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
74 snips
Oct 30, 2025 • 9min
BONUS | Seeking External Validation is RUINING Your Life - Dr. Rangan Chatterjee
Dr. Rangan Chatterjee, a physician and author known for his health wisdom, dives into the pitfalls of seeking external validation. He explains how chasing approval can lead to losing authenticity and outlines the three ingredients of lasting happiness: alignment, contentment, and control. Rangan highlights the dangers of addictive habits stemming from internal fractures and shares practices for fostering authentic self-expression, ultimately showing that embracing who you are brings both relief and sustainable joy.
32 snips
Oct 30, 2025 • 14min
Do You Have That Dog In You? | Ask Daily Stoic
Explore the courage of Diogenes and how Stoics confront power with honesty. Discover the importance of authenticity in relationships while balancing social norms. Tune in for insights on the difference between wisdom and intelligence, emphasizing the need for self-awareness. Ryan also discusses the flow of speaking from the heart versus the head, all while inviting listeners to join upcoming live events and a special Stoicism course.
162 snips
Oct 29, 2025 • 57min
The Habit That Changes EVERYTHING | Nick Thompson
Nick Thompson, CEO of The Atlantic and author of The Running Ground, shares insights from his journey as a competitive runner. He discusses how running became a mental-health practice that nurtures resilience and discipline. Nick reflects on his complicated relationship with his father and how daily running helped him to build structure amidst chaos. The conversation delves into the importance of habits in parenting and the unique endurance that can develop with age, making a case for running as a life-altering ritual.
68 snips
Oct 29, 2025 • 4min
It’s A Thinking Person’s Game
Life’s complexities demand thoughtful wisdom to navigate emotional challenges. Ryan Holiday argues that true understanding isn't given but earned through effort. He shares insights from his new book, stressing the importance of Stoicism in daily decisions. By tackling everyday dilemmas, he highlights how Stoic principles can lead to a more fulfilling life. It’s a journey of personal growth and reflective thinking, reminding us that wisdom requires dedication.
152 snips
Oct 28, 2025 • 11min
It Can Make You Great | Accepting What Is
Discover the unique virtues of Marcus Aurelius, including restraint and compassion, that set him apart as a leader. Explore how Stoicism provides practical tools for mastering emotions and achieving meaningful goals. The discussion contrasts the Stoic ideal of acceptance with the modern serenity prayer. Learn from Epictetus about wishing for events to be as they occur and question whether unconditional acceptance of injustice is ever appropriate. Find out how to balance acceptance with the drive for progress in your life.
88 snips
Oct 27, 2025 • 7min
You Get To Choose This (So Don’t) | We Reap What We Sow
Life is full of unexpected twists and turns. You’ll face mistakes and dashed dreams, but how you respond can change everything. The discussion dives into the 'first and second arrow' metaphor, emphasizing that our reactions often increase our suffering. Stoic principles, like memento mori, remind us to prepare for life's uncertainties. The podcast also warns about collaborating with unethical individuals, highlighting the consequences of such choices through historical examples. Embrace these lessons to steer your life wisely.
56 snips
Oct 26, 2025 • 59min
BONUS: The Man Behind The Daily Stoic (Not Ryan Holiday)
In this conversation, Stephen Hanselman, a publishing professional and Harvard Divinity School grad, shares insights about the genesis of the Stoic Virtues Series. He delves into the interconnectedness of the four cardinal virtues and the challenges of sequencing them. The duo discusses the importance of courage and its overlap with justice and wisdom, emphasizing that wisdom is an ongoing pursuit. Stephen also reflects on the editorial process and using historical figures to illustrate vital lessons in virtue.
289 snips
Oct 26, 2025 • 12min
7 Stoic Lessons on How To Keep Going
Explore the Stoic secrets of perseverance through challenging times. Discover how they faced plagues and wars with courage and resilience. Learn to embrace your fate with amor fati, and why complaining weakens your resolve. Understand the importance of viewing loss as returnable and engaging in action without procrastination. Epictetus's insights highlight that your judgments, not events, cause suffering. Finally, inventory your strengths and resources to navigate hardships effectively.
147 snips
Oct 25, 2025 • 48min
Not Seeking Wisdom DESTROYS Great Minds | Ryan Holiday & Billy Oppenheimer
Billy Oppenheimer, a research assistant and writer for Ryan Holiday, dives deep into the pitfalls of unchecked genius. They analyze how success can blind even the smartest minds, using Elon Musk as a cautionary tale for those seduced by solitude and echo chambers. The conversation explores the thin line between intelligence and wisdom, the importance of trusted advisors, and how overconfidence can derail clear thinking. Tune in for insights on maintaining humility and the dangers of dismissing traditional knowledge.
250 snips
Oct 24, 2025 • 21min
What Does It Change? | How To Stay Unbothered In Chaotic Times
In a world dominated by the news, how does constant consumption actually impact your life? The discussion dives into the Stoics' perspective on crisis and control, emphasizing emotional mastery and the importance of pausing before reacting. Anger does more harm to you than the provocations that spark it. Leaders are encouraged to remain calm and reflective amidst chaos. Historical insights remind us that turmoil is not new. Embracing acceptance and focusing on what you can control can lead to positive changes in your life.
