American author, marketer, and entrepreneur
POPULARITY
Categories
The world is crazy. Plus, we have our own crazy lives to worry about—that pile of work, the kid who might be coming down with a cold, the house project that must be finished.
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 3606: Ryan Holiday explores how anxiety, often invisible and normalized, drains our lives more than any luxury ever could. With wisdom from Stoic philosophers, he reframes anxiety as a habit we can unlearn, freeing ourselves to reclaim peace, presence, and perspective. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://ryanholiday.net/this-is-my-most-expensive-habit/ Quotes to ponder: "Anxiety turns the hypothetical into the actual. It drags us into a future that doesn't yet exist and forces us to live out every worst-case scenario in vivid detail." "Today, I escaped from anxiety. Or no, I discarded it, because it was within me, in my own perceptions, not outside." "It's not events that upset us but our opinions about them." Episode references: The Daily Stoic Podcast: https://dailystoic.com/podcast/ Epictetus' Discourses and Enchiridion: https://www.amazon.com/Discourses-Epictetus-Handbook-Oxford-Classics/dp/0199595186 Seneca's Letters from a Stoic: https://www.amazon.com/Letters-Stoic-Penguin-Classics/dp/0140442103 Meditations by Marcus Aurelius: https://www.amazon.com/Meditations-Penguin-Classics-Marcus-Aurelius/dp/0140449337 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
1963 was a transformational year in American history—JFK's assassination, Martin Luther King Jr.'s “I Have a Dream” speech, the Birmingham Campaign, the rise of the Civil Rights Movement, and escalating Cold War tensions. It was a year that changed the soul of America.In this episode, Dr. Peniel Joseph, author and professor at the University of Texas at Austin, joins Ryan to discuss how 1963 ignited a decade of transformation. They discuss the pivotal events of the year, the contrasting strategies of Malcolm X and MLK Jr., and how this single year reshaped the course of future generations.Dr. Peniel E. Joseph is the Barbara Jordan Chair in Ethics and Political Values, founding director of the Center for the Study of Race and Democracy at the LBJ School of Public Affairs, and distinguished service leadership professor and professor of history at the University of Texas at Austin. He is the author and editor of eight award-winning books on African American history, including The Third Reconstruction and The Sword and the Shield.
As Seneca wrote: “Associate with people who are likely to improve you. The process is a mutual one: men learn as they teach.”
We are not emperors. We are not senators. But we are human beings, connected to all other human beings.
The Stoics remind us that everything has its compensation…if we choose to see it, if we choose to welcome it.
Is a world without rude people possible? Perhaps. Likely? Not in our lifetimes. So the question is…how do we deal with them without compromising our character? Learn 5 Stoic tips for dealing with the worst kind of people in today's episode. Read this article: https://dailystoic.com/5-stoic-tips-for-handling-rude-people/Narrated by: Kat Pichik
What if you could learn a few simple, powerful tricks to handle arguments and conflict more effectively without losing your cool? In today's Part 2 episode, communication expert Jefferson Fisher shares his practical approaches to communication that will help you stay calm, clear, and in control even in the heat of tough conversations.Jefferson and Ryan talk about the urge to have the last word, the discipline it takes to remain composed in conflict, and the Stoic lessons on emotional control and restraint.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. Grab a signed copy of Jefferson's book, The Next Conversation: Argue Less, Talk More, at The Painted Porch! Follow Jefferson on Instagram and X @Jefferson_Fisher, on YouTube @JeffersonFisher and on TikTok @JustAskJefferson
One of the biggest predictors of your kids' long-term health is how you take care of yourself. They're watching how you eat, move, rest, and handle life more than you think. Swimmer, surfer, and author Bonnie Tsui joins Ryan to talk about how the way you live sets the tone for how your kids will care for themselves.Bonnie Tsui is a journalist, New York Times contributor, swimmer, surfer, and the author of Why We Swim, and On Muscle. Follow Bonnie on Instagram @BonnieTsui8 and check out more of her work at www.bonnietsui.com
They are who they are. Stop expecting them to be anything else.
Today, Stoicism is more popular than ever. But too many of us are on this path alone.
