Saved by the bell
Plus – getting into sports
June 24, 2026 | Read online
Here’s what’s on tap today:
-
The bell
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Toy Story is crushing
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Tennis anyone?
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A packable bag
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And more…
Let’s get into it.
If you’re new here, welcome. Happy to have ya!
📕 DAD WISDOM
The Bell
I’m on a handful of group texts with other business owners and friends.
The other day I was telling one of them it felt like we needed to stack a few wins after taking a series of Ls.
A client issue here. Something falling through there. Just one of those stretches where it feels like you’re constantly playing defense.
His response was simple:
“I didn’t hear a bell.”
For whatever reason, I needed to hear that. Because life has a way of convincing us we’re getting beat up at times.
The business isn’t moving fast enough. The kids are testing every ounce of patience you have. The house is chaotic. The to-do list keeps growing.
And sometimes it feels like you’re losing. The good news is, you don’t need to solve the whole thing today. You just need to stay in the fight.
It’s true in business. It’s true in marriage. And it’s definitely true with dad life.
Some seasons are smoother than others. Some weeks feel like a grind. But a tough stretch doesn’t mean you’re out of the fight.
The bell hasn’t rung. Keep going.
SMALL TALK
A couple random facts you probably don’t need to know… but might come in handy the next time you’re standing around at a kid’s birthday party making awkward conversation with another dad you barely know.
-
Since 1995, the Toy Story franchise has generated roughly $16 billion in revenue for Disney. Not box office. Revenue.
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The average person walks the equivalent of five times around the Earth during their lifetime.
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The first alarm clock (1787) only rang at 4:00 a.m. because that’s when its inventor, Levi Hutchins, wanted to wake up.
DAD GEAR
Transit Packing Cube – 10L
Evergoods makes gear for people who actually care how things pack, and their Transit Packing Cube 10L is a good example. Low-bulk, surprisingly roomy, and built to keep jeans, jackets, and all the random dad-trip overflow from turning your bag into a junk drawer.
🛒 WHAT ELSE WE’RE ADDING TO CART
» Anker SOLIX Portable Power Station — 2,000W (50% off)
» Glow in the Dark Kids Toothbrush
» KODAK Dock Plus 4×6” Photo Printer
DAD BOD
The Workout That Texts You Back
The best workout might not be the one that wrecks you. It might be the one that gets you out of the house with other humans.
One long-running study found the sports linked with the biggest lifespan bumps were mostly social ones: tennis, badminton, soccer. Meanwhile, jogging and gym workouts helped too…just not as much.
Disclaimer: this was observational. Tennis is not a magic immortality wand with a nicer polo.
But it makes sense. Solo workouts are great. Lifting heavy things like a caveman has its place.
But sports add people. Competition. Trash talk. A reason to show up next Tuesday.
*hat tip to Derek at 5ht for surfacing the study
JUNK DRAWER
» 📕 What Paternity Leave Looks Like at Some Big Companies
» 🧠 Ball Four: The Final Pitch by Jim Bouton
» 🎥 Boys Watching Sandlot Lifeguard Scene
WITH ETHOS
You’ve got enough on your plate. Don’t let life insurance be one of them.
Ethos takes about 10 minutes online. No doctor. No agent calls. Around $54/month for $1M in coverage if you’re 40 and healthy. 1
Check your rate. One less thing.
Just go do it.
DAD HUMOR
How’s your temp?
Plus – don’t skip two
June 22, 2026 | Read online
Hey guys.
Hope everyone had a great Father’s Day.
Here’s what’s on deck:
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The thermostat
-
Soccer dad
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The two-day rule
-
And more…
Let’s get into it.
And if you’re new here, welcome aboard. Glad you found us.
📕 DAD WISDOM
The Thermostat
We recently asked our crew of dads to chime in on all things fatherhood. Favorite parts, hardest parts, what their kids have taught them, and the advice they’d pass along to another dad.
One theme that kept showing up was the idea that dads set the temperature of the house.
Not perfectly. Not all the time. But more than we realize.
When we’re stressed, everyone feels it. When we’re calm, everyone feels that too.
It’s easy to think the job is to solve problems. Fix the thing. Get everyone where they need to be. Keep the train moving.
But some days the most important thing isn’t fixing anything. It’s staying steady. Being the place your kids can run when they’re overwhelmed.
Being the voice that lowers the temperature instead of raising it.
The reality is, kids are going to have meltdowns. Plans are going to fall apart. Life is going to get chaotic. A lot of the time, what the family needs most isn’t a hero.
