Stoic Coffee Break
A weekly meditation on how Stoic principles can help you be a better human. The podcast encourages acting on principles rather than moods, offering practical wisdom for daily life.
Episodes
Vonnegut's Envelope: Why Inconvenience is the Cost of Community | 393
The Problem
The last few months have been isolating for me. I was working hard on my book, which I turned in last week. It was exhausting, but I'm proud of what I've written. It also meant giving up a lot of social time. After writing for six or seven hours, I was often so drained that I skipped things I'd planned to do, because I just didn't have the energy.
But as I thought about how much I'd be
Why You Need to Fight Better, Not Less | 392
Do you know how to fight well? Do you think that having relationship without conflict means that everything is just fine? In this episode we’re going to talk about why conflict can be a good and necessary thing, and how to fight well.
“Honest disagreement is often a good sign of progress.” — Mohandas K. Gandhi
The Problem
There's a version of "peace" in a relationship that isn't peace at all. It's
Why Socrates Would Hate AI | 391
AI seems to be everywhere at the moment. You can’t go a single day without someone posting about how AI sped up their work and solved all their problems. But with every technology there are downsides that aren’t apparent when it first shows up. Today we’re going to talk about some of those downsides from a Stoic perspective and consider what Socrates might think of AI.
“No man was ever wise by cha
Inner Critic vs. Inner Coach | 390
Beating yourself up doesn’t make you better person. Hating yourself doesn’t motivate you more. So what’s the difference between holding yourself high standards and punishing yourself for failure? In this episode we discuss the two warring voices in each of us — the inner critic and the inner coach.
“If you want to improve, be content to be thought foolish and stupid.” ― Epictetus
The Problem
When
The Pressure Code: Interview with Performance Coach Jason Stacy | 388
Jason Stacy is a performance coach and author of The Pressure Code. He works with high performers including world tennis champion Aryan Sabalenka. In this episode we talk about how coming from living on the streets to being a top performance coach. We also discuss his formula of energy, emotions, and environment, and how the right combination of those leads to reaching your highest potential. You
The Game You Didn't Know You Were Playing | 388
So much of our lives are governed by rules that we aren’t even really aware of. Many of them we never even really question because we just assume that’s the way things are. But what if by questioning those rules, we can live with more agency, leading to a life we choose?
“The object of life is not to be on the side of the majority, but to escape finding oneself in the ranks of the insane. “ — Marc
The Danger of Certainty | 387
Certainty and hubris have always been part of being human. It feels good to be certain, to believe that your opinion is the right one. We like leaders who sound certain and shun those that don’t. But sounding right isn’t the same thing as having the truth. What if the actual way to truth is not through being certain, but by embracing uncertainty?
“It is impossible for a man to learn what he thinks
Michael Lukich: The Stoic System Thinker | 386
Michael has built a career at the intersection of data, teaching, and strategy. Always circling the same question: “How do we make better decisions amid a complex reality?” Throughout his career, he has helped people uncover the deeper structures beneath their most pressing challenges.
Michael’s perspective draws from an uncommon combination of experience. Over twenty years in consulting, data, an
Keystone Habits: How One Good Habit Can Change Everything | 385
Habits are a key part of our lives. We have helpful habits that help us accomplish what we set out to do. We also have some that we’d like to get rid of. But what if I told you that sometimes one good habit is all it takes to reorient our lives and make lasting changes? In this week’s episode we’ll discuss the importance of keystone habits and how you can find yours.
"All our life, so far as it ha
The Virtue of Reading | 384
When was the last time that you read a book. A serious book. Something stretched your mind? Something that you had to stop and go back and reread a sentence or paragraph to make sure you understood it? Maybe even learned some new words? New ideas? In this episode, let’s talk about why you should read deeper — not just so you can check another book off your list, but as a tool to help you deal with
Interview with Jon Brooks: Stoicism and Emotions | 383
Jon Brooks is the host of the Stoic Handbook podcast and Substack page. In this episode we talk about the dangers of over-managing your emotions and finding ways to be a good Stoic while not shutting yourself off emotionally.
