The Daily Dad

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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.

Daily Dad


    • Aug 29, 2025 LATEST EPISODE
    • weekdays NEW EPISODES
    • 5m AVG DURATION
    • 1,763 EPISODES

    4.7 from 491 ratings Listeners of The Daily Dad that love the show mention: daily stoic, reset, dads, ryan, great way to start, reflect, email, parenting, father, parents, kids, focus, morning, quick, short, advice, helps, wisdom, thank you so much, perspective.


    Ivy Insights

    The Daily Dad podcast is a valuable resource for parents looking for insightful strategies and wisdom in navigating the challenges of raising children. Ryan Holiday speaks with thoughtfulness and insight, providing practical advice that helps listeners grow and mature while still embracing their playful side. The podcast offers daily reminders to be better parents and shows gratitude for the important role of parenting.

    One of the best aspects of this podcast is Ryan's ability to connect ancient philosophical teachings with modern-day parenting experiences. He takes short thoughts from philosophers and applies them to current situations, offering guidance in a concise and relatable manner. The episodes are short, typically ranging from 2 to 4 minutes, making it easy to incorporate into a daily routine. The messages provide a positive start to the day, framing it with a focus on the most important job: being a parent.

    One potential drawback of The Daily Dad podcast is that there are frequent advertisements throughout the episodes. While these ads help support the podcast as a free resource, they can sometimes disrupt the flow of the content and feel obtrusive to some listeners. However, considering the valuable insights provided by Ryan's messages, many listeners are willing to accept this trade-off.

    In conclusion, The Daily Dad podcast is an excellent resource for parents seeking daily inspiration and guidance in their journey of parenthood. Ryan Holiday's thoughtful approach and ability to connect philosophical concepts with practical parenting advice make each episode impactful and meaningful. Despite occasional interruptions from advertisements, the content provided far outweighs any negatives. This podcast has made a positive difference in the lives of many parents by helping them focus on their most important job: being a parent.



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    Latest episodes from The Daily Dad

    Isn't This What We Want Ourselves?

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 29, 2025 4:06


    They doubt themselves. They wonder where they fit in, whether they matter. It's our job to help them with this. Give yourself the ultimate gift of parenting tools, structure, and community. Join The Daily Dad Society here: https://dailydad.com/societyMasterClass | Get 15% off any annual membership at MasterClass.com/RYANHOLIDAY✉️ Sign up for the Daily Dad email: DailyDad.com

    We Have To Do This For Them

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 28, 2025 6:10


    We have to show our kids that we're never done exploring what's possible, that we haven't stopped asking why.

    Who Decides Who Gets What?

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 27, 2025 4:31


    We are in control of our lives. Let's demonstrate it. Give yourself the ultimate gift of parenting tools, structure, and community. Join The Daily Dad Society here: https://dailydad.com/societyVessi | Get an instant 15% off your first purchase at Vessi.com/DAILYDAD✉️ Sign up for the Daily Dad email: DailyDad.com

    Yelling Doesn't Undo It, You Know

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 26, 2025 4:35


    Remember your children need your guidance, not your yelling. Your connection with them matters more than temporary control.

    This Is What They Were Thinking

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 25, 2025 3:52


    Understand—and remember—that they are where they are, are who they are. They are developing. They are experiencing. They are figuring stuff out.Give yourself the ultimate gift of parenting tools, structure, and community. Join The Daily Dad Society here: https://dailydad.com/society Tinker, create and innovate with KiwiCo! Get 50% off at KiwiCo.com with code DAILYDAD✉️ Sign up for the Daily Dad email: DailyDad.com

    Every Question Is an Invitation — Accept It | Ryan Holiday

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 23, 2025 13:31


    A seemingly simple question about Godzilla sparked an engaging conversation between Ryan and his son. Ryan shares how he approached explaining complex concepts in a way that his son can understand and the importance of seizing moments to connect and explore complicated ideas together.Give yourself the ultimate gift of parenting tools, structure, and community. Join The Daily Dad Society here: https://dailydad.com/societyProtect your family with life insurance from Ethos. Get your free quote at Ethos.com/STOIC✉️ Sign up for the Daily Dad email: DailyDad.com

    Would You Do It Again?

