Podcasts about Stoicism

It takes a trained mind to see wonder and awe in the middle of everyday struggles. In today's PT. 2 episode, Ryan and persuasion expert Jay Heinrichs dive deeper into discipline, the power of our inner dialogue, and what it really means to have agency. Jay shares the story of having breakfast with the Dalai Lama and how the Stoics, Buddhists, Aristotle, and even Taylor Swift all point to the same truth about how we see and respond to life. Jay Heinrichs is a New York Times bestselling author of Thank You For Arguing and is a persuasion and conflict consultant. Middlebury College has named him a Professor of the Practice in Rhetoric and Oratory. Jay has conducted influence strategy and training for clients as varied as Kaiser Permanente, Harvard, the European Speechwriters Association, Southwest Airlines, and NASA. He has overseen the remake and staff recruiting of more than a dozen magazines. Pick up a copy of Jay's latest book Aristotle's Guide to Self-Persuasion: How Ancient Rhetoric, Taylor Swift, and Your Own Soul Can Help You Change Your Life Follow Jay on Instagram @JayHeinrichs and check out more of his work at www.jayheinrichs.com

What's the point? What is philosophy for?

What if the key to overcoming fear wasn't avoiding worst-case scenarios, but facing them head-on with a simple yet powerful mental shift? In this solo episode of The Greatness Machine, Darius Mirshahzadeh dives into Stoicism and the practice of Premeditatio Malorum—the premeditation of potential misfortunes. He shares a personal story of navigating a high-stress business crisis and how working with a cognitive behavioral therapist led him to the transformative "And Then" exercise. Discover how this mindset shift can help you break free from anxiety, regain control, and embrace resilience in the face of uncertainty. In this episode, Darius will discuss: (00:00) Exploring Stoicism and Premeditatio Malorum (11:48) Resilience and the Journey of Starting Over (18:14) Embracing Risk and the Sweet Juice of Life Sponsored by: Indeed: Get a $75 sponsored job credit to boost your job's visibility at Indeed.com/darius. Shopify: Start your $1/month trial at Shopify.com/greatness. Brevo: Head over to brevo.com/greatness and use the code greatness to get 50% off Starter and Standard Plans for the first 3 months of an annual subscription. Masterclass: Get 15% off any annual membership at MasterClass.com/DARIUS. Connect with Darius: Website: https://therealdarius.com/ Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dariusmirshahzadeh/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/imthedarius/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Thegreatnessmachine  Book: The Core Value Equation https://www.amazon.com/Core-Value-Equation-Framework-Limitless/dp/1544506708 Write a review for The Greatness Machine using this link: https://ratethispodcast.com/spreadinggreatness.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episodeMichael Gibson's origin storyMeeting Peter Thiel and launching the Thiel FellowshipThe importance of AristotleIs intelligence enough?Failure of philosophy is present in Plato's work...not Aristotle'sAlexander the Great's major influenceInspiration from the immortalsWhy victory is better than happinessFriends as a second self Gigasoul

After their interview, Ryan and Nick Thompson, CEO of The Atlantic and author of The Running Ground, headed into The Painted Porch to talk about their favorite books and swap recommendations.

This is what Stoicism has done throughout history. It's made people the best they could be.

This one starts with chaos — a full lost recording, a blind eye, two broken cars, and a week that could've broken anyone. Instead, it turned into something deeper: perspective. Jesse opens up about nearly going blind, a cascade of bad luck, and the moment he stopped fighting what life was throwing at him. From stoic philosophy to the power of forgiveness, this episode hits like a therapy session you didn't know you needed.You'll laugh, cringe at the eyeball needle story, and probably rethink what you're holding onto that's poisoning your peace. The guys weave in Idiocracy, haunted house stories, and how not to let fear, religion, or your own ego drive the car.In this episode:• How losing your vision can open your eyes (literally and spiritually)• Why life's worst weeks can reset your mindset• Stoicism for stoners — letting go without going numb• What forgiveness actually does to your health• Why everything — good, bad, or holy — eventually turns to pooIt's part comedy, part confession, part cosmic realignment — a perfect Sesh mix.Save on Dr Dabber with Code: Cannabisschool10Save on Storz & Bickel with Code : CannabisschoolSave on Santa Cruz Shredder with Code: CSP10Save on Bomb Erigs with Code: CSPScore 100 on your test

The Stoics were not passive. They did impressive things. They were impressive people. They were fighters. But you know what? They, like the rest of us, sometimes got carried away, sometimes hung on too long, went after the wrong things.

