A better question
Plus – garage gym win
July 06, 2026 | Read online
Hey guys.
Hope y’all had a great holiday weekend. Now back to business: the USMNT takes on Belgium tonight at 8 PM ET on Fox.
Let’s goooo. 🇺🇸
Here’s what’s on deck today:
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A better question
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Founding father
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Adjustable dumbbells
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And more…
Let’s get into it.
And if you’re new here, welcome aboard. Glad you found us.
📕 DAD WISDOM
A Better Question
I saw a post from Jesse Itzler (co-founder of Marquis Jet and part owner of the Atlanta Hawks, dad to 4).
He said whenever he meets parents whose kids are already out of the house, he asks them the same question:
“What would you change?”
I love that.
Most of us spend a lot of time asking how to get ahead. How to make more money. How to be more productive. How to optimize life.
But maybe a better question is:
‘What am I most likely to regret?’
I’ve got a feeling very few parents look back and wish they’d answered a few more emails. Or spent another Saturday at the office.
The answers are usually simpler. Stress less. Be there more. Take the trip. Sit on the floor a little longer.
One of the greatest gifts we can give ourselves is borrowing perspective from someone who’s already lived the season we’re in.
It’s a lot cheaper than learning every lesson the hard way.
RAD DAD
John Adams
With the 4th being a couple days ago, figured it felt right to throw it back to one of the Founding Fathers.
John Adams helped build a country.
He was also trying to raise six kids. Not exactly a light lift. He spent long stretches away from home, so he wrote.
Hundreds of letters to Abigail and their children.
Not just “hope everyone’s good.”
More like lessons on integrity, curiosity, discipline, and becoming the kind of person other people could count on.
One son grew up to become President. But Adams never seemed obsessed with raising successful kids. He wanted to raise good ones.
One of his most famous lines still holds up:
“I must study politics and war, that my sons may have liberty to study mathematics and philosophy…”
In other words: I’m doing the hard stuff now so the next generation gets more freedom later.
DAD GEAR
BowFlex Adjustable Dumbbells
My Amazon adjustable dumbbells finally kicked the bucket, so I caved and upgraded to the BowFlex SelectTechs.
I went with the 5–52.5 lb set, which gives you 15 weight settings and low 2.5 lb jumps up to 22.5 lbs.
They’re not cheap at $399, but they replace a whole rack without taking over the garage.
Worth the splurge, IMO.
🛒 WHAT ELSE WE’RE ADDING TO CART
» Wills Resort Shirt
» Coleman RoadTrip Portable Stand-Up Propane Grill (41% off)
» Simply Air Filters
DAD BOD
You Don’t Need More Gear
At some point, you’ll think the missing piece is equipment. A squat rack. A cable machine. A dip machine. You name it…
But the Spartans weren’t waiting on a leg press. Roman soldiers weren’t checking delivery updates from Rogue. Strong men throughout history got that way by carrying, climbing, sprinting, squatting, pushing, pulling, and wrestling gravity.
The science agrees: muscles grow when you challenge them consistently and progressively. More reps. Slower tempo. Harder variation. Heavier bell.
So maybe the “perfect setup” is simpler than we think.
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A kettlebell
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Some dumbbells
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A pull-up bar
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Your own bodyweight
That’s enough to swing, press, squat, row, carry, push up, pull up, lunge, crawl, and sweat through your shirt before the kids finish Bluey.
Not fancy. Not Instagram-optimized. Plenty.
JUNK DRAWER
» 🎧 TED: How to Make Stress Your Friend
» 📕 Your Kids Are Going to Grow Up. Plan for It.
» 🏋️ How Hanging Tranforms Your Body
Weekly Poll👇
What’s one thing you wish someone had told you before becoming a dad?
Pick one and let us know why
How fast it goes
How tired I’d be
How much I’d love it
There’s no preparing for it
All of the above
Other
DAD HUMOR
For the kids
Plus – getting into sports
July 01, 2026 | Read online
Hey guys. Happy Hump Day.
Big one tonight. USA kicks off at 8pm on FOX. Let’s go.
We’re also taking a little breather and signing off until Monday to enjoy the holiday weekend.
Be safe out there. Don’t get too weird with the fireworks. Have an awesome time celebrating America’s 250th.
Here’s what’s on tap today:
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Don’t wait until you’re ready
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LEGO tires
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An awesome gift for the kids
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Pick one thing
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And more…
Let’s get into it.
If you’re new here, welcome. Happy to have ya!
📕 DAD WISDOM
Don’t Wait to Feel Ready. You Won’t.
I saw a tweet the other day that said:
“Move like you already got it. The universe doesn’t bless hesitation.”
