Podcasts about Seneca

It takes courage to reimagine a classic. Xiaolu Guo was drawn to Herman Melville's “Moby-Dick,” from the first time she read it in her native Chinese. The writing was lyrical — hard to translate — and the descriptions of sailing were dense. But the symbolism of the great white whale and the sea-faring captain obsessed with revenge captivated her. Her new novel is a retelling of this classic with a young girl at its center. Protagonist Ishmaelle goes to sea, disguised as a boy, in a desperate grasp for freedom. She wants to leave poverty, gender norms and religious traditions behind. When she ends up on a whaling ship, captained by a free Black man named Seneca, she meets a swash-buckling crew of people who broaden her world — and ours. Guo joins host Kerri Miller this week to talk about her reimagined “Moby-Dick” which probes gender, race, humanity's connection to animals and the nature of belonging.Guest: Xiaolu Guo is the author of “Radical” and “Nine Continents.” Her new novel is “Call Me Ishmaelle.”Subscribe to the Thread newsletter for the latest book and author news and must-read recommendations.Subscribe to Big Books and Bold Ideas with Kerri Miller on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, RSS or anywhere you get your podcasts.

Everitt and Ashworth chronicle Agrippina's successful campaign to marry her uncle Emperor Claudius, securing Nero's succession over Britannicus by hiring Seneca as tutor before poisoning Claudius with mushrooms in 54 AD.1561 PALATINE HILL

Everitt and Ashworth cover Nero's first five years under Seneca and Burrus, noting how Agrippina's death liberated his artistic pursuits while paranoia drove the elimination of rivals including his wife Octavia and stoic aristocrats.

Everitt and Ashworth examine Queen Boudica's revolt in Britain, triggered by Roman financial extortion including Seneca's called-in loans, which nearly caused Nero to abandon the province before imperial prestige prevailed.1550 ROME

Everitt and Ashworth detail Nero's fall through the Pisonian conspiracy forcing Seneca's theatrical suicide, followed by revolt in Gaul and Nero's own suicide by throat, destroying his precious singing voice in 68 AD.

Greg Jenner is joined in ancient Rome by Professor Mary Beard and comedian and actor Patton Oswalt to learn all about Emperor Nero. Nero has gone down in history as one of Rome's most infamous rulers – the villain in any number of films and television programmes, and the man who fiddled while the eternal city burned. He was also emperor during a number of momentous moments in the history of ancient Rome, including the revolt in Britain led by Iceni warrior queen Boudica. But does he deserve his notorious posthumous reputation? This episode explores the man and the myth, examining Nero's complicated path to the imperial throne, his relationship with famous philosopher Seneca the Younger, his murderous behaviour towards the women in his life, and the numerous plots that swirled around him. Along the way, we take a look at the more ridiculous moments in Nero's life, including the athletic games he founded, the festival to himself that he instituted, and his numerous dramatic appearances on the stage. If you're a fan of evil emperors, political plots and the bloody history of Ancient Rome, you'll love our episode on Nero. If you want more from Patton Oswalt, listen to our episode on the American War of Independence. And for more Roman history, check out our episodes on Agrippina the Younger, Boudica, and the Rise of Julius Caesar. You're Dead To Me is the comedy podcast that takes history seriously. Every episode, Greg Jenner brings together the best names in history and comedy to learn and laugh about the past. Hosted by: Greg Jenner Research by: Aimee Hinds Scott Written by: Dr Emmie Rose Price-Goodfellow, Dr Emma Nagouse, and Greg Jenner Produced by: Dr Emmie Rose Price-Goodfellow and Greg Jenner Audio Producer: Steve Hankey Production Coordinator: Gill Huggett Senior Producer: Dr Emma Nagouse Executive Editor: Philip Sellars

A person who is a friend to themselves, Seneca wrote, is an aid to all mankind.

Send us a textEpictetus didn't write books. He ran a school where students lived for years, practicing responses to insults, hardship, and loss. Marcus Aurelius wrote the Meditations as a daily training regimen—the same ideas, over and over, drilling them into his reflexes. Seneca reviewed his day every single night for decades.The Stoics weren't building a library. They were building a gymnasium for the soul.Somewhere along the way, we forgot this. We turned philosophy into content to consume. We read about the exercises instead of doing them.In this episode, I explore what Stoic training actually looked like, why our modern approach would baffle the ancients, and what practice looks like in daily life—not in theory, but in the specific exercises you can start today.Plus: I've been working on something to make this kind of structured practice easier. I'll share more soon.

Seneca

In this episode of Acta Non Verba, host Marcus Aurelius Anderson examines one of philosophy's most provocative questions: Was Seneca a hypocrite? Through the lens of Stoic philosophy and Roman history, Marcus explores the dangerous cognitive trap of hypocrisy bias and challenges listeners to examine their own inconsistencies before judging others. Episode Highlights [0:45] The Seneca Question: Was the wealthy Roman philosopher who forced loans on conquered peoples truly living by Stoic principles, or was he a hypocrite? [2:10] Understanding Hypocrisy Bias: How our tendency to judge others' inconsistencies more harshly than our own blinds us to truth and derails meaningful discussions. [6:16] The Marcus Aurelius Paradox: Even the revered philosopher-emperor struggled with anger daily and made questionable decisions like allowing his son Commodus to take power. [7:38] 30-Day Reflection Challenge: Three critical questions to examine your own hypocrisy, how you judge others, and whether imperfect messengers can still deliver truth. 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.

This episode reframes Stoicism not as a quest for unreachable perfection, but as a practice of steady progress. Drawing on the ancient idea of the prokoptōn—the one who makes progress—we explore why even Seneca, Epictetus, and Marcus Aurelius saw themselves as students rather than sages. Stoic philosophy, we discover, is less about arriving and more about returning: again and again, to reflection, correction, and effort. To live as a Stoic is simply to desire progress, and to keep good company along the way.

Stu Landesberg is Co-founder and CEO of Seneca, a company developing autonomous aerial systems to detect and suppress wildfires before they grow out of control. Designed for rapid initial response, Seneca's technology deploys robotic aircraft that launch within minutes, helping protect homes, infrastructure, and communities in fire-prone regions.In this episode of Inevitable, Landesberg shares why he left Grove—his first company focused on sustainable consumer goods—to tackle what he sees as a civilization-level challenge: early wildfire intervention. The conversation explores how climate conditions, outdated fire cycles, and insurance market failures have converged to threaten life in the American West. Landesberg walks through Seneca's approach to changing that trajectory: distributed strike teams of large autonomous suppression copters, built in the U.S., designed to reach fires faster than any existing response method. He also unpacks the product's potential for mop-up operations, prescribed burns, and utility asset protection.In this episode, we cover:(2:40) Wildfire as a threat to housing and the economy(10:07) The urgent need for faster fire response(15:12) Why helicopters aren't a scalable solution(20:03) New use cases beyond initial attack(28:25) What autonomy looks like in practice(33:11) Why Seneca isn't just another drone company(38:21) Wildfire as a climate and national security risk(46:18) Seneca's first deployments and what's nextLinks:Stuart Landesberg on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stuartlandesbergSeneca: https://seneca.com/ Enjoyed this episode? Please leave us a review! Share feedback or suggest future topics and guests at info@mcj.vc.Connect with MCJ:Cody Simms on LinkedInVisit mcj.vcSubscribe to the MCJ Newsletter*Editing and post-production work for this episode was provided by The Podcast Consultant

