Podcast appearances and mentions of Ryan Holiday

In today's episode, Ryan sits down with Olga Khazan, Atlantic staff writer and author of Me, But Better, to explore how parenting forces you to grow in ways you never expected. Olga shares why she had doubts about having a child, what it really means to be an “agreeable” parent, and how she let go of the pressure to parent like the moms on Instagram. Olga Khazan is a staff writer at The Atlantic and author of Me, But Better. You can follow Olga on Instagram and X @Olganator and read more of her work on Substack: https://olgakhazan.substack.com/ Grab signed copies of her book Me, But Better  at The Painted Porch! 

People will betray us in life. They will take from us. We can be hurt and broken and angry about this, or we can use it as Epictetus did—as a reminder of the transient nature of possession.

As parents, fostering a questioning mindset benefits both us and our children. 

In this Mere Mortals Learnings episode, I unpack the raw insights from Right Thing, Right Now by Ryan Holiday. This book, focused on the Stoic virtue of justice, might not be his most thrilling but it's undoubtedly the one that digs the deepest. From power and personal responsibility to kindness and selfishness, these lessons challenge you to live with purpose and integrity, especially when no one is watching.00:00 – Intro: What This Episode Covers00:34 – Ryan's Style: Stories Over Theory01:33 – Take Responsibility (and Ask Better Questions)03:18 – It's Your Turn to Make the Fire04:22 – Be an Open Book: Secrets, Shame, & Integrity05:23 – Treat People Right When It's Hard06:26 – Realise Your Potential: Do Your Best, Become Who You Should Be07:48 – See Every Person as an Opportunity for Kindness08:16 – Power: What You Do When You Can Do Anything09:18 – Gandhi's 7 Blunders of Humanity10:05 – Afterword Reflections: Wisdom Comes With Age11:12 – The Hidden Cost of Success12:10 – Final Reflections & Justice in the Real WorldConnect with Mere Mortals:Website: https://www.meremortalspodcast.com/Discord: https://discord.gg/jjfq9eGReUTwitter/X: https://twitter.com/meremortalspodsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/meremortalspodcasts/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@meremortalspodcast Connect with Mere Mortals:Website: https://www.meremortalspodcasts.com/Discord: https://discord.gg/jjfq9eGReUTwitter/X: https://twitter.com/meremortalspodsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/meremortalspodcasts/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@meremortalspodcastsValue 4 Value Support:Boostagram: https://www.meremortalspodcasts.com/supportPaypal: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/meremortalspodcast

It's unfortunate Epictetus isn't more widely read—because when he is, he changes lives.

The greatest work isn't what goes viral, it's what endures. Podcaster, writer, and venture capitalist James Altucher joins Ryan to talk about why podcasting might be doing more harm than good, what makes a medium “healthy” for creativity, why some stories survive history and others disappear, and how the algorithm subtly rewires creators' minds. James Altucher is the podcast host of The James Altucher Show , an investor, venture capitalist, writer, and an expert in emerging technologies like crypto and AI. Follow James on Instagram @Altucher and X @JAltucher

There was gruffness to the Stoics. A wariness of getting too close or too attached, lest your heart be broken by fortune. But does that mean the Stoics were unfeeling?

https://littleboxofquotes.com/ — Each day's quote is available as a podcast and by email from my Little Box of Quotes. A long time ago I began collecting inspirational quotes and aphorisms. I kept them on the first version of my web site, where they were displayed randomly. But as time went on, I realized I wanted them where I would see them. Eventually I copied the fledgeling collection onto 3×5 cards and put them in a small box. As I find new ones, I add cards. Today, there are more than 1,500 quotes and the collection continues to grow. Hello

Most people are enslaved and controlled and directed by their ignorance. Their impulses. Their temper. Their desires and delusions.