You're not lazy, you're just losing the debate in your own head. In today's episode, Ryan talks with Jay Heinrichs, bestselling author of Thank You for Arguing and one of the world's leading experts on rhetoric and persuasion. Jay has spent decades studying how we influence others, but in this conversation, he flips that lens inward to show how we can use the same tools to influence ourselves.Ryan and Jay talk about the fascinating overlap between Stoicism and rhetoric, how Marcus Aurelius used rhetoric to his advantage, and why self-persuasion might actually be more powerful than raw willpower. They discuss the rhetorical tricks Jay used on himself and what the best tools are for getting unstuck.Jay Heinrichs is a New York Times bestselling author of Thank You For Arguing and is a persuasion and conflict consultant. Middlebury College has named him a Professor of the Practice in Rhetoric and Oratory. Jay has conducted influence strategy and training for clients as varied as Kaiser Permanente, Harvard, the European Speechwriters Association, Southwest Airlines, and NASA. He has overseen the remake and staff recruiting of more than a dozen magazines. Pick up a copy of Jay's latest book Aristotle's Guide to Self-Persuasion: How Ancient Rhetoric, Taylor Swift, and Your Own Soul Can Help You Change Your Life Follow Jay on Instagram @JayHeinrichs and check out more of his work at www.jayheinrichs.com

In today's episode, Gina discusses an important strategy to help individuals suffering with anxiety: identify things that are not within your control and let go of any requirement to control outcomes relating to these things. We live in an uncertain world and our ability to control external events can be extremely limited. It is an enormous gift you can give yourself, to let go of the expectation that you can control such external forces. Listen in and learn how you can give yourself this gift today and in perpetuity, into the future.Please visit our Sponsor Page to find all the links and codes for our awesome sponsors!https://www.theanxietycoachespodcast.com/sponsors/ Thank you for supporting The Anxiety Coaches Podcast. FREE MUST-HAVE RESOURCE FOR Calming Your Anxious Mind10-Minute Body-Scan Meditation for Anxiety Anxiety Coaches Podcast Group Coaching linkACPGroupCoaching.comTo learn more, go to:Website https://www.theanxietycoachespodcast.comJoin our Group Coaching Full or Mini Membership ProgramLearn more about our One-on-One Coaching What is anxiety? Find even more peace and calm with our Supercast premium access membership:For $5 a month, all episodes are ad-free! https://anxietycoaches.supercast.com/Here's what's included for $5/month:❤ New Ad-Free episodes every Sunday and Wednesday❤ Access to the entire Ad-free back-catalog with over 600 episodes❤ Premium meditations recorded with you in mind❤ And more fun surprises along the way!All this in your favorite podcast app!Quote:You have power over your mind — not outside events. Realize this, and you will find strength.- Marcus AureliusChapters0:26 Introduction to Finding Calm2:49 Control vs. Acceptance6:26 Reflecting on What You Can Control9:29 The Courage of Acceptance12:02 The Power of Kindness13:52 Embracing Uncertainty15:02 Returning to Inner PeaceSummaryIn today's episode of the Anxiety Coaches Podcast, I delve into the vital topic of what we can truly control amidst the turmoil and uncertainty that so many are facing in the world today. As we navigate our lives filled with pressures from work, family, and health, it has become increasingly essential to reconnect with our internal sense of calm. So often, we allow anxiety to take the driver's seat, leading us to believe that if we can control every aspect of our lives, we will find peace. However, I invite you to explore with me the paradigm shift that comes from recognizing what is indeed within our control and what isn't.The discussion begins by acknowledging the overwhelming nature of our current environment, where uncertainty seems to prevail. In these moments, our minds can spiral into an anxious loop filled with "what if" scenarios. I highlight that while our minds are extraordinary problem solvers and have kept us safe throughout history, that very capability can become counterproductive when anxiety takes hold. As we unpack this, we see how anxiety amplifies our reactions to uncertainty, leading us to try managing aspects of life that are far beyond our reach.I introduce the idea of a conceptual circle that represents the dichotomy between what we control and what we don't. Inside this circle, we can focus on elements such as our choices, self-care, and responses to daily challenges. Outside that circle lies the unpredictable — the weather, other people's decisions, and countless scenarios that we cannot influence. I emphasize the crucial shift towards redirecting our attention from the outer circle back to our own sphere of influence, positing that our true power resides there.#AnxietyCoachesPodcast, #GinaRyan, #Anxiety, #FindingCalm, #Uncertainty, #Control, #Acceptance, #Mindfulness, #InnerPeace, #SelfCare, #StressRelief, #Resilience, #MentalWellness, #WhatIsInYourControl, #Stoicism, #MarcusAurelius, #AnxietyManagement, #LettingGo, #NotAControlFreak, #AnxiousMind, #NervousSystem, #EmotionalRegulation, #PeaceInThePresent, #StopFixing, #EmbraceUncertainty, #MentalHealthMatters, #AnxietyAwareness, #PersonalPowerSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this episode I take on a listener question about gender roles and Stoicism — whether they exist, how the Stoics would have defined them, and what any of it means for modern relationships. We look closely at Musonius Rufus, the so-called “fourth head” of the Stoic school, who argued that women and men share reason, virtue, and moral responsibility in equal measure — but who also, being a man of his time, fell back on some outdated assumptions about what that equality should look like in practice. From there, I unpack how we can read those ancient ideas without either dismissing them or accepting them wholesale. What would a Stoic say about “fifty-fifty” relationships today, about who pays for dinner, or who does the dishes? We'll explore how justice and reason — not gender — define our roles, and how mutual care can guide modern partnerships without falling into pathos or ideology. Key takeaways from this episode include: Musonius Rufus saw virtue as genderless, even if his society didn't. Stoicism asks us to perform our chosen roles justly, not conform to old scripts. Rational partnership — not cultural expectation — is what makes a relationship Stoic. For an ad-free version of this podcast please visit https://stoicismpod.com/members For links to other valuable Stoic things, please visit https://links.stoicismpod.com If you'd like to provide feedback on this episode, or have questions, 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