Send us a textWLC SIGN UP In this episode of the M4M Podcast, we explore powerful lessons from The Obstacle Is the Way by Ryan Holiday—focusing on the discipline of the will, the importance of preparing for trials before they hit, and the strength that comes from accepting what we can't control.We unpack how figures like Abraham Lincoln and Theodore Roosevelt endured hardship by cultivating resilience from within, and how our response—not our circumstances—defines our growth. From learning to master emotional responses to practicing the “premortem” mindset in leadership, this episode is a call to lead with intention and humility.Whether you're facing a personal challenge, leading a team, or just trying to grow day by day, this conversation reminds us: Life won't stop coming—but neither should we. It's not about what happens to us, but what we're building in response.Are you building or breaking your will?Are your emotions in the driver's seat—or your vision?Are you preparing for life's trials or simply reacting to them?Are you trying to force something that's not your gift?How do you respond when control slips from your hands?Remember we EXIST for more, we're here to OFFER more, Don't EVER give up, every single one of us are Made4More.
That person you just can't stand. That person in traffic who won't get out of the way. Don't they realize how annoying they are? Probably not anymore than you did when you were that person.
You might prove a point in an argument, but what will you lose in the process? In today's episode, Jefferson Fisher and Ryan talk about the art of handling arguments, drawing on wisdom from the Stoics, Jefferson's real-world legal practice, and Abraham Lincoln's legendary diplomacy. They discuss why being "right" isn't always worth the cost, how to stay grounded in the age of social media outrage, and the importance of knowing your “Alamo,” the hill you're actually willing to die on. 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. Grab a signed copy of Jefferson's book, The Next Conversation: Argue Less, Talk More, at The Painted Porch! Follow Jefferson on Instagram and X @Jefferson_Fisher, on YouTube @JeffersonFisher and on TikTok @JustAskJefferson
The world needs unbending, courageous people. It needs people who day to day do what's right, not what's expedient.
The best way to get out of your head, to get outside yourself…is to step outside yourself. Literally. Step outside. Let nature do its quiet, steady work.
Sharon McMahon, aka "America's Government Teacher", hosted Ryan on an Instagram Live to discuss his recent experience at the U.S. Naval Academy. Invited to speak on the topic of wisdom, Ryan was informed just moments before his lecture that it had been canceled due to his decision to address the removal of books from the Academy's library. What was meant to be a conversation about wisdom quickly turned into a powerful lesson on censorship, free speech, and the challenge of living with virtue.Sharon and Ryan talk about the importance of confronting history honestly, the controversy around books labeled “too woke,” and the scary implications of silencing ideas in places meant to shape future leaders.After years as a high school government teacher, Sharon now runs the non-partisan, fact-based Instagram account @sharonsaysso and is the author of The Small and the Mighty.Check out Sharon's podcast Here's Where It Gets Interesting and follow her on Instagram @SharonSaysSo and on X @Sharon_Says_SoSharon's Substack: The Preamble.
For the Stoics, riches weren't evil but attachment to them was. In Part 2 of their conversation, self-made billionaire Robert Rosenkranz and Ryan dive into the power of living within your means, mastering your mindset, and finding deeper purpose in your work. They discuss how your upbringing influences your relationship with money, why detachment leads to true freedom, and what really defines success.Robert Rosenkranz became a self-made billionaire as a pioneer in private equity, multi-strategy hedge funds, and the insurance industry. He launched the acclaimed NPR program, Open to Debate, funded Impetus Grants to extend human healthspans, and is founding an innovative cultural institution in New York to showcase immersive work at the intersection of visual art, sound, music, and technology.
Happy Mother's Day this weekend to everyone!
I want to tell you the story of a kid, born in 1937 into segregated Washington, D.C. He's 9 when his father dies and 13 when his mother has a mental breakdown, disappears, and is institutionalized. He's effectively orphaned. This is how George Raveling's story begins. Despite being dealt one of the worst cards imaginable, George, now 87, went on to become the most revered basketball coach in the world. He played against Jerry West, the man on the NBA logo. He became only the second black basketball player for Villanova University. And he went on to become the first black coach at several American universities. He'd go on to coach and mentor players like Michael Jordan. And chances are, you probably would've never worn—or even heard of—Air Jordan sneakers if it wasn't for George. Yet, in all his decades of coaching, the words Head Coach never appeared on his door. Instead, it always read: “George Raveling, Educator.” George has had a bit of a Forrest Gump life, somehow showing up at the most important events in American 20th-century history. He stood next to Martin Luther King Jr. at the March on Washington. He met presidents Gerald Ford, Ronald Reagan, Jimmy Carter, Bill Clinton, and Harry S. Truman. And he traveled the world promoting basketball as an international sport. This is a man who made his own breaks, continues to break glass ceilings, and embodies the American dream. Today on Honestly, Bari Weiss sits down with George to discuss his extraordinary life and his new book, What You're Made For: Powerful Life Lessons from My Career in Sports, which he wrote alongside Ryan Holiday. The Free Press earns a commission from any purchases made through all book links in this article. Ground News - Go to groundnews.com/Honestly to get 40% off the unlimited access Vantage plan and unlock world-wide perspectives on today's biggest news stories. Go to fastgrowingtrees.com/Honestly and use the code HONESTLY at checkout to get 15% off your first order. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
It would be nice if we always had smooth sailing. But we don't.
