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 2, 2025 • 16min
This Is The One Thing That Keeps | Ask Daily Stoic
Ryan Holiday explores the enduring power of wisdom, emphasizing that it's the one thing no one can take away from us. He argues that wisdom requires continuous effort, drawing insights from Stoic philosophers like Epictetus. The conversation touches on how Stoicism confronts life's challenges with hope and helps cultivate inner calm amidst chaos. Ryan also highlights the inclusive nature of Stoicism, showcasing its relevance to everyone, including women, while encouraging listeners to view obstacles as opportunities for growth.
71 snips
Oct 2, 2025 • 6min
BONUS | Joe Rogan's Reading List (From Ryan Holiday)
In this engaging discussion, Ryan Holiday shares his curated nonfiction book recommendations for Joe Rogan, including the gripping tale of a man-eating tiger. He dives into the adventures of deep-sea divers discovering a U-boat and recounts the incredible life of Alexandre Dumas's father. The conversation also touches on Theodore Roosevelt's perilous Amazon expedition and highlights essential reads on sports and mental health. Plus, Ryan emphasizes the importance of reading for aspiring writers and introduces his monthly reading list.
77 snips
Oct 1, 2025 • 3min
This Says So Much About You
Explore the significance of how we treat the vulnerable, particularly the elderly, and what it says about our values as a society. Small gestures of care can reveal deep leadership qualities, highlighted by historical examples like Antoninus and Marcus Aurelius. Ryan discusses the implications of neglecting the aged, linking this to a society's moral fiber. The journey through mentorship and respect for wisdom over rivalry illustrates timeless lessons in character and compassion.
121 snips
Oct 1, 2025 • 49min
The $17 MILLION Test of Integrity | John Amaechi (PT. 1)
Join John Amaechi, a former NBA player and now a psychologist, as he discusses the true worth of integrity, illustrated by his $17 million decision to prioritize principles over profit. John shares his journey from basketball to psychology, emphasizing that your job shouldn't define you. He reflects on the loss of joy in professional sports and warns against letting identity become entangled with occupation. With insights on the long-term value of integrity, he challenges listeners to consider the sacrifices and rewards of living a principled life.
101 snips
Sep 30, 2025 • 9min
Don’t Let It Make You A Liar | Practice Silence
The podcast explores why we often fail to keep our promises and emphasizes the importance of Stoic virtues like discipline and courage. Ryan highlights the upcoming release of his four-book series on Stoic virtues and shares insights on the power of silence. He discusses how listening rather than speaking fosters better judgment and prevents ego-driven mistakes. The episode also references Zeno and Seneca, advocating for restraint in speech to avoid future regrets. Practicing silence is portrayed as a courageous act that enhances personal growth.
186 snips
Sep 29, 2025 • 11min
BONUS | 7 Stoic Lessons on Wisdom
Wisdom isn't just gifted; it requires daily effort and real-world action. Surrounding yourself with better influences can elevate your mindset. Diving into a variety of texts encourages deep reflection and conversation with great thinkers from the past. True leaders seek out diverse opinions rather than pretending to know everything. Lifelong learning is essential, as even the greatest minds continued to seek knowledge. Lastly, managing your information diet is crucial—choose enriching ideas over fleeting distractions.
96 snips
Sep 29, 2025 • 8min
The Little Things Say Everything | Your Actual Needs Are Small
Small daily actions reveal our true character, from how we treat others to our responses to rudeness. Historical examples like Antoninus and Cato show that ordinary choices matter more than grand gestures. The discussion emphasizes that our actual needs are modest and reflecting on past frugality highlights resilience. Personal anecdotes about gratitude for early salaries serve as reminders to appreciate sufficiency over entitlement. Ultimately, it's the little things that embody our core values.
79 snips
Sep 28, 2025 • 13min
The Stoic Way to Cope With Losing Someone You Love
Ryan shares heartfelt reflections on the loss of his friend George Raveling, drawing wisdom from Seneca's insights on grief. He explores how mourning can be balanced, emphasizing the importance of cherishing memories while allowing oneself to heal. Seneca's thoughts on savoring bittersweet memories and the value of new friendships after loss are particularly poignant. The discussion highlights how time can transform sorrow into sweet remembrance, urging listeners to embrace life and connections fully.
128 snips
Sep 27, 2025 • 49min
The Courage Crisis: How YOU Can Make A Difference Today | John Avlon (PT. 2)
John Avlon, a seasoned journalist and political commentator, dives into the essence of courage and civic responsibility. He highlights how small factions can disrupt political harmony and draws parallels to historical events like the Civil War. Avlon critiques the myths of victimhood and polarization while advocating for democratic reform and civic education. He shares personal insights from his campaign for Congress, emphasizing character over policy in leadership. Ultimately, he calls for a defiant optimism and reminds us that even small acts of courage can significantly impact democracy.
293 snips
Sep 26, 2025 • 25min
It’s Not Something You’re Born With. It’s Something You Earn. | 15 Stoic Strategies For Success
Wisdom isn't innate; it's cultivated through effort and reflection. Discover how to achieve sustainable success without burnout as Stoic strategies guide your journey. Learn to set boundaries, prioritize sleep, and embrace adaptability to enhance decision-making. Explore the significance of hobbies for mental restoration and balancing discipline with moderation. Dismiss worst-case imaginings to focus on meaningful contributions to your true audience. Cut out trivial tasks to reclaim your time and presence.
