

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

14 snips
Mar 15, 2024 • 11min
Every Day Is A Chance For This | The Present Is All We Possess
Explore the power of living in the present through Stoic insights. The conversation emphasizes seizing daily opportunities for self-improvement and taking immediate action towards personal goals. Reflect on wisdom from Marcus Aurelius and the necessity of enjoying the moment rather than dwelling on regrets or future anxieties. Discover how the Daily Stoic Spring Forward Challenge can guide you in embracing renewal and transformation, reminding us that every day is a chance for a new beginning and a better life.

8 snips
Mar 14, 2024 • 13min
Don’t Rush Through This | Ask DS
Explore the art of slowing down and appreciating the present through Stoic wisdom. Discover how our rush towards life often leads us to miss its beauty, with insights from Seneca. Learn about the transformative Spring Forward Challenge designed to help you reassess your habits and seize opportunities for growth. The discussion also touches on balancing confidence and humility amidst external pressures, emphasizing emotional equilibrium while pursuing long-term goals. It's a rich conversation about mindful living and personal renewal.

237 snips
Mar 13, 2024 • 1h 4min
Slow Productivity and Anticipating Consequences | Cal Newport PT 1
Cal Newport, an Associate Professor at Georgetown and bestselling author, dives into the pitfalls of hustle culture. He introduces his concept of 'Slow Productivity,' advocating for a thoughtful and deliberate approach to achievement. Newport discusses how meaningful work prioritizes quality over speed and reflects on the importance of patience inspired by historical figures. The conversation also touches on the balance between structure and spontaneity in creativity, emphasizing the value of genuine results over superficial hustle.

Mar 13, 2024 • 2min
You Gotta Be Able To Do This
The discussion delves into the remarkable yet flawed life of Marcus Aurelius, emphasizing his human side despite his power. The dialogue contrasts him with the near-superhuman character Woodrow Call from Lonesome Dove, showcasing how idealization can obscure reality. It raises thought-provoking questions about pride, the admission of mistakes, and the struggle to accept one's imperfections. Ultimately, it encourages listeners to embrace humility and acknowledge their own flaws.

28 snips
Mar 12, 2024 • 14min
You Don't Want To See This | The Stoic Guide To Freedom And Power (From Epictetus)
Dive into the wisdom of Stoicism as it addresses the challenges of dealing with difficult people in our lives. Reflect on Marcus Aurelius's insight that we can't escape shameless individuals and the importance of accepting their role. Explore how Epictetus, once a lowly slave, illustrates true power lies in mastering oneself. Learn to embrace obstacles as catalysts for growth, transforming them into opportunities for courage and self-discovery. Unlock your inner strength and freedom through the guidance of ancient philosophy.

35 snips
Mar 11, 2024 • 10min
Everybody Is Doing Their Job | Think About It From The Other Person's Perspective
Explore the art of empathy as you navigate interactions with difficult people. Learn how viewing others as simply doing their jobs can shift your perspective and reduce frustration. Delve into self-reflection techniques to foster patience and understanding in challenging situations. Plus, discover the connection between empathy and personal experiences, touching on interesting music controversies. Embrace the idea that everyone has a role, even in their moments of frustration!

18 snips
Mar 10, 2024 • 21min
Are You Spending This Wisely? | Lives Of The Stoics ( Antipater the Ethicist )
Discover the fascinating life of Antipater, a pivotal Stoic philosopher, as he navigates ethical dilemmas and emphasizes the importance of time management. Learn how intentional living, inspired by Seneca, can enhance your daily decisions. Explore Antipater's views on marriage and family, revealing their vital role in a fulfilling life. The discussion inspires a proactive approach to ethics, encouraging listeners to integrate Stoic principles into everyday choices while participating in the Spring Forward Challenge!

64 snips
Mar 9, 2024 • 1h 19min
Changing the World with Civility and the Core of Stoicism | Alexandra Hudson
Join Alexandra Hudson, a writer and founder of Civic Renaissance, as she delves into the power of civility in today's society. She unpacks how Stoicism can serve as a tool for personal conduct and societal interactions. The conversation highlights moral complexities in history, examining the ethical dilemmas faced by figures like Jefferson and Wheatley. Hudson emphasizes the significance of empathy and respect in navigating modern challenges, urging listeners to champion virtues that promote a healthier democracy.

22 snips
Mar 8, 2024 • 10min
Everybody Wants To Rule The World | Don't Unintentionally Hand Over Your Freedom
The quest for power has long captivated humanity, but is it truly worth it? Delve into the insights from ancient philosophers like Marcus Aurelius, who argues that ruling brings more burdens than rewards. Explore the pitfalls of external distractions in today's world, especially during politically charged times. Discover the importance of maintaining mental clarity and self-control to reclaim your attention. Ultimately, realize that fame and power are often empty pursuits, urging you to focus on what truly matters instead.

30 snips
Mar 7, 2024 • 19min
You Aren’t Killing Time. Time Is Killing You | Ryan Holiday Answers On Ego And Mentorship
Embrace every moment as a precious gift, inspired by Seneca's reflections on time and death. Discover the crucial role of mentorship in navigating your professional life with humility and self-awareness. Engage with the challenges of ethical entrepreneurship that marry maverick instincts with business wisdom. Explore how literature and supportive communities can fuel personal growth and tackle obstacles like writer's block. The discussion provides insightful historical references that inspire proactive living and continuous improvement.


