

The Daily Dad
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.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Dec 4, 2025 • 4min
But What If You Saw It Differently?
Dive into a thought-provoking conversation about parenting choices. Explore how reframing other parents' decisions can shift your perspective. Discover the importance of prioritizing children and how it transforms our daily lives. Learn to perceive presence as a conscious choice, fueling deeper connections with kids. Ultimately, consider how our definitions of sacrifice evolve when we see children as our most important responsibility.

Dec 3, 2025 • 3min
No One Cares About Your Kids
Discover how to make the most of your commute with productive learning. Hear a revealing Hollywood story that illustrates the notion that not everyone admires our children like we do. Explore the balance between parental pride and the reality that others have their own lives. This thought-provoking conversation offers insights into gaining perspective on parenting, highlighting the importance of structure and community. Tune in for practical parenting tools and empowering ideas!

5 snips
Dec 2, 2025 • 4min
These Things Are Meant to Help You
Let go of the need for perfection in your home. Embrace the practicality of household items that support family life. Discover the freedom in choosing durable, washable furniture that withstands the chaos of kids and pets. Ryan Holiday emphasizes the importance of letting possessions serve their purpose, ultimately enriching your parenting experience.

Dec 1, 2025 • 5min
This Is What You Can Save On
This episode dives into the fading nature of holiday gratitude amidst consumerism. It highlights the staggering scale of hunger in America, drawing a contrast with Cyber Monday spending. The host advocates for a shift towards generosity, emphasizing the importance of modeling charitable behavior for children. With a fundraising goal of $300,000 to feed families in need, every dollar raised provides ten meals. Listeners are encouraged to join the cause and support initiatives like Feeding America and Action Against Hunger.

24 snips
Nov 29, 2025 • 20min
How Running Together Can Build Unbreakable Bond | Nick Thompson & Ryan Holiday
In this engaging discussion, Nick Thompson, the CEO of The Atlantic and a competitive runner, shares how running strengthens his ties with his father and sons. He reflects on the joy of witnessing his kids embrace an activity he loves. Together with Ryan Holiday, they explore practical ways to include running in family life and set ambitious goals with kids. Nick emphasizes the mental and physical benefits of running, revealing how it counters aging effects and fosters a multigenerational legacy through active parenting.

5 snips
Nov 28, 2025 • 6min
You Can Show Them What It Means
In a world filled with challenges, there's a focus on how parents can model generosity. Sharing personal experiences, the host emphasizes involving children in charitable acts, like volunteering and tracking donations. The importance of teaching kids to give is underscored through practical suggestions for the holidays. Additionally, a significant fundraising goal is set to provide millions of meals through Feeding America. It's all about making a little difference while raising compassionate future generations.

12 snips
Nov 27, 2025 • 6min
You Will Want a Crowded Table
Explore the idea that a 'crowded table' symbolizes the success of parenting, focusing on relationships over achievements. Discover how the bonds parents build today influence whether their children will gather joyfully in the future. Learn the importance of nurturing family closeness and shared traditions. Plus, get a sneak peek into a new reflection journal designed to help parents on their journey. Thanksgiving wishes and community connection round out the conversation!

4 snips
Nov 26, 2025 • 3min
This is the Best Excuse in the World
In this engaging discussion, the host explores how parenthood profoundly reshapes artistic and professional priorities. Drawing examples from notable figures like Cameron Crowe and Michael Chabon, it highlights the transformative nature of raising children. The conversation emphasizes that embracing parenting can serve as a valid excuse for changing one's output. The host encourages listeners to take pride in this shift and harness parenting tools and community support to thrive.

Nov 25, 2025 • 4min
You’re Missing What’s Important
The focus on urgent tasks can obscure the bigger picture in parenting. It's easy to become overwhelmed, neglecting long-term priorities. The Eisenhower Matrix highlights the distinction between what feels urgent and what truly matters. Important aspects like childhood presence, preparation, and personal needs often get sidelined. Embracing a long-term perspective can help parents measure their success year by year, rather than day by day.

Nov 24, 2025 • 4min
Know The Weight Of Your Words
Explore how the words parents choose can leave lasting emotional impacts on their children. Discover why kids often seem to ignore warnings and how this might shape their behaviors. Delve into the power imbalance created within family dynamics and the influence it has on a child's perception. Ryan Holiday emphasizes the importance of speaking with sensitivity, urging parents to be mindful of their tone and choices in communication. This conversation is a vital reminder of the weight our words can carry.


