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
89 snips
Oct 16, 2025 • 6min
BONUS | The One Thing You’ll Regret More Than Failure - Daniel Pink
Regret is a universal theme, linking diverse experiences across 134 countries. Daniel Pink reveals how our regrets often reflect what we truly value: stability, growth, goodness, and love. He discusses common foundation regrets related to money and health, which can undermine long-term stability. Boldness regrets also emerge, highlighting missed opportunities due to fear of taking chances. Interestingly, inaction becomes a more significant source of regret as we age, leaving us to ponder: is failing to act a greater regret than acting?
65 snips
Oct 16, 2025 • 16min
It’s A Brilliant Flash | Ask Daily Stoic
Explore the fleeting nature of life and how Stoicism can create meaning in our short time here. Delve into the importance of daily rituals and healthy choices, like Whole Foods, for family well-being. Discover how Stoic principles bolster mental health and resilience, transforming obstacles into opportunities. Learn about radical acceptance and the power of focusing on what’s within our control. Join an enlightening discussion on how our perceptions shape our experiences and the choices we can make for a more empowering outlook.
85 snips
Oct 15, 2025 • 3min
This is How You Know It’s Working
Discover the signs that show your Stoic practice is truly taking effect. Fewer arguments, increased self-kindness, and a sense of inner peace indicate progress. Delve into the idea that wisdom is not a destination but a lifelong journey, drawing insights from Seneca and Marcus Aurelius. Ryan Holiday shares practical tips and encouraging thoughts to motivate your Stoic practice, helping you recognize its impact on your daily life.
57 snips
Oct 15, 2025 • 29min
How Stoic Thinking Built a Super Bowl Team | Les Snead (Los Angeles Rams GM)
In this engaging conversation, Les Snead, General Manager of the Los Angeles Rams, shares insights from his journey in building a Super Bowl-winning team. He discusses his 'panic rules' for calm decision-making during chaos and the importance of aggressive strategies in winning rather than just preventing losses. Snead also reflects on avoiding complacency after success, emphasizing the significance of focusing on individual excellence and long-term goals while filtering out social media noise.
125 snips
Oct 14, 2025 • 12min
This Answers The Great Unanswered Question | Make Honesty Your Only Policy
The discussion opens with the story of Commodus, revealing the pitfalls of leaders ignoring advice. Ryan emphasizes the importance of mentorship and collaboration for wisdom, citing examples like Lincoln's diverse cabinet. Honesty is presented as a core Stoic principle, with insights from Marcus Aurelius on straightforwardness. The conversation touches on balancing candor with temperance and the value of celebrating friends' successes, highlighting how genuine support strengthens virtue.
83 snips
Oct 13, 2025 • 9min
Didn’t They Know Better? | Revenge Is A Dish Best Not Served
Explore the folly of chasing external validation, even when aware of Stoic teachings. Discover how modern ambition mirrors the tragic striving of Odysseus. Ryan shares personal family rituals, emphasizing their role in grounding our values. Delve into the wisdom that revenge only perpetuates harm, illustrated by the tale of Peter Thiel's vendetta. Reflect on the fine line between seeking justice and becoming what you oppose, reminding us that true strength lies in moral integrity.
84 snips
Oct 12, 2025 • 20min
The First Person to Say NO to Ryan Holiday’s Book Recommendations
This conversation features Pete Holmes, a comedian and writer known for his unique humor and insightful takes. He shares his thoughts on Ryan's book recommendations, humorously challenging some choices. They delve into the nuances of audiobook habits versus print, explore what makes a children's book engaging, and critique modern children's literature. From memoirs to classic tales, their banter flows effortlessly, making reading feel interactive and fun for all ages.
133 snips
Oct 11, 2025 • 42min
Pete Holmes on Why Laughter Is the REAL Path to Enlightenment (PT. 2)
Comedian Pete Holmes returns, diving deep into the intersection of laughter and enlightenment. He explores the significance of finding peace in chaos and how to embrace moments of stillness, even during delays. The duo tackles the nature of success, defining what it means to 'make it,' and claims that acknowledging your greatness is not egotistical. They also discuss the therapeutic power of comedy, connecting laughter to compassion and the cosmic absurdity of life, reminding listeners that joy can lead to deeper understanding.
109 snips
Oct 10, 2025 • 15min
You Can’t Afford To Be This | How 300 Spartans Saved Western Civilization
Emotional reactions can cloud judgment, and anger often worsens situations. Learning to pause and reflect is essential for clear decision-making. The tale of the 300 Spartans highlights their monumental stand at Thermopylae, showcasing their valor and tactical genius. Leonidas' choice was a moral stand for Western ideals, buying time for Greece. The Spartans' sacrifice reverberated through history, influencing future victories and embodying selflessness. Understanding these themes can inspire modern leadership and personal growth.
136 snips
Oct 9, 2025 • 11min
BONUS | If You’re Feeling Anxious Right Now, Listen To This
Feeling anxious? Discover what your anxiety is trying to tell you and why fighting it can make it worse. Learn to recognize the difference between anxiety and your true self, and explore Marcus Aurelius' wisdom about internalizing stress. Engage in practical steps to assess your actions and deflate worst-case scenarios. Focus your energy on what you can control and practice kind self-talk. Ultimately, reimagine your creativity to tackle solutions instead of fears.
