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
102 snips
Dec 8, 2024 • 24min
9 Stoic Lessons From Iron Maiden
Discover the unexpected Stoic lessons gleaned from the heavy metal legends Iron Maiden. A personal concert experience reveals the joy of shared memories and authenticity. Explore the multifaceted talents of both Bruce Dickinson and Seneca, challenging conventional ideas of expertise. Learn about resilience and the pursuit of self-improvement, much like Marcus Aurelius. Finally, grasp the importance of embracing the present and reflecting on mortality as a means to live meaningfully.
366 snips
Dec 7, 2024 • 56min
Richard Reeves on Why Men Are Being Set Up To Fail (PT. 1)
Richard Reeves, an expert on gender dynamics and author of "Of Boys and Men," shares insights on the challenges men face today. He highlights how the educational system is failing them and the misconceptions surrounding masculinity. There’s a push for redefining masculinity to include a range of emotions beyond anger, emphasizing emotional intelligence and vulnerability. Reeves also discusses the societal pressures contributing to the pessimism among young men and the importance of mentorship and clear communication in navigating these complex dynamics.
67 snips
Dec 6, 2024 • 10min
It's Easy To Take This For Granted | Teach Them To Do The Right Thing
Discover the power of gratitude as the podcast dives into the importance of appreciating today's comforts against a backdrop of history. Learn how to instill decency and integrity in children through compelling stories and insightful discussions. A touching conversation between a mother and son reveals the strength of love and resilience when facing negativity. Plus, get excited about a special leather edition release just in time for the holidays, celebrating simple joys and meaningful connections.
25 snips
Dec 5, 2024 • 14min
We Want That But Need This | Ask DS
AJ Jacobs, a podcaster and author known for his work on The Puzzler, joins the conversation to explore how simplicity leads to true happiness, drawing inspiration from Stoic philosophers. They discuss the connection between ancient wisdom and modern life through humorous references and quotes. The importance of self-mastery is highlighted using George Washington’s character as an example. Jacobs emphasizes speaking with purpose while inviting listeners to ponder meaningful quotes, making this chat both enlightening and entertaining.
16 snips
Dec 4, 2024 • 2min
Not Who’s Right, What’s Right
Discover the Stoic approach to truth and debate, emphasizing the value of prioritizing facts over ego. Learn how Stoics like Marcus Aurelius and Seneca advise us to remain open-minded and willing to change our views if the evidence suggests we’re wrong. It’s a refreshing reminder that sometimes, admitting we’re wrong is a sign of strength, not weakness. Embrace the wisdom of letting go of the need to be right and instead focus on pursuing what is right.
30 snips
Dec 4, 2024 • 59min
Judge Frederic Block on the Moral Duties and Real-Life Stories of Prison Reform
Judge Frederic Block, a U.S. District Court judge at 90 and author of A Second Chance, shares his deep insights into the moral complexities of clemency and sentencing reform. He discusses the importance of the First Step Act in providing non-violent offenders a second chance. With compelling personal stories from six inmates, he emphasizes the balance between justice and empathy. The conversation also touches on the profound impact of laughter in both personal and judicial spheres, showcasing the humanity behind the law.
251 snips
Dec 3, 2024 • 20min
Have You Done This? | 13 Stoic Strategies For Conquering Your Anxiety
Explore the profound role of community service and blood donation through personal stories. Delve into Stoic strategies for tackling anxiety, drawing from historical figures like Marcus Aurelius. Learn to prepare for life's challenges with a proactive mindset using 'premeditatio malorum.' Discover how imagination fuels fear and the power of facing anxieties head-on. Embrace the present as a remedy for inner turmoil, highlighting stillness and acceptance as keys to happiness.
79 snips
Dec 2, 2024 • 12min
This Is A Tragedy | Be Stingy With Time
Explore the value of time through Stoic philosophy, focusing on meaningful connections. Discover the importance of being intentional with how you spend your time and the call to action for charitable contributions. Learn to be 'miserly' with your time to prioritize what truly matters. Reflect on how generosity can transform lives and the significance of supporting those in need. Join the mission to feed millions and understand that life is long if you know how to use it wisely.
117 snips
Dec 1, 2024 • 11min
Don’t Forget To Practice This
Dive into the power of generosity as a core Stoic virtue. Discover how practicing kindness can transform lives and foster community bonds. Embrace the spirit of giving during Black Friday and Cyber Monday to support those in need. Reflect on historical examples, including insights from Marcus Aurelius and Ralph Waldo Emerson, highlighting the moral duty of the fortunate to uplift others. Learn why integrating acts of kindness into daily life is essential for personal fulfillment and societal improvement.
86 snips
Nov 30, 2024 • 1h 4min
AJ Jacobs on His Year of Living Constitutionally (Muskets and Tricorne Hats Included)
AJ Jacobs, a New York Times bestselling author and self-proclaimed "human guinea pig," embarks on a year-long adventure living by the U.S. Constitution. He shares hilarious insights on adopting an 18th-century lifestyle and ponders the Founding Fathers' contradictions. The conversation delves into morality, the complexities of political power, and the personal impact one can have on history. Jacobs emphasizes the importance of virtue in governance while exploring how individual actions can drive social change. Tune in for a blend of humor and thought-provoking reflections!
