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
116 snips
Dec 25, 2024 • 57min
The Four Stoic Virtues | Real-Life Role Models to Inspire You
Join Martha McSally, a retired U.S. Air Force colonel and former senator, as she discusses cultivating courage in the face of fear. Basketball coach Buzz Williams emphasizes daily discipline and consistent effort for success. Sharon McMahon, a former teacher, highlights the impact of historical justice actions, while Mark Matousek explores personal growth through wisdom and self-reliance. Together, they illustrate how the four Stoic virtues remain vital in shaping our lives today.
100 snips
Dec 24, 2024 • 12min
Surprise People Like This | Powerful Life Lessons From Epictetus
Discover the profound lessons from Cato, who embraced humility over wealth and prioritized real connections over societal expectations. Explore Epictetus' inspiring transformation from slavery to a key Stoic thinker, emphasizing resilience and the power of inner strength. Delve into the fragility of life through Epictetus' teachings, embracing the present and reflecting on mortality. These timeless insights encourage a deeper understanding of Stoic principles and how they can lead to a richer, more meaningful life.
146 snips
Dec 23, 2024 • 11min
Who Do You Wish To Become? | Turn Words Into Works
Explore the transformative power of daily actions and how aligning habits with your desired identity can foster personal growth. A 21-day challenge is introduced to help you reflect and improve as the new year approaches. Learn how to turn intentions into concrete actions through consistent practice and evaluation of the past year. Discover the importance of gratitude and planning for future successes, paving the way for a renewed you.
67 snips
Dec 22, 2024 • 27min
The Wisest Man Alive (Yet Not Without Flaws)
Donald Robertson, an author and expert on Stoic philosophy, dives into the complexities of Socrates and his impact on practical philosophy. He explores Socrates' role in making philosophy accessible, alongside the intriguing life of Alcibiades, a figure torn between ambition and societal pressures. The conversation highlights the debate between Socrates and Protagoras on the teachability of virtue, raising questions about ethics and education. Plus, hear participants' transformative experiences from the Daily Stoic New Year Challenge!
172 snips
Dec 21, 2024 • 58min
The Daily Stoic Wrapped 2024 | Timeless Wisdom, Lessons, and Reminders
Dr. Michael Gervais, a high-performance psychologist renowned for coaching athletes and CEOs, shares insights on harnessing Stoic wisdom for modern life. They reflect on a busy year, emphasizing themes like 'preferred indifference' and the emotional differences between pain and suffering. Gervais discusses intrinsic motivation vs. external recognition, while exploring mastery through Stoic principles. The conversation also covers practical strategies for managing anxiety, the importance of daily rituals, and how to turn obstacles into opportunities for growth.
41 snips
Dec 20, 2024 • 9min
You Can Wake The Dead | Don’t Be Mad At Good People
Discover how the wisdom of the past can connect us to those long gone. The discussion emphasizes the complex nature of anger in relationships, urging respect and understanding. Reflecting on family dynamics, the importance of patience and gratitude comes to the forefront. It's a journey of self-improvement and deeper connections with loved ones, inspired by Stoic teachings.
70 snips
Dec 19, 2024 • 15min
How Everything Can Change | Ask Daily Stoic
Personal growth is a journey, and taking small steps can lead to transformation. The New Year, New You Challenge offers 21 days of Stoic-inspired activities to help form lasting habits. Engaging politically requires a Stoic balance between staying informed and maintaining mental well-being. Emphasizing duty over recognition can lead to fulfilling civic participation. Gratitude for listener support is highlighted, celebrating over 30 million downloads and introducing options for ad-free listening.
33 snips
Dec 18, 2024 • 8min
These Are No Good To You
Facing scary situations is a part of life, but our minds can either help or hinder us. Personal testimonials highlight the impact of the New Year New You Challenge in fostering community and growth. The importance of conquering anxiety for peak performance is discussed, illustrated by a story from a film set. A powerful scene from Gladiator is examined to reveal how perspective shapes our experiences, linking it to the wisdom of figures like Marcus Aurelius. Stoicism becomes a tool for navigating life's complexities.
66 snips
Dec 18, 2024 • 1h 3min
O.A.R.'s Benj Gershman on Turning Obstacles Into Opportunities
Benj Gershman, the bassist for the rock band O.A.R. and host of the mental health podcast What Could Be Bad, shares his journey from music to Stoicism. He discusses the toll of life on the road and the identity crisis that can arise from tying self-worth to career success. Benj highlights the transformative power of The Obstacle is the Way, revealing how struggles can be reframed as opportunities for growth. He emphasizes the importance of mental health, navigating personal challenges, and the connections formed through music.
269 snips
Dec 17, 2024 • 26min
Are You Afraid to Start? | 10 Years Of Lessons From The Obstacle Is The Way
Overcoming fear is crucial to achieving your dreams. The speaker reflects on a decade of growth, intertwining personal experiences with Stoic philosophy. They discuss the importance of integrity and the consequences of broken trust. Nostalgia meets chaos as they prepare for a book's 10th anniversary, acknowledging how perspectives evolve. Gratitude for community support is highlighted, along with excitement for a new podcast on historical controversies.
