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As a leader, what do you do when your team is falling apart? Or when success comes faster than you expected? In this episode, Ryan sits down with Los Angeles Rams General Manager Les Snead, the man who helped build a Super Bowl–winning team. They talk about what Les calls his “panic rules,” the principles he leans on when things get chaotic, and how he and coach Sean McVay have learned to play to win instead of not to lose. Les Snead is an American football executive who is the general manager of the Los Angeles Rams of the National Football League. Snead played tight end for Auburn from 1992-93 and was part of the Tigers' perfect 11-0 team in 1993. He also earned Southeast Region Academic All-American honors during his college career. Prior to joining the Rams, Snead spent 13 seasons with the Atlanta Falcons.
This Stoicism thing—you've been practicing it for a while, but how do you know it's working?
Those that don't, or those that think they can go it alone, almost always fail.
In the second installment of Jeff Krasno's Stoicism series, we explore three timeless Stoic practices for living with presence, perspective, and purpose. Jeff introduces present moment nostalgia — learning to appreciate the “good old days” while you're living them — and the discipline of will, a core Stoic teaching on focusing only on what you can control. The episode concludes with a reflection on memento mori, the ancient practice of remembering death as a way to live more fully and intentionally. Whether you're seeking calm amid chaos or meaning amid uncertainty, these contemplations offer practical tools for cultivating serenity and gratitude in everyday life.
While sometimes it might seem the appeal of stoic philosophy is limited to only a certain group of people or a certain set of circumstances, Brigid Delaney (author of 'Reasons not to Worry' and 'Wellmania') is here to tell us how it can be for everyone, in every moment - and how it can benefit us collectively just as much as individually. In this conversation: The one simple step to begin stoic practice in your own life How to develop immunity to frustration, anger and even suffering The power of communicating through values Check out Brigid's new book The Seeker and the Sage For from more Osher, including tickets to Story Club and his new book So What, Now What? head hereSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
They knew the costs of ego. They knew that happiness was never about externals. Yet they did chase it, didn't they?
After recording their episode for The Daily Stoic Podcast, Ryan took Pete Holmes on the usual post-interview tour of The Painted Porch. Let's just say Pete had some thoughts about a few of Ryan's book picks...Here is the FULL list of books Ryan recommended to Pete: https://www.thepaintedporch.com/collections/pete-holmes
This episode is a replay from The Existential Stoic library. Enjoy! Are problems always a part of life? Are there certain problems that persist no matter what you do? In this episode, Danny and Randy ask whether problems are permanent. Subscribe to ESP's YouTube Channel! Thanks for listening! Do you have a question you want answered in a future episode? If so, send your question to: existentialstoic@protonmail.com
Comedian Pete Holmes is back for Part 2 and in full philosopher mode. He and Ryan dive into success, psychedelics, and why it's not egotistical to say you're “one of the greats.” They talk about how to find peace when life feels out of control, why laughter might be the highest form of enlightenment, and what it really means to “make it.”Pete Holmes is an American actor, comedian, writer, producer, and podcaster. He first gained recognition in the early 2010s as a stand-up comic, and also released his first comedy special and worked as a television writer and actor. He is the host of the podcast You Made It Weird, author of Comedy Sex God, and the creator of the HBO show Crashing. Follow Pete Holmes on Instagram, X, and YouTubeWatch Ryan's episode on You Made It Weird with Pete Holmes: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nn9B-15fV1IListen to Pete interview Robert Greene - one of Ryan's favorite podcast episodes!
When we react emotionally, we rarely make things better. When we get angry? We always make things worse—for ourselves and others.
