Podcasts about discourses

Eliza R. Snow is perhaps the woman in our Relief Society history who we hear the most about, and for good reason. She was a writer, organizer, temple worker, and advocate for women. She was an accomplished teacher and encouraged fellow sisters to overcome fears of public speaking and to minister to each other and their communities. She was a force for good whose influence extends to us today. During this month where we celebrate the birthday of the Relief Society, we're learning how we can continue her legacy by standing for truth with bold faith, encouraging one another through our words and actions, and ministering and teaching as the Savior would.  Today's guest, Jenny Reeder, works for the Church History Department on historic sites. She has a PhD in American history from George Mason University and a Masters degree in editing documents. She's also a writer, and wrote First: The Life and Faith of Emma Smith and was head historian and editor of At the Pulpit: 185 Years of Discourses by Latter-day Saint Women. Most recently, she was head historian and editor of Rise Up and Speak: Selected Discourses of Eliza R. Snow. Notes: Local to Salt Lake City? Hear more from Jenny Reeder at this special event. Wednesday, March 18, at the downtown Salt Lake Deseret Book store, gather with historians from the Church History Department to discuss the bold teachings of Eliza R. Snow captured in the new book, Rise Up and Speak. Discover how this inspiring 19th-century leader helped found the Relief Society, Young Women, and Primary organizations—and learn why her call for Church members to speak up still resonates today. Stay for a Q&A and meet and greet. Click the link to claim your free ticket! Read the book! Rise Up and Speak: Selected Discourses of Eliza R. Snow.

Join Pastor Mike Burchfield as he continues his series, Discourses of the King of Heaven. This Sunday he will be discussing: Building a Better Marriage, Part 2 Text: Selected Scriptures

Join Pastor Mike Burchfield as he continues his series, Discourses of the King of Heaven. This Sunday he will be discussing: Building a Better Marriage Text: Selected Scriptures

Go deeper in the Stoic Vault: stoicvault.com---You read that line in the Discourses and your brain goes straight to cravings. Appetites. The stuff you're ashamed of. But that's not what Epictetus meant — and the real meaning is more useful than any advice about willpower.In this episode I break down the Greek word orexis, explain why it has nothing to do with food or your phone, and walk through the three levels most people get stuck on: the demand, the indifference, and the preference with reservation. Only one of them is Stoicism.I also share a personal story about driving to pick up my son on a difficult morning — and how I caught myself staking my entire peace on outcomes I couldn't control.Includes a practical exercise you can try today: one question to ask yourself the next time a plan falls through.

Jean-Paul Sartre (1905–1980) forced a generation to confront a radical idea: existence precedes essence.   We are not born with a fixed nature — we create ourselves through choices. That freedom is powerful… and unsettling.

Welcome to a miniseries about gender nonconformity pronouns in literature! In this episode, the amazing linguist Laura Paterson asks me many clever questions about singular they in literature. We talk about the function of pronouns, common misunderstanding about singular they, and neutral versus gender-nonconforming use of this fantastic third person pronoun. Whether you would like reading recommendations (Virginia Woolf, Lamya H, Rae Spoon…) or some insight into what singular they can do in creative and academic writing, this episode might have some answers – or questions – for you.  ReferencesLena Mattheis' Queer Forms and Pronouns: Gender Nonconformity in Anglophone Literature (Oxford University Press, 2026)Laura Paterson (ed.) The Routledge Handbook of Pronouns (Routledge, 2023)Anna LiviaLamya H's Hijab Butch Blues (2023)Rae Spoon's Green Glass Ghosts (2021)Jeanette Winterson's Written on the Body (1992)Anne Garréta's Sphinx (1986)Charlie Josephine's I, Joan (2022)The Globehttps://www.shakespearesglobe.com/identity-in-i-joan/Kit HeyamLaura Paterson and Georgina Turner (eds) Approaches to Discourses of Marriage (Routledge, 2024)Lal Zimman  Questions you should be able to respond to after listening:    What is a pronoun?    How does Lena define gender-nonconformity pronouns?    Why is it relevant whether a narrator comments on pronoun use or not? Which examples does Lena provide?    Which literary texts do Laura and Lena mention? Which one would you like to read and why?    What do Laura and Lena discuss about pronouns in academic writing? Do you have an established practice for this?

