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.
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Is ego a prerequisite for greatness as an NFL quarterback? In this episode, Ryan is joined by award-winning sports journalist, Seth Wickersham, to dig into the brutal realities of the position, from overbearing parents and sideline meltdowns to Tom Brady’s relationship with Bill Belichick. They talk about the psychology, pressure, and identity struggles that come with the glory of America’s most powerful position in sports. Seth Wickersham is a senior writer at ESPN and the New York Times bestse...
Each of us is sent on missions, each of us does our stint in this situation or that one. The question is, then, will we return with honor? 👉 Support the podcast and go deeper into Stoicism by subscribing to The Daily Stoic Premium - unlock ad-free listening, early access, and bonus content: https://dailystoic.supercast.com/ 📖 Preorder the final book in Ryan Holiday's The Stoic Virtues Series: "Wisdom Takes Work": https://store.dailystoic.com/pages/wisdom-takes-work 🎙️ Follow The Daily Stoic P...
You may not have a lot of money. Or powerful connections. Or even superior genetics. Does this mean you’re at a disadvantage? 👉 Support the podcast and go deeper into Stoicism by subscribing to The Daily Stoic Premium - unlock ad-free listening, early access, and bonus content: https://dailystoic.supercast.com/ 📚 The Four Stoic Virtues: Justice, Temperance, Wisdom, Courage, are timeless keys to living your best life. The Daily Stoic is releasing a limited collector’s edition set of all four bo...
In America, kings don’t wear crowns, they wear helmets. Being an NFL quarterback is the ultimate crown and it never comes free. Today, award-winning journalist Seth Wickersham joins Ryan to pull back the curtain on football’s most scrutinized position. They dive into why players can’t walk away, the intense loneliness at the top, and how the pressure can consume a player’s life. Seth Wickersham is a senior writer at ESPN and the New York Times bestselling author of It’s Better to Be Feared: The ...
“As long as you live,” Seneca said, “keep learning how to live.” As long as we’re alive, we must keep learning and wrestling with these ideas. 📚 The Four Stoic Virtues: Justice, Temperance, Wisdom, Courage, are timeless keys to living your best life. The Daily Stoic is releasing a limited collector’s edition set of all four books signed and numbered, with a title page identifying these books as part of the only printing of this series. PLUS we're including one of the notecards Ryan used while w...
Anyone who has had a run of bad luck knows the feeling. It’s frustrating and annoying and sometimes deeply unfair, but there is also something freeing about it. 👉 Support the podcast and go deeper into Stoicism by subscribing to The Daily Stoic Premium - unlock ad-free listening, early access, and bonus content: https://dailystoic.supercast.com/ 📖 Preorder the final book in Ryan Holiday's The Stoic Virtues Series: "Wisdom Takes Work": https://store.dailystoic.com/pages/wisdom-takes-work 📓 Pic...
This episode explores the Stoic idea of exerting influence where we can, advocating for personal integrity and leadership within our families, companies, and communities. It highlights the importance of practicing philosophy quietly, focusing on internal development and the act of doing good rather than seeking external appreciation or recognition. The host also thanks listeners and introduces the Daily Stoic Premium for ad-free listening and exclusive content.
While in Athens, Ryan had a near-death experience that reminded him just how short life really is. In today's episode, he shares 9 Stoic reminders about Memento Mori for you to think about today. 🎥 Watch today's episode on The Daily Stoic YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8d3e_ymFS2I 🪙 We have a collection of items in the Daily Stoic store to help you in your own memento mori practice , check them out here: https://store.dailystoic.com/ 📖 Preorder the final book in Ryan Holiday...
Self-doubt is just one of the 5 voices you can’t afford to keep listening to. Former U.S. Air Force fighter pilot Michelle Curran and Ryan continue their conversation, breaking down the five inner critics that fuel fear, doubt, and perfectionism and show you how to rise above them. They talk about what people get wrong about courage, the myth of shortcuts, the illusion of importance, and how to push past the voices telling you you’re not enough. Michelle “MACE” Curran is a former United States A...
Seneca advises us to look in a mirror when we're angry to see how we've transformed. What we often find is shocking—a face distorted by rage, barely resembling our true selves. 🪙 Carry The Daily Stoic Pause & Reflect Medallion as a reminder to pause. A pause creates space. A pause creates clarity. A pause can change everything. | Get $20 off when you purchase the Pause & Reflect Medallion and Taming Your Temper: The 11-Day Stoic Course for Controlling Anger 🎶 Lyrics mentioned are from ...