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 22, 2025 5:01


    They knew that was off-limits. They should have listened. So you made a thing of it. Not an argument with your spouse, but a lecture, a harsh word, a reprimand with your kids.

    Is Your Ego Distracting You From This?

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 21, 2025 4:28


    By focusing on the problems other people's egos are causing we excuse ourselves from looking in the mirror at our own.

    It's Not As Important As You Tell Yourself

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 20, 2025 4:41


    So many of the things we sacrifice our time and presence for don't end up mattering in the end—while the things we skip, the people we leave behind, are often what we most wish we could have back in the end.Give yourself the ultimate gift of parenting tools, structure, and community. Join The Daily Dad Society here: https://dailydad.com/societySmartCredit | Start with your 7-day trial at SmartCredit.com/DAILYDAD✉️ Sign up for the Daily Dad email: DailyDad.com

    Do Not Make Them This

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 19, 2025 3:47


    Find some other way to fill yourself up, find some other little buddy—it's not their job or their responsibility. Give yourself the ultimate gift of parenting tools, structure, and community. Join The Daily Dad Society here: https://dailydad.com/societyAura Frames | Save on the perfect gift by visiting https://auraframes.com/ to get $35-off plus free shipping on their best-selling Carver Mat frame with promo code DAILYDAD✉️ Sign up for the Daily Dad email: DailyDad.com

    Look Always For This Silver Lining

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 18, 2025 3:45


    We don't have to like or even seek out this situation where we are but we can like the byproduct of it, we can choose to accept the gift it is giving us—a chance to spend more time with people we love. Give yourself the ultimate gift of parenting tools, structure, and community. Join The Daily Dad Society here: https://dailydad.com/societyAura Frames | Save on the perfect gift by visiting https://auraframes.com/ to get $35-off plus free shipping on their best-selling Carver Mat frame with promo code DAILYDAD ✉️ Sign up for the Daily Dad email: DailyDad.com

    The New Family Member Who Changed Everything | Ryan and Sam Holiday

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 16, 2025 15:44


    What started as a reluctant “yes” turned into one of the biggest - and best - changes to the Holiday family's life. Ryan and Sam share what happened when a new dog joined the mix, from surprising parenting lessons to the unexpected ways it's helped their kids grow.Give yourself the ultimate gift of parenting tools, structure, and community. Join The Daily Dad Society here: https://dailydad.com/societyVessi | Get an instant 15% off your first purchase at Vessi.com/DAILYDAD✉️ Sign up for the Daily Dad email: DailyDad.com

    Don't Rush Through This

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 15, 2025 3:52


    We are rushing from another bedtime we'll never get back. To the end of one of only 18 or 20 summers we'll have with them under our roof. We're rushing away from right now.

    They Can't Live On Leftovers

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 14, 2025 4:28


    Commute. Office. Commute. Then the obligatory phone calls and emails that trickle in through the evenings and the weekends. What does your family get then?Give yourself the ultimate gift of parenting tools, structure, and community. Join The Daily Dad Society here: https://dailydad.com/society

    It's Going To Take How Long They Take

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 13, 2025 3:39


    You can rush them. You can ride them. You can make them feel like absolute garbage about it. Or, you know, you could just...Give yourself the ultimate gift of parenting tools, structure, and community. Join The Daily Dad Society here: https://dailydad.com/societyVessi | Get an instant 15% off your first purchase at Vessi.com/DAILYDAD✉️ Sign up for the Daily Dad email: DailyDad.com

    We Are Indispensable (Just Not Like We Think)

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 12, 2025 4:31


    We tell ourselves that we're indispensable. That our presence is absolutely necessary. And you know what? We're right.

    Can You Manage This Effectively?

