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
74 snips
Feb 24, 2026 • 11min
This is The Math That Losers Do | What Virtue Is This Moment Asking of You?
Zane Asher, CNN news anchor and interviewer, appears as the live interlocutor. He and the host discuss responding to injustice with courage and measured action. They explore pausing before anger, varied reactions to trauma, and using hardship to grow. The conversation centers on choosing virtue in the moment and practicing self-command in success and adversity.
58 snips
Feb 23, 2026 • 9min
This is How You Win the Day | Circumstances Have No Care For Our Feelings
Stories of students rising at dawn to seize discipline. A meditation on choosing duty and routine over comfort. A reminder that external circumstances do not care for our feelings. Reflections on avoiding wasted anger and responding without becoming what frustrates us.
80 snips
Feb 22, 2026 • 19min
Simple Stoic Rules That Actually Change Your Life
Short, practical Stoic rules for clarity and steadiness. Clear guidance on what to stop doing, like complaining and constant comparison. Daily habits to build resilience such as pausing, walking, and doing hard things. Strategies to beat procrastination and handle criticism without losing composure. Practical routines for a focused, meaningful day.
65 snips
Feb 21, 2026 • 28min
The Case for History (Before It Repeats Itself) | Kenny Curtis
Kenny Curtis, podcast host and history communicator known for History Snacks and work with Nat Geo Kids, makes history bite-sized and fun. He argues the past gives perspective and calm. They talk about storytelling that brings figures to life, how bias and new discoveries reshape narratives, and why history matters for navigating change.
98 snips
Feb 20, 2026 • 12min
You’ve Gotta Make Them Work For It | The Presidential Biographies You Can’t Afford to Skip
A brisk tour of presidential biographies and which reads are unmissable. Lists favorite authors and specific books for Washington, Lincoln, Roosevelt, Truman, Grant, Johnson and more. Tosses in quick presidential trivia and surprising artifacts. Encourages resisting premature surrender of work and choice while choosing what to read next.
104 snips
Feb 19, 2026 • 15min
What A Wonderful Thing to Measure | Stoic Strategies for Becoming More Resilient
They explore resilience through Stoic stories and practices. The conversation traces Epictetus' journey from slavery to philosophical teacher. It examines control versus things outside our power and how endurance sports train the mind. The talk highlights living by an inner scorecard, learning from history and books, and the dangers of ego and pride.
94 snips
Feb 18, 2026 • 5min
BONUS | This Stoic Idea Will Reset Your Week
A reflection on wanting less to awaken gratitude and freedom. A vivid banquet metaphor shows how moderation beats excess. Contrasts of candy-jar temptation and balanced enjoyment highlight avoiding dependency on pleasures. Prompts listeners to weigh needs versus wants and rethink what ‘enough’ truly means.
88 snips
Feb 18, 2026 • 16min
They’re Not Thinking About You At All | The Dangerous Comfort of Half Measures
A discussion of Seneca’s warning against half measures and the harm of procrastination. Ideas about withdrawing fully from corrupt pursuits and when to loosen the knot versus cutting ties decisively. Reflections on timing escapes, avoiding wasted busyness, and why people cling to status. A call to rise free of worldly baggage and choose noble action now.
93 snips
Feb 17, 2026 • 8min
Burn this Letter | The Enemy of Happiness
A call to pause before reacting and avoid speaking while angry. Ancient wisdom on delaying action to gain clarity. A look at how yearning for the future steals present happiness. Examples of moving goalposts and insatiable ambition. Practical emphasis on practicing contentment now rather than chasing a distant reward.
87 snips
Feb 16, 2026 • 45min
This Was Washington’s Philosophy | Power Fades. Character Leads.
They explore George Washington’s Stoic influences and the idea of a ‘mild philosophy’ guiding action. Stories about Jimmy Carter highlight justice, kindness, and standing against segregation. Abraham Lincoln’s moral character, practical wisdom, and ambition for the common good get close attention. JFK’s restraint during the Cuban Missile Crisis is offered as a model of leadership.
