Podcast appearances and mentions of Marcus Aurelius

What happens when the Stoic emperor of self-control meets the divine cowherd of boundless love? From Brahmā's cosmic prank to the gopīs' fearless devotion, Raghunath and Kaustubha explore the art of giving without keeping score—through Stoic insight, Bhakti wisdom, and the moonlit mystery of Kartik's full moon. Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam 10.13.40–43 #BhaktiYoga #MarcusAurelius #SrimadBhagavatam #Stoicism #WisdomOfTheSages ********************************************************************* LOVE THE PODCAST? WE ARE COMMUNITY SUPPORTED AND WOULD LOVE FOR YOU TO JOIN! Go to https://www.wisdomofthesages.com WATCH ON YOUTUBE: https://youtube.com/@WisdomoftheSages LISTEN ON ITUNES: https://podcasts/apple.com/us/podcast/wisdom-of-the-sages/id1493055485 CONNECT ON FACEBOOK: https://facebook.com/wisdomofthesages108 ********************************************************************* Join 2025 Kartik Algorithm here: https://chat.whatsapp.com/KOUR66ik34T49YWn4y9QsU

84 MinutesPG-13Stormy Waters is a managing partner of a venture capital firm. The opening words of Marcus Aurelius' "Meditations," which they utilize as a springboard to discuss attitude and emotion for the future, are read by Stormy and Pete.Stormy's SubstackStormy's Twitter AccountPete and Thomas777 'At the Movies'Support Pete on His WebsitePete's PatreonPete's Substack Pete's SubscribestarPete's GUMROADPete's VenmoPete's Buy Me a CoffeePete on FacebookPete on TwitterBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-pete-quinones-show--6071361/support.

In this episode of the Commune Podcast, Jeff Krasno introduces a new four-part series on Stoicism — the ancient philosophy that offers timeless guidance on how to live life with gratitude, virtue, and inner calm.In a world of constant distraction and political turmoil, how do we stay informed and engaged without being consumed by chaos? Drawing from Stoic teachings and meditative practices, Jeff explores how the wisdom of thinkers like Marcus Aurelius, Seneca, and Epictetus can help us cultivate resilience, clarity, and inner calm in our daily lives. Each Tuesday for the next four weeks, Jeff shares reflections and practical exercises inspired by Stoicism — lessons designed to help you cultivate presence, emotional balance, and a clearer understanding of what truly matters.

Today I sit down with historian Edward J. Watts and talk about his latest book: The Romans.When we think of “ancient Romans” today, many picture the toga-clad figures of Cicero and Caesar, presiding over a republic, and then an empire, before seeing their world collapse at the hands of barbarians in the fifth century AD.  The Romans does away with this narrow vision by offering the first comprehensive account of ancient Rome over the course of two millennia. Prize-winning historian Edward J. Watts recounts the full sweep of Rome's epic past: the Punic Wars, the fall of the republic, the coming of Christianity, Alaric's sack of Rome, the rise of Islam, the Battle of Manzikert, and the onslaught of the Crusaders who would bring about the empire's end. Watts shows that the source of Rome's enduring strength was the diverse range of people who all called themselves Romans. This is the Rome of Augustus, Marcus Aurelius, and Constantine, but also Charlemagne, Justinian, and Manuel Comnenus—and countless other men and women who together made it the most resilient state the world has ever seen.  BUY THE BOOK HERESUPPORT WESTERN CIV

Finance leaders know the struggle of managing endless spreadsheets, juggling data from every corner of the business, and trying to plan for a world that changes by the hour. In this episode, I talk with Julio Martínez, Co-Founder and CEO of Abacum, about how his team is helping finance professionals move from reactive reporting to confident, real-time decision making. Abacum was recently named the fastest growing tech company in Spain by Deloitte after increasing revenue by 6,733 percent in just four years. Julio shares the story behind that growth and explains how finance teams are transforming from back-office operators into true strategic partners. He describes how Abacum's platform helps CFOs and FP&A teams create accurate forecasts, automate manual work, and build scenario models that answer “what if” questions in minutes instead of days. We also talk about the role of AI in finance and why current large language models are not yet reliable enough for quantitative use cases. Julio discusses the need for precision, the importance of a human in the loop, and how new hybrid approaches are shaping the future of financial planning. From Barcelona to New York, his journey reflects the global rise of data-driven finance and the growing strength of Spain's startup ecosystem. Julio also leaves listeners with a thoughtful recommendation, Meditations by Marcus Aurelius, a book that continues to inspire him to stay grounded amid rapid change. If you want to understand how technology is redefining financial planning and how strong foundations can fuel extraordinary growth, this conversation with Julio offers a rare look inside the engine of one of Europe's fastest-rising tech companies.

Welcome to the Via Stoica Podcast, the podcast on Stoicism.In this Stoic Quotes episode, Benny reflects on the words of Seneca from On Providence, section 4:“You are unfortunate in my judgment, for you have never been unfortunate. You have passed through life with no antagonist to face you. No one will know what you were capable of, not even yourself.”Seneca reminds us that trials and obstacles are not punishments but opportunities. Without resistance, we never learn our limits or discover our inner strength. For the Stoics, hardship is the training ground for virtue, a test that sharpens self-knowledge and resilience.Benny explores how this insight connects to the Socratic principle of “know yourself,” the Stoic embrace of adversity as a teacher, and the mindset shift that transforms obstacles from burdens into opportunities for growth. From athletes seeking worthy opponents to Marcus Aurelius' reminder that “the obstacle is the way,” Stoicism teaches us that challenges reveal what we are truly capable of.Practical ReflectionsWhen facing obstacles, pause and ask: What is this teaching me about myself?Reframe difficulties as tests of character rather than punishments of fate.Remember past struggles you overcame; you are stronger than you imagine.For more, check out this related article on overcoming adversity:https://viastoica.com/stoic-freedomAnd 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/seneca-quoteshttps://viastoica.com/marcus-aurelius-quoteshttps://viastoica.com/epictetus-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

On today's episode, we bring you Part 2 of the powerful Fireside Chat with Ryan Holiday, live from the 2025 Dental Success Summit. Dr. Mark Costes continues the in-depth conversation with Ryan, diving deeper into the core of Stoicism and what it really means to live with courage, discipline, justice, and wisdom. Ryan explains the third grade version of Stoicism, saying it's about understanding that we don't control what happens but we do control how we respond. He brings this idea to life through stories from Marcus Aurelius, Epictetus, Seneca, and his own daily practices like cold plunges and early morning runs.  They discuss common misconceptions about Stoicism, the importance of humility in learning, and how wisdom is something earned through experience, curiosity, and consistent effort. Ryan also gives a sneak peek at his upcoming book, Wisdom Takes Work, the final volume in his series on the Stoic virtues, and shares how the virtues interconnect in both leadership and life. Be sure to check out the full episode from the Dentalpreneur Podcast! EPISODE RESOURCES https://www.truedentalsuccess.com Dental Success Network Subscribe to The Dentalpreneur Podcast

