Leading by Example Starts with You

As dads, we often talk about leading by example. But what if the best way to teach resilience, discipline, and self-care to your kids isn’t through your words but your actions? That’s where fitness comes in.

Whether you’re hitting the gym, going for a jog, or chasing your kids around the backyard, your kids are paying attention. And every step, lift, or squat you take shows them what it means to prioritize health, embrace challenges, and take care of yourself.

Here’s why your workouts matter more than you might think—and how they leave a lasting impact on your kids.

Why It’s Important for Your Kids to See You Move

They Learn by Watching

Kids are like tiny mirrors—what you do, they’ll mimic. If you show them that exercise is a natural, positive part of life, they’ll be more likely to build those habits themselves.

  • Normalizing Fitness: Exercise becomes something they expect to see, not a chore reserved for New Year’s resolutions.
  • Teaching Consistency: Whether it’s a daily run or a quick yoga session, showing up for your workouts teaches them the value of commitment.

It Creates a Ripple Effect

When you make fitness a priority, it’s not just you who benefits—it changes the tone for your entire family.

  • Active parents inspire active kids.
  • Fitness often leads to healthier food choices.
  • Exercise together builds stronger family bonds.

My 7-year old getting after it on the rower

What They’re Really Learning From Your Workouts

Resilience Is Built in the Struggle

When your kids see you tackle a tough workout—or even fail and try again—they learn that growth comes from effort. Whether it’s pushing through a long run or learning a new skill at the gym, you’re modeling how to handle challenges head-on.

Consistency and Discipline Win

You don’t have to be a fitness guru to teach consistency. Just showing up, whether for a 10-minute stretch or a 30-minute sweat session, plants the seeds of discipline.

Mindset Matters

Fitness isn’t just physical; it’s mental. Your kids will notice how exercise boosts your mood and energy, teaching them that movement is about feeling good as much as looking good.

Making Fitness a Family Thing

How to Get Your Kids Involved

  • Play Together: Whether it’s shooting hoops, going for a hike, or a good old-fashioned game of tag, active play is a workout in disguise.
  • Set Shared Goals: Sign up for a family-friendly fun run or set weekly activity challenges.
  • Make It Fun: Create backyard obstacle courses or fitness scavenger hunts for an adventurous twist.

Celebrate the Wins

When your kids join you, make it about the experience, not performance. Acknowledge their effort with high-fives and celebrate the small victories.

Overcoming the Excuses

No Time? No Problem

  • Squeeze in micro workouts (10–15 minutes still counts).
  • Work out where your kids can see you—living room yoga or a garage workout fits perfectly into dad life.

Guilt-Free Workouts

It’s easy to feel bad about carving out time for yourself, but remember: your health is your family’s future. A healthier, happier you means more energy and presence for your kids.

Building a Legacy of Health

The hikes you take, the backyard soccer games, the morning runs—they’re more than workouts. They’re memories, lessons, and traditions. When your kids see you prioritize your health, they’re learning to value their own.

So the next time you lace up your sneakers, remember: it’s not just for you. It’s for them too.

We asked the Dad Day crew to get real about their biggest fitness challenges and nearly 300 dads opened up.

The results? Painfully relatable.

Here’s the breakdown:

  • 38% can’t find the time

  • 29% struggle with consistency

  • 20% battle motivation

  • 4% are sidelined by injuries

  • 5% say they’re dialed in

But the numbers only tell half the story. The real gold was in the comments.

“Working 12+ hours a day to provide for my family. Hard to find the time,” one dad shared.

Another, fresh off welcoming his first baby, said:

“I’m trying to carve out time to work out while making sure my wife can rest and recover.”

Then there’s the motivation side — a story most of us could tell:

“I bought a rowing machine, used it for a few weeks, and haven’t touched it since. Same story with a lot of things, not just exercise.”

And the small wins (and laughs) we all get:

“I used to sit in my car outside the gym watching Netflix. So I canceled the membership and bought a pull-up bar. Now I just walk past it on the doorframe — but hey, at least I’m not watching as much Netflix.”

Here’s the truth bomb:
When nearly 40% of dads can’t find time and another 30% can’t stay consistent, it’s clear — we’re all fighting the same battle.

