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
36 snips
Dec 11, 2025 • 8min
BONUS | Camila Cabello: “Stoicism Changed Everything for Me”
Camila Cabello, the Cuban-American pop sensation known for her chart-topping hits and time with Fifth Harmony, shares how Stoicism has transformed her life and career. She discusses prioritizing mental control over fame, redefines success through inner values, and finds purpose in creativity beyond external validation. By embracing Stoic principles, she channels insecurities into her art and measures success with honesty and kindness. Her insights reveal a refreshing perspective on staying centered amidst the chaos of celebrity life.
114 snips
Dec 11, 2025 • 14min
Tie Yourself to the Mast | Ask Daily Stoic
Discover how tying yourself to the mast, like Odysseus, can help you resist temptations and distractions. Dive into a 21-day challenge designed to promote accountability and strengthen your habits. Ryan discusses the importance of turning trauma into growth and how Stoic principles can ease everyday frustrations. Explore the connection between Viktor Frankl's logotherapy and Stoicism. Learn why Stoicism is gaining traction in today's world and find tips on teaching these timeless principles to younger generations.
41 snips
Dec 10, 2025 • 4min
These Add Up to Greatness
Explore how small daily actions can lead to great wisdom and virtue. Zeno emphasizes that well-being grows from incremental steps taken over a lifetime. Discover Seneca's advice on focusing daily on a single thought for resilience. Ryan shares his personal practices using a meditation calendar filled with powerful quotes. Epictetus reminds us to embrace our roles and perform them well. Learn how these simple principles can accumulate into a life of greatness.
75 snips
Dec 10, 2025 • 1h 24min
The Fine Line Between Genius and Delusion | Journalist Helen Lewis
Join journalist and author Helen Lewis as she delves into the fine line between genius and delusion. She explores how being the smartest often leads to trouble, revealing insights on why overthinking can distort intelligent ideas into bad decisions. Lewis discusses the impact of ego on careers and the myth of the lone genius, while also warning against the dangers of groupthink in journalism. Finally, she examines how success can enable destructive behaviors and the importance of distancing oneself from toxic influences.
147 snips
Dec 9, 2025 • 11min
You Know It’s Time to Change | Keep The Rhythm
Are you stuck in old habits and ready for a change? Explore the importance of breaking free from routine and embracing personal growth. Join a 21-day challenge designed to build resilience and foster better habits. Discover the significance of staying connected to philosophy, as taught by Marcus Aurelius, to maintain life's rhythm. Learn how to pick yourself back up when you stumble and the value of community support in your journey. It’s time to demand the best from yourself and make 2026 your year of transformation!
54 snips
Dec 8, 2025 • 8min
Have You Considered This? | Don't Hide From Your Feelings
Explore the idea that recognizing you’re not the center of the universe fosters empathy and reduces judgment. Delve into how confronting grief head-on, rather than avoiding it, aligns with Stoic principles. Learn practical steps to process loss, such as sitting with pain and finding positives amidst sorrow. The conversation highlights the importance of accepting grief as an integral part of life while reflecting on personal losses. Finally, embrace a mindset that encourages deep reflection on mortality.
150 snips
Dec 7, 2025 • 36min
Why EVERY Generation Rediscovers Stoicism | Mark Manson & Ryan Holiday
Mark Manson, a renowned author known for his blunt take on personal development, joins Ryan Holiday to explore the enduring legacy of Stoicism. They discuss how this ancient philosophy resurfaces in times of crisis, revealing its appeal to leaders and thinkers throughout history. The conversation delves into Stoicism’s influence on early Christianity, its surprising presence in modern psychotherapy, and the risks of misinterpreting its teachings in today's digital age. Manson also highlights the need to adapt Stoic wisdom to contemporary issues.
143 snips
Dec 6, 2025 • 45min
The Question That Haunts the World’s Most Successful People | Andrew Ross Sorkin (PT. 2)
Andrew Ross Sorkin, a prominent financial columnist and author, shares insights into the complexities of success. He discusses how insecurity and comparison often haunt even the wealthiest, revealing that true contentment is elusive. Andrew recounts powerful historical anecdotes, from Churchill to Mark Twain, highlighting the pitfalls of fame. The conversation navigates the delicate balance between ambition and satisfaction, exploring why the quest for 'enough' remains a common struggle among high achievers.
113 snips
Dec 5, 2025 • 16min
No One is Truly “Self-Made” | The Philosophy Behind High Achievers
Explore the myth of the self-made man as Ryan Holiday reveals how success is a collective effort shaped by mentors and networks. Delve into Arnold Schwarzenegger's journey and how he credits countless influences. Discover Stoicism's origins with Zeno's shipwreck and its modern relevance in teaching leaders. You'll learn about Hierocles' circles of concern and the importance of broadening our care for others. The discussion also touches on courage, risk, and the wisdom that cannot be replaced by technology.
70 snips
Dec 4, 2025 • 12min
This Will Make You Stupid | Ask Daily Stoic
Boris Sanchez, a CNN correspondent, discusses the impact of emotions on decision-making and the importance of pausing to regain clarity. He and Ryan Holiday delve into the responsibility of interviewers when platforming controversial voices, and how to navigate the overwhelming noise of information today. They explore Stoic practices for testing emotions and cultivating discernment, especially in our fast-paced, digital age. Together, they emphasize that intelligence isn't enough if we lack emotional control.
