

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

4 snips
Jul 8, 2023 • 14min
Ryan Holiday On Relaxing The Exceptions While On Vacation at Jackson Hole
Join the conversation about the light-hearted chaos of family vacations! Discover the importance of embracing simplicity and acceptance, emphasizing the joy in shared moments like leisurely breakfasts in nature. Hear a personal story about a moose encounter that illustrates the balance between planning and spontaneity. You'll learn to relax your expectations and find joy in the unexpected adventures that make family trips memorable.

5 snips
Jul 7, 2023 • 4min
As A Father, This Is Your One Job Today
Explore the timeless wisdom of Rudyard Kipling's poem 'If' and its powerful lessons for fathers. The discussion emphasizes how its insights can guide parenting beyond traditional roles. Listeners are encouraged to reflect on the poem’s themes and apply them to raising children with resilience and integrity. This thought-provoking journey delves into how such literary wisdom can shape a father's impact on their child’s development.

Jul 6, 2023 • 2min
Give Them This Ambition
Explore the essence of ambition in children, emphasizing the value of service over superficial accolades. Discover how historical figures can inspire kids to focus on making a positive impact. The conversation encourages parents to cultivate meaningful aspirations for their children, steering away from just winning and grades. It’s a call to motivate the younger generation towards a life of contribution and usefulness, fostering a deeper sense of purpose.

Jul 5, 2023 • 3min
Of All The Things To Be Extra About, This Is It
In a thought-provoking discussion, the dangers of overprotective parenting are examined, revealing how excessive pressure can hinder children's growth. The conversation highlights societal criticisms around modern parenting, questioning whether indulging every whim truly benefits kids. Personal experiences illustrate the fine line between adventure and safety, emphasizing the importance of proactive communication while encouraging exploration. The episode challenges listeners to find a balance in nurturing their children’s independence.

Jul 4, 2023 • 2min
Don’t Tie Down Your Eagle
The podcast dives into the inspiring story of Florence Nightingale, emphasizing her fight for independence against societal norms. It highlights the challenges faced by parents when their children pursue their own paths. The discussion encourages listeners to support individuality, urging them to let go of outdated expectations tied to class and gender. Embracing a child's independence is portrayed as a powerful step towards nurturing their unique identity.

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!


