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
Aug 31, 2025 • 18min
You Are What You Won't Do For Money
Explore how our true selves are revealed through what we refuse to do for money. Delve into the intricate balance between capitalism and personal integrity, as illustrated by real-life examples. Discover the significant impact of making ethical choices, like those faced by Audie Murphy and Harry Truman. The podcast also highlights the conflict between values and financial pressures, drawing parallels to historical figures. Lastly, it emphasizes maintaining honesty in content creation, advocating for ad-free options to uphold integrity.
71 snips
Aug 30, 2025 • 1h 17min
Stop Taking Yourself So Seriously | Chad Goes Deep
Chad Kroeger, a hilariously candid comedian known for his work on Going Deep with Chad and JT, joins the discussion on ego and self-awareness. He reflects on the liberating nature of playing characters without shame and how stand-up comedy reveals truths about self-consciousness. The conversation dives into the joy of embracing simplicity over fame, the authenticity found in comedic performance, and the balance between humility and ego. Chad also shares his journey with stoicism and the surprising power of naivete in pursuing dreams.
71 snips
Aug 29, 2025 • 17min
It Begs To Linger | Ryan Holiday Visited The BEST Swimming Pools All Over The World (Here's What He Learned)
Anger can be both a motivator and a trap, making it crucial to practice self-control. Discover how cold plunges and historical insights can lead to a tranquil mindset, echoing Stoic wisdom. Personal stories highlight the transformative power of consistent swimming practice, merging skill development with confidence. Explore the boundaries of physical and intellectual growth through unique swimming locations. Finally, the inevitability of aging serves as a reminder to manage time wisely, embracing mindfulness in our daily lives.
66 snips
Aug 28, 2025 • 10min
What Example Are You Setting? | Ask Daily Stoic
Delve into the importance of self-reflection and personal responsibility, rather than shifting blame. Discover inspiring stories from public speaking engagements and get excited about upcoming events. Learn how Stoicism can help navigate emotions and life changes through practical advice on journaling and walking. Uncover the power of courage in pursuing personal transformations and embracing your true calling.
83 snips
Aug 28, 2025 • 34min
BONUS | The State of The Daily Stoic Podcast
Reflecting on eight years of growth, the hosts share the transformative journey from occasional talks to a daily podcast powerhouse. They delve into the challenges of maintaining integrity while navigating sponsorships, emphasizing authenticity over profit. Nostalgic moments reveal the evolution of their recording space, a former barbershop turned studio. Listeners will appreciate updates on new ad-free subscription options and future content plans infused with stoic wisdom.
181 snips
Aug 27, 2025 • 1h 7min
The Greatest Leader You’ve Never Understood | Doris Kearns Goodwin
Doris Kearns Goodwin, a Pulitzer Prize-winning presidential historian, dives deep into Abraham Lincoln's unique leadership traits. She emphasizes that Lincoln's moral fiber and humility set him apart in political history. The conversation explores how he balanced ethical values with strategy and fostered loyalty within his cabinet. Goodwin also shares her experiences of writing about legendary figures, capturing the emotional journey of transforming history into engaging narratives for future generations.
28 snips
Aug 27, 2025 • 2min
It Ain’t The Whole World
This discussion dives into the importance of embracing change by reflecting on the shifting seasons. It draws parallels between life's challenges and nature's cycles, highlighting resilience as a vital skill. The conversation also touches on the concept of customizable comfort and adaptability in tough times, reminding listeners that difficulties are only temporary phases in a broader journey. Stoic philosophy serves as the guiding light through these trials.
160 snips
Aug 26, 2025 • 4min
BONUS | 8 Life Lessons Ryan Holiday Learned The Hard Way
Life lessons only come through experience, often the hard way. The discussion dives into the virtues of patience and calmness when facing challenges. Decisiveness and valuing input from partners can lead to better decision-making. Trust and managing expectations emerge as crucial themes in personal and professional growth. The importance of continual learning and reading is emphasized as a pathway to understanding these lessons more deeply.
96 snips
Aug 26, 2025 • 8min
Would You Be Mad At This? | A Cure For Procrastination
Exploring the complexities of human relationships, this discussion reveals how people can inspire and disappoint us simultaneously. It emphasizes the importance of self-control and the urgency of taking action, drawing wisdom from Stoic philosophers. Procrastination is framed as a form of arrogance, urging listeners to embrace courage and self-discipline. The conversation encourages seizing the day and setting realistic deadlines, spotlighting the need for immediate action over delay.
80 snips
Aug 25, 2025 • 10min
You Always Lose When You Lose Your Temper | Respect The Past, But Be Open To The Future
Explore how anger can derail relationships and decision-making, with insights from Seneca on maintaining calm. Learn the transformative power of pausing before reacting to improve emotional management. Discover the delicate balance between honoring tradition while embracing modern innovations, like supplements for well-being. Reflect on how adapting ancient wisdom to contemporary challenges fosters personal growth and evolution.