You can find out more about Jon and his work at stoichandbook.co
The Build an Unbreakable Mind program for building mental discipline is now open for enrollment!My book Stoic
What Does It Actually Take to Be Courageous? | 382
Courage, one of the four cardinal virtues of Stoicism, is what I consider the fuel for virtue, and really for living a good life. But what does courage actually look like? Are we born courageous or it it something we can develop? In today’s episode we’re going to dive into what Stoics taught about courage and how it’s backed up by modern science.
What Does It Actually Take to Be Courageous?
"Coura
Interview with Kelly McGinnis: What it Takes to Really Lead | 381
Kelly McGinnis has a long and storied career working her way up the corporate ladder to CFO and later President of Thermo Fischer, a Fortune 100 company. In this episode we discuss ideas around what it takes to be good leader, company culture, and stepping out on your own.
The Build an Unbreakable Mind program for building mental discipline is now open for enrollment!My book Stoicism 101 is availa
What's the Worst that Could Happen? | 380
“What’s the worst that could happen?” We’ve all heard this before. Usually it’s tongue in cheek just before something really bad does happen. But counterintuitively, it’s actually one of the most powerful questions that we can ask ourselves when we’re stuck in anxiety. So let’s talk about how imagining the worst can you you be your best.
“The mind that is anxious about future events is miserable.”
Why Searching for Meaning Is Keeping You Stuck | 379
Marcus Aurelius was the most powerful man on Earth. He had every external condition for a meaningful life — wealth, status, purpose handed to him by birth. And yet, his private journals are full of reminders he had to write to himself just to keep going. Which tells you something important: meaning isn't a thing you find. It's a thing you build.
The Problem
Do you live a meaningful life?
Not "are
Collaborating with Reality: The Stoic Art of Being Present | 378
Far too often we’re never really in the moment. Maybe we’re stuck ruminating in the past over what we wished would have happened, or projecting out into the future our hope of what will happen. Maybe we distract ourselves with our phones, with entertainment, or alcohol or drugs. Anything that can relieve boredom or the discomfort of our present reality. But what if you leaned into that boredom? Wh
The Power of Paradox: The Stoic Art of Holding Two Truths at Once | 377
Can two things be true at the same time? Can you hold two opposing ideas at the same time? Today I want to talk about how learning be be comfortable with opposites can widen your thinking and help you see reality a little more clearly.
"The opposite of a correct statement is a false statement. But the opposite of a profound truth may well be another profound truth." — Niels Bohr
There's a moment m
How Fear Creates the Failure It Fears | 376
Are you motivated by fear? What if that fear is actually at the root of why you’re not getting the results you’re going after? In this week’s episode I want to talk about how to stop fear from sabotaging your best work.
“What I advise you to do is, not to be unhappy before the crisis comes; since it may be that the dangers before which you paled as if they were threatening you, will never come upo
Before You Book the Therapist, Build the Foundations | 375
Do you need therapy in order to have a good life? What is the difference between therapy and philosophy? Today I want to discuss the differences and how you need to right tools to build a good life.
“We should not use philosophy like a herbal remedy, to be discarded when we're through. Rather, we must allow philosophy to remain with us, continually guarding our judgements throughout life, forming
Why You'll Never Reach Your Ideal Self (And Why That's the Point) | 374
Do you have a clear picture of the person you want to become? And what happens when you fall short of that person — not once, but again and again? Today I want to talk about what you should do when you fall short of reaching your ideal self.
“Give yourself fully to your endeavors. Decide to construct your character through excellent actions and determine to pay the price of a worthy goal. The tria
The Busy Trap: Seneca on Why You're Optimizing the Wrong Thing | 373
THE PROBLEM
Are you too busy? Are you working too hard to be productive with every minute of your time? In today’s episode I want to talk about the perils of over-optimizing your life, and what the Stoics had to say about managing your time.
