Podcasts about Stoicism

What if the edge you're searching for isn't outside of you—but already within? I sit down with Gina Tucci-Karnisovas—mental strength coach and former competitive athlete—to explore the often-overlooked drivers of sustainable performance: breath, presence, visualization, and grounded confidence. Gina shares how embracing both “white belt curiosity” and “black belt strength” helped her navigate intense performance anxiety and how that mindset now shapes her work with elite athletes and high performers. We get into what real confidence looks like, how to stay calm under pressure, and why mental fitness is just as essential as physical training—if not more.   Show Notes 00:00 – The “white belt” mindset: humility, curiosity, and reverence 03:00 – Martial arts, Stoicism, and her evolution into sports psychology 06:00 – Her mom's legacy: breath, Pac-Man visualization, and mental resilience 10:00 – From performance anxiety to mental strength coaching 12:00 – Discovering breathwork and yoga as transformation tools 18:00 – Why elite athletes still struggle with confidence 20:00 – Breaking down grounded vs. naive confidence 24:00 – How to build confidence through evidence and habit stacking 28:00 – Why mental fitness in sports must come from the top down 32:00 – The stigma around vulnerability in pro sports 36:00 – Gina's AM/PM bookend routines for mental clarity 40:00 – Mental nutrition: What's feeding your mind? 45:00 – Reframing negative self-talk and the reps of daily life   **** Release details for the NEW BOOK.   Get your copy of Personal Socrates: Better Questions, Better Life   Connect with Marc >>>  Website | LinkedIn | Instagram |   Drop a review and let me know what resonates with you about the show! Thanks as always for listening and have the best day yet! * A special thanks to MONOS, our official travel partner for Behind the Human! Use MONOSBTH10 at check-out for savings on your next purchase. ✈️ * Special props

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

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

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.

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?

A Note from James:We kept recording because the conversation wasn't done. Part 1 was about writing and honesty. Part 2? It's about consequences—what happens when people believe their own hype, when we confuse being loud with being right, and when storytelling gets weaponized. Ryan Holiday has written about ego, stillness, and obstacles. But this part of the conversation gets at something deeper: what happens when power and narrative collide. And how do we live with integrity when the tools we use to create can just as easily be used to manipulate?Episode Description:In Part 2 of their conversation, James Altucher and Ryan Holiday explore the darker side of influence—how public figures lose their grounding, how movements become cults, and how audience validation can steer creators away from their original purpose.They discuss RFK Jr., Jordan Peterson, and Tucker Carlson—not as political figures, but as case studies in how public personas evolve under the pressure of attention. Along the way, they wrestle with their own roles as communicators: when to speak, when to hold back, and what it really means to be useful in a world full of noise.What You'll Learn:Why creators are vulnerable to audience captureThe line between healthy skepticism and conspiracy thinkingWhat separates honesty from manipulation in public discourseWhy power often comes at the expense of self-awarenessHow James and Ryan each wrestle with responsibility as public thinkersTimestamped Chapters:[00:00] Continuation from Part 1[01:00] How Personas Get Distorted Over Time[02:00] The RFK Jr. Conundrum[04:00] Audience Capture and Dopamine Loops[06:00] When Truth Becomes Optional[08:00] Jordan Peterson and the Burden of Symbolism[10:00] Platform Power vs. Message Integrity[11:00] What Happens When You Start Believing Your Own Brand[12:00] The "Edge" as a Career Strategy[13:00] The Slippery Slope from Insight to Grift[15:00] Building a Philosophy Business[16:00] How Stoicism Can Be Used or Abused[17:00] Tucker Carlson, Outrage, and Narrative Control[19:00] Being Useful vs. Being Loud[21:00] When You're More Known Than You Are Understood[23:00] The Fear of Changing Your Mind[24:00] When Silence is the Most Ethical Choice[25:00] Creating in Public Without Losing Yourself[27:00] The Most Powerful Words: “I Don't Know”Additional Resources:Ryan Holiday's website: ryanholiday.netEgo Is the Enemy by Ryan Holiday: AmazonJames Altucher on Twitter: @jaltucherThe Daily Stoic podcast: Daily StoicSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This episode explores how Stoicism is not just about inner strength, but about cultivating virtue through community and just interaction with others.Guided by the examples of Zeno, Musonius Rufus, Epictetus, and the legendary story of Lycurgus, we see how reasoned dialogue and patient understanding transform conflict into character.Join us as we discover why true Stoic wisdom is grown not in isolation, but in the company of others striving for a life well lived.

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.

