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.
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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.
You wanted this for so long. To have this happy family. And what are you doing with it?
As parents, we need philosophy just as much as our kids do. Parenting demands the four Stoic virtues: courage (to do what's hard), discipline (to follow through), justice (to do what's right), and wisdom (to know what matters).
They make us sit down for meals. They pull us away from our desks. They made it harder, if not impossible, to multi-task. They get us to put the phone down.
For generations, some parents have tried withholding praise, withholding pride, withholding approval so that their kids don't feel entitled to it. The idea is that this will make them hungry, make them really work for it.
Your focus may shift in parenthood, but that's what's meant to happen.
In today's episode, Ryan is in the hot seat as Samantha asks him questions about his latest book, Wisdom Takes Work, which released this week. They talk about why Wisdom Takes Work is a parenting book in disguise, raising curious kids, and why “how was your day?” might be the worst question ever.
As parents, it's our job to help them navigate the hard parts of life, not actively avoid them.
Right now, they're interested in something. Right now, they're being curious. Why are you interrupting this?
Our generation, just as all past generations have, make decisions in the present that have consequences borne primarily by future generations. But these future generations are not faceless, nameless hordes, they are our children and grandchildren.
We all want our kids to do well in school. You want them to enjoy learning. We just need to understand that every education is different. Because every kid is different!
How do we help them become lifelong learners? Well, it starts with being one yourself.
If you've ever felt like everyone else has parenting figured out, this episode is for you. Ryan shares eight pieces of advice that are honest, imperfect, and actually useful reminders for real life.
We are in the debt of teachers and grandparents and mentors who didn't treat us as the average but as the extraordinary individual we were and thus gave us individual treatment. Don't your kids deserve that, too?
Kids need routine. Kids need consistency. If you miss a window, there could be hell to pay. So we put them on the schedule and we try to stay on it.Give yourself the ultimate gift of parenting tools, structure, and community. Join The Daily Dad Society here: https://dailydad.com/society
We can do more and we should try to do more, but let's make sure we are at least doing this.Give yourself the ultimate gift of parenting tools, structure, and community. Join The Daily Dad Society here: https://dailydad.com/society
Maybe you don't like it. Maybe you think it's a bad idea. Maybe you're scared for them. But you know what? It doesn't matter.
We're afraid they're not learning enough. We're concerned they're falling behind. Is it the school? Is there something wrong with them?
Reading Ryan Holiday's books is one thing. Living with him during a launch? That's a whole different story. In today's episode, Ryan and Sam talk about how they survive book season — and each other — when a new release is approaching.
We're always in a rush. We have to get them ready for school. We have to finish up dinner. We have to get them off to bed. Give yourself the ultimate gift of parenting tools, structure, and community. Join 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
We try to be conscious of this. Of how fast their childhood goes by. Of the need to be present. To enjoy this. To soak it in. And then what do we do?
You're here because you yourself are eager to learn more every day—about parenting and raising great kids. You yourself are modeling lifelong learning and curiosity for your kids in ways you might not even realize.
Why would you think you'd be exempted? Why are you so easily surprised or frustrated by it? Why are you so eager to blame?
Things might be safer than they were in the past, but that doesn't exactly help you relax, does it?
Remember when every kid wanted to be an astronaut? Not so much anymore. Today, Ryan talks with former NASA astronaut Terry Virts about why that dream has faded, how we can get kids excited about adventure again, and why critical thinking might be the most important skill for the next generation. At 17, Terry Virts joined the Air Force and went on to become an F-16 fighter pilot and test pilot. He has flown combat missions over Iraq, tested the world's fastest jets and commanded the International Space Station. He's orbited Earth 3,400 times and has spent 213 days in space total. His military decorations include the NASA Space Flight Medal, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Air Medal, Aerial Achievement Medal, NASA Exceptional Achievement Medal, Air Force Commendation Medal, et al. He retired from NASA in August 2016 and is currently running for U.S. Senate from Texas. Follow Terry on Instagram @Astro_Terry and you can learn more about his campaign at https://www.terryvirts.com/
We don't have to grit our teeth and hold our breath and hope for the best.
Life is filled with difficult, frustrating people. As parents, we encounter this reality daily—at work, in traffic, even at our children's afterschool activities.
They seemed like they lived in their own world. They were so big, so strong. They were closed off to us. When we were kids, many of our parents were quite far away from us.
You care about them more than anything. You would die if anything happened to them. And how do you show this?
We want to keep their clothes clean. We want them to get good grades. We want them to learn good behavior. All this matters, sure…a little.
The best way to teach your kids about the world is to actually go see it. In today's episode, Ryan shares how simple day trips have created unforgettable family memories, sparked curiosity in his kids, and proved that the best adventures don't always require a plane ticket. You'll also hear some funny (and thoughtful) questions from Ryan's kids as they interview Chet Garner, host of The DayTripper.Chet Garner is the creator, producer, and host of "The Daytripper", an 11-time Emmy-Award winning travel show airing on PBS stations across the country.You can check out Chet's show The Daytripper on PBS and his videos on YouTube @TheDaytripperTV Follow Chet on Instagram @ChetTripper and see more at thedaytripper.com
No one looks good angry. Worse still, that image can etch itself into our kids' brains for a long time.