The Rebbe clarifies the Lubavitch custom regarding the timing of a Chassidic discourse during Friday night services, noting it should be between Mizmor Shir and Kegavna. He also advises consulting local elders regarding specific Jerusalem customs. https://www.torahrecordings.com/rebbe/igroskodesh/016/006/6088

Ludwig Wittgenstein (1889–1951) reshaped modern philosophy by asking a deceptively simple question: How does language work?

Join Pastor Mike Burchfield as he continues his series, Discourses of the King of Heaven. This Sunday he will be discussing: The Fruit of an Impure Heart (and how to prevent it) Matthew 5:31-32 It was also said, ‘Whoever divorces his wife, let him give her a certificate of divorce.' 32 But I say to you that everyone who divorces his wife, except on the ground of sexual immorality, makes her commit adultery, and whoever marries a divorced woman commits adultery.

Welcome to the Via Stoica Podcast, where we explore how Stoic philosophy guides us toward living well with ourselves and others. In this episode, we reflect on Epictetus' insight on friendship and values:“What a man sets his heart on, that he naturally loves... It remains for us to conclude then that good things alone are what they set their heart on. And if they set their heart on those, they love them too.”Epictetus, Discourses, Book 2, Chapter 22Epictetus reminds us that people naturally love what they believe to be good. When someone acts poorly, it is often because they misunderstand what truly benefits them. Stoicism teaches that real good lies not in wealth, status, or external success, but in virtue and good character. When we understand this, our priorities change, and so do the relationships and friendships we cultivate.This connects with the Stoic disciplines of Desire, Assent, and Action: we learn to value what truly matters, question mistaken judgments about success or happiness, and act in ways that support both our own character and the well-being of others. Practically, this means choosing friendships grounded in shared values, guiding others with patience when possible, and remembering that everyone acts according to what they think is best, even when they are mistaken.For more, check out this related article with the Stoic view on friendship:https://viastoica.com/the-stoic-view-of-friendship/And if you're looking for more Stoic sayings, visit viastoica.com, where you'll find hundreds of quotes with full references to the original texts:https://viastoica.com/stoic-quoteshttps://viastoica.com/marcus-aurelius-quoteshttps://viastoica.com/epictetus-quoteshttps://viastoica.com/seneca-quotesMake sure to subscribe for more Stoic Quotes episodes every Friday, as well as our Tuesday interviews and longer discussions.Support the showhttps://viastoica.comhttps://viastoica.com/stoic-life-coachinghttps://viastoica.com/benny-vonckenhttps://x.com/ViaStoicainfo@viastoica.comProduced by: badmic.com

Join Pastor Mike Burchfield as he continues his series, Discourses of the King of Heaven. This Sunday he will be discussing: The Danger of an Impure Heart (and how to avoid it) Matthew 5:27-30 You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall not commit adultery.' But I say to you that everyone who looks at a woman with lustful intent has already committed adultery with her in his heart. If your right eye causes you to sin, tear it out and throw it away. For it is better that you lose one of your members than that your whole body be thrown into hell. And if your right hand causes you to sin, cut it off and throw it away. For it is better that you lose one of your members than that your whole body go into hell.

Sri Aurobindo (1872–1950) lived two extraordinary lives in one lifetime — revolutionary nationalist and visionary yogi.   From the Alipore trial to the quietude of Pondicherry, he shifted the conversation from political freedom to inner evolution. His Integral Yoga proposed something radical: not escape from the world, but transformation of it — a movement from mind to "Supermind," from human to supramental consciousness.   The Life Divine, The Synthesis of Yoga, and Savitri remain profound explorations of human potential and spiritual evolution.   A thinker of synthesis — East and West, action and contemplation, nation and cosmos.

Psalm 37Reading 1: Proverbs 8Reading 2: From the Discourses against the Arians by St. Athanasius, bishopSt. Helena Ministries is a registered 501(c)3 non-profit. Your donations may be tax-deductibleSupport us at: sthelenaministries.com/supportPresentation of the Liturgy of the Hours (Divine Office) from The Liturgy of the Hours (Four Volumes) © 1975, International Commission on English in the Liturgy Corporation. The texts of Biblical readings are reproduced from the New American Bible © 1975

Join Pastor Mike Burchfield as he continues his series, Discourses of the King of Heaven. This Sunday he will be discussing: Anger Questions. Matthew 5:21-22 “You have heard that it was said to those of old, ‘You shall not murder; and whoever murders will be liable to judgment.' But I say to you that everyone who is angry with his brother will be liable to judgment; whoever insults his brother will be liable to the council; and whoever says, ‘You fool!' will be liable to the hell of fire.

