Episode · The Daily Stoic · 2025-08-06
Ryan Holiday & Elliot Ackerman: books mentioned on The Daily Stoic
The #1 Gift You Can Give Your Future Self | Former Marine Elliot Ackerman
Former Marine turned novelist Elliot Ackerman sits down with Ryan to talk about what discipline really looks like in everyday life. From 100-degree runs to cold plunges and daily writing routines, they discuss what helps them stay steady, focused, and consistent even when it’s hard.
Ryan Holiday recommended Sheepdogs by Elliot Ackerman, The Fifth Act: America’s End in Afghanistan by Elliot Ackerman, and Places and Names by Elliot Ackerman, and discussed Green on Blue by Elliot Ackerman.
Books mentioned, in the order they came up
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Green on Blue
Green on Blue by Elliot Ackerman is a powerful debut novel written by a decorated veteran of the Iraq and Afghanistan Wars, offering an unflinching look at the complexities of modern asymmetric warfare through the eyes of an Afghan orphan turned soldier.
Discussed“He wrote Green on Blue. That's the first novel that I read.”
Where to get it
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Sheepdogs
Sheepdogs is a compelling work by Elliot Ackerman that explores military and tactical themes through the author's distinct perspective and firsthand experiences.
Recommended“Do grab any of his books. Sheepdogs is really good. It's really funny also.”
Where to get it
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The Fifth Act: America’s End in Afghanistan
The Fifth Act: America’s End in Afghanistan is a gripping nonfiction work by former Marine Elliot Ackerman that details the chaotic and poignant final days of the United States military presence in Afghanistan.
Recommended“If you want nonfiction, try his book, The Fifth Act, America's End in Afghanistan.”
Where to get it
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Places and Names
Places and Names by Elliot Ackerman is a powerful nonfiction work exploring the complex realities of modern conflict, featuring reflections on war, revolution, and the difficult process of returning home from the battlefield.
Recommended“And there's another one called Places and Names on War, Revolution, and Returning.”
Where to get it
Other mentions in this episode (6) — ad reads, self-promotion and passing references, never counted
“He wrote Waiting for Eden, Dark at the Crossing, Halcyon, Red Dress in Black.”
“He wrote Waiting for Eden, Dark at the Crossing, Halcyon, Red Dress in Black.”
“He wrote Waiting for Eden, Dark at the Crossing, Halcyon, Red Dress in Black.”
“He wrote Waiting for Eden, Dark at the Crossing, Halcyon, Red Dress in Black.”
“And then he has this new book called Sheepdogs, which Apple Studios bought the rights to before it even came out. Tom Hanks is going to be producing it.”
“Like it's not, it's not Gatsby. They're doing other stuff.”