Podcasts about Stoicism

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

These are disorienting times. Cruel times. Dysfunctional times. And it's natural to want someone, anyone, to step in and fix it. But they're not going to. That's not how this works.Make 2026 the year where you finally bring yourself closer to living your best life. No more waiting. Demand the best for yourself. The Daily Stoic New Year New You challenge begins January 1, 2026. Learn more and sign up today at dailystoic.com/challenge.

Q&A with Dr Aman Chungh from Omniya Clinic, London. 

How are you helping? What are you doing? How are you acting like a Stoic as opposed to just ‘being stoic?

The pressure of being great changes when you're carrying more than your own ambition. In today's episode, Ryan sits down with Paralympian Ezra Frech to talk about the discipline required to compete at the highest level and the weight that comes with representing more than just yourself. Ezra shares what it actually takes to be a top professional Paralympian, his experience growing up with a disability, the role his parents played in building his confidence, and more. Ezra Frech is an American track and field athlete who competes in high jump, long jump and sprinting events. He is a two-time Paralympian, having competed at the 2020 Summer Paralympics and won two gold medals at the 2024 Summer Paralympics. Ezra co-created and produced a three-part docuseries called Adaptive with NBC Sports + Peacock. Check it out here! Follow Ezra on Instagram and TikTok @EzraFrech and on YouTube @ItsEzraFrechMake 2026 the year where you finally bring yourself closer to living your best life. No more waiting. Demand the best for yourself. The Daily Stoic New Year New You challenge begins January 1, 2026. Learn more and sign up today at dailystoic.com/challenge.

Send in a question or comment via text.If you're struggling with panic disorder, health anxiety, OCD, GAD, or other anxiety issues you've may have encountered online content that references Stoicism, warrior philosophy, and Marcus Aurelius. The message: master your emotions, be tough, control your fear through discipline and suffering.But that's not what Marcus Aurelius was actually writing about.In this episode, I dig into what Marcus actually wrote in his Meditations—his personal diary that accidentally survived 2,500 years. When you read his actual words, you see a man repeatedly struggling with the same issues: getting out of bed, dealing with difficult people, managing anger. The repetition isn't proof of mastery. It's evidence of practice.For people with anxiety disorders, the modern misinterpretation of Stoicism can be harmful. Panic disorder, OCD, health anxiety, and GAD are all fueled by attempts to control internal experiences. The therapeutic approaches that work—acceptance and commitment therapy, exposure therapy, mindfulness—work because they teach psychological flexibility, not control.Real courage isn't "I don't feel fear." Real courage is "I feel afraid AND I'm doing this anyway."Topics covered:- What Marcus Aurelius actually wrote (specific passages from Meditations)- Why the "warrior approach" doesn't work for anxiety disorders- The masculine shame trap that keeps men stuck- What Stoicism really teaches about control- Why flexibility beats toughness in anxiety recoveryResources mentioned: The Meditations by Marcus Aurelius (Modern Library translation)---The Disordered Guide to Health Anxiety is here---For full show notes on this episode:https://theanxioustruth.com/333Support The Anxious Truth: If you find the podcast helpful and want to support my work, you can buy me a coffee. Other ways to support my work like buying a book or signing up for a low cost workshop can be found on my website. None of this is never required, but always appreciated! Interested in doing therapy with me? For more information on working with me directly to overcome your anxiety, follow this link.Disclaimer: The Anxious Truth is not therapy or a replacement for therapy. Listening to The Anxious Truth does not create a therapeutic relationship between you and the host or guests of the podcast. Information here is provided for psychoeducational purposes. As always, when you have questions about your own well-being, please consult your mental health and/or medical care providers. If you are having a mental health crisis, always reach out immediately for in-person help.