Welcome to the Via Stoica Podcast, the podcast on Stoicism.Immigration is one of the most polarizing topics of our time, stirring emotions, fears, and debates across nations. But how might the Stoics approach it?In this episode of the Via Stoica Podcast, Benny explores immigration through the lens of Stoic philosophy. Drawing from Marcus Aurelius, Epictetus, and the Stoic idea of cosmopolitanism, he unpacks how we might see beyond national borders and labels to recognize each other as fellow citizens of the world.Benny examines the natural movement of people, the fears that immigration often provokes, such as economic competition, cultural change, and security, and contrasts these with Stoic principles of justice, compassion, and role ethics. He reflects on Hierocles' circles of concern, the Stoic “view from above,” and what it means to treat strangers as kin.Rather than succumbing to fear and division, Stoicism invites us to build understanding through education, dialogue, and shared humanity. Immigration, seen from this perspective, becomes not just a challenge but an opportunity to practice virtue, unity, and wisdom in our global community.If you've ever wondered how Stoic philosophy can help us reframe modern debates about borders, culture, and identity, this episode offers a thought-provoking starting point.Support the show

This episode is a replay from The Existential Stoic library. Enjoy! Should you pursue success or fulfillment? Is it possible to both succeed and be fulfilled? In this episode, Danny and Randy examine success and fulfillment and ask whether it is possible to have both.Subscribe to ESP's YouTube Channel! Thanks for listening!  Do you have a question you want answered in a future episode? If so, send your question to: existentialstoic@protonmail.com  Danny, Randy, and their good friend, Russell, created a new podcast, CodeNoobs, for anyone interested in tech and learning how to code. Listen to CodeNoobs now online, CodeNoobs-podcast, or wherever you get your podcasts.

Auto-generated transcript: My brothers and sisters, as I mentioned I think in the reminder on Stoicism, I mentioned Marcus Aurelius who was the Caesar of Rome and an amazing human being. He was unlike any other Caesar that you can think of or read about. He was a stoic and a very wise man. Now… Continue reading Marcus Aurelius’s Rules for a better life

In this episode, I chat with father-son team Matthew and Matteo Storm, who host the Lost Roman Heroes podcast, a bi-weekly dive deep into the overlooked lives and legacies of ancient Rome. They're history buffs with a passion for ancient Rome. Matthew is also the author of several works of historical fiction, based in the Roman empire, the most recent being THE EMPEROR: Heraclius Battles Persia for the Life of Rome.Stoicism: Philosophy as a Way of Life is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.Highlights* How did the Lost Roman Heroes podcast begin?* Travel to Carnuntum and other historic locations.* Matthew's historical fiction set in the Roman empire* What are your favourite quotes from the Meditations of Marcus Aurelius?* How can we be sure Marcus actually wrote the Meditations? * Was it intended for publication?* Why are Hadrian and Herodes Atticus notable by their absence from the list of people Marcus admires in Book One of the Meditations?* Was it really a bad idea for Marcus to appoint Commodus his successor? * Who was Avidius Cassius, the usurper?* Was Faustina the loyal wife Marcus makes her out to be or the scheming and unfaithful one depicted in the histories?Links* Lost Roman Heroes Website * Lost Roman Heroes Podcast* Matthew's Books Thanks for reading Stoicism: Philosophy as a Way of Life! This post is public so feel free to share it. Get full access to Stoicism: Philosophy as a Way of Life at donaldrobertson.substack.com/subscribe

Welcome to the Via Stoica Podcast, the podcast on Stoicism.In this Stoic Quotes episode, Benny reflects on the words of Marcus Aurelius from Meditations, Book 6.16:“And if you can't stop prizing a lot of other things, then you'll never be free.”Marcus reminds himself that true freedom is not found in wealth, possessions, or status—but in learning to stop attaching value to what lies outside our control. For the Stoics, freedom means self-sufficiency, tranquility, and being free from the passions that disturb the soul.Benny explores how this insight connects to the Discipline of Desire and the Stoic pursuit of eudaimonia—a flourishing life rooted in reason and virtue. Marcus, despite being emperor of Rome, knew the danger of craving more: it enslaves us to fortune and leaves us restless.Drawing connections to Epictetus' reminder that only our judgments and actions are truly ours, and Seneca's warnings about wasted time and attachments, this episode shows how the Stoic path to freedom is inward, not outward.Practical ReflectionsExamine what you prize most in life: are these things truly within your control?Practice gratitude for what you already have, instead of longing for what you lack.Remind yourself that all externals are on loan from fortune—when they leave, your character and choices remain.For more, check out this related article with quotes on freedom:https://viastoica.com/stoic-freedom/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

Vandaag bespreken we het boek Leer denken als Socrates van Donald Robertson. Ondertitel: Filosofie als een manier van leven Engelse titel: How to think like Socrates: Ancient Philosophy as a Way of Life in the modern world (2024) Uitgeverij Ten Have Een indrukwekkend boek. De auteur Donald John Robertson is een in Schotland geboren cognitief-gedragstherapeut en auteur, bekend om zijn werk waarin hij moderne cognitief-gedragstherapie (CGT) integreert met de filosofie van het oude Griekenland en Rome, met name het stoïcisme, waaronder meerdere boeken over Marcus Aurelius en Senneca. Donald J. Robertson - Wikipedia https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Donald_J._Robertson  Het bijzondere over de boeken over Socrates en dialogen van Plato me Socrates zijn dat het geen historisch verslag is, maar het zijn ook geen verzinsels. Datzelfde geldt voor dit boek, het is gedramatiseerd en semifictioneel. Het boek gaat over het leven van Socrates, maar minstens zo belangrijk is de rol van zijn leerling Alcibiades in dit boek. Er waren momenten dat ik heel helder had wat ik met dit boek en de Socratische vragen kan doen, en momenten dat ik het kwijt was. Het opvallenste voor mij was de overeenkomsten die je ziet met de huidige wereld, in de politiek, in oorlog. Het verhaal las vaak als een fictie boek waar ik me in deze Griekse tijd waande enkele honderden jaren voor Christus. Daarnaast zitten er verschillende elementen in het boek waar Robertson suggesties geeft hoe je de filosofie, het denken, vragen stellen, en zoeken naar wijsheid kunt toepassen in deze tijd, in je eigen leven. Indeling van het boek: Het socratische probleem Inleiding Het proces De eerste filosoof De vrouwelijke Socrates Het orakel van Apollo De wijste van alle mensen De leeuw van Athene De Peloponnesische Oorlog De Siciliaanse expeditie De val van Athene De Dertig Tirannen De zwanenzang Het boek begint na de inleiding met het proces tegen Socrates waarin hij ter dood wordt veroordeel. Daarna gaat het boek verder over zijn leven en het leven van Alcibiades, tot in het laatste hoofdstuk waarin Phaedo de laatste uren tot aan zijn dood beschrijft. Het socratische probleem Het probleem is dat Socrates zelf niets heeft opgeschreven. De belangrijkste dialogen van Plato met Socrates zijn waarschijnlijk opgeschreven kort na de dood van Socrates. Het zijn de dingen die Plato zich herinnerd. Plato was nog jong bij het overlijden van Socrates en verkeerde waarschijnlijk pas de laatste zes jaar in zijn kring. Volgens deskundigen zitten er veel tegenstrijdigheden in de dialogen en is niet na te gaan wat fictie en wat werklijkheid is. Inleiding Een inleiding in de filosofie, met vele bekende filosofen die na Socrates kwamen en veel hebben gebruikt van zijn manier van vragen stellen. Op pagina 25 en 27 zie je gelijk allerlei gelijkenis met wat er nu gebeurt in de media, met influencers, en in de politiek. Sofisten, mensen die het voral van de rede en beinvloeding van anderen moeten hebben en die veel geld vragen voor het onderricht aan jonge mensen. Of een pandamie, polarisatie, populisme, oligarchie en tirannie. Hier maakt hij ook de connectie met stoicisme. Het proces Een groots proces rondom Socrates met veel rumour waarin ze hem beschuldigen dat hij de goden die door Athene worden herkent, niet herkent, en hij bederft de jeugd. Het deel van het proces gaat vooral over de verdediging van Socrates waarin duidelijk wordt dat voor Socrates wijsheid het belangrijkste is dat de mens heeft te onderzoeken. Wat is wijsheid? Wanneer ben je een goed mens? Aan het einde zie je ook hoe Socrates omgaat met de dood en daar niet bang voor ons en zijn doodstraf niet omzet in een ballingschap. Met zijn vragen laat hij vele ‘wijze' mannen ongemakkelijk voelen, vooral de redenaars. Door zijn vragen praten deze sofisten zich vaak vast. Terwijl Socrates er op uit is dat mensen argumenten inbrengen die aantonen dat hi...

