Podcast appearances and mentions of Ryan Holiday

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, the final book in the Stoic Virtues Series, is out TODAY! To celebrate, Ryan's sharing a special preview: a full chapter from the audiobook.

We all want our kids to do well in school. You want them to enjoy learning. We just need to understand that every education is different. Because every kid is different!

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 generate new and beautiful art. This is all wonderful and important, but we know it is not the same thing as wisdom.

How do we help them become lifelong learners? Well, it starts with being one yourself.

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 Stoicism can help you avoid the same trap.

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 rules” and why it's stuck with him ever since they first talked. Ryan and Les discuss how these rules help leaders stay calm under pressure, make hard decisions, and mentor the next generation. Then, they wrap up the conversation at The Painted Porch, where Ryan shares some book recommendations with Les and his wife Kara.Les Snead is an American football executive who is the general manager of the Los Angeles Rams of the National Football League. Snead played tight end for Auburn from 1992-93 and was part of the Tigers' perfect 11-0 team in 1993. He also earned Southeast Region Academic All-American honors during his college career. Prior to joining the Rams, Snead spent 13 seasons with the Atlanta Falcons.

If you've ever felt like everyone else has parenting figured out, this episode is for you. Ryan shares eight pieces of advice that are honest, imperfect, and actually useful reminders for real life.

Send us a textNew York Times bestselling author Ryan Holiday returns to From the Green Notebook for his third conversation with Joe—this time diving into the themes of his latest and final book in the Stoic Virtues series, Wisdom Takes Work. In this wide-ranging conversation, Ryan and Joe discuss the importance of curiosity, humility, and deep reflection in a world where shortcuts and surface-level thinking often dominate. They explore how writing, reading, and journaling serve as tools for developing wisdom—and how, for both leaders and creators, clarity of thought begins with clarity on paper.Listeners will gain insights into Ryan's approach to writing books, the power of writing as intellectual accountability, and what he's learned from studying figures like Montaigne, Lincoln, and even Elon Musk. Along the way, Ryan opens up about his own evolution as a writer, the dangers of intellectual arrogance, and why the pursuit of wisdom is a lifelong endeavor.In this episode, Joe and Ryan explore:Why wisdom isn't something you have but something you earn through continuous effortHow writing forces clarity, accountability, and humility in thinkingThe danger of “bad bricks” in our belief systems—and how to guard against misinformationWhy note-taking and reflection are a form of “time travel” that benefit your future selfHow curiosity and skepticism help protect us from manipulation in an AI-driven worldThe difference between intelligence and wisdom—and why power without self-awareness can be destructiveWhy Ben Franklin remains a model of intellectual and social intelligenceWhether you're leading a team, writing your next book, or simply trying to think more clearly, this episode offers a masterclass in slowing down, asking better questions, and doing the hard work of becoming wiser.A Special Thanks to Our Sponsors!Veteran-founded Adyton. Step into the next generation of equipment management with Log-E by Adyton. Whether you are doing monthly inventories or preparing for deployment, Log-E is your pocket property book, giving real-time visibility into equipment status and mission readiness. Learn more about how Log-E can revolutionize your property tracking process here!Meet ROGER Bank—a modern, digital bank built for military members, by military members. With early payday, no fees, high-yield accounts, and real support, it's banking that gets you. Funds are FDIC insured through Citizens Bank of Edmond, so you can bank with confidence and peace of mind. 

Whether we're a slave or an emperor, wisdom helps us rise above our limitations. It gives us clarity, it gives us perspective.

We are in the debt of teachers and grandparents and mentors who didn't treat us as the average but as the extraordinary individual we were and thus gave us individual treatment. Don't your kids deserve that, too?

If you've ever thought, “What if I had just gone for it?” today's bonus episode is for you.

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.

Kids need routine. Kids need consistency. If you miss a window, there could be hell to pay. So we put them on the schedule and we try to stay on it.Give yourself the ultimate gift of parenting tools, structure, and community. Join The Daily Dad Society here: https://dailydad.com/society

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 Angeles Rams General Manager Les Snead, the man who helped build a Super Bowl–winning team. They talk about what Les calls his “panic rules,” the principles he leans on when things get chaotic, and how he and coach Sean McVay have learned to play to win instead of not to lose. Les Snead is an American football executive who is the general manager of the Los Angeles Rams of the National Football League. Snead played tight end for Auburn from 1992-93 and was part of the Tigers' perfect 11-0 team in 1993. He also earned Southeast Region Academic All-American honors during his college career. Prior to joining the Rams, Snead spent 13 seasons with the Atlanta Falcons.

This Stoicism thing—you've been practicing it for a while, but how do you know it's working?

We can do more and we should try to do more, but let's make sure we are at least doing this.Give yourself the ultimate gift of parenting tools, structure, and community. Join The Daily Dad Society here: https://dailydad.com/society

This episode explores the quiet courage it takes to ask for help—and the deeper Stoic truth that vulnerability is not weakness but strength.From Marcus Aurelius's reminder that “there is no shame in being helped” to Ryan Holiday's call for bravery in admitting our needs, we see how openness creates stronger bonds and shared resilience.Woven through is the Stoic commitment to justice, empathy, and fellowship: by leaning on others and extending our hand in turn, we transform isolation into connection.True strength, as the Stoics remind us, lies in building a world where courage and compassion circulate together.

