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
12 snips
Feb 2, 2026 • 3min
BONUS | You Can't Let The Setbacks Win
A reflection on recovering from setbacks and not letting them define you. A look at accepting interruptions without surrendering to them. A reminder to return to your rhythm and take deliberate action after being thrown off. An invitation to rebuild momentum with community support.
107 snips
Feb 1, 2026 • 12min
This Is Why You Have To Care
A late-night traffic stop sparks a broader look at targeted enforcement and immigrant rights. The narrator contrasts rights with privileges and insists on due process for everyone. Stoic teachings are used to argue we must care, speak up, and refuse complicity when authorities violate rights. Historical warnings show how silence enables persecution.
86 snips
Jan 31, 2026 • 38min
Why Bert Kreischer Thinks He Needs a Stoic Coach
Bert Kreischer, high-energy comedian and podcaster known for wild storytelling, talks sobriety, routines, and life on the road. He wrestles with wanting a Seneca-like advisor, the pull of late-night indulgence, pandemic-forced sobriety, the daily “witching hour,” and the anxiety of checking Netflix numbers. Short, candid conversations about discipline, shame, and protecting the playful spark.
88 snips
Jan 30, 2026 • 14min
The Age of Catos is Gone (or Is It?) | Ryan Holiday Owes Everything To This One Book
A reflection on whether traditional values are truly fading and why that feeling repeats across history. A call to choose honor and keep higher ideals alive. A discussion of how Meditations reshaped one life and the power of focusing on essentials. Thoughts on perception, obstacles as opportunities, avoiding catastrophic imagination, and serving others to create hope.
121 snips
Jan 29, 2026 • 18min
This is the Day You Start | What Does Living A Virtuous Life Look Like?
A call to start becoming the person you want to be right now. A discussion of living virtuously through public duty, participation in politics and business, and building institutions instead of just fighting. Thoughts on acting within what you can control, turning obstacles into leadership opportunities, and why ancient Stoic ideas resonate in today’s crises.
18 snips
Jan 28, 2026 • 3min
Do You Think They Liked It?
A short dive into Stoic discipline and why doing what you resist matters. Exploration of Marcus Aurelius’ struggle with rising early and tackling unwanted tasks. A brief invitation to a 21-day New Year challenge to practice these habits.
78 snips
Jan 28, 2026 • 45min
Bert Kreischer Has a Stoicism Problem
Bert Kreischer, high-energy stand-up comedian and podcast host known for Free Bert, wrestles with Stoicism and why it feels unnatural to him. He shares wild life stories, struggles with criticism and FOMO, and debates whether an extrovert can practice Stoic discipline. Conversation also touches on boundaries with social media and surprising takes on Seneca and Nero.
78 snips
Jan 27, 2026 • 21min
We Have to Care About the Little Guy | A Stoic Reset for Right Now
A call to defend the vulnerable and stand against intimidation and discrimination. Stories of ancient Stoics and civic leaders who opposed bullies. Practical advice on preparing for disruption by focusing on what you can control. Recommendations for reading resilient classics and keeping a journal to stay grounded and deliberate.
84 snips
Jan 26, 2026 • 9min
Discipline is Doing It Anyway | The Power of Mantra
A short take on why discipline is acting despite excuses. A tour of Marcus Aurelius’ phrases as repeatable mantras for clarity. Thoughts on using simple, written reminders as meditative tools to focus behavior. An invitation to commit to small, repeatable practices that steer daily choices.
219 snips
Jan 25, 2026 • 16min
Feeling Scared and Overwhelmed? Start Here
Ancient Stoic practices for reducing anxiety and building resilience in hard times. Practical ways to focus only on what you can control amid chaos. Turning obstacles into opportunities for growth and virtue. Managing anger, avoiding added emotional suffering, and carrying duty even through grief.