It needs a thermostat.
RAD DAD
Jürgen Klopp
Photo @kloppo
With soccer having a moment right now, we figured it was time to spotlight a few football dads.
Starting with Jürgen Klopp.
If you don’t know him, Klopp is basically the golden retriever of world soccer. Big smile. Big feelings. Big hugs. Looks like he might either cry, scream, or adopt you at any second.
He played professionally in Germany, eventually landed at Liverpool, and turned a struggling club into one of the best teams on the planet.
Wins the Premier League. Wins the Champions League. Becomes a legend.
But here’s what players always talk about: Not the tactics. Not the trophies. The relationships.
Klopp remembers names. Checks in on families. Gives hugs. Calls players when they’re struggling. Shows up when life gets hard.
One former player described him less like a coach and more like a father figure. And maybe that’s why people connect with him.
He’s got one son of his own, but somehow made millions of soccer fans feel like part of the family too.
“When my son was born, I realised that football is not life or death.”
For a guy who spent his entire life chasing wins, that’s a pretty powerful realization.
The best leaders know when the game matters…and when it doesn’t. Great dads usually figure that out too.
DAD GEAR
Hooded Rash Guard
Tested Free Fly’s Pinnacle Rash Guard over the weekend and we’re in. Soft, lightweight, and built with the little details that matter when you’re chasing kids in and out of the water all day. Comes with or without the hood.
🛒 WHAT ELSE WE’RE ADDING TO CART
» Amazon Echo Dot (30% off)
» Patagonia Houdini Full-Zip Jacket
» Graco 3-in-1 Convertible Car Seat (20% off)
DAD BOD
The Two-Day Rule
Don’t skip two days. One missed workout is normal. Travel, sick kids, bad sleep, work chaos. It happens.
But two days is where the habit starts to loosen its grip.
That’s not just motivational poster stuff. Habit research shows that consistency is what turns a behavior into something automatic. The less you have to negotiate with yourself, the better.
So keep the bar low if you have to. Walk. Lift for 15 minutes. Do pushups in the garage.
Just protect the pattern.
JUNK DRAWER
» 🎧 Diary of a CEO w/Jürgen Klop
» 📕 7 Letters to Write Before You Turn 70
» 👀 Give Your Kids Your Attention
Weekly Poll👇
If you had an unexpected free Saturday, how would you spend it?
Pick one and let us know why
Outside
With the family
Working on a project
Getting caught up on work
Doing absolutely nothing
Other
DAD HUMOR
Summer Saturday 2.0
We brought in a ringer today…
June 20, 2026 | Read online
SUMMER SATURDAYS
Hey guys.
On Saturdays this summer, we’re sending a quick roundup of things worth a look. Gear, finds, ideas, and maybe a few things that make you say, “I definitely don’t need that, but…”
Today’s Theme: How to Dress for the Heat Without Looking Like You Quit
We brought in a ringer for this one.
Ben O’Meara is the Chief Brand Officer at Huckberry, dad to Zoie, 6, and Aila, 4. When he’s not working, he’s traveling with his family, training for his first 40k at UTMB in Chamonix, or playing sandlot baseball with the Austin Moontowers; he’s also probably being very judgmental about lobster rolls. Proud Mainer. Comes with the territory.
MAIN PICK
PatinaTech T-Shirt – $68
Why Ben Likes It?
“Moisture-wicking, cooling, easy to wear in the heat. But it still looks and feels like a vintage tee, not one of those shiny performance shirts. As much as I like the idea of working out in an all-cotton tee, hot summer says otherwise. This solves both.”
Best for:
Daily wear with jeans, workouts, and travel. Elevated enough to wear around, technical enough to sweat in.
For Cooler Days:
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Patinatech Hoodie
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Patinatech Sweatshirt
CHEAP WIN $
Face Stick Sunscreen – $24
Why Ben Likes It?
“Chemical-free, founded by Kelly Slater, and stays on during hot summer sessions in and out of the water.
And if there’s anything I hate more in summer, it’s trying to wrangle little kids with goopy sunscreen all over my hands. This is super portable, easy to apply, and worth keeping in every bag you use in the summer.”
SOLID UPGRADE $$
Linen Workshirt, Linen Pant, Sandals
Get the Outfit:
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Relwen Slub Linen Workshirt
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Wills Cotton Linen Drawstring Pant
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Luca Crepe Huarache
Why Ben Likes These?