Wealth can free you—or consume you. Self-made billionaire Robert Rosenkranz joins Ryan to discuss how Stoicism can transform our approach to money, ambition, and identity. Robert shares how Stoicism has shaped his decision-making, honed his intuition, and influenced his mindset on wealth and living a fulfilling life. Robert Rosenkranz became a self-made billionaire as a pioneer in private equity, multi-strategy hedge funds, and the insurance industry. He launched the acclaimed NPR program, Open to Debate, funded Impetus Grants to extend human healthspans, and is founding an innovative cultural institution in New York to showcase immersive work at the intersection of visual art, sound, music, and technology.
Marcus Aurelius was the public face of an empire. Seneca published plays and books. Cato and Cicero ran for office. Epictetus was a slave to a powerful Roman, at his whim and his mercy. In other words, they knew what it was like to be criticized.
Courage calls us and what do we do? We ignore it. We let it ring.
You could say something…you should say something. But…you don't.
The call for courage keeps returning, over and over. What matters most isn't what we chose before, but what we choose right now.Listen to the talk that Ryan was supposed to give at The Naval Academy: Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube
If it's right, if it must be done….do it now.
If wealth meant fulfillment instead of finances, how rich would you be? In today's episode, Sahil Bloom, entrepreneur and author of The 5 Types of Wealth, joins Ryan to unpack how they balance ambition and fulfillment. They discuss the concept of having “enough”, their definitions of being wealthy, what we can learn from the Stoics about living a rich life, and more. Sahil Bloom is the owner of SRB Holdings, the managing partner of SRB Ventures, and author of The 5 Types of Wealth: A Transformative Guide to Design Your Dream Life. He holds a master's in public policy and a bachelor's in economics and sociology from Stanford University, where he was also a four-year member of the Stanford baseball team.You can follow Sahil on Instagram and X @SahilBloom Sign up for Sahil's newsletter here: https://www.sahilbloom.com/newsletter
As dark as life can get, there are lovely things out there to cheer you up.
You will never be secure enough, powerful enough that you won't be afraid—that's the whole point of courage.
You might know Ed Helms as Andy Bernard from The Office or Stu Price from The Hangover movies—but did you know he's also a serious history buff? He's especially fascinated by history's biggest screwups, better known as SNAFUs ("Situation Normal: All F**ked Up"). In today's episode, Ed joins Ryan to unpack some of these epic blunders, explain how history became an escape for him, and share why learning about the past can be surprisingly therapeutic.Ed Helms is an actor, comedian, podcast host, and author. Ed has starred as Andy Bernard in The Office, Stuart Price in The Hangover trilogy, We're the Millers, The Lorax, and much more. He hosts the podcast SNAFU and just released his book SNAFU: The Definitive Guide to History's Greatest Screwups. You can follow Ed on Instagram and X @EdHelms
We are all fighting our own battles, we are all besieged by misfortune in our own ways.
