YouTubers Sam and Colby on Fame and Practicing Memento Mori
24 Apr 2021
Contributed by Lukas
On today’s episode, Ryan talks to YouTube duo Sam & Colby about the early days of their career...
Have You Ever Had A Motionless Moment?
23 Apr 2021
Contributed by Lukas
“We are so busy. We think we’re supposed to be. We think that’s how we get better. We think th...
This Is How To Treat Your Brain | The Marks of a Rational Person
22 Apr 2021
Contributed by Lukas
“On the one hand, the Stoics were big believers in the power of reason. They believed we were rati...
Michael Gervais on the Path to Excellence | You Have To Wrestle With This
21 Apr 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Ryan reads today's Daily Stoic meditation and talks to sport psychologist and entrepreneur Dr. ...
You Don't Need Everyone, Just More
20 Apr 2021
Contributed by Lukas
“It’d be wonderful if we could get everyone on board. If evidence and data and civic duty convin...
This Is The Only Acceptable Form of Anger | Impulse Control
19 Apr 2021
Contributed by Lukas
“There is an expression popular amongst basketball coaches. A coach doesn’t “get” a techni...
Life Is About What We Can Do For Each Other
18 Apr 2021
Contributed by Lukas
“Why are we here? It’s an impossible question to answer, I suppose. Of course, on a fundamental ...
Admiral James Stavridis on James Stockdale and the Voyage of Character
17 Apr 2021
Contributed by Lukas
On today’s podcast, Ryan talks to Admiral James Stavridis about the voyage of character as detaile...
It All Turns on Concentration
16 Apr 2021
Contributed by Lukas
“We often think that greatness is a synonym for brilliance. That great leadership is all about mag...
You Are Not Alone | Pay Your Taxes
15 Apr 2021
Contributed by Lukas
“Sometimes it can feel like you’re a solitary warrior. Certainly Marcus Aurelius’s Meditations...
Author Bonnie Tsui on the Wonders of Water | Pressure, Like Power, Reveals
14 Apr 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Ryan reads today's Daily Stoic email and talks to author Bonnie Tsui about her new memoir, Why ...
Not Who’s Right, What’s Right
13 Apr 2021
Contributed by Lukas
“You have your views. You have your side of things. You have the team you’re on, the group you b...
You Can—No, You Should—Forget About This. | Test Your Impressions
12 Apr 2021
Contributed by Lukas
“You’ve been wronged. Someone let you down. Something didn’t go your way. This person stole fr...
Cicero on How to Tell a Joke
11 Apr 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Today’s episode features a section from Michael Fontaine’s How to Tell a Joke: An Ancient Guide ...
Charles & Chase Koch on the Power of Principles
10 Apr 2021
Contributed by Lukas
On today’s podcast, Ryan talks to Charles and Chase Koch about challenging assumptions and leaning...
Remember: Little Things Are Not Small
09 Apr 2021
Contributed by Lukas
“George Washington’s favorite saying was “many mickles make a muckle.” It was an old Scottis...
But What Will We Do IF? | The Cost of Accepting Counterfeits
08 Apr 2021
Contributed by Lukas
“A few days ago we talked about this paralyzing fear—the “preemptive whataboutism” that hold...
Arthur Brooks on Stoicism vs. Epicureanism | You Don’t Know What’s Going On With People
07 Apr 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Ryan reads today's Daily Stoic email and talks to Arthur Brooks about the differences and simil...
Who Are You Studying Under?
06 Apr 2021
Contributed by Lukas
“It’s interesting to think of the Stoics, from Marcus Aurelius to Zeno, reaching back through th...
Better Days Will Shine Through | What Can Go Wrong… Might
05 Apr 2021
Contributed by Lukas
“Imagine you are Seneca and tuberculosis has claimed ten years of your life in convalescence. Imag...
Today is a Day of Rebirth | A Day in the Life of a Stoic
04 Apr 2021
Contributed by Lukas
On today’s special episode of the podcast, Ryan describes the universal message of redemption that...
Lt. General H.R. McMaster on Strategic Empathy and Seneca’s Contradiction
03 Apr 2021
Contributed by Lukas
On today’s episode, Ryan talks to Lt. General H.R. McMaster about why leaders must study history a...
If You’re Not Feeling This, You’re Doing It Wrong
02 Apr 2021
Contributed by Lukas
“You see them in the comments sections. You see them on social media. You hear it come out of the ...
Just Keep Hammering Away | The Color of Your Thoughts
01 Apr 2021
Contributed by Lukas
“There is something delightfully simple about Ulysses S. Grant. Napoleon seems like some sort of l...