Send us a textA few months ago, I was in a conversation that started to go sideways. I could feel the tension rising—the tightening in my chest, my voice getting sharper. I knew exactly what was happening. I've studied this. I've taught this. I know what Marcus Aurelius would say. And in that moment, it was like I'd never read a word of Stoicism. If you've spent any time with this philosophy, you've probably had your own version of this experience. The email lands and you spiral. The criticism stings and you're devastated. Someone cuts you off and you react exactly the way Epictetus said not to. This is the gap between knowing and doing—and it's the central challenge of practicing philosophy. In this episode, I explore why the philosophy disappears when we need it most, what Seneca confessed about this exact problem 2,000 years ago, and why more reading isn't the answer. Spoiler: the Stoics weren't building a library. They were building a gymnasium for the soul. In this episode:The moment I knew exactly what to do—and didn't do it Why intellectual understanding is not the same as embodied skill What Seneca admitted about knowing vs. practicing The difference between studying Stoicism and training as a Stoic A reflection question to sit with after listening

Welcome to the Via Stoica Podcast, the podcast on Stoicism.In this episode, we look at a passage by Marcus Aurelius from Meditations, Book 5.3, where he reminds himself how to act in the face of criticism and doubt:“If an action or utterance is appropriate, then it's appropriate for you. Don't be put off by other people's comments and criticism. If it's right to say or do it, then it's the right thing for you to do or say.”— Marcus Aurelius, Meditations, Book 5.3The core idea is simple: first judge carefully what is appropriate, then have the courage to act. Marcus points out that other people follow their own impulses and views. Their reactions are not your responsibility. What matters is whether your action aligns with reason, ethics, and your role in the world.This theme runs through Stoicism as a whole. Epictetus emphasizes responsibility for choice, Seneca warns against living for approval, and all three Stoic disciplines come together here. Desire is trained away from praise, Assent is used to judge what is right, and Action is where courage is required to follow through.In practice, this helps when you hesitate to speak honestly, make a difficult decision, or feel shaken by criticism. Ask whether the action is fair and necessary. If it is, do it. Learn from feedback if it is useful, but do not let it define your worth or stop your progress.For more, check out this related article with quotes on Stoic courage:https://viastoica.com/10-epictetus-quotes-on-stoic-courage/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

Discover all of the podcasts in our network, search for specific episodes, get the Optimal Living Daily workbook, and learn more at: OLDPodcast.com. Episode 3886: Cylon George challenges us to face the inevitability of death not to provoke fear, but to inspire urgency and purpose. By confronting our mortality, we're reminded to stop wasting time on distractions and instead invest deeply in meaningful relationships and what truly matters. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.spirituallivingforbusypeople.com/death Quotes to ponder: “That's the thing about life. It is fragile, precious, unpredictable, and each day is a gift, not a given right.” “Remember that you are dust and to dust you shall return.” “Contemplate your death daily and you will learn to stop wasting your time so you can focus on what's truly important.” Episode references: On the Shortness of Life by Seneca: https://www.amazon.com/Shortness-Life-Penguin-Great-Ideas/dp/014101881X The Tail End by Tim Urban: https://waitbutwhy.com/2015/12/the-tail-end.html Death Clock: https://www.death-clock.org/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Discover all of the podcasts in our network, search for specific episodes, get the Optimal Living Daily workbook, and learn more at: OLDPodcast.com. Episode 3886: Cylon George challenges us to face the inevitability of death not to provoke fear, but to inspire urgency and purpose. By confronting our mortality, we're reminded to stop wasting time on distractions and instead invest deeply in meaningful relationships and what truly matters. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.spirituallivingforbusypeople.com/death Quotes to ponder: “That's the thing about life. It is fragile, precious, unpredictable, and each day is a gift, not a given right.” “Remember that you are dust and to dust you shall return.” “Contemplate your death daily and you will learn to stop wasting your time so you can focus on what's truly important.” Episode references: On the Shortness of Life by Seneca: https://www.amazon.com/Shortness-Life-Penguin-Great-Ideas/dp/014101881X The Tail End by Tim Urban: https://waitbutwhy.com/2015/12/the-tail-end.html Death Clock: https://www.death-clock.org/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Discover all of the podcasts in our network, search for specific episodes, get the Optimal Living Daily workbook, and learn more at: OLDPodcast.com. Episode 3886: Cylon George challenges us to face the inevitability of death not to provoke fear, but to inspire urgency and purpose. By confronting our mortality, we're reminded to stop wasting time on distractions and instead invest deeply in meaningful relationships and what truly matters. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.spirituallivingforbusypeople.com/death Quotes to ponder: “That's the thing about life. It is fragile, precious, unpredictable, and each day is a gift, not a given right.” “Remember that you are dust and to dust you shall return.” “Contemplate your death daily and you will learn to stop wasting your time so you can focus on what's truly important.” Episode references: On the Shortness of Life by Seneca: https://www.amazon.com/Shortness-Life-Penguin-Great-Ideas/dp/014101881X The Tail End by Tim Urban: https://waitbutwhy.com/2015/12/the-tail-end.html Death Clock: https://www.death-clock.org/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Send us a textWhat if aliens installed a silent CCTV camera above your shoulder for 30 days and compiled a report on what you truly value—based purely on your calendar, screen time, purchases, and how you spend your evenings? Would you recognize yourself?Jordan Peterson says if you want to know what someone believes, watch their feet, not their words. The Stoics put it even more bluntly: Acta non verba. Actions, not words.In this episode, Jon Brooks delivers one of the most practical and transformative frameworks you'll hear all year: The Stoic CCTV Protocol—a 7-day experiment that combines ancient Stoic practice (prosoche, voluntary discomfort, evening review) with modern behavioral science (implementation intentions, friction design, identity reinforcement) to help you close the gap between your stated values and your lived values.You'll learn:Why "I don't have time" is a lie your calendar can expose in 5 minutesThe forensic audit that reveals your real priorities (prepare to be uncomfortable)How to calculate your "Alignment Score" and what to do if it's below 40%The Integrity Bank method for rebuilding self-trust one tiny promise at a timeWhy your phone is a spiritual X-ray (and how to turn it into a training tool)The complete 7-day CCTV Protocol with daily practices you can start todayThis isn't about motivation. It's about systems, structure, and seeing clearly. If you've ever felt the sting of saying one thing and doing another—if you've ever wondered why you can't seem to show up for the things you claim matter most—this episode is your forensic evidence and your roadmap forward.Run the protocol. Post your score. Keep one microscopic promise every day for 30 days.Then come back and tell us what changed.Mentioned in this episode:The dichotomy of control (Epictetus)Prosoche: Stoic attentive watchfulnessHebbian learning: neurons that fire together, wire togetherImplementation intentions and if-then planningMarcus Aurelius, Seneca, Epictetus

