

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 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.

Jul 27, 2023 • 3min
We Corrupt Our Children
The discussion dives into the hypocrisy of parenting values, exploring how parents often claim to instill virtues like kindness and generosity but may act contrary to those ideals. It raises pivotal questions about the impact of adult behavior on children's moral education. Are we truly modeling the values we preach, or are we leading our kids astray? This thought-provoking conversation challenges listeners to reflect on the real lessons being imparted to the next generation.

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.


