Morning brother,

A new book, The Anxious Generation*, has sparked a debate over whether phones, social media, and other technology is to blame for the mental health epidemic? 

What are your thoughts?

In today’s edition:

1. Dad’s search for meaning ❤️‍🔥

2. Best Dad podcasts and audiobooks 🎧

3. Kitchen commanders 🧑‍🍳

Personal Development

Dad’s Search for Meaning | Timeless lessons from Viktor Frankl

This profound statement from Viktor Frankl's Man's Search for Meaning encapsulates the essence of finding resilience and meaning amidst life's toughest challenges. In his groundbreaking work, Frankl explores the depths of human spirit through his experiences in Nazi concentration camps, offering insights that remain relevant in today's fast-paced and often unforgiving world.

And for us dads, who can find ourselves tired, overworked, and struggling to navigate all the world can throw at us, there are some powerful and important lessons that Frankl’s story offers.

The Core of Resilience:

• Frankl's journey is not just a story of survival but a testament to the human capacity to find meaning in suffering.

• His theory, known as logotherapy, suggests that our primary drive in life is not pleasure (as Freud suggested) or power (as Adler suggested), but the pursuit of what we find meaningful.

Finding Light in the Darkest Times:

• Man's Search for Meaning teaches us that we have the freedom to choose our attitude in any given set of circumstances.

• Frankl's experiences remind us that even in the most unbearable conditions, one can still find reasons to continue living.

• The essence of his message is that our greatest struggles can become the source of our deepest growth.

Applying Frankl’s Wisdom:

• Identify what matters most: Understand what truly matters to you and let this knowledge guide your actions and decisions.

• Adopt a growth mindset: View challenges as opportunities to grow and learn rather than insurmountable obstacles.

• Cultivate gratitude: Focus on what you have, not what you lack. Gratitude can transform perception and foster resilience.

Frankl’s Man's Search for Meaning is a map for navigating life's toughest journeys, reminding us that the quest for meaning is ultimately what makes life worth living.

The Takeaway:

As young dads, we juggle numerous roles, often facing pressures that test our limits. Yet, in the spirit of Viktor Frankl, we can view these challenges as avenues for growth and self-discovery. By embracing the search for meaning, we not only become stronger individuals but also more

From the GRL DAD Crew

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The Toolbox

Ears to the Ground: Must-Hear Podcasts and Audiobooks for Dads

In the bustling life of a dad, finding a moment to sit down with a book or catch up on the latest trends can feel like trying to find a lost LEGO piece in a ball pit.

But the good news is podcasts and audiobooks are the multitasker's MVP, allowing you to soak in knowledge and entertainment while on the move. Whether it's during your commute, a workout, or even mowing the lawn, these handpicked audio gems are perfect for the dad eager to learn, laugh, and lead.

For the Brainy Dad

• "The Tim Ferriss Show": Dive into the routines and rituals of top performers across various fields. It's like having a mentor in your ear, advising on life hacks, productivity, and self-improvement.

• "How I Built This with Guy Raz": Get inspired by the stories of entrepreneurs and innovators who’ve built some of the world’s best-known companies. It's fuel for your next big idea.

For the Fun-Loving Dad

• "Dadville": Dadville is a fun and easy listening podcast hosted by musicians and sometimes-comedians Dave Barnes and Jon McLaughlin in the journey of life, love and the pursuit of awesome dad-ding!

• Audiobook: "Dad Is Fat" by Jim Gaffigan*: Laugh out loud as Gaffigan explores the joys and horrors of raising five kids. It's relatable, honest, and side-splittingly funny.

For the Reflective Dad

• "The Art of Manliness": This podcast dives deep into personal development, manly skills, and philosophy. It’s about becoming a better man in all aspects of life.

• Audiobook: "Man’s Search for Meaning" by Viktor Frankl*: We spoke about this book in length above, but it’s so good, we added it to this list.

