Dinner’s on Me with Jesse Tyler Ferguson: Episode Featuring Tom Daley Release Date: July 15, 2025

Introduction to the Episode

In this heartfelt episode of Dinner’s on Me, hosted by Jesse Tyler Ferguson and produced by Sony Music Entertainment, Ferguson sits down with Olympic gold medal diver Tom Daley and Dustin Lance Black, a close friend and collaborator of Ferguson. The conversation delves deep into themes of athleticism, personal growth, fatherhood, and overcoming adversity.

Friendships and Documentaries

The episode begins with Jesse introducing Tom Daley, highlighting their longstanding friendship and Tom's latest endeavor—a documentary titled Tom Daley.

• Jesse Tyler Ferguson [03:01]: “Tom Daley and I have been friends for a few years now.”
• Tom Daley [03:28]: “I watched his documentary last night. It is amazing.”

Tom discusses the documentary's focus on his diving career from age 13 to his retirement at 30, emphasizing the personal and professional challenges he faced.

Impact of Fatherhood on Personal Growth

A significant portion of the conversation centers on how fatherhood has transformed Dustin Lance Black’s outlook on life and career.

• Dustin Lance Black [05:00]: “Becoming a parent was the big thing that changed everything for me.”
• Tom Daley [06:21]: “Your dad was just there to have a good time. It wasn't about a medal.”

Dustin reflects on his relationship with his late father, drawing parallels to his own parenting style and how it influences his children.

Overcoming Bullying and Identity

Both Dustin and Tom open up about their experiences with bullying during their school years and how these moments shaped their identities.

• Dustin Lance Black [19:18]: “Going through bullying was one of the hardest things.”
• Tom Daley [18:37]: “I went to a Catholic school and was bullied for being different.”

They discuss the emotional toll of bullying and the strategies they employed to cope, highlighting the importance of resilience and self-acceptance.

Balancing Athletic Career and Personal Life

The dialogue shifts to the challenges of maintaining personal relationships while pursuing demanding athletic careers.

• Dustin Lance Black [17:30]: “As an athlete, I never really had time for a proper relationship.”
• Tom Daley [24:05]: “My son Beckett is not great about losing.”

Dustin shares his approach to relationships, emphasizing honesty and long-term commitment, while Tom discusses parenting lessons learned from their own experiences.

Return to Diving and Mental Health

Dustin narrates his return to diving for the Tokyo Olympics, driven by a desire to set an example for his son and to rediscover joy in the sport.

• Dustin Lance Black [30:23]: “Diving was my identity. Becoming a parent allowed me to see I was more than just a diver.”
• Tom Daley [31:48]: “Standing on that diving board as the spouse of someone you love and the father of a child…”

They explore the mental shift from viewing diving as a sole purpose to integrating it into a balanced life, enhancing mental well-being and performance.

Learning to Lose and Embracing the Journey

A poignant discussion on the importance of learning to handle loss and the value of enjoying the journey over the outcome.

• Dustin Lance Black [24:30]: “Learning to lose is probably the more important part about sport than it is about learning how to win.”
• Dustin Lance Black [34:33]: “Enjoying the process and the journey is crucial because, as an athlete, you never know whether you're going to win or lose.”

This segment underscores the personal growth that comes from facing and overcoming setbacks, both in sports and in life.

Hobbies and Life Beyond Athletics

Dustin shares his unexpected hobby of knitting, which he adopted as a form of relaxation and mindfulness during the COVID-19 pandemic.

• Dustin Lance Black [43:19]: “I took up knitting as a way to rest and recover.”
• Tom Daley [44:30]: “I saw you make your own Speedos. You made Willy Warmers!”

Tom humorously comments on Dustin's knitting projects, highlighting the camaraderie and light-hearted moments in their friendship.

Future Aspirations and Legacy

Looking ahead, Dustin expresses his desire to incorporate crafting into educational curriculums to promote mindfulness and creativity among children.

• Dustin Lance Black [46:49]: “I want to get knitting and crochet back into the school curriculum to teach mindfulness and meditation.”
• Tom Daley [47:32]: “I love that.”

They discuss their future goals, emphasizing the importance of balancing personal passions with professional responsibilities to create a meaningful legacy.

Conclusion and Upcoming Episodes

The episode concludes with Jesse teasing the next episode featuring Rory Kinnear, promising more engaging conversations about personal and professional journeys.

• Jesse Tyler Ferguson [49:13]: “Next week on Dinners On Me, we’re featuring Rory Kinnear…”

Key Takeaways

• Personal Growth through Fatherhood: Parenthood profoundly impacts personal priorities and mental well-being.
• Resilience in the Face of Adversity: Overcoming bullying and loss can lead to stronger self-identity and resilience.
• Balancing Career and Personal Life: Integrating personal relationships with demanding careers enhances overall life satisfaction.
• Mental Health and Athletic Performance: Shifting focus from identity as an athlete to a more balanced self can improve performance and mental health.
• Embracing Hobbies for Well-being: Engaging in hobbies like knitting can provide relaxation and mindfulness, contributing to personal happiness.

Notable Quotes

• Dustin Lance Black [05:00]: “Becoming a parent was the big thing that changed everything for me.”
• Dustin Lance Black [24:30]: “Learning to lose is probably the more important part about sport than it is about learning how to win.”
• Dustin Lance Black [34:33]: “Enjoying the process and the journey is crucial because, as an athlete, you never know whether you're going to win or lose.”

Conclusion

This episode of Dinner’s on Me offers a deep and engaging exploration of the intersections between athletic careers, personal growth, and fatherhood. Through candid conversations, Jesse Tyler Ferguson, Tom Daley, and Dustin Lance Black provide valuable insights into overcoming challenges, the transformative power of parenting, and the importance of maintaining a balanced life.

Join Jesse Tyler Ferguson for more insightful conversations every week on Dinner’s on Me. Subscribe to Dinner’s on Me PLUS for early access and an ad-free experience.