This episode explores the timeless bond between mentors and students, drawing on Plutarch's portraits of statesmen and Marcus Aurelius's personal inventory of gratitude. We trace how wisdom flows not through rivalry but through respect, service, and the steady honoring of those who came before us.Along the way, we see how these ancient lessons still resonate in modern life, where gratitude and humility can transform competition into collaboration.At its heart, it's a meditation on carrying forward the virtues we've inherited, letting our teachers' light shine alongside our own.

Marcus Aurelius - one of my favorite people to ever exist. I think I've read a quote or learned something from him every single day the past 2 years. His work has been an integral part of my life during this time period and has helped shape who I am 2 years later. There will be plenty of his words throughout this series.My links:TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jakeboucher_?_t=ZT-8xj9DhfusXn&_r=1Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jakeboucher_re?igsh=dXcyYzdzeHJ2a28x&utm_source=qrLinkedIn: https://bit.ly/3qXZhFFTwitter: https://twitter.com/jakeboucher_ Blog: https://20jakeb.medium.com/

In this episode, Mayhew explores one of Marcus Aurelius' most powerful Stoic teachings: “You could leave life right now. Let that determine what you think, say, and do.” Far from being morbid, this reminder is about perspective, presence, and taking ownership of the time you have. It's a call to stop wasting energy on stress, overthinking, and procrastination, and instead focus on the things you can control - the things that actually matter. Here's a link to the book: AmazonUK A-Game app - Launches Oct 2025 Designed to bring together coaching, courses, community, and events for men striving to perform at their best. It's "Everything A-Game!"  Get on the waitlist for the app here: https://agameapp.scoreapp.com/   Adam Smith From depressed and suicidal to the happiest and fittest he's ever been, Adam Smith's self-development journey hasn't been easy but it has been worth it. Today, he's a qualified mindset coach in neuro-linguistic programming (NLP) and a certified Time Line Therapist®. Adam has coached many high performers, using NLP to rewire his clients' thoughts and behaviours so they can destroy limiting beliefs and engineer the change needed to excel. Connect with Adam Smith: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adam-smith-high-performance-coach/ Adam Mayhew Adam Mayhew swapped burnout and binge drinking for ultra marathons, CrossFit and sobriety. A registered nutritional therapist specialising in performance nutrition, Adam supports everyone from office workers to athletes to build healthy eating habits. Using science (and never fad diets, quick fixes or gym bro culture) he helps clients target their problem areas and confidently master diet, training and lifestyle. Connect with Adam Mayhew: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adam-mayhew-nutrition-coaching/ To find out more about Smith & Mayhew: https://agameconsultancy.com/about/

Zu spät für einen Neuanfang? Quatsch!7 stoische Prinzipien, die Dir zeigen: Es ist nie zu spät. Mit 30, 40, 50+ oder 60 - egal.Du erfährst:Warum Niederlagen Deine besten Neuanfänge sindWie Du sofort mit dem Leben anfängst, das Du willstWarum Dein Alter Dein größter Vorteil istSchluss mit Ausreden. Schluss mit "irgendwann".Heute fängst Du an.Viel Spaß beim HörenLarsPS: Über mich findest Du hier. ✌️Trag Dich hier ein für mehr ⬇️7 stoische Übungen zum Start per E-Mail(€0):

Tue, 23 Sep 2025 19:15:00 GMT http://relay.fm/focused/239 http://relay.fm/focused/239 David Sparks and Mike Schmitz Cognitive-behavioral psychotherapist & author Donald J. Robertson joins us to talk about ancient philosophy as a tool for focus. Cognitive-behavioral psychotherapist & author Donald J. Robertson joins us to talk about ancient philosophy as a tool for focus. clean 5634 Cognitive-behavioral psychotherapist & author Donald J. Robertson joins us to talk about ancient philosophy as a tool for focus. This episode of Focused is sponsored by: Incogni: Take your personal data back with Incogni! Use code FOCUSED with this link and get 60% off an annual plan. Zocdoc: Find the right doctor, right now with Zocdoc. Sign up for free. Indeed: Join more than 3.5 million businesses worldwide using Indeed to hire great talent fast. 1Password: Discover SaaS applications, automate lifecycle management, and optimize SaaS spend. Guest Starring: Donald Robertson Links and Show Notes: Deep Focus: Extended ad-free episodes with bonus deep dive content. Donald's Substack (Newsletter + Podcast) How to Think Like Socrates by Donald J. Robertson How to Think Like a Roman Emperor by Donald J. Robertson All of Donald's books Meditations by Marcus Aurelius

Tue, 23 Sep 2025 19:15:00 GMT http://relay.fm/focused/239 http://relay.fm/focused/239 How to Focus Like a Roman Emperor, with Donald J. Robertson 239 David Sparks and Mike Schmitz Cognitive-behavioral psychotherapist & author Donald J. Robertson joins us to talk about ancient philosophy as a tool for focus. Cognitive-behavioral psychotherapist & author Donald J. Robertson joins us to talk about ancient philosophy as a tool for focus. clean 5634 Cognitive-behavioral psychotherapist & author Donald J. Robertson joins us to talk about ancient philosophy as a tool for focus. This episode of Focused is sponsored by: Incogni: Take your personal data back with Incogni! Use code FOCUSED with this link and get 60% off an annual plan. Zocdoc: Find the right doctor, right now with Zocdoc. Sign up for free. Indeed: Join more than 3.5 million businesses worldwide using Indeed to hire great talent fast. 1Password: Discover SaaS applications, automate lifecycle management, and optimize SaaS spend. Guest Starring: Donald Robertson Links and Show Notes: Deep Focus: Extended ad-free episodes with bonus deep dive content. Donald's Substack (Newsletter + Podcast) How to Think Like Socrates by Donald J. Robertson How to Think Like a Roman Emperor by Donald J. Robertson All of Donald's books Meditations by Marcus Aurelius