I don’t know about the universe. But I do know hesitation has a way of stealing a lot from us.
As dads, it’s easy to wait until we feel ready. Ready to make the career move. Ready to have the hard conversation. Ready to coach the team. Ready to finally prioritize our health.
The reality is, very few of us have ever felt completely ready for the biggest moments in our lives.
Not marriage. Not becoming a dad. Not bringing home that first baby.
We figured it out because we had to.
Sometimes confidence doesn’t come first. Sometimes confidence shows up after you take the first step.
So if you’ve been waiting for the perfect time…
It probably isn’t coming. Take the step. Trust yourself to figure out the rest.
SMALL TALK
A couple random facts you probably don’t need to know… but might come in handy the next time you’re standing around at a kid’s birthday party making awkward conversation with another dad you barely know.
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LEGO is the world’s largest tire manufacturer by volume, producing hundreds of millions of tiny plastic tires every year.
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The average Costco warehouse carries only about 4,000 products. A typical supermarket carries around 30,000–40,000.
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Your fingerprints start forming before you’re born and are fully developed by about 17 weeks in the womb.
DAD GEAR
This One Gets Kids Off Screens (And Excited About the Mail)
With Kiwi
We don’t throw the word “recommend” around lightly, but when it comes to kids stuff, we’re picky.
A lot of junk out there. KiwiCo is the exception.
Monthly hands-on project kits covering science, art, geography, and more for ages 0 to 14+.
No screens, genuine curiosity, and kids who don’t want to put it down. Plus it gives you a real excuse to sit down and build something together and somehow makes checking the mail the highlight of the week.
[ Get 50% Off Your First Crate Now ]
🛒 WHAT ELSE WE’RE ADDING TO CART
» VAER R1 Racing Chronograph Watch
» Ninja FrostVault | 65qt Wheeled Cooler (20% off)
» Overthinkers’ Guide to Making Decisions
DAD BOD
Pick One Thing
Health advice is loud right now.
Macros. Morning routines. Cold plunges. Step goals. Some guy on Instagram explaining why your banana is ruining your hormones.
Ignore the circus. Pick one thing. Not ten. Not a full life overhaul. One.
No snacks after dinner. Walk for 10 minutes. Drink water before coffee. Lift twice a week. Go to bed 30 minutes earlier.
Pick the thing that feels almost too easy. Then actually do it. One small win. Repeated.
That’s how you get dangerous.
JUNK DRAWER
» 📕 15 Things Every Dad Should Know How to Fix
» ⛵️ 10 Sailing Charter Destinations To Give You a Taste of the Good Life
» 🎥 If You Don’t Quit…
DAD HUMOR
Finding another gear
Plus – a sandlot style hat
June 29, 2026 | Read online
Hey guys.
Hope the weekend was solid.
Here’s what’s on deck:
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Closing speed
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Staying calm
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Vintage flatbill
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And more…
Let’s get into it.
And if you’re new here, welcome aboard. Glad you found us.
📕 DAD WISDOM
Heart Shows Up Late
Powered through a long run this weekend in disgusting humidity and had a podcast on.
They were talking about racehorses. Secretariat. Golden Tempo. Horses with insane closing speed. The kind that don’t always look like they’re winning early, but somehow find another gear when it matters.
One fact stood out to me: Secretariat’s heart was estimated to be about 2.5x the size of an average thoroughbred.
No wonder he could find another gear.
It got me thinking about a lot of conversations I’ve had with dads lately.
A lot of us feel behind.
Behind on work. Behind on sleep. Behind on fitness. Behind on whatever version of life we thought we’d have figured out by now.
Then you look around and wonder how everyone else seems to have it figured out. They don’t btw.
But some seasons aren’t about being out front. Some seasons are about staying in it long enough for your heart to show up.
The late push counts. The ugly miles count. The days where you don’t feel sharp but still keep moving count.
Not everything has to look impressive while it’s happening.
Sometimes the win is just finding another gear when your family needs it most.
RAD DAD
Ben Bergeron
Photo @benbergeron
Ben Bergeron is a gym owner in Natick, Massachusetts, founder of CompTrain, and a dad of four.
And like a lot of driven dads, he’s learned that fatherhood often comes down to what you’re willing to say no to.
For Ben, the hardest part is turning down work and adult obligations so he can say yes to the trampoline or kicking a soccer ball in the backyard. Small stuff, but also the whole thing.
His advice to new dads is simple: kids are kids, not adults. Don’t expect them to see the world the way you do.
The reminder he lives by is this: these are the most meaningful years of your life. Not the easiest, but the ones that matter most. Don’t waste them wishing for something else.
His non-negotiable as a dad says it all: be calm.
