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Marcus Aurelius has only one core work, which was actually never intended for publication: his Meditations. This is not only one of greatest books ever written but perhaps the only book of its kind. It is the definitive text on self-discipline, personal ethics, humility, self-actualization and strength. In this episode, you will hear 45 of our favorite quotes from Marcus Aurelius.
Behind Jet Li's martial arts mastery and international fame is a deeply personal journey to understand purpose, ego, and freedom. In today's episode, he sits down with Ryan to discuss the three levels of martial arts, how surviving the 2004 tsunami changed his life, and what he believes is the highest form of strength.Jet Li is a martial artist, actor, philanthropist, film producer, and author. He became the youngest national martial arts champion in Chinese history at twelve years old and went on to become one of the most internationally recognized Chinese film stars of all time, with roles in Shaolin Temple, Once Upon a Time in China, Fist of Legend, Hero, Fearless, Romeo Must Die, Lethal Weapon 4, The Expendables, and Disney's live-action Mulan.Beyond film, Jet has spent more than thirty years studying Buddhism and has devoted much of his life to philanthropy. After surviving the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami with his family, he founded One Foundation, a charitable organization focused on disaster relief, mental health, and grassroots giving. His new book is Beyond Life and Death: The Way of True Freedom.Follow Jet Li on Instagram | @jetli
Fortune behaves however she pleases, as Seneca put it.
Discipline is a daily practice, and these seven Stoic rules will help you stick with it.
If you are a slave to your desires, if you are a slave to your fears, if you are a slave to things that were outside of your control, then you are not powerful at all. LIVE Q&A TODAY | If you get our How To Read Epictetus (A Daily Stoic Guide) you'll receive a private invitation to an exclusive LIVE Q&A with Ryan Holiday, happening today! Head to dailystoic.com/epictetuscourse to learn more and get your book, guide, and bundle today!
A chaotic few days on the road gave Ryan plenty of opportunities to practice what the Stoics taught. Between disrupted travel plans and visits to museums honoring Thomas Edison, Abraham Lincoln, and Rosa Parks, he reflects on integrity, courage, and how to handle whatever happens.
Wisdom doesn't come from first impressions and it does not come easy. It's hard work…and the only way to speed up the process is with the help of a great teacher.
When everyone else seems to be abandoning their standards, what keeps you from abandoning yours? Ryan talks with USA TODAY national correspondent Rick Jervis, author of The Devil Behind The Badge, about objectivity, integrity, and how professional ethics provide stability in the middle of chaos. Listen to more of Ryan and Rick's conversation
We often imagine that freedom means having more power, more money, or fewer people telling us what to do. But none of that makes us free if we cannot control ourselves.
Whoever you are, whatever you do, you can be someone your kids respect, someone they can be proud of.
With enough practice, Seneca said, he found he could think anywhere. He could find stillness and peace anywhere.
Most people think about time as something they have plenty of until they suddenly don't. But Seneca's warning raises a more unsettling question: how much of your life are you giving away without even realizing it?
In today's episode, Ryan and Steven Pressfield discuss one of Marcus Aurelius' most striking lines: “Life is warfare and a journey far from home.” What begins with the epigraph to Steven's new novel The Arcadian turns into a conversation about the hero's journey, the ideas we carry with us for decades, and reincarnation.
Before you trust your first reaction, assumption, or opinion, the Stoics would tell you to do a few things first. In this bonus episode, Ryan breaks down five rules for thinking more clearly.
These things happen to people…therefore they could happen to you.
We may not control what happens to us, what other people decide, or what circumstances take away. But we can still choose what we believe, how we respond, and who we become.
To enter into another person's mind, even for a moment, we first need to get out of our own head.
In a world full of misinformation and misdirection, isn't this the inheritance we want to pass down? To show our children how to master their minds and hold onto their inner freedom no matter the situation?