Maybe knowing that makes those 5 a.m. workouts or living-room pushups between Bluey episodes a little easier to stomach. Because for dads, success isn’t about getting shredded. It’s about showing up — when you can, with what you’ve got.

Keep grinding, fellas. 👊

More real-life fitness content coming soon — built for dads, not influencers.

There’s a moment every guy knows. You belly up to the bar, the menu’s a novel, and the bartender asks, “What’ll it be?” You freeze. Do you go for something safe? Something strong? Something that says you actually know what you’re doing?

Here’s the truth: every man needs a short list of reliable cocktails. Drinks that always hit, always look good in your hand, and don’t need a degree in mixology to make.

These five classics never go out of style.

1. The Old Fashioned

The vibe: Confident. Timeless. Whiskey-forward.

What’s in it:

  • 2 oz bourbon or rye

  • 1 sugar cube or ½ tsp simple syrup

  • 2 dashes Angostura bitters

  • Orange peel

How to make it:
Muddle the sugar and bitters with a splash of water. Add ice and whiskey. Stir until cold. Express the orange peel over the glass and drop it in.

When to order it:
When you want to look like you’ve got your life together.

2. The Negroni

The vibe: Sharp. Sophisticated. Slightly bitter in the best way.

What’s in it:

  • 1 oz gin

  • 1 oz Campari

  • 1 oz sweet vermouth

How to make it:
Stir ingredients with ice and strain into a rocks glass. Garnish with an orange peel.

When to order it:
When you want something bold but balanced. It’s the Italian tuxedo of cocktails.

3. The Whiskey Sour

The vibe: Smooth operator. Old-school but friendly.

What’s in it:

  • 2 oz whiskey

  • ¾ oz lemon juice

  • ½ oz simple syrup

  • Optional: ½ oz egg white for a frothy top

How to make it:
Shake everything hard with ice. Strain into a rocks glass with ice. Garnish with a cherry or lemon twist.

When to order it:
When you want whiskey flavor without the burn.

4. The Martini

The vibe: Cool, clean, and dangerously strong.

What’s in it:

  • 2½ oz gin or vodka

  • ½ oz dry vermouth

  • Lemon twist or olive

How to make it:
Stir (never shake) with ice, then strain into a chilled glass. Garnish to taste.

When to order it:
When you’re keeping it classy or channeling your inner Bond.

5. The Tom Collins

The vibe: Easygoing. Classic. The gentleman’s summer drink.

What’s in it:

  • 2 oz gin

  • 1 oz lemon juice

  • ½ oz simple syrup

  • Club soda

How to make it:
Shake the gin, lemon, and syrup with ice. Strain into a tall glass with fresh ice, top with club soda, and give it a gentle stir. Garnish with a lemon wheel or cherry if you’re feeling fancy.

When to order it:
When you want something crisp and clean that won’t knock you out. The Tom Collins is proof you can drink gin without acting like you’re in a Gatsby novel.

The Dad Day Takeaway

You don’t need to know every craft cocktail in the book. You just need a few that fit your mood and your moment. Because sometimes confidence looks like ordering the right drink without hesitating.

And when in doubt? Old Fashioned. Always works.

There’s a story behind every pint. But few beers have a legend like the India Pale Ale — the IPA. It’s the craft beer world’s crown jewel. The hoppy heavyweight. The one drink that can start a debate faster than a bad call in a Little League game. But before it became the mascot of modern microbreweries and ironic flannel, the IPA was born out of something very old-school: survival and long-distance grit.

The Original Long-Haul Beer

In the late 1700s, Britain had a problem. Its empire stretched all the way to India, and British soldiers and colonists wanted beer.

The problem? Regular beer spoiled on the long, hot voyage from England to the subcontinent. By the time the barrels hit Bombay, the ale had gone bad. So brewers got clever. They took a strong pale ale and amped up the alcohol and hops — both natural preservatives to help it survive the six-month sea trip. That beer arrived not just drinkable, but better than ever. Bright, bitter, and refreshing in the Indian heat. And so, the “India Pale Ale” was born.