“So, concerning the things we pursue, and for which we vigorously exert ourselves, we owe this consideration – either there is nothing useful in them, or most
Skeptical, not Cynical: How to Think in an Age of Misinformation | 372
In today’s media environment do you know how to think well? How do you know who to trust? Today we’re going to talk about how Stoicism can help you to think critically about what you consume, and how be skeptical without being cynical.
“You become what you give your attention to…If you yourself don't choose what thoughts and images you expose yourself to, someone else will.” — Epictetus
ACT 1 — TH
Akrasia: The Challenge of Knowing vs. Doing | 371
How often do you put things off? Why do you put things off that you know you should do? Maybe waiting for circumstances to be just right before you make a change? In this week’s episode we’re going to dive a deeper into why put things off, and what you can do to build momentum, and move forward.
“It is not that we have a short space of time, but that we waste much of it. Life is long enough, and
370 - Q & A: Opinions, Anxiety, Ambition, & Knowing vs. Doing
How do you stop worrying about what others think of you? Is worrying ever useful? Can Stoics be ambitious? How can I actually do what I know I should?
In this week's episode I answer some of your questions through the lens of Stoicism.
"It never ceases to amaze me: we all love ourselves more than other people, but care more about their opinion than our own."
— Marcus Aurelius
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369 - Spend It Like a Millionaire: Why Holding Back Isn't Humility
What if the thing you've been quietly doing your whole life — the thing that feels almost too easy to count — is actually your greatest gift to the world?And what is it costing you to keep holding it back?"If you have a talent, use it in every which way possible. Don't hoard it. Don't dole it out like a miser. Spend it lavishly like a millionaire intent on going broke."— Brendan FrancisSend us Fan
368 - Finding Your Pace: Stoic Advice for Dealing with Burnout
How do you get back up when too many things in life hit you all at once? How do you get your momentum back when it feels like every step is like wading through molasses? Today I want to talk about how Stoicism and friendship can find your balance and get moving again when life knocks you off your feet.
When you have been compelled by circumstances to be disturbed in a manner, quickly return to you
367 - Choosing From the Wreckage: The Stoic Guide to Impossible Decisions
How do you make a decision when all the choices in front of you feel like bad ones? Today I want talk about how Stoicism can help us take action when faced with impossible choices. “What should we have ready at hand in a situation like this? The knowledge of what is mine and what is not mine, what I can and cannot do.”— Epictetus, Discourses I, 1.21Send us Fan MailThe Build an Unbreakable Mind pro
366 - Your Beautiful Life: The Path of Stoic Joy
Is Stoicism all about being strong and serious? Is it too pessimistic and always looking for where things can go wrong, where the next challenge or struggle is? Today I want to talk about the softer side of Stoicism, and how many of the tools the Stoics teach us can actually lead us to joy.“To live happily is an inward power of the soul.” — Marcus AureliusSend us Fan MailThe Build an Unbreakable M
365 - The Test of Power: Why Stoic Virtue Matters in Leadership
Why does virtue matter in leadership? What happens to a community, a city, a country when there is lack of virtue in leadership? In this episode we’re going to discuss power, leadership, and why virtue matters."Nearly all men can stand adversity, but if you want to test a man's character, give him power." — Abraham LincolnSend us Fan MailThe Build an Unbreakable Mind program for building mental di
364 - Moral Courage: Standing up to Injustice
Why is it important to resist and stand up against injustice? What happens when we don’t stand up to injustice? Today we'll explore why virtue is necessary, what the Stoics taught about resistance, and how to actually practice moral courage in your daily life."The object of life is not to be on the side of the majority, but to escape finding oneself in the ranks of the insane." —Marcus Aurelius, M