In this episode, I share why I've been off mainstream media (and feel calmer, clearer, and more engaged), how I stay informed on my terms, and what the Tao Te Ching and Stoicism taught me about hope that does the work. We'll look at the “doom loop,” why outrage isn't engagement, and how to channel energy into real life—voting, volunteering, showing up for people you love—without pretending everything's fine. Along the way, I unpack a Tao passage that once infuriated me (“You can't improve the world”) and how it ultimately freed me: the world is imperfect—and we make it better anyway. This podcast is listener-supported. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.Support the PodcastTo keep Food for Thought Podcast ad-free and accessible to all, I rely on the support of paid subscribers. If you're already one—thank you. If you're not, please consider becoming one. None of the companies below sponsored this episode. They're simply brands I personally use, love, and trust—which is why I agreed to be an affiliate.If you make a purchase using the links below, I receive a small commission at no extra cost to you—and you'll receive exclusive discounts using the codes provided!* Complement SupplementsEverything you need, nothing you don't. Complement makes targeted supplements for plant-based eaters, including B12, D3, DHA, and more—all from clean, trusted sources. (Discount includes Omega-3 Index tests!)
Author and changemaker Shermin Kruse examines the timeless principles of Stoicism and their power to foster mindful, intentional, and empathetic living.Grab a copy of Stoic Empathy HERE to learn more about living a Life of Influence, Self-Leadership, and IntegrityThis week on Mindrolling, Raghu and Shermin Kruse:Embracing discomfort and challenges as catalysts for personal and spiritual growthShermin's powerful story of growing up in Iran during the wartime of the 1980s and 90sHow Stoic philosophy transformed Shermin's approach to work, meditation, therapy, and daily lifeThe profound relationship between Stoicism and empathyShermin's Stoic inspiration mother, aunt, and cultural rootsUnderstanding the Stoic ideal of the dichotomy of controlShermin's mystical, otherworldly experience while giving birthPracticing intentional pause and mindful response to life's stimuliMoving beyond the ego and awakening to loving awarenessAbout Shermin Kruse:Shermin Kruse is an award-winning idea curator, global change-maker, complex-system negotiator, lawyer, speaker, and storyteller. Shermin has nearly two decades of experience working in competitive strategy and game theory applications, corporate and community advocacy, brand protection and augmentation, as well as dispute resolution for individuals, public-company boards of directors, international corporations, and Fortune 500 Companies. Shermin also has a decade of parallel experience producing thought-leadership events, including TEDx conferences and a network of salon series. She teaches Negotiating with Tactical Empathy, Global Transactions, Cross-Border Deals, and Leadership at Northwestern Pritzker School of Law. In addition to her professional accomplishments, Shermin is a mother of four, living in the heart of Chicago. Her personal journey from the war-torn streets of her native Tehran to the elite corporate boardrooms of the world informs her deep commitment to fostering empathy, control, justice, and global understanding. Learn more on Shermin's website.“It's a kind of resilience and a kind of Stoicism that is very counter to the image of the statue, stoic, white, male figure that we think about when we imagine Greek Stoicism. The interesting thing about Stoicism is all that it has in common with Buddhism, meditation, dance, passion—all of those things.” –Shermin KruseSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Philosophize This!: Read the notes at at podcastnotes.org. Don't forget to subscribe for free to our newsletter, the top 10 ideas of the week, every Monday --------- Today we talk about two famous critiques of Stoicism. One by Friedrich Nietzsche who thought the Stoics weren't life affirming enough and so rob themselves of some of the best parts of life. The other by Arthur Schopenhauer who thought the Stoics were too life-affirming of worldly things to ever reach a deep understanding of things. Hope you love it! :) Sponsors: ZocDoc: https://www.ZocDoc.com/PHILO Quince: https://www.QUINCE.com/pt Thank you so much for listening! Could never do this without your help. Website: https://www.philosophizethis.org/ Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/philosophizethis Social: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/philosophizethispodcast X: https://twitter.com/iamstephenwest Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/philosophizethisshow Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Feeling anxious lately? In this bonus episode, Ryan and author Chris Guillebeau break down what your anxiety is really trying to tell you, why fighting it makes it worse, and how to finally feel calm without forcing it.
There is no wisdom without experience. But experience does not necessarily translate into wisdom, does it?