Send us a text!Drew Brees suffered multiple injuries in his career that could have been retirement inducing. But through a knee injury and major shoulder damage, Brees came back to be one of the greatest quarterbacks in NFL history.Tate Taylor joins us to talk about his recent Achilles tear, and how he embraces adversity as a gift. We'll talk about Ryan Holiday's book, “The Obstacle is the Way.” 2025 New Christendom Press Conference: https://www.newchristendompress.com/2025Sign up for the NCP Games:https://beregenerated.com/games/Fuel your training with Mt. Athos — The path to peak performance. https://athosperform.com/Check out the Farmer Bill's Provisions's products. Click the link below to claim 20% off. https://farmerbillsprovisions.com/discount/HARDVisit KeepwisePartners.com or call Derrick Taylor at 781-680-8000 to schedule a free consultation. https://keepwise.partners/Talk to Joe Garrisi about managing your wealth with Backwards Planning Financial. https://www.backwardsplanningfinancial.comStart forging the man God made you to be. Be Regenerated is forging the men who will build the New Christendom.https://beregenerated.com/Livingstones Studio offers strategic design solutions to help you grow your business, communicate your values, and stand out with a timeless brand. Learn more at https://livingstones.studio/Support the show
Send us a text!Drew Brees suffered multiple injuries in his career that could have been retirement inducing. But through a knee injury and major shoulder damage, Brees came back to be one of the greatest quarterbacks in NFL history. Tate Taylor joins us to talk about his recent Achilles tear, and how he embraces adversity as a gift. We'll talk about Ryan Holiday's book, “The Obstacle is the Way.” 2025 New Christendom Press Conference: https://www.newchristendompress.com/2025Sign up for the NCP Games:https://beregenerated.com/games/Fuel your training with Mt. Athos — The path to peak performance.https://athosperform.com/Check out the Farmer Bill's Provisions's products. Click the link below to claim 20% off.https://farmerbillsprovisions.com/discount/HARDVisit KeepwisePartners.com or call Derrick Taylor at 781-680-8000 to schedule a free consultation.https://keepwise.partners/Talk to Joe Garrisi about managing your wealth with Backwards Planning Financial.https://www.northwesternmutual.com/financial/advisor/joe-garrisi/planningStart forging the man God made you to be. Be Regenerated is forging the men who will build the New Christendom.https://beregenerated.com/Livingstones Studio offers strategic design solutions to help you grow your business, communicate your values, and stand out with a timeless brand. Learn more at https://livingstones.studio/Support the show
In this month's forecast, Tony Howard explores the momentous shift as Saturn moves into Aries and approaches its conjunction with Neptune – the big astrological news of 2025.Discover how Ryan Holiday's recent experience with censorship at the U.S. Naval Academy perfectly exemplifies a constructive response to a Saturn transit, embodying the Stoic wisdom that "the obstacle is the way." This real-world example shows the potential for growth and self-actualization during challenging transits.Tony unpacks what Saturn in Aries means for establishing healthy boundaries and inner authority, with special insights for those with placements in late mutable signs or early cardinal signs. Learn about the Saturn-Neptune conjunction's potential for "sobering up" through the lens of Miles Davis' journey and the deeper exploration of Saturn-Neptune themes in Ryan Coogler's breakout hit film "Sinners."The forecast also covers Mars in Leo, Mercury's movement away from Neptune, and highlights favorable days for taking action this month. Whether you're navigating obstacles or seeking clarity, this forecast offers practical wisdom for working with May's cosmic energies.Topics covered: Saturn's ingress into Aries (May 24) Saturn-Neptune conjunction Wisdom about facing Saturn transits Mars in Leo and its aspects Mercury's journey through Taurus into Gemini Favorable days for action in May Subscribe for monthly forecasts that blend psychological insight with practical astrological wisdom.
By winning the morning, we reduce the power that the rest of the day—much of which lies beyond our control—holds over us.
The ancients knew that character was fate and we need to remember that with our own kids.
We tell ourselves that this is all for the future, that someday, in some big moment of significance, we'll use it. But will we?You can grab the Right Thing, Right Now ebook for just $2.99 right now! If you prefer reading hardcover books like us, we have signed copies available over at the Daily Stoic Store, too!
We often ignore flaws in our body until they demand attention, but flaws in the soul are even harder to see—the deeper the damage, the less aware we are of it.Today's episode is an excerpt from The Tao Of Seneca produced by Tim Ferriss' Audio. Get the free PDF at tim.blog/senecaListen to other letters from Seneca:Seneca on Despising DeathSeneca on Conquering the ConquerorSeneca on Philosophy and FriendshipSeneca on Practicing What You PreachSeneca on The Reasons For Withdrawing From The World Seneca on Master and SlaveSeneca on Worldliness and Retirement
Just after 2 a.m. on April 11, the U.S. Senate confirmed retired Air Force Lieutenant General Dan Caine as the 22nd Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. As it turns out, Ryan had the opportunity to interview Gen. Caine a few years ago as part of The Daily Stoic Leadership Challenge.In honor of his recent confirmation, today's episode is Ryan and Gen. Caine's powerful conversation. Gen. Caine reflects on being one of the first pilots in the air on 9/11, the core traits every great leader must embody, and how to effectively inspire and guide a team toward a shared mission.General Dan Caine is the 22nd Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. He has flown more than 100 combat hours in F-16 aircraft. His total flight hours are 2,800. Throughout his career he was awarded the Defense Superior Service Medal, Distinguished Flying Cross, Bronze Star Medal with bronze oak leaf cluster and the Defense Meritorious Service Medal.
