Podcasts about stoic philosophy

In moments of chaos, let Stoicism be your guide. In today's episode, Ryan dives into how to tackle both small and big obstacles by harnessing your inner strength, staying steady in the face of unpredictability, and leading with purpose

The Stoics knew something we often forget: influence starts before you speak. It's in your energy, your posture, your presence. In today's PT. 2 episode with body language expert Vanessa Van Edwards, she breaks down how to project authentic warmth, gives Ryan tips for navigating social dynamics, and shares how to confidently master the art of saying no.Vanessa Van Edwards is the bestselling author of Captivate: The Science of Succeeding with People, translated into 17 languages, and Cues: Master the Secret Language of Charismatic Communication. More than 70 million people have watched her on YouTube and seen her viral TEDx London Talk.Vanessa is renowned for teaching science-backed people skills to audiences worldwide, including Harvard, SXSW, MIT, and Stanford. Through her engaging workshops and courses, Vanessa shares tangible skills to improve interpersonal communication and leadership. Her science-backed framework helps anyone communicate with confidence.Check out Vanessa' work on her website: scienceofpeople.com Follow Vanessa on Instagram and X: @VVanEdwards and on YouTube: @ScienceOfPeople

The world is constantly changing. We are constantly changing. Therefore what we get out of these books changes, too.

It's pathetic, isn't it? What some people do with power—what it reveals about them.

Think about the principles we are standing on. Think of what we are willing to risk for them.

The Stoics didn't just preach wisdom, they commanded attention. They knew how to lead with presence, not just ideas. In this episode, body language expert Vanessa Van Edwards joins Ryan to break down the science of real connection through a Stoic lens. She shares powerful, research-backed strategies to communicate with purpose, project warmth without losing authority, and instantly shift how others see and respond to you.Vanessa Van Edwards is the bestselling author of Captivate: The Science of Succeeding with People, translated into 17 languages, and Cues: Master the Secret Language of Charismatic Communication. More than 70 million people have watched her on YouTube and seen her viral TEDx London Talk.Vanessa is renowned for teaching science-backed people skills to audiences worldwide, including Harvard, SXSW, MIT, and Stanford. Through her engaging workshops and courses, Vanessa shares tangible skills to improve interpersonal communication and leadership. Her science-backed framework helps anyone communicate with confidence.Check out Vanessa' work on her website: scienceofpeople.com Follow Vanessa on Instagram and X: @VVanEdwards and on YouTube: @ScienceOfPeople

The ancients did not just leave us words on papyrus—they left us a gift that keeps on giving through the ages.

Dr. Hoffman continues his conversation with Dr. Christian Conte, author of "Strong Mind, Strong Man: The Blueprint for Mental Toughness, Self-Mastery and Real Strength."

Mastering Emotional Control: Dr. Christian Conte, one of the country's most accomplished mental health specialists in the field of anger and emotional management, discusses his new book, “Strong Mind, Strong Man,” which aims to help men become the best versions of themselves. The conversation covers a range of topics including internal versus external control, the concept of toxic masculinity, the importance of accurate language, the role of meditation, and practical anger management techniques like the 'maybe' technique and 'sans adjectives.' Dr. Conte also shares his experiences working with violent offenders in prison systems and underscores the importance of discernment and self-control in achieving mental strength. Personal anecdotes, including Dr. Hoffman's confrontation with a potential bike thief and Dr. Conte's wife's battle with cancer, enrich the dialogue, making it an insightful listen for anyone interested in emotional management and personal development.

On Memorial Day, it is worth reflecting on this very beautiful and almost baffling bit of human greatness.

In today's episode, Ryan opens up about how despite his career success and net worth, he still struggles with anxiety and stress, not so much about the state of the world but about the constant pressure for things to go right.

Can people actually change or are we just stuck with who we are? In this episode, author and journalist Olga Khazan joins Ryan to unpack the age-old debate: are personality traits fixed or can we reshape them over time? Olga shares what happened when she tried to change her own personality over the course of a year and what science says about whether that's even possible.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/

As leaders, we cannot allow people to tell us what we want to hear. We have to cultivate honesty, both in ourselves and in those around us.

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.

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

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.

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!

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.

If it's right, if it must be done….do it now.

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 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.

By winning the morning, we reduce the power that the rest of the day—much of which lies beyond our control—holds over us.

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.

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.