As the seas get rougher, the captain gets calmer.
DAD GEAR
6-Panel Vintage Flatbill
Cool throwback hat. Vintage vibes. Made in the USA.
Built from cotton duck canvas that’s tough, breathable, and ready for game day or whatever else is on the calendar.
Limited selection.
🛒 WHAT ELSE WE’RE ADDING TO CART
» Jump Starter with Air Compressor (36% off)
» Flint and Tinder 365 Chino Short
» The Backward Treadmill
DAD BOD
The 2-5-15 Rule
Having a hard time sticking to a workout routine?
Try making it almost impossible to overthink.
The 2-5-15 Rule is simple: train each muscle group 2 times per week, do no more than 5 hard sets per muscle in one workout, and keep the whole session around 15 total sets.
That’s enough structure to make progress without needing a perfect plan.
Build each session around the basics: squats, presses, rows, hinges, and carries.
Push hard, but leave 1–3 reps in the tank. You should finish feeling like you did the work, not like the work did you.
JUNK DRAWER
» 🎧 9 Rules for a Happier Vacation
» 📕 How to Raise Confident Kids Who Actually Trust Themselves
» 🏃 15-Minute Mobility for the Runners
Once the Phone Lands
At some point the question stops being “should they have a phone?” and starts being “what do I do now that they do?”
Bark is built for that moment. It monitors what’s happening across apps and platforms and flags what actually matters. No hovering. No invading privacy. Just peace of mind.
7.3 million kids are covered by it. The Bark Phone and Bark Watch are worth a look if a full smartphone still feels like too much.
→ Try it free at bark.us
Sponsored by Bark. We only work with brands we’d actually tell a buddy about.
Weekly Poll👇
What’s the hardest part of fatherhood right now?
Pick one and let us know why
Feeling like there’s never enough time
Trying to be more patient
Keeping up with everything
Wondering if I’m doing enough
All of the above
Something else
DAD HUMOR
Summer Saturday 3.0
adventure essentials plus more…
June 27, 2026 | Read online
SUMMER SATURDAYS
Hey guys.
On Saturdays this summer, we’re sending a quick roundup of things worth a look. Gear, finds, ideas, and maybe a few things that make you say, “I definitely don’t need that, but…”
Today’s Theme: Get Out There – Adventure Essentials for Summer Travel
This week’s picks come from Justin Parkhurst, founder of Daze Media.
Lives in Laguna Beach. Husband, father of two, entrepreneur, average surfer, better-than-average snowboarder, former collegiate soccer player, 35mm film guy, thoughtful design fan, 11 handicap, Cleveland sports sufferer, former Utah native, discerning brand loyalist, and grateful dad.
Let’s get into it.
MAIN PICK
Alpaca Gear Wagon – $224
Why Justin Likes It?
“Clutch for a family with two kids under 4. This is the catch-all when you’re heading out the door on foot. Snacks, towels, water bottles, scooters, extra clothes, one kid who suddenly “can’t walk,” all of it. Basically a trunk you can drag behind you.”
Best for:
Parks, farmers markets, beach days, neighborhood hangs, road trips, and any outing where “we’ll pack light” becomes a lie within six minutes.
CHEAP WIN $
Rambler 26oz Chug Water Bottle – $40
Why Justin Likes It?
“Travels with me everywhere. It’s simple, durable, and the chug cap makes it easy to actually drink from, not just carry around like a hydration prop.
I drink way more water because of this thing, which is one of those boring adult wins that actually makes a difference.”
Kids Essentials:
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North Face Court Jester 25L Backpack ($41)
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Columbia Kids Rain Jacket ($35)
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YETI 10oz Kids Tumbler
SOLID UPGRADE $$
Roark Layover Pro Traveler Pant – $109
Why Justin Likes These?
“I’ve been a fan of Roark since day one, and these pants slay. The fit holds up for years, they travel well, and they eliminate a lot of decision fatigue when it comes to getting dressed.
Easy to wear, hard to mess up. Trust in Roark.”
BIG SWING $$$
Snow Peak Futon Starter Set – $969
Why Justin Likes It?
As I continue introducing camping to our kids, comfort is essential. If they’re miserable, everyone’s miserable.
Snow Peak does a great job making the outdoors feel comfortable without sacrificing design. It’s functional, well-made, and still looks good sitting around camp.
DREAM CART $$$$
Leica M6 – $7,000
Why Justin Likes It?
“Not just a camera, but a timeless heirloom for future generations.
It’s the kind of thing that makes you slow down, shoot with intention, and actually print the photos someday. Family trips, camp mornings, scraped knees, airport chaos, all of it feels a little more permanent on film.”
