Podcasts about stoic philosophy

Former Marine turned novelist Elliot Ackerman sits down with Ryan to talk about what discipline really looks like in everyday life. From 100-degree runs to cold plunges and daily writing routines, they discuss what helps them stay steady, focused, and consistent even when it's hard.Elliot Ackerman is the New York Times bestselling author of the novels 2054, 2034, Halcyon, Red Dress in Black and White, Waiting for Eden, Dark at the Crossing, and Green on Blue, as well as the memoirs The Fifth Act: America's End in Afghanistan and Places and Names: On War, Revolution, and Returning. Elliot's books have been nominated for the National Book Award, the Andrew Carnegie Medal in both fiction and nonfiction, and the Dayton Literary Peace Prize, among others. He is a contributing writer at The Atlantic, a Senior Fellow at Yale's Jackson School of Global Affairs, and a veteran of the Marine Corps and CIA special operations, having served five tours of duty in Iraq and Afghanistan, where he received the Silver Star, the Bronze Star for Valor, and the Purple Heart. Be sure to check out Elliot's latest book, SHEEPDOGS. Apple Studios has actually bought the rights to develop the book as a series with Tom Hanks production company. Grab signed copies of Elliot's books 2054 and 2034 at The Painted Porch | https://www.thepaintedporch.com/Follow Elliot Ackerman on Instagram and X @elliot.ackerman

Our lives are unpredictable. We are at the mercy of so many forces.

Education takes time. It takes work. It takes patience.

Before, you were scared. Before, you were soft. Before, you were dependent. Before, you were so many things.

After earning a red card at a youth soccer game, Aaron and I reflect on emotional control, brutal honesty, and the power of self-censorship. Inspired by Jefferson Fisher and “Self-Censorship Is Actually Good,” we role-play ways to speak truth with empathy. From sideline chaos and parenting stress to stoic communication principles, this episode blends humor, humility, and hard-earned lessons. Learn to navigate social tension, say “no” with confidence, and speak wisely—especially when emotions run high.--------- EPISODE CHAPTERS ---------(0:00:04) - Self-Censorship and Empathy in Communication(0:16:50) - Parental Behavior in Youth Sports(0:28:08) - Filtering Communication With Self-Censorship(0:37:08) - Navigating Political and Social ConfrontationsSend us a text

True curiosity demands action. It challenges your assumptions, expands your worldview, and pushes you to do something with what you learn.

If there's one thing Candace Parker does best, it's winning. In today's episode, Ryan sits down with basketball legend Candace Parker to talk about championships, pressure, and what it takes to be one of the greats. Candace talks about how being elite changes the way you see the world (and yourself), why winning never really feels like enough, and what happens when your whole identity is built around being the best. She opens up about legacy, ambition, parenting, and why she doesn't go a year without reading The Alchemist. Candace Parker is one of the most influential athletes of all time. After being selected as the No. 1 overall pick in the 2008 WNBA Draft by the Los Angeles Sparks, following a champion career at Tennessee, Parker went on to become the first player to earn WNBA MVP and Rookie of the Year honors in the same season, win three WNBA championship titles, and take home two Olympic gold medals. Be sure to grab a copy of Candace's book: The Can-Do Mindset: How to Cultivate Resilience, Follow Your Heart, and Fight for Your Passions Follow Candace on Instagram and X @CandaceParker

When people show us who they are, we need to believe them.

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

This episode is a replay from The Existential Stoic library. Enjoy! When you're bored or depressed, why does it seem like time drags on? In contrast, why does time literally fly-by when you're having fun? In this episode, Danny and Randy discuss time.  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.

When Marcus Aurelius wrote 'the obstacle is the way,' he was talking about difficult people. Tune in to hear Matthew McConaughey's advice on how to handle the challenging individuals we all face every day.

Despair is so easy, even reasonable in moments like this. The Stoics knew that feeling well.

Self-regulation is the single most important skill for life. In today's episode, developmental psychologist and parenting expert Dr. Aliza Pressman joins Ryan to talk about how to start reframing everyday frustrations, why she is worried for this generation of parents, and the difference between expressing emotion and acting on it. Dr. Aliza Pressman is a developmental psychologist, parenting expert, the author of the New York Times bestselling book THE 5 PRINCIPLES OF PARENTING: Your Essential Guide to Raising Good Humans which you can grab signed copies of at The Painted Porch | https://www.thepaintedporch.comCheck out her award-winning podcast Raising Good Humans and follow Dr. Aliza on Instagram and X @RaisingGoodHumansPodcast

What good is courage if not in pursuit of justice? And how can we know what is just and right without wisdom? And without temperance and self-discipline, how will we have the strength both to acquire wisdom and to apply courage?