In this letter, Seneca critiques sophistical argumentation, highlighting how it exercises wit without purpose and distracts from the essentials of living a good life. Today's episode is an excerpt from The Tao Of Seneca produced by Tim Ferriss' Audio. Get the free PDF at tim.blog/seneca

The most misunderstood Stoic practice is Memento Mori - remember you will die. Dr. Laurie Santos, an expert on the science of happiness, joins Ryan to share the research behind why thinking about your mortality is proven to increase happiness. Dr. Laurie shares how to balance negative and positive visualizations for a fulfilling life, the Stoic practices that she swears by, and practical applications of Stoic and Buddhist teachings. Dr. Laurie Santos is an expert on the science of happiness and the ways in which our minds lie to us about what makes us happy. Her Yale course, “Psychology and the Good Life,” teaches students how the science of psychology can provide important hints about how to make wiser choices and live a life that's happier and more fulfilling. The class became Yale's most popular course in over 300 years, with almost one out of four students enrolled. Her course has been featured in the New York Times, NBC Nightly News, The Today Show, GQ Magazine, Slate and O! Magazine. The online version of the class—The Science of Well-Being on Coursera.org—has attracted more than 4 million learners from around the world. A winner of numerous awards both for her science and teaching, she was recently voted as one of Popular Science Magazine's “Brilliant 10” young minds, and was named in Time Magazine as a “Leading Campus Celebrity.” Listen to Dr. Laurie's podcast, The Happiness Lab, where she shares the latest scientific research on what it means to be truly happy. Check out more of Dr. Laurie's work at DrLaurieSantos.com and follow her Instagram @LaurieSantosOfficial, X @LaurieSantos, and on YouTube and TikTok @DrLaurieSantos

Win or lose, what matters, the Stoics believed, was that we tried. That we did our best.

It's rather sad—almost sacriligeous—that more people don't know who shaped Marcus's philosophical worldview.

In this Mere Mortals book review, I tackle Right Thing, Right Now by Ryan Holiday, the third in his Stoic Virtue series. It's a slower, deeper, more reflective book centred on justice, the virtue that's hardest to sell and hardest to live by. I share why this wasn't my favourite read, but why it might be the most meaningful one for the long game of life.00:00 – Intro & Context on the Stoic Virtue Series 00:30 – Book Stats: Length, Release Date, Structure 01:13 – Theme of Justice & Ryan's Intentions 02:00 – Why Justice Isn't a Popular Topic 02:56 – How This Book Differs from Others in the Series 04:04 – Tone, Chapter Layout & Personal Reflections 04:39 – Breakdown of the 3 Sections: Me, We, All 05:18 – A Slower, More Reflective Reading Experience 06:24 – Ryan's Personal Notes & Writing it for His Kids 07:12 – Why Justice Becomes More Important with Age 07:55 – Final Thoughts & Rating (7.5/10) 08:13 – Who This Book is For (and Not For) 09:01 – Recommendations & Legacy Focus 09:19 – Political Themes & Why Some Might Not Enjoy It 10:00 – Closing Comments & Call to Action Connect with Mere Mortals:Website: https://www.meremortalspodcast.com/Discord: https://discord.gg/jjfq9eGReUTwitter/X: https://twitter.com/meremortalspodsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/meremortalspodcasts/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@meremortalspodcast Connect with Mere Mortals:Website: https://www.meremortalspodcasts.com/Discord: https://discord.gg/jjfq9eGReUTwitter/X: https://twitter.com/meremortalspodsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/meremortalspodcasts/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@meremortalspodcastsValue 4 Value Support:Boostagram: https://www.meremortalspodcasts.com/supportPaypal: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/meremortalspodcast

You can't expand your perspective if you never step out of your bubble. In today's episode, Ryan sits down with Chet Garner, host of The Daytripper, to explore how traveling, even just one town over, can completely change the way you see the world. They talk about why you don't need to leave the country (or even your own state) to gain a new perspective, how the Stoics thought about travel in the ancient world, and how to use everyday adventures to raise more curious, open-minded kids.Chet Garner is the creator, producer, and host of "The Daytripper", an 11-time Emmy-Award winning travel show airing on PBS stations across the country.You can check out Chet's show The Daytripper on PBS and his videos on YouTube @TheDaytripperTV . Follow Chet on Instagram @ChetTripper and see more at thedaytripper.com

It drives you nuts—the things some people believe and do and say. But here's the thing: It does make sense. It makes sense to them.

Why is self-command and self-knowledge so elusive? How can we find it? Well, Epictetus can show us the way, as he did for Marcus and Hadrian and countless others over the centuries.

While being a parent is very different today than it was in ancient Rome, we modern parents face a similar daily battle for mindfulness. 

