Podcast: The Daily Stoic
For centuries, all sorts of people—generals and politicians, athletes and coaches, writers and leaders—have looked to the teachings of Stoicism to help guide their lives. Each day, author and speaker Ryan Holiday brings you a new lesson about life, inspired by the thoughts and writings of great Stoic thinkers like Marcus Aurelius and Seneca the Younger. Daily Stoic Podcast also features Q+As with listeners and interviews with notable figures from sports, academia, politics, and more. Learn more at DailyStoic.com.Listen to The Daily Stoic on the Wondery App or wherever you listen to your podcasts. You can...
146 episodes processed, 496 books extracted
Podcast Playlist: View on YouTube
Books Mentioned Most Often
The Obstacle Is the Way
Buy The Obstacle Is the Way by Ryan Holiday on Amazon
Mentioned 34 times
I've included phosphorescence in a ten-year anniversary edition of The Obstacle Is the Way, and I used one of your stories.
The host discusses incorporating phosphorescence into the ten-year anniversary edition of their book 'The Obstacle Is the Way' and acknowledges using one of the guest's anecdotes.
I was thinking about the obstacles way in my early 20s primarily as a means to overcome professional obstacles.
In this segment, Ryan Holiday reflects on how he considered 'The Obstacle Is the Way' during his early twenties, using the book as a resource to navigate and overcome his professional challenges.
What if we started with the understanding that many people resonate deeply with this book?
The speaker suggests that many listeners connect strongly with 'The Obstacle Is the Way', indicating its importance and relevance to their experiences.
If someone thinks, 'Well, I've read that book,' why would they want the 10th anniversary edition?
The speaker discusses the reasons someone might be interested in a 10th anniversary edition of 'The Obstacle Is the Way', suggesting that familiarity with the original work could influence their desire for the updated version.
Well, you know, I feel like I've read that book because I wrote it, and then I had this unique experience during the pandemic where I was reading some of it to my son, primarily to help him sleep.
In this segment, Ryan Holiday mentions 'The Obstacle Is the Way', reflecting on his experience of reading the book to his son during the pandemic to help him sleep.
Having to listen to the audiobook of The Obstacle is the Way, I barely recognized my own voice; that is a surreal experience.
Ryan Holiday shares his experience of listening to the audiobook of 'The Obstacle Is the Way,' reflecting on the surreal feeling of hearing his own voice.
So when I was writing The Obstacle is the Way, it was about popularizing and making interesting something many did not think was interesting.
In this segment, Ryan Holiday discusses his book 'The Obstacle is the Way,' explaining that its goal was to popularize and make the philosophy of Stoicism more engaging for a broader audience.
So sure, if The Obstacle Is the Way had failed and been this embarrassing, painful, devastating thing, then yeah, The Obstacle Is the Way would have been a chance to practice stoicism.
In this segment, the speaker reflects on the consequences if the book 'The Obstacle Is the Way' had failed. They suggest that such a failure would have served as an opportunity to practice the principles of stoicism.
Was there anything when you went back through The Obstacle on this past read, and you're like, 'Oh, I forgot how I did that.
The podcast host references the book 'The Obstacle Is the Way' while discussing the revisions made during its writing process, prompting the guest to reflect on their experience with the book.
So I did I think two versions of The Obstacle or two versions of Trust Me, I'm Lying; I think this is my—I’m getting this 10 years apart on The Obstacle Is the Way, and then I've obviously reread stuff that I've written even further ago than that.
The host discusses different versions of his book 'The Obstacle Is the Way' and the revisions he has made on his works, including 'Trust Me, I'm Lying', over the past decade.
I said to my guy, 'Hey, why haven't I got Ryan's book? Can you look up when I ordered it, coach?','I ordered it on this day.
The speaker, Coach Buzz Williams, refers to a book by Ryan Holiday that he has ordered but has not yet received. He is requesting his staff to check the order details for this book.
I mean, I have a weird relationship with my first book, which is like a version of myself that I don't see myself as anymore.
Ryan Holiday discusses his feelings about his first book, indicating a complex relationship with an earlier version of himself as reflected in that work.
He actually published the audiobook of The Obstacle Is the Way, so I've known Tim forever.
The host highlights that Tim Ferriss published the audiobook of Ryan Holiday's book, 'The Obstacle Is the Way', indicating a long-standing relationship with Ferriss.
As you’ve mentioned, obstacles away sold a great number of copies, but you received a modest advance. The publisher’s hesitance reflected the dynamic values you expressed earlier; it may not feel fair on the surface initially, but building on smaller wins has its benefits.
During the conversation, the guest highlights the significant sales of the host's book, 'The Obstacle Is the Way', while mentioning that the host received a modest advance from the publisher.
In your case, truly the obstacles away sold incredibly well over time, closing the loop on the early takes of its career and growth.
The guest discusses the success of the host's book, 'The Obstacle Is the Way', highlighting how it has sold exceptionally well over time and has contributed to its growth.
Like with 'The Obstacle is the Way,' when 'The Obstacle is the Way' came out, first off, it didn't hit any bestseller list the week it came out.
In this segment, the podcast host refers to his book 'The Obstacle Is the Way' and reflects on its initial lack of success on bestseller lists when it first launched.
One of my favorite quotes from Marcus Aurelius, which I actually remember thinking about when 'The Obstacle is the Way' came out, is as follows: 'We love ourselves more than other people, yet we care about other people's opinions more than our own.'
In this episode, Ryan Holiday reflects on a quote from Marcus Aurelius that resonates with him, recalling his thoughts when his book, 'The Obstacle Is the Way,' was released. He shares how the quote addresses the tension between self-love and the concern for how others view us.
Well, you asked me about self-publishing earlier; I experienced this unintentionally and intentionally when The Obstacle is the Way came out. Uh, I’d already sold the sequel and so in one respect that probably cost me a lot of money because The Obstacle is the Way did, over the next year or two, start to do really well.
Ryan Holiday discusses his book 'The Obstacle Is The Way' in the context of self-publishing, highlighting how the book gained success over time after its release.
There's a story I tell in 'The Obstacle is the Way' about Phil Jackson.
In this segment, the host recalls a story from his book 'The Obstacle Is the Way,' specifically relating it to the well-known coach Phil Jackson.
But like I reread the obstacles away to my son at some point during the editing; he wanted to like read something I'd written, and so I read it to him, and I was like, this is fast; like I was like this is so short and tight and fast.
In this segment, Tom Segura shares that he reread his book, The Obstacle Is the Way, to his son while editing. He reflects on how concise and fast-paced the book felt during the reading.
And I think you even talked about this in, because the first one that I read, The Obstacle is the Way, it was the first one that I read.
The guest shares that 'The Obstacle Is the Way' was the first book by Ryan Holiday he read, noting that he experienced it through an audiobook.
I wouldn't say that comes naturally to me, but it is something that I am working on. There's actually a book about this called 'The Obstacle Is the Way.' And it's great because the obstacle has been the way tonight.
Guy Raz refers to 'The Obstacle Is the Way,' a book that discusses the importance of embracing obstacles and challenges in life. He emphasizes the relevance of this message in overcoming difficulties.
If you, I would not recommend writing a book called 'The Obstacle is the Way,' a book called 'Ego is the Enemy,' a book called 'Stillness is the Key,' a book called 'Courage is Calling,' or 'Discipline is Destiny.' Because then people expect you to be all those things, which is of course impossible.
In this segment, Ryan Holiday refers to his book 'The Obstacle is the Way' along with other titles he's written. He discusses how writing books on specific virtues can lead people to expect him to exemplify those virtues perfectly, which he suggests is unrealistic.
I sat down to write it like 2, and it was actually really great to talk about 'The Obstacle's Way.' It was this perfect reminder of like this is why I don’t start my day at 2.
The host references the book 'The Obstacle Is the Way,' expressing gratitude for starting his creative day earlier, which helped him be more effective.
This summer is 10 years old; and actually, 'Obstacle,' came out eight years ago yesterday, which is also like insane to me when I read stuff that I wrote that long ago.
The guest refers to his book with part of its title as 'Obstacle,' mentioning its release eight years ago while reflecting on how his earlier writing seems distant to him now. The full title, 'The Obstacle Is the Way,' is recognized in relation to the host, Ryan Holiday, who is associated with that work.
In 'The Obstacle', I tell this story about Edison when his Menlo Park laboratory burned down.
The podcast host, Ryan Holiday, discusses a story about Thomas Edison from his book, 'The Obstacle Is the Way'. This mention occurs during a conversation about the importance of maintaining a process-oriented mindset versus focusing solely on outcomes.
When I did The Obstacle is the Way, I've told this story before, but it wasn't that everyone rejected it.
In this segment, Ryan Holiday discusses his book 'The Obstacle Is the Way' and reflects on his publishing journey, drawing parallels between his experiences and those of the guest.
And there was this whole thing which I wrote about, and that happened the day that I ended the book tour for The Obstacle Is the Way.
The host refers to his own book, 'The Obstacle Is the Way,' while discussing the context of his book tour, linking it to an incident involving someone being fired from American Apparel.
So, like you were asking me about having a job; one of the benefits—like when my publisher offered me what was not as much money as I would have hoped for The Obstacle Is the Way, I was like, ‘Sure, whatever,’ right?
In this segment, Ryan Holiday discusses a job-related question and recalls the experience he had with his publisher regarding his book 'The Obstacle Is the Way.' He reflects on the financial offer he received and his nonchalant response to it.
I remember I was working at American Apparel well after I'd written The Obstacle, come out.
In this segment, the host, Ryan Holiday, recalls working at American Apparel even after the release of his book, *The Obstacle Is the Way*. He emphasizes the contrast between his writing success and his job at the time.
And then I read, "Your Obstacles Away." That was a really good one. Let's see, "Atomic Habits."
Brooke shares her thoughts on a book she refers to as 'Your Obstacles Away,' which closely resembles the book 'The Obstacle Is the Way' by Ryan Holiday, mentioning that she found it to be quite good.
I think one of the benefits for me when I was thinking about writing The Obstacle Is the Way, and I've talked about this before, is that my publisher offered me half what I got for my first book for what was supposed to be my second book.
In this segment, Ryan Holiday discusses his book, 'The Obstacle Is the Way', reflecting on the experience of negotiating a lower advance for this second book. He shares how having various income streams allowed him the freedom to make such choices, emphasizing the importance of creative independence.
Honestly, I was thinking about that and all the stoicism-type stuff that I've been drinking the Kool-Aid off ever since I discovered The Obstacle Is the Way.
In a discussion about stoicism, the guest references Ryan Holiday's book, 'The Obstacle Is The Way'. He explains how the stoic principles from the book have shaped his approach to business, emphasizing the importance of focusing on process over metrics.
I was wondering, are you comfortable telling the story of how you ended up hearing about 'The Obstacle Is the Way'?
In this segment, Ryan Holiday, the host of The Daily Stoic podcast, asks H.R. McMaster about his experience with discovering the book 'The Obstacle Is the Way'.
The War of Art
Buy The War of Art by Steven Pressfield on Amazon
Mentioned 10 times
No, it’s actually a really great illustration of what Steven Pressfield calls the resistance, right?
In this segment, the podcast host refers to a concept known as 'the resistance,' which is derived from Steven Pressfield's book 'The War of Art.'
Pressfield has a joke in The War of Art, which I guess may not be politically correct, but he says something like it was easier for Hitler to start World War II than it was for him to do his painting.
In this segment, the host references a joke from Steven Pressfield's book 'The War of Art', discussing a provocative comparison made by Pressfield about the challenges of creativity.
But I think that's, there's kind of a—there's um Steven Pressfield tells a version of that story also in the War of Art. He's saying that that's the resistance, right?
In this segment, the host discusses the concept of resistance, referencing Steven Pressfield's book 'The War of Art' to illustrate how individuals often hold back from fully committing to their creative endeavors.
Because I tend to reread The War of Art or Turning Pro or one of your books when I'm about to start a project. It's just like a nice sort of headspace to get into.
Ryan Holiday shares that he often rereads Steven Pressfield's book, 'The War of Art,' among others, to get into the right mindset before starting a project.
Do you think about the spectrum of people who are able to enjoy 'Gates of Fire' or 'The War of Art'? You have people who have sold hundreds of millions of records that are fans of 'The War of Art', and people who are just thinking about starting.
During the discussion, the host inquires if Steven Pressfield considers the diverse range of readers who enjoy his book, 'The War of Art', highlighting its appeal to both widely successful individuals and those contemplating their creative journeys.
When somebody does something I guess—even the War of Art—but when somebody does something that is both timely but also has no place in time, that’s something incredible about what art can do. Where it can be everywhere and nowhere current and timeless at the same time.
In this segment, the host refers to the book 'The War of Art' as an example of how art can transcend time, highlighting its ability to be both immediate and timeless.
As always, I love all your work—'The War of Art,' 'The Artist's Journey,' 'Gates of Fire'—I've loved all your stuff.
In this segment, host Ryan expresses his admiration for the works of guest Steven Pressfield, specifically mentioning *The War of Art* along with other titles like *The Artist's Journey* and *Gates of Fire*.
There's a line in one of Steven Pressfield's books that I love; have you ever read his stuff? No, I haven't, but you would love The War of Art or his novel Gates of Fire—that's amazing. In one of them, a philosopher is talking to Alexander the Great, and Alexander says, 'I have conquered the world; what have you ever done?'
The host expresses admiration for Steven Pressfield's work, specifically mentioning his books The War of Art and Gates of Fire, showcasing a conversation about a philosophical line related to Alexander the Great.
No, I haven't, but you would love The War of Art or his novel Gates of Fire—that's amazing. In one of them, a philosopher is talking to Alexander the Great, and Alexander says, 'I have conquered the world; what have you ever done?'
The host recommends the book 'The War of Art' by Steven Pressfield, mentioning that the guest would really enjoy it.
Yeah, like I was talking to Steven Pressfield who wrote The War of Art, and he talks about, like, the muses. And I'm like, you can't possibly believe that your artistic stuff is coming from the muses.
In this segment, the podcast host discusses a conversation with author Steven Pressfield, highlighting his book 'The War of Art'. They explore the idea of creativity and inspiration, questioning the belief that artistic flow comes from muses, similar to athletes' experiences with receiving creative inspiration.
Gates of Fire
Buy Gates of Fire by Steven Pressfield on Amazon
Mentioned 8 times
And then I have on my wall, I have the last page from the typewritten manuscript of Gates of Fire signed by the author. Yeah, I have a bunch of those little totems too, myself.
In the conversation, Steven Pressfield shares that he keeps a signed last page from the typewritten manuscript of his book 'Gates of Fire' displayed on his wall, along with other personal artifacts that hold significance for him.
Do you think about the spectrum of people who are able to enjoy 'Gates of Fire' or 'The War of Art'? You have people who have sold hundreds of millions of records that are fans of 'The War of Art', and people who are just thinking about starting.
The host inquires if Steven Pressfield considers the diverse range of readers who appreciate his works, specifically mentioning 'Gates of Fire'.
Around that time, I would have also read 'Gates of Fire'. I remember buying that on Amazon.
Ryan Holiday discusses his experience of reading 'Gates of Fire' by Steven Pressfield, recalling how he purchased it on Amazon around the same period he received the recommendation for 'Meditations'.
Not whatsoever, because if you think about, like, the second book was Gates of Fire for me. And as I was writing it, I thought, who's going to possibly be interested in this?
Steven Pressfield reflects on his experience writing his second book, 'Gates of Fire', expressing his doubt about whether anyone would want to read it.
What’s amazing about a book like Gates of Fire is that it's only 20 or 30 years old, but it feels like it's a thousand years old. When somebody does something I guess—even the War of Art—but when somebody does something that is both timely but also has no place in time, that’s something incredible about what art can do.
The host discusses the book 'Gates of Fire', noting how it manages to feel both timeless and contemporary, despite being only 20 or 30 years old.
You know, and I think that where my attention goes when I'm really doing it right, like if I'm writing a book like Gates of Fire or something like that, my attention goes to that world that is being created kind of through me, but not by me in the moment, you know?
In this segment, guest Steven Pressfield discusses his book *Gates of Fire*, highlighting how his focus and awareness shift when he immerses himself in the creative process.
As always, I love all your work—'The War of Art,' 'The Artist's Journey,' 'Gates of Fire'—I've loved all your stuff.
In this segment, the host, Ryan, expresses his admiration for the guest, Steven Pressfield, mentioning some of Pressfield's notable works, including *Gates of Fire*.
No, I haven't, but you would love The War of Art or his novel Gates of Fire—that's amazing. In one of them, a philosopher is talking to Alexander the Great, and Alexander says, 'I have conquered the world; what have you ever done?'
The host recommends the novel 'Gates of Fire' by Steven Pressfield to the guest, noting a philosophical conversation in the story between a philosopher and Alexander the Great.
Trust Me, I'm Lying
Buy Trust Me, I'm Lying by Ryan Holiday on Amazon
Mentioned 7 times
I did this with Trust Me, I’m Lying as well, but it was like a 5-year anniversary edition because stuff in the media changes faster than this.
Ryan Holiday discusses how he updated his previous book 'Trust Me, I'm Lying' for a five-year anniversary edition, reflecting on the rapid changes in the media.
I was telling a friend last night I was coming here and I said my staff brought in this book, 'Trust Me, I'm Lying.'
The guest mentioned being introduced to the book 'Trust Me, I'm Lying' by his staff, who encouraged him to read it. This discussion prompted the guest to invite the book's author to the podcast.
He went to his editors and said, 'I know 'Trust Me, I'm Lying' is going to be a blockbuster, but I want to start doing books on the Stoics.'
The guest recounts how Ryan Holiday, the author of 'Trust Me, I'm Lying', after the success of that book, expressed a desire to start creating works about Stoicism, despite facing initial skepticism from his editors.
I didn't feel like I was getting robbed when I took less than half what I’ve gotten for Trust Me. I thought, 'I'm writing a book about an obscure school of ancient philosophy, that sounds really sound.'
Ryan Holiday mentions his book 'Trust Me, I'm Lying' while reflecting on the compensation he received for writing about Stoic Philosophy, suggesting that it was fair for an idea he considered obscure.
I probably rewrite Trust Me, I'm Lying just because I wrote that when I was so young, and also I've seen the legacy that that book has given you some good stuff over there or maybe I wouldn't publish it at all.
Ryan Holiday mentions that he might consider rewriting his book 'Trust Me, I'm Lying' since he authored it at a young age, reflecting on the impact and legacy it has created.
I don't want to exaggerate the significance of the story, but when I went with Trust Me, I'm Lying, there was a bidding war.
In this brief mention, Ryan Holiday discusses his book 'Trust Me, I'm Lying,' comparing its publishing journey to the process of his other work, 'The Obstacle is the Way.' He downplays the story's significance while highlighting a notable bidding war during its release.
I wrote Trust Me, I’m Lying while I still had a small salary; I wrote Growth Hacker while I still had a small salary, and then Dove was fired from American Apparel.
In this segment, the host reflects on his career timeline, revealing that he wrote 'Trust Me, I'm Lying' while still receiving a small salary, illustrating the financial challenges he faced during that period.
Soul Boom
Buy Soul Boom by Rainn Wilson on Amazon
Mentioned 7 times
One of the things in my book that I bring up right away is, 'Why the hell is the guy who played Dwight talking about spirituality?' That might be a little weird.
In this segment, Rainn Wilson discusses his book, humorously questioning why a comedic actor like him is addressing spiritual themes.
Now, it’s funny you mention this because, you know what this is like too; I did this book tour and lots of TV shows, podcasts, readings, and I'm still doing them.
Rainn Wilson, the guest, talks about promoting his new book during his book tour, sharing experiences from various media appearances, including TV shows and podcasts.
I want to reach people with the ideas of this book, people who aren’t necessarily going to buy a book but are interested in spiritual tools to make themselves better and improve the world.
In this segment, Rainn Wilson shares his aspirations for his new book, expressing a desire to engage individuals with its ideas—particularly those who may not typically purchase books but are seeking spiritual tools for personal and societal improvement.
Also, that’s fascinating because for me, Soul Boom was such a labor of love.
In this segment, Rainn Wilson speaks about his book 'Soul Boom', describing it as a true 'labor of love' for him.
But I really did; this was for me—if I get hit by a bus tomorrow, in case anyone ever—and that's probably like three dozen people—want to know what the guy who played Dwight thought about life, God, the soul, and meaning, it's all here in the book.
Rainn Wilson, the guest, mentions that his book encapsulates his thoughts on life, God, the soul, and meaning, suggesting that it's everything anyone might want to know about his perspective.
But okay, great, let's put that aside; like I say in the book, have we jettisoned the spiritual baby with the religious bathwater?
The guest poses a question from his book 'Soul Boom', discussing the distinction between spirituality and religion.
I want to read from the second greatest book next to the Bhagavad Gita and The Daily Stoic, 'Soul Boom.'
In this segment, Rainn Wilson mentions his own book, Soul Boom, describing it as the second greatest book after the Bhagavad Gita and The Daily Stoic.
Discipline Is Destiny
Buy Discipline Is Destiny by Ryan Holiday on Amazon
Mentioned 6 times
I have a line in 'Discipline and Destiny' because I was very impressed with Queen Elizabeth II.
Ryan Holiday discusses a line from his book 'Discipline and Destiny', expressing his admiration for Queen Elizabeth II.
Yeah, I—I have a part of it in, uh, in discipline as destiny; he says for six years now I’ve been hopelessly afflicted, made worse by the senseless doctors for year two, deceived with hopes of improvement, finally compelled to face the prospect of a lasting malady whose cure will take years and perhaps be impossible.
In this segment, Ryan Holiday refers to his book 'Discipline Is Destiny' while quoting a passage that discusses the struggles faced by Beethoven over several years.
I mean, I just mean by even those old metrics like, okay, my last book 'Discipline Is Destiny' is the book that I have checked on the sales the least, where I actively made decisions that made hitting bestseller lists less likely.
In this segment, Ryan Holiday discusses his book 'Discipline Is Destiny', explaining that he intentionally made choices to decrease its chances of becoming a bestseller. He reflects on moving beyond focusing on external factors in publishing.
If you, I would not recommend writing a book called 'The Obstacle is the Way,' a book called 'Ego is the Enemy,' a book called 'Stillness is the Key,' a book called 'Courage is Calling,' or 'Discipline is Destiny.' Because then people expect you to be all those things, which is of course impossible.
In this part of the podcast, Ryan Holiday discusses the challenges of writing books on virtues, mentioning 'Discipline is Destiny' alongside his other titles like 'The Obstacle is the Way' and 'Ego is the Enemy'. He explains that when authors write about such ideals, it sets high expectations for them to live up to those virtues.
That’s why I open 'Discipline's Destiny' with the story of Lou Gehrig, who has the longest streak in the history of baseball until it’s broken by Cal Ripken.
In this segment, Ryan Holiday references his book 'Discipline Is Destiny' and highlights how he begins it with the story of Lou Gehrig, who held the record for the longest consecutive games played in baseball until it was surpassed by Cal Ripken.
As a person who has found a lot of healing and recovery in the 12-step rooms, I was very surprised to see you write about it in both Stillness is the Key and Discipline is Destiny. So I'm curious as to how that came about or why you were inspired to do that because the only other one I found was Russell Brand's recovery book.
A listener asks how the themes of recovery were incorporated into 'Stillness Is the Key' and 'Discipline Is Destiny' by Ryan Holiday, highlighting the surprising influence of 12-step programs.
So Good They Can't Ignore You
Buy So Good They Can't Ignore You by Cal Newport on Amazon
Mentioned 6 times
They are quitting to follow their passion, which is funny when you compare it to your other book because this reflects the concept in 'So Good They Can't Ignore You.'
In this episode of The Daily Stoic podcast, host Ryan Holiday discusses the trend of people quitting their jobs to pursue their passions. He references Cal Newport's book 'So Good They Can't Ignore You' to draw a comparison with this phenomenon.
As I discuss in 'So Good They Can't Ignore You,' we struggle with this.
Cal Newport references his own book, 'So Good They Can't Ignore You', while discussing the difficulties people encounter when trying to make career changes that align with market needs. This conversation is part of his insights as a guest on the Daily Stoic Podcast.
One of the stories I suggested in that book, which I think is likely relevant to what many people are about to do, was about a successful ad executive who was feeling overwhelmed by work.
In this episode of the Daily Stoic podcast, Cal Newport refers to his book as 'that book,' highlighting a relevant story he previously discussed. He shares an anecdote about a successful ad executive who felt overwhelmed by work, which he believes resonates with many listeners.
The core moral of that book is that when considering what makes a job great, you must think about it from a market economy perspective. The traits that make great work great are rare and valuable.
Cal Newport discusses the essential teachings of his book, 'So Good They Can't Ignore You,' highlighting that the key takeaway is to evaluate what makes a job truly great from a market economy standpoint. He elaborates on how the qualities that contribute to exceptional work are both rare and valuable.
I think suddenly that book is more relevant now than it has been recently because everyone is contemplating these kinds of transitions.
Cal Newport highlights the relevance of his book, 'So Good They Can't Ignore You', in contemporary discussions about career transitions, emphasizing its significance in today's context.
And I think that's the other hard, I call it the autonomy traps in that old 2012 book. It's the dichotomy.
In a discussion on the Daily Stoic Podcast, Cal Newport refers to his book 'So Good They Can't Ignore You', where he explores the concept of "Autonomy Traps"—a theme he previously introduced. This mention highlights the ongoing relevance of his ideas.
Stillness Is the Key
Buy Stillness Is the Key by Ryan Holiday on Amazon
Mentioned 3 times
So I have noticed like even in The Obstacle, Ego, Stillness, each one is a little bit longer than the one that came before it.
The host is reflecting on the progression of his books, noting that each title in his series—including 'The Obstacle Is the Way', 'Ego Is the Enemy', and 'Stillness Is the Key'—grows longer than the previous one.
If you, I would not recommend writing a book called 'The Obstacle is the Way,' a book called 'Ego is the Enemy,' a book called 'Stillness is the Key,' a book called 'Courage is Calling,' or 'Discipline is Destiny.' Because then people expect you to be all those things, which is of course impossible.
In this segment, Ryan Holiday references his book 'Stillness is the Key' among others, discussing how writing about specific virtues sets high expectations for oneself, which is unrealistic.
As a person who has found a lot of healing and recovery in the 12-step rooms, I was very surprised to see you write about it in both Stillness is the Key and Discipline is Destiny. So I'm curious as to how that came about or why you were inspired to do that because the only other one I found was Russell Brand's recovery book.
A listener inquires about Ryan Holiday's exploration of recovery topics in both 'Stillness Is the Key' and 'Discipline Is Destiny,' expressing surprise at these inclusions.
Dying Every Day
Buy Dying Every Day by James Romm on Amazon
Mentioned 3 times
I mean, there are different accounts of how culpable Seneca was. I love the James Romm book 'Dying Every Day', it's extraordinary. What I love about Seneca is his humanness; he had this ideal that he tried to reach, and the reality was working for Nero.
The guest expresses their admiration for the book 'Dying Every Day' by James Romm while exploring the complexities of Seneca's character and the tension between his philosophies and his affiliation with Nero. This book examines and interprets Stoicism in the context of Seneca's life.
I remember reading James Romm's Dying Every Day during the takeover and restructuring of American Apparel and going, 'Oh, this is much more familiar than it should be to me.'
The podcast host reflects on reading 'Dying Every Day' by James Romm during the takeover and restructuring of American Apparel, expressing how the book's themes resonated with his personal experiences during that tumultuous time.
There's a fascinating book called 'Dying Every Day' about Seneca and Nero's court by James Romm, who I love.
Ryan Holiday references the book 'Dying Every Day' by James Romm while discussing the complexities of Seneca's life within Nero's court.
Deep Work
Buy Deep Work by Cal Newport on Amazon
Mentioned 3 times
We read his book, Deep Work, in my flourishing class at NYU.
Jonathan Haidt mentions that he utilizes the book 'Deep Work' by Cal Newport in his 'Flourishing' course, where he teaches techniques for enhancing focus and attention. This indicates that the book plays a significant role in his discussion about the importance of concentration and how to counteract the attention-fragmenting effects of social media.
I want to be better at like really something I'm really working at like when I wrote Deep Work, for example, it was, yeah, I came out of this environment, the theory group at MIT, in which like focus was the number one thing.
The host describes his experience in the theory group at MIT, highlighting the importance of focus, while referencing his book 'Deep Work'.
I connected with Sheikh Tanoon about Cal Newport’s book 'Deep Work,' in which he mentions having a room for deep concentration.
H.R. McMaster discusses Cal Newport's book, Deep Work, during a conversation with Sheikh Tanoon, highlighting the concept of establishing a dedicated space for deep concentration.
Mastery
Buy Mastery by Robert Greene on Amazon
Mentioned 3 times
I read Mastery by Robert Greene; it changed my life. And that’s why I purposely use those words of trade and mastery.
In the podcast, Sam Parr discusses how the book 'Mastery' by Robert Greene had a profound impact on his life, influencing his choice to use the terms 'trade' and 'mastery' during the conversation.
In Robert Greene's Mastery, he talks about like your sort of life's task: how do you find what that thing is?
In this segment, Ryan Holiday references the book Mastery by Robert Greene, highlighting its insights on discovering one's life task.
Green talks about that in 'Mastery.'
In this segment, Ryan Holiday references Robert Greene's book, 'Mastery,' while emphasizing the significance of systems and mentorship. Greene's work comes up in the discussion, highlighting his influence.
The Psychology of Money
Buy The Psychology of Money by Morgan Housel on Amazon
Mentioned 3 times
Yes, my- I did not want to write Psychology of Money, and I put it off for years and years and years.
The guest discusses his hesitation in writing 'The Psychology of Money,' reflecting on the personal decisions and challenges he faced in completing the book.
Like, obviously, you're in The Psychology of Money, mostly at the end, where you kind of talk about your habits and your parents a bit too, which is an interesting story.
During the podcast, the host references the guest Morgan Housel's book, 'The Psychology of Money.' They highlight a specific part towards the end of the book that discusses Housel's habits and stories about his parents.
I would say that the summation of The Psychology of Money is that turning down money is one of the hardest things to do in the world.
The host references the guest's book, highlighting that 'The Psychology of Money' illustrates the difficulty of turning down money.
A Farewell to Arms
Buy A Farewell to Arms by Ernest Hemingway on Amazon
Mentioned 3 times
There’s a quote from Hemingway at the end of A Farewell to Arms where he states there are people who are so strong they can’t break; eventually, the world breaks everyone, and the ones that don’t break it kills.
Zach Braff discusses a quote from the book 'A Farewell to Arms' by Ernest Hemingway, highlighting a poignant statement made at the book's conclusion about human strength and resilience.
Take, for instance, the opening of "A Farewell to Arms" where he describes the dust on the trees that summer. It resonates throughout the story and comes back at the end; that's a poetic genius that AI simply cannot replicate.
The host discusses Hemingway's 'A Farewell to Arms' as an illustration of exceptional writing, emphasizing the depth and artistry that cannot be replicated by AI.
Well, there's there's a Hemingway quote that I love, I think it's in A Farewell to Arms, he says, you know, 'Life breaks everyone, but those it doesn't break, it kills.'
In this segment, the host shares a favorite quote from Hemingway, attributing it to his novel 'A Farewell to Arms.' The quote reflects on the fragility of life, emphasizing that while life may break many people, those who remain unbroken face a different kind of challenge.
The Daily Dad
Buy The Daily Dad by Ryan Holiday on Amazon
Mentioned 3 times
Yes, um, yeah, when I was doing The Daily Dad, I went to my publisher with it maybe four or five years ago.
In this episode, the host Ryan Holiday shares a story about his experience with his book 'The Daily Dad', mentioning how he approached his publisher about it four or five years ago, who had concerns over the marketability of parenting books.
That is a powerful—I think I've read all of your books except I haven't read 'The Daily Dad' yet.
In this segment, Casey Neistat expresses that he has read all of Ryan Holiday's books, except for the one titled 'The Daily Dad', highlighting his interest in Holiday's work.
I was thinking about it because I had to go to New York for the launch of The Daily Dad. I was going to be gone for a week, they sort of stretched it out, and I was there.
The host reflects on his recent trip to New York for the book launch of 'The Daily Dad'. He shares that he was away for a week, illustrating his efforts to balance family life with professional commitments by bringing his family along.
The Laws of Human Nature
Buy The Laws of Human Nature by Robert Greene on Amazon
Mentioned 3 times
Just as The Laws of Human Nature should not be—The Laws of Human Nature is a 600-page book about, you know, everything that makes humans both rational and irrational; that should not be a commercially viable book, you know? Especially for someone who, again, it’s not like he’s a—you know, Adrian would turn it down.
In this episode, Ryan Holiday discusses Robert Greene's book 'The Laws of Human Nature', emphasizing that despite its depth and complexity, it surprisingly shouldn't have been a commercially viable book.
Robert encapsulates something about human nature, which he also talks about in The Laws of Human Nature, which is that instead of accepting or realizing that things are the way they are, we'd rather deny and blame certain people for them.
In this segment, the host discusses Robert Greene's book 'The Laws of Human Nature', highlighting its key theme that people often prefer to deny reality instead of accepting it.
Yeah. Robert Greene summarized his book, The Laws of Human Nature, which is about how we deny there is such a thing as human nature.
The host discusses Robert Greene's book, The Laws of Human Nature, highlighting its theme about the common human tendency to deny the existence of human nature.
The Storm Before the Storm
Buy The Storm Before the Storm by Mike Duncan on Amazon
Mentioned 2 times
One of my favorite books is called "The Storm Before the Storm," and the idea is that we just see Caesar crossing the Rubicon one day as if it just popped into his head, as if there wasn't all this history and all these other events leading up to this major event.
The guest highlights 'The Storm Before the Storm' as one of his favorite books, emphasizing how it illustrates the often overlooked historical context that precedes major events like Caesar crossing the Rubicon.
Have you read Mike Duncan's book, The Storm Before the Storm? Yes, actually, I haven’t; I had him on the podcast; it’s a great book, and I really enjoyed it.
In this segment, the host discusses Mike Duncan's book 'The Storm Before the Storm,' highlighting its significance and expressing enjoyment of the work. The guest mentions having previously hosted Duncan on the podcast, noting the book as essential background for understanding the historical themes addressed in the episode.
Bury the Chains
Buy Bury the Chains by Adam Hochschild on Amazon
Mentioned 2 times
After that, he wonders if he could be the person who changes this. Adam Hochschild has an amazing book on this called 'Bury the Chain.'
The speaker highlights 'Bury the Chain' by Adam Hochschild while discussing Thomas Clarkson's efforts in the fight against slavery, referring to the book as an important resource on this historical topic.
As he's riding away, Adam Hild writes about this in 'Bury the Chains', but he has this sort of Road to Damascus moment on the road.
The guest references the book 'Bury the Chains' by Adam Hochschild to illustrate a pivotal moment in the life of Thomas Clarkson, a British abolitionist.
Slow Productivity
Buy Slow Productivity by Cal Newport on Amazon
Mentioned 2 times
I think this book, Slow Productivity, is like the most of the books I've written where it's a question I have.
In this segment, Cal Newport discusses his book 'Slow Productivity', emphasizing that it embodies a question he has been contemplating and is reflective of the themes present in his other works.
And so I was like, I got to really—I really got to clean up my understanding of these intuitions and instincts I have about slowly working towards what matters because I've actually created a lot of things as I've gotten better and gotten more stature and the opportunities are everywhere. And I felt like I was in danger of impeding my own progress, so this Slow Productivity is probably the book I most had myself in mind as a reader.
In this segment, Cal Newport discusses his book 'Slow Productivity', which he wrote to help clarify his understanding of how to work steadily towards meaningful goals, indicating that he considers himself the ideal reader for this work.
The Nineties
Buy The Nineties by Chuck Klosterman on Amazon
Mentioned 2 times
Chuck Klosterman wrote a great book called The 90s, and he was sort of talking about how, um, you know, September 10th, there were newspapers all over the country, and they were all doing their own headlines about what's happening in that city.
Ryan Holiday discusses Chuck Klosterman's book 'The 90s' to illustrate the various headlines that newspapers across the United States were producing on September 10th, demonstrating the regional differences of that era.
In my book about 'The 90s,' I wrote about Nirvana and grunge, and I included a footnote regarding how it may seem like I'm juxtaposing a white guy from the eroded world of rock with a hip-hop artist from the rising world of rap.
In this segment of the podcast, guest Chuck Klosterman discusses his book 'The 90s' (which may also be referred to as 'The Nineties') and reflects on his exploration of iconic artists and music genres from that era, highlighting the cultural contrasts he examined in his writing.
Ego Is the Enemy
Buy Ego Is the Enemy by Ryan Holiday on Amazon
Mentioned 2 times
So if I’d waited, I probably could have sold what became Ego is the Enemy for a lot more money; a lot more money. But I was... But I’d actually sold like a proposal version of it while I was still figuring the book out.
In a conversation with Ali Abdaal, Ryan Holiday reflects on his book 'Ego Is the Enemy', mentioning that he could have gotten a better deal if he had waited longer before selling the proposal.
I remember, 'Ego is the Enemy' was a huge one for me, and there were a few others like the Minimalist and some others were—I got into them, and I was like, 'Okay, there's a different way to live life here.'
The guest reflects on the significant impact that 'Ego is the Enemy' had on him, mentioning that it transformed his perspective on life. He acknowledges that the host of the Daily Stoic, Ryan Holiday, is the author of this influential book.
Atomic Habits
Buy Atomic Habits by James Clear on Amazon
Mentioned 2 times
But first off, I like James; second, I think he's a great writer, and I think Atomic Habits is actually a very good book. And third, I don't know how many I'm counting now, but whatever—there's no universe in which that book selling more or less copies affects my life in any negative or positive way.
In the podcast, Ryan Holiday expresses his admiration for author James Clear and praises his book 'Atomic Habits', noting that its sales do not impact his own work.
Let's see, "Atomic Habits." I'm currently reading "The Slight Edge." I haven't heard of that.
Brooke references the book 'Atomic Habits' during the conversation, indicating that it is a book she is familiar with.
The Comfort Crisis
Buy The Comfort Crisis by Michael Easter on Amazon
Mentioned 2 times
I think you got this from The Comfort Crisis, but there was something you were telling me about lines—about the lines of walking and the lack of straight lines. Walk me through that.
The podcast host discusses the book 'The Comfort Crisis' and refers to insights he gained from the guest regarding the concept of walking and the absence of straight lines.
But I do think a lot of what Michael Easter talks about in The Comfort Crisis really resonates.
The guest expresses that he strongly connects with the ideas presented by Michael Easter in his book, 'The Comfort Crisis'.
The Great Gatsby
Buy The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald on Amazon
Mentioned 2 times
If we're just quoting literature back and forth, there's a scene in The Great Gatsby where Gatsby goes to Nick and says, hey, I'm working on this thing, maybe you could do me a favor, and I think there's a little bit of money in it for you.
The guest refers to a scene from *The Great Gatsby* where Gatsby approaches Nick for a favor, highlighting a conversation about seemingly straightforward requests that might harbor hidden agendas or manipulation, especially in relation to her experiences with her boss at American Apparel, who would offer small perks with significant strings attached.
You have a letter where your son writes to you, and he mentions, 'Remember little Pammy in The Great Gatsby? Neither did her mother, Daisy Buchanan.'
In this segment, Ryan Holiday shares a touching letter from Karen Duffy's son, who references 'The Great Gatsby,' noting that the character Pammy is often forgotten, just like her mother, Daisy Buchanan.
Ask the Dust
Buy Ask the Dust by John Fante on Amazon
Mentioned 2 times
No, I'm going to read 'Ask the Dust.' I have that in the story; it's one of the great novels of all time. Uh, crazy story which we should talk about; he has a bunch, maybe '1933 was a Bad Year,' 'The Road to Los Angeles.'
The podcast host expresses his plan to read 'Ask the Dust' by John Fante, describing it as one of the great novels of all time.
And the legend, it's true and not true; but the legend is 'Ask the Dust' sells out its first printing or is selling through its first printing in a good clip. It would have been a huge book; this distracted the publisher, sucks up its marketing budget, which they spend on legal fees, which they then lose, and 'Ask the Dust' is then forgotten until, yeah, 1970, whatever, when Charles Bukowski discovers the lone surviving copy in the Los Angeles Public Library.
The guest discusses the challenges faced by John Fante's novel 'Ask the Dust' during its publication, highlighting how the book initially sold well but eventually became overlooked.
Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas
Buy Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas by Hunter S. Thompson on Amazon
Mentioned 2 times
I think about that Hunter Thompson speech all the time for people who haven’t read 'Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas.' Maybe you've seen the movie; you think it's this book about debauchery and partying and craziness when really it's this sort of elegy and a sad meditation on the failure of all the idealism of the 60s.
The guest discusses Hunter S. Thompson's book 'Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas,' suggesting that while many perceive it as a tale of debauchery and party culture, it is, in fact, a poignant reflection on the disappointments of the 1960s idealism.
Which is, um—have you read um, 'Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas'?
The host brings up 'Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas' by Hunter S. Thompson to illustrate a point about opting for distraction instead of confronting challenging questions.
Be Useful
Buy Be Useful by Arnold Schwarzenegger on Amazon
Mentioned 2 times
In your book, you highlighted how many people enter the gym with the goal of getting in shape, but there’s often a lack of specificity around that. Still, I worked hard, and although it seems trivial now, that was my motivation, and it drove me to train every day.
In this segment, the podcast host references 'your book,' indicating that the guest, Arnold Schwarzenegger, authored a book titled 'Be Useful.' The discussion revolves around the gym and the motivation behind training.
That’s a key reason I wrote 'Be Useful': to inspire people to pursue success and achievement without a specific blueprint.
In this segment, Arnold Schwarzenegger discusses his book, 'Be Useful', explaining that it aims to inspire individuals to seek success and achievement without needing a specific guide.
Conspiracy
Buy Conspiracy by Ryan Holiday on Amazon
Mentioned 2 times
'Conspiracy' was an all-time favorite because so [__], so gossipy and page-turny and fun.
Casey Neistat shares his thoughts on Ryan Holiday's book 'Conspiracy', describing it as an all-time favorite due to its engaging, gossipy, and fun qualities.
Sure, I mean, so conspiracy, I think is my best book; it's probably sold the least of all my books.
In this segment, the host discusses his book 'Conspiracy', reflecting on its sales figures while expressing his belief that it is his best work, despite being his least commercially successful book.
Zen in the Art of Archery
Buy Zen in the Art of Archery by Eugen Herrigel on Amazon
Mentioned 2 times
You've read Zen and the Art of Archery, I'm sure, right? I don't know if I've ever read that; I know I've had the book, but I don't know if I've ever read it.
The host asks Rick Rubin if he has read the book 'Zen and the Art of Archery', indicating a setup for a deeper conversation about the concepts explored in the text.
I don't know if I've ever read that; I know I've had the book, but I don't know if I've ever read it. It's a wonderful, fascinating book.
Rick Rubin expresses uncertainty about whether he has fully read 'Zen in the Art of Archery', a book he possesses, while acknowledging its captivating nature.
The Children
Buy The Children by David Halberstam on Amazon
Mentioned 2 times
Those movements, like when I read David Halberstam's book, The Children, recently, featured a collection of relatively ordinary college students.
In this segment, the host reflects on having recently read David Halberstam's book, 'The Children,' which illustrates the remarkable achievements of a group of seemingly ordinary college students.
And I was reading lately, I've been reading David Halberstam's book, The Children, on the sit-in movement.
In this episode, the host discusses reading David Halberstam's book, 'The Children,' which explores the sit-in movement.
The Lottery
Buy The Lottery by Shirley Jackson on Amazon
Mentioned 2 times
So, my dad, when one of the—I mean this is probably a little bit cliché or maybe obvious to some of your listeners, but when I was 15 or 16 and my best friend and I were studying all the time with my dad and we were navigating our social context and trying to figure out how to manage and maneuver around peer pressure, my dad gave us Shirley Jackson's The Lottery, this short story about this public stoning, you know that the whole town participates in.
The guest, Thomas Chatterton Williams, shares a pivotal experience from his youth when his father introduced him and a friend to Shirley Jackson's 'The Lottery'. This powerful short story, centered on a chilling public stoning, served as a crucial tool in helping them understand and cope with peer pressure.
So The Lottery is something that I can still see myself sitting at the kitchen table and him handing to me on a Xerox printout to think through and underline and then talk about later when we were done.
In this segment, Thomas Chatterton Williams recalls receiving the book 'The Lottery' from his father, describing a vivid memory of sitting at the kitchen table, working through the text together.
The Brothers Karamazov
Buy The Brothers Karamazov by Fyodor Dostoevsky on Amazon
Mentioned 2 times
Then I read The Brothers Karamazov and it was just an astonishing reading experience for me, and it kind of shattered my faith.
In this segment, the guest, Thomas Chatterton Williams, shares his thoughts on the profound impact that reading 'The Brothers Karamazov' had on his life, describing it as an astonishing experience that ultimately shattered his faith.
The Brothers Karamazov was like this link to the world for me.
The guest reflects on how 'The Brothers Karamazov' profoundly influenced him, describing it as a vital connection to the world.
A World Without Email
Buy A World Without Email by Cal Newport on Amazon
Mentioned 2 times
When I contemplate your other book, 'A World Without Email,' I think about how I want my day to look.
In this segment, Ryan Holiday reflects on Cal Newport's book 'A World Without Email,' sharing his thoughts on how it influences his daily organization and productivity.
This brings us back to one of the ideas from the book, which is to be crystal clear about what we do right.
In this segment, host Ryan Holiday revisits an idea from Cal Newport's book 'A World Without Email', emphasizing the importance of clarity in our actions.
The Creative Act
Buy The Creative Act by Rick Rubin on Amazon
Mentioned 1 time
I’ve realized that if I choose the guests I really want to speak to selfishly, that’s how I best serve my audience. This is akin to what Rick Rubin talks about in his book, isn’t it?
In this segment, Ryan Holiday discusses the importance of selecting guests that genuinely interest him, drawing a parallel to Rick Rubin's insights in his book. He emphasizes that prioritizing personal interest when creating content is the most effective way to serve an audience, rather than merely catering to their preferences.
Top Five Regrets of the Dying
Buy Top Five Regrets of the Dying by Bronnie Ware on Amazon
Mentioned 1 time
I’ve been heavily influenced by the ‘regrets of the dying’ and had a beautiful conversation with Bronnie Ware, a palliative care nurse, on my podcast about her book, ‘The Five Regrets of the Dying.’ She mentioned that at the end of people’s lives, they commonly express wishes like, ‘I wish I’d worked less, spent more time with family and friends, or lived my own life instead of what others expected of me.’
In a conversation, Dr. Rangan Chatterjee discusses the impact of Bronnie Ware's book, 'The Five Regrets of the Dying,' highlighting how individuals often express significant regrets at the end of their lives. He emphasizes that many people wish they had prioritized quality time with family over work, as informed by Ware's insights.
The Minimalist Mindset
Buy The Minimalist Mindset by Danny Dover on Amazon
Mentioned 1 time
We can hear this stuff, and the people who read your books will know this is a central idea in my new book, but I don't think people are connecting that to their health and behaviors. Since I spoke to Edith Eger, and your audience probably knows who she is, a 93-year-old lady, I thought, 'Wow, this really resonates with me.'
In the podcast, Dr. Rangan Chatterjee discusses concepts from his new book, describing how these ideas relate to health and behaviors. He refers to his conversation with 93-year-old Edith Eger as a compelling example that emphasizes the connection between our internal states and our actions.
This Book
Buy This Book by Kathryn Madeline Allen on Amazon
Mentioned 1 time
I wrote a chapter in this book entitled 'Don’t Take Offense.' I explained the health outcomes and benefits related to this. People don’t realize that no event is inherently offensive; because if it were, we'd all be offended by the same comment or event.
Dr. Rangan Chatterjee discusses a chapter from his book titled 'Don't Take Offense.' He explains how individuals often misinterpret events as inherently offensive, emphasizing that the offense depends on personal interpretation and emotional context. This insight ties into his broader examination of behavior and its impact on health.
The Daily Stoic
Buy The Daily Stoic by Ryan Holiday, Stephen Hanselman on Amazon
Mentioned 1 time
We can hear this stuff, and the people who read your books will know this is a central idea in my new book, but I don't think people are connecting that to their health and behaviors. Since I spoke to Edith Eger, and your audience probably knows who she is, a 93-year-old lady, I thought, 'Wow, this really resonates with me.'
Dr. Rangan Chatterjee mentions the influence of Ryan Holiday's books, emphasizing that the concepts of stoicism and internal states discussed in them are also reflected in his own work. He highlights the importance of recognizing how internal states can affect health and behaviors.
Testosterone
Buy Testosterone by Carole Hooven on Amazon
Mentioned 1 time
I actually had this interesting conversation with Carol Hooven, who wrote a book about testosterone. She talked about evidence around differences in crying and criticized the idea that men don't cry enough.
In this episode, the podcast guest shares insights from a conversation with Carol Hooven, the author of a book about testosterone. The discussion delves into various aspects of masculinity and emotional expression, particularly focusing on the different patterns of crying observed between men and women.
Sophistry and Political Philosophy
Buy Sophistry and Political Philosophy by Robert C. Bartlett on Amazon
Mentioned 1 time
Actually, I have a friend who’s going to write a book about sophistry. It’s just about someone who engages in sophistry, where they're essentially kidding you, right?
The podcast guest discusses a friend's upcoming book about sophistry. They describe sophistry as a practice where someone engages in deception, emphasizing how some philosophical concepts can carry negative connotations in society.
My First Book of Sign
Buy My First Book of Sign by Pamela J. Baker on Amazon
Mentioned 1 time
I remember with my first book, they said the New York Times agreed to review it, but only alongside another book.
The podcast guest shares a recollection about their first book, noting that the New York Times agreed to review it, but only if it was alongside another book. This suggests the guest is an author.
Courage
Buy Courage by Bernard Waber on Amazon
Mentioned 1 time
There are things in the courage book that in retrospect I would have had in the discipline book or in the justice book or in the wisdom book.
During the podcast, the guest discusses elements found in the 'courage book' and reflects on how some of those elements might fit better in the 'discipline book', 'justice book', or 'wisdom book'. He mentions these as part of a series he is writing, drawing comparisons among them.
On Writing
Buy On Writing by Stephen King on Amazon
Mentioned 1 time
You had Plato and Socrates, and they created great dialogues, but your first book had nothing to do with Stoicism.
In this segment, the host discusses the guest's first book, mentioning that it is unrelated to Stoicism, despite the episode's focus on that philosophy. The reference to historical figures like Plato and Socrates sets a foundation for the conversation.
Handwriting Without Tears: My printing book
Buy Handwriting Without Tears: My printing book by Jan Z. Olsen, Emily F. Knapton on Amazon
Mentioned 1 time
Well, my book is all about sentencing, and you know this is a revolutionary statute that was passed, known as the First Step Act.
The guest discusses his book that focuses on sentencing and the First Step Act, a significant piece of legislation aimed at criminal justice reform.
The Death of Socrates
Buy The Death of Socrates by Emily R. Wilson on Amazon
Mentioned 1 time
So I was reading Emily Wilson's book, The Case Against Socrates, which I thought was interesting because she famously has this biography of Seneca, and they're both pretty negative.
In this segment, the host talks about reading 'The Case Against Socrates' by Emily Wilson, highlighting that Wilson is known for her critical biography of Seneca.
The Trial of Socrates
Buy The Trial of Socrates by I. F. Stone on Amazon
Mentioned 1 time
It was interesting to read a kind of Steelman case against Socrates, which is what I felt she was doing there in Stone's book, The Trial of Socrates, or something like that.
The podcast host discusses a previous reading of a book titled 'The Trial of Socrates', where they reference the author as 'Stone'. The discussion centers around the concept of a 'Steelman case against Socrates', a debating term that entails presenting the strongest possible counterargument.
Meditations
Buy Meditations by Aurelius Marcus on Amazon
Mentioned 1 time
One of my favorite passages in Meditations is where Marcus lists great conquerors and generals, followed by various philosophers. He concludes with Socrates, stating ultimately that Socrates is the greater because his mind was his own.
The host refers to a notable passage from Marcus Aurelius's 'Meditations', highlighting how Aurelius compares great figures like Socrates with conquerors and emphasizes Socrates's intellectual independence.
12 Rules for Life
Buy 12 Rules for Life by Jordan B. Peterson on Amazon
Mentioned 1 time
It reminded me of one of the bestselling modern self-help books, which does the complete opposite. Jordan Peterson's 12 Rules literally consists of a series of formulaic rules.
The host contrasts the Socratic method with a book by Jordan Peterson titled '12 Rules for Life', which is known for providing a series of formulaic rules.
How to Build Stonehenge
Buy How to Build Stonehenge by Mike Pitts on Amazon
Mentioned 1 time
There was a great book called 'How to Build Stonehenge' that came out two years ago, which really got close to explaining it.
In this segment, the host refers to a book titled 'How to Build Stonehenge' published two years ago, which provides insights into how Stonehenge was constructed. This mention emphasizes the importance of understanding historical events in context rather than simply seeking the reasons behind them.
The Year 1000
Buy The Year 1000 by Valerie Hansen on Amazon
Mentioned 1 time
Then you'll see, there are a lot of global historians now who would say, 'Well, Valerie Hansen wrote a very popular book recently that argues, well, no, actually, a product around the time of the Vikings could theoretically travel from the Americas all the way around the entire world.'
In this segment, Dan Jones discusses historian Valerie Hansen's 'a very popular book,' which presents the argument that a product from the time of the Vikings could theoretically traverse from the Americas to all corners of the globe. This book is mentioned to challenge the notion of how isolated the medieval world was.
Meditations
Buy Meditations by Aurelius Marcus on Amazon
Mentioned 1 time
There's a line in Marcus Aurelius’ Meditations where he thanks one of his mentors, saying, ‘Did you say Marcus Aurelius?’
The host refers to a passage from 'Meditations' by Marcus Aurelius, where he expresses gratitude towards a mentor, highlighting key influences in his philosophical journey.
Forgive Me Not
Buy Forgive Me Not by Jennifer Baker on Amazon
Mentioned 1 time
It's like, like that one thing I loved about your book was how you gave examples of what I would call stoic fables, like literal descriptions of what it would be good to do.
During the conversation, the host highlights their admiration for Dr. Jennifer Baker's book, particularly appreciating the examples of stoic fables it provides.
A New Stoicism
Buy A New Stoicism by Lawrence C. Becker on Amazon
Mentioned 1 time
I mean I love Larry Becker's work and new stoicism, you know, that was new and convincing to people who never would, you know, some people just don't have a taste for ancient philosophy and that was convincing to a lot of philosophers who have never picked up something translated.
Dr. Jennifer Baker expresses her admiration for Larry Becker's work on New Stoicism, highlighting its ability to persuade individuals who might typically shy away from ancient philosophy.
The Theory of Moral Sentiments
Buy The Theory of Moral Sentiments by Adam Smith on Amazon
Mentioned 1 time
It's like, have you read A Theory of Moral Sentiments?
During the discussion, the host references the book 'A Theory of Moral Sentiments' by Adam Smith, asking the guest if they have read it.
The Return
Buy The Return by Dick Morris on Amazon
Mentioned 1 time
And for me, like honestly, just being in the car, yes, and I'm listening to Dana Milbank's new book about the dysfunctional 2022 class. Yes, which is just cathartic because I'm like, yeah, well, you guys enjoy that, right?
In this segment, Adam Kinzinger shares his experience of listening to Dana Milbank's book while driving. He explains how the book provides a cathartic perspective on the dysfunctional 2022 class, resonating with his thoughts on the situation.
Invisible Man
Buy Invisible Man by Ralph Ellison on Amazon
Mentioned 1 time
Have you read Invisible Man by Ralph Ellison? It's this beautiful book about this guy coming of age as sort of a black man in America in the 50s, and he was sort of this optimistic hopeful person.
In this segment, the podcast host inquires if Adam has read 'Invisible Man' by Ralph Ellison, describing it as a beautiful coming-of-age story about a black man in 1950s America, characterized by optimism and hope.
Victoria: The Queen
Buy Victoria: The Queen by Julia Baird on Amazon
Mentioned 1 time
I loved your biography of Queen Victoria, and then I thought, because I was going to write about Queen Elizabeth in my next book, there has to be a book this good about her.
The host expresses their admiration for the guest's biography of Queen Victoria, stating that it was so impressive that they felt motivated to look for a similarly excellent book about Queen Elizabeth.
Victoria: The Queen
Buy Victoria: The Queen by Julia Baird on Amazon
Mentioned 1 time
I loved your biography of Queen Victoria, and then I thought, because I was going to write about Queen Elizabeth in my next book, there has to be a book this good about her.
The guest mentions that they are planning to write a book about Queen Elizabeth, which is a follow-up to their biography on Queen Victoria. This indicates a clear connection to literature.
Phosphorescence
Buy Phosphorescence by Julia Baird on Amazon
Mentioned 1 time
I think it's unusual that someone would do a serious, big, thick biography and then transition into the books that you're doing now. Was that a deliberate choice?
The host highlights the guest's transition from writing historical biographies to their new creative writing-focused projects, asking if this shift was a conscious decision.
Meditations
Buy Meditations by Aurelius Marcus on Amazon
Mentioned 1 time
In Meditations, Marcus Aurelius wrote that when you tuck your child in at night, remind yourself they might not survive until morning.
The host discusses a poignant passage from Marcus Aurelius's 'Meditations', highlighting the reminder that parents should consider the fragility of life when tucking their children in for the night.
Amazing Grace
Buy Amazing Grace by Mary Hoffman on Amazon
Mentioned 1 time
When you quote 'Amazing Grace' in the book, it reads as an acknowledgment of the man who wrote that song, who was a slave trader and later became an abolitionist.
The host mentions that the guest references the song 'Amazing Grace' in their book. They highlight the ironic background of the songwriter, a former slave trader turned abolitionist, which connects to the overarching theme of grace and the capacity for transformation.
Meditations
Buy Meditations by Aurelius Marcus on Amazon
Mentioned 1 time
There’s certainly a part of it, but there's that famous passage in Meditations where he says, 'The impediment to action advances action; what stands in the way becomes the way.'
The host references a well-known passage from Marcus Aurelius' 'Meditations', highlighting the idea that obstacles can serve as opportunities, reflecting a core principle of stoicism.
Never Play It Safe
Buy Never Play It Safe by Chase Jarvis on Amazon
Mentioned 1 time
I'm telling you man, I hate to be that dude talking about his book, but there’s a whole chapter about that—it’s the constraints chapter.
In this segment, Chase Jarvis discusses his book 'Never Play It Safe', noting a specific chapter that delves into the concept of constraints.
Ego Is the Enemy
Buy Ego Is the Enemy by Ryan Holiday on Amazon
Mentioned 1 time
In Ego is the Enemy, I have this whole chapter about Ulysses S. Grant that reflects my opinion of him at that time.
In this segment, host Ryan Holiday discusses his book 'Ego is the Enemy' and highlights a chapter focusing on Ulysses S. Grant, illustrating how his perspective on the historical figure has evolved since the book's publication.
Ego Is the Enemy
Buy Ego Is the Enemy by Ryan Holiday on Amazon
Mentioned 1 time
Well, and it just never—there's this quote from John Wheeler, the physicist, in Ego Is the Enemy.
In this segment, host Ryan Holiday references the book 'Ego is the Enemy,' mentioning a quote from physicist John Wheeler that is featured in it.
The Daily Stoic
Buy The Daily Stoic by Ryan Holiday, Stephen Hanselman on Amazon
Mentioned 1 time
Like I'm finishing, I'm on—basically, I've probably got like 10% left of the first draft of the fourth book in The Virtue series, and I'm much more comfortable.
Ryan Holiday talks about nearing completion of the first draft of the fourth book in 'The Virtue series', expressing a sense of comfort with his progress.
The Obstacle Is the Way
Buy The Obstacle Is the Way by Ryan Holiday on Amazon
Mentioned 1 time
Yeah, so I wrote it, I've published it, I've read it, I've talked about it for 10 years, then I rewrote it or like rewrote chunks of it, edited it, went through copy editing, went through production design on it, and then I read the audiobook and I was like, 'This is horrible.'
The host reflects on his experiences rewriting and editing his book, 'The Obstacle is the Way,' particularly his thoughts after reading the audiobook version.
The Obstacle Is the Way
Buy The Obstacle Is the Way by Ryan Holiday on Amazon
Mentioned 1 time
Well, I learned that on The Obstacle Is the Way.
In this segment, the speaker references the book 'The Obstacle Is the Way,' discussing how the concepts from it have influenced their understanding of feedback.
The Boy Who Would Be King
Buy The Boy Who Would Be King by Ryan Holiday on Amazon
Mentioned 1 time
Um, what how we should wrap up is, okay, how do you determine— Um, like I was listening to your episode with Rich Roll recently, and he was like, 'My favorite thing in this book in the Justice book was the afterward where you do insert yourself into it.'
In a recent episode of Ryan Holiday's podcast featuring Rich Roll, the discussion highlighted the book 'Justice', where Rich expressed his fondness for the afterward section that personalizes the narrative.
Essentialism
Buy Essentialism by Greg McKeown on Amazon
Mentioned 1 time
And he, he sort of went out of his way to—I forget which book it was—but you did a similar thing where it was a story about you.
The speaker references a book that contains a story about the author, with contextual hints suggesting that the title is 'Essentialism'.
The Daily Stoic
Buy The Daily Stoic by Ryan Holiday, Stephen Hanselman on Amazon
Mentioned 1 time
So, so that I was never going to be in The Virtue books, but then I did realize, okay, if you're talking about virtue and you're making strong judgments—positive and negative—of other people, um, there can be an implication that you're somehow the master of these things.
