EP 1236
1236. How to STOP Living in Fear and Find Your Purpose in Life | Ryan Holiday
Discover how fear silently controls your life—and how courage can set you free. In this compelling conversation, Ryan Holiday, bestselling author of Courage Is Calling, joins Dave Asprey to explore the transformative power of courage in facing fear, making bold choices, and finding true purpose. Drawing on Stoic philosophy, historical insights, and modern challenges, this episode delivers actionable wisdom to help you conquer self-doubt, embrace responsibility, and live a life of meaning and impact.
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In this Episode of The Human Upgrade™...
Fear is quietly running your life—and it’s holding you back from the purpose and success you deserve. In this episode, we revisit Dave chatting with one of the keynote speakers for the Biohacking Conference 2025, Ryan Holiday, the bestselling author of Courage Is Calling, to tackle the one thing standing between you and your potential: fear.
Why should you listen? Because fear is the root cause of procrastination, self-doubt, and the endless excuses that keep you stuck. Ryan reveals why courage isn’t just about bravery—it’s about making the hard choices that align with your purpose, even when the stakes are high.
Drawing on powerful examples from history and modern life, Ryan explains how fear can be transformed into a catalyst for action and why embracing discomfort is the key to unlocking true freedom. If you’ve ever felt paralyzed by uncertainty, this episode will give you the tools and perspective to take control, face your fears, and create the life you’re meant to live.
Why This Episode Matters:
- You’ll discover how fear sneaks into your decisions—and how to stop it
- Learn why courage is the ultimate skill for success and fulfillment
- Get actionable advice to break through self-imposed limits
- Understand the psychology of fear and how to use it as fuel
- Hear real-life stories of people who overcame fear to achieve greatness
Sponsors
-Zbiotics | Go to https://zbiotics.com/DAVE for 15% off your first order.
-Pendulum | Go to https://pendulumlife.com/ and use code Asprey20 for your first month of GLP-1 or any Pendulum formula.
“Be scared. You can’t help that. Just don’t be afraid.”
Ryan Holiday
- 00:00 – Intro
Dave introduces Ryan Holiday and sets the stage for a conversation on courage and fear.
- 00:44 – Discussing Ryan Holiday’s Work
Insights into Ryan’s books, including Courage Is Calling, and his approach to modern Stoicism.
- 02:37 – The Concept of Courage
What courage truly means and how it applies to everyday life.
- 08:09 – Fear and Courage in History
How historical figures like Florence Nightingale transformed fear into action.
- 12:41 – Stoic Philosophy and Modern Applications
Practical ways to apply ancient Stoic principles to today’s challenges.
- 21:50 – The Four Virtues and Their Interrelation
Exploring courage, temperance, justice, and wisdom as a cohesive framework.
- 28:39 – Challenges in Admitting Mistakes
Why admitting errors requires courage and how it leads to growth.
- 35:21 – Navigating Business Risks During a Pandemic
Ryan shares personal insights from opening a bookstore amid global uncertainty.
- 36:44 – The Essence of Courage in Business and Life
How bold decision-making shapes success and fulfillment.
- 37:03 – Reed Hastings and the Duality of Courage
Lessons from Netflix’s evolution and moments of missed opportunity.
- 40:06 – Moral Courage: Lessons from History
The importance of standing up for principles, even in the face of adversity.
- 43:35 – The Debate on Mandates and Personal Freedom
A nuanced discussion on balancing societal health and individual rights.
- 45:22 – Balancing Public Health and Individual Rights
Ryan and Dave examine the complexities of collective responsibility.
- 58:29 – The Role of Responsibility in Society
Why embracing responsibility is essential for a functioning world.
- 01:09:01 – The Importance of Intellectual Courage
How questioning beliefs and assumptions leads to personal and societal growth.
- 01:12:04 – Reaching Audiences in a Noisy World
Ryan shares his strategies for spreading meaningful ideas in an attention-driven age.
- 01:13:27 – Final Thoughts and Encouragement
Wrapping up with Ryan’s advice on how courage can transform lives and communities.
Resources:
2025 Biohacking Conference – https://biohackingconference.com/2025
Ryan Holiday’s Website – https://ryanholiday.net
Daily Stoic Website – https://dailystoic.com/
Ryan Holiday’s Book: Courage Is Calling – https://a.co/d/czEfCXC
Ryan Holiday’s Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/ryanholiday
Danger Coffee – https://dangercoffee.com
Dave Asprey’s Website – https://daveasprey.com
Dave Asprey’s Book: Smarter Not Harder – https://daveasprey.com/books
Dave Asprey’s Linktree – https://linktr.ee/daveasprey
Upgrade Collective: Join The Human Upgrade Podcast Live – https://www.ourupgradecollective.com
Own an Upgrade Labs – https://ownanupgradelabs.com
Upgrade Labs – https://upgradelabs.com
40 Years of Zen – Neurofeedback Training for Advanced Cognitive Enhancement – https://40yearsofzen.com
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