Make the decision today that you would want another parent to make. To spare you weeks of runny noses and sneezes. Aura Frames | Save on the perfect gift by visiting https://auraframes.com/ to get $35-off plus free shipping on their best-selling Carver Mat frame with promo code DAILYDAD ✉️ Sign up for the Daily Dad email: DailyDad.com
It was a dark world…and Marcus Aurelius desperately needed some light.
The right book at the right time is a powerful thing. In fact, it can change the whole course of your life.
Check out the previous lectures from Ryan Holiday at the U.S. Naval Academy here:Courage: The Power Of Courage Discipline: The Life Changing Art Of Self-DisciplineJustice: Stoic Habits To Help You Live And Be Better
"The body should be treated more rigorously, so that it may not be disobedient to the mind." — Seneca In today's episode, Ryan sits down with Bonnie Tsui - author, swimmer, surfer - to unpack the deep connection between our muscles and mental resilience. They dive into everything from the intelligence of muscle memory, what the ancient Stoics knew about strength that we've forgotten, how exercise can actually bulk up your brain, and much more. Bonnie Tsui is a journalist, New York Times contributor, swimmer, surfer, and the author of American Chinatown: A People's History of Five Neighborhoods, Why We Swim, and now On Muscle.
We were born to work together like feet, hands, and eyes, like the two rows of teeth, upper and lower. To obstruct each other is unnatural.
We all have those days where we'd rather just not. The ancients knew days like this.
Happy Earth Day! Let today be a reminder of how the Stoics looked to nature as a guide for living wisely and well.
Ryan Holiday dropped out of college to apprentice under Robert Greene, gaining invaluable insights on writing, entrepreneurship, leadership, and human nature. This mentorship laid the foundation for his bold marketing campaigns at American Apparel and his rise as a bestselling author and entrepreneur. In this episode, Ryan reveals how stoic principles can sharpen leadership skills, improve decision-making, enhance problem-solving, and empower entrepreneurs to overcome challenges for sustainable growth. In this episode, Hala and Ryan will discuss: (00:00) Introduction (01:44) Robert Greene's Influence on His Career (09:04) Leveraging Controversy for Marketing Success (14:18) Media Manipulation and Its Impact (18:30) The Stoic Approach to Life and Business (26:39) The Four Stoic Virtues for Personal Development (28:01) Embracing the Realities of Entrepreneurship (30:29) Mastering Clear Decision-Making (36:07) The Dangers of Ego in Leadership (38:31) How Stoicism Drives Productivity (42:59) Building Ethical Habits and Leadership Skills (47:50) The Power of Effective Time Management Ryan Holiday is a bestselling author, entrepreneur, and media strategist known for popularizing Stoic philosophy in modern culture. He served as Director of Marketing at American Apparel before founding his creative agency, Brass Check. Ryan's books, including The Obstacle Is the Way and The Daily Stoic, have sold over 2 million copies in 30 languages. His work helps leaders and creatives apply Stoic principles to overcome challenges. Sponsored By: Resources Mentioned: Ryan's Book, Trust Me, I'm Lying: bit.ly/TrustMeLying Ryan's Book, Right Thing, Right Now: bit.ly/RightThingNow Ryan's Podcast, The Daily Stoic: bit.ly/DailyStoicPod Active Deals - youngandprofiting.com/deals Key YAP Links Reviews - ratethispodcast.com/yap Youtube - youtube.com/c/YoungandProfiting LinkedIn - linkedin.com/in/htaha/ Instagram - instagram.com/yapwithhala/ Social + Podcast Services: yapmedia.com Transcripts - youngandprofiting.com/episodes-new Entrepreneurship, Entrepreneurship Podcast, Business, Business Podcast, Self Improvement, Self-Improvement, Personal Development, Starting a Business, Strategy, Investing, Sales, Selling, Psychology, Productivity, Entrepreneurs, AI, Artificial Intelligence, Technology, Marketing, Negotiation, Money, Finance, Side Hustle, Mental Health, Career, Leadership, Mindset, Health, Growth Mindset, Networking, Goal Setting, Strategic Planning, Mindset, Team Building.
Marcus Aurelius' life teaches us how to live well. And because he lived well, his story also teaches us how to die well: with grace, with strength, with empathy, and with the comfort of knowing that he lived a good life as a good man.