In this segment, the host discusses the concept of virtue as explored in a series of books. They emphasize the importance of not coming across as a master of virtue while attempting to convey strong judgments about others, highlighting their reluctance to be included in the 'The Virtue books'.
Ego Is the Enemy
Buy Ego Is the Enemy by Ryan Holiday on Amazon
Mentioned 1 time
Yeah, yeah, so I went through a similar thing on Ego Is the Enemy; there's a preface to Ego Is the Enemy that I'm in.
In this segment, the podcast host discusses his book, 'Ego is the Enemy', specifically reflecting on the decision of whether to include himself in the book's preface.
The Correspondence of Marcus Cornelius Fronto with Marcus Aurelius Antoninus, Lucius Verus, Antoninus Pius, and Various Friends
Mentioned 1 time
I thought I'd start in the nerdiest place possible: have you read Marcus's letters to Fronto? You know who Fronto is? The love letters?
The podcast host initiates the discussion by asking the guest whether they have read the letters written by Marcus Aurelius to Fronto, which he amusingly labels as a nerdy conversation starter. This refers to a correspondence that captures personal insights between the Roman Emperor Marcus Aurelius and his mentor, Marcus Cornelius Fronto.
Meditations
Buy Meditations by Aurelius Marcus on Amazon
Mentioned 1 time
I've read them and different interpretations of them. If you want to understand 'Meditations', that's a really great place to start. Well, I just thought about the timelessness: you have the same job as them.
The host highlights that if you wish to grasp the essence of 'Meditations,' exploring the letters to Fronto would be an excellent starting point. 'Meditations' by Marcus Aurelius are crucial writings that underpin the principles discussed in the Daily Stoic podcast.
Meditations
Buy Meditations by Aurelius Marcus on Amazon
Mentioned 1 time
Then I jumped over to Stoicism, and you know, it's very similar. I mean, Marcus Aurelius's book is called 'Meditations'. It's a different form of meditation, but the idea of sitting and observing your thoughts, whether it's like this or like that, is fundamentally the same practice.
During the discussion, the guest brings up Marcus Aurelius's book 'Meditations' while exploring the connections between eastern meditation practices and Stoicism.
Meditations
Buy Meditations by Aurelius Marcus on Amazon
Mentioned 1 time
Take all the spiritual and philosophical parts out of 'Meditations', and it's just a brilliant work of art and thought. Here you have this man writing private thoughts to himself that he wasn't intending to publish; it shouldn't be so good. It's so good!
The guest emphasizes that even when stripped of its philosophical content, 'Meditations' remains an exceptional work of art and thought. This reflects on the enduring value of Marcus Aurelius' writings, highlighting 'Meditations' as a cornerstone in the exploration of stoicism discussed in the podcast.
Meditations
Buy Meditations by Aurelius Marcus on Amazon
Mentioned 1 time
It's like watching the greatest musician give the performance of their life in private and nobody ever knows about it. That's what 'Meditations' is. It feels like even if you just read it for the writing itself, for the prose, there's poetry in pretty much every line.
The guest expresses that reading 'Meditations' feels akin to witnessing an incredible musician perform privately, emphasizing its literary excellence and poetic qualities. This work is frequently referenced by both hosts and guests in the discussions, demonstrating its significance in the podcast.
Meditations
Buy Meditations by Aurelius Marcus on Amazon
Mentioned 1 time
He notes that this is a bit of nature's inadvertence; the baker isn't intending for that to happen, but it does. I've come to understand that that's what 'Meditations' is. Marcus Aurelius is performing this private inward act of reminding himself what he believes, what's important, what he should be doing, what he needs to get better at.
In the discussion, the guest explains that 'Meditations' represents an introspective effort by Marcus Aurelius to remind himself of his beliefs and values. They draw a comparison to nature's inadvertent occurrences, highlighting the significance of the book in the context of Stoic philosophy.
Meditations
Buy Meditations by Aurelius Marcus on Amazon
Mentioned 1 time
The accidental byproduct of that is this book, 'Meditations', which you and I are reading 2,000 years later. He said that posthumous fame was impossible and worthless, and he's accidentally seeking it—not because of his accomplishments on the battlefield or his policies as emperor, but because of this private and singular act.
The guest reflects on 'Meditations' as a significant byproduct of Marcus Aurelius's inner work, emphasizing its accidental creation and lasting impact. This book serves as a fundamental inspiration for the themes discussed in the podcast.
Meditations
Buy Meditations by Aurelius Marcus on Amazon
Mentioned 1 time
I think it's important to figure out how to read 'Meditations' because it does get misread. I was listening to a podcast recently where Mary Beard, the great classicist, talked about how she does not like Marcus and doesn't like 'Meditations'. She said it's almost like Instagram quotes or memes.
The guest emphasizes the significance of understanding 'Meditations' accurately, noting that it is often misinterpreted. They reference a critique made by another podcaster regarding the work, highlighting its relevance in the discussion about stoicism.
Meditations
Buy Meditations by Aurelius Marcus on Amazon
Mentioned 1 time
A lot of the lines and words in 'Meditations' are not Marcus's own, they're something he heard from a philosophy teacher or read in a book. It's important that we see it as what it was; it's kind of a commonplace book. But I get to do that part in public, and then my journaling is much more personal and specific.
The host explains that some lines in 'Meditations' are derived from other sources, emphasizing that it should be regarded as a commonplace book. This perspective is significant for the podcast as it explores Stoic philosophies and highlights 'Meditations' by Marcus Aurelius as a foundational text.
The Daily Stoic
Buy The Daily Stoic by Ryan Holiday, Stephen Hanselman on Amazon
Mentioned 1 time
Well, I have the luxury of getting to do a good chunk of my Stoic journaling in public. I wrote this book, 'The Daily Stoic', which was one page a day, and then I just kept going. So every day for eight years, I've published a Stoic meditation.
In this segment, the host discusses his experience with Stoic journaling in public and mentions his book 'The Daily Stoic', which consists of daily meditations he has published over the past eight years, inspired by Stoic philosophy.
The Daily Stoic Journal
Buy The Daily Stoic Journal by Ryan Holiday, Stephen Hanselman on Amazon
Mentioned 1 time
Yeah, I just have a kind of blank journal that I do, and then I did this book called 'The Daily Journal', which has a Stoic prompt every day, and I like the prompts. So I do those from time to time also. For me, it's kind of a grab bag of different things to think about, but it's usually like prepping for, 'Okay, I'm flying the next day.
The host mentions his book 'The Daily Journal', which contains a Stoic prompt each day that he sometimes uses. This reference highlights his own work related to Stoicism.
Moral letters to Lucilius
Buy Moral letters to Lucilius by Seneca, Lucius Annaeus on Amazon
Mentioned 1 time
'Letters to Lucilius' is a good example; that's addressed to someone, but you can see him working out death and grief in that work. Same with 'On the Shortness of Life'; it's an intellectual exercise and a spiritual exercise. They didn't have a pre-fitted philosophy or theology that they could live by; they had to come up with it themselves, and you can see them doing that in the work.
The guest discusses 'Letters to Lucilius,' highlighting its significance in understanding the development of Stoic philosophy. This work by Seneca delves into themes of death and grief, showcasing the intellectual and spiritual exercises of the Stoics.
On the Shortness of Life
Buy On the Shortness of Life by Seneca on Amazon
Mentioned 1 time
'Letters to Lucilius' is a good example; that's addressed to someone, but you can see him working out death and grief in that work. Same with 'On the Shortness of Life'; it's an intellectual exercise and a spiritual exercise. They didn't have a pre-fitted philosophy or theology that they could live by; they had to come up with it themselves, and you can see them doing that in the work.
The guest discusses 'On the Shortness of Life' in relation to Seneca's intellectual and spiritual journey, emphasizing its significance as a vital text in Stoicism.
The Therapy of Desire
Buy The Therapy of Desire by Martha C. Nussbaum on Amazon
Mentioned 1 time
I think she's possibly Princeton or Yale, um, but she wrote a wonderful book called The Therapy of Desire, which looks, you know, there's a, a case study, a kind of fictional case study of a young woman in Stoic times who, um, is learning Stoicism. And you know there's this great, you know, um, Nussbaum is a brilliant writer, so she writes about, and a translator also, yeah, she's extraordinary, but she writes about, um, this woman want,
The guest references 'The Therapy of Desire' by Martha Nussbaum, which features a fictional case study of a young woman exploring Stoicism. The book serves as a philosophical analysis of Stoicism and discusses how these ideas are accessible to women and marginalized groups.
Stillness Is the Key
Buy Stillness Is the Key by Ryan Holiday on Amazon
Mentioned 1 time
The first time I hit number one on the New York Times bestseller list, I remember I was in Los Angeles, I was on book tour for 'Stillness is the Key.' And so I was a different time zone, and so I started getting lots of texts and emails. And my thing is I get up early and I don't get sucked into my phone, so I could feel like I could feel the energy that something was happening.
The host recalls being on tour for his book, 'Stillness is the Key,' when he learned it had reached number one on the New York Times Best Seller list. He reflects on how this moment impacted him, emphasizing the importance of not being attached to external success.
Ego Is the Enemy
Buy Ego Is the Enemy by Ryan Holiday on Amazon
Mentioned 1 time
I was writing, ironically, what would become 'Ego is the Enemy.' But so I didn't take the lack of success that personally because I was busy doing the thing. And then some random lucky things happened, like Amazon discounted it and it stayed discounted, audiobooks started to take off, some sports teams started to talk about it, and then it really started to sell.
The host reflects on his journey of writing 'Ego is the Enemy,' indicating that he didn't take the initial lack of success of his previous book, 'The Obstacle is the Way,' personally. Instead, he was focused on his writing process and how unexpected events, like discounts on Amazon and increasing interest from audiobooks and sports teams, eventually contributed to its success.
The Obstacle Is the Way
Buy The Obstacle Is the Way by Ryan Holiday on Amazon
Mentioned 1 time
No, I I also try to remind myself of what, because I remember I was, I finished the manuscript for The Obstacle Is The Way on a flight from Sydney to Perth. Oh wow, uh, and three off fly, I just, I just finished it, I sent it in and I had zero idea that it would do as well that it would like, if I tell myself in retrospect that I predicted all this that I knew, it says something about me as a person.
The host reflects on finishing his book, 'The Obstacle Is The Way,' while on a flight from Sydney to Perth. He expresses surprise at its success and candidly shares that he had no expectations of how well it would perform.
The Obstacle Is the Way
Buy The Obstacle Is the Way by Ryan Holiday on Amazon
Mentioned 1 time
Yeah, you know, because I think 'Obstacle is the Way.' I also think ego is an obstacle—your own. It's the biggest obstacle, your own sort of sense of your entitlements, you know, where you should be in life.
During the discussion, the host directly references his book 'The Obstacle is the Way,' drawing a connection between the concepts of ego and stoicism. He emphasizes that ego serves as a major obstacle in one’s life, highlighting the relevance of his work to the conversation.
Wild Things
Buy Wild Things by Brigid Delaney on Amazon
Mentioned 1 time
Um, one of my books, Well Mania was turned into a Netflix show. And, um, it's, it did a great first season. It did really well around the world.
The guest discusses her book 'Well Mania', which has been adapted into a Netflix show and has achieved significant success globally. The mention occurs while exploring themes of stoicism and coping with life's unpredictabilities.
We Don't Know Ourselves: A Personal History of Modern Ireland
Buy We Don't Know Ourselves: A Personal History of Modern Ireland by Fintan O'Toole on Amazon
Mentioned 1 time
Yeah, so like some of that is like, it's just the enjoy—like, I just read this book I loved called—uh, that—it's just a masterpiece, which is 'Fint, No Tools, We Don't Know Ourselves.'
In the podcast, the guest shares his admiration for a book he recently read titled 'Fint, No Tools, We Don't Know Ourselves,' which he describes as a masterpiece.
The Cost of These Dreams
Buy The Cost of These Dreams by Wright Thompson on Amazon
Mentioned 1 time
No, it's, um, I was thinking about this though because I was writing upstairs, uh, as I love your book, 'The Cost of These Dreams.'
In this segment, the podcast host expresses their admiration for the guest's book, 'The Cost of These Dreams,' highlighting their enjoyment of it.
The Devil In The White City
Buy The Devil In The White City by Erik Larson on Amazon
Mentioned 1 time
And he goes, so, um, the—the man and wife who—funny, crazy story—the guy who bought this house, he built this dream house with his wife, and then like a year later he gets hit by a streetcar at the World Fair in Chicago and never like dies; never lives in the house; like, like The Devil in the White City, World Fair.
The podcast guest references 'The Devil in the White City' while discussing a story about a man who built a house but tragically never lived in it due to a fatal accident at the World Fair in Chicago.
Through My Eyes
Buy Through My Eyes by Ruby Bridges on Amazon
Mentioned 1 time
And I think that's true for your book, and like I remember a couple years ago my mother-in-law gave—uh, gave us a kid like Ruby Bridges wrote a—a kids' book, and um she wrote on the inside about how she like, remember, she lived in Louisiana when it happened; she lived like up—she lived in Monroe, I think; anyways, she was like, 'We're the same age,' and I was like, wait, what?
The podcast host reflects on a children's book written by Ruby Bridges, which was a gift from their mother-in-law. The host recalls how Bridges shared a personal connection to the events of her childhood in Louisiana.
The End of the Myth
Buy The End of the Myth by Greg Grandin on Amazon
Mentioned 1 time
And you know, I love that Greg Grandon book, 'The End of the Myth,' but like if there's a—you know, there's a case to be made that the land where Matt Till was killed is America was finally settled.
In the podcast, the guest expresses admiration for Greg Grandin's book, 'The End of the Myth,' while discussing the complexities of America's historical settlement, particularly in relation to the land where Matt Till was tragically killed.
Meditations
Buy Meditations by Aurelius Marcus on Amazon
Mentioned 1 time
When attacked online, I remind myself I've got a healthy life and love around me, which alleviates my anger. The best revenge is living well, as Marcus suggested.
In this segment, the speaker refers to Marcus Aurelius, indicating an understanding of his Stoic philosophy. They mention the idea that 'the best revenge is living well,' showing how this principle influences their perspective on dealing with online criticism.
Traffic
Buy Traffic by Ben Smith on Amazon
Mentioned 1 time
Did you read the Ben Smith book?
The host inquires if the guest has read 'Traffic: Genius, Rivalry, and Delusion in the Billion-Dollar Race to Go Viral' by Ben Smith. This question is part of a broader discussion regarding media figures and entrepreneurs.
On the Edge
Buy On the Edge by Nate Silver on Amazon
Mentioned 1 time
Yeah, sometimes I get that about the entrepreneurial side, and then I go like, but what about the bargains, to speak of the village, which you talk a lot about in the book?
During the discussion, the host refers to a book in which the guest elaborates on the concept of the 'village,' suggesting that the guest's own book is relevant to the conversation about the challenges of being an entrepreneur and the moral implications that arise from it.
On the Edge
Buy On the Edge by Nate Silver on Amazon
Mentioned 1 time
Like you talk about Musk in the book, and Peter—I’ve heard Peter talk about this—but like Musk as this guy who just goes all in both in poker but also with his companies.
The host refers to 'Musk in the book' during a discussion about risk-taking behavior and confidence. This suggests that the book being referenced is 'High Stakes: Why High-Risk Behavior Is More Common Than You Think' by Nate Silver.
The Signal and the Noise
Buy The Signal and the Noise by Nate Silver on Amazon
Mentioned 1 time
The thing about poker is you're getting lots of reps with similar situations and—and yeah, mathematical situations, whereas like think about it, so you had some intuition from your first book, then you have intuition from the experience of your second book.
In this segment, the host discusses how the guest's intuition and experiences in poker relate to their insights gained from writing their books, specifically referring to 'your first book' along with a 'second book.'
On the Edge
Buy On the Edge by Nate Silver on Amazon
Mentioned 1 time
The thing about poker is you're getting lots of reps with similar situations and—and yeah, mathematical situations, whereas like think about it, so you had some intuition from your first book, then you have intuition from the experience of your second book.
In this segment, the host discusses how the guest's understanding of poker is influenced by their experiences writing books. They mention gaining insights not only from their first book but also from their 'second book,' highlighting the learning process involved.
On the Edge
Buy On the Edge by Nate Silver on Amazon
Mentioned 1 time
And like you even think about this with some of the entrepreneurs you talk about in the book; like they founded one company or two companies, and then so you're generalizing from this experience, but it's not that much experience given the immensity of the possible experiences.
In this segment, the host discusses the experiences of entrepreneurs mentioned in the book and emphasizes how limited their experiences are for making broad generalizations.
On the Edge
Buy On the Edge by Nate Silver on Amazon
Mentioned 1 time
Having a book that was unexpected and fun could represent a shift in the desire for politically adjacent content.
The host mentions that an unexpected and fun book is highlighted as an example of changing trends in political content.
Painting as a Pastime
Buy Painting as a Pastime by Winston S. Churchill on Amazon
Mentioned 1 time
Yeah. Churchill wrote this book called 'Painting as a Pastime,' and he said that every important public person has to have like one or two hobbies, and his was painting and brick playing.
In the podcast, the host highlights the book 'Painting as a Pastime' by Winston Churchill. This book serves as an analogy, suggesting that it's essential for people, especially those in the public eye, to have diverse hobbies alongside their responsibilities.
On the Edge
Buy On the Edge by Nate Silver on Amazon
Mentioned 1 time
Plus you have a book coming out, which was supposed to come out a year and a half ago; right?
The host refers to a book that is expected to be released soon, likely Nate Silver's recent work on high-risk behavior, which has been mentioned earlier in the podcast.
Meditations
Buy Meditations by Aurelius Marcus on Amazon
Mentioned 1 time
That's always what I've liked the most about Marcus Aurelius' meditations; he's talking to himself, but if he was really just talking to himself, would he have written it down?
In this segment, the host reflects on Marcus Aurelius' book 'Meditations,' emphasizing that while it appears to be a personal dialogue, it is also meant for a broader audience. This connects to the idea of engaging listeners by addressing them directly, enhancing the relatability of the message.
The Daily Stoic
Buy The Daily Stoic by Ryan Holiday, Stephen Hanselman on Amazon
Mentioned 1 time
I remember writing for a long time, and in 2016 I started Daily Stoic with just a few thousand subscribers. Initially, I wanted to see what people thought and feel their sentiments.
The guest discusses the inception of 'Daily Stoic,' which began as an email list aimed at gauging people's thoughts and feedback. This was shared by the podcast host, Ryan Holiday.
Burr
Buy Burr by Gore Vidal on Amazon
Mentioned 1 time
By the way, have you ever read Gore Vidal's book on Aaron Burr? No, that's another great book.
During the discussion, the host inquires if the guest has read Gore Vidal's book about Aaron Burr, to which the guest agrees and describes it as a great read.
The Swerve: How the World Became Modern
Buy The Swerve: How the World Became Modern by Stephen Greenblatt on Amazon
Mentioned 1 time
There's a wonderful book that I recommend to you that you'll thank me a million times for; it's called "The Swerve." Have you ever heard of it?
The guest enthusiastically recommends 'The Swerve' to the host, describing it as a book that the host will greatly appreciate. The conversation later explores the book's theme surrounding the rediscovery of an ancient poem.
Will in the World: How Shakespeare Became Shakespeare (Anniversary Edition)
Mentioned 1 time
All right, let's talk because you mentioned Shakespeare. Greenblatt wrote this amazing book called "Will in the World" that I found incredible.
During the podcast, the guest highlights Stephen Greenblatt's incredible book, "Will in the World: How Shakespeare Became Shakespeare," as they transition into a discussion about Shakespeare.
Tyrant: Shakespeare on Politics
Buy Tyrant: Shakespeare on Politics by Stephen Greenblatt on Amazon
Mentioned 1 time
He has a book called "Tyrant" as well, which I loved, but I was thinking there's a common theme between this movie and Apocalypse Now, as well as the theme of Shakespeare: the ability to find old stories and place them in a new context while preserving the arcs, characters, and morals.
The guest mentions 'Tyrant' by Stephen Greenblatt as a book that he loved. This reference serves as a segue into discussing the common themes between his movies, particularly focusing on how old stories can be reinterpreted while maintaining their core characters and morals.
Ideal and Actual in the Story of the Stone
Buy Ideal and Actual in the Story of the Stone by Dore Jesse Levy on Amazon
Mentioned 1 time
For example, one time I chose a great Chinese book called "The Story of the Stone" or "Dream of the Red Mansion" written in the 16th century. I found myself trying to change Megalopolis to be more like that, which I actually did, because that was one of the few books I ever read where the dream life of the characters was as important as their waking life.
The guest discusses how reading 'The Story of the Stone' (also known as 'Dream of the Red Mansion') inspired changes in one of his films. He highlights the importance of the characters' dream lives in the narrative, illustrating the profound impact the book had on his creative process.
Wilhelm Meister's Apprenticeship
Buy Wilhelm Meister's Apprenticeship by Johann Wolfgang von Goethe on Amazon
Mentioned 1 time
He wrote a book called "Wilhelm Meister" and that was him stealing from Shakespeare. That is Goethe saying, "I want to be as much like Shakespeare as I can be," while Shakespeare was stealing from Plutarch, from Montaigne, from Danish legends, and from other plays—everyone has been stealing from one another.
In the podcast, the guest discusses Goethe's book 'Wilhelm Meister', highlighting how it serves as an example of one author drawing inspiration from another. Specifically, it illustrates Goethe's intention to emulate Shakespeare, while also noting Shakespeare's own influences from various sources.
Papyrus
Buy Papyrus by Irene Vallejo on Amazon
Mentioned 1 time
I was just reading a book called "Papyrus," which covers the history of paper and early writings. One of the things the author notes is that scrolls, because they weren't books, were stored in specific boxes that often held seven scrolls.
The guest discusses a book titled 'Papyrus' that explores the history of paper and early writings, highlighting the difference between books and scrolls, particularly how scrolls were commonly stored in boxes that held seven scrolls.
Shahnameh
Buy Shahnameh by Abolqasem Ferdowsi on Amazon
Mentioned 1 time
Have you ever read that beautiful Persian book called the Shahnameh by Ferdowsi? No, that's like Gilgamesh! It's an early Persian epic, and it's great—a tale of kings!
In the discussion, the host inquires if the guest has read 'Shahnameh' by Ferdowsi, remarking on its beauty and noting that it is an early Persian epic that tells a tale of kings.
Tender is the Night
Buy Tender is the Night by Francis Scott Fitzgerald on Amazon
Mentioned 1 time
That it wasn't successful at first, so he and his editor straightened out something, I guess, I don't know which version I have. But I think what's unusual is that in the original 'Tender Is the Night,' there's a huge flashback in the middle of it that goes back and tells the story of Nicole and Dick Diver.
The discussion revolves around the book 'Tender Is the Night,' focusing on its initial lack of success and the unique structure involving a significant flashback that explores the characters Nicole and Dick Diver.
Antkind
Buy Antkind by Charlie Kaufman on Amazon
Mentioned 1 time
Sure, he wrote a book, a novel called 'Antkind,' a seven- or eight-hundred-page book called 'Antkind.' And that's what Google said: if you want to read something about being a... so I got it, and damned, if you know, as I said, everything I read changes my movie, but this book is changing my life because it's so, I finished it after 750 pages, and it was not unsatisfying.
The guest discusses reading Charlie Kaufman's novel, 'Antkind,' which he describes as a significant influence on his life. He notes that after finishing the 750-page book, it has profoundly impacted his perspective.
Meditations
Buy Meditations by Aurelius Marcus on Amazon
Mentioned 1 time
And speaking of books, just 'cause I know he's a through line in the movie, one of the characters quotes him a few times. What's your relationship with Marcus Aurelius's 'Meditations'?
The host inquires about the guest's connection to Marcus Aurelius's 'Meditations', mentioning that a character in the guest's recent film quotes Aurelius several times.
De Bello Gallico Libri Vii.
Mentioned 1 time
Well, the schoolboys in the founding of our nation were reading Caesar and the Gallic Wars. They knew it all by heart.
The guest mentions that the schoolboys during the founding of the United States were reading Caesar's writings on the Gallic Wars, indicating their familiarity with his work. This reference serves to illustrate the influence of classical literature on the nation's founding.
De Rerum Natura
Buy De Rerum Natura by Titus Lucretius Carus on Amazon
Mentioned 1 time
Yeah, on the nature of things.
The host implicitly references the poem 'De Rerum Natura' by Lucretius, indicating a familiarity with this classic work. The title reappears later in the transcript, highlighting its significance in the discussion of ancient literature.
A Skeleton Key to Finnegans Wake
Buy A Skeleton Key to Finnegans Wake by Joseph Campbell, Henry Morton Robinson on Amazon
Mentioned 1 time
And maybe a period where it's an apparent disaster, but over time, you know, I once read an article that James Joyce was talking about 'Finnegans Wake.' And he said, 'I'm going to put so much interesting stuff in this that it's going to take, you know, uh, 50 years for people to figure out what's in it and it'll sell the whole time.'
The guest references a quote from James Joyce regarding 'Finnegans Wake,' explaining how he believed the book would take decades for readers to fully understand, despite selling well throughout that time.
The Selfish Gene
Buy The Selfish Gene by Richard Dawkins on Amazon
Mentioned 1 time
Everything about a body can be regarded as, in my terminology from 'The Selfish Gene', a survival machine.
The guest refers to his book, 'The Selfish Gene', while explaining his concept of a 'survival machine'.
The Brass Check, a Study of American Journalism
Buy The Brass Check, a Study of American Journalism by Upton Sinclair on Amazon
Mentioned 1 time
And then I read this book—did you read Upton Sinclair’s book, The Brass Check?
The guest inquires whether the host has read 'The Brass Check' by Upton Sinclair, which explores the media landscape of the early 20th century.
The Jungle
Buy The Jungle by Upton Sinclair on Amazon
Mentioned 1 time
So after he wrote The Jungle, he wrote this like similar book; it’s non-fiction instead of fiction, I guess, but he basically writes an expose of early 20th Century media.
The guest discusses Upton Sinclair's impactful work 'The Jungle', mentioning that after this novel, Sinclair wrote a non-fiction book that serves as an expose on early 20th century media, comparing the two works.
The Brass Check, a Study of American Journalism
Buy The Brass Check, a Study of American Journalism by Upton Sinclair on Amazon
Mentioned 1 time
And in the Upton Sinclair book, he’s talking about basically it’s like journalism was considered a low profession, so it didn’t have like a social structure, it didn’t have ethics, it didn’t have like institutions that gave awards to it; it was just like it was kind of a low-ass profession and so people just did whatever they could to get ahead in that position.
The guest discusses Upton Sinclair's book, which explores how journalism was viewed as a lowly profession lacking a clear social structure and ethics.
The Daily Stoic
Buy The Daily Stoic by Ryan Holiday, Stephen Hanselman on Amazon
Mentioned 1 time
What I was struck by and thinking about when I was reading your book is like what I got wrong or what I was talking about this sort of corruption of sort of money and attention flooding into journalism, but what’s interesting to me about where we are now is that in many cases, I guess I was overestimating the financial incentive as a problem—like I was going, like people are doing this to get page views because they put a little ad unit there and they make a certain amount of money per pages.
The guest reflects on their thoughts while reading a book by the podcast host, discussing issues such as the corruption in media and journalism, and how financial incentives may be overestimated as a problem.
Rules for Radicals
Buy Rules for Radicals by Saul Alinsky on Amazon
Mentioned 1 time
I saw you wrote a lot about um, about Alinsky and Rules for Radicals, also, which is a thing that I think about constantly; like that book is always in my head.
The guest discusses the host's writings on Alinsky's 'Rules for Radicals' and reflects on how the ideas from the book frequently occupy their thoughts.
The Daily Stoic
Buy The Daily Stoic by Ryan Holiday, Stephen Hanselman on Amazon
Mentioned 1 time
There was that term like slacktivism, and I feel like that was around the time that you were writing your book, actually it was; I don’t think you hear it mentioned quite so much anymore.
The guest discusses how the term 'slacktivism' emerged around the same time the host was writing their book.
Trust Me, I'm Lying
Buy Trust Me, I'm Lying by Ryan Holiday on Amazon
Mentioned 1 time
I was—I’d be curious your thoughts on podcasting as a medium because I had such high hopes for it as a medium, and like it wasn’t—uh, like sort of per—it seemed to be, um, when I was writing, uh, the updated version of Trust Me, I’m Lying, I was talking about podcasting as a positive medium in that it’s subscriber-based, like instead of just like random viral things, like audio is not super viral, or it wasn’t then.
The guest discusses their thoughts on podcasting while referencing their work on the updated version of 'Trust Me, I’m Lying', highlighting the positive attributes of podcasting as a medium that relies on subscriber engagement.
Meditations
Buy Meditations by Aurelius Marcus on Amazon
Mentioned 1 time
One of my favorite quotes from Marcus’s Meditations is where he states that ambition ties your success to the actions of others.
The podcast host refers to a quote from Marcus Aurelius's book, Meditations, which emphasizes the idea that one's personal success should not rely on the actions of others. This book was previously mentioned in the episode as a resource the guest wished she had while in prison, linking it to a broader discussion about how stoic philosophy influenced her perspective.
Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix (Stenciled Edges) (Harry Potter, Book 5)
Mentioned 1 time
But at the same time I read things like I was reading Harry Potter and, you know, the Order of the Phoenix.
In this segment, the podcast guest shares how reading 'Harry Potter and The Order of the Phoenix' provided her with a sense of escapism, illustrating the specific emotions she experienced during a challenging time.
The Daily Stoic
Buy The Daily Stoic by Ryan Holiday, Stephen Hanselman on Amazon
Mentioned 1 time
I've read that this is your twelfth book; I've also read the previous eleven and bought 2,000 copies of them to give away. We tend to chase those expectations, thinking, 'Once we meet them, we'll be satisfied.'
During the discussion, Coach Buzz Williams highlights that host Ryan Holiday has authored twelve books, revealing that he has read the previous eleven and even bought 2,000 copies of them to distribute. This remark underscores the ongoing conversation about Ryan's works.
The Daily Stoic
Buy The Daily Stoic by Ryan Holiday, Stephen Hanselman on Amazon
Mentioned 1 time
For example, if I believe my book turned out well and I put all the effort in, that’s what I should focus on. A negative review from someone I don't know shouldn't determine the book's value if I wasn't targeting the criteria highlighted.
The podcast host uses his book as an example in a hypothetical discussion about focusing on the effort put into creation rather than external feedback. As he and Coach Buzz Williams explore themes of process over outcome, the host emphasizes how his own work illustrates the principle of control over perception.
It's a Book!
Buy It's a Book! by Lane Smith on Amazon
Mentioned 1 time
You'd go on a morning show and have only two minutes to explain a book, but on a podcast, you might have three hours.
The speaker discusses the challenge of explaining a book in just two minutes on morning shows, contrasting it with the more in-depth discussions possible on podcasts, which can last for three hours.
It's a Book!
Buy It's a Book! by Lane Smith on Amazon
Mentioned 1 time
Some might work on a book for seven years, which consists of many pages, but the ability to effectively communicate a big idea concisely is a skill that not enough people have.
The speaker discusses the effort and time commitment involved in creating a book, emphasizing that it often takes many years to complete one. They also highlight the contrast between the extensive nature of a book and the important yet rare skill of effectively communicating complex ideas in a concise manner.
Kids Books
Buy Kids Books by Ivan King, kids books on Amazon
Mentioned 1 time
When I think about attention and the concept of kids' books—I often think about finding the middle.
The speaker shifts the conversation towards the topic of children's books and considers the balance in their creation, particularly in relation to attention spans.
Meditations
Buy Meditations by Aurelius Marcus on Amazon
Mentioned 1 time
We could imagine that that's what Marcus Aurelius is doing in his meditations. What's weird about meditations is that it's not a book for the reader; it's a book for the writer.
In this segment, Ryan Holiday reflects on Marcus Aurelius's 'Meditations', emphasizing that the work was intended as a form of personal reflection rather than for an audience. He relates this idea to how Stoics manage challenges and how the act of writing can help individuals gain perspective on their own thoughts.
The Obstacle Is the Way
Buy The Obstacle Is the Way by Ryan Holiday on Amazon
Mentioned 1 time
I added an acting thing; I did a 10-year anniversary edition of ‘The Obstacle is the Way,’ and it hasn't come out yet. But a lot of athletes, like I work with the US ski team, use it because they always deal with last-minute challenges like equipment failure, weather problems, and delays.
The guest discusses the upcoming 10-year anniversary edition of 'The Obstacle is the Way,' emphasizing its relevance to overcoming challenges faced by athletes, such as equipment failures and weather issues.
Stillness Is the Key
Buy Stillness Is the Key by Ryan Holiday on Amazon
Mentioned 1 time
I shared a story from 'Stillness is the Key' about Jed Apatow, who took many movies to realize the studio was not his parents. They would give him notes, and he felt personally attacked, projecting his feelings onto executives.
The podcast host, Ryan Holiday, shares a story from his book 'Stillness is the Key'. He uses this example to illustrate how Jed Apatow learned to cope with professional feedback and the importance of not projecting personal feelings onto others in the workplace.
Meditations
Buy Meditations by Aurelius Marcus on Amazon
Mentioned 1 time
There's a great line in Marcus Aurelius's 'Meditations'—things aren't asking to be judged by you. What you see in entertainment television is the same; it's like how they question if LeBron James should retire—it’s his decision, not ours, and these prompts are designed to create conflict.
In this segment, Ryan Holiday, the host, quotes a line from Marcus Aurelius's 'Meditations,' emphasizing that many aspects of life are not meant to be judged by us. He illustrates this with the example of LeBron James's retirement decisions, highlighting that such matters are ultimately personal and shouldn't be subject to external judgment.
Van Gogh
Buy Van Gogh by Steven Naifeh, Gregory White Smith on Amazon
Mentioned 1 time
Yes, in that 'Mind on Fire' book about... I think it's one of the best books I've read about Emerson too. Yes.
The guest discusses 'Mind on Fire', highlighting it as one of the best books about Emerson that they've read. The host agrees with this sentiment.
The Minimalist Mindset
Buy The Minimalist Mindset by Danny Dover on Amazon
Mentioned 1 time
I woke up this morning, and we're launching my new book today, and the landing page went out, but it didn't work.
Chris Distefano discusses the launch of his new book today, mentioning that the landing page for it did not work as intended.
Meditations
Buy Meditations by Aurelius Marcus on Amazon
Mentioned 1 time
Mark said when you do someone a good turn and they receive it, don't ask for recognition.
In this segment, the guest references a teaching attributed to 'Mark', which is likely a nod to the Stoic philosopher Marcus Aurelius. The teaching emphasizes the value of performing good deeds without seeking acknowledgment.
Meditations
Buy Meditations by Aurelius Marcus on Amazon
Mentioned 1 time
And I get my copy of Meditations; it comes from Amazon. I had to wait a couple of days for it to arrive 'cause Prime didn't exist yet, you know? And I read this passage in Meditations from Marcus Aurelius: let me find it.
The podcast host recalls a personal experience from his college days when he received a copy of 'Meditations' by Marcus Aurelius. He reflects on the time he had to wait for it to be delivered and shares a specific passage from the book.
Man's Search for Meaning
Buy Man's Search for Meaning by Viktor E. Frankl on Amazon
Mentioned 1 time
Viktor Frankl’s 'Man’s Search for Meaning' illustrates this beautifully, showing how he maintained joy and purpose despite facing horrific circumstances. During the pandemic, a previously lost work of his, titled 'Yes to Life,' became available and resonates even more deeply now.
The podcast guest highlights Viktor Frankl's 'Man's Search for Meaning,' which beautifully illustrates how one can find joy and purpose even in horrific circumstances. They also mention his recently discovered book 'Yes to Life,' which resonates deeply with these themes.
Yes to Life
Buy Yes to Life by Viktor E. Frankl on Amazon
Mentioned 1 time
Viktor Frankl’s 'Man’s Search for Meaning' illustrates this beautifully, showing how he maintained joy and purpose despite facing horrific circumstances. During the pandemic, a previously lost work of his, titled 'Yes to Life,' became available and resonates even more deeply now. In this work, Frankl expresses the essence of persisting in life’s challenges despite suffering.
The podcast guest discusses how a previously lost work by Viktor Frankl, titled 'Yes to Life,' became available during the pandemic. This book resonates deeply as it reflects on persisting through life's challenges, particularly in the context of suffering.
The 48 Laws of Power (Special Power Edition)
Buy The 48 Laws of Power (Special Power Edition) by Robert Greene on Amazon
Mentioned 1 time
Achieving such a milestone may initially feel fulfilling, but once it’s attained, expectations often lead to disappointment, demonstrating the arrival fallacy. Roberts Green’s work 'The 48 Laws of Power' illustrates the strategic navigation required to embrace life while maintaining healthy boundaries. Approaching it without preordained notions allows you to leverage insights from his work while embracing your unique journey.
The podcast guest references the book 'The 48 Laws of Power' by Robert Greene to illustrate how to strategically navigate life while maintaining healthy boundaries, emphasizing the importance of understanding goals without preconceptions.
Ego Is the Enemy
Buy Ego Is the Enemy by Ryan Holiday on Amazon
Mentioned 1 time
Which... that exact story was in the intro of "Ego is the Enemy" and I cut it at some point.
In this segment, Ryan Holiday discusses a story he removed from the introduction of his book, 'Ego is the Enemy', and how he traced its origins through earlier drafts.
Ego Is the Enemy
Buy Ego Is the Enemy by Ryan Holiday on Amazon
Mentioned 1 time
Like the book was built around it of "Ego."
In this segment, Ryan Holiday discusses how the story connects to his earlier work, 'Ego is the Enemy', emphasizing the themes that are central to both.
Immigration and the Constraints of Justice
Buy Immigration and the Constraints of Justice by Ryan Pevnick on Amazon
Mentioned 1 time
And the topic of this book seems like one of the harder ones to find that overlap or... and you, the title you didn’t go with, ‘Justice is Insurmountable’.
In this segment, Ryan Holiday discusses 'this book' concerning the topic of Justice, reflecting on the challenges of aligning personal preferences with audience expectations.
Meditations
Buy Meditations by Aurelius Marcus on Amazon
Mentioned 1 time
I mean, they—like most of what I feel like the Stoics talk about, let's take Meditations.
In this episode, the hosts reference 'Meditations' as a significant example of Stoic literature, which is authored by Marcus Aurelius.
Meditations
Buy Meditations by Aurelius Marcus on Amazon
Mentioned 1 time
Most of where like Marcus Aurelius talks about Justice, like literally dozens of times in Meditations, um, he also talks about doing the right thing dozens of times in Meditations and the common good.
In this segment, the host refers to 'Meditations' by Marcus Aurelius, highlighting how the book addresses the concept of justice repeatedly. The host emphasizes that Aurelius discusses the importance of doing the right thing and contributing to the common good throughout the work.
Meditations
Buy Meditations by Aurelius Marcus on Amazon
Mentioned 1 time
Yeah, Marcus really has this quote in Meditations where he says, uh, the fruit of this life is good character and acts for the common good.
In this segment, the podcast host refers to a quote from 'Meditations' by Marcus Aurelius, explaining that he believed the essence of life is good character and contributing to the common good. This quote serves as a launching point for a deeper discussion on Stoic principles, particularly focusing on the concept of Justice.
The 50th Law
Buy The 50th Law by 50 Cent, Robert Greene on Amazon
Mentioned 1 time
Yeah, your life ceases to be normal, and you lose your bead on—the fact that you have to have this— Robert Greene talks about this in 'The 50th Law'—like you have to have this direct connection with the audience because that's ultimately who you're servicing.
In this segment, the host refers to 'The 50th Law' by Robert Greene, highlighting the book's discussion on the importance of maintaining a direct connection with the audience.
The Next
Buy The Next by Stephanie Gangi on Amazon
Mentioned 1 time
This is all funny because this is in the next book.
The host humorously notes that the current discussion topic will be covered in 'the next book', suggesting a forthcoming work by the same author.
None Shall Sleep
Buy None Shall Sleep by Ellie Marney on Amazon
Mentioned 1 time
Well, you also have the North Star chapter in this book.
The podcast host refers to a chapter called 'North Star' which is included in 'this book', indicating their current book project.
Courage Is Calling
Buy Courage Is Calling by Ryan Holiday on Amazon
Mentioned 1 time
In the afterward of "Courage is Calling," I discuss how insidious these things are.
Ryan Holiday references his own book, 'Courage is Calling', in which he discusses the insidious nature of certain concepts in the afterword.
Dereliction of Duty
Buy Dereliction of Duty by H. R. McMaster on Amazon
Mentioned 1 time
Yeah, McMaster, HR McMaster, who’s a fantastic writer, wrote a book called "Dereliction of Duty."
In this segment, the host highlights HR McMaster as a brilliant writer and discusses his book titled 'Dereliction of Duty', outlining its significance.
Dereliction of Duty
Buy Dereliction of Duty by H. R. McMaster on Amazon
Mentioned 1 time
That’s McMaster's book – "Dereliction of Duty" – it’s pretty incredible.
In this segment, the host highlights HR McMaster's book, 'Dereliction of Duty,' praising it as an incredible read.
The Wealth of Nations
Buy The Wealth of Nations by Adam Smith on Amazon
Mentioned 1 time
Adam Smith, before he wrote The Wealth of Nations, he wrote this philosophy book; he was taught by a professor who was a big fan of Stoics and it’s called The Theory of Moral Sentiments.
In this segment, the podcast host discusses Adam Smith, noting that before he wrote his famous work 'The Wealth of Nations', he authored a philosophy book called 'The Theory of Moral Sentiments', influenced by a professor who admired Stoic principles.
The Theory of Moral Sentiments
Buy The Theory of Moral Sentiments by Adam Smith on Amazon
Mentioned 1 time
Adam Smith, before he wrote The Wealth of Nations, he wrote this philosophy book; he was taught by a professor who was a big fan of Stoics and it’s called The Theory of Moral Sentiments.
In this segment, the podcast host discusses Adam Smith's earlier work, 'The Theory of Moral Sentiments,' highlighting its philosophical significance and its connection to Stoic teachings.
Meditations
Buy Meditations by Aurelius Marcus on Amazon
Mentioned 1 time
In Meditations, there's a passage where Marcus Aurelius realizes that whatever you think you want is inside of you right now. You can retreat and go on vacation inside your own soul instead of looking for external escapes.
In this segment, the host discusses a passage from Marcus Aurelius's book 'Meditations', emphasizing the idea of finding inner peace rather than seeking external distractions.
The Daily Stoic
Buy The Daily Stoic by Ryan Holiday, Stephen Hanselman on Amazon
Mentioned 1 time
I think it's a similar theme in your book—just be the best version of yourself as possible.
During the podcast, the host Ryan Holiday references his own book while discussing a theme of self-improvement, highlighting the idea of striving to be the best version of oneself.
The Daily Stoic
Buy The Daily Stoic by Ryan Holiday, Stephen Hanselman on Amazon
Mentioned 1 time
One thing I advocate in my book is to always create a model that demonstrates what you're trying to say.
In this segment, the host of The Daily Stoic podcast discusses a concept from his own book, emphasizing the importance of creating models to effectively convey ideas.
The Daily Stoic
Buy The Daily Stoic by Ryan Holiday, Stephen Hanselman on Amazon
Mentioned 1 time
Receiving positive feedback on my book has made me realize how fleeting success can be.
The host of The Daily Stoic podcast discusses receiving positive feedback on his book, emphasizing the importance of this feedback in helping him understand the transient nature of success.
It's a Book!
Buy It's a Book! by Lane Smith on Amazon
Mentioned 1 time
We’re actually writing a book about this right now—about the artist's life.
The speaker shares that he is currently in the process of writing a book focused on the life of an artist.
Originals
Buy Originals by Adam Grant on Amazon
Mentioned 1 time
They might say you should just read The Originals or that we haven't read the originals.
In this segment, the podcast host discusses how critics might suggest that people should read 'The Originals'. This implies a criticism of their understanding, hinting that their insights may not be as deep as those who originated the ideas.
The Justice of Mercy
Buy The Justice of Mercy by Linda Ross Meyer on Amazon
Mentioned 1 time
I talked about this in the intro of the justice book that is coming out in June where, as a philosopher, you're looking at big questions like the trolley problem.
Mark Manson discusses his forthcoming 'justice book,' highlighting how philosophers often engage with theoretical dilemmas like the trolley problem, critiquing their focus on abstract scenarios instead of addressing real-world moral challenges.
The 48 Laws of Power (Special Power Edition)
Buy The 48 Laws of Power (Special Power Edition) by Robert Greene on Amazon
Mentioned 1 time
The other thing I get a lot, which is weird because I didn't write it, is people ask me how I square all this stuff with the 48 Laws of Power or whatever. Well, I didn't write it, so it’s not my job.
In the podcast, the speaker is frequently asked how his views align with '48 Laws of Power', suggesting that many listeners mistakenly believe he is the author. He clarifies that he is not responsible for the book's content, distancing himself from its interpretations.
Everything Is F*cked
Buy Everything Is F*cked by Mark Manson on Amazon
Mentioned 1 time
It's funny because I was doing my book tour for Everything is F*cked, where I did most of this research and wrote about most of this stuff. A guy came up to me after one of the shows and asked if I had ever heard of optimistic nihilism, and I said I hadn’t.
During his book tour for 'Everything is F*cked,' the speaker shares a humorous encounter with an audience member who introduced him to the concept of optimistic nihilism, a topic he explores in his book.
The Coddling of the American Mind
Buy The Coddling of the American Mind by Greg Lukianoff, Jonathan Haidt on Amazon
Mentioned 1 time
I started rereading Stoicism at the same time as I was working on the book The Coddling of the American Mind.
In this segment, Jonathan Haidt discusses how he was rereading Stoicism while concurrently working on his book, 'The Coddling of the American Mind'. This reveals a link between his exploration of Stoicism and the ideas presented in his book.
The Coddling of the American Mind
Buy The Coddling of the American Mind by Greg Lukianoff, Jonathan Haidt on Amazon
Mentioned 1 time
At the same time, I was writing The Coddling of the American Mind, which was all about what was happening to Gen Z and young people.
Jonathan Haidt discusses his book 'The Coddling of the American Mind', which addresses the challenges faced by Gen Z and young individuals. This mention highlights the book's relevance to the themes explored in this podcast episode.
Meditations
Buy Meditations by Aurelius Marcus on Amazon
Mentioned 1 time
To have news from far-flung provinces, to have endless correspondence, and to feel like the weight of the world is on your shoulders—to read Meditations, you're like, 'This is not good for a person to be in this position.'
In this segment, the podcast host references 'Meditations' by Marcus Aurelius, discussing how the emperor dealt with stress and the burden of information overload. This perspective relates to the challenges posed by social media, which is a central theme of the episode.
Meditations
Buy Meditations by Aurelius Marcus on Amazon
Mentioned 1 time
I think one of the most fascinating quotes in Meditations is when Marcus says, 'You obviously love yourself more than other people.'
The guest references a quote from Marcus Aurelius's 'Meditations', discussing how individuals often prioritize others' opinions over their own self-assessment. This quote serves as a segue into the conversation about the negative effects of social media.
The Stoic Challenge: A Philosopher's Guide to Becoming Tougher, Calmer, and More Resilient
Mentioned 1 time
The 'stronger' piece is about emotional strength, often leaning on Stoicism—especially the wonderful book, The Stoic Challenge, by William Irvine, which everyone loves.
Jonathan Haidt highlights William Irvine's book 'The Stoic Challenge' as an essential guide for developing emotional strength. He emphasizes its usefulness in his course and acknowledges its value in applying stoic principles.
Meditations
Buy Meditations by Aurelius Marcus on Amazon
Mentioned 1 time
One interesting passage in Marcus Aurelius' 'Meditations' is when he says, "Today I escaped anxiety."
The discussion centers on a passage from Marcus Aurelius's book 'Meditations', where he reflects on the Stoic concept that anxiety is an internal struggle that can be overcome through deliberate mental effort. This connects to the episode's overarching theme of employing Stoicism in everyday life to better manage emotions, particularly in the context of social media.
The Righteous Mind
Buy The Righteous Mind by Jonathan Haidt on Amazon
Mentioned 1 time
But what's happened is, as I say in 'The Righteous Mind', we evolved for small-scale societies that are deeply religious, that circle around sacred objects to make us stronger, especially in battles against other groups.
Jonathan Haidt references his book, 'The Righteous Mind', discussing how our minds have evolved for small-scale, religious societies. He ties this idea to the tribal nature of modern politics and the challenges it presents to democracy, which is an essential aspect of his commentary on contemporary society.
Ametora
Buy Ametora by W. David Marx on Amazon
Mentioned 1 time
I was so inspired that I went and bought this book called 'How Japan Saved American Fashion.' I read it, and I learned all about the culture of Japan.
In this segment, Sam Parr shares how a Twitter post motivated him to purchase and read the book 'How Japan Saved American Fashion,' through which he gained insights into Japanese culture.
Lives of the Stoics
Buy Lives of the Stoics by Ryan Holiday, Stephen Hanselman on Amazon
Mentioned 1 time
Alright, I'll do it; I wrote a whole book about this, you know? I did a book called 'Lives with the Stoics' which is bios of each of the Stoics.
In the podcast, host Ryan Holiday mentions his book 'Lives with the Stoics' when responding to a guest's request for a deep dive on individual Stoic figures. He explains that the book consists of biographies of various Stoics.
Two Books Are Better Than One!
Buy Two Books Are Better Than One! by Shari Frost on Amazon
Mentioned 1 time
So early in grad school, I'm at MIT. I had published these two books about how to be a good student, right? And I had a blog.
The speaker shares his experience in grad school at MIT, noting that he published 'two books about how to be a good student,' which ties into the advice he was offering.
It's a Book!
Buy It's a Book! by Lane Smith on Amazon
Mentioned 1 time
Like I always tell people for me, the most important phone call probably in my life is when I decided to write a book. I called a family friend who was an agent and said, 'Explain to me how to sell books, and in particular what would be the very narrow path that like a 20 or 21-year-old could follow to sell a book?'
The speaker discusses the significance of a crucial phone call he made to an agent, seeking advice on the process of selling books, particularly focusing on how a young person could navigate this path to get their book published.
It's a Book!
Buy It's a Book! by Lane Smith on Amazon
Mentioned 1 time
I was like, okay, got have my standard advice for writing a book and he had this whole like alternative world built out about how he was going to run around the whole. It involved him spending a lot of money, yeah, on these marketing firms and these marketing firms were going to get a lot of attention to his self-published book.
The host recounts a story about someone discussing their plans for self-publishing a book. The person intends to invest significantly in marketing firms to help promote their work.
Getting Things Done
Buy Getting Things Done by David Allen on Amazon
Mentioned 1 time
Yeah, you go back and read David Allen, what you get, what's his goal? Occasional moments of Zen-like peace, among the mind, like there's nothing to turn you into a processing machine and a survival process you, right?
In this segment, the host discusses the book 'Getting Things Done' by David Allen, emphasizing its goal of attaining moments of Zen-like peace in one's mind, as opposed to merely becoming a productivity machine.
The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People
Buy The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen R. Covey on Amazon
Mentioned 1 time
So you get seven habits, you get first things first, read these books, they're very optimistic, they're all about self-actualization. If you've ever read these books, it's like, you figure out your roles in life, yeah.
The host discusses 'The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People' by Stephen Covey, focusing on its principles of self-actualization and the importance of identifying one's roles in life.
The Four Cardinal Virtues
Buy The Four Cardinal Virtues by Josef Pieper on Amazon
Mentioned 1 time
And then it's okay, we're going to do the four cardinal virtues books, we're going to, you know, really push the studio quality pod, you know, the plays. It was like you push chips in, right?
The guest refers to 'the four cardinal virtues books', discussing them in the context of previous works associated with the podcast host.
The Lean Startup
Buy The Lean Startup by Eric Ries on Amazon
Mentioned 1 time
And you can actually see this by looking at business advice literature like books like the popular books, right? So in the 80s and 90s, he was like, the big name is going to be Stephen Covey, right?
The host discusses business advice literature, highlighting its significance and referencing popular books from authors like Stephen Covey.
Discipline Is Destiny
Buy Discipline Is Destiny by Ryan Holiday on Amazon
Mentioned 1 time
I come up with the concept, like, hey, I'd love to do a video about, I don't know, Ryan's new book. And we're like, okay cool, we can't call it 'Discipline is Destiny' because that would be a bit weird.
In this segment, Ali Abdaal discusses the idea of creating a YouTube video focused on Ryan Holiday's new book. He notes that although they considered using the title 'Discipline is Destiny', they ultimately felt it would be inappropriate for their video.
Discipline Is Destiny
Buy Discipline Is Destiny by Ryan Holiday on Amazon
Mentioned 1 time
I come up with the concept, like, hey, I'd love to do a video about, I don't know, Ryan's new book. And we're like, okay cool, we can't call it 'Discipline is Destiny' because that would be a bit weird.
In this segment, the podcast guest, Ali Abdaal, discusses an idea for a YouTube video related to Ryan Holiday's new book, 'Discipline is Destiny,' mentioning that they can't use this title for the project.
The Obstacle Is the Way
Buy The Obstacle Is the Way by Ryan Holiday on Amazon
Mentioned 1 time
When you asked me about self-publishing earlier, I experienced this unintentionally and intentionally when 'The Obstacle is the Way' came out.
In this episode, the host Ryan Holiday discusses his book, 'The Obstacle is the Way', while reflecting on his personal journey with self-publishing. He elaborates on the experiences that accompanied the book's release and its gradual rise in popularity.
Ego Is the Enemy
Buy Ego Is the Enemy by Ryan Holiday on Amazon
Mentioned 1 time
If I had waited, I probably could have sold what became 'Ego is the Enemy' for a lot of money, a lot more money. But I had sold a proposal version of it while I was still figuring the book out, so I was under contract.
In this segment, Ryan Holiday discusses his book 'Ego is the Enemy' and reflects on his experiences with publishing. He shares insights on how the timing of his project and the constraints of contracts influenced the sale of the book.
Courage Is Calling
Buy Courage Is Calling by Ryan Holiday on Amazon
Mentioned 1 time
So again, the downside is, 'Courage' came out; it did okay. 'Discipline' came out; it did spectacularly.
In this segment, Ryan Holiday discusses the performance of his book 'Courage is Calling', mentioning that it didn't do as well as his other book 'Discipline', which had spectacular sales.
Discipline Is Destiny
Buy Discipline Is Destiny by Ryan Holiday on Amazon
Mentioned 1 time
So again, the downside is, 'Courage' came out; it did okay. 'Discipline' came out; it did spectacularly.
In this segment, Ryan Holiday discusses his own book, 'Discipline is Destiny', highlighting its successful release compared to another title.
The Boy Who Would Be King
Buy The Boy Who Would Be King by Ryan Holiday on Amazon
Mentioned 1 time
Maybe I could have been selling 'Justice' for more, but all of that was irrelevant because I was just in the middle of writing the book.
In this segment, Ryan Holiday discusses his book titled 'Justice', explaining that he could have potentially sold it for a higher price, but that was insignificant as he was focused on the writing process.
Drive
Buy Drive by Daniel H. Pink on Amazon
Mentioned 1 time
Then I would read, like, I don’t know, one of your newsletter or one of your books or like 'Drive' by Dan Pink, and I'm like, oh, it's so good! This stuff is so good!
In this segment, podcast guest Ali Abdaal discusses the book 'Drive' by Dan Pink, sharing how it resonates with him and enhances his understanding of his own work.
The Obstacle Is the Way
Buy The Obstacle Is the Way by Ryan Holiday on Amazon
Mentioned 1 time
Honestly, I was thinking about that and all the Stoic stuff I've been digesting since I discovered 'The Obstacle is the Way'.
Ali Abdaal reflects on the Stoic concepts he has been exploring since discovering 'The Obstacle is the Way', suggesting that this book has significantly influenced his thinking.
The Book: A Cover-to-Cover Exploration of the Most Powerful Object of Our Time
Mentioned 1 time
No, no, when I saw it in the book, I was like, wait, I don't know why I thought you were like an East Coast person or something.
The podcast host refers to something he read in 'the book' while discussing the guest's upbringing, revealing a misconception about their origins that he corrected upon referencing the book.
Same as Ever
Buy Same as Ever by Morgan Housel on Amazon
Mentioned 1 time
I use a story in 'Same as Ever' about during the Revolutionary War, during the Battle of Long Island, George Washington and his troops were cornered by the British.
During the discussion, the guest refers to his book 'Same as Ever,' sharing a story from it that illustrates a point about historical events, specifically drawing on the struggles faced by George Washington and his troops during the Revolutionary War.
The Great Depression: A Diary
Buy The Great Depression: A Diary by Benjamin Roth on Amazon
Mentioned 1 time
It's tough; there's a great book that I love. I think it's the greatest economic book ever written. It's called 'The Great Depression: A Diary.'
The speaker enthusiastically shares his admiration for a book titled 'The Great Depression: A Diary,' which he regards as the best economic book ever. He references it to illustrate how individuals experiencing historical events often lack awareness of future developments.
The Daily Stoic
Buy The Daily Stoic by Ryan Holiday, Stephen Hanselman on Amazon
Mentioned 1 time
Right; I remember my agent had the idea for Daily Stoic.
The podcast host mentions 'Daily Stoic' as the idea originally suggested by his agent, referencing it in connection with the concept of writing a book on Stoicism.
The Daily Dad
Buy The Daily Dad by Ryan Holiday on Amazon
Mentioned 1 time
In fact, when I sign copies of my book, 'Daily Dad,' I often cross out the word 'kids' on the cover and write 'adults' instead, as that's the ultimate aim of parenting.
The podcast host discusses his book 'Daily Dad,' sharing an anecdote about signing copies for readers. He emphasizes how the ultimate aim of parenting is to raise emotionally mature adults, reflecting on the importance of this goal.
Furious Hours
Buy Furious Hours by Casey N. Cep on Amazon
Mentioned 1 time
I just read this book called 'Furious Hours,' which is both a true crime account and about Harper Lee, who wrote 'To Kill a Mockingbird.'
The guest comments on reading 'Furious Hours,' describing it as a true crime narrative that also delves into the life of Harper Lee, author of 'To Kill a Mockingbird.'
To Kill a Mockingbird
Buy To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee on Amazon
Mentioned 1 time
I just read this book called 'Furious Hours,' which is both a true crime account and about Harper Lee, who wrote 'To Kill a Mockingbird.'
In the conversation, the guest references 'To Kill a Mockingbird' as part of a discussion on authors and the challenges of perfectionism in writing, illustrating its significance in the literary world.
Lives of the Stoics
Buy Lives of the Stoics by Ryan Holiday, Stephen Hanselman on Amazon
Mentioned 1 time
I did this book a few years ago called Lives of the Stoics, where instead of diving into what the stoics said, I just tried to write biographies of who they were.
In this segment, the host, Ryan Holiday, discusses his book 'Lives of the Stoics', explaining that the book emphasizes biographical details about the Stoic philosophers rather than merely exploring their teachings. He highlights that Stoics were dynamic individuals, countering the common stereotype of them as purely emotionless characters.
The Essential Guide to Getting Your Book Published
Mentioned 1 time
Look, if you sell zero copies of your book, you won’t be able to write another.
In a discussion with Dr. Michael Gervais, Ryan Holiday emphasizes the importance of selling copies of a book, stating that failing to do so could prevent an author from writing more.
Off the Books
Buy Off the Books by Sudhir Alladi Venkatesh on Amazon
Mentioned 1 time
Like I would do the books; if I was the only audience, it would be very different.
In a discussion about authorship and engagement with an audience, Dr. Michael Gervais refers to 'the books', indicating how his approach would change if he were the sole audience.
The 48 Laws of Power (Special Power Edition)
Buy The 48 Laws of Power (Special Power Edition) by Robert Greene on Amazon
Mentioned 1 time
I can honestly say I never intended in my life to write The 48 Laws of Power. I didn't start out at 8 years old saying, 'I'm going to write The 48 Laws of Power.'
In this segment, Robert Greene reflects on his unexpected journey to writing 'The 48 Laws of Power,' revealing that it was never a childhood dream of his.
What If?
Buy What If? by Randall Munroe on Amazon
Mentioned 1 time
Yeah, there's a whole series of books out called 'What If,' and they're fascinating; I don't know if you've ever read them.
Robert Greene discusses the fascinating series of books titled 'What If,' which explore alternate histories by considering how a single different event could change the course of history.
Meditations
Buy Meditations by Aurelius Marcus on Amazon
Mentioned 1 time
I think one thing that struck me as I'm reading Meditations is Marcus Aurelius thanks his philosophy teacher, Rusticus, who gives him his copy of Epictetus's lectures.
In this segment, Ryan Holiday discusses the book 'Meditations' by Marcus Aurelius, highlighting a moment where Marcus expresses gratitude to his philosophy teacher, Rusticus, for providing him with a copy of Epictetus's lectures.
The Dialogues of Plato
Buy The Dialogues of Plato by Plato on Amazon
Mentioned 1 time
But he ends up in this, he ends up in this bookstore, and the bookseller is reading one of, uh, Plato's dialogues or, I know, I guess it would have been one of Zenon's books.
In the discussion, Robert Greene refers to the philosophical dialogues of Plato, noting that they might have been read by a bookseller in the context of a story about Zeno.
The Odyssey of Homer
Buy The Odyssey of Homer by Homer on Amazon
Mentioned 1 time
And the the timelessness of that, and so, so many parts of the Odyssey are inexplicable; you know, as he gets there—not to spoil the ending—but you know he just, there's this sort of moment at the end where he just, you know, murders with his bare hands like a hundred people and just like, 'Of course he did!'