Billy Oppenheimer is a pattern-seeker, storyteller, and creative thinker who turns curiosity into clarity. His path, from ski towns and side jobs to working alongside bestselling author Ryan Holiday, is a powerful reminder that following what fascinates you isn't a distraction; it's a direction. In this episode of Design Of, Billy shares how his instinct to notice, capture, and connect ideas has shaped his creative journey, and how it continues to evolve through deep research, disciplined writing, and his upcoming book with Penguin Random House, The Work Is the Win. Billy's creative trajectory began with a bold, curiosity-fueled email to Ryan Holiday, whose own career was launched under the mentorship of Robert Greene (The 48 Laws of Power). That lineage, Greene to Holiday to Oppenheimer, reflects more than just professional mentorship. It reveals a shared creative philosophy: do the work, think deeply, and trust that the process itself holds the reward. Now, through his widely followed newsletter Six at Six, Billy shares six thought-provoking quotes every Sunday evening. What began as a personal archive has become a trusted source of insight for thousands of creatives, leaders, and lifelong learners looking to build their lives, and their brands, with greater purpose and intention. This is a conversation for leaders, storytellers, and anyone building something that matters. Billy doesn't offer hacks, he shares a mindset and a method. One rooted in showing up, tuning in, and trusting that the work is always worth it. In this episode, you'll hear: ✅ Why “the work is the win”, and how process over outcomes leads to deeper fulfillment ✅ How his note card system fuels storytelling, pattern recognition, and long-term creative value ✅ What he learned from working with Ryan Holiday and through the influence of Robert Greene ✅ How Six at Six became a trusted source of wisdom for thousands ✅ What his upcoming book The Work Is the Win reveals about building a life through curiosity ✅ How to turn inspiration into a personal archive of insight and meaning ✅ Why curiosity is a compass, not a detour “None of it is wasteful. Every job, every quote, every story, it all has a place.” Whether you're leading a brand, guiding a team, or searching for your next creative spark, this episode is a powerful invitation to slow down, notice more, and trust the work.

The key to life, Epictetus said, was not to dream for things to be a certain way but to dream for them to be the way they were. To be grateful that you had the fate you had.

There comes a moment when we realize our kids are no longer just following us, they're leading in their way. In this episode, "The Day My Son Surpassed Me," I share the story of how my son surpassed me, not just in the gym, but also in emotional steadiness. I also share how that shifted my approach to parenting, leadership, and letting go.Inspired by a powerful quote from Ryan Holiday's The Daily Dad: “Your job isn't to raise a good kid. It's to raise a good adult.” - Read more at https://dailydad.com/

Looking for practical strategies to deal with difficult people? In today's episode, communication expert Jefferson Fisher shares a 3-step process for navigating conflict, especially when kindness and empathy no longer work.Jefferson Fisher is one of the most respected voices on communication and arguments in the world. He is a Texas board certified personal injury attorney and law firm owner of Fisher Firm. Millions of people and some of the world's leading brands come to Jefferson for advice and practical strategies to communicate more effectively. Follow Jefferson on Instagram and X @Jefferson_Fisher, on YouTube @JeffersonFisher and on TikTok @JustAskJefferson

You're not here to impress, you're here to make a difference. In this PT. 2 episode, historian and bestselling author Rutger Bregman sits down with Ryan for a deep dive into what a meaningful life actually looks like and why so many people end up wasting their one shot at it. They talk about how easy it is to chase the wrong goals, why real impact often goes unnoticed, and how to realign your work with what truly matters.Rutger Bregman is a Dutch historian and author. His latest book Moral Ambition: Stop Wasting Your Talent and Start Making a Difference was released in April 2025. ‍‍In 2024, Rutger co-founded The School for Moral Ambition, a non-profit organization inspired by his latest book, Moral Ambition. The initiative helps people to take the step toward an impactful career.‍Follow Rutger on Instagram and X | @RutgerBregman

You can rush them, or you can just go along for the ride. In today's solo episode, Ryan shares a recent experience of riding bikes with his son that turned into a crucial parenting lesson. After spending time together, are you gonna be glad that you applied pressure and stress, or will you wish that you were patient and supportive? Give yourself the ultimate gift of parenting tools, structure, and community. Join The Daily Dad Society here: https://dailydad.com/society ✉️ Sign up for the Daily Dad email: DailyDad.com 

The American experiment—based as it was on individual liberty—was built on the necessity of virtue and honor. A people freed from the tyranny of government, they understood, still needed to be checked by their own morality, philosophy and religion.

