Happy Monday, guys. Hope your weekend went better than my Steelers’ performance last night.

Quick stat for you: Thanksgiving’s in 17 days. Christmas in 45. Clock’s ticking. Let’s get into it.

📕 DAD WISDOM 

The Good Stress of Socializing

I was listening to a recent Art of Manliness podcast over the weekend, all about how socializing is a good kind of stress. It mentioned that dads are spending more time than ever with their kids (awesome), but less time with their friends (not so awesome).

After kiddo bedtime, a lot of us default to “just be alone.” It feels earned, peace after the storm.

But do it night after night, and that recovery mode turns into isolation. We think we’re recharging… but we’re actually disconnecting.

And yet, every time you do show up: grab a beer, go for a run, catch up with a buddy, it’s good for the soul. You laugh. You vent. You remember you’re more than just Dad. It fills your tank in a way that solo time doesn’t.

Our kids see that too. They learn what adult friendship looks like from us. When they see Dad showing up for his people, they learn connection isn’t optional, it’s part of being well.

So yeah, reach out to a buddy this week. Shoot ’em a text. Try to get together.

RAD DAD 

Noah Ohlsen

Noah Ohlsen has spent the last decade competing at the highest level of CrossFit, earning multiple top finishes at the Games and a reputation as one of the sport’s most consistent athletes.

Now, the Miami native is facing a whole new kind of challenge: fatherhood.

After a tough delivery and a week in the NICU, Noah and his wife are settling into life with their 3-month-old son, Oliver. The nights are long, but the smiles make it worth it.

“Seeing my wife and son laugh together melts my heart,” he says. “I want to make sure I’m smiling as often as I can so that’s in his nature too.”

For Noah, training isn’t just a career, it’s therapy.

“Getting in a workout keeps me mentally and physically healthy,” he says. “But disconnecting from my phone and spending real, quality time with mama and baby, that’s the reset I need most.”

That balance between effort and ease, hustle and heart, defines this next chapter.

Follow his journey → @nohlsen and read our Q&A with Noah here.

DAD TOYS 

Board: The Tabletop Console Built for Family Time

If a board game and a video game had a baby, it’d be Board: a 24” digital tabletop that blends screen magic with old-school, face-to-face play.

Twelve exclusive games. Real pieces that the console recognizes. Perfect for Christmas - the kind of thing that keeps everyone at the table a little longer.

Get it here.

DAD BOD 

Stretching for People Who Hate Stretching

A lot of us skip stretching because it feels pointless: no sweat, no burn, no payoff.

But here’s the thing: it’s the easiest way to feel younger. A quick stretch routine keeps your back loose, posture solid, and mornings way less creaky.

The trick? Tie it to something you already do.

Two minutes while the coffee brews or the kids brush their teeth. No mat, no timer, just a quick stretch.

THE MOVE 

Reach out for real. Text a buddy this week. Ask how he’s doing. No agenda. Just check in.

JUNK DRAWER 

DAD HUMOR