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
22 snips
Jul 6, 2023 • 12min
You Can Let This Make You Miserable, Or Come To Terms With It | Ask DS
Life's unpredictability reminds us that control is an illusion, with a single person's actions able to disrupt our plans. Embracing acceptance is vital for happiness. Exploring communication gaps, the discussion promotes selective hearing as a tool for positivity. Creativity thrives on a growth mindset, influenced by Stoic philosophy. The conversation challenges conventional success definitions, emphasizing personal fulfillment and moral responsibility. When faced with obstacles, recognizing our agency becomes key to navigating life's complexities.
6 snips
Jul 5, 2023 • 1h 6min
Andrew Wehrman On Why It Is Crucial To Study Pandemics Of The Past
Ryan speaks with Andrew Wehrman, a historian specializing in the politics of medicine in early America. They dive into the parallels between historical pandemics and today's health crises, emphasizing the significance of learning from the past. Wehrman highlights how major events have often coincided with disease outbreaks, examines the moral obligations of individuals during crises, and reflects on the intersection of personal liberty and public health decisions. The discussion reveals the importance of empathy and collective responsibility while addressing societal inequalities in health.
Jul 5, 2023 • 3min
May This Be The Last One Standing
The discussion delves into the enduring nature of Stoic principles through historical adversities. It highlights how ancient Stoics, like Cato, fought against tyranny to preserve their ideals. The podcast emphasizes the importance of embodying Stoic values of justice and virtue today. Listeners are encouraged to reflect on how these timeless lessons can be applied to navigate modern challenges.
41 snips
Jul 4, 2023 • 10min
Can You Embrace The Challenge Like They Did? | How Stoics Develop a Strong Mindset
Discover how Stoicism shaped America’s founding principles and inspired leaders like Thomas Jefferson and George Washington. Learn about the power of perspective in embracing challenges for personal growth. The discussion dives into the internal struggle of cultivating resilience and courage, integrating Stoic philosophy with modern therapy practices. It also inspires listeners to recognize bravery as a skill developed through consistent effort and discipline. A thought-provoking exploration of how ancient wisdom can enhance our mental strength today.
4 snips
Jul 3, 2023 • 7min
You Must Play It Like A Game | Protect Your Own Good
Life's challenges, big or small, demand a calm and courageous response. The philosophy of viewing life as a game emphasizes skill and fairness amid adversity. Personal stories highlight the importance of therapy and self-exploration for personal growth. Additionally, the duality of human nature is explored, shedding light on our intrinsic goodness and potential for growth, even in tough times. Embrace these Stoic insights to navigate the ups and downs of life.
9 snips
Jul 2, 2023 • 13min
Epictetus - Discourses Pt. 1
Dive into the Stoic teachings of Epictetus, emphasizing personal autonomy and the importance of what we can control. Discover the power of reason in making wise choices, leading to true freedom. The discussion highlights resilience in the face of adversity, showcasing historical figures who exemplified these principles. Plus, there’s a fun twist with a nod to modern celebrity feuds, blending ancient wisdom with today's cultural dynamics. Challenge your perspectives and embrace a more resilient mindset!
33 snips
Jul 1, 2023 • 1h 20min
Garland Robinette On The Stoic Principle That Shapes His Incredible Life
Garland Robinette, an artist and former journalist, shares his remarkable journey from the Vietnam War to becoming a celebrated TV anchor. He discusses the brain-altering effects of chasing dopamine and how he coped with moral injury from his military service. Garland reflects on how his career in broadcasting forced him to relinquish ego. He also explores the deep peace he finds in painting and the power of creativity as a healing tool. Listeners are inspired by his resilience and wisdom on embracing life’s challenges.
28 snips
Jun 30, 2023 • 10min
Yes, This Is How It Is | The Obstacle Is The Way
This discussion dives into the resilience of Stoic philosophers like Seneca and Marcus Aurelius amid profound suffering, highlighting their ability to find purpose and cheerfulness. It emphasizes how external obstacles shape our mindset and actions. The concept 'the obstacle is the way' is explored, encouraging listeners to view challenges as opportunities for growth. Personal stories illustrate how embracing obstacles can cultivate virtues like patience and kindness, transforming adversity into a pathway for personal development.
23 snips
Jun 29, 2023 • 15min
It’s Really That Simple | Ask DS
The discussion kicks off with the importance of resilience and self-improvement, using sports coaching metaphors to illustrate focusing on successes. Modern leadership is examined through the lens of Stoicism, with Angela Merkel as a notable example. They also delve into the therapeutic power of journaling for emotional clarity and gratitude. Additionally, ethical dilemmas surrounding justice are explored, emphasizing decency and kindness. Finally, the podcast advocates for living in the present, urging listeners to prioritize actions over convoluted personal narratives.
12 snips
Jun 28, 2023 • 2min
Build A Life You Aren’t Trying To Flee
Exploring the idea of true fulfillment, the discussion emphasizes that escaping through travel often leads to confronting ourselves rather than finding peace. Insights from Seneca and Lucretius highlight that the pursuit of happiness requires looking inward. The conversation challenges listeners to recognize that satisfaction comes not from destinations, but from embracing the present and cultivating contentment within.
