The Balancing Act
Plus – exciting one for us today
March 04, 2026 | Read Online
Fun one today.
We’ve been hard at work on Episode 2 of our in-house YouTube series, Go West.
The trailer is below. Do us a solid and give it a quick watch. The full episode drops this Friday.
Let’s get into it.
📕 DAD WISDOM
There’s No Balance
We’ve been low-key recording a podcast the last couple months. Mostly an excuse to shoot the shit and tell our wives that “listeners are counting on us” each week 😂.
On the last episode, we talked about motivation, the work grind, and trying to balance family life. Here’s what we’re finding out.
There isn’t a clean line where work ends and dad life begins. There isn’t a season where it all clicks into perfect harmony. It’s tension. Constant tension.
Some weeks you lean into work. Some days you shut the laptop early. Sometimes you feel ahead. Sometimes you feel behind on both.
The goal isn’t perfect balance. It’s intentional imbalance.
Knowing when to push. Knowing when to pull back. And being honest about which season you’re in.
If you feel that tension, you’re not doing it wrong. You’re in it…just like us.
RAD DAD
Jeremy Thiel
There’s something about a 5:15am gym open that tells you a lot about a man.
Jeremy Thiel runs CrossFit Central and The Fittest Experience in Austin, but the real reps happen after 3:30pm when he picks up his three kids and heads into the chaos of multi-sport practices, dinner, and bedtime routines.
For Jeremy, fatherhood isn’t complicated. It’s consistent. Take a breath. Keep moving forward. One day at a time.
The hardest part is saying no to his daughters. The most important part is nights with his family.
Open the gym. Pick up the kids. Do it again tomorrow.
Follow him at @jeremybthiel.
DAD GEAR
Retractable Charger
We’ve never been this hyped about a charger, but this thing rips.
Retractable USB-C. Pull it out. Charge. Let it snap back in. No tangles.
No cable nest in the truck. No kid-created knots.
It’s $15. Get it here.
🛒 WHAT ELSE WE’RE ADDING TO CART
» Relwen Sailcloth Tanker Jacket
» MERV Air Filters (23% off)
» Anker Solex Portable Power (46% off)
DAD BOD
Join a Class
Quick fitness hack if you need a push: join a class.
There’s real science behind it. Psychologists call it the Köhler Effect, when people exercise around others (especially slightly fitter people), they push harder so they don’t fall behind.
Translation: You run faster when someone’s next to you.
One Kansas State University study found people working out with a partner lasted up to 200% longer than those training alone.
Bonus: You meet people. You get out of the house. And workouts become something you actually show up for.
GO WEST TRAILER
Go West is about dads carving their own path, going against the grain, chasing big ideas, and having those “what the hell am I doing?” moments in real time.
The whole series is meant to inspire. Not to lose who you are because you’re a dad, but to chase what you’re after because you’re a dad.
In Episode 2 of Go West, we follow Richie, founder of Daylight Burrito, as he walks away from stability to build something of his own.
Here’s the Episode 2 trailer. Give it a watch, y’all, and give us a like and subscribe. Full episode drops Friday!
JUNK DRAWER
» WATCH: The Car Ride Home After Youth Sports
» READ: The Almanack of Naval Ravikant
» LISTEN: Hidden Stressors Making You Sick – Model Health Show
MEAT SWEATS
In Partnership With Good Chop
Some meat delivery boxes are well over $200 bucks.
Good Chop’s medium box comes in at $149, and they’re claiming you can save up to 70% compared to other guys. Same freezer. Same grill. Way less damage to the wallet.
If you’re feeding a family (or a teenage boy who eats like a D1 linebacker), this is the kind of math that matters. Premium protein. Non-premium price. That’s math we can get behind.
You can snag your first box for $99 with this link. C’mon. That’s a deal.
DAD HUMOR
Loosen the Grip
Plus – a proper scent
March 02, 2026 | Read Online
…and we’re back.
Hope you had a solid weekend…a little rest, a little chaos, maybe both.
We’ve got some cool stuff dropping this week, including a fresh episode of our YouTube series Go West.
Let’s get into it.
📕 DAD WISDOM
Loosen the Grip
Four weeks into baby number three and I’ve noticed something.
With our first, I was wound tight (naturally). Every sound meant something. Every schedule mattered. Every decision felt high-stakes.
