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
Aug 9, 2021 • 9min
Why Are You Surprised? | What Little Wins Can You Find
The podcast delves into the essence of surprise and the expectations set by leaders, using a historical speech as a backdrop. It emphasizes the critical nature of small wins, advocating for steady personal growth through Stoic principles. The transformative power of consistency is highlighted, revealing how minor achievements can lead to significant outcomes. Listeners are encouraged to embrace the concept of premeditatio malorum to better manage challenges and cultivate resilience in their daily lives.
Aug 8, 2021 • 28min
Seneca on Being
Seneca the Younger, a prominent Roman Stoic philosopher, reflects on the fleeting nature of human existence. He encourages embracing the present and utilizing our time wisely. The discussion touches on the complexities of aging and pain, presenting suffering as a pathway to a more meaningful life. Seneca also critiques the limitations of language in conveying profound ideas and explores the classification of existence, bridging the gap between Platonic thought and the real world. A captivating dive into timeless Stoic wisdom!
26 snips
Aug 7, 2021 • 1h 6min
Journalist Oliver Burkeman on Making the Most of the Time That We Have
Oliver Burkeman, a British journalist and author, dives into the essence of time management and the reality of mortality. He shares insights from his book, emphasizing the Stoic principle of memento mori. Burkeman challenges listeners to view life through the lens of approximately 4,000 weeks, encouraging thoughtful choices and prioritization. He contrasts pandemic experiences in the UK and US, discusses the pursuit of purpose versus fantasy, and highlights the importance of embracing discomfort to live meaningfully in the face of life's fleeting nature.
Aug 6, 2021 • 3min
You Have To Be Able To See Both Ways
Exploring Marcus Aurelius' perspective, the discussion highlights the importance of seeing beyond superficial beauty to confront harsh realities. It delves into the balance between cynical truths and poetic appreciation, revealing how this dual perspective enhances our understanding of life. By stripping away illusions, we learn to conquer our appetites and urges. Prepare for a thought-provoking journey that encourages a deeper comprehension of existence.
Aug 5, 2021 • 8min
You Need To Police Your Side of the Street | Silence Is Strength
In a world filled with extremes, the importance of personal accountability takes center stage. Focusing on your own issues before criticizing others can lead to greater integrity. The power of silence is highlighted, emphasizing that careful communication can enhance wisdom. Thoughtful restraint is portrayed as a strength, with historical anecdotes illustrating its benefits. By prioritizing listening over constant talking, individuals can navigate societal challenges more effectively.
Aug 4, 2021 • 1h 23min
Los Angeles Rams GM Les Snead on Keeping the Main Thing the Main Thing | Think About This
Les Snead, the general manager of the Los Angeles Rams and former Auburn tight end, shares insights from his 10-season tenure in professional sports. He discusses the cultural pillars driving the Rams organization, the importance of accountability, and the balance of personal growth amidst pressure. Snead delves into innovative decision-making strategies in sports, emphasizing emotional resilience and learning from setbacks. He also touches on navigating uncertainty in career choices and the parallels between leadership in football and artistic development.
Aug 3, 2021 • 3min
If You Can Do This, Every Moment Will Be Wonderful
Explore how contemplating your own mortality can transform your perspective on life. Discover the power of the Memento Mori philosophy and its link to appreciating each moment. Drawing inspiration from 'Fight Club' and Stoic thinkers like Seneca, this discussion encourages living with gratitude and purpose. Embrace the urgency of life and learn how these reflections can lead to a more meaningful existence.
Aug 2, 2021 • 7min
Important Things Are Simple | A Week Without Complaining
Explore the beauty of simplicity in Stoic philosophy, where clarity reigns over complexity. Dive into a transformative challenge encouraging a week without complaints to promote personal responsibility. Discover insights from Epictetus on accountability and self-discipline. Uncover how Marcus Aurelius’ teachings inspire a complaint-free mindset, fostering significant personal growth. Embrace the art of saying less for more impact!
Aug 1, 2021 • 11min
7 Life Changing Stoic Ideas That You Can Practice Daily
Explore seven practical Stoic exercises designed to transform life’s challenges into opportunities for growth. Discover how a Stoic mindset can foster resilience by embracing obstacles and maintaining low expectations. Learn to view personal challenges as pathways to development while cultivating humility and perseverance. Delve into the impact of reflecting on mortality to inspire altruism and gratitude, guiding you toward a deeper sense of community and inner peace.
Jul 31, 2021 • 1h 25min
Author Clint Smith and the History We Decide to See
Clint Smith, an acclaimed American writer and poet, discusses his impactful work, How the Word Is Passed, that confronts the legacy of slavery in the U.S. He delves into the challenges of removing Confederate monuments, shedding light on our collective responsibility to address historical injustices. The conversation emphasizes the importance of understanding America's complex past to inform present-day societal issues, encouraging listeners to navigate uncomfortable truths and promote a more equitable narrative around history.
