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
140 snips
Aug 17, 2025 • 18min
Maybe You CAN Make More Time
In this engaging discussion, Robert Rosenkranz, a self-made billionaire and author of The Stoic Capitalist, dives deep into the Stoic perspective on time and health. He emphasizes the invaluable nature of time, particularly during our healthiest years. Rosenkranz explores the intersection of mindfulness, lifestyle choices, and longevity, explaining how awareness can enhance our 'healthspan'. He also discusses groundbreaking advancements in longevity research and the importance of self-care in extending our vitality and overall quality of life.
129 snips
Aug 16, 2025 • 55min
When Good People Lose Themselves to Tyrants | James Romm (PT. 2)
James Romm, a Professor of Classics at Bard College, delves into the chaos of ancient Greece and Rome, focusing on philosophers like Plato and Seneca. Their intriguing discussions reveal the moral dilemmas faced by these thinkers when advising tyrants. Romm highlights how ambition can erode integrity and the struggles for self-respect amidst tyranny. They explore the psychological burden of political mistakes and draw parallels with contemporary governance, revealing timeless lessons about leadership, accountability, and the dangers of sycophancy.
161 snips
Aug 15, 2025 • 23min
The Choice Is Clear (But That Doesn’t Mean It’s Easy) | Ryan Holiday Ran The ORIGINAL Marathon
The podcast dives into moral dilemmas faced by historical figures like Ulysses S. Grant while highlighting the importance of doing what’s right. In discussing aging, innovative supplements are introduced alongside the personal legacy linked to the Battle of Marathon. The speaker connects literature and philosophy to personal growth, emphasizing perseverance. As training for a marathon unfolds, reflections on discipline and resilience arise, intertwining personal journeys with historical lessons, ultimately showcasing endurance as key to overcoming life's challenges.
318 snips
Aug 14, 2025 • 16min
This Is The Only Place To Look For Approval | Ask Daily Stoic
The conversation dives into our innate desire for external validation and how this pursuit often leads to futility. Stoic principles are highlighted, particularly in leadership and personal life, showcasing the importance of self-reliance. A personal anecdote reveals the need for self-care and initial discussions around nutrition emphasize the importance of proper diets for overall health. The balance between embracing change and maintaining tradition is explored, alongside the idea of focusing on personal growth over seeking approval from others.
85 snips
Aug 13, 2025 • 38min
When Good People Lose Themselves to Tyrants | James Romm (PT. 1)
In this engaging discussion, James Romm, an esteemed classics professor at Bard College, delves into the puzzling trend of principled individuals aligning with tyrants throughout history. He reflects on thinkers like Seneca and Plato, exploring the seductive nature of power and the erosion of integrity. Romm highlights the complexities of navigating political environments while maintaining personal values. The conversation also contrasts leaders like Marcus Aurelius and Nero, shedding light on how their upbringings impacted their moral choices and philosophies.
44 snips
Aug 13, 2025 • 3min
It’s Always Been Like This (But Worse)
Life has always been tough, and it likely always will be. The discussion dives into the nature of human suffering and resilience by reflecting on historical Stoic figures. It emphasizes the importance of personal agency in facing challenges head-on. Listeners are encouraged to adopt proactive responses to adversity. Ultimately, it’s a call to embrace life's hardships with strength and wisdom.
219 snips
Aug 12, 2025 • 9min
This Is The Secret To Success (And A Happy Life) | Always Ask Yourself This Question
Discover how Stoic principles can help manage emotional reactions and promote self-awareness. Learn about the importance of life insurance for young parents and how Ethos simplifies the process. Dive into the concept of mindful living by questioning the necessity of your actions to cultivate tranquility. Uncover the benefits of essentialism by prioritizing what truly matters in daily life, leading to greater fulfillment and peace. This journey encourages thoughtful reflection and discipline in navigating life's challenges.
61 snips
Aug 11, 2025 • 8min
This Is What To Surprise Them With | No Time For Theories, Just Results
Discover the wisdom of Marcus Aurelius as he emphasizes humility in leadership by sharing power instead of seeking dominance. Learn how effective leaders empower others and nourish their responsibilities while exploring health insights from platforms like Function. The importance of action takes center stage, as Stoic philosophy is applied to everyday life, encouraging thoughtful responses and the development of courageous habits. It's all about results, not just theories!
191 snips
Aug 10, 2025 • 30min
Stoic Lessons From The Worst Day In The World
Faced with unexpected travel chaos, the speaker exemplifies Stoic resilience, adapting to challenges with grace. A beautiful sunset becomes a metaphor for appreciating life's unpredictability. Lessons on overcoming adversity unfold, illuminating how meaningful experiences can arise from chaos. The discussion emphasizes gratitude and the importance of staying calm during turbulent times. It's a reminder that philosophy serves as a guiding light on our worst days, encouraging listeners to embrace life's uncertainties.
152 snips
Aug 9, 2025 • 39min
Are We In A Post-Shame Society? | Elliot Ackerman (PT. 2)
Elliot Ackerman, a former Marine and acclaimed author, dives into the complexities of our political landscape. He discusses how performance politics has eroded institutional trust and why restraint is vital for effective leadership. Ackerman highlights the rise of shamelessness in cancel culture and its implications on society, suggesting we might be in a post-shame era. The conversation also touches on the blurred lines between media and entertainment, likening modern journalism to professional wrestling, and critiques the changing dynamics of political accountability.
