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The Daily Stoic

Daily Stoic | Wonderywondery.com

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.

Listen to The Daily Stoic on the Wondery App or wherever you listen to your podcasts. You can listen early and ad-free on Wondery+. Join Wondery+ in the Wondery App, Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Start your free trial by visiting wondery.com/links/the-daily-stoic/ now. 

Episodes

What Marcus Learned From His Mother | 6 Stoic Lessons In Stillness

Happy Mother's Day this weekend to everyone! 🎙️ Follow The Daily Stoic Podcast on Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/dailystoicpodcast 🎥 Watch top moments from The Daily Stoic Podcast on YouTube : https://www.youtube.com/@dailystoicpodcast ✉️ Want Stoic wisdom delivered to your inbox daily? Sign up for the FREE Daily Stoic email at https://dailystoic.com/dailyemail 🏛 Get Stoic inspired books, medallions, and prints to remember these lessons at the Daily Stoic Store: https://store.dailystoi...

May 09, 202526 minEp. 2547

Sometimes This Is The Only Way To Grow | Ask Daily Stoic

It would be nice if we always had smooth sailing. But we don’t. 📚 Books mentioned: Ghost Rider by Neil Peart On Character by General Stanley McChrystal  Say Nothing by Patrick Radden Keefe Fire Weather by John Vaillant  Meditations by Marcus Aurelius (Gregory Hays Translation) 🎙️ Follow The Daily Stoic Podcast on Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/dailystoicpodcast 🎥 Watch top moments from The Daily Stoic Podcast on YouTube : https://www.youtube.com/@dailystoicpodcast ✉️ Want Sto...

May 08, 202512 minEp. 2545

You’ll Be Called Worse…By Better

Marcus Aurelius was the public face of an empire. Seneca published plays and books. Cato and Cicero ran for office. Epictetus was a slave to a powerful Roman, at his whim and his mercy. In other words, they knew what it was like to be criticized. 🎙️ Follow The Daily Stoic Podcast on Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/dailystoicpodcast 🎥 Watch top moments from The Daily Stoic Podcast on YouTube : https://www.youtube.com/@dailystoicpodcast ✉️ Want Stoic wisdom delivered to your inbox daily? S...

May 07, 20253 minEp. 2543

Can a Billionaire Be a Stoic? | Robert Rosenkranz (PT. 1)

Wealth can free you—or consume you. Self-made billionaire Robert Rosenkranz joins Ryan to discuss how Stoicism can transform our approach to money, ambition, and identity. Robert shares how Stoicism has shaped his decision-making, honed his intuition, and influenced his mindset on wealth and living a fulfilling life.  Robert Rosenkranz became a self-made billionaire as a pioneer in private equity, multi-strategy hedge funds, and the insurance industry. He launched the acclaimed NPR program,...

May 07, 202549 minEp. 2533

It’s Strange How Cowardly We Sometimes Are | We Are A Product of Our Habits

Courage calls us and what do we do? We ignore it. We let it ring. 📓 Pick up a signed edition of The Daily Stoic Journal: 366 Days of Writing and Reflection on The Art of Living : https://store.dailystoic.com/ Protect your Daily Stoic Journal from the wear and tear of everyday use with the Leather Cover : https://store.dailystoic.com/ 🎙️ Follow The Daily Stoic Podcast on Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/dailystoicpodcast 🎥 Watch top moments from The Daily Stoic Podcast on YouTube : https:...

May 06, 20258 minEp. 2541

Will They Forgive You? | You Are The Project

You could say something…you should say something. But…you don’t. 📚 Books mentioned: The Daily Stoic by Ryan Holiday | Grab a signed copy here https://store.dailystoic.com/  Augustus by John Williams | https://www.thepaintedporch.com/ The War of Art by Steven Pressfield | https://www.thepaintedporch.com/ Turning Pro by Steven Pressfield  | https://www.thepaintedporch.com/ 🎙️ Follow The Daily Stoic Podcast on Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/dailystoicpodcast 🎥 Watch top moments ...

May 05, 20259 minEp. 2540

BONUS: You Know, You Can Do Something

If it’s right, if it must be done….do it now. 📕 Tomorrow is the LAST DAY you can grab the Right Thing, Right Now ebook for just $2.99 ! Or if you prefer reading hardcover books, we have signed copies available over at the Daily Stoic Store, too! Head here to get yours today 🎙️ Follow The Daily Stoic Podcast on Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/dailystoicpodcast 🎥 Watch top moments from The Daily Stoic Podcast on YouTube : https://www.youtube.com/@dailystoicpodcast ✉️ Want Stoic wisdom del...