There is something that can't be taken from us by even the strongest strong man or the most unlucky of external events.

What Epictetus learned in his fascinating life—beginning in slavery and culminating in a legacy as one of the most influential philosophers of all time—was simple, profound, and enduring. It's why countless Roman families sent their children to learn from Epictetus at his school in Nicopolis. And that's why we're spending this month doing a deep dive into Epictetus—because if reading him changed Marcus Aurelius' life, how might he change yours?

You could be doing anything with your life…so why are you choosing this? Historian and bestselling author Rutger Bregman joins Ryan to question everything we tend to believe about success, work, and impact. They discuss why many “prestigious” careers might actually be pointless, how a few regular people pulled off one of the biggest moral wins in history, and why meaningful work rarely looks like what society celebrates.Rutger Bregman is a Dutch historian and author. His latest book Moral Ambition: Stop Wasting Your Talent and Start Making a Difference was released in April 2025. ‍‍In 2024, Rutger co-founded The School for Moral Ambition, a non-profit organization inspired by his latest book, Moral Ambition. The initiative helps people to take the step toward an impactful career.‍Follow Rutger on Instagram and X | @RutgerBregman

In this episode of The Journey, I reflect on the philosophy of stoicism and the impact it's had on my life. I share how I was introduced to the writings of Ryan Holiday, and how his modern take on ancient wisdom helped shape the way I approach daily challenges. I also tell a story about Marcus Aurelius, one of stoicism's most well-known figures, and how his perspective reminds us that obstacles aren't just in the way, they are the way. This reflection is about leaning into the hard things, and recognizing that through them, we can become stronger, more grounded, and more resilient versions of ourselves. Thanks for listening. — Kevin

Seneca practiced poverty. Marcus Aurelius mentally rehearsed being criticized and misunderstood. Why did they put themselves in these uncomfortable positions?

Our lives are unpredictable. We are at the mercy of so many forces.

When we think of great Stoic figures like Marcus Aurelius, Cato, and Epictetus, we tend to focus solely on the individual, their perspective, their observations. But how did these brilliant thinkers treat those around them?Read this article here: https://dailystoic.com/6-stoic-tips-to-being-a-great-friend/

Is AI the end of creativity, or the beginning of a new artistic era? Rick Rubin returns for PT. 2 of his conversation with Ryan about how AI is reshaping creativity and why the real art still lies in the choices we make. They discuss the beauty of unexpected results, the difference between AI generating and iterating, timeless wisdom of the Tao Te Ching, and much more. Rick Rubin is a renowned American record producer and the co-founder of Def Jam Recordings, founder of American Recordings, and former co-president of Columbia Records. He has produced albums for a wide range of acclaimed artists, including the Beastie Boys, Run-DMC, Public Enemy, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Metallica, Audioslave, Rage Against the Machine, and Johnny Cash. He has won nine Grammys and has been nominated for 12 more. He has been called “the most important producer of the last 20 years” by MTV and was named on Time‘s list of the “100 Most Influential People in the World”. Check out Rick's latest project The Way of the Code: https://www.thewayofcode.com/Grab copies of Rick's book The Creative Act: A Way of Being at The Painted Porch | https://www.thepaintedporch.comCheck out Rick's podcast Tetragrammaton Follow Rick on Instagram and X @RickRubin

For all the stupidity, for all the disasters, for all the noise and uncertainty, this is actually one of the least bad moments to ever exist.

Why should a Stoic let the awfulness of the world make them feel awful? Why would we let someone else's darkness cast a shadow on our own life?

What if AI isn't replacing creativity, but expanding it in ways we've never seen before? Rick Rubin joins Ryan to discuss the mysterious nature of using AI throughout the creative process. They talk about what vibe coding is, why structure can unlock freedom, and revisiting ancient philosophy to uncover new insights.Rick Rubin is a renowned American record producer and the co-founder of Def Jam Recordings, founder of American Recordings, and former co-president of Columbia Records. He has produced albums for a wide range of acclaimed artists, including the Beastie Boys, Run-DMC, Public Enemy, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Metallica, Audioslave, Rage Against the Machine, and Johnny Cash. He has won nine Grammys and has been nominated for 12 more. He has been called “the most important producer of the last 20 years” by MTV and was named on Time‘s list of the “100 Most Influential People in the World”.