Bertrand Russell showed that clear thinking is a moral act

Peterson answers the "usurper" claim and explains the succession reality after 1844. Was Brigham Young God's Choice? Dan Peterson on presentism, caricatures, and why "Brother Brigham" deserves a fair reading. The Brigham Young Smear Machine- Cherry-picking quotes, the Journal of Discourses problem, and what historians are finding in his real words. The Exodus West needed a frontiersman The 1844 succession crisis explained—why the Twelve were the only path to Joseph's "program." Brigham vs. Sidney Rigdon: What REALLY Happened in 1844 Keys, temple trajectory, and why rival claimants couldn't carry Joseph's blueprint forward. Subtitle: Peterson draws a parallel to modern succession—what most people misunderstand. "The biggest misrepresentation of Brigham Young"—how transcripts shaped the legend. The Priesthood Ban: What We Know—and Don't Know No "smoking gun," sudden shifts Slavery, and the Story Most People Miss-  What "This Abominable Slavery" argues—and why it complicates the simplistic narratives. The "Polygamy Wasn't Joseph" Theory Is Collapsing- Why historians reject the denialism—and why blaming Brigham breaks the entire Restoration story. Did Brigham Young Invent Polygamy? Peterson calls it "lunacy"—plus the Section 132 authorship evidence and historical sources. Section 132: The Cog They Can't Remove If Joseph didn't teach it, who did? A sober look at the logic trap and the historical record. Adam-God: What Brigham Actually Meant (And Why It Won't Die) Peterson's best honest answer: speculation, cherry-picking, and what we still don't know. "I Made a Covenant Not to Discuss It." The Nibley Story A surprising moment about Adam-God, secrecy, and why the 19th-century speculation still haunts us. Cwic Media Website: http://www.cwicmedia.com

Swami Vivekananda reminded the world that spiritual strength and social service are inseparable

Welcome to the Via Stoica Podcast, where we explore how Stoic wisdom helps us navigate modern life. In this episode, we reflect on Epictetus' reminder:“In a similar way, you too should remind yourself that what you love is mortal, that what you love is not your own. It is granted to you for the present while and not irrevocably, not forever, but like a fig or a bunch of grapes in the appointed season. And if you long for it in the winter, you are a fool.” Epictetus, Discourses, Book 3, Chapter 24.86The message is simple and powerful: everything we enjoy, relationships, possessions, circumstances, is temporary. Suffering arises when we cling to what is gone or long for what is not present. Stoicism teaches us to align our desires with reality, appreciate what is here now, and avoid missing the present moment while chasing something absent.This connects directly with the Stoic disciplines of Desire, Assent, and Action: want only what is within your power, question the judgments that create attachment, and act with gratitude toward what you have today. Practically, this means giving attention to the people around you, appreciating what is in your life now, and remembering that everything we love is given to us only for a time.For more, check out this related article with quotes on Stoic desire and attachment:https://viastoica.com/how-to-practice-the-stoic-discipline-desire/And if you're looking for more Stoic sayings, visit viastoica.com, where you'll find hundreds of quotes with full references to the original texts:https://viastoica.com/stoic-quoteshttps://viastoica.com/marcus-aurelius-quoteshttps://viastoica.com/epictetus-quoteshttps://viastoica.com/seneca-quotesMake sure to subscribe for more Stoic Quotes episodes every Friday, as well as our Tuesday interviews and longer discussions.Support the showhttps://viastoica.comhttps://viastoica.com/stoic-life-coachinghttps://viastoica.com/benny-vonckenhttps://x.com/ViaStoicainfo@viastoica.comProduced by: badmic.com

Sri Ramakrishna Paramahamsa showed that spiritual truth is lived, not debated

Join Pastor Mike Burchfield as he continues his series, Discourses of the King of Heaven. This Sunday he will be discussing: Anger: Its Danger and Cure. Matthew 5:21-26 So if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar and go. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift.

