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


    • Jun 26, 2025 LATEST EPISODE
    • weekdays NEW EPISODES
    • 5m AVG DURATION
    • 1,708 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

    Remember Who You're Talking To

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 26, 2025 4:16


    They've been crazy all day. They haven't been listening. So what do you do? You get upset. 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 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 Give Them This Unusual Advantage

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 25, 2025 4:07


    We have to encourage their interests, without any thought of whether or not they might be able to profit from it. 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 Artkive | Go to ArtkiveBox.com and use code DAILYDAD for 25 DOLLARS off your box ✉️ Sign up for the Daily Dad email: DailyDad.com 

    It's Not Enough To Just Be Around

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 24, 2025 4:29


    Just putting in the time is not enough. You have to put you in the time. 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 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 

    It Never Really Holds Up, Does It?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 23, 2025 4:04


    When we see other parents say or do something that makes us pity their kids, we shouldn't judge them—we should judge ourselves.  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 Artkive | Go to ArtkiveBox.com and use code DAILYDAD for 25 DOLLARS off your box ✉️ Sign up for the Daily Dad email: DailyDad.com 

    This Is How You Teach Them Moral Courage | Ryan Holiday

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 21, 2025 21:06


    Right now, we have the opportunity to teach our children about justice not just through words, but through action. In this solo episode, Ryan opens up about taking his kids to a protest and how that moment became a defining lesson in courage, justice, and civic responsibility. He shares how he talked to them about activism, why it's not enough to tell our kids what we believe, and how real change starts with the example we set. 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 PESTIE | 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 $15 off their Summer Adventure Series at KiwiCo.com/DAILYDAD ✉️ Sign up for the Daily Dad email: DailyDad.com 

    Don't Forget You Need This, Too

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 20, 2025 5:29


     It's always a special kind of magic watching our kids “find their people,” as we've said. But why then, do we as parents, not cultivate this for ourselves? 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 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 

    You Don't Know Until You Know

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 19, 2025 4:12


    Until it happens to you, you don't really know. You don't know how it completely rewires you, how it rearranges your priorities, how it fills a space inside you that you didn't even know was empty. 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  Tinker, create and innovate with KiwiCo! Get $15 off their Summer Adventure Series at KiwiCo.com/DAILYDAD ✉️ Sign up for the Daily Dad email: DailyDad.com 

    This Is The Key To Good Parenting

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 18, 2025 4:33


    They can see you on the phone…again. They can see you working…still. 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 

    This Is What The Best Do

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 17, 2025 4:13


    Just as Socrates welcomed young minds and gave them space to wonder, we too should create an environment where our kids feel comfortable bringing their deepest questions and uncertainties. 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 

    You Are Not Enough People

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 16, 2025 4:05


     How did parents in the past do it? They did it together. They did it as a village.  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 

    BONUS |  You're Not Meant To Do It Alone

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 14, 2025 3:59


    Just because parenting is this experience we all share, it doesn't mean that the experience of being a parent is the same. Because what parenting does is it humbles you.We discover a world we don't control, one that is too much for any one person to do on their own. This isn't something that you can just do by yourself, and that's why we've been working hard on what we're trying to create here at Daily Dad, like a community, a place for parents to come together and share real world parenting stories and hard one wisdom, a community for parents who want to commit to this daily practice.This Father's Day, give yourself the ultimate gift of 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 

    The Father's Day Message You Didn't Know You Needed | General McChrystal

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 14, 2025 17:48


    In today's episode, General Stanley McChrystal sits down with Ryan for a special Father's Day reminder that you won't want to miss. General McChrystal shares personal stories from his own parenting journey, lessons that changed his perspective as a father, and what he admires most about his son. General Stanley McChrystal is a retired U.S. Army general best known for leading Joint Special Operations Command in the mid-2000s. In 2011, he founded the McChrystal Group, a leadership consultancy that helps senior executives navigate complex change and build stronger teams. His new book, On Character, offers a blueprint for living with purpose and integrity—challenging us to examine not just what we do, but who we become in the process. This Father's Day, give yourself the ultimate gift of tools, structure, and community. Become a Founding Member of The Daily Dad Society here: https://dailydad.com/society 

