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
38 snips
Sep 10, 2025 • 2min
You Can Do This Too
Explore how Stoic philosophy offers tools for resilience and hope when facing life's challenges. Discover insights on taking proactive steps in adversity and the importance of making small contributions each day. Embrace a mindset that turns obstacles into opportunities for growth and meaning. Tune in for practical wisdom and inspiration to motivate your journey!
54 snips
Sep 10, 2025 • 44min
The Day My Ego Almost Killed Me | Fighter Pilot Michelle Curran (PT. 1)
Michelle Curran, a groundbreaking former U.S. Air Force fighter pilot and author of "The Flipside," shares her riveting journey from rural Wisconsin to the cockpit. She discusses battling imposter syndrome and overcoming the challenges of a male-dominated field. Curran highlights the critical balance between ego and vulnerability in high-stakes careers, revealing how fear can fuel true courage. With a humorous story about her memorable call sign, she emphasizes the importance of representation and mentorship for aspiring pilots, especially young women.
122 snips
Sep 9, 2025 • 11min
This Is A Timeless Temptation | A New Way To Pray
Wisdom isn't guaranteed, even with natural gifts or education; it requires dedication. Stoicism encourages self-sufficiency and adaptability as keys to happiness. Emphasizing internal strength over external desires, the talk explores prayer through a Stoic lens. A tale from Seneca highlights the importance of hard work in gaining true wisdom. The discussion also touches on supporting authors and the value of mental health support, all while cultivating inner strength through the principles of Stoicism.
71 snips
Sep 9, 2025 • 21min
You Prove Stoicism WORKS | Listener Stories (BONUS)
Emily Jaskowitz, a passionate listener, shares her transformative journey with Stoicism. She discusses how embracing Stoic principles redefined her notion of happiness, leading to personal growth. The conversation dives into the importance of emotional support and the shift from professional to personal fulfillment. They also explore Stoic parenting, emphasizing virtue over reactions. Jaskowitz's insights highlight how structure and discipline enable resilience in life's challenges, making Stoicism a valuable guide for everyday living.
129 snips
Sep 8, 2025 • 10min
There’s Two Ways It Goes Now | Do Not Be Deceived By Fortune
This discussion dives into the philosophical struggles of the Romans during their Republic's decline, urging modern listeners to maintain their values against adversity. It highlights Seneca's insights on the deceptive nature of fortune and the importance of stability in character. Themes of resilience shine through as the conversation addresses loss and the lessons learned from Seneca's exile. Ultimately, it champions the power of Stoicism and self-control while fostering a connection with the audience.
98 snips
Sep 7, 2025 • 52min
Death and How to Live it | Rainn Wilson's Reflections
Rainn Wilson, the beloved actor known for his role as Dwight Schrute on The Office, shares poignant reflections from his life, focusing on the profound themes of death and spiritual growth. He candidly discusses the surreal experience of preparing his father's body for burial, blending humor with deep emotions. The conversation explores the complexities of consciousness and mortality, drawing connections between personal experiences and cultural perspectives. Rainn also shares meaningful insights on living a spiritually enriched life amid grief and the ever-present reminder of our mortality.
186 snips
Sep 6, 2025 • 57min
“I Can’t Just Sit Back and Watch Anymore” | Astronaut Terry Virts on Courage, Ethics, & Politics (PT. 2)
In a riveting discussion, Terry Virts, a retired astronaut and U.S. Senate candidate from Texas, delves into the nuances of physical versus moral courage. He shares insights on the ethical pitfalls leaders face and the importance of serving one's country with integrity. Virts reflects on his experiences in combat and space, highlighting the obligation of citizens to speak up during critical times. The duo also tackles the complexities of modern politics, emphasizing the need for honesty and accountability to bridge the gap between voters and the political system.
227 snips
Sep 5, 2025 • 32min
What’s It All For? It’s For This | Stoic Strategies To Control Your Temper
Life can be challenging and frustrating, but finding emotional control is vital. Explore how Stoic principles help manage strong emotions like anger and anxiety while maintaining resilience. Learn the power of reducing personal judgments to foster inner peace. Discover practical techniques for emotional regulation inspired by ancient wisdom, emphasizing self-awareness and composure in crisis. By reflecting on and understanding our feelings, we can strengthen our relationships and navigate conflicts with patience and clarity.
66 snips
Sep 4, 2025 • 35min
BONUS | George Raveling's Greatest Lessons That Will CHANGE How You Live
George Raveling, a renowned college basketball coach, motivational speaker, and author, shares invaluable life lessons rooted in love, purpose, and self-discovery. He emphasizes expressing love through actions and the importance of meaningful relationships. Raveling discusses self-worth beyond achievements, his memorable experiences in China, and how navigating conflict can fuel greatness. The transformative power of journaling is highlighted as a tool for clarity and personal growth, offering insights on gratitude, resilience, and maintaining a positive outlook.
191 snips
Sep 4, 2025 • 12min
This Is The Secret To Dealing With People | Ask Daily Stoic
Explore the thin line between self and others through Stoic philosophy. Discover how frustrations in interactions can become stepping stones for personal growth and empathy. Learn to view obstacles as opportunities, embracing challenges with the Stoic concept of 'premeditatio malorum.' Delve into the balance of self-acceptance and ambition on your journey. Finally, appreciate the universality of Stoic wisdom in overcoming collective struggles and inspire proactive engagement with life's challenges.