“I really don’t like “dressing up,” and working at Huckberry, I don’t really have to. But I love pieces that can flex up when needed and still fit into your regular wardrobe. Casual Saturday, beers with buddies, or cleaning up a bit for whatever the occasion.
I love these products, especially for summer. Linen is a no-brainer in hot, sweaty weather, but the versatility of the silhouettes here is what makes them work.
And I’m all in on Huaraches. They’re a great sandal replacement. Easy with shorts and tees, but still cool when you want to look a little more put together.”
BIG SWING $$$
Land Nest Shelter – $750
Why Ben Likes It?
“Love everything Snow Peak designs – first and foremost, functional quality. But a beautiful attention to detail, as Japanese brands do better than most. This is the ultimate family tent for summer adventures.”
DREAM CART $$$$
1970 Tudor 7021/0 Blue Submariner – $13,500
Why Ben Likes It?
“I know vintage Rolex Subs are the grail for a lot of people, but I got my first Tudor this past year and have gone deep on their story. I especially love the shield of Tudor representing the protection of the Rolex crown.
This 1970s Tudor Snowflake Submariner is a deep cut, and I love the blue dial. Something about a vintage, well-patinated dive watch gets me every time, but especially in the summer.”
NOSTALGIA HIT
Subaru Vintage Ad
Now we’ve got all these cool family-friendly SUVs/adventure mobiles – but growing up, nothing said summer was here like a packed station wagon and family road trip.
👋 Before You Go:
A few more recs from Ben…
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Favorite New Gym Trainer
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Go-to Travel Bags
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Father’s Day Reading
🧢 Style Tip From Ben: I used to hate the idea of linen – to me it was crinkly “dress” fabric that I only wore to summer weddings. I thought it was delicate, even. But not only is it the best during summer given how breathable it is, but you can really beat it up. It’s one of the most durable fabrics out there. So don’t be precious – wear it hard, wear it often.
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© 2026 Dad Day Media LLC
237 King Street
Charleston, South Carolina 29401, United States
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When does it feel real?
PLUS – we made another film
June 19, 2026 | Read online
Big weekend for us dads. Always a good excuse to slow down for a second and think about what this whole dad thing really means.
Whether you’ve been reading for a week or a year, you’re here because you care. About your kids. About showing up. About getting a little better.
And that’s everything right there.
Appreciate y’all. Have an awesome Father’s Day. We’ll see ya tomorrow for our ‘Summer Saturday’ edition with a surprise guest editor.
PS: If you’re new here, we mix it up on Fridays with a quick recap from the week and a few extra gems to head into the weekend right.
“If you are allowed one wish for your child, seriously consider wishing him or her optimism…the people who have the greatest influence on the lives of others are likely to be optimistic and overconfident, and to take more risks than they realize.”
Daniel Kahneman — Psychologist and Nobel Prize winner
GO WEST
This might be our most powerful story to date and pretty cool that we get to release it over Father’s Day weekend.
Quick background: I met Mike a long time ago. He was dunking on people in high school, ripping guitar, and just always one of those genuinely good dudes.
We had our sons right around the same time in 2018. And when we started making these Go West films, I knew we were eventually going to tell his story.
Life threw Mike and his wife Hillary a curveball. How they responded is everything.
I’m not someone who gets super choked up by stuff, but this one hit me on a lot of levels. Fatherhood. Friendship. Gratitude. Perspective. All of it.
Our scrappy team is beyond proud of this film, and we’d be honored if you gave it a watch this weekend.
It’s a strong reminder of what really matters. And if it hits you, send it to another dad.
THE DIGEST
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Wisdom of the Week: By the time our kids turn 12, we’ll have spent roughly 75% of the time we’ll ever spend with them. A reminder that the season feels long while you’re in it. Until you realize it isn’t.
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Most Clicked: The Real Reason Dads Are Working Out
-
Gear of the Week: Filson Dryden Briefcase
-
Made By a Dad Day Subscriber: A rope hat with a built-in soft-stretch chin strap. 15% off with DADDAY15
📕 Read: What Fatherhood Actually Looks Like Right Now (Curated From Our Community)
📺 Watch: USMNT vs. Austrailia — 3pm ET Fox. Let’s go boys!
🍔 Eat/Drink: 5 Hot Dogs From Basic To Gourmet – Level Up Your Party Food
IN THE TRENCHES
Topic: When Did “Dad” Feel Real?
We asked dads when the title “Dad” actually started to feel real.
There wasn’t a clear consensus.