Join me for part 7 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

In this episode of Acta Non Verba, host Marcus Aurelius Anderson sits down with Rod Yancy — entrepreneur, writer, attorney, and founder of Oath and Bootleg. Rod shares how he’s found success across multiple industries, from law and financial planning to software and now music. The conversation explores what it means to build companies that serve people, live with intention, and innovate within the modern music industry. Rod offers timeless lessons on creativity, courage, and taking action to turn vision into reality. Episode Highlights: 5:04 - The Power of Mortality in EntrepreneurshipRod discusses how contemplating mortality (memento mori) shaped his philosophy and inspired the founding of Oath, emphasizing the importance of living intentionally and making meaningful decisions. 9:39 - Overcoming the Success TrapRod and Marcus explore the “success trap” many entrepreneurs fall into—chasing money or status at the expense of fulfillment, health, and relationships, and how true success requires self-awareness and balance. 40:07 - Delegation and Leadership Lessons from Richard BransonRod shares advice from Richard Branson about the importance of delegation, empowering others, and stepping back as a leader to allow the team to thrive, even if it means feeling less “needed.” 56:00 - Empowering Artists with New Revenue StreamsRod introduces his new venture, Bootleg, which helps artists monetize live concert recordings, providing fans with unique experiences and artists with ongoing revenue, illustrating innovation and creative entrepreneurship. Rod Yancy is a serial entrepreneur, attorney, and founder of Oath, a company dedicated to helping people live intentionally by contemplating their mortality and planning their legacy. With a background in philosophy and law, Rod has built and scaled multiple businesses, including Oath Planning and Bootleg, a platform empowering artists to monetize live performances. Known for his creative approach, resilience, and commitment to meaningful work, Rod draws inspiration from both ancient philosophy and modern mentors like Richard Branson. He is passionate about fostering innovation, supporting artists, and helping others find purpose beyond financial success. Learn more about the gift of Adversity and my mission to help my fellow humans create a better world by heading to www.marcusaureliusanderson.com. There you can take action by joining my ANV inner circle to get exclusive content and information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Coach Gus "Big Dog" Felder - "The Inside Game" | From North Philly High School Dropout to the NFL on Faith, Stoicism & Building Champions

This episode brings haiku and Stoicism into conversation, showing how both traditions teach us to savor fleeting moments while also meeting life with energy and purpose. Bashō's delicate images remind us to slow down and truly see the world, while Seneca urges us to “hold every hour in your grasp.”And in a surprising twist, modern research reveals that Stoic practice doesn't dull the spirit—it ignites zest, the vigor that makes life feel vivid again.Together, haiku's quiet attention and Stoicism's joyful readiness form a blueprint for living fully in every passing instant.

The world needed Marcus Aurelius to become the person we admire and study today. This required conscious and consistent effort on his part. You're no different. And you know it.Make 2026 the year where you finally bring yourself closer to living your best life. No more waiting. Demand the best for yourself. The Daily Stoic New Year New You challenge begins January 1, 2026. Learn more and sign up today at dailystoic.com/challenge.

Welcome to the Via Stoica Podcast, the podcast on StoicismIn this episode of The Via Stoica Podcast, I sit down with Eric Weiner, celebrated author, philosophical traveler, and former NPR foreign correspondent, to explore how philosophy, travel, and character shape a meaningful life. Known for The Socrates Express and The Geography of Bliss, Eric brings a mix of humor, honesty, and depth to the conversation.We dive into the wisdom behind The Socrates Express, the surprising modern relevance of ancient philosophers, and why Stoic ideas continue to resonate today. Eric also shares insights from Ben and Me, his exploration of Benjamin Franklin's habits, virtues, and practical philosophy for living well.Whether you're into Stoicism, philosophy, or simply searching for grounded guidance in daily life, this conversation offers clear, practical takeaways. If you enjoy the episode, rate, review, and subscribe, and read our full review of The Socrates Express: https://viastoica.com/the-socrates-express/Support the showhttps://viastoica.comhttps://viastoica.com/stoic-life-coachinghttps://viastoica.com/benny-vonckenhttps://twitter.com/ViaStoicainfo@viastoica.comProduced by: http://badmic.com

Shallowness and cruelty and stupidity may be rampant, but we must resist it—resist it without bitterness or despair—by being bright lights in a dark time.