I was cautious about everything. And in some ways, that makes sense. When it’s your first, it is the hardest thing you’ve ever done. You don’t have reps yet. Everything feels fragile.
But perspective is a wild thing.
By the third, you realize most of it isn’t as delicate as you thought. Babies are tougher. You’re tougher. The world doesn’t collapse if the nap is late or the routine shifts.
Don’t be reckless. But don’t be so tightened up that you miss it.
This applies beyond newborns too. With toddlers. With teenagers. The first time always feels bigger than it ends up being in hindsight.
Experience doesn’t remove the weight. It just loosens your grip a little. And sometimes that’s enough to actually enjoy the moment you’re in.
RAD DAD
Trevor Farnes
Trevor Farnes is the founder of MTN OPS and a dad of four.
The hardest part of parenting for Trevor has been time. Not the chaos. Not the juggling. Just how fast it all moves. The days are full, the years move faster, and seasons change before you are ready.
Years ago, after losing everything in a financial collapse, he learned something that reshaped his view of fatherhood. His kids did not care about the things that were sold. They cared that he was present. That they felt loved.
Provision is not measured by what you give your children. It is measured by how you show up.
Up at 6. Gym. Work. Coaching. Hunting. Skiing. Intentional time.
His non-negotiable is simple. Presence with purpose.
Feel good stat: Trevor’s non-profit Conquer Hunger has donated over 1 million meals to families in need.
Follow him at MTN OPS.
DAD GEAR
Portable Pressure Washer
Pressure washer season is coming back. I’ve had this random $99 Amazon electric one for a few years now, and it just keeps doing the job.
No, it’s not a beast like something from DeWalt or Westinghouse, but it blasts the driveway, cleans the siding, and handles patio duty without gas, oil, or any drama.
🛒 WHAT ELSE WE’RE ADDING TO CART
» Marshwear Delano Cord Jacket
» Not Terrible Wired Headphones USB-C
» 4 Way Briefcase (lifer)
DAD BOD
Close the Kitchen
Giphy
Here’s an easy win: close the kitchen three hours before bed.
In a new study, adults who stopped eating (and even dimmed the lights) three hours before sleep, extending their overnight fast by about two hours, saw improvements in blood pressure, heart rate, and blood sugar. No calorie cutting. No weird diet.
Just giving your body time to power down. Heart clocks out at 10. So should the snacks.
COMMUNITY
-
Dad Day Run Club: Shoutout to last week’s top 3: Steven, Steve, and Tom. Steve Jensen, hit us up with your shipping info, and we’ll send you a Dad Day Run Club hat. Log some miles on Strava with 800+ dads here.
What’s your hardest parenting phase right now?
Sleep
Behavior
Balancing work and home
Time management
All of the above
Other
JUNK DRAWER
» Why Every Dad Should Give His Kid the Camera
» 4 Ways to Elevate Your Casual Style
» Breakfast Buritos on the Griddle
DAD HUMOR
Quiet the mind
PLUS – a bodyweight workout for the weekend
February 27, 2026 | Read Online
Sup, guys. Anyone else feel like Monday was five minutes ago? Wild. Have an awesome weekend.
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.
“Change is only possible through movement.”
Aldous Huxley
THE DIGEST
-
Most Clicked: An Effective, Simple Parenting Strategy
-
Wisdom of the Week: If you’re constantly around negativity, you’ll feel drained. If you’re around dads who push you to be better, you’ll rise. Performance matters. Effort matters. But placement matters too. Not everything in life can be changed overnight. But you can be intentional about where you plant yourself and your family.
-
Gear of the Week: Unbound Merino T-Shirts
-
Deal of the Week: Patagonia Black Wheeled Duffel 40L
📕 Read: Polaroid Now: The History and Future of Polaroid Photography
🎧 Listen: How to Quiet the Ruminative Mind – Tim Ferris Show
📺 Watch: Hulu’s Paradise Season 2
🍔 Eat/Drink: High Protein Crispy Dipping Tacos
IN THE TRENCHES
Topic: Coaching T-Ball
A dad asked about coaching t-ball for the first time. Ten kids. Three coaches. Ages 3 to 5. Pure chaos. Highly entertaining. Any tips to keep them engaged and maybe teach them something?
The responses were refreshingly simple.
-
At 4, it’s about fun. You’re not building mechanics. You’re building love for the game.
-
Keep it engaging and short. Attention spans are measured in minutes, not innings.
