Sunrise to sunset?
Plus – your kids will dig this
October 14, 2026 | Read online
What’s happening, fellas? Halfway through the week. Quick note from the team. We talked about bringing some 4th quarter energy on a recent episode of Guys Being Dads, and in the spirit of not waiting until 2027, we came up with Hill Yeah.
To be clear, this is barely an event. No logistics. No setup. No costs (unless you want a shirt). We’re meeting in a parking lot and walking up and down a hill from sunrise to sunset.
If that sounds like your kind of thing, come hang on November 7th. We can confidently say at least 4 dads will be there. 😂
Here’s what’s on tap today:
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Permission to fail
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Monopoly facts
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Your go-to bag
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3 stretches for this morning
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A screenless subscription for the kiddos
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And more…
Let’s get into it.
If you’re new here, welcome. Happy to have ya!
📕 DAD WISDOM
Permission to Fail
Been coaching my 8-year-old’s soccer team this season, and there’s a lot of bad soccer being played.
As there should be.
They’re eight. They’re learning. Nobody’s embarrassed that a kid misplays a ball or completely whiffs on a shot because that’s pretty much the deal when you’re new at something.
Rick Rubin (iconic music producer) talks a lot about giving yourself permission to fail, and I think part of that is really giving yourself permission to be a beginner.
That gets harder as you get older.
You get good at a few things, build a career, figure out your routines, and suddenly looking incompetent feels a lot less appealing.
Which is probably why plenty of things never get started. There’s something nice about watching a bunch of kids who haven’t learned to care about that yet.
They just friggin’ play.
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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The original Monopoly game was designed to criticize landlords. Elizabeth Magie created The Landlord’s Game in 1904 to show the downsides of concentrating wealth through property ownership.
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The average American child loses 20 baby teeth. Most start falling out around age 6, with the last ones typically gone by 12 or 13.
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The first speeding ticket was issued to a guy going 8 mph. In 1896, Walter Arnold was caught driving four times the 2 mph speed limit in an English village. A police officer reportedly chased him down on a bicycle.
DAD GEAR
RUX Bag
Yes, this is a bag. And it’s a bag we reach for most days. Groceries, the pool, work stuff, whatever. It’s lightweight, weather-resistant, has a roll-top that actually keeps everything contained, and a couple of big mesh pockets so the small stuff doesn’t disappear into the abyss. Lifetime guarantee – you won’t be mad about this investment.
🛒 WHAT ELSE WE’RE ADDING TO CART
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Chuck Taylor All Star Low Top Sneaker
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GCI Rocker Camping Chair
DAD BOD
Three Stretches For This Morning
Feeling a little beat up from sitting, driving, training, or staring at a screen all day? Hit these three this morning:
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Half-kneeling hip flexor stretch: opens up the front of the hips (demo)
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Wall calf stretch: helps get some motion back through the ankles (demo)
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Open-book thoracic rotation: loosens up the upper back (demo)
Give the first two 30 to 45 seconds per side, then do 5 slow reps per side on the open books.
Halloween Fun That Doesn’t Involve a Screen
We’ve been doing KiwiCo with our boys (8 and 5) for about six months, and their Halloween projects are right on time.
Take the Motion-Sensing Spider. It’s a prank toy that jumps at whoever walks by, and the kids build it themselves, so they pick up some real electronics on the way to scaring a family member.
The Chomping Mechanical Dinosaur Costume is in the lineup, the puking pumpkin, and a lot more. Everything shows up at your door, so there’s no running around for supplies. Just some genuine family chaos and zero screens.
Use code DADDAY for 50% off your first monthly crate, or 15% off store items.
PS: If your kids are a few years apart, get them the same crate. We had some sibling arguing over who got what, and one box for both of them fixed it.
Sponsored. We only work with brands we actually use.
JUNK DRAWER
» 📕 The 5 Hobbies Every Dad Needs (and How to Fit Them Into a Real Week)
» 🎥 Ben Shelton’s Dad On Asking More Questions & Giving Fewer Answers
» 💪 The Case for Farmers Walks
DAD HUMOR
A simple ‘life’ exercise
Plus – powering through 5-8pm
October 12, 2026 | Read online
Back on the Monday grind. Wild weekend of sports. Hope your team came out on top.
Here’s what’s on tap today:
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First word exercise
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No phones at table
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Dad Day x MW collection
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Focused optimization
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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
First Word
The following comes from Shaan Puri over at My First Million. He shared this Ralph Waldo Emerson quote:
“People do not seem to realize that their opinion of the world is also a confession of their character.”
Then he gave a pretty simple exercise.
Answer with the first word that comes to mind:
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Life is ______
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People are ______
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I am ______
No right answers. But the words you come up with probably say quite a bit about how you’re walking around right now.
And dad life gives that stuff plenty of places to show itself.
Maybe “life is stressful” because, at the moment, it really is. Maybe people have been pissing you off lately. Maybe the word that comes to mind for yourself isn’t one you’re particularly proud of.
That doesn’t mean you need to slap a positive spin on everything. Just interesting to notice what your brain reaches for first.
Because that version of the world is the one you’re bringing home to your people.
RAD DAD
Michael Chernow
Michael Chernow is an entrepreneur, founder, and dad of two boys in New York City.
What stood out most from Michael is how honest he is about the difference between being physically home and actually being present. He has built his schedule so he can be around his family, but getting his mind to downshift from work mode has been the harder part.