Stress, anxiety, and concern don't exist outside us but within us—which means we have the power to do something about it, too.

What does it take for an idea to stand the test of time and shape generations? In this episode, Eric Jorgenson returns on The Greatness Machine to explore the enduring power of timeless ideas and transformative storytelling. Joining host Darius Mirshahzadeh, they dive into what makes certain books iconic and how mystics like Rumi and Jesus continue to influence modern philosophy. The conversation touches on Peter Thiel's strategic takedown of Gawker and its broader implications for media. They also discuss Ryan Holiday's approach to reviving Stoicism for today's audience and challenge the notion that originality is essential, instead highlighting the power of revisiting and reframing old ideas in fresh, relevant ways. Together, they unpack the intersection of mysticism, media, and modern thought, revealing why some ideas resonate across generations. In this episode, Darius and Eric will discuss: (00:00) Introduction and Welcome (02:52) The Impact of Naval Ravikant's Work (06:05) Exploring Fame and Ego (12:11) Eric's Journey and Scribe Media (15:07) Book Publishing Insights (22:37) The Art of Writing and Capturing Attention (27:15) Spiritual Awakening and Life-Changing Insights (29:52) The Power of Books and Personal Growth (47:57) Recognizing Genius in Others (50:10) The Power of Stoicism and Modern Philosophy (52:05) Exploring Mysticism and Its Relevance Today (54:04) Translating Ancient Wisdom for Modern Audiences (56:41) The Importance of Historical Context in Philosophy (01:01:03) The Challenge of Approaching Mysticism (01:04:32) Cultural Perceptions and Historical Realities Eric Jorgenson is an author, investor, and creator known for distilling complex ideas into accessible wisdom. His bestselling book, “The Almanack of Naval Ravikant,” guides readers to wealth and happiness through Naval's most impactful insights. Following its success, Eric published “The Anthology of Balaji,” showcasing the visionary ideas of engineer and futurist Balaji Srinivasan. As the founder of Rolling Fun, Eric invests in early-stage tech startups, writes at ejorgenson.com, and hosts the Smart Friends podcast. His blog has engaged over a million readers since 2014. When not working, he's on a mission to craft the perfect sandwich. Part 1: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/327-eric-jorgenson-what-we-can-learn-from-naval-ravikant/id1555334180?i=1000684054523  Sponsored by: Constant Contact: Try Constant Contact free for 30 days at constantcontact.com. Huel: Get Huel today with this exclusive offer for New Customers of 15% OFF with code GREATNESS at https://huel.com/GREATNESS (Minimum $75 purchase). ExpressVPN: Secure your online data today with ExpressVPN. Go to expressvpn.com/darius. Indeed: Get a $75 sponsored job credit to boost your job's visibility at Indeed.com/DARIUS. Shopify: Sign up for a $1/month trial period at shopify.com/darius.  Connect with Eric: Website: https://www.ejorgenson.com/ Website: https://scribemedia.com/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erjorgenson  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/erjorgenson/  Books: https://www.ejorgenson.com/books-1  Connect with Darius: Website: https://therealdarius.com/ Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dariusmirshahzadeh/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/imthedarius/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Thegreatnessmachine  Book: The Core Value Equation https://www.amazon.com/Core-Value-Equation-Framework-Limitless/dp/1544506708 Write a review for The Greatness Machine using this link: https://ratethispodcast.com/spreadinggreatness.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The thing about power is not so much that it changes you but that it changes the people around you. It changes what they're willing to say to you…and how they say it.

Coming to terms with pain and setbacks and unfairness is critical to moving forward, to affecting change, to being a leader, to basic happiness.

“Always do right. This will gratify some people and astonish the rest.” - Mark TwainIn this powerful talk, Ryan explains why justice is the true measure of leadership. This is a call to do the right thing, not because it's easy or profitable, but because it's the only thing that truly lasts.