From Empire to Every Barstool

By the mid-1800s, the IPA was the beer of choice across the British Empire. But by the early 1900s, it had mostly vanished. Tastes changed. Lagers took over. Fast forward to the 1970s, and American homebrewers rediscovered the old recipe. They didn’t just bring it back — they turned it up to eleven. American hops like Cascade and Citra added citrus, pine, and floral punch. The bitterness got bolder. The color got lighter. And the IPA became a statement: “I drink something with flavor.”

The Dad Day Take

For all its hipster baggage, the IPA is one of the manliest beers in history. It’s strong, rugged, and built for endurance. The kind of drink made for long journeys, hot days, and tired hands. Order one, and you’re raising a glass to sailors, explorers, and brewers who refused to settle for spoiled beer.

So next time someone rolls their eyes at your IPA, just smile and say,

“It was literally made to survive a trip halfway around the world.”

Then take a sip.

There’s a moment every man faces. The waiter hands you the steak menu. Ribeyes, strips, filets, tomahawks. You realize you’ve been winging it for years. You nod confidently, pretend to study the options, then order the one you always get because it sounds manly. Let’s fix that.

Here are five steak cuts every dad (and self-respecting grill commander) should know. What they are, how they cook, and when to flex each one.

1. The Ribeye

The ribeye is the king of flavor. It’s cut from the cow’s rib section, which means it’s marbled with fat that melts as it cooks and keeps it juicy. It’s the steak for men who believe in bold flavor and real fire.

Best for: Grilling or pan-searing over high heat
Pro move: Salt, pepper, cast iron, and confidence
Dad tip: The outer “cap” is where the magic lives.

2. The New York Strip

Lean meets flavor. The strip doesn’t have as much marbling as the ribeye, but it makes up for it with consistency and that classic steakhouse chew. It’s your weeknight warrior. Dependable, straightforward, and easy to love.

Best for: Grilling with a quick sear
Pro move: Slice against the grain for tenderness
Dad tip: The safe bet when you don’t want to think.

3. The Filet Mignon

The filet is the smooth talker of steaks. All tenderness, minimal fat. It’s cut from the tenderloin, the least-worked muscle on the cow. Not the most flavorful cut, but unbeatable for texture. Think: the difference between a firm handshake and a velvet glove.

Best for: Date nights or fancy dinners
Pro move: Wrap it in bacon for bonus flavor
Dad tip: You don’t cut a filet. You glide through it.

4. The T-Bone (or Porterhouse)

Two steaks, one bone. The T-bone combines a strip on one side and a tenderloin on the other. The only difference between a T-bone and a Porterhouse is size. The Porterhouse has a larger tenderloin section, so it’s basically the heavyweight version.

Best for: Grilling for a crowd or showing off
Pro move: Sear hard, then finish over indirect heat
Dad tip: It’s a showpiece. Let it rest before you serve.

5. The Flank (or Skirt)

This is the working man’s cut. Lean, tough, affordable, and full of character. Cut from the belly area, it shines when marinated and sliced thin. Not a “fancy” steak, but it rewards effort and care.

Best for: Fajitas, tacos, and backyard grilling
Pro move: Marinate overnight, sear quick, slice against the grain
Dad tip: The cheaper cuts teach you more about cooking than the expensive ones ever will.

The Takeaway

Every steak tells a story. Ribeye says bold. Strip says steady. Filet says refined. T-bone says confident. Flank says gritty.

You don’t need to memorize a butcher’s chart. Just know these five. They’ll cover every craving, occasion, and cookout.

Know your cuts. Respect the craft. Feed your people well.

Most dads start their day with caffeine. Few start it with intention. For years, I poured brown liquid into a mug and called it coffee. It was fuel, not flavor. Functional, not enjoyable. Then one morning, standing in the kitchen half-awake, I realized I was treating the best part of my day like a chore. This was pre-kids, btw.

So I slowed down. Switched beans. Learned the grind. And discovered that brewing a great cup of coffee isn’t about being fancy. It’s about being present.

The Big Idea

Your morning coffee sets the tone for the day. You can start rushed and distracted — or grounded and focused. I wake up at 5am to have a solid hour to myself before the kids wake up. Good coffee isn’t complicated. The right bean, the right grind, and two extra minutes of attention.  It’s the same principle as sharpening your knife before cooking. Or checking the oil before a road trip. Details that pay off later.

The Beans

If you’re still buying whatever’s on sale at the grocery store, start there.

