

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

Mar 1, 2023 • 3min
Beware The Power You Wield
This conversation delves into the profound influence parents have on their children's emotional growth. A compelling story of a strict Marine General highlights the importance of compassion in parenting. The tone and standards set by parents significantly affect kids, emphasizing that every interaction counts. It’s a reminder that the weight of our words and actions shapes our children’s well-being.

Feb 28, 2023 • 4min
Why This Is So Terrifying
Parenting opens your heart in ways you never thought possible, but with that love comes vulnerability. The emotional complexities of being a parent are unveiled, exploring how deep connections increase fears of loss and anxiety. This paradox makes the journey of parenting both beautiful and terrifying, highlighting the delicate balance between love and the fear of what could go wrong.

Feb 27, 2023 • 6min
They Learned This Lesson For You
Rob Delaney shares the heart-wrenching journey of his son Henry's battle with a brain tumor, reflecting on the fragility of life. The discussion emphasizes cherishing every moment with loved ones and prioritizing family connections. Through this deeply personal story, listeners are encouraged to embrace love and presence amidst life’s distractions.

Feb 25, 2023 • 17min
Daily Dad and David Rubenstein on Raising Happy and Healthy Kids
David Rubenstein, co-founder of The Carlyle Group and renowned philanthropist, shares his wisdom on raising happy, healthy kids in a world of wealth. He discusses the challenges affluent parents face in building strong family ties while juggling career ambitions. Rubenstein emphasizes the legacy of parental focus and the importance of financial education for children. He advocates for finding personal meaning and happiness beyond money, encouraging parents to instill values of hard work and self-discovery in future generations.

4 snips
Feb 24, 2023 • 4min
Meet Them While There Is Still Time
Exploring the alienation of modern society, the discussion focuses on the bizarre age segregation prevalent today. The importance of intergenerational connections is highlighted, emphasizing how children benefit from engaging with older individuals. Wisdom from the past can immensely enrich the present, making it essential for parents to encourage these valuable interactions. The insights present a thought-provoking reflection on fostering deeper relationships across generations.

Feb 23, 2023 • 3min
Maybe You Were Saved
Dive into the profound effects of parental neglect and how it shapes adult lives. Discover stories of resilience, like that of Robert F. Kennedy, and learn to reframe past wounds into strengths. The discussion emphasizes growth through adversity and encourages a more compassionate approach to parenting. Tune in to explore how our childhood experiences can inspire personal evolution.

4 snips
Feb 22, 2023 • 5min
Teach Them Real Class
Discover how to instill a sense of true class in your children, focusing on authenticity and decency. The discussion critiques superficial comparisons and highlights the importance of self-understanding. Learn about modeling genuine behavior as a vital tool in teaching values and virtues that contribute to a graceful character. It's all about nurturing a strong sense of decency and taste in our kids, ensuring they carry these qualities into their lives.

Feb 21, 2023 • 4min
You Must Make Time For This
Amid the chaos of parenting, finding personal time is essential for mental health and family strength. The discussion emphasizes how we prioritize time for everything else—like doctor visits or car repairs—but often neglect our own needs. Listeners are encouraged to embrace moments of stillness in their busy lives. Practical strategies are shared to help carve out this vital personal space, highlighting that it's possible to make room for ourselves even in the midst of parenting responsibilities.

Feb 20, 2023 • 4min
We Must Show Them That We Mean It
At 68, Jimmy Carter's mother embarked on an incredible adventure with the Peace Corps, volunteering in India for 21 months. Her journey from a rural Georgia farm to a foreign land is a testament to pursuing dreams at any age. This inspiring tale showcases the power of selfless service and the impact one individual can make. Her life encourages us all to step out of our comfort zones and embrace new challenges, proving that it’s never too late to make a meaningful difference.

9 snips
Feb 18, 2023 • 17min
Daily Dad on the Winter Storms and the Obligations of Success
A recent winter storm in Texas provided a backdrop for reflection on community resilience and family togetherness. The challenges of confinement mimicked pandemic experiences, allowing families to prioritize safety and enjoy unexpected quality time. Personal anecdotes encouraged a stoic approach to navigating tough situations, emphasizing meaningful engagement with loved ones. The discussion also touched on how success alters one's responsibilities to the common good, urging listeners to adapt and embrace these challenges.