Send us a textPlease visit Steven Gambardella's site here to learn more. Show Notes:1:15 background in the arts4:00 Dutch philosopher Spinoza's parallels with Hellenistic philosophies5:20 Gambardella's Become As You Are7:30 “Stoic Kitsch” blog post 9:00 individual agency and collective action11:00 crisis of agency11:20 emergence of stoicism14:00 four-fold root of virtue20:10 four facets of autonomy, perspective, objectivity and control and their relation to the four virtues of wisdom, moderation, justice and courage/fearlessness21:25 Steven's blog 21:45 Stoic view of justice relates to ignorance26:00 moralism27:00 Seneca, tutor and advisor to Roman emperor Nero32:00 applying ancient Stoic ideas in current day35:35 Stoicism and Philosophy Reading Group 38:30 summary of Stoicism: Virtue is the only good; and you have full control over the domain of your soul/your “inner citadel”40:20 Stoicism at a crossroads 43:45 his hope to contribute to a revolution of the soul that encourages a view of the world that is more holistic and spiritual45:40 Question from Susanne van der Meer about the paradox in Stoicism about the responsibility of agency versus a Stoic view of incarceration 55:00 Stoic view of fear and desire1:00:00 Comments from Emily GouldPlease share your comments and/or questions at stephanie@warfareofartandlaw.comMusic by Toulme.To hear more episodes, please visit Warfare of Art and Law podcast's website.To leave questions or comments about this or other episodes of the podcast and/or for information about joining the 2ND Saturday discussion on art, culture and justice, please message me at stephanie@warfareofartandlaw.com. Thanks so much for listening!© Stephanie Drawdy [2025]

Send us a textStart your day with a simple gratitude meditation rooted in ancient Stoic wisdom. In just 10 minutes, you'll practice three gratitudes, shift your mindset from lack to abundance, and set yourself up for a day of noticing what's right—not just what's wrong. Inspired by Marcus Aurelius and Seneca, this guided meditation helps you see clearly what you already have, before the day's demands take over. Perfect for mornings when you want to feel grounded, grateful, and ready.

Welcome to the Via Stoica Podcast, the Podcast on Stoicism.Where we take a moment to slow down and reflect on what the Stoics can teach us about living with reason and restraint. In this episode, we turn to Seneca and a striking passage from On Anger, Book 3, section 3: “So tell me, will someone call a man sane who, as if caught up in a tempest, does not walk, but is driven along and takes as his master a furious demon?”Seneca uses vivid language to show what anger does to the mind. When anger takes over, we are no longer choosing our actions; we are being carried by them. The Stoic principle at work here is self-command. Anger is not strength, but a loss of inner direction, a momentary madness that blocks reason and leads us away from acting well.This idea connects closely with Epictetus and Marcus Aurelius, who both warn against being ruled by impressions instead of examining them. Through the disciplines of Desire, Assent, and Action, Stoicism teaches us to loosen our attachment to emotional impulses, question the judgments that ignite anger, and respond deliberately rather than react blindly. In everyday life, this means learning to pause when irritation arises, recognizing when emotion is taking the lead, and choosing restraint over release, especially in moments of pressure or conflict.For more, check out this related article with quotes on Stoicism and anger:https://viastoica.com/10-seneca-quotes-on-anger/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

This episode explores the Stoic art of decatastrophizing—learning to meet fear by stripping events down to what they really are, rather than what our imagination makes of them.From Socrates calmly facing death to Seneca's reminder that we suffer more in imagination than in reality, we see how clarity dissolves panic.The practice isn't denial or blind optimism, but disciplined attention to the present moment. With repetition, the Stoics show, fear loses its grip and the mind regains its power.

I am a public philosopher, it is my only job. I am enabled to do this job, in large part, thanks to support from my listeners and readers. You can support my work, keep it independent and online, at https://stoicismpod.com/members Looking for more Stoic content? Consider my 3x/week newsletter "Stoic Brekkie": https://stoicbrekkie.com In this episode, I revisit Seneca, a Stoic who often gets dismissed because of his wealth and his close relationship with Nero. I argue that these compromises do not disqualify him as a Stoic, and that he may, in fact, have been one of the most Stoic Roman thinkers precisely because he was aware of his flaws and struggled against them. I introduce and reflect on Seneca's letter On Crowds, focusing on his warning that being around the wrong people can quietly undo our moral progress. Seneca admits that he often returns home worse than when he left, more indulgent, more ambitious, and more cruel, simply because he has been among others. I connect this to modern experiences of habit, addiction, and relapse, especially how difficult it is to maintain self-control when surrounded by people who excuse or celebrate the very behaviors we are trying to leave behind. I discuss how habits are formed through repetition, how crowds can weaken our resolve by offering permission and comfort, and why leaving unhealthy environments often comes at the cost of strained relationships. I also emphasize that anyone who has successfully changed a destructive habit deserves real admiration, because reversing habituated behavior requires extraordinary effort. Finally, I qualify Seneca's position. While crowds driven by vice and groupthink are dangerous, not all crowds are. What we should avoid are antisocial and unjust groups, not communities of people sincerely trying to improve. The goal is to surround ourselves with those who want our moral progress and to be that person for others who are earlier on the path. Listening on Spotify? Leave a comment! Share your thoughts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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

This episode explores an often-overlooked Stoic lesson: that even wisdom, effort, and reflection must be practiced in moderation.Through David Hume's gentle warning against burnout—and his nuanced engagement with Stoic exercises—we see how pushing too hard, whether in work or in contemplating life's fragility, can undermine the very growth we seek.Seneca's counsel to rest the mind and Hume's reminder that “going slower” can get us there sooner converge on a timeless truth. Flourishing isn't found in relentless strain or constant gloom, but in the measured balance that preserves both health and gratitude.

Seneca believed wisdom comes from focusing on one small idea each day, something simple you can sit with and let make you better.

Welcome to the Via Stoica Podcast, the podcast on Stoicism. In this episode, we explore what it really means to build a strong relationship, not from modern ideals of romance or constant happiness, but from a Stoic understanding of character, responsibility, and shared life. Relationships matter deeply in everyday life, yet they often become a source of anxiety, pressure, and confusion. The Stoics approached them differently, seeing relationships not as a solution to personal emptiness, but as a field in which virtue is practiced.At the core of this episode is a simple but demanding insight: strong relationships begin with a strong relationship to oneself. Before seeking completion in another, Stoicism asks us to cultivate self-knowledge, balance, and inner stability. From that foundation, relationships become places of cooperation rather than dependency, growth rather than possession.Marcus Aurelius captures this clearly when he writes:“People exist for one another; you can instruct them, or endure them.”Meditations, Book 8.59For the Stoics, this wasn't about ideal harmony or avoiding conflict, but about understanding our role toward others. When Marcus Aurelius writes this, he isn't being cynical, but reminding us that relationships are part of our nature as social beings. They call us to act with patience, fairness, and care, even when it is difficult.The episode also draws on Stoic reflections on friendship, marriage, and attachment, including insights from Seneca and Epictetus, showing that lasting relationships are grounded in virtue rather than pleasure, status, or fear of loss.Here are a few Stoic practices from this episode you can explore in your own life:Strengthen your inner foundation – Work on self-knowledge and balance before seeking fulfillment through another person.Practice relationships as cooperation – Replace winning arguments with understanding and shared responsibility.Examine judgments in conflict – Pause before reacting and question the story you are telling yourself about the other person.Hold relationships with gratitude, not fear – Remember that others are mortal and changeable, and let this deepen appreciation rather than anxiety.In a time when relationships are often idealized or feared, Stoicism offers a grounded alternative. It helps us approach love, friendship, and partnership with clarity, realism, and care. By the end of this episode, you'll see that Stoicism isn't a cold philosophy of detachment, but a way of building relationships that are honest, resilient, and rooted in virtue.Listen to the full episode now and discover how Stoic wisdom can transform the way you relate to others and to yourself.Read the companion article: [insert link if available]Support the show