NOSTALGIA HIT
Marc Johnson in TWS – ‘Modus Operandi’ [2000]
In a lot of ways, skateboarding started it all for me and opened up a whole new world as a kid. Skateboarding was a gateway to creativity, self-expression, photography and new levels of inspiration. The late Marc Johnson was one of my all-time favorites and sadly, recently passed away. I selected one of my favorite video parts of his from 2000 as a tribute in the groundbreaking film, “Modus Operandi” by Transworld Skateboarding. RIP to one of the best ever.
👋 Before You Go:
A few more recs from Justin…
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Heddels
One of our partners at Daze Media, and a mandatory resource if you care about quality goods built to last. Basics, denim, luggage, footwear, all of it. -
Outer Frequencies
A great Instagram follow for new music recommendations when your algorithm needs a reset. -
Derick Grant / DG Mindset
Podcast and mindset resource for motivation, inspiration, and a little more life energy when you need it.
🧢 Style Tip From Justin: Build a lineup of solid basics. Find what actually fits, buy it in multiple colors, and stop overthinking getting dressed every day.
For me, Quince, Roark, and Reigning Champ check every box: simple, comfortable, well-made, and easy to wear on repeat.
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Charleston, South Carolina 29401, United States
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Adventure with the fam
PLUS – the art of listening
June 26, 2026 | Read online
The weekend is here. Get outside and have a fun one, gents! We’ll see ya tomorrow with our Summer Saturday series.
PS: If you’re new here, we mix it up on Fridays with a quick recap from the week and a few extra gems to head into the weekend right.
“In my whole life I’ve never been good at something I wasn’t very interested in. It just doesn’t work. There’s no substitute for strong interest.”
Charlie Munger
THE DIGEST
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Wisdom of the Week: It’s easy to think the job is to solve problems. Fix the thing. Get everyone where they need to be. Keep the train moving. But some days the most important thing isn’t fixing anything. It’s staying steady. Being the place your kids can run when they’re overwhelmed. Being the voice that lowers the temperature instead of raising it.
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Most Clicked: Watching Boys React to the Sandlot Lifeguard Scene (Peak Summer)
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Gear of the Week: Patagonia Houdini Full Zip Jacket
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Food For Thought: 7 Letters You Should Write Before You Turn 70
Read, Watch, Eat, Listen
A few things to get into this weekend if you have a moment
📕 Read: How to Adventure With Your Kids at Every Age. 10 Rules on Buying Art for Your Home.
📺 Watch: The Bear is Back for Season 5. IYCMI – We Dropped A Film Last Week.
🍔 Eat/Drink: Four One Pan Dinners In Under 10 Minutes
🎧 Listen: Cal Fussman w/Tim Ferriss: The Art of Listening
IN THE TRENCHES
Topic: Unexpected Free Saturday
We asked the Dad Day crew how they’d spend an unexpected free Saturday.
The top two answers? With the family and outside.
Not at the office. Not scrolling and not catching up on emails.
A lot of dads pictured some version of the same thing: get everyone out of the house. Zoo trip. Bike ride. Grill dinner. Take the toddler on a little adventure. Give mom a breather. Let the kids burn off some energy somewhere that isn’t the living room.
Of course, not everyone answered the same way. Some wanted to chip away at a garage project. Others wanted a quiet morning with coffee on the deck before re-entering society.
The nice part is that “free Saturday” didn’t seem to mean doing something extravagant. Mostly, it meant a little space.
A little fresh air. And maybe one day when the calendar doesn’t own you.
GARAGE
Send us what you’re working on…
David T. is getting the kids involved on this van conversion. Love to see it. Looks awesome. Thanks for sharing.
We want to see your projects. Send ‘em our way! Just reply to this email.
WEEKEND BURNER
Set your timer and get after it:
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50 Knees-to-Elbow
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50 Goblet Squats
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100 Russian Kettlebell Swings
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50 Goblet Squats
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50 Knees-to-Elbow
Scale accordingly and pick a weight that feels good 💪
ONE LAST THING
🍻 Weekend Assignment: Get in one photo with your kids this weekend. Not behind the camera. In it..
🧠 Random Fact: The inventor of the Pringles can is buried in one. True story.
🎧 On Repeat: Fresh tracks added to the Dad Day Playlist → Listen
dad shower thoughts: When you become a dad, you suddenly care a lot about the price of berries.
Saved by the bell
Plus – getting into sports
June 24, 2026 | Read online
Here’s what’s on tap today:
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The bell
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Toy Story is crushing
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Tennis anyone?
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A packable bag
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And more…
Let’s get into it.
If you’re new here, welcome. Happy to have ya!
