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
5 snips
Feb 10, 2024 • 58min
Author Evelyn McDonnell On Joan Didion’s Life and Legacy (Pt 2)
Evelyn McDonnell, a writer and journalism professor, dives deep into Joan Didion's remarkable life and legacy. She discusses how Didion's personal tragedies shaped her writing, demonstrating the transformative power of art in expressing grief. The conversation also explores the challenges Didion faced navigating motherhood and public life, revealing the intricate dynamics of parenting under societal expectations. Additionally, they examine Didion's resilience through her educational journey and emphasize the importance of critiquing power, championing underrepresented voices.
13 snips
Feb 9, 2024 • 8min
You Don’t Want To Rule The World | You Don't Have To Have An Opinion
Ruling the world isn’t all it’s cracked up to be; history shows it can be a path to personal ruin. Power may bring ambition, but it often leads to loneliness and despair. The podcast explores the concept of selective ignorance—choosing not to have opinions on everything can foster a calmer mindset. It advocates for fewer opinions to enhance happiness and strengthen relationships, focusing on what truly matters in life. Ultimately, the discussion reveals the unexpected blessings of a simpler, more peaceful existence.
7 snips
Feb 8, 2024 • 11min
Either Way, This Is Not The Answer | Ask DS
The podcast explores the Stoic approach to managing anger in the face of injustice, emphasizing calmness and strategic action. Discussion shifts to the importance of maintaining composure for meaningful dialogue during turbulent times. Listeners gain insights on entrepreneurship, the writing process, and the balance between indulgence and clarity in content creation. There's a focus on the art of consistency and adapting ideas across platforms to engage diverse audiences, showcasing the power of repetition in effective communication.
11 snips
Feb 7, 2024 • 1h 3min
Author Evelyn McDonnell On Joan Didion’s Life and Legacy (Pt 1)
Join Evelyn McDonnell, writer and journalism professor, as she shares insights on Joan Didion’s remarkable life and legacy. They discuss the resurgence of psychedelics and how artists navigate existential questions. McDonnell highlights Didion's unique perspective, weaving personal tragedy with societal issues, and reflects on her struggles with mental health and family dynamics. The conversation unpacks Didion's resilience amid adversity and explores the complexities of her heritage, all while illuminating her profound impact on literature.
Feb 7, 2024 • 2min
This is Why You Can’t Try To Avoid Criticism
Everyone faces criticism, and trying to avoid it can be a losing battle. Conforming to others' expectations may lead you astray. Instead, true fulfillment comes from staying authentic to your values. A historical figure's journey illustrates the futility of seeking approval from the masses. Embrace your mission and strive for self-respect rather than the fleeting praise of others. Remember, the haters will always find a way to hate, so focus on what feels meaningful and right to you.
49 snips
Feb 6, 2024 • 15min
You Can Have This Joy | The Stoic Art Of Stillness (12 Keys)
Explore the joy and laughter embedded in Stoicism, challenging the view of it as a solely serious philosophy. Discover how the teachings of ancient Stoics advocate for stillness as a pathway to happiness and mental clarity. Learn practical tips for achieving tranquility, including reducing news intake and embracing meaningful activities like cooking and music. Dive into the powerful connection between reflection and problem-solving, revealing how stillness can inspire joy amidst life's chaos.
36 snips
Feb 5, 2024 • 9min
Try Not To Be So Slow | Suspend Your Opinions
The podcast dives into Seneca's moral dilemmas as he tutored the young Nero, revealing the dark side of ambition and complicity in tyranny. It explores Stoic principles, emphasizing the liberation found in suspending opinions and expectations, which can lead to mental clarity. The discussion highlights the stress reduction that comes with minimizing judgments of others, especially in today's social media age. Finally, it advocates for a non-judgmental approach to foster tranquility, particularly in politically charged discussions.
Feb 4, 2024 • 10min
An Empire Exhausted
Colin Elliott, a college professor and author of "Pax Romana: The Plague That Shook the Roman World," dives deep into the implications of the Antonine Plague. He discusses how this pandemic exposed the vulnerabilities of the Roman Empire, detailing the intertwining crises of disease and war. Elliott draws fascinating parallels between past and present pandemics, shedding light on the social chaos that ensued and linking historical events to modern societal challenges. His insights reveal how crises can unmask underlying flaws in civilizations.
86 snips
Feb 3, 2024 • 1h 8min
Dr. Michael Gervais On The Extension Of Stoicism In Modern Times (Pt 2)
Dr. Michael Gervais, a high-performance psychologist and founder of Finding Mastery, shares his insights on modern Stoicism. He dives into the importance of living in the present and the interplay between emotional awareness and decision-making. Gervais emphasizes intrinsic versus extrinsic motivation, especially in athletes dealing with post-retirement identity shifts. He also discusses balancing demanding careers with family life, highlighting how adversity can fuel personal growth. A thought-provoking conversation that blends philosophy with practical wisdom!
10 snips
Feb 2, 2024 • 8min
This Is Why You Shouldn’t Be Jealous | A Proper Frame Of Mind
Explore the hidden costs of jealousy through the lens of ancient Stoic philosophy, particularly focusing on Marcus Aurelius and his challenges. Discover how envy can cloud personal growth and happiness, urging a shift in perspective. The discussion emphasizes breaking free from emotional control and societal pressures, inviting listeners to reflect on their experiences and reclaim their true sense of freedom. Ultimately, it’s a journey toward understanding the complexities of life and the often unseen struggles of those we admire.
