The What Is Stoicism? Podcast

Allan John (What Is Stoicism?)
undefined
Aug 6, 2025 • 7min

Don’t Believe Everything You Think

In this episode, I look at how Stoicism teaches us not to suppress our emotions but to master our responses to them through mindful assent.With a practical focus, we examine how the Stoic distinguishes between involuntary impressions and the voluntary judgments that follow.By learning to pause, reflect, and test our fears, we reclaim control over our minds and protect our inner peace from rumor, fear, and unexamined thoughts.👇 👇 👇📻 FOR MORE STOIC AUDIO CONTENTCheck out one of my latest daily Micro Morning Meditations here on Substack:☀️ Micro Morning Meditation: Fate Provides The Best To The Besthttps://whatisstoicism.substack.com/p/micro-morning-meditation-fate-provides Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
undefined
Jul 30, 2025 • 6min

How Stoics Build Better Communities

This episode explores how Stoicism is not just about inner strength, but about cultivating virtue through community and just interaction with others.Guided by the examples of Zeno, Musonius Rufus, Epictetus, and the legendary story of Lycurgus, we see how reasoned dialogue and patient understanding transform conflict into character.Join us as we discover why true Stoic wisdom is grown not in isolation, but in the company of others striving for a life well lived.👇 👇 👇📻 FOR MORE STOIC AUDIO CONTENTCheck out one of my latest daily Micro Morning Meditations here on Substack:☀️ Micro Morning Meditation: Fate Provides The Best To The Besthttps://whatisstoicism.substack.com/p/micro-morning-meditation-fate-provides Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
undefined
Jul 23, 2025 • 6min

The Ideal Life Might Not Be What You Think

What does it mean to live the ideal life — and who gets to decide what “ideal” really means?In this episode, we explore wisdom from the Stoics and Goethe on how striving for purpose and meeting each moment fully might be closer to the answer than endless comfort. Take a moment to look the present in the eye and ask yourself: how long will you wait before you demand the best for yourself?👇 👇 👇📻 FOR MORE STOIC AUDIO CONTENTCheck out one of my latest daily Micro Morning Meditations here on Substack:☀️ Micro Morning Meditation: The Quiet Wisdom Of Animalshttps://whatisstoicism.substack.com/p/micro-morning-meditation-the-quiet Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
undefined
Jul 16, 2025 • 5min

Controlling What You Can Gives You Wings

In this episode, we explore the timeless Stoic lesson that true freedom lies in accepting what we can’t control—echoed powerfully in the life and art of Frida Kahlo.Drawing parallels between Epictetus’s teachings and Kahlo’s indomitable spirit, we see how even when life confines our bodies, our will can still soar.👇 👇 👇📻 FOR MORE STOIC AUDIO CONTENTCheck out one of my latest daily Micro Morning Meditations here on Substack:☀️ Micro Morning Meditation: The Quiet Wisdom Of Animalshttps://whatisstoicism.substack.com/p/micro-morning-meditation-the-quiet Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
undefined
Jul 9, 2025 • 6min

You Can Neither Re-Live Nor Pre-Live

The Stoic philosophers understood something timeless about human nature: we spend much of our lives outside the present moment.We worry about the future, regret the past, and overlook the only time we ever truly possess—now.Among the Stoics, Seneca in particular had a clear warning: do not waste time.👇 👇 👇📻 FOR MORE STOIC AUDIO CONTENTCheck out one of my latest daily Micro Morning Meditations here on Substack:☀️ Micro Morning Meditation: How To Always Get What You Desirehttps://whatisstoicism.substack.com/p/micro-morning-meditation-how-to-always Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
undefined
Jul 2, 2025 • 5min

Defending Ourselves Against Our Enemies

In this episode, we look at what Stoicism has to say about resisting the urge for revenge and reclaiming our inner freedom.With help from Marcus Aurelius, Epictetus, and Diogenes, we examine why retaliation degrades us and how self-mastery is a better path to strength. Instead of reacting impulsively to harm or misfortune, we can learn to respond with integrity, turning adversity into opportunities to build character.👇 👇 👇📻 FOR MORE STOIC AUDIO CONTENTCheck out one of my latest daily Micro Morning Meditations here on Substack:☀️ Micro Morning Meditation: How To Always Get What You Desirehttps://whatisstoicism.substack.com/p/micro-morning-meditation-how-to-always Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
undefined
Jun 25, 2025 • 6min

So It Goes

In this episode, we dig into the meaning behind Kurt Vonnegut’s famous line “so it goes” and how it’s more than just a catchphrase.Drawing from Slaughterhouse-Five, Stoic ideas, and the book The Courage to Be Disliked, we talk about how accepting what we can’t control can actually help us take better control of what we can.👇 👇 👇📻 FOR MORE STOIC AUDIO CONTENTCheck out one of my latest daily Micro Morning Meditations here on Substack:☀️ Micro Morning Meditation: How To Always Get What You Desirehttps://whatisstoicism.substack.com/p/micro-morning-meditation-how-to-always Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
undefined
Jun 18, 2025 • 5min

Strong Enough To Ask For Help

Discover the inspiring life of Epictetus, a Stoic philosopher who rose from slavery to find inner strength. The discussion highlights the balance between independence and interdependence, illustrating how Stoicism encourages support from others. Emphasizing the importance of open communication and vulnerability, the podcast reveals that true resilience not only comes from within but also flourishes in connection with our community.
undefined
Jun 11, 2025 • 7min

What Is Stoicism?

Dive into the world of Stoicism with a comprehensive overview that unpacks its origins and key principles. Discover how to apply Stoic virtues in daily life for personal growth. Explore the essence of this philosophy, focusing on conquering destructive emotions like rage and envy. It emphasizes control and acceptance as tools for achieving clarity. Most importantly, the discussion reveals how accessible Stoicism is for everyone seeking wisdom and emotional integrity.
undefined
Jun 4, 2025 • 5min

Stoic Tools To Help You Wake Up

Dive into the intriguing world of dreams and reality as the hosts examine how illusions can shape our fears. Discover insights from Marcus Aurelius and Anne Lamott on the power of journaling and Stoic reflection. Learn how pre-meditatio malorum can prepare you for life's challenges and deepen your emotional understanding. This exploration will inspire you to wake up to clarity and purpose in your daily life.

The AI-powered Podcast Player

Save insights by tapping your headphones, chat with episodes, discover the best highlights - and more!
App store bannerPlay store banner
Get the app