In this segment, Ryan Holiday reflects on the story of The Odyssey, highlighting its timeless nature and discussing the surprising and violent ending, which he finds difficult to explain to his children.
The First Three Minutes
Buy The First Three Minutes by Steven Weinberg on Amazon
Mentioned 1 time
And you know, I read a book called The First Three Minutes, which is about the first three minutes of the universe.
Robert Greene discusses his reading of 'The First Three Minutes', a book that explores the initial moments of the universe following the Big Bang.
The Obstacle Is the Way
Buy The Obstacle Is the Way by Ryan Holiday on Amazon
Mentioned 1 time
I read them all the time—Obstacle is my favorite, Ego is the Enemy, but they're all really great.
Robert Greene mentions that he frequently reads Ryan Holiday's books, specifically stating that 'Obstacle is my favorite' among them.
Ego Is the Enemy
Buy Ego Is the Enemy by Ryan Holiday on Amazon
Mentioned 1 time
I read them all the time—Obstacle is my favorite, Ego is the Enemy, but they're all really great.
Robert Greene mentions that he frequently reads books by Ryan Holiday, specifically highlighting 'Ego is the Enemy' as one of his favorites, alongside 'Obstacle'. He expresses a strong appreciation for the entire collection.
The Obstacle Is the Way
Buy The Obstacle Is the Way by Ryan Holiday on Amazon
Mentioned 1 time
I think I got lucky in the sense that, you know, I did a book when my first book came out when I was 25 and it hit a bestseller for a week, and then, you know, I had to take a big step back when I sold The Obstacle is the Way.
Ryan Holiday reflects on his early career and the challenges he faced after the release of his book 'The Obstacle is the Way.' He mentions the moment when he experienced initial success but later needed to reevaluate his path.
The 48 Laws of Power (Special Power Edition)
Buy The 48 Laws of Power (Special Power Edition) by Robert Greene on Amazon
Mentioned 1 time
Well, look, he was a huge fan of the 48 Laws of Power; he called it his Bible. Yeah, he called me El Señor, which is deeply blasphemous!
In a discussion, Robert Greene shares that Dove Charney, the former owner of American Apparel, regarded his book, 'The 48 Laws of Power', as his guiding scripture, even referring to it as his 'Bible'.
Ego Is the Enemy
Buy Ego Is the Enemy by Ryan Holiday on Amazon
Mentioned 1 time
Like, uh, obviously, I wrote Ego is the Enemy as American Apparel was pulling itself to pieces.
Ryan Holiday reflects on how he was in the process of writing his book, 'Ego Is The Enemy', during the tumultuous times when American Apparel was struggling to stay afloat.
HOW TO STOP WORRYING & START LIVING
Buy HOW TO STOP WORRYING & START LIVING by Dale Carnegie on Amazon
Mentioned 1 time
I believe it was, but he has a lesser-known book that is still sold millions of copies called 'How to Stop Worrying and Start Living,' which includes a lot of stoic tenets.
In this episode, Ryan Holiday highlights Dale Carnegie's book 'How to Stop Worrying and Start Living,' pointing out that although it is lesser-known, it has still sold millions of copies and incorporates many Stoic principles.
The 4-hour Chef
Buy The 4-hour Chef by Timothy Ferriss on Amazon
Mentioned 1 time
Yeah, I mean, on a much smaller scale, I mean, what everything is on a smaller scale, 4our Chef, right? That was a book that completely burned me out; I burned myself out.
Tim Ferriss discusses his book, 'The 4-Hour Chef,' describing it as a project that completely exhausted him.
The 4-Hour Work Week
Buy The 4-Hour Work Week by Timothy Ferriss on Amazon
Mentioned 1 time
I might take a look at it because we have had this experience before where you've sent me finished books with pages ripped out, saying, 'Delete this page, delete this page.' The reason that I don't read manuscripts is that I cannot turn off editing; I will do a full book edit that takes an absurd amount of time because I can’t turn it off.
In this segment, the guest, Tim Ferriss, discusses his editing habits with the podcast host, Ryan Holiday. Ryan recalls past experiences where Tim sent finished books with pages torn out for editing. Specifically, they reference Tim's book, 'The 4-Hour Work Week,' as part of this discussion.
Four Thousand Weeks
Buy Four Thousand Weeks by Oliver Burkeman on Amazon
Mentioned 1 time
But there are a few things that I feel like I've indirectly taken from that that are very much along the lines of some of the chapters in 4,000 Weeks by Oliver Berkman, which I think is a great book.
During the discussion, Tim Ferriss mentions insights he's gained and relates them to the book '4,000 Weeks' by Oliver Berkman, highlighting its value.
Meditations
Buy Meditations by Aurelius Marcus on Amazon
Mentioned 1 time
and he becomes the person that you read about in the pages of Meditations, right?
In this moment, Tim Ferriss discusses the differences between Marcus Aurelius's predecessor and Aurelius himself, highlighting that he is the historical figure depicted in the book 'Meditations.'
The Theory of Moral Sentiments
Buy The Theory of Moral Sentiments by Adam Smith on Amazon
Mentioned 1 time
Adam Smith once said that we think of him as this ruthless practitioner or philosopher of capitalism, but he also wrote a book called 'Theory of Moral Sentiments' about how we should be good people.
In this segment, Tim Ferriss discusses Adam Smith's duality as a thinker, highlighting his well-known work in capitalism alongside his book 'Theory of Moral Sentiments', which emphasizes the importance of goodness and moral behavior.
The 4-Hour Work Week
Buy The 4-Hour Work Week by Timothy Ferriss on Amazon
Mentioned 1 time
and I lean heavily on a lot of principles from 'The Four-Hour Work Week.'
In this segment, guest Tim Ferriss discusses how he applies concepts from his book, 'The 4-Hour Work Week,' to improve his process design methods.
The 4-Hour Work Week
Buy The 4-Hour Work Week by Timothy Ferriss on Amazon
Mentioned 1 time
and it's crucial—like the insights in the book 'The Four Hour Workweek.'
In this segment, Tim Ferriss highlights the significance of the principles from his book, 'The Four Hour Work Week,' emphasizing the importance of eliminating waste in work and life.
Sears Tower
Buy Sears Tower by Jay Pridmore on Amazon
Mentioned 1 time
In the book 'Tower' and other resources, there's a company called 'Books by the Foot.' They cater to film studios and similar clients.
The podcast host discusses the book 'Tower' to introduce the company 'Books by the Foot,' which serves clients such as film studios by providing aesthetically pleasing book displays.
Man's Search for Meaning
Buy Man's Search for Meaning by Viktor E. Frankl on Amazon
Mentioned 1 time
Victor Frankl, in his book 'Man's Search for Meaning,' discusses the space between stimulus and response. In that space lies our power to choose our response, and in our responses, we find growth and freedom.
In this segment, the host discusses Victor Frankl's insights from his book 'Man's Search for Meaning,' emphasizing the importance of the space between stimulus and response, which allows individuals the power to choose their reactions and foster personal growth.
Meditations
Buy Meditations by Aurelius Marcus on Amazon
Mentioned 1 time
The practice of stepping back and thinking can provide insights that profoundly impact one's life, as seen by the timeless relevance of Aurelius' 'Meditations'.
In this segment, the host emphasizes the significance of self-reflection and its beneficial effects on life, referencing the book 'Meditations' by Marcus Aurelius as a timeless source of insight.
The Soul of Money: Transforming Your Relationship with Money and Life
Buy The Soul of Money: Transforming Your Relationship with Money and Life by Lynne Twist on Amazon
Mentioned 1 time
Lynn Twist, author of 'The Soul of Money,' views money as a channel for creating the world you want to see, whether that desire is selfish or altruistic.
In this segment, the host introduces the author Lynn Twist and her book 'The Soul of Money,' discussing the idea that money can be viewed as a means to shape one's desired reality, whether that intent is for personal gain or societal benefit.
The Second Mountain
Buy The Second Mountain by David Brooks on Amazon
Mentioned 1 time
David Brooks' book, 'The Second Mountain', emphasizes that the second stage of life is rarely driven by financial motivation, focusing instead on deeper meanings and contributions.
In this segment, the podcast host discusses David Brooks' book 'The Second Mountain', which explores how the second stage of life is often guided by deeper values rather than financial aspirations.
The Rise of Theodore Roosevelt
Buy The Rise of Theodore Roosevelt by Edmund Morris on Amazon
Mentioned 1 time
We did have a bunch of books about Theodore Roosevelt lying around, probably more than the ordinary family did, so I read those because I just read every book in the house when I was growing up.
Kermit Roosevelt III recalls that his family owned many books about his great-great-grandfather, Theodore Roosevelt. He described how he read all the books available in his home during his childhood, highlighting how these readings influenced him.
The Daily Stoic
Buy The Daily Stoic by Ryan Holiday, Stephen Hanselman on Amazon
Mentioned 1 time
When I wrote The Daily Stoic eight years ago, I had this crazy idea that I would just keep it going. The book was 366 meditations, and I planned to write one more every single day and give it away for free as an email.
In this segment, podcast host Ryan Holiday reflects on his book, 'The Daily Stoic,' discussing his initial idea of creating a daily meditation and distributing it for free through email.
Edith Kermit Roosevelt
Buy Edith Kermit Roosevelt by Sylvia Morris on Amazon
Mentioned 1 time
That's the letter I was telling you about why I was so struck by it; I wrote about it in my courage book.
In this segment, Kermit Roosevelt III discusses a letter that had a strong impact on him, mentioning that he has written about it in his book related to courage.
The Myth of Judicial Activism
Buy The Myth of Judicial Activism by Kermit Roosevelt on Amazon
Mentioned 1 time
There’s a book called The Myth of Judicial Activism, which is about Supreme Court decisions trying to decide whether the Supreme Court is abusing its power.
Kermit Roosevelt III, the guest, discusses his book titled 'The Myth of Judicial Activism,' which addresses Supreme Court decisions and raises concerns about the potential abuse of power by the Court.
A Fool's Errand, by One of the Fools
Buy A Fool's Errand, by One of the Fools by Albion Winegar Tourgée on Amazon
Mentioned 1 time
Have you read it's a novel from around that period called The Fool's Errand?
The guest talks about the novel 'The Fool's Errand' to highlight its significance in discussing the historical context and sentiments surrounding the Reconstruction era.
All the King's Men
Buy All the King's Men by Robert Penn Warren on Amazon
Mentioned 1 time
Oh yeah, All the King's Men.
The guest mentions the book 'All the King's Men' while discussing the character 'Kingfish' and making connections to the current political climate.
The Claim of Reason
Buy The Claim of Reason by Stanley Cavell on Amazon
Mentioned 1 time
Um, and I think actually Stanley Cavell, a Harvard philosopher, wrote something very much like that in 'The Claim of Reason', but I don't think that it went that far outside of academic circles.
In the discussion, the guest highlights that Stanley Cavell, a Harvard philosopher, authored 'The Claim of Reason', which addresses the gap between academic philosophy and the general public.
The Daily Stoic
Buy The Daily Stoic by Ryan Holiday, Stephen Hanselman on Amazon
Mentioned 1 time
When I wrote The Daily Stoic eight years ago, I had this crazy idea that I would keep it going. The book was originally 366 meditations, but I decided to write one more every single day and give it away for free as an email.
Ryan Holiday discusses his book 'The Daily Stoic' and shares how he initially intended it as a collection of 366 meditations, later expanding it with a new meditation every day provided for free via email.
GOOD INSIDE
Buy GOOD INSIDE by Becky Kennedy on Amazon
Mentioned 1 time
You know, it's obviously a parenting book, but I got to say something that affected me the most in it, and my wife and I noticed that we need it perhaps more than our kids. It strikes me as a very Stoic concept.
In this episode, Ryan Holiday discusses a parenting book by Dr. Becky Kennedy, noting that its insights had a significant impact on him and his wife, suggesting they found the book's teachings particularly valuable, possibly even more so than their children.
Good Inside
Buy Good Inside by Dr. Becky Kennedy on Amazon
Mentioned 1 time
It strikes me as a reframing of how most people think about things. You say this in the book: people want their kids to be happy. Most of us want to be happy; that's what we sort of think we're aiming for.
In this segment, Ryan Holiday highlights a key idea from Dr. Becky Kennedy's book, discussing how people often prioritize happiness for their children. He emphasizes a shift in perspective, suggesting that instead of solely aiming for happiness, the focus should be on resilience as a crucial life goal.
Good Inside
Buy Good Inside by Dr. Becky Kennedy on Amazon
Mentioned 1 time
As you say in the book, you know your kids are good. So you quickly look for a reason why they're behaving the way that they are, right? Because you know that they're good.
The host, Ryan Holiday, refers to a concept discussed in Dr. Becky Kennedy's book where it is stated that parents should remind themselves that 'kids are good'. He draws from this concept to further his point by implying it is meant to aid in separating children's behaviors from their identity to better understand why they do what they do.
Good Inside
Buy Good Inside by Dr. Becky Kennedy on Amazon
Mentioned 1 time
And so whether you're right, it was three days ago, three years ago, a pattern of things for the last twenty years, to go to your kid and, you know, in my, in the book and definitely in the TED Talk, there are the scripts like I think like having words like, oh here's how I could start that conversation, here's how I can open that door, um it is never ever too late, and I do think our body is always seeking connection for the moments that were stored with a lack of connection.
The host, Ryan Holiday, highlights the optimistic theme of 'it's never too late' as discussed in Dr. Becky Kennedy's book, suggesting that it offers parents valuable communication strategies to reconnect with their children. He also references that the same ideas can be found in her TED talk.
Show Your Work!
Buy Show Your Work! by Austin Kleon on Amazon
Mentioned 1 time
I was saying to you in that interview that, hey Ryan, you know I've just started writing my first book, any tips? You gave some really good advice.
In the episode, Ali Abdaal discusses his journey of writing his first book and seeks advice from Ryan Holiday, who provided valuable insights in a previous conversation.
The 48 Laws of Power (Special Power Edition)
Buy The 48 Laws of Power (Special Power Edition) by Robert Greene on Amazon
Mentioned 1 time
So I guess in the 48 Laws of Power, the final law, which I think a lot of people miss, is assume formlessness. So there's all these laws about do this, don’t do this, do this, don’t do this, but the last law is a kind of a strategic flexibility.
In discussing strategic flexibility, Ryan Holiday references 'The 48 Laws of Power' and points out that many people overlook its final law, which emphasizes the importance of adapting and being formless.
Courage Is Calling
Buy Courage Is Calling by Ryan Holiday on Amazon
Mentioned 1 time
So again the downside is, uh, Courage came out, it did okay, Discipline came out, it did spectacular. So maybe I could have been selling Justice for more, but um all of that was irrelevant because I was just in the middle of writing the book.
In a conversation with Ali Abdaal, Ryan Holiday mentions his book titled 'Courage', noting its performance compared to his other works in a series on the cardinal virtues.
Discipline Is Destiny
Buy Discipline Is Destiny by Ryan Holiday on Amazon
Mentioned 1 time
So again the downside is, uh, Courage came out, it did okay, Discipline came out, it did spectacular. So maybe I could have been selling Justice for more, but um all of that was irrelevant because I was just in the middle of writing the book.
During the conversation, Ryan Holiday discusses his book titled 'Discipline,' which he describes as having been very successful compared to his previous work 'Courage.' He references it as part of his series on cardinal virtues while speaking with guest Ali Abdaal.
The Boy Who Would Be King
Buy The Boy Who Would Be King by Ryan Holiday on Amazon
Mentioned 1 time
So maybe I could have been selling Justice for more, but um all of that was irrelevant because I was just in the middle of writing the book.
Ryan Holiday discusses his upcoming book titled 'Justice' during a conversation with Ali Abdaal on The Daily Stoic podcast, touching on its release schedule.
The 4-Hour Work Week
Buy The 4-Hour Work Week by Timothy Ferriss on Amazon
Mentioned 1 time
But then I miss that Thursday and think, Tim Ferriss says batching is good, so why don't I batch a whole week? I film 15 videos in that week, allowing me to chill for six weeks but then find that this week in Austin, I didn’t feel like filming anything at all.
During the discussion, Ali Abdaal refers to Tim Ferriss's book 'The 4-Hour Workweek' while talking about the practice of batching videos in his filming schedule.
Designing Your Life
Buy Designing Your Life by Bill Burnett, Dave Evans on Amazon
Mentioned 1 time
The most helpful exercise I've ever found for this is something called The Odyssey Plan from the book Designing Your Life by Bill Burnett and another guy who are Stanford professors. Basically, the idea is that you imagine your life three to five years in the future if you continued down your current path, and you write out what that would look like.
In the podcast, Ali Abdaal discusses the book 'Designing Your Life' by Bill Burnett, highlighting a beneficial exercise known as The Odyssey Plan. This method encourages envisioning what your life might look like in three to five years if you continue on your current trajectory.
The Book: A Cover-to-Cover Exploration of the Most Powerful Object of Our Time
Mentioned 1 time
Which projects would I take off my plate? So you finally did the book. When did you sell it?
In this segment, host Ryan Holiday asks Shane Parrish about the book he has written, discussing the completion of his writing project and how it fits into his overall time management.
The Book: A Cover-to-Cover Exploration of the Most Powerful Object of Our Time
Mentioned 1 time
So talk about like there's two pieces of advice: one I followed and one I didn't, and they were super helpful. Yours, in hindsight, because you talked about structuring the book before you start writing. Okay, and so the process of writing it twice was like a little bit of hubris on my part.
Shane Parrish reflects on his writing experience, mentioning advice from Ryan Holiday about structuring his book before starting the writing process. He acknowledges that he didn't follow this advice initially.
The Psychology of Money
Buy The Psychology of Money by Morgan Housel on Amazon
Mentioned 1 time
Well, you told me, what was the other piece of advice? The other piece of advice was from Morgan Housel, who said, you know, if you have like 100 units of editing time, spend like 80% of those units on the first 50 or 60 pages of the book. Huh, and I thought that was super interesting.
Shane Parrish discusses an interesting piece of advice from author Morgan Housel about how to allocate editing time effectively for a book project.
The Book: A Cover-to-Cover Exploration of the Most Powerful Object of Our Time
Mentioned 1 time
But the risk that people don't want to do with that is—and I talk about this a little bit in the book with identifying—the most important thing is you're putting yourself in a position where you could be wrong. Yes, so if I'm going to exercise judgment, I'm going to try to give Ryan, you know, above and beyond what's expected, well now I might be wrong.
In this segment, Shane Parrish references his book while discussing the concept of identifying, emphasizing the risks involved in making judgments and the possibility of being wrong.
The Great Mental Models, Volume 1
Buy The Great Mental Models, Volume 1 by Shane Parrish, Rhiannon Beaubien on Amazon
Mentioned 1 time
You say in the book you say that's something you asked your kids, which I thought was great; you're saying, is the behavior you're doing making the outcome more or less likely? I say that to my son; it's like, okay, look, we took the iPad away, and you want the iPad back, and you're freaking out and acting insane and hurting your brother, and saying, what are you doing? This is making me less likely to give it to you later.
The host, Ryan Holiday, references an idea from Shane Parrish's book, where he discusses the question of 'gas or water' to illustrate how behavior influences decision-making outcomes.
The Book: A Cover-to-Cover Exploration of the Most Powerful Object of Our Time
Mentioned 1 time
Uh, so you end the book with a kind of a memento mori, right? I like the Scrooge example; I think that that's so pressing for people, right? Which is like, if you let society unconsciously tell you what to pursue, what happens?
Ryan Holiday discusses Shane Parrish's conclusion in his book, which incorporates the concept of a memento mori. This references the idea of recognizing one's mortality as a guiding principle in life decisions.
Cultish
Buy Cultish by Amanda Montell on Amazon
Mentioned 1 time
It's like cultish. Yes, that wonderful book by Amanda Montel.
During the episode, guest Kate Flannery discusses a book by Amanda Montel, referring to it as 'wonderful'. The conversation touches on themes related to cult-like dynamics, making the mention particularly relevant.
The 48 Laws of Power (Special Power Edition)
Buy The 48 Laws of Power (Special Power Edition) by Robert Greene on Amazon
Mentioned 1 time
I met Dov through Robert Greene, who wrote 'The 48 Laws of Power' that I talk about in the book.
Kate Flannery shares that she met Dov through Robert Greene, the author of 'The 48 Laws of Power'. She references this book in the context of her own writing, indicating its relevance to her work.
The Harder They Fall
Buy The Harder They Fall by Budd Schulberg on Amazon
Mentioned 1 time
Some people say, yeah, no, I agree. Have you read The Harder They Fall?
During the conversation, the host inquires whether Kate has read "The Harder They Fall," to which she responds negatively. This question arises in the context of a broader discussion about why people often hesitate to leave their jobs decisively.
The Apprenticeship of Duddy Kravitz
Buy The Apprenticeship of Duddy Kravitz by Mordecai Richler on Amazon
Mentioned 1 time
Did he ever have you watched The Apprenticeship of Duddy Kravitz? Did you ever hear him talk about this?
In this segment, the podcast host inquires whether Kate's previous boss had her watch or discuss 'The Apprenticeship of Duddy Kravitz' and if she had ever heard him mention it. The discussion revolves around examining the motivations of her former boss, who was the founder of American Apparel.
The Virgin Suicides
Buy The Virgin Suicides by Jeffrey Eugenides on Amazon
Mentioned 1 time
Um, it's a book; let's see, it's um, it's 'Virgin Suicides' meets you know that documentary 'Paradise Lost' about the West Memphis Three?
Kate refers to her upcoming book, drawing parallels between its themes and the well-known novel "The Virgin Suicides" as well as the documentary 'Paradise Lost' related to the West Memphis Three. This comparison highlights the creative direction she's pursuing after her time with American Apparel.
Meditations
Buy Meditations by Aurelius Marcus on Amazon
Mentioned 1 time
There's a passage in Meditations where Marcus loses multiple children, an experience that was gratuitous even for that time when most people did as well.
The host discusses a passage from the book Meditations, authored by Marcus Aurelius, focusing on the profound and personal experiences related to loss, which serve to illustrate key Stoic principles.
The Worm at the Core
Buy The Worm at the Core by Sheldon Solomon, Jeff Greenberg, Thomas A. Pyszczynski on Amazon
Mentioned 1 time
And I don't know if this is pertinent or not, but 'The Worm at the Core' by Ernest Becker about Terror Management Theory helped me a little bit with in this area because it's sort of about how humans—like we're—I mean, we're the only mammal, that animal, that knows it's going to die.
The guest discusses the book 'The Worm at the Core' by Ernest Becker in relation to Terror Management Theory, highlighting its insights into how humans cope with the awareness of their mortality.
Brotherhood Of The Grape
Buy Brotherhood Of The Grape by John Fante on Amazon
Mentioned 1 time
Yeah, and then the other writer that I'm slightly more fanboyish about than Didion is John Fante. I just read 'Brotherhood of the Grapes.' It's about Roseville?
The guest expresses their admiration for author John Fante and mentions that they have just finished reading his book, 'Brotherhood of the Grapes', which they describe as being about Roseville.
1933 was a Bad Year
Buy 1933 was a Bad Year by John Fante on Amazon
Mentioned 1 time
Uh, crazy story which we should talk about; he has a bunch, maybe '1933 was a Bad Year,' 'The Road to Los Angeles.' He has a couple of books about his journey; he's seen as an LA writer, but he's from Colorado, and so it's just a weird snapshot to have the Italian-American experience from Colorado to LA, then Northern California.
In the podcast, the host refers to '1933 was a Bad Year' as one of John Fante's notable works, discussing his perspective on the Italian-American experience and his journey from Colorado to Los Angeles.
The Road to Los Angeles
Buy The Road to Los Angeles by John Fante on Amazon
Mentioned 1 time
Uh, crazy story which we should talk about; he has a bunch, maybe '1933 was a Bad Year,' 'The Road to Los Angeles.' He has a couple of books about his journey; he's seen as an LA writer, but he's from Colorado, and so it's just a weird snapshot to have the Italian-American experience from Colorado to LA, then Northern California.
In the discussion, the host refers to 'The Road to Los Angeles' as one of John Fante's notable books, highlighting his unique perspective as an Italian-American writer from Colorado.
Mein Kampf
Buy Mein Kampf by Adolf Hitler on Amazon
Mentioned 1 time
And that same year, Stackpole, which was also more of a military publisher, they did a lot of books in military history, they published an unauthorized edition of 'Mein Kampf.' Oh wow, Hitler being...then like it'd be like if Putin had written a book and they felt like people should read it.
During the conversation, the host and guest reflect on how Stackpole, a military publisher, released an unauthorized edition of Hitler's 'Mein Kampf' around the same time as Fante's 'Ask the Dust'. This situation raised concerns regarding the impact on the latter's publication.
Full of Life
Buy Full of Life by John Fante on Amazon
Mentioned 1 time
Um, his short stories are good; um, he wrote this book—'Full of Life,' um which was his most popular book; it wasn't a popular book, but it gets turned into a big movie that basically pays for everything. He once—so basically what happens is once 'Ask the Dust' is destroyed, he is sort of heartbroken and then just becomes a well-paid but little-known screenwriter; he has a nice house in Malibu paid for by movies that were never made, and was a frustrated novelist and sort of a drunk and a tortured dude as a result of this experience.
The guest discusses John Fante's book 'Full of Life', noting that it was his most popular work and that it was adapted into a film.
Dreams from Bunker Hill
Buy Dreams from Bunker Hill by John Fante on Amazon
Mentioned 1 time
And then after—this is way nerdier than people listen to—but after, after Bukowski rediscovers 'Ask the Dust' as Fante is dying of diabetes, they’re like chopping off his limbs as blind; he dictates to his wife the sequel of 'Dreams from Bunker Hill.' How's that, 'cause that's done; it's not done writing out; he told his wife the novel while he was…
The guest explains that John Fante dictated the sequel to 'Ask the Dust,' titled 'Dreams from Bunker Hill,' to his wife while he was suffering from diabetes and losing his sight.
1933 was a Bad Year
Buy 1933 was a Bad Year by John Fante on Amazon
Mentioned 1 time
Um, I think you would like '1933 was a Bad Year' because it's about Fante as a kid; it's the youth Italian-American experience. But 'Ask the Dust' is fascinating in that the premise of 'Ask the Dust' is Artur Obini, a delusional, narcissistic aspiring writer who you can't help but relate to as a writer, falls in love with this Mexican girl who works at a diner in Bunker Hill, and she's racist towards him, and he's racist toward her.
The guest recommends Fante's book '1933 Was a Bad Year' to the host, describing it as a story about Fante's youth in the Italian-American community.
Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas
Buy Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas by Hunter S. Thompson on Amazon
Mentioned 1 time
I didn't, until I read your book, get my sense of him as the sort of political idealist who basically has his heart broken over and over again and then just decides ironically to do what he talks about in, uh, 'Fear and Loathing,' which is, uh, make a beast of yourself to get rid of the pain of being a man. Yeah, you know, and I think that again, probably with you too, we got the trickle-down effect of the 1960s growing up; many of our teachers may have been at San Francisco State, you know, or on the the West Coast barricades during all of that, um, University of California upheaval.
The guest references 'Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas' as an illustration of Hunter S Thompson's approach to dealing with the pain associated with being a man and a political idealist.
The White Album
Buy The White Album by Joan Didion on Amazon
Mentioned 1 time
And I mean, it reminds me of, in kind of a tangential way, but you know the passage in Didion's The White Album where she’s with, uh, Jim Morrison? Yeah, you know, and you know how she writes about it. It’s, she goes to the recording session, they’re waiting for Jim Morrison, he shows up, he doesn’t talk to anybody, you know?
The host references a passage in Joan Didion's book 'The White Album' about a recording session with Jim Morrison.
Trust Me, I'm Lying
Buy Trust Me, I'm Lying by Ryan Holiday on Amazon
Mentioned 1 time
Well, I I actually, this is the epigraph—is to trust, me, lying is the James Agy quote where it’s basically saying that fundamentally journalism is a form of lying because you’re taking disparate events and coordinating them to tell a story that you want to tell. And you’re leaving things out, and then there’s that famous, what’s her name, the journalist Janet Malcolm thing about how fundamentally journalism is also this act of aggression and hostility.
The guest references the epigraph of 'Trust Me, I'm Lying: Confessions of a Media Manipulator' and discusses how journalism can manipulate the truth by selectively coordinating events to fit a narrative.
The Great Influenza
Buy The Great Influenza by John M. Barry on Amazon
Mentioned 1 time
So that’s why I loved your book; so like I have found like, okay, the best book I read during COVID was John M. Barry’s book, The Great Influenza. Oh wow, right? So you’re reading about the Spanish flu and you’re like, okay, here’s everything that’s true.
The guest shares that their favorite book read during COVID was 'The Great Influenza' by John M. Barry, emphasizing its exploration of the Spanish flu and how it presents important truths.
It Can't Happen Here
Buy It Can't Happen Here by Sinclair Lewis on Amazon
Mentioned 1 time
Right, the best way I understood Trump was Sinclair Lewis's It Can't Happen Here. And I feel like your book actually, which comes, which is basically the generation right after that book, like you’re talking about, no longer does the fascist movement look like Mussolini or Hitler. It’s figured out how to dress better; it’s figured out how to co-opt certain kinds of speech and language.
The guest explains that their understanding of Donald Trump was shaped by reading Sinclair Lewis's book 'It Can't Happen Here', highlighting its relevance to contemporary issues.
The Greek Way
Buy The Greek Way by Edith Hamilton on Amazon
Mentioned 1 time
Think about two years later, on the night that Martin Luther King was shot, Bobby Kennedy—who was a Philistine for most of his life—began to read the Greeks and read 'The Greek Way.' I have the book in the bookstore, by Edith what? Edith Wharton.
The discussion includes Bobby Kennedy's experience of reading 'The Greek Way,' highlighting his shift towards engaging with Greek literature.
On Immunity
Buy On Immunity by Eula Biss on Amazon
Mentioned 1 time
Thereâs a great book, 'Immunity' by Eula Biss, and it was the first time I began to understand immunity is not about you; itâs about participation. She articulated that while she was writing it, especially during her pregnancy in the 2010s, and it was the first time I understood immunity is about how participation and how we come together to get a different outcome than we would individually.
The guest references Eula Biss's book 'Immunity' to illustrate the idea that immunity is about collective participation rather than individual experience.
The Wasteland
Buy The Wasteland by Harper H. Jameson, W. A. W. Parker on Amazon
Mentioned 1 time
There’s a book titled 'The Wasteland' about Ezra Pound and T.S. Eliot, which came out recently, analyzing the deterioration of Ezra Pound's mind as he fell into anti-Semitic conspiracy theories. Anti-Semitism may be the oldest virus; it infects different Romans and emperors at various times, different leaders at different times.
The guest discusses a recently published book titled 'The Wasteland', which explores Ezra Pound's decline into anti-Semitism and his relationship with T.S. Eliot.
Shooting an Elephant and Other Essays
Buy Shooting an Elephant and Other Essays by George Orwell on Amazon
Mentioned 1 time
I teach 'Shooting an Elephant' today by George Orwell. I love 'Homage to Catalonia,' but there are parts of it where he talks about what it was like as a colonial administrator, knowing colonialism was wrong. It’s a lot like Thompson—he was caught up in enforcing it, and it shows how it destroys him as a way to argue against it.
The guest discusses teaching 'Shooting an Elephant' by George Orwell, drawing parallels between the themes of colonialism in the work and the experiences of Hunter S. Thompson.
Homage to Catalonia
Buy Homage to Catalonia by George Orwell on Amazon
Mentioned 1 time
I love 'Homage to Catalonia,' but there are parts of it where he talks about what it was like as a colonial administrator, knowing colonialism was wrong. It’s a lot like Thompson—he was caught up in enforcing it, and it shows how it destroys him as a way to argue against it. Thompson does a very good job at illustrating this.
The guest expresses their admiration for 'Homage to Catalonia' by George Orwell, highlighting parts where Orwell reflects on his experiences as a colonial administrator and the moral conflicts he faced. They draw a parallel between Orwell and Hunter S. Thompson, noting how both authors' experiences illustrate the damaging effects of colonialism.
Stories I Tell Myself
Buy Stories I Tell Myself by Juan F. Thompson on Amazon
Mentioned 1 time
His son wrote a great book called 'Stories I Tell Myself,' which tries to encapsulate Thompson's struggle. I attempted to conclude with Nixon leaving, but the years after were really tough because they reflect our current understanding of alcoholism, coupled with how Thompson would take Dexedrine. There was a price to be paid later, and his son writes about getting hooked on the substance.
The guest discusses 'Stories I Tell Myself,' a book authored by Hunter S. Thompson's son, Juan Thompson, which delves into the struggles of his father.
It's a Book!
Buy It's a Book! by Lane Smith on Amazon
Mentioned 1 time
He encouraged us to carry a book under our arm and read every day, even if it's just a page.
Freddy Gerle encouraged the speaker and others to carry a book and read daily, highlighting the significance of education and mental development alongside physical training.
The Daily Stoic
Buy The Daily Stoic by Ryan Holiday, Stephen Hanselman on Amazon
Mentioned 1 time
So I mean, do you believe that there are like vibes in this table that somehow translate when I wrote The Daily Stoic eight years ago? I had this crazy idea that I would just keep it going.
In this segment, host Ryan Holiday reflects on his book 'The Daily Stoic,' sharing a personal story about the inspiration behind its creation and his ambition to continue its associated daily newsletter.
The 48 Laws of Power (Special Power Edition)
Buy The 48 Laws of Power (Special Power Edition) by Robert Greene on Amazon
Mentioned 1 time
Um, so I read The 48 Laws of Power when I was in high school, and I was like, 'Make books like this!' I think some—it's so amazing when you read something, and people have this, I think with music more often than books, probably, where you're like, 'I didn’t know that was a thing, that you could do that, that was possible to do that,' and you're like that.
Ryan Holiday reflects on his experience reading 'The 48 Laws of Power' by Robert Greene in high school, expressing how impactful it was for him. He describes the feeling of discovering something extraordinary in literature, akin to that realization often felt with music.
The 48 Laws of Power (Special Power Edition)
Buy The 48 Laws of Power (Special Power Edition) by Robert Greene on Amazon
Mentioned 1 time
Yeah, and the one thing I wish he would do is write, you know, like I just wrote a memoir as you know, Government Chiefs, right? Where I sort of went back and told my stories, right? I would love to hear his stories; he should do that. When is he in Europe? Who did he meet? You know, it would be fascinating. I think even just as an artifact for the future, how does a guy get to wherever he's got to? Yeah, or someone should just interview him and just get, if he doesn’t want to write, if he doesn’t want to write it, somebody needs to get it all on audio or something, so it's there. Yeah, well, I selfishly had him do a daily book also, and he talks a little bit about it in the different parts, but um, yeah, I think what’s also so amazing about Robert is like The 48 Laws of Power should be—Robert should be a tenured professor at the Yale School of whatever. And I don’t know why he isn’t.
The podcast host emphasizes that 'The 48 Laws of Power' by Robert Greene should be considered essential reading, suggesting that the author merits a position as a tenured professor at Yale.
Meditations
Buy Meditations by Aurelius Marcus on Amazon
Mentioned 1 time
The more I think about Marcus’s 'Meditations', the more in awe I am of it. In one sense, the book should be inaccessible and incomprehensible to us; you have the most powerful man in the world from an empire 2,000 years ago.
In this segment, Ryan Holiday reflects on 'Meditations' by Marcus Aurelius, exploring its profound insights and its timeless relevance in today's world.
Deliver Me from Nowhere
Buy Deliver Me from Nowhere by Warren Zanes on Amazon
Mentioned 1 time
Are you at, like, I love this book, I've been raving about it. Um, deliver me from nowhere, about Bruce Springsteen making Nebraska.
Ryan Holiday enthusiastically discusses a book titled 'Deliver Me From Nowhere' by Warren Zanes, which focuses on Bruce Springsteen's album 'Nebraska'. He expresses his admiration for the book and how much he enjoys it.
The Obstacle Is the Way
Buy The Obstacle Is the Way by Ryan Holiday on Amazon
Mentioned 1 time
It's funny, when I had, I wrote The Obstacle is the Way, I sold Ego is the Enemy, which was in the middle of writing, and my agent, Steve Hanselman, came to me and said you should do a book of a daily devotional of Stoicism.
Ryan Holiday discusses his experience writing 'The Obstacle is the Way' and shares how his agent, Steve Hanselman, suggested that he create a book featuring daily devotionals focused on Stoicism.
Ego Is the Enemy
Buy Ego Is the Enemy by Ryan Holiday on Amazon
Mentioned 1 time
It's funny, when I had, I wrote The Obstacle is the Way, I sold Ego is the Enemy, which was in the middle of writing, and my agent, Steve Hanselman, came to me and said you should do a book of a daily devotional of Stoicism.
Ryan Holiday shares that while he was writing 'Ego is the Enemy', his agent, Steve Hanselman, suggested he create a daily devotional based on Stoicism.
The Daily Stoic
Buy The Daily Stoic by Ryan Holiday, Stephen Hanselman on Amazon
Mentioned 1 time
Then when I was reading your book and I was reading about your incident in the parking lot, I thought it was interesting.
The guest references reading a book by Ryan Holiday, where they found an interesting incident described in the book.
The Right Stuff
Buy The Right Stuff by Tom Wolfe on Amazon
Mentioned 1 time
So yeah, have you read Tom Wolfe's The Right Stuff? Yeah.
The host asks the guest if they have read 'The Right Stuff' by Tom Wolfe, initiating a discussion about the book.
The Daily Stoic
Buy The Daily Stoic by Ryan Holiday, Stephen Hanselman on Amazon
Mentioned 1 time
Well, you're talking in your book about sort of the refueling in the air, and you just think about how stressful and high stakes that is.
In the discussion, the guest mentions a book by the host, specifically talking about a topic related to 'refueling in the air', highlighting the stressful and high-stakes nature of the subject.
The Daily Stoic
Buy The Daily Stoic by Ryan Holiday, Stephen Hanselman on Amazon
Mentioned 1 time
I remember a Republican senator who had read some of my books and privately told me all these things about Trump.
The guest recounts a conversation with a Republican senator who has read some of the books written by Ryan Holiday, sharing insights related to Trump.
Ralph Waldo Emerson
Buy Ralph Waldo Emerson by Oliver Wendell Holmes, Sr. on Amazon
Mentioned 1 time
Have you read that Emerson biography yet? I'm like halfway through it.
In a casual conversation, the podcast host inquires if the guest has read the Emerson biography, to which the guest responds that they are halfway through it.
Emerson
Buy Emerson by Robert D. Richardson on Amazon
Mentioned 1 time
But I had the experience of that and with the Emerson book, 'Mind on Fire,' that you recommended where I can only make it like three or four pages, and I have to stop.
The podcast guest references a book titled 'Mind on Fire' by Ralph Waldo Emerson, which was recommended by the host. He shares that he finds the writing too dense to read for more than a few pages.
Freak Kingdom
Buy Freak Kingdom by Timothy Denevi on Amazon
Mentioned 1 time
I also just read this book like, um, I read this book 'Freak Kingdom' or 'Kingdom of Freaks' that it's about by this creative writing professor, but it's about the political activism and writings of Hunter S. Thompson. Oh.
The podcast guest discusses a book titled 'Freak Kingdom' or 'Kingdom of Freaks' that explores the political activism and writings of Hunter S. Thompson. This mention occurs during a conversation about writing density, which is relevant to the themes of the book.
Reclaim Your Nest Egg
Buy Reclaim Your Nest Egg by Ken Kamen on Amazon
Mentioned 1 time
But you had recommended that Kamen's book. Oh yeah, that's another one that writing is incredible.
In this segment, the podcast host references a book recommended by the author Kamen, noting that the writing quality of the book is exceptional.
Gone to Texas: A History of the Lone Star State
Buy Gone to Texas: A History of the Lone Star State by Randolph B. Campbell on Amazon
Mentioned 1 time
Um, yeah, he wrote this book 'Lone Star,' which is a history of Texas, which is incredible.
During the conversation, the podcast guest explicitly references a book titled 'Lone Star,' which is noted for being an insightful history of Texas.
This Kind of War
Buy This Kind of War by T. R. Fehrenbach on Amazon
Mentioned 1 time
And then he also wrote this book about the Korean War which he fought in called 'This Kind of War.' That's also incredible.
The podcast guest discusses 'This Kind of War', a book about the Korean War by author T. R. Fehrenbach, who fought in the conflict. This mention highlights the importance of personal experience in writing about war.
Empire of the Summer Moon
Buy Empire of the Summer Moon by S. C. Gwynne on Amazon
Mentioned 1 time
Well see, so his book 'Empire of the Summer Moon' was the one I was like, oh, I love this book.
The podcast guest expresses a fondness for the book 'Empire of the Summer Moon', indicating their genuine appreciation for it in the context of discussing various authors and their works.
Empire of the Summer Moon
Buy Empire of the Summer Moon by S. C. Gwynne on Amazon
Mentioned 1 time
But the story of 'Empire of the Summer Moon' is like just one moment in Comanche history that he's spun out into its own book.
The mention refers to 'Empire of the Summer Moon,' highlighting it as a detailed exploration of a specific moment in Comanche history, illustrating how the book delves into its subject matter.
The Immense Journey
Buy The Immense Journey by Loren Eiseley on Amazon
Mentioned 1 time
Okay, Lauren Eiseley's 'The Immense Journey.' It's a history of nothing less than the entire Earth's evolution.
In this segment, the host discusses Lauren Eiseley's book, 'The Immense Journey', highlighting its exploration of the Earth's evolutionary history. This mention is part of a broader conversation on influential literature.
United States Code, 1976 Ed., Supplement 1-
Buy United States Code, 1976 Ed., Supplement 1- by United States on Amazon
Mentioned 1 time
So in a lot of ways like this title itself, I wasn't writing toward this title, but when my editor was like this is a quote from the Reverend Fred Shuttlesworth, she's like what do you think of this as a book?
The guest references 'this title' while explaining how his book title arose from a quote. Although it's described as a quote, it has been presented as a potential title for the full book, as suggested by his editor.
The Big Short: Inside the Doomsday Machine
Buy The Big Short: Inside the Doomsday Machine by Michael M. Lewis on Amazon
Mentioned 1 time
Like um like I think about um Michael Lewis and 'The Big Short' which is one of the greatest non-fiction books of all time but also a massive hit.
The podcast guest reflects on Michael Lewis and his book 'The Big Short', calling it one of the greatest non-fiction books of all time and noting its significant success. This remark comes during a discussion about the writing process.
The New New Thing: A Silicon Valley Story
Buy The New New Thing: A Silicon Valley Story by Michael M. Lewis on Amazon
Mentioned 1 time
Yeah, 'The New New Thing,' I love that book.
The guest expresses their admiration for the book 'The New New Thing' by Michael Lewis, highlighting a discussion about the author's works.
First Principles
Buy First Principles by Thomas E. Ricks on Amazon
Mentioned 1 time
No, he wrote about the generals in Iraq and then wrote this great book on the founding fathers called 'First Principles', but he also wrote a history of the Civil Rights Movement from the perspective of a military historian.
The guest references the book 'First Principles' by Tom Ricks, discussing its focus on the founding fathers. This mention occurs in the context of a broader conversation about books related to the civil rights movement.
Waging a Good War
Buy Waging a Good War by Thomas E. Ricks on Amazon
Mentioned 1 time
Did you read Tom Ricks' book, 'A Good War'? Was that the one on the generals?
In this segment, the podcast host directly asks the guest if they have read Tom Ricks' book titled 'A Good War,' framing the question within a conversation about generals.
The Daily Stoic
Buy The Daily Stoic by Ryan Holiday, Stephen Hanselman on Amazon
Mentioned 1 time
When I wrote The Daily Stoic eight years ago, I had this crazy idea of continuing it after releasing 366 meditations, writing one more every single day and giving it away for free as an email.
In this segment, the podcast host talks about his own book, 'The Daily Stoic', reflecting on the idea he had when he wrote it eight years ago and his decision to share a daily meditation with readers for free.
Meditations
Buy Meditations by Aurelius Marcus on Amazon
Mentioned 1 time
Marcus Aurelius’s line resonates: it's a shame for the mind to give up when the body is still going; as long as you're here, find a way to be useful. I appreciate your writing about Marcus Aurelius.
The podcast guest references a line from Marcus Aurelius, emphasizing the importance of perseverance and finding ways to be useful. They also acknowledge the podcast host's writing about Marcus Aurelius, suggesting that it ties into the themes explored in the book 'Meditations'.
Meditations
Buy Meditations by Aurelius Marcus on Amazon
Mentioned 1 time
But to dedicate his work to all those who supported him and mention their names—that's a practice I wanted to emulate in my own book. His life was about giving back.
During the discussion, Arnold Schwarzenegger highlights how he admires the practice of dedicating a work to supporters, drawing inspiration from Marcus Aurelius's book 'Meditations', which emphasizes gratitude and giving back.
Meditations
Buy Meditations by Aurelius Marcus on Amazon
Mentioned 1 time
In meditations, there's a passage where Marcus Aurelius is saying exactly that: 'I know you think you want to get away from it all, like to the country or the beach or whatever.' He says, 'But actually, whatever you need is inside of you right now.'
The guest refers to a passage from 'Meditations' by Marcus Aurelius, highlighting the notion that individuals often look for happiness externally, when in fact, it resides within them.
The Daily Stoic
Buy The Daily Stoic by Ryan Holiday, Stephen Hanselman on Amazon
Mentioned 1 time
When I wrote The Daily Stoic eight years ago, I had this crazy idea that I would just keep it going.
In this segment, Ryan Holiday shares his experience of writing The Daily Stoic eight years ago and expresses his ambition to continue the project.
Deliver Me from Nowhere
Buy Deliver Me from Nowhere by Warren Zanes on Amazon
Mentioned 1 time
Well, that book, the book I was recommending to you, it's called Deliver Me From Nowhere, and it's about, which actually we should talk about this—so it's about the recording of the album Nebraska, which he does.
In this segment, Ryan Holiday recommends a book titled Deliver Me From Nowhere, which discusses the creation of Bruce Springsteen's album 'Nebraska'.
The 48 Laws of Power (Special Power Edition)
Buy The 48 Laws of Power (Special Power Edition) by Robert Greene on Amazon
Mentioned 1 time
Yeah, so I was working for Robert Green at the time, and so um, I had his like books on my desk, and one of which was the 48 Laws of Power, and the manager of the comp, the one of the partners at the company, one of the partners was a fan; that's who hired me, who I was working for.
The podcast host, Ryan Holiday, recalls a time when he had the book 'The 48 Laws of Power' by Robert Greene on his desk while working at a talent management agency. This mention highlights his experiences during that period, particularly relating to the partners at the company who admired the book.
Meditations
Buy Meditations by Aurelius Marcus on Amazon
Mentioned 1 time
There's probably no theme that Marcus talks about in Meditations more than change. So I'll read you some passages, and we'll riff on them.
In this episode of the podcast, the host discusses Marcus Aurelius's 'Meditations' as a profound source of wisdom on the topic of change. He introduces passages from the book as a way to spark a conversation about change with his guest, Brad Stulberg.
The Great Influenza
Buy The Great Influenza by John M. Barry on Amazon
Mentioned 1 time
I remember at the start of the pandemic, you’ll probably know the book about the Spanish Flu. Yeah, The Great Influenza by John Berry. Yeah, so I was reading that book, and it's the same—like down to the freaking masking, all of it is the same.
During the podcast episode, the host references the book 'The Great Influenza' by John Berry to draw parallels between the Covid pandemic and the Spanish Flu. He emphasizes how both historical events and the responses to them reflect similar patterns, particularly in relation to the use of masks.
The Daily Stoic
Buy The Daily Stoic by Ryan Holiday, Stephen Hanselman on Amazon
Mentioned 1 time
When I wrote The Daily Stoic eight years ago, I had this crazy idea that I would just keep it going; the book was 366 meditations, but I’d write one more every single day and give it away for free as an email. I thought maybe a few people would sign up; I couldn't have even comprehended a future in which 34 million people would get this email daily and for almost a decade.
In this episode, the host reflects on his book, 'The Daily Stoic', recounting the initial idea from eight years ago to extend the book's 366 meditations into a daily email. He shares his astonishment at the growth of this initiative, which now has 34 million subscribers.
Master of Change
Buy Master of Change by Brad Stulberg on Amazon
Mentioned 1 time
And you know, what was interesting part of the research for Master of Change was just seeing throughout history how whenever there are periods of accelerated or punctuated change, there are always demagogues and grifters that just prey on people’s homeostatic mindset and natural inclination to be scared of change and to want to cling to the old stability or the stability that they have.
In this segment of 'The Daily Stoic' podcast, Brad Stulberg discusses his book 'Master of Change'. He explores how historical patterns show that during rapid changes, there are often individuals who exploit people's fears and desire for stability.
Man's Search for Meaning
Buy Man's Search for Meaning by Viktor E. Frankl on Amazon
Mentioned 1 time
And most people know Frankl for his book Man’s Search for Meaning; I’m going to assume 90% of listeners are familiar with Frankl. For the 10 who aren’t, as briefly as possible, Holocaust survivor, psychoanalyst, and writer of remarkable books about how to make meaning out of suffering and endure.
The host references 'Man’s Search for Meaning' by Viktor Frankl in the podcast episode titled 'Brad Stulberg On Mastering Change With Science And Stoicism.' This mention serves as a reference point for discussing how to derive meaning from suffering, while also introducing those unfamiliar with the author and his work.
Yes to Life
Buy Yes to Life by Viktor E. Frankl on Amazon
Mentioned 1 time
And he has a book, Yes to Life, that I think is really important, in spite of everything. And I think that this kind of tragic optimism is just so different from what we in the West are fed, which is just optimism without any acceptance of the tragedy.
The host discusses the significance of the book 'Yes to Life' by Viktor Frankl, emphasizing its exploration of tragic optimism in the episode titled 'Brad Stulberg On Mastering Change With Science And Stoicism'.
The Obstacle Is the Way
Buy The Obstacle Is the Way by Ryan Holiday on Amazon
Mentioned 1 time
Yeah, it's important; obviously, I wrote this book, The Obstacle is the Way, which is about how you take the sort of lowercase 't' traumas, obstacles, difficulties, and you find a way to move forward from them to use it to your advantage. You know, the computer... goddammit!
In this episode, the host discusses his book 'The Obstacle is the Way', which focuses on how to navigate traumas and challenges by turning them into opportunities for growth.
The 48 Laws of Power (Special Power Edition)
Buy The 48 Laws of Power (Special Power Edition) by Robert Greene on Amazon
Mentioned 1 time
The 48 Laws of Power by Robert Greene has a powerful last law: assume formlessness. Rigidity is incredibly vulnerable compared to flexibility and the proficiency to adapt.
In this episode, guest Brad Stulberg discusses one of the laws from 'The 48 Laws of Power' by Robert Greene, emphasizing the importance of adaptability and resilience in the context of mastering change.
The Daily Stoic
Buy The Daily Stoic by Ryan Holiday, Stephen Hanselman on Amazon
Mentioned 1 time
When I wrote The Daily Stoic eight years ago, I had this crazy idea that I would just keep it going. The book was 366 meditations, but I’d write one more every single day and I'd give it away for free as an email.
In the podcast, Ryan Holiday shares how he initiated the publication of 'The Daily Stoic' eight years ago, explaining his vision of providing daily meditations—totaling 366—that he would distribute for free via email, aligning with the themes of Stoicism discussed in the episode.
The Obstacle Is the Way
Buy The Obstacle Is the Way by Ryan Holiday on Amazon
Mentioned 1 time
What had happened is the Patriots–someone at the Patriots had read The Obstacle Is The Way. And then obviously there was that devastating loss and then he had recommended the book to someone in Seattle; actually, to John Schneider who then read it.
The guest discusses how someone from the Patriots read 'The Obstacle Is The Way' and subsequently recommended it to John Schneider in Seattle, following a significant loss.
The 48 Laws of Power (Special Power Edition)
Buy The 48 Laws of Power (Special Power Edition) by Robert Greene on Amazon
Mentioned 1 time
I was a research assistant for this guy, Robert Greene, who wrote The 48 Laws of Power and all these amazing books, and he like showed me how books were made. Um, because as his assistant, I'm like doing all, but I was like, oh this is just a process.
The guest shares their experience as a research assistant for Robert Greene, the author of 'The 48 Laws of Power.' They describe how this role helped them understand the process of book creation, emphasizing the insights gained from working closely with Greene.
The Little Prince
Buy The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry on Amazon
Mentioned 1 time
Yeah, it's, uh, if you read 'The Little Prince,' did you hear that book when you were a kid?
The speaker references 'The Little Prince,' discussing its insights on personal responsibility and the importance of care, especially in relation to domesticated animals compared to wild ones.
The Daily Dad
Buy The Daily Dad by Ryan Holiday on Amazon
Mentioned 1 time
You wrote a book called Daily Dad, which is essentially daily meditations from Stoic tradition on how to be a good father.
In this episode, Adrian Grenier discusses Ryan Holiday's book, 'The Daily Dad', which presents daily meditations inspired by Stoic philosophy aimed at helping fathers become better parents. The conversation explores how Holiday integrates Stoic teachings into the practice of parenthood.
The Creative Act
Buy The Creative Act by Rick Rubin on Amazon
Mentioned 1 time
It's really amazing that the creative cycle book by Rick Rubin has been a bestseller, and it's a really out-there kind of book in a lot of ways. That’s really exciting.
The guest expresses excitement about Rick Rubin's bestseller, "The Creative Act: A Way of Being," which is described as a unique and unconventional book.
The Night of the Were-Boy
Buy The Night of the Were-Boy by Enid Richemont on Amazon
Mentioned 1 time
You have a great list, actually, in the back of this of all the books that have influenced you that you are recommending right now.
The host highlights a list of books in the back of the guest's book, noting that these are the titles that have influenced the guest and that they are currently recommending.
The Daily Stoic
Buy The Daily Stoic by Ryan Holiday, Stephen Hanselman on Amazon
Mentioned 1 time
My agent went to Harvard Divinity School and did some translations for The Daily Stoic, so he was very supportive. He could sort of put his agent hat aside.
The guest describes how his agent, who attended Harvard Divinity School, supported him by doing translations for 'The Daily Stoic.' This highlights the collaborative effort behind the project.
Meditations
Buy Meditations by Aurelius Marcus on Amazon
Mentioned 1 time
The Stoics talk a ton about discipline, courage, wisdom; Marcus writes Meditations, which are notes to himself to be better at his job and in life.
In this segment, the host discusses the teachings of Stoicism and highlights the book Meditations by Marcus Aurelius, explaining that it consists of personal notes aimed at improving his life and work.
The Untethered Soul
Buy The Untethered Soul by Michael A. Singer on Amazon
Mentioned 1 time
You know, as Michael Singer talks about in The Untethered Soul, you realize, 'Oh, I am not my thoughts and I'm not even my feelings,' and you have this whole— that's mind-blowing!
In this segment, the host discusses insights from 'The Untethered Soul' by Michael Singer, explaining how the book helps illustrate the distinction between one's thoughts and feelings.
The Creative Act
Buy The Creative Act by Rick Rubin on Amazon
Mentioned 1 time
And that goes to Rick Rubin and the creative circle, the origins of creativity and the muse from ancient Greece.
In the episode, the guest discusses a concept known as 'the creative circle', attributed to Rick Rubin, which explores the origins of creativity and its connections to the muse from ancient Greece.
The Daily Stoic
Buy The Daily Stoic by Ryan Holiday, Stephen Hanselman on Amazon
Mentioned 1 time
I wrote the book The Daily Stoic in 2015; it came out in 2016, but the month that came out—it was in August or October—I started The Daily Stoic website, and so I started with this daily email.
The host discusses the inception of his Daily Stoic website, noting that he wrote the book 'The Daily Stoic,' which was released in 2016.
The Artist's Way
Buy The Artist's Way by Julia Cameron on Amazon
Mentioned 1 time
Are you familiar with The Artist's Way, Julia Cameron's work? Yeah, of course!
During the podcast, the host inquires whether the guest is acquainted with the book 'The Artist's Way' by Julia Cameron.
Meditations
Buy Meditations by Aurelius Marcus on Amazon
Mentioned 1 time
You know, there's a passage in meditations that hit me especially as a college kid; he talks about how hard it is to wake up in the morning.
Christina Pazsitzky references 'Meditations', a book by Marcus Aurelius, to share a relatable experience about the struggles of waking up in the morning, especially from the perspective of a college student.
The Daily Stoic
Buy The Daily Stoic by Ryan Holiday, Stephen Hanselman on Amazon
Mentioned 1 time
When I wrote The Daily Stoic, my editor asked me to remove cursing.
In this segment, Ryan Holiday discusses his book 'The Daily Stoic' and shares an anecdote about his editor's request to remove any cursing from the manuscript.
The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck
Buy The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck by Mark Manson on Amazon
Mentioned 1 time
It's called The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck. Oh, Mark, he's great!
The guest, Christina Pazsitzky, mentions 'The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck,' a book by Mark Manson, praising the author and using the title to illustrate a point about focusing on what truly matters.
The Zen Art Book
Buy The Zen Art Book by Stephen Addiss, John Daido Loori on Amazon
Mentioned 1 time
I've read a couple books that, you know, like Zen books that needed to be put into audio format that hadn't been put in audio format, so I just paid to have that done; like things of that nature.
The guest discusses their experience reading Zen books that weren't previously available in audio format, mentioning their investment to have these books produced in audio.
Delivering Happiness
Buy Delivering Happiness by Tony Hsieh on Amazon
Mentioned 1 time
Yeah, I mean, I do applaud some of these like, you know, what I really liked is the, you know, sadly the late Tony Hsieh who ran Zappos, he really tried this holocracy approach inside of his company where it was like a level playing field for everyone like really pushing the boundaries, he had a great book called Delivering Happiness—I mean, do you remember that book?
The guest refers to the book 'Delivering Happiness' while discussing Tony Hsieh's unique management style at Zappos, highlighting his innovative approach to creating an inclusive work environment.
Animal Liberation
Buy Animal Liberation by Peter Singer on Amazon
Mentioned 1 time
He's like the inventor of effective altruism; he wrote like Animal Liberation. Now, so he's like one of the first animal rights people, and then he came up with this idea, partly based on the Stoics, which he came up with his metaphor.
During the discussion, the guest refers to 'Animal Liberation' as a significant work by Peter Singer, who is recognized as the inventor of effective altruism and one of the pioneering voices in the animal rights movement.
Meditations
Buy Meditations by Aurelius Marcus on Amazon
Mentioned 1 time
Yeah, there's a passage in Marcus's Meditations where he says, you know, as you tuck your child in at night, you should say to yourself, they will not survive to the morning. And he's like meditating on the loss that the most precious thing in the world to you…
In this segment, the host references a poignant passage from Marcus Aurelius' "Meditations" that discusses the transient nature of life, emphasizing how one should reflect on the potential loss of their most cherished loved ones. This leads to a broader conversation about themes of unconditional love, loss, and perspective.
Man's Search for Meaning
Buy Man's Search for Meaning by Viktor E. Frankl on Amazon
Mentioned 1 time
When he talks, I read 'Man's Search for Meaning.'
During a discussion about the meaning of life, the guest refers to reading Viktor Frankl's 'Man's Search for Meaning' and resonates with its ideas about the necessity of finding meaning in life.
Discipline Is Destiny
Buy Discipline Is Destiny by Ryan Holiday on Amazon
Mentioned 1 time
Yeah, there—I have this story in 'Discipline is Destiny' but the Toni Morrison thing was she had to get up and do her writing before she heard the word “mom” in the morning or she...
In this segment, Ryan Holiday discusses a story from his book 'Discipline is Destiny' that highlights Toni Morrison's writing routine, which required her to start her day with writing before hearing the word 'mom'.
The Obstacle Is the Way
Buy The Obstacle Is the Way by Ryan Holiday on Amazon
Mentioned 1 time
But I think 'The Obstacle Is The Way' had just come out, um, so would have been my first book about stoic philosophy and then 'The Daily Stoic' would have come out a little bit later than that.
Ryan Holiday reflects on the release of his books, indicating that 'The Obstacle Is The Way' was his first foray into stoic philosophy.
The Daily Stoic
Buy The Daily Stoic by Ryan Holiday, Stephen Hanselman on Amazon
Mentioned 1 time
But I think 'The Obstacle Is The Way' had just come out, um, so would have been my first book about stoic philosophy and then 'The Daily Stoic' would have come out a little bit later than that.
In a discussion about the sequence of his book releases, Ryan Holiday notes that 'The Daily Stoic' was published after his first book, 'The Obstacle Is The Way', which reflects his journey into stoic philosophy.
What to Expect when You're Expecting
Buy What to Expect when You're Expecting by Heidi Eisenberg Murkoff, Sharon Mazel on Amazon
Mentioned 1 time
That's what he said, that was a fact of the industry, which is true, but I think the reason that's true and the reason why parenting books are, with the exception of say 'What to Expect When You're Expecting,' not great sellers is that it's insane to read about some problem you might have 22 years from now, right?
In this segment, Ryan Holiday refers to the book 'What to Expect When You're Expecting' as an exceptional case among parenting books, which typically do not perform as well on the market. He uses this point to discuss how his upcoming book, 'The Daily Dad', is designed for ease of consumption.
The Obstacle Is the Way
Buy The Obstacle Is the Way by Ryan Holiday on Amazon
Mentioned 1 time
I wrote 'Trust Me, I'm Lying' in New Orleans, and then I wrote the proposal for 'The Obstacle is the Way' and I sent it to them the week that 'Trust Me, I'm Lying' came out.
In this segment, Ryan Holiday shares that he wrote the proposal for his book 'The Obstacle is the Way' in New Orleans, coinciding with the release of his previous work, 'Trust Me, I'm Lying', which adds an interesting perspective on his creative process.