-
Focus on one thing at a time. This week we throw to first. This week we just try to hit the ball. Simplify.
-
Help the kids who struggle most. One dad shared that when you coach up the bottom three, the whole team has more fun. Confidence spreads.
-
Lower the bar. The win is them wanting to come back next week.
GARAGE
Send us what you’re working on…
Jonathan, with a simple but fun project for the kiddo; a busy board for his 16-month-old. “She and I went to the hardware store and picked out latches, door stoppers, etc. I threw in an old bike pedal, too!”
Thanks for sharing.
We want to see your house projects. Send ‘em our way! Just reply to this email.
WEEKEND BURNER
This is a CrossFit Hero Workout; LOREDO. Scale accordingly.
-
24 Air Squats
-
24 Push-Ups
-
24 Walking Lunge Steps
-
400 meter Run
dad shower thoughts: Somewhere along the way, your hobbies became things you explain to your kids while they ignore you.
Less, but better
Plus – effort matters, but so does this
February 25, 2026 | Read Online
Hey y’all. Hope the week’s going well.
Quick reminder: Early bird pricing ends soon for our in-person event this spring. Don’t be the guy who waits too long.
Questions? Hit reply. We’re real.
Let’s get into it.
📕 DAD WISDOM
Placement Matters
I read something that landed the other day.
The idea was simple: you can be authentic and hardworking and still struggle if you’re planted in the wrong environment.
It made me think about dad life. Sometimes we assume if things feel off, it’s because we’re not doing enough. Not patient enough. Not organized enough. Not disciplined enough.
But environment matters. The people you spend time with. The tone in your home. The pace you choose to run at. The expectations you set.
If you’re constantly around negativity, you’ll feel drained. If you’re around dads who push you to be better, you’ll rise.
Performance matters. Effort matters. But placement matters too.
Not everything in life can be changed overnight. But you can be intentional about where you plant yourself and your family.
And that usually changes more than grinding harder ever will.
RAD DAD
Ben Chapman
Ben Chapman is five months into fatherhood and already running on fumes.
The Nashville singer-songwriter jokes that he gets more sleep on tour than he does at home, which tells you everything you need to know about life with a newborn. The schedules are still shaky. The nights are long. Some days feel like you’re just surviving.
But then there’s the morning.
Coffee brewing. Letting Mom sleep in. A simple smile from his son George after a brutal night. Ben says the small stuff is starting to matter more than the milestones.
He starts his day at 7, heads to writing sessions by 11, grills dinner most nights, and is learning the golden rule of early fatherhood: buy the good diapers.
Follow him at @benchapman.
DAD GEAR
Your Next T-Shirt
I used to buy the cheap 3-pack tees. Felt responsible. Felt efficient. In reality? I was replacing them every year. They’d lose shape. Hold sweat. Start looking tired fast.
Lately I’ve been trying to simplify things. Fewer decisions. Fewer pieces. Just better stuff. That’s what sold me on the Unbound Merino tee.
Ya, it’s not cheap (that’s on purpose).
But it’s 100% superfine merino wool, so it doesn’t stink, dries fast, and you can wear it multiple times without washing it. I’ve worn mine on travel days, to dinner, even under a jacket…and it just works.
Here’s where I’ve landed as a dad: I don’t need 20 shirts. I need a few that fit great and last.
Upgrade Your T-Shirt Game here and save 10%.
🛒 WHAT ELSE WE’RE ADDING TO CART
» Arlo Outdoor Security Camera Setup ($115 off)
» Kodak Portable Photo Printer
» Taylor Stitch Long Haul Jacket
DAD BOD
Control the Light. Control the Day.
Your body runs on a circadian rhythm, a 24-hour clock wired to light.
Morning sunlight hits your eyes → signals the suprachiasmatic nucleus (your brain’s timekeeper) → boosts cortisol and starts a timer for melatonin release ~12–14 hours later.
Translation: Morning light = better sleep at night.
Daytime bright light improves alertness, reaction time, and mood. Nighttime bright light suppresses melatonin and delays sleep. Even standard indoor LEDs can do it.
Researchers call it “circadian entrainment.” Your grandfather called it “go outside.”
Simple rule: Bright mornings. Bright days. Dim nights.
No sunshine? Get a sun lamp.
