Podcasts about Stoicism

Feeling anxious lately? In this bonus episode, Ryan and author Chris Guillebeau break down what your anxiety is really trying to tell you, why fighting it makes it worse, and how to finally feel calm without forcing it.

There is no wisdom without experience. But experience does not necessarily translate into wisdom, does it?

In this hilarious and surprisingly deep episode, Ryan sits down with comedian, actor, and podcaster Pete Holmes to talk about why so many of us are trapped in the cult of productivity. They discuss Mark Wahlberg's 4 a.m. hustle routine, the myth of “selfless work,” why we confuse being busy with being good, and more. Pete Holmes is an American actor, comedian, writer, producer, and podcaster. He first gained recognition in the early 2010s as a stand-up comic, and also released his first comedy special and worked as a television writer and actor. He is the host of the podcast You Made It Weird, author of Comedy Sex God, and the creator of the HBO show Crashing. Follow Pete Holmes on Instagram, X, and YouTubeWatch Ryan's episode on You Made It Weird with Pete Holmes: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nn9B-15fV1IListen to Pete interview Robert Greene - one of Ryan's favorite podcast episodes!

We've all known these people. They say one thing and do another. They virtue signal but act without virtue.

There is no technology that can do it for you. There is no app. No teacher who can simply download everything into your brain.

In this episode of the Commune Podcast, Jeff Krasno introduces a new four-part series on Stoicism — the ancient philosophy that offers timeless guidance on how to live life with gratitude, virtue, and inner calm.In a world of constant distraction and political turmoil, how do we stay informed and engaged without being consumed by chaos? Drawing from Stoic teachings and meditative practices, Jeff explores how the wisdom of thinkers like Marcus Aurelius, Seneca, and Epictetus can help us cultivate resilience, clarity, and inner calm in our daily lives. Each Tuesday for the next four weeks, Jeff shares reflections and practical exercises inspired by Stoicism — lessons designed to help you cultivate presence, emotional balance, and a clearer understanding of what truly matters.

There is so much to worry about. There is so much to be stressed about. Or so you think…

Could you date a weapon-person? Listen now as the girls discuss glaives, scythes, and some catch-up from the previous episode on Boyfriend Dungeon. We tangent as usual, we like to shoot the shit here. Please like, subscribe, and leave a review!  Watch live on Fridays at 10:30pm ET: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.twitch.tv/twogirlsoneship⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Follow us on all the socials ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://linktr.ee/twogirlsoneship⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Advertise with us & business inquiries: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠twogirlsoneship@gmail.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Theme song: TGOS Theme from ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Pipeman Studios⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Find all the other Robots Radio Network shows at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.robotsradio.net/⁠⁠⁠⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In the past, character wasn't just admired, it was expected. People demanded integrity, and even fought duels over questions of honor. But today, does character still matter?General McChrystal is a retired United States Army general best known for his command of Joint Special Operations Command in the mid-2000s. He established a consultancy firm, McChrystal Group, in 2011 and advises senior executives at multinational corporations on navigating complex change and building stronger teams.

In honor of Taylor Swift's new album The Life of a Showgirl, Ryan shares the surprising Stoic lessons hidden in her music and career.

This episode is a replay from The Existential Stoic library. Enjoy! Are you in a rut? Are you unhappy, tired...miserable? Do you need a fresh start? In this episode, Danny and Randy discuss tips for how to start over.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.

Moral challenges have existed throughout history, and we all handle them in our own way. In today's Part 2 episode, Ryan continues his conversation with former NBA player turned psychologist John Amaechi. They discuss the ethical dilemmas that have endured for 2,000 years, the role of compromise, and the complexity of loyalty and sacrifice.John Amaechi is an English psychologist, consultant and former professional basketball player. He played college basketball for the Vanderbilt Commodores and Penn State Nittany Lions, and professional basketball in the NBA for the Orlando Magic, Utah Jazz, and Cleveland Cavaliers. Since retiring from basketball, John got his PhD in psychology and has worked as a psychologist and consultant, establishing his company Amaechi Performance Systems.Follow John on X @JohnAmaechi and on Instagram @JohnAmaechiOBE

Self-awareness is not something you just magically get. It's something, like any form of wisdom, that you have to work at.

