The Daily Stoic
Episodes
Take This Seriously | Ask Daily Stoic
06 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This is what Stoicism has done throughout history. It’s made people the best they could be.🏛 The 2025 LIVE session of Stoicism 101: Ancient Philo...
Persuasion Expert: "You Can Manipulate Yourself Into Doing Hard Things" | Jay Heinrichs (PT. 1)
05 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
You’re not lazy, you’re just losing the debate in your own head. In today’s episode, Ryan talks with Jay Heinrichs, bestselling author of&n...
This Is Not What We Fight For
05 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
The Stoics were not passive. They did impressive things. They were impressive people. They were fighters. But you know what? They, like the rest of us...
When The Statues Still Had Paint On Them | The Real Power You Have
04 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
History isn’t something that other people lived through and we get to read about. We all live through history and we all can make it if we choose.🏛...
This is How To Be Smart (Or At Least Not Dumb) | Following The Doctor's Orders
03 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
We can avoid being swept up in the newest fad or the oldest con. We can stop reliving the same mistake. 📖 Wisdom Takes Work by Ryan Holiday is...
Everything (And I Really Mean Everything) Is A Chance To Do This
02 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Will you be brave or afraid? Selfish or selfless? Strong or weak? Wise or stupid? Will you ...
What Did The Stoics Get WRONG? | Nick Thompson (CEO of The Atlantic)
01 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Running isn’t just good exercise, it’s Stoicism in motion. In part two of Ryan’s conversation with Nick Thompson, CEO of The Atlantic, they...
This is the Deads Day | Harsh Truths From The Stoics
31 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Today is Halloween here in America, a holiday of fun and mischief for children—masks, candy, and staying up late. But tomorrow, in Mexico, begins Dí...
BONUS | Seeking External Validation is RUINING Your Life - Dr. Rangan Chatterjee
30 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Every time you chase approval, you trade a piece of who you really are. Today's bonus episode is a clip from Dr. Rangan Chatterjee's episode on The Da...
Do You Have That Dog In You? | Ask Daily Stoic
30 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In a world of hypocrites, status worship, and fools masquerading as wise men, we need the clarity and courage the Stoics embodied. 🏛 The 2025 ...
The Habit That Changes EVERYTHING | Nick Thompson
29 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Nick Thompson couldn’t change his father’s story, but he found a habit that helped him make sense of his own. In today’s episode, Ryan sits down...
It’s A Thinking Person’s Game
29 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Life is hard. Life is complicated. Will you make the most of this time you have here?📖 Wisdom Takes Work by Ryan Holiday is out NOW! Grab a copy he...
It Can Make You Great | Accepting What Is
28 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
What made Marcus Aurelius different? What were his secrets to success, resiliency, and productivity? How did he master his emotions and maintain such ...
You Get To Choose This (So Don’t) | We Reap What We Sow
27 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Things will go wrong. Fortune will turn on you. You will make mistakes. Plans will be disrupted. Dreams will be dashed. This is life.🎥 Watch Dr. La...
BONUS: The Man Behind The Daily Stoic (Not Ryan Holiday)
26 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
It’s been six years since Ryan and his longtime editor and collaborator, Stephen Hanselman, first dreamed up the Stoic Virtues Series. In this bonus...
7 Stoic Lessons on How To Keep Going
26 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
How do we persevere well? How do we persevere happily? Thankfully, we can look to the Stoics. The Stoics not only wrote about how to persevere, t...
Not Seeking Wisdom DESTROYS Great Minds | Ryan Holiday & Billy Oppenheimer
25 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
What happens when brilliance goes unchecked? In today's episode, Ryan and his research assistant Billy Oppenheimer dig into the cautionary side of gen...
What Does It Change? | How To Stay Unbothered In Chaotic Times
24 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
What watching the news these days does to you is indisputable. It disrupts your focus. It disturbs your sanity. It changes your mood. But what does it...
Happiness Is Wisdom. Wisdom Is Happiness. | Ask Daily Stoic
23 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Elon Musk is smart. Yet would anyone describe Elon Musk as happy?📖 Wisdom Takes Work by Ryan Holiday is out NOW! Grab a copy here: https://store.da...
Advance, Forlorn Hope
22 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
The bad guys might get away with it. But that’s not going to stop us from doing what we’re supposed to do, from being who we are supposed to be.&n...
How The Stoic Virtues Became Ryan’s Greatest Test | Billy Oppenheimer & Ryan Holiday
22 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
What does six years of studying and writing about the Stoic virtues really teach you? In today’s episode, Ryan sits down with longtime research assi...
Wisdom Takes Work CHAPTER UNLOCKED: Hear It Before Anyone Else
21 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Wisdom Takes Work, the final book in the Stoic Virtues Series, is out TODAY! To celebrate, Ryan’s sharing a special preview: a full chapter from the...