Marcus Aurelius is known as the Philosopher Emperor. He is known for his " 12 meditations " a personal Stoic journal. He wasn't perfect, however. I will cover the good , the bad , the ugly and how we can apply some of these stoic principles into our own lives. Modern translation of Meditations I routinely listen to can be found here https://youtu.be/f3hLZCuh8yM?si=JmXELm63foZuZfYq***************************************Get your What is Truth Merch Here!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://whatistruthpodmerch.itemorder.com/shop/home/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Find all my links here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://linktr.ee/whatistruthpodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠To catch a live show, Please Follow me on Odysee and Rumble!Please rate 5 stars if you enjoy the content! For vast majority of my content follow me on Odysee⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://odysee.com/@Weezy:a⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Now on Rumble!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://rumble.com/user/Whatistruthpodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Follow me on Twitter!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://twitter.com/WhatTruthPod⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Join our Telegram channel Group⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://t.me/witweezy⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@WHATISTRUTHTV⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Listen on your Favorite podcast player!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.minds.com/weezytruth/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Daddygate Podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/c/TheDaddyGatePodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠If you would like to "Tip" the show Click the Patreon Link. Support will help me improve the show. Much Love to all whom already have!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.patreon.com/What_is_Truth⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠If you would like to join the WHAT IS TRUTH? PODCAST private FACEBOOK group, hit the link! Private Facebook group⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/groups/429145721412069/?ref=share⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Email WHATISTRUTHPODCAST@gmail.com

This episode is a replay from The Existential Stoic library. Enjoy! Special guest, Massimo Pigliucci, joins Danny and Randy to discuss Stoicism and his recent book, A Field Guide to a Happy Life: 53 Brief Lessons for Living. In the main part of Field Guide, Massimo reimagines and updates Epictetus' famous Enchiridion (or handbook). Listen now to learn about Massimo's wonderful new book, A Field Guide to a Happy Life, and discover practical tools to help you live a better, happy life.Massimo Pigliucci has a PhD in Evolutionary Biology from the University of Connecticut and a PhD in Philosophy from the University of Tennessee. He currently is the K.D. Irani Professor of Philosophy at the City College of New York. Check Massimo's blog, Figs in Winter, for a list of published works and social media info.Subscribe to ESP's YouTube Channel! Thanks for listening!  Do you have a question you want answered in a future episode? If so, send your question to: existentialstoic@protonmail.comDanny, Randy, and their good friend, Russell, created a new podcast, CodeNoobs, for anyone interested in tech and learning how to code. Listen to CodeNoobs now online, CodeNoobs-podcast, or wherever you get your podcasts.

Wise words re Marcus Aurelius, via Ryan Holiday.

Welcome to the Via Stoica Podcast, the podcast on Stoicism.In this Stoic Quotes episode, Benny reflects on the words of Seneca from his essay On the Shortness of Life. Seneca challenges the common complaint that life is too brief, reminding us instead that: “Life is long, if only you know how to use it.”Rather than blaming nature for giving us too little time, Seneca argues that the problem lies in how we waste it—chasing externals, worrying about the future, or clinging to the past. Benny unpacks how this insight shifts our perspective: life is not about how many years we get, but how we live each present moment with awareness and virtue.Drawing connections with Marcus Aurelius' reflections on time and Epictetus' call to focus only on what is in our control, this episode explores how attention and presence transform the quality of our days. By treating each moment as if it could be our last, we discover that we already have enough time, if we live it well.You'll hear how slowing down gives life a deeper richness, why attention is a form of love, and how letting go of legacy and haste brings us closer to peace. Seneca's reminder still speaks to us today: a fulfilled life is not measured by its length, but by the way we choose to use it.Perfect for anyone reflecting on time, meaning, and how to live more intentionally with Stoic wisdom.For more, check out this related article with quotes on how to use our time best:

In this episode, my guest is Carlos Garcia. Carlos is the Co-Founder and CEO of True Progress Lab, a coaching company that operates on the motto 'Get Calm. Get Bold. Get After It'. He is also a Major and Judge Advocate in the U.S. Army Reserve, and an Army-certified Master Resilience Trainer.Highlights* Carlos, you have a fascinating background—an attorney, a Major and Judge Advocate in the U.S. Army Reserve, and a high-performance coach. How did your experiences in these high-stakes environments lead you to focus on resilience and coaching?* You're an Army-certified Master Resilience Trainer. What are the core principles the military teaches for handling adversity? * Are there overlaps with ancient Stoic philosophy?* How do you think the army's resilience training could be improved?* You mentioned that reading about Stoicism and Marcus Aurelius has been "instrumental" in shaping your philosophy. Which of his ideas resonated most deeply with you, and how do you see them applying to a modern leader or soldier?* Your flagship course is called The Inner Fortress, can you tell us a bit about that?* A key focus of your coaching is overcoming FOPO, or the "fear of people's opinions". Why do you find this specific fear is such a powerful inhibitor for the successful professionals you work with?* You use a unique blend of Stoic philosophy and exposure therapy to help clients. Could you walk us through how you combine an ancient philosophy with a modern therapeutic technique to help someone act more boldly?* Finally, based on your experience, what do you think are some of the most helpful pieces of advice you can pass on to our listeners? Stoicism: Philosophy as a Way of Life is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.Links* Web: trueprogresslab.comThanks for reading Stoicism: Philosophy as a Way of Life! This post is public so feel free to share it. Get full access to Stoicism: Philosophy as a Way of Life at donaldrobertson.substack.com/subscribe

This episode explores how Cicero and Marcus Aurelius both emphasized kindness, service, and integrity as essential parts of human nature.We look at Cicero's call to strengthen society through generosity and Marcus's list of ways we betray ourselves when we act against virtue.Together, their teachings form a practical guide to living with wisdom, justice, courage, and balance—not just for ourselves, but for the good of others.