Today, on the 24th anniversary of 9/11, let's honor Brian Sweeney and the thousands of others we lost by striving to be, as Marcus said, "free of passion and yet full of love." 👉 Support the podcast and go deeper into Stoicism by subscribing to The Daily Stoic Premium - unlock ad-free listening, early access, and bonus content: https://dailystoic.supercast.com/ 📓 Pick up a signed edition of Ego is the Enemy ! Check it out at the Daily Stoic Store: https://store.dailystoic.com/ 📖 Preorder the ...
In today’s bonus episode, Gen. Dan Caine reflects on being one of the first pilots in the air on 9/11 and what that moment taught him about courage, leadership, and service. General Dan Caine is the 22nd Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. He has flown more than 100 combat hours in F-16 aircraft. His total flight hours are 2,800. Throughout his career he was awarded the Defense Superior Service Medal, Distinguished Flying Cross, Bronze Star Medal with bronze oak leaf cluster and the Defense M...
When failure can mean life or death, you learn fast what ego and fear really cost. In today’s episode, Ryan talks with Michelle “MACE” Curran about the brutal reality of fighter pilot training, how she battled imposter syndrome in a male-dominated world, the mistake that gave her a call sign for life, and why fear is an essential part of real courage. Michelle “MACE” Curran is a former United States Air Force fighter pilot with nearly 2,000 hours of F-16 flying time. She flew combat missions in ...
Put one foot in front of the other. Do your best. Make a tiny contribution. 👉 Support the podcast and go deeper into Stoicism by subscribing to The Daily Stoic Premium - unlock ad-free listening, early access, and bonus content coming soon: dailystoic.com/premium 📖 Preorder the final book in Ryan Holiday's The Stoic Virtues Series: "Wisdom Takes Work": https://store.dailystoic.com/pages/wisdom-takes-work 🎙️ Follow The Daily Stoic Podcast on Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/dailystoicpodc...
How has Stoicism impacted your life? In this special bonus episode, listeners share their own journeys with the philosophy. Want to be featured in a future episode? Send us an audio recording at podcast@dailystoic.com . *By submitting, you are consenting to your voice and story being shared on the podcast. 💡 Resources Mentioned: The Obstacle Is the Way by Ryan Holiday On the Shortness of Life: Life Is Long If You Know How to Use It by Seneca Meditations - Marcus Aurelius (Gregory Hays Translati...
Even with natural gifts or prestigious education, wisdom isn't guaranteed. As Seneca wrote, "much toil remains," and to grow wiser, you must lavish all your waking hours and all your efforts toward this goal. 📖 Preorder the final book in Ryan Holiday's The Stoic Virtues Series: "Wisdom Takes Work": https://store.dailystoic.com/pages/wisdom-takes-work 👉 Support the podcast and go deeper into Stoicism by subscribing to The Daily Stoic Premium - unlock ad-free listening, early access, and bonus c...
A Stoic doesn’t always win, but they never go quietly along. 🎥 Watch Matt Quinn, the lead singer of Mt. Joy, on The Daily Stoic Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v6TTv2ui4CE 🎶 Lyrics mentioned are from the song Younger Days by Mt. Joy 👉 Support the podcast and go deeper into Stoicism by subscribing to The Daily Stoic Premium - unlock ad-free listening, early access, and bonus content coming soon: dailystoic.com/premium 📕 Books Mentioned: On the Shortness of Life: Life Is Long If You K...
In this very personal chapter from his book Soul Boom , Rainn Wilson reflects on life and death as he is preparing his father's body for burial. Rainn Wilson is an actor, comedian, author, podcaster, writer, and director. He is most known for his role as Dwight Schrute on the NBC sitcom The Office (2005-2013), for which he earned three consecutive Emmy Award nominations for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series. 🎙️ Listen to Ryan's episode on the Soul Boom Podcast on Apple Podcast and...
In today’s Part 2 episode with astronaut and Senate candidate Terry Virts, Ryan and Terry talk about the difference between physical and moral courage, why so many leaders fail the test of honor, and what it truly means to serve your country. They discuss the hard truths about politics in Texas and refusing to stay silent when the stakes are highest. At 17, Terry Virts joined the Air Force and went on to become an F-16 fighter pilot and test pilot. He has flown combat missions over Iraq, tested ...
Life is difficult. People are obnoxious. Stuff is going to piss you off. But can you keep your cool anyway? 🪙 Carry The Daily Stoic Pause & Reflect Medallion as a reminder to pause. A pause creates space. A pause creates clarity. A pause can change everything. | Grab The Daily Stoic Pause & Reflect Medallion at dailystoic.com/pause 👉 Support the podcast and go deeper into Stoicism by subscribing to The Daily Stoic Premium - unlock ad-free listening, early access, and bonus content comi...