This is the invited presentation I provided for the attendees of the Stoicon-X Brisbane conference in Australia held in October 2019. It discusses Epictetus' advice to remind ourselves that we want to maintain or keep our "prohairesis" - our faculty of choice - in accordance with nature. For those who would like more information about Epictetus' conception of prohairesis, or about the Stoic notion of "in accordance with nature", I have two longer talks: Stoicism and "In Accordance With Nature" | A Center for Ethics and Entrepreneurship Lecture - https://youtu.be/NyHUMD2_ghQ?si=Ge0aYdjR-jFXFoi6 Prohairesis in Epictetus' Stoic Moral Theory - Midwest Seminar in Ancient and Medieval Philosophy - https://youtu.be/EWS4QR1PM58?si=Gx_HNZfsuar8wsbf

Send us a textA forgotten reformer changed how we think about military education, then got written out of the story. We dig into Alden Partridge's bold vision for the citizen-soldier, why his mastery-based model threatened entrenched interests, and how his practical ideas—shorter paths for proven mastery, rigorous field training, and decentralized leadership—can still fix what's broken in today's force.Franklin Annis walks us through Partridge's rise at West Point during the War of 1812, the political crossfire that led to his court-martial, and his pivot to building militia-focused academies that influenced Norwich and VMI. We connect the dots to modern pain points: time-in-seat schooling that bores high performers, career assembly lines that miss real talent, and a headquarters culture that mistakes long hours for results. You'll hear how competency-based progression, pretesting, and mission command can restore merit, accelerate excellence, and respect the only irreplaceable resource—time.We also ground the conversation in philosophy and practice. Stoicism offers a leader's toolkit for fair discipline, self-accountability, and resilience under pressure. A constitutional view of defense argues for a lean active force backed by a trained, capable militia—an approach that can lower costs and improve readiness by leveraging real-world civilian skills found across the Guard and Reserve. And we wrestle candidly with standards and inclusion: equal dignity, equal rules, transparent consequences, and selection by performance.If you care about military education, talent management, or building better leaders faster, this conversation gives you a roadmap rooted in history and tested by experience. Subscribe, share with a teammate, and leave a review with the one change you'd make first—what would you accelerate, and what would you cut?Stories of Service presents guests' stories and opinions in their own words, reflecting their personal experiences and perspectives. While shared respectfully and authentically, the podcast does not independently verify all statements. Views expressed are those of the guests and do not necessarily reflect the host, producers, government agencies, or podcast affiliates.Support the showVisit my website: https://thehello.llc/THERESACARPENTERRead my writings on my blog: https://www.theresatapestries.com/Listen to other episodes on my podcast: https://storiesofservice.buzzsprout.comWatch episodes of my podcast:https://www.youtube.com/c/TheresaCarpenter76

In this podcast we will be talking about 12 practical exercises, as per the book How to be a Stoic by Massimo Pigliucci that uses Epictituse's Enchiridion, which we can use in the modern world while mastering the four stoic virtues.  So here are 10 important insights for being a stoic from Epictetus. 01. Examine your impressions 02. Remind yourself of the impermanence of thing 03. The reverse clause 04. How can I use virtue here and now 05. Pause and take a deep breath 06. Other-ize 07. Speak little and well 08. Choose your company well 09. Respond to insults with humor 10. Don't speak too much about yourself 11. Speak without judging 12. Reflect on your day I hope you enjoyed listening to this podcast and hope you find these exercise helpful if you wish to pursue Stoicism.  The Enchiridion is a short read on stoic advice for living. Epictetus' practical precepts might change your life.

Nearly 2,000 years ago, the Stoics were trying to do what we're all trying to do now: find some peace. For them, philosophy wasn't an academic hobby. It was something they leaned on to remember what they could control and to let the rest go. That's why their words still hold up today and continue to help people stay calmer, clearer, and more level-headed. In today's episode, you'll hear eight Stoic lessons you can use to feel a little more steady and at peace.Make 2026 the year where you finally bring yourself closer to living your best life. No more waiting. Demand the best for yourself. The Daily Stoic New Year New You challenge begins January 1, 2026. Learn more and sign up today at dailystoic.com/challenge.

This is the recording of my short presentation and the Q&A at the second Conversations With Modern Stoicism event, hosted in June 2025 by Phil Yanov. Asked to give a short and provocative presentation about an issue that arises in the everyday applications of Stoicism, we decided on the topic of grief and grieving I first discuss what we can call a "standard Stoic take" on grief, which they understand as belonging to the broader emotional category of pain or distress, and therefore being something bad for us. We then look briefly at some of the treatments of grief and grieving in Epictetus and Seneca. Texts mentioned in this talk: Marcus Aurelius' Meditations - https://amzn.to/3osPFNF Epictetus' Discourses and Enchiridion - https://amzn.to/37G6bE0 Seneca's Letters - https://amzn.to/3dZQrNk Cicero's Tusculan Disputations - https://amzn.to/3L1WoxY

