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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If your New Year motivation didn’t make it to February, this episode is for you. Ryan and his business partner and longtime friend, Brent Underwood, talk about how waiting for permission, perfect conditions, or external validation quietly turns into procrastination, even for high performers. They discuss why open-ended ambitions are harder than deadlines, how success can actually make starting new things scarier, and the trap of telling yourself, “I’ll get to it later.” Let’s not write the year ...
This episode from The Daily Stoic delves into the Stoic philosophy of actively opposing injustice. While Stoics often preach acceptance of what's beyond control, they vehemently rejected corruption and tyranny, viewing silence as complicity. The discussion emphasizes directing outrage towards actionable issues rather than trivial complaints, encouraging listeners to embody the virtues of courage and justice.
The Daily Stoic explores the age-old dilemma of why one should be honest and fair when it seems nobody else is. Drawing on historical examples, the episode explains the Stoic twofold answer: focusing on what you control and preventing self-degradation. It highlights that virtue is not a path to external success but a way to live with oneself, offering freedom from shame and the burden of secrets.
Few writers understand American culture like Chuck Klosterman, which is why he joins Ryan ahead of the Super Bowl to talk about how football reshaped American culture. In this episode, Chuck and Ryan discuss what football really reveals about American culture, power, and the stories we tell ourselves about expertise and control. Chuck shares his observations, strange historical parallels, and personal stories that connect sports to technology, identity, and how monocultures form and eventually f...
Obstacles, adversaries, pitfalls, and bad luck. It’s going to be there. It’s going to happen. 📔 Pick up your own leather bound signed edition of The Daily Stoic ! Check it out at the Daily Stoic Store: https://store.dailystoic.com/ 👉 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/ 🎥 Watch the video episodes on The Daily Stoic YouTube channel : https://www.yo...
We have to stay at it. We have to accept the losses that come…without accepting the status quo. We should not give up. 📘 Grab the hardcover edition of The Daily Stoic here: https://store.dailystoic.com/ 👉 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/ 🎥 Watch the video episodes on The Daily Stoic YouTube channel : https://www.youtube.com/@DailyStoic/videos ...
When jarred by circumstances, Marcus Aurelius writes, we have to revert back to ourselves. We have to come back to the rhythm. We have to intervene. We can't let the challenges win. Let’s not write the year off just yet. The Daily Stoic New Year New You challenge is opening back up for a limited time. Learn more and sign up today at dailystoic.com/challenge . 👉 Get The Daily Stoic New Year New You & all other Daily Stoic courses for FREE when you join Daily Stoic Life | dailystoic.com/life ...
The host recounts a personal experience with a traffic stop, using it to challenge the concept of "privilege" and instead highlight fundamental constitutional rights. The episode asserts that upholding due process is crucial, and argues that while issues like immigration are complex, government overreach and the brutalization of minorities are clear injustices that demand action. Drawing on Stoic wisdom and historical warnings like "First They Came," it concludes that indifference to suffering is an active crime, impacting everyone universally.
Bert Kreischer and Ryan continue their conversation about the tension between discipline and indulgence, why Bert sometimes feels better hungover than sober, and the pull of routines built around punishment and excess. Bert talks about quitting drinking, the daily “witching hour,” and why good news can be just as unsettling as bad. Bert Kreischer is a stand up comedian, actor, and podcast host of 2 Bears, 1 Cave . You can watch both his movie The Machine and now his latest show, Free Bert , on N...
The Daily Stoic discusses how the perceived decline of traditional values ("The Age of Cato's is gone") is a recurring theme throughout history, urging listeners to actively embody virtues like honor and integrity. The host then delves into profound lessons from Marcus Aurelius's Meditations, highlighting the importance of focusing on essentials, controlling one's perceptions of external events, and viewing obstacles as opportunities. The episode concludes by emphasizing the Stoic strength found in asking for help and the profound impact of prioritizing the common good, encouraging listeners to cultivate inner goodness through virtuous actions.