This special tribute episode celebrates the life and wisdom of George Raveling, bringing together some of his most powerful lessons shared over the years in his conversations with Ryan on The Daily Stoic Podcast. 📕 You can grab copies of What You’re Made For by George Raveling at The Painted Porch: https://www.thepaintedporch.com/ 🎥 Watch George Raveling’s FULL interview on The Daily Stoic Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SJ-ZQ2p0WhY 📖 Preorder the final book in Ryan Holiday's The Sto...
The Stoics understood that the boundary between "me" and "you" is thinner than we realize. 📚 The Four Stoic Virtues: Justice, Temperance, Wisdom, Courage, are timeless keys to living your best life. The Daily Stoic is releasing a limited collector’s edition set of all four books signed and numbered, with a title page identifying these books as part of the only printing of this series. PLUS we're including one of the notecards Ryan used while writing the series. Pre-order the Limited Edition Sto...
In this episode, Ryan Holiday interviews former NASA astronaut Terry Virts about his extraordinary career and experiences. They delve into the rigorous astronaut selection process, emphasizing the need for emotional regulation over thrill-seeking, and the critical role of intelligent risk management. Virts also shares his profound experience with the 'overview effect' from space and critically examines the erosion of ethics in modern government and the importance of principled leadership.
It’s been generations upon generations now. For thousands and thousands of years, humans have been doing the same things, the Stoics observed. Support the podcast and go deeper into Stoicism by subscribing to The Daily Stoic Premium - unlock ad-free listening, early access, and bonus content coming soon: dailystoic.com/premium 🎟️ Come see Ryan Holiday LIVE in Austin, Texas on September 17! | https://www.dailystoiclive.com/ 📖 Preorder the final book in Ryan Holiday's The Stoic Virtues Series: "...
Wisdom is not a destination. It’s a method—a practice, a lifelong commitment to learning, questioning, and improving. 📖 Preorder the final book in Ryan Holiday's The Stoic Virtues Series: "Wisdom Takes Work": https://store.dailystoic.com/pages/wisdom-takes-work Support the podcast and go deeper into Stoicism by subscribing to The Daily Stoic Premium - unlock ad-free listening, early access, and bonus content coming soon: dailystoic.com/premium 🎙️ Follow The Daily Stoic Podcast on Instagram : h...
Take your much deserved break today. We are human beings after all, not human doings. 👉 Support the podcast and go deeper into Stoicism by subscribing to The Daily Stoic Premium - unlock ad-free listening, early access, and bonus content coming soon: dailystoic.com/premium 📖 Preorder the final book in Ryan Holiday's The Stoic Virtues Series: "Wisdom Takes Work": https://store.dailystoic.com/pages/wisdom-takes-work 🎙️ Follow The Daily Stoic Podcast on Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/dail...
If your money is stained in blood, you are not free. You really don't know who you are until you know what you won't do for money. Read today's episode here: https://ryanholiday.net/you-are-what-you-wont-do-for-money/ 👉 Support the podcast and go deeper into Stoicism by subscribing to The Daily Stoic Premium - unlock ad-free listening, early access, and bonus content coming soon: dailystoic.com/premium 🎟️ Come see Ryan Holiday LIVE in Austin, Texas on September 17! | https://www.dailystoiclive...
Ryan Holiday talks with comedian Chad Kroeger (of Chad and JT) about how playing a character without shame can be incredibly freeing, contrasting it with the struggles of self-consciousness in performance and life. They discuss the unique discipline required for Chad's comedy, where maintaining a serious demeanor in absurd situations is key. The conversation also delves into the dangers of ego in creative fields, the importance of humility, the value of delayed success, and how true mastery comes from continuous effort rather than seeking instant viral fame.
Once you let anger into your life, once you let it motivate or animate you, it’s very hard to get rid of. It’s hard to find a substitute that measures up. It’s hard to let it go. 🪙 Carry The Daily Stoic Pause & Reflect Medallion as a reminder to pause. A pause creates space. A pause creates clarity. A pause can change everything. | Grab The Daily Stoic Pause & Reflect Medallion at dailystoic.com/pause Get $20 off when you purchase the Pause & Reflect Medallion and Taming Your Temper...
What good are you doing? What courage are you showing? 👉 Support the podcast and go deeper into Stoicism by subscribing to The Daily Stoic Premium - unlock ad-free listening, early access, and bonus content coming soon: dailystoic.com/premium 🎟️ Come see Ryan Holiday LIVE in Austin, Texas on September 17! | https://www.dailystoiclive.com/ 📖 Preorder the final book in Ryan Holiday's The Stoic Virtues Series: "Wisdom Takes Work": https://store.dailystoic.com/pages/wisdom-takes-work 🎙️ Follow T...
