
The Daily Stoic
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.Listen to The Daily Stoic on the Wondery App or wherever you listen to your podcasts. You can listen early and ad-free on Wondery+. Join Wondery+ in the Wondery App, Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Start your free trial by visiting wondery.com/links/the-daily-stoic/ now.
Latest episodes

40 snips
Feb 11, 2025 • 9min
To The End They Remain | Watch Over Your Perceptions
Explore the timeless wisdom of Stoicism and its powerful relevance in today's chaotic world. Learn how to guard your perceptions for inner peace, drawing inspiration from Epictetus and Seneca. The discussion also touches on gratitude, celebrating over 30 million downloads, and recognizing the vital listener support. Plus, dive into the Boeing 737 MAX crisis to uncover lessons in reputation and accountability, while getting recommendations for a deeper understanding of these business challenges.

51 snips
Feb 10, 2025 • 8min
This Is The Purpose of Desire | Anger Is Bad Fuel
Delve into the Stoic perspective on desire and fulfillment, discovering that true contentment often eludes us despite our pursuits. Unpack the toxic nature of anger, which, while it might fuel short-term actions, can ultimately worsen conflicts. Learn from historical figures and personal anecdotes about the darker side of anger, emphasizing the need for self-control and dignity. Explore how even legends like Michael Jordan demonstrate the pitfalls of using anger as motivation, revealing a path towards healthier mental resilience.

462 snips
Feb 9, 2025 • 1h 10min
Redesign Your Life With This | Ryan Holiday Live in Sydney, Australia
Ryan Holiday captivates an audience in Sydney with insights into Stoic philosophy, highlighting how obstacles can fuel personal growth. He delves into the dangers of ego and encourages intentional living. The importance of gaining perspective through different viewpoints is emphasized, along with a discussion on the four cardinal virtues of Stoicism. Finally, he explores embracing mortality as a pathway to a meaningful life, reminding us that true legacy is rooted in our relationships and purposeful actions.

111 snips
Feb 8, 2025 • 1h 3min
Steve Magness on Winning The Inside Game
Steve Magness, a world-renowned performance expert and author, shares insights on the mental aspects of high-level achievement. He emphasizes the power of intrinsic motivation over external validation for personal success. Magness discusses the importance of mental resilience, self-awareness, and the psychological impacts of performance expectations. He contrasts healthy sports cultures with toxic parenting in athletics, advocating for supportive environments that prioritize joy and personal growth. This enlightening conversation inspires a deeper understanding of the mental game in performance.

202 snips
Feb 7, 2025 • 29min
Two Words To Lead And Live By | How To Be A Man (Lessons From The Stoics)
Discover the power of the simple phrase 'Don't judge' and how it can transform leadership and personal interactions. Dive into how this Stoic principle nurtures potential in others, highlighting its relevance in sports and everyday life. Explore the teachings of Marcus Aurelius and the importance of emotional control and self-discipline in modern masculinity. This discussion emphasizes fostering a positive mindset while integrating Stoic wisdom with contemporary values, encouraging personal growth and accountability.

64 snips
Feb 6, 2025 • 13min
You Make This For Yourself | Ask Daily Stoic
Explore the resilience needed to face challenges, drawing inspiration from Marcus Aurelius. Discover the importance of character and virtue in modern leadership through personal anecdotes. Delve into the complexities of power, where true leaders serve their communities. Learn how Stoicism can guide personal growth and navigate ethical dilemmas, balancing professional and personal aspects of life.

33 snips
Feb 5, 2025 • 2min
What Did You Think You Would See?
Expectations can be the root of our frustrations. The discussion explores how to confront daily challenges by adopting a Stoic mindset. By accepting the world's imperfections, we can maintain composure in the face of negativity. Personal feelings often amplify our disappointments. Learning to adjust our perceptions allows us to navigate life's ups and downs with grace.

75 snips
Feb 5, 2025 • 1h 3min
Alexi Pappas on Ditching Goals and Her Strategy For Maximizing Mentorship
Alexi Pappas, an Olympic athlete and filmmaker, shares her unconventional take on success by prioritizing the journey over rigid goals. She discusses how losing her mother spurred her to seek mentorship and embrace personal growth. Alexi emphasizes the importance of asking the right questions in decision-making and reflects on gender disparities in athletics. Their conversation highlights how mentorship shapes our paths and the power of vulnerability in forging strong relationships. It's a refreshing look at redefining success and the value of supportive connections.

68 snips
Feb 4, 2025 • 7min
We Are Better For This | On Being Invincible
Life's challenges can build strength and creativity, as explored through the wisdom of Montaigne and Cleanthes. The discussion highlights how Stoic principles guide us to maintain composure during adversity. It also emphasizes self-control and discipline as essential tools for navigating life's pressures. By focusing on personal responses rather than external chaos, we can foster resilience. Discover how mastering these skills can lead to a more empowered and invincible mindset.

102 snips
Feb 3, 2025 • 8min
Don’t Let It Turn You Upside Down | Suspend Your Opinions
Explore the theme of moral decay, drawing parallels between ancient Rome and today's society, revealing the troubling disconnect between virtue and reward. Delve into the importance of personal integrity amidst pervasive unethical behavior, encouraging reflection on one’s core values. Discover how embracing tranquility by minimizing judgments can lead to inner peace, enhancing well-being and strengthening relationships. A journey through Stoic wisdom that challenges listeners to uphold goodness in a corrupt world.