2025年10月10日，我和张晨晨、伍勤一起聊了聊中国舆论场中的巴以与国际舆论场中的中国，话题涉及文明等级论、反犹与恐穆、“自由主义国际秩序”合法性的瓦解、反帝与反威权夹缝之间的国际团结何以可能等等。这期内容由播客《时差》（第21期）和播客《从河至海》（第8期）联合发布，我在这里另行备份。《时差》（buzzsprout、小宇宙）由我和张晨晨、郭婷共同主持，旨在向公众介绍海外人文社科领域的最新发展及年轻华人学者的相关研究；《从河至海》（typlog、小宇宙）是一档旨在从知识出发走向行动，以中文语境和亚洲视角来认识、讨论、声援巴勒斯坦的播客。又及：《E.21 文化战争与加沙危机中的美国高校》（Spodify、小宇宙）"Interregimatic Solidarity and Antiauthoritarian Resilience", International Feminist Journal of Politics, Volume 27 (2025), Issue 4, Pages 761-784

Join Pastor Mike Burchfield as he continues his series, Discourses of the King of Heaven. This Sunday he will be discussing: Christ and the Use of the Law. Matthew 5:18-20 For truly, I say to you, until heaven and earth pass away, not an iota, not a dot, will pass from the Law until all is accomplished. Therefore whoever relaxes one of the least of these commandments and teaches others to do the same will be called least in the kingdom of heaven, but whoever does them and teaches them will be called great in the kingdom of heaven. For I tell you, unless your righteousness exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.

Friedrich Nietzsche challenged the modern mind to think bravely, live honestly, and create meaning rather than inherit it

Brief notes on John Owen's Preface to the Reader in his work "Meditations and Discourses on the Glory of Christ" at OURC's men's ministry "Anchored"

In Grandmotherland, Dr Judith Edwards offers an exploration of Grandmotherhood as an intergenerational, relational, and socially constructed position. Drawing on myth, fairy tales, family narratives, and contemporary lived experience, she examines how dominant cultural discourses shape expectations of grandmothers and organise family roles, boundaries, and power across generations. Judith attends to patterns of transmission, alliance, exclusion, and care, situating Grandmotherhood within wider socio-economic and cultural contexts—including the increasing reliance on grandmothers for childcare. Grandmotherland invites systemic practitioners and scholars to rethink grannyhood not as a fixed role, but as a dynamic position shaped by relationships, histories, and social structures.Judith Edwards is a child and adolescent psychotherapist who has worked for over thirty years at the Tavistock Clinic in London. Love the Wild Swan: The Selected Works of Judith Edwards was published by Routledge in their World Library of Mental Health series, and her edited book, Psychoanalysis and Other Matters: Where Are We Now? was also published by Routledge. From 1996 to 2000, she was joint editor of the Journal of Child Psychotherapy. Apart from her clinical experience, one of her principal interests is in the links between psychoanalysis, culture, and the arts, as well as making psychoanalytic ideas accessible to a wider audience. She has an international academic publishing record and in 2010 was awarded the Jan Lee memorial prize for the best paper linking psychoanalysis and the arts during that year: ‘Teaching & Learning about Psychoanalysis: Film as a teaching tool'.

Join Pastor Mike Burchfield as he continues his series, Discourses of the King of Heaven. This Sunday he will be discussing: Christ, the Fulfillment of the Law Matthew 5:17-18 Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them. For truly, I say to you, until heaven and earth pass away, not an iota, not a dot, will pass from the Law until all is accomplished.

Welcome to the Via Stoica Podcast, the podcast on Stoicism. In this week's Stoic Quotes episode, we look at Epictetus, Discourses, Book 4, Chapter 4, recorded by Arrian. He writes: “But it is a much finer thing to be happy, to have a peaceful and undisturbed mind, to have what concerns you depend on nobody but yourself.”At first glance, this can sound like withdrawal from the world, but Epictetus is pointing to something more demanding. He is reminding us that the moment we tie our happiness to externals, whether comfort, leisure, approval, or even quiet, we become dependent and easily disturbed. Stoic happiness is not about arranging perfect conditions, but about cultivating inner steadiness through right judgment. In modern terms, peace comes not from controlling life, but from aligning our desires with what is truly up to us.This teaching echoes through Stoicism, from Marcus Aurelius' emphasis on inner rule to Seneca's insistence that freedom begins with self-command. It touches all three Stoic disciplines: Desire, by letting go of attachments to externals; Assent, by examining the judgments that create disturbance; and Action, by choosing what accords with reason and virtue, even when it feels uncomfortable. Practically, this means learning to remain composed when plans fail, choosing values over convenience, and finding contentment in acting well rather than feeling comfortable.For more, check out this related article with quotes on Stoic inner peace and solitude:https://viastoica.com/10-marcus-aurelius-quotes-on-being-alone/And if you're looking for more Stoic sayings, visit viastoica.com, where you'll find hundreds of quotes with full references to the original texts:https://viastoica.com/stoic-quoteshttps://viastoica.com/marcus-aurelius-quoteshttps://viastoica.com/epictetus-quoteshttps://viastoica.com/seneca-quotesMake sure to subscribe for more Stoic Quotes episodes every Friday, as well as our Tuesday interviews and longer discussions.Support the showhttps://viastoica.comhttps://viastoica.com/stoic-life-coachinghttps://viastoica.com/benny-vonckenhttps://x.com/ViaStoicainfo@viastoica.comProduced by: badmic.com

