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
75 snips
Dec 27, 2025 • 33min
BONUS | The Book Ryan Holiday Keeps Coming Back To
In an engaging conversation with Shilo Brooks, CEO of the George W. Bush Presidential Center and host of the Old School podcast, Ryan Holiday reveals his deep affection for Walker Percy’s The Moviegoer. They discuss the protagonist Binx's quest for meaning amidst postwar consumerism and distractions like women and work. The dialogue highlights themes of existential emptiness and Percy's notion of 'everydayness.' Ryan also delves into the influences of Catholicism and Stoicism within the novel, offering a rich exploration of purpose.
111 snips
Dec 26, 2025 • 14min
It Doesn’t Take Long to Do This | Mark Manson's Reading List (From Ryan Holiday)
Mark Manson, an author and blogger renowned for his insights on self-improvement, discusses fascinating reads with Ryan Holiday. They explore transformative books like 'Die With Zero' and 'Going Infinite,' offering fresh perspectives on life and leadership. Manson shares intriguing anecdotes from a writers' group and highlights lesser-known favorites, such as a biography of Pontius Pilate. Their chat underscores how books not only influence personal philosophy but also inspire actions for the New Year, pushing for meaningful change.
18 snips
Dec 25, 2025 • 17min
These Legacies Are a Gift | Ask Daily Stoic
Explore the intriguing parallels between Jesus and Seneca, uncovering their shared moral teachings. Reflect on the importance of choosing a meaningful legacy this holiday season. Dive into the nuances of managing anxiety through Stoic principles, and learn how compassion should guide our understanding of Stoicism. Engage in meaningful civic action while navigating personal relationships across differing views. Lastly, face your fears with intentional challenges and learn from past mistakes for a more fulfilling life.
78 snips
Dec 24, 2025 • 5min
What Would a Year of This Look Like?
Explore the idea that virtue is not a label but an active practice in everyday life. Imagine living each day of 2026 with courage, discipline, justice, and wisdom. Join a 21-day challenge aimed at building long-lasting virtuous habits. It’s all about taking action now and demanding the best for yourself. The New Year offers a fresh start to transform your approach to life.
46 snips
Dec 24, 2025 • 51min
Your New Stoic Role Models for a Stronger Life
Explore the four Stoic virtues through inspiring stories. A fighter pilot shares her journey of courage in high-pressure situations. Discover the discipline behind marathon training and the unglamorous grind that leads to elite performance. Listen as justice is redefined as action and coalition building. Delve into wisdom as an ongoing pursuit, requiring effort and critical thinking. This engaging discussion highlights how these virtues can transform our lives when practiced daily.
84 snips
Dec 23, 2025 • 12min
Why Do You Wait for This to Get Harder? | Turn Words Into Works
The lure of procrastination is explored, revealing how delaying action only complicates our lives further. Listeners learn the importance of demanding the best from themselves, inspired by Stoic philosophers like Epictetus and Marcus Aurelius. Strategies for overcoming common delays in health and habits are shared, emphasizing that change requires consistent effort. The 2026 challenge invites everyone to build resilience and meaningful habits. Ultimately, it's about turning philosophical insights into actionable steps for a fulfilling life.
80 snips
Dec 23, 2025 • 14min
BONUS | Why Your New Year’s Resolutions Always Fail (with Dr. Rangan Chatterjee)
Dr. Rangan Chatterjee, a physician and behavior change expert, shares insights on why New Year’s resolutions often flop. He highlights that drastic changes are usually unrealistic and stresses the importance of understanding the role of behaviors. Delving into the motivations behind actions, he explains that change driven by love is more sustainable than that driven by fear. Chatterjee also suggests simplifying decisions and developing small, consistent habits to foster lasting transformation.
115 snips
Dec 22, 2025 • 9min
Everything Is Changing. Are You? | Stake Your Own Claim
The discussion explores the inevitability of change, drawing on Marcus Aurelius's insights from ancient Rome. There's an urgent call to adapt in the face of modern challenges like AI and climate change. Listeners are encouraged to embark on a personal transformation journey starting now, with a New Year challenge to catalyze their growth. Seneca's wisdom inspires originality in thought, while Emerson's advice emphasizes the importance of personal insight over quoting others. It's a powerful reminder to make Stoicism a personal practice.
212 snips
Dec 21, 2025 • 46min
Sit Down With Walter Isaacson and Ryan Holiday
In a captivating conversation, renowned biographer Walter Isaacson shares insights on Stoicism and its timeless relevance. He explores the intersection of Stoic philosophy and literature through Walker Percy's works. Walter recounts how figures like Marcus Aurelius and Benjamin Franklin harnessed Stoic virtues in their lives, contrasting them with modern leaders like Elon Musk. He emphasizes the importance of wisdom in today's information-saturated world and advocates for a thoughtful engagement with history to find enduring truths.
691 snips
Dec 20, 2025 • 56min
These 3 Rules Will Make or Break Your 2026 | Jesse Itzler
Jesse Itzler, an entrepreneur and endurance athlete, shares his playbook for a transformative 2026. He emphasizes starting change before January and prioritizing life over work through rigorous calendar planning. Jesse introduces the idea of 'Misogi,' a defining annual challenge, and encourages mini adventures every couple of months for enriched experiences. He explores the importance of adding positive habits quarterly, the value of personal connections with children, and the difference between being time-rich versus financially wealthy. Get ready to redefine your year!
