

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

Sep 21, 2023 • 4min
Are You The Splendid Or The Vile?
In a compelling exploration of wartime London, contrasting themes of human resilience and moral darkness emerge. The discussion pivots to parenting, highlighting the balance between beauty and hardship while nurturing futures. Parents play a crucial role in fostering kindness amidst chaos, shaping a supportive home environment. This blend of history and personal reflection offers insights into the struggles and triumphs of the human spirit.

Sep 20, 2023 • 3min
It’ll Come To You Later
Navigating the chaotic moments of parenting can feel overwhelming. The discussion emphasizes the importance of finding perspective amidst stress. It encourages parents to slow down, stay mindful, and cherish their time with their children. By shifting focus from immediate worries, one can appreciate the little moments that truly matter.

Sep 19, 2023 • 3min
There Are Only Hard Decisions
Parenting isn't a walk in the park; it's often a maze of tough choices. The discussion highlights the lack of a simple blueprint for raising children. Instead, it promotes the idea of embracing the complexities and learning from them. Curious parallels are drawn between parenting and leadership, showing how both roles require strong decision-making skills. By acknowledging the hurdles, parents can better navigate the journey ahead.

Sep 18, 2023 • 4min
This Is A Very Underrated Skill
Explore the underrated skill of frustration management in children. Learn how everyday challenges can be teaching moments for resilience and emotional strength. Discover the importance of modeling effective responses to help kids navigate life's hurdles. This focus on frustration management can lay the groundwork for happier, more resilient future adults.

Sep 16, 2023 • 12min
Ryan Holiday And Paul Kix On Balancing Techniques And Being Self-Conscious
Dive into the delicate dance of balancing family and passion. Discover how successful writers find time for creativity amidst life's chaos. The discussion highlights the transformative power of structured routines and early mornings to boost productivity. Explore the invigorating relationship between passion and work, and learn to embrace the joy of being present in both writing and parenting. This conversation offers insights on maintaining creativity while fully engaging in family moments.

Sep 15, 2023 • 3min
It’s Not Too Late To Make Improvements
The discussion highlights the lasting effects of indulgent parenting on character development. It draws parallels to F. Scott Fitzgerald's observations of the Jazz Age, emphasizing how entitlement can lead to negative behaviors. The conversation encourages parents to take responsibility and nurture positive traits in their children, offering an optimistic outlook on making meaningful improvements for future generations.

Sep 14, 2023 • 4min
You Can Give Them This
Children have endless requests, from money to forgiveness. The discussion delves into the importance of time and attention in their development. Practical strategies are shared to enhance parental leadership, drawing on historical insights. It's all about understanding how to navigate the demands of parenting while shaping the next generation.

Sep 13, 2023 • 5min
You Must Study The Greats
Exploring the lives of great leaders, artists, and athletes reveals the value of mentorship and inspiration. The discussion emphasizes how effective parenting can be enhanced by learning from historical figures. It also highlights the importance of embodying leadership qualities within the family. By studying greatness, we can cultivate a richer experience for both ourselves and our children.

Sep 12, 2023 • 3min
Take This Seriously
Exploring the fears children face, the discussion emphasizes the importance of validating their emotions. From anxiety about school to worries about being disliked, the conversation offers insights on how to support young ones through their struggles. Compassionate parenting is encouraged as a way to enhance communication and foster emotional resilience. Understanding these feelings can empower children to navigate their emotional landscape effectively.

Sep 11, 2023 • 5min
You Always Have Five More Minutes To Give
A family traveling back home faced an unimaginable moment when their flight was hijacked. This harrowing experience sparked a deep conversation about the preciousness of time. Cherishing every fleeting moment with loved ones becomes a central theme. The hosts reflect on the poignant 'last times' in parenthood, encouraging listeners to be present and value each day they have together.