Join Pastor Mike Burchfield as he continues his series, Discourses of the King of Heaven. This Sunday he will be discussing: Being Salt and Light Pt 2 Matthew 5:13-16 You are the salt of the earth, but if salt has lost its taste, how shall its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything except to be thrown out and trampled under people's feet. You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.

What prompted Jonathan Edwards to publish a collection of sermons during a period of spiritual decline? Today, Stephen Nichols looks at Edwards' Discourses on Various Important Subjects and the pastoral concerns that shaped this influential book. Read the transcript: https://ligonier.org/podcasts/5-minutes-in-church-history-with-stephen-nichols/the-story-of-5-sermons/ A donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Donate: https://donate.ligonier.org/ Explore all of our podcasts: https://www.ligonier.org/podcasts

Jeremy Jeremiah, Cloud of Witnesses, reacts to and answers the call from: bayliebelieves, Baylie Clarke, (https://www.tiktok.com/@bayliebelieves) viral video.Jeremy quotes directly from 19th Century documents, original source, discourses by Joseph Smith and Brigham Young to demonstrate that the LDS faith is anything but Christian (by any stretch of the imagination).  Joseph Smith and Brigham Young taught that God the Father was once finite, and was once "a man" just like you or me.  The conversation turns on a single hinge: does Latter-day Saint theology align with historic, orthodox Christianity? We explore this by defining terms, citing primary sources, and testing claims against scripture. The starting point is the Trinity, not as a word-game, but as a boundary-setting confession about who God is. Classical Christianity says God is one being in three persons, sharing one divine essence, without confusion of persons. That means the Father is not the Son, the Son is not the Spirit, yet each is fully and eternally God. This guardrail matters because it protects both God's oneness and the real distinction among Father, Son, and Spirit, and it anchors the meaning of the incarnation as God the Son taking on human nature without ceasing to be what he eternally is.From there, the critique of LDS claims comes into focus: the Mormon teaching that God the Father was once a man who progressed to godhood, and that humans may likewise be exalted as gods as taught clearly for years by Joseph Smith and Brigham Young (Mormonism's first two so called prophets). The episode reads from Joseph Smith's King Follett Discourse and Brigham Young's Journal of Discourses to show how these ideas are presented within early LDS leadership. The claim is not a stray footnote; it is a thread that runs through the sources. If God was once finite, then divine eternality and aseity are compromised. Historic Christianity insists that God is uncreated, without beginning, dependent on nothing beyond himself. If deity is an achievement, the word “God” loses its unique, absolute meaning and turns into a rank one can attain.The discussion then tests LDS proof texts. Stephen's vision in Acts 7 is cited and corrected: Stephen sees the glory of God and Jesus standing at the right hand of God, which fits the Christian confession that no one has seen the Father in his essence, yet the Son reveals the Father. The host clarifies essence and person using simple analogies: two humans share humanity yet remain distinct persons; similarly, the divine persons share one divine essence while remaining truly distinct. This is not modalism and not three gods; it is the mystery of one God in three persons, confessed in the creeds and rooted in scripture.A second axis is the incarnation. Jesus did not “become God”; he became man. The eternal Son took on flesh through Mary, remaining what he was while assuming what he was not. If one imports the idea that the Father once gained godhood, the logic pressures the incarnation into a story of divine ascent rather than divine condescension. Historic Christianity resists this inversion: salvation is not climbing into deity by degrees, but being united to Christ by grace, participating in God's life without becoming gods by nature. The difference between deification in classical theology and exaltation in LDS teaching is not semantic; it concerns whether God is eternally God and whether creaturely nature can ever cross the Creator–creature line.Questions about Orthodoxy? Please check out our friends at Ghost of Byzantium Discord server: https://discord.gg/JDJDQw6tdhPlease prayerfully consider supporting Cloud of Witnesses: https://www.patreon.com/c/CloudofWitnessesFind Cloud of Witnesses on Instagram, X.com, Facebook, and TikTok.Please leave a comment with your thoughts!

