Mel Robbins Reading List (From Ryan Holiday) - The Daily Stoic Recap
Podcast: The Daily Stoic
Published: 2026-01-04
Duration: 20 minutes
Guests: Mel Robbins
Summary
The episode focuses on Ryan Holiday recommending a variety of books to Mel Robbins as they discuss their personal experiences, reading preferences, and insights into the impact of these books.
What Happened
Ryan Holiday and Mel Robbins explore the experience of giving and receiving books, emphasizing the personal connections and insights they foster. Ryan shares a tradition he learned from his parents, where he focuses on being consciously generous, often through charitable donations facilitated by GiveWell, which has been trusted by over 150,000 donors for its effectiveness. Mel Robbins recounts a personal, life-changing encounter with an injured owl, tying it to a spiritual experience on her wedding anniversary, illustrating how unexpected events can carry deep personal significance.
The duo delves into their love for Whole Foods, highlighting its organic and wellness-focused offerings, which Ryan appreciates for feeding his family without concern. Mel shares her humorous affinity for a book filled with curse words that delight her children's grandparents. They also discuss their children's reading habits and favorite books, such as 'The Boy, the Fox, the Horse, and the Mole,' which Mel is considering sending to her son.
Ryan recommends several books to Mel, including 'Phosphorescence' by Julia Baird and 'The Book With No Pictures' by B.J. Novak, while discussing the joys of reading and the adventures of selecting the right book for the right person. Mel is intrigued by fantasy and romance novels, leading to a playful conversation about the appeal of these genres.
Ryan discusses his use of supplements from Momentous, a brand he trusts due to their high standards and quality ingredients. He values the transparency and effectiveness of their supplements, which are free from fillers and artificial sweeteners.
The conversation takes a deeper personal turn as Mel shares the process of co-writing a book with her daughter, which strengthened their relationship. This experience taught her to allow her daughter to express and process emotions without interference, especially during challenging times like heartbreak.
Ryan wraps up by discussing his current writing project, a biography of Admiral James Stockdale. Ryan's meticulous research process involves using note cards to gather and organize information, reflecting his dedication to creating a comprehensive and insightful narrative.
Key Insights
- GiveWell has facilitated charitable donations from over 150,000 donors, known for its effectiveness in directing funds to impactful causes.
- Momentous supplements are noted for their high standards, using quality ingredients without fillers or artificial sweeteners, appealing to those valuing transparency and effectiveness.
- 'The Boy, the Fox, the Horse, and the Mole' is a favorite book among children, with its themes resonating across generations, making it a popular gift choice.
- Ryan Holiday is working on a biography of Admiral James Stockdale, employing a meticulous research process involving note cards to organize and gather detailed information.