

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

6 snips
Dec 9, 2025 • 4min
This is How We Keep Them Close
Explore the surprising ways we might unintentionally push our kids away. Discover how criticism and strict rules can create distance in parent-child relationships. Learn valuable parenting tools and the importance of community support. Reflect on how to nurture closer bonds and create a more enriching environment for your children. It’s a deep dive into the dynamics of parenting that every caregiver can benefit from!

4 snips
Dec 8, 2025 • 4min
Would They Want to Be Your Kid?
Are parents more critical at home than in public? Examining this disparity, Ryan highlights how expectations and convenience shape our parenting. He also draws intriguing comparisons from history, showcasing figures like Gandhi and Queen Elizabeth II, who showed kindness outside yet were harsh at home. The discussion encourages reflection on whether our children receive the best of us, prompting a vital look at our parenting practices.

19 snips
Dec 6, 2025 • 15min
You Think You Want the Chaos to End… Until It Ends | Ryan and Sam Holiday
Time can be a sneaky thief, and parents often underestimate how quickly childhood flies by. Ryan and Sam explore the bittersweet reality of watching their kids grow up and the chaotic messes of family life. They share practical tips for staying present, like embracing slow mornings and living in the moment. As they reflect on hitting the halfway point of parenting, they navigate the evolving dynamics with their kids and the struggle to balance projects with quality family time. It’s a heartfelt reminder to savor every fleeting moment.

4 snips
Dec 5, 2025 • 4min
They Are Why You Do This
Delve into the profound reasons behind our hard work and daily struggles. Discover how children serve as our ultimate motivators, giving life its true meaning. The discussion highlights parenthood as a chance to instill values and responsibility, urging fathers to 'carry the fire' for their children's future. Touching on philosophy and psychology, the podcast provides valuable insights into the essence of parenting and the purpose it brings.

Dec 4, 2025 • 4min
But What If You Saw It Differently?
Dive into a thought-provoking conversation about parenting choices. Explore how reframing other parents' decisions can shift your perspective. Discover the importance of prioritizing children and how it transforms our daily lives. Learn to perceive presence as a conscious choice, fueling deeper connections with kids. Ultimately, consider how our definitions of sacrifice evolve when we see children as our most important responsibility.

Dec 3, 2025 • 3min
No One Cares About Your Kids
Discover how to make the most of your commute with productive learning. Hear a revealing Hollywood story that illustrates the notion that not everyone admires our children like we do. Explore the balance between parental pride and the reality that others have their own lives. This thought-provoking conversation offers insights into gaining perspective on parenting, highlighting the importance of structure and community. Tune in for practical parenting tools and empowering ideas!

5 snips
Dec 2, 2025 • 4min
These Things Are Meant to Help You
Let go of the need for perfection in your home. Embrace the practicality of household items that support family life. Discover the freedom in choosing durable, washable furniture that withstands the chaos of kids and pets. Ryan Holiday emphasizes the importance of letting possessions serve their purpose, ultimately enriching your parenting experience.

Dec 1, 2025 • 5min
This Is What You Can Save On
This episode dives into the fading nature of holiday gratitude amidst consumerism. It highlights the staggering scale of hunger in America, drawing a contrast with Cyber Monday spending. The host advocates for a shift towards generosity, emphasizing the importance of modeling charitable behavior for children. With a fundraising goal of $300,000 to feed families in need, every dollar raised provides ten meals. Listeners are encouraged to join the cause and support initiatives like Feeding America and Action Against Hunger.

24 snips
Nov 29, 2025 • 20min
How Running Together Can Build Unbreakable Bond | Nick Thompson & Ryan Holiday
In this engaging discussion, Nick Thompson, the CEO of The Atlantic and a competitive runner, shares how running strengthens his ties with his father and sons. He reflects on the joy of witnessing his kids embrace an activity he loves. Together with Ryan Holiday, they explore practical ways to include running in family life and set ambitious goals with kids. Nick emphasizes the mental and physical benefits of running, revealing how it counters aging effects and fosters a multigenerational legacy through active parenting.

5 snips
Nov 28, 2025 • 6min
You Can Show Them What It Means
In a world filled with challenges, there's a focus on how parents can model generosity. Sharing personal experiences, the host emphasizes involving children in charitable acts, like volunteering and tracking donations. The importance of teaching kids to give is underscored through practical suggestions for the holidays. Additionally, a significant fundraising goal is set to provide millions of meals through Feeding America. It's all about making a little difference while raising compassionate future generations.