JUNK DRAWER
» A Really Simple Parenting Strategy
» Crispy Smoked Chicken Wings On A Pellet Smoker
» Eric Dane’s Final Message To His Daughters (tearjerker)
DAD HUMOR
Got owned this weekend
Plus – a proper scent
February 23, 2026 | Read Online
Wrote most of this with a newborn in one arm and Team USA bringing home gold in the background.
What a game. Hellebuyck…legend status. Absolute brick wall.
Not a bad way to kick off the week. Hope yours is off to a strong start.
Let’s get into it.
📕 DAD WISDOM
Got Owned
Last week we talked about pressure.
This weekend? It owned me.
Boys at each other’s throats. Newborn screaming. Took the kids to the wrong basketball practice location. Everyone tired. Me especially.
Heck, I’m still tired. Saturday got me. Sunday was better.
There’s no big revelation here. No clean lesson. Most of what we write ends up happening in real time anyway. Text threads between dads. Quick run-ins at the playground. “You good?” “Yeah… kinda.”
That’s the thing. Sometimes it just sucks. And that’s not a failure. It’s just part of it.
RAD DAD
Vinnie Paolizzi
Vinnie Paolizzi is a Nashville-based singer songwriter and dad to a two-year-old who has completely reshaped how he sees time, chaos, and himself.
The hardest part of parenting for Vinnie has been learning to enjoy the mess instead of fighting it. Fourth outfit of the day. Drawing on the walls. Begging to go back outside in the rain five minutes after coming in. Instead of trying to control it, he’s learning to love it.
The most rewarding part has been watching both her and his own capacity expand in real time. He can handle more than he ever thought possible. Her first “thank you daddy” crushed him.
He used to think he would parent from fear of doing the wrong thing. Instead, he’s found that instincts show up when they’re supposed to. The intention to do what’s best for his daughter keeps him steady.
He’s training for the Chicago Marathon, grilling most nights, sending emails to his daughter’s future inbox, and trying to stay off his phone when it matters most.
Follow him at @vinniepaolizzi.
DAD GEAR
60% Of The Time, It Works Everytime
I’m not a cologne guy. But lately…squeezing quick workouts in with a newborn, bouncing between home and the office, I don’t want to smell.
So this has been my go-to.
Duke Cannon’s Proper Cologne. Clean. Subtle. Grown-up. The kind of scent people notice once you’re already talking to them, not when you walk into the room.
I keep it by the sink. One spray. Done. No mall kiosks. No overthinking it. Feels like something you’d normally pay more for.
Costs way less than you’d expect + my wife likes it. Get 20% off with code: DADDAY
🛒 WHAT ELSE WE’RE ADDING TO CART
» Pacifica Stretch Raglan
» Robot Vacuum (50% off)
» Architecture in the 20th Century Hardcover
DAD BOD
12 Years
12 Years…
That’s the average gap between how long Americans live… and how long they live well.
We lead the world in years spent dealing with disease, bad joints, mental health struggles, and booze-related issues.
The counterpunch?
-
Lift heavy things
-
Take your mental health seriously
-
Be honest about the drinks
Train for healthspan, not just lifespan.
Credit: Arnold’s Pump Club
COMMUNITY
-
Dad Day Run Club: Shoutout to last week’s top 3: Steven, Chad, and Tom. Steven got his hat already! Chad, hit us up with your shipping info, and we’ll send you a Dad Day Run Club hat. Log some miles on Strava with 800+ dads here.
-
Join Us This Spring in Charleston: Workouts. Beach. Sauna. Good drinks. Good food. Great speakers. Meet other dads. Break the routine. Early bird pricing ends soon. You coming?
-
Go West: In case you missed it, we launched a new series featuring dads who go against the grain and carve their own paths. Episode 1 took off (watch here), and Episode 2 drops soon. Stay tuned.
JUNK DRAWER
» Starting Kindergarten Later
» Use Negative Thinking to Achieve Positive Goals
» Put Your Life In Boxes; A Framework
DAD HUMOR
Yeah, it’s hard
Plus – your AM drink of choice
February 18, 2026 | Read Online
Happy Wednesday. We took Monday off. Back now. Batteries charged. Hope you’re having a strong week. Let’s get into it.
📕 DAD WISDOM
Yeah, It’s Hard
I was chatting with someone last week who doesn’t have kids. Totally cool. But there was this tone in the conversation, like they were waiting for me to admit it.
“Be honest… it’s hard, right?” And yeah. Of course it’s hard.