A few years ago, he realized he was walking through the door with too much work energy. Emails still going. Brain still spinning. One day, he snapped at his son Finn for trying to get his attention, and immediately knew he had it wrong. His kid didn’t want much. He just wanted Dad to be there.
Now Michael turns his phone off in the truck before he walks inside.
His biggest lesson for dads is that presence and attention are the real currency. Money matters. Work matters. But the memories you make with your family are the stuff that actually enriches your life.
His non-negotiable is simple: no phones at any tables, ever.
Follow him at @michaelchernow.
DAD GEAR
Mack Weldon x Dad Day
We’ve been rocking Mack Weldon for a few years now, so we jumped at the chance to work with them.
The result is a Dad Day x Mack Weldon collection of activewear for parenting, work and everything in between. You really can’t go wrong with anything in here, but our two favorites are the ACE Hoodie and the Airknit boxer briefs. We’ve swapped out the whole underwear drawer for the briefs.
Sponsored. We only work with brands we actually use.
🛒 WHAT ELSE WE’RE ADDING TO CART
» Breville Espresso Machine ($190 off)
» Filson Dryden Backpack
» The Creative Act: A Way of Being | Rick Rubin
DAD BOD
Just One Y’all
We saw this idea in 5HT about more people moving into “optimization mode,” and the useful part is pretty simple: you do not need to fix everything at once.
Pick one thing you wanna be better at this month and make it your thing. Maybe it’s lifting twice a week, getting 10k steps, drinking less during the week, or finally going to bed earlier.
The goal (we repeat) is not to chase every health hack. Just become the guy who actually does the one thing he said he was going to do.
PS: If you need some extra motivation or just a sounding board, we have a #fitness-health channel in our Slack group.
JUNK DRAWER
» 📕 How to Keep Your Cool Between 5pm – 8pm
» 🎥 5 Stretches to Keep the Shoulders Fresh
» 🎧 Remember the Vision w/Derek Grant
Weekly Poll👇
How much do you actually enjoy your job these days?
Pick one and let us know why
Love what I do
Most days are pretty good
It’s a paycheck
Thinking about a change
Other
DAD HUMOR
Addicted to hard things
PLUS – an ounce of action
October 09, 2026 | Read online
Hey guys. Happy Friday. Hope you have a great weekend. And for everyone in the path of Hurricane Isaias, stay safe out there.
We’ll see ya Monday.
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.
“An ounce of action is worth a ton of theory.”
Friedrich Engels 
THE DIGEST
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Wisdom of the Week: Being a dad has a funny way of making life feel clearer and more confusing at the same time. You know what matters more than you used to. You also spend a pretty good chunk of the week wondering where the hell the week went. Keep going. We’re right there with you. 👊
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Most Clicked: 3 Science-Backed Ways to Raise Good and Happy Kids
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Gear of the Week: BullBarFit Portable Pull-Up Bar
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Apparel of the Week: Levi’s Men Trucker
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For the Kids: Retevis Walkie Talkies
Read, Watch, Eat, Listen
A few things to get into this weekend if you have a moment
📕 Read: A Walk in The Woods | Bill Bryson
📺 Watch: American Hostage w/Jon Hamm | How To Get Your Brain Addicted to Hard Things, Not Cheap Dopamine
🍔 Eat/Drink: The 14-Day Lunch System That Never Gets Boring
🎧 Listen: From $400 Cooler to $2 Billion Dollar Brand – The Story of YETI
IN THE TRENCHES
We asked a pretty interesting question this week: How much do you parent differently than your own dad did?
Turns out, most of us are making at least a few changes.
45% said they parent a lot differently, while another 40% said they’ve made some adjustments. Only 9% said they’re parenting pretty much the same way they were raised.
The comments got pretty personal.
A lot of guys talked about growing up with dads who worked constantly, weren’t around much, or weren’t particularly comfortable showing emotion. Several mentioned making a point to tell their kids they love them, something they rarely heard growing up.
One dad said:
“My dad is a great dad, but communication and talking about emotions are not his strong points. So I’m trying to take everything he taught me and add in more about those two things.”
There were also dads who had a very different experience. They grew up with great fathers and are largely following their lead, maybe with a little more patience or a few adjustments along the way.
And then there’s the funny realization that no matter how differently you intend to parent, every once in a while you open your mouth and your dad comes out.
What we appreciated about the responses was how much thought guys have put into this. Some are trying to carry on what their dads did well. Others are making changes based on what they wish they’d had growing up.
Either way, it’s pretty wild how much our own childhoods show up once we’re the ones raising kids.
PROJECTS
Show us your space or something you’re working on…
Mixing it up today with a little cabin inspiration. There’s a company called DEN Outdoors that sells ready-to-build plans for some pretty awesome cabins, A-frames, and tiny homes.
Alex and Katherine took one of those plans and turned it into a sweet A-frame getaway in Crosby, Minnesota. In this video, they break down what it actually cost to build the thing. We’re talking land, materials, windows, appliances, furniture, and all the expenses that add up along the way.
Fair warning: You might finish this video with a new weekend project in mind. A very expensive one. 😂
WEEKEND BURNER
Grab a pair of dumbbells or kettlebells and move through 3 rounds:
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10 Romanian deadlifts
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8 push presses
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10 front-rack reverse lunges, 5 each side
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10 renegade rows, 5 each side
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12 kettlebell or dumbbell swings
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40-second farmer carry
Rest 60–90 seconds between rounds. Pick a weight that feels challenging but still lets you move.
