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
Oct 5, 2025 • 21min
This Isn't A Solo Journey | Does Character Still Matter?
General Stanley McChrystal, a retired U.S. Army general and author of "On Character," explores whether character still matters in today’s world. He shares insights on resilience after personal controversy, emphasizing the importance of redemption. McChrystal argues that character is crucial, shaped by our upbringing and societal expectations. He challenges listeners to view character as a series of choices, revealing true integrity in difficult decisions. Join him in contemplating how our perceptions of honor and ethical behavior have evolved.
110 snips
Oct 5, 2025 • 24min
BONUS | Is Taylor Swift a Stoic?
Discover the unexpected Stoic lessons in Taylor Swift's music and career. Explore how she turned professional hurdles into opportunities and used her re-recordings to amplify her influence. Ryan draws parallels between Swift and Marcus Aurelius’s resilience. Delve into the importance of personal responsibility and the Stoic practice of channeling negativity into creativity. Learn how responding to adversity shapes our outcomes and why character outweighs reputation. This insightful discussion blends modern music with timeless philosophy.
77 snips
Oct 4, 2025 • 42min
Would You DIE to Keep Your Word? | John Amaechi (PT. 2)
In an engaging conversation, former NBA player and psychologist John Amaechi delves into ethical dilemmas that span centuries. He argues that moral decisions, especially under duress, reveal the complexity of integrity. Discussing the costs of principles, he shares how small acts can build character and why compromise is sometimes necessary for the greater good. Amaechi highlights the tension between maintaining one's integrity and navigating societal pressures, emphasizing that authentic choices come from everyday actions.
206 snips
Oct 3, 2025 • 33min
What The Wise Know—And Fools Ignore | 15 Stoic Lessons from the Birthplace of Stoicism
Explore self-awareness as a practiced discipline, not a gift. Discover how writing can clear your mind and the essential role sleep plays in productivity. Delve into Greek origins of Stoicism through Zeno's transformative shipwreck tale and the core Delphi inscriptions urging humility and self-knowledge. Reflect on Socratic wisdom and the allegory of Plato's cave, emphasizing the duty to educate others. Learn about the haunting legacy of Odysseus, Spartan resilience, and the profound idea that true wealth lies in the kindness we show today.
89 snips
Oct 2, 2025 • 16min
This Is The One Thing That Keeps | Ask Daily Stoic
Ryan Holiday explores the enduring power of wisdom, emphasizing that it's the one thing no one can take away from us. He argues that wisdom requires continuous effort, drawing insights from Stoic philosophers like Epictetus. The conversation touches on how Stoicism confronts life's challenges with hope and helps cultivate inner calm amidst chaos. Ryan also highlights the inclusive nature of Stoicism, showcasing its relevance to everyone, including women, while encouraging listeners to view obstacles as opportunities for growth.
71 snips
Oct 2, 2025 • 6min
BONUS | Joe Rogan's Reading List (From Ryan Holiday)
In this engaging discussion, Ryan Holiday shares his curated nonfiction book recommendations for Joe Rogan, including the gripping tale of a man-eating tiger. He dives into the adventures of deep-sea divers discovering a U-boat and recounts the incredible life of Alexandre Dumas's father. The conversation also touches on Theodore Roosevelt's perilous Amazon expedition and highlights essential reads on sports and mental health. Plus, Ryan emphasizes the importance of reading for aspiring writers and introduces his monthly reading list.
111 snips
Oct 1, 2025 • 49min
The $17 MILLION Test of Integrity | John Amaechi (PT. 1)
Join John Amaechi, a former NBA player and now a psychologist, as he discusses the true worth of integrity, illustrated by his $17 million decision to prioritize principles over profit. John shares his journey from basketball to psychology, emphasizing that your job shouldn't define you. He reflects on the loss of joy in professional sports and warns against letting identity become entangled with occupation. With insights on the long-term value of integrity, he challenges listeners to consider the sacrifices and rewards of living a principled life.
77 snips
Oct 1, 2025 • 3min
This Says So Much About You
Explore the significance of how we treat the vulnerable, particularly the elderly, and what it says about our values as a society. Small gestures of care can reveal deep leadership qualities, highlighted by historical examples like Antoninus and Marcus Aurelius. Ryan discusses the implications of neglecting the aged, linking this to a society's moral fiber. The journey through mentorship and respect for wisdom over rivalry illustrates timeless lessons in character and compassion.
101 snips
Sep 30, 2025 • 9min
Don’t Let It Make You A Liar | Practice Silence
The podcast explores why we often fail to keep our promises and emphasizes the importance of Stoic virtues like discipline and courage. Ryan highlights the upcoming release of his four-book series on Stoic virtues and shares insights on the power of silence. He discusses how listening rather than speaking fosters better judgment and prevents ego-driven mistakes. The episode also references Zeno and Seneca, advocating for restraint in speech to avoid future regrets. Practicing silence is portrayed as a courageous act that enhances personal growth.
185 snips
Sep 29, 2025 • 11min
BONUS | 7 Stoic Lessons on Wisdom
Wisdom isn't just gifted; it requires daily effort and real-world action. Surrounding yourself with better influences can elevate your mindset. Diving into a variety of texts encourages deep reflection and conversation with great thinkers from the past. True leaders seek out diverse opinions rather than pretending to know everything. Lifelong learning is essential, as even the greatest minds continued to seek knowledge. Lastly, managing your information diet is crucial—choose enriching ideas over fleeting distractions.
