Philosophy with Arthur- Great!

I started listening to one episode and was disappointed when he went into a minute long commercial for a sponsor and then right after that began promoting all of his appearances globally. I really like the book and the workbook and was hoping I could just listen to some good episodes while I'm on my daily walk, but many minutes into the walk and I still wasn't getting any actual podcast content.

The message of the stoics is wonderful- however Ryan, the host, is too overtly political. It distracts from the wonderful content we all come here for. I wish he would take his foot off the gas in the constant political messaging. The wisdom of the stoics should be for EVERYONE not just one side of the political spectrum. Those of us who don’t want politics inundated in every moment of our day, come here for positive messages, personal growth, and a break from the negativity of political divide. This podcast has become increasingly disappointing.

A daily, healthy reminder that we are human, with advice on how to remember to be your best human.

The ads are obviously a bit much as many negative reviews point out. I do believe Ryan has created some nice books and content and keeps stoicism alive but his self promotion/marketing can be a bit much. Nobody else I’ve seen in the podsphere comes close. But I had two other issues. He had David Mamet as a guest and felt the need to introduce him by letting listeners know that he doesn’t share Mamet’s politics. Unnecessary but also not in keeping with the Stoic philosophy. Secondly - the daily stoic dedicated to anti-ICE and in favor of open borders. I listened and still think it had nothing to do with daily stoicism. He knows he has an audience so goes off topic if he feels the need. I’ll still read the Daily Stoic every day and I’ll read his books, so I’m supporting him but the podcast turns me off.

This is a great way to start the day - I always get something useful to apply to my day. Thanks Ryan!

Such a shame that this great thinker takes a political lane, speaks of propaganda and problems in the world like it comes from on source. A lot to learn from this guy but he appears hardened (not displaying courage, temperance, justice and wisdom) which takes away from his message.

Difficult to listen to this episode when you neglect the people who have not been cared about. I believe many of the stoic beliefs but permitting lawlessness is certainly not one. I suppose this isn’t a podcast for someone like me.

I have been listening to the Daily Stoic podcast almost every day for a year now. This most recent episode with Bert inspired me to go and write a review. The conversation they had was so down to earth, where they were open to sitting down together and connecting to gain a better understanding instead of just feeding into confirmation bias. I wish more people were open to connecting and learning from one another like they modeled. It was funny, stimulating, inspiring, and so relatable. Made my day.

Immensely digestible tidbits that stack up to give perspective. Format is a little choppy, but the reward is new perspectives based on old thinkers.

Really enjoyed this discussion between two thoughtful people about stoicism and leading a good life in the face of adversity.

Lulz to the Whole Foods ads. Checked back in after a long time away and remembered why I left.

I love the philosophy and the intention but the constant marketing pitches (about sponsors and your own books/products) makes this unbearable to hear. Clearly this podcast is mainly a revenue machine for you, not a vehicle for helping others.

The show was 12 minutes long. The first five minutes of it are ads. The ratio to content to ads makes this unbearable. I really like the content but it is just kind of silly.

Seriously disappointed. Used to love Ryan’s content, but this is so over the top. Absolutely zero stoic value.

Mel Robbins as a guest pushed me to write this review. She is the epitome of a charlatan who just repurposes others ideas and research without contributing anything of her own and often portrays in a way that likely won’t help as intended. I would love to see Ryan, consider that putting out content just to put out content for views and ad revenue feels out of whack with stoicism. I genuinely find his books valuable but this podcast feels like it diminishes him and his written works.

So much wisdom to be gleamed from this episode with Mel Robbins. Appreciate both Ryan and Mel’s take on simply trying to live a better life and be a better person.

Definitely recommend so much knowledge and wisdom in this podcast!!!👍✅

This podcast is just one big ad. The same ads beginning and ending each episode. Most of the guidance is a few seconds of stoicism before moving into an ad for selling his books. It is beyond infuriating.

Ryan has changed and probably even saved my life. His podcast is a great daily reminder of the things we should all be focusing on and a great way to strive to be better versions of ourselves.

how can you be trying to help and SELL at the same time. Focus priorities

This podcast would be excellent if Ryan stayed focused on the teachings of ancient Stoic philosophers such as Marcus Aurelius. When the episodes center on Stoic principles and practical application, the content is genuinely valuable. Unfortunately, the show frequently strays from that focus. Ryan often mixes in conversations with guests who have little to do with Stoicism, including politically opinionated discussions (despite claiming he does not engage in politics) and interviews centered on the experience of writing books rather than philosophy itself. These detours dilute the core message and make the podcast feel unfocused. The contradictions of “boycotting cyber Monday” and donating to his giving Tuesday event, followed by a cyber Monday advertisement in his own voice was also very off putting. In general the podcast is overloaded with advertisements so really just feels like he’s trying to make a push to reduce his taxes by getting people to donate under his program. Unlike Marcus Aurelius, Ryan’s words won’t be repeated for generations to come. I wish he could stay focused on what actually has value.