It's easy to defend yourself. It's harder to tell the truth. In today's episode, Ryan sits down with journalist Olivia Nuzzi for a raw, unfiltered conversation about what it really means to get through dishonor honorably. In the wake of her recent scandal, Olivia opens up about how small compromises compound into big consequences, why accountability still matters in a culture that rewards shamelessness, and the strange grace of being forced off a path you didn't realize was destroying you.From 2017 to 2024, Olivia Nuzzi was the Washington corre­spondent for New York magazine. Most recently she was the West Coast Editor for Vanity Fair. Her new book, American Canto, is out now.

Join me for part 7 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

Did you know that Meditations wasn't the only book that Marcus Aurelius wrote?

Join me for part 6 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

This is the talk I was invited to provide for Stoicon-X New England 2020. I take the recent case of a fired Lidl communications worker who claimed that he was unjustly fired on account of his Stoicism. I use this case as a starting point to discuss what sorts of conduct would actually be characteristic of a follower of Stoicism in the workplace, and what resources and advice Stoic philosophy can provide us. Texts mentioned in this talk: Marcus Aurelius' Meditations - https://amzn.to/3osPFNF Epictetus' Discourses and Enchiridion - https://amzn.to/37G6bE0 Seneca's Letters - https://amzn.to/3dZQrNk Cicero's On The Ends - https://amzn.to/3mmgJMB

Welcome to the Via Stoica Podcast, the podcast on Stoicism.In today's Stoic Quotes edition, we explore a powerful passage from Marcus Aurelius, Meditations 11.16:“Why is it so hard when things go against you? If it is imposed by nature, accept it gladly and stop fighting. And if not, work out what your own nature requires and aim at that… None of us is forbidden to pursue our own good.”Marcus invites us to examine why unexpected events unsettle us so deeply. His answer is simple but demanding: if something follows from the natural order of things, resisting it only creates frustration. And if the difficulty doesn't come from nature itself but from our own value judgments and desires, then our task is to return to what our own nature requires, the pursuit of virtue, clarity, and good character.This passage points directly to the heart of Stoic freedom. What harms us is not the event but the judgment we attach to it. Marcus reminds himself that externals merely “hover before us,” without the power to determine our perception. Our beliefs and attitudes do that. And because they are ours, we can change them.Stoicism becomes clearer when we apply this to our own lives. Many of the things that upset us do so because they collide with external desires, the career we want, the praise we seek, the outcomes we imagine. When those things fail, we call it “misfortune,” even though the true good was always in our character, not in the result.Practical reflections for your day:• When something unpleasant happens, pause and ask: “Is this from nature, or from my expectation?”• Break the situation into its simple parts, what actually occurred versus the story you attached to it.• Shift your focus from external outcomes to internal excellence: “What is the virtuous thing for me to do right now?”These small shifts make the Stoic path real, not theoretical. They help you respond with steadiness instead of frustration, clarity instead of confusion, and purpose instead of reactivity.For more, check out this related article with quotes on acceptance and perspective:https://viastoica.com/how-to-practice-stoic-acceptance-of-what-is/And if you're looking for more Stoic sayings, visit viastoica.com, where you'll find hundreds of quotes with full references to the original texts:https://viastoica.com/stoic-quoteshttps://viastoica.com/marcus-aurelius-quoteshttps://viastoica.com/epictetus-quoteshttps://viastoica.com/seneca-quotesMake sure to subscribe for more Stoic Quotes episodes every Friday, as well as our Tuesday interviews and longer discussions.Support the showhttps://viastoica.comhttps://viastoica.com/stoic-life-coachinghttps://viastoica.com/benny-vonckenhttps://x.com/ViaStoicainfo@viastoica.comProduced by: badmic.com

This episode is a replay from The Existential Stoic library. Enjoy! Wouldn't it be nice if there were rules for how to live life? Would having rules for life make it easier to live a good life? Should we be applying rules to our lives? In this episode, Danny and Randy discuss rules for life.  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

How does Camila Cabello stay centered in the chaos of fame? Today's bonus episode brings back an evergreen lesson from her Daily Stoic episode that's worth hearing again.