📕 DAD WISDOM
The Bell
I’m on a handful of group texts with other business owners and friends.
The other day I was telling one of them it felt like we needed to stack a few wins after taking a series of Ls.
A client issue here. Something falling through there. Just one of those stretches where it feels like you’re constantly playing defense.
His response was simple:
“I didn’t hear a bell.”
For whatever reason, I needed to hear that. Because life has a way of convincing us we’re getting beat up at times.
The business isn’t moving fast enough. The kids are testing every ounce of patience you have. The house is chaotic. The to-do list keeps growing.
And sometimes it feels like you’re losing. The good news is, you don’t need to solve the whole thing today. You just need to stay in the fight.
It’s true in business. It’s true in marriage. And it’s definitely true with dad life.
Some seasons are smoother than others. Some weeks feel like a grind. But a tough stretch doesn’t mean you’re out of the fight.
The bell hasn’t rung. Keep going.
SMALL TALK
A couple random facts you probably don’t need to know… but might come in handy the next time you’re standing around at a kid’s birthday party making awkward conversation with another dad you barely know.
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Since 1995, the Toy Story franchise has generated roughly $16 billion in revenue for Disney. Not box office. Revenue.
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The average person walks the equivalent of five times around the Earth during their lifetime.
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The first alarm clock (1787) only rang at 4:00 a.m. because that’s when its inventor, Levi Hutchins, wanted to wake up.
DAD GEAR
Transit Packing Cube – 10L
Evergoods makes gear for people who actually care how things pack, and their Transit Packing Cube 10L is a good example. Low-bulk, surprisingly roomy, and built to keep jeans, jackets, and all the random dad-trip overflow from turning your bag into a junk drawer.
🛒 WHAT ELSE WE’RE ADDING TO CART
» Anker SOLIX Portable Power Station — 2,000W (50% off)
» Glow in the Dark Kids Toothbrush
» KODAK Dock Plus 4×6” Photo Printer
DAD BOD
The Workout That Texts You Back
The best workout might not be the one that wrecks you. It might be the one that gets you out of the house with other humans.
One long-running study found the sports linked with the biggest lifespan bumps were mostly social ones: tennis, badminton, soccer. Meanwhile, jogging and gym workouts helped too…just not as much.
Disclaimer: this was observational. Tennis is not a magic immortality wand with a nicer polo.
But it makes sense. Solo workouts are great. Lifting heavy things like a caveman has its place.
But sports add people. Competition. Trash talk. A reason to show up next Tuesday.
*hat tip to Derek at 5ht for surfacing the study
JUNK DRAWER
» 📕 What Paternity Leave Looks Like at Some Big Companies
» 🧠 Ball Four: The Final Pitch by Jim Bouton
» 🎥 Boys Watching Sandlot Lifeguard Scene
WITH ETHOS
You’ve got enough on your plate. Don’t let life insurance be one of them.
Ethos takes about 10 minutes online. No doctor. No agent calls. Around $54/month for $1M in coverage if you’re 40 and healthy. 1
Check your rate. One less thing.
Just go do it.
DAD HUMOR
How’s your temp?
Plus – don’t skip two
June 22, 2026 | Read online
Hey guys.
Hope everyone had a great Father’s Day.
Here’s what’s on deck:
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The thermostat
-
Soccer dad
-
The two-day rule
-
And more…
Let’s get into it.
And if you’re new here, welcome aboard. Glad you found us.
📕 DAD WISDOM
The Thermostat
We recently asked our crew of dads to chime in on all things fatherhood. Favorite parts, hardest parts, what their kids have taught them, and the advice they’d pass along to another dad.
One theme that kept showing up was the idea that dads set the temperature of the house.
Not perfectly. Not all the time. But more than we realize.
When we’re stressed, everyone feels it. When we’re calm, everyone feels that too.
It’s easy to think the job is to solve problems. Fix the thing. Get everyone where they need to be. Keep the train moving.
But some days the most important thing isn’t fixing anything. It’s staying steady. Being the place your kids can run when they’re overwhelmed.
Being the voice that lowers the temperature instead of raising it.
The reality is, kids are going to have meltdowns. Plans are going to fall apart. Life is going to get chaotic. A lot of the time, what the family needs most isn’t a hero.
It needs a thermostat.
RAD DAD
Jürgen Klopp
Photo @kloppo
With soccer having a moment right now, we figured it was time to spotlight a few football dads.
Starting with Jürgen Klopp.
If you don’t know him, Klopp is basically the golden retriever of world soccer. Big smile. Big feelings. Big hugs. Looks like he might either cry, scream, or adopt you at any second.
He played professionally in Germany, eventually landed at Liverpool, and turned a struggling club into one of the best teams on the planet.
