The Strong Stoic Podcast
The Strong Stoic Podcast is a raw, honest, and unapologetically deep podcast about philosophy and self-improvement. Host Brandon Tumblin breaks down complex topics by blending different philosophies, sciences, and perspectives.
Episodes
A Vietnam Veteran on Brotherhood, Courage & Fighting Without Hate | Jim MacKay | Episode 436
Before serving in Vietnam, Jim MacKay entered a Franciscan monastery at seventeen. Across those very different paths, his desire to help people remained.I joined Jim at his home in Cape Breton, Nova Scotia, to talk about brotherhood, fear, rescuing wounded men, responsibility, and what he wishes people understood about those who return from war.What struck me most was his kindness. I went to hear
Did Suffering Really Make Marcus Aurelius Stronger? | Episode 435
We like to believe that difficulty inevitably makes us stronger. Sometimes it does. But some chapters simply ask us to survive with whatever pieces of ourselves we can protect.Through the life of Marcus Aurelius, this episode explores the limits of turning suffering into growth, the difference between acceptance and passivity, and why philosophy can help us carry what we cannot fix.You don’t have
You Have to Be Willing to Suck | SS Unscripted
Nobody starts as a master.When we see someone who is strong, skilled, or exceptionally good at what they do, we see the finished product. We don’t see all the years they spent being bad at it.Recently, after more than six years of podcasting, I found myself spending an hour and a half learning a basic audio-editing skill I probably should have learned years ago. I had no idea what I was doing.And
When to Persist, When to Quit, and How to Give a Shit | Coach JP Primeau | Episode 434
JP Primeau is a strength coach, former university football player, and Olympic weightlifting coach in Nova Scotia.But this conversation isn't really about lifting.It's about what happens when the identity you've spent years building begins to change.JP and I talk about his transition from football into Olympic weightlifting and eventually coaching, what it feels like to go from bein
Jocko’s Extreme Ownership Is Powerful—But Incomplete | Episode 433
Jocko Willink’s philosophy of Extreme Ownership teaches leaders to take responsibility for everything that affects their mission. If something goes wrong, don’t make excuses. Own it and fix it.It is a powerful leadership doctrine—but is everything that happens truly your fault?In Episode 433, I examine Extreme Ownership through a Stoic lens. We explore why the philosophy works, how it restores age
Would You Still Do the Work If Nobody Noticed? | SS Unscripted
What if you worked hard at something for years and nobody noticed? Would the work still be worth doing?I've been wrestling with that question lately as I've become more focused on views, analytics, and growing The Strong Stoic.There's nothing wrong with wanting success, recognition, or influence. The danger begins when being noticed becomes the reason we do the work.Marcus Aurelius
Your Childhood Installed the Alarm; Adulthood Must Test It | Episode 432
Many of our emotional patterns were formed before we were old enough to understand what was happening.We learned what love, conflict, trust, danger, and security looked like by watching the people around us. Those early experiences helped build our internal alarm systems—but not every alarm remains properly calibrated.Anger may tell us that we perceive an injustice. Fear may tell us that we sense
I Got What I Wanted. It Wasn’t Enough. | SS Unscripted
We have a tendency to postpone happiness.Once I get the promotion, I’ll be happy. Once I make more money, buy the new car, find the right relationship, or reach the next goal—then I’ll finally be satisfied.But eventually, you get some of those things. And something strange happens:You’re still you.In this Strong Stoic Unscripted, I talk about my own experience of upgrading from a Honda Accord to t
The Price of Getting What You Want | Episode 431
If you attain something without integrity, the thing you attain will always have power over you.In The Hobbit, Gollum’s relationship with the Ring begins with murder. Bilbo’s begins with pity and mercy. Both possess the same corrupting object, but it does not shape them in the same way.In this episode, I use Bilbo and the Ring to explore the Stoic concept of preferred indifferents: money, power, s
AI Could Kill Us by 2030. But That’s Not the Real Problem | Stoic Reactions
