More Than Cookies: Raising Girls with Confidence, Character & Courage

Send a text to Girl Dad NationRyan shares the story behind the new documentary Cookie Queens, what it was like raising Olive through record-breaking Girl Scout Cookie seasons, and why the greatest success isn't selling cookies—it's raising confident daughters.What does it really take to raise a confident daughter?This week on Girl Dad Nation, Matthew sits down with Ryan, father of Olive, one of the featured families in the new documentary Cookie Queens.While Cookie Queens follows four Girl Scouts through the excitement and pressure of cookie season, this conversation goes beyond cookie sales. Ryan shares what it's like raising a daughter with big dreams, supporting her ambitions without defining her by achievement, and navigating the balance between encouragement, competition, and simply letting kids be kids.Together, Matthew and Ryan discuss:• The father-daughter relationship in the documentary• Encouraging confidence without creating pressure• What Girl Scouts teaches about leadership, entrepreneurship, and resilience• Supporting our daughters while allowing them to discover their own identity• Why success looks different than most parents think• Lessons every girl dad can learn—whether your daughter sells cookies or notIf you're raising daughters, this episode is filled with practical wisdom, humor, and heartfelt encouragement.About Cookie QueensCookie Queens is a heartwarming documentary directed by Alysa Nahmias that follows four Girl Scouts and their families through one unforgettable cookie season. Rather than focusing solely on cookie sales, the film explores girlhood, ambition, confidence, family relationships, and the pressures young girls experience while discovering who they are. The observational documentary celebrates the joys and challenges of growing up through one of America's most recognizable traditions. Ryan's daughter, Olive, is one of the featured girls in the film. A record-breaking Girl Scout, Olive's journey highlights not only extraordinary achievement, but also the importance of family support, leadership, and finding your own definition of success. In This EpisodeRaising daughters with confidenceSupporting ambition without creating pressureBehind-the-scenes stories from Cookie QueensGirl Scouts and entrepreneurshipFather-daughter relationshipsParenting through competitionLetting kids discover their passionsWhat every girl dad can learnResources🎬 Cookie Queens Official Website🎟️ Find a theater near you📽️ Watch the official trailer📸 Follow Cookie Queens on Instagram🎧 Listen to more episodes of Girl Dad NationGirl Dad Nation is made possible by the generous support of our listeners and my wife, Executive Producer of my daughters and this podcast.  Support the showFollow me on Instagram, Facebook, and X (formerly Twitter): @GirlDadNationFor more episodes, merch, events, and updates, visit the website: www.girldadnation.orgHave a story to share or want to reach out? Email me at [email protected]