    What's It To You?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 13, 2025 3:46


    They're different. They are like you in so many ways but they are also so, so, different. What is it to you anyway? MasterClass | Get 15% off any annual membership at MasterClass.com/RYANHOLIDAY ✉️ Sign up for the Daily Dad email: DailyDad.com 

    These Are The Only Labels That Matter

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 12, 2025 5:17


    It doesn't matter what gender your kids are, you have to help them raise above stereotypes, backlash and culture war fights. Check out Richard Reeves episode on The Daily Stoic Podcast | Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube 

    When Was The Last Time?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 11, 2025 4:26


    Enter a world different than yours, without the problems of yours, the responsibilities and the cynicism of yours. 

    You Are Capable Of Change

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 10, 2025 4:32


    You can let this parenthood thing change you. You can let this make you better. 

    It's You Who They Deserve To Get This From

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 9, 2025 2:37


    We want to feel empowered. We want to be believed in. We want to matter. Every person wants this…and your kid is one of those people. 

    Don't Yuck Their Yum | Jefferson Fisher & Ryan Holiday

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 7, 2025 13:10


    Communication expert Jefferson Fisher joins Ryan to unpack why every phase, especially in parenting, is fleeting, share wisdom passed down from their grandparents, and explain why nurturing your kids' quirks might be the smartest thing you do.Jefferson Fisher is one of the most respected voices on communication and arguments in the world. He is a Texas board certified personal injury attorney and law firm owner of Fisher Firm. Millions of people and some of the world's leading brands come to Jefferson for advice and practical strategies to communicate more effectively.  Grab a signed copy of Jefferson's book, The Next Conversation: Argue Less, Talk More, at The Painted Porch!  Follow Jefferson on Instagram and X @Jefferson_Fisher, on YouTube @JeffersonFisher and on TikTok @JustAskJefferson 

    The Most Beautiful Model For A Perfect Life

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 6, 2025 6:54


    It's fitting that Marcus' biggest Stoic influence was his step-father because Father's Day is just 9 days away! The Dads on the Daily Dad team put together a list so that you don't have to go on a hunt to find a good gift for the Dads in your life

    It's A Part Of Life

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 5, 2025 2:40


    In honor of Father's Day this month, we're featuring some of our favorite entries from The Daily Dad book—like this one about developing resilience in our children. The book makes a perfect gift for the father in your life. Grab signed copies and our new leatherbound edition here! ✉️ Sign up for the Daily Dad email: DailyDad.com 

    It Doesn't Matter If It's True

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 4, 2025 3:07


    Let's stop getting so hung up on whether this or that really happened. Let's focus on what it means. 

    Transcend This Bitter Math

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 3, 2025 2:23


    For all time, having kids has forced parents to make changes. But does that mean we have to lose ourselves, lose all our freedoms? ✉️ Sign up for the Daily Dad email: DailyDad.com 

    This Is The Real Quality Time

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 2, 2025 3:50


     Specially planned days can be special. It's great to go to cool places. It's fun to treat our kids. But you know what's best? Tinker, create and innovate with KiwiCo! Get $15 off at KiwiCo.com with code DAILYDAD ✉️ Sign up for the Daily Dad email: DailyDad.com 

    15 Life-Changing Questions for Parents (In 15 Minutes)

    Play Episode Listen Later May 31, 2025 17:50


     As parents, we worry about having all the answers. Being a great parent is actually more about asking the right questions and not necessarily even of our kids, but of ourselves. In today's episode, Ryan shares 15 powerful questions that any parent can ask to become better at their most important job. Because the right questions at the right time can change how we think about things. They can change how we understand things. They can give us a new perspective.  

    You Make Debts Your Children Must Pay

    Play Episode Listen Later May 30, 2025 4:21


    Our children and grandchildren will live in the world created by your choices.  