363 - Step Into Greatness: How to Be Your Own Hero
Are you living the life you want? Are you waiting for something to happen to push you into becoming the hero of your own story? In this episode I want to talk about why we fear stepping into greatness, and how you can be your own hero.“Every difficulty in life presents us with an opportunity to turn inward and to invoke our own submerged inner resources. The trials we endure can and should introdu
362 - Multi-Perspective Thinking: How to Make Better Decisions in 4 Steps
Do you approach a problem from only one perspective? Are there ways that you could expand your understanding and incorporate different perspectives? Today I want to talk about the power of multi-perspective thinking and how it can help you dig deeper into challenges in your life.“Everything we hear is an opinion, not a fact. Everything we see is a perspective, not the truth.”—Marcus AureliusSend u
361 - Ataraxia: The Stoic Skill of Staying Level
Can you stay calm in the storm? Or do you let your emotions cloud your judgment, leading to poor decisions? Today I want to talk about the Stoic concept of ataraxia and how it can help you be more mentally tough.“Don't hope that events will turn out the way you want, welcome events in whichever way they happen: this is the path to peace.”— Epictetus, Enchiridion 8Send us Fan MailThe Build an Unbre
360 - Advice for the New Year
At the end of the year is always a good time to step back and think about the year to come. Maybe you have some goals that you want to accomplish. Maybe get in better shape and eat better or pick up a new skill. But have you thought about what kind of attributes you want in the next year? In this episode I give you some words of advice of how to approach the new year.“Things do not touch the soul,
359 - Who do You Think You Are?: Identity and Self-Belief
What do you believe about yourself? Do you have beliefs that keep from stepping into your true self? Today I want to talk about self-beliefs and how the ideas that we hold about ourselves might just be your biggest obstacle to becoming who you want to be."When I let go of what I am, I become what I might be."— Lao TzuSend us Fan MailThe Build an Unbreakable Mind program for building mental discipl
358 - How to Love Like a Stoic: Loving From Wholeness
Love is the greatest thing in the world. We're all trying to build relationships that enrich our lives. But can Stoicism help us love better? Today I want to talk about how Stoicism can help you be a more loving person."Accept the things to which fate binds you, and love the people with whom fate brings you together, but do so with all your heart." —Marcus AureliusSend us Fan MailThe Build an Unbr
357 - The Investment of Attention
What do you invest your attention in? Are you investing in things that enrich your life or keep you distracted? Today I want to talk about the importance of attention and what it’s costing you.“You live as if you were destined to live forever, no thought of your frailty ever enters your head, of how much time has already gone by you take no heed. You squander time as if you drew from a full and ab
356 - Q & A: Temperance, Self-Forgiveness, Dealing with Chaos
In this week's episode I answer questions from my listeners. I give my thoughts on practicing temperance in everyday life, practicing self-forgiveness, and how to deal with the chaos in the world.As always, please feel free to let me know of questions or topics you'd like me to answer in future episodes.Send us Fan MailThe Build an Unbreakable Mind program for building mental discipline is now ope
355 - On Anger: Interview with Donald Robertson
Anger is a powerful force in the world, but the effects of anger often cause greater harm than the cause of it. Many see anger as a necessary emotion for human survival, but the Stoics warned us against anger, calling it a "temporary madness". In my personal life, anger has been a recurring theme since childhood. I've worked hard to overcome the trauma from childhood, as well as my own anger, havi
354 - What Would You Do If You Were Valuable?