A former Anthropic researcher recently went on CNN and made a startling claim: AI could pose an existential threat to humanity within the next few years.I’m not an AI researcher, and I’m not here to tell you whether that prediction is right.What interests me is the much older—and much more human—problem underneath it:Human beings have a habit of developing power before developing the wisdom necess
Is Ryan Holiday Wrong About Stoic Success? | Episode 430
Ryan Holiday has introduced millions of people to Stoicism. But is what he teaches about success actually consistent with what the ancient Stoics taught?In this episode, I take a closer look at several of Holiday’s claims about success—not to tear him down, but to test those ideas against the philosophy itself.We explore why Stoic success cannot be measured purely by outcomes, what the Stoics actu
The Soul Is Dyed by Its Thoughts | Marcus Aurelius | Episode 429
If someone could hear your thoughts for a week, who would they expect you to become?Marcus Aurelius wrote that “the soul becomes dyed with the color of its thoughts.” But not every thought stains us. An unwanted impulse is not character. The danger lies in the thoughts we repeatedly entertain, rehearse, defend, and eventually act upon.In Episode 429, Brandon explores how thoughts become words, wor
David Goggins: Strength or Self-Punishment? | Episode 428
David Goggins believes in scheduled suffering, rejecting motivation and refusing to stop before the work is done. His philosophy has helped millions confront comfort, excuses and unrealized potential.But is Goggins actually a Stoic—and when does relentless discipline become self-punishment?In this episode, Brandon examines eight of Goggins’ central ideas through a Stoic lens, including the 40% Rul
Choose Your Regrets: How to Live Intentionally | Joshua Bertolotti | Episode 427
Living intentionally does not mean avoiding regret. It means deciding which regrets you are willing to carry.In this episode, Brandon is joined by Joshua Bertolotti for an honest conversation about busyness, rest, vulnerability and the difficult work of examining your own life. They discuss why we often plan ordinary tasks more carefully than our futures, how constant activity can conceal exhausti
Why Certain People Get Under Your Skin | Episode 426
Why do certain insults stay with us while others have no effect at all?In this episode of The Strong Stoic Podcast, I examine what our emotional reactions reveal about us—and how to respond to difficult people without becoming passive, cruel, or emotionally numb.Sometimes anger exposes an insecurity. Sometimes contempt points toward a version of ourselves we fear becoming. Sometimes we suffer beca
Boundaries Are an Act of Connection | Episode 425
Resentment often begins where an important boundary remains unspoken.In Episode 425, we examine why boundaries exist in every healthy relationship—and why setting one is not necessarily an act of rejection. A clear boundary tells another person what matters, what you are willing to participate in, and what you will do if the line is crossed.We also explore the difference between boundaries and pre
When You Stop Loving What You Once Loved | Episode 424
Have you ever stopped enjoying something that once gave your life meaning?Maybe it's the guitar that now gathers dust. The running shoes that haven't left the closet. The books you used to devour but can't seem to pick up anymore.In this episode, I explore why our interests naturally change throughout life, why there's nothing wrong with losing a passion, and what Stoicism has
Becoming Someone You Respect | Episode 423
Have you ever looked in the mirror and realized you’ve become someone you don’t respect?I have.In this deeply personal episode, I share a chapter of my life I’ve rarely talked about—the years after university when I slowly drifted into complacency. What began as well-earned rest became laziness, comfort, and eventually shame. One day I looked at the man I was becoming… and I didn’t like him.This e
You’ve Never Seen What You’re Truly Capable Of | Episode 422
Most people believe they know their limits.The truth is, they only know where they’ve chosen to stop.In this episode, I explore one of the biggest lies we tell ourselves—that discomfort equals incapability. Whether it’s grief, parenthood, illness, failure, or unexpected responsibility, history shows that ordinary people repeatedly rise to challenges they once believed impossible.Like the reserve t
Corey Robinson | Who Are You When the Crowd Is Gone? | Episode 421
