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
Apr 14, 2022 • 11min
Is This The Only Story? | Becoming An Expert In What Matters
Discover the power of asking the right questions before reacting emotionally. Dive into personal mastery and the quest for essential truths while learning from historical greats. Explore the importance of self-knowledge over superficial expertise, guided by insights from Seneca. Embrace stoicism by prioritizing what truly matters and engage with a community focused on personal growth and reflection. This journey encourages discipline and continuous learning for a more meaningful life.
Apr 13, 2022 • 1h 24min
Karen Duffy on Using Stoicism to Find Happiness (Even with Chronic Illness) | Nothing Is As Encouraging As This
Karen Duffy, an actress and author known for her role in Dumb and Dumber, shares her inspiring journey through chronic illness with humor and wisdom. She discusses her latest book, Wise Up, and how Stoicism has guided her through life's challenges. Duffy explores the transformative teachings of Marcus Aurelius and emphasizes gratitude and resilience. She highlights the importance of humor in coping with pain and reflects on the relevance of ancient philosophy in modern family life, encouraging listeners to find joy amidst adversity.
Apr 12, 2022 • 3min
Who To Be Friends With?
Explore the wisdom of Seneca on the significance of friendship in personal growth. Discover how choosing the right friends can elevate your life and avoid the pitfalls of isolation. This engaging discussion dives deep into the social philosophy of Stoicism, offering insightful tips for cultivating meaningful relationships.
Apr 11, 2022 • 7min
This Was a Reminder | Test Your Impressions
Discover the impermanence of life as the host reflects on Stoicism in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. The discussion emphasizes the need to discern truth from illusion and reassess our perceptions. Learn how to critically evaluate beliefs and focus on what truly matters. This exploration invites listeners to embrace uncertainty and apply Stoic principles for a more grounded perspective.
16 snips
Apr 10, 2022 • 17min
8 Stoic Habits That Will Improve Your Life
Explore how good habits form the foundation of personal excellence. Discover eight key Stoic habits that boost discipline and resilience. Learn about the importance of daily routines like outdoor time and gratitude for mental well-being. Delve into resilience through endurance sports and the transformative power of literature. Reflect on memento mori, a reminder to live intentionally and purposefully. Embrace these principles to enrich your life and cultivate a deeper sense of community.
24 snips
Apr 9, 2022 • 1h 7min
Scott Thompson on Epictetus and Approaching Life with Laughter
Scott Thompson, a Canadian comedian and actor famed for his roles in The Kids in the Hall and The Larry Sanders Show, shares his unique journey through humor and Stoicism. He discusses how he found laughter amid adversity, including surviving the Centennial Secondary School shooting and battling cancer. The conversation explores the interplay of tragedy and triumph, the transformative power of Stoic teachings from Epictetus, and the importance of resilience and authenticity in confronting life’s challenges, all sprinkled with Thompson's comedic insights.
Apr 8, 2022 • 3min
There is Only One Place to Look for Approval
In this discussion, the focus is on the importance of self-approval over external validation. It highlights the risks associated with seeking societal approval and emphasizes the value of personal integrity. Drawing from Stoic philosophy, the conversation encourages listeners to prioritize their own standards and internal values to build genuine self-worth.
Apr 7, 2022 • 11min
Can You Savor it | Expect To Change Your Opinions
Ryan explores the art of savoring the present moment, encouraging listeners to confront their biases. He discusses the Dunning-Kruger effect, shedding light on how ignorance can cloud judgment. The importance of questioning in the pursuit of knowledge is emphasized, promoting a humble outlook aligned with Stoic values. The conversation also touches on embracing change within a community, highlighting the benefits of continuous learning and the shared journey of personal growth.
15 snips
Apr 6, 2022 • 1h 18min
Susan Cain on Transforming Pain Into Beauty | This Is Our Most Dangerous Opponent
Susan Cain, author of bestsellers like "Quiet" and "Bittersweet," explores the power of melancholy to unleash creativity and resilience. She discusses how embracing sorrow can transform heartbreak into something beautiful, emphasizing the importance of acknowledging both joy and grief. Cain reflects on the duality of human experience, sharing insights on how personal pain can foster empathy, particularly in leadership. Her thoughts on navigating parent-child dynamics further highlight the bittersweet nature of life's connections.
Apr 5, 2022 • 3min
Yes, Even Those People…
Explore the importance of community and interdependence in our lives. Delve into how adversity, including ignorance and bigotry, plays a crucial role in fostering virtue and moral growth. This discussion emphasizes that challenges can serve as counterbalances, preventing complacency and pushing us toward personal and collective improvement. Rediscover the value of facing these tough aspects of humanity through the lens of Stoic philosophy.
