Podcast appearances and mentions of Marcus Aurelius

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.

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

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.

How to Stop Overthinking - Marcus Aurelius (Stoicism). In this podcast we will be talking about how to stop overthinking from the wisdom of Marcus Aurelius. Marcus Aurelius was a devout student of the philosophy of Stoicism and constructed a series of autobiographical writings, now known as the Meditations.  So here are 6 ways to stop overthinking from Marcus Aurelius-  01. History Always Repeats itself 02. Focus on what's actually happening, not on imagined disasters 03. Be a warrior not a worrier 04. Stop Waiting, Start Living 05. Accept and love your fate 06. Journal I hope you enjoyed listening to this podcast and hope you find these insights form  Marcus Aurelius will help you stop overthinking. Even though Marcus Aurelius wrote it 2,000 years ago — his insights on Stoicism still carry strong weight today. Stoicism is a school of Hellenistic philosophy founded by Zeno of Citium in Athens in the early 3rd century BC. Even though it is over 2000 years old, more and more people are discovering how Stoicism is not only relevant to modern times, but can be applied in very simple, yet strong ways. 

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.

In this podcast we will be talking about how to focus on yourself from the wisdom of 6 different philosophers and philosophies for life. The 6 philosophers we will be talking about for finding purpose in this video are Albert Camus (Absurdism), Nietzsche (Existentialism), Sartre (Existentialism), Marcus Aurelius (Stoicism), Lao Tzu (Taoism) and  Buddha (Buddhism). Diogenes, an ancient philosopher with the spirit of a wild beast and the wit of a poet, saw through the illusion of civilization. Where others pursued wealth and honor, he saw vanity. So, he rejected it all, choosing a life most would call madness but which he knew was true freedom. He didn't just talk about philosophy—he lived it, stripped down to its rawest form. He owned nothing but a cloak, a staff, and a ceramic jar he called home. While others debated virtue in grand halls, he lived it under the open sky. He mocked the powerful, exposed the foolishness of the so-called wise, and reduced life to its barest essence: harmony with nature, free from the absurd expectations of society. Then came the moment that made him immortal. One day, Alexander the Great, the most powerful man alive, stood before him and declared, “Ask for anything, and I shall grant it.” Now, most would have begged for riches or status. Diogenes barely looked up and said, “Move aside, you're blocking my sunlight.” Think about that for a moment: The conqueror of nations stood powerless before a man who wanted nothing. So who, then, was truly free? Most of us aren't. From birth, we're shaped by the world—told what to value, what to chase, what to fear. We measure ourselves by status, companion, and approval. And in an age of endless screens and constant judgment, this enslavement has only deepened. How do we break free? Diogenes didn't ask us to live like him—he wanted us to see like him. To strip life down to what truly matters, to stop chasing what others say is important, and to reclaim the freedom to be ourselves, without apology or permission. So what's next? Turn inward. Let go of borrowed desires. Stand firm in your own life. The world will always whisper its demands—but whether we listen is entirely up to us. In this video, we'll explore how to focus on yourself through the wisdom of the world's greatest philosophers. Starting with 01. Albert Camus -  Accept the absurdity 02. Nietzsche – Be the Superhuman 03. Sartre - Take responsibility for yourself 04. Marcus Aurelius – Control What You Can, Ignore the Rest 05. Lao Tzu – Flow Like Water 06. Buddha – Understand the True Nature of Self I hope you enjoyed listening to this podcast and hope that these lessons from 6 Brilliant Philosophers on how to focus on yourself will help you in your life.. 

Welcome to the Via Stoica Podcast, the Podcast on Stoicism.In this Stoic Quotes episode, Benny reflects on Epictetus' words from Discourses 3.9:“You too should drop your desire. Do not covet many things and you will get what you want.”For Epictetus, the path to freedom and peace begins with the discipline of desire. We often chase after externals — wealth, success, recognition — only to find ourselves restless and unsatisfied. The more we want, the less content we feel. But when we align our desires with what is truly up to us, namely virtue and right action, we discover lasting satisfaction.In this episode, Benny unpacks how Epictetus connects unchecked desire to frustration, anger, and fear, while showing that virtue is the only secure object of desire. You'll hear how the Stoics distinguished between healthy wishes and destructive passions, and why letting go of unnecessary wants is the key to freedom.Perfect for anyone exploring Epictetus's quotes on desire, the Stoic discipline of desire, and practical philosophy for living a more grounded life.In the Stoic Quotes series, we explore timeless wisdom from Seneca, Epictetus, Marcus Aurelius, and more — discovering what they meant then and how we can live them today. In this episode, Benny connects Epictetus' insight to the daily struggle of ambition, the need for role clarity, and the courage to choose virtue over externals.If you are looking for more quotes like this one, visit viastoica.com. We have hundreds of Stoic sayings with full references, so you can find them in the original texts or use them in your own reflections.

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.

