

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

Aug 8, 2023 • 4min
You Don’t Just Get To Leave
Marriage can be a tough journey, especially when challenges arise. The conversation dives into the importance of commitment in both marriage and parenthood. It emphasizes that leaving a relationship should only be considered for valid reasons. Throughout the discussion, the need for endurance and dedication during difficult times is highlighted, showcasing the value of family stability and the hard work required to maintain it.

5 snips
Aug 7, 2023 • 3min
These Two Traits Are Enough
Discover the essential traits that can shape your child's success. The discussion emphasizes the importance of instilling a love for reading and nurturing business skills. It also highlights how simplified parenting can make a huge difference. Forget the overwhelming choices and strategies; focus on what truly matters to guide your children toward a bright future.

7 snips
Aug 5, 2023 • 19min
Ryan And Wife Samantha Holiday On Setting up Flexible Boundaries For Our Kids
In a heartfelt conversation, Samantha Holiday, co-parent and wife of Ryan Holiday, shares insights on parenting dynamics and the importance of flexibility. They discuss the challenges of establishing flexible boundaries for children while navigating power struggles. The couple emphasizes the necessity of self-care for parents and dives into the benefits of health practices like cold plunging. They also explore the chaos of family life and how to cultivate deeper connections amidst the messiness of raising kids.

Aug 4, 2023 • 4min
You Come From A Strong Tradition
The discussion dives into the remarkable journeys of parents through history’s upheavals. From economic crises to global conflicts, the resilience shown in raising children becomes evident. It underscores how past challenges contribute to modern parenting and highlights the importance of health and well-being in fostering a strong family foundation. The podcast also touches on how this rich legacy shapes the values and attitudes of today's parents.

Aug 3, 2023 • 5min
You Can Make A Break
Explore the profound impact of generational parenting patterns and the importance of changing them for future families. Personal stories of resilience inspire healthier approaches to parenting. Discover how embracing cold challenges, like cold plunges, can enhance mental toughness and lead to personal growth. Learn how facing discomfort can break negative cycles and foster transformative change in your life.

Aug 2, 2023 • 4min
Take Them Seriously
Explore the significance of treating children as individuals with their own thoughts and feelings. Discover how powerful concepts like 'Wherever You Go There You Are' can guide parenting. Dive into the philosophy that even without reading a book, its title can inspire respect and understanding. Gain insights on nurturing children's self-worth and autonomy, emphasizing the serious responsibility of parenting in fostering their growth.

4 snips
Aug 1, 2023 • 4min
You’ve Already Gotten The Gift
The conversation delves into the profound love and fear inherent in parenthood. It encourages listeners to cherish the present moments spent with their children, highlighting the gifts of shared experiences. A touching story about Richard Feynman is shared, illustrating how joy can counterbalance future anxieties. Ultimately, it serves as a reminder to appreciate all the wonderful moments we've already had, rather than letting worries overshadow them.

Jul 31, 2023 • 4min
It’s This Intention, This Choice That Matters
The conversation highlights the sheer number of children compared to the dwindling number of parents committed to raising them. It emphasizes the importance of intentional parenting, showcasing how choices profoundly impact family dynamics. Discussions about adoption illustrate that love and commitment define parenthood, transcending biological connections. Overall, the episode encourages listeners to reflect on the responsibility and engagement required to nurture the next generation.

61 snips
Jul 29, 2023 • 54min
Ryan Holiday And Matthew McConaughey On Being Present and Measuring Happiness
Matthew McConaughey, the Oscar-winning star known for his captivating performances, shares his insights on the importance of being present and fostering meaningful relationships. He discusses balancing adventure with family commitments, and how personal growth often stems from both productive stress and deep connections. McConaughey emphasizes the need to eliminate excess in life to cultivate joy, and the perils of comparison that can hold us back. Join him for a thought-provoking journey on embracing purpose and presence in daily living.

Jul 28, 2023 • 3min
Are You Making It Easy To Be A Kid In Your House?
Navigating adult relationships with your parents can be a minefield of stress. A thought-provoking quote suggests that true enlightenment gets tested during family visits. The conversation dives deep into examining how our own childhood experiences shape our parenting today. It emphasizes the significance of addressing past emotional wounds in order to foster healthier environments for our children. Ultimately, it challenges adults to consider how they can make home life more enjoyable and supportive for the younger generation.