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 6, 2021 • 1h 27min
Jay Shetty On How to Think Like a Monk
Jay Shetty, a British author and former monk, shares profound insights on finding stillness in a chaotic world. He contrasts the 'monk mind' with the distracting 'monkey mind,' emphasizing mindfulness and gratitude. The discussion highlights the importance of personal growth, resilience in uncertainty, and the joy of mastering everyday tasks. Jay encourages focusing on the process rather than just goals, advocating for deeper connections and awareness in our daily lives. His transformative experiences in monastic life resonate with the challenges of modern existence.
Jan 6, 2021 • 3min
What This Philosophy Is Here For
Dive into the transformative power of philosophy as a tool to tackle life's challenges. Discover how insights from ancient thinkers like Seneca, Epictetus, and Marcus Aurelius can guide you through tough times, whether it's relationship struggles, work stress, or navigating overwhelming opportunities. Learn how to actively integrate these timeless teachings into your daily life for personal growth and clarity. Embrace Stoicism as a practical antidote to anxiety and uncertainty in today's fast-paced world.
Jan 5, 2021 • 3min
It’s About Infusing It Into Your DNA
Discover how Marcus Aurelius immersed himself in the teachings of Epictetus, weaving philosophy into the fabric of his life. The discussion emphasizes the power of engaging deeply with great works to foster resilience and personal growth. Exploring the wisdom of various philosophers, it advocates for integrating Stoic principles into daily routines, transforming not just thoughts but one's entire identity. Get ready to rethink how you can make ancient wisdom a part of your modern life!
Jan 4, 2021 • 11min
What Have You Managed to Get Done? | Whats Up to Us, What's Not Up to Us
Amid the disruption of the pandemic, the discussion dives into the importance of adopting a Stoic mindset. Historical examples, including Napoleon's proactive approach during exile, illustrate how to make the most of adversity. Key themes include understanding what we can control versus what we can't, and the significance of emotional management. The conversation encourages listeners to harness their energy toward meaningful goals while reflecting on personal agency in challenging times. A motivational New Year greeting adds a touch of inspiration.
Jan 3, 2021 • 17min
Who was Marcus Aurelius? The Life Of The Stoic Emperor
Explore the fascinating life of Marcus Aurelius, the Stoic emperor whose private thoughts shaped his leadership philosophy. Discover how he prioritized public welfare over personal gain and faced crises, including a devastating plague. Uncover his teachings on mindfulness, virtuous action, and the importance of reflecting on mortality. His meditations not only offer insight into his personal struggles but also leave a lasting legacy of Stoic principles that inspire people even today.
Jan 2, 2021 • 1h 5min
Shaka Smart, Buzz Williams, Manu Ginóbili, Pau Gasol, Dominique Dawes, and Danica Patrick On Sports and Stoicism
Buzz Williams, head coach at Texas A&M, emphasizes quality over quantity in work. Pau Gasol advocates for female coaches, while Manu Ginóbili explores balancing ambition with happiness. Dominique Dawes shares insights on the perfectionism athletes face, and Danica Patrick discusses the challenges of fame and media representation. Together, they reflect on Stoicism's role in sports, the psychological struggles athletes endure, and the quest for fulfillment beyond achievements, highlighting that true joy often lies in everyday moments.
Jan 1, 2021 • 3min
Things Are Won at the Beginning
As the new year dawns, the discussion dives into the power of beginnings. Listeners are reminded that while outcomes are unpredictable, the choice to act boldly is entirely ours. Stoic philosophy is highlighted, reinforcing that embracing uncertainty can lead to meaningful starts. The conversation encourages a proactive mindset, urging everyone to seize the moment and embark on new journeys with courage. It's a reminder that a strong start is crucial, even if fate ultimately dictates where we end up.
Dec 31, 2020 • 3min
Now Is the Time
Everyone has vices and flaws, but meaningful change often feels out of reach. Drawing on the words of Martin Luther King, the conversation urges us to stop delaying action. Instead of waiting for the 'right moment,' now is the time to tackle those personal challenges. A 21-day challenge is introduced as a practical tool to ignite personal growth. The message is clear: don't put off becoming your best self any longer!
Dec 30, 2020 • 1h 7min
Jessica Lahey, Angel Parham, Brett McKay, and Dr. Harvey Karp On Parenting and Stoicism
Jessica Lahey, a parenting expert and author, joins classicist Angel Parham, masculinity advocate Brett McKay, and pediatrician Dr. Harvey Karp. They discuss the importance of letting kids fail for resilience, nurturing moral imagination through classic literature, and balancing emotional awareness with future planning. The conversation emphasizes the lessons of Stoicism in parenting, encouraging parents to remain humble and adaptable while navigating the complexities of raising children today.
Dec 30, 2020 • 3min
This We Must Avoid
Dive into the wisdom of philosophers like Seneca, who once embraced a fleeting trend in vegetarianism before returning to timeless truths. The discussion emphasizes the importance of independent thinking and staying true to personal values in the face of societal pressure. It highlights how easily one can be swayed by trends, and underscores the need to prioritize lasting wisdom over momentary fads. This insightful conversation encourages listeners to demand more from themselves and live authentically.
