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
Jan 12, 2023 • 7min
If You Are Studying Philosophy, It Is Well | The One Path To Serenity
The podcast dives into the timeless wisdom of Stoic philosophers, such as Seneca's charming pleasantries about well-being. It also unpacks Epictetus' teaching on finding serenity by concentrating on what we can control. The discussion emphasizes the art of acceptance, showing how letting go of external factors can lead to happiness. By viewing our lives as entrusted to us, listeners are inspired to find empowerment and beauty amidst challenges.
33 snips
Jan 11, 2023 • 1h 2min
Humble, The Poet on Being Free of Passion but Full of Love
Humble, the Poet, a Canadian author and spoken word artist, explores profound themes around love and passion. He discusses how our passions can obstruct genuine love, advocating for viewing love as service rather than a reward. The conversation touches on modern relationships and the importance of shared values amidst technological changes. Humble also shares insights on vulnerability and forgiveness, reflecting on his personal journey from teaching to poetry, emphasizing resilience and the transformative power of love.
9 snips
Jan 11, 2023 • 4min
A Stoic Isn’t Born. They’re Made.
Discover how becoming a Stoic is an intentional journey, not an innate trait. The discussion highlights the transformative stories of Marcus Aurelius and Epictetus, illustrating that wisdom comes from practice and effort. Listeners learn the significance of daily tasks like reading and journaling as tools to embrace Stoic principles in everyday life. Practical resources and guidance are provided to help integrate these philosophies into personal growth.
18 snips
Jan 10, 2023 • 11min
You Can’t Keep It From Happening | How To Get Through Life's Most Difficult Situations
Judd Apatow shares his experience with panic attacks in Hollywood, revealing how stress can spiral out of control. The discussion dives into Stoic principles, emphasizing that emotions should be acknowledged rather than suppressed. The concept of 'amor fati,' or love of fate, is explored as a pathway to resilience. Through Thomas Edison's optimistic approach to challenges, listeners are encouraged to view adversity as a chance for growth. Ultimately, embracing both life's highs and lows fosters greater self-understanding and acceptance.
17 snips
Jan 9, 2023 • 9min
You Know What’s Coming | The Sphere Of Choice
We often stress about the unpredictable future, from elections to climate change. Dive into the Stoic perspective that emphasizes the soul as a sphere strengthened by our choices. Learn to focus on what you can control and release the rest. The insights from Marcus Aurelius and Epictetus remind us that embracing personal responsibility can lead to a more fulfilling life. Reflecting on our choices sets the tone for a productive year ahead.
4 snips
Jan 8, 2023 • 18min
How Country Living Can Improve Your Life
MD Usher, the translator of "How to Be a Farmer: An Ancient Guide to Life on the Land," shares insights on the joys of country living. He discusses the harmony found in nature and the transformative power of farming. Usher highlights the importance of community, self-improvement, and the virtues of hard work. The conversation also touches on the value of generosity versus procrastination, and how these themes intertwine with Stoic philosophy, making farming an ideal pursuit for a fulfilling life.
79 snips
Jan 7, 2023 • 1h 2min
Steven Pressfield, Robert Greene, Jack Carr, Meg Mason, and Adam Hochschild on Writing
In this insightful discussion, novelist Meg Mason talks about developing taste as a writer, while Adam Hochschild emphasizes how history can energize modern activism. Jack Carr shares how personal character shapes one's narrative, and Robert Greene reveals our human inclination towards the path of least resistance in decision-making. Steven Pressfield dives into overcoming creative resistance and the necessity of discipline in writing. Together, they explore the messy journey of creativity, encouraging authenticity and persistence in the writing process.
9 snips
Jan 6, 2023 • 20min
Don’t Join The Mob | Ask Daily Stoic - Habits
In this discussion, Ryan dives into the impact of mob mentality, linking historical events to modern examples. He emphasizes the importance of civic responsibility and condemns political violence. The benefits of waking up early are highlighted as a Stoic practice, enriching productivity. Ryan candidly shares his struggles with digital distractions, advocating for journaling and reading. Additionally, he underscores the need for effective time management and relationships that foster personal growth, offering valuable resources for building better habits.
6 snips
Jan 5, 2023 • 10min
Are You Ready For Combat? | Clarify Your Intentions
Dive into the power of journaling as a form of spiritual combat, inspired by Stoic giants like Seneca and Epictetus. Discover how reflective writing can fuel personal growth and clarity. The conversation shifts to the importance of setting intentions, emphasizing that defining what success means to you can steer your life’s direction. With a new year on the horizon, it’s time to articulate your goals and craft a plan to make them a reality.
526 snips
Jan 4, 2023 • 1h 17min
100 Lessons from Marcus Aurelius
Discover the timeless wisdom of Marcus Aurelius through his transformative teachings found in Meditations. The discussion emphasizes emotional resilience, the practice of gratitude, and the importance of virtuous reminders in daily life. Additionally, the podcast highlights how repeated readings yield deeper insights and personal growth, showcasing happiness as a skill cultivated through philosophical principles. Learn how to face life's challenges with integrity and purpose, drawing inspiration from Aurelius' balance between self-discipline and understanding.
