Podcast appearances and mentions of Ryan Holiday

Was Marcus Aurelius a bad father? How did he not manage to pass his Stoicism—to say nothing of his kindness and sense of responsibility—to his son?

A Note from James:Wisdom Takes Work is Ryan Holiday's fourth book exploring the Stoic virtues, and this time he's taking on the big one — wisdom. His earlier books on courage, temperance, and justice were all great conversations, but this one hit me personally. I've often thought I had wisdom, only to realize later that I didn't — or at least not as much as I thought.Ryan's writing blends ancient Stoic philosophy with modern life in a way that feels both practical and timeless. We talked about how wisdom isn't something you possess; it's something you practice. It's not about having all the answers — it's about asking better questions, learning through experience, and staying humble enough to admit what you don't know. Ryan's back on the show — probably more than any other guest — and each time, I walk away seeing the world differently.Episode Description:James sits down with bestselling author and Stoic philosopher Ryan Holiday to discuss Wisdom Takes Work, the newest addition to his series on the cardinal virtues. Together they unpack what “wisdom” really means — not as a static trait, but as an ongoing practice of curiosity, humility, and doing hard things.The conversation ranges from the limits of AI (“great at knowledge, terrible at wisdom”) to the importance of reading history, counting names on a plaque instead of trusting bad data, and learning by doing. Ryan also shares new insights from his upcoming biography of Admiral James Stockdale, and how the act of challenging himself as a writer mirrors the Stoic pursuit of wisdom itself.What You'll Learn:Why wisdom isn't about knowing — it's about learning, questioning, and doing.How AI amplifies knowledge but can't replace human judgment or discernment.Why experience, pain, and humility are necessary ingredients for growth.How Ryan's research on Admiral Stockdale is changing his approach to writing and life.Practical ways to cultivate wisdom — from reading and travel to mentoring and open-mindedness.Timestamped Chapters:[00:00] Introduction: The difference between knowledge and wisdom [02:54] A Note from James — Why wisdom is the hardest virtue [05:37] AI's limits and the danger of overconfidence [08:57] “Wisdom takes work”: Stoic principles in action [11:35] The verbs of virtue — acting with courage, justice, and discipline [13:12] Ryan's AI experiment and the Naval Academy plaque [16:10] Knowing what you don't know — humility as wisdom [18:30] Parenting, ego, and learning to argue less [22:00] Why age doesn't guarantee wisdom [25:10] The trap of resisting change and staying “the smartest person in the room” [27:00] Adapting to new generations and ideas [31:00] Is wisdom a talent or a learned skill? [34:00] How books and mentors shape a wise mind [37:00] Raising curious kids in the age of MrBeast and AI [40:20] Teaching curiosity and lifelong learning [42:25] Practicing wisdom: reading, travel, and mentorship [47:00] Learning by doing — the pain and reward of hard work [50:20] Writing, research, and the lesson of David McCullough [53:07] Why Ryan's next book is his hardest yet — Admiral Stockdale's story [55:50] Finding new mentors and growing past your comfort zone [57:14] Living the Stoic life — success, service, and perspectiveAdditional Resources:Ryan Holiday – Wisdom Takes WorkRyan Holiday's other Stoic virtue books: Courage Is Calling Discipline Is Destiny Right Thing, Right NowAdmiral James Stockdale – U.S. Naval Academy BiographyRobert Caro – Working: Researching, Interviewing, WritingDavid McCullough – Truman and John AdamsRyan Holiday's The Daily Stoic Podcast – SpotifySee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Before you complain about how selfish and crazy your kids are, we ought to look in the mirror.

Ulysses S. Grant knew what the Stoics knew—that outside circumstances don't say anything about us, that it didn't matter, as Epictetus said, what we bear, only how we bear it.

It seems like such a dangerous world. It's what keeps you up at night as a parent—what if, what if, what if?