Updating your perspective on the world can, for some, be like seeing for the first time. Many of us have seen videos of colorblind people getting access to new tech that helps them see the full spectrum. When they tap in for the first time, it's overwhelming and emotional. Something true shines through a veil that they've been burdened with forever. I remember when I started to reconnect with my faith several years ago, and things were becoming clearer to me about who I am and why I am here. I would get distracted while driving by trees and landscapes. Particularly Japanese Maples and other crimson trees mixed into mostly green gardens. Something was more striking about everything. Refined Jedi Sight Consider this poem out of the Star Wars universe about the role of the Jedi Order in bringing balance to the galaxy."First comes the dayThen comes the night.After the darknessShines through the light.The difference, they say,Is only made rightBy the resolving of grayThrough refined Jedi sight."― Journal of the Whills, 7:477It's a beautiful stanza. Light is reality. Darkness is equally valid and inevitably enters the world, complicating whatever light came before it. What confounds so many of us is when the canvas then turns gray. Complex experiences and feelings stop us in our tracks.Am I loved?What is the right thing to do here?Somebody gets hurt, no matter what I choose.We overthink. We ache.You need a worldview, something that reconciles or can be used to interpret what you're experiencing. Glasses. Philosophy. Story. Philosophy is in many ways a kind of story. The danger is, of course, that not all glasses reveal tru th equally. The Jedi, this poem suggests, have refined sight or an ability to interpret what's happening.You might call that wisdom.How We Label ThingsJ.R.R. Tolkien wrote in his celebrated essay, On Fairy Stories, about the role of a good story in illuminating the world for its audience. He called it “recovery” in the sense that our vision and health have been compromised. A good story heals.Separating himself almost directly from the Stoics, Tolkien quipped, “I do not say ‘seeing things as they are' and involve myself with the philosophers,” which is what Marcus Aurelius or Epictetus would call for. “I might venture to say,” Tolkien continues, “seeing things as we are (or were) meant to see them.”Geeky Stoics is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.The Stoics had a dogmatic commitment to blunt reality and practiced it by doing things like calling wine “the mere juice of crushed grapes,” so as not to romanticize what it's called for commercial purposes. Steak is a piece of dead cow, scorched and salted. That's the “truth”. Dead Scorched Cow is a little less appealing for 12oz at $45 than calling it Premium Aged Ribeye Steak.“We need, in any case, to clean our windows; so that the things seen clearly may be freed from the drab blur of triteness or familiarity—from possessiveness,” Tolkien adds.Whether it's eyeglasses, windows, or stained glass, the idea that unites so many great thinkers is that something exists outside of the room we're living in. There is something we're missing, and either smudges, a faulty prescription, or the absence of light is preventing us from seeing what we're supposed to see on the other side.Truth. Beauty. Purpose. Design.Overexposure and familiarity dull the senses to what would otherwise take our breath away.The Stoic mindset, though it has a lot to offer, has some pitfalls, including this one. Aurelius refers to sex as just “friction between bodies — followed by a convulsion”. Okay…..He's trying to deter himself from lust by demystifying sex and pointing out some of its peculiar and unattractive realities. That may have some utility, but it's cold, and sex, like Tolkien might suggest, is meant to be something far more powerful, warm, and beautiful than this. The triteness and overfamiliarity Tolkien describes is also a good way to think about pornography and what it does to the viewer over time. Clean your windows from the “drab blur”. Have you ever seen Mount Rainier just beyond Seattle, Washington? It's a wonder. The mountain stands so tall and grand that on a clear day, it's like an alien spaceship landing on the horizon. The first few times you lay eyes on it, particularly if you're not from that mountainous region, you'll do a double-take.How is that real?Let's return to the issue of the steak. What if the answer is neither the Stoic insight, that it's merely a charred strip of animal flesh, nor is it this thing we excitedly call steak? What if it's just sustenance, nourishment, and a gift deserving of gratitude?That is the perspective most of us are missing every single day. It's not “Thank you Lord, for this ham, eggs, and sourdough,” it's actually, “Thank you Lord, for this bounty.”Call the food whatever you want to call it, but what matters most at the end of the day is the value you attach to it. It's a pretty good value to consider your meal a blessing and to be grateful for it. Has gratitude ever steered a person wrong? New on YouTube This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.geekystoics.com/subscribe

