

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

321 snips
Jun 22, 2025 • 43min
The Virtue That Makes All The Others Worth Having
Ryan explores the importance of justice as a cornerstone of true leadership in today's world. He connects ancient Stoic virtues to modern challenges, highlighting integrity, transparency, and community responsibility. Listeners are encouraged to view obstacles as opportunities for personal growth. The discussion emphasizes that true success lies in positively influencing others rather than material wealth. Ultimately, it's a powerful reminder to make principled decisions that foster ethical relationships and personal development.

155 snips
Jun 21, 2025 • 46min
The UNTOLD Emotional Struggles of History’s Most Powerful Men | Ron Chernow (PT. 2)
Join Pulitzer Prize-winning biographer Ron Chernow, known for his captivating works on figures like Hamilton and Grant, as he explores Mark Twain's profound moral evolution. Discover how Twain’s transformation from a slave owner to a civil rights advocate mirrors the journeys of John D. Rockefeller. Chernow shares insights on the personal struggles faced by powerful men and the emotional toll of chasing wealth over purpose. Plus, there’s a special moment with Chernow answering a question from Ryan’s young son about Hamilton!

282 snips
Jun 20, 2025 • 39min
You Must Avoid These Stains Too | How To Make The Right Decision (Even When It Will Cost You)
Explore the modern temptations that threaten our values and humanity. Discover the vital role of courage in overcoming fear and societal pressures. Learn how to navigate tough decisions with integrity, inspired by Stoic philosophy. Delve into the risks and rewards of bold choices, emphasizing that confronting challenges can lead to personal and communal growth. Through historical examples, the conversation highlights the importance of kindness and moral accountability in an increasingly polarized world.

157 snips
Jun 19, 2025 • 10min
You Can’t Be Afraid To Lose It | Ask Daily Stoic
Explore how Stoicism redefines wealth as a means to personal freedom rather than an end goal. Learn the importance of feeling secure with what you have and overcoming the fear of loss. Delve into the balance between ambition and self-control, discovering how a Stoic mindset can lead to more meaningful achievements without burnout. This discussion highlights practical strategies for financial security and happiness, reinforcing the idea that true wealth lies in inner peace and perspective.

213 snips
Jun 18, 2025 • 51min
The UNTOLD Emotional Struggles of History’s Most Powerful Men | Ron Chernow (PT. 1)
Join Pulitzer Prize-winning biographer Ron Chernow, known for his insightful works on iconic figures like Alexander Hamilton and George Washington, as he discusses the emotional struggles of history's most powerful men. The conversation reveals how personal challenges shaped their leadership and decision-making. Chernow emphasizes that true strength lies in understanding emotions, not repressing them, while sharing poignant stories of complex relationships and the interplay between public personas and personal vulnerabilities.

40 snips
Jun 18, 2025 • 3min
This Cannot Be Taken (Only Given)
The discussion emphasizes the importance of dignity and self-respect in the face of tyranny. Historical examples illustrate how character can endure despite external pressures. It reminds listeners that true power lies in preserving one's convictions, even amidst adversity. The exploration of inner values serves as a timeless guide for resilience in challenging circumstances.

84 snips
Jun 17, 2025 • 8min
Forgiveness, Can You Imagine? | Take A Walk
Explore the power of forgiveness from a Stoic perspective. Delve into how Marcus Aurelius handled betrayal and prioritized moral integrity. Discover the transformative benefits of daily walks in fostering mindfulness and reflection. Learn how rising above bitterness can lead to personal growth and deeper connection with nature and loved ones. These insights remind us that even in challenging times, we can choose to embrace positivity and reconciliation.

97 snips
Jun 16, 2025 • 9min
How Astonished Would They Be? | No Shame In Needing Help
Explore how historical figures like Marcus Aurelius would tackle today's challenges. Discover the power of asking for help and how vulnerability fosters meaningful connections. Celebrate a milestone of over 30 million downloads with a lighthearted trivia segment featuring quirky questions about brands. This journey highlights the timeless relevance of Stoic philosophy and encourages embracing support from others.

101 snips
Jun 15, 2025 • 12min
You're Wasting The One Thing You Can’t Get Back
Join Robert Rosenkranz, a self-made billionaire and author of 'The Stoic Capitalist,' as he dives into the intersection of Stoicism and modern capitalism. He reveals how valuable time is often wasted and how prioritizing meaningful activities can lead to true happiness. The conversation includes insights from Stoic philosophers like Seneca and Marcus Aurelius, emphasizing purposeful time management. Additionally, they discuss the role of AI in streamlining business processes, inviting reflection on personal growth and efficient resource use.

284 snips
Jun 14, 2025 • 1h 11min
How To Survive In A World Of Assholes | Melinda Wenner Moyer
Melinda Wenner Moyer, a science journalist and bestselling author, dives into the complexities of maintaining integrity and empathy in today's chaotic world. She shares insights on raising resilient children amidst societal negativity and the importance of fostering critical thinking to combat misinformation. They discuss how adult behaviors shape children's moral perceptions and the necessity of moral education. Moyer emphasizes nurturing curiosity and informed dialogue while navigating media influences, ultimately advocating for a hopeful, compassionate approach to parenting in turbulent times.