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 21, 2020 • 4min
We Are What We Repeatedly Do
Explore the concept of arete, the Greek pursuit of human excellence across moral, physical, and spiritual realms. Discover how habits shape our journey toward greatness, as success is rooted in consistent practice. Learn about innovative tools for personal budgeting and HR that streamline life management. Join the Daily Stoic Habits Challenge to make transformative daily changes, fostering both personal and professional growth on your path to excellence.
Apr 20, 2020 • 3min
Keep Calm and Carry On
In challenging times, the discussion emphasizes resilience and the power of personal response. The hosts delve into maintaining character and virtue amid adversity. They highlight the importance of courage and discipline as tools for endurance. Through shared experiences and wisdom, the conversation inspires listeners to support one another and navigate the chaos of current events with strength and dignity.
Apr 19, 2020 • 9min
Daily Stoic Sundays: Using Stoicism To Become Unbeatable
Ryan shares insights with the University of Alabama football team on applying Stoic principles to conquer challenges. He emphasizes that every obstacle is an opportunity, reminding listeners to embrace resilience. The discussion highlights humility and the need to manage our ego for success. The teachings of Marcus Aurelius guide the focus on maintaining an objective mindset. There’s also a nod to inspiring sports comebacks, showcasing how Stoicism can fuel motivation and excitement in the world of athletics.
Apr 18, 2020 • 24min
Ask Daily Stoic: Ryan and John Brownstein Discuss the Science Behind the Pandemic
In this discussion, John Brownstein, a Harvard Medical School professor and digital epidemiology expert, dives into the complexities of tracking COVID-19. He emphasizes the importance of personal responsibility and community efforts, such as mask-wearing, in combating the virus. Brownstein also reflects on historical lessons from pandemics, advocating for proactive health measures and better preparedness for future outbreaks. Engaging public participation in health surveillance emerges as a key theme, showcasing innovative tools to enhance data collection and response.
Apr 17, 2020 • 3min
How Will You Remember This?
In a time marked by uncertainty, the discussion emphasizes embracing Stoicism. It highlights the importance of focusing on what you can control amidst adversity. Instead of lamenting lost opportunities, the conversation urges listeners to reflect on how they want to be remembered. Seizing the present and transforming downtime into productive moments is crucial. The recurring message is to build resilience and hold oneself accountable in challenging times, turning struggles into opportunities for growth.
Apr 16, 2020 • 3min
We Cannot Be Servants To Our Stuff
The podcast delves into the burdens of materialism using the story of King Philip. It illustrates how even powerful figures can become slaves to their possessions. Listeners are challenged to consider the weight of excess and the freedom found in simplicity. Inspired by ancient philosophy, the conversation urges a lifestyle that prioritizes purpose over possessions. The anecdotes remind us that true strength lies not in accumulation, but in living modestly and shedding unnecessary burdens.
Apr 15, 2020 • 2min
We Always Lose When We Lose Our Tempers
Anger often leads to more problems than it solves, draining your energy and harming relationships. Stoic philosophy emphasizes self-control and measured responses over impulsive reactions. Instead of retaliating when provoked, focus on patience and finding constructive solutions. The wisdom of Seneca reminds us that anger lingers long after the initial hurt, making it crucial to tame your temper for a more effective approach to life.
Apr 14, 2020 • 3min
Your Job is to Get The Best Out of People
Navigating expectations in leadership can be tough. When you hold yourself to high standards, it’s easy to wish others would do the same. The struggles of historical figures like Marcus Aurelius highlight this dilemma. He learned to focus on individual strengths rather than the shortcomings of others. It’s a lesson in personal accountability—recognizing what you can control while appreciating the contributions of those around you. Ultimately, it's about leveraging existing talents for success.
Apr 13, 2020 • 4min
You Have A Gun To Your Head
Dive into a gripping scene from Fight Club where a character confronts a cashier at gunpoint. This unsettling moment challenges the listener to think about mortality and the drive to pursue dreams. Tying fiction to Stoic philosophy, it emphasizes living purposefully and appreciating life's fleeting nature. What would you do if your time was running out? It’s a bold reminder to chase aspirations and not let fear hold you back.
Apr 12, 2020 • 9min
Daily Stoic Sundays: The Important Thing is to Not Be Afraid
Explore the nature of fear, especially during uncertain times. Discover the Stoic distinction between feeling scared and being afraid, and how to turn fear into purposeful action. Learn about perseverance from inspiring stories, like that of a former NFL star overcoming a life-changing injury. This journey encourages resilience and reflection on historic wisdom, proving that courage can be cultivated even in adversity.
