The Daily Stoic
Episodes
You Must Go Toward The Oxygen | 10 Stoic Stories That Will Leave You Speechless
03 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
When we say Amor Fati, when we say The Obstacle is the Way, we’re not talking about just sitting there, being provided with fuel. We’re talking ab...
Come Back To This Later
02 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Take your much deserved break today. We are human beings after all, not human doings. So go out and live today. Rest from your labor. Come back better...
Marcus Aurelius' Letters to Fronto
01 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Get an inside look at the relationship between Marcus Aurelius and his rhetoric teacher, Fronto, through this narration of their letters. Fronto was f...
The New Age of Media Manipulation | Renée DiResta
31 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
How information (and misinformation) spreads online continues to change with the media landscape. Renée DiResta and Ryan continue their conversation ...
You Meet Them Where They Are | When You Feel Lazy
30 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Don't forge ahead hoping that someone will come along and relieve you of this task you don't want to do. Don't be the person who says yes with their m...
This Isn’t How You’ll Be Measured | Ask DS
29 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
We know that ultimately lives are not measured by superficial or materialistic things…yet we spend so much of our lives focused solely on that. Ask ...
It’s Tragic But Helpful
28 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
The Stoics were not so insensitive as to believe that it was good that someone died. That’s not what they meant by “opportunity”—what they mea...
Attention Wars: How Lies Spread Online Have Real-World Consequences | Renée DiResta
28 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
“If you make it trend, you make it true” is a terrifyingly real quote across the cover of Renée DiResta’s book, Invisible Rulers: The People Wh...
You Gotta Start Sometime | What Young Men Get Wrong About Stoicism
27 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Do it now. Get started. Begun is half done. Do it now.🪙 Designed with the intention of carrying them in your pocket, our Memento Mori Medallion is ...
It’s A Very Timeless Thing | A Cure For Procrastination
26 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Marcus Aurelius was not like you at all. Yet…we can tell from Meditations that Marcus Aurelius was also just like us.🎙️ Listen to David Hernán...
50 Harsh Stoic Truths That Will Improve Your Life
25 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
The Stoics believed that Stoicism was a cure for our ills. Epictetus would talk about how like the philosopher's school is like a hospital. Not all tr...
Political Leadership Lessons From Mayor G.T. Bynum & Rusty Bailey
24 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
One of the problems with politics today is we tend to only focus on what is happening on a national level, which is currently quite dramatic, dysfunct...
A Sign You’re Making Progress | It's In Your Self-Interest
23 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
“The beautiful and good person neither fights with anyone…” Epictetus says in Discourses. This isn’t to say that agreeableness is the goal of ...
You Can’t Get Your Dawns Back | Ask DS
22 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Once a dawn happens, it is gone to you forever. Once a day ends, it’s done for you for all time. Act accordingly. Protect your time accordingly.Ask ...
It’s About What You Make Happen
21 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
We don’t live in Ancient Rome. We are not emperors or senators. We are not professional philosophers. We are regular people. This doesn’t mean we ...
Why Amanda Knox Turned To Stoicism After Being Wrongfully Convicted of Murder
21 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In November, 2007, Amanda Knox was 20 years old and had been studying abroad in Italy when her roommate, Meredith Kercher, was brutally murdered. Arou...
Their Hearts Were Touched By Fire | 12 Valuable Stoic Truths
20 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
The Stoics were touched by the power of philosophy at an early age. It inspired them, charged them, challenged them. Whatever your age, you too have b...
There Are Some Things Only Adversity Unlocks | Just Say No To Future Misery
19 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
The obstacles are not impediments, they are opportunities. They are not holding us back, they are fueling us. 📚 Pick up a copy of The Tiger: A...
Philosophical Antagonists? The Real Story of Stoicism and Epicureanism
18 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
The stereotypes of Stoics as emotionless brutes and Epicureans as self-indulgent pleasure-seekers is not just misleading, but is an injustice to the t...
Be An Everyday Person | Coach Buzz Williams
17 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Being consistent creates real, lasting change. It is the compound interest towards our future accomplishments and who we want to be. This is what Texa...
Can You Do It With A Broken Heart? | Anything Can Be An Advantage
16 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
The Stoics were people that felt, but they also understood that life, especially leadership, requires being able to balance these emotions with the re...
