📕 DAD WISDOM

Build the Bridge Before They Cross It

Kevin Costner once shared a quiet but powerful moment with his dad, years after Kevin had made it as an actor.

His dad, who had been critical of the acting dream early on, said: “You know, I never took a chance in my life.”

His reason? “I came out of the Dust Bowl, Kevin. When I got a job, I didn’t want to lose it. I knew there’d be food on the table.”

It hit Kevin hard. A rare, honest moment where a dad admitted he played it safe—not out of fear, but out of love. Out of duty.

It’s a reminder that being a dad often means choosing stability over risk. But it’s also a reminder to have the conversations now, about chances taken, chances missed, and why both matter.

Sometimes the greatest gift we can give our kids is permission to take a chance.

Excerpt inspired by Tools of Titans (great read)

RAD DAD

Ken Rideout

Ken Rideout didn’t grow up with privilege or podiums. He worked as a prison guard to pay his way through college, later transitioned into pharmaceuticals, and eventually made it big in finance. But it wasn’t until his 40s that he found his real stride—on the road.

What started as a way to stay in shape turned into something bigger: Ken became one of the fastest age-group marathoners in the world, winning major international races and regularly placing among elites half his age.

But for Ken, it’s always been about more than finish lines.

“I want my kids to say, ‘My dad was a badass. He didn’t talk about it—he did it.’”

He’s vocal about setting an example, not by preaching, but by showing up, pushing hard, and doing hard things.

Ken’s story is proof that it’s never too late to level up and that showing your kids what’s possible beats telling them every time. Follow Ken here.

DAD TOYS

Thule Cargo Box

There was some chatter in the Slack a couple weeks back about rooftop cargo boxes—so here’s my two cents.

I bought my Thule Cargo Box years ago when we were living in California. Trips to Tahoe, Bend, camping weekends, road trips with the kids—it’s been an absolute workhorse. Still going strong.

If you’re tight on trunk space or just want to avoid cramming gear under your kids’ feet, you can’t go wrong with a solid cargo box. Pricey? A little. But mine’s paid for itself twice over. Get it here.

🛒 WHAT ELSE WE’RE EYING UP

» Just ‘DAD’ New Camo Hat

» Ceiling Storage Rack for Garage

» Ten Thousand Session Shorts (new seasonal colors)

DAD BOD

Snack Smarter

Animated GIF

A new study found that eating just 2 ounces of almonds a day can lower bad cholesterol, boost gut health, and fight signs of metabolic syndrome (a major risk factor for heart disease and diabetes).

The takeaway? Snacks aren’t the enemy. Swapping junk for nutrient-dense options like almonds can actually move the needle on your health.

đŸ„œ Just don’t go nuts. A small handful goes a long way.

(Credit: Arnold’s Pump Club)

JUNK DRAWER

» 10 Essential Years With Your Children

» The Summer Solstice Audit

» A 30-Second Trick to Calm Your Mind

  • Strava Dad Run Club: Big shoutout to our top 3 in Strava last week. Rob, Luke, and David are holding it down! On Strava? Join the group here.

  • Dad Lab: Pumped for our next session—Philip Barrar, CEO of Future Money, will be joining us to drop actionable tips on how to build generational wealth for your kids. It’ll be a live Google Meet, and yes, there will be time for Q&A. Date coming soon—stay tuned.

  • Slack Group: Don’t sleep on our Slack group. Nearly 200 dads. Ask questions. Share your workouts. Vent a little bit. Join us here.

PARTNER CONTENT

NIKON

They’re lightweight. They’re tough. And they’re ready for dad-life. From backyard birdwatching to sidelines chaos, Nikon binoculars keep up—and keep things crisp.

Built for dads who see the big picture (and the tiniest detail).

→ Explore the collection at Nikon

DAD HUMOR