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
39 snips
Dec 14, 2025 • 17min
How To Find Peace | 8 Stoic Lessons You Can Start Today
Explore the timeless wisdom of Stoicism with practical lessons for finding peace. Learn how to differentiate between what you can control and what you cannot. Discover the importance of accepting mortality to inspire a fuller life. Embrace solitude and reflection for thoughtful responses. Appreciate the beauty in everyday moments for a fresh perspective. Shift your viewpoint with a cosmic lens to lessen personal struggles. Establish a clear moral code to simplify decisions and reduce anxiety. Reflect through journaling to enhance clarity and calm.
41 snips
Dec 13, 2025 • 1h 41min
Olivia Nuzzi Knows She Messed Up
Olivia Nuzzi, a sharp political journalist and author of American Canto, reflects on a recent scandal that forced her into deep self-examination. She candidly discusses the weight of small compromises and the importance of accountability in a culture that often prizes shamelessness. Nuzzi explores the tension between guilt and shame, shares insights on support during public dishonor, and critiques the impact of distorted realities in today's media landscape. Her journey highlights the value of compassion and integrity amidst challenges.
148 snips
Dec 12, 2025 • 30min
Are You Keeping One? | Stoic Lessons That Will Change Your Life
Explore how stories and parables communicate timeless moral lessons. Learn about Marcus Aurelius's sacrificial leadership during crises and Edison's resilient mindset after disaster. Discover the beauty of reading as a dialogue with the dead and how JFK's restraint during the Cuban Missile Crisis inspired strategic thinking. Delve into the teachings of Epictetus on inner freedom and Joseph Heller's insights on contentment. Uncover the value of moral clarity and the stoic acceptance displayed by figures like Ulysses S. Grant and Martin Luther King.
92 snips
Dec 11, 2025 • 14min
Tie Yourself to the Mast | Ask Daily Stoic
Discover how tying yourself to the mast, like Odysseus, can help you resist temptations and distractions. Dive into a 21-day challenge designed to promote accountability and strengthen your habits. Ryan discusses the importance of turning trauma into growth and how Stoic principles can ease everyday frustrations. Explore the connection between Viktor Frankl's logotherapy and Stoicism. Learn why Stoicism is gaining traction in today's world and find tips on teaching these timeless principles to younger generations.
28 snips
Dec 11, 2025 • 8min
BONUS | Camila Cabello: “Stoicism Changed Everything for Me”
Camila Cabello, the Cuban-American pop sensation known for her chart-topping hits and time with Fifth Harmony, shares how Stoicism has transformed her life and career. She discusses prioritizing mental control over fame, redefines success through inner values, and finds purpose in creativity beyond external validation. By embracing Stoic principles, she channels insecurities into her art and measures success with honesty and kindness. Her insights reveal a refreshing perspective on staying centered amidst the chaos of celebrity life.
34 snips
Dec 10, 2025 • 4min
These Add Up to Greatness
Explore how small daily actions can lead to great wisdom and virtue. Zeno emphasizes that well-being grows from incremental steps taken over a lifetime. Discover Seneca's advice on focusing daily on a single thought for resilience. Ryan shares his personal practices using a meditation calendar filled with powerful quotes. Epictetus reminds us to embrace our roles and perform them well. Learn how these simple principles can accumulate into a life of greatness.
49 snips
Dec 10, 2025 • 1h 24min
The Fine Line Between Genius and Delusion | Journalist Helen Lewis
Join journalist and author Helen Lewis as she delves into the fine line between genius and delusion. She explores how being the smartest often leads to trouble, revealing insights on why overthinking can distort intelligent ideas into bad decisions. Lewis discusses the impact of ego on careers and the myth of the lone genius, while also warning against the dangers of groupthink in journalism. Finally, she examines how success can enable destructive behaviors and the importance of distancing oneself from toxic influences.
130 snips
Dec 9, 2025 • 11min
You Know It’s Time to Change | Keep The Rhythm
Are you stuck in old habits and ready for a change? Explore the importance of breaking free from routine and embracing personal growth. Join a 21-day challenge designed to build resilience and foster better habits. Discover the significance of staying connected to philosophy, as taught by Marcus Aurelius, to maintain life's rhythm. Learn how to pick yourself back up when you stumble and the value of community support in your journey. It’s time to demand the best from yourself and make 2026 your year of transformation!
46 snips
Dec 8, 2025 • 8min
Have You Considered This? | Don't Hide From Your Feelings
Explore the idea that recognizing you’re not the center of the universe fosters empathy and reduces judgment. Delve into how confronting grief head-on, rather than avoiding it, aligns with Stoic principles. Learn practical steps to process loss, such as sitting with pain and finding positives amidst sorrow. The conversation highlights the importance of accepting grief as an integral part of life while reflecting on personal losses. Finally, embrace a mindset that encourages deep reflection on mortality.
119 snips
Dec 7, 2025 • 36min
Why EVERY Generation Rediscovers Stoicism | Mark Manson & Ryan Holiday
Mark Manson, a renowned author known for his blunt take on personal development, joins Ryan Holiday to explore the enduring legacy of Stoicism. They discuss how this ancient philosophy resurfaces in times of crisis, revealing its appeal to leaders and thinkers throughout history. The conversation delves into Stoicism’s influence on early Christianity, its surprising presence in modern psychotherapy, and the risks of misinterpreting its teachings in today's digital age. Manson also highlights the need to adapt Stoic wisdom to contemporary issues.