We all want to live the good life. But how many of us can claim to be truly content? Join philosopher and evolutionary biologist Massimo Pigliucci as he argues that pleasure, character, and a healthy dose of doubt, form the basis of the good life, and that purpose in life is crucial to realising our potential.Massimo Pigliucci is a renowned philosopher and professor at the City College of New York. He is the author of several books, including, 'How to be a Stoic' and 'Beyond Stoicism'. A former co-host of the Rationally Speaking Podcast and a self-proclaimed sceptic, Pigliucci is a champion of Enlightenment notions of reason and rationality.Don't hesitate to email us at podcast@iai.tv with your thoughts or questions on the episode!To witness such debates live buy tickets for our upcoming festival: https://howthelightgetsin.org/festivals/And visit our website for many more articles, videos, and podcasts like this one: https://iai.tv/You can find everything we referenced here: https://linktr.ee/philosophyforourtimesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Philosophize This!: Read the notes at at podcastnotes.org. Don't forget to subscribe for free to our newsletter, the top 10 ideas of the week, every Monday --------- Today we talk about the collection of journals known as Meditations by Marcus Aurelius. We mark the differences between Stoicism, modern Stoic ethics, and the journals of Marcus Aurelius. We talk about the divine logos, indifferents, and how metaphysical assumptions ladder up into the virtue ethics of the ancient Stoics. We talk about some of the context that Marcus was writing each of these journals in. All of this while trying to relay some of the biggest ideas that he wrote about. Hope you love it. :) Sponsors: Nord VPN: https://nordvpn.com/philothis Quince: https://www.QUINCE.com/pt ZocDoc: https://www.ZocDoc.com/PHILO Thank you so much for listening! Could never do this without your help.  Website: https://www.philosophizethis.org/ Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/philosophizethis  Social: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/philosophizethispodcast X: https://twitter.com/iamstephenwest Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/philosophizethisshow Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Welcome to the Via Stoica Podcast, the Podcast on Stoicism.In this episode of the Via Stoica Podcast, Benny explores the Stoic Discipline of Assent, the practice of choosing how we respond to impressions, rather than being led by impulse or unexamined opinions.In an age of fast judgments, social media scrolls, and reactive emotions, this discipline gives us a way back to clarity. Stoicism teaches that when something happens, we don't have to accept what our emotions or impressions tell us immediately. With assent, rejection, or withholding judgment, we can learn to meet life with presence, wisdom, and truth.Drawing on Epictetus, Marcus Aurelius, and Zeno, Benny walks through the stages of assent: noticing first impressions, pausing, investigating what's really going on, then either approving, rejecting, or suspending judgment. You'll discover how this discipline helps with emotional regulation, clearer decision-making, healthier relationships, and a more grounded view of what's true.If you've ever felt dragged along by rush judgments or upset by your immediate reactions, this episode will show you tools and practices to slow down, check your impressions, and act from virtue.For more on this topic, see the full guide:

Welcome to the Via Stoica Podcast, the podcast on Stoicism.In this Stoic Quotes episode, Benny reflects on the words of Michel de Montaigne, the 16th-century French philosopher who pioneered the personal essay. In his famous essay To Philosophize Is to Learn How to Die, Montaigne reminds us that the purpose of philosophy is not abstract speculation, but preparation for the ultimate change: death.Drawing from Cicero and Plato, Montaigne writes that true philosophers are always practicing how to die, because in facing death, we learn how to live. Benny explores how this idea connects with Stoic thought: Marcus Aurelius' meditations on constant change, Epictetus' reminder that death can find us at any moment, and the Stoic practice of using mortality as a guide to live with clarity and purpose.In this episode, you'll hear how contemplating death reduces fear, why practicing small farewells prepares us for life's biggest transition, and how journaling about mortality can help us live more gratefully in the present. Montaigne and the Stoics alike show us that learning to die well is inseparable from learning to live well.Perfect for anyone reflecting on death in philosophy, exploring Montaigne's essays, or seeking Stoic practices to cultivate peace and presence in daily life.You can also check out this post to learn more about how Marcus Aurelius reflected on death:

This episode is a replay from The Existential Stoic library. Enjoy! How can we live without regret? What should we do when we experience guilt? In this episode, Danny and Randy explore death, guilt, and other topics.Subscribe to ESP's YouTube Channel! Thanks for listening!  Do you have a question you want answered in a future episode? If so, send your question to: existentialstoic@protonmail.com Danny, Randy, and their good friend, Russell, created a new podcast, CodeNoobs, for anyone interested in tech and learning how to code. Listen to CodeNoobs now online, CodeNoobs-podcast, or wherever you get your podcasts.

Stoicism - the philosophy articulated by the embattled Marcus Aurelius as his personal life and empire threatened to collapse around him in 170 BC. It's over 2000 years old, and we are now living in a world utterly inconceivable to even the most imaginative Roman aristocrat in the midst of a psychedelic Dionysian fever dream. Modernity seems architected to conflict directly with every facet of evolutionary psychology and the philosophical values that have edified men and women for millennia. While new science, thinking, and practice from the fields of Biohacking and personal growth seem to offer pragmatic solutions in a world doing its damnedest to claw away our free will with digital talons.But is stoicism past its due date as a mindset?That's the question I'll be exploring today with Will R. Young, a behavioral finance strategist, philosopher, top-performing superforecasters in the Good Judgment Project, author of a new book, "The Enough Equation," and avid surfer - he knows a thing or two about dodging shark fins.2:15 How is stoicism applicable in modern life?7:17 Preferred indifference - to everything?11:17 Stoicism and dating18:30 Stoicism and financial life21:35 Should a stoic reward themselves with "toys?"26:10 Stoicism vs AI-driven technological unemployment34:10 Monetary wealth vs spiritual wealth41:15 Hacks for mindset "hardcases"44:30 The supreme value of attention51:20 Flow vs control1:00:30 How to define your "enough"1:04:05 What is the science of superforecasting?1:09:10 Forecasting vs time1:11:11 Trust-testing anything?1:20:00 Jonathan's surfing storyRead

Today we talk about the collection of journals known as Meditations by Marcus Aurelius. We mark the differences between Stoicism, modern Stoic ethics, and the journals of Marcus Aurelius. We talk about the divine logos, indifferents, and how metaphysical assumptions ladder up into the virtue ethics of the ancient Stoics. We talk about some of the context that Marcus was writing each of these journals in. All of this while trying to relay some of the biggest ideas that he wrote about. Hope you love it. :) Sponsors: Nord VPN: https://nordvpn.com/philothis Quince: https://www.QUINCE.com/pt ZocDoc: https://www.ZocDoc.com/PHILO Thank you so much for listening! Could never do this without your help.  Website: https://www.philosophizethis.org/ Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/philosophizethis  Social: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/philosophizethispodcast X: https://twitter.com/iamstephenwest Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/philosophizethisshow Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Imagination is a mirror and telescope, revealing who we are and where we might go. This summer, I traveled through centuries of imagination with companions: Marcus Aurelius, Jonathan Swift, Mark Twain, Robert Louis Stevenson, Jules Verne, Jack London, and Isaac Asimov.

This episode is a replay from The Existential Stoic library. Enjoy! “‘Meaningless! Meaningless!' says the Teacher. ‘Utterly meaningless! Everything is meaningless!'” (Ecclesiastes 1) The Bible says everything is meaningless? Is all meaning merely a construct? In this episode, Danny and Randy examine the claim in the Bible that everything is meaningless.Subscribe to ESP's YouTube Channel! Thanks for listening!  Do you have a question you want answered in a future episode? If so, send your question to: existentialstoic@protonmail.comDanny, Randy, and their good friend, Russell, created a new podcast, CodeNoobs, for anyone interested in tech and learning how to code. Listen to CodeNoobs now online, CodeNoobs-podcast, or wherever you get your podcasts.

