

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

Jun 21, 2023 • 3min
Teach Them To Be Kings
Explore how to empower children with kingship qualities through Stoic values like dignity and strength. Discover the importance of modeling these traits and using fables as teaching tools. The discussion dives into the challenges of traditional leadership roles and the lessons we can impart to the next generation, emphasizing personal development and resilience. Join in for insights on nurturing future leaders without the burdens of a throne.

Jun 20, 2023 • 4min
You Can Give Them What You Wish You’d Gotten
Many adults reflect on their childhood, realizing they often felt misunderstood. The importance of empathy in parenting is emphasized, showing how past struggles can inform better relationships with children. It’s about transforming childhood pain into deeper connections, ensuring kids feel seen and understood. Learn how acknowledging the complexities of adolescence can lead to stronger familial bonds and provide the kind of understanding many wished they had growing up.

Jun 19, 2023 • 4min
Everything Is A Test Of Your Priorities
The conversation dives into the importance of truly prioritizing family over mere words. It challenges listeners to bridge the gap between professing love for family and actually committing to meaningful interactions. Real-life examples highlight how we often fail to live up to our own ideals, reminding us that actions speak louder than words. The advice encourages parents to reflect on their daily choices and strive for a greater alignment with their family values.

Jun 18, 2023 • 4min
Everything Marcus Learned From Antoninus
In a heartfelt tribute for Father’s Day, the discussion highlights the profound lessons from Marcus Aurelius's Meditations. Listeners are invited to explore the wisdom passed down from his stepfather, Antoninus, emphasizing virtues like compassion, self-reliance, and perseverance. Each brief passage reveals timeless insights worth embodying in daily life, encouraging a deeper reflection on character development and the Stoic mindset.

5 snips
Jun 17, 2023 • 19min
Ryan And Wife Samantha Holiday On Setting Our kids And Ourselves Up For Success
In this lively chat, Samantha Holiday, co-parent and insightful voice on personal growth, joins her husband Ryan. They delve into creating a successful environment for both kids and parents. The couple emphasizes quality over quantity in family outings and shares their evolving travel dynamics that focus on joy. They explore the balance of planning stress-free experiences, promote healthy habits with family rituals, and advocate for intentional living that fosters genuine connections. It's a heartwarming discussion on mindful parenting and building confidence together.

Jun 16, 2023 • 4min
This Is Why They Study
Education goes beyond grades and test scores. It's about shaping good individuals and responsible citizens. The discussion urges parents to focus on character development and societal contributions. Success is redefined, highlighting the importance of nurturing qualities that benefit the community.

7 snips
Jun 15, 2023 • 2min
They Don’t Learn Anything Important This Way
This discussion dives into the fascinating concept of relaxed learning, highlighting how pressure-free environments enhance understanding. It contrasts the joy of learning from movies and personal interests with the rigidity of formal education. Ancient philosophy and real-life anecdotes illustrate that true knowledge often flourishes through leisure rather than under coercion. Reflecting on how we retain information reveals surprising insights into the ways we truly learn.

Jun 14, 2023 • 6min
How To Be Someone They Can Be Proud Of
Explore the concept of cultivating pride through responsibility in parenting. The discussion revolves around the philosophical lessons from Epictetus and his father, emphasizing that genuine respect comes from fulfilling one’s duties. It argues that real worth is found in commitment and how parents can be role models for their children, regardless of their social status. The value of serving others, even in humble circumstances, is highlighted as a pathway to parental pride.

Jun 13, 2023 • 3min
Their Feelings Are Their Feelings
Exploring the whimsical world of children’s emotions, this discussion emphasizes the importance of recognizing what might seem trivial to adults. It highlights the unique fears and imaginative thoughts kids have, encouraging parents to validate these feelings. The conversation also touches on how a child’s emotional experiences can be shaped by their environment, including parental actions. By understanding their emotional landscape, parents can foster a nurturing atmosphere that respects and honors their kids' complexities.

Jun 12, 2023 • 4min
Tell Them They Have This
The discussion delves into the complex legacy of Joseph Kennedy, highlighting his controlling nature and detrimental impact on his children's lives. It contrasts his parenting with Robert F. Kennedy's unique upbringing, which allowed him more freedom. The episode emphasizes the importance of recognizing and nurturing a child's potential through affirmation, urging parents to reflect on how they influence their children's development.