A conversation with Johnathan Bi (Cosmos Institute, The Great Books podcast) for a deep dive into Stoicism through the life and philosophy of Cato the Younger.We explore:Why Stoicism continues to attract modern audiencesJonathan's personal journey with Stoicism—and why he ultimately turned to other philosophiesNietzsche's critique of Stoicism as a coping mechanismHow Cato embodied Stoic principles (and where he may have fallen short)The tension between Stoic theory and Stoic practice in figures like Seneca and Marcus AureliusSubscribe to the Cost of Glory newsletter for detailed maps, images, and analysis of this pivotal moment in ancient history: https://costofglory.substack.com/Get in touch at:Website: https://costofglory.comX: https://x.com/costofglory

Send us a textEpisode 38 — Dating and the Grasp of Technology____________________________________________________You've probably seen the stats on online dating. In 2019, a Stanford University survey suggested that 39% of new couples, across the US, met online, surpassing any other form of introduction.And you've probably experienced, first-hand, that most popular dating sites are—when it comes to number of matches—incredibly rigged against men.Maybe it's old-fashioned, but Zan and Jordan far prefer the romantic idea of meeting someone in embodied life. Far away from the nearest screen and, if possible, she'll write down her phone number in lipstick, on the torn-out flap of a pack of cigarettes.Sex and intimacy are contact sports. Those who practice _in the flesh_ build a different sort of resilience. Everyone stuck in the online bubble aches to burst out of it. Women get matches every day but haven't met one decent man in months. *Zan is constantly saying: people will soon crave the old-time art of starting conversations with anyone, anywhere.*Yet people are growing afraid of each other. More scary than approaching someone, is being approached by someone yourself. I'm safe over here in my laptop… what does this weirdo want?!So how do you put your best foot forward, in a society that grows ever-more fragile, and afraid?Luckily, the principles that underlie attraction and human yearning remain, and always will remain, the same.Watch today's discussion as Zan & Jordan explore more.Afterwards, take a few moments with a notepad, and write down:1) What's one take-away you got from the conversation?2) What can you apply right away?____________________________________________________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

Welcome to the Via Stoica Podcast, the podcast on Stoicism.In this Stoic Quotes episode, Benny reflects on the words of Seneca from On Providence, section 4:“You are unfortunate in my judgment, for you have never been unfortunate. You have passed through life with no antagonist to face you. No one will know what you were capable of, not even yourself.”Seneca reminds us that trials and obstacles are not punishments but opportunities. Without resistance, we never learn our limits or discover our inner strength. For the Stoics, hardship is the training ground for virtue, a test that sharpens self-knowledge and resilience.Benny explores how this insight connects to the Socratic principle of “know yourself,” the Stoic embrace of adversity as a teacher, and the mindset shift that transforms obstacles from burdens into opportunities for growth. From athletes seeking worthy opponents to Marcus Aurelius' reminder that “the obstacle is the way,” Stoicism teaches us that challenges reveal what we are truly capable of.Practical ReflectionsWhen facing obstacles, pause and ask: What is this teaching me about myself?Reframe difficulties as tests of character rather than punishments of fate.Remember past struggles you overcame; you are stronger than you imagine.For more, check out this related article on overcoming adversity:https://viastoica.com/stoic-freedomAnd 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/seneca-quoteshttps://viastoica.com/marcus-aurelius-quoteshttps://viastoica.com/epictetus-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

No one can take away what you've learned. No one can make you forget philosophy.

View the ENTIRE list of books mentioned in this video here: https://www.thepaintedporch.com/collections/joe-rogan-picksListen to Ryan and Joe's conversation on The Joe Rogan Experience: https://open.spotify.com/episode/3VbGyix7GOozgg8sry2Tmr

We are how we treat the vulnerable. We are how we treat people who can't do much for us anymore. We are who we take care of.