What do you value in this life? Maybe your home? Your job? Your family? But do you value yourself? Today I want to talk about the importance of self-value and how Stoicism can help you find the treasure within."Do not degrade your own soul; it will soon be out of your power to bring it to honor. The life of each of us is but a moment, and this one is almost finished, and yet you do not respect you
353 - Polyvagal Theory and Stoicism: Interview with Justin Senseri
Have you ever wondered about how your emotional well being is connected to your body? In this week's episode, I interview therapist and host of the Stuck Not Broken podcast, Justin Senseri about polyvagal theory and how it inter-relates to Stoicism. Justin Sunseri is a therapist and coach who thinks the world needs a new understanding of mental health - one that's simplified, easily accessible for
352 - Emotional Courage: Masculinity and Stoicism
What does it mean to be a man? How do our perceptions and ideas about masculinity hinder men from living full and happy lives? Today we’re going to dive into how Stoicism can help us develop a more healthy definition of masculinity."We teach boys that being vulnerable is being weak. And then we wonder why men die of loneliness surrounded by people."—Terry RealFeeling Wheel - This is a great intera
351 - From Socrates to CBT: Interview with Dr. Scott Waltman PsyD
This week's episode is an interview with Dr. Scott Waltman PsyD. Dr. Scott Waltman, PsyD, ABPP, is a clinician, international trainer, and practice-based researcher. His interests include evidence-based psychotherapy practice, training, and implementation in systems that provide care to underserved populations. He is president-elect of both the Academy of Cognitive & Behavioral Therapies and the
350 - Stoicism 101 - Virtue: The Sole Good
The Stoics talk a lot about virtue as the sole good. Now what do they mean by virtue and why did they think that it was so important? In this week's episode, I'm reading another chapter from my book, Stoicism 101.“Of things some are good, some are bad, and others are indifferent. The good then are the virtues and the things which partake of the virtues: the bad are the vices, and the things which
349 - The Meta-Habit: The One Skill For Building Better Habits
Do you have good habits? Do you have some you’d rather get rid of? What if I told you that by developing one key skill, you’ll be able to adopt better habits and let go of unhelpful ones? In this weeks episode we’re going to talk about the one “meta-habit” you need to develop in order to make real changes in your life.The Meta-Habit: The One Skill For Building Better Habits"I will form good habits
348 - The Inner Watchdog: Building a Self-Correcting Mind
Have you ever found yourself stuck in a way of thinking that you knew deep down wasn’t serving you? Maybe it was an assumption about someone, a stubborn belief, or an emotional reaction. The good news is that our minds are built for self-correction—if we know how to use them. “If anyone can prove and show to me that I think and act in error, I will gladly change it—for I seek the truth, by which n
347 - Stoicism 101 - Freedom from External Events: Embracing the Power Within
Do you ever feel like life is happening to you, and that you’re at the whim of circumstances? What would it feel like if you could take what life hands you and say, “Thank you sir! May I have another?” In this week’s episode I’m going to be reading another chapter from my book, Stoicism 101, where I write about dealing with external events.“Look within, for within is the wellspring of virtue, whic
346 - Interview with Louisa Swaden: Speed Racer and Author of the Stoic Rider
Have you ever had put a dream to the side? What if that dream was the key to finding the thing that fulfilled you as a person? In this week's episode I interview author and speed racer, Louisa Swaden, about Stoicism, racing motorcycles, and how it's never too late to chase your dreams.You can find out more about Louisa and her book The Stoic Rider at http://www.existentialbiker.comSend us Fan Mail
345 - Mental Toughness: The Quiet Strength
Are you mentally tough? Are you able to take what life dishes out and keep smiling? Today I want to talk about mental toughness and how you can develop the right kind of toughness while being flexible to life changes.“Difficulties strengthen the mind, as labor does the body.”—SenecaSend us Fan MailThe Build an Unbreakable Mind program for building mental discipline is now open for enrollment!My bo
344 - Languishing: How to Get Unstuck
Do you ever feel like you’re stuck? Like things aren’t going bad but aren’t moving in the right direction either? Today I want to talk about being stuck and what to do to get things moving in the right direction.“First say to yourself what you would be; and then do what you have to do.”—Epictetus Discourses, 3.23Send us Fan MailThe Build an Unbreakable Mind program for building mental discipline i
343 - Stoicism 101: Seneca the Younger
This week's episode is a chapter from my book, Stoicism 101. It's the chapter about Seneca the Younger, one of the most famous Stoic philosophers and writers. Seneca is remembered as one of the most popular stoic philosophers, partly because a lot of his writings survived and were passed through antiquity. But how much do you know about Seneca? Well, in this episode, you're going to learn some mo
342 - Interview with Derrick Zaworski: Philosophy, Music, & Addiction
This week I dive into philosophy, life, music, and addiction with my friend Derrick Zaworski. Derrick is a music producer and owner of Road Tripping Records. Derrick and I have been friends for several years and we've always enjoyed deep and interesting conversations, so I thought it would be worthwhile to get one of those conversations on record. I hope you enjoy!Send us Fan MailThe Build an Unbr
341 - Future You: How to Bargain with the Future to Become Your Best Self
Do you ever think about your future self? How would your choices in the present change if you took the time to consider those choices would impact future you? Today I want to talk about the power of getting to know the future you.“First say to yourself what you would be; and then do what you have to do.” — EpictetusSend us Fan MailThe Build an Unbreakable Mind program for building mental disciplin
340 - Is Free Will Just a Lie We Tell Ourselves?