FROM STROLLER RUNS TO THE NYC MARATHON
We were really excited to partner up with our friends over at Mack Weldon to tell Tucker’s story.
When Tucker became a dad, he says his “entire concept of time changed.” If you’ve got kids, you know exactly what he means. Fitting in work, family and a workout all in the same day is a puzzle with a few pieces missing.
His fix was to start Dumbo Dads Run Club in Brooklyn. Show up, bring the jogging stroller if you have one, and run with other dads. This November, the founder is running the NYC Marathon himself.
Mack Weldon built a collection around how he actually lives. Live. Work. Train. It’s activewear and apparel for running, parenting and everything in between, and Tucker picked every piece himself.
Sponsored. We only work with brands we actually use.
ONE LAST THING
Gif by mls on Giphy
🍻 60-Mile October Challenge: Run, ruck, push the stroller. Doesn’t matter. Just hit 60 miles this month with the Dad Day crew and log it on Strava. Free version works.
🍻 Weekend Assignment: Make a playlist of 10 songs you rocked out to in high school. Bonus points if your kids are completely unimpressed.
🧠 Worth Knowing: The Frisbee got its name from the Frisbie Pie Company in Connecticut. College students started tossing the company’s empty pie tins around for fun, eventually inspiring one of the most popular toys ever made.
dad shower thoughts: Somewhere out there is a guy who invented the snooze button and thought nine minutes was a perfectly reasonable amount of extra sleep.
We ❤️ Coffee
Dad Day will always be free, but coffee helps with the early mornings and late nights that go into it. Grab us a cup here.
———
The Dad Pact
We’ll keep showing up with the emails. All we ask? If you’re digging it, share it with another dad who’d be into it.
👉 [Forward to a fellow dad]
Want More?
-
Check out the community
-
Listen to our ‘Guys Being Dads’ podcast
-
Work with Dad Day: We only partner with brands we’d actually use. Think there’s a fit? Hit us up.
*Heads up: some links in our emails are affiliate links. We only recommend things we’d use anyway.
Update your email preferences or unsubscribe here
© 2026 Dad Day Media LLC
237 King Street
Charleston, South Carolina 29401, United States
Powered by beehiivHamster wheel energy
Plus – a smoother wipe
October 07, 2026 | Read online
Hey guys. Back to our regularly scheduled program.
Here’s what’s on tap today:
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All at once
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First vending machine
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New boots
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Kettlebell workout
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Better wipes
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And more…
Let’s get into it.
If you’re new here, welcome. Happy to have ya!
📕 DAD WISDOM
All at Once
Don’t really have some great nugget to pass along today. Just a little bit of a we see you because we’re in it too. Life’s felt pretty busy lately. Not bad. Just some hamster wheel energy.
Work. Kids. Runny noses. Practices. Bathtime. Bedtime. Rinse. Repeat.
Mixed into the routine are the things that make you stop for a hot second…
For example: I talked to a dad recently whose father-in-law is dying. I shared a little about my brother-in-law and his cancer the other day. Then a friend sent over a video we made a few months ago of him pushing his son, who has severe cerebral palsy, through a marathon.
It’s all happening at the same time. That’s probably the part I’m having a hard time putting into words.
Life can be really beautiful and really heavy, and somehow you still need to make lunches and get everyone out the door in the morning.
Being a dad has a funny way of making life feel clearer and more confusing at the same time. You know what matters more than you used to. You also spend a pretty good chunk of the week wondering where the hell the week went.
So, ya. No big takeaway today. Just keep going. We’re right there with you. 👊
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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The first vending machine dates back to ancient Egypt. It dispensed holy water when you dropped in a coin.
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Bluetooth is named after a 10th-century Viking king. Harald “Bluetooth” Gormsson was known for uniting Denmark and Norway. The technology got his nickname because it was designed to unite different devices. Even the Bluetooth logo combines two runes representing his initials.
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Your bones are constantly rebuilding themselves. Roughly 10% of your skeleton is renewed each year.
DAD GEAR
Clarks Chukkas
These Clarks chukkas got a lot of love yesterday, so we figured we’d drop ’em again. Good price, timeless design, and a shoe that works with a lot.
🛒 AMAZON PRIME DAY DEALS WORTH CHECKING OUT
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Hypervolt Go 2, $109 (22% off)
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Solo Stove Mesa, $65 (35% off)
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Stanley Classic 1.5 qt, $30 (33% off)
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Levi’s Trucker Jacket, $36 (60% off)
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Lodge 6-qt Dutch Oven, $66 (~26% off)
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Carhartt A18 Beanie, $14 (30% off)
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Dockers Workday 360 Flex pants, $37 (54% off)
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Streamlight MicroStream, $18 (53% off)
DAD BOD
Compound Moves
If you only keep one piece of workout gear around, a kettlebell makes a pretty strong case. You can squat it, swing it, row it, press it, carry it, and get your heart rate up without needing much space. Swings work as legit conditioning too.
Try 4 rounds:
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10 goblet squats
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12 swings
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8 rows each side
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8 presses each side
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10 reverse lunges
Rest a minute and go again. Twenty minutes, one bell, done.
Morning Business, Handled: DUDE Wipes
There’s just something nice about a wet wipe. Once you try one, going back to dry paper feels like a mistake you made for years.
