
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 13, 2022 • 22min
Daily Dad on Vaccinating Kids and COVID-19
A father's journey through vaccinating his child during the COVID-19 pandemic takes center stage. He shares emotional hurdles and the importance of informed decision-making for family health. The discussion also addresses the common good, equality in health, and navigating parental responsibilities. Nutritional snacks for kids are highlighted as a bonus, supporting a holistic approach to family wellness. It's an engaging exploration of parenting in uncertain times.

Aug 12, 2022 • 3min
Your Kids are Not a Reflection of You
Explore the thought-provoking idea that children are not mere reflections of their parents. Discover how to embrace their individuality and foster independence. The conversation stresses the importance of letting go of parental expectations, allowing kids to thrive on their own terms. It's a refreshing take on nurturing a child's growth while rethinking what it means to be a parent.

Aug 11, 2022 • 3min
Teach Them How To Play Ball
Discover how play can be a powerful teacher of resilience and adaptability in children. The discussion draws on Stoic philosophy to illustrate the importance of handling life's challenges with grace. By encouraging kids to embrace obstacles, we prepare them for personal growth and future hurdles. Dive into the idea that teaching children to 'play ball' isn't just about sports; it's about developing a strong character.

Aug 10, 2022 • 3min
What You Can’t Give Them, This Can
Discover the essential life skills children gain through sports like resilience and adaptability. The discussion emphasizes the significance of teaching kids to navigate challenges using the metaphor of playing ball. Drawing from Stoic philosophy, it highlights how these lessons prepare them for the ups and downs of life.

Aug 9, 2022 • 3min
Have You Done This?
Discover the transformative power of literacy in children's lives. The discussion highlights how introducing history through literature can spark a lifelong passion for learning. A touching story about a former U.S. president reveals how a simple gift shaped his love for reading and understanding the world. This conversation underscores the importance of nurturing our children’s curiosity and intellectual growth from an early age.

Aug 8, 2022 • 6min
Teach Them To Care Like This
Discover how the art of care and attention in parenting shapes a child's values. Learn about the significance of nutrition and quality supplements, with fascinating insights into Steve Jobs' upbringing. Explore how a father's influence can instill appreciation for beauty and craftsmanship. Personal anecdotes highlight the life lessons embedded in meticulous work, encouraging parents to pass on these important values to the next generation.

Aug 6, 2022 • 17min
Daily Dad on Setting the Right Example for your Family
Ryan and Nils dive into the challenges parents face in creating a calm environment for their children. They discuss the importance of navigating work-life boundaries and shielding kids from adult stress. Mindful communication is emphasized, along with strategies to maintain positivity in family discussions. They also explore managing emotional spaces and suggest journaling for reflection. Lastly, the duo highlights the need for dedicated areas in the home to foster peace and support for children, ensuring a nurturing family dynamic.

Aug 5, 2022 • 4min
It’s Time To Look in the Mirror
Dive into a world of introspection as the discussion highlights the parallels between children's behaviors and adult traits. It emphasizes how important it is for parents to reflect on their own actions instead of simply critiquing their kids. Emotional instability and selfishness are human traits shared across generations, reminding listeners that self-awareness is key to effective parenting.

Aug 4, 2022 • 2min
It’s Good Practice
Engaging children in outdoor activities like hunting and fishing is key to teaching them important life skills. These experiences help build resilience and patience, while also fostering a healthy work-life balance. The discussion encourages parents to explore diverse challenges for their kids, emphasizing the value of nature in personal growth.

Aug 3, 2022 • 4min
You Can’t Force It
Discover why it's crucial to allow children to explore their own interests rather than imposing parents' expectations. A personal story illustrates the benefits of respecting kids’ natural inclinations, which can lead to greater happiness and potential. The conversation emphasizes a balanced approach to nurturing independence while still offering support. Tune in for insights on fostering a more fulfilling environment for young minds.