In this episode, my guest is Robert Garland, a British classical philologist and historian who is the Roy D. and Margaret B. Wooster Professor of the Classics at Colgate University. He is the author of numerous works on ancient Greek and Roman history, including The Greek Way of Death and Daily Life of the Ancient Greeks. His most recent book, however, is What to Expect When You're Dead: An Ancient Tour of Death and the Afterlife.Stoicism: Philosophy as a Way of Life is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.Highlights* In your research, what most surprised you about how ancient cultures looked at death?* What do we gain by thinking about death? For example, a central Stoic practice is called memento mori—reflecting on one's mortality. They think wrapping our heads around death can help us to live more wisely, do you agree?* Your book examines beliefs from Greeks, Romans, Egyptians, and Mesopotamians. Are there any common factors? What are the biggest differences between them?* Did groups within these cultures who faced death more frequently, such as soldiers or perhaps Roman gladiators, have a different perspective on death?* How did ordinary Greeks and Romans differ in their beliefs from the sort of thing we find in the writings of ancient philosophers? To what extent did philosophical views influence popular culture?* Many people today turn to philosophy, and Stoicism in particular, to regain a sense of control in uncertain times. In a world where so much was attributed to fate or the gods, how did the contemplation of their own mortality console people facing hardship and loss?* Has your own attitude toward death changed as a result of your research?Links* Goodreads ProfileThanks for reading Stoicism: Philosophy as a Way of Life! This post is public so feel free to share it. Get full access to Stoicism: Philosophy as a Way of Life at donaldrobertson.substack.com/subscribe
This week, Michelle dives into one of the hardest — and most freeing — parts of growth: getting to know yourself.After diving into Stoicism and reflecting on the “tick-box” culture we're all trapped in, she shares how she's learning to tune out the noise of social media, stop chasing external validation, and focus on what actually brings her joyThrough powerful guest stories — from Zoe, the para-surfer who rebuilt her identity after losing her leg in a car accident, to Emma, the ethical beekeeper who turned a career of false starts into a business built on passion and purpose — this episode explores what happens when we stop performing for the world and start listening to ourselves again.Backed by neuroscience and psychology, Michelle breaks down how true self-knowledge reshapes your brain, boosts confidence, and helps you make decisions that feel right, not just look right.In This Episode:Why Stoic philosophy can help you cut through the noise and focus on what really mattersHow to stop chasing approval and start defining success on your own termsThe neuroscience of self-awareness — and how reflection literally rewires your brainWhat Zoe's surfing story teaches us about starting fresh without comparisonHow Emma's path from Mars sales to beekeeping proves you're never really “starting over” — you're collecting clues3 practical ways to get to know yourself againThis week's DARE — one hour alone, no distractions, three powerful questions
We've all known these people. They say one thing and do another. They virtue signal but act without virtue.
In this hilarious and surprisingly deep episode, Ryan sits down with comedian, actor, and podcaster Pete Holmes to talk about why so many of us are trapped in the cult of productivity. They discuss Mark Wahlberg's 4 a.m. hustle routine, the myth of “selfless work,” why we confuse being busy with being good, and more. Pete Holmes is an American actor, comedian, writer, producer, and podcaster. He first gained recognition in the early 2010s as a stand-up comic, and also released his first comedy special and worked as a television writer and actor. He is the host of the podcast You Made It Weird, author of Comedy Sex God, and the creator of the HBO show Crashing. Follow Pete Holmes on Instagram, X, and YouTubeWatch Ryan's episode on You Made It Weird with Pete Holmes: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nn9B-15fV1IListen to Pete interview Robert Greene - one of Ryan's favorite podcast episodes!
This episode is a welcome return to the podcast for my friend Jon Brooks, creator of the Stoic Handbook.Jon and I had a great conversation, and he shared a lot of really valuable insights and practical guidance on the topic of voluntary hardship and what that means in the context of Stoicism.I hope you enjoy the episode and that you find it as useful to reflect on as I did afterward.Jon's Links:Stoic Handbook: stoichandbook.coFree Stoic Power Challenge: https://learn.stoichandbook.co/7-day-stoic-power-challenge-unlock-your-inner-resilienceEmperor Nero: The Dark Reign of Rome's Most Infamous Emperor: https://www.stoichandbook.co/the-psychopathy-of-emperor-nero/
There is no technology that can do it for you. There is no app. No teacher who can simply download everything into your brain.