You have to interrogate the thoughts, views, and understanding of the facts. You do this not to prove you're right, but to ensure you're not wrong—to make sure you're not embarrassingly, shamefully, confidently wrong.

“Why do you wait?” Seneca asks us. “Wisdom comes haphazard to no man.”

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.

After their conversation for The Daily Stoic Podcast, Ryan gives communication expert and The Next Conversation author Jefferson Fisher book recommendations at The Painted Porch.

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?

This episode is a replay from The Existential Stoic library. Enjoy! “If it was meant to be, it would have happened…” “It's okay, it just wasn't meant to be.” What do we mean when we say something was or wasn't “meant to be”? Is anything really meant to be? In this episode, Danny and Randy discuss what, if anything, is “meant to be,” and the reasons why we use this phrase.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.

The Stoics were human. Most great men and women were. If they were made of stone, what would there be to admire?

If enslavement—the horrible torture that Epictetus experienced, the lifelong disability that followed it—didn't touch his power over himself, what excuse do the rest of us have?

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.

We study philosophy to learn how to protect this real estate between our ears—and you could argue there's no better teacher than Epictetus.

Let's call out the cowards and the corrupt—but let's also hold up the mirror.

What separates the work that fades from the work that endures? In this episode, Ryan explores the Stoic wisdom behind lasting success and how to turn adversity into something timeless, meaningful, and built to outlive you.

James Altucher and Ryan return for Part 2 to talk about creativity, aging, and why most ideas don't last. Ryan explains why he avoids personal stories in his Stoic Virtues series, a research skill he learned while working for Robert Greene, and what most writers get wrong. James opens up about his renewed obsession with an old passion and the painful truth of chasing a past version of yourself.James Altucher is the podcast host of The James Altucher Show , an investor, venture capitalist, writer, and an expert in emerging technologies like crypto and AI. Follow James on Instagram @Altucher and X @JAltucherWatch Ryan's latest interview on The James Altucher Show: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cTe49rKcAEA

Epictetus didn't just theorize about resilience—he lived it. It's why his powerful lessons have endured for nearly two millennia as perhaps the most practical and accessible playbook in Stoic philosophy.

People will betray us in life. They will take from us. We can be hurt and broken and angry about this, or we can use it as Epictetus did—as a reminder of the transient nature of possession.

The greatest work isn't what goes viral, it's what endures. Podcaster, writer, and venture capitalist James Altucher joins Ryan to talk about why podcasting might be doing more harm than good, what makes a medium “healthy” for creativity, why some stories survive history and others disappear, and how the algorithm subtly rewires creators' minds. James Altucher is the podcast host of The James Altucher Show , an investor, venture capitalist, writer, and an expert in emerging technologies like crypto and AI. Follow James on Instagram @Altucher and X @JAltucher

It's unfortunate Epictetus isn't more widely read—because when he is, he changes lives.

There was gruffness to the Stoics. A wariness of getting too close or too attached, lest your heart be broken by fortune. But does that mean the Stoics were unfeeling?

Most people are enslaved and controlled and directed by their ignorance. Their impulses. Their temper. Their desires and delusions.

In this letter, Seneca critiques sophistical argumentation, highlighting how it exercises wit without purpose and distracts from the essentials of living a good life. Today's episode is an excerpt from The Tao Of Seneca produced by Tim Ferriss' Audio. Get the free PDF at tim.blog/seneca

The most misunderstood Stoic practice is Memento Mori - remember you will die. Dr. Laurie Santos, an expert on the science of happiness, joins Ryan to share the research behind why thinking about your mortality is proven to increase happiness. Dr. Laurie shares how to balance negative and positive visualizations for a fulfilling life, the Stoic practices that she swears by, and practical applications of Stoic and Buddhist teachings. Dr. Laurie Santos is an expert on the science of happiness and the ways in which our minds lie to us about what makes us happy. Her Yale course, “Psychology and the Good Life,” teaches students how the science of psychology can provide important hints about how to make wiser choices and live a life that's happier and more fulfilling. The class became Yale's most popular course in over 300 years, with almost one out of four students enrolled. Her course has been featured in the New York Times, NBC Nightly News, The Today Show, GQ Magazine, Slate and O! Magazine. The online version of the class—The Science of Well-Being on Coursera.org—has attracted more than 4 million learners from around the world. A winner of numerous awards both for her science and teaching, she was recently voted as one of Popular Science Magazine's “Brilliant 10” young minds, and was named in Time Magazine as a “Leading Campus Celebrity.” Listen to Dr. Laurie's podcast, The Happiness Lab, where she shares the latest scientific research on what it means to be truly happy. Check out more of Dr. Laurie's work at DrLaurieSantos.com and follow her Instagram @LaurieSantosOfficial, X @LaurieSantos, and on YouTube and TikTok @DrLaurieSantos

Win or lose, what matters, the Stoics believed, was that we tried. That we did our best.

