The 4th is upon us, and somehow summer’s already flying by.

I’ll be slinging hot dogs and burgers poolside with the fam, so there won’t be a Friday send this week.

Have a happy, safe 4th, and we’ll see you back here Monday.

📕 DAD WISDOM 

A Strong ‘Center’

Want to raise emotionally secure kids? Start with your marriage.

One of the most overlooked parenting truths is this: when the relationship at the center is strong, kids feel it. They absorb the emotional tone in the house: how you speak to each other, how you resolve conflict, how you show love.

Not every bedtime story or soccer game matters more than the way you show up for your partner.

This isn’t about neglecting your kids. It’s about remembering that your relationship is the foundation. Prioritizing your partner is one of the best things you can do for your kids.

RAD DAD 

Josh Bridges

We’ve been longtime fans of Josh Bridges—former Navy SEAL, 6x CrossFit Games athlete, and all-around savage in the gym. So we were stoked when he took a few minutes to answer our Dad Day Q+A.

Josh is a dad to three—ages 15, 13, and a newborn. These days, he’s juggling school drop-offs, coaching youth workouts, running military-style programming, and sneaking in some golf when time allows.

His typical day sounds like a WOD in itself:

And when it comes to dad life, Josh keeps it real:

• Non-negotiable: “You are no longer the priority. They are.”

• Hardest part: “Realizing you have to let them fail so they can learn. Not being too overbearing but pushing them when they need it.”

• Biggest lesson: “Time is a gift. Never take any moment for granted.”

• Advice for new dads: “Never wish them to be any other age than they are—because they are only that age once.”

• Best advice he ever got: “Just show up.”

From elite competition to 3 a.m. baby shifts, Josh brings the same grit and focus to fatherhood that he brought to every Games event—and that’s exactly why we think he’s a Rad Dad. Follow Josh here.

DAD TOYS 

Your Next T-Shirt

I’m a big t-shirt guy. Always hunting for that one tee you can wear for everything.

Finally found it. The Wellen Sol Performance Tee checks every box—I’ve worn it for runs, yard work, airport travel, and even casual dinners. It’s soft like your old high school gym shirt, but way more functional.

Cools your skin. Dries fast. Doesn’t stink. Has a hidden pocket. And fits just right. I’m 6’0 and rock a large.

This is the kind of shirt you buy two or three of and don’t look back.

Get it here.

DAD BOD 

Soreness Doesn’t Equal Progress

I saw this in Arnold’s Pump Club recently and it was a good reminder—for myself, too.

Soreness doesn’t mean you’re making progress.
Muscle growth isn’t about chasing pain. In fact, too much soreness can slow down your recovery and hold back real gains. Growth is driven by tension, not fatigue.

Instead of wrecking yourself every session, aim for 12 to 20 quality sets per muscle group each week. Focus on:

• Great form

• Controlled tempo

• Progressive overload

Walk out of the gym knowing you’re building real strength, not just bragging about how sore you are.

JUNK DRAWER 

Dad Lab: Building Generational Wealth For Your Kids

Next Thursday, we’re bringing in Phil Barrar, CEO of FutureMoney, for a live Dad Lab session focused on setting your kids up for long-term financial success.

Phil is a serial entrepreneur with two successful exits under his belt, and as the former CEO of Canada’s leading investing app, he knows a thing or two about building wealth. He’s raised millions, acquired firms, and knows how to make complex financial ideas simple and actionable.

In this session, he’ll share actionable tips to help you build real generational wealth for your kids, including a breakdown of the Junior Roth IRA, why it matters, and how to get started. This is a practical, straight-to-the-point conversation you won’t want to miss.

📅 Thursday, July 10th

🕘 12pm-12:30pm ET

📍 Live on Google Meet

🎟 Free for all Dad Day subscribers

DAD HUMOR