
The Daily Stoic
For centuries, all sorts of people—generals and politicians, athletes and coaches, writers and leaders—have looked to the teachings of Stoicism to help guide their lives. Each day, author and speaker Ryan Holiday brings you a new lesson about life, inspired by the thoughts and writings of great Stoic thinkers like Marcus Aurelius and Seneca the Younger. Daily Stoic Podcast also features Q+As with listeners and interviews with notable figures from sports, academia, politics, and more. Learn more at DailyStoic.com.
Latest episodes

11 snips
Jul 21, 2025 • 8min
Are Your Excuses Any Better? | Made For Working Together
This discussion tackles personal accountability and the real impact of our actions on society. It emphasizes the importance of holding leaders accountable to their constituents. The conversation also highlights innovative solutions for enhancing sleep quality. Finally, it explores how collaboration and social contributions are essential for navigating life's challenges, urging listeners to reflect on their role in fostering a better world.

67 snips
Jul 20, 2025 • 36min
The Stoic Formula For Timeless Success | Ryan Holiday
Discover how Stoic philosophy can lead to lasting success by turning adversity into opportunity. Learn about the transformative power of personal responses to challenges, inspired by Zeno's shipwreck story. Embrace the chaos of life as a chance for growth and understand the importance of quality sleep for overall well-being. Explore the enduring appeal of timeless stories and products, and the significance of personal connections in a digital age. Dive into practical wisdom for thriving in the face of obstacles!

95 snips
Jul 19, 2025 • 43min
This Conversation Will Make You Rethink Everything You Create | James Altucher (PT. 2)
James Altucher, a podcast host and investor known for his insights in emerging tech, joins Ryan for an engaging conversation. They discuss the intricacies of creativity and the art of storytelling, emphasizing the value of historical narratives over personal anecdotes. Altucher reflects on reigniting his passion for chess, confronting the complexities of aging and identity. The two also explore the importance of mentorship and connections in personal growth, while contrasting joy in engagement versus competition.

266 snips
Jul 18, 2025 • 22min
Are You Bringing The Words To Life? | This Is Why You're Anxious.
Discover how Stoic philosophy can transform your approach to anxiety and resilience. Learn to embody the teachings of Epictetus, turning wisdom into action. Explore strategies for managing uncertainty by focusing on internal perceptions, inspired by thinkers like Marcus Aurelius and Seneca. Delve into the concept of 'amor fati' to embrace life's challenges beautifully. Plus, redefine success from within, prioritizing your own values over societal expectations.

55 snips
Jul 17, 2025 • 14min
We Can Be Hurt…Or We Can Do This Instead | Ask Daily Stoic
Life is full of betrayals and challenges, but how we respond defines us. Embrace the teachings of Epictetus to transform adversity into personal growth. Discover the balance between comfort and humility in leadership, using innovative tools to enhance decision-making. Explore the dynamics of confidence and ego, learning to navigate feedback gracefully. Lastly, understand the essential role of parents in building resilience and emotional strength in children, preparing them for life's ups and downs.

174 snips
Jul 16, 2025 • 43min
This Conversation Will Make You Rethink Everything You Create | James Altucher (PT. 1)
James Altucher, a podcaster, writer, and venture capitalist, joins the conversation to explore the evolution of creativity in the digital age. He argues that enduring work holds more value than what's merely trending. The duo delves into the negative impact of social media algorithms on creators' mental health and authenticity. They also discuss the transformation of podcasts, emphasizing the struggle between meaningful dialogue and the pressure of audience engagement. Altucher offers insights on fostering genuine connections amid a sea of sensationalized content.

62 snips
Jul 16, 2025 • 4min
Will You See What Everyone Else Missed?
Discover how Epictetus, a lesser-known Stoic philosopher, can transform your life if you delve into his teachings. Learn about his significant influence on notable figures like Marcus Aurelius. The podcast offers insight into a new guide designed for personal growth and self-reflection. Plus, there's an exciting opportunity for a live Q&A with Ryan Holiday, where he unpacks the relevance of Epictetus' philosophy in today's world. Don't miss out on using ancient wisdom for modern change!

83 snips
Jul 15, 2025 • 9min
Do You Have This Too? | Practice Gentleness Instead of Anger
Dive into the intriguing blend of resilience and affection in Stoic philosophy. Discover how figures like Marcus Aurelius showed that toughness doesn’t exclude warmth. Explore the transformative power of kindness and gentle responses over anger, and learn practical ways to cultivate gentleness in your daily life. By reflecting on personal experiences, you can foster compassion during challenging interactions and promote better mental health. It's a refreshing perspective that shows how gentleness can be a strength.

153 snips
Jul 14, 2025 • 10min
Only The Wise Are Free | A Little Knowledge Is Dangerous
Explore how ignorance enslaves us, emphasizing the Stoic virtues of Justice, Temperance, Wisdom, and Courage for living our best lives. Discover the importance of lifelong learning and intellectual humility to avoid the pitfalls of arrogance. Hear personal anecdotes reflecting on the Dunning-Kruger effect and the need for a student mindset. Unveil the idea that true freedom comes from wisdom, not status, while pre-ordering a unique collector's edition set celebrating these timeless lessons.

74 snips
Jul 13, 2025 • 12min
Seneca Explains The Art of Argument
Seneca critiques the art of sophistry, warning that clever arguments can distract from what truly matters in life. He emphasizes the importance of seeking genuine truths over superficial praise. The conversation dives into distinguishing real virtues from deceiving vices, encouraging listeners to understand moral complexities. Additionally, it challenges the obsession with trivial pursuits, urging a focus on meaningful experiences. This philosophical journey showcases Seneca’s wisdom on living a life grounded in authenticity and virtue.