    It Takes As Long As It Takes

    Play Episode Listen Later May 29, 2025 4:34


    You don't have the average kid. You have your kid. They have their own timetable, their own schedule, their own journey. 

    watch dr daily dad daily stoic podcast
    Everyday A Little Goes Away

    Play Episode Listen Later May 28, 2025 3:31


    Our kids don't grow up at some point, they are growing up. Vessi | Get an instant 15% off your first purchase at Vessi.com/DAILYDAD ✉️ Sign up for the Daily Dad email: DailyDad.com 

    Teach Them To Be Tough (But Practical)

    Play Episode Listen Later May 27, 2025 5:25


    We want our kids to be tough…but only as tough as a situation calls for. We want them to be practical too, to use their brains as well as their brawn, their words as well as their will. A happy, healthy, resilient life requires a balance of both. Our Luctor Et Emergo Medallion will help you remember to slow down and take advantage of teachable moments with your children. Grab your Luctor Et Emergo Medallion at our Daily Dad store! Protect your family with life insurance from Ethos. Get your free quote at Ethos.com/DAILYDAD ✉️ Sign up for the Daily Dad email: DailyDad.com 

    Epithets For Your Kid

    Play Episode Listen Later May 26, 2025 3:58


    What kind of kid are you attempting to move them toward with the choices you make as parents? 

    Curious Kids Are Built, Not Born | Ryan Holiday

    Play Episode Listen Later May 24, 2025 14:14


    In today's solo episode, Ryan shares how he sparks curiosity in his kids—using long car rides, AI-read articles, and spontaneous learning moments. From capybaras to Paul Revere, learn how following their interests turns into real-world adventures. MasterClass | Get 15% off any annual membership at MasterClass.com/RYANHOLIDAY ✉️ Sign up for the Daily Dad email: DailyDad.com 

    They Deserve This Intervention

    Play Episode Listen Later May 23, 2025 4:59


    Our job is to help them see what they do not see (which is so often how what they are doing affects people other than them). 

    They See Through It All

    Play Episode Listen Later May 22, 2025 5:27


    They're not so easily impressed. They don't appreciate the trappings of your success. They don't care much for status or seniority. 

    Where Are You Rushing To?

    Play Episode Listen Later May 21, 2025 5:07


    We're going to wish it away? Because we think something better lies in the future? 

    They Are Not Miniature Versions of You

    Play Episode Listen Later May 20, 2025 4:29


    Our job as parents isn't to create mini-mes or to force our interests and passions onto our children. Our role is to support their unique interests, and to be fully present as they explore their own path in life. 

    Neither Of You Know It Yet

    Play Episode Listen Later May 19, 2025 4:17


    Here you are, today, acting like it's not happening. Here you are acting like you have forever, like it will always be this way. 

    You're Modeling THIS Every Day | Bonnie Tsui and Ryan Holiday

    Play Episode Listen Later May 17, 2025 15:54


    One of the biggest predictors of your kids' long-term health is how you take care of yourself. They're watching how you eat, move, rest, and handle life more than you think. Swimmer, surfer, and author Bonnie Tsui joins Ryan to talk about how the way you live sets the tone for how your kids will care for themselves.Bonnie Tsui is a journalist, New York Times contributor, swimmer, surfer, and the author of Why We Swim, and On Muscle.  Follow Bonnie on Instagram @BonnieTsui8 and check out more of her work at www.bonnietsui.com 

    It's Good That It Went This Way

    Play Episode Listen Later May 16, 2025 7:09


    If they'd been more like you, you might have had an easier time fooling yourself—fooling yourself that they were an extension of you, that you had a say in who and what they did with their time and their life. 

