

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.
Episodes
Mentioned books

133 snips
Apr 3, 2025 • 14min
Can You Not Do It Even When You Really Want To? | Ask Daily Stoic
Dive into the struggle between discipline and desire, inspired by Stoic philosophy. Discover the importance of intuition and how it can shape our decisions. Delve into the challenges of parenting and historical insights from figures like Marcus Aurelius. Explore the power of rereading favorite books for new perspectives. Plus, enjoy a discussion on how contemporary music resonates with Stoic themes, reminding us to embrace the present and acknowledge life's fleeting moments.

18 snips
Apr 2, 2025 • 3min
This Is The Revenge
Discover how the Stoics tackled the challenges of their times without succumbing to corruption. The conversation explores the idea that true revenge lies in upholding virtue in the face of adversity. Historical figures like Seneca and Cato serve as examples of resisting moral decay through their actions. Learn how embodying goodness today can be a powerful response to negativity.

185 snips
Apr 2, 2025 • 44min
Why Creativity Demands Discipline | “Good Bones” Poet Maggie Smith (PT. 1)
Maggie Smith, a viral poet and bestselling author known for "Good Bones," shares her insights on the creative process. She discusses how discipline and constraints fuel artistic expression, emphasizing the importance of structure in writing. Maggie explores the complex emotions of parenting, balancing hope and realism for children amidst life's challenges. The conversation also touches on the necessity of brevity in writing and the moral imperative of valuing creativity, warning against apathy in the arts. This engaging dialogue highlights the courage required to care deeply.

163 snips
Apr 1, 2025 • 8min
How To Work Through The Unimaginable | What Can Go Wrong...Might
Explore the power of resilience through Stoic philosophy as life throws curveballs. Discover how Marcus Aurelius confronted personal tragedies with wisdom. The concept of 'premeditatio malorum' teaches us to prepare mentally for adversity. This introspective approach encourages perseverance, reminding us that challenges can be stepping stones to growth. Armed with these insights, we can navigate the unimaginable with strength and clarity.

121 snips
Mar 31, 2025 • 9min
Today, You Have Two Choices | You're a Product of Your Training
Explore the power of choice and self-acceptance amidst societal pressures. Discover how personal resilience can shape happiness, even during life's toughest moments. Learn about the dangers of chasing unattainable goals and the importance of setting boundaries. Understand how training and positive habits impact our character and future actions. Finally, dive into the significance of early training and proactive efforts in developing abilities that define us in challenging situations.

98 snips
Mar 30, 2025 • 18min
Win The Day | Tim Ferriss, George Raveling, & Ryan Holiday
Tim Ferriss hosts George Raveling, a basketball icon and author of "What You're Made For," who possesses the original copy of Martin Luther King Jr.’s "I Have a Dream" speech. They dive into George's incredible encounter with Dr. King and the historical significance of the speech. The conversation reveals insights on mentorship, the importance of making thoughtful choices, and strategies for maximizing daily opportunities. Through lessons on self-acceptance and choosing happiness, Raveling inspires listeners to embrace life's gifts.

68 snips
Mar 29, 2025 • 45min
Texas Rangers' Josh Jung: “Win or Lose, It Can’t Wreck You”
Josh Jung, a standout third baseman for the Texas Rangers and former Texas Tech star, discusses the high-pressure world of professional baseball. He shares insights on the mental battles athletes face, emphasizing the dangers of comparison and the power of self-reflection. Jung explores the intersection of Stoicism and sports, highlighting personal growth through embracing challenges. He encourages athletes to appreciate their unique journeys while supporting teammates, ultimately aiming for resilience and a strong mindset in the face of adversity.

90 snips
Mar 28, 2025 • 7min
How Many Examples Do You Need? | This Spring Activity Will Teach You Valuable Stoic Lessons
Discover the emotional depth of Marcus Aurelius as the hosts discuss how vulnerability shows strength, not weakness. Personal stories reveal the joy of familial moments and life’s fleeting beauty. Explore the metaphor of blackberry picking, emphasizing patience and the changing seasons of life. A walk in nature is also highlighted as a way to spark curiosity and connect with the world. Plus, there's an initiative to inspire listeners with daily Stoic wisdom.

83 snips
Mar 27, 2025 • 19min
The Problem Is Within You—And So Is The Solution | Ask Daily Stoic
Explore how happiness is shaped more by mindset than circumstance, as the Stoics teach. Discover the resilience and hope that figures like Marcus Aurelius embodied during tough times. Dive into the intriguing contrasts between Stoicism and Epicureanism, revealing their unique approaches to well-being. Learn how Stoic principles can enhance family life and the importance of storytelling in leadership. Finally, reflect on how historical narratives shape societal values and virtues, inspiring modern leadership.

10 snips
Mar 26, 2025 • 3min
Who Will You Emulate?
The conversation dives into the contrasting legacies of Cicero and Cato, two prominent Stoic figures. It examines how Cicero preserved Stoic teachings with eloquence, while Cato exemplified the ideals of Stoicism through his life choices. This comparison prompts deep reflection on the impact of written philosophy versus lived experience. Listeners are invited to consider who they might choose to emulate and what that decision reveals about their own values.