
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

Jan 3, 2025 • 3min
The Moments of Leniency Matter
Explore the essence of patience and forgiveness in parenting, inspired by Jimmy Carter's own childhood experiences. Discover how gentle responses to mistakes can build stronger relationships. Hear stories that highlight the importance of leniency and understanding, urging parents to embrace these values in their daily lives.

7 snips
Jan 2, 2025 • 6min
They Don’t Define You—And You Don’t Define Them
Explore the importance of separating your identity from your children's choices. Discover how setting healthy boundaries can empower kids to forge their own paths. A deep dive into parenting challenges, like navigating nutrition while balancing reputation, highlights convenient solutions like Huel. Plus, learn how modeling respectful behavior shapes positive values in your children.

19 snips
Jan 1, 2025 • 4min
You Work Hard, But Are You Working on This?
Explore the vital connection between personal growth and effective parenting. Learn why it’s essential to focus on becoming better individuals, rather than just pursuing external success. Gain insights from Marcus Aurelius on nurturing relationships and how intentional actions can lead to profound generational benefits. Plus, discover practical challenges designed to help you forge new habits and create a better life!

5 snips
Dec 31, 2024 • 4min
Let Them See This
Explore the powerful message of resilience in family dynamics. Learn how challenges can be transformed into growth opportunities for both parents and children. Discover a new challenge designed to foster positive habits and strength within the family over three weeks. Embrace the idea that showing your kids how to tackle obstacles can empower them for life.

6 snips
Dec 30, 2024 • 4min
Rich Is How Much You Get To Do This
Explore the true meaning of wealth, focusing on the value of presence over possessions. The discussion highlights how being actively involved in your children’s lives fosters genuine connections. Discover the idea that real success is measured by the time and mentorship you provide, rather than just material gains. Absence can't be exchanged for riches, as the lasting legacy lies in the love and lessons shared with future generations.

35 snips
Dec 28, 2024 • 25min
Carry These Stoic Parenting Lessons Into 2025
In this engaging discussion, grief expert David Kessler and entrepreneur Gary Vaynerchuk share powerful insights on parenting through the lens of stoicism. Kessler emphasizes finding meaning in grief and fostering resilience, while Vaynerchuk highlights the importance of compromise and empathy in the age of social media. They delve into the balance of emotional control and permissiveness in raising children, plus the value of self-discipline and continuous learning in parenting. Their reflections offer timeless wisdom for navigating modern family dynamics.

Dec 27, 2024 • 3min
You’re In A Hurry And Don’t Know Why
Embrace the present moment and slow down! The importance of savoring childhood experiences is emphasized, as rushing can negatively impact kids. Listeners are reminded that one day, children will stop asking for stories, and it’s crucial to enjoy those shared moments. With actionable challenges inspired by Stoic philosophy, the conversation encourages building new habits for a better life. Sometimes, the simplest decisions lead to the most profound changes—take a breath and be present!

5 snips
Dec 26, 2024 • 5min
Who Will Get Your Patience?
Patience is a finite resource—why waste it on those who aren't our kids? This discussion emphasizes the importance of reserving patience for parenting and encourages setting boundaries. By participating in a three-week challenge rooted in Stoic philosophy, listeners can learn actionable steps to enhance their parenting skills. Transform your daily choices and cultivate a better relationship with your children while building lasting habits in the new year!

4 snips
Dec 25, 2024 • 3min
This Is A Gift To Give Yourself (And Your Family)
Discover the importance of being present with your loved ones, especially during the holiday season. The conversation highlights how love and support can redefine what it means to be a successful parent. Embrace the idea that the gifts you give today will lead to cherished memories in the future. Explore how cultivating deep family connections can create a warm, inviting atmosphere at your table. It’s all about investing in those precious moments that strengthen bonds.

6 snips
Dec 24, 2024 • 4min
We All Must Do Both
Discover the importance of resilience for both parents and children alike. Learn how adapting to challenges can shape well-rounded individuals. Explore the benefits of diverse skill sets in nurturing kids for the real world. The discussion highlights the significance of balanced parental roles in today's society.