In this episode of the Commune Podcast, Jeff Krasno introduces a new four-part series on Stoicism — the ancient philosophy that offers timeless guidance on how to live life with gratitude, virtue, and inner calm.In a world of constant distraction and political turmoil, how do we stay informed and engaged without being consumed by chaos? Drawing from Stoic teachings and meditative practices, Jeff explores how the wisdom of thinkers like Marcus Aurelius, Seneca, and Epictetus can help us cultivate resilience, clarity, and inner calm in our daily lives. Each Tuesday for the next four weeks, Jeff shares reflections and practical exercises inspired by Stoicism — lessons designed to help you cultivate presence, emotional balance, and a clearer understanding of what truly matters.
There is so much to worry about. There is so much to be stressed about. Or so you think…
Could you date a weapon-person? Listen now as the girls discuss glaives, scythes, and some catch-up from the previous episode on Boyfriend Dungeon. We tangent as usual, we like to shoot the shit here. Please like, subscribe, and leave a review! Watch live on Fridays at 10:30pm ET: https://www.twitch.tv/twogirlsoneship Follow us on all the socials https://linktr.ee/twogirlsoneship Advertise with us & business inquiries: twogirlsoneship@gmail.com Theme song: TGOS Theme from Pipeman Studios Find all the other Robots Radio Network shows at https://www.robotsradio.net/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Send us a textCommander William C. Spears is a submarine warfare officer in the United States Navy. He enlisted in the Navy in June of 2001, then earned his commission through the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis. He has since led a career in nuclear submarines, where he was most recently the Executive Officer of a ballistic missile submarine. Today he works at the Pentagon, and he is the author of the forthcoming book "Stoicism as a Warrior Philosophy." This is his story. Listen now.His website: https://williamcspears.com/His book: https://a.co/d/6i0QOGRWe are forming a NEW GROUP! Join the current group to stay up to date on the move and to get your personal invitation to join!Contact US: Rumble/ YouTube/ IG: @powerofmanpodcastEmail: powerofmanpodcast@gmail.com.Twitter: @rorypaquetteLooking for Like-Minded Fathers and Husbands? Join our Brotherhood!"Power of Man Within" , in Facebook Groups:https://www.facebook.com/groups/490821906341560/?ref=share_group_linkFree Coaching Consultation call whenever you are ready... Message me!Believe it!
Welcome to the Via Stoica Podcast, the podcast on StoicismAI is changing fast, and so are our reactions to it. Some people resist it, others embrace it, and many feel afraid. In this episode of the Via Stoica Podcast, Benny looks at AI through a Stoic lens and asks a simple question: how do we meet rapid change with reason rather than fear?Benny clarifies what today's “AI” mostly is: tools that predict and generate language, and why labeling it good or bad is our addition, not a fact. From there, he applies core Stoic ideas: AI as an external and therefore an indifferent, the three disciplines as a daily guide, and the need to keep agency over judgment and action. You will hear practical examples of using AI to support your work without outsourcing your voice, along with common risks to watch for, like misinformation, over-reliance, and letting tools set your identity.The episode offers concrete practices: negative visualization to rehearse possible losses or overuse, the view from above to place AI among past waves of change like the internet and mobile phones, and journaling to keep your reason active rather than passive. The goal is not to glorify or demonize AI, but to cultivate wisdom, courage, and self-command while the world shifts around us.If you want a grounded way to use AI as a tool, without letting it use you, this conversation will help you stay steady, thoughtful, and free.Support the show
In the past, character wasn't just admired, it was expected. People demanded integrity, and even fought duels over questions of honor. But today, does character still matter?General McChrystal is a retired United States Army general best known for his command of Joint Special Operations Command in the mid-2000s. He established a consultancy firm, McChrystal Group, in 2011 and advises senior executives at multinational corporations on navigating complex change and building stronger teams.
In honor of Taylor Swift's new album The Life of a Showgirl, Ryan shares the surprising Stoic lessons hidden in her music and career.