Sometimes life happens, but here’s your second chance. Now is the best time to start being the person you want to be. Let’s not write the year off just yet. The Daily Stoic New Year New You challenge is opening back up for a limited time. Learn more and sign up today at dailystoic.com/challenge . 👉 Get The Daily Stoic New Year New You & all other Daily Stoic courses for FREE when you join Daily Stoic Life | dailystoic.com/life 🎟️ Come see Ryan Holiday LIVE : https://www.dailystoiclive.com/...
This is what philosophy is about, what discipline is as a virtue: Doing things you don’t want to do. Let’s not write the year off just yet. The Daily Stoic New Year New You challenge is opening back up for a limited time. Learn more and sign up today at dailystoic.com/challenge . 👉 Get The Daily Stoic New Year New You & all other Daily Stoic courses for FREE when you join Daily Stoic Life | dailystoic.com/life 🎥 Watch the video episodes on The Daily Stoic YouTube channel : https://www.yout...
Bert Kreischer wants to be Stoic. It just doesn’t come naturally. In this episode, he talks with Ryan about why Stoicism feels almost impossible for him, why criticism still gets under his skin, his hot take on why Nero may have been a good emperor, and some truly insane stories from his life. Bert Kreischer is a stand up comedian, actor, and podcast host of 2 Bears, 1 Cave . You can watch both his comedy special The Machine and now his latest show, Free Bert , on Netflix! Follow Bert on Instagr...
Forget party, forget class, forget any perceived differences: We must speak loudly and with one voice against those who intimidate, those who violate, those who abuse and discriminate. If we’re not going to fight for the little guy, for the other , and do what we can for them, who will? 📚 Books Mentioned: Right Thing, Right Now by Ryan Holiday Taylor Branch Trilogy Man’s Search for Meaning by Viktor Frankl Meditations by Marcus Aurelius (Gregory Hays Translation) Thoughts of a Philosophical Fig...
The episode begins by defining Stoic discipline as the act of persisting despite obstacles, highlighted by the host's experience with a disrupted new year and a renewed challenge. It then delves into the concept of mantras, drawing from Marcus Aurelius's Meditations and explaining how these repeated affirmations provide clarity and guidance. The discussion emphasizes integrating personal mantras into daily life as a practical Stoic tool for self-awareness and consistent virtue.
Ryan Holiday delves into timeless Stoic wisdom, offering strategies to navigate difficult times, deal with challenging people, and manage personal anger and suffering. Drawing on examples from ancient philosophers, the discussion emphasizes that while pain is unavoidable, our response to it is a choice, and embracing adversity can lead to greater strength and meaning. The episode highlights the importance of duty and maintaining inner peace amidst external chaos.
You’ve seen Jaimie Alexander as the tough, unstoppable character on screen, but what was happening off camera tells a completely different story. In this episode, Ryan sits down with actress Jaimie for one of the most honest conversations she’s ever shared publicly. She opens up about a near-death experience, years of hidden alcoholism, and the moment she realized the life she was pushing through wasn’t sustainable anymore. Jaimie also talks about how Stoic philosophy became a grounding force in...
The Daily Stoic challenges popular myths surrounding Stoicism, revealing it as a philosophy focused on emotional intelligence rather than suppression, valuing humor and profound justice over cold apathy. It advocates for active acceptance (Amor Fati) and using the awareness of mortality (Memento Mori) as an invigorating call to live wisely, rather than passively resigning. The episode underscores Stoicism's diverse and universal appeal, applicable to all walks of life.
It’s important to remember that Stoicism isn’t about judging other people. It’s not a moral philosophy you’re supposed to project and enforce onto the world. No, it’s a personal philosophy that’s designed to direct your behavior. 🎟️ Come see Ryan Holiday LIVE : https://www.dailystoiclive.com/ San Diego, CA - February 5, 2026 Phoenix, AZ - February 27, 2026 👉 Support the podcast and go deeper into Stoicism by subscribing to The Daily Stoic Premium - unlock ad-free listening, early access, and b...