DUDE Wipes are septic-safe and gentle on skin, and they’re made for everyone in the house, so don’t be surprised when the pack disappears. Yes, it’s sponsored. It’s also 30% off at $8.56, so it earned the spot.
JUNK DRAWER
» 🎧 4 Rules for Dealing with Difficult People | Bill Eddy & Dr. Andrew Huberman
» 🎥 Setting Goals For Yourself & Your Kids
» 🚴 The 17 Best Gravel Bike Destinations in America
DAD HUMOR
Morning business, then Prime Day
We dug through the noise for ya
October 06, 2026 | Read online
Alright, guys. Amazon Prime Day is here. We pulled together a quick list of some of our favorite deals for y’all. Don’t sleep on the Clarks Chukka boots or the Hyperice massage gun. A lot of good stuff. Enjoy.
*If this is your first Dad Day email, this is a one-off. We’ll be back to our regularly scheduled Wednesday send tomorrow.
PRIME DAY PICK: DUDE WIPES
Taking care of some morning business first. Yes, this top spot is sponsored, and yes, we use these every day. Also only $8.53, which makes it one of the cheapest deals on today’s list. DUDE Wipes, 30% off. Septic-safe, skin-friendly, and built for everyone in the house, not just you (though you will use them the most).
WEAR IT
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Clarks Bushacre 2 Chukka Boot, $42.99 (61% off)
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Carhartt Rain Defender Insulated Hooded Jacket, $110 (15% off)
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Barbour Heritage Liddesdale Quilted Jacket, $199.95 (17% off)
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Columbia Watertight II Rain Jacket, $53.99 (46% off)
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Fair Harbor The Textured Tailwind Sweatshirt, $73.50 (25% off)
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maamgic Men’s 5″ Gym, $28.04 (15% off)
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Lacoste Original Cotton Pique Polo, $40.34 (65% off)
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Levi’s 501 Original Fit Jeans, $43.72 (49% off)
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New Balance 237 Sneaker, $61.54 (28% off)
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Cole Haan Pinch Penny Loafer, $59.99 (64% off)
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Ray-Ban Original Wayfarer Sunglasses, $152.80 (20% off)
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Carhartt A18 Watch Cap Beanie, $13.99 (30% off)
GET OUTSIDE
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YETI Hopper M20 Backpack Soft Cooler, $260 (20% off)
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YETI Hopper Flip 12 Soft Cooler, $190 (24% off)
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Solo Stove Mesa Tabletop Fire Pit, $64.99 (35% off)
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Black Diamond Spot 400-R Headlamp, $54.88 (31% off)
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Coleman Portable Camping Chair, $39.99 (32% off)
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Stanley Classic Vacuum Bottle 1.5 qt, $29.97 (33% off)
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Ooni Karu 12 Multi-Fuel Pizza Oven, $248.95 (29% off)
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YETI Roadie 24 Hard Cooler, $187.50 (25% off)
GRILL AND KITCHEN
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MEATER Plus Smart Meat Thermometer, $56.98 (43% off)
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Lodge Enamel Dutch Oven, 6 Qt, $66.49 (26% off)
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Weber Precision Grilling Tool Set, $23.99 (49% off)
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OXO Outdoor Grilling Turner and Tongs Set, $17.99 (40% off)
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Blackstone 28 Inch Omnivore Griddle with Hood, $299.99 (25% off)
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Ninja SLUSHi Frozen Drink Maker, $229 (35% off)
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Vitamix 5200 Blender, $344.95 (31% off)
CARRY AND TOOLS
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Kershaw Leek BlackWash Pocket Knife, $66.49 (47% off)
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Samsonite Freeform 21-Inch Hardside Carry-On, $125.99 (43% off)
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Timex Expedition Scout 40mm, $51.26 (35% off)
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Streamlight MicroStream Pocket Flashlight, $18.26 (53% off)
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Leatherman Wingman Multi-Tool, $49.95 (29% off)
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Opinel No. 08 Carbone Knife, $16.50 (28% off)
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HOTO 40-Piece Tool Kit, $69.99 (13% off)
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Gerber Suspension NXT Multi-Tool, $35.37 (12% off)
GYM AND HEALTH
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BowFlex Results Series SelectTech Dumbbells, $328.99 (18% off)
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BowFlex SelectTech 840 Adjustable Kettlebell, $127.50 (15% off)
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Perfect Fitness Multi-Gym Pro Doorway Pull-Up Bar, $50.99 (15% off)
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Hyperice Hypervolt Go 2 Massage Gun, $109 (22% off)
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TriggerPoint GRID Foam Roller, $26.59 (34% off)
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Optimum Nutrition Creatine Monohydrate, 120 Servings, $20.71 (26% off)
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BlenderBottle ProSeries Shaker, 28 oz, $11.99 (25% off)
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Hatch Restore 3, $135.99 (20% off)
DAD TECH
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Garmin vivoactive 5, $181.97 (39% off)
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Apple AirPods Pro 3, $179 (28% off)
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Marshall Emberton III Bluetooth Speaker, $129.99 (28% off)
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Kindle Paperwhite 16GB (2024), $149.99 (25% off)
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Beats Studio Pro Wireless Headphones, $119 (60% off)
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Anker Nano Magnetic Power Bank, 5,000mAh, $42.99 (28% off)
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GoPro HERO12 Black, $289 (12% off)