Welcome to the Via Stoica Podcast, The Podcast on Stoicism.In this episode of The Via Stoica Podcast, Benny speaks with Dr. John Sellars, one of today's leading scholars of Stoicism and the history of philosophy. Dr. Sellars is Reader in the History of Philosophy at Royal Holloway, University of London, Associate Editor for the Ancient Commentators on Aristotle series at King's College London, and a founding member of both Modern Stoicism and the Aurelius Foundation. He has authored and edited numerous works, including Stoicism (recently revised), Stoicism and Emotion, and The Cambridge Companion to Marcus Aurelius.Our conversation traces Dr. Sellars' journey from his early fascination with science and politics to his lifelong study of ancient philosophy. We explore how the Stoics carried forward the legacy of Socrates in a way that feels both practical and deeply human, and why their materialist, empiricist outlook resonated more with him than Plato's metaphysical idealism. Dr. Sellars reflects on how philosophy has shaped his own life, from changing his views on free will to cultivating a “big picture” perspective that keeps ego and ambition in check.The discussion ranges widely: from common misconceptions about Stoicism, such as that it is unemotional, politically disengaged, or only for men, to the role of community in mental health, and the tension between Stoic determinism and ideas of God, providence, and nature. We also dive into Marcus Aurelius' Meditations, examining why the book endures, how Marcus grappled with death and difficult people, and why we should see him not as a perfect sage but as a flawed human being struggling to live well.Dr. Sellars also shares insights into his ongoing projects, including new research on Stoicism and leadership (with Justin Stead of the Aurelius Foundation), and his work with psychologists at Royal Holloway testing Stoic practices in peer-reviewed studies on resilience, anxiety, and anger.Whether you are new to Stoicism or looking to go deeper into its history and modern applications, this episode offers both scholarly depth and practical wisdom for living a good life.You can find Dr. Sellars' books, including the revised edition of Stoicism and The Cambridge Companion to Marcus Aurelius, through major booksellers. To learn more, visit the Aurelius Foundation or the Center for the Study and Application of Stoicism at Royal Holloway.Support the show⁠https://viastoica.com⁠https://viastoica.com/stoic-life-coaching⁠https://viastoica.com/benny-voncken⁠https://viastoica.com/brendan-hogle⁠https://x.com/ViaStoica⁠info@viastoica.com⁠Produced by: ⁠http://badmic.com

Welcome to the Via Stoica Podcast, the podcast on Stoicism.In this Stoic Quotes episode, Benny reflects on Marcus Aurelius' reminder from Meditations 7.18:“Frightened of change? But what can exist without it? What's closer to nature's heart?”Change is constant — from the rise and fall of empires to the daily challenges in our own lives. Marcus wrote these words while facing war, plague, and political turmoil, reminding himself that change is not something to resist but the very pulse of nature itself.Discover how the Stoics saw change not as an enemy but as the natural order of things. Learn how this view can help you face uncertainty with courage, accept the inevitability of loss, and meet each moment with wisdom and strength. Perfect for anyone exploring Marcus Aurelius' quotes on change, the Stoic view of nature, and practical philosophy for adapting to life's challenges.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. In this episode, Benny connects Marcus' insight on change to Stoic physics, the cycle of renewal in nature, and the courage to face the unknown with dignity.If you are looking for more quotes like this one, visit viastoica.com. We have hundreds of Stoic sayings with full references, so you can find them in the original texts or use them in your own work.

In this episode, Dr. Megan McElheran, a clinical psychologist and CEO of Before Operational Stress, Inc. discusses stoicism's practical applications and the misinterpretations associated with it. Dr. McElheran shares her extensive work with trauma-exposed professionals, including military personnel and first responders, and highlights the importance of managing stress and trauma. Marcus and Dr. McElheran delve into the concept of post-traumatic growth, the necessity of facing adversities, and maintaining mental health resilience. The conversation also touches on Dr. McElheran's Bataan Death March experience, underscoring the significant lessons in resilience and determination. Episode Highlights: 02:29 The Misconceptions of Stoicism 08:04 The Impact of Trauma on First Responders 29:32 Stoic Wisdom for Overcoming Hardship 31:10 The Hero's Journey and Personal Growth 32:22 Embracing Pain and Suffering 37:55 Curating Thoughts and Building Confidence 40:20 The Bataan Death March: A Lesson in Endurance Dr. Megan McElheran, CEO of Wayfound Mental Health Group in Calgary, AB, is a Clinical Psychologist with 16 years of expertise in Operational Stress Injuries (OSI). Specializing in active-duty military, Veterans, and public safety personnel, she focuses on assessment, diagnosis, and treatment. Driven by a passion for OSI prevention and resilience enhancement, she developed the BOS program. Exploring innovative approaches, she's delving into psychedelic medicine for psychological injuries. A sought-after speaker and educator, Dr. McElheran shares her insights nationally. Her recent publication in the European Journal of Psychotraumatology, "Functional Disconnection and Reconnection," sheds light on novel strategies for public safety personnel's well-being. You can find out more here: https://www.beforeoperationalstress.com/ 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.

In this episode of The Via Stoica Podcast, Benny and Brendan speak with Dr. Ranjini George, a writer, teacher, and scholar who bridges the worlds of East and West. Formerly an Associate Professor of English at Zayed University in Dubai, and now teaching Creative Writing and Arts & Humanities at the University of Toronto, Dr. George brings decades of experience exploring the overlap between philosophy, literature, and lived practice.We trace her journey from growing up in India and Kenya, to teaching in Oman and Dubai, to immigrating to Canada, where she began weaving meditation, Buddhism, and Stoicism into her teaching and writing. Dr. George shares how Marcus Aurelius' Meditations and Thich Nhat Hanh's writings became constant companions, how Donald Robertson's How to Think Like a Roman Emperor deepened her Stoic path, and why she believes both traditions offer a daily, practical way to train the mind.The conversation explores where Buddhism and Stoicism align, in mindfulness, compassion, and resilience, and where they diverge. We talk about journaling as a form of self-inquiry, the importance of suffering “intelligently,” and what it means to pursue meaningful work without being consumed by comparison or self-cherishing. Dr. George also reflects on her books Through My Mother's Window and her works-in-progress, Blue Flowers and Miracle of Flowers, and how storytelling itself can be a philosophical act.Whether you are drawn to Buddhism, Stoicism, or simply the search for a good life, this episode offers insight into building your own philosophy of life with compassion, wisdom, and presence.You can explore Dr. Ranjini George's novel excerpt on Modern Stoicism: https://modernstoicism.com/blue-flowers-novel-excerpt-by-ranjini-george/You can also find her teaching at the University of Toronto School of Continuing Studies: https://learn.utoronto.caSupport the showhttps://viastoica.comhttps://viastoica.com/stoic-life-coachinghttps://viastoica.com/benny-vonckenhttps://viastoica.com/brendan-hoglehttps://x.com/ViaStoicainfo@viastoica.comProduced by: http://badmic.com

