Bert Kreischer Has a Stoicism Problem - The Daily Stoic Recap

Podcast: The Daily Stoic

Published: 2026-01-28

Duration: 45 minutes

Guests: Bert Kreischer

Summary

Bert Kreischer discusses his struggles with Stoicism, a philosophy he initially misunderstood but now uses to manage his sensitivity and desire for acceptance. The conversation also covers his unique life experiences and a controversial take on Emperor Nero.

What Happened

Bert Kreischer begins by explaining his initial misconception of Stoicism as a philosophy of constant denial, but he now sees it as a tool to control his emotional responses. He has found Stoicism helpful in dealing with his sensitivity and the need for external validation, drawing on teachings by Ryan Holiday to aid his understanding. Kreischer shares a life-changing experience rappelling off a waterfall, which reinforced the Stoic principle of focusing on what he can control, rather than the circumstances themselves.

The conversation takes a turn as Kreischer offers a unique perspective on Nero, suggesting that the emperor may have been more successful than history credits him, particularly during the early years of his reign under the guidance of Seneca. Kreischer also talks about his public perception as a comedian who performs shirtless and how this image sometimes overshadows his storytelling skills.

He recounts a misunderstanding with fellow comedian Marc Maron, where he learned the importance of not letting criticism affect him too deeply. Kreischer also mentions the pressure of keeping his podcast with Tom Segura, 'Two Bears, One Cave', fresh and exciting, which led them to reduce the frequency of episodes.

Kreischer touches on his fear of missing out (FOMO), illustrating it with a hypothetical scenario where he'd end the world if he were dying, to never miss out on life's events. He contrasts his lifestyle with Austin's eclectic and spiritual community and expresses admiration for comedians like Joe Rogan and Bill Burr, whom he considers guiding figures in his career.

Ryan Holiday adds depth by discussing historical figures like George Washington, who worked hard to control his temper, embodying Stoic principles. He emphasizes that Stoicism is not about being a passive cynic but about enjoying success responsibly.

Holiday also shares insights about setting personal boundaries to guard against negative impulses, linking this to his own experiences and Stoic teachings. The episode is a blend of humor, personal anecdotes, and philosophical discussions, offering a unique take on Stoicism through the lens of a comedian.

Key Insights

• Stoicism is used by Bert Kreischer to manage his emotional responses and sensitivity, focusing on controlling what he can rather than external circumstances.
• Bert Kreischer suggests that Emperor Nero may have been more successful than historically acknowledged, particularly during the early years of his reign under Seneca's guidance.
• To maintain freshness and excitement, the podcast 'Two Bears, One Cave' reduced its episode frequency, reflecting the pressure on content creators to innovate continuously.
• Ryan Holiday discusses George Washington's efforts to control his temper as an embodiment of Stoic principles, highlighting the philosophy's focus on responsible enjoyment of success.