

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

Mar 27, 2024 • 4min
Another Way It’s Tough To Be Your Kid
The discussion highlights the unique challenges children face when raised by high-achieving parents. It delves into the emotional complexities that arise from this dynamic, emphasizing the need for empathy and understanding. Listeners are encouraged to consider how these factors may affect parent-child relationships, and the conversation underscores the importance of nurturing a supportive environment.

Mar 26, 2024 • 2min
You’re Probably Better Than You Think
Dive into the realities of parenting and the chaos that often accompanies it. The discussion highlights the self-doubt many parents face, especially in public settings. It emphasizes that your awareness of your child's behavior is a sign of your dedication. Instead of feeling overwhelmed, the focus is on nurturing well-adjusted individuals, reminding parents they're doing better than they think.

Mar 25, 2024 • 4min
This Is How They Feel
Dive into the essentials of parenting with a focus on empathy and communication. Discover how understanding children's feelings can bridge the gap between adult frustrations and kid logic. Learn valuable strategies for making rules clearer, fostering better connections, and nurturing cooperative relationships with your kids.

6 snips
Mar 23, 2024 • 16min
Ryan and Sam Holiday on Advice For First Time Parents
In this engaging discussion, Samantha Holiday, co-host of The Daily Dad and Ryan Holiday's wife, shares her insights on what truly prepares one for parenthood. They candidly discuss the emotional hurdles of bonding as new fathers navigate limited paternity leave. The couple emphasizes how firsthand experiences and community support are crucial for new parents. Samantha also touches on the evolving relationships with pets as family dynamics shift, and they explore the transformative nature of parenting that broadens life's emotional spectrum.

Mar 22, 2024 • 3min
You Don’t Even Realize How Much You Say It
Discover the profound impact of everyday phrases parents use, often signaling the opposite of their intentions. Explore how simple communications can make children feel like distractions instead of cherished members of the family. Reflect on the importance of mastering the balance between work and parenting, ensuring that kids know they are the priority. Dive into the emotional revelations that can reshape your understanding of love and attention, inspiring parents to be more mindful every day.

Mar 21, 2024 • 4min
Learning is Frustrating
Learning is a journey filled with challenges and frustrations, especially for kids. They face an endless array of lessons about life, from the simple to the complex. Embracing these struggles is crucial, as it mirrors the discomfort of physical training. Just like muscle soreness leads to strength, the frustrations of learning pave the way for growth and capability. It’s a reminder that both children and parents must navigate this exhausting yet rewarding journey together.

Mar 20, 2024 • 5min
You’re Not Trying To Raise Well-Behaved Kids
The discussion highlights that parenting isn't just about managing behavior, but about nurturing well-adjusted adults. It emphasizes emotional intelligence and resilience over mere good manners. Parents are encouraged to embrace the chaos of childhood, recognizing that tantrums and wild moments are part of growth. The focus is on teaching kids to regulate their emotions, preparing them not just for today, but for a successful future. It’s a refreshing take on the real goals of parenting!

Mar 19, 2024 • 4min
A Much Better Way To Motivate
Explore the power of belief and support in children's lives. Discover how a parent’s encouragement can unlock potential, illustrated by inspiring tales from figures like Jim Valvano and comedian Andrew Schultz. This discussion emphasizes that being your child's biggest fan is a priceless gift, fostering their self-worth and motivation. With compelling anecdotes, the conversation highlights how nurturing an environment of confidence can lead to extraordinary achievements.

4 snips
Mar 18, 2024 • 4min
Tackle This First
The importance of connection in parenting takes center stage, emphasizing that it should come before shame or criticism. Dr. Becky shares insights on how to support children, letting them know they are accepted even when struggling. This connection paves the way for effective learning and accountability. Plus, the conversation touches on personal wellness practices, illustrating resilience and growth for both parents and kids. These foundational bonds set the stage for meaningful discussions and lessons.

17 snips
Mar 16, 2024 • 16min
Ryan And Sam Holiday On Raising Well Adjusted Adults Not Well Behaved Children
Ryan Holiday and Samantha Holiday, co-parents and advocates for mindful parenting, delve into the journey of raising well-adjusted adults rather than merely obedient children. They discuss the significance of fostering independence, resilience, and critical thinking in kids. Highlighting the power of positive reinforcement, they explain how uplifting communication transforms both children and parents. The duo emphasizes respectful conflict resolution and empathy as vital tools, encouraging a parenting style that understands and nurtures children's intrinsic motivations.