    You Must Seed This Habit

    Play Episode Listen Later May 15, 2025 4:02


    You must seed this habit. You must make sure you water it too and do your best never to stamp it out just because you're tired or because the question is inappropriate.  MasterClass | Get 15% off any annual membership at MasterClass.com/RYANHOLIDAY ✉️ Sign up for the Daily Dad email: DailyDad.com 

    It's Coming Apart In Your Hands

    Play Episode Listen Later May 14, 2025 4:41


    You have it right now. Your child's childhood is happening right now. 

    Why Be A Ghost?

    Play Episode Listen Later May 13, 2025 4:49


    Every parent has a choice: Will we be an ancestor to our children…or a ghost? 

    Do You Give Them This?

    Play Episode Listen Later May 12, 2025 3:31


    The everyday magic. The special little expressions only they make. The priceless moments that make up childhood. Momentous | Head to livemomentous.com and use code DAILYDAD for 35% off your first subscription ✉️ Sign up for the Daily Dad email: DailyDad.com 

    10 Reminders to Put Your Kids First

    Play Episode Listen Later May 10, 2025 26:05


    In today's episode, Ryan shares 10 powerful reminders that every parent needs to hear. Drawing from the lives of Queen Elizabeth II, Winston Churchill, and Archie Manning, he shares what it really looks like to put your kids first, even when the world is pulling you in every other direction.  Tinker, create and innovate with KiwiCo! Get $15 off at KiwiCo.com with code DAILYDAD ✉️ Sign up for the Daily Dad email: DailyDad.com 

    Remind Them This Over And Over And Over Again

    Play Episode Listen Later May 9, 2025 4:28


    For all time, parents have had to figure out ways to explain the reality of the world to their children—to make their children strong and resilient in a world which will try to break them down.  Tinker, create and innovate with KiwiCo! Get $15 off at KiwiCo.com with code DAILYDAD ✉️ Sign up for the Daily Dad email: DailyDad.com 

    This Is What You Do

    Play Episode Listen Later May 8, 2025 4:46


    They need us. To stand firm. To stand with them. To stand closer. 

    This Is What They'll Remember

    Play Episode Listen Later May 7, 2025 4:35


    Let's make a commitment today: to put down our phones, to be fully present, and to give our children what they truly want and need—our undivided attention and love. 

    C'mon, Don't Do This

    Play Episode Listen Later May 6, 2025 4:44


    They don't need our cynicism. They need our affection, our belief, our interest. 

    Let This Teach You…And Them

    Play Episode Listen Later May 5, 2025 3:57


    Books are a wonderful way to slip past your children's defenses. A wonderful way to indirectly give them advice. A wonderful way for you both to learn about something. Aura 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 Parenting Rule Daniel Pink Swears By

    Play Episode Listen Later May 3, 2025 15:45


    We often think it's the big events that shape our kids, but bestselling author Daniel Pink reminds us it's the ordinary moments that leave the deepest impact. In this episode, he opens up about minimizing time away from home and why being there, even when nothing special is happening, might just be the most important thing of all. Daniel Pink is an award-winning author of five New York Times bestsellers, including his latest, The Power of Regret: How Looking Backward Moves Us Forward. His other books include the New York Times bestsellers When and A Whole New Mind — as well as the #1 New York Times bestsellers Drive and To Sell is Human. Follow Daniel on Instagram and X @DanielPink Sign up for Daniel's newsletter The Pink Report: https://www.danpink.com/ 

    The Worthiest Parenting Goal Of All

    Play Episode Listen Later May 2, 2025 3:59


     We're gonna mess up as parents. There are going to be things that don't go the way we want them to go. That's not ideal, but if we can focus on doing great repair after that's at least a start. 

    This Is Always Up To Them

    Play Episode Listen Later May 1, 2025 3:42


     As Cheryl Strayed writes in Tiny Beautiful Things, “You don't have a right to the cards you believe you should have been dealt.” 

    Aren't We The Lucky Ones?

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 30, 2025 4:01


    It could be easier. But we do have it good. We really do.  Tinker, create and innovate with KiwiCo! Get $15 off at KiwiCo.com with code DAILYDAD ✉️ Sign up for the Daily Dad email: DailyDad.com 

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