How much is your word worth? For former NBA player turned psychologist John Amaechi, the answer is $17 million. In this episode, John and Ryan unpack why he walked away from that payday, why integrity is his ultimate non-negotiable, why your job should never define you, and more. John Amaechi is an English psychologist, consultant and former professional basketball player. He played college basketball for the Vanderbilt Commodores and Penn State Nittany Lions, and professional basketball in the NBA for the Orlando Magic, Utah Jazz, and Cleveland Cavaliers. Since retiring from basketball, John got his PhD in psychology and has worked as a psychologist and consultant, establishing his company Amaechi Performance Systems.Follow John on X @JohnAmaechi and on Instagram @JohnAmaechiOBE

On this week's episode, Dmitri sits down with Dot Bustelo, a former Apple Logic Pro team member and the innovative mind behind Loupe Art. We talk about everything from a post-it from another innovator that changed everything to the age of creative abundance. It's a blast.    News! Gen Z social habits spell trouble for music discovery   Is Music's Mainstream Getting Smaller? A Streaming Analysis   Ticketmaster CEO says concert tickets are too cheap, actually | Mashable   Spotify Updates AI Music Policies to Fight Spam: What It Means   Record labels claim AI generator Suno ripped their songs from YouTube | The Verge The Music Tectonics podcast goes beneath the surface of the music industry to explore how technology is changing the way business gets done. Visit musictectonics.com to find shownotes and a transcript for this episode, and find us on LinkedIn, Twitter, and Instagram. Let us know what you think!  Get Dmitri's Rock Paper Scanner newsletter.

Today we talk about two famous critiques of Stoicism. One by Friedrich Nietzsche who thought the Stoics weren't life affirming enough and so rob themselves of some of the best parts of life. The other by Arthur Schopenhauer who thought the Stoics were too life-affirming of worldly things to ever reach a deep understanding of things. Hope you love it! :) Sponsors: ZocDoc: https://www.ZocDoc.com/PHILO Quince: https://www.QUINCE.com/pt Thank you so much for listening! Could never do this without your help.  Website: https://www.philosophizethis.org/ Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/philosophizethis  Social: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/philosophizethispodcast X: https://twitter.com/iamstephenwest Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/philosophizethisshow Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

You said you were going to take care of it. You said it would be done by the deadline. You set aside the time. You had every intention of doing it. But what happened?

On today's episode, we bring you Part 2 of the powerful Fireside Chat with Ryan Holiday, live from the 2025 Dental Success Summit. Dr. Mark Costes continues the in-depth conversation with Ryan, diving deeper into the core of Stoicism and what it really means to live with courage, discipline, justice, and wisdom. Ryan explains the third grade version of Stoicism, saying it's about understanding that we don't control what happens but we do control how we respond. He brings this idea to life through stories from Marcus Aurelius, Epictetus, Seneca, and his own daily practices like cold plunges and early morning runs.  They discuss common misconceptions about Stoicism, the importance of humility in learning, and how wisdom is something earned through experience, curiosity, and consistent effort. Ryan also gives a sneak peek at his upcoming book, Wisdom Takes Work, the final volume in his series on the Stoic virtues, and shares how the virtues interconnect in both leadership and life. Be sure to check out the full episode from the Dentalpreneur Podcast! EPISODE RESOURCES https://www.truedentalsuccess.com Dental Success Network Subscribe to The Dentalpreneur Podcast

In this episode, I revisit my recent conversation with Tim Ash on evolutionary psychology and take a deeper dive into its most cited facts. From sex differences in mate preferences to jealousy, pair bonding, and courtship rituals, these scientific findings describe human nature as shaped by our evolutionary past. But facts alone don't tell us how to live. That's where the Red Pill movement often goes wrong — by adding value judgments and weaponizing these facts to justify cynicism, control, and distrust. Stoicism offers a different path: align with facts, but act with wisdom, justice, courage, and temperance. I'll walk through ten evolutionary psychology findings, show how Red Pill frames and distorts them, and explain the Stoic framing that keeps us grounded in virtue.

