
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 1, 2022 • 4min
Don't Give Them An Ego
Explore the delicate balance between encouragement and excessive praise in children's growth. Discover how cultivating humility helps foster resilience and self-awareness. Learn about the Stoic philosophy that emphasizes honesty and accountability in parenting. Engaging insights on how to shape strong and grounded individuals.

Jul 30, 2022 • 19min
Daily Dad and Tony Gonzalez on Balancing Work and Family
The conversation dives into the challenge of balancing ambitious career goals with parental responsibilities. Tony Gonzalez shares how celebrating successes while learning from failures can enrich both personal and professional lives. They discuss sacrifices made for excellence and the importance of mindful parenting. Routines are emphasized as essential for providing security, fostering harmony between family and personal pursuits. Ultimately, it's about finding equilibrium in a busy life while remaining present for loved ones.

Jul 29, 2022 • 4min
Don’t Give Them an Ego
Explore the delicate balance between love and ego in parenting through a Stoic lens. Discover how excessive praise can inflate a child's ego and learn practical strategies for nurturing responsibility and groundedness. Insights from Seneca’s teachings offer timeless wisdom on fostering honesty and temperance in your approach. This discussion encourages reflection on effective parenting without compromising a child's self-esteem.

Jul 28, 2022 • 2min
Don’t Make Them Fit In
Dive into the power of embracing individuality in parenting. Discover why celebrating your child's unique traits is essential for their growth. Learn how societal pressures can stifle creativity and self-expression. The discussion emphasizes nurturing authenticity over conformity, paving the way for children to flourish. This insightful conversation inspires parents to prioritize each child's distinct journey.

Jul 27, 2022 • 4min
Be A Gardener
Dive into the art of parenting with gardening metaphors! Discover how nurturing independence in children leads to their natural growth. The discussion encourages parents to rethink their methods and adopt supportive strategies for a flourishing family dynamic. It's all about cultivating relationships that help kids thrive!

Jul 26, 2022 • 4min
How You Do It Is How They Will
Explore the profound impact parents have on their children's stress management by modeling healthy coping strategies. Discover actionable Stoic principles designed to empower both parents and kids through adversity. The discussion also highlights a new live course that equips participants with the tools to reclaim their lives from stress and anxiety. This unique blend of philosophy and practical advice could change how you navigate challenges and teach resilience to the next generation.

Jul 25, 2022 • 4min
Try This At Dinner
Discover how a mother's unique rule at the dinner table sparks curiosity and encourages her children to ask captivating questions. This innovative approach not only makes family meals more engaging but also enhances conversation skills in a fun way. Explore the importance of nurturing curiosity through simple practices that can transform your dining experience.

Jul 23, 2022 • 16min
Daily Dad on Teaching Kids to be Open Minded
This discussion emphasizes the importance of teaching children to be open-minded and embrace diversity. Personal stories illustrate the value of acceptance and courage, particularly in the face of bullying. The podcast also highlights a Drag Storytime event aimed at fostering community and inclusivity for kids, despite facing controversy. Additionally, it underscores the role of self-relationship in enhancing parenting skills, advocating for personal growth to build healthier family dynamics.

Jul 22, 2022 • 4min
Your Kids are Not a Reflection of You
Children are unique individuals, and it's crucial for parents to recognize their autonomy. The podcast emphasizes unconditional love and support to help kids flourish independently. It shares a thought-provoking story about a philosopher and his daughter, illustrating the balance between parental identity and a child's self-discovery. The conversation invites listeners to reflect on how to create environments where kids can thrive without the pressure of mirroring their parents’ identities.

Jul 21, 2022 • 3min
Teach Them To Be Particular
Explore the intriguing distinction between being particular and being picky in children. A mother shares her insights on teaching responsibility and the importance of factual accuracy. Learn how modeling these qualities can impact kids' growth and development. It's a refreshing take on parenting that emphasizes guidance over control.