Happy Friday.
Looks like this storm sweeping across the country is a big one. Stay safe out there. For the East Coast shredders, enjoy the pow.
We’ll see ya Monday.
PS: If you’re new here, we mix it up on Fridays with a quick recap from the week and a few extra gems to head into the weekend right.
"The truest form of intelligence is designing the life you want to live."
Graham Weaver
THE DIGEST
Most Clicked: Raising Mentally Strong Kids
Wisdom of the Week: Putting your kids first is the best thing you can do to be a good dad. It has nothing to do with big gestures. It’s not about sacrificing everything or getting it perfect. It’s answering when they call your name. It’s being present when you’re tired. It’s choosing patience when it would be easier not to.
Product of the Week: Patnoflex Loafer
Rad Dads: Billy Parks & Charlie Lima
📕 Read: Steven Pressfield - Do the Work
🎧 Listen: Ultimate Human Podcast w/Guest Kelly Slater
📺 Watch: F1 Road Trip: Discovering American Car Culture With Riley Harper
🍔 Eat/Drink: 3 Easy Meals in 30 Minutes
👶 For the Kids: Super Skills - Fun Group Activity for Family Night
FROM THE TRENCHES
Topic: Work From Home Guilt
A dad in our Slack said his 4-year-old keeps hearing “not now, I have to work” so much that she started saying it to her toys. Gut punch.
A few dads dropped ideas that actually help:
Name the why: “This is how we support our family” and “this is how we buy our things.” Not perfect, but it gives work a purpose.
Give an end time and keep it: “One hour, then I’m yours.” The follow through is the whole game.
Let them “join” work sometimes: sit at your desk with crayons, a quiet activity, even a quick wave on Zoom so it feels less like rejection.
Make a clear work zone: office is a no go, or headphones in means “do not interrupt.”
Use a simple signal: something on the doorknob that says “dad is busy” so they can see it.
Try mini cycles: work in short blocks, then a 5 minute reconnect break (bonus points for a quick “I love you, you make me happy” before you go back in).
Set the weekly rhythm: M to F is work days. Weekend is “dad plays” days.
Not a cure. Just a few ways to make the “no” land a little softer. Join the convo on Slack.
GARAGE
Send us what you’re working on…
Max used his father-in-laws wood burning machine to make a sign for a friend. Thanks for sharing, Max! Looks awesome.
We want to see your house projects. Send ‘em our way! Just reply to this email.
WEEKEND BURNER
30–40 minutes. Old-school pump.
Warm-Up (3 min) Push-ups x15 → light bench x15 → arm circles. Done.
Barbell Bench Press: 4×5–8 Heavy. Clean reps. Leave one in the tank.
Incline Dumbbell Press: 3×8–10 Slow on the way down. Upper chest earns its keep.
Dips: 3×max Bodyweight or add load. Stop before form sucks.
Dumbbell Flys: 3×10–12 Light. Stretch. Squeeze.
Finisher Push-ups: 20 → 15 → 10 → max.
dad shower thoughts: You know you’re a dad when silence in the house feels more suspicious than relaxing.