This episode is a replay from The Existential Stoic library. Enjoy! Are you in a rut? Are you unhappy, tired...miserable? Do you need a fresh start? In this episode, Danny and Randy discuss tips for how to start over.Subscribe to ESP's YouTube Channel! Thanks for listening! Do you have a question you want answered in a future episode? If so, send your question to: existentialstoic@protonmail.comDanny, Randy, and their good friend, Russell, created a new podcast, CodeNoobs, for anyone interested in tech and learning how to code. Listen to CodeNoobs now online, CodeNoobs-podcast, or wherever you get your podcasts.
Moral challenges have existed throughout history, and we all handle them in our own way. In today's Part 2 episode, Ryan continues his conversation with former NBA player turned psychologist John Amaechi. They discuss the ethical dilemmas that have endured for 2,000 years, the role of compromise, and the complexity of loyalty and sacrifice.John Amaechi is an English psychologist, consultant and former professional basketball player. He played college basketball for the Vanderbilt Commodores and Penn State Nittany Lions, and professional basketball in the NBA for the Orlando Magic, Utah Jazz, and Cleveland Cavaliers. Since retiring from basketball, John got his PhD in psychology and has worked as a psychologist and consultant, establishing his company Amaechi Performance Systems.Follow John on X @JohnAmaechi and on Instagram @JohnAmaechiOBE
Self-awareness is not something you just magically get. It's something, like any form of wisdom, that you have to work at.
A conversation with Johnathan Bi (Cosmos Institute, The Great Books podcast) for a deep dive into Stoicism through the life and philosophy of Cato the Younger.We explore:Why Stoicism continues to attract modern audiencesJonathan's personal journey with Stoicism—and why he ultimately turned to other philosophiesNietzsche's critique of Stoicism as a coping mechanismHow Cato embodied Stoic principles (and where he may have fallen short)The tension between Stoic theory and Stoic practice in figures like Seneca and Marcus AureliusSubscribe to the Cost of Glory newsletter for detailed maps, images, and analysis of this pivotal moment in ancient history: https://costofglory.substack.com/Get in touch at:Website: https://costofglory.comX: https://x.com/costofglory
Send us a textEpisode 38 — Dating and the Grasp of Technology____________________________________________________You've probably seen the stats on online dating. In 2019, a Stanford University survey suggested that 39% of new couples, across the US, met online, surpassing any other form of introduction.And you've probably experienced, first-hand, that most popular dating sites are—when it comes to number of matches—incredibly rigged against men.Maybe it's old-fashioned, but Zan and Jordan far prefer the romantic idea of meeting someone in embodied life. Far away from the nearest screen and, if possible, she'll write down her phone number in lipstick, on the torn-out flap of a pack of cigarettes.Sex and intimacy are contact sports. Those who practice _in the flesh_ build a different sort of resilience. Everyone stuck in the online bubble aches to burst out of it. Women get matches every day but haven't met one decent man in months. *Zan is constantly saying: people will soon crave the old-time art of starting conversations with anyone, anywhere.*Yet people are growing afraid of each other. More scary than approaching someone, is being approached by someone yourself. I'm safe over here in my laptop… what does this weirdo want?!So how do you put your best foot forward, in a society that grows ever-more fragile, and afraid?Luckily, the principles that underlie attraction and human yearning remain, and always will remain, the same.Watch today's discussion as Zan & Jordan explore more.Afterwards, take a few moments with a notepad, and write down:1) What's one take-away you got from the conversation?2) What can you apply right away?____________________________________________________Come join us! Sign up today and enjoy all the perks of the Amorati Membership, including live calls with Zan and his team. Go here: https://www.Amorati.net/____________________________________Need a gunslinger? Someone who rides into town, completely solves your problem, then rides off into the sunset. Contact Zan Perrion personally to inquire about his incredibly effective one-on-one Laser Coaching. Find him here: https://arsamorata.com/gunslinger/____________________________________Get a gifted copy of The Alabaster Girl, personally signed by Zan Perrion. Go to https://alabastergirl.com____________________________________Get instant access to our 4 part mini-course with Zan Perrion
No one can take away what you've learned. No one can make you forget philosophy.