This podcast is supported entirely by you, the listener. Without your patronage, none of this is possible. Become a patron of my work for as little as $0.50/week here: https://stoicismpod.com/members -- In this episode I reset Practical Stoicism back to its foundations and begin a new chapter for the show by returning to the classical texts themselves. I explain why this version of the podcast will move deliberately across the Stoic corpus rather than reading a single work straight through, drawing from Marcus Aurelius, Seneca, Epictetus, Musonius Rufus, and, where possible, the early Greek Stoics like Zeno of Citium, Chrysippus, and Cleanthes. From there, I focus on Meditations 2.1, one of the most concise and powerful passages in Meditations, using George Long's translation. I explain why Marcus is so often misunderstood, why he should be read as a deeply committed practitioner rather than a philosophical instructor, and why Meditations was never meant to teach Stoicism to anyone but Marcus himself. We then unpack what Marcus is really doing in this meditation: preparing himself to meet difficult people, refusing to moralize or dehumanize them, and grounding his response in the Stoic claim that ignorance of good and evil (virtue and vice) is the root of wrongdoing. I explain why, in Stoicism, there is only one good and one evil, how this reframes resentment and anger, and why Marcus sees hostility toward others as fundamentally anti-social and contrary to Nature. The episode closes by showing how Stoicism combines sympathy, personal responsibility, and moral resolve, and why caring for others is not optional if one is genuinely pursuing virtue. This is not a philosophy of withdrawal or toughness for its own sake, but a demanding ethical system aimed at producing better human beings. Key takeaways from this episode include: Why Meditations is a private practice document, not a Stoic instruction manual, and how misunderstanding this leads to shallow readings How Meditations 2.1 reveals the Stoic view that vice is ignorance, not malice, and why this matters for how we treat others Why Stoicism is fundamentally pro-social, and why turning away from others undermines the pursuit of virtue itself If you'd like to provide feedback on this episode, or have question, you may do so as a member. Email sent by non-members will not be answered (though they may be read). This isn't punitive, I just cannot keep up. Limiting access to members reduces my workload. You're always invited to leave a comment on Spotify, member or not. Thanks for listening and have a great day! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Episode 58 finds Kristen Ziman and Sylvia Moir digging into Stoic philosophy through the accessible lens of Ryan Holiday, with a practical focus on leadership and daily life. Drawing from Marcus Aurelius, Seneca, James Clear, and others, they explore Holiday's three core pillars—journaling, reading, and stillness—as tools for self-examination rather than self-expression. Kristen shares how writing helps her slow down thinking, confront reactivity, and gain clarity, while Sylvia connects Stoic practices to small, consistent actions that build well-being over time. Together, they emphasize that leadership growth doesn't come from grand gestures, but from simple, disciplined habits practiced daily—inviting listeners to pick just one pillar and start.

Celebrating its 20th anniversary this year, Food for Thought podcast remains listener-supported. To support this work and receive perks and exclusive engagement, please consider becoming paid subscriber (but don't go anywhere if you're a free subscriber)!Welcome to 2026—and to the 20th anniversary year of Food for Thought! I'm kicking off the new year with an episode about stretching our comfort zones through small, intentional practices that help us live with more clarity, resilience, and purpose.In this episode, I explore:* Why the idea of “doing hard things” isn't new at all—and how it's rooted in Stoic philosophy* What thinkers like Seneca, Epictetus, and Marcus Aurelius actually meant by hardship (hint: it wasn't suffering for suffering's sake)* How we can manifest this ancient practice in our modern lives* Why trends like cold plunges miss the point if we focus only on promised (and alleged) health benefits* How Dry January fits perfectly into this framework—not as a detox or moral stance, but as an experiment in awareness, habit, and choiceI also reflect on looking back at 2025—what I learned, what I practiced, what I shared with you—and why I still believe that setting intentions (whether for 24 hours or 365 days) is a powerful way to orient our lives.If you're feeling curious about:* Doing something different this year* Letting go of what's familiar just long enough to learn from it* Or giving yourself a gentle nudge instead of a total overhaul…this episode is for you.

What can Seneca, the Roman statesman and Stoic, teach us about life today? And how can we teach ourselves to do the right thing? Today Anya is joined by Robert Kaster, Emeritus Professor of Classics at Princeton to discuss the complex and rewarding legacy of Seneca's Stoicism.He is the author of many books including his most recent, How to Do the Right Thing: An Ancient Guide to Treating People Fairly, which is drawn from the writings of Seneca. You can buy it here: https://www.amazon.com/How-Do-Right-Thing-Treating/dp/0691238642 Hosted by Anya Leonard of Classical Wisdom. To learn more about Classical Wisdom, and sign up for our free newsletter, please go to https://classicalwisdom.substack.com/ 

With special guest Longinus, the boys drink and review a Christmas ale from Great Lakes Brewing, then discuss stoicism. It's not what you think. It doesn't mean that you go through life with no emotions. There are two classic sources for Stoicism: Greek and Roman. But the Greek version only comes second hand. We don't have any of the original sources. We do have primary sources for the Roman version of stoicism, most notably from Marcus Aurelius and Seneca. Stoics believe in a "providential structure of the world" and try to live their lives accepting the ordered, rational structure of nature. They try to accept things as they are and order their lives according to four basic virtues: Justice Courage Wisdom, and Temperance A stoic wants to align his own life to the logos. Stoicism seems to be experiencing a bit of a revival of interest. Why? Join us for a deep dive into this fascinating topic.