Tu historia no necesita ser traumática para diferenciarte.En realidad, la mayoría de referentes que admiras no tienen historias épicas. Tienen historias honestamente contadas, donde identifican el conflicto real y comparten la perspectiva que llegaron.En este episodio vamos a ver exactamente cómo convertir tu narrativa personal en un diferencial de marca. No para hacer terapia pública, sino para posicionarte como referente.Lo que descubrirás en este episodio:✅ Por qué tu historia SÍ tiene valor (aunque creas que no)✅ Los 3 elementos que convierten cualquier historia en diferencial potente✅ La diferencia entre compartir tu historia y usarla estratégicamente✅ Cómo evitar el "story-dumping" que arruina tu posicionamiento✅ El ejercicio práctico para estructurar tu narrativa esta semanaCasos de referentes que probamos:Austin Kleon, David Perell, Marie Forleo, Seth Godin, Anne-Laure Le Cunff, Ryan Holiday. Profesionales que aprendieron que el diferencial no está en quién sufrió más, sino en quién tiene la perspectiva más clara.Tu acción esta semana:Escribe tu historia en tres párrafos: contexto específico, conflicto real, transformación de perspectiva. Lee en voz alta. ¿Pides validación o ofreces perspectiva? Ahí sabrás si lo tienes claro. 

What is the "Tortoise Method" and how can it help us build habits for happiness? Look no further than this excerpt from Chapter 9 of the audiobook of Aristotle's Guide to Self-Persuasion: How Ancient Rhetoric, Taylor Swift, and Your Own Soul Can Help You Change Your Life by Jay Heinrichs (last week's guest on The Daily Stoic Podcast!). Jay Heinrichs is a New York Times bestselling author of Thank You For Arguing and is a persuasion and conflict consultant. Middlebury College has named him a Professor of the Practice in Rhetoric and Oratory. Jay has conducted influence strategy and training for clients as varied as Kaiser Permanente, Harvard, the European Speechwriters Association, Southwest Airlines, and NASA. He has overseen the remake and staff recruiting of more than a dozen magazines. Pick up a copy of Jay's latest book Aristotle's Guide to Self-Persuasion: How Ancient Rhetoric, Taylor Swift, and Your Own Soul Can Help You Change Your Life Follow Jay on Instagram @JayHeinrichs and check out more of his work at www.jayheinrichs.comThanks to Penguin Random House Audio for granting us permission to run this excerpt from Aristotle's Guide to Self-Persuasion.

Reach out to Trevor Shick: https://www.linkedin.com/in/trevor-shick-27b2971a6/ Roo Mi:https://kindhabitlabs.com/ Recovery literature (Quit-Lit) Recommendation)Ego is the enemy by Ryan Holiday - https://a.co/d/eq0dpaR Best Piece of Recovery advice: The people that make themeeting make it Song that symbolizes Recovery: Am I dreaming by Metro Boomin,A$AP Rocky - https://youtu.be/7aUZtDaxS60 TakeawaysRecovery means getting another chance to live.Emotional sobriety is different from just being dry.Service commitments keep us engaged in recovery.Connection with others is essential for recovery.Honesty with oneself and others is crucial.Taking ownership of one's recovery journey is empowering.Community support can transform the recovery experience.Finding joy in life again is a key aspect of recovery.Relapses are common but do not define recovery.The journey of recovery is ongoing and requires dailyeffort. Hearing others' stories can lead to personal transformation.Vulnerability is essential for growth in recovery.Accountability helps maintain progress in sober living.Daily routines play a crucial role in recovery.Community engagement enhances the recovery experience.Forgiveness is a vital part of healing.Relationships are often the greatest success in recovery.Literature can provide profound insights into recovery.It's important to hold oneself accountable for actions.Sober living environments need effective management tools. SummaryIn this episode of The Way Out Podcast, Trevor Shick shareshis journey through addiction and recovery, highlighting the impact of alcoholon his life and the importance of emotional sobriety. He discusses the role ofservice and community in recovery, the challenges of relapses, and thesignificance of honesty and open-mindedness in the recovery process. Trevoremphasizes the joy of living a sober life and the connections he has builtwithin the recovery community, illustrating that recovery is an ongoing journeythat requires daily commitment and effort. In this conversation, Trevor Shickshares his transformative journey through recovery, emphasizing the importanceof vulnerability, accountability, and community. He introduces Kind Habit Labsand its flagship product, Rumi, an app designed to enhance accountability insober living environments. The discussion highlights common challenges faced inrecovery, the significance of daily routines, and the impact of literature andadvice on personal growth. Trevor also reflects on forgiveness and therelationships that define success in recovery, concluding with a symbolic songthat resonates with his journey. Don't forget to check out “The Way Out Playlist” availableonlyon Spotify. Curated by all our wonderful guests on the podcast! https://open.spotify.com?episode/07lvzwUq1L6VQGnZuH6OLz?si=3eyd3PxVRWCKz4pTurLcmA (c) 2015 - 2025 The Way Out Podcast | All Rights Reserved.Theme Music: “all clear” (⁠⁠⁠https://ketsa.uk/browse-music/)by Ketsa (https://ketsa.uk⁠⁠⁠) licensed underCCBY-NC-ND4.0(https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd)

