📕 DAD WISDOM 

Raising Risk-Takers

“Nothing wonderful is going to come to you unless you take an uncomfortable risk.”

That line from Scott Galloway hit me. As dads, it’s not just advice for us, it’s a lesson for our kids too.

The instinct is to protect them from every bump and bruise, every awkward moment or potential failure. But here’s the thing: comfort zones don’t build character. Risks do.

Whether it’s trying out for a team, raising their hand in class, or even making a new friend, those uncomfortable moments teach resilience and confidence.

Our job isn’t to clear the path. It’s to remind them that rejection isn’t the end of the world, and that every “no” brings them closer to a “yes.”

Because in the long run, it’s not about raising kids who avoid risk. It’s about raising kids who know they can handle it.

RAD DAD 

Andrew Luck

Andrew Luck, once the face of the Colts franchise and one of the NFL’s brightest stars, walked away from football in 2019 at just 29 years old. The move shocked fans, but for Luck it was about health, perspective, and building a new chapter of life.

Today, that chapter is centered on family. Luck and his wife are raising their two kids with the same thoughtfulness and intention he brought to the game. “I can assure you, I have immense respect for stay-at-home parents,” Luck says. “It truly is a calling.”

He often reflects on the values passed down from his own parents, like his dad or mom coming outside to play with him and his siblings, no matter how busy life was.

Now, he’s the one on the ground refereeing games, reading books, and making sure respect, education, and empathy stay at the core of family life. As he puts it: “This is not practice; this is your life.”

DAD TOYS 

The $24 Glovebox Hero

Dropping $100+ on a multitool isn’t always the move. Enter the Mossy Oak 21-in-1 Multitool - a stainless steel pocket knife/plier/screwdriver/all-around fixer that’s got 7,400+ reviews and sits at 4.7 stars on Amazon.

For $24, it’s the perfect glovebox or tackle box companion. Toss it in the car and you’re covered for loose screws, busted toys, camping trips, or whatever curveball life throws your way.

Get it here.

DAD BOD 

Out of Sight, Out of Mind (Literally)

Here’s one from Arnold’s Pump Club: just having your phone near you, even face down and silent, makes you dumber.

Researchers found that people performed up to 10% worse on memory and problem-solving tests when their phone was on the desk versus in another room. Why? Because your brain is quietly burning energy trying not to check it.

So if you want to focus more, think clearer, or just be present with your kids, don’t just flip your phone over—ditch it in another room. Out of sight really is out of mind.

» Dad Beers
We’re looking for some folks to host the first wave of Dad Beers: a simple way to do some good, share a pint, and meet other dads in your city. Don’t stress—we’ll handle the logistics. You just bring the energy. If you’ve got a local brewery in mind and a few hours to spare, hit reply and let’s make it happen.

» Fall Challenge
Still time to jump in. Doesn’t matter if it’s a 5K, half marathon, or something totally different—just pick a goal, circle it on the calendar, and start moving toward it. We’ve partnered with Runna to make it stupid simple: get a free 2-week trial with code DADDAY. The app builds your plan, syncs to your watch, and keeps you honest. Already signed up? DM us at @daddayrunclub so we can get you on the feed.

» Run Club Shoutouts
Big props to Jordan for kicking off our first Steel City x Dad Day run in Pittsburgh on Sunday. Huge respect to Nick for stacking 17 straight weeks with the Pitt crew. Shoutout to Chris in Phoenix for rallying more dads this weekend, and to Todd for staying steady in Annapolis. Always looking for new leaders—if you want to start a crew in your town, we’ve got your back.

JUNK DRAWER 

DAD HUMOR