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Garmin epix Pro (Gen 2) Sapphire Smartwatch, $529.99 (47% off)
AT HOME
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iRobot Roomba 115X Combo Robot Vacuum and Mop with AutoEmpty Dock, $199.99 (57% off)
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DEWALT 20V MAX Drill and Impact Driver Combo Kit, $138.99 (42% off)
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eufy SoloCam S340 Solar Security Camera, $119.99 (40% off)
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Dyson V8 Cordless Vacuum, $269.99 (31% off)
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Breville Barista Express Espresso Machine, $499.95 (28% off)
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Levoit Core 300 Air Purifier, $76.94 (23% off)
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Lutron Caseta Smart Dimmer Starter Kit, $91.95 (20% off)
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CRAFTSMAN 16 Gallon Wet/Dry Shop Vac, $121.99 (19% off)
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Sun Joe SPX3000 Electric Pressure Washer, $143.65 (15% off)
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Google Nest Learning Thermostat (4th Gen), $239.99 (14% off)
FOR HER (holiday head start)
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Barefoot Dreams CozyChic Throw, $51.80 (71% off)
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Ember Smart Mug 2, 14 oz, $89.97 (40% off)
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UGG Elea Slip-on, $84.99 (35% off)
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UGG Classic Ultra Mini Boot, $105.58 (34% off)
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Ray-Ban Classic Aviator Sunglasses, $144.90 (30% off)
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Kendra Scott Elisa Pendant Necklace, $49.88 (29% off)
FOR THE KIDS
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Air Hogs Zero Gravity Wall Climber RC Car, $12.59 (40% off)
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Retevis Kids Walkie Talkies, $13.19 (40% off)
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Hot Wheels Criss-Cross Crash Track Set, $42.49 (34% off)
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LEGO Technic Lamborghini Huracan Tecnica, $34.99 (30% off)
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Magna-Tiles Fire Station 50-Piece Set, $55.99 (30% off)
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Lovevery The Block Set, $66.50 (30% off)
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SKLZ Pro Mini Over-the-Door Basketball Hoop, $26.22 (25% off)
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Yoto Player (3rd Gen), $82.49 (25% off)
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B. toys Balance Beam Set, $39.99 (20% off)
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Mini Micro Deluxe LED Kick Scooter, $87.99 (20% off)
Enjoying Dad Day? It’ll always be free, but coffee helps keep us going. Get us one here.
———
The Dad Pact
We’ll keep showing up with the emails. All we ask? If you’re digging it, share it with another dad who’d be into it.
👉 [Forward to a fellow dad]
Want More?
-
Check out the community
-
Listen to our ‘Guys Being Dads’ podcast
-
Check out our ‘Go West’ series on YouTube
Work with Dad Day:
We only partner with brands we’d actually use. Think there’s a fit? Hit us up.
*Heads up: some links in our emails are affiliate links. We only recommend things we’d use anyway.
Update your email preferences or unsubscribe here
© 2026 Dad Day Media LLC
237 King Street
Charleston, South Carolina 29401, United States
Powered by beehiivIt just begins
Plus – a portable pull-up bar
October 05, 2026 | Read online
Hey guys. Hope the weekend was a good one.
Quick heads up: we’re shaking it up tomorrow with a Tuesday send featuring our favorite Amazon Prime Day deals. Won’t be a regular thing, just a fun one to mix it up.
Here’s what’s on tap today:
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Garbage time
-
A hard season
-
A fitness test
-
Being your own tyrant
-
And more…
Let’s get into it.
And if you’re new here, welcome aboard. Glad you found us.
📕 DAD WISDOM
Garbage Time
Came across an interview with Jerry Seinfeld talking about having kids and there were a couple lines in it worth sharing.
He talked about what he calls “garbage time” with his kids. Basically the completely unplanned stuff. 10:30 at night, one of them wants cereal, so you sit there and eat cereal together.
He said, “It’s nothing. But it’s everything.”
He also talked about the idea that you need to get everything done before having kids, almost like that’s when the fun stops.
“Do it before you have children as if your life ends when you have children. No, no, no, no. It just begins.”
Obviously life changes. A lot.
But I’m eight years into this dad thing now and I get what he means. Some of the best stuff I’ve experienced has happened on the other side of becoming one.
If you’re a new dad and haven’t fully felt this yet, trust us. It’s coming.
RAD DAD
Mike Kaufman
Mike is my brother-in-law and has no idea we’re featuring him here. For the last 7.5 years, he’s been fighting Ewing’s sarcoma, a rare form of bone cancer. It’s been one of those long, exhausting battles where even when things improve, it never fully feels gone.
This isn’t a “feel bad for Mike” thing. More of a “show some love to a really good dad” thing.
Mike didn’t grow up with a strong father figure, but you’d never know that by the way he shows up for his kids. Present and involved, and still setting the tone even when the season is hard.
That’s Rad Dad to us. Just a guy loving his family well through a brutally hard season.
So today we’re sending some love Mike’s way. Good vibes, prayers, whatever you’ve got. He’ll take ‘em.
DAD GEAR
Portable Pull-Up Bar
Just added the BullBar to the office and we’re all in. It’s been pretty great having a legit way to sneak in a quick workout during the workday, and the dip extensions are a really nice add-on.
Best part: the whole thing can come down in less than a minute when clients roll by. Super easy to stow away.
🛒 WHAT ELSE WE’RE ADDING TO CART
» Marine Layer Coastal Merino Shawl Cardigan
» Long Sleeve Shop Tee
» A Man & His Car Coffee Table Book
DAD BOD
Start Now
Giphy
Saw this fitness test around the idea of doing useful stuff with your body when you need to. Not just bench a lot or run far, but a little bit of everything.
