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Episode Archive

July 30, 2024

The Cardinal Identity Of All Stoics

In this episode, I delve into the concept of identity from a Stoic perspective, prompted by recent thoughts and experiences. I discuss how we often identify with various subordinate identities, such as our gender, profession…
July 9, 2024

Is It UnStoic To Be Unhealthy?

In this episode, I open up about my own health challenges, sharing that while I am "blood healthy", I am also carrying around some excess weight. This personal context sets the stage for a broader discussion on health and St…
July 2, 2024

Overcoming Student Pressures In The Philippines

Welcome back, my dear Stoic progressor. In today’s episode, I dive into a topic that may seem unfamiliar to some but is deeply relevant to many – the pressures and anxieties faced by students in the Philippines. Drawing on p…
June 25, 2024

The Self Does Not Exist

In this episode, I take a fresh look at Hierocles' Circles of Concern and how my understanding of them has evolved. Communicating Stoicism to beginners involves striking a balance between simplicity and the depth of the phil…
June 18, 2024

Fate Is Not Yet Written

In this episode, I delve into the concept of fate within Stoic philosophy, a topic that often sparks varied opinions. The Stoics believed in a deterministic universe, where a physical causal chain dictates the flow of events…
June 11, 2024

Stoicism Isn't About Equality

In this episode, I explore the complex relationship between Stoicism and the concept of equality. While the title may be partly clickbait, it also highlights a significant discussion on how Stoicism views equality and justic…
June 4, 2024

The Stoics Were Environmentalists (Of A Kind)

In this episode, I discuss the relationship between Stoicism and environmental responsibility. I emphasize that caring for the environment is not a political issue but a fundamental aspect of Stoic philosophy. I explore the …
May 28, 2024

Stoicism Is Not Compatible With Your Religion

In this episode, I explore the fundamental differences between Stoicism and Abrahamic religions (Judaism, Christianity, and Islam), explaining why these systems are inherently incompatible. Religions personify God and base t…
May 21, 2024

Celebrating The Positive Without Ignoring The Mournful

Good morning, Prokoptôn. In today's episode, I'm responding to a question from a Spotify listener named Blarka. The question is about how to think of or celebrate a birthday that coincides with the death of a brother or sist…
May 14, 2024

Without The Sage Is Stoicism Broken?

In today's episode of Practical Stoicism, I delve into a challenging question often posed by newcomers to Stoicism: "If the Stoic Sage is purely aspirational, what motivation do we have to work on our character?" Addressing …
May 7, 2024

Stoicism And The Job Hunt

In this podcast episode, I delve into the Stoic approach to selecting a career or job, offering insights tailored for both high school students and adults. I stress the significance of assessing existing roles, ethical consi…
April 8, 2024

The First Philosophers

Anya Leonard, creator of Classical Wisdom and Classical Wisdom for kids, is filling in for me today because my wife and I just had our first baby, THIS MORNING, and Anya is a dear friend who wants to help ensure I get a "pat…
April 5, 2024

Improving Your Self-Esteem The Stoic Way [Edited]

Apparently this episode got uploaded only in part. I'm sorry it took me nearly a month to realize it (been busy with the new baby), but this is the full episode. Thanks for letting me know and for being patient . In today's …
April 2, 2024

Living And Thinking Minimally As A Stoic Who Values Simplicity

In today's episode of "Practical Stoicism," I explore the concept of living simply, not in the sense of minimalism as it's often portrayed—with a focus on physical belongings and a Scandinavian design aesthetic—but in the re…
March 29, 2024

Breaking Bad Habits And Habituating Good Ones

In this practical episode of "Practical Stoicism," I delve into the critical art of forming good habits, a cornerstone of personal growth and self-improvement. Starting with a deep dive into the nature of bad habits—those th…
March 26, 2024

Understanding Purpose And Meaning Through Stoic Philosophy

In this enlightening episode of "Practical Stoicism," I delve into the profound realization that the search for purpose and meaning in life becomes increasingly urgent as we age. I explore the journey from the invincibility …
March 22, 2024

An Hour With A. A. Long

Ladies and gentlemen, A.A. Long. The man responsible for Stoicism's contemporary revival. We talk about free will, Zeno's criterion of truth, virtue ethics beyond the Classical period, and more. I hope you enjoy this special…
March 18, 2024

Choosing Not To Be Angry With Others

In today's episode, we embark on a Stoic journey to manage anger, exploring how Stoicism provides practical tools for transforming our emotional responses. I delve into the Stoic distinctions between proto-emotions and assen…
March 15, 2024

Stoic Strategies For Dealing With Procrastination

In today's episode, I delve into the pervasive issue of procrastination, a mental health symptom that seems to afflict us all in various degrees. From the stress of not being able to afford housing to the pressures of societ…
March 11, 2024

Dealing With Our Heartbreak Stoically

In this episode I delve into the painful experience of losing a relationship, particularly one that we didn't want to end. I highlight the acute distress caused by breakups, where someone actively chooses to leave, unlike de…
March 8, 2024

Are Personality Types Helpful To Stoics?

Greetings, listeners. It's remarkable to witness our community's growth, now exceeding 100,000 listeners every Monday and Friday. Your continued support is truly appreciated. Today's episode delves into a thought-provoking q…
March 4, 2024

Virtue Is Its Own Reward

In today's episode, I tackle the enduring Stoic principle that "Virtue is its own reward." This exploration is a personal journey into the heart of Stoicism, examining whether this ancient wisdom holds true in our contempora…
March 1, 2024

3 Steps To Forgiving Others

In today's episode, I delve into the profound theme of Forgiveness within the framework of Stoicism, a topic that resonates deeply with both my personal experiences and the Stoic principles I strive to embody. I commence wit…
Feb. 26, 2024

The Balance Between Being Just And Being Nice

It is not always Just to be nice, but it is always nice to be Just. This is easier said than done. Can Meditations 5.32 and a bit of heavy Monday morning reflection help us get better? If not, there's a Toblerone at the end …