Everyone is chasing more... more money, more success, more status. But what if, as William Blake said, “more, more is the cry of the mistaken soul”? In this powerful conversation, psychotherapist and author Mark Vernon joins Jack Frimston and Zac Thompson to explore why so many of us never feel like we have done enough, and how Stoicism, philosophy, and spiritual intelligence can help us break free from the treadmill of modern life. We cover: ✅ Why Stoicism surged during the pandemic ✅ How breakdowns often spark spiritual awakenings ✅ William Blake's warning about endless accumulation ✅ The role of myths, stories, and religion in shaping meaning ✅ Whether free will actually exists (and why it matters) ✅ Practical first steps if you are feeling lost or burnt out If you have ever asked yourself, “When will enough be enough?” this episode is for you.

In this episode, I revisit my recent conversation with Tim Ash on evolutionary psychology and take a deeper dive into its most cited facts. From sex differences in mate preferences to jealousy, pair bonding, and courtship rituals, these scientific findings describe human nature as shaped by our evolutionary past. But facts alone don't tell us how to live. That's where the Red Pill movement often goes wrong — by adding value judgments and weaponizing these facts to justify cynicism, control, and distrust. Stoicism offers a different path: align with facts, but act with wisdom, justice, courage, and temperance. I'll walk through ten evolutionary psychology findings, show how Red Pill frames and distorts them, and explain the Stoic framing that keeps us grounded in virtue.

It's our daily choices—our response to rudeness, our handling of power, how we treat friends, children, the elderly—that reveals the core of who we are.

As Seneca says, the path to wisdom is acquiring one thing a day. Wisdom takes work.

Send us a textEpisode 37 — Is There an 80/20 Approach to Seduction?Note: Part 1 of this series called "Return to the Land of Women" premiered here: https://youtu.be/dqMT7HdqioM____________________________________________________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

Matthew Campobasso opens up about what truly matters to him at this stage in life and career. With 20+ years of experience in law, he explains how Stoic philosophy helped him shift his perspective — from chasing money and titles to focusing on balance, authenticity, and relationships.He shares what it's like teaching future lawyers, why he believes success is more about how you show up than how much you bill, and how being a dad shapes his outlook. We also dive into his personal “aha” moments with Stoicism and wrap things up with a fun Matters speed round.What You'll LearnWhy priorities change as we move through lifeHow Stoic ideas can help manage stress and pressure in high-stakes careersThe difference between thinking like a lawyer and being oneWhy money and titles don't equal happinessHow authenticity and daily interactions shape your legacyThe role of Peloton, journaling, and even video games in Matthew's balanceMatthew's Takeaways“The best way to teach kids to live a good life is to live one yourself.”“We can't control what happens, but we can control how we respond.”“Life is a series of interactions. Always aim to make them better, or at least not worse.”Connect with MatthewFollow him on LinkedIn#MatthewCampobasso #StoicLawyer #MattersPodcast #law  #Stoicism #StoicWisdom #BalancedLife #AuthenticLiving #LifePhilosophy #MindfulLeadership #LawyerLife #LegalLeadership #CareerBalance #ProfessionalGrowth #LeadershipMatters #GrowthMindset #LiveAGoodLife #AuthenticityMatters #ParentingWithPurpose #LegacyBuildingThis podcast is brought to you by Matters.com. (Formerly Solvecast.)A new social media and collaboration platform - launching soon. Join thousands getting the Matters.com newsletter — world news, fresh perspectives, and early beta access.