Welcome to the Via Stoica Podcast, the podcast on Stoicism.What if preparing for death is the key to truly living? In this episode of the Via Stoica Podcast, Benny and Brendan explore the Stoic approach to mortality, not as something to fear, but as a tool to cultivate presence, peace, and purpose.Through personal stories, Stoic reflections, and practical exercises, they discuss how coming to terms with death can transform how we live day to day. You'll learn how Stoicism reframes death as a natural event, how meditating on mortality increases gratitude, and how the loss of loved ones can become a powerful teacher.This conversation pairs beautifully with our article Why Death Needs Rebranding, which challenges the modern fear of dying and invites us to embrace the Stoic wisdom of memento mori.Whether you're dealing with grief, contemplating your legacy, or just looking for a deeper connection to life, this episode offers guidance from the ancient Stoics and from two modern voices living the practice.Support the show⁠www.ViaStoica.com⁠⁠https://viastoica.com/stoic-life-coaching⁠⁠https://viastoica.com/benny-voncken/⁠⁠https://viastoica.com/Brendan-hogle/⁠YouTube: ⁠/viastoica⁠Reach us: ⁠info@viastoica.com⁠Produced by: ⁠http://badmic.com⁠

In this episode, I'm joined by longtime friend and fellow philosopher Joshua Bertolotti—writer, father, and host of Dying Every Day. We dive into what it really means to know yourself, why emotional presence matters more than emotional distance, and how even rest can unearth hidden tension.Joshua opens up about decompressing after years in the military, the subtle art of relaxing with intention, and how practicing Stoicism in isolation differs from practicing it socially. We also explore the paradoxes of Stoic behavior: when detachment appears as apathy, when teaching Stoicism isn't the Stoic thing to do, and why empathy might be the ultimate expression of wisdom.Want to hear more about Joshua's backstory and his philosophy of success? Join us on Steps to Success, available to Substack Premium and Patreon supporters.

Anyone who is interesed in emerging science and futurism will come across the name Natasha Vita-More; a suggestive name for a charismatic and important philosopher and artist envisioning human possibilities. She wrote the Transhuman Manifesto in 1983. But did you know that she has also made a scientific discovery with big implications for cryopreservation?Natasha Vita-More is a trailblazing futurist, acclaimed author, and pioneering designer whose work stands at the thrilling intersection of science, technology, and art. Renowned for her visionary contributions to transhumanism and human enhancement, she has spent decades exploring how we can transcend biological limitations and reimagine what it means to be human. From her iconic “Primo Posthuman” prototype to her influential writings on life extension and ethical AI, Vita-More has inspired global audiences to think boldly about the future.

In this episode, I'm joined by longtime friend and fellow philosopher Joshua Bertolotti—writer, father, and host of Dying Every Day. We dive into what it really means to know yourself, why emotional presence matters more than emotional distance, and how even rest can unearth hidden tension.Joshua opens up about decompressing after years in the military, the subtle art of relaxing with intention, and how practicing Stoicism in isolation differs from practicing it socially. We also explore the paradoxes of Stoic behavior: when detachment appears as apathy, when teaching Stoicism isn't the Stoic thing to do, and why empathy might be the ultimate expression of wisdom.Want to hear more about Joshua's backstory and his philosophy of success? Join us on Steps to Success, available to Substack Premium and Patreon supporters.

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

In this episode of our free book club on Augustine's Confessions, we discuss Books 7-8.Become a patron and/or enroll in a course at patreon.com/mythicmind.Plato, Stoicism, and Till We Have Faces begins at the beginning of August!Watch the video of this episode here: https://youtu.be/fPU7aiJOn3kListen to all THREE Mythic Mind podcasts:Mythic MindMythic Mind GamesMythic Mind Movies & ShowsBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/mythic-mind--5808321/support.

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.

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This episode is a replay from The Existential Stoic library. Enjoy! Are you a good person? Do you live by your own values? How can you develop character and virtues? In this episode, Danny and Randy discuss values and virtue.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.

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.