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

The Search for Fulfillment is a new short series released each Friday where we uncover lessons of the greatest minds to help you live with purpose, passion, and peace. In today's episode, Brian asks, "How can you shift your mindset today to focus on positive thoughts, and how might that shift impact your sense of fulfillment?" Enjoy Episode 30 of The Search for Fulfillment. #BeNEXT

In this thought-provoking episode of Thinking Out Loud, Nathan and Cameron engage in a deep theological and philosophical conversation exploring one of the most pressing questions of our time: What is the good life? As Christians navigating a culture marked by meaninglessness, hyper-individualism, and spiritual confusion, they examine how ancient wisdom—from Solomon to Marcus Aurelius—intersects with modern challenges like social isolation, gym culture, and the back-to-the-land movement. With references to Stoicism, Pierre Hadot, Paul's letter to the Philippians, and the failures of secular philosophy to offer purpose, this episode invites believers into a rich, gospel-centered reflection on virtue, identity, and true human flourishing. If you're a Christian hungry for meaningful cultural engagement and deep theological discussion.DONATE LINK: https://toltogether.com/donate BOOK A SPEAKER: https://toltogether.com/book-a-speakerJOIN TOL CONNECT: https://toltogether.com/tol-connect TOL Connect is an online forum where TOL listeners can continue the conversation begun on the podcast.

Life is precious because it ends. In this Stoic Quotes episode, Benny reflects on one of Seneca's most powerful lines from Consolation to Marcia:“Life, it is thanks to death that you are precious in my eyes.”Discover how the Stoics saw death not as something to fear, but as the reason we should live fully. Learn how this view can help you approach life with urgency, gratitude, and virtue — making the most of the time you have now. Perfect for anyone exploring Seneca's quotes on death, the Stoic view of mortality, and practical philosophy for living well.In the Stoic Quotes series, we explore timeless wisdom from Seneca, Epictetus, Marcus Aurelius, and more — uncovering what they meant then and how we can live it today.In this episode, Benny unpacks why the Stoics believed death adds value to life, weaving in Seneca's insights, Epictetus' advice, and even a lyric from Pearl Jam's I Am Mine. You'll hear practical reflections on living according to nature, fulfilling your roles well, and meeting the end of life — whenever it comes — with peace and dignity.If you are looking for more quotes like this one, visit viastoica.com. We have hundreds of Stoic sayings with full references, so you can find them in the original texts or use them in your own work.

FAN MAIL--We would love YOUR feedback--Send us a Text Message"Whatever we face, we have a choice. Will we be blocked by obstacles or will we advance through and over them?" This powerful question, posed by Ryan Holiday in his bestselling book "The Obstacle Is the Way," frames our exploration of ancient Stoic wisdom and its remarkable relevance to modern challenges.We dive deep into the philosophical foundation that transformed emperors into legends, examining Marcus Aurelius—the Roman emperor who ruled during plague and war yet maintained unwavering wisdom and integrity. His personal journal, "Meditations," continues to inspire millions with its practical guidance on resilience and virtue. As the last of Rome's "Five Good Emperors," Aurelius embodied the Stoic principles that teach us to focus on what we can control while accepting what we cannot.This Mojo Minute unpacks the profound yet simple truth that what stands in our way often becomes the way forward. We distinguish between mere action and "directed action"—the thoughtful, purposeful steps that truly move us toward our goals. "Action is commonplace. Right action is not," Holiday reminds us, highlighting that persistence without deliberation misses the mark. True progress comes from approaching obstacles with courage, creativity, and a clear mind.Whether you're facing personal challenges, professional setbacks, or simply seeking a more resilient mindset, these timeless Stoic principles offer practical wisdom for transforming obstacles into opportunities. Join us as we explore how to take directed action with "deliberation, boldness and persistence" to create a flourishing life. Visit teammojoacademy.com for additional resources and continue your journey toward meaningful growth through adversity.Key Points from the Episode:• Marcus Aurelius (121-180 AD) was a Roman emperor and Stoic philosopher who wrote "Meditations"• He was the last of Rome's "Five Good Emperors" known for wisdom despite facing plague and wars• Stoicism teaches virtue, self-control, emotional resilience, and focusing only on what you can control• Ryan Holiday's "The Obstacle Is the Way" brought these ancient teachings to modern audiences• The key distinction between common action and "directed action" with deliberation and persistence• We must take action with boldness and persistence, but also with careful deliberationKeep fighting the good fight on the road to a flourishing life. Check out our show page at teammojoacademy.com for everything we discussed and other great resources.Other resources: Want to leave a review? Click here, and if we earned a five-star review from you **high five and knuckle bumps**, we appreciate it greatly, thank you so much!