Welcome to the Via Stoica Podcast, the podcast on Stoicism.Immigration is one of the most polarizing topics of our time, stirring emotions, fears, and debates across nations. But how might the Stoics approach it?In this episode of the Via Stoica Podcast, Benny explores immigration through the lens of Stoic philosophy. Drawing from Marcus Aurelius, Epictetus, and the Stoic idea of cosmopolitanism, he unpacks how we might see beyond national borders and labels to recognize each other as fellow citizens of the world.Benny examines the natural movement of people, the fears that immigration often provokes, such as economic competition, cultural change, and security, and contrasts these with Stoic principles of justice, compassion, and role ethics. He reflects on Hierocles' circles of concern, the Stoic “view from above,” and what it means to treat strangers as kin.Rather than succumbing to fear and division, Stoicism invites us to build understanding through education, dialogue, and shared humanity. Immigration, seen from this perspective, becomes not just a challenge but an opportunity to practice virtue, unity, and wisdom in our global community.If you've ever wondered how Stoic philosophy can help us reframe modern debates about borders, culture, and identity, this episode offers a thought-provoking starting point.Support the show

In today's episode, Ryan reflects on the passing of his friend George Raveling and turns to Seneca for wisdom on how to handle grief. You'll hear Seneca's timeless words on love, loss, and why even painful memories can carry sweetness.

In this episode I tackle a question that every practicing Stoic has probably wrestled with: can we ever take a day off from Stoicism? If the pursuit of virtue is supposed to shape every moment of our lives, does that mean we must always be vigilant, never resting? I explore what the ancient texts say, how the ancients themselves surely stumbled, and why purposeful rest isn't a betrayal of Stoic practice but part of sustaining it. Key takeaways from this episode include: — While Epictetus and Marcus urge vigilance, they also admit we'll falter — and the key is always to return to the path. — Rest is not an escape from virtue but a way of preserving our rational faculty so we can act justly, wisely, and with courage. — Burnout undermines Stoic practice; deliberate rest strengthens it. — The ancients weren't sages, and neither are we — taking breaks is part of the human condition and consistent with Stoic growth. — If you nap beside the Stoic path, the path will still be there in the morning. 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 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

This episode is a replay from The Existential Stoic library. Enjoy! Should you pursue success or fulfillment? Is it possible to both succeed and be fulfilled? In this episode, Danny and Randy examine success and fulfillment and ask whether it is possible to have both.Subscribe to ESP's YouTube Channel! Thanks for listening!  Do you have a question you want answered in a future episode? If so, send your question to: existentialstoic@protonmail.com  Danny, Randy, and their good friend, Russell, created a new podcast, CodeNoobs, for anyone interested in tech and learning how to code. Listen to CodeNoobs now online, CodeNoobs-podcast, or wherever you get your podcasts.

The hardest thing in life is finding the courage to do what's right when it costs you. In this episode, Ryan continues his conversation with journalist and historian John Avlon, diving into the dangerous myths we cling to, the lessons he learned from running for office, and the warnings history has to offer. John shares why he still chooses a defiant optimism for America's future and why you should, too.John Avlon is an American journalist and political commentator. He was a senior political analyst and anchor at CNN, and was the editor-in-chief and managing director of The Daily Beast from 2013 to 2018.

Auto-generated transcript: My brothers and sisters, as I mentioned I think in the reminder on Stoicism, I mentioned Marcus Aurelius who was the Caesar of Rome and an amazing human being. He was unlike any other Caesar that you can think of or read about. He was a stoic and a very wise man. Now… Continue reading Marcus Aurelius’s Rules for a better life

Just as one becomes strong through lifting weights, or skilled at woodworking through hours in the shop, we become wise through the same kind of effort.

It doesn't matter if you're young or old. It doesn't matter if you're a private or a president, a CEO or a summer intern. THIS is your responsibility.

Stirling Cooper (IG: @stirlingcooper) is a former Australian adult performer and male escort turned men's self help coach. He's also a coach for the War Room and The Real World.ai. ————————————————————

We get to decide what things mean to us. We get to decide how we respond to things.