Most people think discipline is about willpower. Ryan Holiday knows better — it's about habit. After writing multiple bestselling books on Stoicism and spending decades studying history's highest performers, the author of The Obstacle Is The Way and Ego Is The Enemy has cracked the code on why the world's hardest workers aren't just talented or lucky. They've built systems that make discipline inevitable. In this raw conversation, Ryan breaks down the exact frameworks used by Marcus Aurelius, Seneca, and Epictetus to stay calm under fire, make sharper decisions under pressure, and most importantly — get things done. We dive into why discipline isn't something you are but something you do, how the Stoics battled procrastination (Seneca said all fools are always getting ready to start), and why negative visualization beats positive manifestation every time. Ryan reveals his actual research process (analog note cards, not AI shortcuts), why he reads the same books over and over, and how to inoculate yourself against audience capture when everyone's telling you what to create. But this isn't theory — it's applied philosophy. We get into why waking up early is useless if you stay up till 2 AM, how to make hard things black and white so you can't rationalize exceptions, and why your calendar should have large blocks of white space, not meetings. Ryan walks through his panic rules from coaching the LA Rams, why ego destroys more empires than external obstacles, and how he went from running publicity stunts and media manipulation campaigns to building one of the most disciplined creative practices in the world. If you've ever felt like discipline is this vague thing you either have or don't, or if you're tired of procrastinating on the life you know you should be building, this episode will change how you think about work, focus, and what it actually takes to win. Protect what you own. Next makes it fast, simple, and painless. Check it out: https://nextinsurance.com/codie ___________ 00:00:00 Introduction 00:01:06 Panic Rules: What To Do When Everything Falls Apart 00:03:05 Discipline Now, Freedom Later: The Labor Will Pass 00:07:37 The Simplest Daily Habit to Build Discipline 00:11:59 Large Uninterrupted Blocks of Time: The Secret to Success 00:16:09 Procrastination is Arrogant: It Assumes You Have Forever 00:22:39 Enjoying the Journey: Why the Work Matters More Than the Reward 00:28:22 Negative Visualization: Why the Stoics Planned for the Worst 00:33:10 The Note Card System: How Ryan Remembers Everything 00:34:52 You Must Love Learning If You Would Possess It 00:43:14 Know Thyself: The Oracle of Delphi's Most Important Command 00:46:05 Ego is the Enemy: How It Destroys Success 00:53:16 The Power to Have No Opinion 01:00:06 Haters, Criticism, and the Statistical Certainty of Dislike 01:18:04 Audience Capture: When Your Audience Has You 01:09:04 From Marketing Manipulator to Stoic Philosopher 01:15:17 The Corner Office Phenomenon: Looking Down the Hall 01:17:01 Are Humans Contagious? Culture, Values, and Becoming Who You Spend Time With 01:06:44 Should We All Get a Donkey? Life Lessons from the Ranch 01:21:15 Final Reflections: The Path That's Yours Alone ___________ MORE FROM BIGDEAL

The origins of self-help writing are often traced back to ancient times. This episode talks through some early versions of it, the goal-setting advice of a founding father, and the beginnings of the modern self-help genre. Research: Brady, Diane. “Charles Manson’s Turning Point: Dale Carnegie Classes.” Bloomberg Businessweek. July 22, 2013. https://web.archive.org/web/20130925204803/http://www.businessweek.com/articles/2013-07-22/charles-mansons-turning-point-dale-carnegie-classes Britannica Editors. "Lunyu". Encyclopedia Britannica, 29 Jan. 2019, https://www.britannica.com/topic/Lunyu Britannica Editors. "Norman Vincent Peale". Encyclopedia Britannica, 27 May. 2025, https://www.britannica.com/biography/Norman-Vincent-Peale Carnegie, Dale. “How to Win Friends and Influence People.” London. Vermillion. Digital: https://dn720004.ca.archive.org/0/items/english-collections-1/How%20To%20Win%20Friends%20And%20Influence%20People%20-%20Carnegie%2C%20Dale.pdf Fairbanks, Douglas. “Laugh and Live.” New York. Britton Publishing Company. 1917. https://www.gutenberg.org/cache/epub/12887/pg12887.txt Fontaine, Carole R. “A Modern Look at Ancient Wisdom: The Instruction of Ptahhotep Revisited.” The Biblical Archaeologist, vol. 44, no. 3, 1981, pp. 155–60. JSTOR, https://doi.org/10.2307/3209606 Franklin, Benjamin. “The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin.” HENRY HOLT AND COMPANY. 1916. https://www.gutenberg.org/files/20203/20203-h/20203-h.htm#X Battiscombe G. “THE INSTRUCTION OF PTAH-HOTEP AND THE INSTRUCTION OFKE'GEMNI: THE OLDEST BOOKS IN THE WORLD.” London. John Murray. 1906. https://www.gutenberg.org/files/30508/30508-h/30508-h.htm Lilienfeld, Scott O. and Hal Arkowitz. “Can positive thinking be negative?” Scientific American. May 1, 2011. https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/can-positive-thinking-be-negative/ Ray, J. D. “Egyptian Wisdom Literature.” Wisdom in Ancient Israel. Ed. John Day, Robert P. Gordon, and Hugh Godfrey Maturin Williamson. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 1995. 17–29. Stableford, Brian. “Samuel Smiles.” Ebsco. 2023. https://www.ebsco.com/research-starters/history/samuel-smiles Seneca, Lucius Annaius, and Garth D. Williams (tr.). “On the Shortness of Life.” https://ia601705.us.archive.org/25/items/SenecaOnTheShortnessOfLife/Seneca%20on%20the%20Shortness%20of%20Life.pdf Tabor, Nick. "Dale Carnegie". Encyclopedia Britannica, 20 Nov. 2025, https://www.britannica.com/biography/Dale-Carnegie See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Send us a textDo you experience overwhelming stress because you must handle numerous tasks while feeling like your time supply is insufficient? The episode presents ancient Stoic teachings that help listeners eliminate distractions to concentrate on essential things.We'll explore:Your limited existence brings you freedom instead of creating sadness.Marcus Aurelius presents a basic inquiry which helps people stay focused on what matters.The Dichotomy of Control: how to stop worrying about things you can't changeThe experience of discomfort serves as an indicator which shows you are working on important tasks.You can start your focus recovery by taking one essential step during the current day.The episode draws its knowledge from Marcus Aurelius, Seneca and Epictetus to teach people about performing essential tasks. 

Welcome to the Via Stoica Podcast, the podcast on Stoicism. In this Stoic Quotes edition, we reflect on Seneca's On Anger, Book III, where he reports Aristotle's concern that, without anger, the mind becomes “indifferent to great endeavors.” Seneca, Dialogues and Essays, On Anger, 3Seneca introduces this idea to question it. For the Stoics, anger is not a source of strength but a disturbance of reason. It clouds judgment and pulls us away from deliberate, ethical action. The greatest endeavor is not an external achievement, but the cultivation of character. Virtue does not need anger to motivate it.This view runs throughout Stoic philosophy. Epictetus urges us to examine impressions before giving assent, and Marcus Aurelius reminds himself to act without bitterness. Through the three Stoic disciplines, anger reflects misplaced desire, unexamined assent, and impulsive action.In practice, this means noticing anger early, pausing before reacting, and questioning the judgments behind it. Calm commitment to virtue proves far more powerful than anger ever could.For more, check out this related article with quotes on anger and self-control:https://viastoica.com/10-seneca-quotes-on-anger/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: https://badmic.com

Remarkably, Jesus and Seneca lived nearly parallel lives, with many sources suggesting they were born in the same year. Even more striking are the overlaps in their teachings. This Christmas morning, it's worth reflecting on the shared wisdom of these extraordinary lives.Make 2026 the year where you finally bring yourself closer to living your best life. No more waiting. Demand the best for yourself. The Daily Stoic New Year New You challenge begins January 1, 2026. Learn more and sign up today at dailystoic.com/challenge.Get The Daily Stoic New Year New You & all other Daily Stoic courses for FREE when you join Daily Stoic Life | dailystoic.com/life

In this episode of Bigfoot Society, a listener named Stevie shares a chilling firsthand encounter from Rock Creek, Maryland, where unexplained Bigfoot-like whooping sounds echoed through dense woods late at night—so close that his former Marine stepfather stepped outside with a gun and later installed security cameras around the home.The sounds erupted near Rock Creek Park, just minutes from Washington DC, an area surrounded by neighborhoods, highways, and urban development. Multiple witnesses heard the same vocalizations, including neighbors and reacting dogs throughout the area.Stevie also recounts an earlier unexplained experience from Colorado's Grand Mesa, where something silently removed food from a campsite cooler and carefully arranged cans on a picnic table—behavior that didn't match known wildlife.

