

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

Jun 24, 2023 • 1h 12min
Daily Dad And Austin Kleon On Parenting And Creativity
Austin Kleon, a renowned writer and artist celebrated for his insights on creativity, discusses parenting strategies and creativity's role within the household. He shares thoughts on balancing work and family while fostering a supportive environment for individual passions. The conversation dives into navigating post-creative burnout, the influence of ambient parenting, and the intersection of Stoicism and parenting. Kleon emphasizes the importance of collaboration in parenting and creativity, showcasing heartwarming family rituals that inspire and nurture.

Jun 23, 2023 • 4min
Where Will Your Kids Get This From?
The conversation dives into the essential support parents provide in their children's lives. It explores how feelings of love, safety, and acceptance can shape emotional well-being. The hosts emphasize the importance of parental validation, steering kids away from negative influences. Additionally, they discuss the balance between allowing children to take risks and ensuring they feel secure and valued. It's a lively discussion about fostering a positive environment for healthy growth.

Jun 22, 2023 • 4min
They Must Be Diligent In Their Business
Explore the profound idea that diligence holds more value than status. The discussion highlights how hard work and persistence lead to true success, contrasting the life of an exploitative corporate executive with that of a selfless teacher. It emphasizes the importance of teaching children about effort and how anyone can find fulfillment and well-being at any stage in life. This insightful conversation encourages a rethinking of societal values regarding work and contribution.

Jun 21, 2023 • 3min
Teach Them To Be Kings
Explore how to empower children with kingship qualities through Stoic values like dignity and strength. Discover the importance of modeling these traits and using fables as teaching tools. The discussion dives into the challenges of traditional leadership roles and the lessons we can impart to the next generation, emphasizing personal development and resilience. Join in for insights on nurturing future leaders without the burdens of a throne.

Jun 20, 2023 • 4min
You Can Give Them What You Wish You’d Gotten
Many adults reflect on their childhood, realizing they often felt misunderstood. The importance of empathy in parenting is emphasized, showing how past struggles can inform better relationships with children. It’s about transforming childhood pain into deeper connections, ensuring kids feel seen and understood. Learn how acknowledging the complexities of adolescence can lead to stronger familial bonds and provide the kind of understanding many wished they had growing up.

Jun 19, 2023 • 4min
Everything Is A Test Of Your Priorities
The conversation dives into the importance of truly prioritizing family over mere words. It challenges listeners to bridge the gap between professing love for family and actually committing to meaningful interactions. Real-life examples highlight how we often fail to live up to our own ideals, reminding us that actions speak louder than words. The advice encourages parents to reflect on their daily choices and strive for a greater alignment with their family values.

Jun 18, 2023 • 4min
Everything Marcus Learned From Antoninus
In a heartfelt tribute for Father’s Day, the discussion highlights the profound lessons from Marcus Aurelius's Meditations. Listeners are invited to explore the wisdom passed down from his stepfather, Antoninus, emphasizing virtues like compassion, self-reliance, and perseverance. Each brief passage reveals timeless insights worth embodying in daily life, encouraging a deeper reflection on character development and the Stoic mindset.

5 snips
Jun 17, 2023 • 19min
Ryan And Wife Samantha Holiday On Setting Our kids And Ourselves Up For Success
In this lively chat, Samantha Holiday, co-parent and insightful voice on personal growth, joins her husband Ryan. They delve into creating a successful environment for both kids and parents. The couple emphasizes quality over quantity in family outings and shares their evolving travel dynamics that focus on joy. They explore the balance of planning stress-free experiences, promote healthy habits with family rituals, and advocate for intentional living that fosters genuine connections. It's a heartwarming discussion on mindful parenting and building confidence together.

Jun 16, 2023 • 4min
This Is Why They Study
Education goes beyond grades and test scores. It's about shaping good individuals and responsible citizens. The discussion urges parents to focus on character development and societal contributions. Success is redefined, highlighting the importance of nurturing qualities that benefit the community.

7 snips
Jun 15, 2023 • 2min
They Don’t Learn Anything Important This Way
This discussion dives into the fascinating concept of relaxed learning, highlighting how pressure-free environments enhance understanding. It contrasts the joy of learning from movies and personal interests with the rigidity of formal education. Ancient philosophy and real-life anecdotes illustrate that true knowledge often flourishes through leisure rather than under coercion. Reflecting on how we retain information reveals surprising insights into the ways we truly learn.


