

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

7 snips
Aug 5, 2023 • 19min
Ryan And Wife Samantha Holiday On Setting up Flexible Boundaries For Our Kids
In a heartfelt conversation, Samantha Holiday, co-parent and wife of Ryan Holiday, shares insights on parenting dynamics and the importance of flexibility. They discuss the challenges of establishing flexible boundaries for children while navigating power struggles. The couple emphasizes the necessity of self-care for parents and dives into the benefits of health practices like cold plunging. They also explore the chaos of family life and how to cultivate deeper connections amidst the messiness of raising kids.

Aug 4, 2023 • 4min
You Come From A Strong Tradition
The discussion dives into the remarkable journeys of parents through history’s upheavals. From economic crises to global conflicts, the resilience shown in raising children becomes evident. It underscores how past challenges contribute to modern parenting and highlights the importance of health and well-being in fostering a strong family foundation. The podcast also touches on how this rich legacy shapes the values and attitudes of today's parents.

Aug 3, 2023 • 5min
You Can Make A Break
Explore the profound impact of generational parenting patterns and the importance of changing them for future families. Personal stories of resilience inspire healthier approaches to parenting. Discover how embracing cold challenges, like cold plunges, can enhance mental toughness and lead to personal growth. Learn how facing discomfort can break negative cycles and foster transformative change in your life.

Aug 2, 2023 • 4min
Take Them Seriously
Explore the significance of treating children as individuals with their own thoughts and feelings. Discover how powerful concepts like 'Wherever You Go There You Are' can guide parenting. Dive into the philosophy that even without reading a book, its title can inspire respect and understanding. Gain insights on nurturing children's self-worth and autonomy, emphasizing the serious responsibility of parenting in fostering their growth.

4 snips
Aug 1, 2023 • 4min
You’ve Already Gotten The Gift
The conversation delves into the profound love and fear inherent in parenthood. It encourages listeners to cherish the present moments spent with their children, highlighting the gifts of shared experiences. A touching story about Richard Feynman is shared, illustrating how joy can counterbalance future anxieties. Ultimately, it serves as a reminder to appreciate all the wonderful moments we've already had, rather than letting worries overshadow them.

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.