Keith thought he knew what his purpose was. Then his daughter got sick, his life took an unexpected turn, and Stoicism was put to a test he never expected.If Keith's story has inspired you to share your journey with Stoicism, please email an audio recording to podcast@dailystoic.com for the chance to be featured on a future episode!
Why is that self-command and self-knowledge so elusive? How can we find it?
Which of these do you struggle with the most?
We are prickly about our freedom…as we willingly submit to all sorts of addictions.
While the Greek and Roman philosophy of Stoicism has been around for millennia, author and media strategist Ryan Holiday is bringing its teachings to a modern audience by way of his popular books and his podcast, “The Daily Stoic.” He says ancient writings by the likes of Seneca, Marcus Aurelius, and Epictetus resonate in times that feel especially chaotic. Kara and Ryan talk about why young men in particular seem drawn to Stoicism and what powerful figures in the worlds of tech, MAGA politics, and the man-o-sphere get wrong about its teachings. He tells Kara their actions frequently run counter to Stoicism's foundational tenet: our obligation and responsibility to — and with — other people. Questions? Comments? Email us at on@voxmedia.com or find us on YouTube, Instagram, TikTok, Threads, and Bluesky @onwithkaraswisher. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Most philosophers wrote about struggle, freedom, and resilience from a place of privilege. But one Stoic's story raises a fascinating question: what can a life shaped by hardship teach us about what it really means to be free?
Ryan sits down with comedian and actor David Cross for a conversation that goes just about everywhere. They talk about Stoicism, comedy, politics, free speech, parenting, privilege, entitlement, and more.David Cross is a comedian, actor, writer, and producer best known for co-creating and starring in HBO's Mr. Show, playing Tobias Fünke on Arrested Development, and his decades-long stand-up career.David's latest comedy special, The End of the Beginning of The End, is available to watch here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OfqMkJwVgmoHe also recently teamed up with longtime friend Bob Odenkirk for Bob and David Climb Machu Picchu, a documentary about their 2024 trip on the Inca Trail. David won a Primetime Emmy for his writing on The Ben Stiller Show and has received multiple Emmy and Grammy nominations for his television and comedy work.Follow David | @DavidCrossOfficial
What can happen to anyone could happen to you. It's your job to be ready.
Whatever controls what we desire or dislike, Epictetus warned, becomes our master. Whatever we obey, we serve.
In this episode, podcaster, author, and endurance athlete Rich Roll invites Ryan onto The Rich Roll Podcast to discuss the biggest moral questions at the heart of The Odyssey. Together, they wrestle with the same questions The Odyssey has posed for thousands of years: What makes a good leader? When is deception justified? And what happens when ego takes over?Listen to the rest of their conversation on The Rich Roll Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or watch the video on YouTube.
The Rays have been on an impressive run following the trade deadline, with strong performances during a demanding West Coast stretch.Nine games in 10 daysThe Rays' success on the West Coast, traditionally a difficult trip for the clubThe impact of the players added around the trade deadlineThe importance of the team's growing confidence heading toward the playoffsThe Rays' impressive 41-18 home recordWhy securing home-field advantage could be critical during the postseasonTaylor Walls Has a Two-Homer NightTaylor Walls provided one of the biggest surprises of the recent stretch.After going 369 at-bats without a home run, Walls hit two home runs in the same game, including one from each side of the plate.Mark and Mat discuss:Walls' first home run in 380 daysHis second homer shortly afterwardThe significance of Walls remaining with the Rays after trade rumorsHow Ben Williamson's injury has affected playing timeWhy a productive Walls could make the Rays even more dangerousThe New Rays Are Making an ImpactThe guys look at several recent additions and their early contributions:Liam HicksFreddy PeraltaTyler WellsLiam Hicks has already provided some impressive moments, while Freddy Peralta continues adjusting to his new team and working to refine his pitch usage and approach.Mat points out that Peralta's transition includes learning a new team, a new catcher, and a new