A Note from James:Ryan Holiday is one of the few writers I consider a peer—not just because of the work he's done, but because of the choices he's made along the way. We've both published a lot of books. We've both dealt with audiences, platforms, and the weight of having a “point of view” in a world that increasingly wants you to pick a side. This episode wasn't meant to be a debate or an interview. It was just two people trying to make sense of the tension between creativity and truth, honesty and influence, and why sometimes the best thing you can say is nothing at all.Episode Description:In this candid and far-ranging conversation, James Altucher sits down with bestselling author Ryan Holiday to talk about the changing nature of creativity, writing, podcasting, and personal ethics in a polarized media landscape.They discuss the illusion of having to weigh in on every issue, the danger of algorithmic thinking, and how to stay true to your voice without becoming a prisoner to your audience. Whether you're a writer, a creator, or just trying to think more clearly in chaotic times, this episode offers real insight into the forces shaping our thinking—and how to resist them.What You'll Learn:Why sharing too early can kill creative momentumHow social media shifted from expression to algorithm worshipWhy long-form podcasts might be bad for your brainHow writing differs from other art forms in its tension and permanenceThe tradeoffs between artistic freedom, platform growth, and audience expectationsTimestamped Chapters:[00:00] Writing Without Talking About It[01:00] Why Book Ideas Need Time in the Dark[02:00] Creative Compulsion vs. Discipline[03:00] Stand-Up, Dopamine, and Daily Feedback[05:00] Point of View in a Binary World[06:00] Silence, Ethics, and Speaking Up[07:00] Noise as a Form of Violence[09:00] Political vs. Philosophical Disagreements[10:00] Social Media's Shift to Opinion Farming[11:00] The Algorithm as Audience Puppet Master[12:00] When the Audience Has You[13:00] Podcasting's Algorithm Problem[14:00] Are Podcasts Dangerous?[16:00] Podcasting vs. Books: Tension and Craft[18:00] The Rise of the Longform Grifter[20:00] RFK Jr., Bad Ideas, and No Fact Checks[22:00] Why Audiobooks Outperform Podcasts[23:00] Can the Medium Save Us?[25:00] When Podcasts Work (And When They Don't)[27:00] Music and the Emotional Power of Simplicity[29:00] Songs vs. Culture War Commentary[30:00] Great Lyrics, Great Feelings[32:00] Bono, Stoicism, and Making You Feel Seen[34:00] The Parasocial Magic of Fame[35:00] Acting, Politics, and Emotional Truth[37:00] Writing as the Hardest Artform[39:00] Why Great Writing Still MattersAdditional Resources:Ryan Holiday's website: ryanholiday.netThe Daily Stoic by Ryan Holiday: AmazonJames Altucher on Twitter: @jaltucherRyan Holiday's books on Amazon: Author PageOlivia Rodrigo – “Drivers License” (YouTube): Watch hereLed Zeppelin lyrics and discography: ledzeppelin.comU2 – “Sunday Bloody Sunday”: YouTubeSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

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

In real life, Epictetus taught his students that freedom lies in wanting only what we can control: our character, our choices, our reasoned response. 

Send us a textEpisode 28 — Dealing With One-Sided Attraction? Here's Something To Consider____________________________________________________Zan famously writes in The Alabaster Girl, “Love is symmetrical…The ones you love are the ones who love you”. Many men (and women) have read and re-read this line, understanding it conceptually, yet fail to *know the experience of being symmetrically in love*.  Why? Zan and Jordan explore the answer in today's episode. Many men who experience feelings of limerence or ‘asymmetrical love', do so because something clouds their judgement. Seeking to fill an inherent feeling of lack with external stimuli, they pursue partners to cover up deep wounds like a band-aid, failing to experience mutual fulfillment on a heart level. It's often prescribed that lasting satisfaction comes when you fill your own voids, inwardly. What do you think? Have you ever experienced what you could call ‘fully reciprocal love'? If not, do you believe it's possible? And if so, what can you actually do about it? Send us your thoughts. ~Anthony____________________________________________________Come join us! Sign up today and enjoy all the perks of the Amorati Membership, including live calls with Zan and his team. Go here: https://www.Amorati.net/____________________________________Need a gunslinger? Someone who rides into town, completely solves your problem, then rides off into the sunset. Contact Zan Perrion personally to inquire about his incredibly effective one-on-one Laser Coaching. Find him here: https://arsamorata.com/gunslinger/____________________________________Get a gifted copy of The Alabaster Girl, personally signed by Zan Perrion. Go to https://alabastergirl.com____________________________________Get instant access to our 4 part mini-course with Zan Perrion

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

In this episode, I chat with Shermin Kruse. Shermin is a globally recognized negotiation consultant, law professor at Northwestern University's Pritzker School of Law, and TEDx producer. She is the author of the recently published book Stoic Empathy: The Road Map to a Life of Influence, Self-Leadership, and Integrity. We discuss empathy and how it can be combined with Stoic resilience to help us maintain our compassion while avoiding burnoutStoicism: Philosophy as a Way of Life is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.Highlights* How did you become interested in Stoicism?* What is Stoic Empathy – and how does it differ from unhelpful forms of empathy?* What are the most common misconceptions about empathy that you encounter?* What's the relationship between empathy and anger in your view?* In your book, you discuss why traditional models of compassion might fall short. * From your perspective, what are the key limitations of these models, and what does neuroscience reveal about why a different approach might be necessary?* What tools do you recommend for people who want to maintain healthy empathy and compassion?* How can we face injustice and suffering in the world without shutting down or freaking out?Links* Stoic Empathy on Amazon * Shermin Kruse's Website 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

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.

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?

