
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
Nov 25, 2020 • 2min
It’s Good to Have Difficult People in Your Life
Navigating tough relationships can be a real challenge. The discussion highlights how difficult family dynamics, like sibling rivalries and spousal differences, can spark personal growth. Drawing inspiration from Marcus Aurelius, it advocates for a philosophical perspective to transform resentment into understanding. Embracing these complexities ultimately leads to deeper connections and enriches personal development.
Nov 24, 2020 • 2min
Now Is the Time. Right Now.
Children are always watching and learning from their parents, making early teaching essential. The discussion emphasizes the importance of seizing the moment to impart life lessons. It highlights how young minds can rapidly absorb new languages and ideas. Additionally, the podcast touches on creating impactful habits and making deliberate choices to foster meaningful growth. Fathers play a vital role in shaping their children's future by engaging actively during these formative years.
Nov 23, 2020 • 3min
This Is Where to Put Your Effort
Explore the importance of prioritizing quality time over financial wealth in parenting. Discover how nurturing strong values and relationships can create a lasting legacy for your children. Financial success is commendable, but the true impact lies in the life lessons and experiences shared with them. The discussion emphasizes that a parent's presence and emotional support are more valuable than any material inheritance.
Nov 20, 2020 • 3min
You've Been Graced
Explore the incredible journey of Charles de Gaulle as a father to his daughter, Anne, who was born with Down syndrome. Discover how their relationship showcases the joy and resilience found in embracing the trials of parenting a child with special needs. The discussion emphasizes the transformative blessing that children bring to their parents' lives, underscoring the importance of love and acceptance amidst societal challenges.
Nov 19, 2020 • 3min
Tell Them Before It’s Too Late
In this thought-provoking discussion, a poignant song serves as a backdrop for the harsh realities of parenting. The tragic consequences of innocent mistakes are explored, showcasing how one small lapse in judgment can lead to irreversible fallout. Examples like the dangers of leaving pool gates open or skipping car seats during quick trips are highlighted. The conversation emphasizes the crucial responsibility parents hold in making safe choices for their children, reminding listeners that every decision counts.
Nov 18, 2020 • 3min
It’s the Hardest Thing
Explore the incredible journey of Chesty Puller, a decorated military veteran who faced his toughest battle yet—fatherhood. Learn about the emotional challenges he encountered, especially during his daughter's surgery. Discover how a father's love reveals vulnerabilities and struggles, making parenting one of life's hardest yet most rewarding experiences. Dive into the poignant stories that redefine bravery beyond the battlefield.
Nov 17, 2020 • 2min
This Is How to Act
Parenting today is a maze of confusion and changing expectations. Amid pandemics and cultural upheavals, fathers are urged to reclaim their roles. The discussion highlights the importance of trust and reliability, encouraging dads to use challenges as chances to pass on valuable lessons. Emphasizing the need for clear priorities, it invites fathers to reflect on what truly matters in a chaotic world.
Nov 16, 2020 • 3min
You Have To Unlock This
Explore the story of Dean Acheson, whose upbringing cultivated diligence and curiosity. Learn how law school unlocked his true potential and revealed a profound discovery about life. The discussion emphasizes the importance of fostering emotional safety and creativity in parenting. It challenges traditional education methods that hinder exploration, advocating for a parenting approach that encourages critical thinking and limitless curiosity in children.
Nov 13, 2020 • 3min
You Don’t Stop Teaching Your Kids
The conversation dives into the idea that teaching doesn't stop in childhood. An example of a remarkable historian in her seventies showcases how parental influence continues to shape learning throughout life. The discussion emphasizes the courage it takes to pursue new passions, even later in life. It highlights the importance of parents living the values they want to instill. Overall, it’s a celebration of lifelong learning and the enduring role of parental guidance.
Nov 12, 2020 • 3min
Yet Don’t Be Too Tough
Discover the art of balancing toughness and compassion in parenting. The discussion emphasizes how each child requires a tailored approach to resilience. Learn why instilling strength is vital, yet understanding individual needs is equally important. This engaging conversation sheds light on the complexities of raising well-rounded children.