

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

Jul 26, 2023 • 3min
You Don’t Have To Squeeze One More Thing In
Discover the art of embracing restraint during family outings. Learn why less is often more when it comes to planning activities. The discussion reveals the potential downsides of overstimulation and offers insightful tips for savoring meaningful moments. Balance your schedule to foster connection and create lasting memories without feeling rushed.

Jul 25, 2023 • 3min
Can You Imagine?
Explore the intriguing similarities between ancient life and today's experiences. Discover how Marcus Aurelius inspired morning motivation and how even historical figures like Seneca dealt with impatience over dinner. Reflect on parenting across the ages, highlighting the timeless challenges and joys of raising children. It’s a fascinating look at how love, sports, and daily frustrations bridge the gap between the past and our present lives.

Jul 24, 2023 • 5min
What Are You Optimizing For?
Dive into the importance of optimizing health and wealth for both personal growth and family well-being. The discussion highlights how parental habits influence children's perceptions and futures. Personal stories reveal the struggle to balance disciplined routines with the chaos of family life. Ultimately, it emphasizes setting goals that enhance not just individual success, but nurture a thriving family environment.

Jul 22, 2023 • 23min
Ryan And Wife Samantha Holiday On Self Awareness and Generational Impacts
In a thoughtful conversation, Samantha Holiday, a co-parent and wife of Ryan Holiday, shares insights on self-awareness in family dynamics. They discuss simplifying parenting decisions to reduce stress and enhance communication. Samantha reflects on how generational differences shape parenting practices and the critical role of self-care. The couple also explores the health benefits of cold plunges and the importance of open dialogue with children. Their candid anecdotes reveal how daily choices impact emotional well-being and family relationships.

Jul 21, 2023 • 3min
You Never Know What You’re Comparing Against
This discussion dives deep into the often unseen struggles of parenting. It highlights the pressure parents feel when comparing their children's milestones to others. The conversation encourages focusing on each family's unique journey instead of succumbing to societal expectations. By addressing feelings of inadequacy stemming from comparisons, it promotes a healthier perspective on parenting.

Jul 20, 2023 • 5min
These Are Your 5 Choices
The podcast dives into the heated debates around parental choice in education, examining conflicts played out in various states. It highlights how political tensions shape what children learn and the choices parents face. A compelling press conference by a football coach underscores the wide range of parental involvement. Alongside this, there's an inspiring call to commit fully to parenting, sharing personal anecdotes and practical tips to foster excellence and meaningful connections with children.

Jul 19, 2023 • 4min
All Their Dreams Are A Parent’s Fears
The discussion explores the intricate balance between parental fears and children's aspirations. It highlights how parents often grapple with wanting to keep their kids safe while encouraging them to pursue their dreams. This tension can lead to conflicts, yet taking risks is essential for personal growth. Self-awareness and therapy are emphasized as tools to navigate these challenges, ultimately fostering both happiness and safety within families.

Jul 18, 2023 • 3min
It’s All Bubbles
The discussion opens with a heartwarming scene of children delighting in bubble play, highlighting the beauty of simple moments. It reflects on how fleeting these experiences are and emphasizes the importance of embracing joy amid parenting challenges. The joy of watching kids laugh and chase bubbles serves as a metaphor for appreciating life's ephemeral beauty.

Jul 17, 2023 • 4min
Have You Shown Them What Greatness Looks Like?
The podcast dives into the inspiring story of Cincinnatus, a Roman general who returned to his simple life after saving his country, showcasing the importance of humility and leadership. It highlights the value of sharing timeless legends with children to instill virtues. The discussion also touches on the role of therapy in personal growth and the responsibility parents have to guide the next generation through impactful storytelling.

11 snips
Jul 15, 2023 • 14min
You Can't Have It All
Parents often grapple with tough choices, realizing that perfection in balancing work and family is a myth. The power of letting go and knowing when to compromise is explored as a strength in parenting. Self-awareness plays a vital role in shaping family dynamics, encouraging healthier relationships. Finally, the conversation weaves in Stoic philosophy around discipline and goal-setting, while also diving into a children's vitamin product that supports their health, showcasing innovation.