Most of us don’t wake up wanting to be selfish, impatient, or unkind.So why is being good so difficult?In this conversation, I sit down once again with Corey to explore one of the oldest questions in philosophy, faith, and everyday life. Beginning with Rudyard Kipling’s timeless poem If—, we unpack what it really means to choose goodness when life becomes uncomfortable.We discuss why ego fights hu
The Courage to Chase the Life That's Calling You | Episode 420
Most people hear Walk on the Moon and think about astronauts.I think about ordinary people doing extraordinary things.The father holding his newborn. The recovering alcoholic walking into their first meeting. The woman rebuilding her life after divorce. The man finally leaving the job that’s been draining him for years.We all have a “walk on the moon.”In this episode, I use one of my favorite song
Give Your Past Self Some Grace | Episode 419
We all know we should learn from our mistakes.But somewhere along the way, many of us confuse self-reflection with self-punishment.In this episode, I explore the difference between shadow work and self-loathing. Drawing from Stoicism, Carl Jung, Seneca, Dostoevsky, and Tolkien, I examine why looking honestly at our flaws is necessary—and why beating ourselves up for them isn’t.The goal isn’t to ig
Everything You Have Is Borrowed (Including Your Strength) | Episode 418
As we grow stronger, wiser, healthier, and more disciplined, a subtle danger emerges: contempt.It's easy to celebrate strength. It's much harder to remain compassionate toward weakness—especially the weaknesses we once saw in ourselves.In this episode, I explore a paradox at the heart of Stoicism: how to pursue excellence without developing disdain for those who are still struggling.From
Kyle Sarka | The Strange Comfort of Mortality | Episode 417
What happens when someone you love dies?In this conversation, I sit down with a returning guest shortly after the loss of his father. We explore grief, mortality, legacy, and the strange reality that every person we meet was once a child, a son, a daughter, and a dream in someone else’s mind.We discuss Stoic perspectives on death, why history remembers some people and forgets others, the danger of
How to Move Forward When Everything Feels Heavy | Episode 416
Sometimes the hardest part isn’t the workout, the meeting, the difficult conversation, or the grieving process.It’s the first step.In this episode, Brandon reflects on a lesson shared by Jeff Nippard following the tragic loss of his partner and explores how a simple idea—just take the first step—can help us navigate grief, fear, depression, and resistance.Drawing on personal experiences from the i
You Will Be Forgotten - And That's Beautiful | Episode 415
Most extraordinary people are never famous.History remembers a few names — Marcus Aurelius, Churchill, Dostoevsky — but civilization itself is carried forward by ordinary people doing small things faithfully. Good fathers. Loyal friends. Honest workers. Men and women who plant trees whose shade they will never sit under.In this episode, I reflect on anonymous greatness, mortality, forgotten ancest
The Difference Between Solitude and Loneliness | Episode 414
Most people think the worst thing in the world is being alone.But the Stoics made an important distinction between loneliness and solitude.Loneliness is the painful feeling of disconnection — the sense that you do not belong, that no one truly sees you, understands you, or stands beside you. Solitude, however, is something entirely different. Solitude is peace within yourself. It is the ability to
The Root Cause of a Bad Life | Episode 413
Most people are trying to fix symptoms instead of causes.You miss the gym and think you lack discipline.You eat poorly and think you have weak willpower.You feel exhausted and think you’ve become lazy.But what if those aren’t the real problem?In this episode, I talk about root causes — the foundational issues underneath the visible struggles in our lives. I use my recent work travel and disrupted
Not Everyone Is Meant to Be Your Friend | Episode 412
Most people think Stoicism means being friends with everyone.It doesn’t.In this episode, we break down a hard truth: not everyone is meant to be your friend.Some people, by their nature, won’t align with you. Others, by their roles, can’t.And trying to force those relationships doesn’t make you more virtuous—it makes you more confused.We talk about:The difference between kindness and friendshipWhy
You Forgot You’re Going to Die (And It’s Costing You) | Episode 411