There are days I look back at pre-kid life and think, man, that was easier. More sleep. More freedom. Fewer logistics. Fewer emotions.
That part is true. What’s also true is I wouldn’t trade this for a second.
Having kids is life’s way of holding up a mirror. You don’t get to coast. You don’t get to hide from your impatience, your ego, your habits.
It forces you to decide who you are and what you stand for because little eyes are watching.
It’s heavy. It’s exposing. It’s exhausting. And it’s the most clarifying thing I’ve ever done.
So yeah, it’s hard. Some hard things drain you. This one builds you.
RAD DAD
Ben O’Meara
We’ve been big fans of Huckberry for years, so it’s pretty cool to feature one of the guys helping shape the whole thing.
Ben O’Meara is the Chief Brand Officer at Huckberry and a dad to two girls in Austin, TX.
If you’ve seen their 72-Hour Challenge series on YouTube, you’ve seen Ben in action, field-testing gear the way it’s meant to be tested.
But at home, the real challenge isn’t durability. It’s the downshift. Leaving high-output brand mode and stepping fully into dad mode. As his wife reminds him, it’s one thing to be in the room. It’s another thing to be reachable.
What’s been most rewarding for Ben is watching his girls fall in love with adventure. Traveling together. Testing gear with dad. Seeing their curiosity spark when they try something new.
He used to think balance meant separating work and family. Now he believes in bringing them together.
Saturday pancakes. Morning miles. Adventure always.
Follow him at @bennyohh. Read our interview here.
DAD GEAR
Protect the Pad
My 7-year-old has homework on an iPad now.
Wild. I remember Book It! and a #2 pencil. Now it’s Google Classroom and Apple Pencil. Time flies.
Also wild? How reckless kids are with $1,000 electronics.
So I grabbed the Scout Plus. It’s rugged, light, and built for drops, couch launches, kitchen counters and all.
Haven’t looked back.
🛒 WHAT ELSE WE’RE ADDING TO CART
» Patina Tech Black Washed Hoodie
» Adjustable Workbench With Power Outlet
» Powder: The Greatest Ski Runs on the Planet Hardcover
DAD BOD
Drink of Choice
Giphy
Before the house wakes up, you get one move.
Here are some popular ones:
-
Water + pinch of salt + lemon: Rehydrate before you dehydrate
-
Black coffee: Still undefeated. Focus. Energy. Keep it simple
-
Protein shake: 30g early = fewer snack attacks later
-
Apple cider vinegar (diluted): A tablespoon or two
What’s your go-to? Let us know.
COMMUNITY
-
Dad Day Run Club: Shoutout to last week’s top 3: Steven, Eric, and Steve. 🏃♂️ We’re mixing up the giveaway today. Mark Howell knocked out his longest run of 15 miles. Well done! Hit us up with your shipping info, and we’ll send you a Dad Day Run Club hat. Log some miles on Strava with 800+ dads here.
-
Put Yourself In The Room: Nothing changes if nothing changes. So we’re going to Charleston, SC, for 2.5 days this Spring. Work out. Hit the beach. Sauna. Eat well. Drink well. Learn from people who actually have something to say. Meet other dads. Early bird pricing is live. You in?
JUNK DRAWER
» Confessions of a Millennial Dad
» Letting Your Kids Choose Their Own Path
» 🎧 Guys Being Dads: Work From Home Life With Kids. Available on Spotify and Apple
DAD HUMOR
The nap drop war
PLUS – build the engine
February 13, 2026 | Read Online
Happy Friday, guys.
We’ve had the Winter Olympics on all week over here. Nothing like watching the speed, and sheer grit of those athletes with your kids on the couch asking a million questions.
Long weekend ahead. Use it well.
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.
“To enjoy life, the adventurous state of mind must be grasped and maintained. The essential feature of adventure is that it is a going forward into unknown territory.”
Agnes Martin
THE DIGEST
-
Most Clicked: Handmade Hat Rack by StokeCraft
-
Wisdom of the Week: You don’t really get to believe in your kids if you don’t believe in yourself. If you’re constantly doubting your own decisions, talking yourself down, or acting like you’re just trying to survive the day, they feel that too.