May 04, 20254 minEp. 2539

Moral Courage Isn’t Always So Simple

The call for courage keeps returning, over and over. What matters most isn’t what we chose before, but what we choose right now. Listen to the talk that Ryan was supposed to give at The Naval Academy: Apple Podcasts , Spotify , YouTube 📚 Check out the Virtue Series 3-Book Bundle which includes Ryan Holiday’s books: Courage is Calling , Discipline is Destiny , and Right Thing, Right Now 📖 Preorder the final book in Ryan Holiday's The Stoic Virtues Series: "Wisdom Takes Work": https://store.dail...

May 04, 202523 minEp. 2530

What The Stoics Thought Made You Rich | Sahil Bloom

If wealth meant fulfillment instead of finances, how rich would you be? In today's episode, Sahil Bloom, entrepreneur and author of The 5 Types of Wealth , joins Ryan to unpack how they balance ambition and fulfillment. They discuss the concept of having “enough”, their definitions of being wealthy, what we can learn from the Stoics about living a rich life, and more.  Sahil Bloom is the owner of SRB Holdings, the managing partner of SRB Ventures, and author of The 5 Types of Wealth: A Tran...

May 03, 20251 hr 7 minEp. 2528

If You Want A Reason To Live Pt. II | 12 Stoic Choices To LEVEL UP Your Life TODAY

As dark as life can get, there are lovely things out there to cheer you up.  🎙️ Follow The Daily Stoic Podcast on Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/dailystoicpodcast 🎥 Watch top moments from The Daily Stoic Podcast on YouTube : https://www.youtube.com/@dailystoicpodcast ✉️ Want Stoic wisdom delivered to your inbox daily? Sign up for the FREE Daily Stoic email at https://dailystoic.com/dailyemail 🏛 Get Stoic inspired books, medallions, and prints to remember these lessons at the Daily...

May 02, 202522 minEp. 2536

What Is It For If Not This? | Ask Daily Stoic

You will never be secure enough, powerful enough that you won’t be afraid—that’s the whole point of courage. 📕 You can grab the Right Thing, Right Now ebook for just $2.99 right now ! Or if you prefer reading hardcover books like us, we have signed copies available over at the Daily Stoic Store, too! Head here to get yours today. 🎙️ Follow The Daily Stoic Podcast on Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/dailystoicpodcast 🎥 Watch top moments from The Daily Stoic Podcast on YouTube : https://ww...

May 01, 202513 minEp. 2535

Ed Helms on History’s Greatest Screw Ups

You might know Ed Helms as Andy Bernard from The Office or Stu Price from The Hangover movies—but did you know he’s also a serious history buff? He’s especially fascinated by history’s biggest screwups, better known as SNAFUs ("Situation Normal: All F**ked Up"). In today’s episode, Ed joins Ryan to unpack some of these epic blunders, explain how history became an escape for him, and share why learning about the past can be surprisingly therapeutic. Ed Helms is an actor, comedian, podcast host, a...

Apr 30, 20251 hr 12 minEp. 2525

Can You Imagine?

We are all fighting our own battles, we are all besieged by misfortune in our own ways. 🎙️ Follow The Daily Stoic Podcast on Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/dailystoicpodcast 🎥 Watch top moments from The Daily Stoic Podcast on YouTube : https://www.youtube.com/@dailystoicpodcast ✉️ Want Stoic wisdom delivered to your inbox daily? Sign up for the FREE Daily Stoic email at https://dailystoic.com/dailyemail 🏛 Get Stoic inspired books, medallions, and prints to remember these lessons at the...

Apr 30, 20253 minEp. 2534

You Have To Win The Morning! | Show, Don't Tell

By winning the morning, we reduce the power that the rest of the day—much of which lies beyond our control—holds over us. 📓 Pick up a signed edition of The Daily Stoic Journal: 366 Days of Writing and Reflection on The Art of Living : https://store.dailystoic.com/ Protect your Daily Stoic Journal from the wear and tear of everyday use with the Leather Cover : https://store.dailystoic.com/ 🎙️ Follow The Daily Stoic Podcast on Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/dailystoicpodcast 🎥 Watch top ...

Apr 29, 20257 minEp. 2532

What's It All For? | Wants Make You A Servant

We tell ourselves that this is all for the future, that someday, in some big moment of significance, we’ll use it. But will we? You can grab the Right Thing, Right Now ebook for just $2.99 right now !  If you prefer reading hardcover books like us, we have signed copies available over at the Daily Stoic Store, too! 📔 Pick up your own leather bound signed edition of The Daily Stoic ! Check it out at the Daily Stoic Store: https://store.dailystoic.com/ 🎙️ Follow The Daily Stoic Podcast on I...