Classical Christian education is a generational journey - and in this BaseCamp Live episode, we get a rare, behind-the-scenes glimpse of how a love for the true, good, and beautiful is passed from parent to child. Dr. Louis Markos, professor, author, and longtime advocate for the great books, is joined by his son Alex, now a humanities teacher, to share how formative family habits, road-trip literature, and a Christian worldview shaped Alex's path from public school to a deep embrace of the classics.Together, they explore why Christians should read pagan literature, the difference between formation and information, and how ancient texts can lead students toward truth and scripture. With memorable stories - from Marcus Aurelius-inspired dance moves to processing grief through The Iliad - this conversation offers both encouragement and practical ideas for parents and educators seeking to form thoughtful, faithful young people.

What new formats and practices best transmit Art du Déplacement's culture—beyond technique—so practitioners can reflect, connect, and grow together? Art du Déplacement's culture is deepened through «partage», reflective practice formats, and distinctive training like vision work and night missions. "Still, I had the fear, but I knew where I was, where I was going, [and] how— I knew myself better, basically. So this very strong experience with my friends, and this strong experience of failure— That was really an in between moment for me. […]There is before that training session at the «Dame du Lac» experiencing all this. And then there is me discovering more about my inner self and being very different in the way I approach fear." ~ Stany Foucher (1:33:00) The discussion frames Art du Déplacement as a living culture rather than simply a set of techniques. Stany's recently published, French-language book is highlighted as a deliberate choice, made with the awareness that language shapes who can engage with the ideas. (Craig and Stany hope that an English translation can eventually be created which captures the subtlety and depth of the material.) The strengths of books—slower pacing and deeper digestion—are compared to the reach and immediacy of video. This leads to exploring audio as a practice medium, with the idea of podcast-led movement sessions modeled on audio yoga classes. The conversation also touches on the value of building shared reference points across the community, so practitioners in different places can connect through common experiences. Practice design is a recurring theme. The Movers Mindset Pause project is discussed as a way to help practitioners form a cycle from discovery to reflection to change. Coaching is discussed as more than sets and repetitions, incorporating environment, questioning, and reframing experiences. Public-space QM is described as a way to normalize human movement in busy urban settings, reducing self-consciousness and building autonomy. The pair note the importance of training “vision” as a standalone capacity, distinct from fear management or technical skill. "Maybe one thing that I'm trying to focus on sometimes is this vision element of the discipline. Vision is really a topic by itself. If you just try to be in an analyzing mode, you know, trying to analyze the environment and be— not measuring, but just feeling— not for the sake of techniques, but just vision for vision. Maybe new things can arise." ~ Stany Foucher (58:00) They describe silent, “night missions” where participants select a distant, barely visible endpoint and navigate to it without touching the ground, focusing on presence, creative pathfinding, and trajectory rather than named techniques. Other modalities—lifting, carrying, climbing, and playing on varied terrain—are folded into practice to broaden capacity. Social aspects like shared meals, walks, and storytelling are recognized as essential for transmitting culture, complementing formal training. "But something that I really get, also from those years of training, and maybe you don't see it is, all the questioning behind it. I cannot think of a training that would not end with a question— [an] open question from—especially from Jann [Hnautra]—just reflecting on what you did. Why were you in that state of mind when we're doing this movement? Why did you want to stop when you were doing the QM? Lots of questions and reflecting on what you did. I think this is an important piece of the training." ~ Stany Foucher (28:00) Personal philosophy surfaces through parenting analogies—providing environments where children retain innate movement abilities—and a formative story of a major failure that marked a clear “before and after” in approaching fear. The conversation closes with reflections on building community connection despite geographic distance, testing new formats for sharing practice, and maintaining a loop where ideas, movement, and reflection continually reinforce each other. Takeaways Language shapes reach — Choosing French vs. English determines who can read, hear, and benefit. Books slow the pace — A book supports digestion of concepts that video often rushes past. Podcast as training — Audio sessions can guide live movement for listeners who learn by hearing. Build a reflection loop — Journaling and the Pause practice embed discovery to reflection to efficacy. Coaching beyond technique — The value includes questions, environment, and pointing in the right direction. Normalize movement in public — Holding QM sessions in busy spaces reduces self-consciousness and increases autonomy. Train vision explicitly — Treat “vision” as its own topic, not only fear or technique. Use night missions — Silent, goal-directed traversals cultivate presence and creative pathfinding. Mix natural modalities — Lifting, carrying, climbing, and terrain play (rocks, slopes) broaden practice. «Partage» matters — Sharing stories, meals, and walks transmits culture that classes alone can't. Parenting reframes coaching — Provide safe environments so kids don't lose what they already have. Failure as inflection point — A hard setback created a clear “before/after” in approach to fear. Resources https://wiseflow.fr/ — Stany Foucher's website for his book, podcast, and more. Art du Déplacement: Au delà de saut — French-language book discussed as framing the culture beyond movement; available as EPUB globally and in print within Europe. Wise Flow — Stany's French-language podcast. craigconstantine.com — Craig's personal web site with links to everything he does. Movers Mindset's Pause — The new Pause publication is a weekly email publication designed for movement professionals—coaches, teachers, gym owners, and practitioners—who want to slow down and reconnect with their deeper why. Stany Boulifard Mallet: Art du Déplacement, the Yamakasi, and motivation — Stany's first appearance, back in 2018, on the Movers Mindset podcast. Art du Déplacement (ADD) — Information about Art du Déplacement in general. Parkour & Art du déplacement: Lessons in practical wisdom – Leçons de sagesse pratique — Vincent Thibault's 2015 book discussed in this podcast. The book contains both the French and English text. Don't confuse it with the similarly named, but completely different book, “Parkour and the Art du déplacement: Strength, Dignity, Community”, published in 2014. There is also a second edition, which is French-language only. Out on the Wire — Book by Jessica Abel recommended by Craig as a book about podcasting, presented as a graphic-novel-style work interviewing leading creators. Meditations — Book by Marcus Aurelius (translated by Gregory Hayes) mentioned by Craig as his most-read book. Quadrupedal Movement (QM) — A practice and movement pattern emphasized in this episode and in Art du Déplacement generally. Communication with Vincent Thibault — Vincent Thibault's episode on Movers Mindset. Move NYC — Public event in New York City mentioned by Craig in reference to normalizing human movement in busy spaces. Joan of Arc Garden, in Quebec City — Location and statue mentioned by Craig as a setting for personal reflection. (Written with help from Chat-GPT.) ɕ --- Hello