Buy whole beans.
Pre-ground coffee goes stale fast. You wouldn’t cut a steak three days before cooking it. Don’t do it with coffee.

Go fresh.
Look for a roast date within the last month. Anything older is background noise in liquid form.

Pick your roast.
Light roast brings out flavor and nuance. Dark roast brings punch and consistency. Medium roast hits the middle. Find your lane and stick with it.

The Grind

The grind size determines everything — flavor, strength, even mood.

  • Coarse: French press, cold brew, cowboy coffee.

  • Medium: Drip machines, pour-overs.

  • Fine: Espresso or Moka pot.

If your coffee tastes weak, grind finer. If it’s bitter, grind coarser. It’s not science fiction — it’s simple trial and error. Invest in a burr grinder. It’s the difference between slicing and shredding.

The Brew

There’s no “right” method. Just the one that fits your schedule.

Pour-over: For the patient. Control freaks welcome.
French press: For the minimalist. Bold flavor, zero gadgets.
Drip: For the busy. Set it up right, and it’s better than you remember.
Espresso: For the obsessed. A ritual with a reward.

Whatever method you choose, water temperature matters. 195–205°F is the sweet spot. In other words, boil, then wait 30 seconds before pouring.

The Ritual

Here’s the part that matters most. Don’t scroll your phone. Don’t rush out the door. Just stand there and listen. The hiss, the pour, the first sip. That’s not just coffee. That’s the reset button for your morning, and damn does it taste good.

The Takeaway

Good coffee isn’t about gear or grind. If you can make something small, simple, and daily just a little better, you can apply that same mindset anywhere.

“Slow down. Make it right. Then face the day.”

If fall had a smell, it’d be coffee, campfire, and waxed canvas. In the latest Huckberry Gear Lab episode, hosts Ben and Nick break down what’s new, what’s timeless, and what’s worth actually buying this season — all inspired by the rugged, cold-weather craftsmanship of Maine.

Here’s the quick-hit guide:

The Maine Effect:

Their new Flint and Tinder collection borrows from Maine’s mix of grit and craftsmanship — think maritime workwear, classic materials, and cold-weather durability that still looks good at the brewery.

Fall Trends Worth Owning:

The rugby shirt is officially back — less prep-school, more “built for the bar crawl.” And fleece isn’t just a dad staple anymore; it’s a must-layer for everything from school drop-off to weekend hikes.

Boot Season:

Huckberry’s leaning into western vibes, chukkas, and trail-ready shoes. Bonus: a handmade bison leather collab with Rancourt, built in Maine, and designed to last longer than your kid’s current shoe size.

Outerwear Game:

Start your wax jacket hunt in the “Waxed Outpost” section on Huckberry — they break it down by style, weight, and use case. The Flint and Tinder Wax Trucker still reigns supreme, but the new Moleskin quilted jacket and Rowin superfleece are quiet killers.

Pants, Hoodies & Layers:

The 10-Year Hoodie got a fabric upgrade (still backed by the decade-long guarantee). Pair it with Mason pants, 365 chinos, or washed black selvage for that “dad who’s got it together but doesn’t try too hard” vibe.

New Faces in the Lineup:

Arc’teryx joins the roster for mountain-ready performance, and Finisterre brings its cold-water surf grit — great knits, better story.

Rapid-Fire Round:

  • How often can you wear a hoodie?

  • Are zip-off pants actually back?

  • And who’s the king of western style — Post Malone or Charlie Crockett?

Whatever your fall looks like — fire pits, tailgates, or just pretending to organize the garage, this episode’s a solid roadmap to looking good while doing it.

Credit: Huckberry Gear Lab / Ben O’Meara & Nick Schenck. Shared for commentary and inspiration. All rights to the original creators.

Happy Monday, gents. Charleston’s been soggy since Friday. Solo dad duty in the rain: part survival course, part endurance test. Minor drywall casualties reported. Spirits remain high. Let’s get into it…

📕 DAD WISDOM

Be More Like the Blue Jays

Credit to the Live A Little newsletter for the inspo behind this one. I’m not a big baseball guy, but I did watch the Blue Jays take down the Yankees last week.