Author Robert Wright on Buddhism vs Stoicism
31 Mar 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Ryan speaks to the author and journalist Robert Wright about the Stoic obligation to being involved ...
A Book Isn’t A Mirror. It’s A Door!
31 Mar 2021
Contributed by Lukas
“A couple weeks ago, we talked about Fran Lebowitz’s secret to be immensely rich. They also happ...
You Can’t Buy Fearlessness
30 Mar 2021
Contributed by Lukas
“There’s no question that the super rich can afford better medical care than you. They have acce...
What Would Less Look Like? | Say No to the Need to Impress
29 Mar 2021
Contributed by Lukas
“This has not been fun. It’s been brutal. But it has been, at least, an exercise in that questio...
These Simple Words Will Help You Through Life's Most Difficult Situations
28 Mar 2021
Contributed by Lukas
On today's episode, Ryan introduces 3 core Stoic concepts that are sure to help you through wha...
Agnes Callard on Socrates and Wisdom
27 Mar 2021
Contributed by Lukas
On today’s episode Ryan speaks to professor and author Agnes Callard about the philosophical model...
You Can Do This. You Can Do This.
26 Mar 2021
Contributed by Lukas
“Marcus Aurelius didn’t believe he was suited to be emperor. In fact, when he received the news ...
There Will Always Be These Kinds of People | Wealth and Freedom are Free
25 Mar 2021
Contributed by Lukas
“It’s easy to become disappointed with humanity each time you step into your car. Not even becau...
Volleyball Legend Gabrielle Reece on Relationships and Finding Enough
24 Mar 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Ryan speaks to Gabrielle Reece about how the Stoics valued hard work, the stillness that is required...
You Are Blessed
24 Mar 2021
Contributed by Lukas
“It’s easy not to feel blessed. We look readily for what we don’t have rather than what we do....
Power Doesn’t Corrupt, It Reveals
23 Mar 2021
Contributed by Lukas
“There were not many good emperors in Rome. There have not been many good kings since. In fact, th...
We Can’t Let This Go On | The Portable Retreat
22 Mar 2021
Contributed by Lukas
“No man is an island. We’ve taken the line from the John Donne poem and turned it into a common ...
7 Ways Marcus Aurelius Will Help You Journal Like A Pro
21 Mar 2021
Contributed by Lukas
On today’s podcast, Ryan discusses 7 strategies that can help you develop a highly effective journ...
Dr. Jonathan Fader on Peak Performance
20 Mar 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Ryan speaks to psychologist Dr. Jonathan Fader about how difficult mental preparation and training c...
It’s Possible To Tune These Things Out
19 Mar 2021
Contributed by Lukas
“We have so many strong opinions. Especially about things we don’t like. We don’t like it, and...
This is the Secret to Real Wealth | Impossible Without Your Consent
18 Mar 2021
Contributed by Lukas
“What is the point of reading? ’To me,’ Fran Lebowitz tells Martin Scorsese in the new ‘Pret...
Start Strong, Finish Strong. That Is The Way.
17 Mar 2021
Contributed by Lukas
“It was on this day 1841 years ago that Marcus Aurelius came to the end. It had been an incredible...
Guitarist Nita Strauss on Music and Philosophy
17 Mar 2021
Contributed by Lukas
On today’s podcast, Ryan talks to musician Nita Strauss about their mutual love of Iron Maiden, ho...
So, How Did You Do?
16 Mar 2021
Contributed by Lukas
“It’s been a year, as unbelievable as that is to write. Time has dragged. It has flown by. On Ma...
Always Consider the Unconsidered Consequences | Think About It from the Other Person’s Perspective
15 Mar 2021
Contributed by Lukas
“A little while back we talked about the bold stroke—inspired by the Stoics—which struck down ...
Plutarch on How To Be A Leader Part 2
14 Mar 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Today’s episode features another excerpt from Jeffrey Beneker’s How To Be A Leader: An Ancient G...
Steven Pressfield on Battling Resistance and Winning With Love
13 Mar 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Ryan speaks to his friend and fellow author Steven Pressfield about battling resistance and becoming...
What Can You Give Up To Help Others?
12 Mar 2021
Contributed by Lukas
“It’s impossible to overstate the terror and uncertainty that swarmed Marcus’ life. Just while...
You’ll Never Get Your Pound of Flesh | Living Without Restriction
11 Mar 2021
Contributed by Lukas
“They screwed you over. Hurt your career. They disrespected you. They blew it. They did...whatever...
Illustrator Victor Juhasz on Marcus Aurelius and The Boy Who Would Be King
10 Mar 2021
Contributed by Lukas
On today’s podcast, Ryan speaks to his collaborator and illustrator for his new book The Boy Who W...