Apr 28, 20259 minEp. 2531

Seneca’s Warning | The Quiet Corruption of the Soul

We often ignore flaws in our body until they demand attention, but flaws in the soul are even harder to see—the deeper the damage, the less aware we are of it. Today’s episode is an excerpt from The Tao Of Seneca produced by Tim Ferriss’ Audio. Get the free PDF at tim.blog/seneca Listen to other letters from Seneca: Seneca on Despising Death Seneca on Conquering the Conqueror Seneca on Philosophy and Friendship Seneca on Practicing What You Preach Seneca on The Reasons For Withdrawing From The W...

Apr 27, 202511 minEp. 2519

Leadership Lessons from Gen. Dan Caine | 9/11 Pilot to Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff

Just after 2 a.m. on April 11, the U.S. Senate confirmed retired Air Force Lieutenant General Dan Caine as the 22nd Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. As it turns out, Ryan had the opportunity to interview Gen. Caine a few years ago as part of The Daily Stoic Leadership Challenge . In honor of his recent confirmation, today’s episode is Ryan and Gen. Caine's powerful conversation. Gen. Caine reflects on being one of the first pilots in the air on 9/11, the core traits every great leader must...

Apr 26, 20251 hr 11 minEp. 2518

Encourage Yourself Like This | Are Women MORE Stoic Than Men?

It was a dark world…and Marcus Aurelius desperately needed some light. 🎉 Celebrate Marcus Aurelius' Birthday this month by reading Meditations with us and the Daily Stoic community. On April 26th, 1905 years after the day of his birth, Ryan Holiday will host an invite-only LIVE Q&A to talk about all things Marcus Aurelius and Meditations. Get 20% off with a Meditations BOOK & GUIDE bundle . Join the LIVE Meditations Q&A with Ryan Holiday by purchasing before April 26th! Get all our ...

Apr 25, 202545 minEp. 2529

BONUS: This Is The Stoicism Talk The Navy Banned (Ryan Holiday At The U.S. Naval Academy)

Check out the previous lectures from Ryan Holiday at the U.S. Naval Academy here: Courage: The Power Of Courage  Discipline: The Life Changing Art Of Self-Discipline Justice: Stoic Habits To Help You Live And Be Better 🗞️ Read Ryan Holiday's opinion piece in The New York Times: https://www.nytimes.com/2025/04/19/opinion/naval-academy-speech-censorship.html 📖 Preorder the final book in Ryan Holiday's The Stoic ...

Apr 24, 202549 minEp. 2527

It Can Change Your Life | Ask Daily Stoic

The right book at the right time is a powerful thing. In fact, it can change the whole course of your life. 🎉 Celebrate Marcus Aurelius' Birthday this month by reading Meditations with us and the Daily Stoic community. On April 26th, 1905 years after the day of his birth, Ryan Holiday will host an invite-only LIVE Q&A to talk about all things Marcus Aurelius and Meditations. Get 20% off with a Meditations BOOK & GUIDE bundle . Join the LIVE Meditations Q&A with Ryan Holiday by purch...

Apr 24, 202519 minEp. 2526

Why We Treat The Body Rigorously | Bonnie Tsui

"The body should be treated more rigorously, so that it may not be disobedient to the mind." — Seneca  In today’s episode, Ryan sits down with Bonnie Tsui - author, swimmer, surfer - to unpack the deep connection between our muscles and mental resilience. They dive into everything from the intelligence of muscle memory, what the ancient Stoics knew about strength that we’ve forgotten, how exercise can actually bulk up your brain, and much more. Bonnie Tsui is a journalist, New York Times co...

Apr 23, 20251 hr 3 minEp. 2514

Before You Get Angry Today, Listen To This

We were born to work together like feet, hands, and eyes, like the two rows of teeth, upper and lower. To obstruct each other is unnatural. 🎉 Celebrate Marcus Aurelius' Birthday this month by reading Meditations with us and the Daily Stoic community. On April 26th, 1905 years after the day of his birth, Ryan Holiday will host an invite-only LIVE Q&A to talk about all things Marcus Aurelius and Meditations. Get 20% off with a Meditations BOOK & GUIDE bundle . Join the LIVE Meditations Q&...