But often say for the short talks the show is LITERALLY fifty percent ads. Like how?? That’s more than any podcast I’ve listened too

I appreciate the daily affirmations and thoroughly enjoy the interviews with important people. I’m a novice at applying Stoicism to my life and it’s benefited me greatly.

Way too many ads. Ads at the beginning, ads in the middle, ads at the end. Infuriating.

Great pod. 1 star for being a hypocrite. Guy blasts Black Friday Cyber Monday spending but is quite the capitalist. You can’t lament consumer spending then do 3 ad reads and spend the entire year pushing your book.

December 1st episode opens with a heartfelt warning against the consumerism of the holiday season and encouragement to remember what’s truly important in life. Goes so far as to call for a boycott of Cyber Monday. Followed by a Cyber Monday advertisement for Dell narrated in his own voice. I don’t think I’ve ever made my mind up about a show so fast. Won’t trust anything so blatantly profiteering. 10 minute show with 5 mins of ads?? I’m sure the Stoics would be impressed.

I first heard Donald in Seattle during the pandemic He is excellent

You lost me by taking sides. The biggest problem we face is the inability of our leaders to work Together.

A 12 minute podcast with 5 minutes of ads. Inspiring stuff

I understand every podcast needs to generate ad revenue…but this is absurd. Half of an 8 minute episode is advertising. I’ve never unfollowed a show quicker.

This is the only podcast review I’ve ever written, but I feel so strongly about it, that I had to take action. I’ve enjoyed Ryan Holiday’s work for a long time, including his books and his podcasts. But as his popularity and fame has increased, his ability to conduct interviews has degraded significantly. He now constantly interrupts his guests with his own “clever” insights, which I first found annoying and now unbearable (his interview of Michelle “MACE” Curran was the worst). I enjoy most of Holiday’s writings, but someone needs to tell him that when he interviews others, he should take Zeno’s advice… listen more than he speaks.

I like Ryan’s take on stoicism, and his historical examples. However his opinion on politics today is unnecessary. Just turns off half of the potential listeners.

The meditations are fantastic but the politics are ridiculous and arguably fly in the face of stoicism. Which stoics said we should be mandated by the state to redistribute wealth to others? I don’t quite understand how Ryan applies this interpersonal philosophy to broader society in such a hamfisted way. Stoics do the little things themselves, as Ryan often rightly points out, but they don’t demand that others pay for their social vision.

Love the podcast and the books and the perspective that ensues as a result ! I am kind of obsessed with stoicism and Ryan Holiday does such an excellent job making connections to modern contexts and issues. I listen to the podcast and read the emails almost daily. Thank you for the work and the palpable, infectious passion for living the good life - the type 2 or 3 type good.

The ad to content ratio feels way off on this podcast. I’m fine with ads but this one feels like it’s 30% ads. Maybe it’s where they drop in or the length of them but it’s very off putting. The shorter episodes feel like more than half ads

What a great find! Now, one of my favorite authors has a podcast! Thank you!! Part of my daily ritual!!

I came here for philosophy not politics. One star.

Fabulous chat. It’s clear these two clicked right from the start. You will learn a lot about what true leadership is.

Thank you for sharing timeless wisdom in a simple yet powerful way.

This podcast has some great info about Stoicism. Unfortunately, the narrator can’t stick to stoicism or resist the urge to get into politics. So, you end up with yet another leftist podcast disguised as philosophy.

Was a subscriber of this podcast for a long time but it’s become constant ads, selling Ryan Holiday things & now it automatically downloads other podcasts that he recommends from other people as well. Impossible to stay subscribed anymore, what a shame.

Why are you spamming that Jay Shetty podcast recommendation every single day? We get it. You recommend it. We heard you the first time…

Enjoyed the interview greatly, have read all your books, but as a nearly impoverished senior citizen, felt frustrated that ALL the ads are geared toward people of means…

Really love the messages provided here. It’s a great way to set an intention for the day. A must listen for me!

Ryan’s podcast is a daily reminder of how to live like a person other people would want to be around.

Wish host could get over his politics.

Most of this podcast feels like one long ad, with the rest being mostly the host talking about his personal life and only a small sprinkle of actual, thoughtful stoicism from history. Sometimes there are glimmers of a great podcast, but they’re buried under the constant ads and rambling. I don’t usually unfollow or stop listening to a show, but this one is an exception.

The guy calls himself a stoic, placing 10 minute ads in the beginning of his shows. That’s all you need to know. Stoicism is an ancient wisdom, which prompts to be happy with less, and whether you have money or not, it makes no difference to you. That’s not the case with this guy, as he’s desperately trying to monetize and profit form this philosophy.

Listening to this podcast is one of the most important things I do each day. Practicing Stoicism is not an easy task, but the payoff is invaluable. It was a life changing event when a friend gave my my first copy of “The Daily Stoic.” Ryan Holiday is second only to my dad as my life’s most important teacher. Start listening!