Put The Weight Right On Me
10 Mar 2021
Contributed by Lukas
“So much happens in life. There is so much happening. Forget macro events—there are dogs that ge...
If You Want To Be Great...
09 Mar 2021
Contributed by Lukas
“You can’t find a single page in Meditations where you get the sense that Marcus was attuned to ...
You Will Fight This Battle All Alone | What Expensive Things Cost
08 Mar 2021
Contributed by Lukas
“It would be wonderful we were aligned on this. It would be nice if the world was your ally, that ...
How to Beat Procrastination With Stoicism
07 Mar 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Procrastination is something we all have to struggle with. It can be so tempting to put off a daunti...
Allie Esiri On the Power of Poetry and Daily Reads
06 Mar 2021
Contributed by Lukas
On today’s podcast, Ryan speaks to writer Allie Esiri about the Stoic’s infatuation with ancient...
Success Can Make People Better... Or Worse
05 Mar 2021
Contributed by Lukas
“Success made Marcus Aurelius better. It seems to have made Seneca worse. Marcus turned to philoso...
Respect the Man Who Stands Alone | Awareness Is Freedom
04 Mar 2021
Contributed by Lukas
“It’s hard not to read about Cato’s life and not be struck by how often the man stood alone. H...
Author Ron Lieber on Money and Values
03 Mar 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Ryan speaks to author Ron Lieber about the key Stoic virtue of temperance, how money can be a great ...
Keep Doing This—You’ll Always Need It
03 Mar 2021
Contributed by Lukas
“You’ve been reading for years now. You’ve been studying your Stoicism. You’ve been keeping ...
Are You Really That Special?
02 Mar 2021
Contributed by Lukas
“You’ve been reading for years now. You’ve been studying your Stoicism. You’ve been keeping ...
Don’t Get Even, Get Justice | Cultivate Indifference
01 Mar 2021
Contributed by Lukas
“These are angry times… with plenty to be angry about. From politicians that have failed us to s...
Plutarch on How To Be A Leader
28 Feb 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Today’s episode features an excerpt from Jeffrey Beneker’s How To Be A Leader: An Ancient Guide ...
Shopify CEO Tobias Lütke on Building a Better Future
27 Feb 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Ryan talks to Shopify CEO and founder Tobias Lütke about his introduction to Stoic philosophy, how ...
You Must Find Your Rules and Stick To Them
26 Feb 2021
Contributed by Lukas
“It’d be wonderful if life never tempted you, if you could just go day-to-day, winging it and al...
This Is the Great Equalizer | Smoke and Dust of Myth
25 Feb 2021
Contributed by Lukas
“Imagine what it must have been like to be Alexander the Great, conquering most of the known world...
What It Means To Carry the Fire
24 Feb 2021
Contributed by Lukas
“We’ve talked about this before—this idea of Carrying the Fire. It’s a concept that comes to...
Adam Grant on Ego and Knowledge
24 Feb 2021
Contributed by Lukas
On today’s podcast, Ryan talks to author Adam Grant about his new book, Think Again: The Power of ...
You Can’t Make People Feel What You Want
23 Feb 2021
Contributed by Lukas
“It would be so nice if they could just come around. If they could get with the program. Don’t t...
How Stories Teach Us The Truth | Reduce Wants, Increase Happiness
22 Feb 2021
Contributed by Lukas
“They seem silly. Aesop tells us stories about dogs and mice and foxes and lions. Children love th...
Stoicism and the Art of Resilience
21 Feb 2021
Contributed by Lukas
How does someone who was born into slavery, whose master broke their leg and crippled them for life,...
Poker World Champion Annie Duke On Choosing the Truth
20 Feb 2021
Contributed by Lukas
On today’s podcast, Ryan talks to World Series of Poker champion Annie Duke about making ethical c...
Face What’s In Front of You First
19 Feb 2021
Contributed by Lukas
“It’s a tempting cognitive bias but ultimately a paralyzing one. Worse, it is often complicit in...
You’re Not As Beloved As You Think | Prepare For The Storm
18 Feb 2021
Contributed by Lukas
“It’s easy to let self-importance set in. Look at the car they sent for you. Look at how big you...
There Are Going To Be These Kinds Of People In The World
17 Feb 2021
Contributed by Lukas
“When Barbara Bush died, a college professor in California decided to go on a tweetstorm to insult...
James Clear On Getting 1% Better Every Day
17 Feb 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Ryan talks with author James Clear about practical ways to shift your internal narrative, how to beg...
We Are Chosen For Things
16 Feb 2021
Contributed by Lukas
“It’s one of the most incredible stories in all of history. A young boy, out of nowhere, is cho...