Welcome to the Via Stoica Podcast, the Podcast on Stoicism.In this episode of the Via Stoica Podcast, Benny explores the Stoic Discipline of Action, the practice of living with justice, fairness, and responsibility in our interactions with others.In a time where social media and digital life can make us feel more isolated and divided than ever, Stoicism reminds us that we are social beings, connected to one another and to nature itself. Far from being about retreating inward, the Discipline of Action asks us to step outward, to recognize our roles, fulfill our duties, and act with justice for the common good.Drawing on Epictetus, Marcus Aurelius, and the broader Stoic tradition, Benny unpacks how role ethics, cosmopolitanism, and the idea of concentric circles can help us understand our place in the world. You'll hear practical ways to apply this discipline, from asking “What is my role here?” in difficult situations, to weighing the fairness of your choices not only for yourself but for those around you.If you've ever wondered how to align your actions with virtue and contribute to a better society, this episode will guide you toward practicing the Stoic Discipline of Action in daily life. For more on this topic, see the full guide:

This episode is a replay from The Existential Stoic library. Enjoy! In the latest installment of ESP's Books You Should Read series, Danny and Randy discuss Meditations by Marcus Aurelius. Discover Meditations now and find out why Marcus Aurelius is as important now as he was when he was alive!Subscribe to ESP's YouTube Channel! Thanks for listening!  Do you have a question you want answered in a future episode? If so, send your question to: existentialstoic@protonmail.comDanny, Randy, and their good friend, Russell, created a new podcast, CodeNoobs, for anyone interested in tech and learning how to code. Listen to CodeNoobs now online, CodeNoobs-podcast, or wherever you get your podcasts.

Welcome to the Via Stoica Podcast, the podcast on Stoicism.In this Stoic Quotes episode, Benny reflects on Epictetus' teaching from the Handbook (Enchiridion 23):“If it ever happens that you turn to external things in the desire to please some other person, realize that you have ruined your scheme of life. Be content then with being a philosopher in everything; and if you wish also to be seen as one, show yourself that you are one, and you will be able to achieve it.”Epictetus reminds us that chasing approval from others comes at the cost of our own integrity. When we shape our lives around external opinions, we compromise the only thing that is truly ours—our character. Instead, the Stoic path asks us to be satisfied with living according to virtue and reason, regardless of how others may see us.In this episode, Benny unpacks how people-pleasing undermines freedom, why approval is an unstable foundation for peace, and how journaling and self-reflection can help us become our own witness. You'll hear how Stoic philosophy offers a way to step away from external validation and return to the inner compass of virtue.Perfect for anyone exploring Epictetus's quotes on approval, the Stoic discipline of desire, and the challenge of staying true to your own principles in a world full of opinions.You can also check out this post to learn more about the background of this quote: https://viastoica.com/how-to-live-as-a-stoic-philosopher/In the Stoic Quotes series, we uncover timeless wisdom from Seneca, Epictetus, Marcus Aurelius, and more—exploring what they meant then and how we can live them today.If you are looking for more quotes like this one, visit viastoica.com, where you'll find hundreds of Stoic sayings with full references to the original texts.

Multitasking Is a Myth: Focus Like Marcus Aurelius ✨ Multitasking isn't real—it's just rapid task-switching that drains your focus. In this episode, we explore how Stoic wisdom from Marcus Aurelius aligns with modern flow psychology: do less, better. Learn the mindset shift from “I have to” → “I want to,” and how a simple night or morning planning ritual frees mental bandwidth for what matters most. Key Takeaways:• ✅ Multitasking is really task-switching, which costs energy and focus.• ✅ Marcus Aurelius: “Do less, better. Ask yourself: is this necessary?”• ✅ Reframe tasks from “I have to” into “I want to” to reclaim agency.• ✅ A nightly or morning planning ritual frees your brain for deep focus.• ✅ Flow comes when you simplify and give one thing your full attention.   Make sure to subscribe and follow me for updates, tips, and more ways to stay in the flow! You can connect with me on:• Instagram: @flow_network__• YouTube: @flow_network__• TikTok: @theflownetwork• LinkedIn Newsletter: Daily Flow Stay tuned for more great content, and as always, stay in the flow!

Stoicism and libertarianism are two philosophical systems, which at first glance may not seem to have much in common, but Matt Kibbe caught up with Ryan Holiday, host of the "Daily Stoic," to attempt to find some common ground. The philosophy created by ancient Romans like Marcus Aurelius not only teaches us how to cope with adversity but also the importance of becoming the best version of ourselves and continuing to learn from others. In an era when everyone is an armchair philosopher with the ability to safely preach views from the comfort of X, it's useful to remember that we actually need to do the hard work, both to improve personally and to make the world a better place.

Life is short, distraction is deadly, and the average human only gets about 4,000 weeks on earth. In this episode of the Nutritional Therapy and Wellness Podcast, we wrap up our four-part Distraction Detox series. Host Jamie Belz shares what she has learned while studying the subject of intentionality and how to live better. She draws interesting parallels from brilliant minds throughout thousands of years of recorded history, such as Plato, Seneca, Marcus Aurelius, C.S. Lewis, Billy Graham, and modern voices like John Maxwell, Jim Rohn, and David Goggins—alongside her own story of cutting distractions, reclaiming time, and living with discipline.   You'll hear how centuries of philosophers, faith leaders, and motivational giants all echo the same truths. You'll learn what they said about meaning coming from living with focus, boundaries, and urgency, to practical steps for reclaiming your health, energy, and relationships. This episode is your call to action.   If you've been feeling “dizzy busy and dying inside,” this Distraction Detox finale will show you how to stop numbing, start living, and say yes to what truly matters - - - so you can live immediately.       Check out these complimentary episodes to help you get where you want to be! ->>> Episode 31: Cold Turkey: From Overwhelmed to Unstoppable Ditch the “I'll start tomorrow” mindset and embrace radical action instead—break free and build momentum today.    ->>> Episode 4: Bio‑Individuality: A Freedom You've Never Known Free yourself from one-size-fits-all wellness and conduct a personal health inventory.   If you've missed the prior episodes in this series, catch up now: Episode 51: Death by Distraction – Rewire Your Rhythms, Restore Your Health Episode 52: The Hidden Health Cost of Distraction (and How to Fight Back) Episode 55: Distraction Detox - Dizzy-Busy and Dying Inside Episode 56: Distraction Detox: Cluttered Spaces, Cluttered Brains Episode 57: Distraction Detox - THE MONSTER! THIS ONE!!   Visit the Nutritional Therapy Association online!   Leave us 5-Star Reviews! Comment and chat with us on Spotify!   Thanks for listening!