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 3642: Shana Olmstead reframes anxiety not as a flaw to fix but as a spiritual signal, a gentle (or not-so-gentle) nudge toward alignment, authenticity, and inner truth. Through practices like mindfulness and meditation, anxiety becomes a guide that reveals ego patterns, highlights necessary life changes, and supports conscious evolution. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://shanaolmstead.com/2019/04/30/anxiety-into-awakening/ Quotes to ponder: "Anxiety is a call to wake up. To connect with your deeper wisdom. To stop doing things that are creating misalignment internally and start doing things that bring you closer to your truth." "This anxiety you feel is your higher self letting you know that some things need to change. You didn't do anything wrong, you were just unconscious of your truth." "Without this gift of anxiety we would go through life numb and asleep, never becoming aware of the discomfort that can lead us to transformation and expansion." Episode references: The Daily Stoic by Ryan Holiday: https://dailystoic.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mark Twain didn't just write American classics, he lived one of the most powerful personal transformations in history. In Part 2 of this conversation, Pulitzer Prize-winning biographer Ron Chernow returns to join Ryan for a deep dive into Twain's remarkable moral evolution. They discuss how Twain's journey mirrors those of Ulysses S. Grant and John D. Rockefeller, reflect on the tragic cost of chasing fortune over purpose, and explore what makes a biography timeless and a life unforgettable.Plus, a special moment: Ryan's 8-year-old son jumps in to ask Ron about Hamilton, his favorite musical.Ron Chernow is the prizewinning author of seven previous books and the recipient of the 2015 National Humanities Medal. His first book, The House of Morgan, won the National Book Award, Washington: A Life won the Pulitzer Prize for Biography, and Alexander Hamilton—the inspiration for the Broadway musical—won the George Washington Book Prize. He has twice been a finalist for the National Book Critics Circle Award and is one of only three living biographers to have won the Gold Medal for Biography of the American Academy of Arts and Letters. Ron's latest book is on the fascinating and complex life of American writer Mark Twain. Follow Ron Chernow on Instagram: @RonChernow

There are forces out there, just as tempting as power, that can cut us off from our values, from truth, from other people, from what matters. It takes work to resist them, to counteract them, and to rise above them.

The Stoics remind you that the point of financial security is to feel secure. The point of plenty is to realize that you have enough. You can't fear losing what you had–there was a time you didn't have it and you survived.

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 3638: Ryan Holiday reflects on the brutal yet transformative experience of pushing the body beyond exhaustion to reveal the true seat of strength, the mind. Through pain, struggle, and a complete physical breakdown, he uncovers clarity, emotional peace, and the subtle triumph of inner resilience. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://ryanholiday.net/the-manifestation-of-inner-strength/ Quotes to ponder: "The work I do on my body is not about looks or health. A sculpted body to me is the sign of a sculpted mind." "I promised myself that I would win, that I would finish." "There was no glory in it, I felt awful; worse even than I had in each lap prior." Episode references: Meditations by Marcus Aurelius: https://www.amazon.com/Meditations-Marcus-Aurelius/dp/048629823X The Daily Stoic: https://dailystoic.com/podcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Powerful people can take from you. Yet the Stoics remind us: our character is our own.

Brilliance without emotional control is often a recipe for destruction. In this episode, Ryan sits down with Pulitzer Prize-winning biographer Ron Chernow, whose acclaimed biographies on Alexander Hamilton, George Washington, Ulysses S. Grant, John D. Rockefeller, and most recently, Mark Twain have reshaped our understanding of American greatness. Ron and Ryan talk about how these men's deepest personal struggles and their ability to manage emotion became the defining factor in their lives and legacies.Ron Chernow is the prizewinning author of seven previous books and the recipient of the 2015 National Humanities Medal. His first book, The House of Morgan, won the National Book Award, Washington: A Life won the Pulitzer Prize for Biography, and Alexander Hamilton—the inspiration for the Broadway musical—won the George Washington Book Prize. He has twice been a finalist for the National Book Critics Circle Award and is one of only three living biographers to have won the Gold Medal for Biography of the American Academy of Arts and Letters. Ron's latest book is on the fascinating and complex life of American writer Mark Twain. Follow Ron on Instagram: @RonChernow

We will be wronged—by friends, by colleagues, by life itself. When that happens, we have a choice: to be consumed by bitterness or to rise above it. Marcus showed us the way. The question is, will we follow?