The Daily Stoic - podcast cover

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 Jimmy Carter Can Teach Us About Justice | Ryan Holiday Speaks at the Naval Academy

Back in April, Ryan went to the United States Naval Academy and spoke to over 1,000 Sophomore Cadets about Stoicism, the virtue of Justice, and the legacy of USNA alum and former President, Jimmy Carter. This was part of the Stutt Ethics Lecture Series at the Naval Academy, made possible by a gift from William C. Stutt and his wife Carolyn. 🎙️ Listen to the Q&A portion | Apple Podcasts , Spotify, & Wondery 📕 Learn more about Jimmy Carter's life and legacy in Right Thing, Right Now | ht...

Aug 11, 202451 minEp. 2212

Chasing Olympic Gold with Stoic Virtues | Greg Harden, Kate Courtney, & Chris Bosh

The 2024 Summer Olympic Games in Paris are coming to a close and it’s been incredible watching the world’s top athletes compete for gold. Today, Ryan talks with Greg Harden, who has worked with Tom Brady and 23-time Olympic gold medalist Michael Phelps, about how he helped them stay mentally focused. Kate Courtney, who competed in the Tokyo Olympics, talks about seeing moments of failure as opportunities for growth. Chris Bosh and Ryan dive into how Stoicism helps elite athletes stay on top of t...

Aug 10, 202442 minEp. 2211

Don’t Say You’re One Of These | Stick With Just The Facts

You don’t call yourself a Stoic. You must act like a Stoic. 💡 We set up Stoicism 101: Ancient Philosophy For Your Actual Life to give you the absolute best of Stoicism, in just 14 days Get Stoicism 101: Ancient Philosophy For Your Actual Life & all other Daily Stoic courses for FREE when you join Daily Stoic Life | dailystoic.com/life 📓 Grab your own leather bound signed edition of The Daily Stoic! Check it out at the Daily Stoic Store: https://store.dailystoic.com/ 🎟 Ryan Holiday is goin...

Aug 09, 20248 minEp. 2219

This is Our Great Fortune | Ask DS

Would you rather be poor today or wealthy in Rome two thousand years ago? You have access and knowledge that Marcus Aurelius, Seneca, and the most brilliant doctors of antiquity would have genuinely seen as magic. We are incredibly lucky. Ask DS: Has Ryan always had this perspective or did he have a day of enlightenment in terms of defining himself as a Stoic? Why did Ryan decide to focus on Stoicism and philosophy (career wise) instead of something else? How can we follow the Stoics but still m...

Aug 08, 20249 minEp. 2218

Don’t Put Yourself in This Position

A leader stands up, steps up…or in other cases, walks away. 🎙️ Listen to Ann Wroe On The Real Story Of Pontius Pilate, And His Connection To Stoicism on Apple Podcasts , Spotify, & Wondery 📚 Grab a copy of Pontius Pilate by Ann Wroe | https://www.thepaintedporch.com/ 💡 We designed The Daily Stoic Leadership Challenge: Ancient Wisdom For Modern Leaders to mirror the kind of education that produced historically great leaders like Marcus Aurelius. Check it out: store.dailystoic.com Get The D...

Aug 07, 20244 minEp. 2215

The History of American Bookshops (From Benjamin Franklin to The Painted Porch) | Evan Friss

Behind every great man and woman of history, there's usually a library or a bookstore that has been formative in their life. Not only have bookstores shaped influential leaders, but also the ideas and movements that have altered society. Stoicism originated in a bookstore, Benjamin Franklin’s bookstore influenced the American Revolution, and countless bookstores have been the backbones of activist movements. Evan Friss, author of The Bookshop: A History of the American Bookstore , talks with Rya...

Aug 07, 20241 hr 7 minEp. 2207

Let This Be Our Legacy | Robert Greene's Stoic Lessons (That Changed Ryan Holiday's Life)

Whenever the Olympics come around, we tend to place a big emphasis on winning and individual glory. But as the Stoics would remind us, it’s not winning that counts. 🎙️ Listen to Olympic Kickoff | Gold Medalist Dominique Dawes, Michael Phelps' Coach Bob Bowman, and Basketball Icon George Raveling on Apple Podcasts , Spotify, & Wondery 🔓 Unlock early access to Daily Stoic episodes by signing up for Wondery+ ! 📚 Pick up your next favorite Robert Greene book at The Painted Porch: https://www....

