need for social experiences that nurture growth and well-being.