Today Professor Kozlowski takes on the Roman Empire - its legacy (historical and mythological), its organization, and the ideas of some of its most influential thinkers: Cicero and Polybius. Many great political thinkers take Rome as the closest thing to a perfect government ever created - hopefully we can reach some conclusions about what made Rome work, and why this obsession with Rome might be a result of the greatest propaganda campaign in history.Readings today come from Cicero's De Legibus and Polybius' Universal History, Book VI.Additional Readings include Virgil's Aeneid, Livy's Ab Urbe Condita, Marcus Aurelius' Meditations, the writings of Seneca, and Rome: Total War for my gamer fans.If you're interested in Professor Kozlowski's other online projects, check out his website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠professorkozlowski.wordpress.com

In the powerful conclusion to his three-part solo series, Living Undeterred host Jeff Johnston dives headfirst into one of life's most debated themes: faith. But this isn't a sermon—it's a soul-searching exploration of doubt, belief, and what it means to be a good person in a complex, polarized world.Through raw reflections on grief, philosophy, and the search for meaning, Jeff challenges listeners to rethink what anchors their values—whether it's God, humanity, or simply hope.

The Via Stoica Podcast: Stoic quotes seriesIn the Stoic quotes series, we take a look at what the Stoics said and uncover the wisdom they left behind. We look at the famous writings from Epictetus, Seneca, Marcus Aurelius, and more.In this episode, we turn to a powerful quote from Epictetus, found in the Discourses, that asks us to reflect on self-worth and the price we're willing to pay for external approval:“For it is you who know yourself, and what value you set upon yourself, and at what rate you sell yourself.”What does it mean to "sell yourself"? And how often do we trade our principles, our time, or our peace of mind for things that are not truly valuable? In this episode, we explore how this quote invites us to know our inner worth and live accordingly.We also discuss the importance of self-examination, how our choices reflect what we value most, and why living in alignment with our true character is the key to Stoic freedom.For a deeper dive into this quote, check out the full reflection on our website:https://viastoica.com/epictetus-quote-on-self-worthAnd if you want to explore more quotes like this one, all properly sourced and referenced, head over to our Stoic quote library:https://viastoica.com/stoic-quoteshttps://viastoica.com/epictetus-quoteshttps://viastoica.com/seneca-quoteshttps://viastoica.com/marcus-aurelius-quotesMake sure to subscribe to the podcast for more quote episodes or our regular Tuesday recordings and interviews. Also, leave a rating, as this helps us reach more like-minded people.Support the showhttps://viastoica.comhttps://viastoica.com/stoic-life-coachinghttps://viastoica.com/benny-vonckenhttps://viastoica.com/brendan-hoglehttps://twitter.com/ViaStoicainfo@viastoica.comProduced by: http://badmic.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.

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.

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.

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.