The Body Keeps the Score
Buy The Body Keeps the Score by Bessel A. Van der Kolk on Amazon
Mentioned 1 time
Have you read the book 'The Body Keeps the Score'?
During the podcast, the host inquires if the guest has read 'The Body Keeps the Score', indicating its importance to their conversation about trauma.
Painting as a Pastime
Buy Painting as a Pastime by Winston S. Churchill on Amazon
Mentioned 1 time
Churchill wrote this book called 'Painting as a Pastime,' so after World War one where he not only saw combat and was gassed and saw all the terribleness that was trench warfare, but he had before the war been like one of the fastest rising politicians and celebrities in the world.
In this segment, the host discusses the book 'Painting as a Pastime' by Winston Churchill, highlighting how the author’s engagement in painting served as a therapeutic outlet following the traumas of World War I. This reflects the idea that hobbies can be beneficial for mental well-being, particularly in coping with stress.
Lanterns On The Levee
Buy Lanterns On The Levee by William Alexander Percy on Amazon
Mentioned 1 time
And he ended up being adopted by this guy, his uncle, who wrote this book, 'Lanterns on the Levee', which is like one of the beautiful sort of Southern memoirs about, you know, that era.
The guest mentions the book 'Lanterns on the Levee', describing it as a poignant Southern memoir that reflects on a significant era and relates to the family history of Walker Percy.
The Obstacle Is the Way
Buy The Obstacle Is the Way by Ryan Holiday on Amazon
Mentioned 1 time
As I showed my wife last night, I said that, um, uh, what gives it I can't remember; bear with me, um, the obstacle is the way; yeah, he wrote it, I lived it, yeah, that is if anybody could read any book, that's it.
The guest discusses how he embodies the principles discussed in the book 'The Obstacle is the Way', stating it's a book everyone should read.
Meditations
Buy Meditations by Aurelius Marcus on Amazon
Mentioned 1 time
There's some irony in that Marcus Aurelius's book is called 'Meditations,' but he's not doing any meditating in the sense that we understand it now. Right?
The podcast host highlights the irony behind Marcus Aurelius's book titled 'Meditations,' pointing out that despite its name, Aurelius was not engaged in meditation as we understand it today. This observation contrasts Eastern and Western practices.
Enchiridion
Buy Enchiridion by Epictetus on Amazon
Mentioned 1 time
Actually, Epictetus talks about this. He says, 'You know, someone’s working out, they’re lifting weights.' You don’t say, 'Show me your muscles.'
The host brings up Epictetus when discussing the practical application of Stoic philosophy. He quotes Epictetus, suggesting that in the context of someone's workout, it's not about showing off muscles.
Tools of Titans
Buy Tools of Titans by Timothy Ferriss on Amazon
Mentioned 1 time
I saw this thing; this guy was sitting in his living room, and a stray bullet comes through the window, buries in a book behind his head, actually in Tim Ferris's Tools for Titans, I think, just right behind his head.
The host recounts a surprising incident where a stray bullet penetrated a window and struck a book behind a man's head. The book mentioned is 'Tools for Titans' by Tim Ferris, which serves as a poignant illustration of life's unpredictability and the senseless events that can occur at any moment.
Meditations
Buy Meditations by Aurelius Marcus on Amazon
Mentioned 1 time
There's a line towards the end of meditations, which Marcus Aurelius probably wrote as he's getting close to death.
During the discussion, the guest refers to a poignant line from 'Meditations' by Marcus Aurelius, highlighting a stoic perspective on life, which he describes as having three acts. The mention indicates that 'Meditations' was likely penned as Aurelius approached the end of his life.
The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse
Buy The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse by Charlie Mackesy on Amazon
Mentioned 1 time
Have you read the book 'The Boy, the Fox, the Horse, and the Mole'? Have you read that kids book? No, oh it’s incredible! I carry it in the bookstore; it's amazing! It’s by this guy Charlie Mackesy, he’s this brilliant illustrator.
In this segment, the host enthusiastically discusses the book 'The Boy, the Fox, the Horse, and the Mole' by Charlie Mackesy, recommending it to the guest and highlighting how he carries it in his bookstore. They also reflect on a memorable line from the book.
The Daily Stoic
Buy The Daily Stoic by Ryan Holiday, Stephen Hanselman on Amazon
Mentioned 1 time
This is—I can't wait, but I wish that I had gotten this tattoo after I started reading your books.
Troy Baker expresses regret about not getting a specific tattoo after he began reading the books by Ryan Holiday. His mention indicates a connection to the ideas shared by the podcast host.
Meditations
Buy Meditations by Aurelius Marcus on Amazon
Mentioned 1 time
Um and so there's some speculation even that that's where some of the weird, kind of beautiful, mystic passages of Meditations come from is he's like on opium.
The discussion suggests that the book 'Meditations' by Marcus Aurelius may have been influenced by the author's use of opium. This is part of a larger dialogue about the book and its connections to Stoic philosophy.
The Daily Stoic
Buy The Daily Stoic by Ryan Holiday, Stephen Hanselman on Amazon
Mentioned 1 time
And I've been thinking about that reason I just wrote about this—I think for Daily Stoic, I don't know if it's coming, but I was thinking about how like one of the things that I felt during the early days of COVID was like that I had so much time; you know, the day suddenly felt so long, right?
In a reflection on his experiences during the early days of COVID, Ryan Holiday mentions writing about his thoughts for 'Daily Stoic'. This indicates that it is likely referring to the book titled 'The Daily Stoic', as he connects it to his philosophical insights during that challenging time.
Meditations
Buy Meditations by Aurelius Marcus on Amazon
Mentioned 1 time
It is now incumbent upon me as a parent to not only do the best that I can, but make sure that the best that I am giving Traveler is the best for him, not the best for me, and what systems that I was given will work, and what systems I have the ability to— I was telling a friend last night if I look back six generations into my family and saw that every male in my family line had cancer, but I had the ability, it would stop with me; I would get cancer, yeah, but it would stop with me and Traveler wouldn't get cancer, yeah, I would do anything in the world, of course, that is anger, and that has been the through line for my family, huh, this anger.
The guest reflects on his responsibilities as a parent, drawing connections between his family's struggles with anger and health, and the insights from 'Meditations' by Marcus Aurelius. He emphasizes how reading the Stoics has influenced his approach to breaking generational patterns.
Meditations
Buy Meditations by Aurelius Marcus on Amazon
Mentioned 1 time
I control whether I am jealous and anxious and awful and all of these things, and to me, that is the whole of Meditations could just be that passage.
The guest reflects on the book 'Meditations' by Marcus Aurelius, expressing that the essence of the book can be encapsulated in a specific passage. He suggests that this concept is deeply rooted in Stoicism, highlighting the personal control one has over emotions such as jealousy and anxiety.
Meditations
Buy Meditations by Aurelius Marcus on Amazon
Mentioned 1 time
And it's, it's such a very stoic idea in Meditation, Marcus Aurelius says something like, 'Remember, things are not asking to be judged by you.'
The host discusses the book 'Meditations' by Marcus Aurelius, highlighting its stoic philosophy and linking its principles to themes of parenting.
The Creative Act
Buy The Creative Act by Rick Rubin on Amazon
Mentioned 1 time
You have to find some way to be present and both very committed and also, as you talk about in the book, kind of detached from all of that external stuff. Absolutely, and I recommend that artists engage or re-engage with why they wanted to do it in the first place and really find their love.
In this segment, the host discusses the idea of being present and committed while also remaining detached from external distractions, referencing insights from a book by Rick Rubin.
The Book: A Cover-to-Cover Exploration of the Most Powerful Object of Our Time
Mentioned 1 time
Then when it's done and there are no more creative decisions to be made, and the book is written, you may not have the final final version of it, but you know exactly what the book is. You've said what you want to say, and you feel good about it; that would be the first time to think about, okay, what could a cover look like, what could the marketing look like, who's the audience for this?
In this segment, the host discusses the writing process of a book and mentions the importance of understanding the content and audience once the writing is complete. The reference suggests he might be alluding to Rick Rubin's book, emphasizing creativity and marketing after finalizing a manuscript.
On Writing
Buy On Writing by Stephen King on Amazon
Mentioned 1 time
You're not the same person who wrote your first book, so if you're using exactly the same methods that that guy was using, they might not be optimal. No, it's changed a ton.
The host suggests that Rick Rubin has written at least one book, highlighting that personal growth and changes in methods over time may affect the relevance of past approaches.
The Essential Guide to Getting Your Book Published
Mentioned 1 time
I would clarify—your book is full of paradoxes, I think much more Eastern than Western, your embrace of paradox instead of singular permanent truth. You tell the story about the man in Calcutta and then you have this wonderful little poem on page 104, and you say, beware of the assumption that the way you work is the best way simply because it's the way you've done it before.
During the discussion, the host comments on Rick Rubin's book, highlighting how it contains many paradoxes and emphasizes a more Eastern approach to understanding truth. They also mention a specific story and quote a line from page 104, illustrating the book's depth and insights.
The Creative Act
Buy The Creative Act by Rick Rubin on Amazon
Mentioned 1 time
If we put our—one of the things I recommend in the book is like creating the equivalent of creating office hours, having a schedule to work. Where you say I'm going to sit down for this could be 20 minutes, could be three hours; it's up to you what that window is and how you want to do it.
The host refers to a recommendation from Rick Rubin's book about establishing a structured work schedule by setting aside dedicated time for focused work.
Gates of Fire
Buy Gates of Fire by Steven Pressfield on Amazon
Mentioned 1 time
His books are great. Oh, they're the best.
The podcast host praises Stephen Pressfield's books, expressing that they consider them to be the best, in the context of discussing Pressfield's advice.
Meditations
Buy Meditations by Aurelius Marcus on Amazon
Mentioned 1 time
I think about that; obviously, the book that's influenced my life the most is Marcus Aurelius' Meditations. What I think is so surreal about that book is you have the most powerful person in the world, 2000 years ago, writing a journal to himself, never intending it to be published.
In this segment, the podcast host reflects on how the book 'Meditations' by Marcus Aurelius has profoundly influenced his life. He finds it surreal that the most powerful person in the world, two millennia ago, wrote a personal journal that was never meant for publication.
The Book: A Cover-to-Cover Exploration of the Most Powerful Object of Our Time
Mentioned 1 time
That's when you can start thinking; we call that the crafting phase in the book. The first stage is the seed phase where we're gathering ideas; the second phase is the experimentation phase where we're watering those seeds, seeing what they want to be on their own.
In this segment, the podcast guest, Rick Rubin, discusses a 'crafting phase' described in his book. He elaborates on the different stages of creativity, referencing a framework that helps individuals develop their ideas.
The Book: A Cover-to-Cover Exploration of the Most Powerful Object of Our Time
Mentioned 1 time
But one of the things that I've learned from the book in working on the book is that that last phase, the editing and getting ready to share it, you can do that on a schedule. Whereas you can't really collect the seeds on a schedule, you can't really do the experimentation on a schedule.
The podcast guest discusses insights gained from his own book during its writing process, highlighting the importance of scheduling the editing phase compared to the more unpredictable phases of idea generation and experimentation.
Plutarch's Lives, Volume 2
Buy Plutarch's Lives, Volume 2 by Plutarch on Amazon
Mentioned 1 time
Shakespeare is stealing from the writings of Plutarch, who existed roughly around the time of Marcus Aurelius. He quotes other fables and stuff, but you can tell that Shakespeare is stealing from ancient stories—just as like the Renaissance was powered by them falling back in love with the Greeks and the Romans.
The host discusses how Shakespeare's work draws from the writings of Plutarch, highlighting the influence of ancient stories and authors during the Renaissance.
The Odyssey of Homer
Buy The Odyssey of Homer by Homer on Amazon
Mentioned 1 time
In the Odyssey, he talks about the 'wine-dark sea.' Who thinks the ocean looks like wine?
The podcast host refers to 'The Odyssey' when discussing how the author describes the ocean as 'wine-dark,' prompting a reflection on the appearance of the sea.
The Obstacle Is the Way
Buy The Obstacle Is the Way by Ryan Holiday on Amazon
Mentioned 1 time
And, um, I actually—I had to go back through and read some of my earlier books. I’d reread The Obstacle is the Way and what I was struck by, what I noticed there for the first time was that there was a tightness to the writing and the book is shorter.
The host reflects on his earlier writings and highlights insights gained from rereading 'The Obstacle is the Way', noting the tightness in the writing and the book's brevity.
The Obstacle Is the Way
Buy The Obstacle Is the Way by Ryan Holiday on Amazon
Mentioned 1 time
And, um, I actually—I had to go back through and read some of my earlier books. I’d reread The Obstacle is the Way and what I was struck by, what I noticed there for the first time was that there was a tightness to the writing and the book is shorter.
In this episode, the host recounts his experience of rereading his earlier book, 'The Obstacle is the Way,' noting the clarity and conciseness of the writing.
Gates of Fire
Buy Gates of Fire by Steven Pressfield on Amazon
Mentioned 1 time
Like I read—whenever I start a new project, I read one of Steven Pressfield’s writing books again, just from cover to cover. Um, and I feel like there’s something in the way that you did it that, um, you know, is the difference between depth and width, and I think you’ve created something that has a greater depth and value to people.
The host mentions that he re-reads Steven Pressfield’s books on writing whenever he starts a new project, finding inspiration from their depth and value.
The Creative Act
Buy The Creative Act by Rick Rubin on Amazon
Mentioned 1 time
It’s the book I wanted to write; that’s one of the things about it is like—and I think when we did talk about it all those years ago, that was probably what you said. It’s like, why do you want to do that book?
The guest mentions 'the book' which refers to Rick Rubin's book that he is discussing and promoting during the podcast.
Courage Is Calling
Buy Courage Is Calling by Ryan Holiday on Amazon
Mentioned 1 time
If you, I would not recommend writing a book called 'The Obstacle is the Way,' a book called 'Ego is the Enemy,' a book called 'Stillness is the Key,' a book called 'Courage is Calling,' or 'Discipline is Destiny.' Because then people expect you to be all those things, which is of course impossible.
In a discussion about the challenges of writing self-improvement books, Ryan Holiday cites 'Courage is Calling' among other titles, reflecting on how these works can set high expectations for personal behavior and achievement.
The 48 Laws of Power (Special Power Edition)
Buy The 48 Laws of Power (Special Power Edition) by Robert Greene on Amazon
Mentioned 1 time
You choose how you use them, and I think Robert's first law of power is never outshine the master, right? His point is that people are fundamentally jealous and insecure and don’t want other people to succeed.
In this segment, Ryan Holiday discusses the concept of the 'first law of power,' which is to never outshine the master. He highlights the idea that people often feel jealousy and insecurity regarding the success of others, referencing Robert Greene's insights on human behavior and the laws of power.
Meditations
Buy Meditations by Aurelius Marcus on Amazon
Mentioned 1 time
There's this beautiful line in the beginning of Meditations, and it's called 'Debts and Lessons'. It’s like all the things Marcus learned from people in his life, and it's really remarkable to think that he wasn't publishing it.
In this episode, the host references a poignant section from the beginning of 'Meditations' by Marcus Aurelius, discussing the insights about the debts and lessons he learned throughout his life.
Meditations
Buy Meditations by Aurelius Marcus on Amazon
Mentioned 1 time
That's actually from Heraclitus who Marcus Aurelius quotes in Meditations, and the idea is, yeah, we're not only do we not step in the same river twice because the river's changing, but we're also changing.
Ryan Holiday references 'Meditations' by Marcus Aurelius to illustrate the idea that both the external world and ourselves are in a constant state of change.
Why We Sleep
Buy Why We Sleep by Matthew Walker on Amazon
Mentioned 1 time
But like, yes, I get what you're saying, but that was, but that's interesting to me because I saw that I actually read that book, Why We Sleep, that author, right? And I, and I, and I, and that's like there's this, the percentage of people who can actually do that is staggeringly low.
The guest, Alexander Ludwig, briefly mentions reading the book 'Why We Sleep' by Matthew Walker, using it to discuss how much sleep people actually need and the consequences of undervaluing its importance. This comes up in response to the host's comment about some individuals seeming to function well on very little sleep.
The Conspiracy of Catiline as Related by Sallust
Buy The Conspiracy of Catiline as Related by Sallust by Sallust on Amazon
Mentioned 1 time
I've written a translation—a new translation—of the classic account of the conspiracy by the historian Sallust, written about 20 years later.
The podcast guest discusses his new translation of Sallust's historical work on the Catilinarian conspiracy, providing insightful context on the events being analyzed.
The Second Triumvirate
Buy The Second Triumvirate by Clifford Alexander on Amazon
Mentioned 1 time
Maybe you can tease it, but I know you have a book coming out on the second conflict, the one between Cato and Caesar. I would love to have a conversation with you about that book when it comes out.
In this segment, the host brings up the guest's upcoming book, which focuses on the historical conflict between Cato and Caesar. They express interest in discussing the book further upon its release.
Uncommon Wrath
Buy Uncommon Wrath by Josiah Osgood on Amazon
Mentioned 1 time
In my book, I'm trying to trace the story of Caesar's rivalry with Cato, who was another great leader of that generation.
The guest mentions his own upcoming work, which focuses on the rivalry between Caesar and Cato, significant leaders of their time.
Genghis Khan and the Making of the Modern World
Buy Genghis Khan and the Making of the Modern World by J. McIver Weatherford on Amazon
Mentioned 1 time
I still have my copy of 'Genghis Khan and the Making of the Modern World,' which has got to be 15 years old by now.
The podcast host shares that he has had a copy of the book 'Genghis Khan and the Making of the Modern World' for about 15 years.
A Calendar of Wisdom
Buy A Calendar of Wisdom by Leo Tolstoy on Amazon
Mentioned 1 time
One of my similar book recommendations, since we were talking about books, I don't know if you've ever read Tolstoy's 'A Calendar of Wisdom.'
In this segment, the host suggests 'A Calendar of Wisdom' by Leo Tolstoy as a book recommendation, inviting listeners to consider reading it.
The Secret History of the Mongols
Buy The Secret History of the Mongols by Paul Kahn on Amazon
Mentioned 1 time
It was the same decade that 'The Secret History of the Mongols' was first published in English, also by Harvard University.
The podcast host discusses the timing of the English publication of the book 'The Secret History of the Mongols', highlighting its significance.
Timon of Athens
Buy Timon of Athens by William Shakespeare on Amazon
Mentioned 1 time
I remember discussing Shakespeare’s 'Timon of Athens' today, a work many dismiss as worthless because it doesn’t fit typical artistic criteria.
In the episode, the podcast guest discusses the play 'Timon of Athens' by William Shakespeare, reflecting on how it is often dismissed as lacking artistic value due to its atypical style.
The Moral Arc
Buy The Moral Arc by Michael Shermer on Amazon
Mentioned 1 time
When Obama left office, he supposedly spoke to some of his aides about that famous line, which I believe is in the book, about how the arc of history is long, but it bends toward truth.
In this segment, the podcast host discusses how former President Obama referenced a well-known line likely sourced from a book, particularly stating that 'the arc of history is long, but it bends toward truth'. This occurred during conversations with his aides just after his presidency.
F. Scott Fitzgerald: The Great Gatsby
Buy F. Scott Fitzgerald: The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald on Amazon
Mentioned 1 time
One of my favorite passages in The Great Gatsby is where Gatsby meets Meyer Wolfsheim, the organized criminal, and Gatsby sort of whispers to Nick Carraway that this was the man who fixed the 1919 World Series.
The podcast host shares a memorable passage from 'The Great Gatsby', reflecting on a moment where Gatsby introduces Meyer Wolfsheim to Nick Carraway, highlighting Wolfsheim's connection to the fixing of the 1919 World Series. This mention serves to emphasize how certain individuals can wield significant influence.
The Woman's Hour
Buy The Woman's Hour by Elaine Weiss on Amazon
Mentioned 1 time
That is something you talk a lot about in the book, and I'm glad you did because I loved that book, The Women's Hour, about the passing of the amendment that gives women the right to vote.
The podcast host highlights that the guest delves into a specific topic in his book, which transitions into discussing the book 'The Women's Hour,' which focuses on the amendment granting women the right to vote.
The Woman's Hour
Buy The Woman's Hour by Elaine Weiss on Amazon
Mentioned 1 time
That is something you talk a lot about in the book, and I'm glad you did because I loved that book, The Women's Hour, about the passing of the amendment that gives women the right to vote.
In this segment, the podcast host shares their thoughts on 'The Women's Hour,' a book that explores the passing of the amendment granting women the right to vote. The host expresses their appreciation for the book and highlights its content, contributing to a deeper discussion about the topic.
The Woman's Hour
Buy The Woman's Hour by Elaine Weiss on Amazon
Mentioned 1 time
As she points out in her book, and you point out in this book, there were people who were vehemently opposed to women having the right to vote, and a good chunk of those people were women, which is kind of the mind-blowing thing when you dig into it.
In this segment, the podcast host discusses 'her book', which is implied to be 'The Women's Hour', while also referring to 'this book', the one that the guest is promoting. The conversation revolves around the historical resistance to women's suffrage, emphasizing the surprising fact that many women actively opposed voting rights for women.
The Book: A Cover-to-Cover Exploration of the Most Powerful Object of Our Time
Mentioned 1 time
The Obama coalition is really kind of the future of America, which is why he was so feared, and why we say in the book, there was that backlash.
In this segment, the host discusses the concept presented in 'the book', arguing that the Obama coalition, seen as a glimpse into America's future, incited fear and backlash.
The Essential Guide to Getting Your Book Published
Mentioned 1 time
A final reflection I want to make is related to a personal experience you share in your book about watching events unfold on a television in your parents' house.
The host mentions that the guest shared a personal experience in 'your book' regarding watching events unfold on television in his parents' house. This refers to the book they had been discussing earlier in the podcast episode.
Chosen Country
Buy Chosen Country by James Pogue on Amazon
Mentioned 1 time
This reminded me of my time in the Teal world around 2016-2017 while writing my book 'Conspiracy,' which explains much of what’s happening, this conspiracy element.
In this segment, the podcast host discusses the book 'Conspiracy' by James Pogue, the guest on the show. He reflects on his experiences while writing the book, particularly how it sheds light on the conspiracy elements related to current socio-political events during the years 2016-2017.
The New Sultan
Buy The New Sultan by Soner Cagaptay on Amazon
Mentioned 1 time
So like I mean, I’ve said this many times, so sorry to repeat it, but like people should listen to Curtis's latest episode on Good Old Boys; like it's not a joke; like it's like a blueprint for like how we get an American dictator, and there’s like a pretty detailed plan and description, but you listen to it and you're also like, whoa, this is like, you've plotted this all out; like this is not how—like you read one history book and you're like, okay, we're gonna seize China, and then we're gonna get the oil in Indo-China and blah, blah, and you're like, there's so many steps in that chain where something can go wrong; this is not gonna work.
The guest references Curtis Yarvin's 'Good Old Boys', framing it as a detailed blueprint for the potential rise of an American dictator. The mention highlights the specific and intricate plan that Curtis outlines, relating it to the current political climate and possible future scenarios.
Adult Children of Emotionally Immature Parents
Buy Adult Children of Emotionally Immature Parents by Lindsay C. Gibson on Amazon
Mentioned 1 time
Acknowledging the internal struggle alongside the external influences is vital, and books like "Adult Children of Emotionally Immature Parents" reveal so much truth about this.
The speaker refers to the book 'Adult Children of Emotionally Immature Parents' to highlight its insights into the internal struggles individuals face and how these are affected by external influences. The book is presented as a valuable resource for understanding one's emotional state in relation to outside factors.
The Book: A Cover-to-Cover Exploration of the Most Powerful Object of Our Time
Mentioned 1 time
It's a pleasure to talk; I love the book. I found it very interesting.
In this episode, podcast host Ryan Holiday shares his admiration for the guest's book, describing it as very interesting. This comment sets the stage for a deeper discussion about the ideas presented in the book.
This Book
Buy This Book by Kathryn Madeline Allen on Amazon
Mentioned 1 time
That strikes me as essentially the exploration of this book, where animals are smart and humans are dumb, or where humans are smart and animals are dumb. That's a beautiful anecdote; that's exactly it.
In this segment, host Ryan Holiday discusses a story about a bear and a human interacting with trash cans, highlighting the themes of Justin Gregg's book on animal intelligence and the contrasting perceptions of human and animal smarts.
The Book: A Cover-to-Cover Exploration of the Most Powerful Object of Our Time
Mentioned 1 time
But I argue in the book that we’re also terrible at feeling the consequences of long-term schemes. Our brains are still designed for making decisions in the here and now, just like animals.
In this segment, Justin Gregg discusses a point made in his book about how humans struggle to recognize the long-term consequences of their actions, highlighting a disconnect between our decision-making processes and the nature of long-term planning.
This Book
Buy This Book by Kathryn Madeline Allen on Amazon
Mentioned 1 time
That's why I chose Nietzsche for this book; that’s exactly what he talks about. If I’m not wrong, I think the Stoics said something similar: animals live in the moment and aren't weighed down by these other considerations, so in that moment, they are happier.
In this segment, Justin Gregg discusses his decision to include Nietzsche in his book, emphasizing how Nietzsche's ideas resonate with the themes being explored in the conversation.
The Book: A Cover-to-Cover Exploration of the Most Powerful Object of Our Time
Mentioned 1 time
In the book, I argue this isn't necessarily true with what we know from animal cognition, as they do have a bit of future planning. But for the most part, yes, that is true—we can think about our own deaths.
Justin Gregg discusses arguments he makes in his book regarding animal cognition and their capacity for future planning.
The Book: A Cover-to-Cover Exploration of the Most Powerful Object of Our Time
Mentioned 1 time
I’m not sure; in the book, I make an advanced calculation. Thinking about your death and planning these legacy projects, like writing a book to be remembered for, guides our actions, which is great.
In this segment, guest Justin Gregg discusses an advanced calculation from his book that relates to planning for the future and the concept of human happiness.
Frederick
Buy Frederick by Leo Lionni on Amazon
Mentioned 1 time
Did you read the children's book 'Frederick' about the mouse? That sounds familiar.
In this segment, Ryan Holiday inquires whether guest Justin Gregg has read the children's book 'Frederick', which sparks a conversation about its themes and how they relate to their broader discussion.
The Pope's Elephant
Buy The Pope's Elephant by Silvio A. Bedini on Amazon
Mentioned 1 time
There’s a great book about it called 'The Pope’s Elephant.' But he loved this animal, and anyway, it was a white elephant if I’m remembering correctly.
In this episode, Ryan Holiday refers to 'The Pope’s Elephant,' a book that provides insight into an intriguing anecdote about an elephant adored by the Pope, and sets the stage for a larger narrative about this remarkable animal.
To Risk It All
Buy To Risk It All by Admiral James Stavridis, USN on Amazon
Mentioned 1 time
I was just reading Admiral Stavridis's book about Navy heroes, and I had no idea about Commander Ernest Evans, who was the first Native American to win the Medal of Honor. It's weird that there is this history, and it’s one of the few bright spots in American history that should be celebrated.
The podcast guest mentions reading a book by Admiral Stavridis about Navy heroes, connecting it to the discussion of Native American service in the U.S. military. The book highlights Commander Ernest Evans, the first Native American to receive the Medal of Honor, as an example.
Handwriting Without Tears: My printing book
Buy Handwriting Without Tears: My printing book by Jan Z. Olsen, Emily F. Knapton on Amazon
Mentioned 1 time
That's why I wrote my book; I've seen service providers, especially in healthcare, hesitate to reach out for help amid struggles.
During the discussion, the guest explains his motivation for writing his book, highlighting the challenges he has observed regarding service providers in the healthcare sector who are reluctant to seek help during difficult times.
Chuck Klosterman IV
Buy Chuck Klosterman IV by Chuck Klosterman on Amazon
Mentioned 1 time
You and I talked about Chuck Klosterman, and I never—and I interviewed him—but he never talked about this in the book, I don't think.
In this segment, the podcast host refers to a prior conversation with the guest regarding Chuck Klosterman. They mention a book that was discussed, along with an interview with the author. The context emphasizes the passage of time and reflects on how topics from the past might seem more distant, while hinting at a new work by Klosterman focused on the 90s.
Lincoln's Virtues
Buy Lincoln's Virtues by William Lee Miller on Amazon
Mentioned 1 time
A few years ago, I read a book called Lincoln's Virtues by William Lee Miller, and he said that we forget because we look at Lincoln from 150 years ago, we see him as just a moral figure rather than as a politician.
In this segment, the host references a book titled 'Lincoln's Virtues' by William Lee Miller, which they read a few years back. The book discusses how the perception of historical figures, like Abraham Lincoln, tends to simplify their complexity, viewing them merely as moral icons rather than the politicians they were.
The prince
Buy The prince by Niccolò Machiavelli on Amazon
Mentioned 1 time
These are extraordinary skills, and sometimes I felt like I was writing Machiavelli volume two called 'The Princess.'
In this segment, the speaker draws a comparison to Machiavelli's renowned work, *The Prince*, indicating that their current writing project is akin to a follow-up volume, humorously titled 'The Princess.'
The prince
Buy The prince by Niccolò Machiavelli on Amazon
Mentioned 1 time
She just doesn't think it's anybody's business, and that, in fact, here's another lesson from Machiavelli volume two is if you don't give it all away to the public, you know, that liberates a large part of you; that frees a large part of you to actually maintain life as a normal human, which she's about as normal a human as any supremely powerful player on the world stage has ever been because she didn't reveal everything.
The speaker discusses a lesson from Machiavelli's *The Prince*, implying that the subject of the podcast employs a similar philosophy in life, maintaining a level of privacy that allows for a more normal existence despite their powerful position.
Meditations
Buy Meditations by Aurelius Marcus on Amazon
Mentioned 1 time
And also, I think like I've talked about this before, but one of the reasons I think Meditations by Marcus Aurelius is this totally unique philosophy book is that he wasn't writing a philosophy book. He was writing notes to himself about what he thought, and in that way the specific is actually more universal.
Ryan Holiday discusses 'Meditations' by Marcus Aurelius, emphasizing its uniqueness as a philosophy book. He points out that it was intended as personal notes rather than a formal philosophical text, making its specific insights more universally applicable.
The Obstacle Is the Way
Buy The Obstacle Is the Way by Ryan Holiday on Amazon
Mentioned 1 time
Like I remember one time I was writing in Obstacles the Way because I was working on that when I attended, I was writing about astronauts being sent into space and how they do emotional regulation. And then I'm sitting down at dinner and Jim Lovell is just like at the table across from me and I was like, oh [__].
Ryan Holiday shares a recollection of writing 'Obstacles the Way' while participating in an event. He reflects on his research about astronauts and their emotional regulation, highlighting a memorable dinner encounter with Jim Lovell.
Jurassic Park
Buy Jurassic Park by Michael Crichton on Amazon
Mentioned 1 time
That he, it's like the thing in Jurassic Park, you were thinking so much about whether you could, you didn't ask yourself if you should. Like you were just, it seems like your big argument was like why aren't there other things to value in life?
The podcast host references a quote from 'Jurassic Park,' which David Gelles, the guest, seemingly alluded to in the context of ethical questioning about whether something should be done, even if it can be done.
The Brass Check, a Study of American Journalism
Buy The Brass Check, a Study of American Journalism by Upton Sinclair on Amazon
Mentioned 1 time
It's like that expression from Upton Sinclair, who wrote sort of very critically about journalism in one of his great books called The Brass Check, he was saying like it's impossible to get someone to understand something that their salary depends on them not understanding.
In this segment, the guest, David Gelles, refers to 'The Brass Check,' a critical work by Upton Sinclair. He uses this reference to illustrate how biases in journalism can hinder individuals from grasping the consequences of their actions.
How Will You Measure Your Life? (Harvard Business Review Classics)
Mentioned 1 time
Clay Christensen, one of the great business consultants of all time, wrote a book on how to measure your life. His whole career was about measuring success in business, but in the end, he tells Harvard MBAs that none of that matters; you have to measure your life by other things.
The podcast host mentions that Clay Christensen, a renowned business consultant, authored a book titled 'How Will You Measure Your Life?'. The discussion emphasizes the importance of prioritizing what truly matters in life, contrasting conventional success in business with personal fulfillment.
Nomadland: Surviving America in the Twenty-First Century
Buy Nomadland: Surviving America in the Twenty-First Century by Jessica Bruder on Amazon
Mentioned 1 time
It's these kinds of ripples compounded over generations that explain the country we live in right now. Have you read 'Nomadland'? Yeah, I remember as I was reading it, there's a part of me that was sorting through my capitalistic side and trying to understand how it could be this person's fault.
The podcast host inquires if the guest has read 'Nomadland,' a non-fiction book that explores the lives of individuals who live nomadically while working low-paying jobs. This mention serves as a springboard for discussing the complexities of assigning blame in societal issues.
The Road
Buy The Road by Cormac McCarthy on Amazon
Mentioned 1 time
Have you read Cormac McCarthy's 'The Road'? As much as I can take, I’m a huge admirer; I think he's incredibly gifted.
During the podcast, the host inquires if the guest has read 'The Road' by Cormac McCarthy. She expresses her admiration for the author and praises his literary talents.
Blood Meridian
Buy Blood Meridian by Cormac McCarthy on Amazon
Mentioned 1 time
Most recently, I read 'Blood Meridian,' and I'm slightly exaggerating about being the last person in America not to have read 'The Road.'
The guest shares her recent reading of 'Blood Meridian' and humorously comments on being behind in reading 'The Road', indicating her awareness of its popularity.
Lost & Found
Buy Lost & Found by Kathryn Schulz on Amazon
Mentioned 1 time
There's a reason I titled my new book 'Lost and Found' —sometimes we discover what was missing from our lives.
The guest shares the title of her new book, 'Lost and Found', and discusses its significance, emphasizing how it relates to discovering what has been missing in our lives.
Chronicles
Buy Chronicles by Bob Dylan on Amazon
Mentioned 1 time
Reading Bob Dylan's memoir gave an intriguing perspective; he believed long songs with many verses are valuable for practicing memorization without context.
In this segment, Chuck Klosterman discusses the insights gained from reading Bob Dylan's memoir, particularly how Dylan views long songs as tools for enhancing memorization skills through repetition, highlighting their potential educational value.
But What If We're Wrong?
Buy But What If We're Wrong? by Chuck Klosterman on Amazon
Mentioned 1 time
I had a book come out in 2016 called 'But What If We're Wrong?'. So I was doing an audiobook for it, and I thought, 'I don't like the sound of my own voice.'
Chuck Klosterman, the podcast guest, shares a personal story about his book 'But What If We're Wrong?'. He discusses his experience recording the audiobook, expressing his discomfort with the sound of his own voice, which led him to hire a British woman to narrate it.
But What If We're Wrong?
Buy But What If We're Wrong? by Chuck Klosterman on Amazon
Mentioned 1 time
You've cultivated this ability to think differently about things, and that's the premise of 'What If We're Wrong?'. You're contending with things that we take for granted.
In this segment, the podcast host discusses the guest Chuck Klosterman's book 'What If We're Wrong?', highlighting how it encourages readers to challenge conventional thinking and perceive the world from a different perspective.
The Contrarian
Buy The Contrarian by Max Chafkin on Amazon
Mentioned 1 time
I think it truly is a no-win proposition; I wrote a book about Peter Thiel and his lawsuit against Gawker that scrutinized media.
Chuck Klosterman discusses his book about Peter Thiel's lawsuit against Gawker, highlighting the challenges writers face in maintaining objectivity amid public scrutiny.
![Black Boy [Seventy-fifth Anniversary Edition] Cover](https://mentionedinpodcasts.com/media/books/1e65c866-cc77-7219-ad20-d445b52b35b3.jpg)
Black Boy [Seventy-fifth Anniversary Edition]
Buy Black Boy [Seventy-fifth Anniversary Edition] by Richard Wright on Amazon
Mentioned 1 time
I can remember specific scenes from Richard Wright's Black Boy in a vivid way.
In this segment, podcast guest Chuck Klosterman shares his fond memories of reading Richard Wright's 'Black Boy' during his childhood, highlighting how vividly he recalls specific scenes from the book.
Crossroads
Buy Crossroads by Jonathan Franzen on Amazon
Mentioned 1 time
I'm reading Jonathan Franzen's Crossroads right now, and it's great, but I've already forgotten parts at the beginning of the book.
During the conversation, Chuck Klosterman shares his thoughts on reading Jonathan Franzen's 'Crossroads', expressing how he appreciates the depth of subtext in literature, even if it makes him overlook some plot details.
Animal Farm
Buy Animal Farm by George Orwell on Amazon
Mentioned 1 time
My favorite book of all time is probably Animal Farm, and it’s funny to think that the first time I read that, I must have read it only as text.
In this segment, Chuck Klosterman shares that 'Animal Farm' is his favorite book, reflecting on how his initial reading experience focused solely on the text rather than the deeper meanings behind it.
But What If We're Wrong?
Buy But What If We're Wrong? by Chuck Klosterman on Amazon
Mentioned 1 time
Well, this is so awesome; I'm a huge fan, I love the new book, and I love What If We're Wrong?
During the conversation, the podcast host expresses enthusiasm for Chuck Klosterman's book 'What If We're Wrong?', showcasing admiration for both the author and the work itself.
I Wear the Black Hat
Buy I Wear the Black Hat by Chuck Klosterman on Amazon
Mentioned 1 time
I also thought I Wear the Black Hat was a great book too.
In this segment, the host expresses his appreciation for another one of Chuck Klosterman's works, titled 'I Wear the Black Hat', reflecting on its quality.
Discipline Is Destiny
Buy Discipline Is Destiny by Ryan Holiday on Amazon
Mentioned 1 time
There's a story I tell in the discipline book about Cato, one of his heroes.
The podcast host discusses a story from his book, 'Discipline is Destiny', focusing on the Roman figure Cato to illustrate key Stoic principles.
How Children Succeed
Buy How Children Succeed by Paul Tough on Amazon
Mentioned 1 time
I remember I read a study—Paul Tough wrote this book, I think it's called 'How Children Succeed.'
In this segment, the podcast guest recalls reading a study by Paul Tough, which discusses his book 'How Children Succeed.' The mention is made in relation to a broader conversation about self-discipline and child development, particularly referencing the marshmallow test.
Waging a Good War
Buy Waging a Good War by Thomas E. Ricks on Amazon
Mentioned 1 time
This is Tom Rick's book on the Civil Rights Movement called 'Waging a Good Work.'
In this segment, the podcast guest references Tom Ricks' book 'Waging a Good Work,' which focuses on the Civil Rights Movement and the principles of non-violent training.
The Ride of a Lifetime
Buy The Ride of a Lifetime by Robert Iger on Amazon
Mentioned 1 time
A perfect example of this in a book is Bob Iger's book, The Ride of a Lifetime.
In this segment, the host highlights the book 'The Ride of a Lifetime' by Bob Iger to illustrate a compelling example related to the discussion.
Atomic Habits
Buy Atomic Habits by James Clear on Amazon
Mentioned 1 time
James Clear's book starts with him getting hit in the eye with a baseball and nearly dying from it.
In the podcast, the host discusses how James Clear's book opens with a compelling anecdote about being struck in the eye by a baseball, highlighting the author's storytelling skills that enhance engagement.
Growth Hacker Marketing
Buy Growth Hacker Marketing by Ryan Holiday on Amazon
Mentioned 1 time
I wrote Trust Me, I’m Lying while I still had a small salary; I wrote Growth Hacker while I still had a small salary, and then Dove was fired from American Apparel.
In this segment, Ryan Holiday reflects on his writing journey, noting that he wrote 'Growth Hacker' during a challenging time when he had a limited income.
Will
Buy Will by Will Smith on Amazon
Mentioned 1 time
That's a reference back to the Will Smith book that I'm reading right now.
The host references a book by Will Smith while discussing themes of ambition and addiction.
A Good American Family
Buy A Good American Family by David Maraniss on Amazon
Mentioned 1 time
You talk about his sort of index Rolodex card system, and I wanted to hear more about it. Well, that was my first book, Ryan.
In this segment, guest David Maraniss discusses his 'first book' while responding to a question about his note card system, offering insight into his writing process.
A Good American Family
Buy A Good American Family by David Maraniss on Amazon
Mentioned 1 time
He’s Mike; he’s a character in my book, and I have to appreciate whatever he’s doing to try to understand it. That really has helped me through all of my biographies.
David Maraniss discusses how his experience with writing 'my biographies' has significantly influenced his understanding and approach to his work.
The Night of the Were-Boy
Buy The Night of the Were-Boy by Enid Richemont on Amazon
Mentioned 1 time
I've probably written three or four books before it really occurred to me that like it was called intellectual property. Yes, and that you’ve created a thing.
The host discusses having written several books and reflects on how these works are considered intellectual property, contributing to a larger conversation about writing as a business.
The Everything Guide to Writing a Romance Novel
Buy The Everything Guide to Writing a Romance Novel by Christie Craig, Faye Hughes on Amazon
Mentioned 1 time
The same thing is true with a romance novel I wrote in 2004; those are opportunities that can proliferate, and I don't have to write another word for it to be true, and someone else can pick up the ball and run with it. That still exists and operates without me having to be involved day to day, just like the movie rights of a project can be purchased from you—someone else can do it.
Stacey references one of her previously written romance novels as an example of a creation that becomes its own entity, separate from its creator, while still providing value. This highlights the concept of building scalable assets.
Meditations
Buy Meditations by Aurelius Marcus on Amazon
Mentioned 1 time
Marcus Aurelius refers to the common good like 40 times in his meditations. My favorite line says what’s bad for the hive is bad for the bee; to me, if businesses could think that way, and I try to think about that with my business—do I pay people a fair wage?
In this segment, the host discusses the book "Meditations" by Marcus Aurelius, highlighting a significant line that emphasizes the importance of the common good. The host reflects on how this philosophy can be applied to business practices, particularly in terms of fair compensation.
Courage
Buy Courage by Bernard Waber on Amazon
Mentioned 1 time
And then I still had a book that I was writing, this is when I was writing Courage, and I felt like I was so much more locked in on that book.
The guest, Steven Pressfield, shares his experience of writing a book titled *Courage*, describing how he felt increasingly focused and engaged in the work.
Meditations
Buy Meditations by Aurelius Marcus on Amazon
Mentioned 1 time
In Meditations, Marcus Aurelius asks yourself at every moment, is this task essential?
The podcast discusses *Meditations* by Marcus Aurelius, highlighting a significant question posed in the book that encourages reflection on the essential nature of tasks.
Journal of a Novel
Buy Journal of a Novel by John Steinbeck on Amazon
Mentioned 1 time
There you recommended this John Steinbeck book to me, Journal of a Novel.
Ryan, the host, refers to a recommendation made by Steven Pressfield regarding the book *Journal of a Novel* by John Steinbeck.
Discipline Is Destiny
Buy Discipline Is Destiny by Ryan Holiday on Amazon
Mentioned 1 time
Ah, yeah, yeah, that was in your book about discipline.
In this segment, guest Steven Pressfield references a quote from Ryan Holiday's book, *Discipline is Destiny*, highlighting the theme of discipline discussed in the episode.
One Line a Day
Buy One Line a Day by Line A Day on Amazon
Mentioned 1 time
And well, it's so, it's called the one line a day journal, and each page has five slots on it.
In this segment, Ryan discusses a specific journaling method he practices, referring to it as the *One Line a Day Journal*, which features pages designed with five slots for daily entries.
Lives of the Stoics
Buy Lives of the Stoics by Ryan Holiday, Stephen Hanselman on Amazon
Mentioned 1 time
Two days later, one year later, I started Lives; like I realized I was sort of almost unconsciously on a schedule of starting a book on this day five years in a row. Wow.
In this segment, host Ryan Holiday reflects on an annual tradition he has developed over the years, where he begins reading a book around this time each year. He specifically mentions starting his book *Lives*, which is subtitled *Lives of the Stoics*, highlighting this practice.
Discipline Is Destiny
Buy Discipline Is Destiny by Ryan Holiday on Amazon
Mentioned 1 time
Thank you very much, Steven So everyone should buy 'Discipline is Destiny.'
In this segment, the guest, Steven Pressfield, encourages everyone to purchase Ryan Holiday's book titled *Discipline is Destiny*.
The Artist's Journey
Buy The Artist's Journey by Steven Pressfield on Amazon
Mentioned 1 time
As always, I love all your work—'The War of Art,' 'The Artist's Journey,' 'Gates of Fire'—I've loved all your stuff.
In this segment, the host Ryan expresses his admiration for the guest Steven Pressfield's work, specifically mentioning several of Pressfield's books, including *The Artist's Journey*.
The Daily Stoic
Buy The Daily Stoic by Ryan Holiday, Stephen Hanselman on Amazon
Mentioned 1 time
And thank you for giving me a copy of your book, 'The Daily Stoic,' which inspired me to write a book as well.
In this segment, guest Steven Pressfield expresses gratitude for receiving a copy of Ryan Holiday's book, *The Daily Stoic*, explaining how it inspired him to write his own book.
Aesop's Fables
Buy Aesop's Fables by Aesop on Amazon
Mentioned 1 time
So he took money that in retrospect I realized he didn't always have, and he paid us handsomely, for our age, to sit and study and to read Aesop's Fables when we were really young and then to get on to more sophisticated things later.
In this segment, Thomas Chatterton Williams recounts how his father incentivized him and his siblings to read by paying them. One of the earliest books he engaged with in this way was 'Aesop's Fables', which laid the foundation for their later exploration of more complex literature.
War and Peace
Buy War and Peace by Leo Tolstoi on Amazon
Mentioned 1 time
You know, when you immerse yourself in War and Peace or something like that, it requires hours and hours of investment before you start to feel this world that Tolstoy conjured up around you out of sheer language.
Thomas Chatterton Williams discusses the transformative power of reading by highlighting 'War and Peace' as an example of a book that demands a considerable investment of time to fully appreciate its depth and the world created by Tolstoy.
War and Peace
Buy War and Peace by Leo Tolstoi on Amazon
Mentioned 1 time
War and Peace when you're 11 versus War and Peace when you're 22 could be profoundly different reading experiences.
The guest, Thomas Chatterton Williams, discusses how a book can leave different impressions based on the reader's age, using 'War and Peace' as an example.
F. Scott Fitzgerald: The Great Gatsby
Buy F. Scott Fitzgerald: The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald on Amazon
Mentioned 1 time
I feel like we also have this kind of one-size-fits-all approach: everyone should read The Great Gatsby in high school.
During the discussion, guest Thomas Chatterton Williams critiques the educational practice of requiring all students to read the same texts, exemplified by 'The Great Gatsby'.
F. Scott Fitzgerald: The Great Gatsby
Buy F. Scott Fitzgerald: The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald on Amazon
Mentioned 1 time
Well, the type of school that I went to, I mean, yeah, The Great Gatsby, I fell in love with in high school.
In this segment, Thomas Chatterton Williams shares how he fell in love with 'The Great Gatsby' during his high school years, reflecting on his school experience.
Wuthering Heights
Buy Wuthering Heights by Emily Brontë on Amazon
Mentioned 1 time
It was very difficult for me to see, even as somebody coming from a house full of books, why at that age I was reading Wuthering Heights, for example.
In this segment, Thomas Chatterton Williams reflects on his experience with the classic novel 'Wuthering Heights' and expresses the struggle he had in understanding why this book was assigned to him during high school.
Maimonides' Guide of the Perplexed
Buy Maimonides' Guide of the Perplexed by Daniel Frank, Aaron Segal on Amazon
Mentioned 1 time
For my dad, like enormously impactful books for him were like Maimonides' Guide for the Perplexed, which I have to admit I used to talk to him about Maimonides and stuff, but I never actually read.
Thomas Chatterton Williams speaks about the significant impact of 'Guide for the Perplexed' on his father, expressing that although he often discussed Maimonides with him, he personally has never read the book.
The Story of Philosophy
Buy The Story of Philosophy by Will Durant on Amazon
Mentioned 1 time
Basically, before the age of 10, the story that we’ve always understood from him was that in a neighbor's house, he came across a copy of Will Durant's The Story of Philosophy.
Thomas Chatterton Williams recounts how, before he turned 10, his father found a book titled 'The Story of Philosophy' in a neighbor's house, which ignited his passion for philosophy.
Between the World and Me
Buy Between the World and Me by Ta-Nehisi Coates on Amazon
Mentioned 1 time
But there's an astonishing kind of passage in Between the World and Me where he basically sees a kind of caricature of an upper-class or wealthy Frenchman in a beautiful car smoking a cigarette.
The guest recounts a striking passage from Ta-Nehisi Coates's book 'Between the World and Me,' where a caricature of an affluent Frenchman is depicted, showcasing a flawed perspective.
Self-Portrait in Black and White: Unlearning Race
Buy Self-Portrait in Black and White: Unlearning Race by Thomas Chatterton Williams on Amazon
Mentioned 1 time
And that's actually really one of the main arguments in my second book, Self-Portrait in Black and White.
The guest discusses the central arguments of his second book, titled 'Self-Portrait in Black and White,' in relation to the ongoing conversation.
Epictetus
Buy Epictetus by Epictetus on Amazon
Mentioned 1 time
At the beginning of 'Meditations,' where Marcus thanks all his teachers and specifically Rusticus for lending him his copy of Epictetus from his library, you realize that 20 centuries ago, someone gave this man a book, and a light went on for him—the switch flipped, just as it did for you and for me.
Karen Duffy discusses how Marcus Aurelius expresses gratitude to his teacher Rusticus for lending him a copy of Epictetus, highlighting the impact that receiving a book can have.
Meditations
Buy Meditations by Aurelius Marcus on Amazon
Mentioned 1 time
Sure, no, I mean that’s what’s so incredible about what Marcus manages to do in Meditations.
In this segment, host Ryan Holiday commends the insights and wisdom that Marcus Aurelius conveys in his book 'Meditations', highlighting its profound impact.
The Discourses of Epictetus
Buy The Discourses of Epictetus by Epictetus on Amazon
Mentioned 1 time
Or Epictetus—it feels like he’s calling you out instead of whoever it was in the lecture hall that he’s speaking to in Discourses.
In the podcast, Ryan Holiday highlights how 'Discourses' by Epictetus seems to personally address the listener, making it feel as though the teachings are calling them out.
Growth Hacker Marketing
Buy Growth Hacker Marketing by Ryan Holiday on Amazon
Mentioned 1 time
Conversely, I did this book Growth Hacking several years ago that my publisher suggested, and I was into it and I liked it; I'm glad I did it, but it sold like very well and was lucrative.
In this segment, the podcast host discusses his book 'Growth Hacking,' reflecting on its commercial success compared to the artistic satisfaction he derives from his other works.
Strength in Stillness
Buy Strength in Stillness by Bob Roth on Amazon
Mentioned 1 time
Yes, yes; of all the books, I’ve read a majority of your books, stillness is the one that touched me the most, because I think that was part of my problem in those first two years in the league.
In this segment, Tony Gonzalez expresses his admiration for the host's books, specifically highlighting that 'Stillness' had the greatest impact on him, particularly during his early years in the league.
Can't Hurt Me
Buy Can't Hurt Me by David Goggins on Amazon
Mentioned 1 time
What have been some books that hit you particularly hard? I think one of the first books that I read was "Can't Hurt Me," and so that one was super intense. Just kind of like when I was in the gym struggling, I'd remember that he would run like a hundred miles on broken feet and stuff.
Brooke, the guest, recalls that one of the first books that significantly challenged her was 'Can't Hurt Me' by David Goggins. She reflects on how the intense stories in the book, particularly about Goggins' incredible feats of endurance despite physical pain, motivated her during her own struggles in the gym.
The Slight Edge
Buy The Slight Edge by Jeff Olson on Amazon
Mentioned 1 time
Let's see, "Atomic Habits." I'm currently reading "The Slight Edge." I haven't heard of that.
In this segment, Brooke shares that she is currently reading 'The Slight Edge'.
Everything Happens for a Reason
Buy Everything Happens for a Reason by Kate Bowler on Amazon
Mentioned 1 time
Her book is titled 'Everything Happens for a Reason,' with a subtitle along the lines of 'Things You Should Never Say to Someone with Cancer.' There's no value in wasting time feeling upset—such negativity is wasted energy.
The host refers to Kate Bowler's book titled 'Everything Happens for a Reason: And Other Lies I've Loved,' which has a subtitle addressing common phrases to avoid saying to those with cancer.
The Night of the Gun
Buy The Night of the Gun by David Carr on Amazon
Mentioned 1 time
We have these memories of how stuff went, and then when you actually revisit them—there's a great book by David Carr called 'A Night of the Gun' or something like that.
During a discussion on the unreliability of memories, Josh Peck references 'A Night of the Gun,' a book by David Carr. He highlights how the book represents a personal exploration into the inaccuracies of memory, specifically through the lens of addiction.
The Way to Love
Buy The Way to Love by Anthony De Mello on Amazon
Mentioned 1 time
And then getting turned on to your books and then Robert Greene and, you know, early on like books like Anthony de Mello's 'The Way to Love', and all these different...
Josh Peck discusses how 'The Way to Love' by Anthony de Mello influenced his journey of self-discovery during his sobriety. He highlights this book among others that are considered important or insightful by his sobriety community, referring to them as the 'graduate program of sobriety'.
The Game
Buy The Game by Neil Strauss on Amazon
Mentioned 1 time
Um, I don't know what you know. I read 'The Game' because I was 22 and I was single, right? And reading Neil Strauss and just he's such a great writer, and that book can be slightly evil probably.
In this segment, Josh Peck shares his experience reading 'The Game' by Neil Strauss when he was 22 and single. He reflects on the book’s controversial nature, describing it as slightly evil while also praising Strauss as a talented writer. Peck elaborates on how the author's insights influenced his understanding of relationships.
What Made Maddy Run
Buy What Made Maddy Run by Kate Fagan on Amazon
Mentioned 1 time
And I think about that a lot, even in terms of my first book, What Made Maddie Run. Even though I think it has a long shelf life, it's not timeless.
Kate Fagan, the guest, discusses her first book 'What Made Maddie Run' as she explores the distinction between timely and timeless stories, emphasizing that her book is more relevant to its specific cultural moment.
What Made Maddy Run
Buy What Made Maddy Run by Kate Fagan on Amazon
Mentioned 1 time
But I think there's a difference; like this book for me, All the Colors Came Out, is not that it's not—I had this year free, and I guess 'I'm a writer, so I guess I'll write this idea.'
Kate Fagan discusses her book, 'All the Colors Came Out', emphasizing its personal relevance to her and clarifying that its creation was driven by her own reflections rather than commercial motives.
The Inner Game of Tennis
Buy The Inner Game of Tennis by W. Timothy Gallwey on Amazon
Mentioned 1 time
Have you read The Inner Game of Tennis? No, I haven't. Okay, so one, you have to read it if you like tennis, but I believe it's Tom Brady's favorite book.
During a conversation about tennis, the host encourages the guest to read 'The Inner Game of Tennis,' mentioning that it's not only essential for tennis fans but also that it's reportedly Tom Brady's favorite book.
Debrief to Win
Buy Debrief to Win by Robert C Teschner on Amazon
Mentioned 1 time
what have been some of the books that have hit you the most? Ah, there's one I really love right now, and I don't know if you've read it; it's called Debrief to Win. No, I'm writing this down.
During the discussion about impactful books, the guest expresses a strong appreciation for 'Debrief to Win,' mentioning it as one of his current favorites and noting its significance.
Meditations
Buy Meditations by Aurelius Marcus on Amazon
Mentioned 1 time
In Meditations, Marcus Aurelius talks about how people who love what they do wear themselves down doing it. You have to love what you do; I love writing, clearly you love football.
The host references Marcus Aurelius' book 'Meditations' while discussing the importance of loving one's work and the risk of burnout. He contrasts his passion for writing with Les Snead's passion for football.
Surviving IT: Essential Advice for Building a Happy and Healthy Technology Career
Mentioned 1 time
Sports have been relatively late to adopt this idea; I have a chapter about load management in the book I'm working on right now.
The host refers to the book he is currently writing, which includes a chapter that discusses load management issues within the realm of sports.
Lyle Family
Buy Lyle Family by Oscar Kennett Lyle on Amazon
Mentioned 1 time
It’s one of the greatest nonfiction books of all time, and I had him on the podcast. Did you read his book, *The Perfect Pass*? I did not. He wrote this book that I never thought about, which explains the invention of the passing game in football.
During the podcast, the host inquires whether Les Snead has read Essie Gwynne's book 'The Perfect Pass,' which delves into the development of the passing game in football.
Grit
Buy Grit by Angela Duckworth on Amazon
Mentioned 1 time
You should probably read Angela Duckworth's book, *Grit*, if you're going to take on that challenge because there are going to be headwinds and hopefully just hills to climb and not mountains. That must have been part of your experience, right?
In this segment, the host suggests that Angela Duckworth's book, 'Grit,' is a valuable resource for tackling the challenges that Les Snead has encountered as a general manager.
Atlas Shrugged
Buy Atlas Shrugged by Ayn Rand on Amazon
Mentioned 1 time
So it took me two summers to just finish this summer for the first time because I didn't read it before—Atlas Shrugged. Yeah, so I mean you're a thousand something pages into a pretty—what did you think?
Les Snead reflects on finally completing Ayn Rand's 'Atlas Shrugged' after it took him two summers to read. The host prompts him for his thoughts on the book.
Meditations
Buy Meditations by Aurelius Marcus on Amazon
Mentioned 1 time
One of my favorite passages in 'Meditations' by Marcus Aurelius shows the most powerful man in the world reflecting on himself. You get this magnificent glimpse into what’s running through the head of someone so powerful.
The host discusses a passage from 'Meditations' by Marcus Aurelius that highlights a significant moment of self-reflection from one of the most powerful individuals in history, providing insights into the thoughts and feelings that accompany such a position.
Man's Search for Meaning
Buy Man's Search for Meaning by Viktor E. Frankl on Amazon
Mentioned 1 time
I mean this—man, Man's Search for Meaning. Yeah, it's the ultimate book of psychology because it's a psychologist where the case study is himself.
During the conversation, the host highlights 'Man's Search for Meaning', asserting that it is an essential book in psychology, and elaborates on its uniqueness, mentioning the author’s personal insights as a psychologist.
Yes to Life
Buy Yes to Life by Viktor E. Frankl on Amazon
Mentioned 1 time
And Daniel Goleman wrote the intro, but it just came out this year, it's called Yes to Life. It's like so good, so good.
The host mentions a just-released book 'Yes to Life' by Viktor Frankl, a new book based on previously undiscovered lectures. They comment on how good and relevant the book is.
The Daily Stoic
Buy The Daily Stoic by Ryan Holiday, Stephen Hanselman on Amazon
Mentioned 1 time
Because I did the book four years ago, one page a day, and then every day, for four years, I've done the email. And the other benefit for it is, I mean, I've written to these people every day for four years; that's amazing.
Ryan Holiday reflects on the creation of his book, 'The Daily Stoic', which he structured using a one-page-a-day format. He highlights how this approach has also informed his daily email series, maintaining a connection with readers over the years.
Lives of the Stoics
Buy Lives of the Stoics by Ryan Holiday, Stephen Hanselman on Amazon
Mentioned 1 time
I tell a story in my book, 'Lives of the Stoics,' about a Stoic philosopher named Diotimus. The Epicureans and Stoics were rival schools: opposites, really.
In this segment, the podcast host, Ryan Holiday, discusses his book 'Lives of the Stoics,' sharing a story about a Stoic philosopher named Diotimus to illustrate the contrasting philosophies of Stoicism and Epicureanism.
The Moral Animal
Buy The Moral Animal by Robert Wright on Amazon
Mentioned 1 time
A big theme of that book is that the human mind is unreliable as a guide to reality. It's as if our mind acts like a lawyer, trying to make the case for our interests.
In this segment, the guest, Robert Wright, elaborates on the themes from his book 'The Moral Animal', highlighting how it explores the complexities of human psychology and the unreliability of our minds in understanding reality.
Why Buddhism is True
Buy Why Buddhism is True by Robert Wright on Amazon
Mentioned 1 time
You mention in 'Why Buddhism Is True' that being mindful and philosophical can occur during activities like doing dishes or sitting in traffic, so why not during contentious political debates? You have to do your best; it's a very challenging time.
In this segment, the host cites Robert Wright's book, 'Why Buddhism Is True', discussing how the principles of mindfulness and philosophical reflection can be applied during everyday activities, even in the face of challenging political discussions.
The E-Myth Revisited
Buy The E-Myth Revisited by Michael E. Gerber on Amazon
Mentioned 1 time
I read a few business books like 'The E-Myth Revisited' which talked about the power of building a system. This isn't just me making stuff up as I go along—systems design is actually a thing.
The guest discusses reading 'The E-Myth Revisited' and highlights how the principles of systems design have influenced his approach to creating content for YouTube.
Law of Attraction
Buy Law of Attraction by Michael J. Losier on Amazon
Mentioned 1 time
This exercise was in a book called 'Attraction' by someone named Dino. I realized there were a lot of things in the bottom two quadrants—things I don’t like doing but am good at.
The guest discusses an exercise from a book named 'Attraction', written by an author named Dino. He reflects on a matrix exercise that helped him identify tasks he prefers to delegate.
The Productivity Game
Buy The Productivity Game by Craig R. Hickman on Amazon
Mentioned 1 time
Obviously, I know about it, but I'm sure listeners would be interested in knowing what you're working on and tell us how the process has been because, to me, that's the most interesting part. Yeah. Um, so the book currently does not have a title; the working title is 'The Productivity Game,' which I'm not a huge fan of.
During the conversation, the guest speaks about his forthcoming book, provisionally titled 'The Productivity Game,' which aims to explore themes of procrastination, distractions, and burnout.
