

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 3, 2023 • 3min
Great Is Not The Same As Good
The conversation dives into the distinction between greatness and goodness, especially in sports. It emphasizes teaching kids that achievements don't define their moral character. The discussion touches on the dedication and sacrifice behind success, while highlighting the values of honor and discipline. Listeners are encouraged to reflect on what true greatness means beyond just winning.

Jul 1, 2023 • 19min
Ryan And Wife Samantha Holiday On Being Present And Doing Less
Samantha Holiday, co-parent and wife of Ryan Holiday, shares insights on the importance of being present in family life. They discuss the challenges of balancing work and parenting, emphasizing saying no to lucrative opportunities to prioritize family moments. The couple navigates the emotional impact of decisions made during the pandemic, reflecting on personal boundaries and opportunity costs. Together, they explore how to cultivate a fulfilling family life while managing work-from-home dynamics and setting boundaries for growth.

Jun 30, 2023 • 3min
Nobody Wins A Battle Of Wills
Navigating the complexities of parenting can often feel like a battle of wills. Instead of leveraging authority, find ways to connect with your kids through indirect influence. Embrace creative solutions for conflict that strengthen your relationship rather than weaken it. Discover insights from history and philosophy that inspire a new approach to parenting. After all, mutual understanding trumps the allure of control!

Jun 29, 2023 • 4min
Nothing is Better Than This. Prioritize Accordingly.
The podcast delves into the unparalleled joy of parenthood, celebrating moments like a child's head resting on your chest and the excitement of their greetings. It discusses the importance of prioritizing family time, encouraging listeners to treasure shared experiences. Overcoming distractions to strengthen family bonds takes center stage, along with tips for creating meaningful connections. The episode emphasizes that nothing compares to these heartfelt interactions, making family the ultimate priority.

Jun 28, 2023 • 3min
Where Are You Trying To Get Better?
Explore the relentless pursuit of personal improvement, drawing inspiration from Tom Brady's unwavering dedication to excellence. Discover how his insights on optimizing every aspect of life—like diet and recovery—can be applied to parenting. This conversation emphasizes the importance of intentional growth in relationships, urging listeners to reflect and develop their skills as parents. Dive into the lessons of perseverance and continuous self-betterment!

6 snips
Jun 27, 2023 • 3min
This Is All We Have To Do
Navigating parenting in a noisy world can be a challenge. Discover the importance of simplifying moral lessons for your kids. Clear communication of core values can make a big difference. Learn how to balance quality of life with its duration. Find effective ways to reinforce essential truths that children often forget. It's all about repetition and clarity!

Jun 26, 2023 • 3min
How To Get Them Through Tough Times
Navigating childhood challenges can be tough. Kids often face identity crises, self-doubt, and overwhelming emotions. Discover how literature can serve as a powerful tool for parents. Books can spark vital conversations, helping children to process their feelings and experiences. This approach encourages deeper connections and understanding between parents and kids, making rough times a little easier.

Jun 24, 2023 • 1h 12min
Daily Dad And Austin Kleon On Parenting And Creativity
Austin Kleon, a renowned writer and artist celebrated for his insights on creativity, discusses parenting strategies and creativity's role within the household. He shares thoughts on balancing work and family while fostering a supportive environment for individual passions. The conversation dives into navigating post-creative burnout, the influence of ambient parenting, and the intersection of Stoicism and parenting. Kleon emphasizes the importance of collaboration in parenting and creativity, showcasing heartwarming family rituals that inspire and nurture.

Jun 23, 2023 • 4min
Where Will Your Kids Get This From?
The conversation dives into the essential support parents provide in their children's lives. It explores how feelings of love, safety, and acceptance can shape emotional well-being. The hosts emphasize the importance of parental validation, steering kids away from negative influences. Additionally, they discuss the balance between allowing children to take risks and ensuring they feel secure and valued. It's a lively discussion about fostering a positive environment for healthy growth.

Jun 22, 2023 • 4min
They Must Be Diligent In Their Business
Explore the profound idea that diligence holds more value than status. The discussion highlights how hard work and persistence lead to true success, contrasting the life of an exploitative corporate executive with that of a selfless teacher. It emphasizes the importance of teaching children about effort and how anyone can find fulfillment and well-being at any stage in life. This insightful conversation encourages a rethinking of societal values regarding work and contribution.