The Yankees led the league in home runs; big swings, big moments. The Jays? They led in batting average and on-base percentage. They played smart, patient ball. The kind that doesn’t always make the highlight reel, but wins when it counts.

That’s dad life in a nutshell.

Any guy can have a “home run moment.” The big gift, the family trip, the epic weekend. But the real wins? They come from showing up. From the small, consistent plays like bedtime stories, Saturday pancakes, a quick check-in after school.

You don’t need to hit bombs all the time. You just need to get on base, again and again.

Be more like the Blue Jays today.

RAD DAD

Kirk Herbstreit

Photo via Indy Star

Kirk Herbstreit, the voice of college football, has spent years breaking down the biggest games, but his real playbook? Raising four boys.

And he’s the first to admit the travel schedule is brutal. But here’s the thing: Herbstreit doesn’t let the road keep him from being present. FaceTime calls from stadium parking lots. Making the small moments count. Showing up however he can.

His approach to fatherhood? Support over pressure. Character over stats.

Kirk’s made it clear to his boys: “It’s never been about football for us. I’m just there to support them, whatever their path is.”

He’s also real about the sacrifice: “I spend more time on the road than a lot of dads, but I make the time I do have with them count.”

But here’s what really matters to him:

“Fatherhood is everything to me. It grounds me… My best role is being their dad.”

Quotes from YouTube

DAD TOYS

Shoe Scrubber

The unsung hero of clean floors. Mount it by the back door, give each kid a quick “scrub or stay out” rule, and suddenly your house isn’t a swamp.

No batteries. No app. Just tough bristles, a steel frame, and a dad’s favorite four words: “Take it off outside.”

Get it here.

🛒 WHAT ELSE WE’RE EYING UP

» The Man Behind The Maps (Great Coffee Table Book)

» Lego Game Boy

» 100 Stickers for $25 Bucks

DAD BOD

Swap the Afternoon Coffee For This

chinese tea GIF

That afternoon coffee hit? It might be keeping you up at night.

Try this instead: Green Tea

Green tea’s got just enough caffeine to power through without wrecking your sleep. Plus, it’s loaded with polyphenols like EGCG; compounds that fight inflammation, speed recovery, improve insulin sensitivity, and support fat oxidation.

The trick: drink it in the afternoon instead of your usual coffee. Better sleep, less inflammation, and a metabolic boost that actually shows up.

THE MOVE

“One day, your child will sit across from someone and describe what it felt like to be raised by you. Make sure it’s a story worth telling.” – Author Unknown

This week’s focus: Ask yourself one question. When your kid thinks back on this season of life, what do you want them to remember?

JUNK DRAWER

» One Piece of Life Advice That Stuck

» If You Enter One Giveaway This Year

» Things In Your Garage You Can Probably Get Rid Of

DAD HUMOR

Friday’s here. Fall’s showing up. Some good games on deck. I’m solo dad till Monday. Send coffee. Have a great weekend, see you Monday.

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.

“It’s a tremendous responsibility to be a father. It’s an honor, and it’s a challenge.”

Michael Keaton

THE DIGEST

  • Most Clicked: Are Chill-Out Drinks Safe?

  • Best Community Reply: More is caught than taught.

  • Wisdom of the Week: Don’t get stuck in the old season. Just be present in this one. Because before you know it, you’ll blink, and it’ll be time to adjust again.

  • Product of the Week: Stone Paper Daily Action Pad

WEEKEND BLUEPRINT

📕 Read: Surf When You Can: Lessons in Life, Loyalty, and Leadership from a Maverick Navy Captain

🎧 Listen: Man vs. Failure With Bear Grylls

📺 Watch: How to Become a Morning Person

🍔 Eat/Drink: Making Smash Burgers

🩳 Style: Timex Weekender Watch for $32 Bucks

FROM THE TRENCHES

Topic: Magnesium for Sleep

A dad in the Slack asked if magnesium actually works for sleep or if it’s just another wellness gimmick. Turns out, this one might be worth the hype.

Several dads chimed in saying magnesium has helped with sleep quality, muscle recovery, and even digestion. A few use magnesium cream on their feet and calves before bed.

Others swear by capsules or powder forms like glycinate or bisglycinate. One dad even said it’s the only thing that’ll put him down outside of a horse tranquilizer.