You’re busy. Life is good. Things are flowing.And that’s exactly when you’re most likely to forget something critical:You’re going to die.In this episode, I break down why thinking about death—especially when life feels good—is one of the most practical Stoic tools you have.We talk about:Why feeling good doesn’t mean you’re living wellHow comfort quietly leads to wasted timeThe connection between
You’re Not Overwhelmed—You’re Unprioritized | Episode 410
You’re not overwhelmed—you’re unprioritized.In this episode, I break down why the feeling of overwhelm isn’t always about having too much to do, but about trying to hold everything to the same standard.We talk about:Why life always feels “too full” as you take on more responsibilityThe concept of being functionally clean, fit, and presentWhen it’s appropriate to lower standards—and when it’s notTh
Your Old Life is Running You | Episode 409
You start something new—and it feels wrong.Not clearly wrong. Just… off.In this episode, I break down why that happens and why it’s not a signal to quit—but a signal to stay.Your nervous system is still calibrated to your old environment. And if you’re not careful, you’ll try to reshape your new life to match the one you left.We talk about:Why your instincts are unreliable during changeThe Stoic i
Advice for Your 20s That Actually Survives Pressure | Episode 408
Most advice for your 20s is designed to comfort you—not prepare you.In this episode, I break down 12 lessons that don’t sound good… but hold up when life gets difficult.We talk about:Why integrity costs more than people admitThe tension between ambition and relationshipsThe loneliness that comes with leadershipWhy decisiveness matters more than certaintyHow comfort quietly weakens youAnd why stren
Most of Your Life Is Boring — That’s Where It Gets Good | Episode 407
Most of your life is going to feel… repetitive.Wake up. Work. Eat. Train. Sleep. Repeat.And if you’re not careful, you’ll start to believe something is wrong with that.In this episode, I break down why that feeling exists—and why it’s misleading.We talk about:Why movies distort your expectations of lifeThe difference between monotony and meaninglessnessHow to actually enjoy the ordinary parts of y
Dyeing the Soul: How Repeated Thoughts Shape Your Identity | Episode 406
Marcus Aurelius wrote, “The soul becomes dyed with the color of its thoughts.”In this episode, we break down what that really means — and why it’s more psychological than poetic.Your character isn’t shaped by random thoughts. It’s shaped by repeated ones.The ones you rehearse.The ones you circulate.The ones you give attention to daily.We explore:How repeated thoughts build identityWhy resentment,
Wealth Without Arrogance, Loss Without Panic | Episode 405
Money stresses almost everyone.But Stoicism doesn’t tell us to ignore wealth — it tells us to rank it correctly.In this episode, I break down:Why money isn’t arbitrary (it represents reciprocity and contribution)Why living below your means is philosophical disciplineThe Stoic case for saving and investingThe difference between stewardship and obsessionWhy generosity requires orderWealth is a prefe
The Story You Tell to Sleep at Night | Episode 404
Every man has his excuses.And the more vile the man becomes, the more touching the story has to be.In this episode of The Strong Stoic, we explore a brutal truth: no one thinks they’re the villain. From The Blade Itself to Game of Thrones to Breaking Bad, we examine how the human mind protects itself with narrative.We talk about:Why evil rarely feels evil from the insideHow rationalization becomes
William C. Spears | Conflict, Leadership, and the Stoic Way | Episode 403
In this episode of The Strong Stoic, I sit down with an active-duty Navy submarine officer to explore Stoicism through the lens of military leadership, conflict, and responsibility.We discuss:Why Stoicism isn’t emotional suppressionThe role of anger in leadership and combatHow virtue makes you more effective — not softerWhy roles matter more than feelingsThe connection between strength training an
Why I Stopped Buying Stoic Books (And Started Practicing Stoicism) | Episode 402
Most people don’t fail at Stoicism because they don’t know enough.They fail because they don’t practice enough.In this episode, I talk about why I stopped buying Stoic books, why fiction pulled me back into reading, and how the real work of philosophy happens far away from the page.We explore the gap between knowing and becoming, why mastery takes decades—not weeks—and why repetition, not insight,
Multitasking Is Ruining Your Life (The Stoics Warned Us) | Episode 401