A few of the benchmarks:
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Broad jump at least your height
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10 pull-ups
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Bench your bodyweight for 10 reps
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Farmer’s carry your bodyweight, split between both hands
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Trap-bar deadlift 1.5x bodyweight for 5 reps
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2-minute plank
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800 meters in about 3:15
You do not need to test all of this tomorrow. But if a couple of those expose a weak spot, that’s probably a pretty good place to put some work in.
JUNK DRAWER
» 📕 Be Your Own Tyrant
» 🎥 Using the Kids As Excuses
» 🧠 3 Science-Backed Ways to Raise Good and Happy Kids
Weekly Poll👇
How much do you parent differently than your own dad did?
Pick one and let us know why
A lot
In some ways
Not much
Never really thought about it
Other
DAD HUMOR
Fourth quarter Dad energy
PLUS – 100k why’s
October 02, 2026 | Read online
Friday is here. We dropped a 60-mile October challenge in the Dad Day Slack this week. More on that below.
Get outside, do something fun, and enjoy the weekend.
See ya Monday.
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.
“Who is the happier man, he who has braved the storm of life and lived, or he who has stayed securely on shore and merely existed?”
Hunter S. Thompson
THE DIGEST
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Wisdom of the Week: One of the best parts of being a dad is getting to feel like a kid again. You get to see this stuff through their eyes, and it reminds you that staying young at heart doesn’t just happen. You have to work at it a little.
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Most Clicked: Stuff You Suddenly Care About After Kids
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Gear of the Week: 260lb Economy Olympic Bumper Plate Weight Set
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Apparel of the Week: Relwen Sailcloth Tanker Jacket
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For the Kids: 100,000 Why’s For Kids Encyclopedia of Answers
Read, Watch, Eat, Listen
A few things to get into this weekend if you have a moment
📕 Read: The Happiest Man on Earth — Eddie Jaku
📺 Watch: 18 Affordable Watches For Cool Guys
🍔 Eat/Drink: The Only 3 Chicken Thigh Recipes You’ll Ever Need
🎧 Listen: Guys Being Dads — Fourth Quarter Energy
IN THE TRENCHES
Topic: How Patient Are You With the Kids?
We asked dads to grade their patience this week.
The top two answers were basically a tie: “Depends on the day” and “Usually pretty good.” Behind those was a healthy group of guys who admitted they’re definitely working on it.
That tracks.
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A rough day at work came up a lot
-
So did being tired
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Toddlers
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Teething
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Homework
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Asking someone to put their shoes on for what feels like the 48th time
One dad said he’s realized that when he’s rushing, he expects his kids to move at his speed too. Another said seeing his own impatience show up in his kids has been a pretty effective mirror.
And then there was the dad trying to help his kid with homework:
“Drives me nuts to see my own self in them…I suppose it’s payback time now ;)”
There were dads with babies and dads with grown kids chiming in on this one. One guy whose oldest just turned 20 said his fuse is a whole lot longer now than it was when his kids were little.
So maybe there’s hope for the rest of us. Thanks for contributing y’all.
PROJECTS
Show us your space or something you’re working on…
Backyard bar vibes! Thanks for sharing.
WEEKEND BURNER
Set a timer for 15 minutes and let it rip:
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10 push-ups
-
15 air squats
-
10 reverse lunges each leg
-
20 mountain climbers
-
30-second plank
KIDS VITAMINS FOR THE WIN
There’s a reason pediatricians recommend a daily multivitamin for most kids. Even the best eaters have gaps, and a chewable in the morning is the easiest way to close them.
Hiya’s Kids Daily Multivitamin covers 15+ vitamins and minerals kids actually need, no sugar, no gummy junk, just one chewable a day. Our kids take one every morning, no fuss.
Ships as a 30-day supply in a refillable glass bottle, plus a sticker pack for the kids to decorate it. 6,700+ five-star reviews from parents who feel the same way.
Dad Day readers get 50% off their first order + Free Shipping using link below.
Sponsored. We only work with brands we actually use.
ONE LAST THING
🍻 60-Mile October Challenge: 60-Mile October Challenge: Run, ruck, push the stroller. Doesn’t matter. Just hit 60 miles this month with the Dad Day crew and log it on Strava. Free version works. Shout-out to Earl on this one!
🍻 Weekend Assignment: Buy something from a kid this weekend. Lemonade stand. School fundraiser. Bake sale. Whatever you come across. And don’t ask for the change.
🧠 Worth Knowing: The “WD” in WD-40 stands for “Water Displacement.” The “40” is because the formula finally worked on the 40th attempt.
dad shower thoughts: The confidence boost from carrying every grocery bag inside in one trip is completely undeserved.
We ❤️ Coffee
Dad Day will always be free, but coffee helps with the early mornings and late nights that go into it. Grab us a cup here.
———
The Dad Pact
We’ll keep showing up with the emails. All we ask? If you’re digging it, share it with another dad who’d be into it.
👉 [Forward to a fellow dad]
Want More?
-
Check out the community
-
Listen to our ‘Guys Being Dads’ podcast
-
Work with Dad Day: We only partner with brands we’d actually use. Think there’s a fit? Hit us up.
*Heads up: some links in our emails are affiliate links. We only recommend things we’d use anyway.