-
Product of the Week: Ebbets Field 1960 USA Wool Ballcap
📕 Read: Mark Twain by Ron Chernow
🎧 Listen: Escape the Happiness Trap
📺 Watch: 25 Min Full Body Dumbbell Workout at Home
🍔 Eat/Drink: Viral Breakfast Sandwich
🩳 Wear: Dry Wax Trucker Jacket
IN THE TRENCHES
Topic: The Nap Drop War
A dad asked for hope. Naps are fading. Bedtime has turned into a battle. Door open requests. Waterworks. 2am visits. And the brutal choice between holding the line or just getting some sleep.
A few things that kept coming up:
-
You’re not alone. Multiple dads said 4 to 4.5 can be a rough sleep stretch.
-
Sticker charts and incentives sometimes work… sometimes don’t. Even the “systems” hit 30 percent on a good week.
-
Consistency matters. Same routine. Same consequences. Don’t negotiate after lights out.
-
Expect pushback. Build margin into your nights for a couple weeks instead of planning anything important after bedtime.
-
Some dads lean into small connection moments before bed. Gratitude. Talking it out. Even prayer.
-
And the most repeated line: this too shall pass.
No magic fix. Just reps. Patience. And remembering to protect your own sanity in the process.
GARAGE
Send us what you’re working on…
A dad shared this garage setup online and we couldn’t not feature it. Looking clean and organized. Thanks for sharing.
We want to see your house projects. Send ‘em our way! Just reply to this email.
WEEKEND BURNER
Build the engine. We love heavy weights. But if you gas out chasing your kid through the yard… we’ve got work to do.
Channel your inner cross-country skier. Long. Steady. Relentless.
The Workout (45 mins):
-
10 min easy jog or row
-
20–30 min steady cardio (run, bike, row, incline walk)
→ Every 5 mins: 15 squats + 10 push-ups -
5 x 30 sec hard effort, 90 sec easy
BUILT FOR MORE
We write every week about being a better dad. Now we’re putting some skin in the game.
April 30–May 2, we’re hosting a 2.5-day, in-person Dad Day event in Charleston.
Think: the newsletter… but you can actually shake hands.
Workouts. Sauna. Good food. Real conversations. A room full of dads who either set the bar high…or know they’ve been playing a little smaller than they want to.
No name tags. No corporate vibes. Just growth without the weird self-help energy.
Here’s a little bit about one of our speakers, Ben Towill.
Two Michelin-star kitchens in the UK. Built restaurants in New York. Moved to Charleston and built some of the best spots in town.
Impressive.
But here’s the real headline:
He rowed 3,000 miles across the Atlantic. Forty-plus days. Open ocean. No shortcuts. They made a documentary about it. It just picked up an award at Sundance. Check the trailer here.
Most of us complain about bad WiFi on a flight. This guy rowed an ocean.
Somewhere in the Atlantic Ocean
And he’s a dad.
He’s coming to talk about chasing hard things, building meaningful work, raising kids, and not losing yourself in the process.
Learn more about the event and snag your ticket here (while early bird pricing is in play).
dad shower thoughts: You can tell how old your kids are by what’s permanently stuck to your car seats.
You pushing yourself?
This guy rowed across the Atlantic Ocean
February 12, 2026
Hey.
Adam here. Like I mentioned, we’re gonna send a few one-off emails highlighting some of our speakers (also dads) who are joining us for Built for More this spring.
Quick reminder before we get into it.
This isn’t a mastermind. It’s not therapy. And we’re sure as hell not trying to sell you some “unlock your inner warrior” nonsense.
We just want a room full of dads who either set their bar high…or know they’ve been playing a little smaller than they want to.
It’s easy to get stuck in routine. Wake up. Work. Kids. Scroll. Sleep. Repeat.
You’re doing fine. But are you pushing yourself? Are you around other guys who push you?
I hate the word networking. But there’s something about being in the room.
And sometimes the big challenge for the year isn’t a marathon or a crazy adventure. It’s just saying ‘yes’ to something that makes you slightly uncomfortable.
Which brings me to Ben Towill.
Ben trained in two Michelin-star kitchens in the UK. Built restaurants in New York. Moved to Charleston and built some of the best spots in town.
That’s impressive. But that’s not why we invited him. A few years ago, Ben rowed 3,000 miles across the Atlantic in the Talisker Whisky Atlantic Challenge.
Somewhere in the Atlantic Ocean
Forty-plus days. Open ocean. No shortcuts. They made a documentary about it. It just picked up an award at Sundance. We’ll drop the trailer link below.