Our culture glorifies multitasking—but the Stoics would call it a mistake.In this episode of The Strong Stoic Podcast, we explore why doing more at once often means experiencing less. Drawing on Marcus Aurelius and Seneca, we examine presence, intention, and why even “productive” multitasking quietly erodes meaning.We’ll talk about:Why multitasking feels productive but isn’tThe difference between
Internal vs External Regulation — And When Reflection Becomes a Trap | Episode 400
Not everyone regulates themselves the same way.Some people measure their actions by character. Others measure by consequences. In this episode, we explore the difference between internal and external regulation, why Stoics tend to be internal regulators, and why that can quietly lead to rumination and burnout if left unchecked.We cover:Why not everyone thinks the way you doHow internal regulation
Be Dangerous, But Leave Room for the Human | Episode 399
Most leadership failures don’t come from incompetence.They come from imbalance.Too much edge and people comply—but stop trusting you.Too much kindness and standards quietly collapse.Real leadership lives in the tension between humanity and consequence.In this episode, I break down:Why edge without warmth creates feaWhy kindness without teeth creates entitlementWhat “teeth” actually mean (and what
Stoic Resilience: You're Stronger Than You Think | Kyle Sarka | Episode 398
In this episode, Brandon sits down with an educator and school principal, Kyle Sarka, to explore Stoic resilience—not as brute toughness, but as endurance guided by wisdom.The conversation moves fluidly between Stoic philosophy, leadership, fitness, history, and modern life, examining what it really means to persevere when outcomes are uncertain and comfort is abundant.Rather than glorifying suffe
Why Does Progress Often Feel Like Failure? | Episode 397
In this episode of The Strong Stoic, I explore a Stoic paradox: the one making the most progress often feels it the least.Drawing from Epictetus, Marcus Aurelius, and real-world examples from leadership, fitness, and personal responsibility, this episode breaks down why conscientious people feel behind, why growth creates insecurity, and why feeling unstable doesn’t mean you’re weak.I talk about:W
Life Isn’t Fair — And That’s the Point | Episode 396
Life isn’t fair — and Stoicism never said it would be.In this episode, we explore what it actually means to live with integrity in a world that doesn’t reward effort, honesty, or discipline in predictable ways. We talk about the difference between character and reputation, when telling the truth is courageous — and when silence is wiser — and how Stoicism helps us respond to unfairness without bec
Living Between Reaction and Intention | Episode 395
We all try to live with intention—but life keeps interrupting us.In this episode, I explore the tension between daily reactivity and long-term vision through a Stoic lens. Why do we keep returning to Marcus Aurelius, Epictetus, and Seneca? Why do we need constant reminders of principles we already know?Because life pulls us away—daily, hourly, relentlessly.This episode is about carving out small m
The Stoic Warrior's Restless Night | Episode 394
Imposter syndrome doesn’t mean you’re weak.It often means you’re growing.In this episode of The Strong Stoic Podcast, I explore imposter syndrome through a Stoic lens—why it shows up during periods of growth, why it often steals our sleep, and why it may actually be evidence that your character is strengthening.When we take on new roles—at work, in relationships, as parents, or in life—we carry we
Strong at the Broken Places: How Stoics Rebuild After Breaking | Episode 393
In this episode, Brandon explores Hemingway’s famous line: “The world breaks everyone.”But instead of treating breaking as failure, we look at it through the Stoic lens—as a natural part of being human, and the raw material for growth.From tendon micro-tears in heavy lifting, to emotional micro-fractures in leadership and relationships, we break far more often than we admit. And yet every fracture
Diogenes the Dog: Stress-Testing Stoicism | Inger Kuin | Episode 392
In this episode of The Strong Stoic, I’m joined by classicist and author Inger Kuin to dive deep into the wild, hilarious, and surprisingly practical life of Diogenes—the original Cynic and, in many ways, the “stress test” for Stoic ideas.We explore:Who Diogenes was and why his life still mattersWhy he chose to live in a jar, throw away his cup, and embrace radical simplicityHow his ideas flowed t
The Path to Personal Growth | Episode 391