Did Brigham Young really teach that Adam was God? In this powerful and clarifying episode of WARD RADIO, hosts Jonah Barnes, Austin Falter, and Cardon Ellis dive deep into one of the most misunderstood topics in Latter-day Saint history — the so-called Adam-God Theory.From historical documents to punctuation changes that flipped entire meanings, this conversation exposes how copy errors, misquotes, and 19th-century shorthand turned a handful of ambiguous statements into one of Mormonism's biggest controversies.With the help of scholars like Richard Brunson and Elden Watson, Jonah Barnes breaks down original sources, including the Journal of Discourses and the Joseph Smith Papers, to show how a misplaced comma or title misunderstanding (“Adam” as a title, not a name) created theological confusion that critics have weaponized for decades.Together, the hosts show how Brigham Young's real teachings fit within LDS doctrine — not against it — and offer comfort to those whose faith has been shaken by online debates or anti-Mormon claims.

Exploring Hegel's Vision of Progress and Freedom

This is the recording of my short presentation and the Q&A at the second Conversations With Modern Stoicism event, hosted in June 2025 by Phil Yanov. Asked to give a short and provocative presentation about an issue that arises in the everyday applications of Stoicism, we decided on the topic of grief and grieving I first discuss what we can call a "standard Stoic take" on grief, which they understand as belonging to the broader emotional category of pain or distress, and therefore being something bad for us. We then look briefly at some of the treatments of grief and grieving in Epictetus and Seneca. Texts mentioned in this talk: Marcus Aurelius' Meditations - https://amzn.to/3osPFNF Epictetus' Discourses and Enchiridion - https://amzn.to/37G6bE0 Seneca's Letters - https://amzn.to/3dZQrNk Cicero's Tusculan Disputations - https://amzn.to/3L1WoxY

This is the talk I was invited to provide for Stoicon-X New England 2020. I take the recent case of a fired Lidl communications worker who claimed that he was unjustly fired on account of his Stoicism. I use this case as a starting point to discuss what sorts of conduct would actually be characteristic of a follower of Stoicism in the workplace, and what resources and advice Stoic philosophy can provide us. Texts mentioned in this talk: Marcus Aurelius' Meditations - https://amzn.to/3osPFNF Epictetus' Discourses and Enchiridion - https://amzn.to/37G6bE0 Seneca's Letters - https://amzn.to/3dZQrNk Cicero's On The Ends - https://amzn.to/3mmgJMB

Immanuel Kant: The Architect of Modern Reason

Exploring David Hume

Join Pastor Mike Burchfield as he continues his series, Discourses of the King of Heaven. This Sunday he will be discussing: Being Salt and Light Matthew 5:13-16 You are the salt of the earth, but if salt has lost its taste, how shall its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything except to be thrown out and trampled under people's feet. You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.

my invited talk at the first Stoicon-X Brasil online conference. Due to technical issues, I provided a live presentation (translation provided by participants) to the conference. In this presentation, I briefly present the Stoic doctrine of the indifferents (adiaphoria), namely that Stoics view many things as neither good nor bad, but are indifferent. Some indifferents may be "preferred" or "rejected", which means that they have some positive or negative value, but not the sort of that makes us virtuous or vicious, happy or miserable. The Stoics teach that we should not be entirely indifferent to the indifferents, for several important reasons. The use (khresis or usus) of indifferents is not something indifferent, and as Epictetus tells us, is something we ought to be careful about. The virtues, as Seneca and Cicero clarify, bear upon indifferents. Texts mentioned in this talk: Marcus Aurelius' Meditations - https://amzn.to/3osPFNF Epictetus' Discourses and Enchiridion - https://amzn.to/37G6bE0 Seneca's Letters - https://amzn.to/3dZQrNk Cicero's On The Ends - https://amzn.to/3mmgJMB