-
For some, it was the delivery room.
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For others, it was hearing a tiny voice call them “Dad” for the first time.
One dad said: “It’s one thing for adults to call you a dad. It’s totally different to be called ‘Dad’ as your name.”
Another shared that after his first child was born, he still felt more like a “parenting assistant.” It wasn’t until his second child arrived and life demanded more of him that the role truly clicked.
A few dads admitted they’re still waiting for that moment. One has an 11-year-old and said it’s still weird to think he helped create another human.
Maybe that’s the takeaway. Becoming a dad happens in a day. Feeling like a dad can take years.
And sometimes it sneaks up on you in unexpected places. A cashier calling out “Mom and Dad” at Trader Joe’s. A toddler yelling for you from the other room. A doctor saying, “Congratulations, Dad.”
One day you realize nobody has called you by your first name all morning. You’re just Dad now.
And somehow that’s the best title you’ll ever have.
GARAGE
Send us what you’re working on…
T. with the office shed build. Excited to see the final product.
We want to see your projects. Send ‘em our way! Just reply to this email.
WEEKEND BURNER
4 Rounds For Time:
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400 m Run
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21 Kettlebell Swings
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12 Pull-ups
Extra Credit: 1-mile finisher
ONE LAST THING
🍻 Weekend Assignment: Before the weekend is over, write down three things you’re proud of as a dad this year. Most dads spend plenty of time thinking about where they can be better. Spend two minutes thinking about what you’ve done well.
🎧 On Repeat: We just added some ‘Father’s Day-approved jams. Some deep cuts in there 😂 → Listen
dad shower thoughts: The older you get, the less impressive people become and the more impressive consistency becomes.
Can you do this?
Plus – the truest form of intelligence
June 17, 2026 | Read online
Here’s what’s on tap today:
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You’re in it, but not for long
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Road trips
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Are you run-capable?
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A rope hat that won’t fly off
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And more…
Let’s get into it.
If you’re new here, welcome. Happy to have ya!
📕 DAD WISDOM
For A Little While
A couple things landed for me this week.
The first was my 4-year-old asking, “Do you want me to be like you when I grow up?” I laughed and asked, “Do you want to be like me when you grow up?”
Without missing a beat he said, “YES.”
Part of me felt incredibly grateful. Part of me thought, man…that’s a lot of responsibility.
I know he’s 4. I know I’m his world right now and that won’t last forever. But it was a reminder that our kids are paying attention to a lot more than we think.
The second thing came from our friend Henry over at Outside Kids UK. He shared a stat that by the time our kids turn 12, we’ll have spent roughly 75% of the time we’ll ever spend with them.
That one made me a little sad. Not because I want my kids to stay little forever. But because it reminded me the season feels long while you’re in it. Until you realize it isn’t.
SMALL TALK
A couple random facts you probably don’t need to know… but might come in handy the next time you’re standing around at a kid’s birthday party making awkward conversation with another dad you barely know.
-
Researchers found that children are more likely to try a new food after seeing it 8–15 times. Which means your kid refusing broccoli tonight doesn’t necessarily mean you’ve lost the war.
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The average American takes about 216 road trips in their lifetime. Parents with young kids count anything over 20 minutes as a road trip.
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The average cloud weighs about 1 million pounds. It doesn’t fall because that weight is spread across an enormous volume of air.
DAD GEAR
The Most Useful Rope Hat
Cool one today.
I had coffee last week with Tim, the dad of two behind Navis Hats. Legit dude. He gave me one to try, and the utility hit immediately.
It’s a great-looking rope hat with a built-in soft-stretch chin strap, so it stays put on boats, beaches, bikes, and whatever windy conditions you’re getting into.
I liked it enough to ask if I could drop it in here…a variety of colors and kid sizes too.
Tim also hooked us up with DADDAY15 for 15% off.
Check ’em out and support a fellow dad.
🛒 WHAT ELSE WE’RE ADDING TO CART
» Glass & Metal 3-in-1 Coffee Press (25% off with DADDAY25)
» 6 Pack Dry Cooler Bag
» Folding Wagon Cart (19% off)
DAD BOD
Run-Capable
You don’t need to become a runner. But you should probably be able to run.
The CDC says adults need cardio and strength training. And one big study found that even 5–10 minutes of slow running a day was linked to better long-term heart health.
Translation: keep lifting. Just build the engine, too.
Your kids will get faster. Soccer sidelines, bike rides, driveway races, pickup hoops, eventually, life asks Dad to move.
