

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

Jan 1, 2024 • 5min
Show Them It’s Not Too Late
Explore the transformative power of change at any age, showcasing inspiring stories like Nell Painter's late-life success and Bruce Springsteen's fatherly wisdom. Discover how we can be role models for our kids by embracing self-improvement and resilience together. It's a celebration of the idea that it's never too late to pursue new goals, mend relationships, or take ownership of your life. This uplifting discussion encourages listeners to inspire their children by embodying the belief that growth and change are always within reach.

Dec 30, 2023 • 11min
Ryan and Sam Holiday on The Importance Of Routine
Discover the humorous side of parenting as a couple shares their journey navigating challenges with focus and attention. They highlight how to-do lists can revolutionize productivity and family dynamics. Delve into the essential role routines play in enhancing well-being and reducing stress for both parents and children. The conversation takes a turn as they reevaluate connections sharpened by the pandemic, offering insights on maintaining health and relationships. Join them for an entertaining discussion packed with relatable anecdotes!

Dec 29, 2023 • 2min
Why Are You Trying To Make This Go Away?
The discussion highlights the importance of embracing the quirks of childhood. It encourages parents to reframe so-called misbehaviors as normal developmental milestones. Acknowledging that kids will mess up and challenge norms is essential for their growth. The conversation underscores patience and acceptance, reminding us that these fleeting behaviors are part of a larger learning process.

Dec 28, 2023 • 4min
Reform is Necessary, Despair is Criminal
This discussion dives into the struggles of parenting and personal growth in 2023. It emphasizes that nobody is perfect and that our kids often mirror our habits. The focus shifts to the upcoming 2024 New Year New You Challenge, which offers 21 actionable tasks based on Stoic wisdom. Participants will receive daily challenges, live Q&A sessions, and a community for support. The aim is to inspire immediate changes, preparing families to face adversity with resilience and purpose.

Dec 27, 2023 • 3min
The Debt Is Paid Forward
Exploring the depths of parental sacrifice, the discussion highlights the lengths parents go to for their children, from daily care to life-changing moves. It also reflects on the understanding children have of these sacrifices, emphasizing that appreciation isn't required. The focus is on love as a continuous cycle, urging parents to share this legacy of kindness and generosity. The narrative celebrates the idea that while children don't owe their parents anything, being themselves is the greatest gift of all.

Dec 26, 2023 • 3min
[Good Inside] It’s Never Too Late
Parents often reflect on missed opportunities and wish they could have done things differently. The discussion emphasizes that it's never too late to reconnect and improve relationships with children, regardless of past mistakes. Drawing from insights in a notable book, listeners are inspired to embrace self-improvement on their parenting journey. Practical advice encourages parents to take proactive steps and shows that expressing love and patience can truly transform family dynamics.

Dec 25, 2023 • 4min
This Is a Gift To Give Yourself (And Your Family)
This discussion emphasizes the joy of being present with family during holidays instead of focusing on material gifts. It highlights a shift in perspective as we age, valuing relationships over presents. Listeners are guided through a New Year challenge that combines research and timeless wisdom, aiming for personal growth and transformation. The conversation invites reflection on what truly matters in parenting and nurturing connections with loved ones.

Dec 23, 2023 • 14min
Ryan and Sam Holiday on Recognizing The Most Important Thing
In this conversation, Ryan and Samantha tackle the complications of modern parenting, focusing on the emotional toll of using children for social media content. They discuss the stress tied to holiday perfection and the difference between curated family images and true experiences. Their insights extend to the struggles resulting from losing a pet and the influence of these events on family dynamics. They also highlight the importance of emotional nurturing and self-awareness, connecting therapy to personal growth.

Dec 22, 2023 • 4min
You Must Give Them This Gift
Discover the incredible life of Theodore Roosevelt, from his adventurous spirit to his many roles as an author, soldier, and president. The discussion emphasizes the importance of sharing inspiring stories with children to ignite their ambition. It also introduces a practical challenge that encourages listeners to embrace Stoic philosophy with daily actionable tasks. These exercises aim to help individuals overcome procrastination, build positive habits, and strengthen their character, making personal reinvention accessible and achievable.

Dec 21, 2023 • 4min
You’re Made Not Born
Explore the transformative journey of parenthood, where love from a child changes everything. The conversation emphasizes active engagement and the conscious choices we make as parents. It bridges personal growth and Stoic philosophy, revealing how embracing this process can foster deep connections. Plus, get ready for a New Year Challenge filled with actionable wisdom to make 2024 your best year yet!