It's rather sad—almost sacriligeous—that more people don't know who shaped Marcus's philosophical worldview.

It drives you nuts—the things some people believe and do and say. But here's the thing: It does make sense. It makes sense to them.

You can't expand your perspective if you never step out of your bubble. In today's episode, Ryan sits down with Chet Garner, host of The Daytripper, to explore how traveling, even just one town over, can completely change the way you see the world. They talk about why you don't need to leave the country (or even your own state) to gain a new perspective, how the Stoics thought about travel in the ancient world, and how to use everyday adventures to raise more curious, open-minded kids.Chet Garner is the creator, producer, and host of "The Daytripper", an 11-time Emmy-Award winning travel show airing on PBS stations across the country.You can check out Chet's show The Daytripper on PBS and his videos on YouTube @TheDaytripperTV . Follow Chet on Instagram @ChetTripper and see more at thedaytripper.com

Why is self-command and self-knowledge so elusive? How can we find it? Well, Epictetus can show us the way, as he did for Marcus and Hadrian and countless others over the centuries.

The key to life, Epictetus said, was not to dream for things to be a certain way but to dream for them to be the way they were. To be grateful that you had the fate you had.

Looking for practical strategies to deal with difficult people? In today's episode, communication expert Jefferson Fisher shares a 3-step process for navigating conflict, especially when kindness and empathy no longer work.Jefferson Fisher is one of the most respected voices on communication and arguments in the world. He is a Texas board certified personal injury attorney and law firm owner of Fisher Firm. Millions of people and some of the world's leading brands come to Jefferson for advice and practical strategies to communicate more effectively. Follow Jefferson on Instagram and X @Jefferson_Fisher, on YouTube @JeffersonFisher and on TikTok @JustAskJefferson

You're not here to impress, you're here to make a difference. In this PT. 2 episode, historian and bestselling author Rutger Bregman sits down with Ryan for a deep dive into what a meaningful life actually looks like and why so many people end up wasting their one shot at it. They talk about how easy it is to chase the wrong goals, why real impact often goes unnoticed, and how to realign your work with what truly matters.Rutger Bregman is a Dutch historian and author. His latest book Moral Ambition: Stop Wasting Your Talent and Start Making a Difference was released in April 2025. ‍‍In 2024, Rutger co-founded The School for Moral Ambition, a non-profit organization inspired by his latest book, Moral Ambition. The initiative helps people to take the step toward an impactful career.‍Follow Rutger on Instagram and X | @RutgerBregman

The American experiment—based as it was on individual liberty—was built on the necessity of virtue and honor. A people freed from the tyranny of government, they understood, still needed to be checked by their own morality, philosophy and religion.

There is something that can't be taken from us by even the strongest strong man or the most unlucky of external events.

You could be doing anything with your life…so why are you choosing this? Historian and bestselling author Rutger Bregman joins Ryan to question everything we tend to believe about success, work, and impact. They discuss why many “prestigious” careers might actually be pointless, how a few regular people pulled off one of the biggest moral wins in history, and why meaningful work rarely looks like what society celebrates.Rutger Bregman is a Dutch historian and author. His latest book Moral Ambition: Stop Wasting Your Talent and Start Making a Difference was released in April 2025. ‍‍In 2024, Rutger co-founded The School for Moral Ambition, a non-profit organization inspired by his latest book, Moral Ambition. The initiative helps people to take the step toward an impactful career.‍Follow Rutger on Instagram and X | @RutgerBregman

What Epictetus learned in his fascinating life—beginning in slavery and culminating in a legacy as one of the most influential philosophers of all time—was simple, profound, and enduring. It's why countless Roman families sent their children to learn from Epictetus at his school in Nicopolis. And that's why we're spending this month doing a deep dive into Epictetus—because if reading him changed Marcus Aurelius' life, how might he change yours?

Seneca practiced poverty. Marcus Aurelius mentally rehearsed being criticized and misunderstood. Why did they put themselves in these uncomfortable positions?

Our lives are unpredictable. We are at the mercy of so many forces.