Most of us complain about bad WiFi on a flight. This guy voluntarily rowed across an ocean.
And he’s a dad. That’s why he’s coming. Not to give you a chef demo, but to talk about what it actually looks like to chase hard things, build meaningful businesses, raise kids, and not lose yourself in the process.
Built for More is about that tension. Ambition and fatherhood. Adventure and responsibility. Growth without becoming weird about it. And investing in yourself.
If that hits, you should probably be in the room.
Charleston 2.5 days. April 30-May 2. Workouts. Sauna. Cold plunge. Good food. Real conversations. Priced right. And no, you don’t have to be in shape to come. Just show up.
Bonus for ya…bring another dad and I’ll personally send you a discount code.
No pressure. But if you’ve been waiting for a reason to shake things up a bit this year… this might be it.
And one last thing. If you’re on the fence or just want to talk it through like a normal human, I’m happy to hop on a quick call. Snag a time here.
Early bird pricing is still on the table. If you’re even thinking about it, read more and lock in your spot here.
Cheers,
Adam & The Dad Day team
PS: The trailer mentioned above. Worth a watch!
Update your email preferences or unsubscribe here
© 2026 Dad Day Media LLC
6650 Rivers Ave Ste 100
Charleston, South Carolina 29406, United States
Powered by beehiiv Terms of Service
What to worry about
Plus – are you in the Slack group yet?
February 11, 2026 | Read Online
📕 DAD WISDOM
What To Worry About
Back in 1933, F. Scott Fitzgerald wrote a letter to his 11-year-old daughter. It wasn’t long, but the advice still holds up.
He told her what to worry about: courage, effort, doing things the right way.
And what not to worry about: popularity, getting ahead, success, failure, the future.
Reading it now, it sounds a lot like good parenting.
As dads, it’s easy to stress about outcomes. Grades. Wins. Milestones. Keeping up. But the stuff that actually matters is simpler.
Raise kids who are brave. Who try hard. Who take responsibility. The rest works itself out (hopefully).
Focus on the character. Let go of the noise.
RAD DAD
Daniel Ng
Daniel Ng lives in Vancouver, Canada and is the co-founder of No Reception Club, a brand built around disconnecting and being present with your family. He’s also a dad to two kids, ages four and six.
Ironically, the hardest part of parenting for Daniel is turning off his work brain and being fully present. Running a growing business means he’s “on” more than ever, and presence has to be intentional.
The most rewarding part is getting to show up for the everyday moments. School pick-ups after hard days, car rides home from tough practices, and quiet encouragement that becomes their kids’ inner voice later in life.
His goal as a dad is simple but powerful: be their safe space, not their coach.
Check out our interview with Daniel here.
DAD GEAR
Hideaway Carry-On Duffel
Most travel bags are just… bags. This one’s a system.
Daniel Ng’s No Reception Club Hideaway Duffel is a carry-on that actually works for parents. It meets airline size rules. It has a removable “Cubby” with five customizable sections.
Translation: no more exploding packing cubes. No more digging for socks at Gate B12.
Not cheap. But neither is replacing three bad bags over five years… or starting every trip stressed out.
Well done, Daniel and team!
🛒 WHAT ELSE WE’RE ADDING TO CART
» Marshwear Delano Shacket (not a typo)
» Veken French Press Coffee Maker 34oz
» XTRA Tuff Deck Boot
DAD BOD
Pinched For Time?
Feeling pinched for time but still need to get a workout in? We feel that.
Good news: research shows that even 10–15 minutes of high-intensity intervals can seriously improve cardio fitness and insulin sensitivity if the effort is high enough.
So next time the clock’s tight, do this:
5 moves. 30 seconds each. 3 rounds. Minimal rest.
-
Squats.
-
Push-ups.
-
Rows or pull-ups.
-
Lunges.
-
Burpees or bike sprint.
Go hard. Big muscles. Short rest.
Fifteen minutes. Done.
JUNK DRAWER
» Teaching the Fam to Be Good Storytellers
» 10-Step Mobility Checklist
» Every Gold Medal Performance From Day 4 Olympics
COMMUNITY
Quick heads up.
We’re launching city-specific Slack channels in the Dad Day Slack Group.
Real dads. Real cities. Real excuses to leave the house.