It'd be wonderful if we always did what we know we want or need to do. But that's not how the world is. It is filled with temptations, distractions, and forces tugging us toward the rocks.Make 2026 the year where you finally bring yourself closer to living your best life. No more waiting. Demand the best for yourself. The Daily Stoic New Year New You challenge begins January 1, 2026. Learn more and sign up today at dailystoic.com/challenge.

From his home office in Nordhavn, Brønshoj-born Danish tech entrepreneur, author, podcaster, investor, and racing driver DAVID HEINEMEIER HANSSON talks about his recent move back home after the fires in Los Angeles. David recalls his start of 37 Signals, his company that developed Ruby on Rails and Basecamp, and he shares his pursuit of flow, his life philosophy in Stoicism, and his thoughts on entrepreneurship, business, media, and the cultural landscapes of the US vs. Denmark.David selects a work by El Greco from the SMK collection.https://open.smk.dk/en/artwork/image/KMSsp146(Photograph Source: David Heinemeier Hansson)----------We invite you to subscribe to Danish Originals for weekly episodes. You can also find us at:website: https://danishoriginals.com/email: info@danishoriginals.com----------And we invite you to donate to the American Friends of Statens Museum for Kunst and become a patron: https://donorbox.org/american-friends-of-statens-museum-for-kunst

We are joined for the 3rd time by our good friend from Prague - Pavel Macek. Pavel is a Strongfirst Master Certified Instructor who lists his areas of interest & expertise as; Strength, Combatives, Stoicism, Tea, Cats (and the TV series LOST). He is a calm, wise & fascinating man & in this conversation we focus on RESILIENCE, both mental & physical, meditation, his upcoming visit to the UK (next March) & the online release of his 'Enter the Dumbbell' course. I'm sure this will not be the last time we are joined by Pavel as every time we sit down & talk we learn, laugh & come away with an expanded reading list.

“Well-being is realized by small steps,” Zeno would say looking back on his life, “but is truly no small thing.”

Being the smartest person in the room is usually where the trouble starts. In today's episode, Ryan sits down with journalist and author Helen Lewis to talk about genius, ego, and why so many “brilliant” people eventually spin out. They discuss the myth of the lone genius, why smart people overthink themselves into bad ideas, and how ego quietly wrecks careers, reputations, and entire movements. ​​Helen Lewis is a staff writer at The Atlantic who writes about politics and culture. Her first book, Difficult Women: A History of Feminism in 11 Fights, was a Guardian, Telegraph and Financial Times book of the year. She has written for The New York Times, the Guardian, The New Statesman, and Vogue. She is the host of the BBC podcast series The New Gurus and Helen Lewis Has Left the Chat, and co-host of Radio 4's Kafka vs Orwell and Strong Message Here. She won the 2024 Kukula Award for excellence in nonfiction book reviewing.Check out Helen Lewis' book The Genius Myth: A Curious History of a Dangerous IdeaFollow Helen on Instagram @HelenLewisPosts Read Helen Lewis' article: How Joe Rogan Remade Austin