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 11, 2025 4:19


    It's not a question of whether your kids will ever feel stressed. The question is how will they respond to these everyday stressors?Give yourself the ultimate gift of parenting tools, structure, and community. Join The Daily Dad Society here: https://dailydad.com/societyMasterClass | Get 15% off any annual membership at MasterClass.com/DAILYDAD✉️ Sign up for the Daily Dad email: DailyDad.com

    This Is What You'll Remember Most | Ryan Holiday

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 9, 2025 21:52


    Ryan's back from 27 days in Greece, and he's got stories. A bee sting to the throat, a jellyfish sting, lost luggage, and a nearly missed flight… all while trying to stay calm with two young kids. In this solo episode, he shares what went wrong, what went right, and why the best parenting lessons happen when nothing goes according to plan.Give yourself the ultimate gift of parenting tools, structure, and community. Join The Daily Dad Society here: https://dailydad.com/societyPESTIE | Protect your home from bugs with Pestie. Go to pestie.com/dad for an extra 10% off your order!  Tinker, create and innovate with KiwiCo! Get up to 50% off your first crate at KiwiCo.com with code DAILYDAD✉️ Sign up for the Daily Dad email: DailyDad.com

    You Found It. Do You Not See That?

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 8, 2025 5:23


    We have the treasure. This is the adventure. The rhythms of family life. Give yourself the ultimate gift of parenting tools, structure, and community. Join The Daily Dad Society here: https://dailydad.com/societyPESTIE | Protect your home from bugs with Pestie. Go to pestie.com/dad for an extra 10% off your order!Tinker, create and innovate with KiwiCo! Get up to 50% off your first crate at KiwiCo.com with code DAILYDAD✉️ Sign up for the Daily Dad email: DailyDad.com

    You Can Teach…And You Can Learn

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 7, 2025 4:52


    Sure, we can talk all we want. We can have great conversations. We can give them a great lecture. But what matters is what we model.HIYA | Go to hiyahealth.com/DAILYDAD to receive 50% off your first order! Give yourself the ultimate gift of parenting tools, structure, and community. Join The Daily Dad Society here: https://dailydad.com/society✉️ Sign up for the Daily Dad email: DailyDad.com

    Who Is Actually The Important One?

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 6, 2025 4:27


    You think you're a hard worker, yet here you are neglecting your most important job.

    Lead Them This Way

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 5, 2025 3:42


    Not all readers are great parents but all great parents are readers. We have to be.If you are struggling to put down the phone and pick up a book instead, try the Daily Stoic Read to Lead Challenge. Since it first launched in 2019, Read to Lead has been our most popular challenge, taken on by almost ten thousand people.Give yourself the ultimate gift of parenting tools, structure, and community. Become a Founding Member of The Daily Dad Society here: https://dailydad.com/society ✉️ Sign up for the Daily Dad email: DailyDad.com

    Don't Let This Get You

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 4, 2025 2:37


    Let's focus on getting better, let's focus on learning from what happened—not feeling guilty and awful and like the worst parent in the world because of what happened.Give yourself the ultimate gift of tools, structure, and community. Join The Daily Dad Society here: https://dailydad.com/society✉️ Sign up for the Daily Dad email: DailyDad.com

    A Simple Family Hike Became a Parenting Lesson Ryan Holiday Will Never Forget

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 2, 2025 14:35


    What started as a simple hike on a remote Greek island turned into one of the most meaningful moments of the Holiday family's trip. In today's episode, Ryan reflects on what happens when you stop rushing your kids and start following them instead. Give yourself the ultimate gift of parenting tools, structure, and community. Become a Founding Member of The Daily Dad Society here: https://dailydad.com/societyHead to ZBiotics.com/DAILYDAD and use the code DAILYDAD at checkout for 15% off! ✉️ Sign up for the Daily Dad email: DailyDad.com

    This Is All They Need

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 1, 2025 4:22


    Kids will humble us like that. We think we're so important.Head to ZBiotics.com/DAILYDAD and use the code DAILYDAD at checkout for 15% off! ✉️ Sign up for the Daily Dad email: DailyDad.com

    Take The Break

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 31, 2025 4:19


    Why do we do this to ourselves? Why can't we take the break? Why can't we take the hand that's being offered?