In this episode, Brandon discusses the journey of personal growth and self-improvement, emphasizing the importance of learning from past experiences and embracing change. He highlights how incremental improvements can lead to greater wisdom and the challenges of overcoming feelings of shame associated with past actions.TakeawaysAs you develop and learn, you become wiser.Incremental improvements le
Kai Whiting | Illness, Identity, and Practicing Stoicism When Life Collapses | Episode 390
After nearly two years away from the Stoic world, author and researcher Kai Whiting returns to share—candidly—what happened: sudden metabolic illness, becoming a father, career upheaval, a public rift, and rebuilding meaning from first principles. We talk attachment, grief, diet experiments, masculinity, work identity, and how to live the virtues when theory isn’t enough.In this episode:Breaking t
The Stoic Heart of Star Wars | Episode 389
The Jedi sought to control their emotions. Luke Skywalker mastered them through compassion. In this episode, I explore how Star Wars reflects the core tension in Stoicism — the balance between discipline and humanity. We’ll examine Yoda’s flawed advice, the Jedi’s dogmatism, and why Luke’s compassion made him the most Stoic of them all.
Confronting Darkness: A Stoic Look at Ed Gein | Episode 388
We often think of monsters as creatures hiding under our beds. But real monsters walk among us — and sometimes, they are born of sickness, isolation, and the collapse of reason.In this episode, Brandon explores the story of Ed Gein, the real-life inspiration behind Psycho, The Texas Chainsaw Massacre, and The Silence of the Lambs. Through a Stoic lens, we look at what happens when a human being is
Unfinished Sentences: On Dying, Fear, and Truth | Episode 387
An 18-year-old boy lies dying. When asked if he’s afraid, he simply says, “Yeah.”In this episode, I explore what that single word reveals about mortality, honesty, and the limits of Stoicism. From family stories of loss to Christopher Hitchens’ final writings, we look at the stark truth that no philosophy can soften: we will all die, and that’s okay to admit.Listen for a reflection on death, coura
Don't Trade Your Problems for Other Problems | Episode 386
In this episode, I explore the idea that life is not about escaping problems but learning how to face them. We often think the grass is greener on the other side—that a new job, relationship, or lifestyle will free us from the struggles we face today. But in reality, every path comes with its own weeds.Drawing from Stoic philosophy, I break down why problems aren’t curses but gifts—opportunities t
Red Pill vs. Stoicism: Facts, Values, and Virtue in Relationships | Episode 385
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 g
Travel, Stoicism, and the Cosmopolis | Episode 384
In this episode of The Strong Stoic Podcast, I share reflections from my recent two-week trip to Vietnam—my first time in Asia. Travel today is often portrayed as a flex on social media, but beneath the highlight reels lies a deeper opportunity: stepping outside your cultural bubble and immersing yourself in another way of life.I talk about how travel challenges assumptions we take for granted—whe
Epictetus on Wealth and Detachment | Episode 383
In this episode, I explore Epictetus’ challenge: Can you gain wealth and possessions without losing your dignity, self-respect, and character? Drawing from Enchiridion 24, I unpack the Stoic idea of detachment—why possessions so easily ensnare us, how loss reveals our attachments, and what it really means to see everything in life as borrowed, not owned. From backyard saunas to daily conveniences,
Tim Ash | Primal Dating & Evolutionary Psychology | Episode 382
Dating has never been more complicated. Between the rise of online apps, shifting cultural expectations, and the pull of red pill and feminist extremes, many people are left frustrated—or giving up altogether.In this episode, I sit down with Tim Ash, co-author of Primal Dating, to uncover the evolutionary psychology beneath our modern mating struggles. We explore why men and women play by differen
The World's Not Out to Get You | Episode 381
In this episode, I dive deep into one of Epictetus’s striking passages: “As a target is not set up for the archer to miss it, so there is no intrinsic evil that exists in the world.” At first glance, it’s an odd way to phrase things—but hidden within is a Stoic lesson on victimhood, agency, and what it truly means to be free.We live in a culture that often glorifies the victim mentality, and while