It's not enough to just handle what you can handle. We have to help each other handle what needs to be handled.
Yes, another listen in the car. Yeah, they want to watch it again. Can't we listen or watch or do or talk about anything else?
We have to show them we have not graduated, we are not on summer break, and we have not arrived at the final destination of education.
It is said that no man is a hero to his valet. It could also be said that many an accomplished and heroic parent is resented (or feared) at home. Because like the valet, family sees the real person behind closed doors. Give yourself the ultimate gift of parenting tools, structure, and community. Become a member of 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
Why is self-compassion so hard to practice, and even harder to teach our kids? In this episode, best-selling author Melinda Wenner Moyer shares the three key components of self-compassion and explains how nurturing this skill in children can help them grow resilient, confident, and kind—while positively shaping the world around them.Melinda Wenner Moyer is an award-winning journalist whose work explores the intersection of science and everyday life. Her work deep dives into subjects that have both scientific and societal implications, addressing issues that are relevant to parents, families, and the general public. Buy the audiobook of Hello Cruel World! here: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/751131/hello-cruel-world-by-melinda-wenner-moyer/audio/
For someone else, we'll do it because they ask, because it's a social obligation, because, because, because. But then when it's our kids...
We all worry about helping our kids. Sometimes we worry we don't know exactly how to help them. Sometimes we worry if we're helping too much—or not enough.
We'll never do this, never be here, never see them again. So shake the sleep from your eyes, shrug off the frustration or the fear and just be present.
Curiosity isn't just for children—it's a lifelong pursuit that brings joy, fulfillment, and wisdom. And like any worthwhile pursuit, it requires intention and effort.
You want them to listen. You want them to respect you. What's the secret?Give yourself the ultimate gift of parenting tools, structure, and community. Join The Daily Dad Society here: https://dailydad.com/societyTinker, create and innovate with KiwiCo! Get 50% off at KiwiCo.com with code DAILYDAD✉️ Sign up for the Daily Dad email: DailyDad.com
How do you get your kids into sports without pushing them too hard, or worse, making them hate it? In this episode, Ryan sits down with one of the greatest athletes of all time, Candace Parker, to talk about parenting, competition, and what sports really teach us and our kids.Candace Parker is one of the most influential athletes of all time. After being selected as the No. 1 overall pick in the 2008 WNBA Draft by the Los Angeles Sparks, following a champion career at Tennessee, Parker went on to become the first player to earn WNBA MVP and Rookie of the Year honors in the same season, win three WNBA championship titles, and take home two Olympic gold medals. Listen to Candace Parker's full episode on Apple Podcast, Spotify, or watch it on YouTubeFollow Candace on Instagram and X @CandaceParker
We can't make them a specific kind of genius. But we can make them smart…Give yourself the ultimate gift of parenting tools, structure, and community. Join The Daily Dad Society here: https://dailydad.com/societyTinker, create and innovate with KiwiCo! Get 50% off at KiwiCo.com with code DAILYDAD✉️ Sign up for the Daily Dad email: DailyDad.com
Thankfully, right now, in this moment, you're not pinned under a tractor. You're not on a plane that's about to crash. You know that you have the power and capacity to speak your piece. Give yourself the ultimate gift of parenting tools, structure, and community. Join The Daily Dad Society here: https://dailydad.com/society
Show your kids that it's possible to control how you react.
Take the invitation while it's still being offered. Give your attention while it's still desired. Because soon enough it won't be.
We are not going to be perfect. We are going to fall short. Give yourself the ultimate gift of parenting tools, structure, and community. Join The Daily Dad Society here: https://dailydad.com/societyHiya Health | Get 50% off your first order at hiyahealth.com/dailydad ✉️ Sign up for the Daily Dad email: DailyDad.com
Instead of learning by trial and error, you want to learn from the trials and errors of others. You want to learn from the experiences of others. Nowhere is this more important than parenting. So in today's episode, Ryan shares his favorite books about parenting and the lessons that resonated with him.
We have to do this. We can give them this unusual advantage.Give yourself the ultimate gift of parenting tools, structure, and community. Join The Daily Dad Society here: https://dailydad.com/societyFITBOD | Join Fitbod today to get your personalized workout plan. Get 25% off your subscription or try the app for free for 7 days at Fitbod.me/DAILYDAD✉️ Sign up for the Daily Dad email: DailyDad.com
This is what kids do. They cut corners. They value the wrong things. They don't put the effort in. As parents, this bothers us.
Human history is dark. It's full of evil and hypocrisy. And this is what we send our kids to school to learn about?
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