Join us for an outpouring of the Holy Spirit in Seneca on January 1st following the 7pm Mass!

Send us a textMerry Christmas friends! kk here goes:HOUSE OF THE WORLD.Ancient story and artifact meets lo-fi and Mediterranean hip hop in this journey to reclaim the art of the Bible's creation story. Poetry… in cosmological motion.  haha!HOUSE OF THE WORLD was craft-brewed to give you the wisdom that our end is in our beginning.If you grew up with the Bible and it seemed like you were the only one who had serious questions about the creation story... here is a way forward with full acceptance of science and reason applied to ancient literature in context.We think this can profoundly help you rediscover who you are and what you are here to do and how to hold the sacred text of your childhood now that you've grown up.Along the way you'lllearn how the world made in Genesis 1 is less "planet spinning in space and more cosmic snow globe floating safely through chaos waters."discover how in creation myths, the creator God makes the world by separating into realms (sky, land, sea) and assigning roles (flying things, land animals, sea creatures).observe what it means in context to be made in the statue (צלם) of the divine counsel and ask "what is the best way to be a divine counsel mini-figure anyways?"meet a lovable collection of archetypal-first-humans from near Eastern Literature and consider what the first humans in first human stories actually represent.explore ancient artifacts and musings from ancient literature like the Book of the Dead and the Epic of Gilgamesh to Seneca, New Testament authors, and Rabbinic Midrash Agaddah.At the end of the day, we made HOUSE OF THE WORLD to help you reclaim ancient story for a better tomorrow. See you inside!Be good to each other!Mark and EricFor Text and Rock Poetry, Podcasts, and Video Content or to contact Mark and Eric, visit us at www.textandrock.com. You can find all of social handles here: TEXT AND ROCK SOCIALS.Want to support the show, experience our best creative work, buy one of our books or give an uncommonly better gift or art and heart? Ha! Head to the TEXT AND ROCK DIGITAL PRESS.

How much can we truly know about the inner lives of others? Tom Sutcliffe is joined by Miles Leeson and Karen Leeder to reflect on the challenge of interpreting the minds and motivations of poets, both past and present. Editor Miles Leeson presents Poems from an Attic, a newly published collection of Iris Murdoch's previously unseen poetry. Found in a box long after her death, these intimate verses offer fresh insight into the desires of a writer better known for her novels and philosophy.Professor Karen Leeder has spent much of her career studying the poetry of East Germany. Her recent translation of Durs Grünbein, Psyche Running: Selected Poems 2005-2022 won this year's Griffin Poetry Prize 2025. Grünbein has written about the wartime bombing of his birth city Dresden and as a translator of classical authors, including Aeschylus and Seneca, his work features reflections on the relevance of the past and of antiquity in the present. Nick Makoha's latest volume of poetry The New Carthaginians draws on an eclectic range of artistic, historic and cultural sources from the politics of 1970s Uganda to the myth of Icarus and the exploded collages of the neo-expressionist art movement. He writes employing symbols and traditions in startling ways to transform what we might think we know into something completely new. Producer: Ruth Watts

Send us a textWhat if the secret to gratitude isn't positive thinking—but imagining loss?In this 12-minute guided meditation, I'll walk you through an ancient Stoic practice called praemeditatio malorum—the premeditation of adversity. Used by Marcus Aurelius, Seneca, and Epictetus, this technique trains you to appreciate what you have before it's gone.We'll imagine a vivid scenario: a sudden accident that changes everything. Not to be morbid, but to wake you up to the fragility and preciousness of your life right now—your health, your freedom, your relationships, the simple ability to walk across a room.This practice will help you:Cultivate deep, felt gratitude (not just intellectual appreciation)Prepare mentally for life's inevitable challengesReduce anxiety by rehearsing resilienceBreak free from hedonic adaptation and wanting moreAs Epictetus said: "He is a wise man who does not grieve for the things which he has not, but rejoices for those which he has."Find a quiet space. Close your eyes. And let's practice together.

In today's episode, Ryan Holiday sits down with legendary biographer Walter Isaacson for a wide-ranging, deeply thoughtful conversation recorded live at the Texas Tribune Festival. They talk about Walker Percy and The Moviegoer, how Stoicism shows up in fiction, and why the ancient virtues still matter in the modern world. They talk through Marcus Aurelius, Seneca, Epictetus, Benjamin Franklin, George Washington, Viktor Frankl, and why history tends to outlast the noise of the present moment.

Fortune doesn't care about our plans and preferences. No, Seneca reminds us, she behaves as she pleases.

