Bert Kreischer Has a Stoicism Problem

Summary of Bert Kreischer Has a Stoicism Problem

by Daily Stoic | Backyard Ventures

45m•January 28, 2026
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Overview of Bert Kreischer Has a Stoicism Problem

This episode (part 1) of the Daily Stoic Podcast (Backyard Ventures) features host Ryan Holiday in conversation with comedian Bert Kreischer. The discussion springs from a phone call Tom Segura made to Ryan saying Bert thinks “stoicism sucks.” The episode mixes a concise primer on Stoic philosophy with candid, often funny stories from Burt about career, fame, fear, and impulse — plus a deeper look at why Stoicism can feel attractive yet alien to certain personalities. Ryan explains Stoic basics and historical examples (Seneca, Nero, Epictetus, Marcus Aurelius), while Burt explores how those ideas collide with being an extroverted performer who’s struggled with criticism, burnout, and the temptation to always say “yes.”

Key takeaways

  • Stoicism in plain terms: you don’t control external events, you control your response. The core Stoic virtues Ryan highlights are courage, self-discipline, justice, and wisdom.
  • Stoicism is a practice, not a personality trait. Even historically “stoic” figures worked to cultivate self-control; it’s aspirational and requires effort.
  • Burt’s objection is less to Stoic principles and more to a caricature of Stoicism as being stooped, joyless, or equivalent to introversion/passivity.
  • Modern attention economies (media clicks, social platforms) make practicing stoic habits harder: headlines, comments, and alerts provoke instant emotional reactions.
  • Stepping back from work/visibility takes discipline and is often healthier than grinding — but it’s scary because of money, attention, and FOMO.
  • Historical cautionary tale: Seneca’s relationship with Nero illustrates how philosophical integrity can be compromised by power and proximity to corrupt systems.

Notable quotes & insights

  • Ryan Holiday: “We don't control what happens in the world… but we control how we respond to the world around us.”
  • Stoic virtues summarized: “Courage, self-discipline, justice, and wisdom.”
  • Burt Kreischer: “I take my shirt off, and they kind of look past the fact that I'm a really good storyteller.”
  • On stepping back: “It weirdly takes almost more discipline to walk away.”
  • Seneca paraphrase (from the conversation): happiness involves having a sense of the path you’re on and not being distracted by paths that crisscross yours.

Topics discussed

  • Stoic basics and purpose
    • Stoicism is presented as a practical framework for dealing with life’s hardships, not mere abstract theorizing.
    • Stoicism is a discipline you practice; even those who appear calm often work at it.
  • Burt’s perspective and career anecdotes
    • How his “shirtless” stage persona sometimes obscures the craft underneath.
    • The Vail corporate show anecdote: doing the shirt bit for a $25k gig, and the fall from a waterfall while filming — a near-crippling accident that reframed his perspective.
    • How negative press/headlines (“Bert Kreischer ruins Christmas Day”) provoke strong emotional reactions and anxiety.
    • Discussion of touring, burnout, and the decision to reduce output on podcasts (Two Bears, Birdcast) to preserve quality and sanity.
  • Fame, comparison, and community dynamics
    • Observations about jealousy among peers and how success changes relationships.
    • “Channel markers” idea: follow role models who point you in the right creative direction, but avoid unhealthy comparisons.
  • Historical examples
    • Seneca tutoring Nero, the tragic arc of power corrupting (Nero’s descent), and Epictetus witnessing the aftermath — used as a moral lesson about philosophical integrity under pressure.
    • George Washington’s temper — used to point out that Stoic behavior often requires active work, not native immunity to emotion.

Practical advice & recommended actions

  • Treat Stoicism as a practice — expect setbacks, and work at it.
  • Limit exposure to triggers:
    • Remove news/social apps or put them one step removed (e.g., off your phone).
    • Design boundaries (e.g., let someone else manage social accounts if you’re tempted to check).
  • Be intentional about “enough”:
    • Decide what you value (work, family, scene) and accept trade-offs. Picking two of three can help set priorities.
  • When overwhelmed by criticism:
    • Pause and consider the source and motives (clickbait, attention-seeking) before reacting.
    • Use small rituals (journaling, reflection) — while not detailed in the episode, Ryan implies morning/evening reflection and boundary-setting are central Stoic tools.
  • On creative careers and burnout:
    • Reduce cadence when quality suffers; scarcity of output is preferable to low-quality, rote production.
    • Trust that stepping back can lead to better work and long-term sustainability.

Episode details & where to watch/listen

  • Guest: Bert Kreischer (comedian; host of Two Bears One Cave with Tom Segura)
  • Host: Ryan Holiday / Daily Stoic Podcast (Backyard Ventures)
  • This is Part 1; Ryan mentioned Part 2 will be released later in the week.
  • Recommendations mentioned: watch Burt Kreischer’s Netflix show Free Burt; follow Burt on social platforms (handle: BertKreischer); read Stoic texts (Marcus Aurelius, Seneca, Epictetus) and Ryan Holiday’s Stoic books/podcast for entry-level practical guidance.

This episode is a useful listen if you’re curious about how Stoic principles apply (or clash) with an extroverted, fame-driven life — and it provides concrete, down-to-earth examples of both the benefits and the difficulties of trying to live more deliberately.