Keep moving or pause?

Plus - add this to your garage arsenal

Monday is here. Hope the weekend was solid. Before we dive in, a couple things.

  • We’re printing new ‘dad’ hats and need your vote on which one you’d rock (see below)

  • Our 100th newsletter is this week (!!). If you see a sponsored post moving forward, it’s because I’ve actually used and liked the product—just want to keep it real.

  • A bunch of you have asked about local dad workout/run clubs—if you’re willing and able to get a few dads out, shoot us a note at [email protected], and we’ll help get things rolling.

📕 DAD WISDOM 

Being Redirected

I was mid-call last week, juggling deadlines and Slack messages, when my kid walked in with a “you’ve gotta see this” tone. I almost brushed it off.

But then I followed him outside. It wasn’t just a caterpillar—it was his moment. One he wanted to share. One I would’ve missed if I let the business win.

There’s something about the way kids pull us back to what’s actually in front of us.

Through all the business, routines, and digital distractions, they’re these tiny anchors to the present moment. These little humans who still see magic in caterpillars and puddles and sticks shaped like letters.

As our kids get older, those “come see this” moments might look different—but they still show up. A new playlist they want to share. A question they’ve been holding onto. A game they want you to watch.

And when they invite us in, we have a choice: keep moving... or pause.

Your inbox will fill back up. Your to-do list will wait. But that specific moment—whatever it is—won’t come again.

Let yourself be redirected. It might be the most important thing you do today.

RAD DAD 

Michael Carter

Olympic silver medalist. Super Bowl champ. Fatherhood heavyweight.

Michael Carter didn’t just dominate in one sport—he crushed it in two. In 1984, he won a silver medal in the shot put at the Los Angeles Olympics… then showed up to NFL training camp and won a Super Bowl with the 49ers in the same year. That alone is certified dad lore.

But it’s what he brought to fatherhood that sets him apart.

Known for his discipline and quiet intensity, Carter raised his kids with the same mindset that fueled his athletic career: focus, preparation, and consistency. His motto—“Proper preparation prevents poor performances”—wasn’t just for the field. It was life advice, handed down daily. He didn’t need to give big speeches; he led by example.

At home, Carter helped create a space where his kids felt supported to be themselves, no matter the challenge. He didn’t coddle—but he always showed up. Whether it was helping with school, pushing through setbacks, or just being present, Carter brought the same championship-level energy to being a dad.

→ Read More On Michael Here »

DAD TOYS 

Your Back Will Thank You

I know this isn’t the most exciting toy. But this little beast? She shows up when it matters.

The FCH Folding Hand Truck has been in my garage for years—and every time I’ve had to move a heavy box, cooler, bin of holiday decorations, or one of those mystery Amazon packages my wife swears she didn’t order… this thing’s been clutch.

Folds flat. Light enough to toss in the back of your car. Sturdy enough to handle 165 lbs like it’s nothing. And the best part? It’s 30% off on Amazon right now.

Not flashy. Just dependable. Thank me later.

🛒 WHAT ELSE WE’RE EYING UP

» Lapo’s Non-Alcoholic Negroni
» RENPHO Smart Body Scale
» Lineage Grassfed Protein Powder

DAD BOD 

Struggling to Sleep? Try This.

Bored Season 3 GIF by The Office

A couple of weeks ago, I was playing my usual Wednesday AM pickleball game (don’t judge—it’s fun as hell), and a fellow dad mentioned he was struggling with sleep.

I told him I’ve been taking magnesium for the last year—and it’s been a game-changer.

Turns out, Peter Attia (a longevity doc who nerds out on this stuff) swears by magnesium too. He stacks a few different types—Magnesium Chloride (SlowMag), Magnesium Oxide, and Magnesium L-Threonate (Magtein)—aiming for 1g of elemental magnesium a day.

Why? Better sleep, fewer cramps, and a boost in cognitive function.

Might be worth trying before jumping to more drastic sleep remedies. As always, talk to your doc if you’re making big changes—but don’t sleep on this (pun intended).

JUNK DRAWER 

» Embrace the Kid Chaos (It’s Fleeting)

» How Long to Make a New Habit Feel Natural 

» Sandbag Workouts to Try at Home

POLL

Which hat do you like better?

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This Week’s Move:  Swap “How was your day?” for something juicier: “What made you laugh today?” “What was the weirdest part of your day?”

DAD HUMOR