

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

55 snips
Nov 17, 2021 • 1h 6min
Randall Stutman on Becoming a Life-Long Student of Leadership | Don't Let This Pass You By
Randall Stutman, a leadership scientist and advisor to Fortune 500 companies, discusses the transformative role of feedback in leadership. He highlights the difference between giving advice and constructive feedback, emphasizing the importance of honesty balanced with sensitivity. Stutman argues that great leaders see themselves as stewards, focusing on empowering others. He also shares insights on the role of mentorship in shaping effective leadership practices and the necessity of fostering a supportive environment for team growth.

Nov 16, 2021 • 2min
Good Character and Good Deeds
Explore the significance of defining your own success! Discover why good character and deeds matter more than societal accolades. Delve into Marcus Aurelius's wisdom on ethical conduct as the true measure of achievement. Learn to resist distractions from superficial measures and focus on making a positive impact in your life and community. It's a thought-provoking take on what really defines success!

Nov 15, 2021 • 9min
Nobody Gets Out Alive | Judge Yourself Not Others
The discussion shines a light on the concept of memento mori, urging listeners to confront mortality as a way to live more fully. It highlights the importance of self-reflection and personal growth, advocating for focusing on one’s own development rather than judging others. In a practical twist, insights on using platforms like LinkedIn for small business hiring are shared, making personal growth applicable in various life aspects. The overarching theme encourages embracing talents and relationships while pursuing passions.

5 snips
Nov 14, 2021 • 30min
Robert Greene on Being Effective and Courageous
In a compelling conversation, Robert Greene, acclaimed author of "The 48 Laws of Power," shares insights on cultivating courage and effectiveness in daily life. He discusses the vital role courage plays as a Stoic virtue and its influence on decision-making. Greene reflects on the complexities of leadership, using historical examples to illuminate the moral dilemmas faced by leaders today. He emphasizes the importance of navigating these challenges with integrity while celebrating his new bestseller, "Courage is Calling," inspiring listeners to embrace bravery.

4 snips
Nov 13, 2021 • 1h 5min
ESPN’s Seth Wickersham on the Patriots, Tom Brady and Greatness
Seth Wickersham, an ESPN sports writer and author of "It's Better to Be Feared," dives deep into the New England Patriots' dynasty. He discusses the delicate balance of greatness, revealing how Tom Brady has maintained excellence throughout his career. The conversation explores the psychological toll of competition and missed opportunities, shedding light on Brady's journey and growth, particularly his shift towards self-care. Wickersham shares anecdotes that highlight the pressures elite athletes face while navigating the pursuit of success and personal fulfillment.

Nov 12, 2021 • 3min
Don’t Self Deter
Dive into the battle between knowledge and action as fear often holds us back. Historical examples and personal stories illuminate how courage can pave the way for decisive action. Discover the philosophy of Marcus Aurelius and his insights on bravery. This engaging talk inspires listeners to confront self-doubt and embrace the courage needed to make the right choices in life.

Nov 11, 2021 • 9min
Do This Unflinchingly | It’s Not The Thing, It’s What We Make Of It
Engaging deeply with challenging material fosters personal growth. Drawing from Stoic philosophy, the conversation highlights how acceptance can transform responses to life's hurdles. Examples from resilient leaders like FDR illustrate this point. The discussion further emphasizes embracing adversity as a chance to build strength and resilience. By facing difficulties unflinchingly, one can unlock potential and navigate challenges more effectively.

Nov 10, 2021 • 1h 7min
Olympian Kate Courtney on Optimization and Embracing the Process | This is What You Have To Choose
Joined by Kate Courtney, a professional mountain bike racer and World Champion, the conversation dives into her poignant experiences at the Tokyo Olympics. She shares how moments of failure can spark growth and discusses the crucial differences between optimizing and maximizing performance. Kate emphasizes the importance of rest, self-reflection, and balancing passion with discipline in training. Her insightful stories highlight resilience and mental strength, encouraging listeners to embrace the process rather than just chase success.

Nov 9, 2021 • 3min
Are You Being a Good Steward?
Explore the intriguing concept of stewardship and what it means to take responsibility for the greater good. Drawing on insights from historical figures like Marcus Aurelius and Cato the Younger, the discussion encourages listeners to prioritize communal interests over personal desires. It's a refreshing call to action for fostering a mindset of guardianship, ensuring we make choices that benefit not just ourselves, but future generations as well.

Nov 8, 2021 • 9min
Practice Everything. Be Ready for Anything. | The Real Power You Have
Explore the art of anticipating challenges through the Stoic practice of 'premeditatio malorum.' Learn how renowned athletes use readiness to navigate unforeseen disruptions. Delve into the distinction between superficial power and true strength, emphasizing the importance of self-control and inner resilience. The teachings of Epictetus and Marcus Aurelius highlight that true fulfillment stems from self-knowledge and virtue, empowering you to adapt and grow.