The Power to Change with Chuck Chakrapani | Episode 380
In this episode of The Strong Stoic Podcast, I sit down once again with Chuck Chakrapani, author of The Power to Change: Stoic Strategies to Transform Your Life. Chuck shares practical wisdom on how Stoicism can be applied to modern problems—overthinking, fear, indecision, and the messy complexity of life.We discuss:Why most people struggle to change despite good intentions.The role of inner dialo
Justice Without a Gavel: Living Fairness the Stoic Way | Episode 379
From the outside, my decision at work didn’t make much sense — it cost more time, more money, and even confused a few people. But it was the right call for the people involved. That’s justice in the Stoic sense — not just what’s legal, not just what looks efficient on paper, but what’s fair. In this episode, we explore justice as one of the four Stoic cardinal virtues, why it’s inseparable from wi
Recovery Is Not a Weakness — It’s the Foundation of Strength | Episode 378
In this episode, I dive into something I’ve recently experienced firsthand—what some might call overtraining, but what I’ve come to see as something deeper. Yes, I was pushing hard in the gym, but I wasn’t just tired—I had adapted so well to the constant pressure that I didn’t even notice the damage building up underneath.That got me thinking about how we do the same thing in life. When things get
Stoicism, Self-Awareness, and Emotional Presence | Joshua Bertolotti | Episode 377
In this episode, I’m joined by longtime friend and fellow philosopher Joshua Bertolotti—writer, father, and host of Dying Every Day. We dive into what it really means to know yourself, why emotional presence matters more than emotional distance, and how even rest can unearth hidden tension.Joshua opens up about decompressing after years in the military, the subtle art of relaxing with intention, a
What Squid Game Gets Right About Human Nature | Episode 376
Each game strips away the veneer of civilization, exposing what lies beneath—fear, desire, ambition, and the will to survive. But true strength is not found in surviving by any means necessary. It is found in choosing virtue, even when the price is death.Recently, I’ve been watching Squid Game, catching up on the later seasons. While it’s been out for a while, the brutality and moral tension still
Tanner Campbell | How Stoicism Shapes Our Health, Fitness, and Daily Responsibilities | Episode 375
If there are no sages, what are we even aiming for?That was the quiet undercurrent flowing through my second conversation with Tanner Campbell, host of the Practical Stoicism podcast. We sat down not just to revisit Stoic ethics, but to tangle with a thorny but essential topic: how should a Stoic think about health and fitness?This isn’t just a theoretical question. As someone deeply invested in p
The Hidden Cause Behind Your Pain | Episode 374
You may find yourself struggling with certain emotions or having poor reactions to things – anger, for example. You can treat the symptom. Meditation, anger management techniques, deep breathing. Marcus Aurelius had a long list of anger management tools, and using them isn’t a bad thing.But as a Stoic, you must dig deeper. You must ask: what is the underlying cause here?This podcast is listener-su
Creating Beauty as a Stoic | Episode 373
This summer has been, for me, the summer of beauty.What I mean by that is, this summer in my household, we have focused on making our home beautiful. Painting. Lawn care. Home decorations. Feng shui, if you will. It’s not that we were negligent of these things in the past—though you can listen to my earlier reflections on lawn care and decide for yourself—but this year, we’ve paid extra attention
Strength Starts Where You Are | Episode 372
In this episode, we dive into the uncomfortable but necessary truth behind personal growth: you are not where you used to be, and you’re not yet where you want to be—you’re exactly where you are. Drawing on Stoic philosophy, Jungian psychology, and real-world examples like the gym, we explore the two types of gaps between who you are and who you want to become: the flaws you know about and the one
False Progress & Stoic Luck | Episode 371
“Show me that you have your principles in order, not that fortune is currently favoring you.”— EpictetusAs we get older, life tends to get better in some ways—at least materially. One of the most obvious examples is wealth. Most of us, over time, tend to accumulate more of it. That’s no surprise: if you’re working, saving, investing, and generally being responsible, your financial situation likely