In this episode of Business Coaching Secrets, Karl Bryan and Rode Dog dive into the psychology behind discounting, why most coaches and business owners sabotage their own margins, and the mindset shifts for building a sustainable, high-performing coaching practice. With the holiday season upon us, Karl explores the deeper layers of wealth—time, relationships, health, and purpose—while sharing actionable strategies for tackling the new year, leveraging focus, and reframing "the grind." From implementation hacks to heartfelt moments, this episode strikes the perfect balance of tactical and Zen. Key Topics Covered The Psychology and Strategy of Discounting Karl explains why most business owners resort to discounting, the hidden costs, and the impact on profitability. He unpacks the numbers—offering a 10% discount means you must sell 33% more just to break even. Discussion of segmenting discount offers, using time-limited deals, and alternative approaches like adding value or crafting market-dominating positions (MDP) to escape commoditization. Building a Market-Dominating Position Real-world examples like web-watch in daycares and "no results, no fee" for marketing firms show how to solve the biggest problem for clients without competing on price. Mindset: The 'Bike Trail' Metaphor The struggle and progression of business is compared to riding an uphill bike trail: it feels brutal until "you" change. The fundamentals remain, but your experience and efficiency grow. Fundamentals, incremental improvement, and compounding gains over time are highlighted as keys to ease rather than endless grind. Levels of Wealth and the Holiday Season Karl reframes wealth as not just money but also time, relationships, health, and purpose. Discussion on balancing ambition with presence, focusing on what matters, and prioritizing personal fulfillment during hectic seasons. Zen and The Moment of Presence Drawing inspiration from the philosopher Seneca and sharing personal stories and losses, Karl emphasizes living in the present moment, fueling gratitude, and managing stress. Sales vs. Coaching Skills Most coaches excel at one and struggle at the other. Karl breaks down why consistent small improvements—especially in your weak area—compound massively across the year. Business Models and Scalability Comparison of Siegfried & Roy vs. Blue Man Group in Vegas: choosing a scalable model over one dependent on a key individual. Notable Quotes "The bike trail doesn't change—you do." "If you're discounting by 10%, you better be ready to sell 33% more just to break even." "People get addicted to discounts. They don't get addicted to free." "Depression lives in the past, anxiety is the future—the solution is to stay in the present." "It's not the strategy, tool, or tactic; it's the level of thinking that separates great coaches." Actionable Takeaways Be Relentlessly Focused Laser-like focus is consistently the defining trait of high-level business founders. In 2026, resolve to hone your focus and stay on your chosen path. Add Value First, Discount Last Before offering discounts, create value in the form of market-dominating positions. Stand out by solving bigger problems for your ideal client. Use 'Buy One Get One Free' to Outperform Standard Discounts Test three discount strategies—% off, two-for-one, BOGO—but expect "buy one, get one free" to psychologically and financially outperform. Incremental Improvement Compounds Exponentially Aim for 1% daily improvement in sales or coaching for 365 days—by year's end, you could be 37x better. Live in the Present Practice gratitude, presence, and purposeful moments. Especially during the holiday season, invest your time where love and meaning are highest. Design Scalability into Your Business Model Think beyond yourself: can your offering operate without you present? Avoid "wrestling the tigers"—create systems others can run. Strategic Discounting Only Segment your offers, use time limitations, and always know your profit margins before reducing prices. Resources Mentioned Profit Acceleration Software™ by Karl Bryan The industry-leading platform for demonstrating ROI and boosting conversions with prospects. Focused.com Karl and Rode Dog's home base for emails, events, and business coaching frameworks. AI Coaching Dojo A toolbox for compounding improvements and operational efficiency in coaching practices. The Six-Figure Coach Magazine Free subscription at https://thesixfigurecoach.com/get-it If you enjoyed the episode, please subscribe, share with a fellow coach, and leave a review. See you next week on Business Coaching Secrets! Ready to elevate your coaching business? Don't wait! Listen to this episode now and make strides towards your goals. Visit Focused.com for more information on our Profit Acceleration Software™ and join our community of thriving coaches. Get a demo at https://go.focused.com/profit-acceleration

В этом выпуске Макс обсуждает идеи Сенеки о спокойствии духа, осознанности и важности вдумчивого чтения. Мы говорим о тревоге, внутреннем состоянии, умении жить оседло и глубоко погружаться в одну книгу, вместо того чтобы рассеивать внимание. Философия стоицизма в понятной форме — отличная практика аудирования уровня B1–B2.In this episode, Max explores Seneca's ideas about peace of mind, mindfulness, and the importance of deep, focused reading. We discuss anxiety, inner balance, living a settled life, and why concentrating on one book is more powerful than skimming many. Stoic philosophy explained clearly — perfect listening practice for B1–B2 learners.

Conclude your week with the Weekly Anchor, a soothing, gentle practice designed not to judge, but to notice and celebrate. This session guides you to compassionately review the last seven days, using the lens of Stoic awareness and loving-kindness. We will practice glancing back to identify the moments when you successfully applied the techniques to notice what worked well for you and what you could do differently. I  Congratulations on completing another series! I honor you for taking part in this week's series! ALL ABOUT THIS WEEK'S SERIES Welcome to "The Path to Happiness with the Stoics." Welcome to a new journey on the Daily Meditation Podcast. This week, we are walking The Path to Happiness with the Stoics. When we think of "Stoicism," we often imagine a stiff upper lip or the suppression of emotion. But the ancient Stoics—thinkers like Marcus Aurelius, Seneca, and Epictetus—were actually in pursuit of profound joy. They didn't seek the fleeting happiness of a sugar rush or a new purchase; they sought Eudaimonia (flourishing) and Ataraxia (unshakable tranquility). This is day 7 of a 7-day meditation series, "The Path to Happiness with the Stoics," episodes 1164-1170. Prepare to shift your perspective. Happiness is not something you chase; it is something you practice. YOUR WEEKLY CHALLENGE: "The Control Test" This week, your challenge is to apply the "Control Test" to every moment of friction or anxiety you encounter. Whenever you feel stress rising, pause immediately and ask yourself: "Is this 100% within my control?" If the answer is no, practice visualizing yourself physically dropping the weight of that outcome, redirecting your energy solely toward your own attitude and response. THIS WEEK'S MEDITATION JOURNEY  Day 1:  Inner Joy Visualization  Day 2:  Affirmation: "I am free." Day 3:  Happiness Breath Day 4:  Lotus mudra to open your heart Day 5:  Fourth Chakra for love and compassion Day 6:  Happiness Flow meditation, combining the week's techniques Day 7:  Weekly review meditation and closure SHARE YOUR MEDITATION JOURNEY WITH YOUR FELLOW MEDITATORS Let's connect and inspire each other! Please share a little about how meditation has helped you by reaching out to me at Mary@SipandOm.com or better yet -- direct message me on https://www.instagram.com/sip.and.om. We'd love to hear about your meditation ritual!  WAYS TO SUPPORT THE DAILY MEDITATION PODCAST SUBSCRIBE so you don't miss a single episode. Consistency is the KEY to a successful meditation ritual. SHARE the podcast with someone who could use a little extra support. I'd be honored if you left me a podcast review. If you do, please email me at Mary@sipandom.com and let me know a little about yourself and how meditation has helped you. I'd love to share your journey to inspire fellow meditators on the podcast! All meditations are created by Mary Meckley and are her original content. Please request permission to use any of Mary's content by sending an email to Mary@sipandom.com. FOR DAILY EXTRA SUPPORT OUTSIDE THE PODCAST Each day's meditation techniques are shared at: sip.and.om Instagram https://www.instagram.com/sip.and.om/ sip and om Facebook https://www.facebook.com/SipandOm/ SIP AND OM MEDITATION APP Looking for a little more support? If you're ready for a more in-depth meditation experience, allow Mary to guide you in daily 30-minute guided meditations on the Sip and Om meditation app. Give it a whirl for 7-days free! Receive access to 2,000+ 30-minute guided meditations customized around a weekly theme to help you manage emotions. Receive a Clarity Journal and a Slow Down Guide customized for each weekly theme.  2-Week's Free Access on iOS https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/sip-and-om/id1216664612?platform=iphone&preserveScrollPosition=true#platform/iphone All meditations are created by Mary Meckley and are her original content. Please request permission to use any of Mary's content by sending an email to Mary@sipandom.com.Let go of repetitive negative thoughts. The beach waves were composed by Mike Koenig. Music composed by Christopher Lloyd Clark licensed by RoyaltyFreeMusic.com, and also by musician Greg Keller.