environment, and explains why the Rays may be taking a measured approach to getting him fully comfortable.Nick Martinez Goes the DistanceNick Martinez delivered one of the most unusual pitching performances of the season by completing a game.Mat highlights Martinez's:Pitch efficiencyPacingChange of speedsFastball/changeup combinationAbility to keep hitters off balanceKevin Cash allowing Martinez to finish the game and why complete games have become such a rarity in today's baseball.The Rays' Offense Is Heating Up Home run production, Batting average, On-base percentage, Slugging, wRC+, and overall offensive improvementThe Rays are tied with the Cubs for the most home runs hit during August, while their pitching has also been among the best in baseball during the month.Yandy Díaz Is Finding His GrooveDíaz's recent production and his improved results over the previous 12 games, including three home runs, three doubles, a .538 slugging percentage, and a 132 wRC+ over that stretch.Rays Chemistry and Positive EnergyRays' clubhouse chemistryPlayers supporting one another through good stretches and difficult moments.Baseball is a game built around failure, a supportive clubhouse can be especially important when players inevitably go through slumps.The AL East Is Getting DangerousThe Rays return home to face teams that are still fighting for playoff positioning facing division rivals: Baltimore Orioles, Toronto Blue Jays, New York Yankees, Boston Red SoxOrioles sit at the bottom of the AL East, they remain close enough to the Wild Card race to be dangerous.The Blue Jays also remain in contention after making moves at the deadline, including adding José Soriano.Yankees Still Trying to Find Their FormulaThe guys examine the Yankees and the challenges facing them down the stretch.Aaron Judge's absence, Giancarlo Stanton's. Ben Rice, George Lombard Jr.'s early impact. Heliot Ramos' struggles after arriving in New YorkImpact of key players: José Caballero. Jazz Chisholm, Ryan Yarbrough, Amed RosarioThe Yankees' pitchingQuestions on leadership and managing in New York, while acknowledging that the Yankees remain dangerous if they reach the postseason.Don't Sleep on the Red SoxBoston receives plenty of attention after a dramatic turnaround.The guys discuss the Red Sox's 15-game winning streak, their improved bullpen, and the potential impact of Garrett Crochet's return.Mat believes Boston could be one of the teams nobody wants to face in the postseason if their pitching continues to hold up.Could Four AL East Teams Make the Playoffs?Possibility of four teams from the division making the playoffsIntense competition within the AL East can push every team to improveThe National League Playoff RaceThe discussion shifts to the National League, where the playoff picture is becoming increasingly competitive.:The Phillies falling outside the playoff pictureThe Marlins and Cardinals remaining closeThe Diamondbacks moving into the Wild Card pictureThe Padres staying in the huntThe Dodgers and BrewersThe competitive NL WestThe Rays Influence Around Major League Baseball front officesAndrew Friedman and the DodgersMatt Arnold and the BrewersAlex Anthopoulos and the BravesThe Rays' NeanderLou Piniella and the Mariners' 50th Anniversary - Piniella returns as part of the Seattle Mariners' 50th season celebration.Baseball Books Everyone Should ReadThe conversation takes an unexpected turn when Mark and Mat discuss the idea of creating a mandatory baseball reading list.They talk about baseball books, authors and commentators they follow, including: Craig Calcaterra, Lou Schiff, Brent Cardy, Lou Piniella & Joe MaddonMat is currently reading, including The Art of Meditation, Astrophysics for People in a Hurry, The Daily Stoic, Super Life, and several French-language books.Women's Pro Baseball LeagueMark appreciates Mary Mustard's coverage and how she celebrates the league while also being willing to provide thoughtful criticism.Mark has reached out to Mary about potentially appearing on BaseballBiz On Deck.The discussion also touches on the challenge of finding WPBL games and the locating where the games are being broadcast.The Future of Sports BroadcastingEvolution of sports broadcasting compared with the disruption caused by Napster in the music industry.Technology can force established industries to rethink their business models and suggest that sports viewing could similarly evolve.Future possibilities involving independent camera systems and alternative ways for fans to watch games.Stadiums, Taxpayer Money and the Future of the RaysWhether taxpayers should help fund sports facilitiesThe