The Tipping Point
Buy The Tipping Point by Malcolm Gladwell on Amazon
Mentioned 1 time
So like, I think if a Malcolm Gladwell book came out today, like 'The Tipping Point' came out today, I think it would not sell five million copies because now people would want to know specifically how to create tipping points.
The podcast host discusses the notion that if Malcolm Gladwell's 'The Tipping Point' were released today, it may not achieve the same level of sales due to the contemporary audience's desire for more practical, actionable advice.
Infantry Attacks
Buy Infantry Attacks by Erwin Rommel, Gary Sheffield on Amazon
Mentioned 1 time
The Rommel papers read similarly, offering practical solutions, just like his earlier book 'Infantry Attacks.'
H.R. McMaster draws a comparison between the Rommel papers and Rommel's earlier book 'Infantry Attacks,' illustrating various examples of military strategy.
The Future of War
Buy The Future of War by Lawrence Freedman on Amazon
Mentioned 1 time
I read Lawrence Friedman's book 'The Future of War.'
H.R. McMaster discusses Lawrence Friedman's book, 'The Future of War,' arguing that each generation believes it has fundamentally changed the nature of warfare.
Call Sign Chaos
Buy Call Sign Chaos by Jim Mattis, Bing West on Amazon
Mentioned 1 time
General Mattis, who's a big fan of Stoicism, talks about this in his book Call Sign Chaos, which is very good.
In this segment, podcast host Ryan Holiday highlights General Mattis's book, Call Sign Chaos, emphasizing its valuable lessons on learning from history to avoid making the same mistakes.
Meditations
Buy Meditations by Aurelius Marcus on Amazon
Mentioned 1 time
In Meditations, you know, Marcus Aurelius had an extremely bad stomach ailment; we don't know what it is, but there's some evidence that he was prescribed opium for it; it was so serious.
Ryan Holiday discusses the book Meditations by Marcus Aurelius, highlighting a stoic principle concerning the acceptance of pain and the temporary nature of suffering.
Latest Books Mentioned
The Creative Act
Buy The Creative Act by Rick Rubin on Amazon
In this segment, Ryan Holiday discusses the importance of selecting guests that genuinely interest him, drawing a parallel to Rick Rubin's insights in his book. He emphasizes that prioritizing personal interest when creating content is the most effective way to serve an audience, rather than merely catering to their preferences.
I’ve realized that if I choose the guests I really want to speak to selfishly, that’s how I best serve my audience. This is akin to what Rick Rubin talks about in his book, isn’t it?
Top Five Regrets of the Dying
Buy Top Five Regrets of the Dying by Bronnie Ware on Amazon
In a conversation, Dr. Rangan Chatterjee discusses the impact of Bronnie Ware's book, 'The Five Regrets of the Dying,' highlighting how individuals often express significant regrets at the end of their lives. He emphasizes that many people wish they had prioritized quality time with family over work, as informed by Ware's insights.
I’ve been heavily influenced by the ‘regrets of the dying’ and had a beautiful conversation with Bronnie Ware, a palliative care nurse, on my podcast about her book, ‘The Five Regrets of the Dying.’ She mentioned that at the end of people’s lives, they commonly express wishes like, ‘I wish I’d worked less, spent more time with family and friends, or lived my own life instead of what others expected of me.’
The Minimalist Mindset
Buy The Minimalist Mindset by Danny Dover on Amazon
In the podcast, Dr. Rangan Chatterjee discusses concepts from his new book, describing how these ideas relate to health and behaviors. He refers to his conversation with 93-year-old Edith Eger as a compelling example that emphasizes the connection between our internal states and our actions.
We can hear this stuff, and the people who read your books will know this is a central idea in my new book, but I don't think people are connecting that to their health and behaviors. Since I spoke to Edith Eger, and your audience probably knows who she is, a 93-year-old lady, I thought, 'Wow, this really resonates with me.'
This Book
Buy This Book by Kathryn Madeline Allen on Amazon
Dr. Rangan Chatterjee discusses a chapter from his book titled 'Don't Take Offense.' He explains how individuals often misinterpret events as inherently offensive, emphasizing that the offense depends on personal interpretation and emotional context. This insight ties into his broader examination of behavior and its impact on health.
I wrote a chapter in this book entitled 'Don’t Take Offense.' I explained the health outcomes and benefits related to this. People don’t realize that no event is inherently offensive; because if it were, we'd all be offended by the same comment or event.
The Daily Stoic
Buy The Daily Stoic by Ryan Holiday, Stephen Hanselman on Amazon
Dr. Rangan Chatterjee mentions the influence of Ryan Holiday's books, emphasizing that the concepts of stoicism and internal states discussed in them are also reflected in his own work. He highlights the importance of recognizing how internal states can affect health and behaviors.
We can hear this stuff, and the people who read your books will know this is a central idea in my new book, but I don't think people are connecting that to their health and behaviors. Since I spoke to Edith Eger, and your audience probably knows who she is, a 93-year-old lady, I thought, 'Wow, this really resonates with me.'
Testosterone
Buy Testosterone by Carole Hooven on Amazon
In this episode, the podcast guest shares insights from a conversation with Carol Hooven, the author of a book about testosterone. The discussion delves into various aspects of masculinity and emotional expression, particularly focusing on the different patterns of crying observed between men and women.
I actually had this interesting conversation with Carol Hooven, who wrote a book about testosterone. She talked about evidence around differences in crying and criticized the idea that men don't cry enough.
Sophistry and Political Philosophy
Buy Sophistry and Political Philosophy by Robert C. Bartlett on Amazon
The podcast guest discusses a friend's upcoming book about sophistry. They describe sophistry as a practice where someone engages in deception, emphasizing how some philosophical concepts can carry negative connotations in society.
Actually, I have a friend who’s going to write a book about sophistry. It’s just about someone who engages in sophistry, where they're essentially kidding you, right?
My First Book of Sign
Buy My First Book of Sign by Pamela J. Baker on Amazon
The podcast guest shares a recollection about their first book, noting that the New York Times agreed to review it, but only if it was alongside another book. This suggests the guest is an author.
I remember with my first book, they said the New York Times agreed to review it, but only alongside another book.
Courage
Buy Courage by Bernard Waber on Amazon
During the podcast, the guest discusses elements found in the 'courage book' and reflects on how some of those elements might fit better in the 'discipline book', 'justice book', or 'wisdom book'. He mentions these as part of a series he is writing, drawing comparisons among them.
There are things in the courage book that in retrospect I would have had in the discipline book or in the justice book or in the wisdom book.
On Writing
Buy On Writing by Stephen King on Amazon
In this segment, the host discusses the guest's first book, mentioning that it is unrelated to Stoicism, despite the episode's focus on that philosophy. The reference to historical figures like Plato and Socrates sets a foundation for the conversation.
You had Plato and Socrates, and they created great dialogues, but your first book had nothing to do with Stoicism.
Handwriting Without Tears: My printing book
Buy Handwriting Without Tears: My printing book by Jan Z. Olsen, Emily F. Knapton on Amazon
The guest discusses his book that focuses on sentencing and the First Step Act, a significant piece of legislation aimed at criminal justice reform.
Well, my book is all about sentencing, and you know this is a revolutionary statute that was passed, known as the First Step Act.
The Death of Socrates
Buy The Death of Socrates by Emily R. Wilson on Amazon
In this segment, the host talks about reading 'The Case Against Socrates' by Emily Wilson, highlighting that Wilson is known for her critical biography of Seneca.
So I was reading Emily Wilson's book, The Case Against Socrates, which I thought was interesting because she famously has this biography of Seneca, and they're both pretty negative.
The Trial of Socrates
Buy The Trial of Socrates by I. F. Stone on Amazon
The podcast host discusses a previous reading of a book titled 'The Trial of Socrates', where they reference the author as 'Stone'. The discussion centers around the concept of a 'Steelman case against Socrates', a debating term that entails presenting the strongest possible counterargument.
It was interesting to read a kind of Steelman case against Socrates, which is what I felt she was doing there in Stone's book, The Trial of Socrates, or something like that.
Meditations
Buy Meditations by Aurelius Marcus on Amazon
The host refers to a notable passage from Marcus Aurelius's 'Meditations', highlighting how Aurelius compares great figures like Socrates with conquerors and emphasizes Socrates's intellectual independence.
One of my favorite passages in Meditations is where Marcus lists great conquerors and generals, followed by various philosophers. He concludes with Socrates, stating ultimately that Socrates is the greater because his mind was his own.
12 Rules for Life
Buy 12 Rules for Life by Jordan B. Peterson on Amazon
The host contrasts the Socratic method with a book by Jordan Peterson titled '12 Rules for Life', which is known for providing a series of formulaic rules.
It reminded me of one of the bestselling modern self-help books, which does the complete opposite. Jordan Peterson's 12 Rules literally consists of a series of formulaic rules.
How to Build Stonehenge
Buy How to Build Stonehenge by Mike Pitts on Amazon
In this segment, the host refers to a book titled 'How to Build Stonehenge' published two years ago, which provides insights into how Stonehenge was constructed. This mention emphasizes the importance of understanding historical events in context rather than simply seeking the reasons behind them.
There was a great book called 'How to Build Stonehenge' that came out two years ago, which really got close to explaining it.
The Year 1000
Buy The Year 1000 by Valerie Hansen on Amazon
In this segment, Dan Jones discusses historian Valerie Hansen's 'a very popular book,' which presents the argument that a product from the time of the Vikings could theoretically traverse from the Americas to all corners of the globe. This book is mentioned to challenge the notion of how isolated the medieval world was.
Then you'll see, there are a lot of global historians now who would say, 'Well, Valerie Hansen wrote a very popular book recently that argues, well, no, actually, a product around the time of the Vikings could theoretically travel from the Americas all the way around the entire world.'
Meditations
Buy Meditations by Aurelius Marcus on Amazon
The host refers to a passage from 'Meditations' by Marcus Aurelius, where he expresses gratitude towards a mentor, highlighting key influences in his philosophical journey.
There's a line in Marcus Aurelius’ Meditations where he thanks one of his mentors, saying, ‘Did you say Marcus Aurelius?’
Forgive Me Not
Buy Forgive Me Not by Jennifer Baker on Amazon
During the conversation, the host highlights their admiration for Dr. Jennifer Baker's book, particularly appreciating the examples of stoic fables it provides.
It's like, like that one thing I loved about your book was how you gave examples of what I would call stoic fables, like literal descriptions of what it would be good to do.
A New Stoicism
Buy A New Stoicism by Lawrence C. Becker on Amazon
Dr. Jennifer Baker expresses her admiration for Larry Becker's work on New Stoicism, highlighting its ability to persuade individuals who might typically shy away from ancient philosophy.
I mean I love Larry Becker's work and new stoicism, you know, that was new and convincing to people who never would, you know, some people just don't have a taste for ancient philosophy and that was convincing to a lot of philosophers who have never picked up something translated.
The Theory of Moral Sentiments
Buy The Theory of Moral Sentiments by Adam Smith on Amazon
During the discussion, the host references the book 'A Theory of Moral Sentiments' by Adam Smith, asking the guest if they have read it.
It's like, have you read A Theory of Moral Sentiments?
The Return
Buy The Return by Dick Morris on Amazon
In this segment, Adam Kinzinger shares his experience of listening to Dana Milbank's book while driving. He explains how the book provides a cathartic perspective on the dysfunctional 2022 class, resonating with his thoughts on the situation.
And for me, like honestly, just being in the car, yes, and I'm listening to Dana Milbank's new book about the dysfunctional 2022 class. Yes, which is just cathartic because I'm like, yeah, well, you guys enjoy that, right?
Invisible Man
Buy Invisible Man by Ralph Ellison on Amazon
In this segment, the podcast host inquires if Adam has read 'Invisible Man' by Ralph Ellison, describing it as a beautiful coming-of-age story about a black man in 1950s America, characterized by optimism and hope.
Have you read Invisible Man by Ralph Ellison? It's this beautiful book about this guy coming of age as sort of a black man in America in the 50s, and he was sort of this optimistic hopeful person.
Victoria: The Queen
Buy Victoria: The Queen by Julia Baird on Amazon
The host expresses their admiration for the guest's biography of Queen Victoria, stating that it was so impressive that they felt motivated to look for a similarly excellent book about Queen Elizabeth.
I loved your biography of Queen Victoria, and then I thought, because I was going to write about Queen Elizabeth in my next book, there has to be a book this good about her.
Victoria: The Queen
Buy Victoria: The Queen by Julia Baird on Amazon
The guest mentions that they are planning to write a book about Queen Elizabeth, which is a follow-up to their biography on Queen Victoria. This indicates a clear connection to literature.
I loved your biography of Queen Victoria, and then I thought, because I was going to write about Queen Elizabeth in my next book, there has to be a book this good about her.
Phosphorescence
Buy Phosphorescence by Julia Baird on Amazon
The host highlights the guest's transition from writing historical biographies to their new creative writing-focused projects, asking if this shift was a conscious decision.
I think it's unusual that someone would do a serious, big, thick biography and then transition into the books that you're doing now. Was that a deliberate choice?
Meditations
Buy Meditations by Aurelius Marcus on Amazon
The host discusses a poignant passage from Marcus Aurelius's 'Meditations', highlighting the reminder that parents should consider the fragility of life when tucking their children in for the night.
In Meditations, Marcus Aurelius wrote that when you tuck your child in at night, remind yourself they might not survive until morning.
The Obstacle Is the Way
Buy The Obstacle Is the Way by Ryan Holiday on Amazon
The host discusses incorporating phosphorescence into the ten-year anniversary edition of their book 'The Obstacle Is the Way' and acknowledges using one of the guest's anecdotes.
I've included phosphorescence in a ten-year anniversary edition of The Obstacle Is the Way, and I used one of your stories.
Amazing Grace
Buy Amazing Grace by Mary Hoffman on Amazon
The host mentions that the guest references the song 'Amazing Grace' in their book. They highlight the ironic background of the songwriter, a former slave trader turned abolitionist, which connects to the overarching theme of grace and the capacity for transformation.
When you quote 'Amazing Grace' in the book, it reads as an acknowledgment of the man who wrote that song, who was a slave trader and later became an abolitionist.
Meditations
Buy Meditations by Aurelius Marcus on Amazon
The host references a well-known passage from Marcus Aurelius' 'Meditations', highlighting the idea that obstacles can serve as opportunities, reflecting a core principle of stoicism.
There’s certainly a part of it, but there's that famous passage in Meditations where he says, 'The impediment to action advances action; what stands in the way becomes the way.'
Never Play It Safe
Buy Never Play It Safe by Chase Jarvis on Amazon
In this segment, Chase Jarvis discusses his book 'Never Play It Safe', noting a specific chapter that delves into the concept of constraints.
I'm telling you man, I hate to be that dude talking about his book, but there’s a whole chapter about that—it’s the constraints chapter.
The Obstacle Is the Way
Buy The Obstacle Is the Way by Ryan Holiday on Amazon
In this segment, Ryan Holiday reflects on how he considered 'The Obstacle Is the Way' during his early twenties, using the book as a resource to navigate and overcome his professional challenges.
I was thinking about the obstacles way in my early 20s primarily as a means to overcome professional obstacles.
The Obstacle Is the Way
Buy The Obstacle Is the Way by Ryan Holiday on Amazon
The speaker suggests that many listeners connect strongly with 'The Obstacle Is the Way', indicating its importance and relevance to their experiences.
What if we started with the understanding that many people resonate deeply with this book?
The Obstacle Is the Way
Buy The Obstacle Is the Way by Ryan Holiday on Amazon
The speaker discusses the reasons someone might be interested in a 10th anniversary edition of 'The Obstacle Is the Way', suggesting that familiarity with the original work could influence their desire for the updated version.
If someone thinks, 'Well, I've read that book,' why would they want the 10th anniversary edition?
The Obstacle Is the Way
Buy The Obstacle Is the Way by Ryan Holiday on Amazon
In this segment, Ryan Holiday mentions 'The Obstacle Is the Way', reflecting on his experience of reading the book to his son during the pandemic to help him sleep.
Well, you know, I feel like I've read that book because I wrote it, and then I had this unique experience during the pandemic where I was reading some of it to my son, primarily to help him sleep.
Ego Is the Enemy
Buy Ego Is the Enemy by Ryan Holiday on Amazon
In this segment, host Ryan Holiday discusses his book 'Ego is the Enemy' and highlights a chapter focusing on Ulysses S. Grant, illustrating how his perspective on the historical figure has evolved since the book's publication.
In Ego is the Enemy, I have this whole chapter about Ulysses S. Grant that reflects my opinion of him at that time.
Trust Me, I'm Lying
Buy Trust Me, I'm Lying by Ryan Holiday on Amazon
Ryan Holiday discusses how he updated his previous book 'Trust Me, I'm Lying' for a five-year anniversary edition, reflecting on the rapid changes in the media.
I did this with Trust Me, I’m Lying as well, but it was like a 5-year anniversary edition because stuff in the media changes faster than this.
The Obstacle Is the Way
Buy The Obstacle Is the Way by Ryan Holiday on Amazon
Ryan Holiday shares his experience of listening to the audiobook of 'The Obstacle Is the Way,' reflecting on the surreal feeling of hearing his own voice.
Having to listen to the audiobook of The Obstacle is the Way, I barely recognized my own voice; that is a surreal experience.
The Obstacle Is the Way
Buy The Obstacle Is the Way by Ryan Holiday on Amazon
In this segment, Ryan Holiday discusses his book 'The Obstacle is the Way,' explaining that its goal was to popularize and make the philosophy of Stoicism more engaging for a broader audience.
So when I was writing The Obstacle is the Way, it was about popularizing and making interesting something many did not think was interesting.
The Obstacle Is the Way
Buy The Obstacle Is the Way by Ryan Holiday on Amazon
In this segment, the speaker reflects on the consequences if the book 'The Obstacle Is the Way' had failed. They suggest that such a failure would have served as an opportunity to practice the principles of stoicism.
So sure, if The Obstacle Is the Way had failed and been this embarrassing, painful, devastating thing, then yeah, The Obstacle Is the Way would have been a chance to practice stoicism.
Ego Is the Enemy
Buy Ego Is the Enemy by Ryan Holiday on Amazon
In this segment, host Ryan Holiday references the book 'Ego is the Enemy,' mentioning a quote from physicist John Wheeler that is featured in it.
Well, and it just never—there's this quote from John Wheeler, the physicist, in Ego Is the Enemy.
The Daily Stoic
Buy The Daily Stoic by Ryan Holiday, Stephen Hanselman on Amazon
Ryan Holiday talks about nearing completion of the first draft of the fourth book in 'The Virtue series', expressing a sense of comfort with his progress.
Like I'm finishing, I'm on—basically, I've probably got like 10% left of the first draft of the fourth book in The Virtue series, and I'm much more comfortable.
The Obstacle Is the Way
Buy The Obstacle Is the Way by Ryan Holiday on Amazon
The podcast host references the book 'The Obstacle Is the Way' while discussing the revisions made during its writing process, prompting the guest to reflect on their experience with the book.
Was there anything when you went back through The Obstacle on this past read, and you're like, 'Oh, I forgot how I did that.
The Obstacle Is the Way
Buy The Obstacle Is the Way by Ryan Holiday on Amazon
The host reflects on his experiences rewriting and editing his book, 'The Obstacle is the Way,' particularly his thoughts after reading the audiobook version.
Yeah, so I wrote it, I've published it, I've read it, I've talked about it for 10 years, then I rewrote it or like rewrote chunks of it, edited it, went through copy editing, went through production design on it, and then I read the audiobook and I was like, 'This is horrible.'
The Obstacle Is the Way
Buy The Obstacle Is the Way by Ryan Holiday on Amazon
The host discusses different versions of his book 'The Obstacle Is the Way' and the revisions he has made on his works, including 'Trust Me, I'm Lying', over the past decade.
So I did I think two versions of The Obstacle or two versions of Trust Me, I'm Lying; I think this is my—I’m getting this 10 years apart on The Obstacle Is the Way, and then I've obviously reread stuff that I've written even further ago than that.
Stillness Is the Key
Buy Stillness Is the Key by Ryan Holiday on Amazon
The host is reflecting on the progression of his books, noting that each title in his series—including 'The Obstacle Is the Way', 'Ego Is the Enemy', and 'Stillness Is the Key'—grows longer than the previous one.
So I have noticed like even in The Obstacle, Ego, Stillness, each one is a little bit longer than the one that came before it.
The Obstacle Is the Way
Buy The Obstacle Is the Way by Ryan Holiday on Amazon
In this segment, the speaker references the book 'The Obstacle Is the Way,' discussing how the concepts from it have influenced their understanding of feedback.
Well, I learned that on The Obstacle Is the Way.
The Boy Who Would Be King
Buy The Boy Who Would Be King by Ryan Holiday on Amazon
In a recent episode of Ryan Holiday's podcast featuring Rich Roll, the discussion highlighted the book 'Justice', where Rich expressed his fondness for the afterward section that personalizes the narrative.
Um, what how we should wrap up is, okay, how do you determine— Um, like I was listening to your episode with Rich Roll recently, and he was like, 'My favorite thing in this book in the Justice book was the afterward where you do insert yourself into it.'
Essentialism
Buy Essentialism by Greg McKeown on Amazon
The speaker references a book that contains a story about the author, with contextual hints suggesting that the title is 'Essentialism'.
And he, he sort of went out of his way to—I forget which book it was—but you did a similar thing where it was a story about you.
The Daily Stoic
Buy The Daily Stoic by Ryan Holiday, Stephen Hanselman on Amazon
In this segment, the host discusses the concept of virtue as explored in a series of books. They emphasize the importance of not coming across as a master of virtue while attempting to convey strong judgments about others, highlighting their reluctance to be included in the 'The Virtue books'.
So, so that I was never going to be in The Virtue books, but then I did realize, okay, if you're talking about virtue and you're making strong judgments—positive and negative—of other people, um, there can be an implication that you're somehow the master of these things.
Ego Is the Enemy
Buy Ego Is the Enemy by Ryan Holiday on Amazon
In this segment, the podcast host discusses his book, 'Ego is the Enemy', specifically reflecting on the decision of whether to include himself in the book's preface.
Yeah, yeah, so I went through a similar thing on Ego Is the Enemy; there's a preface to Ego Is the Enemy that I'm in.
The Correspondence of Marcus Cornelius Fronto with Marcus Aurelius Antoninus, Lucius Verus, Antoninus Pius, and Various Friends
The podcast host initiates the discussion by asking the guest whether they have read the letters written by Marcus Aurelius to Fronto, which he amusingly labels as a nerdy conversation starter. This refers to a correspondence that captures personal insights between the Roman Emperor Marcus Aurelius and his mentor, Marcus Cornelius Fronto.
I thought I'd start in the nerdiest place possible: have you read Marcus's letters to Fronto? You know who Fronto is? The love letters?
Meditations
Buy Meditations by Aurelius Marcus on Amazon
The host highlights that if you wish to grasp the essence of 'Meditations,' exploring the letters to Fronto would be an excellent starting point. 'Meditations' by Marcus Aurelius are crucial writings that underpin the principles discussed in the Daily Stoic podcast.
I've read them and different interpretations of them. If you want to understand 'Meditations', that's a really great place to start. Well, I just thought about the timelessness: you have the same job as them.
Meditations
Buy Meditations by Aurelius Marcus on Amazon
During the discussion, the guest brings up Marcus Aurelius's book 'Meditations' while exploring the connections between eastern meditation practices and Stoicism.
Then I jumped over to Stoicism, and you know, it's very similar. I mean, Marcus Aurelius's book is called 'Meditations'. It's a different form of meditation, but the idea of sitting and observing your thoughts, whether it's like this or like that, is fundamentally the same practice.
Meditations
Buy Meditations by Aurelius Marcus on Amazon
The guest emphasizes that even when stripped of its philosophical content, 'Meditations' remains an exceptional work of art and thought. This reflects on the enduring value of Marcus Aurelius' writings, highlighting 'Meditations' as a cornerstone in the exploration of stoicism discussed in the podcast.
Take all the spiritual and philosophical parts out of 'Meditations', and it's just a brilliant work of art and thought. Here you have this man writing private thoughts to himself that he wasn't intending to publish; it shouldn't be so good. It's so good!
Meditations
Buy Meditations by Aurelius Marcus on Amazon
The guest expresses that reading 'Meditations' feels akin to witnessing an incredible musician perform privately, emphasizing its literary excellence and poetic qualities. This work is frequently referenced by both hosts and guests in the discussions, demonstrating its significance in the podcast.
It's like watching the greatest musician give the performance of their life in private and nobody ever knows about it. That's what 'Meditations' is. It feels like even if you just read it for the writing itself, for the prose, there's poetry in pretty much every line.
Meditations
Buy Meditations by Aurelius Marcus on Amazon
In the discussion, the guest explains that 'Meditations' represents an introspective effort by Marcus Aurelius to remind himself of his beliefs and values. They draw a comparison to nature's inadvertent occurrences, highlighting the significance of the book in the context of Stoic philosophy.
He notes that this is a bit of nature's inadvertence; the baker isn't intending for that to happen, but it does. I've come to understand that that's what 'Meditations' is. Marcus Aurelius is performing this private inward act of reminding himself what he believes, what's important, what he should be doing, what he needs to get better at.
Meditations
Buy Meditations by Aurelius Marcus on Amazon
The guest reflects on 'Meditations' as a significant byproduct of Marcus Aurelius's inner work, emphasizing its accidental creation and lasting impact. This book serves as a fundamental inspiration for the themes discussed in the podcast.
The accidental byproduct of that is this book, 'Meditations', which you and I are reading 2,000 years later. He said that posthumous fame was impossible and worthless, and he's accidentally seeking it—not because of his accomplishments on the battlefield or his policies as emperor, but because of this private and singular act.
Meditations
Buy Meditations by Aurelius Marcus on Amazon
The guest emphasizes the significance of understanding 'Meditations' accurately, noting that it is often misinterpreted. They reference a critique made by another podcaster regarding the work, highlighting its relevance in the discussion about stoicism.
I think it's important to figure out how to read 'Meditations' because it does get misread. I was listening to a podcast recently where Mary Beard, the great classicist, talked about how she does not like Marcus and doesn't like 'Meditations'. She said it's almost like Instagram quotes or memes.
Meditations
Buy Meditations by Aurelius Marcus on Amazon
The host explains that some lines in 'Meditations' are derived from other sources, emphasizing that it should be regarded as a commonplace book. This perspective is significant for the podcast as it explores Stoic philosophies and highlights 'Meditations' by Marcus Aurelius as a foundational text.
A lot of the lines and words in 'Meditations' are not Marcus's own, they're something he heard from a philosophy teacher or read in a book. It's important that we see it as what it was; it's kind of a commonplace book. But I get to do that part in public, and then my journaling is much more personal and specific.
The Daily Stoic
Buy The Daily Stoic by Ryan Holiday, Stephen Hanselman on Amazon
In this segment, the host discusses his experience with Stoic journaling in public and mentions his book 'The Daily Stoic', which consists of daily meditations he has published over the past eight years, inspired by Stoic philosophy.
Well, I have the luxury of getting to do a good chunk of my Stoic journaling in public. I wrote this book, 'The Daily Stoic', which was one page a day, and then I just kept going. So every day for eight years, I've published a Stoic meditation.
The Daily Stoic Journal
Buy The Daily Stoic Journal by Ryan Holiday, Stephen Hanselman on Amazon
The host mentions his book 'The Daily Journal', which contains a Stoic prompt each day that he sometimes uses. This reference highlights his own work related to Stoicism.
Yeah, I just have a kind of blank journal that I do, and then I did this book called 'The Daily Journal', which has a Stoic prompt every day, and I like the prompts. So I do those from time to time also. For me, it's kind of a grab bag of different things to think about, but it's usually like prepping for, 'Okay, I'm flying the next day.
Dying Every Day
Buy Dying Every Day by James Romm on Amazon
The guest expresses their admiration for the book 'Dying Every Day' by James Romm while exploring the complexities of Seneca's character and the tension between his philosophies and his affiliation with Nero. This book examines and interprets Stoicism in the context of Seneca's life.
I mean, there are different accounts of how culpable Seneca was. I love the James Romm book 'Dying Every Day', it's extraordinary. What I love about Seneca is his humanness; he had this ideal that he tried to reach, and the reality was working for Nero.
Moral letters to Lucilius
Buy Moral letters to Lucilius by Seneca, Lucius Annaeus on Amazon
The guest discusses 'Letters to Lucilius,' highlighting its significance in understanding the development of Stoic philosophy. This work by Seneca delves into themes of death and grief, showcasing the intellectual and spiritual exercises of the Stoics.
'Letters to Lucilius' is a good example; that's addressed to someone, but you can see him working out death and grief in that work. Same with 'On the Shortness of Life'; it's an intellectual exercise and a spiritual exercise. They didn't have a pre-fitted philosophy or theology that they could live by; they had to come up with it themselves, and you can see them doing that in the work.
On the Shortness of Life
Buy On the Shortness of Life by Seneca on Amazon
The guest discusses 'On the Shortness of Life' in relation to Seneca's intellectual and spiritual journey, emphasizing its significance as a vital text in Stoicism.
'Letters to Lucilius' is a good example; that's addressed to someone, but you can see him working out death and grief in that work. Same with 'On the Shortness of Life'; it's an intellectual exercise and a spiritual exercise. They didn't have a pre-fitted philosophy or theology that they could live by; they had to come up with it themselves, and you can see them doing that in the work.
The Therapy of Desire
Buy The Therapy of Desire by Martha C. Nussbaum on Amazon
The guest references 'The Therapy of Desire' by Martha Nussbaum, which features a fictional case study of a young woman exploring Stoicism. The book serves as a philosophical analysis of Stoicism and discusses how these ideas are accessible to women and marginalized groups.
I think she's possibly Princeton or Yale, um, but she wrote a wonderful book called The Therapy of Desire, which looks, you know, there's a, a case study, a kind of fictional case study of a young woman in Stoic times who, um, is learning Stoicism. And you know there's this great, you know, um, Nussbaum is a brilliant writer, so she writes about, and a translator also, yeah, she's extraordinary, but she writes about, um, this woman want,
Stillness Is the Key
Buy Stillness Is the Key by Ryan Holiday on Amazon
The host recalls being on tour for his book, 'Stillness is the Key,' when he learned it had reached number one on the New York Times Best Seller list. He reflects on how this moment impacted him, emphasizing the importance of not being attached to external success.
The first time I hit number one on the New York Times bestseller list, I remember I was in Los Angeles, I was on book tour for 'Stillness is the Key.' And so I was a different time zone, and so I started getting lots of texts and emails. And my thing is I get up early and I don't get sucked into my phone, so I could feel like I could feel the energy that something was happening.
Ego Is the Enemy
Buy Ego Is the Enemy by Ryan Holiday on Amazon
The host reflects on his journey of writing 'Ego is the Enemy,' indicating that he didn't take the initial lack of success of his previous book, 'The Obstacle is the Way,' personally. Instead, he was focused on his writing process and how unexpected events, like discounts on Amazon and increasing interest from audiobooks and sports teams, eventually contributed to its success.
I was writing, ironically, what would become 'Ego is the Enemy.' But so I didn't take the lack of success that personally because I was busy doing the thing. And then some random lucky things happened, like Amazon discounted it and it stayed discounted, audiobooks started to take off, some sports teams started to talk about it, and then it really started to sell.
The Obstacle Is the Way
Buy The Obstacle Is the Way by Ryan Holiday on Amazon
The host reflects on finishing his book, 'The Obstacle Is The Way,' while on a flight from Sydney to Perth. He expresses surprise at its success and candidly shares that he had no expectations of how well it would perform.
No, I I also try to remind myself of what, because I remember I was, I finished the manuscript for The Obstacle Is The Way on a flight from Sydney to Perth. Oh wow, uh, and three off fly, I just, I just finished it, I sent it in and I had zero idea that it would do as well that it would like, if I tell myself in retrospect that I predicted all this that I knew, it says something about me as a person.
The Obstacle Is the Way
Buy The Obstacle Is the Way by Ryan Holiday on Amazon
During the discussion, the host directly references his book 'The Obstacle is the Way,' drawing a connection between the concepts of ego and stoicism. He emphasizes that ego serves as a major obstacle in one’s life, highlighting the relevance of his work to the conversation.
Yeah, you know, because I think 'Obstacle is the Way.' I also think ego is an obstacle—your own. It's the biggest obstacle, your own sort of sense of your entitlements, you know, where you should be in life.
Wild Things
Buy Wild Things by Brigid Delaney on Amazon
The guest discusses her book 'Well Mania', which has been adapted into a Netflix show and has achieved significant success globally. The mention occurs while exploring themes of stoicism and coping with life's unpredictabilities.
Um, one of my books, Well Mania was turned into a Netflix show. And, um, it's, it did a great first season. It did really well around the world.
We Don't Know Ourselves: A Personal History of Modern Ireland
Buy We Don't Know Ourselves: A Personal History of Modern Ireland by Fintan O'Toole on Amazon
In the podcast, the guest shares his admiration for a book he recently read titled 'Fint, No Tools, We Don't Know Ourselves,' which he describes as a masterpiece.
Yeah, so like some of that is like, it's just the enjoy—like, I just read this book I loved called—uh, that—it's just a masterpiece, which is 'Fint, No Tools, We Don't Know Ourselves.'
The Cost of These Dreams
Buy The Cost of These Dreams by Wright Thompson on Amazon
In this segment, the podcast host expresses their admiration for the guest's book, 'The Cost of These Dreams,' highlighting their enjoyment of it.
No, it's, um, I was thinking about this though because I was writing upstairs, uh, as I love your book, 'The Cost of These Dreams.'
The Devil In The White City
Buy The Devil In The White City by Erik Larson on Amazon
The podcast guest references 'The Devil in the White City' while discussing a story about a man who built a house but tragically never lived in it due to a fatal accident at the World Fair in Chicago.
And he goes, so, um, the—the man and wife who—funny, crazy story—the guy who bought this house, he built this dream house with his wife, and then like a year later he gets hit by a streetcar at the World Fair in Chicago and never like dies; never lives in the house; like, like The Devil in the White City, World Fair.
Through My Eyes
Buy Through My Eyes by Ruby Bridges on Amazon
The podcast host reflects on a children's book written by Ruby Bridges, which was a gift from their mother-in-law. The host recalls how Bridges shared a personal connection to the events of her childhood in Louisiana.
And I think that's true for your book, and like I remember a couple years ago my mother-in-law gave—uh, gave us a kid like Ruby Bridges wrote a—a kids' book, and um she wrote on the inside about how she like, remember, she lived in Louisiana when it happened; she lived like up—she lived in Monroe, I think; anyways, she was like, 'We're the same age,' and I was like, wait, what?
The End of the Myth
Buy The End of the Myth by Greg Grandin on Amazon
In the podcast, the guest expresses admiration for Greg Grandin's book, 'The End of the Myth,' while discussing the complexities of America's historical settlement, particularly in relation to the land where Matt Till was tragically killed.
And you know, I love that Greg Grandon book, 'The End of the Myth,' but like if there's a—you know, there's a case to be made that the land where Matt Till was killed is America was finally settled.
Meditations
Buy Meditations by Aurelius Marcus on Amazon
In this segment, the speaker refers to Marcus Aurelius, indicating an understanding of his Stoic philosophy. They mention the idea that 'the best revenge is living well,' showing how this principle influences their perspective on dealing with online criticism.
When attacked online, I remind myself I've got a healthy life and love around me, which alleviates my anger. The best revenge is living well, as Marcus suggested.
Traffic
Buy Traffic by Ben Smith on Amazon
The host inquires if the guest has read 'Traffic: Genius, Rivalry, and Delusion in the Billion-Dollar Race to Go Viral' by Ben Smith. This question is part of a broader discussion regarding media figures and entrepreneurs.
Did you read the Ben Smith book?
On the Edge
Buy On the Edge by Nate Silver on Amazon
During the discussion, the host refers to a book in which the guest elaborates on the concept of the 'village,' suggesting that the guest's own book is relevant to the conversation about the challenges of being an entrepreneur and the moral implications that arise from it.
Yeah, sometimes I get that about the entrepreneurial side, and then I go like, but what about the bargains, to speak of the village, which you talk a lot about in the book?
On the Edge
Buy On the Edge by Nate Silver on Amazon
The host refers to 'Musk in the book' during a discussion about risk-taking behavior and confidence. This suggests that the book being referenced is 'High Stakes: Why High-Risk Behavior Is More Common Than You Think' by Nate Silver.
Like you talk about Musk in the book, and Peter—I’ve heard Peter talk about this—but like Musk as this guy who just goes all in both in poker but also with his companies.
The Signal and the Noise
Buy The Signal and the Noise by Nate Silver on Amazon
In this segment, the host discusses how the guest's intuition and experiences in poker relate to their insights gained from writing their books, specifically referring to 'your first book' along with a 'second book.'
The thing about poker is you're getting lots of reps with similar situations and—and yeah, mathematical situations, whereas like think about it, so you had some intuition from your first book, then you have intuition from the experience of your second book.
On the Edge
Buy On the Edge by Nate Silver on Amazon
In this segment, the host discusses how the guest's understanding of poker is influenced by their experiences writing books. They mention gaining insights not only from their first book but also from their 'second book,' highlighting the learning process involved.
The thing about poker is you're getting lots of reps with similar situations and—and yeah, mathematical situations, whereas like think about it, so you had some intuition from your first book, then you have intuition from the experience of your second book.
On the Edge
Buy On the Edge by Nate Silver on Amazon
In this segment, the host discusses the experiences of entrepreneurs mentioned in the book and emphasizes how limited their experiences are for making broad generalizations.
And like you even think about this with some of the entrepreneurs you talk about in the book; like they founded one company or two companies, and then so you're generalizing from this experience, but it's not that much experience given the immensity of the possible experiences.
On the Edge
Buy On the Edge by Nate Silver on Amazon
The host mentions that an unexpected and fun book is highlighted as an example of changing trends in political content.
Having a book that was unexpected and fun could represent a shift in the desire for politically adjacent content.
Painting as a Pastime
Buy Painting as a Pastime by Winston S. Churchill on Amazon
In the podcast, the host highlights the book 'Painting as a Pastime' by Winston Churchill. This book serves as an analogy, suggesting that it's essential for people, especially those in the public eye, to have diverse hobbies alongside their responsibilities.
Yeah. Churchill wrote this book called 'Painting as a Pastime,' and he said that every important public person has to have like one or two hobbies, and his was painting and brick playing.
On the Edge
Buy On the Edge by Nate Silver on Amazon
The host refers to a book that is expected to be released soon, likely Nate Silver's recent work on high-risk behavior, which has been mentioned earlier in the podcast.
Plus you have a book coming out, which was supposed to come out a year and a half ago; right?
Meditations
Buy Meditations by Aurelius Marcus on Amazon
In this segment, the host reflects on Marcus Aurelius' book 'Meditations,' emphasizing that while it appears to be a personal dialogue, it is also meant for a broader audience. This connects to the idea of engaging listeners by addressing them directly, enhancing the relatability of the message.
That's always what I've liked the most about Marcus Aurelius' meditations; he's talking to himself, but if he was really just talking to himself, would he have written it down?
The Daily Stoic
Buy The Daily Stoic by Ryan Holiday, Stephen Hanselman on Amazon
The guest discusses the inception of 'Daily Stoic,' which began as an email list aimed at gauging people's thoughts and feedback. This was shared by the podcast host, Ryan Holiday.
I remember writing for a long time, and in 2016 I started Daily Stoic with just a few thousand subscribers. Initially, I wanted to see what people thought and feel their sentiments.
The Storm Before the Storm
Buy The Storm Before the Storm by Mike Duncan on Amazon
The guest highlights 'The Storm Before the Storm' as one of his favorite books, emphasizing how it illustrates the often overlooked historical context that precedes major events like Caesar crossing the Rubicon.
One of my favorite books is called "The Storm Before the Storm," and the idea is that we just see Caesar crossing the Rubicon one day as if it just popped into his head, as if there wasn't all this history and all these other events leading up to this major event.
Burr
Buy Burr by Gore Vidal on Amazon
During the discussion, the host inquires if the guest has read Gore Vidal's book about Aaron Burr, to which the guest agrees and describes it as a great read.
By the way, have you ever read Gore Vidal's book on Aaron Burr? No, that's another great book.
The Swerve: How the World Became Modern
Buy The Swerve: How the World Became Modern by Stephen Greenblatt on Amazon
The guest enthusiastically recommends 'The Swerve' to the host, describing it as a book that the host will greatly appreciate. The conversation later explores the book's theme surrounding the rediscovery of an ancient poem.
There's a wonderful book that I recommend to you that you'll thank me a million times for; it's called "The Swerve." Have you ever heard of it?
Will in the World: How Shakespeare Became Shakespeare (Anniversary Edition)
During the podcast, the guest highlights Stephen Greenblatt's incredible book, "Will in the World: How Shakespeare Became Shakespeare," as they transition into a discussion about Shakespeare.
All right, let's talk because you mentioned Shakespeare. Greenblatt wrote this amazing book called "Will in the World" that I found incredible.
Tyrant: Shakespeare on Politics
Buy Tyrant: Shakespeare on Politics by Stephen Greenblatt on Amazon
The guest mentions 'Tyrant' by Stephen Greenblatt as a book that he loved. This reference serves as a segue into discussing the common themes between his movies, particularly focusing on how old stories can be reinterpreted while maintaining their core characters and morals.
He has a book called "Tyrant" as well, which I loved, but I was thinking there's a common theme between this movie and Apocalypse Now, as well as the theme of Shakespeare: the ability to find old stories and place them in a new context while preserving the arcs, characters, and morals.
Ideal and Actual in the Story of the Stone
Buy Ideal and Actual in the Story of the Stone by Dore Jesse Levy on Amazon
The guest discusses how reading 'The Story of the Stone' (also known as 'Dream of the Red Mansion') inspired changes in one of his films. He highlights the importance of the characters' dream lives in the narrative, illustrating the profound impact the book had on his creative process.
For example, one time I chose a great Chinese book called "The Story of the Stone" or "Dream of the Red Mansion" written in the 16th century. I found myself trying to change Megalopolis to be more like that, which I actually did, because that was one of the few books I ever read where the dream life of the characters was as important as their waking life.
Wilhelm Meister's Apprenticeship
Buy Wilhelm Meister's Apprenticeship by Johann Wolfgang von Goethe on Amazon
In the podcast, the guest discusses Goethe's book 'Wilhelm Meister', highlighting how it serves as an example of one author drawing inspiration from another. Specifically, it illustrates Goethe's intention to emulate Shakespeare, while also noting Shakespeare's own influences from various sources.
He wrote a book called "Wilhelm Meister" and that was him stealing from Shakespeare. That is Goethe saying, "I want to be as much like Shakespeare as I can be," while Shakespeare was stealing from Plutarch, from Montaigne, from Danish legends, and from other plays—everyone has been stealing from one another.
Papyrus
Buy Papyrus by Irene Vallejo on Amazon
The guest discusses a book titled 'Papyrus' that explores the history of paper and early writings, highlighting the difference between books and scrolls, particularly how scrolls were commonly stored in boxes that held seven scrolls.
I was just reading a book called "Papyrus," which covers the history of paper and early writings. One of the things the author notes is that scrolls, because they weren't books, were stored in specific boxes that often held seven scrolls.
Shahnameh
Buy Shahnameh by Abolqasem Ferdowsi on Amazon
In the discussion, the host inquires if the guest has read 'Shahnameh' by Ferdowsi, remarking on its beauty and noting that it is an early Persian epic that tells a tale of kings.
Have you ever read that beautiful Persian book called the Shahnameh by Ferdowsi? No, that's like Gilgamesh! It's an early Persian epic, and it's great—a tale of kings!
Tender is the Night
Buy Tender is the Night by Francis Scott Fitzgerald on Amazon
The discussion revolves around the book 'Tender Is the Night,' focusing on its initial lack of success and the unique structure involving a significant flashback that explores the characters Nicole and Dick Diver.
That it wasn't successful at first, so he and his editor straightened out something, I guess, I don't know which version I have. But I think what's unusual is that in the original 'Tender Is the Night,' there's a huge flashback in the middle of it that goes back and tells the story of Nicole and Dick Diver.
Antkind
Buy Antkind by Charlie Kaufman on Amazon
The guest discusses reading Charlie Kaufman's novel, 'Antkind,' which he describes as a significant influence on his life. He notes that after finishing the 750-page book, it has profoundly impacted his perspective.
Sure, he wrote a book, a novel called 'Antkind,' a seven- or eight-hundred-page book called 'Antkind.' And that's what Google said: if you want to read something about being a... so I got it, and damned, if you know, as I said, everything I read changes my movie, but this book is changing my life because it's so, I finished it after 750 pages, and it was not unsatisfying.
Meditations
Buy Meditations by Aurelius Marcus on Amazon
The host inquires about the guest's connection to Marcus Aurelius's 'Meditations', mentioning that a character in the guest's recent film quotes Aurelius several times.
And speaking of books, just 'cause I know he's a through line in the movie, one of the characters quotes him a few times. What's your relationship with Marcus Aurelius's 'Meditations'?
De Bello Gallico Libri Vii.
The guest mentions that the schoolboys during the founding of the United States were reading Caesar's writings on the Gallic Wars, indicating their familiarity with his work. This reference serves to illustrate the influence of classical literature on the nation's founding.
Well, the schoolboys in the founding of our nation were reading Caesar and the Gallic Wars. They knew it all by heart.
De Rerum Natura
Buy De Rerum Natura by Titus Lucretius Carus on Amazon
The host implicitly references the poem 'De Rerum Natura' by Lucretius, indicating a familiarity with this classic work. The title reappears later in the transcript, highlighting its significance in the discussion of ancient literature.
Yeah, on the nature of things.
A Skeleton Key to Finnegans Wake
Buy A Skeleton Key to Finnegans Wake by Joseph Campbell, Henry Morton Robinson on Amazon
The guest references a quote from James Joyce regarding 'Finnegans Wake,' explaining how he believed the book would take decades for readers to fully understand, despite selling well throughout that time.
And maybe a period where it's an apparent disaster, but over time, you know, I once read an article that James Joyce was talking about 'Finnegans Wake.' And he said, 'I'm going to put so much interesting stuff in this that it's going to take, you know, uh, 50 years for people to figure out what's in it and it'll sell the whole time.'
The Selfish Gene
Buy The Selfish Gene by Richard Dawkins on Amazon
The guest refers to his book, 'The Selfish Gene', while explaining his concept of a 'survival machine'.
Everything about a body can be regarded as, in my terminology from 'The Selfish Gene', a survival machine.
The Brass Check, a Study of American Journalism
Buy The Brass Check, a Study of American Journalism by Upton Sinclair on Amazon
The guest inquires whether the host has read 'The Brass Check' by Upton Sinclair, which explores the media landscape of the early 20th century.
And then I read this book—did you read Upton Sinclair’s book, The Brass Check?
The Jungle
Buy The Jungle by Upton Sinclair on Amazon
The guest discusses Upton Sinclair's impactful work 'The Jungle', mentioning that after this novel, Sinclair wrote a non-fiction book that serves as an expose on early 20th century media, comparing the two works.
So after he wrote The Jungle, he wrote this like similar book; it’s non-fiction instead of fiction, I guess, but he basically writes an expose of early 20th Century media.
The Brass Check, a Study of American Journalism
Buy The Brass Check, a Study of American Journalism by Upton Sinclair on Amazon
The guest discusses Upton Sinclair's book, which explores how journalism was viewed as a lowly profession lacking a clear social structure and ethics.
And in the Upton Sinclair book, he’s talking about basically it’s like journalism was considered a low profession, so it didn’t have like a social structure, it didn’t have ethics, it didn’t have like institutions that gave awards to it; it was just like it was kind of a low-ass profession and so people just did whatever they could to get ahead in that position.
The Daily Stoic
Buy The Daily Stoic by Ryan Holiday, Stephen Hanselman on Amazon
The guest reflects on their thoughts while reading a book by the podcast host, discussing issues such as the corruption in media and journalism, and how financial incentives may be overestimated as a problem.
What I was struck by and thinking about when I was reading your book is like what I got wrong or what I was talking about this sort of corruption of sort of money and attention flooding into journalism, but what’s interesting to me about where we are now is that in many cases, I guess I was overestimating the financial incentive as a problem—like I was going, like people are doing this to get page views because they put a little ad unit there and they make a certain amount of money per pages.
Rules for Radicals
Buy Rules for Radicals by Saul Alinsky on Amazon
The guest discusses the host's writings on Alinsky's 'Rules for Radicals' and reflects on how the ideas from the book frequently occupy their thoughts.
I saw you wrote a lot about um, about Alinsky and Rules for Radicals, also, which is a thing that I think about constantly; like that book is always in my head.
The Daily Stoic
Buy The Daily Stoic by Ryan Holiday, Stephen Hanselman on Amazon
The guest discusses how the term 'slacktivism' emerged around the same time the host was writing their book.
There was that term like slacktivism, and I feel like that was around the time that you were writing your book, actually it was; I don’t think you hear it mentioned quite so much anymore.
Trust Me, I'm Lying
Buy Trust Me, I'm Lying by Ryan Holiday on Amazon
The guest discusses their thoughts on podcasting while referencing their work on the updated version of 'Trust Me, I’m Lying', highlighting the positive attributes of podcasting as a medium that relies on subscriber engagement.
I was—I’d be curious your thoughts on podcasting as a medium because I had such high hopes for it as a medium, and like it wasn’t—uh, like sort of per—it seemed to be, um, when I was writing, uh, the updated version of Trust Me, I’m Lying, I was talking about podcasting as a positive medium in that it’s subscriber-based, like instead of just like random viral things, like audio is not super viral, or it wasn’t then.
Meditations
Buy Meditations by Aurelius Marcus on Amazon
The podcast host refers to a quote from Marcus Aurelius's book, Meditations, which emphasizes the idea that one's personal success should not rely on the actions of others. This book was previously mentioned in the episode as a resource the guest wished she had while in prison, linking it to a broader discussion about how stoic philosophy influenced her perspective.
One of my favorite quotes from Marcus’s Meditations is where he states that ambition ties your success to the actions of others.
Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix (Stenciled Edges) (Harry Potter, Book 5)
In this segment, the podcast guest shares how reading 'Harry Potter and The Order of the Phoenix' provided her with a sense of escapism, illustrating the specific emotions she experienced during a challenging time.
But at the same time I read things like I was reading Harry Potter and, you know, the Order of the Phoenix.
The Obstacle Is the Way
Buy The Obstacle Is the Way by Ryan Holiday on Amazon
The speaker, Coach Buzz Williams, refers to a book by Ryan Holiday that he has ordered but has not yet received. He is requesting his staff to check the order details for this book.
I said to my guy, 'Hey, why haven't I got Ryan's book? Can you look up when I ordered it, coach?','I ordered it on this day.
The Daily Stoic
Buy The Daily Stoic by Ryan Holiday, Stephen Hanselman on Amazon
During the discussion, Coach Buzz Williams highlights that host Ryan Holiday has authored twelve books, revealing that he has read the previous eleven and even bought 2,000 copies of them to distribute. This remark underscores the ongoing conversation about Ryan's works.
I've read that this is your twelfth book; I've also read the previous eleven and bought 2,000 copies of them to give away. We tend to chase those expectations, thinking, 'Once we meet them, we'll be satisfied.'
The Daily Stoic
Buy The Daily Stoic by Ryan Holiday, Stephen Hanselman on Amazon
The podcast host uses his book as an example in a hypothetical discussion about focusing on the effort put into creation rather than external feedback. As he and Coach Buzz Williams explore themes of process over outcome, the host emphasizes how his own work illustrates the principle of control over perception.
For example, if I believe my book turned out well and I put all the effort in, that’s what I should focus on. A negative review from someone I don't know shouldn't determine the book's value if I wasn't targeting the criteria highlighted.
It's a Book!
Buy It's a Book! by Lane Smith on Amazon
The speaker discusses the challenge of explaining a book in just two minutes on morning shows, contrasting it with the more in-depth discussions possible on podcasts, which can last for three hours.
You'd go on a morning show and have only two minutes to explain a book, but on a podcast, you might have three hours.
It's a Book!
Buy It's a Book! by Lane Smith on Amazon
The speaker discusses the effort and time commitment involved in creating a book, emphasizing that it often takes many years to complete one. They also highlight the contrast between the extensive nature of a book and the important yet rare skill of effectively communicating complex ideas in a concise manner.
Some might work on a book for seven years, which consists of many pages, but the ability to effectively communicate a big idea concisely is a skill that not enough people have.
Kids Books
Buy Kids Books by Ivan King, kids books on Amazon
The speaker shifts the conversation towards the topic of children's books and considers the balance in their creation, particularly in relation to attention spans.
When I think about attention and the concept of kids' books—I often think about finding the middle.
Meditations
Buy Meditations by Aurelius Marcus on Amazon
In this segment, Ryan Holiday reflects on Marcus Aurelius's 'Meditations', emphasizing that the work was intended as a form of personal reflection rather than for an audience. He relates this idea to how Stoics manage challenges and how the act of writing can help individuals gain perspective on their own thoughts.
We could imagine that that's what Marcus Aurelius is doing in his meditations. What's weird about meditations is that it's not a book for the reader; it's a book for the writer.
The Obstacle Is the Way
Buy The Obstacle Is the Way by Ryan Holiday on Amazon
The guest discusses the upcoming 10-year anniversary edition of 'The Obstacle is the Way,' emphasizing its relevance to overcoming challenges faced by athletes, such as equipment failures and weather issues.
I added an acting thing; I did a 10-year anniversary edition of ‘The Obstacle is the Way,’ and it hasn't come out yet. But a lot of athletes, like I work with the US ski team, use it because they always deal with last-minute challenges like equipment failure, weather problems, and delays.
Stillness Is the Key
Buy Stillness Is the Key by Ryan Holiday on Amazon
The podcast host, Ryan Holiday, shares a story from his book 'Stillness is the Key'. He uses this example to illustrate how Jed Apatow learned to cope with professional feedback and the importance of not projecting personal feelings onto others in the workplace.
I shared a story from 'Stillness is the Key' about Jed Apatow, who took many movies to realize the studio was not his parents. They would give him notes, and he felt personally attacked, projecting his feelings onto executives.
Meditations
Buy Meditations by Aurelius Marcus on Amazon
In this segment, Ryan Holiday, the host, quotes a line from Marcus Aurelius's 'Meditations,' emphasizing that many aspects of life are not meant to be judged by us. He illustrates this with the example of LeBron James's retirement decisions, highlighting that such matters are ultimately personal and shouldn't be subject to external judgment.
There's a great line in Marcus Aurelius's 'Meditations'—things aren't asking to be judged by you. What you see in entertainment television is the same; it's like how they question if LeBron James should retire—it’s his decision, not ours, and these prompts are designed to create conflict.
Van Gogh
Buy Van Gogh by Steven Naifeh, Gregory White Smith on Amazon
The guest discusses 'Mind on Fire', highlighting it as one of the best books about Emerson that they've read. The host agrees with this sentiment.
Yes, in that 'Mind on Fire' book about... I think it's one of the best books I've read about Emerson too. Yes.
The Minimalist Mindset
Buy The Minimalist Mindset by Danny Dover on Amazon
Chris Distefano discusses the launch of his new book today, mentioning that the landing page for it did not work as intended.
I woke up this morning, and we're launching my new book today, and the landing page went out, but it didn't work.
Meditations
Buy Meditations by Aurelius Marcus on Amazon
In this segment, the guest references a teaching attributed to 'Mark', which is likely a nod to the Stoic philosopher Marcus Aurelius. The teaching emphasizes the value of performing good deeds without seeking acknowledgment.
Mark said when you do someone a good turn and they receive it, don't ask for recognition.
Meditations
Buy Meditations by Aurelius Marcus on Amazon
The podcast host recalls a personal experience from his college days when he received a copy of 'Meditations' by Marcus Aurelius. He reflects on the time he had to wait for it to be delivered and shares a specific passage from the book.
And I get my copy of Meditations; it comes from Amazon. I had to wait a couple of days for it to arrive 'cause Prime didn't exist yet, you know? And I read this passage in Meditations from Marcus Aurelius: let me find it.
Man's Search for Meaning
Buy Man's Search for Meaning by Viktor E. Frankl on Amazon
The podcast guest highlights Viktor Frankl's 'Man's Search for Meaning,' which beautifully illustrates how one can find joy and purpose even in horrific circumstances. They also mention his recently discovered book 'Yes to Life,' which resonates deeply with these themes.
Viktor Frankl’s 'Man’s Search for Meaning' illustrates this beautifully, showing how he maintained joy and purpose despite facing horrific circumstances. During the pandemic, a previously lost work of his, titled 'Yes to Life,' became available and resonates even more deeply now.
Yes to Life
Buy Yes to Life by Viktor E. Frankl on Amazon
The podcast guest discusses how a previously lost work by Viktor Frankl, titled 'Yes to Life,' became available during the pandemic. This book resonates deeply as it reflects on persisting through life's challenges, particularly in the context of suffering.
Viktor Frankl’s 'Man’s Search for Meaning' illustrates this beautifully, showing how he maintained joy and purpose despite facing horrific circumstances. During the pandemic, a previously lost work of his, titled 'Yes to Life,' became available and resonates even more deeply now. In this work, Frankl expresses the essence of persisting in life’s challenges despite suffering.
The 48 Laws of Power (Special Power Edition)
Buy The 48 Laws of Power (Special Power Edition) by Robert Greene on Amazon
The podcast guest references the book 'The 48 Laws of Power' by Robert Greene to illustrate how to strategically navigate life while maintaining healthy boundaries, emphasizing the importance of understanding goals without preconceptions.
Achieving such a milestone may initially feel fulfilling, but once it’s attained, expectations often lead to disappointment, demonstrating the arrival fallacy. Roberts Green’s work 'The 48 Laws of Power' illustrates the strategic navigation required to embrace life while maintaining healthy boundaries. Approaching it without preordained notions allows you to leverage insights from his work while embracing your unique journey.
Ego Is the Enemy
Buy Ego Is the Enemy by Ryan Holiday on Amazon
In this segment, Ryan Holiday discusses a story he removed from the introduction of his book, 'Ego is the Enemy', and how he traced its origins through earlier drafts.
Which... that exact story was in the intro of "Ego is the Enemy" and I cut it at some point.
Ego Is the Enemy
Buy Ego Is the Enemy by Ryan Holiday on Amazon
In this segment, Ryan Holiday discusses how the story connects to his earlier work, 'Ego is the Enemy', emphasizing the themes that are central to both.
Like the book was built around it of "Ego."
Immigration and the Constraints of Justice
Buy Immigration and the Constraints of Justice by Ryan Pevnick on Amazon
In this segment, Ryan Holiday discusses 'this book' concerning the topic of Justice, reflecting on the challenges of aligning personal preferences with audience expectations.
And the topic of this book seems like one of the harder ones to find that overlap or... and you, the title you didn’t go with, ‘Justice is Insurmountable’.
Meditations
Buy Meditations by Aurelius Marcus on Amazon
In this episode, the hosts reference 'Meditations' as a significant example of Stoic literature, which is authored by Marcus Aurelius.
I mean, they—like most of what I feel like the Stoics talk about, let's take Meditations.
Meditations
Buy Meditations by Aurelius Marcus on Amazon
In this segment, the host refers to 'Meditations' by Marcus Aurelius, highlighting how the book addresses the concept of justice repeatedly. The host emphasizes that Aurelius discusses the importance of doing the right thing and contributing to the common good throughout the work.
Most of where like Marcus Aurelius talks about Justice, like literally dozens of times in Meditations, um, he also talks about doing the right thing dozens of times in Meditations and the common good.
Meditations
Buy Meditations by Aurelius Marcus on Amazon
In this segment, the podcast host refers to a quote from 'Meditations' by Marcus Aurelius, explaining that he believed the essence of life is good character and contributing to the common good. This quote serves as a launching point for a deeper discussion on Stoic principles, particularly focusing on the concept of Justice.
Yeah, Marcus really has this quote in Meditations where he says, uh, the fruit of this life is good character and acts for the common good.
Discipline Is Destiny
Buy Discipline Is Destiny by Ryan Holiday on Amazon
Ryan Holiday discusses a line from his book 'Discipline and Destiny', expressing his admiration for Queen Elizabeth II.
I have a line in 'Discipline and Destiny' because I was very impressed with Queen Elizabeth II.
The 50th Law
Buy The 50th Law by 50 Cent, Robert Greene on Amazon
In this segment, the host refers to 'The 50th Law' by Robert Greene, highlighting the book's discussion on the importance of maintaining a direct connection with the audience.
Yeah, your life ceases to be normal, and you lose your bead on—the fact that you have to have this— Robert Greene talks about this in 'The 50th Law'—like you have to have this direct connection with the audience because that's ultimately who you're servicing.
The Obstacle Is the Way
Buy The Obstacle Is the Way by Ryan Holiday on Amazon
Ryan Holiday discusses his feelings about his first book, indicating a complex relationship with an earlier version of himself as reflected in that work.
I mean, I have a weird relationship with my first book, which is like a version of myself that I don't see myself as anymore.
The Next
Buy The Next by Stephanie Gangi on Amazon
The host humorously notes that the current discussion topic will be covered in 'the next book', suggesting a forthcoming work by the same author.
This is all funny because this is in the next book.
None Shall Sleep
Buy None Shall Sleep by Ellie Marney on Amazon
The podcast host refers to a chapter called 'North Star' which is included in 'this book', indicating their current book project.
Well, you also have the North Star chapter in this book.
Dying Every Day
Buy Dying Every Day by James Romm on Amazon
The podcast host reflects on reading 'Dying Every Day' by James Romm during the takeover and restructuring of American Apparel, expressing how the book's themes resonated with his personal experiences during that tumultuous time.