It takes a trained mind to see wonder and awe in the middle of everyday struggles. In today's PT. 2 episode, Ryan and persuasion expert Jay Heinrichs dive deeper into discipline, the power of our inner dialogue, and what it really means to have agency. Jay shares the story of having breakfast with the Dalai Lama and how the Stoics, Buddhists, Aristotle, and even Taylor Swift all point to the same truth about how we see and respond to life. Jay Heinrichs is a New York Times bestselling author of Thank You For Arguing and is a persuasion and conflict consultant. Middlebury College has named him a Professor of the Practice in Rhetoric and Oratory. Jay has conducted influence strategy and training for clients as varied as Kaiser Permanente, Harvard, the European Speechwriters Association, Southwest Airlines, and NASA. He has overseen the remake and staff recruiting of more than a dozen magazines. Pick up a copy of Jay's latest book Aristotle's Guide to Self-Persuasion: How Ancient Rhetoric, Taylor Swift, and Your Own Soul Can Help You Change Your Life Follow Jay on Instagram @JayHeinrichs and check out more of his work at www.jayheinrichs.com

At some point, your kids stop falling for your tricks and start calling you out on them. In this episode, Ryan and Sam share recent stories from raising kids who question everything, think fast, and keep them humble.

What's the point? What is philosophy for?

Before, you could wing it. But now? Now that you have kids? Now that you are maturing...or at least older? Now it's a whole different ballgame.

This is what Stoicism has done throughout history. It's made people the best they could be.

After their interview, Ryan and Nick Thompson, CEO of The Atlantic and author of The Running Ground, headed into The Painted Porch to talk about their favorite books and swap recommendations.

You're not quite as productive. You're not as career-driven. Your boss or your friends or your peers or even your fans, maybe they wonder what happened to you.

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, sometimes got carried away, sometimes hung on too long, went after the wrong things.

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 Thank You for Arguing and one of the world's leading experts on rhetoric and persuasion. Jay has spent decades studying how we influence others, but in this conversation, he flips that lens inward to show how we can use the same tools to influence ourselves.Ryan and Jay talk about the fascinating overlap between Stoicism and rhetoric, how Marcus Aurelius used rhetoric to his advantage, and why self-persuasion might actually be more powerful than raw willpower. They discuss the rhetorical tricks Jay used on himself and what the best tools are for getting unstuck.Jay Heinrichs is a New York Times bestselling author of Thank You For Arguing and is a persuasion and conflict consultant. Middlebury College has named him a Professor of the Practice in Rhetoric and Oratory. Jay has conducted influence strategy and training for clients as varied as Kaiser Permanente, Harvard, the European Speechwriters Association, Southwest Airlines, and NASA. He has overseen the remake and staff recruiting of more than a dozen magazines. Pick up a copy of Jay's latest book Aristotle's Guide to Self-Persuasion: How Ancient Rhetoric, Taylor Swift, and Your Own Soul Can Help You Change Your Life Follow Jay on Instagram @JayHeinrichs and check out more of his work at www.jayheinrichs.com

No child thinks they need a philosopher. Most adults don't either. Yet no matter our age, we all have problems.

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.

You tried to do two things at once, and now you're getting frustrated with them, instead of yourself. That was your mistake.

