

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

Feb 22, 2021 • 2min
What Are We Teaching Them?
The discussion tackles the disconnect between traditional education and essential life skills. With humor, it highlights memes illustrating kids frustrated by irrelevant lessons. Emphasis is placed on the importance of teaching children character and practical skills for real-world challenges. The hosts push for an educational system that prepares kids for life rather than just tests.

Feb 20, 2021 • 12min
Daily Dad’s Best Advice from Athletes and Coaches
Explore the wisdom of legendary athletes and coaches as they share invaluable parenting lessons. Discover the significance of family values, inspired by Kobe Bryant and Jack Harbaugh. Emphasize resilience and the power of family mottos during tough times. Learn how being a supportive parent means prioritizing your children's passions over personal ambitions. This captivating discussion blends sports with essential life lessons, making it a treasure chest of advice for modern parenting.

Feb 19, 2021 • 3min
We Cannot Abdicate Our Responsibilities
The podcast delves into the life of F. Scott Fitzgerald, exploring his struggles with parenting amid personal demons. It emphasizes the vital role of fathers in their children's lives, drawing lessons from history to highlight the dangers of neglect. The speaker passionately encourages active involvement, underlining that a father's presence can significantly shape a child's future.

Feb 18, 2021 • 2min
It’s About Learning, Not Memorization
Exploring the difference between genuine learning and rote memorization, the conversation emphasizes the importance of fostering a love for knowledge in children. Parents are encouraged to promote critical thinking and problem-solving skills rather than mere recitation. Through engaging methods, kids can develop a deeper appreciation for learning, making the process enjoyable and impactful.

Feb 17, 2021 • 3min
There Are No Such Things As “Children’s Stories”
Dive into the world of storytelling with insights about how narratives resonate across generations. Discover the profound lessons hidden in tales like Aesop's Fables, proving they're not just for kids. Explore the importance of choosing stories that teach rather than merely entertain. The discussion also unveils a new illustrated book inspired by the stoic wisdom of Marcus Aurelius, making these timeless lessons relevant for both young minds and adults alike.

Feb 16, 2021 • 2min
The Harder Path Is Worth It
Parenting is a tough journey filled with ups and downs. The struggle between cynicism and hope takes center stage, revealing how hope is a challenging but essential choice. The discussion emphasizes the importance of fostering resilience and positivity in children. This thought-provoking conversation encourages parents to embrace the hard path, underscoring that the rewards far outweigh the difficulties when raising the next generation.

Feb 15, 2021 • 3min
Their Faults Are Your Faults
Explore how parenting reveals our own flaws while nurturing our children. The discussion reflects on the significance of presence and connection in pivotal developmental moments. A heartwarming anecdote about sharing nostalgic cereal ties it all together. It’s a journey of understanding and growth, turning frustrations into opportunities for improvement.

Feb 13, 2021 • 22min
Daily Dad and Agnes Callard on Teaching Children Philosophy
Join Agnes Callard, an associate professor of philosophy at the University of Chicago and author, as she dives into the art of teaching kids philosophy. She shares practical strategies for embedding philosophical concepts in daily life, turning family dinners into thought-provoking discussions. Callard emphasizes nurturing critical thinking through everyday chats and demonstrates how to make complex ideas accessible and relevant for today's youth. Discover how podcasts mirror ancient debates, enriching modern conversations about philosophy.

Feb 12, 2021 • 3min
You Are Only As Happy As Your Unhappiest Child
Explore the complex emotions of parenthood as one parent reflects on the conflicting joys and sorrows during a Super Bowl showdown between his two children. Discover how a child's success or failure profoundly impacts parental happiness. Ryan delves into the delicate balance of celebrating victories while handling frustrations, reminding us that our worth isn't tied to our children's outcomes. This thought-provoking discussion highlights the interconnectedness of family dynamics and emotional resilience.

Feb 11, 2021 • 2min
You Can Find the Time
The discussion dives into the common misconception that parenting leaves no time for personal ambitions. A compelling story of a struggling novelist showcases how to juggle writing a novel alongside family duties. Listeners are encouraged to creatively carve out time for their dreams, proving that even amid chaos, aspirations can be pursued. This talk inspires parents to defy the notion that they must abandon their goals once they have children.


