Why Bert Kreischer Thinks He Needs a Stoic Coach - The Daily Stoic Recap

Podcast: The Daily Stoic

Published: 2026-01-31

Duration: 38 minutes

Guests: Bert Kreischer

Summary

Bert Kreischer discusses his struggle with balancing discipline and indulgence, particularly in relation to sobriety, and the role Stoic principles play in navigating public perception and personal satisfaction.

What Happened

Bert Kreischer opens up about his ongoing battle with sobriety, driven by a recent health scare and the requirement to take medication that prohibits alcohol. He describes a 'witching hour' at 5 PM where the urge to drink becomes almost overpowering, revealing the deeply ingrained habits he is trying to overcome. Kreischer is candid about a personal experience during the pandemic which spurred his initial attempt to quit drinking, highlighting how a near-miss with a falling palm frond made him reassess his life choices.

Ryan Holiday discusses the Stoic principle of not letting external opinions dictate one's mood or sense of success. This resonates with Kreischer, who finds it challenging to strike a balance between caring and not caring about things outside of his control. He recalls the contrasting fortunes of his movie, 'The Machine,' which underperformed in theaters but later topped Netflix's charts, illustrating the disconnect between public perception and personal satisfaction.

The conversation delves into the tension between discipline and indulgence, with Kreischer admitting that sometimes he feels better when hungover than sober. This paradox ties into his current struggle with routine and excess, and his desire for a mentor similar to those found in recovery programs, to help guide him through these challenges.

Kreischer talks about the impact of public criticism and the importance of leaning into Stoicism to maintain personal truth. He recounts a specific event, a roast of Tom Brady, where he felt personal satisfaction despite online criticism, underscoring the Stoic idea of focusing on internal measures of success.

Holiday shares his approach to dealing with the unpredictability of book sales, emphasizing that defining success should be based on factors within one's control. This philosophy aligns with Kreischer's journey, as he seeks to remain playful and joyful in his career, irrespective of external validation.

Ultimately, the discussion highlights the need to stay focused on aspects of life that are within one's control. Kreischer's reflections on being a stand-up comedian, where success is often judged by audience response, further reinforce this idea. His willingness to embrace Stoic principles as a means of navigating the complexities of fame and personal growth is a testament to his ongoing journey.

Key Insights