Aug 06, 202424 minEp. 2214

It’s Always Happening | What Little Wins Can You Find

We’re all marked souls, living on borrowed time. Let’s not waste what time we have left. Memento Mori. 🪙 Designed with the intention of carrying them in your pocket, our Memento Mori Medallion is a literal and inescapable reminder that “you could leave life right now.” Check it out at https://store.dailystoic.com/ 📚 Grab a copy of Hold Me Tight: Seven Conversations for a Lifetime of Love by Sue Johnson | https://www.thepaintedporch.com/ 🎙️ Listen to Professor Paul Woodruff on Philosophy, War ...

Aug 05, 20248 minEp. 2213

Going Beyond The Call

Having the courage to make the ultimate sacrifice. Going beyond the call. This is the story of the Battle of Thermopylae. 📕 Grab a signed copy of Courage is Calling at https://store.dailystoic.com/ ✉️ 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.dailystoic.com/ 📱 Follow us: Instagram , Twitter , You...

Aug 04, 202419 minEp. 2204

Unlocking Self-Discovery Through Shadow Work Journaling | Keila Shaheen

Journaling allows us to release our thoughts and feelings, but shadow work journaling takes it to a much deeper level. Shadow work is based on Carl Jung's idea that we all have a “shadow self” which holds our repressed thoughts, feelings, and experiences. This side of us is hidden in our subconscious, but impacts how we show up in all areas of life. Keila Shaheen, author of the viral sensation The Shadow Work Journal , joins Ryan to talk about what shadow work is, why shadow work journaling reve...

Aug 03, 20241 hr 12 minEp. 2203

It’s A Very Special Thing | We Can Work Any Way

What we see in Meditations is not the finished product of a philosopher but the process of philosophy—we are watching Marcus philosophize to himself. It’s like we get to eavesdrop on one of the world’s greatest singers giving the most earnest performance of their lifetime, totally to themselves. 🎙️ Listen to The Responsibility of Translating Marcus Aurelius | David Hernández de la Fuente | Apple Podcasts , Spotify, & Wondery 📚 Translations of Meditations: The Daily Stoic The Inner Citadel ...

Aug 02, 202410 minEp. 2210

Can You Build a Castle? | Ask DS

You could build castles out of the bricks they threw at Cato. But Cato didn’t need to build castles with those bricks because he had something better - an inner citadel. Ask DS: Looking at Cato’s life, does he stick to his plan of justice too much sometimes? If Ryan could ask Marcus Aurelius one question, what would it be? What are Ryan's tips or tricks to know if you’re hitting the golden mean? Why is justice a common thread between Friedrich Nietzsche’s work and the Stoics? 🎙️ Listen to Will ...

Aug 01, 202412 minEp. 2209

Patrick Dempsey on Ethical Dilemmas, Being of Service, and Embracing Stoicism

Patrick Dempsey and Ryan’s conversation continues in today’s episode, talking about the ethical decisions made each day, how the entertainment world is impacting society, prioritizing being of service, contributing positively to communities, and how Patrick has embraced Stoicism in his life. Patrick Dempsey is an actor, race car driver, and founder of the Dempsey Center . He is most known from his role as Derek "McDreamy" Shepherd from the series Grey’s Anatomy. Patrick has also starred in Encha...

Jul 31, 202434 minEp. 2199

This Ain’t No Sin

It doesn’t matter that times are dark or violent or uncertain. We must be grateful, we must seize this gift we’ve been given while we have it. 🪙 Designed with the intention of carrying them in your pocket, our Memento Mori Medallion is a literal and inescapable reminder that “you could leave life right now.” Check it out at https://store.dailystoic.com/ ✉️ Want Stoic wisdom delivered to your inbox daily? Sign up for the FREE Daily Stoic email at https://dailystoic.com/dailyemail 🏛 Get Stoic in...

Jul 31, 20243 minEp. 2208

How Much Sad Do You Think You Have? | 10 Stoic Tips For Handling Rude People

There are going to be moments of life that make you question just how much a person can possibly take. But there is that inner-citadel within you as well. Cultivate it now, reinforce it and it will be even stronger and more dependable when you need it. 🎶 Lyrics mentioned are from So Long, London by Taylor Swift 📕 Grab a copy of Hardship and Happiness (The Complete Works of Lucius Annaeus Seneca) at The Painted Porch | https://www.thepaintedporch.com/ 🎟 Ryan Holiday is going on tour! Grab tick...