    This Is Why They're Like This

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 30, 2025 2:15


    Why aren't they listening? Why are they so loud? Why do they make such a huge mess? The answer should be obvious: They are like this because they are kids!Give yourself the ultimate gift of parenting tools, structure, and community. Join The Daily Dad Society here: https://dailydad.com/society ✉️ Sign up for the Daily Dad email: DailyDad.com

    Spare Them Either Extreme

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 29, 2025 3:09


    The key is balance. We want our kids to work hard, but not at the cost of their well-being. Give yourself the ultimate gift of parenting tools, structure, and community. Join The Daily Dad Society here: https://dailydad.com/society ✉️ Sign up for the Daily Dad email: DailyDad.com

    There's Nothing Common About This

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 28, 2025 4:19


    We are so lucky. Not everyone gets this.  Give yourself the ultimate gift of parenting tools, structure, and community. Join The Daily Dad Society here: https://dailydad.com/society SmartCredit | Start with your 7-day trial at SmartCredit.com/DAILYDAD ✉️ Sign up for the Daily Dad email: DailyDad.com 

    This Debate With My Son Meant More Than Any Report Card | Ryan Holiday

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 26, 2025 16:03


    While traveling in Athens, Ryan's 8-year-old asked him this question: Who was greater, Socrates or Ben Franklin? What followed was one of those unexpectedly deep parenting moments about history, using AI, and what real education actually looks like.  80,000 Hours | To get started planning a career that works on one of the world's most pressing problems, sign up now at 80000 hours.org/DAILYDAD Head to ZBiotics.com/DAILYDAD and use the code DAILYDAD at checkout for 15% off! ✉️ Sign up for the Daily Dad email: DailyDad.com 

    What Will They Remember About You?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 25, 2025 7:15


    In real life, Epictetus taught his students that freedom lies in wanting only what we can control: our character, our choices, our reasoned response. 

    Give Them This Compass

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 24, 2025 5:17


    Like the Cardinal directions, the four main points on the compass—north, south, east, west—the four virtues are a kind of compass. A guide to what to do, who to be, how to behave, how to respond in every situation. 

    Stop Wishing This Away

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 23, 2025 4:05


    They want to get where you're going. They can't wait until they can get their driver's license, until they can move out, until Christmas… Give yourself the ultimate gift of parenting tools, structure, and community. Join The Daily Dad Society here: https://dailydad.com/society Vuori is an investment in your happiness! Get 20% off your FIRST purchase at vuori.com/DAILYDAD ✉️ Sign up for the Daily Dad email: DailyDad.com 

    Let's Pass Down This Fortune

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 22, 2025 4:24


    It's one of the most unbelievable stories in all of history. A kid is born into slavery and becomes one of the most influential philosophers not just in their own lifetime, but of all time. 

    This Is Real Life, Too

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 21, 2025 4:09


    Our kids will never know what it was like to live in a world without the internet. But we will also never know what it's like to grow up into a world where it is ubiquitous. Give yourself the ultimate gift of parenting tools, structure, and community. Join The Daily Dad Society here: https://dailydad.com/society Artkive | Go to ArtkiveBox.com and use code DAILYDAD for $25 off your box today! ✉️ Sign up for the Daily Dad email: DailyDad.com 

    Can You Change Your Personality—As a Parent? | Olga Khazan & Ryan Holiday

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 19, 2025 20:12


    In today's episode, Ryan sits down with Olga Khazan, Atlantic staff writer and author of Me, But Better, to explore how parenting forces you to grow in ways you never expected. Olga shares why she had doubts about having a child, what it really means to be an “agreeable” parent, and how she let go of the pressure to parent like the moms on Instagram. Olga Khazan is a staff writer at The Atlantic and author of Me, But Better. You can follow Olga on Instagram and X @Olganator and read more of her work on Substack: https://olgakhazan.substack.com/ Grab signed copies of her book Me, But Better  at The Painted Porch! 

    Enrich Them With This

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 18, 2025 6:38


    They are not stupid. They can handle more than entertainment and silliness. In fact, they're hungry for meaning, for beauty, for depth. 

    Ask Them This After School

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 17, 2025 4:30


    As parents, fostering a questioning mindset benefits both us and our children. 

    What Would It Be Like?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 16, 2025 2:34


    Unlike so much of what parenting asks of us, this isn't adding anything to your plate. In fact, it's the opposite. 

    The Best Kind Of Time. Period.