The Moment When This is More Precious Than Gold | Build Up, Don't Tear Down
21 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
No one will be able to do this for you. You can't outsource it. You can't fake it. There are no hacks. 📖 Wisdom Takes Work is out TODAY! Grab...
This Is What You Must Be Chasing | Marks Of The Good Life
20 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Being smart is knowing facts. Being intelligent is having a mind that can solve hard problems or do complex things. Being creative is the ability to g...
How Smart People Become Stupid
19 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Why do smart people fall for dumb ideas? In this episode, Ryan explains how ego and overconfidence can trip up even the smartest minds and how Stoicis...
Every Great Leader Has THIS Secret Weapon | Les Snead (Los Angeles Rams GM)
18 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
The difference between panic and power comes down to a few simple rules. In today’s episode, Ryan dives into Les Snead’s philosophy on “panic ru...
This Is Freedom | 1 Habit That Will CHANGE Your Life
17 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Whether we're a slave or an emperor, wisdom helps us rise above our limitations. It gives us clarity, it gives us perspective.📖 Preorder the final ...
BONUS | The One Thing You’ll Regret More Than Failure - Daniel Pink
16 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
If you’ve ever thought, “What if I had just gone for it?” today's bonus episode is for you.🎥 Watch the full episode with Daniel Pink here: ht...
It’s A Brilliant Flash | Ask Daily Stoic
16 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
We come into existence—by some impossible, unbelievable set of circumstances—and then come out of it. Why? How? No one can say for certain.🎙️...
This is How You Know It’s Working
15 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This Stoicism thing—you’ve been practicing it for a while, but how do you know it’s working?📖 Preorder the final book in Ryan Holiday's The S...
How Stoic Thinking Built a Super Bowl Team | Les Snead (Los Angeles Rams GM)
15 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
As a leader, what do you do when your team is falling apart? Or when success comes faster than you expected? In this episode, Ryan sits down with Los ...
This Answers The Great Unanswered Question | Make Honesty Your Only Policy
14 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Those that don’t, or those that think they can go it alone, almost always fail.📖 Preorder the final book in Ryan Holiday's The Stoic Virtues Seri...
Didn’t They Know Better? | Revenge Is A Dish Best Not Served
13 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
They knew the costs of ego. They knew that happiness was never about externals. Yet they did chase it, didn’t they?📕 Books Mentioned: The Daily S...
The First Person to Say NO to Ryan Holiday’s Book Recommendations
12 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
After recording their episode for The Daily Stoic Podcast, Ryan took Pete Holmes on the usual post-interview tour of The Painted Porch. Let’s just s...
Pete Holmes on Why Laughter Is the REAL Path to Enlightenment (PT. 2)
11 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Comedian Pete Holmes is back for Part 2 and in full philosopher mode. He and Ryan dive into success, psychedelics, and why it’s not egotistical to s...
You Can’t Afford To Be This | How 300 Spartans Saved Western Civilization
10 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
When we react emotionally, we rarely make things better. When we get angry? We always make things worse—for ourselves and others.📖 Preorder the f...
Older But Never Wiser | Ask Daily Stoic
09 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
There is no wisdom without experience. But experience does not necessarily translate into wisdom, does it?📖 Preorder the final book in Ryan Holiday...
BONUS | If You’re Feeling Anxious Right Now, Listen To This
09 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Feeling anxious lately? In this bonus episode, Ryan and author Chris Guillebeau break down what your anxiety is really trying to tell you, why fightin...
Don’t Be This Kind of Friend
08 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
We’ve all known these people. They say one thing and do another. They virtue signal but act without virtue. 👉 Support the podcast and go dee...
Pete Holmes Doesn’t Buy Your Excuses (PT. 1)
08 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this hilarious and surprisingly deep episode, Ryan sits down with comedian, actor, and podcaster Pete Holmes to talk about why so many of us are tr...
The Most Critical (And Rarest) Ability In Life | Practice Love
07 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
There is no technology that can do it for you. There is no app. No teacher who can simply download everything into your brain. 📖 Preorder the final...
You Don’t Have To Do This To Yourself | Looking Out For Each Other
06 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
There is so much to worry about. There is so much to be stressed about. Or so you think…👉 Support the podcast and go deeper into Stoicism by subs...
BONUS | Is Taylor Swift a Stoic?
05 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In honor of Taylor Swift's new album The Life of a Showgirl, Ryan shares the surprising Stoic lessons hidden in her music and career. 👉 S...
This Isn't A Solo Journey | Does Character Still Matter?
05 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In the past, character wasn’t just admired, it was expected. People demanded integrity, and even fought duels over questions of honor. But today, do...