cost of attending professional sporting eventsThe value fans receive for their moneyThe possibility of watching games at home insteadThe future location of the RaysOrlando as a potential alternativepossibility of another ownership changeThe discussion also touches on the enormous valuations of professional sports franchises, including the reported $14.5 billion valuation associated with the Lakers sale discussion.The Rising Cost of Attending GamesMat compares the cost of taking a large group to a hockey game in Montreal with the cost of attending a Rays game.Mark shares his experience attending a Rays game with Karen, where they found good seats for approximately $45 to $50 each.The guys debate whether attending a game in person still provides enough value compared with spending the same money on a home entertainment setup and a meal.What If the Rays Win a World Series at the Trop?Mat poses an intriguing hypothetical:What happens if the Rays win a World Series in a renovated Tropicana Field before eventually moving to a new stadium?What would such a championship mean to Rays fans and whether winning a championship in the current stadium could create an even stronger emotional attachment to the building.Rays Minor League TalentThe episode closes with optimism about the Rays' organizational depth. Shane McClanahan beginning a rehab assignmentTalent at DurhamTalent at MontgomeryPlayers developing throughout the minor leaguesCarson Williams returningGrady Emerson and his anticipated first gameThe depth of the Rays' pitching and overall talent pipelineRemember to like and subscribe to BaseballBiz On Deck. You may also find BaseballBiz on Deck, on YouTube at iHeart Apple, Spotify, Amazon Music, and at baseball biz on deck dot com. Also you can find Mat @matgermain.bsky.social or Mark at baseballbizondeck@gmail.com and BaseballBiz On Deck with Facebook social
It was out of the blue. It caught you off guard. It hurt you. But that's not to say you're blameless here. In fact, you had plenty of warning.
If there is a point to the criticism, let's learn from it. If it's off base, then what do we care? -- Codie Sanchez is an entrepreneur, investor, and founder of Contrarian Thinking, where she teaches people how to build wealth through business ownership. After starting her career in journalism and later working in finance at firms like Goldman Sachs and Vanguard, Codie went on to buy, build, and invest in Main Street businesses. Listen to the full episode with Codie Sanchez: Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or watch on YouTubeFollow Codie Sanchez on Instagram @codiesanchez, on TikTok @Codie_Sanchez, and on YouTube @CodieSanchezCTGrab signed copies of Main Street Millionaire by Codie Sanchez at The Painted Porch | https://www.thepaintedporch.com/Check out Ryan's episode on BigDeal by Codie Sanchez: Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube
Marcus Aurelius' life looked nothing like ours, but the habits that kept him grounded still work today. In this episode, Ryan breaks down the daily practices Marcus used to stay focused, disciplined, humble, and present, and how you can apply them to your own life.
We don't control the role we are assigned by circumstance…but we control how we play that role.
What can a 3,000-year-old story about gods, monsters, and shipwrecks teach us today? Almost everything. In this episode, Ryan breaks down some of the most powerful lessons from The Odyssey and the ancient wisdom it still offers for living a better life.
It is easy to judge people from a distance. It is much harder to reduce them to a stereotype once you have sat with them, listened to their story, and tried to understand how they see the world. In this episode, Ryan talks with filmmaker, traveler, and author Peter Santenello about what he has learned from meeting people across America. They discuss how our bubbles distort the way we see others and why curiosity is more useful than judgment. Peter also explains how traveling to 85 countries changed the way he sees the United States, why America is more hopeful than the headlines suggest, and what happens when we stop talking about people and start talking to them.Peter Santenello is an independent journalist and filmmaker with over four million subscribers on YouTube. He's traveled to eighty-five countries and lived in five, building a global audience by letting people tell their stories in their own words. These days, Peter's lens is focused squarely on the United States, where he explores the diverse, complex, and often misrepresented communities that make up the fabric of America.