The Daily Stoic reflects on Seneca's profound disappointment in serving Nero, urging listeners to be wary of whom they work for and suspicious of their own ambition, as moral compromises accumulate. It delves into how Nero, initially promising, succumbed to the corrupting influence of absolute power, contrasting his downfall with Marcus Aurelius's steadfast adherence to Stoic principles despite similar philosophical training.
David Mamet is one of the most influential writers of the last half-century, so when he talks about craft, discipline, and courage, it’s worth listening. In this episode, David joins Ryan to talk about acting, writing, Stoicism, and why most people make things far more complicated than they need to be. David breaks down his blunt philosophy on performance and life, why courage matters more than talent, why “just saying the words” is often the hardest part, and the Stoic question he literally eng...
The Daily Stoic podcast explores how even the most prepared individuals, like Marcus Aurelius, face overwhelming challenges, requiring double the expected effort. It then delves into the Stoic teaching of "reigniting" one's principles, highlighting that self-discipline isn't about perfection but the persistent ability to restart and recommit after falling short. The episode encourages listeners to embrace resilience and continually return to their core values.
On Martin Luther King Jr. Day, the podcast explores MLK's civil rights strategy of inspiring America to live up to its own founding ideals, drawing parallels with Stoicism's call to reach full potential. The episode then features George Raveling, who vividly recounts his attendance at the March on Washington, his unexpected role in security, and the incredible moment when Dr. King handed him the original "I Have a Dream" speech. Raveling details the speech's decades of private safekeeping within a book from President Truman, its eventual public revelation, and its journey to being donated to institutions like the African American Museum.
In today's episode, you’ll hear about 7 traits that the Stoics actually lived by, and why they shaped leaders we’re still learning from 2,000 years later. 💡 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 at store.dailystoic.com Get The Daily Stoic Leadership Challenge: Ancient Wisdom For Modern Leaders & all other Daily Stoic courses for FREE when ...
From writing with David Goggins to working alongside Rich Roll, Adam Skolnick’s success didn’t make imposter syndrome disappear. In this episode, Adam opens up to Ryan about his path as a writer, the years of underreported stories and side gigs, how self-doubt still shows up, and the unbelievable true story that inspired his new novel American Tiger . Adam Skolnick has written about travel, adventure sports, human rights and the environment for outlets like The New York Times , Outside , Lonely ...
The Daily Stoic explores the Stoic principle of taking immediate action, urging listeners to conquer procrastination by embracing the present. The episode then transitions into a comprehensive guide on reading effectively, offering practical strategies like annotating books, reading widely, and cultivating an "anti-library" for continuous learning. It highlights how these habits can lead to deeper understanding, personal growth, and a richer engagement with knowledge.
What’s the difference between self-awareness and self-consciousness? In today’s bonus episode, Ryan shares an excerpt from his conversation with high-performance expert Steve Magness on how to spot the difference. 🎥 Watch Steve Magness’ FULL interview here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rKhlm3aLREI 👉 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/ 🎙️ Follo...
People probably thought Marcus Aurelius was strange. The time he spent alone in his room. The long walks he took by himself. There would be no Meditations without this quiet solitude, but more alarming, there would have been no Marcus Aurelius, either. 🎟️ Come see Ryan Holiday LIVE : https://www.dailystoiclive.com/ San Diego, CA - February 5, 2026 Phoenix, AZ - February 27, 2026 👉 Support the podcast and go deeper into Stoicism by subscribing to The Daily Stoic Premium - unlock ad-free listeni...
Most productivity advice promises that if you just find the right system, you’ll finally catch up. In today’s episode, Ryan sits down with Oliver Burkeman who explains why that feeling never arrives and why that is not a personal failure. They discuss the productivity lie that keeps so many people feeling behind every single day, how hustle culture quietly creates anxiety, and why the goal of getting “on top of everything” is impossible. Oliver explains why urgency often makes life worse, not be...
Our feet will always move in the direction of our focus. So look where you want to go. Stay focused on the path, keep moving forward, one foot in front of the other. 👉 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/ 🎥 Watch the video episodes on The Daily Stoic YouTube channel : https://www.youtube.com/@DailyStoic/videos 🎙️ Follow The Daily Stoic Podcast on ...
