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
9 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.
17 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.
29 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.
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.
47 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.
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.
165 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.
124 snips
Nov 9, 2025 • 14min
The Surprising Habit Hack from Aristotle
In this enlightening talk, Jay Heinrichs, a New York Times bestselling author and rhetoric expert, dives into Aristotle’s ideas on habit formation and happiness. He introduces the intriguing 'Tortoise Method' for building joyful habits and discusses how our small daily choices reflect our character. Heinrichs emphasizes the importance of creating choiceless routines to align our actions with our goals. With anecdotes on adaptability and the balance between pleasure and meaning, he offers timeless wisdom for modern life.
181 snips
Nov 8, 2025 • 44min
Persuasion Expert: "You Can TRAIN Your Mind to See the Positive" | Jay Heinrichs (PT. 2)
Jay Heinrichs, a New York Times bestselling author and persuasion expert, shares insights on the power of our inner voice and discipline. He recounts breakfast with the Dalai Lama, emphasizing the joy found in discipline and the importance of cultivating presence to experience beauty. Heinrichs explores how to turn setbacks into creative narratives, drawing parallels between ancient rhetoric and modern life. He even connects Taylor Swift's charisma to Aristotle's ethos, showcasing the magic of self-persuasion in everyday life.
160 snips
Nov 7, 2025 • 10min
This Is The Point of Philosophy | You're Wasting Your Life
Explore the true purpose of philosophy and how Stoicism aims to improve lives. Discover practical ways to apply ancient wisdom in modern settings. Learn about breaking big goals into manageable steps and the importance of daily discipline. Ryan highlights reflection practices from Stoic thinkers to enhance personal growth. The discussion emphasizes staying focused on the process rather than outcomes, urging listeners to act now and make the most of their lives.