What Has It Stolen From You? | Ask DS
15 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
We are the creators of our anxiety. Which means we can also be the ones to do something about it. In Meditations, Marcus Aurelius put it like this: “...
Coach Buzz Williams’ Playbook for Mentorship and Motivation
14 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
As the Head Coach of Texas A&M Men’s Basketball team, Coach Buzz Williams is dedicated to setting his players up for success not only on the cou...
This is What To Do With Joy
14 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
It’s because life is unpredictable, it’s because nothing is certain that we must find joy and happiness where we can.🎟 Ryan Holiday is going on...
You Can’t Be Afraid To Get Up There | Marcus Aurelius' Life Story
13 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
There’s a reason the Stoics held up courage as a key virtue. Because they believed that we were obligated to participate in public life and that thi...
We Have To Give It Back | Always Ask Yourself This Question
12 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
We’ve already lost many of our favorite guests and influences. Today, we must add another to that list, Jake Seliger. Jake was diagnosed with termin...
What Jimmy Carter Can Teach Us About Justice | Ryan Holiday Speaks at the Naval Academy
11 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Back in April, Ryan went to the United States Naval Academy and spoke to over 1,000 Sophomore Cadets about Stoicism, the virtue of Justice, and the le...
Chasing Olympic Gold with Stoic Virtues | Greg Harden, Kate Courtney, & Chris Bosh
10 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
The 2024 Summer Olympic Games in Paris are coming to a close and it’s been incredible watching the world’s top athletes compete for gold. Today, R...
Don’t Say You’re One Of These | Stick With Just The Facts
09 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
You don’t call yourself a Stoic. You must act like a Stoic.💡 We set up Stoicism 101: Ancient Philosophy For Your Actual Life to give you the abso...
This is Our Great Fortune | Ask DS
08 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Would you rather be poor today or wealthy in Rome two thousand years ago? You have access and knowledge that Marcus Aurelius, Seneca, and the most bri...
Don’t Put Yourself in This Position
07 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
A leader stands up, steps up…or in other cases, walks away.🎙️ Listen to Ann Wroe On The Real Story Of Pontius Pilate, And His Connection To Sto...
The History of American Bookshops (From Benjamin Franklin to The Painted Porch) | Evan Friss
07 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Behind every great man and woman of history, there's usually a library or a bookstore that has been formative in their life. Not only have bookstores ...
Let This Be Our Legacy | Robert Greene's Stoic Lessons (That Changed Ryan Holiday's Life)
06 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Whenever the Olympics come around, we tend to place a big emphasis on winning and individual glory. But as the Stoics would remind us, it’s not winn...
It’s Always Happening | What Little Wins Can You Find
05 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
We’re all marked souls, living on borrowed time. Let’s not waste what time we have left. Memento Mori.🪙 Designed with the intention of carrying...
Going Beyond The Call
04 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Having the courage to make the ultimate sacrifice. Going beyond the call. This is the story of the Battle of Thermopylae. 📕 Grab a signed copy of C...
Unlocking Self-Discovery Through Shadow Work Journaling | Keila Shaheen
03 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Journaling allows us to release our thoughts and feelings, but shadow work journaling takes it to a much deeper level. Shadow work is based on Carl Ju...
It’s A Very Special Thing | We Can Work Any Way
02 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
What we see in Meditations is not the finished product of a philosopher but the process of philosophy—we are watching Marcus philosophize to himself...
Can You Build a Castle? | Ask DS
01 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
You could build castles out of the bricks they threw at Cato. But Cato didn’t need to build castles with those bricks because he had something bette...
This Ain’t No Sin
31 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
It doesn’t matter that times are dark or violent or uncertain. We must be grateful, we must seize this gift we’ve been given while we have it.&nbs...
Patrick Dempsey on Ethical Dilemmas, Being of Service, and Embracing Stoicism
31 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Patrick Dempsey and Ryan’s conversation continues in today’s episode, talking about the ethical decisions made each day, how the entertainment wor...
How Much Sad Do You Think You Have? | 10 Stoic Tips For Handling Rude People
30 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
There are going to be moments of life that make you question just how much a person can possibly take. But there is that inner-citadel within you as w...
We Really Screwed This Up, Didn’t We? | A Week Without Complaining
29 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
We need to make the virtues commonplace again—they are, as Marcus Aurelius said, “touchstones of goodness.” And we must start with the only thin...