Ever wondered what it's like to work with a coach who refuses to sugarcoat the truth? In this episode, we sit down with Paul Glover, the self-proclaimed "No B.S. Executive Leadership Coach" who's built his practice on brutal honesty and genuine results."I'm not going to try to convince you," Paul tells us about his approach to potential clients. "If what we've done up to this point doesn't convince you, then you need to find somebody else." It's this refreshing directness that sets the tone for our entire conversation about what real leadership development looks like.From discussing why empathy is a skill set that can be learned to exploring why human psychology hasn't changed since Marcus Aurelius was complaining about the Roman Senate (Camden's words: "complaining about going to work because the people in the Senate are assholes"), Paul shares insights from his unique journey as an ex-white-collar felon and "recovering" federal trial lawyer.Whether you're looking for a leadership coach or trying to become a better leader yourself, Paul's perspective on the exchange of energy in coaching relationships and why critical thinking is a learnable skill will challenge you to rethink what growth requires. Just don't expect him to be "soft and cuddly" about it.More About Paul:About Me: I'm the No B.S. Executive Leadership Coach, Challenging the Best to Be Better in organizations with revenue up to one billion dollars.  I'm also an ex- white-collar felon, a "recovering” federal trial lawyer, a TEDx speaker, an approved Vistage and YPO Speaker on leadership in the Post-Pandemic work environment, the author of WorkQuake™: Making the Seismic Shift to a Knowledge Economy, a Forbes contributor, a Starbucks addict, and a Chicago Bears fanatic.#10xYourTeam #NoBSLeadership #ExecutiveCoach #BrutalHonestyWins #LeadWithTruth #CriticalThinkingMatters #EmpathyIsASkill #LeadershipWithoutExcuses #WorkQuakeWisdom #RealTalkLeadership #GrowOrGo #PaulGloverChapter Times and Titles:The YouTube Rant [00:00 - 01:30]Otis's passionate plea for subscribers"Hit the stupid subscribe button. It costs you nothing."Setting the tone for an unfiltered conversationMeet Paul: The No-BS Coach [01:31 - 10:00]Introduction to Paul's backgroundFrom federal trial lawyer to executive coachThe philosophy behind his direct approach"I Don't Coach People I Don't Like" [10:01 - 20:00]Paul's criteria for client selection"I look at coaching as an exchange of energy"Why compatibility matters more than credentialsThe Guide in the Hero's Journey [20:01 - 35:00]The tension between guiding and knowing betterPaul's approach to the coaching relationship"I'm not into persuading you to enter my coaching program"Empathy as a Learnable Skill [35:01 - 45:00]Breaking down leadership into skill sets"People who aren't empathetic, empathy is a skill set"The importance of delivery in leadershipTimeless Human Psychology [45:01 - 53:30]References to stoicism and Marcus AureliusHow human nature remains consistent through historyApplying ancient wisdom to modern leadership challengesPrison Leadership? [53:31 - End]Lighthearted discussion about potential book titlesFinal thoughts and contact informationStandard outro and wrap-upPaul Gloverhttps://paulgloverspeaks.com/

Have you ever felt like you didn't belong somewhere? I don't mean like you don't fit in. I mean, like, you are on the edge of a double black diamond and you don't see a way down.  Who am I fooling? Are you an imposter? Do you talk a big game, but beat yourself with a ski pole when you don't deliver? Who are you to be so great, to be a double black diamond skier?? How do you change your can't to can?? Like how? Like the technique. Just Do It? That doesn't always cover it for me.  Stoic nugget in here: Marcus Aurelius, “If you are distressed by anything external, the pain is not due to the thing itself, but to your estimate of it; and this you have the power to revoke at any moment.”   PUT THAT ON YOUR BATHROOM WINDOW! Also join our family, Free subscribe to our Invisible World InspoLetter! It's like a little snack size podcast, read-it-in-a-minute Inspo https://www.inspoletter.com/subscribe  Want to change your life? Then change your perspective. Join us! Topics we cover: Sublimation, trust, patience, skills, fear, success strategies, stoicism, Marcus Aurelius 

In his book Stoicism and the Art of Happiness, author, therapist, and stoic philosopher, Donald Robertson, writes:"The Sage conquers his passions by becoming stronger than them not by eliminating all traces of emotions from his life. The Stoic ideal is therefore not to be ‘passionless' in the sense of being ‘apathetic', ‘hard-hearted', ‘insensitive' or ‘like a statue' of stone or iron. Rather, it is to experience natural affection for ourselves, our loved ones, and other human beings. And to value our lives in accord with nature."In today's conversation Donald will dive deeper into what Stoicism is, and what it's not.  He'll shed light on how Stoicism in popular culture is often misinterpreted -Inappropriately distilled into messages that tout self-discipline and personal responsibility, yet at the same time leave out what the stoics may have valued most:Wisdom, justice, and love for humankind. We'll also explore the possibility, and practices that might support us in living into Marcus Aurelius's conception of the Ideal Stoic:Meeting our lives, our work, and our relationships increasingly from a place that is free of passions, and full of love. For more on Donald Robertson, his books, podcasts, and other work please visit Donaldrobertson.nameDid you find this episode inspiring? Here are other conversations we think you'll love:On Imperfectionism and the Art of Living Well | Oliver BurkemanOn Wholeness, Service, and Enduring Happiness | Stephanie HarrisonEnjoying the show? Please rate it wherever you listen to your podcasts. Thanks for listening!Support the show

Marcus Aurelius didn't read a book once and think that he got it. He read it over and over and over again. In today's video, Ryan shares 100 lessons that he has gotten from reading Meditations hundreds of times over the last decade.