No child thinks they need a philosopher. Most adults don't either. Yet no matter our age, we all have problems.

History isn't something that other people lived through and we get to read about. We all live through history and we all can make it if we choose.

In the fourth and final episode of the Stoicism series, Jeff Krasno explores the four core virtues at the heart of Stoic philosophy — wisdom, courage, justice, and moderation — and how they can help you live with clarity, balance, and purpose in a chaotic world. Drawing from stoic thinkers like Marcus Aurelius and Epictetus, Jeff shares how moderation keeps us balanced, courage helps us act despite fear, justice aligns us with fairness, and wisdom unites them all through humility and good judgment. Learn how these timeless principles help you act with purpose, stay grounded under pressure, and live with greater moral clarity in modern life.

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

After nearly two years away from the Stoic world, author and researcher Kai Whiting returns to share—candidly—what happened: sudden metabolic illness, becoming a father, career upheaval, a public rift, and rebuilding meaning from first principles. We talk attachment, grief, diet experiments, masculinity, work identity, and how to live the virtues when theory isn't enough.In this episode:Breaking the silence: why Kai disappeared (02:00)Severe health spiral, hospitalizations, and discovering diabetes (03:30)Losing the bodybuilding identity—and the grief that follows (12:35)Food, mood, and mitochondria: one person's n=1 (18:30) (not medical advice)Stoicism vs. “pure abstraction”: why bodies and sports matter (24:30)On Peterson, bricklaying, and zooming out to purpose (53:20)Leaving academia, starting over in sales, and serving the beehive (49:00, 54:40)Rebuilding a professional identity without losing your soul (1:04:50)Key ideas & takeawaysGrief is Stoic: when you lose an identity (athlete, academic, whatever), you grieve first—then choose your next courageous action.Meet yourself where you are: programs (training or life) must fit your current capacity, not your past PRs or future fantasies.Bodies matter: movement can be a pressure-release valve while the “heat source” (deeper causes) is addressed.Serve the beehive: tie daily tasks to a larger vision; energy savings at a school becomes trees planted and kids learning.Change your mind in public: integrity > consistency; update beliefs when evidence (or life) demands it.ConnectGuest: Kai Whiting — best reached via LinkedIn for sustainability/energy efficiency conversations.Host: Brandon Tumblin — Strong Stoic Podcast, Substack, and socials.Disclaimer: This episode includes one person's health and nutrition experiences and is not medical advice.