I remember reading James Romm's Dying Every Day during the takeover and restructuring of American Apparel and going, 'Oh, this is much more familiar than it should be to me.'
Courage Is Calling
Buy Courage Is Calling by Ryan Holiday on Amazon
Ryan Holiday references his own book, 'Courage is Calling', in which he discusses the insidious nature of certain concepts in the afterword.
In the afterward of "Courage is Calling," I discuss how insidious these things are.
Dereliction of Duty
Buy Dereliction of Duty by H. R. McMaster on Amazon
In this segment, the host highlights HR McMaster as a brilliant writer and discusses his book titled 'Dereliction of Duty', outlining its significance.
Yeah, McMaster, HR McMaster, who’s a fantastic writer, wrote a book called "Dereliction of Duty."
Dereliction of Duty
Buy Dereliction of Duty by H. R. McMaster on Amazon
In this segment, the host highlights HR McMaster's book, 'Dereliction of Duty,' praising it as an incredible read.
That’s McMaster's book – "Dereliction of Duty" – it’s pretty incredible.
The Wealth of Nations
Buy The Wealth of Nations by Adam Smith on Amazon
In this segment, the podcast host discusses Adam Smith, noting that before he wrote his famous work 'The Wealth of Nations', he authored a philosophy book called 'The Theory of Moral Sentiments', influenced by a professor who admired Stoic principles.
Adam Smith, before he wrote The Wealth of Nations, he wrote this philosophy book; he was taught by a professor who was a big fan of Stoics and it’s called The Theory of Moral Sentiments.
The Theory of Moral Sentiments
Buy The Theory of Moral Sentiments by Adam Smith on Amazon
In this segment, the podcast host discusses Adam Smith's earlier work, 'The Theory of Moral Sentiments,' highlighting its philosophical significance and its connection to Stoic teachings.
Adam Smith, before he wrote The Wealth of Nations, he wrote this philosophy book; he was taught by a professor who was a big fan of Stoics and it’s called The Theory of Moral Sentiments.
Meditations
Buy Meditations by Aurelius Marcus on Amazon
In this segment, the host discusses a passage from Marcus Aurelius's book 'Meditations', emphasizing the idea of finding inner peace rather than seeking external distractions.
In Meditations, there's a passage where Marcus Aurelius realizes that whatever you think you want is inside of you right now. You can retreat and go on vacation inside your own soul instead of looking for external escapes.
The Daily Stoic
Buy The Daily Stoic by Ryan Holiday, Stephen Hanselman on Amazon
During the podcast, the host Ryan Holiday references his own book while discussing a theme of self-improvement, highlighting the idea of striving to be the best version of oneself.
I think it's a similar theme in your book—just be the best version of yourself as possible.
The Daily Stoic
Buy The Daily Stoic by Ryan Holiday, Stephen Hanselman on Amazon
In this segment, the host of The Daily Stoic podcast discusses a concept from his own book, emphasizing the importance of creating models to effectively convey ideas.
One thing I advocate in my book is to always create a model that demonstrates what you're trying to say.
The Daily Stoic
Buy The Daily Stoic by Ryan Holiday, Stephen Hanselman on Amazon
The host of The Daily Stoic podcast discusses receiving positive feedback on his book, emphasizing the importance of this feedback in helping him understand the transient nature of success.
Receiving positive feedback on my book has made me realize how fleeting success can be.
It's a Book!
Buy It's a Book! by Lane Smith on Amazon
The speaker shares that he is currently in the process of writing a book focused on the life of an artist.
We’re actually writing a book about this right now—about the artist's life.
Originals
Buy Originals by Adam Grant on Amazon
In this segment, the podcast host discusses how critics might suggest that people should read 'The Originals'. This implies a criticism of their understanding, hinting that their insights may not be as deep as those who originated the ideas.
They might say you should just read The Originals or that we haven't read the originals.
The Justice of Mercy
Buy The Justice of Mercy by Linda Ross Meyer on Amazon
Mark Manson discusses his forthcoming 'justice book,' highlighting how philosophers often engage with theoretical dilemmas like the trolley problem, critiquing their focus on abstract scenarios instead of addressing real-world moral challenges.
I talked about this in the intro of the justice book that is coming out in June where, as a philosopher, you're looking at big questions like the trolley problem.
The 48 Laws of Power (Special Power Edition)
Buy The 48 Laws of Power (Special Power Edition) by Robert Greene on Amazon
In the podcast, the speaker is frequently asked how his views align with '48 Laws of Power', suggesting that many listeners mistakenly believe he is the author. He clarifies that he is not responsible for the book's content, distancing himself from its interpretations.
The other thing I get a lot, which is weird because I didn't write it, is people ask me how I square all this stuff with the 48 Laws of Power or whatever. Well, I didn't write it, so it’s not my job.
Everything Is F*cked
Buy Everything Is F*cked by Mark Manson on Amazon
During his book tour for 'Everything is F*cked,' the speaker shares a humorous encounter with an audience member who introduced him to the concept of optimistic nihilism, a topic he explores in his book.
It's funny because I was doing my book tour for Everything is F*cked, where I did most of this research and wrote about most of this stuff. A guy came up to me after one of the shows and asked if I had ever heard of optimistic nihilism, and I said I hadn’t.
Bury the Chains
Buy Bury the Chains by Adam Hochschild on Amazon
The speaker highlights 'Bury the Chain' by Adam Hochschild while discussing Thomas Clarkson's efforts in the fight against slavery, referring to the book as an important resource on this historical topic.
After that, he wonders if he could be the person who changes this. Adam Hochschild has an amazing book on this called 'Bury the Chain.'
The Obstacle Is the Way
Buy The Obstacle Is the Way by Ryan Holiday on Amazon
The host highlights that Tim Ferriss published the audiobook of Ryan Holiday's book, 'The Obstacle Is the Way', indicating a long-standing relationship with Ferriss.
He actually published the audiobook of The Obstacle Is the Way, so I've known Tim forever.
The Coddling of the American Mind
Buy The Coddling of the American Mind by Greg Lukianoff, Jonathan Haidt on Amazon
In this segment, Jonathan Haidt discusses how he was rereading Stoicism while concurrently working on his book, 'The Coddling of the American Mind'. This reveals a link between his exploration of Stoicism and the ideas presented in his book.
I started rereading Stoicism at the same time as I was working on the book The Coddling of the American Mind.
The Coddling of the American Mind
Buy The Coddling of the American Mind by Greg Lukianoff, Jonathan Haidt on Amazon
Jonathan Haidt discusses his book 'The Coddling of the American Mind', which addresses the challenges faced by Gen Z and young individuals. This mention highlights the book's relevance to the themes explored in this podcast episode.
At the same time, I was writing The Coddling of the American Mind, which was all about what was happening to Gen Z and young people.
Meditations
Buy Meditations by Aurelius Marcus on Amazon
In this segment, the podcast host references 'Meditations' by Marcus Aurelius, discussing how the emperor dealt with stress and the burden of information overload. This perspective relates to the challenges posed by social media, which is a central theme of the episode.
To have news from far-flung provinces, to have endless correspondence, and to feel like the weight of the world is on your shoulders—to read Meditations, you're like, 'This is not good for a person to be in this position.'
Meditations
Buy Meditations by Aurelius Marcus on Amazon
The guest references a quote from Marcus Aurelius's 'Meditations', discussing how individuals often prioritize others' opinions over their own self-assessment. This quote serves as a segue into the conversation about the negative effects of social media.
I think one of the most fascinating quotes in Meditations is when Marcus says, 'You obviously love yourself more than other people.'
The Stoic Challenge: A Philosopher's Guide to Becoming Tougher, Calmer, and More Resilient
Jonathan Haidt highlights William Irvine's book 'The Stoic Challenge' as an essential guide for developing emotional strength. He emphasizes its usefulness in his course and acknowledges its value in applying stoic principles.
The 'stronger' piece is about emotional strength, often leaning on Stoicism—especially the wonderful book, The Stoic Challenge, by William Irvine, which everyone loves.
Deep Work
Buy Deep Work by Cal Newport on Amazon
Jonathan Haidt mentions that he utilizes the book 'Deep Work' by Cal Newport in his 'Flourishing' course, where he teaches techniques for enhancing focus and attention. This indicates that the book plays a significant role in his discussion about the importance of concentration and how to counteract the attention-fragmenting effects of social media.
We read his book, Deep Work, in my flourishing class at NYU.
Meditations
Buy Meditations by Aurelius Marcus on Amazon
The discussion centers on a passage from Marcus Aurelius's book 'Meditations', where he reflects on the Stoic concept that anxiety is an internal struggle that can be overcome through deliberate mental effort. This connects to the episode's overarching theme of employing Stoicism in everyday life to better manage emotions, particularly in the context of social media.
One interesting passage in Marcus Aurelius' 'Meditations' is when he says, "Today I escaped anxiety."
The Righteous Mind
Buy The Righteous Mind by Jonathan Haidt on Amazon
Jonathan Haidt references his book, 'The Righteous Mind', discussing how our minds have evolved for small-scale, religious societies. He ties this idea to the tribal nature of modern politics and the challenges it presents to democracy, which is an essential aspect of his commentary on contemporary society.
But what's happened is, as I say in 'The Righteous Mind', we evolved for small-scale societies that are deeply religious, that circle around sacred objects to make us stronger, especially in battles against other groups.
Mastery
Buy Mastery by Robert Greene on Amazon
In the podcast, Sam Parr discusses how the book 'Mastery' by Robert Greene had a profound impact on his life, influencing his choice to use the terms 'trade' and 'mastery' during the conversation.
I read Mastery by Robert Greene; it changed my life. And that’s why I purposely use those words of trade and mastery.
Ametora
Buy Ametora by W. David Marx on Amazon
In this segment, Sam Parr shares how a Twitter post motivated him to purchase and read the book 'How Japan Saved American Fashion,' through which he gained insights into Japanese culture.
I was so inspired that I went and bought this book called 'How Japan Saved American Fashion.' I read it, and I learned all about the culture of Japan.
Lives of the Stoics
Buy Lives of the Stoics by Ryan Holiday, Stephen Hanselman on Amazon
In the podcast, host Ryan Holiday mentions his book 'Lives with the Stoics' when responding to a guest's request for a deep dive on individual Stoic figures. He explains that the book consists of biographies of various Stoics.
Alright, I'll do it; I wrote a whole book about this, you know? I did a book called 'Lives with the Stoics' which is bios of each of the Stoics.
Two Books Are Better Than One!
Buy Two Books Are Better Than One! by Shari Frost on Amazon
The speaker shares his experience in grad school at MIT, noting that he published 'two books about how to be a good student,' which ties into the advice he was offering.
So early in grad school, I'm at MIT. I had published these two books about how to be a good student, right? And I had a blog.
It's a Book!
Buy It's a Book! by Lane Smith on Amazon
The speaker discusses the significance of a crucial phone call he made to an agent, seeking advice on the process of selling books, particularly focusing on how a young person could navigate this path to get their book published.
Like I always tell people for me, the most important phone call probably in my life is when I decided to write a book. I called a family friend who was an agent and said, 'Explain to me how to sell books, and in particular what would be the very narrow path that like a 20 or 21-year-old could follow to sell a book?'
It's a Book!
Buy It's a Book! by Lane Smith on Amazon
The host recounts a story about someone discussing their plans for self-publishing a book. The person intends to invest significantly in marketing firms to help promote their work.
I was like, okay, got have my standard advice for writing a book and he had this whole like alternative world built out about how he was going to run around the whole. It involved him spending a lot of money, yeah, on these marketing firms and these marketing firms were going to get a lot of attention to his self-published book.
Slow Productivity
Buy Slow Productivity by Cal Newport on Amazon
In this segment, Cal Newport discusses his book 'Slow Productivity', emphasizing that it embodies a question he has been contemplating and is reflective of the themes present in his other works.
I think this book, Slow Productivity, is like the most of the books I've written where it's a question I have.
Deep Work
Buy Deep Work by Cal Newport on Amazon
The host describes his experience in the theory group at MIT, highlighting the importance of focus, while referencing his book 'Deep Work'.
I want to be better at like really something I'm really working at like when I wrote Deep Work, for example, it was, yeah, I came out of this environment, the theory group at MIT, in which like focus was the number one thing.
Slow Productivity
Buy Slow Productivity by Cal Newport on Amazon
In this segment, Cal Newport discusses his book 'Slow Productivity', which he wrote to help clarify his understanding of how to work steadily towards meaningful goals, indicating that he considers himself the ideal reader for this work.
And so I was like, I got to really—I really got to clean up my understanding of these intuitions and instincts I have about slowly working towards what matters because I've actually created a lot of things as I've gotten better and gotten more stature and the opportunities are everywhere. And I felt like I was in danger of impeding my own progress, so this Slow Productivity is probably the book I most had myself in mind as a reader.
Getting Things Done
Buy Getting Things Done by David Allen on Amazon
In this segment, the host discusses the book 'Getting Things Done' by David Allen, emphasizing its goal of attaining moments of Zen-like peace in one's mind, as opposed to merely becoming a productivity machine.
Yeah, you go back and read David Allen, what you get, what's his goal? Occasional moments of Zen-like peace, among the mind, like there's nothing to turn you into a processing machine and a survival process you, right?
The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People
Buy The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen R. Covey on Amazon
The host discusses 'The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People' by Stephen Covey, focusing on its principles of self-actualization and the importance of identifying one's roles in life.
So you get seven habits, you get first things first, read these books, they're very optimistic, they're all about self-actualization. If you've ever read these books, it's like, you figure out your roles in life, yeah.
The Four Cardinal Virtues
Buy The Four Cardinal Virtues by Josef Pieper on Amazon
The guest refers to 'the four cardinal virtues books', discussing them in the context of previous works associated with the podcast host.
And then it's okay, we're going to do the four cardinal virtues books, we're going to, you know, really push the studio quality pod, you know, the plays. It was like you push chips in, right?
The Obstacle Is the Way
Buy The Obstacle Is the Way by Ryan Holiday on Amazon
During the conversation, the guest highlights the significant sales of the host's book, 'The Obstacle Is the Way', while mentioning that the host received a modest advance from the publisher.
As you’ve mentioned, obstacles away sold a great number of copies, but you received a modest advance. The publisher’s hesitance reflected the dynamic values you expressed earlier; it may not feel fair on the surface initially, but building on smaller wins has its benefits.
The Obstacle Is the Way
Buy The Obstacle Is the Way by Ryan Holiday on Amazon
The guest discusses the success of the host's book, 'The Obstacle Is the Way', highlighting how it has sold exceptionally well over time and has contributed to its growth.
In your case, truly the obstacles away sold incredibly well over time, closing the loop on the early takes of its career and growth.
The Lean Startup
Buy The Lean Startup by Eric Ries on Amazon
The host discusses business advice literature, highlighting its significance and referencing popular books from authors like Stephen Covey.
And you can actually see this by looking at business advice literature like books like the popular books, right? So in the 80s and 90s, he was like, the big name is going to be Stephen Covey, right?
Discipline Is Destiny
Buy Discipline Is Destiny by Ryan Holiday on Amazon
In this segment, Ali Abdaal discusses the idea of creating a YouTube video focused on Ryan Holiday's new book. He notes that although they considered using the title 'Discipline is Destiny', they ultimately felt it would be inappropriate for their video.
I come up with the concept, like, hey, I'd love to do a video about, I don't know, Ryan's new book. And we're like, okay cool, we can't call it 'Discipline is Destiny' because that would be a bit weird.
Discipline Is Destiny
Buy Discipline Is Destiny by Ryan Holiday on Amazon
In this segment, the podcast guest, Ali Abdaal, discusses an idea for a YouTube video related to Ryan Holiday's new book, 'Discipline is Destiny,' mentioning that they can't use this title for the project.
I come up with the concept, like, hey, I'd love to do a video about, I don't know, Ryan's new book. And we're like, okay cool, we can't call it 'Discipline is Destiny' because that would be a bit weird.
The Obstacle Is the Way
Buy The Obstacle Is the Way by Ryan Holiday on Amazon
In this episode, the host Ryan Holiday discusses his book, 'The Obstacle is the Way', while reflecting on his personal journey with self-publishing. He elaborates on the experiences that accompanied the book's release and its gradual rise in popularity.
When you asked me about self-publishing earlier, I experienced this unintentionally and intentionally when 'The Obstacle is the Way' came out.
Ego Is the Enemy
Buy Ego Is the Enemy by Ryan Holiday on Amazon
In this segment, Ryan Holiday discusses his book 'Ego is the Enemy' and reflects on his experiences with publishing. He shares insights on how the timing of his project and the constraints of contracts influenced the sale of the book.
If I had waited, I probably could have sold what became 'Ego is the Enemy' for a lot of money, a lot more money. But I had sold a proposal version of it while I was still figuring the book out, so I was under contract.
Courage Is Calling
Buy Courage Is Calling by Ryan Holiday on Amazon
In this segment, Ryan Holiday discusses the performance of his book 'Courage is Calling', mentioning that it didn't do as well as his other book 'Discipline', which had spectacular sales.
So again, the downside is, 'Courage' came out; it did okay. 'Discipline' came out; it did spectacularly.
Discipline Is Destiny
Buy Discipline Is Destiny by Ryan Holiday on Amazon
In this segment, Ryan Holiday discusses his own book, 'Discipline is Destiny', highlighting its successful release compared to another title.
So again, the downside is, 'Courage' came out; it did okay. 'Discipline' came out; it did spectacularly.
The Boy Who Would Be King
Buy The Boy Who Would Be King by Ryan Holiday on Amazon
In this segment, Ryan Holiday discusses his book titled 'Justice', explaining that he could have potentially sold it for a higher price, but that was insignificant as he was focused on the writing process.
Maybe I could have been selling 'Justice' for more, but all of that was irrelevant because I was just in the middle of writing the book.
Drive
Buy Drive by Daniel H. Pink on Amazon
In this segment, podcast guest Ali Abdaal discusses the book 'Drive' by Dan Pink, sharing how it resonates with him and enhances his understanding of his own work.
Then I would read, like, I don’t know, one of your newsletter or one of your books or like 'Drive' by Dan Pink, and I'm like, oh, it's so good! This stuff is so good!
The Obstacle Is the Way
Buy The Obstacle Is the Way by Ryan Holiday on Amazon
Ali Abdaal reflects on the Stoic concepts he has been exploring since discovering 'The Obstacle is the Way', suggesting that this book has significantly influenced his thinking.
Honestly, I was thinking about that and all the Stoic stuff I've been digesting since I discovered 'The Obstacle is the Way'.
The Book: A Cover-to-Cover Exploration of the Most Powerful Object of Our Time
The podcast host refers to something he read in 'the book' while discussing the guest's upbringing, revealing a misconception about their origins that he corrected upon referencing the book.
No, no, when I saw it in the book, I was like, wait, I don't know why I thought you were like an East Coast person or something.
Same as Ever
Buy Same as Ever by Morgan Housel on Amazon
During the discussion, the guest refers to his book 'Same as Ever,' sharing a story from it that illustrates a point about historical events, specifically drawing on the struggles faced by George Washington and his troops during the Revolutionary War.
I use a story in 'Same as Ever' about during the Revolutionary War, during the Battle of Long Island, George Washington and his troops were cornered by the British.
The Great Depression: A Diary
Buy The Great Depression: A Diary by Benjamin Roth on Amazon
The speaker enthusiastically shares his admiration for a book titled 'The Great Depression: A Diary,' which he regards as the best economic book ever. He references it to illustrate how individuals experiencing historical events often lack awareness of future developments.
It's tough; there's a great book that I love. I think it's the greatest economic book ever written. It's called 'The Great Depression: A Diary.'
The Daily Stoic
Buy The Daily Stoic by Ryan Holiday, Stephen Hanselman on Amazon
The podcast host mentions 'Daily Stoic' as the idea originally suggested by his agent, referencing it in connection with the concept of writing a book on Stoicism.
Right; I remember my agent had the idea for Daily Stoic.
The Psychology of Money
Buy The Psychology of Money by Morgan Housel on Amazon
The guest discusses his hesitation in writing 'The Psychology of Money,' reflecting on the personal decisions and challenges he faced in completing the book.
Yes, my- I did not want to write Psychology of Money, and I put it off for years and years and years.
The Obstacle Is the Way
Buy The Obstacle Is the Way by Ryan Holiday on Amazon
In this segment, the podcast host refers to his book 'The Obstacle Is the Way' and reflects on its initial lack of success on bestseller lists when it first launched.
Like with 'The Obstacle is the Way,' when 'The Obstacle is the Way' came out, first off, it didn't hit any bestseller list the week it came out.
The Daily Dad
Buy The Daily Dad by Ryan Holiday on Amazon
The podcast host discusses his book 'Daily Dad,' sharing an anecdote about signing copies for readers. He emphasizes how the ultimate aim of parenting is to raise emotionally mature adults, reflecting on the importance of this goal.
In fact, when I sign copies of my book, 'Daily Dad,' I often cross out the word 'kids' on the cover and write 'adults' instead, as that's the ultimate aim of parenting.
Furious Hours
Buy Furious Hours by Casey N. Cep on Amazon
The guest comments on reading 'Furious Hours,' describing it as a true crime narrative that also delves into the life of Harper Lee, author of 'To Kill a Mockingbird.'
I just read this book called 'Furious Hours,' which is both a true crime account and about Harper Lee, who wrote 'To Kill a Mockingbird.'
To Kill a Mockingbird
Buy To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee on Amazon
In the conversation, the guest references 'To Kill a Mockingbird' as part of a discussion on authors and the challenges of perfectionism in writing, illustrating its significance in the literary world.
I just read this book called 'Furious Hours,' which is both a true crime account and about Harper Lee, who wrote 'To Kill a Mockingbird.'
Lives of the Stoics
Buy Lives of the Stoics by Ryan Holiday, Stephen Hanselman on Amazon
In this segment, the host, Ryan Holiday, discusses his book 'Lives of the Stoics', explaining that the book emphasizes biographical details about the Stoic philosophers rather than merely exploring their teachings. He highlights that Stoics were dynamic individuals, countering the common stereotype of them as purely emotionless characters.
I did this book a few years ago called Lives of the Stoics, where instead of diving into what the stoics said, I just tried to write biographies of who they were.
The Obstacle Is the Way
Buy The Obstacle Is the Way by Ryan Holiday on Amazon
In this episode, Ryan Holiday reflects on a quote from Marcus Aurelius that resonates with him, recalling his thoughts when his book, 'The Obstacle Is the Way,' was released. He shares how the quote addresses the tension between self-love and the concern for how others view us.
One of my favorite quotes from Marcus Aurelius, which I actually remember thinking about when 'The Obstacle is the Way' came out, is as follows: 'We love ourselves more than other people, yet we care about other people's opinions more than our own.'
Discipline Is Destiny
Buy Discipline Is Destiny by Ryan Holiday on Amazon
In this segment, Ryan Holiday refers to his book 'Discipline Is Destiny' while quoting a passage that discusses the struggles faced by Beethoven over several years.
Yeah, I—I have a part of it in, uh, in discipline as destiny; he says for six years now I’ve been hopelessly afflicted, made worse by the senseless doctors for year two, deceived with hopes of improvement, finally compelled to face the prospect of a lasting malady whose cure will take years and perhaps be impossible.
The Essential Guide to Getting Your Book Published
In a discussion with Dr. Michael Gervais, Ryan Holiday emphasizes the importance of selling copies of a book, stating that failing to do so could prevent an author from writing more.
Look, if you sell zero copies of your book, you won’t be able to write another.
Off the Books
Buy Off the Books by Sudhir Alladi Venkatesh on Amazon
In a discussion about authorship and engagement with an audience, Dr. Michael Gervais refers to 'the books', indicating how his approach would change if he were the sole audience.
Like I would do the books; if I was the only audience, it would be very different.
The 48 Laws of Power (Special Power Edition)
Buy The 48 Laws of Power (Special Power Edition) by Robert Greene on Amazon
In this segment, Robert Greene reflects on his unexpected journey to writing 'The 48 Laws of Power,' revealing that it was never a childhood dream of his.
I can honestly say I never intended in my life to write The 48 Laws of Power. I didn't start out at 8 years old saying, 'I'm going to write The 48 Laws of Power.'
What If?
Buy What If? by Randall Munroe on Amazon
Robert Greene discusses the fascinating series of books titled 'What If,' which explore alternate histories by considering how a single different event could change the course of history.
Yeah, there's a whole series of books out called 'What If,' and they're fascinating; I don't know if you've ever read them.
Meditations
Buy Meditations by Aurelius Marcus on Amazon
In this segment, Ryan Holiday discusses the book 'Meditations' by Marcus Aurelius, highlighting a moment where Marcus expresses gratitude to his philosophy teacher, Rusticus, for providing him with a copy of Epictetus's lectures.
I think one thing that struck me as I'm reading Meditations is Marcus Aurelius thanks his philosophy teacher, Rusticus, who gives him his copy of Epictetus's lectures.
The Dialogues of Plato
Buy The Dialogues of Plato by Plato on Amazon
In the discussion, Robert Greene refers to the philosophical dialogues of Plato, noting that they might have been read by a bookseller in the context of a story about Zeno.
But he ends up in this, he ends up in this bookstore, and the bookseller is reading one of, uh, Plato's dialogues or, I know, I guess it would have been one of Zenon's books.
The Odyssey of Homer
Buy The Odyssey of Homer by Homer on Amazon
In this segment, Ryan Holiday reflects on the story of The Odyssey, highlighting its timeless nature and discussing the surprising and violent ending, which he finds difficult to explain to his children.
And the the timelessness of that, and so, so many parts of the Odyssey are inexplicable; you know, as he gets there—not to spoil the ending—but you know he just, there's this sort of moment at the end where he just, you know, murders with his bare hands like a hundred people and just like, 'Of course he did!'
The Nineties
Buy The Nineties by Chuck Klosterman on Amazon
Ryan Holiday discusses Chuck Klosterman's book 'The 90s' to illustrate the various headlines that newspapers across the United States were producing on September 10th, demonstrating the regional differences of that era.
Chuck Klosterman wrote a great book called The 90s, and he was sort of talking about how, um, you know, September 10th, there were newspapers all over the country, and they were all doing their own headlines about what's happening in that city.
The First Three Minutes
Buy The First Three Minutes by Steven Weinberg on Amazon
Robert Greene discusses his reading of 'The First Three Minutes', a book that explores the initial moments of the universe following the Big Bang.
And you know, I read a book called The First Three Minutes, which is about the first three minutes of the universe.
The Obstacle Is the Way
Buy The Obstacle Is the Way by Ryan Holiday on Amazon
Robert Greene mentions that he frequently reads Ryan Holiday's books, specifically stating that 'Obstacle is my favorite' among them.
I read them all the time—Obstacle is my favorite, Ego is the Enemy, but they're all really great.
Ego Is the Enemy
Buy Ego Is the Enemy by Ryan Holiday on Amazon
Robert Greene mentions that he frequently reads books by Ryan Holiday, specifically highlighting 'Ego is the Enemy' as one of his favorites, alongside 'Obstacle'. He expresses a strong appreciation for the entire collection.
I read them all the time—Obstacle is my favorite, Ego is the Enemy, but they're all really great.
The Obstacle Is the Way
Buy The Obstacle Is the Way by Ryan Holiday on Amazon
Ryan Holiday reflects on his early career and the challenges he faced after the release of his book 'The Obstacle is the Way.' He mentions the moment when he experienced initial success but later needed to reevaluate his path.
I think I got lucky in the sense that, you know, I did a book when my first book came out when I was 25 and it hit a bestseller for a week, and then, you know, I had to take a big step back when I sold The Obstacle is the Way.
The 48 Laws of Power (Special Power Edition)
Buy The 48 Laws of Power (Special Power Edition) by Robert Greene on Amazon
In a discussion, Robert Greene shares that Dove Charney, the former owner of American Apparel, regarded his book, 'The 48 Laws of Power', as his guiding scripture, even referring to it as his 'Bible'.
Well, look, he was a huge fan of the 48 Laws of Power; he called it his Bible. Yeah, he called me El Señor, which is deeply blasphemous!
Ego Is the Enemy
Buy Ego Is the Enemy by Ryan Holiday on Amazon
Ryan Holiday reflects on how he was in the process of writing his book, 'Ego Is The Enemy', during the tumultuous times when American Apparel was struggling to stay afloat.
Like, uh, obviously, I wrote Ego is the Enemy as American Apparel was pulling itself to pieces.
HOW TO STOP WORRYING & START LIVING
Buy HOW TO STOP WORRYING & START LIVING by Dale Carnegie on Amazon
In this episode, Ryan Holiday highlights Dale Carnegie's book 'How to Stop Worrying and Start Living,' pointing out that although it is lesser-known, it has still sold millions of copies and incorporates many Stoic principles.
I believe it was, but he has a lesser-known book that is still sold millions of copies called 'How to Stop Worrying and Start Living,' which includes a lot of stoic tenets.
The 4-hour Chef
Buy The 4-hour Chef by Timothy Ferriss on Amazon
Tim Ferriss discusses his book, 'The 4-Hour Chef,' describing it as a project that completely exhausted him.
Yeah, I mean, on a much smaller scale, I mean, what everything is on a smaller scale, 4our Chef, right? That was a book that completely burned me out; I burned myself out.
The 4-Hour Work Week
Buy The 4-Hour Work Week by Timothy Ferriss on Amazon
In this segment, the guest, Tim Ferriss, discusses his editing habits with the podcast host, Ryan Holiday. Ryan recalls past experiences where Tim sent finished books with pages torn out for editing. Specifically, they reference Tim's book, 'The 4-Hour Work Week,' as part of this discussion.
I might take a look at it because we have had this experience before where you've sent me finished books with pages ripped out, saying, 'Delete this page, delete this page.' The reason that I don't read manuscripts is that I cannot turn off editing; I will do a full book edit that takes an absurd amount of time because I can’t turn it off.
Four Thousand Weeks
Buy Four Thousand Weeks by Oliver Burkeman on Amazon
During the discussion, Tim Ferriss mentions insights he's gained and relates them to the book '4,000 Weeks' by Oliver Berkman, highlighting its value.
But there are a few things that I feel like I've indirectly taken from that that are very much along the lines of some of the chapters in 4,000 Weeks by Oliver Berkman, which I think is a great book.
Meditations
Buy Meditations by Aurelius Marcus on Amazon
In this moment, Tim Ferriss discusses the differences between Marcus Aurelius's predecessor and Aurelius himself, highlighting that he is the historical figure depicted in the book 'Meditations.'
and he becomes the person that you read about in the pages of Meditations, right?
The Theory of Moral Sentiments
Buy The Theory of Moral Sentiments by Adam Smith on Amazon
In this segment, Tim Ferriss discusses Adam Smith's duality as a thinker, highlighting his well-known work in capitalism alongside his book 'Theory of Moral Sentiments', which emphasizes the importance of goodness and moral behavior.
Adam Smith once said that we think of him as this ruthless practitioner or philosopher of capitalism, but he also wrote a book called 'Theory of Moral Sentiments' about how we should be good people.
The 4-Hour Work Week
Buy The 4-Hour Work Week by Timothy Ferriss on Amazon
In this segment, guest Tim Ferriss discusses how he applies concepts from his book, 'The 4-Hour Work Week,' to improve his process design methods.
and I lean heavily on a lot of principles from 'The Four-Hour Work Week.'
The 4-Hour Work Week
Buy The 4-Hour Work Week by Timothy Ferriss on Amazon
In this segment, Tim Ferriss highlights the significance of the principles from his book, 'The Four Hour Work Week,' emphasizing the importance of eliminating waste in work and life.
and it's crucial—like the insights in the book 'The Four Hour Workweek.'
Sears Tower
Buy Sears Tower by Jay Pridmore on Amazon
The podcast host discusses the book 'Tower' to introduce the company 'Books by the Foot,' which serves clients such as film studios by providing aesthetically pleasing book displays.
In the book 'Tower' and other resources, there's a company called 'Books by the Foot.' They cater to film studios and similar clients.
Man's Search for Meaning
Buy Man's Search for Meaning by Viktor E. Frankl on Amazon
In this segment, the host discusses Victor Frankl's insights from his book 'Man's Search for Meaning,' emphasizing the importance of the space between stimulus and response, which allows individuals the power to choose their reactions and foster personal growth.
Victor Frankl, in his book 'Man's Search for Meaning,' discusses the space between stimulus and response. In that space lies our power to choose our response, and in our responses, we find growth and freedom.
Meditations
Buy Meditations by Aurelius Marcus on Amazon
In this segment, the host emphasizes the significance of self-reflection and its beneficial effects on life, referencing the book 'Meditations' by Marcus Aurelius as a timeless source of insight.
The practice of stepping back and thinking can provide insights that profoundly impact one's life, as seen by the timeless relevance of Aurelius' 'Meditations'.
The Soul of Money: Transforming Your Relationship with Money and Life
Buy The Soul of Money: Transforming Your Relationship with Money and Life by Lynne Twist on Amazon
In this segment, the host introduces the author Lynn Twist and her book 'The Soul of Money,' discussing the idea that money can be viewed as a means to shape one's desired reality, whether that intent is for personal gain or societal benefit.
Lynn Twist, author of 'The Soul of Money,' views money as a channel for creating the world you want to see, whether that desire is selfish or altruistic.
The Second Mountain
Buy The Second Mountain by David Brooks on Amazon
In this segment, the podcast host discusses David Brooks' book 'The Second Mountain', which explores how the second stage of life is often guided by deeper values rather than financial aspirations.
David Brooks' book, 'The Second Mountain', emphasizes that the second stage of life is rarely driven by financial motivation, focusing instead on deeper meanings and contributions.
The Rise of Theodore Roosevelt
Buy The Rise of Theodore Roosevelt by Edmund Morris on Amazon
Kermit Roosevelt III recalls that his family owned many books about his great-great-grandfather, Theodore Roosevelt. He described how he read all the books available in his home during his childhood, highlighting how these readings influenced him.
We did have a bunch of books about Theodore Roosevelt lying around, probably more than the ordinary family did, so I read those because I just read every book in the house when I was growing up.
The Daily Stoic
Buy The Daily Stoic by Ryan Holiday, Stephen Hanselman on Amazon
In this segment, podcast host Ryan Holiday reflects on his book, 'The Daily Stoic,' discussing his initial idea of creating a daily meditation and distributing it for free through email.
When I wrote The Daily Stoic eight years ago, I had this crazy idea that I would just keep it going. The book was 366 meditations, and I planned to write one more every single day and give it away for free as an email.
Edith Kermit Roosevelt
Buy Edith Kermit Roosevelt by Sylvia Morris on Amazon
In this segment, Kermit Roosevelt III discusses a letter that had a strong impact on him, mentioning that he has written about it in his book related to courage.
That's the letter I was telling you about why I was so struck by it; I wrote about it in my courage book.
The Myth of Judicial Activism
Buy The Myth of Judicial Activism by Kermit Roosevelt on Amazon
Kermit Roosevelt III, the guest, discusses his book titled 'The Myth of Judicial Activism,' which addresses Supreme Court decisions and raises concerns about the potential abuse of power by the Court.
There’s a book called The Myth of Judicial Activism, which is about Supreme Court decisions trying to decide whether the Supreme Court is abusing its power.
Bury the Chains
Buy Bury the Chains by Adam Hochschild on Amazon
The guest references the book 'Bury the Chains' by Adam Hochschild to illustrate a pivotal moment in the life of Thomas Clarkson, a British abolitionist.
As he's riding away, Adam Hild writes about this in 'Bury the Chains', but he has this sort of Road to Damascus moment on the road.
A Fool's Errand, by One of the Fools
Buy A Fool's Errand, by One of the Fools by Albion Winegar Tourgée on Amazon
The guest talks about the novel 'The Fool's Errand' to highlight its significance in discussing the historical context and sentiments surrounding the Reconstruction era.
Have you read it's a novel from around that period called The Fool's Errand?
All the King's Men
Buy All the King's Men by Robert Penn Warren on Amazon
The guest mentions the book 'All the King's Men' while discussing the character 'Kingfish' and making connections to the current political climate.
Oh yeah, All the King's Men.
The Claim of Reason
Buy The Claim of Reason by Stanley Cavell on Amazon
In the discussion, the guest highlights that Stanley Cavell, a Harvard philosopher, authored 'The Claim of Reason', which addresses the gap between academic philosophy and the general public.
Um, and I think actually Stanley Cavell, a Harvard philosopher, wrote something very much like that in 'The Claim of Reason', but I don't think that it went that far outside of academic circles.
The Daily Stoic
Buy The Daily Stoic by Ryan Holiday, Stephen Hanselman on Amazon
Ryan Holiday discusses his book 'The Daily Stoic' and shares how he initially intended it as a collection of 366 meditations, later expanding it with a new meditation every day provided for free via email.
When I wrote The Daily Stoic eight years ago, I had this crazy idea that I would keep it going. The book was originally 366 meditations, but I decided to write one more every single day and give it away for free as an email.
A Farewell to Arms
Buy A Farewell to Arms by Ernest Hemingway on Amazon
Zach Braff discusses a quote from the book 'A Farewell to Arms' by Ernest Hemingway, highlighting a poignant statement made at the book's conclusion about human strength and resilience.
There’s a quote from Hemingway at the end of A Farewell to Arms where he states there are people who are so strong they can’t break; eventually, the world breaks everyone, and the ones that don’t break it kills.
GOOD INSIDE
Buy GOOD INSIDE by Becky Kennedy on Amazon
In this episode, Ryan Holiday discusses a parenting book by Dr. Becky Kennedy, noting that its insights had a significant impact on him and his wife, suggesting they found the book's teachings particularly valuable, possibly even more so than their children.
You know, it's obviously a parenting book, but I got to say something that affected me the most in it, and my wife and I noticed that we need it perhaps more than our kids. It strikes me as a very Stoic concept.
Good Inside
Buy Good Inside by Dr. Becky Kennedy on Amazon
In this segment, Ryan Holiday highlights a key idea from Dr. Becky Kennedy's book, discussing how people often prioritize happiness for their children. He emphasizes a shift in perspective, suggesting that instead of solely aiming for happiness, the focus should be on resilience as a crucial life goal.
It strikes me as a reframing of how most people think about things. You say this in the book: people want their kids to be happy. Most of us want to be happy; that's what we sort of think we're aiming for.
Good Inside
Buy Good Inside by Dr. Becky Kennedy on Amazon
The host, Ryan Holiday, refers to a concept discussed in Dr. Becky Kennedy's book where it is stated that parents should remind themselves that 'kids are good'. He draws from this concept to further his point by implying it is meant to aid in separating children's behaviors from their identity to better understand why they do what they do.
As you say in the book, you know your kids are good. So you quickly look for a reason why they're behaving the way that they are, right? Because you know that they're good.
Good Inside
Buy Good Inside by Dr. Becky Kennedy on Amazon
The host, Ryan Holiday, highlights the optimistic theme of 'it's never too late' as discussed in Dr. Becky Kennedy's book, suggesting that it offers parents valuable communication strategies to reconnect with their children. He also references that the same ideas can be found in her TED talk.
And so whether you're right, it was three days ago, three years ago, a pattern of things for the last twenty years, to go to your kid and, you know, in my, in the book and definitely in the TED Talk, there are the scripts like I think like having words like, oh here's how I could start that conversation, here's how I can open that door, um it is never ever too late, and I do think our body is always seeking connection for the moments that were stored with a lack of connection.
Show Your Work!
Buy Show Your Work! by Austin Kleon on Amazon
In the episode, Ali Abdaal discusses his journey of writing his first book and seeks advice from Ryan Holiday, who provided valuable insights in a previous conversation.
I was saying to you in that interview that, hey Ryan, you know I've just started writing my first book, any tips? You gave some really good advice.
The 48 Laws of Power (Special Power Edition)
Buy The 48 Laws of Power (Special Power Edition) by Robert Greene on Amazon
In discussing strategic flexibility, Ryan Holiday references 'The 48 Laws of Power' and points out that many people overlook its final law, which emphasizes the importance of adapting and being formless.
So I guess in the 48 Laws of Power, the final law, which I think a lot of people miss, is assume formlessness. So there's all these laws about do this, don’t do this, do this, don’t do this, but the last law is a kind of a strategic flexibility.
The Obstacle Is the Way
Buy The Obstacle Is the Way by Ryan Holiday on Amazon
Ryan Holiday discusses his book 'The Obstacle Is The Way' in the context of self-publishing, highlighting how the book gained success over time after its release.
Well, you asked me about self-publishing earlier; I experienced this unintentionally and intentionally when The Obstacle is the Way came out. Uh, I’d already sold the sequel and so in one respect that probably cost me a lot of money because The Obstacle is the Way did, over the next year or two, start to do really well.
Ego Is the Enemy
Buy Ego Is the Enemy by Ryan Holiday on Amazon
In a conversation with Ali Abdaal, Ryan Holiday reflects on his book 'Ego Is the Enemy', mentioning that he could have gotten a better deal if he had waited longer before selling the proposal.
So if I’d waited, I probably could have sold what became Ego is the Enemy for a lot more money; a lot more money. But I was... But I’d actually sold like a proposal version of it while I was still figuring the book out.
Courage Is Calling
Buy Courage Is Calling by Ryan Holiday on Amazon
In a conversation with Ali Abdaal, Ryan Holiday mentions his book titled 'Courage', noting its performance compared to his other works in a series on the cardinal virtues.
So again the downside is, uh, Courage came out, it did okay, Discipline came out, it did spectacular. So maybe I could have been selling Justice for more, but um all of that was irrelevant because I was just in the middle of writing the book.
Discipline Is Destiny
Buy Discipline Is Destiny by Ryan Holiday on Amazon
During the conversation, Ryan Holiday discusses his book titled 'Discipline,' which he describes as having been very successful compared to his previous work 'Courage.' He references it as part of his series on cardinal virtues while speaking with guest Ali Abdaal.
So again the downside is, uh, Courage came out, it did okay, Discipline came out, it did spectacular. So maybe I could have been selling Justice for more, but um all of that was irrelevant because I was just in the middle of writing the book.
The Boy Who Would Be King
Buy The Boy Who Would Be King by Ryan Holiday on Amazon
Ryan Holiday discusses his upcoming book titled 'Justice' during a conversation with Ali Abdaal on The Daily Stoic podcast, touching on its release schedule.
So maybe I could have been selling Justice for more, but um all of that was irrelevant because I was just in the middle of writing the book.
The 4-Hour Work Week
Buy The 4-Hour Work Week by Timothy Ferriss on Amazon
During the discussion, Ali Abdaal refers to Tim Ferriss's book 'The 4-Hour Workweek' while talking about the practice of batching videos in his filming schedule.
But then I miss that Thursday and think, Tim Ferriss says batching is good, so why don't I batch a whole week? I film 15 videos in that week, allowing me to chill for six weeks but then find that this week in Austin, I didn’t feel like filming anything at all.
Atomic Habits
Buy Atomic Habits by James Clear on Amazon
In the podcast, Ryan Holiday expresses his admiration for author James Clear and praises his book 'Atomic Habits', noting that its sales do not impact his own work.
But first off, I like James; second, I think he's a great writer, and I think Atomic Habits is actually a very good book. And third, I don't know how many I'm counting now, but whatever—there's no universe in which that book selling more or less copies affects my life in any negative or positive way.
Designing Your Life
Buy Designing Your Life by Bill Burnett, Dave Evans on Amazon
In the podcast, Ali Abdaal discusses the book 'Designing Your Life' by Bill Burnett, highlighting a beneficial exercise known as The Odyssey Plan. This method encourages envisioning what your life might look like in three to five years if you continue on your current trajectory.
The most helpful exercise I've ever found for this is something called The Odyssey Plan from the book Designing Your Life by Bill Burnett and another guy who are Stanford professors. Basically, the idea is that you imagine your life three to five years in the future if you continued down your current path, and you write out what that would look like.
The Comfort Crisis
Buy The Comfort Crisis by Michael Easter on Amazon
The podcast host discusses the book 'The Comfort Crisis' and refers to insights he gained from the guest regarding the concept of walking and the absence of straight lines.
I think you got this from The Comfort Crisis, but there was something you were telling me about lines—about the lines of walking and the lack of straight lines. Walk me through that.
The Comfort Crisis
Buy The Comfort Crisis by Michael Easter on Amazon
The guest expresses that he strongly connects with the ideas presented by Michael Easter in his book, 'The Comfort Crisis'.
But I do think a lot of what Michael Easter talks about in The Comfort Crisis really resonates.
The War of Art
Buy The War of Art by Steven Pressfield on Amazon
In this segment, the podcast host refers to a concept known as 'the resistance,' which is derived from Steven Pressfield's book 'The War of Art.'
No, it’s actually a really great illustration of what Steven Pressfield calls the resistance, right?
The War of Art
Buy The War of Art by Steven Pressfield on Amazon
In this segment, the host references a joke from Steven Pressfield's book 'The War of Art', discussing a provocative comparison made by Pressfield about the challenges of creativity.
Pressfield has a joke in The War of Art, which I guess may not be politically correct, but he says something like it was easier for Hitler to start World War II than it was for him to do his painting.
The Book: A Cover-to-Cover Exploration of the Most Powerful Object of Our Time
In this segment, host Ryan Holiday asks Shane Parrish about the book he has written, discussing the completion of his writing project and how it fits into his overall time management.
Which projects would I take off my plate? So you finally did the book. When did you sell it?
The Book: A Cover-to-Cover Exploration of the Most Powerful Object of Our Time
Shane Parrish reflects on his writing experience, mentioning advice from Ryan Holiday about structuring his book before starting the writing process. He acknowledges that he didn't follow this advice initially.
So talk about like there's two pieces of advice: one I followed and one I didn't, and they were super helpful. Yours, in hindsight, because you talked about structuring the book before you start writing. Okay, and so the process of writing it twice was like a little bit of hubris on my part.
The Psychology of Money
Buy The Psychology of Money by Morgan Housel on Amazon
Shane Parrish discusses an interesting piece of advice from author Morgan Housel about how to allocate editing time effectively for a book project.
Well, you told me, what was the other piece of advice? The other piece of advice was from Morgan Housel, who said, you know, if you have like 100 units of editing time, spend like 80% of those units on the first 50 or 60 pages of the book. Huh, and I thought that was super interesting.
The Book: A Cover-to-Cover Exploration of the Most Powerful Object of Our Time
In this segment, Shane Parrish references his book while discussing the concept of identifying, emphasizing the risks involved in making judgments and the possibility of being wrong.
But the risk that people don't want to do with that is—and I talk about this a little bit in the book with identifying—the most important thing is you're putting yourself in a position where you could be wrong. Yes, so if I'm going to exercise judgment, I'm going to try to give Ryan, you know, above and beyond what's expected, well now I might be wrong.
The Great Mental Models, Volume 1
Buy The Great Mental Models, Volume 1 by Shane Parrish, Rhiannon Beaubien on Amazon
The host, Ryan Holiday, references an idea from Shane Parrish's book, where he discusses the question of 'gas or water' to illustrate how behavior influences decision-making outcomes.
You say in the book you say that's something you asked your kids, which I thought was great; you're saying, is the behavior you're doing making the outcome more or less likely? I say that to my son; it's like, okay, look, we took the iPad away, and you want the iPad back, and you're freaking out and acting insane and hurting your brother, and saying, what are you doing? This is making me less likely to give it to you later.
The Book: A Cover-to-Cover Exploration of the Most Powerful Object of Our Time
Ryan Holiday discusses Shane Parrish's conclusion in his book, which incorporates the concept of a memento mori. This references the idea of recognizing one's mortality as a guiding principle in life decisions.
Uh, so you end the book with a kind of a memento mori, right? I like the Scrooge example; I think that that's so pressing for people, right? Which is like, if you let society unconsciously tell you what to pursue, what happens?
Cultish
Buy Cultish by Amanda Montell on Amazon
During the episode, guest Kate Flannery discusses a book by Amanda Montel, referring to it as 'wonderful'. The conversation touches on themes related to cult-like dynamics, making the mention particularly relevant.
It's like cultish. Yes, that wonderful book by Amanda Montel.
The 48 Laws of Power (Special Power Edition)
Buy The 48 Laws of Power (Special Power Edition) by Robert Greene on Amazon
Kate Flannery shares that she met Dov through Robert Greene, the author of 'The 48 Laws of Power'. She references this book in the context of her own writing, indicating its relevance to her work.
I met Dov through Robert Greene, who wrote 'The 48 Laws of Power' that I talk about in the book.
The Harder They Fall
Buy The Harder They Fall by Budd Schulberg on Amazon
During the conversation, the host inquires whether Kate has read "The Harder They Fall," to which she responds negatively. This question arises in the context of a broader discussion about why people often hesitate to leave their jobs decisively.
Some people say, yeah, no, I agree. Have you read The Harder They Fall?
The Great Gatsby
Buy The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald on Amazon
The guest refers to a scene from *The Great Gatsby* where Gatsby approaches Nick for a favor, highlighting a conversation about seemingly straightforward requests that might harbor hidden agendas or manipulation, especially in relation to her experiences with her boss at American Apparel, who would offer small perks with significant strings attached.
If we're just quoting literature back and forth, there's a scene in The Great Gatsby where Gatsby goes to Nick and says, hey, I'm working on this thing, maybe you could do me a favor, and I think there's a little bit of money in it for you.
The Apprenticeship of Duddy Kravitz
Buy The Apprenticeship of Duddy Kravitz by Mordecai Richler on Amazon
In this segment, the podcast host inquires whether Kate's previous boss had her watch or discuss 'The Apprenticeship of Duddy Kravitz' and if she had ever heard him mention it. The discussion revolves around examining the motivations of her former boss, who was the founder of American Apparel.
Did he ever have you watched The Apprenticeship of Duddy Kravitz? Did you ever hear him talk about this?
The Virgin Suicides
Buy The Virgin Suicides by Jeffrey Eugenides on Amazon
Kate refers to her upcoming book, drawing parallels between its themes and the well-known novel "The Virgin Suicides" as well as the documentary 'Paradise Lost' related to the West Memphis Three. This comparison highlights the creative direction she's pursuing after her time with American Apparel.
Um, it's a book; let's see, it's um, it's 'Virgin Suicides' meets you know that documentary 'Paradise Lost' about the West Memphis Three?
Meditations
Buy Meditations by Aurelius Marcus on Amazon
The host discusses a passage from the book Meditations, authored by Marcus Aurelius, focusing on the profound and personal experiences related to loss, which serve to illustrate key Stoic principles.
There's a passage in Meditations where Marcus loses multiple children, an experience that was gratuitous even for that time when most people did as well.
The Obstacle Is the Way
Buy The Obstacle Is the Way by Ryan Holiday on Amazon
In this segment, the host recalls a story from his book 'The Obstacle Is the Way,' specifically relating it to the well-known coach Phil Jackson.
There's a story I tell in 'The Obstacle is the Way' about Phil Jackson.
The Worm at the Core
Buy The Worm at the Core by Sheldon Solomon, Jeff Greenberg, Thomas A. Pyszczynski on Amazon
The guest discusses the book 'The Worm at the Core' by Ernest Becker in relation to Terror Management Theory, highlighting its insights into how humans cope with the awareness of their mortality.
And I don't know if this is pertinent or not, but 'The Worm at the Core' by Ernest Becker about Terror Management Theory helped me a little bit with in this area because it's sort of about how humans—like we're—I mean, we're the only mammal, that animal, that knows it's going to die.
Brotherhood Of The Grape
Buy Brotherhood Of The Grape by John Fante on Amazon
The guest expresses their admiration for author John Fante and mentions that they have just finished reading his book, 'Brotherhood of the Grapes', which they describe as being about Roseville.
Yeah, and then the other writer that I'm slightly more fanboyish about than Didion is John Fante. I just read 'Brotherhood of the Grapes.' It's about Roseville?
Ask the Dust
Buy Ask the Dust by John Fante on Amazon
The podcast host expresses his plan to read 'Ask the Dust' by John Fante, describing it as one of the great novels of all time.
No, I'm going to read 'Ask the Dust.' I have that in the story; it's one of the great novels of all time. Uh, crazy story which we should talk about; he has a bunch, maybe '1933 was a Bad Year,' 'The Road to Los Angeles.'
1933 was a Bad Year
Buy 1933 was a Bad Year by John Fante on Amazon
In the podcast, the host refers to '1933 was a Bad Year' as one of John Fante's notable works, discussing his perspective on the Italian-American experience and his journey from Colorado to Los Angeles.
Uh, crazy story which we should talk about; he has a bunch, maybe '1933 was a Bad Year,' 'The Road to Los Angeles.' He has a couple of books about his journey; he's seen as an LA writer, but he's from Colorado, and so it's just a weird snapshot to have the Italian-American experience from Colorado to LA, then Northern California.
The Road to Los Angeles
Buy The Road to Los Angeles by John Fante on Amazon
In the discussion, the host refers to 'The Road to Los Angeles' as one of John Fante's notable books, highlighting his unique perspective as an Italian-American writer from Colorado.
Uh, crazy story which we should talk about; he has a bunch, maybe '1933 was a Bad Year,' 'The Road to Los Angeles.' He has a couple of books about his journey; he's seen as an LA writer, but he's from Colorado, and so it's just a weird snapshot to have the Italian-American experience from Colorado to LA, then Northern California.
Mein Kampf
Buy Mein Kampf by Adolf Hitler on Amazon
During the conversation, the host and guest reflect on how Stackpole, a military publisher, released an unauthorized edition of Hitler's 'Mein Kampf' around the same time as Fante's 'Ask the Dust'. This situation raised concerns regarding the impact on the latter's publication.
And that same year, Stackpole, which was also more of a military publisher, they did a lot of books in military history, they published an unauthorized edition of 'Mein Kampf.' Oh wow, Hitler being...then like it'd be like if Putin had written a book and they felt like people should read it.
Ask the Dust
Buy Ask the Dust by John Fante on Amazon
The guest discusses the challenges faced by John Fante's novel 'Ask the Dust' during its publication, highlighting how the book initially sold well but eventually became overlooked.
And the legend, it's true and not true; but the legend is 'Ask the Dust' sells out its first printing or is selling through its first printing in a good clip. It would have been a huge book; this distracted the publisher, sucks up its marketing budget, which they spend on legal fees, which they then lose, and 'Ask the Dust' is then forgotten until, yeah, 1970, whatever, when Charles Bukowski discovers the lone surviving copy in the Los Angeles Public Library.
Full of Life
Buy Full of Life by John Fante on Amazon
The guest discusses John Fante's book 'Full of Life', noting that it was his most popular work and that it was adapted into a film.
Um, his short stories are good; um, he wrote this book—'Full of Life,' um which was his most popular book; it wasn't a popular book, but it gets turned into a big movie that basically pays for everything. He once—so basically what happens is once 'Ask the Dust' is destroyed, he is sort of heartbroken and then just becomes a well-paid but little-known screenwriter; he has a nice house in Malibu paid for by movies that were never made, and was a frustrated novelist and sort of a drunk and a tortured dude as a result of this experience.
Dreams from Bunker Hill
Buy Dreams from Bunker Hill by John Fante on Amazon
The guest explains that John Fante dictated the sequel to 'Ask the Dust,' titled 'Dreams from Bunker Hill,' to his wife while he was suffering from diabetes and losing his sight.
And then after—this is way nerdier than people listen to—but after, after Bukowski rediscovers 'Ask the Dust' as Fante is dying of diabetes, they’re like chopping off his limbs as blind; he dictates to his wife the sequel of 'Dreams from Bunker Hill.' How's that, 'cause that's done; it's not done writing out; he told his wife the novel while he was…
1933 was a Bad Year
Buy 1933 was a Bad Year by John Fante on Amazon
The guest recommends Fante's book '1933 Was a Bad Year' to the host, describing it as a story about Fante's youth in the Italian-American community.
Um, I think you would like '1933 was a Bad Year' because it's about Fante as a kid; it's the youth Italian-American experience. But 'Ask the Dust' is fascinating in that the premise of 'Ask the Dust' is Artur Obini, a delusional, narcissistic aspiring writer who you can't help but relate to as a writer, falls in love with this Mexican girl who works at a diner in Bunker Hill, and she's racist towards him, and he's racist toward her.
Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas
Buy Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas by Hunter S. Thompson on Amazon
The guest references 'Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas' as an illustration of Hunter S Thompson's approach to dealing with the pain associated with being a man and a political idealist.
I didn't, until I read your book, get my sense of him as the sort of political idealist who basically has his heart broken over and over again and then just decides ironically to do what he talks about in, uh, 'Fear and Loathing,' which is, uh, make a beast of yourself to get rid of the pain of being a man. Yeah, you know, and I think that again, probably with you too, we got the trickle-down effect of the 1960s growing up; many of our teachers may have been at San Francisco State, you know, or on the the West Coast barricades during all of that, um, University of California upheaval.
Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas
Buy Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas by Hunter S. Thompson on Amazon
The guest discusses Hunter S. Thompson's book 'Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas,' suggesting that while many perceive it as a tale of debauchery and party culture, it is, in fact, a poignant reflection on the disappointments of the 1960s idealism.
I think about that Hunter Thompson speech all the time for people who haven’t read 'Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas.' Maybe you've seen the movie; you think it's this book about debauchery and partying and craziness when really it's this sort of elegy and a sad meditation on the failure of all the idealism of the 60s.
The White Album
Buy The White Album by Joan Didion on Amazon
The host references a passage in Joan Didion's book 'The White Album' about a recording session with Jim Morrison.
And I mean, it reminds me of, in kind of a tangential way, but you know the passage in Didion's The White Album where she’s with, uh, Jim Morrison? Yeah, you know, and you know how she writes about it. It’s, she goes to the recording session, they’re waiting for Jim Morrison, he shows up, he doesn’t talk to anybody, you know?
Trust Me, I'm Lying
Buy Trust Me, I'm Lying by Ryan Holiday on Amazon
The guest references the epigraph of 'Trust Me, I'm Lying: Confessions of a Media Manipulator' and discusses how journalism can manipulate the truth by selectively coordinating events to fit a narrative.
Well, I I actually, this is the epigraph—is to trust, me, lying is the James Agy quote where it’s basically saying that fundamentally journalism is a form of lying because you’re taking disparate events and coordinating them to tell a story that you want to tell. And you’re leaving things out, and then there’s that famous, what’s her name, the journalist Janet Malcolm thing about how fundamentally journalism is also this act of aggression and hostility.
The Great Influenza
Buy The Great Influenza by John M. Barry on Amazon
The guest shares that their favorite book read during COVID was 'The Great Influenza' by John M. Barry, emphasizing its exploration of the Spanish flu and how it presents important truths.
So that’s why I loved your book; so like I have found like, okay, the best book I read during COVID was John M. Barry’s book, The Great Influenza. Oh wow, right? So you’re reading about the Spanish flu and you’re like, okay, here’s everything that’s true.
It Can't Happen Here
Buy It Can't Happen Here by Sinclair Lewis on Amazon
The guest explains that their understanding of Donald Trump was shaped by reading Sinclair Lewis's book 'It Can't Happen Here', highlighting its relevance to contemporary issues.
Right, the best way I understood Trump was Sinclair Lewis's It Can't Happen Here. And I feel like your book actually, which comes, which is basically the generation right after that book, like you’re talking about, no longer does the fascist movement look like Mussolini or Hitler. It’s figured out how to dress better; it’s figured out how to co-opt certain kinds of speech and language.
The Greek Way
Buy The Greek Way by Edith Hamilton on Amazon
The discussion includes Bobby Kennedy's experience of reading 'The Greek Way,' highlighting his shift towards engaging with Greek literature.
Think about two years later, on the night that Martin Luther King was shot, Bobby Kennedy—who was a Philistine for most of his life—began to read the Greeks and read 'The Greek Way.' I have the book in the bookstore, by Edith what? Edith Wharton.
On Immunity
Buy On Immunity by Eula Biss on Amazon
The guest references Eula Biss's book 'Immunity' to illustrate the idea that immunity is about collective participation rather than individual experience.
Thereâs a great book, 'Immunity' by Eula Biss, and it was the first time I began to understand immunity is not about you; itâs about participation. She articulated that while she was writing it, especially during her pregnancy in the 2010s, and it was the first time I understood immunity is about how participation and how we come together to get a different outcome than we would individually.
The Wasteland
Buy The Wasteland by Harper H. Jameson, W. A. W. Parker on Amazon
The guest discusses a recently published book titled 'The Wasteland', which explores Ezra Pound's decline into anti-Semitism and his relationship with T.S. Eliot.
There’s a book titled 'The Wasteland' about Ezra Pound and T.S. Eliot, which came out recently, analyzing the deterioration of Ezra Pound's mind as he fell into anti-Semitic conspiracy theories. Anti-Semitism may be the oldest virus; it infects different Romans and emperors at various times, different leaders at different times.
Shooting an Elephant and Other Essays
Buy Shooting an Elephant and Other Essays by George Orwell on Amazon
The guest discusses teaching 'Shooting an Elephant' by George Orwell, drawing parallels between the themes of colonialism in the work and the experiences of Hunter S. Thompson.
I teach 'Shooting an Elephant' today by George Orwell. I love 'Homage to Catalonia,' but there are parts of it where he talks about what it was like as a colonial administrator, knowing colonialism was wrong. It’s a lot like Thompson—he was caught up in enforcing it, and it shows how it destroys him as a way to argue against it.
Homage to Catalonia
Buy Homage to Catalonia by George Orwell on Amazon
The guest expresses their admiration for 'Homage to Catalonia' by George Orwell, highlighting parts where Orwell reflects on his experiences as a colonial administrator and the moral conflicts he faced. They draw a parallel between Orwell and Hunter S. Thompson, noting how both authors' experiences illustrate the damaging effects of colonialism.