Do we have free will or are we destined to our fate? Do the Stoics believe that we have free will or are our lives pre-determined? Does is matter? Today I’m going to talk about the Stoic ideas behind free will and fate, and how it does or doesn’t impact our lives. “Lead me, Fate, wherever you will, and I will cheerfully follow. For even if I kick and wail, all the same I must follow.” —CleanthesSe
339 - Resistance Training for the Soul: Why the Hard Way Might Be the Right Way
What if I told you that the thing you’re avoiding… is exactly the thing you need most? Today we’re going about why comfort might be the biggest lie we believe, and how leaning into resistance can actually be the path to everything you want.“The superior man thinks always of virtue; the common man thinks of comfort.” ― ConfuciusSend us Fan MailThe Build an Unbreakable Mind program for building ment
338 - Q & A: Am I Stoic Enough?
In this week's episode, I take some time to answer a few questions:- What should I do when someone criticizes me and I know they’re right?- How do I know if I’m actually making progress in my personal growth—or just spinning my wheels?- What would Marcus Aurelius say about social media?- What’s one way I secretly avoid discomfort—even though I talk about embracing it?“Or is it your reputation that
337 - Evil Is the Absence of Empathy
Empathy has been called everything from a virtue to a weakness to a sin. But in an age of outrage, is empathy a liability? Or is it the very thing we need to preserve civilization? In this week's episode I talk about the importance of empathy and why we need more, not less empathy in the world.“Wherever there is a human being, there is an opportunity for kindness.”—SenecaSend us Fan MailThe Build
336 - Facts and Feelings: The Power of Objectivity
The Stoics place a premium on rationality and objectivity to help manage our emotions. But how do we develop that objectivity? Why should we practice become more objective? In this week’s episode we’re going to dive into those questions and talk about how you can be more objective.“Between stimulus and response, there is a space. In that space is our power to choose our response. In our response l
335 - Stay Curious: The Stoic Case for Asking Why
What if your biggest obstacle in life isn’t a lack of knowledge, but something else? What if this one attribute is the one thing that can help you truly excel in life? In this episode, I want discuss what I think is the greatest attribute that any person should have who wants improve themselves and how to develop it.“I’m am neither clever nor especially gifted. I am only very, very curious.” —Albe
334 - Serious Joy: A Stoic’s Unexpected Superpower
How often to you spend time worrying about everything that is happening in the world? How can you create more joy into your life? Can a Stoic be happy and joyful? Today I want to talk about Stoicism and joy.“A cheerful disposition and serenity of mind are not the result of luck but of wisdom.” — Seneca(Here's the link to the sunshine video!)Send us Fan MailThe Build an Unbreakable Mind program for
333 - Do Better, Be Better: Maintaining Stoic Virtue in Times of Turmoil
In times of political division, it’s easy to be swept away by anger, resentment, and fear. But what does that accomplish? Does your anger towards those that disagree with you help yourself or the world? In this episode I want to talk about the importance of maintaining your Stoic principles in times of turmoil.“The essence of good and evil consists in the condition of our character. And externals
332 - Creating a Stoic Company: Interview with Geoff Roberts from Outseta
Stoicism is a very personal and practical philosophy. But what would a company look like that implemented some of the ideas from Stoic philosophy? In this episode, I interview Geoff Roberts the CEO of Outseta. Many of the operating principles run counterintuitive to the conventional wisdom of how most companies are managed, and they've been quite successful. While Geoff isn't a deliberate Stoic,
331 - How We Make Ourselves Unhappy