Start easy: walk 20 minutes, twice a week. Every few minutes, jog for 30 seconds. Then walk again.
You don’t need to be the guy stretching aggressively at the stoplight. Just be run-capable.
JUNK DRAWER
» 📕 Outdoor Kids In An Inside World
» 🧠 Truest Form Of Intelligence?
» 🎥 Bucket List Hikes You Should Check Out
WITH ETHOS
Most dads have thought about life insurance. Most dads haven’t done anything about it.
Here’s the only question that matters: if something happened to you tomorrow, would your family be okay?
Ethos makes it a 10-minute online thing. No doctor. No agent calls. Around $54/month for $1M in coverage if you’re 40 and healthy.
Just go do it.
Sample rate: 10-year term $1m policy for a 40 y/o healthy, non-smoking male. Online health questions required. 4.8 stars on Trustpilot as of 03/09/2026. This is an advertisement. Ethos operates in some states as Ethos Life Insurance Services. CA license #0L28949; AR license #100164629. This email was sent by a marketing associate of Ethos, not Ethos itself. Ethos mailing address: 1606 Headway Cir #9013, Austin, TX 78754. Products not available in all states.
DAD HUMOR
What strength really looks like
Plus – trading seasons
June 15, 2026 | Read online
Hey guys.
What a weekend for sports. USMNT dominated. Knicks ended a 52-year championship drought. And the Hurricanes hoisted the Stanley Cup for the first time in 20 years.
Good week to be a dad, too.
Here’s what’s on deck:
-
The tradeoff
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A different kind of strength
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Our new office bag
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Blood work
-
And more…
Let’s get into it.
And if you’re new here, welcome aboard. Glad you found us.
📕 DAD WISDOM
The Tradeoff
Noticing: Every season of fatherhood comes with a trade. The baby years take your sleep. The little kid years take your personal space. The older years start asking for your trust instead of your hand.
Asking: Which season am I in right now and am I actually showing up for it, or still trying to father from the last one?
Taking: The assignment never really changes. Stay close. The way you do that just looks different every few years.
Frank Pittman put it well: “Fathering is not something perfect men do, but something that perfects the man.” The job keeps changing. So do we.
RAD DAD
Mike Medved
Some dads show up in ways that make you rethink what strength really looks like.
Mike Medved is a husband, father of three, high school history teacher, musician, and former pro basketball player in Europe. He’s also the dad of Simon, his son who has severe cerebral palsy.
This week, we’re sharing Mike’s story in our next Go West film.
At the center of it is the Pittsburgh Marathon, where Mike pushed Simon through 26.2 miles.
But the story is bigger than a race. It’s about love, grit, gratitude, and what it means to keep showing up for your kids when the road is hard.
That’s the part that feels especially Rad Dad to us. Not the finish line. The daily choice to show up, push forward, and carry joy into hard places.
We don’t want to give too much away yet. Just know this one hit us pretty hard. Actually, really hard, and we’re excited to share.
Full film drops June 19. Catch up on the first three here.
DAD GEAR
Filson Briefcase
Somewhere between kid drop-off and the morning meeting, we realized we needed a better bag.
The Filson Dryden Briefcase has been that bag. Water-repellant, well-organized, and built like it means it. The kind of thing you buy once and stop thinking about.
🛒 WHAT ELSE WE’RE ADDING TO CART
» Hisense Canvas TV (47% off)
» HOPWTR Variety 12-Pack (great poolside bev)
» Burley Cub X Bike Trailer (45% off)
DAD BOD
Your Blood Work Cheat Code
A lot of us wait until something feels wrong to get labs done. Don’t be that guy.
Blood work is a snapshot of how your body is actually performing right now. And if you know what to look for, it’s one of the most useful tools you have.
We had Tyler Nicholson (a Dad Day subscriber) drop some knowledge on our crew about blood work. Hit him up.
Here are the ones worth paying attention to:
-
Fasting glucose — how your body handles sugar. High numbers are an early flag for insulin resistance.
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Triglycerides — the fat floating in your blood. Diet-driven, and very fixable.
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Cholesterol — total numbers matter less than the ratio of HDL to LDL. Know the difference.
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Vitamin D — most people are low. Affects energy, mood, and immune function.
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Testosterone — if you’re in the 600s or above, you’re aging well. Below that, worth a conversation with your doc.
Need blood work? We like Function Health. Save $25 bucks with code DADDAY25.