I love 'Homage to Catalonia,' but there are parts of it where he talks about what it was like as a colonial administrator, knowing colonialism was wrong. It’s a lot like Thompson—he was caught up in enforcing it, and it shows how it destroys him as a way to argue against it. Thompson does a very good job at illustrating this.
Stories I Tell Myself
Buy Stories I Tell Myself by Juan F. Thompson on Amazon
The guest discusses 'Stories I Tell Myself,' a book authored by Hunter S. Thompson's son, Juan Thompson, which delves into the struggles of his father.
His son wrote a great book called 'Stories I Tell Myself,' which tries to encapsulate Thompson's struggle. I attempted to conclude with Nixon leaving, but the years after were really tough because they reflect our current understanding of alcoholism, coupled with how Thompson would take Dexedrine. There was a price to be paid later, and his son writes about getting hooked on the substance.
The War of Art
Buy The War of Art by Steven Pressfield on Amazon
In this segment, the host discusses the concept of resistance, referencing Steven Pressfield's book 'The War of Art' to illustrate how individuals often hold back from fully committing to their creative endeavors.
But I think that's, there's kind of a—there's um Steven Pressfield tells a version of that story also in the War of Art. He's saying that that's the resistance, right?
It's a Book!
Buy It's a Book! by Lane Smith on Amazon
Freddy Gerle encouraged the speaker and others to carry a book and read daily, highlighting the significance of education and mental development alongside physical training.
He encouraged us to carry a book under our arm and read every day, even if it's just a page.
The Daily Dad
Buy The Daily Dad by Ryan Holiday on Amazon
In this episode, the host Ryan Holiday shares a story about his experience with his book 'The Daily Dad', mentioning how he approached his publisher about it four or five years ago, who had concerns over the marketability of parenting books.
Yes, um, yeah, when I was doing The Daily Dad, I went to my publisher with it maybe four or five years ago.
The War of Art
Buy The War of Art by Steven Pressfield on Amazon
Ryan Holiday shares that he often rereads Steven Pressfield's book, 'The War of Art,' among others, to get into the right mindset before starting a project.
Because I tend to reread The War of Art or Turning Pro or one of your books when I'm about to start a project. It's just like a nice sort of headspace to get into.
The Daily Stoic
Buy The Daily Stoic by Ryan Holiday, Stephen Hanselman on Amazon
In this segment, host Ryan Holiday reflects on his book 'The Daily Stoic,' sharing a personal story about the inspiration behind its creation and his ambition to continue its associated daily newsletter.
So I mean, do you believe that there are like vibes in this table that somehow translate when I wrote The Daily Stoic eight years ago? I had this crazy idea that I would just keep it going.
Gates of Fire
Buy Gates of Fire by Steven Pressfield on Amazon
In the conversation, Steven Pressfield shares that he keeps a signed last page from the typewritten manuscript of his book 'Gates of Fire' displayed on his wall, along with other personal artifacts that hold significance for him.
And then I have on my wall, I have the last page from the typewritten manuscript of Gates of Fire signed by the author. Yeah, I have a bunch of those little totems too, myself.
The 48 Laws of Power (Special Power Edition)
Buy The 48 Laws of Power (Special Power Edition) by Robert Greene on Amazon
Ryan Holiday reflects on his experience reading 'The 48 Laws of Power' by Robert Greene in high school, expressing how impactful it was for him. He describes the feeling of discovering something extraordinary in literature, akin to that realization often felt with music.
Um, so I read The 48 Laws of Power when I was in high school, and I was like, 'Make books like this!' I think some—it's so amazing when you read something, and people have this, I think with music more often than books, probably, where you're like, 'I didn’t know that was a thing, that you could do that, that was possible to do that,' and you're like that.
The 48 Laws of Power (Special Power Edition)
Buy The 48 Laws of Power (Special Power Edition) by Robert Greene on Amazon
The podcast host emphasizes that 'The 48 Laws of Power' by Robert Greene should be considered essential reading, suggesting that the author merits a position as a tenured professor at Yale.
Yeah, and the one thing I wish he would do is write, you know, like I just wrote a memoir as you know, Government Chiefs, right? Where I sort of went back and told my stories, right? I would love to hear his stories; he should do that. When is he in Europe? Who did he meet? You know, it would be fascinating. I think even just as an artifact for the future, how does a guy get to wherever he's got to? Yeah, or someone should just interview him and just get, if he doesn’t want to write, if he doesn’t want to write it, somebody needs to get it all on audio or something, so it's there. Yeah, well, I selfishly had him do a daily book also, and he talks a little bit about it in the different parts, but um, yeah, I think what’s also so amazing about Robert is like The 48 Laws of Power should be—Robert should be a tenured professor at the Yale School of whatever. And I don’t know why he isn’t.
The Laws of Human Nature
Buy The Laws of Human Nature by Robert Greene on Amazon
In this episode, Ryan Holiday discusses Robert Greene's book 'The Laws of Human Nature', emphasizing that despite its depth and complexity, it surprisingly shouldn't have been a commercially viable book.
Just as The Laws of Human Nature should not be—The Laws of Human Nature is a 600-page book about, you know, everything that makes humans both rational and irrational; that should not be a commercially viable book, you know? Especially for someone who, again, it’s not like he’s a—you know, Adrian would turn it down.
Gates of Fire
Buy Gates of Fire by Steven Pressfield on Amazon
The host inquires if Steven Pressfield considers the diverse range of readers who appreciate his works, specifically mentioning 'Gates of Fire'.
Do you think about the spectrum of people who are able to enjoy 'Gates of Fire' or 'The War of Art'? You have people who have sold hundreds of millions of records that are fans of 'The War of Art', and people who are just thinking about starting.
The War of Art
Buy The War of Art by Steven Pressfield on Amazon
During the discussion, the host inquires if Steven Pressfield considers the diverse range of readers who enjoy his book, 'The War of Art', highlighting its appeal to both widely successful individuals and those contemplating their creative journeys.
Do you think about the spectrum of people who are able to enjoy 'Gates of Fire' or 'The War of Art'? You have people who have sold hundreds of millions of records that are fans of 'The War of Art', and people who are just thinking about starting.
Meditations
Buy Meditations by Aurelius Marcus on Amazon
In this segment, Ryan Holiday reflects on 'Meditations' by Marcus Aurelius, exploring its profound insights and its timeless relevance in today's world.
The more I think about Marcus’s 'Meditations', the more in awe I am of it. In one sense, the book should be inaccessible and incomprehensible to us; you have the most powerful man in the world from an empire 2,000 years ago.
Gates of Fire
Buy Gates of Fire by Steven Pressfield on Amazon
Ryan Holiday discusses his experience of reading 'Gates of Fire' by Steven Pressfield, recalling how he purchased it on Amazon around the same period he received the recommendation for 'Meditations'.
Around that time, I would have also read 'Gates of Fire'. I remember buying that on Amazon.
A Farewell to Arms
Buy A Farewell to Arms by Ernest Hemingway on Amazon
The host discusses Hemingway's 'A Farewell to Arms' as an illustration of exceptional writing, emphasizing the depth and artistry that cannot be replicated by AI.
Take, for instance, the opening of "A Farewell to Arms" where he describes the dust on the trees that summer. It resonates throughout the story and comes back at the end; that's a poetic genius that AI simply cannot replicate.
Deliver Me from Nowhere
Buy Deliver Me from Nowhere by Warren Zanes on Amazon
Ryan Holiday enthusiastically discusses a book titled 'Deliver Me From Nowhere' by Warren Zanes, which focuses on Bruce Springsteen's album 'Nebraska'. He expresses his admiration for the book and how much he enjoys it.
Are you at, like, I love this book, I've been raving about it. Um, deliver me from nowhere, about Bruce Springsteen making Nebraska.
Gates of Fire
Buy Gates of Fire by Steven Pressfield on Amazon
Steven Pressfield reflects on his experience writing his second book, 'Gates of Fire', expressing his doubt about whether anyone would want to read it.
Not whatsoever, because if you think about, like, the second book was Gates of Fire for me. And as I was writing it, I thought, who's going to possibly be interested in this?
The Obstacle Is the Way
Buy The Obstacle Is the Way by Ryan Holiday on Amazon
Ryan Holiday discusses his experience writing 'The Obstacle is the Way' and shares how his agent, Steve Hanselman, suggested that he create a book featuring daily devotionals focused on Stoicism.
It's funny, when I had, I wrote The Obstacle is the Way, I sold Ego is the Enemy, which was in the middle of writing, and my agent, Steve Hanselman, came to me and said you should do a book of a daily devotional of Stoicism.
Ego Is the Enemy
Buy Ego Is the Enemy by Ryan Holiday on Amazon
Ryan Holiday shares that while he was writing 'Ego is the Enemy', his agent, Steve Hanselman, suggested he create a daily devotional based on Stoicism.
It's funny, when I had, I wrote The Obstacle is the Way, I sold Ego is the Enemy, which was in the middle of writing, and my agent, Steve Hanselman, came to me and said you should do a book of a daily devotional of Stoicism.
The Daily Stoic
Buy The Daily Stoic by Ryan Holiday, Stephen Hanselman on Amazon
The guest references reading a book by Ryan Holiday, where they found an interesting incident described in the book.
Then when I was reading your book and I was reading about your incident in the parking lot, I thought it was interesting.
The Right Stuff
Buy The Right Stuff by Tom Wolfe on Amazon
The host asks the guest if they have read 'The Right Stuff' by Tom Wolfe, initiating a discussion about the book.
So yeah, have you read Tom Wolfe's The Right Stuff? Yeah.
The Daily Stoic
Buy The Daily Stoic by Ryan Holiday, Stephen Hanselman on Amazon
In the discussion, the guest mentions a book by the host, specifically talking about a topic related to 'refueling in the air', highlighting the stressful and high-stakes nature of the subject.
Well, you're talking in your book about sort of the refueling in the air, and you just think about how stressful and high stakes that is.
The Daily Stoic
Buy The Daily Stoic by Ryan Holiday, Stephen Hanselman on Amazon
The guest recounts a conversation with a Republican senator who has read some of the books written by Ryan Holiday, sharing insights related to Trump.
I remember a Republican senator who had read some of my books and privately told me all these things about Trump.
Ralph Waldo Emerson
Buy Ralph Waldo Emerson by Oliver Wendell Holmes, Sr. on Amazon
In a casual conversation, the podcast host inquires if the guest has read the Emerson biography, to which the guest responds that they are halfway through it.
Have you read that Emerson biography yet? I'm like halfway through it.
Emerson
Buy Emerson by Robert D. Richardson on Amazon
The podcast guest references a book titled 'Mind on Fire' by Ralph Waldo Emerson, which was recommended by the host. He shares that he finds the writing too dense to read for more than a few pages.
But I had the experience of that and with the Emerson book, 'Mind on Fire,' that you recommended where I can only make it like three or four pages, and I have to stop.
Freak Kingdom
Buy Freak Kingdom by Timothy Denevi on Amazon
The podcast guest discusses a book titled 'Freak Kingdom' or 'Kingdom of Freaks' that explores the political activism and writings of Hunter S. Thompson. This mention occurs during a conversation about writing density, which is relevant to the themes of the book.
I also just read this book like, um, I read this book 'Freak Kingdom' or 'Kingdom of Freaks' that it's about by this creative writing professor, but it's about the political activism and writings of Hunter S. Thompson. Oh.
Reclaim Your Nest Egg
Buy Reclaim Your Nest Egg by Ken Kamen on Amazon
In this segment, the podcast host references a book recommended by the author Kamen, noting that the writing quality of the book is exceptional.
But you had recommended that Kamen's book. Oh yeah, that's another one that writing is incredible.
Gone to Texas: A History of the Lone Star State
Buy Gone to Texas: A History of the Lone Star State by Randolph B. Campbell on Amazon
During the conversation, the podcast guest explicitly references a book titled 'Lone Star,' which is noted for being an insightful history of Texas.
Um, yeah, he wrote this book 'Lone Star,' which is a history of Texas, which is incredible.
This Kind of War
Buy This Kind of War by T. R. Fehrenbach on Amazon
The podcast guest discusses 'This Kind of War', a book about the Korean War by author T. R. Fehrenbach, who fought in the conflict. This mention highlights the importance of personal experience in writing about war.
And then he also wrote this book about the Korean War which he fought in called 'This Kind of War.' That's also incredible.
Empire of the Summer Moon
Buy Empire of the Summer Moon by S. C. Gwynne on Amazon
The podcast guest expresses a fondness for the book 'Empire of the Summer Moon', indicating their genuine appreciation for it in the context of discussing various authors and their works.
Well see, so his book 'Empire of the Summer Moon' was the one I was like, oh, I love this book.
Empire of the Summer Moon
Buy Empire of the Summer Moon by S. C. Gwynne on Amazon
The mention refers to 'Empire of the Summer Moon,' highlighting it as a detailed exploration of a specific moment in Comanche history, illustrating how the book delves into its subject matter.
But the story of 'Empire of the Summer Moon' is like just one moment in Comanche history that he's spun out into its own book.
The Immense Journey
Buy The Immense Journey by Loren Eiseley on Amazon
In this segment, the host discusses Lauren Eiseley's book, 'The Immense Journey', highlighting its exploration of the Earth's evolutionary history. This mention is part of a broader conversation on influential literature.
Okay, Lauren Eiseley's 'The Immense Journey.' It's a history of nothing less than the entire Earth's evolution.
United States Code, 1976 Ed., Supplement 1-
Buy United States Code, 1976 Ed., Supplement 1- by United States on Amazon
The guest references 'this title' while explaining how his book title arose from a quote. Although it's described as a quote, it has been presented as a potential title for the full book, as suggested by his editor.
So in a lot of ways like this title itself, I wasn't writing toward this title, but when my editor was like this is a quote from the Reverend Fred Shuttlesworth, she's like what do you think of this as a book?
The Big Short: Inside the Doomsday Machine
Buy The Big Short: Inside the Doomsday Machine by Michael M. Lewis on Amazon
The podcast guest reflects on Michael Lewis and his book 'The Big Short', calling it one of the greatest non-fiction books of all time and noting its significant success. This remark comes during a discussion about the writing process.
Like um like I think about um Michael Lewis and 'The Big Short' which is one of the greatest non-fiction books of all time but also a massive hit.
The New New Thing: A Silicon Valley Story
Buy The New New Thing: A Silicon Valley Story by Michael M. Lewis on Amazon
The guest expresses their admiration for the book 'The New New Thing' by Michael Lewis, highlighting a discussion about the author's works.
Yeah, 'The New New Thing,' I love that book.
First Principles
Buy First Principles by Thomas E. Ricks on Amazon
The guest references the book 'First Principles' by Tom Ricks, discussing its focus on the founding fathers. This mention occurs in the context of a broader conversation about books related to the civil rights movement.
No, he wrote about the generals in Iraq and then wrote this great book on the founding fathers called 'First Principles', but he also wrote a history of the Civil Rights Movement from the perspective of a military historian.
Waging a Good War
Buy Waging a Good War by Thomas E. Ricks on Amazon
In this segment, the podcast host directly asks the guest if they have read Tom Ricks' book titled 'A Good War,' framing the question within a conversation about generals.
Did you read Tom Ricks' book, 'A Good War'? Was that the one on the generals?
The Daily Stoic
Buy The Daily Stoic by Ryan Holiday, Stephen Hanselman on Amazon
In this segment, the podcast host talks about his own book, 'The Daily Stoic', reflecting on the idea he had when he wrote it eight years ago and his decision to share a daily meditation with readers for free.
When I wrote The Daily Stoic eight years ago, I had this crazy idea of continuing it after releasing 366 meditations, writing one more every single day and giving it away for free as an email.
Be Useful
Buy Be Useful by Arnold Schwarzenegger on Amazon
In this segment, the podcast host references 'your book,' indicating that the guest, Arnold Schwarzenegger, authored a book titled 'Be Useful.' The discussion revolves around the gym and the motivation behind training.
In your book, you highlighted how many people enter the gym with the goal of getting in shape, but there’s often a lack of specificity around that. Still, I worked hard, and although it seems trivial now, that was my motivation, and it drove me to train every day.
Be Useful
Buy Be Useful by Arnold Schwarzenegger on Amazon
In this segment, Arnold Schwarzenegger discusses his book, 'Be Useful', explaining that it aims to inspire individuals to seek success and achievement without needing a specific guide.
That’s a key reason I wrote 'Be Useful': to inspire people to pursue success and achievement without a specific blueprint.
Meditations
Buy Meditations by Aurelius Marcus on Amazon
The podcast guest references a line from Marcus Aurelius, emphasizing the importance of perseverance and finding ways to be useful. They also acknowledge the podcast host's writing about Marcus Aurelius, suggesting that it ties into the themes explored in the book 'Meditations'.
Marcus Aurelius’s line resonates: it's a shame for the mind to give up when the body is still going; as long as you're here, find a way to be useful. I appreciate your writing about Marcus Aurelius.
Meditations
Buy Meditations by Aurelius Marcus on Amazon
During the discussion, Arnold Schwarzenegger highlights how he admires the practice of dedicating a work to supporters, drawing inspiration from Marcus Aurelius's book 'Meditations', which emphasizes gratitude and giving back.
But to dedicate his work to all those who supported him and mention their names—that's a practice I wanted to emulate in my own book. His life was about giving back.
Meditations
Buy Meditations by Aurelius Marcus on Amazon
The guest refers to a passage from 'Meditations' by Marcus Aurelius, highlighting the notion that individuals often look for happiness externally, when in fact, it resides within them.
In meditations, there's a passage where Marcus Aurelius is saying exactly that: 'I know you think you want to get away from it all, like to the country or the beach or whatever.' He says, 'But actually, whatever you need is inside of you right now.'
The Daily Stoic
Buy The Daily Stoic by Ryan Holiday, Stephen Hanselman on Amazon
In this segment, Ryan Holiday shares his experience of writing The Daily Stoic eight years ago and expresses his ambition to continue the project.
When I wrote The Daily Stoic eight years ago, I had this crazy idea that I would just keep it going.
The Obstacle Is the Way
Buy The Obstacle Is the Way by Ryan Holiday on Amazon
In this segment, Tom Segura shares that he reread his book, The Obstacle Is the Way, to his son while editing. He reflects on how concise and fast-paced the book felt during the reading.
But like I reread the obstacles away to my son at some point during the editing; he wanted to like read something I'd written, and so I read it to him, and I was like, this is fast; like I was like this is so short and tight and fast.
Deliver Me from Nowhere
Buy Deliver Me from Nowhere by Warren Zanes on Amazon
In this segment, Ryan Holiday recommends a book titled Deliver Me From Nowhere, which discusses the creation of Bruce Springsteen's album 'Nebraska'.
Well, that book, the book I was recommending to you, it's called Deliver Me From Nowhere, and it's about, which actually we should talk about this—so it's about the recording of the album Nebraska, which he does.
Mastery
Buy Mastery by Robert Greene on Amazon
In this segment, Ryan Holiday references the book Mastery by Robert Greene, highlighting its insights on discovering one's life task.
In Robert Greene's Mastery, he talks about like your sort of life's task: how do you find what that thing is?
The 48 Laws of Power (Special Power Edition)
Buy The 48 Laws of Power (Special Power Edition) by Robert Greene on Amazon
The podcast host, Ryan Holiday, recalls a time when he had the book 'The 48 Laws of Power' by Robert Greene on his desk while working at a talent management agency. This mention highlights his experiences during that period, particularly relating to the partners at the company who admired the book.
Yeah, so I was working for Robert Green at the time, and so um, I had his like books on my desk, and one of which was the 48 Laws of Power, and the manager of the comp, the one of the partners at the company, one of the partners was a fan; that's who hired me, who I was working for.
Meditations
Buy Meditations by Aurelius Marcus on Amazon
In this episode of the podcast, the host discusses Marcus Aurelius's 'Meditations' as a profound source of wisdom on the topic of change. He introduces passages from the book as a way to spark a conversation about change with his guest, Brad Stulberg.
There's probably no theme that Marcus talks about in Meditations more than change. So I'll read you some passages, and we'll riff on them.
The Great Influenza
Buy The Great Influenza by John M. Barry on Amazon
During the podcast episode, the host references the book 'The Great Influenza' by John Berry to draw parallels between the Covid pandemic and the Spanish Flu. He emphasizes how both historical events and the responses to them reflect similar patterns, particularly in relation to the use of masks.
I remember at the start of the pandemic, you’ll probably know the book about the Spanish Flu. Yeah, The Great Influenza by John Berry. Yeah, so I was reading that book, and it's the same—like down to the freaking masking, all of it is the same.
The Daily Stoic
Buy The Daily Stoic by Ryan Holiday, Stephen Hanselman on Amazon
In this episode, the host reflects on his book, 'The Daily Stoic', recounting the initial idea from eight years ago to extend the book's 366 meditations into a daily email. He shares his astonishment at the growth of this initiative, which now has 34 million subscribers.
When I wrote The Daily Stoic eight years ago, I had this crazy idea that I would just keep it going; the book was 366 meditations, but I’d write one more every single day and give it away for free as an email. I thought maybe a few people would sign up; I couldn't have even comprehended a future in which 34 million people would get this email daily and for almost a decade.
Master of Change
Buy Master of Change by Brad Stulberg on Amazon
In this segment of 'The Daily Stoic' podcast, Brad Stulberg discusses his book 'Master of Change'. He explores how historical patterns show that during rapid changes, there are often individuals who exploit people's fears and desire for stability.
And you know, what was interesting part of the research for Master of Change was just seeing throughout history how whenever there are periods of accelerated or punctuated change, there are always demagogues and grifters that just prey on people’s homeostatic mindset and natural inclination to be scared of change and to want to cling to the old stability or the stability that they have.
Man's Search for Meaning
Buy Man's Search for Meaning by Viktor E. Frankl on Amazon
The host references 'Man’s Search for Meaning' by Viktor Frankl in the podcast episode titled 'Brad Stulberg On Mastering Change With Science And Stoicism.' This mention serves as a reference point for discussing how to derive meaning from suffering, while also introducing those unfamiliar with the author and his work.
And most people know Frankl for his book Man’s Search for Meaning; I’m going to assume 90% of listeners are familiar with Frankl. For the 10 who aren’t, as briefly as possible, Holocaust survivor, psychoanalyst, and writer of remarkable books about how to make meaning out of suffering and endure.
Yes to Life
Buy Yes to Life by Viktor E. Frankl on Amazon
The host discusses the significance of the book 'Yes to Life' by Viktor Frankl, emphasizing its exploration of tragic optimism in the episode titled 'Brad Stulberg On Mastering Change With Science And Stoicism'.
And he has a book, Yes to Life, that I think is really important, in spite of everything. And I think that this kind of tragic optimism is just so different from what we in the West are fed, which is just optimism without any acceptance of the tragedy.
The Obstacle Is the Way
Buy The Obstacle Is the Way by Ryan Holiday on Amazon
In this episode, the host discusses his book 'The Obstacle is the Way', which focuses on how to navigate traumas and challenges by turning them into opportunities for growth.
Yeah, it's important; obviously, I wrote this book, The Obstacle is the Way, which is about how you take the sort of lowercase 't' traumas, obstacles, difficulties, and you find a way to move forward from them to use it to your advantage. You know, the computer... goddammit!
The 48 Laws of Power (Special Power Edition)
Buy The 48 Laws of Power (Special Power Edition) by Robert Greene on Amazon
In this episode, guest Brad Stulberg discusses one of the laws from 'The 48 Laws of Power' by Robert Greene, emphasizing the importance of adaptability and resilience in the context of mastering change.
The 48 Laws of Power by Robert Greene has a powerful last law: assume formlessness. Rigidity is incredibly vulnerable compared to flexibility and the proficiency to adapt.
The Daily Stoic
Buy The Daily Stoic by Ryan Holiday, Stephen Hanselman on Amazon
In the podcast, Ryan Holiday shares how he initiated the publication of 'The Daily Stoic' eight years ago, explaining his vision of providing daily meditations—totaling 366—that he would distribute for free via email, aligning with the themes of Stoicism discussed in the episode.
When I wrote The Daily Stoic eight years ago, I had this crazy idea that I would just keep it going. The book was 366 meditations, but I’d write one more every single day and I'd give it away for free as an email.
The Obstacle Is the Way
Buy The Obstacle Is the Way by Ryan Holiday on Amazon
The guest discusses how someone from the Patriots read 'The Obstacle Is The Way' and subsequently recommended it to John Schneider in Seattle, following a significant loss.
What had happened is the Patriots–someone at the Patriots had read The Obstacle Is The Way. And then obviously there was that devastating loss and then he had recommended the book to someone in Seattle; actually, to John Schneider who then read it.
The 48 Laws of Power (Special Power Edition)
Buy The 48 Laws of Power (Special Power Edition) by Robert Greene on Amazon
The guest shares their experience as a research assistant for Robert Greene, the author of 'The 48 Laws of Power.' They describe how this role helped them understand the process of book creation, emphasizing the insights gained from working closely with Greene.
I was a research assistant for this guy, Robert Greene, who wrote The 48 Laws of Power and all these amazing books, and he like showed me how books were made. Um, because as his assistant, I'm like doing all, but I was like, oh this is just a process.
Discipline Is Destiny
Buy Discipline Is Destiny by Ryan Holiday on Amazon
In this segment, Ryan Holiday discusses his book 'Discipline Is Destiny', explaining that he intentionally made choices to decrease its chances of becoming a bestseller. He reflects on moving beyond focusing on external factors in publishing.
I mean, I just mean by even those old metrics like, okay, my last book 'Discipline Is Destiny' is the book that I have checked on the sales the least, where I actively made decisions that made hitting bestseller lists less likely.
The Little Prince
Buy The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry on Amazon
The speaker references 'The Little Prince,' discussing its insights on personal responsibility and the importance of care, especially in relation to domesticated animals compared to wild ones.
Yeah, it's, uh, if you read 'The Little Prince,' did you hear that book when you were a kid?
The Daily Dad
Buy The Daily Dad by Ryan Holiday on Amazon
In this episode, Adrian Grenier discusses Ryan Holiday's book, 'The Daily Dad', which presents daily meditations inspired by Stoic philosophy aimed at helping fathers become better parents. The conversation explores how Holiday integrates Stoic teachings into the practice of parenthood.
You wrote a book called Daily Dad, which is essentially daily meditations from Stoic tradition on how to be a good father.
Soul Boom
Buy Soul Boom by Rainn Wilson on Amazon
In this segment, Rainn Wilson discusses his book, humorously questioning why a comedic actor like him is addressing spiritual themes.
One of the things in my book that I bring up right away is, 'Why the hell is the guy who played Dwight talking about spirituality?' That might be a little weird.
Soul Boom
Buy Soul Boom by Rainn Wilson on Amazon
Rainn Wilson, the guest, talks about promoting his new book during his book tour, sharing experiences from various media appearances, including TV shows and podcasts.
Now, it’s funny you mention this because, you know what this is like too; I did this book tour and lots of TV shows, podcasts, readings, and I'm still doing them.
The Creative Act
Buy The Creative Act by Rick Rubin on Amazon
The guest expresses excitement about Rick Rubin's bestseller, "The Creative Act: A Way of Being," which is described as a unique and unconventional book.
It's really amazing that the creative cycle book by Rick Rubin has been a bestseller, and it's a really out-there kind of book in a lot of ways. That’s really exciting.
Soul Boom
Buy Soul Boom by Rainn Wilson on Amazon
In this segment, Rainn Wilson shares his aspirations for his new book, expressing a desire to engage individuals with its ideas—particularly those who may not typically purchase books but are seeking spiritual tools for personal and societal improvement.
I want to reach people with the ideas of this book, people who aren’t necessarily going to buy a book but are interested in spiritual tools to make themselves better and improve the world.
The Night of the Were-Boy
Buy The Night of the Were-Boy by Enid Richemont on Amazon
The host highlights a list of books in the back of the guest's book, noting that these are the titles that have influenced the guest and that they are currently recommending.
You have a great list, actually, in the back of this of all the books that have influenced you that you are recommending right now.
Soul Boom
Buy Soul Boom by Rainn Wilson on Amazon
In this segment, Rainn Wilson speaks about his book 'Soul Boom', describing it as a true 'labor of love' for him.
Also, that’s fascinating because for me, Soul Boom was such a labor of love.
Soul Boom
Buy Soul Boom by Rainn Wilson on Amazon
Rainn Wilson, the guest, mentions that his book encapsulates his thoughts on life, God, the soul, and meaning, suggesting that it's everything anyone might want to know about his perspective.
But I really did; this was for me—if I get hit by a bus tomorrow, in case anyone ever—and that's probably like three dozen people—want to know what the guy who played Dwight thought about life, God, the soul, and meaning, it's all here in the book.
The Daily Stoic
Buy The Daily Stoic by Ryan Holiday, Stephen Hanselman on Amazon
The guest describes how his agent, who attended Harvard Divinity School, supported him by doing translations for 'The Daily Stoic.' This highlights the collaborative effort behind the project.
My agent went to Harvard Divinity School and did some translations for The Daily Stoic, so he was very supportive. He could sort of put his agent hat aside.
Meditations
Buy Meditations by Aurelius Marcus on Amazon
In this segment, the host discusses the teachings of Stoicism and highlights the book Meditations by Marcus Aurelius, explaining that it consists of personal notes aimed at improving his life and work.
The Stoics talk a ton about discipline, courage, wisdom; Marcus writes Meditations, which are notes to himself to be better at his job and in life.
Soul Boom
Buy Soul Boom by Rainn Wilson on Amazon
The guest poses a question from his book 'Soul Boom', discussing the distinction between spirituality and religion.
But okay, great, let's put that aside; like I say in the book, have we jettisoned the spiritual baby with the religious bathwater?
The Untethered Soul
Buy The Untethered Soul by Michael A. Singer on Amazon
In this segment, the host discusses insights from 'The Untethered Soul' by Michael Singer, explaining how the book helps illustrate the distinction between one's thoughts and feelings.
You know, as Michael Singer talks about in The Untethered Soul, you realize, 'Oh, I am not my thoughts and I'm not even my feelings,' and you have this whole— that's mind-blowing!
The Creative Act
Buy The Creative Act by Rick Rubin on Amazon
In the episode, the guest discusses a concept known as 'the creative circle', attributed to Rick Rubin, which explores the origins of creativity and its connections to the muse from ancient Greece.
And that goes to Rick Rubin and the creative circle, the origins of creativity and the muse from ancient Greece.
The Daily Stoic
Buy The Daily Stoic by Ryan Holiday, Stephen Hanselman on Amazon
The host discusses the inception of his Daily Stoic website, noting that he wrote the book 'The Daily Stoic,' which was released in 2016.
I wrote the book The Daily Stoic in 2015; it came out in 2016, but the month that came out—it was in August or October—I started The Daily Stoic website, and so I started with this daily email.
Soul Boom
Buy Soul Boom by Rainn Wilson on Amazon
In this segment, Rainn Wilson mentions his own book, Soul Boom, describing it as the second greatest book after the Bhagavad Gita and The Daily Stoic.
I want to read from the second greatest book next to the Bhagavad Gita and The Daily Stoic, 'Soul Boom.'
The Artist's Way
Buy The Artist's Way by Julia Cameron on Amazon
During the podcast, the host inquires whether the guest is acquainted with the book 'The Artist's Way' by Julia Cameron.
Are you familiar with The Artist's Way, Julia Cameron's work? Yeah, of course!
Meditations
Buy Meditations by Aurelius Marcus on Amazon
Christina Pazsitzky references 'Meditations', a book by Marcus Aurelius, to share a relatable experience about the struggles of waking up in the morning, especially from the perspective of a college student.
You know, there's a passage in meditations that hit me especially as a college kid; he talks about how hard it is to wake up in the morning.
The Daily Stoic
Buy The Daily Stoic by Ryan Holiday, Stephen Hanselman on Amazon
In this segment, Ryan Holiday discusses his book 'The Daily Stoic' and shares an anecdote about his editor's request to remove any cursing from the manuscript.
When I wrote The Daily Stoic, my editor asked me to remove cursing.
The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck
Buy The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck by Mark Manson on Amazon
The guest, Christina Pazsitzky, mentions 'The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck,' a book by Mark Manson, praising the author and using the title to illustrate a point about focusing on what truly matters.
It's called The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck. Oh, Mark, he's great!
Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas
Buy Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas by Hunter S. Thompson on Amazon
The host brings up 'Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas' by Hunter S. Thompson to illustrate a point about opting for distraction instead of confronting challenging questions.
Which is, um—have you read um, 'Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas'?
The Zen Art Book
Buy The Zen Art Book by Stephen Addiss, John Daido Loori on Amazon
The guest discusses their experience reading Zen books that weren't previously available in audio format, mentioning their investment to have these books produced in audio.
I've read a couple books that, you know, like Zen books that needed to be put into audio format that hadn't been put in audio format, so I just paid to have that done; like things of that nature.
Delivering Happiness
Buy Delivering Happiness by Tony Hsieh on Amazon
The guest refers to the book 'Delivering Happiness' while discussing Tony Hsieh's unique management style at Zappos, highlighting his innovative approach to creating an inclusive work environment.
Yeah, I mean, I do applaud some of these like, you know, what I really liked is the, you know, sadly the late Tony Hsieh who ran Zappos, he really tried this holocracy approach inside of his company where it was like a level playing field for everyone like really pushing the boundaries, he had a great book called Delivering Happiness—I mean, do you remember that book?
Ego Is the Enemy
Buy Ego Is the Enemy by Ryan Holiday on Amazon
The guest reflects on the significant impact that 'Ego is the Enemy' had on him, mentioning that it transformed his perspective on life. He acknowledges that the host of the Daily Stoic, Ryan Holiday, is the author of this influential book.
I remember, 'Ego is the Enemy' was a huge one for me, and there were a few others like the Minimalist and some others were—I got into them, and I was like, 'Okay, there's a different way to live life here.'
A Farewell to Arms
Buy A Farewell to Arms by Ernest Hemingway on Amazon
In this segment, the host shares a favorite quote from Hemingway, attributing it to his novel 'A Farewell to Arms.' The quote reflects on the fragility of life, emphasizing that while life may break many people, those who remain unbroken face a different kind of challenge.
Well, there's there's a Hemingway quote that I love, I think it's in A Farewell to Arms, he says, you know, 'Life breaks everyone, but those it doesn't break, it kills.'
Animal Liberation
Buy Animal Liberation by Peter Singer on Amazon
During the discussion, the guest refers to 'Animal Liberation' as a significant work by Peter Singer, who is recognized as the inventor of effective altruism and one of the pioneering voices in the animal rights movement.
He's like the inventor of effective altruism; he wrote like Animal Liberation. Now, so he's like one of the first animal rights people, and then he came up with this idea, partly based on the Stoics, which he came up with his metaphor.
Meditations
Buy Meditations by Aurelius Marcus on Amazon
In this segment, the host references a poignant passage from Marcus Aurelius' "Meditations" that discusses the transient nature of life, emphasizing how one should reflect on the potential loss of their most cherished loved ones. This leads to a broader conversation about themes of unconditional love, loss, and perspective.
Yeah, there's a passage in Marcus's Meditations where he says, you know, as you tuck your child in at night, you should say to yourself, they will not survive to the morning. And he's like meditating on the loss that the most precious thing in the world to you…
Man's Search for Meaning
Buy Man's Search for Meaning by Viktor E. Frankl on Amazon
During a discussion about the meaning of life, the guest refers to reading Viktor Frankl's 'Man's Search for Meaning' and resonates with its ideas about the necessity of finding meaning in life.
When he talks, I read 'Man's Search for Meaning.'
Discipline Is Destiny
Buy Discipline Is Destiny by Ryan Holiday on Amazon
In this segment, Ryan Holiday discusses a story from his book 'Discipline is Destiny' that highlights Toni Morrison's writing routine, which required her to start her day with writing before hearing the word 'mom'.
Yeah, there—I have this story in 'Discipline is Destiny' but the Toni Morrison thing was she had to get up and do her writing before she heard the word “mom” in the morning or she...
The Daily Dad
Buy The Daily Dad by Ryan Holiday on Amazon
In this segment, Casey Neistat expresses that he has read all of Ryan Holiday's books, except for the one titled 'The Daily Dad', highlighting his interest in Holiday's work.
That is a powerful—I think I've read all of your books except I haven't read 'The Daily Dad' yet.
Conspiracy
Buy Conspiracy by Ryan Holiday on Amazon
Casey Neistat shares his thoughts on Ryan Holiday's book 'Conspiracy', describing it as an all-time favorite due to its engaging, gossipy, and fun qualities.
'Conspiracy' was an all-time favorite because so [__], so gossipy and page-turny and fun.
The Obstacle Is the Way
Buy The Obstacle Is the Way by Ryan Holiday on Amazon
Ryan Holiday reflects on the release of his books, indicating that 'The Obstacle Is The Way' was his first foray into stoic philosophy.
But I think 'The Obstacle Is The Way' had just come out, um, so would have been my first book about stoic philosophy and then 'The Daily Stoic' would have come out a little bit later than that.
The Daily Stoic
Buy The Daily Stoic by Ryan Holiday, Stephen Hanselman on Amazon
In a discussion about the sequence of his book releases, Ryan Holiday notes that 'The Daily Stoic' was published after his first book, 'The Obstacle Is The Way', which reflects his journey into stoic philosophy.
But I think 'The Obstacle Is The Way' had just come out, um, so would have been my first book about stoic philosophy and then 'The Daily Stoic' would have come out a little bit later than that.
What to Expect when You're Expecting
Buy What to Expect when You're Expecting by Heidi Eisenberg Murkoff, Sharon Mazel on Amazon
In this segment, Ryan Holiday refers to the book 'What to Expect When You're Expecting' as an exceptional case among parenting books, which typically do not perform as well on the market. He uses this point to discuss how his upcoming book, 'The Daily Dad', is designed for ease of consumption.
That's what he said, that was a fact of the industry, which is true, but I think the reason that's true and the reason why parenting books are, with the exception of say 'What to Expect When You're Expecting,' not great sellers is that it's insane to read about some problem you might have 22 years from now, right?
Trust Me, I'm Lying
Buy Trust Me, I'm Lying by Ryan Holiday on Amazon
The guest mentioned being introduced to the book 'Trust Me, I'm Lying' by his staff, who encouraged him to read it. This discussion prompted the guest to invite the book's author to the podcast.
I was telling a friend last night I was coming here and I said my staff brought in this book, 'Trust Me, I'm Lying.'
Trust Me, I'm Lying
Buy Trust Me, I'm Lying by Ryan Holiday on Amazon
The guest recounts how Ryan Holiday, the author of 'Trust Me, I'm Lying', after the success of that book, expressed a desire to start creating works about Stoicism, despite facing initial skepticism from his editors.
He went to his editors and said, 'I know 'Trust Me, I'm Lying' is going to be a blockbuster, but I want to start doing books on the Stoics.'
The Obstacle Is the Way
Buy The Obstacle Is the Way by Ryan Holiday on Amazon
In this segment, Ryan Holiday shares that he wrote the proposal for his book 'The Obstacle is the Way' in New Orleans, coinciding with the release of his previous work, 'Trust Me, I'm Lying', which adds an interesting perspective on his creative process.
I wrote 'Trust Me, I'm Lying' in New Orleans, and then I wrote the proposal for 'The Obstacle is the Way' and I sent it to them the week that 'Trust Me, I'm Lying' came out.
The Body Keeps the Score
Buy The Body Keeps the Score by Bessel A. Van der Kolk on Amazon
During the podcast, the host inquires if the guest has read 'The Body Keeps the Score', indicating its importance to their conversation about trauma.
Have you read the book 'The Body Keeps the Score'?
Painting as a Pastime
Buy Painting as a Pastime by Winston S. Churchill on Amazon
In this segment, the host discusses the book 'Painting as a Pastime' by Winston Churchill, highlighting how the author’s engagement in painting served as a therapeutic outlet following the traumas of World War I. This reflects the idea that hobbies can be beneficial for mental well-being, particularly in coping with stress.
Churchill wrote this book called 'Painting as a Pastime,' so after World War one where he not only saw combat and was gassed and saw all the terribleness that was trench warfare, but he had before the war been like one of the fastest rising politicians and celebrities in the world.
Lanterns On The Levee
Buy Lanterns On The Levee by William Alexander Percy on Amazon
The guest mentions the book 'Lanterns on the Levee', describing it as a poignant Southern memoir that reflects on a significant era and relates to the family history of Walker Percy.
And he ended up being adopted by this guy, his uncle, who wrote this book, 'Lanterns on the Levee', which is like one of the beautiful sort of Southern memoirs about, you know, that era.
The Obstacle Is the Way
Buy The Obstacle Is the Way by Ryan Holiday on Amazon
The guest discusses how he embodies the principles discussed in the book 'The Obstacle is the Way', stating it's a book everyone should read.
As I showed my wife last night, I said that, um, uh, what gives it I can't remember; bear with me, um, the obstacle is the way; yeah, he wrote it, I lived it, yeah, that is if anybody could read any book, that's it.
Meditations
Buy Meditations by Aurelius Marcus on Amazon
The podcast host highlights the irony behind Marcus Aurelius's book titled 'Meditations,' pointing out that despite its name, Aurelius was not engaged in meditation as we understand it today. This observation contrasts Eastern and Western practices.
There's some irony in that Marcus Aurelius's book is called 'Meditations,' but he's not doing any meditating in the sense that we understand it now. Right?
Enchiridion
Buy Enchiridion by Epictetus on Amazon
The host brings up Epictetus when discussing the practical application of Stoic philosophy. He quotes Epictetus, suggesting that in the context of someone's workout, it's not about showing off muscles.
Actually, Epictetus talks about this. He says, 'You know, someone’s working out, they’re lifting weights.' You don’t say, 'Show me your muscles.'
Tools of Titans
Buy Tools of Titans by Timothy Ferriss on Amazon
The host recounts a surprising incident where a stray bullet penetrated a window and struck a book behind a man's head. The book mentioned is 'Tools for Titans' by Tim Ferris, which serves as a poignant illustration of life's unpredictability and the senseless events that can occur at any moment.
I saw this thing; this guy was sitting in his living room, and a stray bullet comes through the window, buries in a book behind his head, actually in Tim Ferris's Tools for Titans, I think, just right behind his head.
Meditations
Buy Meditations by Aurelius Marcus on Amazon
During the discussion, the guest refers to a poignant line from 'Meditations' by Marcus Aurelius, highlighting a stoic perspective on life, which he describes as having three acts. The mention indicates that 'Meditations' was likely penned as Aurelius approached the end of his life.
There's a line towards the end of meditations, which Marcus Aurelius probably wrote as he's getting close to death.
The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse
Buy The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse by Charlie Mackesy on Amazon
In this segment, the host enthusiastically discusses the book 'The Boy, the Fox, the Horse, and the Mole' by Charlie Mackesy, recommending it to the guest and highlighting how he carries it in his bookstore. They also reflect on a memorable line from the book.
Have you read the book 'The Boy, the Fox, the Horse, and the Mole'? Have you read that kids book? No, oh it’s incredible! I carry it in the bookstore; it's amazing! It’s by this guy Charlie Mackesy, he’s this brilliant illustrator.
The Daily Dad
Buy The Daily Dad by Ryan Holiday on Amazon
The host reflects on his recent trip to New York for the book launch of 'The Daily Dad'. He shares that he was away for a week, illustrating his efforts to balance family life with professional commitments by bringing his family along.
I was thinking about it because I had to go to New York for the launch of The Daily Dad. I was going to be gone for a week, they sort of stretched it out, and I was there.
The Daily Stoic
Buy The Daily Stoic by Ryan Holiday, Stephen Hanselman on Amazon
Troy Baker expresses regret about not getting a specific tattoo after he began reading the books by Ryan Holiday. His mention indicates a connection to the ideas shared by the podcast host.
This is—I can't wait, but I wish that I had gotten this tattoo after I started reading your books.
Meditations
Buy Meditations by Aurelius Marcus on Amazon
The discussion suggests that the book 'Meditations' by Marcus Aurelius may have been influenced by the author's use of opium. This is part of a larger dialogue about the book and its connections to Stoic philosophy.
Um and so there's some speculation even that that's where some of the weird, kind of beautiful, mystic passages of Meditations come from is he's like on opium.
The Daily Stoic
Buy The Daily Stoic by Ryan Holiday, Stephen Hanselman on Amazon
In a reflection on his experiences during the early days of COVID, Ryan Holiday mentions writing about his thoughts for 'Daily Stoic'. This indicates that it is likely referring to the book titled 'The Daily Stoic', as he connects it to his philosophical insights during that challenging time.
And I've been thinking about that reason I just wrote about this—I think for Daily Stoic, I don't know if it's coming, but I was thinking about how like one of the things that I felt during the early days of COVID was like that I had so much time; you know, the day suddenly felt so long, right?
Meditations
Buy Meditations by Aurelius Marcus on Amazon
The guest reflects on his responsibilities as a parent, drawing connections between his family's struggles with anger and health, and the insights from 'Meditations' by Marcus Aurelius. He emphasizes how reading the Stoics has influenced his approach to breaking generational patterns.
It is now incumbent upon me as a parent to not only do the best that I can, but make sure that the best that I am giving Traveler is the best for him, not the best for me, and what systems that I was given will work, and what systems I have the ability to— I was telling a friend last night if I look back six generations into my family and saw that every male in my family line had cancer, but I had the ability, it would stop with me; I would get cancer, yeah, but it would stop with me and Traveler wouldn't get cancer, yeah, I would do anything in the world, of course, that is anger, and that has been the through line for my family, huh, this anger.
Meditations
Buy Meditations by Aurelius Marcus on Amazon
The guest reflects on the book 'Meditations' by Marcus Aurelius, expressing that the essence of the book can be encapsulated in a specific passage. He suggests that this concept is deeply rooted in Stoicism, highlighting the personal control one has over emotions such as jealousy and anxiety.
I control whether I am jealous and anxious and awful and all of these things, and to me, that is the whole of Meditations could just be that passage.
Meditations
Buy Meditations by Aurelius Marcus on Amazon
The host discusses the book 'Meditations' by Marcus Aurelius, highlighting its stoic philosophy and linking its principles to themes of parenting.
And it's, it's such a very stoic idea in Meditation, Marcus Aurelius says something like, 'Remember, things are not asking to be judged by you.'
The Obstacle Is the Way
Buy The Obstacle Is the Way by Ryan Holiday on Amazon
The guest shares that 'The Obstacle Is the Way' was the first book by Ryan Holiday he read, noting that he experienced it through an audiobook.
And I think you even talked about this in, because the first one that I read, The Obstacle is the Way, it was the first one that I read.
Zen in the Art of Archery
Buy Zen in the Art of Archery by Eugen Herrigel on Amazon
The host asks Rick Rubin if he has read the book 'Zen and the Art of Archery', indicating a setup for a deeper conversation about the concepts explored in the text.
You've read Zen and the Art of Archery, I'm sure, right? I don't know if I've ever read that; I know I've had the book, but I don't know if I've ever read it.
Zen in the Art of Archery
Buy Zen in the Art of Archery by Eugen Herrigel on Amazon
Rick Rubin expresses uncertainty about whether he has fully read 'Zen in the Art of Archery', a book he possesses, while acknowledging its captivating nature.
I don't know if I've ever read that; I know I've had the book, but I don't know if I've ever read it. It's a wonderful, fascinating book.
The Creative Act
Buy The Creative Act by Rick Rubin on Amazon
In this segment, the host discusses the idea of being present and committed while also remaining detached from external distractions, referencing insights from a book by Rick Rubin.
You have to find some way to be present and both very committed and also, as you talk about in the book, kind of detached from all of that external stuff. Absolutely, and I recommend that artists engage or re-engage with why they wanted to do it in the first place and really find their love.
The Book: A Cover-to-Cover Exploration of the Most Powerful Object of Our Time
In this segment, the host discusses the writing process of a book and mentions the importance of understanding the content and audience once the writing is complete. The reference suggests he might be alluding to Rick Rubin's book, emphasizing creativity and marketing after finalizing a manuscript.
Then when it's done and there are no more creative decisions to be made, and the book is written, you may not have the final final version of it, but you know exactly what the book is. You've said what you want to say, and you feel good about it; that would be the first time to think about, okay, what could a cover look like, what could the marketing look like, who's the audience for this?
On Writing
Buy On Writing by Stephen King on Amazon
The host suggests that Rick Rubin has written at least one book, highlighting that personal growth and changes in methods over time may affect the relevance of past approaches.
You're not the same person who wrote your first book, so if you're using exactly the same methods that that guy was using, they might not be optimal. No, it's changed a ton.
The Essential Guide to Getting Your Book Published
During the discussion, the host comments on Rick Rubin's book, highlighting how it contains many paradoxes and emphasizes a more Eastern approach to understanding truth. They also mention a specific story and quote a line from page 104, illustrating the book's depth and insights.
I would clarify—your book is full of paradoxes, I think much more Eastern than Western, your embrace of paradox instead of singular permanent truth. You tell the story about the man in Calcutta and then you have this wonderful little poem on page 104, and you say, beware of the assumption that the way you work is the best way simply because it's the way you've done it before.
The Creative Act
Buy The Creative Act by Rick Rubin on Amazon
The host refers to a recommendation from Rick Rubin's book about establishing a structured work schedule by setting aside dedicated time for focused work.
If we put our—one of the things I recommend in the book is like creating the equivalent of creating office hours, having a schedule to work. Where you say I'm going to sit down for this could be 20 minutes, could be three hours; it's up to you what that window is and how you want to do it.
Gates of Fire
Buy Gates of Fire by Steven Pressfield on Amazon
The podcast host praises Stephen Pressfield's books, expressing that they consider them to be the best, in the context of discussing Pressfield's advice.
His books are great. Oh, they're the best.
Gates of Fire
Buy Gates of Fire by Steven Pressfield on Amazon
The host discusses the book 'Gates of Fire', noting how it manages to feel both timeless and contemporary, despite being only 20 or 30 years old.
What’s amazing about a book like Gates of Fire is that it's only 20 or 30 years old, but it feels like it's a thousand years old. When somebody does something I guess—even the War of Art—but when somebody does something that is both timely but also has no place in time, that’s something incredible about what art can do.
The War of Art
Buy The War of Art by Steven Pressfield on Amazon
In this segment, the host refers to the book 'The War of Art' as an example of how art can transcend time, highlighting its ability to be both immediate and timeless.
When somebody does something I guess—even the War of Art—but when somebody does something that is both timely but also has no place in time, that’s something incredible about what art can do. Where it can be everywhere and nowhere current and timeless at the same time.
Meditations
Buy Meditations by Aurelius Marcus on Amazon
In this segment, the podcast host reflects on how the book 'Meditations' by Marcus Aurelius has profoundly influenced his life. He finds it surreal that the most powerful person in the world, two millennia ago, wrote a personal journal that was never meant for publication.
I think about that; obviously, the book that's influenced my life the most is Marcus Aurelius' Meditations. What I think is so surreal about that book is you have the most powerful person in the world, 2000 years ago, writing a journal to himself, never intending it to be published.
The Book: A Cover-to-Cover Exploration of the Most Powerful Object of Our Time
In this segment, the podcast guest, Rick Rubin, discusses a 'crafting phase' described in his book. He elaborates on the different stages of creativity, referencing a framework that helps individuals develop their ideas.
That's when you can start thinking; we call that the crafting phase in the book. The first stage is the seed phase where we're gathering ideas; the second phase is the experimentation phase where we're watering those seeds, seeing what they want to be on their own.
The Book: A Cover-to-Cover Exploration of the Most Powerful Object of Our Time
The podcast guest discusses insights gained from his own book during its writing process, highlighting the importance of scheduling the editing phase compared to the more unpredictable phases of idea generation and experimentation.
But one of the things that I've learned from the book in working on the book is that that last phase, the editing and getting ready to share it, you can do that on a schedule. Whereas you can't really collect the seeds on a schedule, you can't really do the experimentation on a schedule.
Plutarch's Lives, Volume 2
Buy Plutarch's Lives, Volume 2 by Plutarch on Amazon
The host discusses how Shakespeare's work draws from the writings of Plutarch, highlighting the influence of ancient stories and authors during the Renaissance.
Shakespeare is stealing from the writings of Plutarch, who existed roughly around the time of Marcus Aurelius. He quotes other fables and stuff, but you can tell that Shakespeare is stealing from ancient stories—just as like the Renaissance was powered by them falling back in love with the Greeks and the Romans.
The Odyssey of Homer
Buy The Odyssey of Homer by Homer on Amazon
The podcast host refers to 'The Odyssey' when discussing how the author describes the ocean as 'wine-dark,' prompting a reflection on the appearance of the sea.
In the Odyssey, he talks about the 'wine-dark sea.' Who thinks the ocean looks like wine?
The Obstacle Is the Way
Buy The Obstacle Is the Way by Ryan Holiday on Amazon
The host reflects on his earlier writings and highlights insights gained from rereading 'The Obstacle is the Way', noting the tightness in the writing and the book's brevity.
And, um, I actually—I had to go back through and read some of my earlier books. I’d reread The Obstacle is the Way and what I was struck by, what I noticed there for the first time was that there was a tightness to the writing and the book is shorter.
The Obstacle Is the Way
Buy The Obstacle Is the Way by Ryan Holiday on Amazon
In this episode, the host recounts his experience of rereading his earlier book, 'The Obstacle is the Way,' noting the clarity and conciseness of the writing.
And, um, I actually—I had to go back through and read some of my earlier books. I’d reread The Obstacle is the Way and what I was struck by, what I noticed there for the first time was that there was a tightness to the writing and the book is shorter.
Gates of Fire
Buy Gates of Fire by Steven Pressfield on Amazon
The host mentions that he re-reads Steven Pressfield’s books on writing whenever he starts a new project, finding inspiration from their depth and value.
Like I read—whenever I start a new project, I read one of Steven Pressfield’s writing books again, just from cover to cover. Um, and I feel like there’s something in the way that you did it that, um, you know, is the difference between depth and width, and I think you’ve created something that has a greater depth and value to people.
The Creative Act
Buy The Creative Act by Rick Rubin on Amazon
The guest mentions 'the book' which refers to Rick Rubin's book that he is discussing and promoting during the podcast.
It’s the book I wanted to write; that’s one of the things about it is like—and I think when we did talk about it all those years ago, that was probably what you said. It’s like, why do you want to do that book?
The Obstacle Is the Way
Buy The Obstacle Is the Way by Ryan Holiday on Amazon
Guy Raz refers to 'The Obstacle Is the Way,' a book that discusses the importance of embracing obstacles and challenges in life. He emphasizes the relevance of this message in overcoming difficulties.
I wouldn't say that comes naturally to me, but it is something that I am working on. There's actually a book about this called 'The Obstacle Is the Way.' And it's great because the obstacle has been the way tonight.
The Obstacle Is the Way
Buy The Obstacle Is the Way by Ryan Holiday on Amazon
In this segment, Ryan Holiday refers to his book 'The Obstacle is the Way' along with other titles he's written. He discusses how writing books on specific virtues can lead people to expect him to exemplify those virtues perfectly, which he suggests is unrealistic.
If you, I would not recommend writing a book called 'The Obstacle is the Way,' a book called 'Ego is the Enemy,' a book called 'Stillness is the Key,' a book called 'Courage is Calling,' or 'Discipline is Destiny.' Because then people expect you to be all those things, which is of course impossible.
Stillness Is the Key
Buy Stillness Is the Key by Ryan Holiday on Amazon
In this segment, Ryan Holiday references his book 'Stillness is the Key' among others, discussing how writing about specific virtues sets high expectations for oneself, which is unrealistic.
If you, I would not recommend writing a book called 'The Obstacle is the Way,' a book called 'Ego is the Enemy,' a book called 'Stillness is the Key,' a book called 'Courage is Calling,' or 'Discipline is Destiny.' Because then people expect you to be all those things, which is of course impossible.
Courage Is Calling
Buy Courage Is Calling by Ryan Holiday on Amazon
In a discussion about the challenges of writing self-improvement books, Ryan Holiday cites 'Courage is Calling' among other titles, reflecting on how these works can set high expectations for personal behavior and achievement.
If you, I would not recommend writing a book called 'The Obstacle is the Way,' a book called 'Ego is the Enemy,' a book called 'Stillness is the Key,' a book called 'Courage is Calling,' or 'Discipline is Destiny.' Because then people expect you to be all those things, which is of course impossible.
Discipline Is Destiny
Buy Discipline Is Destiny by Ryan Holiday on Amazon
In this part of the podcast, Ryan Holiday discusses the challenges of writing books on virtues, mentioning 'Discipline is Destiny' alongside his other titles like 'The Obstacle is the Way' and 'Ego is the Enemy'. He explains that when authors write about such ideals, it sets high expectations for them to live up to those virtues.
If you, I would not recommend writing a book called 'The Obstacle is the Way,' a book called 'Ego is the Enemy,' a book called 'Stillness is the Key,' a book called 'Courage is Calling,' or 'Discipline is Destiny.' Because then people expect you to be all those things, which is of course impossible.
Trust Me, I'm Lying
Buy Trust Me, I'm Lying by Ryan Holiday on Amazon
Ryan Holiday mentions his book 'Trust Me, I'm Lying' while reflecting on the compensation he received for writing about Stoic Philosophy, suggesting that it was fair for an idea he considered obscure.
I didn't feel like I was getting robbed when I took less than half what I’ve gotten for Trust Me. I thought, 'I'm writing a book about an obscure school of ancient philosophy, that sounds really sound.'
The Obstacle Is the Way
Buy The Obstacle Is the Way by Ryan Holiday on Amazon
The host references the book 'The Obstacle Is the Way,' expressing gratitude for starting his creative day earlier, which helped him be more effective.
I sat down to write it like 2, and it was actually really great to talk about 'The Obstacle's Way.' It was this perfect reminder of like this is why I don’t start my day at 2.
Discipline Is Destiny
Buy Discipline Is Destiny by Ryan Holiday on Amazon
In this segment, Ryan Holiday references his book 'Discipline Is Destiny' and highlights how he begins it with the story of Lou Gehrig, who held the record for the longest consecutive games played in baseball until it was surpassed by Cal Ripken.
That’s why I open 'Discipline's Destiny' with the story of Lou Gehrig, who has the longest streak in the history of baseball until it’s broken by Cal Ripken.
The Laws of Human Nature
Buy The Laws of Human Nature by Robert Greene on Amazon
In this segment, the host discusses Robert Greene's book 'The Laws of Human Nature', highlighting its key theme that people often prefer to deny reality instead of accepting it.
Robert encapsulates something about human nature, which he also talks about in The Laws of Human Nature, which is that instead of accepting or realizing that things are the way they are, we'd rather deny and blame certain people for them.
The 48 Laws of Power (Special Power Edition)
Buy The 48 Laws of Power (Special Power Edition) by Robert Greene on Amazon
In this segment, Ryan Holiday discusses the concept of the 'first law of power,' which is to never outshine the master. He highlights the idea that people often feel jealousy and insecurity regarding the success of others, referencing Robert Greene's insights on human behavior and the laws of power.
You choose how you use them, and I think Robert's first law of power is never outshine the master, right? His point is that people are fundamentally jealous and insecure and don’t want other people to succeed.
Meditations
Buy Meditations by Aurelius Marcus on Amazon
In this episode, the host references a poignant section from the beginning of 'Meditations' by Marcus Aurelius, discussing the insights about the debts and lessons he learned throughout his life.
There's this beautiful line in the beginning of Meditations, and it's called 'Debts and Lessons'. It’s like all the things Marcus learned from people in his life, and it's really remarkable to think that he wasn't publishing it.
Stillness Is the Key
Buy Stillness Is the Key by Ryan Holiday on Amazon
A listener inquires about Ryan Holiday's exploration of recovery topics in both 'Stillness Is the Key' and 'Discipline Is Destiny,' expressing surprise at these inclusions.
As a person who has found a lot of healing and recovery in the 12-step rooms, I was very surprised to see you write about it in both Stillness is the Key and Discipline is Destiny. So I'm curious as to how that came about or why you were inspired to do that because the only other one I found was Russell Brand's recovery book.
Discipline Is Destiny
Buy Discipline Is Destiny by Ryan Holiday on Amazon
A listener asks how the themes of recovery were incorporated into 'Stillness Is the Key' and 'Discipline Is Destiny' by Ryan Holiday, highlighting the surprising influence of 12-step programs.
As a person who has found a lot of healing and recovery in the 12-step rooms, I was very surprised to see you write about it in both Stillness is the Key and Discipline is Destiny. So I'm curious as to how that came about or why you were inspired to do that because the only other one I found was Russell Brand's recovery book.
Meditations
Buy Meditations by Aurelius Marcus on Amazon
Ryan Holiday references 'Meditations' by Marcus Aurelius to illustrate the idea that both the external world and ourselves are in a constant state of change.
That's actually from Heraclitus who Marcus Aurelius quotes in Meditations, and the idea is, yeah, we're not only do we not step in the same river twice because the river's changing, but we're also changing.
Trust Me, I'm Lying
Buy Trust Me, I'm Lying by Ryan Holiday on Amazon
Ryan Holiday mentions that he might consider rewriting his book 'Trust Me, I'm Lying' since he authored it at a young age, reflecting on the impact and legacy it has created.
I probably rewrite Trust Me, I'm Lying just because I wrote that when I was so young, and also I've seen the legacy that that book has given you some good stuff over there or maybe I wouldn't publish it at all.
Why We Sleep
Buy Why We Sleep by Matthew Walker on Amazon
The guest, Alexander Ludwig, briefly mentions reading the book 'Why We Sleep' by Matthew Walker, using it to discuss how much sleep people actually need and the consequences of undervaluing its importance. This comes up in response to the host's comment about some individuals seeming to function well on very little sleep.
But like, yes, I get what you're saying, but that was, but that's interesting to me because I saw that I actually read that book, Why We Sleep, that author, right? And I, and I, and I, and that's like there's this, the percentage of people who can actually do that is staggeringly low.