Are you happy? Do you struggle when life doesn’t go the way you want? Today I want to talk about why we as humans are great at making ourselves unhappy, and some ideas the Stoics gave us to make our lives better. “Man is not disturbed by things, but by the views he takes of them.” — EpictetusSend us Fan MailThe Build an Unbreakable Mind program for building mental discipline is now open for enroll
330 - Emotional Algebra: Interview with Dr. Erik Fisher
This weeks episode is an interview with Dr. Erik Fisher. Erik is the host of the Emotional Algebra podcast, and works with patients and clients to manage their emotions in a way that is very similar to Stoicism. We had a great and wide ranging conversation about emotions, trauma, and how become more emotionally resilient.Send us Fan MailThe Build an Unbreakable Mind program for building mental dis
329 - Stoicism vs. Brocism
Are you confused about the different teachings of Stoicism you find on the internet? Would the Stoics advocate for the “hyper-masculine” culture that uses Stoicism to support some approaches to stress, dating, and how to treat others? Today I want to talk about how Stoicism can be misused, and clear up some of the misconceptions of Stoicism been propagated by what some have called “Broicism”.“The
328 - Q & A: Money, Politics, & Good Enough
Are you worried about finances? Do you struggle when you have a political conversation with somebody and it becomes heated? Do you worry about failing at life? Well, these are three questions that I'm going to answer today in another Q& A episode. “Too many people spend money they haven’t earned, to buy things they don’t want, to impress people they don’t like.” — Will RogersSend us Fan MailThe B
327 - Why Individualism Fails
Self-made success, individual freedom, pulling yourself up by your bootstraps—these ideas have become the cornerstone of many modern cultures, especially in the West. But is this individualistic mindset really working for us? Today, we’re taking a look at why excessive individualism can be harmful, how it isolates us, and what Stoicism has to say about our interconnectedness and shared humanity.“T
326 - How to Break Up Without Breaking Down: A Stoic's Guide for Letting Go
We all suffer heartbreak from time to time. It’s an inevitable part of life with other people. So how can we use Stoicism to help us move past a broken heart? Today, we’re going to discuss how this ancient philosophy has some great tools to mend and move forward.”There can be no doubt that the desire lovers have for each other is not so very different from friendship - you might say it was friends
325 - New Year Same You? The Stoic Guide to Effective Resolutions
As the new year begins, there is always a push to make resolutions and plans. Do you know what you want to accomplish next year? Do you have goals that you want to pursue? How do you plan on accomplishing them? Today I want to talk about some ideas about how you can more successful in achieving the things you want.”Life is long if you know how to use it.” —SenecaSend us Fan MailThe Build an Unbrea
324 - Kintsugi and Stoicism: Finding Strength in the Beauty of Broken Things
Imagine a bowl, cracked and seemingly useless. Most of us would toss it out. But what if, instead, those cracks were mended with gold, transforming the broken object into something even more beautiful than before? This is the art of kintsugi, a Japanese philosophy that teaches us how to embrace flaws and failures as opportunities for growth and transformation. Today, we’ll explore how this perspec
323 - Truth vs. Ego: Stoicism and the Backfire Effect
Have you ever tried to change someone’s mind, only to find them doubling down on their belief instead? Or maybe you’ve felt your own defenses rise when someone challenges your deeply held views? That’s the backfire effect in action—a cognitive bias where contradictory evidence only strengthens someone’s existing beliefs. Today, we’ll explore how Stoicism can help us recognize and mitigate this bia
322 - Wise Feelings: The Secret Sauce to Smart Choices