Update your email preferences or unsubscribe here
© 2026 Dad Day Media LLC
237 King Street
Charleston, South Carolina 29401, United States
Powered by beehiivHow’s the weather?
Plus – try these movements
September 30, 2026 | Read online
Hey guys. Halfway through the week.
Here’s what’s on tap today:
-
Find you some stoke
-
70 new toys
-
A camping flex
-
Compound movements
-
And more…
Let’s get into it.
If you’re new here, welcome. Happy to have ya!
📕 DAD WISDOM
Get You Some Stoke
My 8-year-old caught his first fish over the weekend. A redfish, maybe 15 inches.
You would’ve thought the kid landed a 700-pound bluefin.
He hasn’t stopped talking about it. How he caught it, how big it was, what it felt like. He’s fired up.
Somewhere along the way we lose a little of that. Stuff that used to be a big deal just becomes normal, and it takes a lot more to get a reaction out of us.
Meanwhile he’s getting 4 days of mileage out of a 15-inch redfish.
That’s one of the best parts of being a dad. You get to see this stuff through their eyes again, and it reminds you that staying young at heart doesn’t just happen. You have to work at it a little.
So when’s the last time something got you that fired up? If you have to think about it, it’s probably been a while.
Go find it. Try the thing you’ve been putting off, or pick back up the one you dropped when the kids came along. Get you some of that stoke.
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.
-
The average American child receives about 70 new toys a year. Yet somehow the cardboard box they came in still has a fighting chance of being the favorite. 😂
-
The hole in the middle of a spaghetti spoon can double as a portion guide. On many designs, the opening holds roughly one serving of dry spaghetti.
-
The first product ever scanned with a UPC barcode was a 10-pack of Wrigley’s Juicy Fruit gum. It happened at an Ohio supermarket in 1974. That pack of gum is now in the Smithsonian.
DAD GEAR
Iron Grill Table Camp
Fall is here, which means it’s finally a great time to get back out camping. The IGT Camp Kitchen Starter Set packs a stove, prep space, storage, cutting board, knife, and even a sink into one modular setup. Definitely overkill for some, but pretty damn cool if you spend a lot of weekends outside.
🛒 WHAT ELSE WE’RE ADDING TO CART
» CAP 260lb Bumper Set
» Marshwear Saluda Puff Shacket
» Road Trips in the USA — Coffee Table Book
DAD BOD
Compound Moves
Watched a video with Dr. Mike Israetel recently that made a strong case for 30 minutes, twice a week, full body. The key is choosing movements that do a lot of work at once instead of bouncing around between isolation exercises.
Think:
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Underhand pull-ups for back, biceps, forearms, and grip
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Close-grip bench press for chest, shoulders, and triceps
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Bent-over rows for back, biceps, rear delts, and forearms
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Squats or lunges for quads, glutes, and the rest of your lower body
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RDLs or stiff-leg deadlifts for hamstrings, glutes, and spinal erectors
The whole idea was to pick a few movements that train three or four things at once, then get stronger at them over time.
JUNK DRAWER
» 😉 Stuff You Suddenly Care About After Kids
» 🎥 How to Slow Down Your Life
» 📕 We Fathers Must Not Let the Fire Die
DAD HUMOR
Something to chase
Plus – don’t wait for the new year
September 28, 2026 | Read online
Hey guys. Hope you had a good weekend.
Here’s what’s on tap today:
-
The old you
-
A fresh jacket
-
Don’t wait ‘til 2027
-
Rate your patience
-
And more…
Let’s get into it.
And if you’re new here, welcome aboard. Glad you found us.
📕 DAD WISDOM
The Old You
We had a dad recommend the Derek Grant podcast in a Saturday Send a while back.
Tuned into his latest episode on a run over the weekend (link below) and found myself stopping to jot down two things he said:
“Growth eventually is going to ask you to betray an old version of you.”
And: “The old you is gonna stop working.”
A lot to unpack there.
The stuff that got you through one season of life isn’t necessarily what you need for the next one. The way you worked, spent your time, handled stress, thought about money, whatever.
Dad life has a funny way of speeding some of that up.
I know there are parts of the guy I was before kids that I still really like. There are also parts that just don’t work with three of them running around.
And I’m sure five years from now I’ll say the same thing about the guy writing this. Growing probably requires leaving a few versions of yourself behind along the way.
RAD DAD
Ben Kanute
Ben Kanute is a professional triathlete based in Loveland, Colorado, and a dad of two kids, ages three and five.
His job is literally swimming, biking, and running, but fatherhood has been the thing with no set course map. That’s the part he keeps coming back to. No one really knows exactly what they’re doing. Every kid is different. You make mistakes, own them, adjust, and keep going.
There’s also the guilt that comes with leaving for training or races, even when it’s the right thing. Ben gives a lot of credit to his wife for carrying more so he can do what he does at the highest level.
What he’s learning is that the same things that make parenting hard are also what make it good. It changes every day. The kids grow fast. They see the world differently. And if you slow down enough, you can learn a lot from that.
His reminder for dads is simple: be patient, stay intentional, and remember that hard things are usually worthwhile.
Follow him at @benkanute.
DAD GEAR
Relwen Sailcloth Tanker Jacket
This is the kind of jacket you’ll end up grabbing all fall. Relwen’s Sailcloth Tanker is lightweight, wind and water-resistant, and easy to layer over just about anything. Rugged without looking overly outdoorsy.