Jul 30, 202414 minEp. 2206

We Really Screwed This Up, Didn’t We? | A Week Without Complaining

We need to make the virtues commonplace again—they are, as Marcus Aurelius said, “touchstones of goodness.” And we must start with the only thing we control: Our own decisions, motivations and actions. 📚 Learn how to live with virtue by reading the Stoic Virtues series by Ryan Holiday: Book 1: Courage is Calling | https://store.dailystoic.com/ Book 2: Discipline is Destiny | https://store.dailystoic.com/ Book 3: Right Thing, Right Now | https://store.dailystoic.com/ 📓 Pick up a signed edition ...

Jul 29, 20249 minEp. 2205

Seneca on Practicing What You Preach

Today's episode is an excerpt from The Tao Of Seneca produced by Tim Ferriss’ Audio. In this letter, Seneca writes about how true philosophy requires acting in accordance with one's principles, advocating for consistency between one's inner life and outward behavior. Go to tim.blog/seneca to get the PDF for free. Listen to more of The Tao of Seneca: 🎙️ Seneca on Despising Death 🎙️ Seneca on Conquering the Conqueror 🎙️ Seneca on Philosophy and Friendship 📕 Pick up a copy of Letters From a Sto...

Jul 28, 202412 minEp. 2196

Olympic Kickoff | Gold Medalist Dominique Dawes, Michael Phelps' Coach Bob Bowman, and Basketball Icon George Raveling

The 2024 Summer Olympic Games in Paris are officially here! To kick off the Olympics, Ryan talks to gold medalist Dominique Dawes, Michael Phelps’ coach Bob Bowman, and legendary basketball coach George Raveling. Dominique Dawes is one of only three US women to compete at three Olympics, and has won four Olympic medals. In the 1996 Summer Olympic Games in Atlanta, Dominique earned a gold medal as a part of the “Magnificent Seven”, as well as an individual bronze medal in the floor event. She als...

Jul 27, 202443 minEp. 2195

No One Escapes This | When Good Men Do Nothing

You’ll never be happy or feel good if your sense of worth is tied up in always being well-received, if you can’t handle the injustice of being misunderstood or unfairly criticized. 📕 Right Thing, Right Now | https://store.dailystoic.com/ 🎟 Ryan Holiday is going on tour! Grab tickets at ryanholiday.net/tour 📓 Grab your own leather bound signed edition of The Daily Stoic! Check it out at the Daily Stoic Store: https://store.dailystoic.com/ ✉️ Want Stoic wisdom delivered to your inbox daily? Sig...

Jul 26, 202410 minEp. 2202

Everyone (And Everything) Is Like A River | Ask DS

Marcus Aurelius put his words down in Greek over 1,850 years ago. They have not changed. But each time a new translator has looked at them, they’ve found something different. Ask DS: Does leadership equal sacrifice? How do you stay motivated, present, and fulfilled while also keeping Memento Mori in mind? 🎙️Listen to part 1 of Ryan’s Q&A with the FBI | Spotify , Apple , Wondery Translations mentioned: The Daily Stoic - Stephen Hanselman’s translation Meditations translated by Meric Casaubon...

Jul 25, 202417 minEp. 2201

Are You Allowed To Cry?

A Stoic is invulnerable. A Stoic is tough. A Stoic is emotionless. A Stoic can't cry...right? You’re only human. So be human and let yourself feel. 💡 Take the first step towards a calmer future by signing up for the course: Taming Your Temper: The 11 Day Stoic Guide to Controlling Your Anger at the Daily Stoic Store: https://dailystoic.com/anger ✉️ Want Stoic wisdom delivered to your inbox daily? Sign up for the FREE Daily Stoic email at https://dailystoic.com/dailyemail 🏛 Get Stoic inspired b...

Jul 24, 20242 minEp. 2200

Stoicism for Turbulent Times (and Divisive Politics) | History of Rome Podcaster Mike Duncan on Political Parallels

After the recent assassination attempt of former President Trump and the heightening political divide, it’s important to learn from history and turn to what we can control amidst the chaos. There’s no better time to revisit Ryan Holiday’s conversation with Mike Duncan, author of Storm Before the Storm and podcast host of The History of Rome , to talk about the historical parallels between Roman history and today’s political turmoil. They debate the normalization of political violence and the con...