In today's Part 2 episode, Ryan visits the birthplace of Stoicism in Athens and sits down for lunch with writer and cognitive-behavioral psychotherapist Donald Robertson. They explore the rich history of Stoicism in Greece, share their must-see ancient philosophy spots, and catch up on what they've been reading and writing.Donald is a writer, cognitive-behavioral psychotherapist and trainer. He is a Fellow of the Royal Society for Public Health (RSPH). Donald specializes in teaching evidence-based psychological skills, and is known as an expert on the relationship between modern psychotherapy (CBT) and classical Greek and Roman philosophy.

How can we make a great fortune out of misfortune? Reverse our circumstances, as Epictetus did?

Follow along as Ryan visits the birthplace of Stoicism in Athens—where Zeno once taught beneath the legendary Stoa Poikile. Joined by writer and cognitive-behavioral psychotherapist Donald Robertson, the two tour the ancient ruins, explore the deep roots of Stoic philosophy, talk about the surreal experience of standing where it all began, and share updates on their latest writing projects.Donald is a writer, cognitive-behavioral psychotherapist and trainer. He is a Fellow of the Royal Society for Public Health (RSPH). Donald specializes in teaching evidence-based psychological skills, and is known as an expert on the relationship between modern psychotherapy (CBT) and classical Greek and Roman philosophy.

In this unusually personal and candid episode, William Green answers a wide range of probing questions posed by listeners to his podcast and readers of his book, “Richer, Wiser, Happier: How the World's Greatest Investors Win in Markets & Life.” Here, William discusses the key qualities, principles, and practices he's observed in the best investors; how they handle adversity; what he's learned from his own setbacks, failures, and mistakes; and how he'd invest if he were starting over. IN THIS EPISODE YOU'LL LEARN: 00:00 - Intro 01:19 - What were the three best decisions William Green ever made? 17:04 - What Charlie Munger and Bill Miller can teach us about handling adversity. 23:40 - Why he views indomitable perseverance as the key to success. 34:52 - What drives investing stars like Bill Ackman, Will Danoff, and Mario Gabelli. 48:19 - Why the best investors focus on reducing complexity. 01:03:58 - How to succeed while constructing a calmer, more spacious life. 01:12:50 - How William approaches the art of interviewing. 01:38:22 - What he learned when his career (and profession) went up in smoke. 01:48:39 - What his worst investment mistakes taught him about building wealth. 01:53:28 - How investors can prosper mightily by getting the big things right. 01:55:23 - How he'd invest if he were starting over again. Disclaimer: Slight discrepancies in the timestamps may occur due to podcast platform differences. BOOKS AND RESOURCES Join Clay and a select group of passionate value investors for a retreat in Big Sky, Montana. Learn more ⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠. Join the exclusive ⁠⁠⁠TIP Mastermind Community⁠⁠⁠ to engage in meaningful stock investing discussions with Stig, Clay, Kyle, and the other community members. William Green's podcast interview with Annie Duke. William Green's podcast interview with Samantha McLemore. William Green's podcast interview with Tsoknyi Rinpoche & Daniel Goleman. William Green's podcast interview with Bill Nygren. William Green's podcast interview with Brad Stulberg. Guy Spier's The Education of a Value Investor. Marcus Aurelius' Meditations. Jim Stockdale's Thoughts of a Philosophical Fighter Pilot. Daniel Goleman & Richard Davison's Altered Traits. Daniel Goleman & Tsoknyi Rinpoche's Why We Meditate⁠. William Green's ⁠TEDx Talk⁠. William Green's book, “Richer, Wiser, Happier” – ⁠read the reviews of this book⁠. Follow William Green on ⁠⁠⁠X⁠⁠⁠. Check out all the books mentioned and discussed in our podcast episodes ⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠. Enjoy ad-free episodes when you subscribe to our ⁠⁠⁠Premium Feed⁠⁠⁠. NEW TO THE SHOW? Get smarter about valuing businesses in just a few minutes each week through our newsletter, ⁠⁠⁠The Intrinsic Value Newsletter⁠⁠⁠. Check out our ⁠⁠⁠We Study Billionaires Starter Packs⁠⁠⁠. Follow our official social media accounts: ⁠⁠⁠X (Twitter)⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠TikTok⁠⁠⁠. Browse through all our episodes (complete with transcripts) ⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠. Try our tool for picking stock winners and managing our portfolios: ⁠⁠⁠TIP Finance Tool⁠⁠⁠. Enjoy exclusive perks from our ⁠⁠⁠favorite Apps and Services⁠⁠⁠. Learn how to better start, manage, and grow your business with the ⁠⁠⁠best business podcasts⁠⁠⁠. SPONSORS Support our free podcast by supporting our ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠sponsors⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ SimpleMining Hardblock AnchorWatch Onramp Human Rights Foundation Unchained Intuit Shopify Vanta reMarkable HELP US OUT! Help us reach new listeners by leaving us a ⁠⁠⁠rating and review⁠⁠⁠ on ⁠⁠⁠Spotify⁠⁠⁠! It takes less than 30 seconds, and really helps our show grow, which allows us to bring on even better guests for you all! Thank you – we really appreciate it! Support our show by becoming a premium member! ⁠⁠https://theinvestorspodcastnetwork.supportingcast.fm⁠⁠ Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://theinvestorspodcastnetwork.supportingcast.fm Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://theinvestorspodcastnetwork.supportingcast.fm