This episode was inspired by Ryan Holiday's book, Ego is the Enemy, and its applications of Stoicism to modern ideas of leadership and management. With everything that's going on in the United States as a backdrop, this episode reiterates the importance of focusing on service over receiving recognition, on cultivating humility, and leading with wisdom. These practices can help you avoid developing an inflated sense of self-importance that hinders effective leadership and decision-making. Making a return guest appearance in this episode is Dr. Doug McKenna (the host's dad!).  Key Takeaways:Stoicism is an ancient philosophy of personal ethics that emphasizes wisdom, courage, justice, and temperance as a way of cultivating inner peace and strength, rather than being ruled by emotions or external circumstances.Stoicism encourages mindfulness, self-reflection, and exercises like negative visualization (imagining worst-case scenarios to build resilience), voluntary discomfort (practicing hardship to lessen fear of suffering), and journaling (as seen in Marcus Aurelius' Meditations).Learn about your Happy 10 Seconds, the Three Things List, and your personal mission statement.  Host:Doug McKennaUniversity Registrar, George Mason Universitycmckenn@gmu.edu   Guests:LTC (Ret.) Doug McKenna, PhDDean, EmeritusMarine Corps Command and Staff College, Quantico VAReferences and Additional Information:Core Competencies: Leadership and Management

We can avoid being swept up in the newest fad or the oldest con. We can stop reliving the same mistake.

When you read parenting books, it's hard not to get the distinct sense that there is a right way to parent.

In this episode of The Daily Mastermind, host George Wright III explores the concept of finding hidden benefits in life's struggles, inspired by Ryan Holiday's book 'The Obstacle is the Way'. He delves into the importance of changing perceptions, taking actionable steps, and developing a strong will to turn obstacles into fuel for personal growth. Through historical examples of famous figures who overcame significant challenges, George emphasizes the power of stoicism and encourages listeners to reframe their challenges as opportunities for advancement. He invites listeners to share their own struggles for personalized guidance and motivation.00:41 Understanding Obstacles02:33 Key Concepts from The Obstacle is the Way04:27 Steps to Turn Obstacles into Benefits04:43 Perception, Action, and Will07:05 Finding Hidden Benefits in Obstacles08:56 Call to Action and ConclusionYou have GREATNESS inside you. I BELIEVE in You. Let's Make Today the Day You Unleash Your Potential!George Wright IIICEO, The Daily Mastermind | Evolution X_________________________________________________________P.S. Whenever you're ready, here are ways I can help you…Get to know me:1. Subscribe to The Daily Mastermind Podcast- daily inspiration, motivation, education2. Follow me on social media Facebook | Instagram | Linkedin | TikTok | Youtube3. Get the Prosperity Pillars Poster I Developed over 20 years from my Mentors.

Will you be ​brave​ or afraid? Selfish or ​selfless​? ​Strong​ or weak? ​Wise​ or stupid? Will you cultivate a good habit or a bad one? Courage or cowardice? The bliss of ignorance or the challenge of a new idea? Stay the same…or grow? The easy way or the right way? Is it easy to make these choices? Of course not.

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 talk about how running mirrors the daily discipline of Stoic philosophy, the decline of expertise in modern life, the one decision Marcus Aurelius made that changed history, and what the Stoics might have gotten wrong.Nick Thompson is the CEO of The Atlantic, an American magazine founded in 1857, which earned the top honor for magazines, General Excellence, at the National Magazine Awards in both 2022 and 2023. In his time as CEO, the company has seen record subscriber growth. Before joining The Atlantic, he was the editor-in-chief of Wired magazine. He is also a former contributor for CBS News and has previously served as editor. He has long been a competitive runner; in 2021, he set the American record for men 45+ in the 50K race.Check out Nick's new book The Running Ground: A Father, a Son, and the Simplest of SportsFollow Nick on Instagram and X @NXThompson

In today's episode, Ryan and Doris Kearns Goodwin discuss how parents can teach history to their children, encouraging curiosity in kids, and the importance of maintaining the love for history in education. Doris Kearns Goodwin is a Pulitzer Prize–winning presidential historian and bestselling author. Her latest #1 New York Times bestseller, An Unfinished Love Story: A Personal History of the 1960s, is being adapted into a feature film, while her earlier works, Team of Rivals, The Bully Pulpit, and No Ordinary Time, have won some of the nation's highest literary honors and inspired leaders worldwide. She has served as a White House Fellow to President Lyndon Johnson, produced acclaimed docuseries for the HISTORY Channel, and earned countless awards for her contributions to history and leadership.She has a new book out called The Leadership Journey: How Four Kids Became Presidents in which she shares the different childhood experiences of Abraham Lincoln. Theodore Roosevelt. Franklin Delano Roosevelt. Lyndon B. Johnson, and how they each found their way to the presidency. Grab copies of Doris' books Team of Rivals and Leadership at The Painted Porch | https://www.thepaintedporch.comFollow Doris on Instagram @DorisKGoodwin and check out more of her work on her website doriskearnsgoodwin.com

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 Día de los Muertos, a holiday more aimed at adults and with deeper philosophical roots.