View the ENTIRE list of books mentioned in this video here: https://www.thepaintedporch.com/collections/joe-rogan-picksListen to Ryan and Joe's conversation on The Joe Rogan Experience: https://open.spotify.com/episode/3VbGyix7GOozgg8sry2Tmr
How much is your word worth? For former NBA player turned psychologist John Amaechi, the answer is $17 million. In this episode, John and Ryan unpack why he walked away from that payday, why integrity is his ultimate non-negotiable, why your job should never define you, and more. John Amaechi is an English psychologist, consultant and former professional basketball player. He played college basketball for the Vanderbilt Commodores and Penn State Nittany Lions, and professional basketball in the NBA for the Orlando Magic, Utah Jazz, and Cleveland Cavaliers. Since retiring from basketball, John got his PhD in psychology and has worked as a psychologist and consultant, establishing his company Amaechi Performance Systems.Follow John on X @JohnAmaechi and on Instagram @JohnAmaechiOBE
We are how we treat the vulnerable. We are how we treat people who can't do much for us anymore. We are who we take care of.
Today we talk about two famous critiques of Stoicism. One by Friedrich Nietzsche who thought the Stoics weren't life affirming enough and so rob themselves of some of the best parts of life. The other by Arthur Schopenhauer who thought the Stoics were too life-affirming of worldly things to ever reach a deep understanding of things. Hope you love it! :) Sponsors: ZocDoc: https://www.ZocDoc.com/PHILO Quince: https://www.QUINCE.com/pt Thank you so much for listening! Could never do this without your help. Website: https://www.philosophizethis.org/ Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/philosophizethis Social: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/philosophizethispodcast X: https://twitter.com/iamstephenwest Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/philosophizethisshow Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
You said you were going to take care of it. You said it would be done by the deadline. You set aside the time. You had every intention of doing it. But what happened?
On today's episode, we bring you Part 2 of the powerful Fireside Chat with Ryan Holiday, live from the 2025 Dental Success Summit. Dr. Mark Costes continues the in-depth conversation with Ryan, diving deeper into the core of Stoicism and what it really means to live with courage, discipline, justice, and wisdom. Ryan explains the third grade version of Stoicism, saying it's about understanding that we don't control what happens but we do control how we respond. He brings this idea to life through stories from Marcus Aurelius, Epictetus, Seneca, and his own daily practices like cold plunges and early morning runs. They discuss common misconceptions about Stoicism, the importance of humility in learning, and how wisdom is something earned through experience, curiosity, and consistent effort. Ryan also gives a sneak peek at his upcoming book, Wisdom Takes Work, the final volume in his series on the Stoic virtues, and shares how the virtues interconnect in both leadership and life. Be sure to check out the full episode from the Dentalpreneur Podcast! EPISODE RESOURCES https://www.truedentalsuccess.com Dental Success Network Subscribe to The Dentalpreneur Podcast
As Seneca says, the path to wisdom is acquiring one thing a day. Wisdom takes work.
It's our daily choices—our response to rudeness, our handling of power, how we treat friends, children, the elderly—that reveals the core of who we are.
In today's episode, Ryan reflects on the passing of his friend George Raveling and turns to Seneca for wisdom on how to handle grief. You'll hear Seneca's timeless words on love, loss, and why even painful memories can carry sweetness.
The hardest thing in life is finding the courage to do what's right when it costs you. In this episode, Ryan continues his conversation with journalist and historian John Avlon, diving into the dangerous myths we cling to, the lessons he learned from running for office, and the warnings history has to offer. John shares why he still chooses a defiant optimism for America's future and why you should, too.John Avlon is an American journalist and political commentator. He was a senior political analyst and anchor at CNN, and was the editor-in-chief and managing director of The Daily Beast from 2013 to 2018.
Just as one becomes strong through lifting weights, or skilled at woodworking through hours in the shop, we become wise through the same kind of effort.