JUNK DRAWER
» 🎧 The 2% Manifesto Mindset Shift
» 📕 The Real Reason Dads Are Working Out
» 👀 Are We Raising Weak Kids?
Weekly Poll👇
When did the title “Dad” actually start to feel real?
Pick one and let us know why
Birth day
First Year
Toddler Years
Honestly, I’m not sure it has yet
Other
DAD HUMOR
Summer Saturday 1.0
Something new for us
June 13, 2026 | Read online
SUMMER SATURDAYS
Hey guys. We’re trying a little summer experiment. The normal Monday, Wednesday, Friday sends aren’t going anywhere. Those stay the same.
But we look at a lot of stuff every week. Some useful. Some ridiculous. Some weirdly perfect for summer dad life.
So on Saturdays this summer, we’re sending a quick roundup of things worth a look. Gear, finds, ideas, and maybe a few things that make you say, “I definitely don’t need that, but…”
The first edition is all beach-themed.
MAIN PICK
Sun Ninja XL – $170
Sun Ninja XL
Can’t go to the beach without shade. We dig the Sun Ninja. You’ll break a sweat setting it up, but it’s worth it.
Honorable Mention From the Slack Crew:
-
Soli Air Canopy
-
Beach Umbrella System
CHEAP WIN $
Waterproof Phone Pouch – $9.99
Waterproof phone pouch so your $1,000+ phone survives the beach, the kids, whatever.
Kids Essentials:
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Beach Mesh Shovel
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Wave Powered Mini Surfer (endless entertainment)
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Portable Cornhole Set
SOLID UPGRADE $$
Lined Swim Trunks – $79
Nothing better than some trunks you can jog and swim in. Fast drying. Multiple colors. 5in and 7in inseam available.
Also Worth Checking Out:
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Vissla Short Sets
-
Roark Shorey Board Short
BIG SWING $$$
Veer Beach Wagon – $998
They don’t get any better than this. Buy it once…you’re not buying a beach wagon again.
Effective, Less Expensive Options:
-
Collapsible Wagon
-
Sekey Heavy Duty Beach Wagon
DREAM CART $$$$
1973 Ford Bronco
This 1973 Ford Bronco was a custom build by Highline Classics of Hubbard, Oregon. Sexy!
Current Bid: $155k on Bring a Trailer
NOSTALGIA HIT
Super Soaker
Super Soaker 90s Ad
👋 Before You Go:
A few quick links worth having around.
-
Father’s Day Last-Minute Gifts under $50
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Kids Swimwear
-
Hydrate Yourself
🧠 Beach Tip From The Crew: Try spending your day/morning doing things you would normally do at night (out to eat, putt putt, etc.), then do the beach after naps in the afternoon into the evening. Less people, less heat, less meltdowns.
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© 2026 Dad Day Media LLC
237 King Street
Charleston, South Carolina 29401, United States
Powered by beehiivTerms of Service
A stacked weekend
PLUS – what’s your motivation right now?
June 12, 2026 | Read online
Happy Friday, gents.
We’ve got ourselves a proper sports weekend. World Cup action. Knicks-Spurs. And the Carolina Hurricanes sitting one win away from hoisting Lord Stanley’s Cup.
Have a fun one. Get outside. Grill something. Throw a ball with the kids. Give your partner a little break.
We’ll see ya tomorrow morning, bright and early. We’re trying something new for summer.
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.
“Childhood may be defined as the age of play; therefore some children are never young, and some adults are never old.”
Will Durant
THE DIGEST
-
Wisdom of the Week: The problem is we’re often moving so fast that we don’t let certain moments land. The hard stuff gets highlighted. The good stuff gets filed away as normal. But one day, a lot of these “normal” moments are going to be the things we miss most. So here’s your reminder to let the good stuff register.
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Most Clicked: Why Every Dad Should Take a Solo Trip With Each Kid (And How to Do It at Every Age)
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Most Clicked Gear: Backcountry Hooded Pullover
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Deal of the Week: Greenworks 40V Leaf Blower (47% off)
📕 Read: 50 Hard Earned Lessons in Fatherhood
📺 Watch: World Cup — USA vs. Paraguay | 9pm ET FOX ⚽️
🍔 Eat/Drink: Easy Burrito Bowl Meal Prep
😂 Laugh: This Dude Got Called Out By David Goggins
IN THE TRENCHES
Topic: Motivation Behind Your Workouts
We asked y’all what’s motivating your workouts right now. The overwhelming winner wasn’t a race, a six-pack, or a number on the scale.
