The difference between panic and power comes down to a few simple rules. In today’s episode, Ryan dives into Les Snead’s philosophy on “panic rules” and why it’s stuck with him ever since they first talked. Ryan and Les discuss how these rules help leaders stay calm under pressure, make hard decisions, and mentor the next generation. Then, they wrap up the conversation at The Painted Porch, where Ryan shares some book recommendations with Les and his wife Kara.

Les Snead is an American football executive who is the general manager of the Los Angeles Rams of the National Football League. Snead played tight end for Auburn from 1992-93 and was part of the Tigers’ perfect 11-0 team in 1993. He also earned Southeast Region Academic All-American honors during his college career. Prior to joining the Rams, Snead spent 13 seasons with the Atlanta Falcons.

📚 Full list of books that Ryan gave to Les and Kara:

Slow Productivity by Cal Newport

Letters to a Young Athlete by Chris Bosh

It’s Better To Be Feared by Seth Wickersham

The Way of the Champion by Paul Rabil

Levels of the Game by John McPhee

Notes to John by Joan Didion

Grit by Angela Duckworth

The Notebook by Rolland Allen

Sacred Hoops by Phil Jackson

Plato and The Tyrant by James Romm

The Second Mountain by David Brooks

Die With Zero by Bill Perkins

From Strength to Strength by Arthur Brooks

On Character by General Stanley McChrystal

📖 Preorder the final book in Ryan Holiday's The Stoic Virtues Series: "Wisdom Takes Work": https://store.dailystoic.com/pages/wisdom-takes-work

🎙️ Listen to Les Snead's first episode on The Daily Stoic Podcast

🎥 Watch the video episodes on The Daily Stoic YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@DailyStoic/videos

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A Slave in the White House

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