After nearly two years away from the Stoic world, author and researcher Kai Whiting returns to share—candidly—what happened: sudden metabolic illness, becoming a father, career upheaval, a public rift, and rebuilding meaning from first principles. We talk attachment, grief, diet experiments, masculinity, work identity, and how to live the virtues when theory isn't enough.In this episode:Breaking the silence: why Kai disappeared (02:00)Severe health spiral, hospitalizations, and discovering diabetes (03:30)Losing the bodybuilding identity—and the grief that follows (12:35)Food, mood, and mitochondria: one person's n=1 (18:30) (not medical advice)Stoicism vs. “pure abstraction”: why bodies and sports matter (24:30)On Peterson, bricklaying, and zooming out to purpose (53:20)Leaving academia, starting over in sales, and serving the beehive (49:00, 54:40)Rebuilding a professional identity without losing your soul (1:04:50)Key ideas & takeawaysGrief is Stoic: when you lose an identity (athlete, academic, whatever), you grieve first—then choose your next courageous action.Meet yourself where you are: programs (training or life) must fit your current capacity, not your past PRs or future fantasies.Bodies matter: movement can be a pressure-release valve while the “heat source” (deeper causes) is addressed.Serve the beehive: tie daily tasks to a larger vision; energy savings at a school becomes trees planted and kids learning.Change your mind in public: integrity > consistency; update beliefs when evidence (or life) demands it.ConnectGuest: Kai Whiting — best reached via LinkedIn for sustainability/energy efficiency conversations.Host: Brandon Tumblin — Strong Stoic Podcast, Substack, and socials.Disclaimer: This episode includes one person's health and nutrition experiences and is not medical advice.

We can avoid being swept up in the newest fad or the oldest con. We can stop reliving the same mistake.

Join me for part 1 of a reading and discussion of Meditations, one of the most influential works of Stoic philosophy, by Marcus Aurelius – Roman Emperor and philosopher. In this series we'll explore the core tenants of Stoicism, examining its emphasis on virtue, reason, and acceptance. Exclusive Content and Ways to Support: Support me on Substack for ad-free content, bonus material, personal chatting and more! https://substack.com/@monicaperezshow Become a PREMIUM SUBSCRIBER on Apple Podcasts for AD FREE episodes and exclusive content! True Hemp Science: https://truehempscience.com/ PROMO CODE: MONICA Find, Follow, Subscribe & Rate on your favorite podcasting platform AND for video and social & more... Website: https://monicaperezshow.com/ Substack: https://substack.com/@monicaperezshow Rumble: https://rumble.com/user/monicaperezshow Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/MonicaPerez Twitter/X: @monicaperezshow Instagram: @monicaperezshow Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Will you be ​brave​ or afraid? Selfish or ​selfless​? ​Strong​ or weak? ​Wise​ or stupid? Will you cultivate a good habit or a bad one? Courage or cowardice? The bliss of ignorance or the challenge of a new idea? Stay the same…or grow? The easy way or the right way? Is it easy to make these choices? Of course not.

Running isn't just good exercise, it's Stoicism in motion. In part two of Ryan's conversation with Nick Thompson, CEO of The Atlantic, they talk about how running mirrors the daily discipline of Stoic philosophy, the decline of expertise in modern life, the one decision Marcus Aurelius made that changed history, and what the Stoics might have gotten wrong.Nick Thompson is the CEO of The Atlantic, an American magazine founded in 1857, which earned the top honor for magazines, General Excellence, at the National Magazine Awards in both 2022 and 2023. In his time as CEO, the company has seen record subscriber growth. Before joining The Atlantic, he was the editor-in-chief of Wired magazine. He is also a former contributor for CBS News and has previously served as editor. He has long been a competitive runner; in 2021, he set the American record for men 45+ in the 50K race.Check out Nick's new book The Running Ground: A Father, a Son, and the Simplest of SportsFollow Nick on Instagram and X @NXThompson