Seneca on Practicing What You Preach
28 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Today's episode is an excerpt from The Tao Of Seneca produced by Tim Ferriss’ Audio. In this letter, Seneca writes about how true philosophy require...
Olympic Kickoff | Gold Medalist Dominique Dawes, Michael Phelps' Coach Bob Bowman, and Basketball Icon George Raveling
27 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
The 2024 Summer Olympic Games in Paris are officially here! To kick off the Olympics, Ryan talks to gold medalist Dominique Dawes, Michael Phelps...
No One Escapes This | When Good Men Do Nothing
26 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
You’ll never be happy or feel good if your sense of worth is tied up in always being well-received, if you can’t handle the injustice of being mis...
Everyone (And Everything) Is Like A River | Ask DS
25 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Marcus Aurelius put his words down in Greek over 1,850 years ago. They have not changed. But each time a new translator has looked at them, they’ve ...
Are You Allowed To Cry?
24 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
A Stoic is invulnerable. A Stoic is tough. A Stoic is emotionless. A Stoic can't cry...right?You’re only human. So be human and let yourself feel.💡...
Stoicism for Turbulent Times (and Divisive Politics) | History of Rome Podcaster Mike Duncan on Political Parallels
24 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
After the recent assassination attempt of former President Trump and the heightening political divide, it’s important to learn from history and turn...
How To Stand Before Kings | Everything You Need To Know About Marcus Aurelius' Meditations
23 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
The Stoics didn’t just stand before kings, they came to them as equals and in some cases, towered over them, their virtue putting them above any kin...
Waste No More Time Doing This | Keeping "The News" In Check
22 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
“Waste no more time arguing what a good man should be,” Marcus Aurelius says. “Be one.”Don't follow breaking news. Don't let it change who you...
Taming the Ego | Overcoming the Enemy Within
21 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
When you feel that voice inside you creeping up, the one that makes you feel entitled, the one that makes you feel superior, the one that makes you ag...
How Patrick Dempsey Applies Stoicism in Acting and Race Car Driving
20 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
You may know Patrick Dempsey as “McDreamy” from Grey’s Anatomy or from one of his many leading roles in films like Enchanted, Sweet Home Alabama...
Embrace Your Weirdness | Forgive Them Because They Don't Know
19 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Embrace who you really are. Embrace what makes you unique. Embrace your weirdness. Because chances are it’s special.🎙️ Listen to Rainn Wilson’...
This Will Help You Calm Down | Ask DS
18 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
If you read the news, it feels like the world is falling apart. Zoom out. Take a sideways glance. Get the outside of the issue, the problem, the day’...
This Is What Is Making You So Stressed
17 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Falling short today does not have to mean that everything is falling apart. Stop torturing yourself! Be present. Focus primarily on what is front of y...
The Key Media Strategies for Maximum Impact | Gary Vaynerchuck
17 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Gary Vaynerchuck, better known as Gary Vee, has always had his finger on the pulse of digital media. His content pyramid is the secret behind how some...
Who Possesses You? | 12 Must-Read Stoic Books To Get You Started
16 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
We must retain possession of ourselves. We must get a hold of ourselves. No matter what they do to us. No matter how unfair or frustrating life (and b...
How To Live in an Imperfect World | Practice Gentleness Instead of Anger
15 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
We are in an imperfect world populated with flawed people. We ourselves are flawed. We can’t afford to feel or act superior. We have too much work t...
9 Stoic Strategies to Overcome Procrastination
14 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Twenty centuries ago, the Roman era Stoic philosopher Seneca joked that the one thing fools all have in common is that they are always ...
The Price of Integrity | Jordan Harbinger
13 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Having interviewed over 1,000 people, how does Jordan Harbinger decide who he brings on his wildly successful podcast, The Jordan Harbinger Show? What...
The Smallest Man Who Ever Lived… | Some Simple Rules
12 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
We’re in an election year here, not just in America but across the world. Let us learn from Seneca.📓 Grab your own leather bound signed edition o...
Nobody Won Afraid Of Losing | Ask DS
11 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Courage is the mother of all virtues, Aristotle said, because in a world that’s not virtuous, it’s a brave thing to go out there and do what needs...
