
The 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.
Latest episodes

Aug 25, 2022 • 2min
Did It Bring You Closer Together?
Discover how parenting challenges can unexpectedly strengthen family bonds. Moments like travel delays or disappointing grades aren't just setbacks; they can ignite important conversations. Learn how these tough times foster growth and understanding, bringing parents and kids closer than ever.

Aug 24, 2022 • 4min
This is When You Are Happiest
Discover the joy hidden in the everyday moments of parenting. Dive into the contrast between simple family experiences and the struggles faced by notable figures. The discussion encourages listeners to cherish ordinary life and the comfort of family bonds, reminding us where true happiness is often found.

Aug 23, 2022 • 3min
Teach Them To Be Bigger
Discover a powerful story of resilience as Jim Lawson shares how a childhood racial insult shaped his understanding of self-worth. Learn how his mother taught him to respond to hate with love and kindness. The discussion emphasizes the crucial role parents play in instilling resilience in their children, encouraging them to rise above adversity with compassion. This heartfelt conversation inspires a new perspective on parenting, focusing on the lasting impact of kindness in a challenging world.

Aug 22, 2022 • 4min
Give Them An Enormous Kingdom
Explore the powerful legacy of nurturing children's minds over material wealth. The discussion emphasizes the importance of instilling competence and confidence in the next generation. Historical figures serve as examples of how empowering kids can lead to their success. The focus is on creating future leaders who take charge of their destinies, highlighting a revolutionary parenting approach that prioritizes mental growth.

Aug 20, 2022 • 21min
Daily Dad on the Vulnerability of Parenting
This discussion dives into the emotional complexities of parenting and the vulnerabilities that come with it. It highlights how cultural shifts have altered perceptions of risk and independence in children. The conversation touches on parental fears about entrusting kids to others, especially amidst recent global challenges. Listeners are encouraged to reflect on how personal anxieties influence parenting choices, emphasizing the need to balance protection with the importance of children's growth and autonomy.

Aug 19, 2022 • 3min
Teach Them It's Figureoutable
Explore how nurturing curiosity in children can make learning an adventure. By guiding them to find answers, parents can foster independence and problem-solving skills. Supportive involvement is key to cultivating a love for knowledge, transforming challenges into opportunities for growth.

Aug 18, 2022 • 4min
Let Them Know This
Explore the challenges of parenting in the digital age. Dive into how social media shapes family dynamics and the unique hurdles parents face today. Discover the importance of guidance and discipline to help children thrive in a tech-savvy world. This conversation offers insights to navigate modern parenting with confidence.

Aug 17, 2022 • 3min
The Two Most Important Skills To Teach Your Kids
Learn why teaching kids strong communication skills is crucial for their future success. The discussion highlights effective writing and confident public speaking as key abilities. Drawing on Gerald Ford's life, it illustrates how these skills can empower children. Parents are encouraged to actively nurture these talents, often overlooked in traditional education. This insightful talk emphasizes the long-term benefits of equipping the next generation with essential tools for effective expression.

Aug 16, 2022 • 4min
Make Them Prove It
Explore the importance of encouraging critical thinking in children. A captivating camping story sets the stage as a child claims to have spotted a scorpion, prompting a discussion on the value of evidence-based reasoning. The conversation emphasizes how parents can strengthen their own self-relationship to better guide their kids. Dive into insights that will help nurture a curious and analytical mindset in the next generation.

Aug 15, 2022 • 3min
We Have The Strangest Priorities
Delve into the curious contradictions of parenting priorities. Discover how many parents focus on trivial household tasks while neglecting quality time with their kids. The discussion encourages a reevaluation of what truly matters in parenting, prompting listeners to invest more in meaningful connections. Tune in for insights that could reshape your approach to family life.