Jul 24, 20241 hr 13 minEp. 2192

How To Stand Before Kings | Everything You Need To Know About Marcus Aurelius' Meditations

The Stoics didn’t just stand before kings, they came to them as equals and in some cases, towered over them, their virtue putting them above any kind of worldly power. 📕 Pick up a copy of Lives of the Stoics by Ryan Holiday | https://store.dailystoic.com/ 🎥 Watch the YouTube video of Everything You Need To Know About Marcus Aurelius' Meditations 💡 We set up Stoicism 101: Ancient Philosophy For Your Actual Life to give you the absolute best of Stoicism, in just 14 days Get Stoicism 101: Ancien...

Jul 23, 202415 minEp. 2198

Waste No More Time Doing This | Keeping "The News" In Check

“Waste no more time arguing what a good man should be,” Marcus Aurelius says. “Be one.” Don't follow breaking news. Don't let it change who you are. Don't let it rattle your equilibrium. 📕 Turn off the news and read these books instead: Trust Me I’m Lying by Ryan Holiday Amusing Ourselves to Death by Neil Postman The Image by Daniel Boorstin The Brass Check by Upton Sinclair 📓 Pick up a signed edition of The Daily Stoic Journal: 366 Days of Writing and Reflection on The Art of Living: https://...

Jul 22, 202410 minEp. 2197

Taming the Ego | Overcoming the Enemy Within

When you feel that voice inside you creeping up, the one that makes you feel entitled, the one that makes you feel superior, the one that makes you aghast that anyone would try to be telling you what to do, that child-like voice, that's ego. Listen in to Ryan Holiday differentiate between ego and confidence, explain how ego gets in the way of success, tips to combat ego, and more by using examples from his personal life as well as people like Kanye West and Sam Bankman-Fried. 📓 Pick up a signed...

Jul 21, 202449 minEp. 2188

How Patrick Dempsey Applies Stoicism in Acting and Race Car Driving

You may know Patrick Dempsey as “McDreamy” from Grey’s Anatomy or from one of his many leading roles in films like Enchanted , Sweet Home Alabama , Transformers: Dark of the Moon , The Art of Racing in the Rain , Ferrari , and countless others. In addition to being an incredible actor, Patrick is also a competitive race car driver and founder of Dempsey Racing. His first competitive race back on the track since 2015 was actually on the same day he came to the Daily Stoic studio! Patrick talks to...

Jul 20, 202441 minEp. 2187

Embrace Your Weirdness | Forgive Them Because They Don't Know

Embrace who you really are. Embrace what makes you unique. Embrace your weirdness. Because chances are it’s special. 🎙️ Listen to Rainn Wilson’s interview on The Daily Stoic or watch it on YouTube 📓 Grab your own leather bound signed edition of The Daily Stoic! Check it out at the Daily Stoic Store: https://store.dailystoic.com/ 🎟 Ryan Holiday is going on tour! Grab tickets at ryanholiday.net/tour ✉️ Want Stoic wisdom delivered to your inbox daily? Sign up for the FREE Daily Stoic email at ht...

Jul 19, 202410 minEp. 2194

This Will Help You Calm Down | Ask DS

If you read the news, it feels like the world is falling apart. Zoom out. Take a sideways glance. Get the outside of the issue, the problem, the day’s events. Seek perspective. Ask DS: How do we know when we are sticking to our values versus leaving them behind? What can we learn from President Carter’s campaigning versus his leadership while in office? Does Ryan Holiday think there are any major pitfalls or flaws in Stoicism? 📚 Grab a copy of In a Sunburned Country by Bill Bryson at The Painte...

Jul 18, 202414 minEp. 2193

This Is What Is Making You So Stressed

Falling short today does not have to mean that everything is falling apart. Stop torturing yourself! Be present. Focus primarily on what is front of you. 💡 Slay Your Stress: A Daily Stoic 20 Day Challenge | dailystoic.com/stress 🎟 Ryan Holiday is going on tour! Grab tickets at ryanholiday.net/tour ✉️ 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 l...

Jul 17, 20243 minEp. 2191

The Key Media Strategies for Maximum Impact | Gary Vaynerchuck

Gary Vaynerchuck, better known as Gary Vee, has always had his finger on the pulse of digital media. His content pyramid is the secret behind how some of your favorite online creators built their platform and is the playbook used by the biggest digital marketing agencies in the world. Gary joins Ryan Holiday at the Daily Stoic studio to talk about creating compelling content, the significance of subjective opinions in an online world, the evolving nature of people’s attention spans, what the cur...

Jul 17, 202446 minEp. 2183
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