Those that don't, or those that think they can go it alone, almost always fail.

Maybe you don't like it. Maybe you think it's a bad idea. Maybe you're scared for them. But you know what? It doesn't matter.

They knew the costs of ego. They knew that happiness was never about externals. Yet they did chase it, didn't they?

We're afraid they're not learning enough. We're concerned they're falling behind. Is it the school? Is there something wrong with them?

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 say Pete had some thoughts about a few of Ryan's book picks...Here is the FULL list of books Ryan recommended to Pete: https://www.thepaintedporch.com/collections/pete-holmes

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 say you're “one of the greats.” They talk about how to find peace when life feels out of control, why laughter might be the highest form of enlightenment, and what it really means to “make it.”Pete Holmes is an American actor, comedian, writer, producer, and podcaster. He first gained recognition in the early 2010s as a stand-up comic, and also released his first comedy special and worked as a television writer and actor. He is the host of the podcast You Made It Weird, author of Comedy Sex God, and the creator of the HBO show Crashing. Follow Pete Holmes on Instagram, X, and YouTubeWatch Ryan's episode on You Made It Weird with Pete Holmes: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nn9B-15fV1IListen to Pete interview Robert Greene - one of Ryan's favorite podcast episodes!

Reading Ryan Holiday's books is one thing. Living with him during a launch? That's a whole different story. In today's episode, Ryan and Sam talk about how they survive book season — and each other — when a new release is approaching.

When we react emotionally, we rarely make things better. When we get angry? We always make things worse—for ourselves and others.

We're always in a rush. We have to get them ready for school. We have to finish up dinner. We have to get them off to bed. Give yourself the ultimate gift of parenting tools, structure, and community. Join The Daily Dad Society here: https://dailydad.com/societyHead to ZBiotics.com/DAILYDAD and use the code DAILYDAD at checkout for 15% off!✉️ Sign up for the Daily Dad email: DailyDad.com

Feeling anxious lately? In this bonus episode, Ryan and author Chris Guillebeau break down what your anxiety is really trying to tell you, why fighting it makes it worse, and how to finally feel calm without forcing it.

There is no wisdom without experience. But experience does not necessarily translate into wisdom, does it?

We try to be conscious of this. Of how fast their childhood goes by. Of the need to be present. To enjoy this. To soak it in. And then what do we do?

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 trapped in the cult of productivity. They discuss Mark Wahlberg's 4 a.m. hustle routine, the myth of “selfless work,” why we confuse being busy with being good, and more. Pete Holmes is an American actor, comedian, writer, producer, and podcaster. He first gained recognition in the early 2010s as a stand-up comic, and also released his first comedy special and worked as a television writer and actor. He is the host of the podcast You Made It Weird, author of Comedy Sex God, and the creator of the HBO show Crashing. Follow Pete Holmes on Instagram, X, and YouTubeWatch Ryan's episode on You Made It Weird with Pete Holmes: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nn9B-15fV1IListen to Pete interview Robert Greene - one of Ryan's favorite podcast episodes!

We've all known these people. They say one thing and do another. They virtue signal but act without virtue.

You're here because you yourself are eager to learn more every day—about parenting and raising great kids. You yourself are modeling lifelong learning and curiosity for your kids in ways you might not even realize.

There is no technology that can do it for you. There is no app. No teacher who can simply download everything into your brain.

Why would you think you'd be exempted? Why are you so easily surprised or frustrated by it? Why are you so eager to blame?

There is so much to worry about. There is so much to be stressed about. Or so you think…

Things might be safer than they were in the past, but that doesn't exactly help you relax, does it?

In the past, character wasn't just admired, it was expected. People demanded integrity, and even fought duels over questions of honor. But today, does character still matter?General McChrystal is a retired United States Army general best known for his command of Joint Special Operations Command in the mid-2000s. He established a consultancy firm, McChrystal Group, in 2011 and advises senior executives at multinational corporations on navigating complex change and building stronger teams.

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.

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 with former NBA player turned psychologist John Amaechi. They discuss the ethical dilemmas that have endured for 2,000 years, the role of compromise, and the complexity of loyalty and sacrifice.John Amaechi is an English psychologist, consultant and former professional basketball player. He played college basketball for the Vanderbilt Commodores and Penn State Nittany Lions, and professional basketball in the NBA for the Orlando Magic, Utah Jazz, and Cleveland Cavaliers. Since retiring from basketball, John got his PhD in psychology and has worked as a psychologist and consultant, establishing his company Amaechi Performance Systems.Follow John on X @JohnAmaechi and on Instagram @JohnAmaechiOBE