In this episode I talk with Jason Pack — a world-class backgammon grandmaster, geopolitical analyst, and host of Disorder, a podcast about what he calls “the global enduring disorder.” It's an unexpected mix of topics: the psychology of high-stakes decision-making, the Stoic discipline of attention, and how lessons from the game board apply to politics, leadership, and life. What starts as a conversation about dice and probability evolves into a reflection on courage, restraint, and rational focus — the same virtues Stoicism trains in us every day. Key takeaways from this episode include: — Backgammon teaches Stoic focus: attention belongs to the present move, not to past mistakes or imagined futures. — “Tilting” in games — or in life — is what happens when emotion overruns reason; Stoic practice helps restore composure and clear judgment. — The best players (and the best leaders) understand their own dispositions — courage, restraint, or excess — and correct for them. — Stoicism and strategy both demand discernment between what's up to us (our choices, our attitude) and what isn't (chance, luck, politics). — In a chaotic world — Jason's “enduring disorder” — wise cooperation and measured risk are the antidotes to reactive nationalism and impulsive power. — Whether in global politics or a roll of the dice, fortune favors those who prepare reasoned courage and act decisively when the moment comes. For an ad-free version of this podcast please visit https://stoicismpod.com/members For links to other valuable Stoic things, please visit https://links.stoicismpod.com -- You can listen to Jason Pack's Disorder podcast here: https://linktr.ee/disorderpod and learn more about it here: https://disordershow.com/ Why Backgammon Can Help us Order the Disorder Marc Olsen and Jason Pack on what BG teaches us about life: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/ep-132-why-backgammon-can-help-us-order-the-disorder/id1706818264?i=1000718750592 For more on Backgammon Galaxy visit - https://www.backgammongalaxy.com/  For a very fun video produced by Marc and featuring Jason about the World Backgammon Championship and what BG teaches about Life: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TebkgCNS7OI  -- 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Join me for part 1 of a reading and discussion of Meditations, one of the most influential works of Stoic philosophy, by Marcus Aurelius – Roman Emperor and philosopher. In this series we'll explore the core tenants of Stoicism, examining its emphasis on virtue, reason, and acceptance. Exclusive Content and Ways to Support: Support me on Substack for ad-free content, bonus material, personal chatting and more! https://substack.com/@monicaperezshow Become a PREMIUM SUBSCRIBER on Apple Podcasts for AD FREE episodes and exclusive content! True Hemp Science: https://truehempscience.com/ PROMO CODE: MONICA Find, Follow, Subscribe & Rate on your favorite podcasting platform AND for video and social & more... Website: https://monicaperezshow.com/ Substack: https://substack.com/@monicaperezshow Rumble: https://rumble.com/user/monicaperezshow Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/MonicaPerez Twitter/X: @monicaperezshow Instagram: @monicaperezshow Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today is Halloween here in America, a holiday of fun and mischief for children—masks, candy, and staying up late. But tomorrow, in Mexico, begins Día de los Muertos, a holiday more aimed at adults and with deeper philosophical roots.

This episode is a replay from The Existential Stoic library. Enjoy! Do you wish you had less problems? Do you ever feel like there will always be problems in life? In this episode, Danny and Randy discuss why there are always problems.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

In a world of hypocrites, status worship, and fools masquerading as wise men, we need the clarity and courage the Stoics embodied.

Every time you chase approval, you trade a piece of who you really are. Today's bonus episode is a clip from Dr. Rangan Chatterjee's episode on The Daily Stoic Podcast. Dr. Rangan Chatterjee is a physician, author, TV presenter and podcast host of Feel Better Live More where he talks with leading health experts who offer easy health life-hacks, expert advice and debunk common health myths. Be sure to check out Dr. Rangan Chatterjee's latest book Make Change That Lasts and grab signed copies of his other books: Feel Better in 5, Feel Great Lose Weight, and Happy Mind, Happy Life at The Painted Porch. You can follow Dr. Rangan on Instagram @DrChatterjee, on X @Dr.ChatterjeeUK, and on YouTube @DrChatterjeeRangan

As parents, we need philosophy just as much as our kids do. Parenting demands the four Stoic virtues: courage (to do what's hard), discipline (to follow through), justice (to do what's right), and wisdom (to know what matters).