You wanted this for so long. To have this happy family. And what are you doing with it?

It's no secret that young men are sort of unwell. They are four times more likely to kill themselves, three times more likely to struggle with addiction, and 12 times more likely to be incarcerated than women. If that weren't enough, record numbers of men are not getting married, not dating, not enrolling in school or working, and struggling with serious mental health issues. In response, a cottage industry has emerged—full of influencers and paid courses claiming to teach young men how to become “high value.” But there seems to be a deeper intractable challenge: Young people lack meaning. Fifty-eight percent of young adults say they've experienced little or no sense of purpose in their lives over the past month. Shilo Brooks has a simple idea for all of it. He's telling young men—and really, all young people—to read. Yes, read. The idea is simple: Reading great books can make stronger and better men. He knows he's facing an uphill battle: Reading for pleasure among American adults has dropped 40 percent in the past 20 years. In 2022, only 28 percent of men read a fiction book, compared to 47 percent of women—a 19-point gap.  Shilo doesn't have the stereotypical profile for a “lit boy,” as Gen Z might describe him. He's from a small town in Texas and has a thick Southern drawl. When he was a baby, his stepfather stole his mother's savings, leaving them with nothing. And he almost didn't go to college because he couldn't afford it.  But today, Shilo is president and CEO of the George W. Bush Presidential Center and Professor of Practice in the Department of Political Science at Southern Methodist University. He has also taught at Princeton, the University of Virginia, the University of Colorado, and Bowdoin College.  His prescription is simple. Shilo says: “Great works of literature are entertaining, but they are not mere entertainment. A great book induces self-examination and spiritual expansion. When a man is starved for love, work, purpose, money, or vitality, a novel wrestling with these themes can be metabolized as energy for the heart. When a man suffers from addiction, divorce, self-loathing, or vanity, his local bookstore can become his pharmacy.” This is the driving vision of the new podcast he just launched with The Free Press, called Old School, where he talks to guests about the books that shaped their lives: Fareed Zakaria on The Great Gatsby, Nick Cave on The Adventures of Pinocchio, Richard Dawkins on P.G. Wodehouse novels. Then there's Coleman Hughes, Ryan Holiday, Rob Henderson, and so much more. Think of it like a boy's book club that anyone can enjoy. So, here's what you'll hear today: a conversation between Bari and Shilo about this project, and how it fulfills the desperate needs of a lost generation. Subscribe to Old School with Shilo Brooks. The Free Press earns a commission from any purchases made through all book links in this article. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In a world of hypocrites, status worship, and fools masquerading as wise men, we need the clarity and courage the Stoics embodied.

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 Daily Stoic Podcast. Dr. Rangan Chatterjee is a physician, author, TV presenter and podcast host of Feel Better Live More where he talks with leading health experts who offer easy health life-hacks, expert advice and debunk common health myths. Be sure to check out Dr. Rangan Chatterjee's latest book Make Change That Lasts and grab signed copies of his other books: Feel Better in 5, Feel Great Lose Weight, and Happy Mind, Happy Life at The Painted Porch. You can follow Dr. Rangan on Instagram @DrChatterjee, on X @Dr.ChatterjeeUK, and on YouTube @DrChatterjeeRangan

For everyone from Superbowl-winning coaches to CEOs, Ryan Holiday's writing has made the timeless wisdom of ancient Stoic philosophers accessible and relevant in a modern age. He joins host Jeff Berman to reveal how he scaled his audience at The Daily Stoic and why the four Stoic virtues (courage, discipline, justice and wisdom) feel more important than ever.Wisdom Takes Work: https://store.dailystoic.com/products/wisdom-takes-work-learn-apply-repeatRyan also recommends: https://www.thepaintedporch.com/products/biography17See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

As parents, we need philosophy just as much as our kids do. Parenting demands the four Stoic virtues: courage (to do what's hard), discipline (to follow through), justice (to do what's right), and wisdom (to know what matters).