Do you see your emotions as something that get in the way? What if you had no emotions or ignored you emotions, do you think that you would make better choices? In this weeks episode I want to discuss how emotions are guides rather than enemies, and how emotions are the key to help us make better decisions. “Your heart knows the way. Run in that direction.” — RumiSend us Fan MailThe Build an Unbre
321 - How to Think Like Socrates: Interview With Donald J. Robertson
Have you ever wanted to think like Socrates? Well you're in luck! This week's episode is an interview with Donald J. Robertson and we're talking about his new book, How to Think Like Socrates. We talk about the way that Socrates uses questions and critical thinking to overcome our own biases and logical fallacies, and how you can apply those to your life. Donald is a licensed Cognitive Behavioral
320 - How to Actually Achieve Your Goals
Do you struggle in getting started with achieving your goals? Do you get overwhelmed and quit before you even start? In this week’s episode I want to talk about how you can change your mindset to help you work through the blocks that are keeping you from living the kind of life you want.“The important thing about a problem is not its solution, but the strength we gain in finding the solution.” —Se
319 - Q & A: Self Gaslighting, Communication, Romance, and Amor Fati
This weeks episode is another Q & A episode. I answer a few questions from listener about self gaslighting, romantic relationships, communicating with others, and applying amor fati in my own life. If you have any questions you'd like me to answer in future episodes drop me a note or a comment on social media and maybe I'll feature it in an upcoming episode.Thanks!"If we try to adapt our mind to t
318 - Mental Health, Stoic Wisdom: Finding Calm in the Chaos
Do you struggle with mental health issues? Does depression seem like something that you can't shake? In this episode, I want to talk about some of the tools of stoicism, as well as some other tools that can help you build a stronger foundation to weather the dark times"The lamp of wisdom shines brightest when lit by the flame of self awareness," —Musonius RufusTake Arthur Brooks personality quiz
317 - How to Be Unconquerable: Stoic Principles for Living Your Best Life (Part 2)
Do you want to be unconquerable? Do you want to live to the fullest of your potential? This week’s episode is part 2 of How to Be Unconquerable: Stoic Principles for Living Your Best Life. “Adopt new habits yourself: consolidate your principles by putting them into practice.”—EpictetusSend us Fan MailThe Build an Unbreakable Mind program for building mental discipline is now open for enrollment!My
316 - How to Be Unconquerable: Stoic Principles for Living Your Best Life (Part 1)
Are you living the kind of life you want? Do you know what’s stopping you? What if could become the kind of person you want to be? In this weeks episode I dive into 5 of my 10 principles for living your best life.“It is the power of the mind to be unconquerable.”—SenecaWatch the episode on YouTube.Send us Fan MailThe Build an Unbreakable Mind program for building mental discipline is now open for
315 - The Strength to Feel: A Stoic’s Journey to Emotional Clarity and Connection
Do you feel like you're truly in charge of your emotions? It’s a question that can catch even the most reflective among us off-guard. Often, we feel as if our emotions are these wild, untamable forces that arise without our consent. We fear that adopting something like Stoicism might strip away the intensity of those feelings, leaving us like empty shells. But what if getting a handle on our emoti
314 - Think Slow, Act Fast: How to Plan and Win
Do you have to plan things? At work? In life? Often we hear about how we need to take action quickly, but in this episode I want to talk about how taking your time can save you a lot of time, stress, and even money.“Patience is the companion of wisdom.”—Marcus AureliusSend us Fan MailThe Build an Unbreakable Mind program for building mental discipline is now open for enrollment!My book Stoicism 10
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