In this episode of Theologically Driven, host Phil Cecil is joined by Dr. Kyle Dunham to explore the fascinating intersection between Stoic philosophy and biblical wisdom. Drawing from the teachings of ancient Stoics like Marcus Aurelius and modern interpreters such as Ryan Holiday, the conversation delves into seven core principles of Stoicism and compares them with insights from Ecclesiastes, Proverbs, and Job.Learn More about DBTS at https://dbts.eduLearn More about the Rice Lecture Series at https://dbts.edu/rice

Thank you Beth Pagano, Ann Cronin, Kevin White, Marcos, BCz, and many others for tuning into my live video with Kyle Shepard! Join me for my next live video in the app.Stoicism: Philosophy as a Way of Life is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.Thanks for reading Stoicism: Philosophy as a Way of Life! This post is public so feel free to share it. Get full access to Stoicism: Philosophy as a Way of Life at donaldrobertson.substack.com/subscribe

Nick Thompson couldn't change his father's story, but he found a habit that helped him make sense of his own. In today's episode, Ryan sits down with Nick, CEO of The Atlantic and author of The Running Ground. Ryan and Nick talk about why running is the ultimate teacher of focus and resilience, how to build discipline, and how running helped Nick process his complicated relationship with his father.Nick Thompson is the CEO of The Atlantic, an American magazine founded in 1857, which earned the top honor for magazines, General Excellence, at the National Magazine Awards in both 2022 and 2023. In his time as CEO, the company has seen record subscriber growth. Before joining The Atlantic, he was the editor-in-chief of Wired magazine. He is also a former contributor for CBS News and has previously served as editor. He has long been a competitive runner; in 2021, he set the American record for men 45+ in the 50K race.Check out Nick's new book The Running Ground: A Father, a Son, and the Simplest of SportsFollow Nick on Instagram and X @NXThompson

Life is hard. Life is complicated. Will you make the most of this time you have here?

Aaron is a dedicated practitioner at The Conscious Self who guides individuals on a holistic journey of self-connection and conscious living. As a qualified breathwork guide, meditation and nature-therapy leader, he uses a rich blend of modalities to help people deepen their awareness and align their lives through conscious practices. Driven by a lifelong love of nature and a desire to help others, Aaron has spent years studying, practicing and embodying his craft. He believes deeply in nature's healing power, the interconnection we share with the natural world, and the potential for everyone to build greater consciousness within themselves and their communities.   Key Topics: ⭐ Growing up without strong male role models and the struggle to define masculinity ⭐ The impact of turbulent father figures and stepfather loss on trust in men ⭐ Struggles with loneliness, self-worth, and difficulty forming deep male friendships ⭐ The role of Thai boxing and martial arts in building discipline, humility, and brotherhood ⭐ How physical struggle and training create deeper bonds among men ⭐ Using physical exertion to gain clarity, humility, and reconnect with self ⭐ The "ego trap" — from arrogance to self-loathing — and how men navigate it ⭐ Stoicism as a philosophy for balance, self-awareness, and virtue ⭐ The danger of idolizing "great men" (Elon Musk, Andrew Tate) versus valuing "good men" ⭐ Social media's role in spreading toxic masculinity, ridicule, and sensationalism ⭐ Challenging negative narratives about men and highlighting men who do the inner work ⭐ Accountability as the foundation for authenticity and conscious masculinity ⭐ Pitfalls for men on the spiritual/conscious path: lust, ego, and spiritual superiority ⭐ The myth of the flawless "conscious man" versus the reality of ongoing imperfection and growth   Connect With David - The Authentic Man:   Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theauthenticman_/  Website: https://www.theauthenticman.net/  For Coaching: hello@theauthenticman.net  Newsletter: https://www.theauthenticman.net/home-subscribe  Connect With Aaron Parker: Website: https://theconsciousself.co.uk/about-us Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/conscious__man LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/theconsciousself

What made Marcus Aurelius different? What were his secrets to success, resiliency, and productivity? How did he master his emotions and maintain such self-control?

