

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

5 snips
Feb 21, 2024 • 3min
It’s Like This For Everyone
The discussion highlights the chaos of parenting, using Lincoln's experience with his exuberant sons as a historical example. It reassures parents who struggle with unruly kids in public, reminding them they’re not alone. The conversation emphasizes maintaining calm instead of succumbing to frustration. Ultimately, it reflects on how parents respond to their children's antics, stressing that this response shapes the parenting experience.

Feb 20, 2024 • 4min
You Won’t Be Able To Do This
Parents often feel compelled to shield their kids from sadness, but that’s not the best approach. Instead of trying to erase negative feelings, it’s important to teach children how to process and deal with their emotions. Embracing frustration, disappointment, and other uncomfortable feelings helps cultivate emotional resilience. By empowering kids to understand and express their feelings, we prepare them for life’s inevitable challenges. This approach helps raise emotionally intelligent adults who can navigate their experiences with confidence.

Feb 19, 2024 • 2min
You Gotta Cut Them Some Slack
Navigating childhood is tough, filled with pressures and expectations. After a long day, kids crave space and freedom but often misbehave under stress. This discussion emphasizes the vital role of empathy in parenting, encouraging adults to respond with compassion rather than frustration. Understanding children's struggles helps create a supportive home environment. Discover how a little understanding can transform the parent-child dynamic.

5 snips
Feb 17, 2024 • 11min
Ryan Holiday And Austin Kleon On Maintaining Healthy Habits & Growing As Parents (Daily Dad Book Tour Pt 2)
Ryan and Austin dive into the habits that fuel their creativity while navigating the complexities of parenthood. They discuss the indirect approach to parenting and share the parenting skills they're currently honing. Daily journaling emerges as a game changer for both, enhancing their lives significantly. The conversation also touches on conquering reading ruts and the importance of establishing ideal environments for work and relaxation. They share quirky work habits, merging creativity with the responsibilities of raising kids.

Feb 16, 2024 • 3min
You Can Be A Parent Anywhere
Explore the idea that parenting can happen anywhere, beyond the confines of traditional settings. Discover how spontaneous moments, like joking around or going for a walk, can leave a lasting impact. Embrace the philosophy that everyday interactions, whether in the workplace or on family outings, offer valuable lessons. Just as Socrates demonstrated, connecting with your kids can occur in life's most unplanned moments, highlighting the joy in being present.

Feb 15, 2024 • 3min
They Don’t Want This
Explore Bruce Springsteen's unconventional childhood, where overindulgence from his grandparents shaped his life. The discussion reveals how excessive love can lead to entitlement and confusion, stripping children of vital skills and resilience. It highlights the fine line between nurturing and spoiling, reminding us that too much attention can cause isolation. The insights offer a thought-provoking perspective on parenting that emphasizes balance and independence.

Feb 14, 2024 • 4min
Your Calendar Doesn’t Lie
The podcast delves into Marcus Aurelius's heartfelt devotion to his wife, Faustina, amidst his duties as a Roman emperor. It raises the timeless question of balancing family and responsibility. The discussion emphasizes the importance of scheduling quality time with loved ones. Listeners are encouraged to reflect on their own calendars, reminding them that prioritizing family shouldn't be an afterthought.

Feb 13, 2024 • 3min
It’s Not Easy To Be Your Kid
Dive into the unique struggles faced by the children of famous parents. The discussion highlights the pressures and expectations that come from parental success, particularly through the lens of Quintana Roo, daughter of Joan Didion. The conversation prompts parents to reflect on their impact on their children's lives, revealing the nuances of growing up under the spotlight. It’s a thought-provoking exploration of the delicate balance between success and family well-being.

Feb 12, 2024 • 4min
The Compass That Guides Us
Delve into the timeless wisdom of ancient Stoic philosophy as it relates to modern parenting. Explore the four cardinal virtues: Courage, Discipline, Justice, and Wisdom, and learn how they can guide your approach to raising children. The hosts emphasize the importance of teaching these virtues to shape a brighter future. They also introduce a unique medallion designed to keep these guiding principles close at hand. Equip yourself with these keys to navigate the journey of parenthood!

Feb 10, 2024 • 9min
Ryan Holiday And Casey Neistat On The Purpose Of Parenthood (Daily Dad Book Tour Pt 1)
Ryan Holiday and Casey Neistat dive into the realities of parenthood, sharing how they met and what they’ve learned on their journeys. They discuss the importance of balancing personal passions with family obligations. Philosophical insights on taking action resonate strongly, emphasizing how procrastination can hinder parenting. They also talk about the transformative power of establishing morning routines, which can lead to better family dynamics and a happier home.