Based on where folks showed up loudest, we’re starting with:
#charleston-sc
#atlanta-ga
#phoenix-az
#pittsburgh-pa
#denver-co
These are for:
→ casual hangs
→ local events
→ “who wants to grab ___ this week?” energy
→ building actual community (not just emoji reactions)
If you’re near one of those cities, jump in. Say hi. Plan something.
Don’t see your city? More are coming. We’re rolling these out as interest grows. (Hydrate. Be patient. We’re building.) Either way, you should be in the Slack group.
No, it doesn’t cost anything, and yes, there’s a quick form so we keep the trolls out.
DAD HUMOR
Stay in their corner
Plus – organize those hats
February 09, 2026 | Read Online
Monday guys! I’m still running on fumes with kiddo #3 so the send time is a bit off. We’ll get back to our 9 AM scheduled time soon. More coffee needed.
And hey, congrats to all the Seattle Seahawks fans out there
📕 DAD WISDOM
Gotta Believe Man
Watched Sam Darnold’s post-game interview after the Super Bowl last night, and one thing stood out. He kept bringing up his parents. How they believed in him through the good seasons, the bad seasons, and all the dumb stuff that comes with growing up.
On the surface, it’s easy to hear that and think, yeah, believe in your kids. Makes sense.
But belief isn’t just something you say once and move on.
You don’t really get to believe in your kids if you don’t believe in yourself. If you’re constantly doubting your own decisions, talking yourself down, or acting like you’re just trying to survive the day, they feel that too.
Belief shows up in how steady you are when they screw up. How calm you stay when things don’t go to plan. How you talk about effort, not just outcomes.
Kids don’t need blind hype. They need someone who stays in their corner when it’s messy.
That kind of belief isn’t loud. It’s consistent. And it starts with how you carry yourself.
RAD DAD
Dougie Mann
Dougie Mann is an artist and brand builder based in North Tustin, California, and a dad of four kids ranging from two to twelve.
The hardest part of parenting, he says, is the mental grind. First it’s the lack of sleep. Then it’s the weight of providing as an artist and entrepreneur, where the highs are high and the lows can feel heavy. You never quite feel out of the woods.
The most rewarding part is the purpose. Having something bigger than yourself forces you to show up in ways you didn’t know were possible. His guiding principle is simple and hard-earned: be present. Love your wife every day. Tell her more than you think you should.
His non-negotiable says a lot about him. Get your kids in the ocean. Teach them to swim. It’s a gift they’ll carry for life.
Follow him at @dougiemann. Check out our interview here.
DAD GEAR
A Better Hat Set Up
Hat storage came up in Slack. I grabbed a handmade rack from Maggie at Stokecraft and mounted it in my closet.
Looks good. Dead simple. Solves the problem.
Support a small biz. Get your hats off the floor. Win-win.
🛒 WHAT ELSE WE’RE ADDING TO CART
» 1960 USA Wool Ball Cap
» Rugged iPad Case
» Deep Work: Rules for Focused Success in a Distracted World
DAD BOD
HRV, Explained Fast
Giphy
You’ll see HRV in Whoop, Oura, Garmin, Apple and it’s easy to overthink. Don’t.
What it is:
HRV (Heart Rate Variability) shows how well your body is recovering from stress.
What’s “good” vs “bad”:
-
Higher than your normal: you’re recovered. Green light.
-
Lower than your normal: you’re run down. Yellow light.
For most adults, numbers often land somewhere between 30–80 ms, but the exact number matters way less than your personal baseline.
How to use it:
-
HRV up → train, lift, push
-
HRV down → walk, stretch, sleep
Don’t chase elite numbers. Chase consistency.
COMMUNITY
-
Dad Day Run Club: Y’all are putting in work on Strava. 800 dads strong and stacking serious miles. Shoutout to last week’s top 3: Steven, Ryan, and Dan. 🏃♂️
Steven is back on top as Leader of the Week. Casual. Ryan B., hit us back so we can get that Dad Day Run Club hat headed your way.
-
Super Bowl Player Tier Contest: Congrats, Eric B. Winning tier was Maye, Stevenson, Kupp & Hollins.
-
Join Us This Spring: Need to break out of the routine? Join us for 2.5 days in Charleston, SC. It’s gonna be a good one. Just the right amount of time! Learn more.
JUNK DRAWER
» Guys Being Dads — Babies and Cars. New Podcast Epsiode.
» Winter Olympics Schedule
» 6 Ways to Unclog a Toilet Without a Plunger
DAD HUMOR