Would You DIE to Keep Your Word? | John Amaechi (PT. 2)
04 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Moral challenges have existed throughout history, and we all handle them in our own way. In today’s Part 2 episode, Ryan continues his conversation ...
What The Wise Know—And Fools Ignore | 15 Stoic Lessons from the Birthplace of Stoicism
03 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Self-awareness is not something you just magically get. It’s something, like any form of wisdom, that you have to work at.📖 Preorder the fin...
BONUS | Joe Rogan's Reading List (From Ryan Holiday)
02 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
View the ENTIRE list of books mentioned in this video here: https://www.thepaintedporch.com/collections/joe-rogan-picksListen to Ryan and Joe's conver...
This Is The One Thing That Keeps | Ask Daily Stoic
02 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
No one can take away what you’ve learned. No one can make you forget philosophy. 📖 Preorder the final book in Ryan Holiday's The Stoic Virtu...
This Says So Much About You
01 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
We are how we treat the vulnerable. We are how we treat people who can’t do much for us anymore. We are who we take care of.📖 Preorder the final ...
The $17 MILLION Test of Integrity | John Amaechi (PT. 1)
01 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
How much is your word worth? For former NBA player turned psychologist John Amaechi, the answer is $17 million. In this episode, John and Ryan unpack ...
Don’t Let It Make You A Liar | Practice Silence
30 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
You said you were going to take care of it. You said it would be done by the deadline. You set aside the time. You had every intention of doing it. Bu...
BONUS | 7 Stoic Lessons on Wisdom
29 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
As Seneca says, the path to wisdom is acquiring one thing a day. Wisdom takes work. 📖 Preorder the final book in Ryan Holiday's The Stoic Virtues S...
The Little Things Say Everything | Your Actual Needs Are Small
29 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
It’s our daily choices—our response to rudeness, our handling of power, how we treat friends, children, the elderly—that reveals the core ...
The Stoic Way to Cope With Losing Someone You Love
28 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In today's episode, Ryan reflects on the passing of his friend George Raveling and turns to Seneca for wisdom on how to handle grief. You’...
The Courage Crisis: How YOU Can Make A Difference Today | John Avlon (PT. 2)
27 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
The hardest thing in life is finding the courage to do what’s right when it costs you. In this episode, Ryan continues his conversation with journal...
It’s Not Something You’re Born With. It’s Something You Earn. | 15 Stoic Strategies For Success
26 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Just as one becomes strong through lifting weights, or skilled at woodworking through hours in the shop, we become wise through the same kind of effor...
You Are Never Excused From This | Ask Daily Stoic
25 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
It doesn’t matter if you’re young or old. It doesn’t matter if you’re a private or a president, a CEO or a summer intern. THIS is your respons...
There’s No Such Thing As A Bad Thing
24 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
We get to decide what things mean to us. We get to decide how we respond to things. 👉 Support the podcast and go deeper into Stoicism by subscribin...
Fix Your News Diet NOW (Before It Breaks Your Brain) | John Avlon (PT. 1)
24 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
How do you stay informed without losing your mind? In this episode, Ryan sits down with journalist and historian John Avlon to discuss how to fix your...
BONUS | 12 Stoic Lessons from The Odyssey
23 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
For nearly 3,000 years, one story has ruled them all. The Odyssey. In today’s episode, Ryan shares12 Stoic lessons hidden inside this timeless epic....
We Need More of These People | Pain Is Self-Inflicted Harm
23 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
We once had Stoics in high office. We had Stoics making important decisions. We’re a long way from that today, aren’t we?📚 The Four Stoic Virtu...
It’s Not Extraordinary | No Pain, No Gain
22 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
How does it happen? How does someone become great? 👉 Support the podcast and go deeper into Stoicism by subscribing to The Daily Stoic Premium - un...
You Have To Earn THIS | Ryan Holiday Live In London
21 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
If you think you know what wisdom is, you probably don't. If you think you have wisdom, you almost certainly don't. 📖 Preorder the final book ...
The NFL Idols America Obsesses Over | Seth Wickersham (PT. 2)
20 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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...
Can You Return With Honor? | Why You Need To Do Something Hard EVERY SINGLE DAY
19 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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...
This Is How The Weak Beat The Strong | Ask Daily Stoic
18 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 podcas...
It’s For The Young and Old
17 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
“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 idea...
The Heaviest Crown in America: The Quarterback’s Throne | Seth Wickersham (PT. 1)
17 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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...
Just Put It On My Tab | On Handling Haters
16 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 freei...
This Is Who We Have To Be | A Garden Is Not For Show
15 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
It would be wonderful if we had more Stoic heads of state but a far more attainable goal is Stoic heads of companies, of families, of communities, of ...
"I Almost DIED" | 9 Stoic Lessons on MEMENTO MORI
14 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 abo...