On this episode of The Karen Kenney Show, I talk about why it matters so much to just be who you are​ - no matter what's going on around you. Inspired by a quote from Marcus Aurelius in​ Ryan Holiday's book “The Daily Stoic,” I dive into the idea that we're all here to show our true colors and do our own jobs as only we can. Whether you're ​m​aking salad for a​n event or just showing up for your day-to-day, how you do the little things ​w​ill reveal the kind of person you are.I share a story about preparing food with love and care, even when the ​p​eople eating it might not notice the extra effort. For me, what matters isn't the approval of others​, but knowing I've put my heart ​attention into what I do. My ​sweetie, Chris - who's a professional musician - is the same way​.Whether he's playing ​on stage in front of thousands or ​performing for a tiny crowd – he's going to give it his all!It's a reminder to stay committed to our ​internal values, whatever the​ external circumstances.We also explore how actions speak way louder than words. People really get to know what you stand for by watching what you do​ - not just by listening to what you say. This goes for parenting, relationships, or any situation where integrity is put to the test. Just because someone else might cut corners, slack off, or not care - it doesn't mean ​that you ​​should change how ​you would normally ​choose to show up.I wrap things up by inviting you to try a little ​spiritual practice of self-observation​without judgment!For example… i​f someone followed you ​around for a week, what story would your actions tell? What would they come to understand that you believe - based on what you do?The challenge is to stay true to yourself, keep growing, and as always, to leave every ​person, place​, and ​animal a little better than how you found them​! ❤️ KK'S KEY TAKEAWAYS:•​ Be true to who you are and let your actions reflect your real values, no matter what others are doing.•​ Focus on doing your job to the best of your ability, even when it seems like nobody else notices or cares.•​ Your actions speak louder than your words and people will come to know what you believe by what you do!•​ Stay consistent and keep your integrity, whether the audience is big, small, or just you.•​ Don't let the attitudes or behaviors of others drag you away from your own standards or kindness.•​ Practice self-observation without judgment; notice how you show up in daily life and reflect on what it reveals about you.•​ Strive to leave every place, animal, and person better than you found them.• Remember that your presence and care make a difference. BIO:Spiritual Mentor and writer Karen Kenney uses humor and dynamic storytelling to bring a down-to-earth, no-BS perspective to self-development. Bringing together tools that coach the conscious and unconscious mind, Karen helps clients deepen their connections with Self, and discover their unique understandings of spirituality. Her practice combines neuroscience, subconscious reprogramming, Integrative Hypnosis, somatic work, spiritual mentoring, and other holistic modalities to help regulate the nervous system, examine internal narratives, remove blocks, and reimagine what's possible.A passionate yoga teacher, long-time student of A Course in Miracles, and Gateless Writing...

In this episode of Theologically Driven, host Phil Cecil is joined by Dr. Kyle Dunham to explore the fascinating intersection between Stoic philosophy and biblical wisdom. Drawing from the teachings of ancient Stoics like Marcus Aurelius and modern interpreters such as Ryan Holiday, the conversation delves into seven core principles of Stoicism and compares them with insights from Ecclesiastes, Proverbs, and Job.Learn More about DBTS at https://dbts.eduLearn More about the Rice Lecture Series at https://dbts.edu/rice

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 with Nick, CEO of The Atlantic and author of The Running Ground. Ryan and Nick talk about why running is the ultimate teacher of focus and resilience, how to build discipline, and how running helped Nick process his complicated relationship with his father.Nick Thompson is the CEO of The Atlantic, an American magazine founded in 1857, which earned the top honor for magazines, General Excellence, at the National Magazine Awards in both 2022 and 2023. In his time as CEO, the company has seen record subscriber growth. Before joining The Atlantic, he was the editor-in-chief of Wired magazine. He is also a former contributor for CBS News and has previously served as editor. He has long been a competitive runner; in 2021, he set the American record for men 45+ in the 50K race.Check out Nick's new book The Running Ground: A Father, a Son, and the Simplest of SportsFollow Nick on Instagram and X @NXThompson

Life is hard. Life is complicated. Will you make the most of this time you have here?