Have any questions, insights, or feedback? Send me a text!Length: 29 minutes 7 secondsSynopsis: After yet another unintended hiatus, we're back for another Gratitude Journal milestone! In this episode we reflect on gratitude, slowing down time, being present, illusions about the future, mezuzah vs. cheap Amazon trinkets, and tapping into what's eternal. I know I've said this in the past, but THIS time I have a plan for relaunching a more regular frequency of TSJ content. I'm optimistic that it'll work, בג"ה.Sources- folk saying; source unknown- Abraham Lincoln, Address Before the Wisconsin State Agricultural Society (September 30, 1859)- Marcus Aurelius, Meditations 2:14 (trans. Waterfield)- Rambam: Mishneh Torah, Sefer Ahavah: Hilchos Tefilin, u'Mezuzah, v'Sefer Torah 6:13-----The Torah Content for the month of September is sponsored by Meir Areman in loving memory of his grandmother, Esther Chasha bas Meir Gedalya, who recently passed away on the 25th of Av. Tehei nishmasah tzerurah b'tzror ha'chayim.My Zoom account has been sponsored for the entire year by Isaac and Aviva Lichter, with hakaras ha'tov to Hashem in honor of Navonah's first birthday: “We couldn't have known how much joy and wonder she'd bring into our lives. רבות מחשבות בלב איש, ועצת ה' היא תקום."-----If you've gained from what you've learned here, please consider contributing to my Patreon at www.patreon.com/rabbischneeweiss. Alternatively, if you would like to make a direct contribution to the "Rabbi Schneeweiss Torah Content Fund," my Venmo is @Matt-Schneeweiss, and my Zelle and PayPal are mattschneeweiss at gmail. Even a small contribution goes a long way to covering the costs of my podcasts, and will provide me with the financial freedom to produce even more Torah content for you.If you would like to sponsor a day's or a week's worth of content, or if you are interested in enlisting my services as a teacher or tutor, you can reach me at rabbischneeweiss at gmail. Thank you to my listeners for listening, thank you to my readers for reading, and thank you to my supporters for supporting my efforts to make Torah ideas available and accessible to everyone.-----Substack: rabbischneeweiss.substack.com/YU Torah: yutorah.org/teachers/Rabbi-Matt-SchneeweissPatreon: patreon.com/rabbischneeweissYouTube Channel: youtube.com/rabbischneeweissInstagram: instagram.com/rabbischneeweiss/"The Stoic Jew" Podcast: thestoicjew.buzzsprout.com"Machshavah Lab" Podcast: machshavahlab.buzzsprout.com"The Mishlei Podcast": mishlei.buzzsprout.com"Rambam Bekius" Podcast: rambambekius.buzzsprout.com"The Tefilah Podcast": tefilah.buzzsprout.comOld Blog: kolhaseridim.blogspot.com/WhatsApp Content Hub (where I post all my content and announce my public classes): https://chat.whatsapp.com/GEB1EPIAarsELfHWuI2k0HAmazon Wishlist: amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/Y72CSP86S24W?ref_=wl_sharelSupport the show

Welcome to the Via Stoica Podcast, the Podcast on Stoicism.In this episode of the Via Stoica Podcast, Benny explores the Stoic Discipline of Desire, one of the three core disciplines that guide us toward a calmer and more meaningful life.In a world where everything we want is just a buy button away and social media constantly tempts us to compare ourselves with others, Stoicism offers a way out. Instead of chasing external goals like wealth, status, or possessions, the Stoics teach us to redirect our desires inward, toward virtue, peace of mind, and harmony with nature.Drawing from Epictetus, Marcus Aurelius, and later Roman Stoics, Benny explains why unchecked desire leads to anxiety and dissatisfaction, and how suppressing or redirecting desire can create true freedom. You'll hear about practical Stoic exercises such as pausing before impulses, practicing gratitude, journaling about wants and aversions, and realigning your goals with virtue.If you've ever wondered how to stop craving more and start living with enough, this episode will give you the tools to begin. For more on this topic, see the full guide:

Go to www.LearningLeader.com for full show notes This is brought to you by Insight Global. If you need to hire 1 person, hire a team of people, or transform your business through Talent or Technical Services, Insight Global's team of 30,000 people around the world have the hustle and grit to deliver. www.InsightGlobal.com/LearningLeader Shaka Sengor spent 19 years in prison for killing a man. He's transformed his life through not making excuses and taking full ownership of his decisions. Now, he's a New York Times best-selling author who has been called a “soul igniter” by Oprah. His latest book is called How to Be Free. Notes: The Permanence of Split-Second Decisions – At 17, shot three times on a Detroit corner. At 19, he killed a man in a conflict after creating a narrative that he would "shoot first." Sentenced to 17-40 years for second-degree murder. "I try to teach young people about understanding the permanence of a 30-second decision." Books as Portals to Freedom – Read over 1,500 books during 19-year incarceration, starting with street literature (Pimp, Black Gangster) as a gateway to philosophy (Plato, Marcus Aurelius). "Books allowed me to escape in the most literal sense... a portal into other worlds." Prison Mentors Changed Everything – Lifers became his guides: "These are men serving life sentences who came equipped with wisdom about what's on the other side... they guided me to books that shattered old narratives and opened possibilities." Reading Creates Writing Excellence – Speed-reading skill from age 8 (learned during punishments with encyclopedias) combined with voracious prison reading, led to becoming a NY Times bestselling author. "You have to be a practitioner of the craft every day." Journaling as Transformation Tool – "It was the most healing experience I've ever had to speak to my truth, speak to the pain points." Uses 20 different journals, writes everywhere - planes, shower thoughts on phone, margins of books. Hidden Prisons We All Carry – "The most powerful prisons aren't the ones made of concrete and steel. They're the ones we carry with us, built from grief, anger, shame, trauma." Everyone has internal prisons that can be opened. Vulnerability as Strength, Not Manipulation – Authentic vulnerability vs. weaponized oversharing. "Human beings have this innate ability to suss out the truth. Authenticity and vulnerability is the super unlock... being true to your center." Community Through Shared Truth – Prison taught extreme friendship criteria: "Are they willing to serve a life sentence for you or die for you?" Now applies accountability standards: showing up consistently, being loyal to family first. Violence Born from Fear – "Reactionary violence is typically born out of fear, being afraid." Prison taught him to see "the child in people" who are acting out, leading to empathy instead of escalation. Voluntary Hardship Builds Resilience – Monthly 3-day fasts in solitary confinement prepared him for food deprivation punishment. "None of us get through life without suffering... that extra hour a week can change your life's outcomes." Composure Through Self-Awareness – Developed through journaling about times he wasn't composed. "Once you've written it down, you own it. When you own it, you can control it. When you can control it, it's easy to become composed." Remove All Excuses – Florence Nightingale quote: "I never gave or took any excuse." Despite a felony record, a violent crime conviction, and 20 years in prison, he chose to "lead a great life" by removing every excuse. The Ben Horowitz Friendship – Unlikely brotherhood with VC billionaire, starting from Oprah's introduction, bonding over music and culture until 3 AM conversations. Shows authentic relationships transcend backgrounds. Quotes: "I try to teach young people about understanding the permanence of a 30-second decision." "I was in prison before I stepped foot in a cell, and I was free before they ever let me out." "The most powerful prisons aren't the ones made of concrete and steel. They're the ones we carry with us." "Books allowed me to escape... a portal into other worlds." "Once you've written it down, you own it. When you own it, you can control it." "I never gave or took any excuse." (Florence Nightingale) "Master your thinking, master your destiny." "Violence is typically born out of fear, being afraid." "If you can see the child in the person that's acting out... it equips you to have more empathy." "None of us gets through life without suffering. At some point, we're all gonna go through adversity." "I chose to lead a great life... I removed every excuse." Life Lessons: Face Your Internal Prisons – Identify the shame, anger, grief, and trauma that create mental prisons. Recognize that these have doors that can be opened through conscious work Use Reading as Escape and Growth – Books provide mental freedom regardless of physical circumstances. Start with what interests you, then expand to broader learning. Practice Voluntary Hardship – Choose difficult challenges (fasting, extra work, taking stairs) to build resilience for inevitable adversity you don't choose. Journal for Self-Awareness – Write down thoughts, patterns, and reactions to own and control them. Use various methods - handwritten, voice memos, and margins of books. Build Authentic Community – Surround yourself with people who will hold you accountable and tell you the truth. Apply the highest standards to friendship selection. Transform Fear into Empathy – When facing conflict, look for the "child" in the other person. Understanding their fear reduces your reactionary responses. Develop Composure Through Practice – Review past moments of losing control to build awareness. Use this knowledge to respond rather than react in future situations. Remove All Excuses – Whatever your circumstances, choose to pursue greatness rather than accepting limitations. The past doesn't define the future unless you let it. Share Your Truth Vulnerably – Authentic storytelling about pain and growth helps others escape their own prisons. Vulnerability is strength when used to serve others. Create Evidence of Resilience – Completing self-imposed challenges builds confidence for handling external adversities. Each victory creates proof you can handle hard things. Choose Your Narrative – You can change the story handed down to you. Reject limiting beliefs about what's possible based on background or circumstances. Apply to be part of my Learning Leader Circle  