Wins the Premier League. Wins the Champions League. Becomes a legend.
But here’s what players always talk about: Not the tactics. Not the trophies. The relationships.
Klopp remembers names. Checks in on families. Gives hugs. Calls players when they’re struggling. Shows up when life gets hard.
One former player described him less like a coach and more like a father figure. And maybe that’s why people connect with him.
He’s got one son of his own, but somehow made millions of soccer fans feel like part of the family too.
“When my son was born, I realised that football is not life or death.”
For a guy who spent his entire life chasing wins, that’s a pretty powerful realization.
The best leaders know when the game matters…and when it doesn’t. Great dads usually figure that out too.
DAD GEAR
Hooded Rash Guard
Tested Free Fly’s Pinnacle Rash Guard over the weekend and we’re in. Soft, lightweight, and built with the little details that matter when you’re chasing kids in and out of the water all day. Comes with or without the hood.
🛒 WHAT ELSE WE’RE ADDING TO CART
» Amazon Echo Dot (30% off)
» Patagonia Houdini Full-Zip Jacket
» Graco 3-in-1 Convertible Car Seat (20% off)
DAD BOD
The Two-Day Rule
Don’t skip two days. One missed workout is normal. Travel, sick kids, bad sleep, work chaos. It happens.
But two days is where the habit starts to loosen its grip.
That’s not just motivational poster stuff. Habit research shows that consistency is what turns a behavior into something automatic. The less you have to negotiate with yourself, the better.
So keep the bar low if you have to. Walk. Lift for 15 minutes. Do pushups in the garage.
Just protect the pattern.
JUNK DRAWER
» 🎧 Diary of a CEO w/Jürgen Klop
» 📕 7 Letters to Write Before You Turn 70
» 👀 Give Your Kids Your Attention
Weekly Poll👇
If you had an unexpected free Saturday, how would you spend it?
Pick one and let us know why
Outside
With the family
Working on a project
Getting caught up on work
Doing absolutely nothing
Other
DAD HUMOR
Summer Saturday 2.0
We brought in a ringer today…
June 20, 2026 | Read online
SUMMER SATURDAYS
Hey guys.
On Saturdays this summer, we’re sending a quick roundup of things worth a look. Gear, finds, ideas, and maybe a few things that make you say, “I definitely don’t need that, but…”
Today’s Theme: How to Dress for the Heat Without Looking Like You Quit
We brought in a ringer for this one.
Ben O’Meara is the Chief Brand Officer at Huckberry, dad to Zoie, 6, and Aila, 4. When he’s not working, he’s traveling with his family, training for his first 40k at UTMB in Chamonix, or playing sandlot baseball with the Austin Moontowers; he’s also probably being very judgmental about lobster rolls. Proud Mainer. Comes with the territory.
MAIN PICK
PatinaTech T-Shirt – $68
Why Ben Likes It?
“Moisture-wicking, cooling, easy to wear in the heat. But it still looks and feels like a vintage tee, not one of those shiny performance shirts. As much as I like the idea of working out in an all-cotton tee, hot summer says otherwise. This solves both.”
Best for:
Daily wear with jeans, workouts, and travel. Elevated enough to wear around, technical enough to sweat in.
For Cooler Days:
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Patinatech Hoodie
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Patinatech Sweatshirt
CHEAP WIN $
Face Stick Sunscreen – $24
Why Ben Likes It?
“Chemical-free, founded by Kelly Slater, and stays on during hot summer sessions in and out of the water.
And if there’s anything I hate more in summer, it’s trying to wrangle little kids with goopy sunscreen all over my hands. This is super portable, easy to apply, and worth keeping in every bag you use in the summer.”
SOLID UPGRADE $$
Linen Workshirt, Linen Pant, Sandals
Get the Outfit:
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Relwen Slub Linen Workshirt
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Wills Cotton Linen Drawstring Pant
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Luca Crepe Huarache
Why Ben Likes These?
“I really don’t like “dressing up,” and working at Huckberry, I don’t really have to. But I love pieces that can flex up when needed and still fit into your regular wardrobe. Casual Saturday, beers with buddies, or cleaning up a bit for whatever the occasion.
I love these products, especially for summer. Linen is a no-brainer in hot, sweaty weather, but the versatility of the silhouettes here is what makes them work.
And I’m all in on Huaraches. They’re a great sandal replacement. Easy with shorts and tees, but still cool when you want to look a little more put together.”
BIG SWING $$$
Land Nest Shelter – $750
Why Ben Likes It?
“Love everything Snow Peak designs – first and foremost, functional quality. But a beautiful attention to detail, as Japanese brands do better than most. This is the ultimate family tent for summer adventures.”