All you want is some quiet. All you want is some space. All you want is some calm. More than want it, you need it. You need it for your sanity. For your survival.
Epictetus's work changed Marcus' life. Both of them have changed Ryan's life. Both of them will change your life—if you let them.--Kyle Carpenter is a medically retired United States Marine who received the United States' highest military honor, the Medal of Honor in 2010. Kyle is the youngest living Medal of Honor recipient. Full episode with Medal of Honor Recipient Kyle Carpenter | Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube
One sentence from Marcus Aurelius made Tom Junod circle it three times, star it, and dog-ear the page. In this episode, Ryan talks with the acclaimed writer about reading Meditations for the first time, why Marcus still feels so modern, and the line he can't stop thinking about.Tom Junod is senior writer for ESPN, where his work has won an Emmy and the Dan Jenkins Medal for Excellence in Sportswriting. He is a two-time winner of the National Magazine Award for Feature Writing, and a winner of the James Beard Award for essay writing. Previously he was a staff writer at GQ and Esquire. The film A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood was based on his article in Esquire. Grab signed copies of In the Days of My Youth I Was Told What It Means to Be a Man by Tom Junod at The Painted Porch | https://www.thepaintedporch.com/Follow Tom on Instagram | @tom_junod
As Epictetus, the slave-turned-philosopher who inspired Marcus, reminds us, ”Wealth consists not in having great possessions, but in having few wants.”
This is what it is to be a human. Some of it good, some of it better to resist. But it's the rhythm of life, the bleeding of eras, one into the other.
Got a banned book at home? Send it our way — we need a lot more
Marcus Aurelius was not satisfied just getting the gist of Epictetus' powerful teachings and you shouldn't be, either.
Corruption is everywhere, from politics and business to sports and universities. But as modern as it all feels, the Stoics saw the same thing happening thousands of years ago. So how did they resist it without becoming part of it themselves?
Some of the greatest American heroes are people most of us have never heard of. In today's episode, Ryan talks with retired Brigadier General and military historian Ty Seidule about five remarkable Americans whose stories embody courage, sacrifice, service, and leadership. They also talk about why the people we choose to honor matter, what the renaming of military bases reveals about American history, and why telling the truth about the past does not mean giving up on greatness.Ty Seidule served in the U.S. Army for more than three decades, retiring as a brigadier general in 2020. He is a professor emeritus of history at West Point and served as vice chair of the Congressional Naming Commission, which was tasked with renaming Department of Defense assets that honored Confederates.Ty Seidule is the author of A Promise Delivered: Ten American Heroes and the Battle to Rename Our Nation's Military Bases and Robert E. Lee and Me: A Southerner's Reckoning with the Myth of the Lost Cause.
We live in busy, stressful, unnerving times. We can't let that rattle or rush us.
We have an impulse. We have a provocation…and before we act, we should consider it. How is this really going to go?
When false information spreads faster than the truth, knowing how to think matters more than knowing what to think. In this episode, Ryan talks with David Pakman, host of The David Pakman Show, about how to think for yourself in a world shaped by spin, outrage, algorithms, and misinformation. They discuss how to separate news from commentary, recognize when you are being manipulated, question your first reaction, and get closer to the truth.David Pakman is a political commentator, author, and host of The David Pakman Show. David has built one of the largest independent political media platforms in the country, reaching millions across radio, podcasting, and YouTube. He is the author of The Echo Machine: How Right-Wing Extremism Created a Post-Truth America and Pay Attention: How the Algorithms and Media Wars Are Suppressing Truth and Rewiring Your Brain.
Marcus Aurelius lacked a freedom that we so readily take for granted...
Money isn't evil. It can do real good. But it is a tool, not a measure of life. It can tell you what something costs, but not what it is worth.
People have been doing the same things for as long as there have been people.