Happy Monday, fellas. Hope your football team fared better than my Aluminum Curtain Steelers.

Note: We’re building something cool here at Dad Day and could use a few good dads to help grow it. If “community” is your thing, let’s talk. Just reply to this email. A real human will respond.

📕 DAD WISDOM 

Keep Hiking

Comedian Mike Birbiglia nailed it: “Parenting is like hiking. No one’s ever like, ‘Hey, great job hiking!’ Sometimes you’re up there and you wanna hop off the edge, but you’re the guide.”

That’s it right there. Parenting isn’t glamorous. There’s no medal ceremony at the top, no crowd cheering when you pack the lunches, fix the meltdown, or survive bedtime. Most days, it’s just you, a messy trail, and a bunch of tiny hikers asking for snacks.

And yet, you keep going. Because quitting isn’t an option, you’re the guide. The trail doesn’t flatten out just because you’re tired. You hike because that’s the job. Some days it’s all uphill, some days it’s a view worth the grind.

No applause. No shortcuts. Just the climb. Keep hiking, Dad.

RAD DAD 

Mookie Betts

For Mookie Betts, fatherhood didn’t change his priorities; it changed his purpose.

“Before kids, I was playing to get rich. After kids, I realized I’m playing for something bigger. To show them what dedication looks like.”

He’s the kind of dad who knows presence beats perfection. “Be present as much as you can. Show them love every chance you get. But give yourself grace for those times when you have to be away.”

And he’s raising his daughter with purpose, not pressure. “It’s my job to set an example of the relationship I want her to have. She shouldn’t have to question what love looks like. She should just know because she’s seen it.”

From lessons learned from his own dad to leading by example for his kids, Betts plays the long game built on love, effort, and legacy.

Big takeaway: Championships fade. Character doesn’t.

Quotes from: People and YouTube.com

DAD TOYS 

The Lowe Wallet by The James Brand

Your Costanza wallet days are over.

Machined aluminum, silicone band, zero bulk. Holds your cards and cash; nothing more. Tough, sleek, front-pocket ready.

Minimalism done right. Get it here. 

DAD BOD 

Peptides, Explained

You’ve probably seen peptides popping up in gym chats and anti-aging ads. So… what the heck are they?

Quick take:
Peptides are short chains of amino acids. Basically, baby proteins that tell your body to do stuff like build muscle, heal faster, or firm up skin. Some are legit (used medically for recovery and hormone support). Others are overhyped TikTok snake oil.

For dads:

• Curious about recovery or joint support? Talk to a doc before jumping in.

• Skip the sketchy “research only” sites. Regulation’s still loose.

• No peptide beats solid sleep, good protein, and consistent lifting.

Want more? Listen to this Huberman Lab discussing the benefits and risks of peptides here. 

THE MOVE 

Don’t fix it. Watch them figure it out.

This week's focus: Step back when your kid’s stuck. Let them wrestle with the problem instead of rescuing them.

In case you missed it…

The folks at PaleoValley make some damn good meat sticks. Real beef from small American farms, raised right and naturally fermented.

My kids have been crushing them, so I had to restock. They’re hooking the Dad Day crew up with 15% off your first order. Get ‘em here.

JUNK DRAWER 

DAD HUMOR