The consensus: it helps, but go easy on the dosage (too much powder and your stomach will hate you). Bonus tip: if you try the cream, keep it in the fridge so it doesn’t spoil.

GARAGE

Send us what you’re working on

Kevin from PA working on updating the stairs to the basement. Looking good. Thanks for sharing, Kevin.

We want to see your house projects. Send ‘em our way! Just reply to this email.

WEEKEND BURNER

Warmup: Run 1 Mile @ a conversational pace

As many rounds as possible in 15 minutes:

  • 10 Dumbbell Thrusters (front squat → press)

  • 10 Renegade Rows (push-up + row right/left = 1 rep)

  • 10 Dumbbell Deadlifts

  • 10 Burpees (full chest to floor — no half-stepping)

Extra Credit Finisher: Set a timer for 5 minutes:

  • 10 Burpees

  • 100m Run (or 30 sec sprint)
    Repeat until the clock hits 0.

Click for Spotify Playlist

dad shower thoughts: At some point, you become the guy who says “let’s leave early to beat traffic” and it feels right.

📕 DAD WISDOM

Don’t Buy Nice Things (Yet)

I once heard someone say, “Don’t buy nice things until your kids are older.”

At the time, I laughed. Then I had kids.

Kids are professional destroyers. Couch cushions become trampolines. Coffee tables double as racetracks. Tools go missing and sometimes reappear weeks later, slightly bent and sticky for reasons no one can explain.

At first, it drove me nuts. I’d look at the Sharpie mark on the furniture or the muddy fingerprints on the fridge and think, “Can’t we have nice things?”

It recently hit me: maybe the “nice things” aren’t the things.

Every scratch, every spill, every lost tool is proof that a family lives here. It’s a reminder that our house isn’t a showroom; it’s a workshop for growing humans.

So yeah, the couch has stains. The car smells faintly of something, but I don’t know what, and the TV remote might never recover.

But I’ve learned patience and perspective. Stuff is just stuff. And one day, when the house is quiet, you know we’ll all miss the chaos.

RAD DAD

Russell Wilson

Photo via Yahoo Sports

Yeah, Russ hasn’t exactly been cooking on the field lately. But off the field? The man’s serving a full-course meal in fatherhood.

The Super Bowl champ and father of four (with wife Ciara) leads like he plays at his best with discipline and relentless optimism.

Wilson’s dad philosophy is simple but strong: show up, love unconditionally, and lead by example.

He stepped into the role of stepdad without hesitation, calling it a “gift.”

Russ said his greatest honor is “just seeing [his kids] grow up… seeing them win big.” From his own father, he learned the power of self-belief: “Why not you, Russ?” became a family mantra.

So, ya, maybe his deep ball has lost a little zip. But when it comes to faith, family, and showing up for his kids? Russell Wilson is still throwing strikes.

Quotes from BeliefNet & Quote Fancy

DAD TOYS

Power Move

The holidays are upon us, which means a lot more cords.

Enter this ultra-thin power strip, the unsung hero of dad-level home organization.

The slim profile slides right behind furniture, and the 8-foot cord gives you reach without the mess.

Clean. Practical. Peak dad.

Get it here.

🛒 WHAT ELSE WE’RE EYING UP | AMAZON PRIME BIG DEALS

» Jackery Explorer 1500w Portable Power (56% off)

» Apple iPad Mini (25% off)

» Samsung Frame TV (47% off)

DAD BOD

Spice Up Your Recovery

Crushed a workout and walking like you just got off a horse? Time to raid the spice rack.

Turmeric. Ya, that yellow powder you bought once for a curry and never used again might be your secret weapon against soreness. The magic comes from curcumin, a compound proven to cut inflammation, speed recovery, and ease that “why did I do leg day?” pain.

The trick: it works best after your workout, especially if it’s paired with black pepper (it helps your body absorb the good stuff).

Go for 200–500mg twice a day, or just toss some turmeric into your post-gym smoothie if you’re feeling crunchy.

Read more here.

JUNK DRAWER

» ‘Chill-Out Drinks’ – Are They Safe?

» How to Accept Your Partner’s Flaws

» What Makes For Well-Liked Kids? One Single Predictor.

DAD HUMOR