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
Oct 11, 2025 • 42min
Pete Holmes on Why Laughter Is the REAL Path to Enlightenment (PT. 2)
Comedian Pete Holmes returns, diving deep into the intersection of laughter and enlightenment. He explores the significance of finding peace in chaos and how to embrace moments of stillness, even during delays. The duo tackles the nature of success, defining what it means to 'make it,' and claims that acknowledging your greatness is not egotistical. They also discuss the therapeutic power of comedy, connecting laughter to compassion and the cosmic absurdity of life, reminding listeners that joy can lead to deeper understanding.
63 snips
Oct 10, 2025 • 15min
You Can’t Afford To Be This | How 300 Spartans Saved Western Civilization
Emotional reactions can cloud judgment, and anger often worsens situations. Learning to pause and reflect is essential for clear decision-making. The tale of the 300 Spartans highlights their monumental stand at Thermopylae, showcasing their valor and tactical genius. Leonidas' choice was a moral stand for Western ideals, buying time for Greece. The Spartans' sacrifice reverberated through history, influencing future victories and embodying selflessness. Understanding these themes can inspire modern leadership and personal growth.
59 snips
Oct 9, 2025 • 11min
Older But Never Wiser | Ask Daily Stoic
Experience alone doesn't guarantee wisdom; obstacles like complacency and ego can hinder growth. Wisdom is an active pursuit, requiring daily effort rather than being a static trait. Distinguishing between knowledge and wisdom is crucial, as wisdom involves discernment. Ryan emphasizes a lifelong commitment to learning and suggests a practical daily exercise: seek one insightful lesson each day. He also discusses his upcoming book and invites listeners to engage through questions, reinforcing the idea that wisdom takes work.
120 snips
Oct 9, 2025 • 11min
BONUS | If You’re Feeling Anxious Right Now, Listen To This
Feeling anxious? Discover what your anxiety is trying to tell you and why fighting it can make it worse. Learn to recognize the difference between anxiety and your true self, and explore Marcus Aurelius' wisdom about internalizing stress. Engage in practical steps to assess your actions and deflate worst-case scenarios. Focus your energy on what you can control and practice kind self-talk. Ultimately, reimagine your creativity to tackle solutions instead of fears.
29 snips
Oct 8, 2025 • 3min
Don’t Be This Kind of Friend
Exploring the concept of false friends, the discussion dives into the hypocrisy we see in relationships. It highlights how historic and literary examples reflect these behaviors. Instead of fixating on others’ betrayals, the focus shifts to what we can control within ourselves. This insightful meditation encourages personal responsibility and authentic connections in friendship.
54 snips
Oct 8, 2025 • 47min
Pete Holmes Doesn’t Buy Your Excuses (PT. 1)
Comedian Pete Holmes brings his humor and insight to a lively discussion on productivity and spirituality. He critiques the hustle culture, arguing that constant busyness doesn’t equal worth. Pete delves into the myth of selfless work, often used to justify overextending oneself for family. They explore the idea of making honest trade-offs in life rather than chasing constant growth. With a nod to philosophy’s practical side, Pete emphasizes living with awareness and finding meaning beyond mere achievements.
6 snips
Oct 7, 2025 • 10min
The Most Critical (And Rarest) Ability In Life | Practice Love
Discover the power of discernment as a critical life skill that Stoics valued greatly. Explore why wisdom is a personal journey that cannot be outsourced to apps or experts. Delve into the Stoic concept of sympathia, emphasizing active kindness toward others and shared humanity. Learn how kindness can alleviate negative feelings and foster better behavior. Unpack insights from Seneca and Marcus, illustrating that true strength includes compassion and connection. This episode is a deep dive into the essential practice of love in our lives.
47 snips
Oct 6, 2025 • 9min
You Don’t Have To Do This To Yourself | Looking Out For Each Other
Ryan Holiday explores the nature of anxiety, encouraging listeners to recognize it as something we create and can control. He emphasizes the importance of empathy, urging us to celebrate our friends' successes rather than succumbing to envy. Introducing the concept of mittenfreude, he advocates for actively wishing well to others as a preemptive strike against negativity. Throughout, there’s a strong focus on Stoic principles to foster resilience and connection in an often overwhelming world.
101 snips
Oct 5, 2025 • 24min
BONUS | Is Taylor Swift a Stoic?
Discover the unexpected Stoic lessons in Taylor Swift's music and career. Explore how she turned professional hurdles into opportunities and used her re-recordings to amplify her influence. Ryan draws parallels between Swift and Marcus Aurelius’s resilience. Delve into the importance of personal responsibility and the Stoic practice of channeling negativity into creativity. Learn how responding to adversity shapes our outcomes and why character outweighs reputation. This insightful discussion blends modern music with timeless philosophy.
55 snips
Oct 5, 2025 • 21min
This Isn't A Solo Journey | Does Character Still Matter?
General Stanley McChrystal, a retired U.S. Army general and author of "On Character," explores whether character still matters in today’s world. He shares insights on resilience after personal controversy, emphasizing the importance of redemption. McChrystal argues that character is crucial, shaped by our upbringing and societal expectations. He challenges listeners to view character as a series of choices, revealing true integrity in difficult decisions. Join him in contemplating how our perceptions of honor and ethical behavior have evolved.