It’s Easy To Forget This… But You Can’t. | Watch Over Your Perceptions
15 Feb 2021
Contributed by Lukas
“You have so much to do. So much going on. There are only so many rolls of toilet paper left at th...
Seneca on the Shortness of Life - Part 2
14 Feb 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Today’s episode features another section from James Romm’s How to Die: An Ancient Guide to the E...
Tamler Sommers On the Urgency of Honor
13 Feb 2021
Contributed by Lukas
On today’s podcast, Ryan talks to professor Tamler Sommers about the obligation to spread philosop...
Here’s Where You’ll Find True Beauty
12 Feb 2021
Contributed by Lukas
“As we’ve discussed before, John Adams was one of those people whose racing mind gave them littl...
You Just Keep Going | Hero or Nero
11 Feb 2021
Contributed by Lukas
“It has been a series of body blows, hasn’t it? The economy. Politics. Our health. Maybe you los...
Amelia Boone On Excellence and Endurance
10 Feb 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Ryan speaks to champion obstacle racer and attorney Amelia Boone about the absence of clear communic...
What Did the Stoics Think About Politics?
10 Feb 2021
Contributed by Lukas
“Some of you are mad before you’ve even read this email. Relax. The Stoics lived 2,000 years ago...
No, The World Is Not Conspiring Against You
09 Feb 2021
Contributed by Lukas
“Sometimes it can feel like you’re surrounded by small-minded idiots. Especially when you’re t...
There Is Nothing Beneath the Philosopher | Suspend Your Opinions
08 Feb 2021
Contributed by Lukas
“We get it. You’ve worked hard. You’re a good person. You respect yourself. That’s why you’...
How To Use Stoicism To Control Your Anger
07 Feb 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Anger is antithetical to Stoicism, so naturally, the Stoics had methods of dealing with it. In this ...
Jonathan Church On Terminal Cancer and Making Peace with Fate
06 Feb 2021
Contributed by Lukas
On today’s episode, Ryan speaks to author and economist Jonathan Church about his brain cancer dia...
Is This What You Spend Your Life For?
05 Feb 2021
Contributed by Lukas
“Early on in Address Unknown, a haunting novel about the rise of fascism in Germany in the 1930s, ...
You Don’t Have To Do This Anymore | On Being Invincible
04 Feb 2021
Contributed by Lukas
“In one of the most vulnerable scenes in the Taylor Swift documentary on Netflix, Swift talks abou...
The Highway Don’t Care
03 Feb 2021
Contributed by Lukas
“It doesn’t matter that you’re a safe driver. Or that you’ve always paid your taxes. It does...
Bryan Doerries On the Power of Greek Tragedy and Seneca’s Plays
03 Feb 2021
Contributed by Lukas
On today’s episode, Ryan speaks to writer Bryan Doerries about his work in familiarizing service m...
Things Are Not That Different
02 Feb 2021
Contributed by Lukas
“We live in the glorious future. Yet somehow it is exactly the same as the past. The scourge of th...
This Is How a Wise Man Responds to Triggers | Focus On the Present Moment
01 Feb 2021
Contributed by Lukas
“There’s a story in the Talmud about a man betting his friend four hundred zuzim that he couldn’...
Seneca On the Shortness of Life
31 Jan 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Today’s episode features a section from James Romm’s How to Die: An Ancient Guide to the End of ...
James Frey on Turning Chaos Into Success
30 Jan 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Ryan Speaks to writer and businessman James Frey about the challenges of being isolated during the p...
Practice Makes You Prepared
29 Jan 2021
Contributed by Lukas
“In 2017, the New England Patriots were down 28-3 to the Atlanta Falcons in the third quarter of t...
Can You Forgive Them? | Watching the Wise
28 Jan 2021
Contributed by Lukas
“They hurt you, your parents. Everyone’s did. Some in big ways, some in small ways. It’s just ...
It’s A Series Of High Water Marks
27 Jan 2021
Contributed by Lukas
“There’s a beautiful scene in Hunter S. Thompson’s dark memoir, Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas...
David Roll on What We Can Learn from General George Marshall
27 Jan 2021
Contributed by Lukas
On today’s podcast, Ryan and historian David Roll discuss his most recent book George Marshall: De...
Not No Emotions, No Useless Emotions
26 Jan 2021
Contributed by Lukas
“Stoicism, as we have said, is not the elimination of all emotion. It’s the regulation of them. ...
The Present Moment Is All You’ve Got | A Little Better Every Day
25 Jan 2021
Contributed by Lukas
“There’s a lot going on in your life. Good for you. It’s a sign of success. It’s also a burd...