Discover all of the podcasts in our network, search for specific episodes, get the Optimal Living Daily workbook, and learn more at: OLDPodcast.com. Episode 3760: Ryan Holiday explores the timeless virtue of sangfroid, the art of keeping calm under pressure, and how it has shaped the success of leaders, athletes, and creatives throughout history. By cultivating composure in moments of chaos, he shows how anyone can transform setbacks into strength and approach challenges with clarity and confidence. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://ryanholiday.net/sangfroid-art-cool-pressure-success/ Quotes to ponder: "Anyone can be cool in the calm. Anyone can be disciplined when things are going well. But being calm and disciplined in chaos? That's true coolness." "This is what sangfroid means: cold blood. It's the art of keeping your head while everyone else is losing theirs." "The person who can keep their cool when others cannot is a force to be reckoned with." Episode references: Letters from a Stoic: https://www.amazon.com/Letters-Stoic-Penguin-Classics/dp/0140442103 The Inner Citadel: https://www.amazon.com/Inner-Citadel-Meditations-Marcus-Aurelius/dp/0674007077 Meditations: https://www.amazon.com/Meditations-New-Translation-Marcus-Aurelius/dp/0812968255 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Remember when every kid wanted to be an astronaut? Not so much anymore. Today, Ryan talks with former NASA astronaut Terry Virts about why that dream has faded, how we can get kids excited about adventure again, and why critical thinking might be the most important skill for the next generation. At 17, Terry Virts joined the Air Force and went on to become an F-16 fighter pilot and test pilot. He has flown combat missions over Iraq, tested the world's fastest jets and commanded the International Space Station. He's orbited Earth 3,400 times and has spent 213 days in space total. His military decorations include the NASA Space Flight Medal, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Air Medal, Aerial Achievement Medal, NASA Exceptional Achievement Medal, Air Force Commendation Medal, et al. He retired from NASA in August 2016 and is currently running for U.S. Senate from Texas. Follow Terry on Instagram @Astro_Terry and you can learn more about his campaign at https://www.terryvirts.com/

Self-awareness is not something you just magically get. It's something, like any form of wisdom, that you have to work at.

We don't have to grit our teeth and hold our breath and hope for the best.

View the ENTIRE list of books mentioned in this video here: https://www.thepaintedporch.com/collections/joe-rogan-picksListen to Ryan and Joe's conversation on The Joe Rogan Experience: https://open.spotify.com/episode/3VbGyix7GOozgg8sry2Tmr

No one can take away what you've learned. No one can make you forget philosophy.

Ryan Holiday is a podcaster, marketer and an author. If intelligence were enough, the smartest among us would also be the wisest. Yet time and again, they stumble over life's simplest lessons. Wisdom isn't about knowing more; it's about seeing deeper. So how do we shed the illusion of being ‘smart,' and actually grow into wisdom? Expect to learn what Ryan learned from his near-death experience, what most people get wrong about wisdom, how daily habits compound into wisdom across a lifetime, what Ryan learned from studying the Wright Brothers, why in a culture of shortcuts and “life hacks,” how Ryan convinces people that wisdom is worth the long, uncomfortable path, what a Stoic would say about when you've lost yourself in life, why humility is such a crucial ingredient for wisdom, and much more… Sponsors: See discounts for all the products I use and recommend: https://chriswillx.com/deals Get 5 Free Travel Packs, Free Liquid Vitamin D, and more from AG1 at https://ag1.info/modernwisdom Get $100 off the best bloodwork analysis in America at https://functionhealth.com/modernwisdom Get a Free Sample Pack of LMNT's most popular flavours with your first purchase at https://drinklmnt.com/modernwisdom Timestamps: (0:00) Why We Need to Push Outside Our Comfort Zone (5:13) Banning Books Isn't Ethical (16:41) Does Learning Keeps Us Humble? (27:48) Why We Learn Lessons from Old Tales (33:41) Literally True, Figuratively False (50:33) Do the Work Now to Build Your Wisdom (57:55) Stoic Advice for When You're Lost in Life (01:03:45) How Stockdale Remained Unbroken Extra Stuff: Get my free reading list of 100 books to read before you die: https://chriswillx.com/books Try my productivity energy drink Neutonic: https://neutonic.com/modernwisdom Episodes You Might Enjoy: #577 - David Goggins - This Is How To Master Your Life: https://tinyurl.com/43hv6y59 #712 - Dr Jordan Peterson - How To Destroy Your Negative Beliefs: https://tinyurl.com/2rtz7avf #700 - Dr Andrew Huberman - The Secret Tools To Hack Your Brain: https://tinyurl.com/3ccn5vkp - Get In Touch: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chriswillx Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/chriswillx YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/modernwisdompodcast Email: https://chriswillx.com/contact - Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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.

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 why he walked away from that payday, why integrity is his ultimate non-negotiable, why your job should never define you, and more. John Amaechi is an English psychologist, consultant and former professional basketball player. He played college basketball for the Vanderbilt Commodores and Penn State Nittany Lions, and professional basketball in the NBA for the Orlando Magic, Utah Jazz, and Cleveland Cavaliers. Since retiring from basketball, John got his PhD in psychology and has worked as a psychologist and consultant, establishing his company Amaechi Performance Systems.Follow John on X @JohnAmaechi and on Instagram @JohnAmaechiOBE

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. But what happened?