The Daily Stoic

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...

Your Character Defines Your Life | General Stanley McChrystal (PT. 2)

23 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The test of character is simple: what do you do when you have nothing to lose… or everything? Ryan and General Stanley McChrystal continue their con...

It’ll Come For You Eventually | How To Read Better (10 Rules From Ryan Holiday)

22 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Sooner or later, it catches up with you. When you compromise with bad people, their consequences become yours. 📚 Sign up for Ryan’s free mon...

These Are Three Ancient Stoic Secrets | Ask Daily Stoic

21 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Without wisdom, the other virtues cannot truly flourish—it is wisdom that guides our courage, moderates our discipline, and directs our sense of jus...

Is This Really Worth The Cost?

20 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

We can’t let our accomplishments fool us into thinking that we are immortal, that we can outthink, outrun, outwork death. 📚 The ebook editio...

The Hard Truth About Character | General Stanley McChrystal (PT. 1)

20 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

We control who we are. We control what we do. We control the standards we hold ourselves to. Ryan sits down with retired four-star General Stanley McC...

Why Are You Going Through Life This Way? | Just Say No To Future Misery

19 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

A pause creates space. A pause creates clarity. A pause can change everything.🪙 Carry The Daily Stoic Pause & Reflect Medallion as a reminder t...

Can You Believe We Can Do This? | Only Fools Rush In

18 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

We’re doing better than it sometimes feels. Let us marvel at the cooperation that is possible—considering the flawed and petty humans it depends o...

Maybe You CAN Make More Time

17 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The Stoics remind us that time, especially the time we’re healthy and able to actually enjoy life, is our most valuable resource. But knowing that i...

When Good People Lose Themselves to Tyrants | James Romm (PT. 2)

16 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

History has a way of looking calmer than it really was. In this PT. 2 episode, Ryan sits down with historian and author James Romm to talk about the m...

The Choice Is Clear (But That Doesn’t Mean It’s Easy) | Ryan Holiday Ran The ORIGINAL Marathon

15 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

When it comes to doing what’s right, the timing is rarely perfect.🎥 Watch the video of Ryan running the ORIGINAL Marathon on The Daily Stoic YouT...

This Is The Only Place To Look For Approval | Ask Daily Stoic

14 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

We want the stamp of approval—from the critics, from the crowd, from the market. This makes sense...except it doesn’t.📖 Preorder the final book...

It’s Always Been Like This (But Worse)

13 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The point is: It’s always been rough. The point is: It always will be rough. 📖 Preorder the final book in Ryan Holiday's The Stoic Virtues S...

When Good People Lose Themselves to Tyrants | James Romm (PT. 1)

13 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

What makes smart, principled people work for the worst leaders? In this conversation, historian and author James Romm and Ryan dig into the timeless t...

This Is The Secret To Success (And A Happy Life) | Always Ask Yourself This Question

12 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

It's only fools who fly off the handle, it's the immature who say the first thought that pops into their head, it's the irresponsible who act without ...

This Is What To Surprise Them With | No Time For Theories, Just Results

11 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Ask yourself today: Where can you be less possessive? Where can you share the load, elevate someone else, or choose principle over pride?📔 Pick up ...

Stoic Lessons From The Worst Day In The World

10 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Everything went wrong. But Ryan stayed calm. A real-time Stoic stress test, and a reminder that philosophy is for days just like this.📖 Preorder th...

Are We In A Post-Shame Society? | Elliot Ackerman (PT. 2)

09 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

What happens when politics becomes performance and politicians become influencers? In today’s Part 2 episode, former Marine and NYT bestselling auth...

It’s Always The Right Time To Do The Right Thing | Epictetus' Guide To A Better Life

08 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The right time to do the hard thing, the courageous thing, the right thing? It’s right now. 📖 Preorder the final book in Ryan Holiday's The ...

Now You Know Better, Do This | Ask Daily Stoic

07 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Guilt is about the past and the past is the one thing we cannot change. All we can do is do better now. 📖 Preorder the final book in Ryan Holi...

The One Thing In Your Life You Can Control

06 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Our lives are unpredictable. We are at the mercy of so many forces.📖 Preorder the final book in Ryan Holiday's The Stoic Virtues Series: "Wisdom Ta...

The #1 Gift You Can Give Your Future Self | Former Marine Elliot Ackerman

06 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Former Marine turned novelist Elliot Ackerman sits down with Ryan to talk about what discipline really looks like in everyday life. From 100-degree ru...

Where Would We Be Without Them? | What Little Wins Can You Find

05 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Education takes time. It takes work. It takes patience. 📖 Preorder the final book in Ryan Holiday's The Stoic Virtues Series: "Wisdom Takes Wo...

We Are Better Than Before | No Blame, Just Focus

04 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Before, you were scared. Before, you were soft. Before, you were dependent. Before, you were so many things.📔 Pick up your own leather bound signed...

See How The Other Half Lives

03 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

True curiosity demands action. It challenges your assumptions, expands your worldview, and pushes you to do something with what you learn.📚 The Fou...

Winning Is A Muscle. Build It. | WNBA Legend Candace Parker

02 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

If there’s one thing Candace Parker does best, it’s winning. In today’s episode, Ryan sits down with basketball legend Candace Parker to talk ab...