Things will go wrong. Fortune will turn on you. You will make mistakes. Plans will be disrupted. Dreams will be dashed. This is life.

How do we persevere well? How do we persevere happily? Thankfully, we can look to the Stoics. The Stoics not only wrote about how to persevere, they used Stoicism to persevere in the face of plagues, exiles, imprisonment, and wars. You can read this article here: https://dailystoic.com/perseverance/

It's been six years since Ryan and his longtime editor and collaborator, Stephen Hanselman, first dreamed up the Stoic Virtues Series. In this bonus episode, they reflect on where the idea started, how each book built on the last, and why the four virtues are so deeply connected. Stephen Hanselman has worked for over three decades in publishing as a bookseller, publisher and literary agent. He is a graduate of Harvard Divinity School, where he received a Master's degree while also studying extensively at Harvard's philosophy department.

What happens when brilliance goes unchecked? In today's episode, Ryan and his research assistant Billy Oppenheimer dig into the cautionary side of genius, from Elon Musk's unraveling to why so many smart people end up making dumb decisions. They talk about how success can warp reality, why intelligence without wisdom becomes dangerous, and how even the brightest minds can lose their way when they stop listening, stop learning, and stop taking care of themselves.Billy Oppenheimer is Ryan Holiday's research assistant and the writer behind the newsletter, Six at 6 on Sunday. To read more of his work, check out his website billyoppenheimer.com.

What watching the news these days does to you is indisputable. It disrupts your focus. It disturbs your sanity. It changes your mood. But what does it change in the real world?

Life is unpredictable, but what if you could face every challenge with unshakable strength and clarity? In this solo episode of The Greatness Machine, Darius Mirshahzadeh dives into Stoicism and shares seven key lessons from the ancient philosophy, inspired by Ryan Holiday and “The Daily Stoic.” From avoiding unnecessary suffering to breaking free from the victim mindset, Darius unpacks timeless wisdom from Seneca, Marcus Aurelius, Epictetus, and more. Tune in for a deep dive into how Stoic principles can help you navigate life with resilience, self-awareness, and purpose. In this episode, Darius will discuss: (00:00) Introduction to Stoicism and Personal Journey (01:27) Seven Stoic Principles for a Better Life (02:48) The Importance of Not Complaining (05:14) Avoiding Comparison with Others (07:37) The Power of Listening (10:29) Judgment and Empathy (12:51) Finding Balance and Temperance (16:45) Energy and Living a Good Life (18:39) Reflections on Life Experiences Sponsored by: Brevo: Head over to brevo.com/greatness and use the code greatness to get 50% off Starter and Business Plans for the first 3 months of an annual subscription. Indeed: Get a $75 sponsored job credit to boost your job's visibility at Indeed.com/darius.  Shopify: Start your $1/month trial at Shopify.com/greatness.  Connect with Darius: Website: https://therealdarius.com/ Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dariusmirshahzadeh/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/imthedarius/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Thegreatnessmachine  Book: The Core Value Equation https://www.amazon.com/Core-Value-Equation-Framework-Limitless/dp/1544506708 Write a review for The Greatness Machine using this link: https://ratethispodcast.com/spreadinggreatness.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Elon Musk is smart. Yet would anyone describe Elon Musk as happy?

What does six years of studying and writing about the Stoic virtues really teach you? In today's episode, Ryan sits down with longtime research assistant Billy Oppenheimer to look back on how the Stoic Virtues Series came together, from the first hike where the idea was born to the final chapter of Wisdom Takes Work. They talk about what it means to grow up alongside your own work, how each book became the lesson Ryan needed at that moment, and why wisdom can't be outsourced.Billy Oppenheimer is Ryan Holiday's research assistant and the writer behind the newsletter, Six at 6 on Sunday. To read more of his work, check out his website billyoppenheimer.com.

The bad guys might get away with it. But that's not going to stop us from doing what we're supposed to do, from being who we are supposed to be.

No one will be able to do this for you. You can't outsource it. You can't fake it. There are no hacks.

Wisdom Takes Work, the final book in the Stoic Virtues Series, is out TODAY! To celebrate, Ryan's sharing a special preview: a full chapter from the audiobook.