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
40 snips
Dec 1, 2025 • 10min
This is What’s Really Important | Pretend Today Is The End
Explore the powerful contrast between Thanksgiving gratitude and the consumerism of Black Friday. Dive into Marcus Aurelius' teachings on community duty and giving back to those in need. Discover the importance of living as if today is your last—prioritizing what truly matters. Unpack the memento mori concept and how contemplating mortality can clarify your life's priorities. Ryan also emphasizes balancing future planning with present action, urging listeners to live intentionally and support a vital hunger relief campaign.
172 snips
Nov 30, 2025 • 16min
The 12 Things You Need To Know About Stoicism
Many misconceptions about Stoicism persist, often painting it as emotionless. In reality, it’s a philosophy rich in resilience and emotional management. Delve into the Stoic views on justice, kindness, and the importance of self-control. Learn how practicing physical discipline enhances mental strength and the value of accepting life's difficulties. Embrace the concept of focusing only on what you can control and use negative visualization to prepare for challenges. Finally, discover how the teachings of Marcus Aurelius can transform your mindset and choices.
48 snips
Nov 30, 2025 • 11min
BONUS | The #1 Way To IMMEDIATELY Feel Better
In a world filled with chaos and negativity, a simple way to uplift your spirits is highlighted. Helping others not only aids them but significantly boosts your own emotional well-being. The starfish story illustrates how even small acts of kindness can make a big difference. Influenced by Marcus Aurelius, the discussion reshapes our view of good fortune as rooted in character and intentions. A campaign to turn Black Friday into a fundraising opportunity showcases the power of individual generosity, reminding us that time and kindness are valuable resources too.
51 snips
Nov 29, 2025 • 45min
“I Had 90 Minutes To Live” | Sebastian Junger’s Near-Death Experience (PT. 2)
In a gripping conversation, bestselling author and filmmaker Sebastian Junger shares his life-altering near-death experience. He discusses how the ordeal redefined his understanding of time, fear, and community. Junger emphasizes the significance of gratitude, connection, and civic duty, arguing that true meaning comes from social bonds rather than material success. He also reflects on parenting and stresses the importance of savoring everyday moments, while critiquing modern parenting trends. His insights offer profound wisdom on what truly matters in life.
90 snips
Nov 28, 2025 • 17min
Let Us Fulfill Our Obligation | 10,000 Pages That Will Change Your Life
The discussion kicks off with a heartfelt reminder to consider those still in need after the holidays. Stoic principles are invoked as a guide to our moral obligations to help others. A charity drive partnered with Feeding America aims to tackle hunger, inviting listeners to contribute. Ryan also dives into transformative reading, suggesting classics from Emerson to biographies of historical figures like Gandhi. The importance of understanding Stoic philosophy through epic literature, and modern insights on ambition and leadership round out the conversation.
26 snips
Nov 27, 2025 • 15min
BONUS | An Important Message About Grace & Forgiveness
Julia Baird, an Australian journalist and author known for her compelling works like Victoria: The Queen, joins to discuss the profound concepts of grace and forgiveness. She emphasizes that true grace is a challenging process requiring repeated efforts, not just polite gestures. The conversation highlights the limits of forgiveness, balancing self-protection and justice. Baird shares impactful stories, including one about Lincoln, and delves into restorative justice, illustrating how confronting painful truths can lead to healing and liberation.
99 snips
Nov 27, 2025 • 14min
Every Day Can Be A Thanksgiving | Ask Daily Stoic
Explore the essence of gratitude as a daily practice, embracing both joys and challenges. Discover how obstacles can become opportunities for personal growth. Learn the importance of giving back, as the host shares a fundraising initiative for families in need. Dive into the connection between Stoicism and parenting, with tips on managing responses to children's behaviors. Finally, gain insights into maintaining creative balance and the ongoing journey of work-life recalibration.
25 snips
Nov 26, 2025 • 3min
Honesty Without Tact is Cruelty
The discussion centers on the fine line between honesty and cruelty. Blunt truths can hurt, and the Stoics emphasized speaking hard truths while maintaining tact. They believed in the power of courage combined with grace. Empathy plays a crucial role in communication; it's not just about being honest but also about ensuring the message is delivered gently. The importance of speaking so that others can truly hear you is highlighted, reinforcing that kindness should accompany honesty.
94 snips
Nov 26, 2025 • 51min
You’re Addicted To The Illusion of Control | Sebastian Junger (PT. 1)
Joined by bestselling author and journalist Sebastian Junger, known for The Perfect Storm and the documentary Restrepo, this conversation dives deep into the dangers of smartphone addiction. Junger shares why he prefers a flip phone, highlighting how technology creates a false sense of control and amplifies anxiety. He reflects on his harrowing near-death experiences as a war reporter, the value of boredom in fostering creativity, and how embracing life's uncertainties can enrich our daily choices. Junger's insights challenge our perceptions of time, connection, and meaning.
75 snips
Nov 25, 2025 • 9min
We’ve Always Done This | Balance The Books Of Life Daily
Explore the timeless patterns of human behavior that echo through history, as Ryan Holiday draws insights from Marcus Aurelius. Discover how ancient wisdom applies to modern life, emphasizing the importance of reflective journaling as a Stoic practice. Learn about Seneca's metaphor of daily bookkeeping to assess life's progress. Ryan also shares the profound benefits of maintaining a personal journaling routine, illustrating its impact over time. Join in for a deep dive into balancing life's books daily!