🛒 WHAT ELSE WE’RE ADDING TO CART
» Zebco Kids Fishing Rod
» Stainless Steel French Press
» Braun Series 7 All-In-One Men’s Trimmer, Shaver & Razor (24% off)
DAD BOD
Start Now
It’s officially fall, which means there’s still a lot of year left. Research on the “fresh start effect” shows we naturally like using dates like New Year’s, birthdays, or even Mondays as a reason to finally start something.
But you don’t need January 1. Pick something now (for real) a race, a strength goal, a workout streak, and put it on the calendar.
Research on goal-setting also shows that deciding when, where, and how you’ll do something makes you much more likely to actually follow through. Give yourself something to chase before 2027 gets here.
JUNK DRAWER
» 👀 Asking Kids Questions As Soon As You Pick Them Up?
» 🎥 Justin Verlander Seeing His Daughter Run to Mound For Last Game 💯
» 🎧 The Messy Middle w/Derek Grant
Weekly Poll👇
How would you rate your patience as a dad right now? –
Pick one and let us know why
Pretty damn patient
Usually pretty good
Depends on the day
Definitely working on it
Other
DAD HUMOR
The morning chaos
PLUS – park shade and kids’ pace
September 25, 2026 | Read online
Fall is officially upon us. Texas takes on Tennessee at noon tomorrow, then Ole Miss and Florida kick off at 3:30.
Have a great weekend, fellas. Get out there and have some fun. We’ll see ya Monday.
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.
“Wherever you are, be all there.”
Jim Elliot
THE DIGEST
-
Wisdom of the Week: Kids move at kids’ speed. Trying to experience a little more of life at their pace is usually the right call.
-
Most Clicked: How to Handle Being Around Parents Who Do Everything Differently Than You
-
Gear of the Week: Shibumi Park Vista shade
-
Apparel of the Week: Relwen Shag Snap Zip
-
For the Kids: Franklin Sports Blackhawk Pop-Up Soccer Goal (4×3)
Read, Watch, Eat, Listen
A few things to get into this weekend if you have a moment
📕 Read: Four Thousand Weeks | Oliver Burkeman
📺 Watch: A Feel Good Motivational Short Film: How to Run 100 Miles | JAŸ-Z in 8 w/Rick Rubin
🍔 Eat/Drink: Award Winning Homemade Chili Recipe
🎧 Listen: The One-Skill-A-Year Plan For An Interesting Life
IN THE TRENCHES
Topic: Who Runs the Morning Routine?
We asked who handles most of the morning chaos at your house. Hundreds of dads replied.
The dads took this one (let’s go!), but not by much. “Mostly me” finished on top, followed closely by “pretty even” and “mostly my partner.”
Reading through the comments, though, it sounds less like anyone is keeping score and more like everyone has found their lane.
-
Some dads own breakfast and drop-off because their wife leaves for work early.
-
Others take the older kids so mom can sleep with the new baby. A few handle mornings because their partner takes bedtime.
-
And plenty just divide and conquer: one packs lunches, the other gets kids dressed, everybody somehow gets out the door.
-
One dad called their routine “a great dance that works well for our family.”
-
Another was slightly less poetic: “My wife takes hours to really be someone.” 😂
Fair. Seems like the best systems have less to do with 50/50 and more to do with knowing who’s doing what before somebody starts yelling that they can’t find their shoes. Stay strong, gents!
PROJECTS
Show us your space or something you’re working on…
Eric H. from Asheville, NC, with the ultimate playhouse build. This is rad. Thanks for sharing, Eric. Well done.
WEEKEND BURNER
4 Rounds. Pick a weight you can move with for the thrusters.
-
400m Run
-
10 Burpees
-
15 Thrusters
-
20 Sit-Ups
KEEP THE SCHOOL YEAR STRONG
Week one of school is easy. Week six is the real test.
That’s why a daily multivitamin is worth locking in early, before the routine falls apart. Hiya’s Kids Daily Multivitamin covers 15+ vitamins and minerals kids need, no sugar, no gummy junk, just one chewable a day. Our kids take one every morning, no fuss.
Ships as a 30-day supply in a refillable glass bottle, plus a sticker pack for the kids to decorate it. 6,700+ five-star reviews from parents who feel the same way.
Dad Day readers get 50% off their first order + Free Shipping using link below.
Sponsored. We only work with brands we actually use.
ONE LAST THING
🍻 Weekend Assignment: Let your kid pick the entire car playlist for one full ride. No skipping. Just commit. 🎧
🧠 Worth Knowing: The tiny pocket on your jeans was originally made for a pocket watch. Levi Strauss added it to jeans in the 1800s.
dad shower thoughts: Why does the smoke detector only need a new battery between the hours of 1 and 4 a.m.?
We ❤️ Coffee
Dad Day will always be free, but coffee helps with the early mornings and late nights that go into it. Grab us a cup here.
———
The Dad Pact
We’ll keep showing up with the emails. All we ask? If you’re digging it, share it with another dad who’d be into it.
👉 [Forward to a fellow dad]
Want More?
-
Check out the community
-
Listen to our ‘Guys Being Dads’ podcast
-
Work with Dad Day: We only partner with brands we’d actually use. Think there’s a fit? Hit us up.
*Heads up: some links in our emails are affiliate links. We only recommend things we’d use anyway.
Update your email preferences or unsubscribe here
© 2026 Dad Day Media LLC
237 King Street
Charleston, South Carolina 29401, United States
Powered by beehiiv