The Daily Stoic
Daily Stoic | Backyard Ventures
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.Support the podcast and go deeper with Stoicism by subscribing to The Daily Stoic Premium - unlock ad-free listening, early access, and bonus content (coming soon): dailystoic.com/premium
Episodes
Mentioned books
87 snips
Nov 10, 2025 • 10min
Failure Doesn’t Define You—Neither Does Success | Always The Same
Ulysses S. Grant's story highlights that neither failure nor success defines who we are. Everyday life reflects Stoic ideals, demonstrating indifference to outside circumstances. Historical perspectives reveal how human behaviors repeat, reminding us of enduring truths. A visit to Tombstone illustrates that fundamental motives stay constant over time. The ongoing relevance of Stoic meditations showcases wisdom that transcends generations, making profound insights applicable to personal lives today.
97 snips
Nov 9, 2025 • 14min
The Surprising Habit Hack from Aristotle
In this enlightening talk, Jay Heinrichs, a New York Times bestselling author and rhetoric expert, dives into Aristotle’s ideas on habit formation and happiness. He introduces the intriguing 'Tortoise Method' for building joyful habits and discusses how our small daily choices reflect our character. Heinrichs emphasizes the importance of creating choiceless routines to align our actions with our goals. With anecdotes on adaptability and the balance between pleasure and meaning, he offers timeless wisdom for modern life.
130 snips
Nov 8, 2025 • 44min
Persuasion Expert: "You Can TRAIN Your Mind to See the Positive" | Jay Heinrichs (PT. 2)
Jay Heinrichs, a New York Times bestselling author and persuasion expert, shares insights on the power of our inner voice and discipline. He recounts breakfast with the Dalai Lama, emphasizing the joy found in discipline and the importance of cultivating presence to experience beauty. Heinrichs explores how to turn setbacks into creative narratives, drawing parallels between ancient rhetoric and modern life. He even connects Taylor Swift's charisma to Aristotle's ethos, showcasing the magic of self-persuasion in everyday life.
146 snips
Nov 7, 2025 • 10min
This Is The Point of Philosophy | You're Wasting Your Life
Explore the true purpose of philosophy and how Stoicism aims to improve lives. Discover practical ways to apply ancient wisdom in modern settings. Learn about breaking big goals into manageable steps and the importance of daily discipline. Ryan highlights reflection practices from Stoic thinkers to enhance personal growth. The discussion emphasizes staying focused on the process rather than outcomes, urging listeners to act now and make the most of their lives.
86 snips
Nov 6, 2025 • 14min
Take This Seriously | Ask Daily Stoic
Ryan Holiday delves into the transformative power of Stoicism, emphasizing its role in building strong character. He introduces an exciting course on Stoicism, perfect for those eager to deepen their understanding. Listeners learn about GiveWell’s effective donation strategies and how to teach Stoic virtues to children. The conversation touches on applying Stoic principles to community governance and preparing for challenges like the Athens Marathon. The session culminates in audience interactions and Ryan's heartfelt thanks for listener support.
61 snips
Nov 6, 2025 • 28min
BONUS | Ryan Holiday Curates a Reading List for Nick Thompson
In this engaging discussion, Nick Thompson, the CEO of The Atlantic and author of The Running Ground, shares his passion for literature. He and Ryan Holiday dive into fascinating book recommendations, from the harrowing true story of Tunnel 29 to Seneca's moral dilemmas with Nero. They explore Kafka's influence on parenting and Murakami's insights on running and writing. The duo also reflects on powerful memoirs dealing with death and the impactful role of journalists. This chat is a treasure trove for book lovers and aspiring writers alike!
96 snips
Nov 5, 2025 • 38min
Persuasion Expert: "You Can Manipulate Yourself Into Doing Hard Things" | Jay Heinrichs (PT. 1)
Jay Heinrichs, a bestselling author and rhetoric expert, shares intriguing insights on self-persuasion as a tool for personal change. He explains how we often underestimate our ability to influence ourselves and discusses Marcus Aurelius's rhetorical strategies for mindset shifts. Heinrichs emphasizes that reframing goals can replace the need for harsh discipline. He illustrates these concepts using relatable examples like flossing and napping, and highlights how tiny beginnings can lead to significant changes in identity and habits.
80 snips
Nov 5, 2025 • 3min
This Is Not What We Fight For
Explore the proactive nature of Stoics, who were anything but passive thinkers. Dive into how even great minds like Seneca sometimes chased misguided ambitions. Ryan Holiday highlights the tragic side of relentless striving, emphasizing that determination can turn into a flaw. Discover the wisdom in knowing when to stop and what truly matters, steering clear of the insatiable desire for more. This lively discussion redefines what it means to fight for meaningful goals.
44 snips
Nov 4, 2025 • 9min
When The Statues Still Had Paint On Them | The Real Power You Have
Dive into the vivid world of ancient Greece and Rome, where history is alive and colorful, not just dusty relics. Explore how today's choices shape our future and the distinction between fleeting external power and the enduring strength of inner virtue. Discover insights from Stoic thinkers like Epictetus and Marcus Aurelius, who emphasize self-mastery as the ultimate freedom. Reflect on what power you pursue: the external or the profound control within yourself. This thought-provoking discussion inspires a deeper understanding of our present.
115 snips
Nov 3, 2025 • 7min
This is How To Be Smart (Or At Least Not Dumb) | Following The Doctor's Orders
Discover the balance between being smart and avoiding folly. Learn how practical wisdom can help us sidestep fads and grifters. Embrace hardship like a doctor's orders—each challenge is a lesson designed to strengthen us. Reflect on classic Stoic philosophy, particularly insights from Marcus Aurelius, to transform obstacles into opportunities for growth. Tune in for inspiration to cultivate resilience and avoid the traps of superficiality.