You Know You’re Good When…
10 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
You keep going. You do your best. Even if life has kicked the crap out of you.🎟 Ryan Holiday is going on tour! Grab tickets at ryanholiday.net/tour...
What We Can Learn From The Rich And Famous | Jordan Harbinger
10 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
At the time of this recording, Jordan Harbinger had just published over 1,000 episodes of his podcast, The Jordan Harbinger Show. Throughout the years...
It Helps To Write It Down | How To Journal Like The Stoics
09 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Journaling is one of the most essential exercises in Stoic philosophy. You find your own way. You find your own style. You get your own benefits. But ...
You Don’t Get To Do This Anymore | Don’t Look For The Third Thing
08 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Marcus Aurelius wrote Meditations to himself, yet he only speaks positively of people he knows in those pages. This is the price of success, of a...
Stop Asking For The Third Thing | Right Thing, Right Now Excerpt
07 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
📕 Right Thing, Right Now is out! To purchase your own copy and get exclusive bonuses, head here: https://store.dailystoic.com/✉️ Want Stoic wis...
Living With Justice: Will Guidara Interviews Ryan Holiday
06 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
📕 Right Thing, Right Now is out! To purchase your own copy and get exclusive bonuses, head here: https://store.dailystoic.com/Grab a copy of Unreas...
What Do You Commemorate? | No One Said It'd Be Easy
05 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
“As a historian, we have to look unflinchingly at the past, looking at the record of events as they happened. But commemoration—what we choose to ...
This Is What Freedom Requires | Ask DS
04 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Happy Fourth of July! While you are grilling and relaxing with friends, remember that the comfort you enjoy now grew out of a philosophy that was made...
Beware This Heavy Burden
03 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
There is a hidden cost to everything you own. Things don’t just cost you monetarily. They cost you mentally, too. 🎙️Listen to Kevin Rose’s fu...
Discovering The Formula For True Happiness | Max Joseph (Pt. 2)
03 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Tune in to hear part 2 of Ryan’s conversation with Max Joseph, the creator behind the new docuseries HAPPINESS on YouTube. Max talks with Ryan about...
How To Be A King | What Stoicism Gets Wrong
02 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
🎥 Watch the YouTube video of What Stoicism Gets Wrong✉️ Want Stoic wisdom delivered to your inbox daily? Sign up for the FREE Daily Stoic email...
The Earth Is A Boneyard (But Pretty in Sunlight) | Protect Your Own Good
01 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
📓 Pick up a signed edition of The Daily Stoic Journal: 366 Days of Writing and Reflection on The Art of Living: https://store.dailystoic.com/📚 P...
Becoming A Professional | The War of Art Excerpt
30 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
📚 Grab a copy of The War of Art by Steven Pressfield at The Painted Porch: https://www.thepaintedporch.com/🎙️Listen to Steven Pressfield’s i...
Storytelling In A Competitive Content World | Max Joseph (Pt. 1)
29 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
You may know Max Joseph from MTV’s show Catfish, which he co-hosted for 7 seasons, or from his movie We Are Your Friends which starred Zac Efron. Ma...
Don’t Wake Up and Choose Violence | No Self-Flagellation Needed
28 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
📓 Grab your own leather bound signed edition of The Daily Stoic! Check it out at the Daily Stoic Store: https://store.dailystoic.com/📚 Pick up a...
It’s Good If It Makes You Good | Ask DS
27 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
🪙 To get your own The Obstacle Is The Way medallion, head to https://store.dailystoic.com/✉️ Want Stoic wisdom delivered to your inbox daily? S...
It’s Impossible, You Know
26 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
🎙️Listen to Tim Ferriss’ full interview on The Daily Stoic✉️ Want Stoic wisdom delivered to your inbox daily? Sign up for the FREE Daily St...
Paper Trails: How Notebooks Changed The World | Roland Allen
26 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
So often we forget that the things we rely on every day had to be invented at one point or another, such as the notebook. Roland Allen, author of The ...
All Success Comes From This | 9 Stoic Tips For Beating Resistance (With Steven Pressfield)
25 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
🎥 Watch the YouTube video of 9 Stoic Tips For Beating Resistance (With Steven Pressfield and Ryan Holiday)💡Learn more about the Daily Stoic Life...
Do You Dominate The Battlespace? | What's In Your Way Is The Way
24 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
📕 Pick up a premium leather edition of The Obstacle Is the Way by Ryan Holiday at dailystoic.com/obstacleleather✉️ Want Stoic wisdom delivered ...