It was general health.
Here’s what folks had to say:
-
One dad wants to surf into his 70s 🤙
-
Another wants to keep beating his son at basketball for at least another decade
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A few are training for marathons, triathlons, Spartan races, and charity rides
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Others are simply trying to manage stress, recover from injuries, or have enough energy left at the end of the day for the people who matter most
The common thread?
Most dads aren’t chasing fitness for fitness’ sake. They’re training for life.
To pick up their kids without throwing out their back. To stay mentally sharp. To be around longer. To set an example. To keep showing up.
As one dad put it:
“Signed up for a race to hold myself accountable, but the end goal is keeping up with the kids on a daily basis. Not for the present, but for 10-20 years from now.”
That’s probably the healthiest mindset in the room. The workout itself isn’t the goal. The life it allows you to live is.
GARAGE
Send us what you’re working on…
Custom built-ins DIY project. Awesome job. Thanks for sharing, Blaze.
We want to see your projects. Send ‘em our way! Just reply to this email.
WEEKEND BURNER
Set your clock for 20minutes and get as many rounds as you can.
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20 Walking Lunges w/Dumbbells
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20 Push Ups
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10 Sit-Ups
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400 m Run
ONE LAST THING
🧠 Worth Knowing: Researchers have found that nostalgia can actually boost mood, increase feelings of connection, and make people more optimistic about the future.
💯 Top Tier Summer Smells: Fresh-cut grass. Coffee brewing before everyone wakes up. Burgers on the grill. Ocean air. A campfire that actually started on the first try.
🎧 On Repeat: Some fresh jams dropped in our Dad Day Playlist. → Listen
dad shower thoughts: At some point, the songs your kids hear in the backseat today will become “the oldies.”
A lot lighter
Plus – the case for a solo trip
June 10, 2026 | Read online
Here’s what’s on tap today:
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You vs. You
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Decision overload
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Don’t get sunburnt
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Go get checked
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And more…
Let’s get into it.
If you’re new here, welcome. Happy to have ya!
📕 DAD WISDOM
A Lot Lighter
I was listening to Jerry Seinfeld on the Graham Bensinger, and he mentioned he’s been reading a lot of Marcus Aurelius.
Jerry was talking about how much time we spend worrying about what other people think. The criticism. The judgment. The perception.
And then he made a pretty simple observation:
All of those people are going to be gone someday. Their opinions, too. Kind of a freeing thought if you sit with it for a minute.
As dads, it’s easy to carry around invisible pressure. Wondering if we’re doing enough. Making the right decisions. Keeping up with everyone else.
Meanwhile, most people aren’t thinking about us nearly as much as we think they are.
The job is pretty straightforward. Love your family. Do good work. Keep your word. Try to get a little better every day.
Then wake up tomorrow and do it again.
Life gets a lot lighter when you stop carrying around opinions that were never yours to begin with.
SMALL TALK
A couple random facts you probably don’t need to know… but might come in handy the next time you’re standing around at a kid’s birthday party making awkward conversation with another dad you barely know.
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Researchers estimate the average person makes roughly 35,000 decisions per day. By 6pm, deciding what’s for dinner can feel like solving a hostage negotiation.
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The average golf ball has 336 dimples. Not 335. Not 337. Somebody got paid to figure out the exact number that makes it fly farther.
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Kids who spend more time outside have a lower risk of developing nearsightedness. One study found that adding 40 minutes of outdoor time at school reduced new cases of myopia over the next three years.
DAD GEAR
Don’t Get Sunburnt
Getting sunburnt is a rookie move.
We’ve been rocking this Backcountry sun hoodie this summer, and it’s the rare piece of gear that’s light, soft, stretchy, and actually makes you want to keep it on. UPF 50+ protection, a fixed hood, and a zip chest pocket.
Multiple colors available.
🛒 WHAT ELSE WE’RE ADDING TO CART
» Under Desk Treadmill (20% off)
» The Roamer Pant
» Greenworks Leaf Blower (47% off)
DAD BOD
Get Checked
Getting older comes with a few perks…better taste in bourbon, stronger lawn opinions, and a growing need to get your butt checked.
Colorectal cancer can start as quiet little polyps, which means you can feel totally fine while something nasty is brewing. Most guys should start screening at 45, but earlier if you’ve got family history or other risk factors.
The good news: evidence-based screening, especially colonoscopies, can catch and remove polyps before they become a bigger problem.