DREAM CART $$$$
1970 Tudor 7021/0 Blue Submariner – $13,500
Why Ben Likes It?
“I know vintage Rolex Subs are the grail for a lot of people, but I got my first Tudor this past year and have gone deep on their story. I especially love the shield of Tudor representing the protection of the Rolex crown.
This 1970s Tudor Snowflake Submariner is a deep cut, and I love the blue dial. Something about a vintage, well-patinated dive watch gets me every time, but especially in the summer.”
NOSTALGIA HIT
Subaru Vintage Ad
Now we’ve got all these cool family-friendly SUVs/adventure mobiles – but growing up, nothing said summer was here like a packed station wagon and family road trip.
👋 Before You Go:
A few more recs from Ben…
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Favorite New Gym Trainer
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Go-to Travel Bags
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Father’s Day Reading
🧢 Style Tip From Ben: I used to hate the idea of linen – to me it was crinkly “dress” fabric that I only wore to summer weddings. I thought it was delicate, even. But not only is it the best during summer given how breathable it is, but you can really beat it up. It’s one of the most durable fabrics out there. So don’t be precious – wear it hard, wear it often.
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When does it feel real?
PLUS – we made another film
June 19, 2026 | Read online
Big weekend for us dads. Always a good excuse to slow down for a second and think about what this whole dad thing really means.
Whether you’ve been reading for a week or a year, you’re here because you care. About your kids. About showing up. About getting a little better.
And that’s everything right there.
Appreciate y’all. Have an awesome Father’s Day. We’ll see ya tomorrow for our ‘Summer Saturday’ edition with a surprise guest editor.
PS: If you’re new here, we mix it up on Fridays with a quick recap from the week and a few extra gems to head into the weekend right.
“If you are allowed one wish for your child, seriously consider wishing him or her optimism…the people who have the greatest influence on the lives of others are likely to be optimistic and overconfident, and to take more risks than they realize.”
Daniel Kahneman — Psychologist and Nobel Prize winner
GO WEST
This might be our most powerful story to date and pretty cool that we get to release it over Father’s Day weekend.
Quick background: I met Mike a long time ago. He was dunking on people in high school, ripping guitar, and just always one of those genuinely good dudes.
We had our sons right around the same time in 2018. And when we started making these Go West films, I knew we were eventually going to tell his story.
Life threw Mike and his wife Hillary a curveball. How they responded is everything.
I’m not someone who gets super choked up by stuff, but this one hit me on a lot of levels. Fatherhood. Friendship. Gratitude. Perspective. All of it.
Our scrappy team is beyond proud of this film, and we’d be honored if you gave it a watch this weekend.
It’s a strong reminder of what really matters. And if it hits you, send it to another dad.
THE DIGEST
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Wisdom of the Week: By the time our kids turn 12, we’ll have spent roughly 75% of the time we’ll ever spend with them. A reminder that the season feels long while you’re in it. Until you realize it isn’t.
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Most Clicked: The Real Reason Dads Are Working Out
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Gear of the Week: Filson Dryden Briefcase
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Made By a Dad Day Subscriber: A rope hat with a built-in soft-stretch chin strap. 15% off with DADDAY15
📕 Read: What Fatherhood Actually Looks Like Right Now (Curated From Our Community)
📺 Watch: USMNT vs. Austrailia — 3pm ET Fox. Let’s go boys!
🍔 Eat/Drink: 5 Hot Dogs From Basic To Gourmet – Level Up Your Party Food
IN THE TRENCHES
Topic: When Did “Dad” Feel Real?
We asked dads when the title “Dad” actually started to feel real.
There wasn’t a clear consensus.
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For some, it was the delivery room.
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For others, it was hearing a tiny voice call them “Dad” for the first time.
One dad said: “It’s one thing for adults to call you a dad. It’s totally different to be called ‘Dad’ as your name.”
Another shared that after his first child was born, he still felt more like a “parenting assistant.” It wasn’t until his second child arrived and life demanded more of him that the role truly clicked.
A few dads admitted they’re still waiting for that moment. One has an 11-year-old and said it’s still weird to think he helped create another human.
Maybe that’s the takeaway. Becoming a dad happens in a day. Feeling like a dad can take years.
And sometimes it sneaks up on you in unexpected places. A cashier calling out “Mom and Dad” at Trader Joe’s. A toddler yelling for you from the other room. A doctor saying, “Congratulations, Dad.”
One day you realize nobody has called you by your first name all morning. You’re just Dad now.
And somehow that’s the best title you’ll ever have.
GARAGE
Send us what you’re working on…
T. with the office shed build. Excited to see the final product.
We want to see your projects. Send ‘em our way! Just reply to this email.