From the moment Brigham Young emerged from the waters of baptism in 1832, a fire burned within him to preach the restored gospel: "I wanted to thunder and roar out the Gospel to the nations. It burned in my bones like fire pent up…." That same passion drove him to keep detailed records of his labors and later his service as a Church leader and prophet. In this episode, professor of Church history and doctrine Gerrit Dirkmaat discusses his work on The Brigham Young Journals: Volume 1: April 1832–February 1846. Dr. Dirkmaat shares the behind-the-scenes insights into the editorial process, explores the significance of Brigham Young's pre-Utah writings, and explains what these documents teach us about his remarkable journey from convert to prophet. Whether you're a student of Church history or simply curious about the making of a leader, this conversation offers a rare and riveting look into the testimony, labors, and special witness of the second latter-day prophet. Publications: The Brigham Young Journals: Volume 1: April 1832–February 1846 (Religious Studies Center, 2023) "The Prophets Have Spoken, but What Did They Say?: Examining the Difference between George D. Watt's Original Shorthand Notes and the Sermons Published in the Journal of Discourses," BYU Studies Quarterly, 54.4 (BYU Studies, 2015) From Darkness unto Light: Joseph Smith's Translation and Publication of the Book of Mormon (Religious Studies Center, 2015) "'Too Long Trampled on to Be Celebrated': The Latter-day Saint Protest of Independence Day 1845," in Religious Liberty and Latter-day Saints: Historical and Global Perspectives (Religious Studies Center, 2023) "Firsthand Witness Accounts of the Translation Process," in The Coming Forth of the Book of Mormon: A Marvelous Work and a Wonder (Religious Studies Center, 2015)   Click here to learn more about Gerrit Dirkmaat

Welcome to the Via Stoica Podcast, the podcast on Stoicism.In this episode, we turn to Epictetus, Discourses, Book 2, Chapter 10, where he begins with a powerful invitation:“Examine who you are. For you are capable of understanding the divine governance of the universe and of reasoning on what follows from that.”Epictetus, Discourses, Book 2, Chapter 10At the heart of this quote lies the Stoic call to self-knowledge. Epictetus reminds us that our first duty is not to chase success, fame, or wealth, but to understand ourselves. Only when we know who we are can we know how to live. This isn't abstract philosophy; it's an invitation to observe, question, and align our actions with our nature. In modern terms, it's about becoming aware of our beliefs, values, and reactions, the foundations of a meaningful life.Epictetus follows the example of Socrates, who famously said that “the unexamined life is not worth living.” The Stoics carried this Socratic insight further: by knowing ourselves, we come to understand nature itself. As Marcus Aurelius often reminded himself, we are fragments of the same Logos that governs the universe.This idea connects deeply with the three Stoic disciplines:Desire – wanting only what aligns with nature.Assent – judging impressions clearly and rationally.Action – behaving in a way that reflects our true character.Through self-examination, we cultivate harmony between what we think, desire, and do.Pause before reacting. When something triggers you, ask: Why does this affect me so strongly? What belief lies beneath my reaction?Reflect daily. Journal about your choices and emotions. What patterns do you see? What virtues guide your actions?Detach from labels. You are not your job, income, or reputation. You are the sum of your moral choices — your character revealed through action.For more, check out this related article with quotes on self-knowledge: https://viastoica.com/how-to-know-yourself/And if you're looking for more Stoic sayings, visit viastoica.com, where you'll find hundreds of quotes with full references to the original texts:https://viastoica.com/stoic-quoteshttps://viastoica.com/marcus-aurelius-quoteshttps://viastoica.com/epictetus-quoteshttps://viastoica.com/seneca-quotesMake sure to subscribe for more Stoic Quotes episodes every Friday, as well as our Tuesday interviews and longer discussions.Support the showhttps://viastoica.comhttps://viastoica.com/stoic-life-coachinghttps://viastoica.com/benny-vonckenhttps://x.com/ViaStoicainfo@viastoica.comProduced by: badmic.com