Flashy new blood tests that claim to detect dozens of cancers sound great, but the evidence isn’t always there yet, so don’t let “future tech” distract you from the boring stuff that actually works.
Hat tip to Derek over at 5ht.com for bumpin’ this
JUNK DRAWER
» 📕 Why Every Dad Should Take a Solo Trip With Each Kid
» 💪 7 Exercises to Keep You Young
» 🎥 Keep Chasing Y’all
DAD HUMOR
Let this register
Plus – betting on yourself
June 08, 2026 | Read online
Happy Monday, guys. Hope y’all had a great weekend.
Here’s what’s on deck:
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Good days
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Betting on yourself
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Your Father’s Day hat
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Greens powder. Worth it?
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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
The Good Days
I came across a line recently that really hit…
We let bad days affect us too much and good days affect us too little.
And I think part of the reason is that the good stuff rarely announces itself. It’s usually small.
A kid wanting to tell you a story you’ve already heard three times. Everyone laughing at the dinner table. Kicking a soccer ball around. A random hug.
The problem is we’re often moving so fast that we don’t let those moments land. The hard stuff gets highlighted. The good stuff gets filed away as normal.
But one day, a lot of these “normal” moments are going to be the things we miss most. So here’s your reminder to let the good stuff register.
Not later. Now.
RAD DAD
Richie Mata’afa
Richie Mata’afa walked away from the safe path to build Daylight Burrito in Greenville, South Carolina.
Which sounds fun until you remember restaurants are brutal. Early mornings. Thin margins. Long hours. A thousand tiny details that all matter.
And somewhere in the middle of that, he’s also a dad trying to build something his kids can watch take shape in real time.
That’s what makes Richie’s story hit.
It’s not just about burritos. It’s about showing your kids what it looks like to bet on yourself. To do the hard thing. To build something honest, one day at a time.
Daylight started with pop-ups and word-of-mouth, and now it’s become one of those places people talk about like they discovered it first.
Richie’s reminder for dads is pretty simple: your kids are watching what you build, what you risk, and how you show up when it gets hard.
And sometimes, the family business is not really the business. It’s the example.
Check out his story here.
DAD GEAR
The Dad Hat
We made a hat. Not a performance hat. Not a tactical hat. Not a hat with 47 features and a moisture-wicking origin story.
Just a clean, simple, timeless Dad hat.
Great for Father’s Day. Great for every other day you’re out there doing dad stuff. Get one for yourself, or send this to a loved one as a subtle Father’s Day hint.
Thanks for supporting Dad Day.
Get $5 bucks off with code: HIGHFIVE
🛒 WHAT ELSE WE’RE ADDING TO CART
» Foam Roller (28% off)
» Righteous Sampler – Beef Jerky and Meat Sticks
» Wireless Meat Thermometer (25% off)
DAD BOD
Greens Powder. Worth It?
Greens powder is fine. Not magic. Not useless.
It can add some vitamins, minerals, and plant compounds to your diet…helpful since only about 1 in 10 adults gets enough fruits and vegetables, according to the CDC.
But it does not replace real vegetables. Whole plants come with fiber, water, chewing, fullness, and the full food matrix. Green powder is more like nutritional insurance. Not dinner.
The science? Thin. Some research on fruit-and-vegetable concentrates shows possible improvements in markers like blood pressure and oxidative stress, but the studies are generally small and not strong enough to crown this stuff a miracle scoop.
If you buy some greens powder, make sure you look for third-party testing.
Worth taking? Yes, if it helps you build a better habit.
Worth relying on? Nope.
Use it like a seatbelt, not a chauffeur.
JUNK DRAWER
» 🎧 Getting Out Of Your Kids Way
» 📕 Band of Brothers
» 👀 Don’t Race Against Time
Better Coffee This Father’s Day
In Partnership w/Aeropress
Father’s Day is a couple weeks away and here’s our honest suggestion: get yourself an AeroPress.
We’re not baristas. Just regular dads who’ve come to really appreciate that first cup in the morning before everyone wakes up, whether it’s at home, fishing, camping, you name it.
The AeroPress makes it easy…rich, smooth, ready in under two minutes, and it tastes like the beans you actually paid for.
It travels well too. Toss it in your bag for the office, a work trip, wherever. Good coffee wherever you land.
Hand the code to your partner or just treat yourself. Either way you won’t be mad about it.
Weekly Poll👇
What’s motivating your workouts right now?
A race/event
General health
Weight loss
Keeping up with my kids
I don’t workout currently
Other
DAD HUMOR