On this episode of Change Agents, Andy Stumpf sits down with author and host of the podcast The Daily Stoic, Ryan Holiday. He has written several bestselling books, including The Obstacle Is the Way, Ego Is the Enemy, and Stillness Is the Key, which blend Stoic philosophy with modern life to emphasize resilience, discipline, and self-awareness. He's also the former Director of Marketing at American Apparel and later founded the creative agency Brass Check, advising major brands and bestselling authors. His latest release, Wisdom Is the Way, is the fourth book in his Stoic Virtues series, following Courage Is Calling, Discipline Is Destiny, and Right Thing, Right Now. Follow Ryan on instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ryanholiday The Daily Stoic on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@DailyStoic Change Agents is an IRONCLAD Original Sponsors: Firecracker Farm Use code IRONCLAD to get 15% off your first order at https://firecracker.farm/ Hollow Socks For a limited time Hollow Socks is having a Buy 2 , Get 2 Free Sale. Head to http://Hollowsocks.com today to check it out. #HollowSockspod Mizzen and Main Get 20% off your first purchase at https://www.mizzenandmain.com with promo code IRONCLAD20 Delete MeDeleteMeGo to https://www.joindeleteme.com/IRONCLAD and use coupon code IRONCLAD, or scan the QR code Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this solo episode, I walk through 10 concrete rules to get way more out of Claude Code and Claude Opus 4.5, based directly on tips Anthropic has shared in their docs and blog posts. I show how to move from vague prompts to architected briefs that use tone, constraints, structure, and power phrases to avoid “AI slop.” I demo examples across writing, research, teaching, and planning so you can see exactly how to apply each rule. By the end, you have a practical playbook for prompting Claude like a teammate and using it as a true thinking partner in your work. Timestamps 00:00 – Intro 00:56 – Rule #1: Tone of collaboration 02:16 – Rule #2: Principle of explicitness (action verbs, quantity, audience) 03:20 – Rule #3: Define the boundaries with clear constraints 04:26 – Rule #4: Draft, plan, then act (outline → refine → execute) 06:39 – Rule #5: Demand structured output (tables, formats, schemas) 08:00 – Rule #6: Explain the “why” behind your request 09:05 – Rule #7: Control brevity vs. verbosity (expert, brief, simplifier) 10:21 – Rule #8: Provide a scaffold and templates 11:21 – Rule #9: Use “power phrases” and expert personas 12:28 – Rule #10: Divide and conquer complex projects 14:09 – Putting it all together with an example For founders doing $50k+ MRR+: https://startup-ideas-pod.link/offline-mode Key Points I share 10 specific prompting rules that come directly from how Anthropic suggests people use Claude. I show how friendly, clear, and firm prompts beat either vague or overly polite requests. I demonstrate how explicit constraints (length, style, audience, banned words) create more creative and focused outputs. I use outlines, scaffolds, and structured formats to turn Claude into a planning and synthesis engine instead of a random text generator. I introduce “power phrases” like “think step by step” and “critique your own response” to unlock more advanced reasoning. I wrap everything into a final Stoicism lecture prompt that combines persona, context, constraints, structure, and tone. The #1 tool to find startup ideas/trends - https://www.ideabrowser.com LCA helps Fortune 500s and fast-growing startups build their future - from Warner Music to Fortnite to Dropbox. We turn 'what if' into reality with AI, apps, and next-gen products https://latecheckout.agency/ The Vibe Marketer - Resources for people into vibe marketing/marketing with AI: thevibemarketer.com Startup Empire - get your free builders toolkit to build cashflowing business - https://startup-ideas-pod.link/startup-empire-toolkit Become a member - https://startup-ideas-pod.link/startup-empire FIND ME ON SOCIAL X/Twitter: https://twitter.com/gregisenberg Instagram: https://instagram.com/gregisenberg/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gisenberg/

Journalist and author, Brigid Delaney looked into the ancient philosophy during an assignment from her editor. What she discovered led her to years of study and a brand-new outlook on life that focuses less on happiness and more on meaning and contentment.Brigid is devoted to the Stoics, a philosophy that encourages its followers to focus on what they can control, accepting what happens outside of that sphere of control, and mastering inner peace to have a good life.These ideas have helped Brigid prepare for grief and take the edge off her anxiety by putting it in context.One of the most powerful Stoic ideas is that all the wonderful things and people in our life are “on loan” and can be taken away at any moment.Instead of taking them for granted, the Stoics wanted us to run toward them at full speed, and wring as much fun and juice out of them as we can.Further informationBrigid's new book The Seeker And The Sage, and Reasons Not To Worry: How to be Stoic in chaotic times are both published by Allen & Unwin.The Executive Producer of Conversations is Nicola Harrison.This episode contains references to a buddhist with attitude, Nassim Taleb, stoic week, Nero, improving my life, how to improve my life, how to be content, how to find meaning in life, The Guardian, Brigid Delaney's Diary, newspaper column, newspaper columnist, writer, writing life, author, novel, fable, Circles of Hierocles, meditation, Celeste Barber, Wellmania, netflix and internal happiness.To binge even more great episodes of the Conversations podcast with Richard Fidler and Sarah Kanowski go the ABC listen app (Australia) or wherever you get your podcasts. There you'll find hundreds of the best thought-provoking interviews with authors, writers, artists, politicians, psychologists, musicians, and celebrities.

