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
179 snips
Sep 6, 2025 • 57min
“I Can’t Just Sit Back and Watch Anymore” | Astronaut Terry Virts on Courage, Ethics, & Politics (PT. 2)
In a riveting discussion, Terry Virts, a retired astronaut and U.S. Senate candidate from Texas, delves into the nuances of physical versus moral courage. He shares insights on the ethical pitfalls leaders face and the importance of serving one's country with integrity. Virts reflects on his experiences in combat and space, highlighting the obligation of citizens to speak up during critical times. The duo also tackles the complexities of modern politics, emphasizing the need for honesty and accountability to bridge the gap between voters and the political system.
228 snips
Sep 5, 2025 • 32min
What’s It All For? It’s For This | Stoic Strategies To Control Your Temper
Life can be challenging and frustrating, but finding emotional control is vital. Explore how Stoic principles help manage strong emotions like anger and anxiety while maintaining resilience. Learn the power of reducing personal judgments to foster inner peace. Discover practical techniques for emotional regulation inspired by ancient wisdom, emphasizing self-awareness and composure in crisis. By reflecting on and understanding our feelings, we can strengthen our relationships and navigate conflicts with patience and clarity.
66 snips
Sep 4, 2025 • 35min
BONUS | George Raveling's Greatest Lessons That Will CHANGE How You Live
George Raveling, a renowned college basketball coach, motivational speaker, and author, shares invaluable life lessons rooted in love, purpose, and self-discovery. He emphasizes expressing love through actions and the importance of meaningful relationships. Raveling discusses self-worth beyond achievements, his memorable experiences in China, and how navigating conflict can fuel greatness. The transformative power of journaling is highlighted as a tool for clarity and personal growth, offering insights on gratitude, resilience, and maintaining a positive outlook.
191 snips
Sep 4, 2025 • 12min
This Is The Secret To Dealing With People | Ask Daily Stoic
Explore the thin line between self and others through Stoic philosophy. Discover how frustrations in interactions can become stepping stones for personal growth and empathy. Learn to view obstacles as opportunities, embracing challenges with the Stoic concept of 'premeditatio malorum.' Delve into the balance of self-acceptance and ambition on your journey. Finally, appreciate the universality of Stoic wisdom in overcoming collective struggles and inspire proactive engagement with life's challenges.
144 snips
Sep 3, 2025 • 43min
Spending 213 Days In Space Does THIS To You | Astronaut Terry Virts (PT. 1)
In this engaging conversation, former NASA astronaut Terry Virts shares his incredible journey as an F-16 fighter pilot and the challenges of becoming an astronaut. He dives into the intense selection process and explains why thrill-seekers don’t cut it in space. Terry offers insights on emotional control essential for high-stress missions and reflects on the 'overview effect'—the transformative experience of seeing Earth from space. He also discusses ethical leadership and the importance of character in today’s society.
43 snips
Sep 3, 2025 • 3min
Run Down The List. Where Are They Now?
Explore the enduring questions of legacy and purpose. The conversation highlights how power and fame are often temporary, urging a focus on what truly matters. Drawing from Marcus Aurelius, it prompts listeners to prioritize meaningful endeavors over superficial achievements. Reflect on the impact of your choices and the value of time spent on pursuits that enrich your life.
195 snips
Sep 2, 2025 • 11min
This Is The Most Important Virtue | A Hard Winter Training
Wisdom is highlighted as the cornerstone of Stoic virtues, urging a commitment to lifelong learning. The joys of rejuvenation through advanced sleep systems are shared, emphasizing the importance of rest. The discussion on embracing hardship underscores discipline's role in overcoming life's challenges. Listeners are encouraged to view adversity as a training tool, transforming discomfort into opportunities for personal growth and resilience.
119 snips
Sep 1, 2025 • 8min
Go Out And Do This Today | A Strong Soul Is Better Than Good Luck
Discover the vital importance of taking breaks to boost productivity and mental health, drawing on Stoic philosophy and historical insights. Explore how embracing rest can enhance focus and vitality, especially with innovative sleep and wellness supplements. Learn about building inner strength through physical and philosophical training, and how this resilience helps navigate life's challenges. Plus, find out how supporting the show contributes to its quality and unlocks exclusive content for dedicated listeners.
213 snips
Aug 31, 2025 • 18min
You Are What You Won't Do For Money
Explore how our true selves are revealed through what we refuse to do for money. Delve into the intricate balance between capitalism and personal integrity, as illustrated by real-life examples. Discover the significant impact of making ethical choices, like those faced by Audie Murphy and Harry Truman. The podcast also highlights the conflict between values and financial pressures, drawing parallels to historical figures. Lastly, it emphasizes maintaining honesty in content creation, advocating for ad-free options to uphold integrity.
159 snips
Aug 30, 2025 • 1h 17min
Stop Taking Yourself So Seriously | Chad Goes Deep
Chad Kroeger, a hilariously candid comedian known for his work on Going Deep with Chad and JT, joins the discussion on ego and self-awareness. He reflects on the liberating nature of playing characters without shame and how stand-up comedy reveals truths about self-consciousness. The conversation dives into the joy of embracing simplicity over fame, the authenticity found in comedic performance, and the balance between humility and ego. Chad also shares his journey with stoicism and the surprising power of naivete in pursuing dreams.