Send us a textThis episode is a meditation and a prayer — to the Ancestors who came before us, on behalf of the future generations who will carry on after we are gone.Drawing from the wisdom of Marcus Aurelius and the Stoic ideal of living a virtuous life in service to others, I reflect on impermanence, legacy, and what truly matters. Wealth, fame, and status fade like vapor, but kindness, generosity, and love endure across time.I share the story of “Auntie Jay,” a remarkable Korean woman whose life was shaped by an act of compassion decades ago — a reminder that what lasts is not our possessions, but the invisible thread of kindness passed down from generation to generation.The episode closes with a prayer to the Ancestors: gratitude for their struggles, guidance for the present, and the hope that we may leave behind a better world for our children, and their children.

Lee McKinney, the talented guitarist and songwriter of the American metal band Born of Osiris recounts his journey from being a seventeen-year-old professional musician to overcoming substance addiction that led to a coma. He offers insightful discussion on developing unique artistic voice, the significance of discipline, parallels between martial arts and music, and the value of quality over quantity in social media. Underscoring the importance of authenticity, perseverance, and maintaining an influential circle of peers, he touches on his signature Kiesel guitar line and encourages others to cultivate their experiences into art. Episode Highlights: 35:02 Navigating Life Changes and Finding Stability in Music 37:55 The Evolution of a Musician's Career and the Impact of Technology 50:18 The Balance Between Artistic Integrity and Audience Expectations 52:56 The Role of Adversity in Shaping a Musician's Career 01:10:41 Rediscovering the Warrior Ethos 01:11:43 Overcoming Imposter Syndrome and Fear 01:13:53 The Influence of Martial Arts on Music 01:15:18 The Inspiration from Musashi and Martial Arts 01:17:45 The Intersection of Martial Arts and Music 01:20:37 The Impact of Adversity on Personal Growth Lee McKinney is best known as the guitarist and composer of the progressive metal band Born of Osiris. He produces, records, and engineers out of Osiris Studios. Born Lee Patrick McKinney on April 24, 1989, he grew up in the northwest suburbs of Chicago. Lee picked up the guitar at age 10 and knew immediately that music was his passion. To that end, he began practicing up to 6-10 hours a day in effort to become the most he could be at his instrument. Some of his early influences include Randy Rhoads, Eric Johnson, Dimebag Darrell, Steve Vai, Yngwie Malmsteen, Steve Ray Vaughan, Joe Satriani, and more. You can hear more from Lee on YouTube at: https://www.youtube.com/c/leemckinney Learn more about the gift of Adversity and my mission to help my fellow humans create a better world by heading to www.marcusaureliusanderson.com. There you can take action by joining my ANV inner circle to get exclusive content and information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Have an episode suggestion? Text us!This week on Mindset Monday, Matt takes on one of the biggest traps we fall into—waiting for the “right time.” Whether it's getting sober, leaving a toxic relationship, or simply taking the next step toward the life you want, we convince ourselves that better conditions will magically arrive to make change easier. The truth? Rock bottom isn't some tragic event - it's the moment you stop digging.Matt weaves in lessons from Marcus Aurelius, Viktor Frankl, George Mack's concept of high agency, and his own recovery journey to show why imperfect action is always better than endless waiting and rumination. You'll walk away with a challenge for the week: stop rehearsing the life you want in your head and take one concrete action toward it today.Find video clips and full length video from this episode on YouTube and our other social media pages!On the web:www.twfo.comSupport the Show:Buy Us a Coffee!Online Course: www.independentlystrong.comUse code WHEELIES75 for 75% off the entire course!Soberlink Device:www.soberlink.com/wheelsCheck out our blog:https://twfo.com/blogFollow us on TikTok:https://tiktok.com/@twfo_coupleFollow us on Instagram:https://instagram.com/twfo_couple/Follow us on Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/TWFOCoupleFollow us on YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/@twfo_coupleFind Taylor Counseling Group:https://taylorcounselinggroup.com/Donate to Counseling for the Future Foundation:Donate Here

History has a way of looking calmer than it really was. In this PT. 2 episode, Ryan sits down with historian and author James Romm to talk about the messy, dangerous, and often absurd reality of life in ancient Greece and Rome, especially for the philosophers who tried to “advise” the powerful. From Plato's naïve trips to Syracuse, to Seneca's complicated dance with Nero, to Marcus Aurelius resisting the pull of corruption, they discuss the timeless tension between access and integrity. James Romm is an author, reviewer, and a Professor of Classics at Bard College in Annandale, NY. He specializes in ancient Greek and Roman culture and civilization. His reviews and essays have appeared in the New Yorker, the Wall Street Journal, the London Review of Books, the Daily Beast, and other venues. He has held the Guggenheim Fellowship (1999-2000), the Birkelund Fellowship at the Dorothy and Lewis B. Cullman Center for Writers and Scholars at the New York Public Library (2010-11), and a Biography Fellowship at the Leon Levy Center of the City University of New York (2014-15).Follow James on Instagram @James.Romm and check out more of his work at his website, www.jamesromm.com

Get your week started with some inspiration from some of the world’s greatest minds. T.J. proclaimed this is one of his favorite weeks of quotes and he was so excited about our bonus quote for the episode we begin with a major thought provoker about how we all can live and build a better life for ourselves. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.