Welcome to the Via Stoica Podcast, the podcast on Stoicism.What if love begins not with grand gestures, but with simple attention? In this episode, we explore the link between love, presence, and awareness — what philosopher Simone Weil called “attention.” In a distracted world, the Stoics remind us that attention is more than focus; it's a moral act, a form of love, and the foundation of a virtuous life.Drawing from the wisdom of Epictetus and Marcus Aurelius, this episode reflects on prosochē, the Stoic discipline of attention. Epictetus warns, “When you relax your attention for a while, do not fancy you will recover it whenever you please.” (Discourses, 4.12).For the Stoics, this wasn't about perfection, but about wakefulness. Attention trains the mind to notice impressions before they harden into judgments, to respond instead of react, and to live deliberately. Marcus Aurelius reminds himself: “Concentrate every minute like a Roman… on doing what's in front of you with precise and genuine seriousness.” (Meditations, 2.5). In other words, love life by truly being present in it.Here are a few Stoic practices from this episode you can explore in your own life:Examine your impressions – Pause before reacting. Notice your first impulse and ask: “Is this really good or bad, or just my opinion?”Practice deep listening – Give someone your full presence. Listen not to reply, but to understand.Anchor in the present – When your thoughts drift to the past or future, bring attention back to the task or person before you.Pause and breathe – When overwhelmed, take one slow breath and ask: “What deserves my attention right now?”In a time when our focus is scattered by screens, tasks, and constant noise, attention becomes an act of rebellion, and of love. It's how we connect with others, with nature, and with ourselves. Stoicism teaches that to live wisely is to live attentively: seeing what is, accepting it fully, and acting from virtue.By the end of this episode, you'll see that Stoicism isn't a cold philosophy of detachment, but a way of living gratefully, wisely, and in harmony with what is.Listen to the full episode now and discover how attention can transform the way you think, act, and see your life.Read the companion article: https://viastoica.com/what-is-prosocheSupport the show

First say to yourself what you would be; and then do what you have to do.—Epictetus, "Discourses"Language is a powerful thing... a word tossed in the air can either build a fortress of confidence or sting like a summer hornet." Grandpa Bill's poem: Call me silly, call me smart... But if you toss a name that stings, it flaps its wings... and ouch, it zings!Today, we're talking about kindness, niceness, and the holistic medicine of good words. It's not just about manners; it's about optimizing our health and the relationship we have with our companions.The Vagus Nerve Connection: Explain that when we receive a kind word, our bodies release feel-good chemicals like oxytocin (the "cuddle hormone") and dopamine. This calms the vagus nerve, lowering heart rate and blood pressure—a true holistic healing response.The Ripple Effect: When we speak kindly to others, we experience the same benefit. Kindness is a two-way street for wellness.Kindness to Our Pets: Our dogs may not understand every word, but they absolutely grasp our tone and intention. A gentle voice for "Good boy!" or "Stay close" fosters a sense of security and strengthens their attachment to us. Contrast this with a sharp, angry tone which can elevate their stress hormones (cortisol).The Inner Critic: The harshest words are often the ones we say to ourselves ("I'm an idiot," "I'm always messing up"). This self-talk is toxic to our holistic health.BH Sales Kennel Kelp Tip: Challenge listeners to use the same gentle tone they use with their pet when they talk to themselves. Instead of "I failed," try: "That was a learning opportunity. I'll be kinder to myself next time."Affirmations as a Supplement: Encourage the daily use of simple, kind affirmations to reprogram the mind. (e.g., "I am capable," "I am enough," "I am centered.")Recap: Kind words are not just an accessory; they are a fundamental part of our holistic well-being and the cornerstone of a trusting relationship with our loved ones and our pets.Closing Challenge: For the next 24 hours, commit to replacing one harsh word (spoken or thought) with one gentle, kind one. Listen to the difference it makes in your body and your relationships."Thank you for joining me on the BH Sales Kennel Kelp Holistic Healing Hour! Choose your words wisely, and until next time, live kindly."#KennelKelpPodcast, #BHSalesKennelKelpHolisticHealingHour,#Wellness,#Kindness#PowerOfWords, #Niceness, #SelfCompassion, #MentalWellness,#HumanPetBond, #DogWellness, #KindDogTraining, #PositiveReinforcement, #DogTalk,#KennelKelpPodcast, #BHSales KennelKelpHolisticHealingHour,#KindnessMatters #PowerOfWords #Niceness #SelfCompassion #MentalWellnessPet Focus#HumanPetBond #DogWellness #KindDogTraining #PositiveReinforcement #DogTalk

This week, we're diving into logical fallacies, critical thinking, and cognitive biases—and asking how Masons can use these tools to improve not just themselves, but also their interactions in an often divided world. How can we separate emotion from daily thought to make better decisions? And how do these practices tie back to the Masonic pursuit of truth, harmony, and self-mastery? Join us for a thoughtful (and fun) conversation on sharpening the mind as well as the trowel.