The Conspiracy of Catiline as Related by Sallust
Buy The Conspiracy of Catiline as Related by Sallust by Sallust on Amazon
The podcast guest discusses his new translation of Sallust's historical work on the Catilinarian conspiracy, providing insightful context on the events being analyzed.
I've written a translation—a new translation—of the classic account of the conspiracy by the historian Sallust, written about 20 years later.
The Storm Before the Storm
Buy The Storm Before the Storm by Mike Duncan on Amazon
In this segment, the host discusses Mike Duncan's book 'The Storm Before the Storm,' highlighting its significance and expressing enjoyment of the work. The guest mentions having previously hosted Duncan on the podcast, noting the book as essential background for understanding the historical themes addressed in the episode.
Have you read Mike Duncan's book, The Storm Before the Storm? Yes, actually, I haven’t; I had him on the podcast; it’s a great book, and I really enjoyed it.
The Second Triumvirate
Buy The Second Triumvirate by Clifford Alexander on Amazon
In this segment, the host brings up the guest's upcoming book, which focuses on the historical conflict between Cato and Caesar. They express interest in discussing the book further upon its release.
Maybe you can tease it, but I know you have a book coming out on the second conflict, the one between Cato and Caesar. I would love to have a conversation with you about that book when it comes out.
Uncommon Wrath
Buy Uncommon Wrath by Josiah Osgood on Amazon
The guest mentions his own upcoming work, which focuses on the rivalry between Caesar and Cato, significant leaders of their time.
In my book, I'm trying to trace the story of Caesar's rivalry with Cato, who was another great leader of that generation.
Genghis Khan and the Making of the Modern World
Buy Genghis Khan and the Making of the Modern World by J. McIver Weatherford on Amazon
The podcast host shares that he has had a copy of the book 'Genghis Khan and the Making of the Modern World' for about 15 years.
I still have my copy of 'Genghis Khan and the Making of the Modern World,' which has got to be 15 years old by now.
A Calendar of Wisdom
Buy A Calendar of Wisdom by Leo Tolstoy on Amazon
In this segment, the host suggests 'A Calendar of Wisdom' by Leo Tolstoy as a book recommendation, inviting listeners to consider reading it.
One of my similar book recommendations, since we were talking about books, I don't know if you've ever read Tolstoy's 'A Calendar of Wisdom.'
The Secret History of the Mongols
Buy The Secret History of the Mongols by Paul Kahn on Amazon
The podcast host discusses the timing of the English publication of the book 'The Secret History of the Mongols', highlighting its significance.
It was the same decade that 'The Secret History of the Mongols' was first published in English, also by Harvard University.
Timon of Athens
Buy Timon of Athens by William Shakespeare on Amazon
In the episode, the podcast guest discusses the play 'Timon of Athens' by William Shakespeare, reflecting on how it is often dismissed as lacking artistic value due to its atypical style.
I remember discussing Shakespeare’s 'Timon of Athens' today, a work many dismiss as worthless because it doesn’t fit typical artistic criteria.
The Moral Arc
Buy The Moral Arc by Michael Shermer on Amazon
In this segment, the podcast host discusses how former President Obama referenced a well-known line likely sourced from a book, particularly stating that 'the arc of history is long, but it bends toward truth'. This occurred during conversations with his aides just after his presidency.
When Obama left office, he supposedly spoke to some of his aides about that famous line, which I believe is in the book, about how the arc of history is long, but it bends toward truth.
F. Scott Fitzgerald: The Great Gatsby
Buy F. Scott Fitzgerald: The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald on Amazon
The podcast host shares a memorable passage from 'The Great Gatsby', reflecting on a moment where Gatsby introduces Meyer Wolfsheim to Nick Carraway, highlighting Wolfsheim's connection to the fixing of the 1919 World Series. This mention serves to emphasize how certain individuals can wield significant influence.
One of my favorite passages in The Great Gatsby is where Gatsby meets Meyer Wolfsheim, the organized criminal, and Gatsby sort of whispers to Nick Carraway that this was the man who fixed the 1919 World Series.
The Woman's Hour
Buy The Woman's Hour by Elaine Weiss on Amazon
The podcast host highlights that the guest delves into a specific topic in his book, which transitions into discussing the book 'The Women's Hour,' which focuses on the amendment granting women the right to vote.
That is something you talk a lot about in the book, and I'm glad you did because I loved that book, The Women's Hour, about the passing of the amendment that gives women the right to vote.
The Woman's Hour
Buy The Woman's Hour by Elaine Weiss on Amazon
In this segment, the podcast host shares their thoughts on 'The Women's Hour,' a book that explores the passing of the amendment granting women the right to vote. The host expresses their appreciation for the book and highlights its content, contributing to a deeper discussion about the topic.
That is something you talk a lot about in the book, and I'm glad you did because I loved that book, The Women's Hour, about the passing of the amendment that gives women the right to vote.
The Woman's Hour
Buy The Woman's Hour by Elaine Weiss on Amazon
In this segment, the podcast host discusses 'her book', which is implied to be 'The Women's Hour', while also referring to 'this book', the one that the guest is promoting. The conversation revolves around the historical resistance to women's suffrage, emphasizing the surprising fact that many women actively opposed voting rights for women.
As she points out in her book, and you point out in this book, there were people who were vehemently opposed to women having the right to vote, and a good chunk of those people were women, which is kind of the mind-blowing thing when you dig into it.
The Children
Buy The Children by David Halberstam on Amazon
In this segment, the host reflects on having recently read David Halberstam's book, 'The Children,' which illustrates the remarkable achievements of a group of seemingly ordinary college students.
Those movements, like when I read David Halberstam's book, The Children, recently, featured a collection of relatively ordinary college students.
The Book: A Cover-to-Cover Exploration of the Most Powerful Object of Our Time
In this segment, the host discusses the concept presented in 'the book', arguing that the Obama coalition, seen as a glimpse into America's future, incited fear and backlash.
The Obama coalition is really kind of the future of America, which is why he was so feared, and why we say in the book, there was that backlash.
The Essential Guide to Getting Your Book Published
The host mentions that the guest shared a personal experience in 'your book' regarding watching events unfold on television in his parents' house. This refers to the book they had been discussing earlier in the podcast episode.
A final reflection I want to make is related to a personal experience you share in your book about watching events unfold on a television in your parents' house.
Chosen Country
Buy Chosen Country by James Pogue on Amazon
In this segment, the podcast host discusses the book 'Conspiracy' by James Pogue, the guest on the show. He reflects on his experiences while writing the book, particularly how it sheds light on the conspiracy elements related to current socio-political events during the years 2016-2017.
This reminded me of my time in the Teal world around 2016-2017 while writing my book 'Conspiracy,' which explains much of what’s happening, this conspiracy element.
The New Sultan
Buy The New Sultan by Soner Cagaptay on Amazon
The guest references Curtis Yarvin's 'Good Old Boys', framing it as a detailed blueprint for the potential rise of an American dictator. The mention highlights the specific and intricate plan that Curtis outlines, relating it to the current political climate and possible future scenarios.
So like I mean, I’ve said this many times, so sorry to repeat it, but like people should listen to Curtis's latest episode on Good Old Boys; like it's not a joke; like it's like a blueprint for like how we get an American dictator, and there’s like a pretty detailed plan and description, but you listen to it and you're also like, whoa, this is like, you've plotted this all out; like this is not how—like you read one history book and you're like, okay, we're gonna seize China, and then we're gonna get the oil in Indo-China and blah, blah, and you're like, there's so many steps in that chain where something can go wrong; this is not gonna work.
Adult Children of Emotionally Immature Parents
Buy Adult Children of Emotionally Immature Parents by Lindsay C. Gibson on Amazon
The speaker refers to the book 'Adult Children of Emotionally Immature Parents' to highlight its insights into the internal struggles individuals face and how these are affected by external influences. The book is presented as a valuable resource for understanding one's emotional state in relation to outside factors.
Acknowledging the internal struggle alongside the external influences is vital, and books like "Adult Children of Emotionally Immature Parents" reveal so much truth about this.
The Book: A Cover-to-Cover Exploration of the Most Powerful Object of Our Time
In this episode, podcast host Ryan Holiday shares his admiration for the guest's book, describing it as very interesting. This comment sets the stage for a deeper discussion about the ideas presented in the book.
It's a pleasure to talk; I love the book. I found it very interesting.
This Book
Buy This Book by Kathryn Madeline Allen on Amazon
In this segment, host Ryan Holiday discusses a story about a bear and a human interacting with trash cans, highlighting the themes of Justin Gregg's book on animal intelligence and the contrasting perceptions of human and animal smarts.
That strikes me as essentially the exploration of this book, where animals are smart and humans are dumb, or where humans are smart and animals are dumb. That's a beautiful anecdote; that's exactly it.
The Book: A Cover-to-Cover Exploration of the Most Powerful Object of Our Time
In this segment, Justin Gregg discusses a point made in his book about how humans struggle to recognize the long-term consequences of their actions, highlighting a disconnect between our decision-making processes and the nature of long-term planning.
But I argue in the book that we’re also terrible at feeling the consequences of long-term schemes. Our brains are still designed for making decisions in the here and now, just like animals.
This Book
Buy This Book by Kathryn Madeline Allen on Amazon
In this segment, Justin Gregg discusses his decision to include Nietzsche in his book, emphasizing how Nietzsche's ideas resonate with the themes being explored in the conversation.
That's why I chose Nietzsche for this book; that’s exactly what he talks about. If I’m not wrong, I think the Stoics said something similar: animals live in the moment and aren't weighed down by these other considerations, so in that moment, they are happier.
The Book: A Cover-to-Cover Exploration of the Most Powerful Object of Our Time
Justin Gregg discusses arguments he makes in his book regarding animal cognition and their capacity for future planning.
In the book, I argue this isn't necessarily true with what we know from animal cognition, as they do have a bit of future planning. But for the most part, yes, that is true—we can think about our own deaths.
The Book: A Cover-to-Cover Exploration of the Most Powerful Object of Our Time
In this segment, guest Justin Gregg discusses an advanced calculation from his book that relates to planning for the future and the concept of human happiness.
I’m not sure; in the book, I make an advanced calculation. Thinking about your death and planning these legacy projects, like writing a book to be remembered for, guides our actions, which is great.
Frederick
Buy Frederick by Leo Lionni on Amazon
In this segment, Ryan Holiday inquires whether guest Justin Gregg has read the children's book 'Frederick', which sparks a conversation about its themes and how they relate to their broader discussion.
Did you read the children's book 'Frederick' about the mouse? That sounds familiar.
The Pope's Elephant
Buy The Pope's Elephant by Silvio A. Bedini on Amazon
In this episode, Ryan Holiday refers to 'The Pope’s Elephant,' a book that provides insight into an intriguing anecdote about an elephant adored by the Pope, and sets the stage for a larger narrative about this remarkable animal.
There’s a great book about it called 'The Pope’s Elephant.' But he loved this animal, and anyway, it was a white elephant if I’m remembering correctly.
To Risk It All
Buy To Risk It All by Admiral James Stavridis, USN on Amazon
The podcast guest mentions reading a book by Admiral Stavridis about Navy heroes, connecting it to the discussion of Native American service in the U.S. military. The book highlights Commander Ernest Evans, the first Native American to receive the Medal of Honor, as an example.
I was just reading Admiral Stavridis's book about Navy heroes, and I had no idea about Commander Ernest Evans, who was the first Native American to win the Medal of Honor. It's weird that there is this history, and it’s one of the few bright spots in American history that should be celebrated.
Handwriting Without Tears: My printing book
Buy Handwriting Without Tears: My printing book by Jan Z. Olsen, Emily F. Knapton on Amazon
During the discussion, the guest explains his motivation for writing his book, highlighting the challenges he has observed regarding service providers in the healthcare sector who are reluctant to seek help during difficult times.
That's why I wrote my book; I've seen service providers, especially in healthcare, hesitate to reach out for help amid struggles.
Chuck Klosterman IV
Buy Chuck Klosterman IV by Chuck Klosterman on Amazon
In this segment, the podcast host refers to a prior conversation with the guest regarding Chuck Klosterman. They mention a book that was discussed, along with an interview with the author. The context emphasizes the passage of time and reflects on how topics from the past might seem more distant, while hinting at a new work by Klosterman focused on the 90s.
You and I talked about Chuck Klosterman, and I never—and I interviewed him—but he never talked about this in the book, I don't think.
The Obstacle Is the Way
Buy The Obstacle Is the Way by Ryan Holiday on Amazon
The guest refers to his book with part of its title as 'Obstacle,' mentioning its release eight years ago while reflecting on how his earlier writing seems distant to him now. The full title, 'The Obstacle Is the Way,' is recognized in relation to the host, Ryan Holiday, who is associated with that work.
This summer is 10 years old; and actually, 'Obstacle,' came out eight years ago yesterday, which is also like insane to me when I read stuff that I wrote that long ago.
The Obstacle Is the Way
Buy The Obstacle Is the Way by Ryan Holiday on Amazon
The podcast host, Ryan Holiday, discusses a story about Thomas Edison from his book, 'The Obstacle Is the Way'. This mention occurs during a conversation about the importance of maintaining a process-oriented mindset versus focusing solely on outcomes.
In 'The Obstacle', I tell this story about Edison when his Menlo Park laboratory burned down.
Lincoln's Virtues
Buy Lincoln's Virtues by William Lee Miller on Amazon
In this segment, the host references a book titled 'Lincoln's Virtues' by William Lee Miller, which they read a few years back. The book discusses how the perception of historical figures, like Abraham Lincoln, tends to simplify their complexity, viewing them merely as moral icons rather than the politicians they were.
A few years ago, I read a book called Lincoln's Virtues by William Lee Miller, and he said that we forget because we look at Lincoln from 150 years ago, we see him as just a moral figure rather than as a politician.
The prince
Buy The prince by Niccolò Machiavelli on Amazon
In this segment, the speaker draws a comparison to Machiavelli's renowned work, *The Prince*, indicating that their current writing project is akin to a follow-up volume, humorously titled 'The Princess.'
These are extraordinary skills, and sometimes I felt like I was writing Machiavelli volume two called 'The Princess.'
The prince
Buy The prince by Niccolò Machiavelli on Amazon
The speaker discusses a lesson from Machiavelli's *The Prince*, implying that the subject of the podcast employs a similar philosophy in life, maintaining a level of privacy that allows for a more normal existence despite their powerful position.
She just doesn't think it's anybody's business, and that, in fact, here's another lesson from Machiavelli volume two is if you don't give it all away to the public, you know, that liberates a large part of you; that frees a large part of you to actually maintain life as a normal human, which she's about as normal a human as any supremely powerful player on the world stage has ever been because she didn't reveal everything.
Meditations
Buy Meditations by Aurelius Marcus on Amazon
Ryan Holiday discusses 'Meditations' by Marcus Aurelius, emphasizing its uniqueness as a philosophy book. He points out that it was intended as personal notes rather than a formal philosophical text, making its specific insights more universally applicable.
And also, I think like I've talked about this before, but one of the reasons I think Meditations by Marcus Aurelius is this totally unique philosophy book is that he wasn't writing a philosophy book. He was writing notes to himself about what he thought, and in that way the specific is actually more universal.
The Obstacle Is the Way
Buy The Obstacle Is the Way by Ryan Holiday on Amazon
Ryan Holiday shares a recollection of writing 'Obstacles the Way' while participating in an event. He reflects on his research about astronauts and their emotional regulation, highlighting a memorable dinner encounter with Jim Lovell.
Like I remember one time I was writing in Obstacles the Way because I was working on that when I attended, I was writing about astronauts being sent into space and how they do emotional regulation. And then I'm sitting down at dinner and Jim Lovell is just like at the table across from me and I was like, oh [__].
Jurassic Park
Buy Jurassic Park by Michael Crichton on Amazon
The podcast host references a quote from 'Jurassic Park,' which David Gelles, the guest, seemingly alluded to in the context of ethical questioning about whether something should be done, even if it can be done.
That he, it's like the thing in Jurassic Park, you were thinking so much about whether you could, you didn't ask yourself if you should. Like you were just, it seems like your big argument was like why aren't there other things to value in life?
The Brass Check, a Study of American Journalism
Buy The Brass Check, a Study of American Journalism by Upton Sinclair on Amazon
In this segment, the guest, David Gelles, refers to 'The Brass Check,' a critical work by Upton Sinclair. He uses this reference to illustrate how biases in journalism can hinder individuals from grasping the consequences of their actions.
It's like that expression from Upton Sinclair, who wrote sort of very critically about journalism in one of his great books called The Brass Check, he was saying like it's impossible to get someone to understand something that their salary depends on them not understanding.
How Will You Measure Your Life? (Harvard Business Review Classics)
The podcast host mentions that Clay Christensen, a renowned business consultant, authored a book titled 'How Will You Measure Your Life?'. The discussion emphasizes the importance of prioritizing what truly matters in life, contrasting conventional success in business with personal fulfillment.
Clay Christensen, one of the great business consultants of all time, wrote a book on how to measure your life. His whole career was about measuring success in business, but in the end, he tells Harvard MBAs that none of that matters; you have to measure your life by other things.
Nomadland: Surviving America in the Twenty-First Century
Buy Nomadland: Surviving America in the Twenty-First Century by Jessica Bruder on Amazon
The podcast host inquires if the guest has read 'Nomadland,' a non-fiction book that explores the lives of individuals who live nomadically while working low-paying jobs. This mention serves as a springboard for discussing the complexities of assigning blame in societal issues.
It's these kinds of ripples compounded over generations that explain the country we live in right now. Have you read 'Nomadland'? Yeah, I remember as I was reading it, there's a part of me that was sorting through my capitalistic side and trying to understand how it could be this person's fault.
The Road
Buy The Road by Cormac McCarthy on Amazon
During the podcast, the host inquires if the guest has read 'The Road' by Cormac McCarthy. She expresses her admiration for the author and praises his literary talents.
Have you read Cormac McCarthy's 'The Road'? As much as I can take, I’m a huge admirer; I think he's incredibly gifted.
Blood Meridian
Buy Blood Meridian by Cormac McCarthy on Amazon
The guest shares her recent reading of 'Blood Meridian' and humorously comments on being behind in reading 'The Road', indicating her awareness of its popularity.
Most recently, I read 'Blood Meridian,' and I'm slightly exaggerating about being the last person in America not to have read 'The Road.'
Lost & Found
Buy Lost & Found by Kathryn Schulz on Amazon
The guest shares the title of her new book, 'Lost and Found', and discusses its significance, emphasizing how it relates to discovering what has been missing in our lives.
There's a reason I titled my new book 'Lost and Found' —sometimes we discover what was missing from our lives.
The Nineties
Buy The Nineties by Chuck Klosterman on Amazon
In this segment of the podcast, guest Chuck Klosterman discusses his book 'The 90s' (which may also be referred to as 'The Nineties') and reflects on his exploration of iconic artists and music genres from that era, highlighting the cultural contrasts he examined in his writing.
In my book about 'The 90s,' I wrote about Nirvana and grunge, and I included a footnote regarding how it may seem like I'm juxtaposing a white guy from the eroded world of rock with a hip-hop artist from the rising world of rap.
Chronicles
Buy Chronicles by Bob Dylan on Amazon
In this segment, Chuck Klosterman discusses the insights gained from reading Bob Dylan's memoir, particularly how Dylan views long songs as tools for enhancing memorization skills through repetition, highlighting their potential educational value.
Reading Bob Dylan's memoir gave an intriguing perspective; he believed long songs with many verses are valuable for practicing memorization without context.
But What If We're Wrong?
Buy But What If We're Wrong? by Chuck Klosterman on Amazon
Chuck Klosterman, the podcast guest, shares a personal story about his book 'But What If We're Wrong?'. He discusses his experience recording the audiobook, expressing his discomfort with the sound of his own voice, which led him to hire a British woman to narrate it.
I had a book come out in 2016 called 'But What If We're Wrong?'. So I was doing an audiobook for it, and I thought, 'I don't like the sound of my own voice.'
But What If We're Wrong?
Buy But What If We're Wrong? by Chuck Klosterman on Amazon
In this segment, the podcast host discusses the guest Chuck Klosterman's book 'What If We're Wrong?', highlighting how it encourages readers to challenge conventional thinking and perceive the world from a different perspective.
You've cultivated this ability to think differently about things, and that's the premise of 'What If We're Wrong?'. You're contending with things that we take for granted.
The Contrarian
Buy The Contrarian by Max Chafkin on Amazon
Chuck Klosterman discusses his book about Peter Thiel's lawsuit against Gawker, highlighting the challenges writers face in maintaining objectivity amid public scrutiny.
I think it truly is a no-win proposition; I wrote a book about Peter Thiel and his lawsuit against Gawker that scrutinized media.
Black Boy [Seventy-fifth Anniversary Edition]
Buy Black Boy [Seventy-fifth Anniversary Edition] by Richard Wright on Amazon
In this segment, podcast guest Chuck Klosterman shares his fond memories of reading Richard Wright's 'Black Boy' during his childhood, highlighting how vividly he recalls specific scenes from the book.
I can remember specific scenes from Richard Wright's Black Boy in a vivid way.
Crossroads
Buy Crossroads by Jonathan Franzen on Amazon
During the conversation, Chuck Klosterman shares his thoughts on reading Jonathan Franzen's 'Crossroads', expressing how he appreciates the depth of subtext in literature, even if it makes him overlook some plot details.
I'm reading Jonathan Franzen's Crossroads right now, and it's great, but I've already forgotten parts at the beginning of the book.
Animal Farm
Buy Animal Farm by George Orwell on Amazon
In this segment, Chuck Klosterman shares that 'Animal Farm' is his favorite book, reflecting on how his initial reading experience focused solely on the text rather than the deeper meanings behind it.
My favorite book of all time is probably Animal Farm, and it’s funny to think that the first time I read that, I must have read it only as text.
But What If We're Wrong?
Buy But What If We're Wrong? by Chuck Klosterman on Amazon
During the conversation, the podcast host expresses enthusiasm for Chuck Klosterman's book 'What If We're Wrong?', showcasing admiration for both the author and the work itself.
Well, this is so awesome; I'm a huge fan, I love the new book, and I love What If We're Wrong?
I Wear the Black Hat
Buy I Wear the Black Hat by Chuck Klosterman on Amazon
In this segment, the host expresses his appreciation for another one of Chuck Klosterman's works, titled 'I Wear the Black Hat', reflecting on its quality.
I also thought I Wear the Black Hat was a great book too.
Discipline Is Destiny
Buy Discipline Is Destiny by Ryan Holiday on Amazon
The podcast host discusses a story from his book, 'Discipline is Destiny', focusing on the Roman figure Cato to illustrate key Stoic principles.
There's a story I tell in the discipline book about Cato, one of his heroes.
How Children Succeed
Buy How Children Succeed by Paul Tough on Amazon
In this segment, the podcast guest recalls reading a study by Paul Tough, which discusses his book 'How Children Succeed.' The mention is made in relation to a broader conversation about self-discipline and child development, particularly referencing the marshmallow test.
I remember I read a study—Paul Tough wrote this book, I think it's called 'How Children Succeed.'
Waging a Good War
Buy Waging a Good War by Thomas E. Ricks on Amazon
In this segment, the podcast guest references Tom Ricks' book 'Waging a Good Work,' which focuses on the Civil Rights Movement and the principles of non-violent training.
This is Tom Rick's book on the Civil Rights Movement called 'Waging a Good Work.'
The Obstacle Is the Way
Buy The Obstacle Is the Way by Ryan Holiday on Amazon
In this segment, Ryan Holiday discusses his book 'The Obstacle Is the Way' and reflects on his publishing journey, drawing parallels between his experiences and those of the guest.
When I did The Obstacle is the Way, I've told this story before, but it wasn't that everyone rejected it.
Trust Me, I'm Lying
Buy Trust Me, I'm Lying by Ryan Holiday on Amazon
In this brief mention, Ryan Holiday discusses his book 'Trust Me, I'm Lying,' comparing its publishing journey to the process of his other work, 'The Obstacle is the Way.' He downplays the story's significance while highlighting a notable bidding war during its release.
I don't want to exaggerate the significance of the story, but when I went with Trust Me, I'm Lying, there was a bidding war.
The Ride of a Lifetime
Buy The Ride of a Lifetime by Robert Iger on Amazon
In this segment, the host highlights the book 'The Ride of a Lifetime' by Bob Iger to illustrate a compelling example related to the discussion.
A perfect example of this in a book is Bob Iger's book, The Ride of a Lifetime.
Atomic Habits
Buy Atomic Habits by James Clear on Amazon
In the podcast, the host discusses how James Clear's book opens with a compelling anecdote about being struck in the eye by a baseball, highlighting the author's storytelling skills that enhance engagement.
James Clear's book starts with him getting hit in the eye with a baseball and nearly dying from it.
The Psychology of Money
Buy The Psychology of Money by Morgan Housel on Amazon
During the podcast, the host references the guest Morgan Housel's book, 'The Psychology of Money.' They highlight a specific part towards the end of the book that discusses Housel's habits and stories about his parents.
Like, obviously, you're in The Psychology of Money, mostly at the end, where you kind of talk about your habits and your parents a bit too, which is an interesting story.
Trust Me, I'm Lying
Buy Trust Me, I'm Lying by Ryan Holiday on Amazon
In this segment, the host reflects on his career timeline, revealing that he wrote 'Trust Me, I'm Lying' while still receiving a small salary, illustrating the financial challenges he faced during that period.
I wrote Trust Me, I’m Lying while I still had a small salary; I wrote Growth Hacker while I still had a small salary, and then Dove was fired from American Apparel.
Growth Hacker Marketing
Buy Growth Hacker Marketing by Ryan Holiday on Amazon
In this segment, Ryan Holiday reflects on his writing journey, noting that he wrote 'Growth Hacker' during a challenging time when he had a limited income.
I wrote Trust Me, I’m Lying while I still had a small salary; I wrote Growth Hacker while I still had a small salary, and then Dove was fired from American Apparel.
The Obstacle Is the Way
Buy The Obstacle Is the Way by Ryan Holiday on Amazon
The host refers to his own book, 'The Obstacle Is the Way,' while discussing the context of his book tour, linking it to an incident involving someone being fired from American Apparel.
And there was this whole thing which I wrote about, and that happened the day that I ended the book tour for The Obstacle Is the Way.
The Obstacle Is the Way
Buy The Obstacle Is the Way by Ryan Holiday on Amazon
In this segment, Ryan Holiday discusses a job-related question and recalls the experience he had with his publisher regarding his book 'The Obstacle Is the Way.' He reflects on the financial offer he received and his nonchalant response to it.
So, like you were asking me about having a job; one of the benefits—like when my publisher offered me what was not as much money as I would have hoped for The Obstacle Is the Way, I was like, ‘Sure, whatever,’ right?
Will
Buy Will by Will Smith on Amazon
The host references a book by Will Smith while discussing themes of ambition and addiction.
That's a reference back to the Will Smith book that I'm reading right now.
The Laws of Human Nature
Buy The Laws of Human Nature by Robert Greene on Amazon
The host discusses Robert Greene's book, The Laws of Human Nature, highlighting its theme about the common human tendency to deny the existence of human nature.
Yeah. Robert Greene summarized his book, The Laws of Human Nature, which is about how we deny there is such a thing as human nature.
The Psychology of Money
Buy The Psychology of Money by Morgan Housel on Amazon
The host references the guest's book, highlighting that 'The Psychology of Money' illustrates the difficulty of turning down money.
I would say that the summation of The Psychology of Money is that turning down money is one of the hardest things to do in the world.
A Good American Family
Buy A Good American Family by David Maraniss on Amazon
In this segment, guest David Maraniss discusses his 'first book' while responding to a question about his note card system, offering insight into his writing process.
You talk about his sort of index Rolodex card system, and I wanted to hear more about it. Well, that was my first book, Ryan.
A Good American Family
Buy A Good American Family by David Maraniss on Amazon
David Maraniss discusses how his experience with writing 'my biographies' has significantly influenced his understanding and approach to his work.
He’s Mike; he’s a character in my book, and I have to appreciate whatever he’s doing to try to understand it. That really has helped me through all of my biographies.
The Night of the Were-Boy
Buy The Night of the Were-Boy by Enid Richemont on Amazon
The host discusses having written several books and reflects on how these works are considered intellectual property, contributing to a larger conversation about writing as a business.
I've probably written three or four books before it really occurred to me that like it was called intellectual property. Yes, and that you’ve created a thing.
The Everything Guide to Writing a Romance Novel
Buy The Everything Guide to Writing a Romance Novel by Christie Craig, Faye Hughes on Amazon
Stacey references one of her previously written romance novels as an example of a creation that becomes its own entity, separate from its creator, while still providing value. This highlights the concept of building scalable assets.
The same thing is true with a romance novel I wrote in 2004; those are opportunities that can proliferate, and I don't have to write another word for it to be true, and someone else can pick up the ball and run with it. That still exists and operates without me having to be involved day to day, just like the movie rights of a project can be purchased from you—someone else can do it.
Meditations
Buy Meditations by Aurelius Marcus on Amazon
In this segment, the host discusses the book "Meditations" by Marcus Aurelius, highlighting a significant line that emphasizes the importance of the common good. The host reflects on how this philosophy can be applied to business practices, particularly in terms of fair compensation.
Marcus Aurelius refers to the common good like 40 times in his meditations. My favorite line says what’s bad for the hive is bad for the bee; to me, if businesses could think that way, and I try to think about that with my business—do I pay people a fair wage?
The Obstacle Is the Way
Buy The Obstacle Is the Way by Ryan Holiday on Amazon
In this segment, the host, Ryan Holiday, recalls working at American Apparel even after the release of his book, *The Obstacle Is the Way*. He emphasizes the contrast between his writing success and his job at the time.
I remember I was working at American Apparel well after I'd written The Obstacle, come out.
Courage
Buy Courage by Bernard Waber on Amazon
The guest, Steven Pressfield, shares his experience of writing a book titled *Courage*, describing how he felt increasingly focused and engaged in the work.
And then I still had a book that I was writing, this is when I was writing Courage, and I felt like I was so much more locked in on that book.
Gates of Fire
Buy Gates of Fire by Steven Pressfield on Amazon
In this segment, guest Steven Pressfield discusses his book *Gates of Fire*, highlighting how his focus and awareness shift when he immerses himself in the creative process.
You know, and I think that where my attention goes when I'm really doing it right, like if I'm writing a book like Gates of Fire or something like that, my attention goes to that world that is being created kind of through me, but not by me in the moment, you know?
Meditations
Buy Meditations by Aurelius Marcus on Amazon
The podcast discusses *Meditations* by Marcus Aurelius, highlighting a significant question posed in the book that encourages reflection on the essential nature of tasks.
In Meditations, Marcus Aurelius asks yourself at every moment, is this task essential?
Journal of a Novel
Buy Journal of a Novel by John Steinbeck on Amazon
Ryan, the host, refers to a recommendation made by Steven Pressfield regarding the book *Journal of a Novel* by John Steinbeck.
There you recommended this John Steinbeck book to me, Journal of a Novel.
Discipline Is Destiny
Buy Discipline Is Destiny by Ryan Holiday on Amazon
In this segment, guest Steven Pressfield references a quote from Ryan Holiday's book, *Discipline is Destiny*, highlighting the theme of discipline discussed in the episode.
Ah, yeah, yeah, that was in your book about discipline.
One Line a Day
Buy One Line a Day by Line A Day on Amazon
In this segment, Ryan discusses a specific journaling method he practices, referring to it as the *One Line a Day Journal*, which features pages designed with five slots for daily entries.
And well, it's so, it's called the one line a day journal, and each page has five slots on it.
Lives of the Stoics
Buy Lives of the Stoics by Ryan Holiday, Stephen Hanselman on Amazon
In this segment, host Ryan Holiday reflects on an annual tradition he has developed over the years, where he begins reading a book around this time each year. He specifically mentions starting his book *Lives*, which is subtitled *Lives of the Stoics*, highlighting this practice.
Two days later, one year later, I started Lives; like I realized I was sort of almost unconsciously on a schedule of starting a book on this day five years in a row. Wow.
Discipline Is Destiny
Buy Discipline Is Destiny by Ryan Holiday on Amazon
In this segment, the guest, Steven Pressfield, encourages everyone to purchase Ryan Holiday's book titled *Discipline is Destiny*.
Thank you very much, Steven So everyone should buy 'Discipline is Destiny.'
The War of Art
Buy The War of Art by Steven Pressfield on Amazon
In this segment, host Ryan expresses his admiration for the works of guest Steven Pressfield, specifically mentioning *The War of Art* along with other titles like *The Artist's Journey* and *Gates of Fire*.
As always, I love all your work—'The War of Art,' 'The Artist's Journey,' 'Gates of Fire'—I've loved all your stuff.
The Artist's Journey
Buy The Artist's Journey by Steven Pressfield on Amazon
In this segment, the host Ryan expresses his admiration for the guest Steven Pressfield's work, specifically mentioning several of Pressfield's books, including *The Artist's Journey*.
As always, I love all your work—'The War of Art,' 'The Artist's Journey,' 'Gates of Fire'—I've loved all your stuff.
Gates of Fire
Buy Gates of Fire by Steven Pressfield on Amazon
In this segment, the host, Ryan, expresses his admiration for the guest, Steven Pressfield, mentioning some of Pressfield's notable works, including *Gates of Fire*.
As always, I love all your work—'The War of Art,' 'The Artist's Journey,' 'Gates of Fire'—I've loved all your stuff.
The Daily Stoic
Buy The Daily Stoic by Ryan Holiday, Stephen Hanselman on Amazon
In this segment, guest Steven Pressfield expresses gratitude for receiving a copy of Ryan Holiday's book, *The Daily Stoic*, explaining how it inspired him to write his own book.
And thank you for giving me a copy of your book, 'The Daily Stoic,' which inspired me to write a book as well.
Aesop's Fables
Buy Aesop's Fables by Aesop on Amazon
In this segment, Thomas Chatterton Williams recounts how his father incentivized him and his siblings to read by paying them. One of the earliest books he engaged with in this way was 'Aesop's Fables', which laid the foundation for their later exploration of more complex literature.
So he took money that in retrospect I realized he didn't always have, and he paid us handsomely, for our age, to sit and study and to read Aesop's Fables when we were really young and then to get on to more sophisticated things later.
War and Peace
Buy War and Peace by Leo Tolstoi on Amazon
Thomas Chatterton Williams discusses the transformative power of reading by highlighting 'War and Peace' as an example of a book that demands a considerable investment of time to fully appreciate its depth and the world created by Tolstoy.
You know, when you immerse yourself in War and Peace or something like that, it requires hours and hours of investment before you start to feel this world that Tolstoy conjured up around you out of sheer language.
War and Peace
Buy War and Peace by Leo Tolstoi on Amazon
The guest, Thomas Chatterton Williams, discusses how a book can leave different impressions based on the reader's age, using 'War and Peace' as an example.
War and Peace when you're 11 versus War and Peace when you're 22 could be profoundly different reading experiences.
F. Scott Fitzgerald: The Great Gatsby
Buy F. Scott Fitzgerald: The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald on Amazon
During the discussion, guest Thomas Chatterton Williams critiques the educational practice of requiring all students to read the same texts, exemplified by 'The Great Gatsby'.
I feel like we also have this kind of one-size-fits-all approach: everyone should read The Great Gatsby in high school.
F. Scott Fitzgerald: The Great Gatsby
Buy F. Scott Fitzgerald: The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald on Amazon
In this segment, Thomas Chatterton Williams shares how he fell in love with 'The Great Gatsby' during his high school years, reflecting on his school experience.
Well, the type of school that I went to, I mean, yeah, The Great Gatsby, I fell in love with in high school.
Wuthering Heights
Buy Wuthering Heights by Emily Brontë on Amazon
In this segment, Thomas Chatterton Williams reflects on his experience with the classic novel 'Wuthering Heights' and expresses the struggle he had in understanding why this book was assigned to him during high school.
It was very difficult for me to see, even as somebody coming from a house full of books, why at that age I was reading Wuthering Heights, for example.
The Lottery
Buy The Lottery by Shirley Jackson on Amazon
The guest, Thomas Chatterton Williams, shares a pivotal experience from his youth when his father introduced him and a friend to Shirley Jackson's 'The Lottery'. This powerful short story, centered on a chilling public stoning, served as a crucial tool in helping them understand and cope with peer pressure.
So, my dad, when one of the—I mean this is probably a little bit cliché or maybe obvious to some of your listeners, but when I was 15 or 16 and my best friend and I were studying all the time with my dad and we were navigating our social context and trying to figure out how to manage and maneuver around peer pressure, my dad gave us Shirley Jackson's The Lottery, this short story about this public stoning, you know that the whole town participates in.
The Lottery
Buy The Lottery by Shirley Jackson on Amazon
In this segment, Thomas Chatterton Williams recalls receiving the book 'The Lottery' from his father, describing a vivid memory of sitting at the kitchen table, working through the text together.
So The Lottery is something that I can still see myself sitting at the kitchen table and him handing to me on a Xerox printout to think through and underline and then talk about later when we were done.
Maimonides' Guide of the Perplexed
Buy Maimonides' Guide of the Perplexed by Daniel Frank, Aaron Segal on Amazon
Thomas Chatterton Williams speaks about the significant impact of 'Guide for the Perplexed' on his father, expressing that although he often discussed Maimonides with him, he personally has never read the book.
For my dad, like enormously impactful books for him were like Maimonides' Guide for the Perplexed, which I have to admit I used to talk to him about Maimonides and stuff, but I never actually read.
The Brothers Karamazov
Buy The Brothers Karamazov by Fyodor Dostoevsky on Amazon
In this segment, the guest, Thomas Chatterton Williams, shares his thoughts on the profound impact that reading 'The Brothers Karamazov' had on his life, describing it as an astonishing experience that ultimately shattered his faith.
Then I read The Brothers Karamazov and it was just an astonishing reading experience for me, and it kind of shattered my faith.
The Brothers Karamazov
Buy The Brothers Karamazov by Fyodor Dostoevsky on Amazon
The guest reflects on how 'The Brothers Karamazov' profoundly influenced him, describing it as a vital connection to the world.
The Brothers Karamazov was like this link to the world for me.
The Story of Philosophy
Buy The Story of Philosophy by Will Durant on Amazon
Thomas Chatterton Williams recounts how, before he turned 10, his father found a book titled 'The Story of Philosophy' in a neighbor's house, which ignited his passion for philosophy.
Basically, before the age of 10, the story that we’ve always understood from him was that in a neighbor's house, he came across a copy of Will Durant's The Story of Philosophy.
Between the World and Me
Buy Between the World and Me by Ta-Nehisi Coates on Amazon
The guest recounts a striking passage from Ta-Nehisi Coates's book 'Between the World and Me,' where a caricature of an affluent Frenchman is depicted, showcasing a flawed perspective.
But there's an astonishing kind of passage in Between the World and Me where he basically sees a kind of caricature of an upper-class or wealthy Frenchman in a beautiful car smoking a cigarette.
The Children
Buy The Children by David Halberstam on Amazon
In this episode, the host discusses reading David Halberstam's book, 'The Children,' which explores the sit-in movement.
And I was reading lately, I've been reading David Halberstam's book, The Children, on the sit-in movement.
Self-Portrait in Black and White: Unlearning Race
Buy Self-Portrait in Black and White: Unlearning Race by Thomas Chatterton Williams on Amazon
The guest discusses the central arguments of his second book, titled 'Self-Portrait in Black and White,' in relation to the ongoing conversation.
And that's actually really one of the main arguments in my second book, Self-Portrait in Black and White.
Epictetus
Buy Epictetus by Epictetus on Amazon
Karen Duffy discusses how Marcus Aurelius expresses gratitude to his teacher Rusticus for lending him a copy of Epictetus, highlighting the impact that receiving a book can have.
At the beginning of 'Meditations,' where Marcus thanks all his teachers and specifically Rusticus for lending him his copy of Epictetus from his library, you realize that 20 centuries ago, someone gave this man a book, and a light went on for him—the switch flipped, just as it did for you and for me.
Meditations
Buy Meditations by Aurelius Marcus on Amazon
In this segment, host Ryan Holiday commends the insights and wisdom that Marcus Aurelius conveys in his book 'Meditations', highlighting its profound impact.
Sure, no, I mean that’s what’s so incredible about what Marcus manages to do in Meditations.
The Discourses of Epictetus
Buy The Discourses of Epictetus by Epictetus on Amazon
In the podcast, Ryan Holiday highlights how 'Discourses' by Epictetus seems to personally address the listener, making it feel as though the teachings are calling them out.
Or Epictetus—it feels like he’s calling you out instead of whoever it was in the lecture hall that he’s speaking to in Discourses.
The Great Gatsby
Buy The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald on Amazon
In this segment, Ryan Holiday shares a touching letter from Karen Duffy's son, who references 'The Great Gatsby,' noting that the character Pammy is often forgotten, just like her mother, Daisy Buchanan.
You have a letter where your son writes to you, and he mentions, 'Remember little Pammy in The Great Gatsby? Neither did her mother, Daisy Buchanan.'
Conspiracy
Buy Conspiracy by Ryan Holiday on Amazon
In this segment, the host discusses his book 'Conspiracy', reflecting on its sales figures while expressing his belief that it is his best work, despite being his least commercially successful book.
Sure, I mean, so conspiracy, I think is my best book; it's probably sold the least of all my books.
Growth Hacker Marketing
Buy Growth Hacker Marketing by Ryan Holiday on Amazon
In this segment, the podcast host discusses his book 'Growth Hacking,' reflecting on its commercial success compared to the artistic satisfaction he derives from his other works.
Conversely, I did this book Growth Hacking several years ago that my publisher suggested, and I was into it and I liked it; I'm glad I did it, but it sold like very well and was lucrative.
Strength in Stillness
Buy Strength in Stillness by Bob Roth on Amazon
In this segment, Tony Gonzalez expresses his admiration for the host's books, specifically highlighting that 'Stillness' had the greatest impact on him, particularly during his early years in the league.
Yes, yes; of all the books, I’ve read a majority of your books, stillness is the one that touched me the most, because I think that was part of my problem in those first two years in the league.
Can't Hurt Me
Buy Can't Hurt Me by David Goggins on Amazon
Brooke, the guest, recalls that one of the first books that significantly challenged her was 'Can't Hurt Me' by David Goggins. She reflects on how the intense stories in the book, particularly about Goggins' incredible feats of endurance despite physical pain, motivated her during her own struggles in the gym.
What have been some books that hit you particularly hard? I think one of the first books that I read was "Can't Hurt Me," and so that one was super intense. Just kind of like when I was in the gym struggling, I'd remember that he would run like a hundred miles on broken feet and stuff.
The Obstacle Is the Way
Buy The Obstacle Is the Way by Ryan Holiday on Amazon
Brooke shares her thoughts on a book she refers to as 'Your Obstacles Away,' which closely resembles the book 'The Obstacle Is the Way' by Ryan Holiday, mentioning that she found it to be quite good.
And then I read, "Your Obstacles Away." That was a really good one. Let's see, "Atomic Habits."
Atomic Habits
Buy Atomic Habits by James Clear on Amazon
Brooke references the book 'Atomic Habits' during the conversation, indicating that it is a book she is familiar with.
Let's see, "Atomic Habits." I'm currently reading "The Slight Edge." I haven't heard of that.
The Slight Edge
Buy The Slight Edge by Jeff Olson on Amazon
In this segment, Brooke shares that she is currently reading 'The Slight Edge'.
Let's see, "Atomic Habits." I'm currently reading "The Slight Edge." I haven't heard of that.
Everything Happens for a Reason
Buy Everything Happens for a Reason by Kate Bowler on Amazon
The host refers to Kate Bowler's book titled 'Everything Happens for a Reason: And Other Lies I've Loved,' which has a subtitle addressing common phrases to avoid saying to those with cancer.
Her book is titled 'Everything Happens for a Reason,' with a subtitle along the lines of 'Things You Should Never Say to Someone with Cancer.' There's no value in wasting time feeling upset—such negativity is wasted energy.
The War of Art
Buy The War of Art by Steven Pressfield on Amazon
The host expresses admiration for Steven Pressfield's work, specifically mentioning his books The War of Art and Gates of Fire, showcasing a conversation about a philosophical line related to Alexander the Great.
There's a line in one of Steven Pressfield's books that I love; have you ever read his stuff? No, I haven't, but you would love The War of Art or his novel Gates of Fire—that's amazing. In one of them, a philosopher is talking to Alexander the Great, and Alexander says, 'I have conquered the world; what have you ever done?'
The War of Art
Buy The War of Art by Steven Pressfield on Amazon
The host recommends the book 'The War of Art' by Steven Pressfield, mentioning that the guest would really enjoy it.
No, I haven't, but you would love The War of Art or his novel Gates of Fire—that's amazing. In one of them, a philosopher is talking to Alexander the Great, and Alexander says, 'I have conquered the world; what have you ever done?'
Gates of Fire
Buy Gates of Fire by Steven Pressfield on Amazon
The host recommends the novel 'Gates of Fire' by Steven Pressfield to the guest, noting a philosophical conversation in the story between a philosopher and Alexander the Great.
No, I haven't, but you would love The War of Art or his novel Gates of Fire—that's amazing. In one of them, a philosopher is talking to Alexander the Great, and Alexander says, 'I have conquered the world; what have you ever done?'
The Night of the Gun
Buy The Night of the Gun by David Carr on Amazon
During a discussion on the unreliability of memories, Josh Peck references 'A Night of the Gun,' a book by David Carr. He highlights how the book represents a personal exploration into the inaccuracies of memory, specifically through the lens of addiction.
We have these memories of how stuff went, and then when you actually revisit them—there's a great book by David Carr called 'A Night of the Gun' or something like that.
The Way to Love
Buy The Way to Love by Anthony De Mello on Amazon
Josh Peck discusses how 'The Way to Love' by Anthony de Mello influenced his journey of self-discovery during his sobriety. He highlights this book among others that are considered important or insightful by his sobriety community, referring to them as the 'graduate program of sobriety'.
And then getting turned on to your books and then Robert Greene and, you know, early on like books like Anthony de Mello's 'The Way to Love', and all these different...
The Game
Buy The Game by Neil Strauss on Amazon
In this segment, Josh Peck shares his experience reading 'The Game' by Neil Strauss when he was 22 and single. He reflects on the book’s controversial nature, describing it as slightly evil while also praising Strauss as a talented writer. Peck elaborates on how the author's insights influenced his understanding of relationships.
Um, I don't know what you know. I read 'The Game' because I was 22 and I was single, right? And reading Neil Strauss and just he's such a great writer, and that book can be slightly evil probably.
The War of Art
Buy The War of Art by Steven Pressfield on Amazon
In this segment, the podcast host discusses a conversation with author Steven Pressfield, highlighting his book 'The War of Art'. They explore the idea of creativity and inspiration, questioning the belief that artistic flow comes from muses, similar to athletes' experiences with receiving creative inspiration.
Yeah, like I was talking to Steven Pressfield who wrote The War of Art, and he talks about, like, the muses. And I'm like, you can't possibly believe that your artistic stuff is coming from the muses.
What Made Maddy Run
Buy What Made Maddy Run by Kate Fagan on Amazon
Kate Fagan, the guest, discusses her first book 'What Made Maddie Run' as she explores the distinction between timely and timeless stories, emphasizing that her book is more relevant to its specific cultural moment.
And I think about that a lot, even in terms of my first book, What Made Maddie Run. Even though I think it has a long shelf life, it's not timeless.
What Made Maddy Run
Buy What Made Maddy Run by Kate Fagan on Amazon
Kate Fagan discusses her book, 'All the Colors Came Out', emphasizing its personal relevance to her and clarifying that its creation was driven by her own reflections rather than commercial motives.
But I think there's a difference; like this book for me, All the Colors Came Out, is not that it's not—I had this year free, and I guess 'I'm a writer, so I guess I'll write this idea.'
The Inner Game of Tennis
Buy The Inner Game of Tennis by W. Timothy Gallwey on Amazon
During a conversation about tennis, the host encourages the guest to read 'The Inner Game of Tennis,' mentioning that it's not only essential for tennis fans but also that it's reportedly Tom Brady's favorite book.
Have you read The Inner Game of Tennis? No, I haven't. Okay, so one, you have to read it if you like tennis, but I believe it's Tom Brady's favorite book.
Debrief to Win
Buy Debrief to Win by Robert C Teschner on Amazon
During the discussion about impactful books, the guest expresses a strong appreciation for 'Debrief to Win,' mentioning it as one of his current favorites and noting its significance.
what have been some of the books that have hit you the most? Ah, there's one I really love right now, and I don't know if you've read it; it's called Debrief to Win. No, I'm writing this down.
Meditations
Buy Meditations by Aurelius Marcus on Amazon
The host references Marcus Aurelius' book 'Meditations' while discussing the importance of loving one's work and the risk of burnout. He contrasts his passion for writing with Les Snead's passion for football.
In Meditations, Marcus Aurelius talks about how people who love what they do wear themselves down doing it. You have to love what you do; I love writing, clearly you love football.
Surviving IT: Essential Advice for Building a Happy and Healthy Technology Career
The host refers to the book he is currently writing, which includes a chapter that discusses load management issues within the realm of sports.
Sports have been relatively late to adopt this idea; I have a chapter about load management in the book I'm working on right now.
Lyle Family
Buy Lyle Family by Oscar Kennett Lyle on Amazon
During the podcast, the host inquires whether Les Snead has read Essie Gwynne's book 'The Perfect Pass,' which delves into the development of the passing game in football.
It’s one of the greatest nonfiction books of all time, and I had him on the podcast. Did you read his book, *The Perfect Pass*? I did not. He wrote this book that I never thought about, which explains the invention of the passing game in football.
Grit
Buy Grit by Angela Duckworth on Amazon
In this segment, the host suggests that Angela Duckworth's book, 'Grit,' is a valuable resource for tackling the challenges that Les Snead has encountered as a general manager.
You should probably read Angela Duckworth's book, *Grit*, if you're going to take on that challenge because there are going to be headwinds and hopefully just hills to climb and not mountains. That must have been part of your experience, right?
Atlas Shrugged
Buy Atlas Shrugged by Ayn Rand on Amazon
Les Snead reflects on finally completing Ayn Rand's 'Atlas Shrugged' after it took him two summers to read. The host prompts him for his thoughts on the book.
So it took me two summers to just finish this summer for the first time because I didn't read it before—Atlas Shrugged. Yeah, so I mean you're a thousand something pages into a pretty—what did you think?
So Good They Can't Ignore You
Buy So Good They Can't Ignore You by Cal Newport on Amazon
In this episode of The Daily Stoic podcast, host Ryan Holiday discusses the trend of people quitting their jobs to pursue their passions. He references Cal Newport's book 'So Good They Can't Ignore You' to draw a comparison with this phenomenon.
They are quitting to follow their passion, which is funny when you compare it to your other book because this reflects the concept in 'So Good They Can't Ignore You.'
So Good They Can't Ignore You
Buy So Good They Can't Ignore You by Cal Newport on Amazon
Cal Newport references his own book, 'So Good They Can't Ignore You', while discussing the difficulties people encounter when trying to make career changes that align with market needs. This conversation is part of his insights as a guest on the Daily Stoic Podcast.
As I discuss in 'So Good They Can't Ignore You,' we struggle with this.
So Good They Can't Ignore You
Buy So Good They Can't Ignore You by Cal Newport on Amazon
In this episode of the Daily Stoic podcast, Cal Newport refers to his book as 'that book,' highlighting a relevant story he previously discussed. He shares an anecdote about a successful ad executive who felt overwhelmed by work, which he believes resonates with many listeners.
One of the stories I suggested in that book, which I think is likely relevant to what many people are about to do, was about a successful ad executive who was feeling overwhelmed by work.
So Good They Can't Ignore You
Buy So Good They Can't Ignore You by Cal Newport on Amazon
Cal Newport discusses the essential teachings of his book, 'So Good They Can't Ignore You,' highlighting that the key takeaway is to evaluate what makes a job truly great from a market economy standpoint. He elaborates on how the qualities that contribute to exceptional work are both rare and valuable.
The core moral of that book is that when considering what makes a job great, you must think about it from a market economy perspective. The traits that make great work great are rare and valuable.
So Good They Can't Ignore You
Buy So Good They Can't Ignore You by Cal Newport on Amazon
Cal Newport highlights the relevance of his book, 'So Good They Can't Ignore You', in contemporary discussions about career transitions, emphasizing its significance in today's context.
I think suddenly that book is more relevant now than it has been recently because everyone is contemplating these kinds of transitions.
A World Without Email
Buy A World Without Email by Cal Newport on Amazon
In this segment, Ryan Holiday reflects on Cal Newport's book 'A World Without Email,' sharing his thoughts on how it influences his daily organization and productivity.
When I contemplate your other book, 'A World Without Email,' I think about how I want my day to look.
Mastery
Buy Mastery by Robert Greene on Amazon
In this segment, Ryan Holiday references Robert Greene's book, 'Mastery,' while emphasizing the significance of systems and mentorship. Greene's work comes up in the discussion, highlighting his influence.
Green talks about that in 'Mastery.'
A World Without Email
Buy A World Without Email by Cal Newport on Amazon
In this segment, host Ryan Holiday revisits an idea from Cal Newport's book 'A World Without Email', emphasizing the importance of clarity in our actions.
This brings us back to one of the ideas from the book, which is to be crystal clear about what we do right.
So Good They Can't Ignore You
Buy So Good They Can't Ignore You by Cal Newport on Amazon
In a discussion on the Daily Stoic Podcast, Cal Newport refers to his book 'So Good They Can't Ignore You', where he explores the concept of "Autonomy Traps"—a theme he previously introduced. This mention highlights the ongoing relevance of his ideas.
And I think that's the other hard, I call it the autonomy traps in that old 2012 book. It's the dichotomy.
Meditations
Buy Meditations by Aurelius Marcus on Amazon
The host discusses a passage from 'Meditations' by Marcus Aurelius that highlights a significant moment of self-reflection from one of the most powerful individuals in history, providing insights into the thoughts and feelings that accompany such a position.
One of my favorite passages in 'Meditations' by Marcus Aurelius shows the most powerful man in the world reflecting on himself. You get this magnificent glimpse into what’s running through the head of someone so powerful.
Man's Search for Meaning
Buy Man's Search for Meaning by Viktor E. Frankl on Amazon
During the conversation, the host highlights 'Man's Search for Meaning', asserting that it is an essential book in psychology, and elaborates on its uniqueness, mentioning the author’s personal insights as a psychologist.
I mean this—man, Man's Search for Meaning. Yeah, it's the ultimate book of psychology because it's a psychologist where the case study is himself.
Yes to Life
Buy Yes to Life by Viktor E. Frankl on Amazon
The host mentions a just-released book 'Yes to Life' by Viktor Frankl, a new book based on previously undiscovered lectures. They comment on how good and relevant the book is.
And Daniel Goleman wrote the intro, but it just came out this year, it's called Yes to Life. It's like so good, so good.
The Daily Stoic
Buy The Daily Stoic by Ryan Holiday, Stephen Hanselman on Amazon
Ryan Holiday reflects on the creation of his book, 'The Daily Stoic', which he structured using a one-page-a-day format. He highlights how this approach has also informed his daily email series, maintaining a connection with readers over the years.
Because I did the book four years ago, one page a day, and then every day, for four years, I've done the email. And the other benefit for it is, I mean, I've written to these people every day for four years; that's amazing.
Lives of the Stoics
Buy Lives of the Stoics by Ryan Holiday, Stephen Hanselman on Amazon
In this segment, the podcast host, Ryan Holiday, discusses his book 'Lives of the Stoics,' sharing a story about a Stoic philosopher named Diotimus to illustrate the contrasting philosophies of Stoicism and Epicureanism.
I tell a story in my book, 'Lives of the Stoics,' about a Stoic philosopher named Diotimus. The Epicureans and Stoics were rival schools: opposites, really.
The Moral Animal
Buy The Moral Animal by Robert Wright on Amazon
In this segment, the guest, Robert Wright, elaborates on the themes from his book 'The Moral Animal', highlighting how it explores the complexities of human psychology and the unreliability of our minds in understanding reality.
A big theme of that book is that the human mind is unreliable as a guide to reality. It's as if our mind acts like a lawyer, trying to make the case for our interests.
Why Buddhism is True
Buy Why Buddhism is True by Robert Wright on Amazon
In this segment, the host cites Robert Wright's book, 'Why Buddhism Is True', discussing how the principles of mindfulness and philosophical reflection can be applied during everyday activities, even in the face of challenging political discussions.
You mention in 'Why Buddhism Is True' that being mindful and philosophical can occur during activities like doing dishes or sitting in traffic, so why not during contentious political debates? You have to do your best; it's a very challenging time.
The Obstacle Is the Way
Buy The Obstacle Is the Way by Ryan Holiday on Amazon
In this segment, Ryan Holiday discusses his book, 'The Obstacle Is the Way', reflecting on the experience of negotiating a lower advance for this second book. He shares how having various income streams allowed him the freedom to make such choices, emphasizing the importance of creative independence.
I think one of the benefits for me when I was thinking about writing The Obstacle Is the Way, and I've talked about this before, is that my publisher offered me half what I got for my first book for what was supposed to be my second book.
The Obstacle Is the Way
Buy The Obstacle Is the Way by Ryan Holiday on Amazon
In a discussion about stoicism, the guest references Ryan Holiday's book, 'The Obstacle Is The Way'. He explains how the stoic principles from the book have shaped his approach to business, emphasizing the importance of focusing on process over metrics.
Honestly, I was thinking about that and all the stoicism-type stuff that I've been drinking the Kool-Aid off ever since I discovered The Obstacle Is the Way.
The E-Myth Revisited
Buy The E-Myth Revisited by Michael E. Gerber on Amazon
The guest discusses reading 'The E-Myth Revisited' and highlights how the principles of systems design have influenced his approach to creating content for YouTube.
I read a few business books like 'The E-Myth Revisited' which talked about the power of building a system. This isn't just me making stuff up as I go along—systems design is actually a thing.
Law of Attraction
Buy Law of Attraction by Michael J. Losier on Amazon
The guest discusses an exercise from a book named 'Attraction', written by an author named Dino. He reflects on a matrix exercise that helped him identify tasks he prefers to delegate.
This exercise was in a book called 'Attraction' by someone named Dino. I realized there were a lot of things in the bottom two quadrants—things I don’t like doing but am good at.
The Productivity Game
Buy The Productivity Game by Craig R. Hickman on Amazon
During the conversation, the guest speaks about his forthcoming book, provisionally titled 'The Productivity Game,' which aims to explore themes of procrastination, distractions, and burnout.
Obviously, I know about it, but I'm sure listeners would be interested in knowing what you're working on and tell us how the process has been because, to me, that's the most interesting part. Yeah. Um, so the book currently does not have a title; the working title is 'The Productivity Game,' which I'm not a huge fan of.
The Tipping Point
Buy The Tipping Point by Malcolm Gladwell on Amazon
The podcast host discusses the notion that if Malcolm Gladwell's 'The Tipping Point' were released today, it may not achieve the same level of sales due to the contemporary audience's desire for more practical, actionable advice.
So like, I think if a Malcolm Gladwell book came out today, like 'The Tipping Point' came out today, I think it would not sell five million copies because now people would want to know specifically how to create tipping points.
The Obstacle Is the Way
Buy The Obstacle Is the Way by Ryan Holiday on Amazon
In this segment, Ryan Holiday, the host of The Daily Stoic podcast, asks H.R. McMaster about his experience with discovering the book 'The Obstacle Is the Way'.
I was wondering, are you comfortable telling the story of how you ended up hearing about 'The Obstacle Is the Way'?
Infantry Attacks
Buy Infantry Attacks by Erwin Rommel, Gary Sheffield on Amazon
H.R. McMaster draws a comparison between the Rommel papers and Rommel's earlier book 'Infantry Attacks,' illustrating various examples of military strategy.
The Rommel papers read similarly, offering practical solutions, just like his earlier book 'Infantry Attacks.'
The Future of War
Buy The Future of War by Lawrence Freedman on Amazon
H.R. McMaster discusses Lawrence Friedman's book, 'The Future of War,' arguing that each generation believes it has fundamentally changed the nature of warfare.
I read Lawrence Friedman's book 'The Future of War.'
Deep Work
Buy Deep Work by Cal Newport on Amazon
H.R. McMaster discusses Cal Newport's book, Deep Work, during a conversation with Sheikh Tanoon, highlighting the concept of establishing a dedicated space for deep concentration.
I connected with Sheikh Tanoon about Cal Newport’s book 'Deep Work,' in which he mentions having a room for deep concentration.
Dying Every Day
Buy Dying Every Day by James Romm on Amazon
Ryan Holiday references the book 'Dying Every Day' by James Romm while discussing the complexities of Seneca's life within Nero's court.
There's a fascinating book called 'Dying Every Day' about Seneca and Nero's court by James Romm, who I love.
Call Sign Chaos
Buy Call Sign Chaos by Jim Mattis, Bing West on Amazon
In this segment, podcast host Ryan Holiday highlights General Mattis's book, Call Sign Chaos, emphasizing its valuable lessons on learning from history to avoid making the same mistakes.
General Mattis, who's a big fan of Stoicism, talks about this in his book Call Sign Chaos, which is very good.
Meditations
Buy Meditations by Aurelius Marcus on Amazon
Ryan Holiday discusses the book Meditations by Marcus Aurelius, highlighting a stoic principle concerning the acceptance of pain and the temporary nature of suffering.
In Meditations, you know, Marcus Aurelius had an extremely bad stomach ailment; we don't know what it is, but there's some evidence that he was prescribed opium for it; it was so serious.