Today the goal is to move beyond reacting to life and into the space of intentional, virtuous living, where happiness is not a fleeting reward, but the inherent result of your character. By weaving together the resilience of the Stoics with the expansive warmth of the Heart Chakra, you will leave this session with a complete, integrated toolkit for cultivating enduring, unyielding joy, today and every day forward. ALL ABOUT THIS WEEK'S SERIES Welcome to "The Path to Happiness with the Stoics." Welcome to a new journey on the Daily Meditation Podcast. This week, we are walking The Path to Happiness with the Stoics. When we think of "Stoicism," we often imagine a stiff upper lip or the suppression of emotion. But the ancient Stoics—thinkers like Marcus Aurelius, Seneca, and Epictetus—were actually in pursuit of profound joy. They didn't seek the fleeting happiness of a sugar rush or a new purchase; they sought Eudaimonia (flourishing) and Ataraxia (unshakable tranquility). This is day 6 of a 7-day meditation series, "The Path to Happiness with the Stoics," episodes 1164-1170. Prepare to shift your perspective. Happiness is not something you chase; it is something you practice. YOUR WEEKLY CHALLENGE: "The Control Test" This week, your challenge is to apply the "Control Test" to every moment of friction or anxiety you encounter. Whenever you feel stress rising, pause immediately and ask yourself: "Is this 100% within my control?" If the answer is no, practice visualizing yourself physically dropping the weight of that outcome, redirecting your energy solely toward your own attitude and response. THIS WEEK'S MEDITATION JOURNEY  Day 1:  Inner Joy Visualization  Day 2:  Affirmation: "I am free." Day 3:  Happiness Breath Day 4:  Lotus mudra to open your heart Day 5:  Fourth Chakra for love and compassion Day 6:  Happiness Flow meditation, combining the week's techniques Day 7:  Weekly review meditation and closure SHARE YOUR MEDITATION JOURNEY WITH YOUR FELLOW MEDITATORS Let's connect and inspire each other! Please share a little about how meditation has helped you by reaching out to me at Mary@SipandOm.com or better yet -- direct message me on https://www.instagram.com/sip.and.om. We'd love to hear about your meditation ritual!  WAYS TO SUPPORT THE DAILY MEDITATION PODCAST SUBSCRIBE so you don't miss a single episode. Consistency is the KEY to a successful meditation ritual. SHARE the podcast with someone who could use a little extra support. I'd be honored if you left me a podcast review. If you do, please email me at Mary@sipandom.com and let me know a little about yourself and how meditation has helped you. I'd love to share your journey to inspire fellow meditators on the podcast! All meditations are created by Mary Meckley and are her original content. Please request permission to use any of Mary's content by sending an email to Mary@sipandom.com. FOR DAILY EXTRA SUPPORT OUTSIDE THE PODCAST Each day's meditation techniques are shared at: sip.and.om Instagram https://www.instagram.com/sip.and.om/ sip and om Facebook https://www.facebook.com/SipandOm/ SIP AND OM MEDITATION APP Looking for a little more support? If you're ready for a more in-depth meditation experience, allow Mary to guide you in daily 30-minute guided meditations on the Sip and Om meditation app. Give it a whirl for 7-days free! Receive access to 2,000+ 30-minute guided meditations customized around a weekly theme to help you manage emotions. Receive a Clarity Journal and a Slow Down Guide customized for each weekly theme.  2-Week's Free Access on iOS https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/sip-and-om/id1216664612?platform=iphone&preserveScrollPosition=true#platform/iphone All meditations are created by Mary Meckley and are her original content. Please request permission to use any of Mary's content by sending an email to Mary@sipandom.com.Let go of repetitive negative thoughts. The beach waves were composed by Mike Koenig. Music composed by Christopher Lloyd Clark licensed by RoyaltyFreeMusic.com, and also by musician Greg Keller.

Be guided with deep connection, compassion, and boundless love. This transformative meditation series is designed to peel back the layers of guardedness and doubt, helping you cultivate a wellspring of Loving-Kindness—first for yourself, and then effortlessly for the world around you.  ALL ABOUT THIS WEEK'S SERIES Welcome to "The Path to Happiness with the Stoics." Welcome to a new journey on the Daily Meditation Podcast. This week, we are walking The Path to Happiness with the Stoics. When we think of "Stoicism," we often imagine a stiff upper lip or the suppression of emotion. But the ancient Stoics—thinkers like Marcus Aurelius, Seneca, and Epictetus—were actually in pursuit of profound joy. They didn't seek the fleeting happiness of a sugar rush or a new purchase; they sought Eudaimonia (flourishing) and Ataraxia (unshakable tranquility). This is day 5 of a 7-day meditation series, "The Path to Happiness with the Stoics," episodes 1164-1170. Prepare to shift your perspective. Happiness is not something you chase; it is something you practice. YOUR WEEKLY CHALLENGE: "The Control Test" This week, your challenge is to apply the "Control Test" to every moment of friction or anxiety you encounter. Whenever you feel stress rising, pause immediately and ask yourself: "Is this 100% within my control?" If the answer is no, practice visualizing yourself physically dropping the weight of that outcome, redirecting your energy solely toward your own attitude and response. THIS WEEK'S MEDITATION JOURNEY  Day 1:  Inner Joy Visualization  Day 2:  Affirmation: "I am free." Day 3:  Happiness Breath Day 4:  Lotus mudra to open your heart Day 5:  Fourth Chakra for love and compassion Day 6:  Happiness Flow meditation, combining the week's techniques Day 7:  Weekly review meditation and closure SHARE YOUR MEDITATION JOURNEY WITH YOUR FELLOW MEDITATORS Let's connect and inspire each other! Please share a little about how meditation has helped you by reaching out to me at Mary@SipandOm.com or better yet -- direct message me on https://www.instagram.com/sip.and.om. We'd love to hear about your meditation ritual!  WAYS TO SUPPORT THE DAILY MEDITATION PODCAST SUBSCRIBE so you don't miss a single episode. Consistency is the KEY to a successful meditation ritual. SHARE the podcast with someone who could use a little extra support. I'd be honored if you left me a podcast review. If you do, please email me at Mary@sipandom.com and let me know a little about yourself and how meditation has helped you. I'd love to share your journey to inspire fellow meditators on the podcast! All meditations are created by Mary Meckley and are her original content. Please request permission to use any of Mary's content by sending an email to Mary@sipandom.com. FOR DAILY EXTRA SUPPORT OUTSIDE THE PODCAST Each day's meditation techniques are shared at: sip.and.om Instagram https://www.instagram.com/sip.and.om/ sip and om Facebook https://www.facebook.com/SipandOm/ SIP AND OM MEDITATION APP Looking for a little more support? If you're ready for a more in-depth meditation experience, allow Mary to guide you in daily 30-minute guided meditations on the Sip and Om meditation app. Give it a whirl for 7-days free! Receive access to 2,000+ 30-minute guided meditations customized around a weekly theme to help you manage emotions. Receive a Clarity Journal and a Slow Down Guide customized for each weekly theme.  2-Week's Free Access on iOS https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/sip-and-om/id1216664612?platform=iphone&preserveScrollPosition=true#platform/iphone All meditations are created by Mary Meckley and are her original content. Please request permission to use any of Mary's content by sending an email to Mary@sipandom.com.Let go of repetitive negative thoughts. The beach waves were composed by Mike Koenig. Music composed by Christopher Lloyd Clark licensed by RoyaltyFreeMusic.com, and also by musician Greg Keller.

Seneca wasn't perfect. He struggled, as all humans do, with inconsistencies between his philosophy and his actions. So, why should we listen to him?