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
50 snips
Dec 20, 2025 • 56min
These 3 Rules Will Make or Break Your 2026 | Jesse Itzler
Jesse Itzler, an entrepreneur and endurance athlete, shares his playbook for a transformative 2026. He emphasizes starting change before January and prioritizing life over work through rigorous calendar planning. Jesse introduces the idea of 'Misogi,' a defining annual challenge, and encourages mini adventures every couple of months for enriched experiences. He explores the importance of adding positive habits quarterly, the value of personal connections with children, and the difference between being time-rich versus financially wealthy. Get ready to redefine your year!
92 snips
Dec 19, 2025 • 11min
It Can’t All Be Wedding Cake | The Best Books You Can Read
Discover the unpredictable nature of fortune as Seneca teaches us to embrace setbacks. Ryan shares his take on essential reads, like Plutarch's Lives, giving insights into the lives of great figures. Explore the enduring wisdom of Marcus Aurelius in Meditations and the harrowing adventure recounted in River of Doubt. Viktor Frankl's Man's Search for Meaning highlights how suffering can lead to deeper insights. Plus, dive into the captivating reality depicted in The Tiger. Each book offers a unique lens on life's challenges.
98 snips
Dec 18, 2025 • 19min
Nobody is Coming to Save You (And That’s Good News) | Ask Daily Stoic
In a world filled with uncertainty, the key message is that no one is coming to save you—it's time to take charge. Discover the power of self-reliance and actionable strategies to reform your life. From eliminating vices to enhancing skills, learn how to be your own savior. Plus, find inspiration in choosing a guiding word to navigate your journey, separate your identity from your children's sports outcomes, and prioritize your self-worth. Get ready for the New Year, New You Challenge starting January 2026!
44 snips
Dec 17, 2025 • 60min
You’ve Got to Demand Everything of Yourself | Paralympian Ezra Frech
Ezra Frech, a remarkable American Paralympic athlete and advocate, shares his journey of competing at the highest levels in track and field. He discusses the unique pressures of representing a community beyond himself and the financial challenges faced by Paralympians. Ezra opens up about his childhood, the profound influence of his parents on his confidence, and the emotional toll of setbacks. He also emphasizes normalizing disability and the importance of mental health practices, all while maintaining a relentless drive for excellence.
81 snips
Dec 17, 2025 • 5min
You Don’t Have To Be Lucky, You Just Have To Be Good
Explore the interplay between luck and Stoic duty as the host emphasizes taking action over waiting for destiny. Delve into the Stoic perspective that every event, no matter how small, is an opportunity to practice virtue. Reflect on personal responsibility during crises, challenging listeners to consider their contributions to issues like inequality and climate change. The message is clear: prioritize moral character over the significance of events and act with courage in the present moment.
48 snips
Dec 16, 2025 • 13min
Love What Your Nature Demands of You | Stake Your Claim
Delve into the wisdom of Marcus Aurelius as Ryan Holiday inspires you to embrace your true nature and responsibilities. He encourages listeners to take action now and stop waiting for the perfect moment, framing the upcoming New Year as a fresh start. The discourse shifts to creating personal wisdom by forging your own path, rather than just echoing the past. With insights on sincerity and diligence, journaling is promoted as a means to internalize and articulate Stoic lessons. It’s time to stake your claim and live purposefully!
58 snips
Dec 15, 2025 • 9min
In a World Gone Shallow, In a World Gone Lean | A Simple Way To Measure Our Days
In a world filled with shallowness and cruelty, the importance of being a bright light emerges. Marcus Aurelius' strategies for overcoming societal ugliness include embracing simplicity and connecting with nature. A quality edition of his 'Meditations' serves as a powerful reminder against modern disposability. Living each day as if it's your last encourages authenticity, while striving for improvement over perfection fosters character growth. The focus shifts from frantic busyness to calm diligence, inspiring a more meaningful year ahead.
130 snips
Dec 14, 2025 • 17min
How To Find Peace | 8 Stoic Lessons You Can Start Today
Explore the timeless wisdom of Stoicism with practical lessons for finding peace. Learn how to differentiate between what you can control and what you cannot. Discover the importance of accepting mortality to inspire a fuller life. Embrace solitude and reflection for thoughtful responses. Appreciate the beauty in everyday moments for a fresh perspective. Shift your viewpoint with a cosmic lens to lessen personal struggles. Establish a clear moral code to simplify decisions and reduce anxiety. Reflect through journaling to enhance clarity and calm.
68 snips
Dec 13, 2025 • 1h 41min
Olivia Nuzzi Knows She Messed Up
Olivia Nuzzi, a sharp political journalist and author of American Canto, reflects on a recent scandal that forced her into deep self-examination. She candidly discusses the weight of small compromises and the importance of accountability in a culture that often prizes shamelessness. Nuzzi explores the tension between guilt and shame, shares insights on support during public dishonor, and critiques the impact of distorted realities in today's media landscape. Her journey highlights the value of compassion and integrity amidst challenges.
200 snips
Dec 12, 2025 • 30min
Are You Keeping One? | Stoic Lessons That Will Change Your Life
Explore how stories and parables communicate timeless moral lessons. Learn about Marcus Aurelius's sacrificial leadership during crises and Edison's resilient mindset after disaster. Discover the beauty of reading as a dialogue with the dead and how JFK's restraint during the Cuban Missile Crisis inspired strategic thinking. Delve into the teachings of Epictetus on inner freedom and Joseph Heller's insights on contentment. Uncover the value of moral clarity and the stoic acceptance displayed by figures like Ulysses S. Grant and Martin Luther King.
