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
216 snips
Sep 13, 2025 • 36min
Silence the 5 Inner Critics DESTROYING Your Confidence | Fighter Pilot Michelle Curran (PT. 2)
Michelle Curran, a pioneering U.S. Air Force fighter pilot and author of 'The Flipside,' joins the discussion on overcoming self-doubt. She reveals the five inner critics that can undermine confidence and shares how to confront them. Curran emphasizes the importance of vulnerability and seeking support while challenging the stigma around it. The conversation dives into handling criticism and the reality of personal success beyond accolades, urging the pursuit of fulfillment and authenticity in career choices.
168 snips
Sep 12, 2025 • 11min
That’s The Thing With Anger | Is It Normal For A Stoic To Cry?
Seneca’s wisdom encourages us to reflect on our anger, revealing how it can distort our true selves. The discussion highlights the struggle men face in expressing emotions, especially in sports, advocating for vulnerability as a strength. Listeners explore the complexities of modern masculinity, blending Stoic teachings with personal stories. The importance of embracing vulnerability and emotional expression is emphasized, challenging the misconception that stoicism equates to emotional suppression.
92 snips
Sep 11, 2025 • 16min
This Is What Kindles The Soul | Ask Daily Stoic
On a day of remembrance, the discussion honors love and resilience through the lens of Stoicism, inspired by Brian Sweeney’s message. It tackles the pitfalls of ego in the entertainment industry and underscores the importance of humility and self-awareness in achieving true success. Personal stories about family protection highlight life's uncertainties, intertwining themes of gratitude and continuous growth. The conversation also emphasizes the balance between ego, humility, and confidence, showcasing lessons learned in both personal and professional realms.
68 snips
Sep 11, 2025 • 14min
What a 9/11 Pilot Will Never Forget | General Dan Caine (BONUS)
General Dan Caine, the 22nd Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and veteran F-16 pilot, offers a gripping account of the chaos he faced on 9/11. He delves into the lessons of courage and leadership drawn from that day, emphasizing the significance of open communication in crisis management. Caine reflects on the bravery of those involved, particularly the heroes of Flight 93, and discusses the necessity of proactive leadership in turbulent times. His personal experiences highlight how swift, decisive actions can shape outcomes in emergencies.
40 snips
Sep 10, 2025 • 2min
You Can Do This Too
Explore how Stoic philosophy offers tools for resilience and hope when facing life's challenges. Discover insights on taking proactive steps in adversity and the importance of making small contributions each day. Embrace a mindset that turns obstacles into opportunities for growth and meaning. Tune in for practical wisdom and inspiration to motivate your journey!
67 snips
Sep 10, 2025 • 44min
The Day My Ego Almost Killed Me | Fighter Pilot Michelle Curran (PT. 1)
Michelle Curran, a groundbreaking former U.S. Air Force fighter pilot and author of "The Flipside," shares her riveting journey from rural Wisconsin to the cockpit. She discusses battling imposter syndrome and overcoming the challenges of a male-dominated field. Curran highlights the critical balance between ego and vulnerability in high-stakes careers, revealing how fear can fuel true courage. With a humorous story about her memorable call sign, she emphasizes the importance of representation and mentorship for aspiring pilots, especially young women.
129 snips
Sep 9, 2025 • 11min
This Is A Timeless Temptation | A New Way To Pray
Wisdom isn't guaranteed, even with natural gifts or education; it requires dedication. Stoicism encourages self-sufficiency and adaptability as keys to happiness. Emphasizing internal strength over external desires, the talk explores prayer through a Stoic lens. A tale from Seneca highlights the importance of hard work in gaining true wisdom. The discussion also touches on supporting authors and the value of mental health support, all while cultivating inner strength through the principles of Stoicism.
71 snips
Sep 9, 2025 • 21min
You Prove Stoicism WORKS | Listener Stories (BONUS)
Emily Jaskowitz, a passionate listener, shares her transformative journey with Stoicism. She discusses how embracing Stoic principles redefined her notion of happiness, leading to personal growth. The conversation dives into the importance of emotional support and the shift from professional to personal fulfillment. They also explore Stoic parenting, emphasizing virtue over reactions. Jaskowitz's insights highlight how structure and discipline enable resilience in life's challenges, making Stoicism a valuable guide for everyday living.
129 snips
Sep 8, 2025 • 10min
There’s Two Ways It Goes Now | Do Not Be Deceived By Fortune
This discussion dives into the philosophical struggles of the Romans during their Republic's decline, urging modern listeners to maintain their values against adversity. It highlights Seneca's insights on the deceptive nature of fortune and the importance of stability in character. Themes of resilience shine through as the conversation addresses loss and the lessons learned from Seneca's exile. Ultimately, it champions the power of Stoicism and self-control while fostering a connection with the audience.
125 snips
Sep 7, 2025 • 52min
Death and How to Live it | Rainn Wilson's Reflections
Rainn Wilson, the beloved actor known for his role as Dwight Schrute on The Office, shares poignant reflections from his life, focusing on the profound themes of death and spiritual growth. He candidly discusses the surreal experience of preparing his father's body for burial, blending humor with deep emotions. The conversation explores the complexities of consciousness and mortality, drawing connections between personal experiences and cultural perspectives. Rainn also shares meaningful insights on living a spiritually enriched life amid grief and the ever-present reminder of our mortality.
