Dadliness is all about pursuing your passions, hobbies, and interests while becoming more knowledgable about the world around us. Patrick Wyman (Tides of History) is a historian, sandwich enthusiast, weightlifter, and qualified Dad. He talks to fascinating people in all walks of life about topics of interest to the Dadly set, ranging from the definition of a hoss to how to engage with pop culture as a no-longer-young-person to the various Types of Guy inhabiting the United States and beyond. If you like tall wooden ships, smoked meats, comfortable sneakers, history, and thinking hard about the world, this is the show for you.
The Pursuit of Dadliness podcast is a delightful exploration of shared joys and passions, particularly among dads. It offers a space for casual discussions on various topics, from naval warfare book series to dad culture. The host, Wyman, does a fantastic job with his selection of guests, ensuring that each episode brings something new and exciting to the table. The inclusion of guests like Jamelle Bouie, David Roth, and Spencer Hall adds an extra layer of expertise and entertainment.
One of the best aspects of this podcast is its ability to create a sense of camaraderie and relatability among listeners. As someone who is not necessarily looking for new information or learning opportunities, I find immense joy in simply reveling in the shared passions of others. The conversations on this podcast feel like sitting down with friends and discussing our favorite hobbies or interests. It's a refreshing break from more serious podcasts and allows for lighthearted and fun conversations.
Another great aspect is the host's interviewing skills. Patrick has always been a great interviewer on his previous history podcasts, and he continues to shine in The Pursuit of Dadliness. He shows genuine curiosity and interest in his guests' weird and specific hobbies, managing to extract poignant and sweet moments from their discussions. This combination of silliness and insight makes for an incredibly engaging listen.
If I were to point out one potential downside to this podcast, it would be that it may not appeal to those who are looking for more intellectually stimulating content or deep dives into specific subjects. The focus here is more on providing an entertaining escape rather than imparting new knowledge or analysis. However, this can also be seen as a strength depending on what you're looking for in a podcast.
In conclusion, The Pursuit of Dadliness is a fun and enjoyable podcast that offers a unique perspective on shared passions among dads. It fills a void by providing thoughtful conversations on dad culture without delving into more divisive aspects. With its great guests, excellent interviewing skills, and lighthearted tone, this podcast is definitely worth a listen for anyone seeking light entertainment and camaraderie.
Dan Jones is a man of many parts: bestselling historian, TV presenter, novelist, and not least, a highly accomplished Dad with a great perspective on parenting. Dan joins me to discuss everything from writing to Elon Musk to history to imagining a medieval dad.
Brandy Jensen is one of my favorite writers on the Internet. I've followed her work for years, everything from advice columns to interviews with the character actor Walton Goggins, and it's only gotten better with time. She joins me to discuss the genre of Dad Books, their highs and lows, and what we should all be reading.
Alyssa Ages is a competitor in the sport of strongman, author of the recent book Secrets of Giants, and a highly qualified Mom. She joins me to chat about what strength really means and what we can learn from some of the strongest people who have ever lived.Alyssa's book, Secrets of Giants, is available here: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/707130/secrets-of-giants-by-alyssa-ages/
Mike Duncan is a foundational part of the present-day Dad Canon: history podcaster, bestselling author of popular history, baseball enthusiast, and a guy with a lot to say about returning a portion of Wisconsin to its natural prairie state.
I love basketball, and Ben Golliver is one of the best basketball writers and podcasters working today. He's been doing it for a long time and has managed not to lose his love of the game. We talk about the upcoming NBA season, visiting national parks, and how to appreciate your job.
Dads often seem to lose touch with pop culture, but it doesn't have to be that way. Sam Sanders is one of the sharpest people covering pop culture today, and he joins me to talk about staying connected to the broader currents of pop culture and why it's worth our time to do so.
Normalize men driving minivans. They're practical vehicles and fit the needs of a family in which the kids match or outnumber the adults, the fantastic Dad, journalist, and novelist Chad Dundas tells me. We also have a wonderful discussion about writing and the Western genre, about which Chad knows a very great deal.
For my money, there's nobody writing about politics and society in the United States with a better grasp of the country's history than Jamelle Bouie. We talk about how to think historically about the present, the 1990s as a historical period and cultural touchstone, and developing new skill sets and hobbies.
What are Dads and Uncles but flip sides of the same coin? David Roth, one of the co-founders of the excellent website Defector, podcast host, and longtime observer of American sports and politics, joins me to discuss Uncle Energy, America's constituent Types of Guy, and when we can leave a bad sports team behind.
Natalia Mehlman Petrzela is a person of many parts: historian, fitness instructor, activist, and highly qualified Mom. She joins the show to discuss the history of fitness and how it came to be that everybody started going to the gym. Check out Natalia's work here: https://nataliapetrzela.com/
Mixed Martial Arts journalist and long-serving Dad, Ben Fowlkes, joins the show to talk about becoming a connoisseur of home gyms, the necessity of the emergency donut, and the Master and Commander series.
Spencer Hall is one of the most thoughtful writers covering college football and sports more generally. He joins Patrick to discuss what makes college football great, how we define a "hoss," the zen of painting Warhammer 40k miniatures, and much more. Find links to all of Spencer's great work here: https://linktr.ee/spencerhall
Welcome to a brand new series where oversized recliners and sensible footwear are not only encouraged, but required. New episodes airing weekly beginning in September.
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