Stoicism: Philosophy as a Way of Life Podcast

Stoicism and The Moment that Defines your Life

Feb 20, 2025

Join Chuck Garcia, founder of Climb Leadership International and author of The Moment That Defines Your Life, as he shares insights on Stoicism and emotional intelligence. He discusses the transformative power of mortality on personal philosophy and leadership styles influenced by Marcus Aurelius. Listeners will discover how Stoicism can mitigate anger and enhance decision-making in high-pressure situations. Chuck also connects his experiences as a mountaineer to Stoic principles, advocating for a balanced approach to emotional resilience and personal growth.

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ANECDOTE

9/11 Experience

Chuck Garcia was scheduled to speak at the World Trade Center on 9/11.
A last-minute schedule change saved his life, leading him to explore Stoicism.

insights

INSIGHT

Stoicism in Academia

Stoicism is often neglected in undergraduate philosophy programs.
Academics prioritize theory over practical application, unlike Stoicism.

question_answer

ANECDOTE

Stoic Misconceptions

Many people misunderstand Stoicism as being emotionless or indifferent.
Chuck Garcia initially pictured a Stoic as unfeeling and unaffected by external events.

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The Transformative Power of Mortality on Philosophy and Life Choices

05:14 • 5min

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The Practicality of Stoicism in Modern Life

09:59 • 23min

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Stoicism and Emotional Resilience

32:59 • 11min

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Exploring Leadership Styles through the Lens of Marcus Aurelius

44:00 • 2min

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Navigating Anger in High-Pressure Situations

45:52 • 2min

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Embracing Stoicism for Personal Growth

Communication & Leadership Tactics to Take Your Career to New Heights

Chuck Garcia

#24369

The Moment That Defines Your Life

Integrating Emotional Intelligence and Stoicism when your Life, Career, and Family are on the Line

Chuck Garcia

#425

• Mentioned in 40 episodes

How to Think Like a Roman Emperor

The Stoic Philosophy of Marcus Aurelius

Donald Robertson

In this book, Donald J. Robertson combines the life of Marcus Aurelius with insights from modern psychology and the enduring wisdom of Stoic philosophy. The book follows Marcus Aurelius' journey from a young noble to his reign as emperor of Rome, highlighting how he used philosophical doctrines and therapeutic practices to build emotional resilience and endure adversity. Robertson guides readers on how to apply these same methods to their own lives, making Stoicism accessible and relevant in a modern context.

#217

• Mentioned in 62 episodes

Emotional Intelligence

Why It Can Matter More Than IQ

Daniel Goleman

In 'Emotional Intelligence,' Daniel Goleman presents a compelling argument that emotional intelligence (EI) is crucial for success, happiness, and virtue. Drawing on research in psychology and neuroscience, Goleman explains how EI, which includes self-awareness, self-discipline, and empathy, shapes our destiny. The book details five key skills of emotional intelligence: self-awareness, managing emotions, motivation, recognizing emotions in others, and social skills. Goleman shows how these skills can be nurtured and strengthened throughout adulthood, benefiting our health, relationships, and work performance.

#2345

• Mentioned in 11 episodes

Socrates

In *The Apology*, Plato recounts the speech Socrates delivered at his trial, where he was charged with impiety and corrupting the youth. Socrates defends his actions and philosophy, emphasizing his duty to seek truth and wisdom as directed by the oracle at Delphi. He argues that his mission is to awaken the Athenian state from its ignorance and that he is willing to face death rather than abandon his philosophical pursuits. The dialogue is a cornerstone of Western philosophy, highlighting Socrates' method of questioning and his commitment to ethical living.

• Mentioned in 430 episodes

Man's Search for Meaning

Viktor Frankl

The book is divided into two parts. The first part recounts Frankl's harrowing experiences as a prisoner in Nazi concentration camps, including Auschwitz, between 1942 and 1945. He describes the inhumane conditions and the psychological and emotional struggles of the prisoners. The second part introduces Frankl's theory of logotherapy, which posits that the primary human drive is the search for meaning, rather than pleasure. Frankl argues that meaning can be found through three main avenues: work (doing something significant), love (caring for another), and suffering (finding meaning in one's own suffering). The book emphasizes the importance of finding purpose and meaning in life, even in the most adverse conditions, as a key factor in survival and personal growth.

#1370

• Mentioned in 17 episodes

Into Thin Air

A Personal Account of the Mt. Everest Disaster

Jon Krakauer

In 'Into Thin Air', Jon Krakauer recounts the true story of a 24-hour period on Mt. Everest when members of three separate expeditions were caught in a devastating storm. The book details the catastrophic events that led to the worst single-season death toll in Everest's history. Krakauer, who was on the mountain as a client of guide Rob Hall, provides a meticulously researched and emotionally charged account of the disaster, reflecting on the risks, judgments, and heroism involved in high-altitude climbing. The narrative explores the commercialization of Everest, the psychological and physical challenges faced by climbers, and the author's own struggles with survivor's guilt and mortality.

• Mentioned in 738 episodes

Meditations

Marcus Aurelius

Meditations is a series of private writings composed by Marcus Aurelius, one of Rome's greatest emperors, as he struggled to understand himself and make sense of the universe. Written between 170 and 180 CE while on military campaigns, this work combines Stoic philosophy with personal observations on leadership, duty, mortality, and human nature. Through twelve books of intimate thoughts never intended for publication, Marcus Aurelius explores themes of self-improvement, resilience in the face of adversity, and living virtuously while accepting what cannot be changed.

In this episode, I chat with Chuck Garcia, the founder of Climb Leadership International. Chuck coaches executives of Fortune 500 companies on public speaking and emotional intelligence. He is an Adjunct Professor in Columbia University’s Graduate School of Engineering and teaches in their professional development and leadership program. Chuck is also a passionate mountaineer. He is the author of the book A Climb to the Top: Communication & Leadership Tactics to Take Your Career to New Heights, and more recently, his latest book, The Moment That Defines Your Life: Integrating Emotional Intelligence and Stoicism when your Life, Career, and Family are on the Line.

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Highlights

* How did you first become interested in Stoicism?

* What misconceptions do you think people might have about Stoicism?

* Why do you think Stoicism is important today?

* What’s your book The Moment that Defines your Life about?

* What is a moment that defines your life?

* Are there any connections, for you, between Stoicism and mountaineering?

* What aspects of Stoicism do you think are most relevant to executive coaching?

* How do you see the relationship between Stoicism and emotional intelligence

* How do you think Stoicism might help people to avoid getting so angry?

* What’s a good way for people to begin learning about Stoicism and applying it in their life?

Links

* Website: https://chuckgarcia.com/

* A Climb to the Top

* The Moment that Defines your Life

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