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
16 snips
Nov 17, 2025 • 9min
It’s Nothing Without This | Judge Not, Lest...
Dive into the essentials of courage in Stoicism and its balance with other virtues. Explore Seneca's wisdom about self-improvement over judgment of others, especially in today’s social media landscape. Discover the power of empathy through Lincoln’s inspiring words during tough times. Learn from Marcus Aurelius on the importance of being strict with ourselves while showing tolerance towards others. This engaging discussion sheds light on navigating fear and judgment in our daily lives.
82 snips
Nov 16, 2025 • 23min
Make Stoicism Your Anchor in Chaos (Ryan Holiday Live at FreedomFest)
Ryan Holiday explores how living with virtue can anchor us amidst chaos. He emphasizes the importance of Stoic courage and discipline, linking them to the values of the American founders. Holiday challenges listeners to practice justice and resist societal admiration for vice. He argues for the necessity of hard ideas in education to foster maturity. The conversation highlights that turbulent times present unique opportunities to embody Stoic principles like courage, self-command, and wisdom.
108 snips
Nov 15, 2025 • 40min
Mark Manson: “I Didn’t Realize How Out of Control I Was.”
Mark Manson, bestselling author known for his impactful works on self-improvement, shares compelling insights on navigating success. He discusses the chaos of early career success and the burnout it can cause. Mark highlights the lifestyle changes he's made, like quitting drinking and establishing personal rules, to foster stability. He emphasizes the need for setting boundaries with projects and designing environments that promote good habits. Join them as they explore the joy of building a team and the importance of progress over perfection.
61 snips
Nov 14, 2025 • 21min
This Is The Part To Love | "I Spent 6 Years Researching The Most Elusive Trait In The World"
Delve into the intriguing paradox of loving your fate, as Ryan Holiday explores Stoic philosophy's perspective on hardship. Discover how challenges can lead to personal growth and the cardinal virtues through a deep dive into his six-year research journey. Get a glimpse into his innovative writing process, from organizing notes to navigating edits and recording the audiobook. Ultimately, uncover why wisdom stands as the cornerstone of all virtues, making it essential for a meaningful life.
28 snips
Nov 13, 2025 • 1h 8min
BONUS | Where Service Meets Stoicism — U.S. Army Lieutenant Colonel Joe Byerly & Ryan Holiday
In this engaging dialogue, Joe Byerly, a recently retired U.S. Army Lieutenant Colonel and author, teams up with Ryan Holiday to explore the intersection of Stoicism and service. They discuss the earned nature of wisdom, emphasizing that it's not innate but cultivated through discipline. Joe shares insights on how writing clarifies thought processes, and they examine the risks of equating wealth with wisdom. Their conversation also touches on critical thinking, the importance of research, and how to enhance one's writing skills for clearer communication.
42 snips
Nov 13, 2025 • 19min
There’s No One Stupider Than An Angry Person | Ask Daily Stoic
Anger can blind even the smartest people, leading to poor decisions and revenge-driven actions. Stoicism offers vital lessons for leaders, promoting emotional awareness and vulnerability over repression. The podcast explores how Stoic principles help entrepreneurs resist corruption by prioritizing virtue. Character is cultivated through practice and mentorship, while the courage to stand out in a conformist world is essential for personal excellence. Finally, tools for managing anxiety and feedback empower listeners to navigate uncertainty wisely.
50 snips
Nov 12, 2025 • 1h
Cheryl Strayed: “I Had to Lose EVERYTHING to Find Myself”
Cheryl Strayed, best-selling author of 'Wild' and 'Tiny Beautiful Things', shares her journey of courage and transformation. She discusses how fear accompanies bravery and the importance of acting rather than waiting to feel ready. Cheryl reflects on profound lessons learned while hiking the Pacific Crest Trail, emphasizing the growth that often follows rock-bottom moments. She highlights the role of literature as a means of connection and talks about taking responsibility for one’s life after experiencing loss. This conversation is an insightful exploration of resilience and creative practice.
55 snips
Nov 12, 2025 • 3min
Don’t Let It Trouble Your Mind
This discussion emphasizes the importance of standing up against injustice without allowing anger to take over your mind. It explores the concept of active Stoicism, highlighting how practitioners engaged politically while maintaining mental clarity. The host underscores the significance of protecting your mind and discerning between emotional reactions and effective responses. By focusing on thoughtful action, listeners are encouraged to navigate challenges with composure and intention.
112 snips
Nov 11, 2025 • 10min
None of Us Are Perfect | Judge Yourself, Not Others
Explore the complexities of Marcus Aurelius's parenting and the legacy he left behind. Discover how everyday activities can connect us to Stoic principles. Learn the importance of self-judgment over critiquing others, and how philosophy serves as a form of personal therapy. Ryan Holiday emphasizes recognizing our own imperfections while aiding others. The discussion highlights the balance between constructive criticism and humility, urging listeners to focus on self-improvement first.
173 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.