In this episode Marcus sits down with Commander William C. Spears, a US Navy submarine warfare officer and author of "Stoicism as a Warrior Philosophy." Together, they explore the practical application of stoic philosophy in leadership, adversity, and modern life, offering insights for anyone seeking to live by actions, not words. Episode Highlights: 1:10 — Introduction to Commander William C. Spears and his background in the US Navy 11:30 — The deeper meaning of stoicism and the "dichotomy of control" as a philosophical razor 19:00 — Stoicism’s role in leadership, duty, and making ethical decisions as a professional and a human 42:00 — Applying stoic practices to overcome hardship and grow through adversity Commander William C. Spears is a submarine warfare officer in the US Navy, having served as a weapons officer on a fast attack submarine and as an executive officer of a Trident missile submarine. He is the author of "Stoicism as a Warrior Philosophy," a deeply researched exploration of stoic thought from a warfighter’s perspective. Spears is also a prolific writer on leadership and ethics, sharing his insights on his website and LinkedIn. Learn more about the gift of Adversity and my mission to help my fellow humans create a better world by heading to www.marcusaureliusanderson.com. There you can take action by joining my ANV inner circle to get exclusive content and information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We're set in our habits. We're quick-tempered, we eat poorly, we're easily distracted. We skip exercise, we put stuff off, we make excuses. How did that work out for you in 2025?Make 2026 the year where you finally bring yourself closer to living your best life. No more waiting. Demand the best for yourself. The Daily Stoic New Year New You challenge begins January 1, 2026. Learn more and sign up today at dailystoic.com/challenge.

Did you know your past trauma is secretly ruining your life? You may be pushing people away, choosing the wrong partners, and destroying your own success without even realizing it. In episode 839 of the Savage Perspective Podcast, host Robert Sikes sits down with trauma expert Anna Runkle to uncover how childhood neglect creates a damaged nervous system that leads to self sabotage and emotional outbursts. Anna explains why talk therapy often fails and shares simple, powerful tools to regulate your mind, heal your body, and finally build the meaningful relationships and successful life you deserve. This episode is a must watch for anyone ready to stop being a victim of their past and take control of their future.Ready to build a powerful body to match your resilient mind? Join Robert's FREE Bodybuilding Masterclass and learn the exact steps to achieve your ultimate physique. Sign up now: https://www.ketobodybuilding.com/registration-2Follow Anna on IG: https://www.instagram.com/crappychildhoodfairy/Get Keto Brick: https://www.ketobrick.com/Subscribe to the podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/42cjJssghqD01bdWBxRYEg?si=1XYKmPXmR4eKw2O9gGCEuQChapters:0:00 - How Past Trauma Keeps You From Reaching Your Potential 1:53 - What Is The Real Impact of Childhood Trauma? 4:20 - Self-Sabotage: Is It a Choice or a Trauma Response? 7:11 - Why Talk Therapy Can Make Your Trauma WORSE 11:42 - Is Society Facing a Mass Trauma Crisis? 13:20 - How To Raise Emotionally Regulated Children 18:20 - The Hidden Trauma of Online Abuse & Cancel Culture 22:09 - How Do You Solve Generational Trauma? The Surprising Answer 25:33 - The Power of Stoicism & Radical Responsibility 27:22 - The Simplest Way to Begin Healing Your Nervous System 29:08 - What is EMDR and Can It Help You Heal? 32:05 - Is Modern Life Disconnecting Us From Reality? 35:19 - The Key to Developing True Self-Awareness 38:45 - The Life-or-Death Mindset Needed for Real Change 42:29 - Should You Love Yourself Before Loving Others? 45:45 - The Dangers of Sentimental "Fake" Content Online 48:23 - Are You Subconsciously Pushing People Away? 54:13 - The True Meaning of Setting Healthy Boundaries 55:26 - Why You MUST Let Go of Toxic Relationships 57:56 - The Surprising Secret to Attracting the Right People 1:00:32 - How Serving Others Leads to Your Own Happiness 1:06:19 - Where to Find Anna Runkle

