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
13 snips
Mar 31, 2023 • 8min
Your Standards Are For You | You’re a Product of Your Training
Explore the power of self-discipline and how it separates us from others chasing shortcuts. Delve into the idea that our intentions shape our identity and define our success. Balancing personal standards with compassion highlights the importance of understanding ourselves while uplifting others. The discussion reveals how character and behavior are influenced by our training, emphasizing proactive habits for real transformation, illustrated through relatable analogies from politics and sports.
14 snips
Mar 30, 2023 • 15min
This Helps You Be A Better Person | Ask DS
Explore the ethical dilemmas faced by historical figures like Washington and Jefferson, and how money impacts moral choices. Discover the challenges of navigating information in today's digital age, stressing the importance of critical thinking. Delve into the lasting influence of classic literature on personal development, especially for kids. Unpack the complexities of teamwork and the philosophical insights of Machiavelli, highlighting the need for collective success over individual ambitions.
26 snips
Mar 29, 2023 • 10min
Just Do This Daily | 8 Stoic Strategies For Controlling Your Anger
Success isn’t about fame or fortune; it’s about personal growth and daily improvement. Stoic wisdom offers eight strategies to keep your anger in check and maintain composure during heated moments. The importance of temper control is emphasized to foster better relationships. By focusing on virtues like courage and wisdom, you can transform challenges into opportunities for self-betterment. Daily reflection helps you prepare for life’s trials, making you a better parent and person truly grounded in Stoic philosophy.
8 snips
Mar 29, 2023 • 3min
Don’t Make Assumptions
The discussion highlights the pitfalls of making assumptions based on personal experiences. It emphasizes how our limited perspectives can lead to misunderstandings and cloud our judgment. By reflecting on examples like jokes and cultural differences, the need for open-mindedness and empathy is underscored. Drawing wisdom from Marcus Aurelius, the conversation encourages listeners to embrace diverse viewpoints for a more harmonious understanding of the world.
Mar 29, 2023 • 1h 7min
Wes Larson on Respecting the Awesome Power of Nature
Wes Larson, a wildlife biologist and television presenter known for his work with bears, shares his passion for studying polar, black, and grizzly bears. He discusses the thrill of encountering these majestic animals and how our fear reflects a deeper relationship with nature. Larson emphasizes the need for coexistence rather than domination, sheds light on wildlife adaptations to human activity, and confronts common misconceptions about dangerous species. His insights on conservation highlight the balance needed between wildlife and human communities.
11 snips
Mar 27, 2023 • 9min
How To Better Understand The Past | Say No to the Need to Impress
Dive into the perplexing decisions of historical figures like Marcus Aurelius and Commodus. Explore their complex views on society, women, and morality. Shift focus to modern dilemmas, highlighting the detrimental effects of seeking validation from social media. Embrace self-approval and authenticity, urging listeners to reflect on personal narratives. Understand the importance of evaluating historical figures within their contexts and learn how to align actions with core values to foster genuine self-awareness.
8 snips
Mar 26, 2023 • 11min
Cicero on The Paradox of the Fool
In this insightful discussion, Cicero, the renowned Roman politician and writer, delves into Stoic philosophy with a focus on his intriguing paradoxes. He challenges common beliefs, particularly exploring the idea that 'every fool is an exile' and the concept that wisdom is untouchable. Cicero examines true citizenship amid chaos, contrasting it with folly and madness. The conversation encourages listeners to reflect on virtue and the essence of civic responsibility in today's world.
9 snips
Mar 25, 2023 • 1h 8min
Zach Braff on Healing and Helping with Art and Stoicism
Zach Braff, the versatile actor known for his roles in Scrubs and Garden State, shares insights about his Stoicism-inspired film, A Good Person. He discusses how the philosophy of Amor fati has influenced his artistic expression amid personal trauma. The conversation touches on the importance of community support during grief and emphasizes the healing power of art. Braff also highlights how embracing life's challenges can foster resilience, blending humor and sorrow to create relatable narratives that inspire healing and connection.
16 snips
Mar 24, 2023 • 13min
Have You Been Infected Yet? | There is Philosophy in Everything
The discussion delves into the historical impact of pandemics, linking the Antonine Plague to modern experiences. It emphasizes the importance of self-reflection and personal growth during crises. The speaker shares their philanthropic response to the crisis in Ukraine, showcasing how individual actions can lead to significant change. Finally, the podcast urges listeners not just to learn about Stoicism but to live it, illustrating how embodying these teachings can create a positive ripple effect in the world.
8 snips
Mar 23, 2023 • 13min
Don’t Make This Lesson More Painful | Ask DS
In today's discussion, the balance between control and acceptance takes center stage, offering a Stoic perspective on life's inevitable lessons. Insights on Marcus Aurelius's struggles with Commodus highlight the human experience across generations. The conversation contrasts the Stoics' advanced views on certain social issues while acknowledging their shortcomings. Additionally, listeners are encouraged to learn from historical figures, assess their productivity, and prioritize tasks for peak efficiency, drawing parallels to successful CEOs.