Apr 23, 20254 minEp. 2524

BONUS: Celebrate Earth Day The Stoic Way | Living In Accordance With Nature

Happy Earth Day! Let today be a reminder of how the Stoics looked to nature as a guide for living wisely and well. 🎥 Watch this episode on The Daily Stoic YouTube Channel : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=COfKIzH5cXE 🎙️ Follow The Daily Stoic Podcast on Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/dailystoicpodcast 🎥 Watch top moments from The Daily Stoic Podcast on YouTube : https://www.youtube.com/@dailystoicpodcast ✉️ Want Stoic wisdom delivered to your inbox daily? Sign up for the FREE Daily Sto...

Apr 22, 202521 minEp. 2522

It’s The Most Empowering Thing | The Freedom Of Contempt

We all have those days where we’d rather just not. The ancients knew days like this. 🎉 Celebrate Marcus Aurelius' Birthday this month by reading Meditations with us and the Daily Stoic community. On April 26th, 1905 years after the day of his birth, Ryan Holiday will host an invite-only LIVE Q&A to talk about all things Marcus Aurelius and Meditations. Get 20% off with a Meditations BOOK & GUIDE bundle . Join the LIVE Meditations Q&A with Ryan Holiday by purchasing before April 26th...

Apr 22, 202510 minEp. 2523

This Is How To Live Well | Don't Let Your Attention Slide

Marcus Aurelius' life teaches us how to live well. And because he lived well, his story also teaches us how to die well: with grace, with strength, with empathy, and with the comfort of knowing that he lived a good life as a good man.  🎉 Celebrate Marcus Aurelius' Birthday this month by reading Meditations with us and the Daily Stoic community. On April 26th, 1905 years after the day of his birth, Ryan Holiday will host an invite-only LIVE Q&A to talk about all things Marcus Aurelius a...

Apr 21, 202510 minEp. 2521

The Moment Ryan Holiday's Life Changed Forever

When Marcus Aurelius addresses “you”—reminding you that your thoughts shape the quality of your mind, or advising you to choose not to be harmed so that you won’t feel harmed—he is speaking to himself. This exercise in self-improvement is so sincere and earnest, sometimes painfully so, that it unintentionally speaks directly to us, helping us with our modern problems. In today's episode, Ryan Holiday shares the profound shift these lessons had on his life since discovering Meditations at 19. 📕 ...

Apr 20, 202517 minEp. 2511

BONUS: How Rory McIlroy Fueled His Comeback with Stoicism

Last week, Rory McIlroy won the 2025 Masters Tournament, securing his first Green Jacket and completing the career Grand Slam. Nearly five years earlier, The Golf Channel profiled Ryan in a feature on Rory McIlroy, showing how ' The Obstacle Is The Way ' helped Rory reset his mindset and fuel what would become one of the most remarkable comebacks in golf history. 🎥 Watch this on The Daily Stoic YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tsegDV9aZvk 📕 Pick up a copy of the 10th Anniversar...

Apr 20, 202512 minEp. 2520

Meditations Isn’t Just for Philosophers

What do an A-list actor, a four-star Navy admiral, and a world-famous magician have in common? Meditations by Marcus Aurelius has profoundly shaped each of their lives—proof that a Roman emperor’s private reflections still resonate 2,000 years later. In today’s episode, Ryan speaks with actor Patrick Dempsey, director Francis Ford Coppola, Professor Jennifer Baker, magician Derren Brown, bestselling author Donald Robertson, Admiral William McRaven, and voice actor/musician Troy Baker about their...

Apr 19, 202553 minEp. 2510

History Obliterates In Every Picture It Paints | Why You Need To Read Meditations By Marcus Aurelius

The Stoics weren’t just leaders and philosophers, they were also parents, spouses, and friends who experienced joy, who fell in love, who cherished the beauty of the world around them. 🎉 Celebrate Marcus Aurelius' Birthday this month by reading Meditations with us and the Daily Stoic community. On April 26th, 1905 years after the day of his birth, Ryan Holiday will host an invite-only LIVE Q&A to talk about all things Marcus Aurelius and Meditations. Get 20% off with a Meditations BOOK &amp...

Apr 18, 202538 minEp. 2517

It’s Almost Unimaginable | Ask Daily Stoic

True fortune is not what happens to us, but how we choose to meet it. 🎉 Celebrate Marcus Aurelius' Birthday this month by reading Meditations with us and the Daily Stoic community. On April 26th, 1905 years after the day of his birth, Ryan Holiday will host an invite-only LIVE Q&A to talk about all things Marcus Aurelius and Meditations. Get 20% off with a Meditations BOOK & GUIDE bundle . Join the LIVE Meditations Q&A with Ryan Holiday by purchasing before April 26th! Get all our M...

Apr 17, 202513 minEp. 2516
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