📕 DAD WISDOM 

The Grind

Gonna be honest…I almost skipped today’s send. Behind on work, overwhelmed, felt easier to punt. But I made a commitment.

Here’s the thing: the grind can feel heavy, but when family is your north star, even the late nights and long weeks take on meaning. Every decision, goal, and small win feels different when it’s centered around the people who matter most.

Yeah, the work grind is real. But there’s purpose in showing up, even when you don’t feel like it. That’s when resilience is built. And that’s when our kids see what it looks like to keep going.

RAD DAD 

Rob Machado

Photo via Wavegarden

Rob Machado is a surfing legend, known for his effortless style in the water and his equally laid-back approach to life and fatherhood.

Based in Cardiff-by-the-Sea, California, Rob has two kids; Macy and Jax, and when he’s not shaping boards or chasing waves, he’s pouring into his Rob Machado Foundation, bringing clean water and sustainability education to schools.

For Rob, parenting is all about presence. He makes the most of his time with his kids, surfing, traveling, and showing them how nature is the best classroom. As he puts it:

“Every wave is different, just like every moment in life.”

His daughter Macy calls him “the king of style” and her favorite surfer, proof that his legacy goes well beyond the sport.

Machado’s example reminds us that raising resilient, curious kids doesn’t require a perfect plan. It’s about sharing your passions, creating joy, and letting life unfold, one wave at a time. Follow Rob here.

DAD TOYS 

Your Own Weather Station

Peak dad life is getting excited about a backyard weather station. This one gives you live UV, rain, wind, and even a 7-day forecast powered by Weatherseed® AI. Forget Jim Cantore. You can call the shots straight from your deck. Currently 15% off. Get it here.

DAD BOD 

Phone-Free Mornings

Most of us grab our phones before we even sip coffee. But skipping the scroll first thing gives you a calmer, more focused start.

• Less stress (no emails screaming at you).

• More presence (actually taste the coffee).

• Better focus (save the dopamine hit for later).

Pro tips: use a real alarm clock, keep your phone in another room, and pair the habit with coffee, reading, or something calming.

The inbox ain’t going anywhere.

• A bunch of dads have reached out about kicking off local run clubs. It’s not so much about the run - it’s about community and connection. If you’re down to lead one in your city, hit us up. We’ll get ya rollin’. Just gotta show up. Don’t sleep on our Strava group.
  

• $10 buy-in. Bragging rights on the line. Our Dad Day Fantasy Survivor League is live. Join here.

• Our Fall Challenge is on. We’re challenging our crew of dads to sign up for something this fall; a 5k, half, full, whatever. Having a goal makes it way easier to stay committed. Download Runna, get 2 free weeks with code DADDAY, and let’s friggin’ go.

DAD HUMOR