How do you stay informed without losing your mind? In this episode, Ryan sits down with journalist and historian John Avlon to discuss how to fix your “news diet,” why local journalism matters more than ever, and what studying Lincoln can teach us about leadership, empathy, and navigating chaos. They talk about Lincoln's surprising use of humor, the ways history repeats itself, and what it really takes to stay sane in today's overwhelming media world.John Avlon is an American journalist and political commentator. He was a senior political analyst and anchor at CNN, and was the editor-in-chief and managing director of The Daily Beast from 2013 to 2018.Follow John Avlon on Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/johnavlon/?hl=en

The British author and journalist Oliver Burkeman has spent decades pondering what it means to live a meaningful life, both in his former Guardian column “This Column WIll Change Your Life” and across several books—most recently, Meditations for Mortals, out in paperback this October. That's why he brings a healthy dose of skepticism to so-called “time management” systems and productivity hacks as a means toward true fulfillment. Burkeman's compelled by the notion that, rather than being separate from time, human beings are time. If people faced the reality of their limited time on the planet head on, he believes there's a real chance to experience greater, more engaged feelings of aliveness.On the episode—our Season 12 kick-off—Burkeman discusses why he's eschewing  perfectionism and finding unexpected liberation in the premise that, to some extent, the worst has already happened, and the best may still be ahead.Special thanks to our Season 11 presenting sponsor, Van Cleef & Arpels.Show notes:Oliver Burkeman[4:26] “Meditations for Mortals” (2024)[6:48] Donald Winnicott[7:46] Martin Heidegger[7:46] "Technics and Civilization" (2010)[7:46] “Being and Time” (1927)[7:46] “Time Warrior” (2011)[7:46] “Time Surfing” (2017)[7:46] “Anti-Time Management” (2022)[10:14] Medieval peasants[10:14] “The 4-Hour Workweek”[13:18] Alicja Kwade[19:23] “Ichi-go, ichi-e” (“one time, one meeting”)[22:00] Eckhart Tolle[22:36] Agnes Martin[23:28] “The Road Not Taken”[40:03] “This Column Will Change Your Life”[51:00] Nicholas Carr[51:00] Clay Shirky[53:40] Jennifer Roberts[59:04] Pomodoro Technique [59:13] Kanban[1:01:33] James Hollis[1:02:40] Alfred Adler[1:02:40] “The Courage to Be Disliked” (2024)[1:06:24] Stoicism

We once had Stoics in high office. We had Stoics making important decisions. We're a long way from that today, aren't we?

For nearly 3,000 years, one story has ruled them all. The Odyssey. In today's episode, Ryan shares12 Stoic lessons hidden inside this timeless epic.

How does it happen? How does someone become great?

If you think you know what wisdom is, you probably don't. If you think you have wisdom, you almost certainly don't.

Is ego a prerequisite for greatness as an NFL quarterback? In this episode, Ryan is joined by award-winning sports journalist, Seth Wickersham, to dig into the brutal realities of the position, from overbearing parents and sideline meltdowns to Tom Brady's relationship with Bill Belichick. They talk about the psychology, pressure, and identity struggles that come with the glory of America's most powerful position in sports. Seth Wickersham is a senior writer at ESPN and the New York Times bestselling author of It's Better to Be Feared: The New England Patriots Dynasty and the Pursuit of Greatness. Focusing primarily on longform enterprise and investigative work on the National Football League, Wickersham has been a finalist for the National Magazine Award for Reporting, and his stories have been anthologized in the Best American Magazine Writing, the Best American Sports Writing, and Next Wave: America's New Generation of Great Literary Journalists, among others. Released in 2021, It's Better to Be Feared was named Nonfiction Book of the Year by Sports Illustrated and Best Sports Book by the National Sports Media Association. Follow Seth Wickersham: X & Instagram: @Seth.Wickersham

Each of us is sent on missions, each of us does our stint in this situation or that one. The question is, then, will we return with honor?

You may not have a lot of money. Or powerful connections. Or even superior genetics. Does this mean you're at a disadvantage?