Men today are drowning in victim mentality and John Sonmez, founder of Bulldog Mindset, is here to crush it. In this powerful conversation, we break down: ✅ How to eliminate the victim mindset and take full responsibility for your life ✅ Why men must embrace pride, hardship, and masculine virtues ✅ The secret to mastering fear (and how John overcame crippling panic attacks) ✅ Stoic philosophy and emotional mastery for men ✅ Why self-worth comes from YOUR judgment, not others This episode will challenge you to stop blaming the world and start becoming the man you were meant to be. ⸻ Takeaways • Responsibility over Blame: Your life is YOUR responsibility, regardless of fault. • Masculine pride comes from hardship, not comfort. • Fear dies when you face it head-on, not when you avoid it. • Stop external validation: your opinion of yourself matters most. • Emotional mastery means feeling deeply but staying steady—a true king's mindset. ⸻ Chapters 00:00 Intro: Why Masculine Mindset Matters 01:04 The Birth of Bulldog Mindset 03:39 Killing the Victim Mentality 07:49 Pride, Hardship, and Becoming a Man 11:02 Conquering Fear: John's Panic Attack Story 16:55 Stoicism & Overcoming Life's Hardest Challenges 24:18 Emotional Mastery for Men 31:14 Past Trauma vs Present Responsibility 39:51 Building True Self-Worth 46:54 Where to Find John Sonmez ⸻ Programs for Men Ready to Lead: Men of War Crucible – A rite of passage, not a retreat: https://www.manofwar.us/ The Odyssey Program – Father-son legacy through challenge: https://www.theodysseyprogram.com/ody… Private Mentoring Protocol – 1-on-1 elite coaching: https://www.rafajconde.com/ House of Kings Mastermind – For warrior CEOs and legacy builders: https://www.thehouseofkings.com/ MAN of WAR Podcast – Unfiltered truth for modern men. Explore all: https://www.manofwar.us Follow Rafa on Instagram: @manofwarr Facebook: @therealmanofwar ⸻ #masculinity #mindset #stoicism #selfimprovement #mensmentalhealth #manofwar #bulldogmindset #victimmentality #mentoughness #masculineframe

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.

It's one of the most unbelievable stories in all of history. A kid is born into slavery and becomes one of the most influential philosophers not just in their own lifetime, but of all time. 

Imagine if the ability to change your life, lead with intention, and build connections with others was found at the crossroads of two timeless ideas: Stoicism and Empathy.  My guest, Shermin Kruse, is convinced that this can be achieved. She will showcase how to harmonize resilience with kindness, helping us find the clarity and strength needed to face the challenges of our current world. Shermin Kruse is an award-winning idea curator, a globally recognized negotiation consultant, law professor, and author, whose transformative work in empathy, stoicism, and complex negotiation has influenced audiences from corporate boardrooms to university classrooms and international stages. As a partner at the prestigious law firm Barack Ferrazzano, she spent nearly two decades representing Fortune 500 clients. Shermin is also the author of the critically acclaimed novel Butterfly Stitching, the textbook Global Transactions and Regulation, produced and scripted over 80 TEDx talks and performances, and given three viral TEDx talks on advocacy, stoicism, and strategic empathy. In this discussion, Shermin will demonstrate how the seemingly opposing forces of Stoicism and empathy, when combined, can transform your life. We'll explore strategies and perspectives to tackle challenges, foster meaningful connections, and make ethical choices in a world that is becoming more complex.

What does it mean to be stoic? Many of us assume it means you have a stiff upper lip, or that you suppress your emotions. That's what Massimo Pigliucci thought — until he started to peruse a book called Meditations. It was written nearly two thousand years ago by the Roman Emperor Marcus Aurelius. But Massimo, now a philosopher, says Meditations, and Stoic philosophy more broadly, offer wisdom that continues to speak to our lives. This week, we explore Stoic ideas and what they tell us about a life well lived. Do you have follow-up questions and ideas about stoicism after listening to this episode? If you'd be comfortable sharing your comments and questions with the Hidden Brain audience, please record a voice memo on your phone and email it to us at ideas@hiddenbrain.org. Use the subject line “stoicism.”   

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

We are continuing through the Fiction and Philosophy of C.S. Lewis course with an introduction to Perelandra by way of The Weight of Glory.Become a patron and/or enroll in a course at patreon.com/mythicmind.Plato, Stoicism, and Till We Have Faces begins at the beginning of August!Watch the video of this episode here: https://youtu.be/fPU7aiJOn3kListen to all THREE Mythic Mind podcasts:Mythic MindMythic Mind GamesMythic Mind Movies & ShowsBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/mythic-mind--5808321/support.

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.

The word stoic has taken on its own meaning apart from the philosophical movement which gave it life. In this classic episode, learn all about the early stoics, what the philosophy is all about and where the movement stands today.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.

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

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

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