They make us sit down for meals. They pull us away from our desks. They made it harder, if not impossible, to multi-task. They get us to put the phone down.

What made Marcus Aurelius different? What were his secrets to success, resiliency, and productivity? How did he master his emotions and maintain such self-control?

For generations, some parents have tried withholding praise, withholding pride, withholding approval so that their kids don't feel entitled to it. The idea is that this will make them hungry, make them really work for it.

Welcome to the very first episode of The Preamble! Sharon kicks things off with a conversation with New York Times bestselling author Ryan Holiday to chat about his new book, Wisdom Takes Work. Ryan shares how reading can be a superpower, allowing us to “communicate with the dead” and learn from those who came before us. And, he explains what you can do to become more wise today. Plus, Sharon answers your most pressing questions from today's headlines: The ongoing U.S. government shutdown The delay in swearing-in Rep. Adelita Grijalva Demolition of the White House's East Wing ICE's controversial immigration enforcement tactics  Credits: Host and Executive Producer: Sharon McMahon Supervising Producer: Melanie Buck Parks Audio Producer: Craig Thompson To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Minimalists speak with Ryan Holiday about how the stoics dealt with sentimental items, the potential virtue of holding on, stoical insights about values, regrets, mental clutter, seven things minimalists would never put in their living room, and much more. Discussed in this episode: How would the stoics have handled their sentimental items? (2:40) When is it virtuous to hold on? (22:13) Right Here, Right Now: Books a Clutter Counseling session with T.K. (43:05)  Listener Tip: A poem about the weight of the needs of others. (44:19) Have a question for the show? Call 406-219-7839 or email a voice memo to podcast@themins.com. Listen to the full Maximal episode on Patreon: patreon.com/theminimalists Detailed show notes: minimalists.com/podcast Recorded at Earthing Studios.

Things will go wrong. Fortune will turn on you. You will make mistakes. Plans will be disrupted. Dreams will be dashed. This is life.

Your focus may shift in parenthood, but that's what's meant to happen.

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, they used Stoicism to persevere in the face of plagues, exiles, imprisonment, and wars. You can read this article here: https://dailystoic.com/perseverance/

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 episode, they reflect on where the idea started, how each book built on the last, and why the four virtues are so deeply connected. Stephen Hanselman has worked for over three decades in publishing as a bookseller, publisher and literary agent. He is a graduate of Harvard Divinity School, where he received a Master's degree while also studying extensively at Harvard's philosophy department.

What happens when brilliance goes unchecked? In today's episode, Ryan and his research assistant Billy Oppenheimer dig into the cautionary side of genius, from Elon Musk's unraveling to why so many smart people end up making dumb decisions. They talk about how success can warp reality, why intelligence without wisdom becomes dangerous, and how even the brightest minds can lose their way when they stop listening, stop learning, and stop taking care of themselves.Billy Oppenheimer is Ryan Holiday's research assistant and the writer behind the newsletter, Six at 6 on Sunday. To read more of his work, check out his website billyoppenheimer.com.

Members of the administration, like Stephen Miller, who spend hours every day kissing Trump's ass look so pathetic—but since the time of the ancients, courtiers have gone to great lengths to degrade themselves before the vain and vindictive. And one lesson for the ages is to not compromise with an extortionist: it will only lead to more extortion and more pressure because the extortionist wants everything. Meanwhile, Elon's brain is broken, Peter Thiel spends too much time at dinner parties, Trump's media diet allows no time for presidential reflection, and authoritarians can be seductive. Plus, Tim sees the redistricting fight looking better for Democrats, and argues that the best way to shut down the talk of a decrepit Trump running in ‘28 is to make sure the Dems win the House in 2026. Ryan Holiday joins Tim Miller for the weekend pod.  show notes Ryan's new book, "Wisdom Takes Work"  Ryan's book, "Conspiracy: Peter Thiel, Hulk Hogan, Gawker, and the Anatomy of Intrigue" Tim and JVL's interview with Ryan about being a dad The Daily Stoic Podcast Tim's playlist

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 change in the real world?