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 15, 2025 3:37


    All time with your kids — all time with anyone you love — is created equal. What you do with it is what makes it special. 

    They Can Protect You Too

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 14, 2025 4:10


    Kids are not a burden or an impediment to success. They help us. Give yourself the ultimate gift of parenting tools, structure, and community. Join The Daily Dad Society here: https://dailydad.com/society SmartCredit | Start with your 7-day trial at SmartCredit.com/DAILYDAD ✉️ Sign up for the Daily Dad email: DailyDad.com 

    The 7 Parenting Lessons You'll Wish You Learned Sooner

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 12, 2025 11:16


    If you've ever felt overwhelmed, distracted, or just unsure you're doing it right, this episode is for you. Ryan shares 7 parenting lessons you'll wish you learned sooner, from why kids really act out to the hidden cost of overprotection. These powerful reminders on presence, empathy, and raising resilient kids aren't just helpful...they're timeless. 

    This Should Help You Relax

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 11, 2025 4:14


    It's a scary world out there for sure. Lots of things can happen and no one—certainly no kid—deserves anything bad to happen to them. Yet many of these dangers are easy and simple to mitigate. Give yourself the ultimate gift of parenting tools, structure, and community. Join The Daily Dad Society here: https://dailydad.com/society Hiya Health | Get 50% off your first order at hiyahealth.com/dailydad ✉️ Sign up for the Daily Dad email: DailyDad.com 

    This Puts It All In Perspective

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 10, 2025 3:57


    Take a deep breath. Look around. Remember what you have, not just what you lack. Give yourself the ultimate gift of parenting tools, structure, and community. Join The Daily Dad Society here: https://dailydad.com/society PESTIE | Protect your home from bugs with Pestie. Go to pestie.com/dad for an extra 10% off your order! ✉️ Sign up for the Daily Dad email: DailyDad.com 

    This Is Our Responsibility

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 9, 2025 4:50


    Nobody wants to be like their parents…or like the adults they remember growing up. The ones who were clueless…or uncool. Give yourself the ultimate gift of parenting tools, structure, and community. Join The Daily Dad Society here: https://dailydad.com/society PESTIE | Protect your home from bugs with Pestie. Go to pestie.com/dad for an extra 10% off your order! ✉️ Sign up for the Daily Dad email: DailyDad.com 

    We Must Cultivate This Skill

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 8, 2025 4:49


    While being a parent is very different today than it was in ancient Rome, we modern parents face a similar daily battle for mindfulness. 

    This Is What They (And We) Forget

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 7, 2025 4:14


    Things were more straightforward then. Things were easier then. Things were better back then. You've heard your parents' generation say some version of this. 

    "I Wish I Had Been More Patient" | Ryan Holiday

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 5, 2025 13:35


    You can rush them, or you can just go along for the ride. In today's solo episode, Ryan shares a recent experience of riding bikes with his son that turned into a crucial parenting lesson. After spending time together, are you gonna be glad that you applied pressure and stress, or will you wish that you were patient and supportive? Give yourself the ultimate gift of parenting tools, structure, and community. Join The Daily Dad Society here: https://dailydad.com/society ✉️ Sign up for the Daily Dad email: DailyDad.com 

    They're Not Missing Anything

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 4, 2025 4:53


    Are they perfect? No. You weren't. Nobody is. Give yourself the ultimate gift of parenting tools, structure, and community. Join The Daily Dad Society here: https://dailydad.com/society MasterClass | Get 15% off any annual membership at MasterClass.com/DAILYDAD ✉️ Sign up for the Daily Dad email: DailyDad.com 

    Do You Back Them Up?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 3, 2025 4:50


    We don't have to believe everything our kids believe, but we do have to support them when they believe strongly in something. 

    You Owe Them This

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 2, 2025 4:17


    Resilience isn't genetic, it's engineered. It's built. It requires preparation. Give yourself the ultimate gift of parenting tools, structure, and community. Join The Daily Dad Society here: https://dailydad.com/society SmartCredit | Start with your 7-day trial at SmartCredit.com/DAILYDAD ✉️ Sign up for the Daily Dad email: DailyDad.com 

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