A submarine is one of the most demanding workplaces on Earth. Confined, tense, and utterly dependent on trust and focus. William Spears has spent his career in that world, learning how to lead and think clearly when everything around him demands perfection. His journey led him to Stoicism, a philosophy that teaches emotional discipline, clarity, and responsibility. In this episode, William explains how the same ideas that once guided ancient philosophers can help today's service members, veterans, and families face the stress of modern life. He talks about the link between Stoicism and modern therapy, how the idea of total responsibility changes how we lead and parent, and why writing down our thoughts can be one of the most powerful tools for mental clarity. This conversation is a practical guide to keeping your balance when life feels like it's closing in. Timestamps: 00:07:00: How Stoicism became a modern tool for resilience 00:13:00: The connection between ancient philosophy and therapy 00:21:00: Redefining responsibility and control 00:29:00: The "Responsibility Heuristic" and how it applies to leadership 00:49:00: The journaling habit that builds steadiness and focus Links & Resources Veteran Suicide & Crisis Line: Dial 988, then press 1 Website: https://williamcspears.com/ Follow William Spears on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/william-spears-89130443/ Stoicism as a Warrior Philosophy Book: https://a.co/d/j09noDt How to Think Like a Roman Emperor Book: https://a.co/d/cJagK5C Transcript View the transcript for this episode.

The sooner you realize that you are not the center of the universe or the intended recipient of everything, the more understanding you can be, the less judgment you'll feel required to have.

To answer your immediate questions: 1. Yes, we're aware the 12 days of Christmas begin after Christmas, not before. 2. Yes, we're both aware, as honest-to-goodness philosophers of Stoicism, that the Ancient Stoics didn't celebrate Stoicism. We hope you enjoy the special! Begins December 14th! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Every crisis creates the same instinct in people: go back to the wisdom that has outlasted everything else. In today's episode, Ryan and Mark Manson dive into why Stoicism keeps coming back during moments of crisis, why world leaders and big thinkers have leaned on it for centuries, and what its modern resurgence gets right and wrong.Check out Ryan's FULL episode on Solved with Mark Manson on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube Grab Mark's books: The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F**k, The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F**k Journal, and Everything Is F***ked: A Book About Hope, at The Painted PorchFollow Mark on YouTube, and check out more of his work at https://markmanson.net/

Even the giants of history couldn't outrun insecurity, comparison, or the feeling of not having enough. In today's episode, Ryan continues his conversation with Andrew Ross Sorkin to talk about why success rarely feels satisfying in the way you expect, why the goalposts always seem to move, and how Andrew has seen this pattern play out in some of the wealthiest and most accomplished people in the world.Andrew Ross Sorkin is a financial columnist for The New York Times and a co-anchor of CNBC's Squawk Box. He is also the founder and editor of DealBook, a financial news service published by The New York Times. He wrote the bestselling book Too Big to Fail and co-produced a movie adaptation of the book for HBO Films. He is also a co-creator of the Showtime series Billions. His new book is 1929: Inside the Greatest Crash in Wall Street History--and How It Shattered a Nation. You can grab signed copies of 1929 by Andrew Ross Sorkin at The Painted Porch: https://www.thepaintedporch.com/Follow Andrew Ross Sorkin on Instagram @SorkinSays and on X @AndrewRSorkin

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

The myth of the self-made man is just that, a myth. There has never been such a thing.

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

It doesn't matter how smart you are. In the moment, if you can't control your emotions, you will be stupid.

How do you stay locked in on one project for eight years? Andrew Ross Sorkin shares what he learned while writing his bestselling book 1929: Inside the Greatest Crash in Wall Street History and How It Shattered a Nation in today's conversation with Ryan. They talk about what it really takes to write a massive, deeply researched book while juggling a demanding career and family life. Andrew opens up about the fear, insecurity, and obsession that fueled his eight year journey into the world of 1929. Ryan and Andrew get into why writing still feels hard for him, the surprising reality of how much of history comes down to human behavior, and the strange process of trying to understand people who lived a century ago.Andrew Ross Sorkin is a financial columnist for The New York Times and a co-anchor of CNBC's Squawk Box. He is also the founder and editor of DealBook, a financial news service published by The New York Times. He wrote the bestselling book Too Big to Fail and co-produced a movie adaptation of the book for HBO Films. He is also a co-creator of the Showtime series Billions. His new book is 1929: Inside the Greatest Crash in Wall Street History--and How It Shattered a Nation. You can grab signed copies of 1929 by Andrew Ross Sorkin at The Painted Porch: https://www.thepaintedporch.com/Follow Andrew Ross Sorkin on Instagram @SorkinSays and on X @AndrewRSorkin

Power is corruptive and corrosive no matter your age. To the young and inexperienced, it is even worse.