#370 - The Necessity of an Inner Circle
“Associate with people who are likely to improve you.” - Seneca In this simple yet powerful statement, Seneca offers a foundational truth of Stoic living. The idea isn’t just about socializing with the right crowd — it’s about deliberately surrounding yourself with people who bring out your best. In today’s language, we might call this the inner circle — a small group of trusted individuals who sh
Would You Live Forever If You Could? | Episode 369
The Stoic tradition teaches that death is not to be feared but rather meditated on, accepted, and used as a tool for living virtuously. But what happens when death, once seen as inevitable and natural, becomes optional—perhaps even solvable? As science and technology evolve, the question is no longer purely hypothetical. More voices, like that of entrepreneur Brian Johnson, are challenging death a
Pleasure vs. Purpose: Finding Balance in Modern Life | Episode 368
Viktor Frankl once wrote, “Those who cannot find a deep sense of meaning distract themselves with pleasure.” It’s a quote that resonates deeply within the Stoic tradition. The Stoics, much like Frankl, warned against the unmoderated pursuit of indulgence. Pleasure, entertainment, materialism—these things are not inherently wrong, but when used to fill a void of meaning, they become distractions. A
Excuses vs. Truth: Owning Failure in a Stoic Life | Episode 367
As Stoics, we are called to play many roles in life, each with its own set of duties and responsibilities. These roles—whether as professionals, parents, partners, community members, or homeowners—shape our lives and define how we engage with the world. Yet, balancing these roles is a constant challenge. Sometimes, despite our best intentions, we fail to meet the demands of one or more of these ro
Embracing Life's Trials - A Stoic Perspective | Episode 366
“You know what, from my experience, what I found out? That God tests you to see how much of this you can take before you say, ‘Let’s just be finished with this.’ He wants to show you something. He wants to see how much you can take, how much you can handle of life. You say you love life? You want to live life? I’m gonna show you life. Life is beautiful, but you have to accept the good and the bad
How Stoicism Helped Me Handle a Car Accident | Episode 365
It was a typical Saturday night. The kind where you’re winding down after a fun outing, and you’re almost home. That was me a few weeks ago. It was around 11 PM, and as I turned right at an intersection, I noticed another car turning left… directly into mine. I stopped, expecting them to notice and adjust. They didn’t. Instead, they drove straight into the front of my car, damaging the fender, bli
Surviving Orwell’s 1984 as a Stoic | Episode 364
In this episode, we dive deep into the totalitarian world of George Orwell’s 1984 and ask: Could a Stoic survive—and even thrive—there? What does inner freedom look like when the outer world is a prison? And how might Stoic philosophy be the ultimate rebellion in a world where truth is erased, thought is policed, and fear is everywhere?This podcast is listener-supported; if you would like to suppo
Character is What Remains | Episode 363
Last week, I attended the funeral of a man who had worked for our company for 25 years. He was deeply woven into the fabric of our organization—one of those steady presences who quietly held things together. He died too young, and the ceremony was filled with friends, family, coworkers, and members of the community who came to say goodbye.As his manager, I came into the service with the perspectiv
Finding Peace in Imperfection | Joshua Bertolotti | Episode 362
Joshua W. Bertolotti is the host of the In Search of Wisdom Podcast and the Perennial Podcast where he talks about all kinds of ancient wisdom and engages in meaningful conversations with modern thinkers. He also manages the Perennial Leader Project, which includes these podcasts along with a weekly newsletter and blog posts. Josh is a regular guest on the podcast.In this conversation, Josh and I
Should a Stoic Be Vegan? | Episode 361
It’s a compelling question—one I’ve spent years thinking through, not only as someone who once followed a strict vegan diet, but as someone who continually aims to live according to Stoic principles. The deeper I explore Stoicism, the more I realize this philosophy doesn’t often provide simple yes-or-no answers. Rather, it offers a rational, values-based framework to navigate complex ethical dilem