Why You Should Do The Right Thing | Ryan Holiday Speaks At ACL Live
23 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
🎥 Watch the YouTube video of Ryan’s talk at ACL Live: https://www.youtube.com/@DailyStoic📕 Right Thing, Right Now is out! To purchase your own...
Quietly Chasing Dreams & The Secret To Momentum | Rich Roll
22 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Rich Roll joins Ryan for a conversation about spiritual gurus, self-awareness, and the problems that come with sharing goals publicly. Rich talks abou...
Listen To Your Own Soul’s Warning | Cal Newport On Walking & Productivity
21 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
🎙️ Listen to Cal Newport’s full interview on The Daily Stoic📓 Pick up a signed edition of The Daily Stoic: 366 Meditations on Wisdom, Persev...
Can You At Least Be This? | Ask DS
20 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
✉️ Want Stoic wisdom delivered to your inbox daily? Sign up for the FREE Daily Stoic email at https://dailystoic.com/dailyemail🏛 Get Stoic insp...
It’s Not About The Words. It’s About This.
19 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
✉️ Want Stoic wisdom delivered to your inbox daily? Sign up for the FREE Daily Stoic email at https://dailystoic.com/dailyemail🏛 Get Stoic insp...
Commitment Devices For Creating Lasting Change | Katy Milkman
19 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
How can we make real, lasting changes in our lives? Katy Milkman talks with Ryan about strategic methods we can use to overcome barriers to change, ex...
It Could Just As Easily Be Us… | Stoicism's Formula For Building Resilience
18 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
📕 Right Thing, Right Now is out now! To purchase your own copy, head here: https://store.dailystoic.com/✉️ Want Stoic wisdom delivered to your ...
Avoid This Form Of Insanity | Take A Walk
17 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
📓 Pick up a signed edition of The Daily Stoic Journal: 366 Days of Writing and Reflection on The Art of Living: https://store.dailystoic.com/✉️...
Make Good Trouble | Right Thing, Right Now Excerpt
16 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
📕 Right Thing, Right Now is out now! To pick up your own copy, visit https://store.dailystoic.com/ ✉️ Want Stoic wisdom delivered to your inbox...
Why Justice Is The Cornerstone Of The Stoic Virtues | Billy Oppenheimer (Pt. 2)
15 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Ryan is the one answering questions today as his research assistant, Billy Oppenheimer, joins him for part 2 on what the Stoic virtue of justice ...
It’s Easier To Be Angry Than Hurt | Why Not Try Something New?
14 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
💡 Take the first step towards a calmer future by signing up for the course: Taming Your Temper: The 11 Day Stoic Guide to Controlling Your Anger at...
This Is How You Always Win | NPR On Point
13 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
🎙️ Listen to the full episode of NPR On Point here📕 Right Thing, Right Now is out now! To purchase your own copy, head here: https://store.dai...
We Face The Path Of Time
12 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
📕 Right Thing, Right Now is out! To purchase your own copy, head here: https://store.dailystoic.com/✉️ Want Stoic wisdom delivered to your inbo...
The Hardest Book Ryan Holiday Has Written | Billy Oppenheimer (Pt. 1)
12 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
The tables have turned for today’s interview, as Ryan is joined by his research assistant, Billy Oppenheimer. Together they talk about the Stoic vir...
This Saved Ten Lives | Routines are Fragile... Try These 10 Stoic Practices Instead
11 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
🌍 To make a donation, go to GiveWell.org📕 Right Thing, Right Now is out now! To purchase your own copy, head here: https://store.dailystoic.com/...
They’re Throwing This To You | Try The Other Handle
10 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
📕 Pre-order Right Thing, Right Now and get exclusive bonuses! To learn more and pre-order your own copy, visit dailystoic.com/justice✉️ Want St...
How Marcus Aurelius Became Marcus Aurelius
09 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
🎙️Listen to Donald Robertson’s two-part interview on The Daily Stoic: Spotify & Apple Podcasts 📕 Pick up a copy of Marcus Aurelius: The ...
The Cost of Chasing Success | Chris Distefano
08 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Chris Distefano is one of the funniest and most respected stand up comedians today. He joined Ryan at The Painted Porch to talk about their experience...