Embrace the convenience and depth of podcasts and audiobooks to keep learning, laughing, and growing as a dad. Each listen is a step towards becoming the man you want to be – informed, entertained, and always ready for what life throws your way. Turn those moments of transit or downtime into opportunities for growth.

Last Week’s Poll Recap

And the award for the “GOAT Dad Shoe” goes to…

What is the greatest Dad Shoe of all time?

🟨🟨🟨🟨⬜️⬜️ Nike Air Monarch (45)

🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩 New Balance 608 (67)

🟨⬜️⬜️⬜️⬜️⬜️ Classic Crocs (in Sport Mode) (23)

🟨🟨🟨⬜️⬜️⬜️ Some other shoe (43)

178 Votes

Honourable Mentions

• “Vans Slip Ons”

• “I'm a boot man, myself. Hiking boot, work boot, etc.”

• “Jordan 4”

• “FLIP FLOPS (just like Jason Kelce)”

Daddy-Daughter Time

Kitchen Commanders

Transform your kitchen into the heart of fun, learning, and deliciousness with recipes designed to bring the whole family together. Cooking with your kids doesn’t just have to be about feeding the tribe; it’s can be a great way to whip up some memories, teaching valuable life skills, and maybe, just maybe, creating the next master chef.

Here is a curated menu that’s guaranteed to bring smiles, sprinkle in some teachable moments, and of course, end with everyone licking their plates.

1. DIY Personal Pizzas: Creativity on a Crust

• Why It’s Great: Pizzas are the perfect canvas for creativity. Kids can choose their toppings, learning about flavors and combinations along the way.

• Teachable Moment: Discuss where ingredients come from, introducing concepts of farming and healthy eating.

• Recipe Quick Look: Use pre-made pizza dough, pizza sauce, cheese, and a variety of toppings like pepperoni, mushrooms, and peppers. Each family member can create their masterpiece before baking.

2. Rainbow Fruit Skewers: A Spectrum of Taste and Color

• Why It’s Great: This no-cook recipe is safe for even the tiniest hands and teaches kids about fruits and colors.

• Teachable Moment: Explore the importance of eating a variety of colors for different vitamins and nutrients.

• Recipe Quick Look: Thread chunks of different colored fruits (strawberries, cantaloupe, pineapple, green grapes, blueberries) onto skewers. Serve with a yogurt dip.

3. Taco Tuesday, Any Day: A Fiesta of Flavors

• Why It’s Great: Building tacos is fun and allows kids to customize their meal. It’s also a great way to introduce them to new vegetables in a non-threatening way.

• Teachable Moment: Talk about cultural significance and the origins of tacos.

• Recipe Quick Look: Prepare ground meat (or a vegetarian alternative), chopped lettuce, diced tomatoes, shredded cheese, and taco shells. Let everyone build their own taco masterpiece.

4. Homemade Ice Cream in a Bag: Shake Up Some Fun

• Why It’s Great: It’s a delicious physics lesson in a bag! Plus, who doesn’t love ice cream?

• Teachable Moment: Teach the concept of freezing points and how salt changes the temperature at which water freezes.

• Recipe Quick Look: Combine cream, sugar, and vanilla in a small bag. Place it inside a larger bag filled with ice and rock salt. Shake vigorously for about five minutes, then enjoy your homemade ice cream.

Wrap it up

These recipes are designed to be fun, easy, and educational, ensuring that your time in the kitchen is as rewarding as the meals you create together.

Tie those aprons, gather your kitchen crew, and prepare for laughter, learning, and a whole lot of deliciousness. Welcome to the ranks of Kitchen Commanders, where every recipe is a mission to make mealtime magical.

The GRL DAD Treehouse

🤘 Rock MacDonald: The hardest rendition you’ve ever heard of the children’s classic…

🕵️ DIY Mission Impossible: Looking for an indoor activity for you and your kiddos to enjoy today? We got you!

🔥 “He’s very handy”: Just a friendly reminder, if you’re not comfortable with doing your own electrical work, hire a pro!