WEEKEND BURNER
4 Rounds For Time:
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400 m Run
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21 Kettlebell Swings
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12 Pull-ups
Extra Credit: 1-mile finisher
ONE LAST THING
🍻 Weekend Assignment: Before the weekend is over, write down three things you’re proud of as a dad this year. Most dads spend plenty of time thinking about where they can be better. Spend two minutes thinking about what you’ve done well.
🎧 On Repeat: We just added some ‘Father’s Day-approved jams. Some deep cuts in there 😂 → Listen
dad shower thoughts: The older you get, the less impressive people become and the more impressive consistency becomes.
Can you do this?
Plus – the truest form of intelligence
June 17, 2026 | Read online
Here’s what’s on tap today:
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You’re in it, but not for long
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Road trips
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Are you run-capable?
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A rope hat that won’t fly off
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And more…
Let’s get into it.
If you’re new here, welcome. Happy to have ya!
📕 DAD WISDOM
For A Little While
A couple things landed for me this week.
The first was my 4-year-old asking, “Do you want me to be like you when I grow up?” I laughed and asked, “Do you want to be like me when you grow up?”
Without missing a beat he said, “YES.”
Part of me felt incredibly grateful. Part of me thought, man…that’s a lot of responsibility.
I know he’s 4. I know I’m his world right now and that won’t last forever. But it was a reminder that our kids are paying attention to a lot more than we think.
The second thing came from our friend Henry over at Outside Kids UK. He shared a stat that by the time our kids turn 12, we’ll have spent roughly 75% of the time we’ll ever spend with them.
That one made me a little sad. Not because I want my kids to stay little forever. But because it reminded me the season feels long while you’re in it. Until you realize it isn’t.
SMALL TALK
A couple random facts you probably don’t need to know… but might come in handy the next time you’re standing around at a kid’s birthday party making awkward conversation with another dad you barely know.
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Researchers found that children are more likely to try a new food after seeing it 8–15 times. Which means your kid refusing broccoli tonight doesn’t necessarily mean you’ve lost the war.
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The average American takes about 216 road trips in their lifetime. Parents with young kids count anything over 20 minutes as a road trip.
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The average cloud weighs about 1 million pounds. It doesn’t fall because that weight is spread across an enormous volume of air.
DAD GEAR
The Most Useful Rope Hat
Cool one today.
I had coffee last week with Tim, the dad of two behind Navis Hats. Legit dude. He gave me one to try, and the utility hit immediately.
It’s a great-looking rope hat with a built-in soft-stretch chin strap, so it stays put on boats, beaches, bikes, and whatever windy conditions you’re getting into.
I liked it enough to ask if I could drop it in here…a variety of colors and kid sizes too.
Tim also hooked us up with DADDAY15 for 15% off.
Check ’em out and support a fellow dad.
🛒 WHAT ELSE WE’RE ADDING TO CART
» Glass & Metal 3-in-1 Coffee Press (25% off with DADDAY25)
» 6 Pack Dry Cooler Bag
» Folding Wagon Cart (19% off)
DAD BOD
Run-Capable
You don’t need to become a runner. But you should probably be able to run.
The CDC says adults need cardio and strength training. And one big study found that even 5–10 minutes of slow running a day was linked to better long-term heart health.
Translation: keep lifting. Just build the engine, too.
Your kids will get faster. Soccer sidelines, bike rides, driveway races, pickup hoops, eventually, life asks Dad to move.
Start easy: walk 20 minutes, twice a week. Every few minutes, jog for 30 seconds. Then walk again.
You don’t need to be the guy stretching aggressively at the stoplight. Just be run-capable.
JUNK DRAWER
» 📕 Outdoor Kids In An Inside World
» 🧠 Truest Form Of Intelligence?
» 🎥 Bucket List Hikes You Should Check Out
WITH ETHOS
Most dads have thought about life insurance. Most dads haven’t done anything about it.
Here’s the only question that matters: if something happened to you tomorrow, would your family be okay?
Ethos makes it a 10-minute online thing. No doctor. No agent calls. Around $54/month for $1M in coverage if you’re 40 and healthy.
Just go do it.
Sample rate: 10-year term $1m policy for a 40 y/o healthy, non-smoking male. Online health questions required. 4.8 stars on Trustpilot as of 03/09/2026. This is an advertisement. Ethos operates in some states as Ethos Life Insurance Services. CA license #0L28949; AR license #100164629. This email was sent by a marketing associate of Ethos, not Ethos itself. Ethos mailing address: 1606 Headway Cir #9013, Austin, TX 78754. Products not available in all states.
DAD HUMOR