Silence the 5 Inner Critics DESTROYING Your Confidence | Fighter Pilot Michelle Curran (PT. 2)
13 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 ...
That’s The Thing With Anger | Is It Normal For A Stoic To Cry?
12 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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...
This Is What Kindles The Soul | Ask Daily Stoic
11 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 pass...
What a 9/11 Pilot Will Never Forget | General Dan Caine (BONUS)
11 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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,...
The Day My Ego Almost Killed Me | Fighter Pilot Michelle Curran (PT. 1)
10 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 ab...
You Can Do This Too
10 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 ...
This Is A Timeless Temptation | A New Way To Pray
09 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Even with natural gifts or prestigious education, wisdom isn't guaranteed. As Seneca wrote, "much toil remains," and to grow wiser, you must lavish al...
You Prove Stoicism WORKS | Listener Stories (BONUS)
09 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 f...
There’s Two Ways It Goes Now | Do Not Be Deceived By Fortune
08 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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: http...
Death and How to Live it | Rainn Wilson's Reflections
07 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 ...
“I Can’t Just Sit Back and Watch Anymore” | Astronaut Terry Virts on Courage, Ethics, & Politics (PT. 2)
06 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In today’s Part 2 episode with astronaut and Senate candidate Terry Virts, Ryan and Terry talk about the difference between physical and moral coura...
What’s It All For? It’s For This | Stoic Strategies To Control Your Temper
05 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 & Refl...
This Is The Secret To Dealing With People | Ask Daily Stoic
04 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
The Stoics understood that the boundary between "me" and "you" is thinner than we realize. 📚 The Four Stoic Virtues: Justice, Temperance, Wisd...
BONUS | George Raveling's Greatest Lessons That Will CHANGE How You Live
04 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This special tribute episode celebrates the life and wisdom of George Raveling, bringing together some of his most powerful lessons shared over the ye...
Spending 213 Days In Space Does THIS To You | Astronaut Terry Virts (PT. 1)
03 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Most people dream of being an astronaut. Terry Virts actually lived it. In this episode, Ryan sits down with former NASA astronaut and USAF F-16 Pilot...
Run Down The List. Where Are They Now?
03 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
It’s been generations upon generations now. For thousands and thousands of years, humans have been doing the same things, the Stoics observed. ...
This Is The Most Important Virtue | A Hard Winter Training
02 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Wisdom is not a destination. It’s a method—a practice, a lifelong commitment to learning, questioning, and improving.📖 Preorder the final book ...
Go Out And Do This Today | A Strong Soul Is Better Than Good Luck
01 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Take your much deserved break today. We are human beings after all, not human doings. 👉 Support the podcast and go deeper into Stoicism by sub...
You Are What You Won't Do For Money
31 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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...
Stop Taking Yourself So Seriously | Chad Goes Deep
30 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
What can a comedian teach you about ego, shame, and philosophy? In today’s episode, Ryan sits down with Chad from Going Deep with Chad and JT to tal...
It Begs To Linger | Ryan Holiday Visited The BEST Swimming Pools All Over The World (Here's What He Learned)
29 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 meas...
What Example Are You Setting? | Ask Daily Stoic
28 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
What good are you doing? What courage are you showing? 👉 Support the podcast and go deeper into Stoicism by subscribing to The Daily Stoic Pre...
BONUS | The State of The Daily Stoic Podcast
28 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
It’s been eight years since The Daily Stoic Podcast launched. In today’s bonus episode, Ryan looks back on the journey to 2,600+ episodes and shar...
It Ain’t The Whole World
27 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Extrapolation, we have to understand, is the enemy.Support the podcast and go deeper into Stoicism by subscribing to The Daily Stoic Premium - unlock ...
The Greatest Leader You’ve Never Understood | Doris Kearns Goodwin
27 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
What made Lincoln great wasn’t power or genius, it was his moral fiber. Historian and bestselling author Doris Kearns Goodwin joins Ryan to explore ...
BONUS | 8 Life Lessons Ryan Holiday Learned The Hard Way
26 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Life lessons aren’t handed to us, they’re earned the hard way. In this bonus episode, Ryan shares the eight truths he had to learn through failure...
Would You Be Mad At This? | A Cure For Procrastination
26 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
People will inspire you one moment and utterly disappoint you the next. You can’t let this confuse you.📚 Books mentioned: The Daily Stoic Jo...
You Always Lose When You Lose Your Temper | Respect The Past, But Be Open To The Future
25 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
How much worse getting mad is than the things that caused it, Seneca said.🪙 Carry The Daily Stoic Pause & Reflect Medallion as a reminder to pa...
6 Stoic Time Management Techniques From Seneca
24 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Seneca writes that we think life is short, when in reality we just waste it. The present moment—it is the most valuable thing you own. It is the&nbs...