The What Is Stoicism? Podcast

Have you ever woken from a nightmare only to feel deep relief that it wasn’t real?In this episode, we explore what Marcus Aurelius and Anne Lamott can teach us about illusion, imagination, and insight—how dreams, fears, and even our thoughts can mislead us, and how journaling and Stoic reflection can help us wake up to deeper clarity and purpose.👇 👇 👇📻 FOR MORE STOIC AUDIO CONTENTCheck out one of my latest daily Micro Morning Meditations here on Substack:How To Live Freelyhttps://whatisstoicism.substack.com/p/micro-morning-meditation-how-to-live Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, we explore how our judgments—not external events—shape our emotional world, from a child’s toy envy to ancient Stoic parables and the quiet wisdom of Nan Shepherd.Using Epictetus’s insights and Shepherd’s meditative reflections, we examine how reclaiming control over our perceptions can free us from needless suffering and open us to a richer, more grounded experience of life.👇 👇 👇📻 FOR MORE STOIC AUDIO CONTENTCheck out one of my latest daily Micro Morning Meditations here on Substack:Micro Morning Meditation: It Might Have Been Otherwisehttps://whatisstoicism.substack.com/p/micro-morning-meditation-it-might Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, we look at the Stoic principle of focusing only on what lies within our control, using the weather as a vivid metaphor for life’s unpredictable externals.Drawing on insights from George Gissing, Epictetus, Seneca, Mac Miller, and even Derren Brown, we reflect on how to maintain inner peace in a world that constantly tempts and tests us.👇 👇 👇📻 FOR MORE STOIC AUDIO CONTENTCheck out one of my latest daily Micro Morning Meditations here on Substack:Micro Morning Meditation: It Might Have Been Otherwisehttps://whatisstoicism.substack.com/p/micro-morning-meditation-it-might Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This episode explores how anxiety can quietly hold us back from the things that matter most—and how Stoic wisdom offers a path through it.Drawing on insights from Epictetus and Marcus Aurelius, we look at how changing our judgments, not just our circumstances, empowers us to act despite fear and grow stronger in the process.👇 👇 👇📻 FOR MORE STOIC AUDIO CONTENTCheck out one of my latest daily Micro Morning Meditations here on Substack:Micro Morning Meditation: Is It The Thought That Counts?https://whatisstoicism.substack.com/p/micro-morning-meditation-is-it-the Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

When life feels overwhelming or uncertain, our minds often jump to the worst-case scenario.In this episode, we explore the Stoic art of "decatastrophizing"—challenging our initial impressions, stepping back from fear-driven thoughts, and learning to respond with clarity and calm.With guidance from Epictetus and Seneca, we understand how to navigate misfortune not just with acceptance, but with strength, reason, and grace.👇 👇 👇📻 FOR MORE STOIC AUDIO CONTENTCheck out one of my latest daily Micro Morning Meditations here on Substack:The Power To Live As One Wisheshttps://whatisstoicism.substack.com/p/micro-morning-meditation-the-power-413 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What if the things that trouble us most are really just tremendous trifles? In this episode, we explore how shifting our perspective can turn everyday stress into a source of clarity—with a simple story of boiling water and a reminder that life is too short to sweat what won’t matter tomorrow.👇 👇 👇📻 FOR MORE STOIC AUDIO CONTENTCheck out one of my latest daily Micro Morning Meditations here on Substack:The Power To Live As One Wisheshttps://whatisstoicism.substack.com/p/micro-morning-meditation-the-power-413 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We all have our own command center. Our own thoughts are within our control.Knowing this, we can break free from the impulses and influences trying to send us in different directions. We can accept our present fate and do what is within our control to flourish in that situation, whatever it may be.In this episode, we look at how this line of thinking can benefit us.👇 👇 👇📻 FOR MORE STOIC AUDIO CONTENTCheck out one of my latest daily Micro Morning Meditations here on Substack:It's Not A Joyless Philosophyhttps://whatisstoicism.substack.com/p/micro-morning-meditation-its-not Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In his Discourses, the Stoic teacher Epictetus explains that a person is making progress when they understand a simple Stoic principle: we desire what we see as good, and we avoid what we see as bad.In this episode, we look at how this advice can drastically reduce the chances of being disturbed by what happens around us.👇 👇 👇📻 FOR MORE STOIC AUDIO CONTENTCheck out one of my latest daily Micro Morning Meditations here on Substack:It's Not A Joyless Philosophyhttps://whatisstoicism.substack.com/p/micro-morning-meditation-its-not Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Discover the essence of true leadership through the inspiring story of Gandhi and his lessons on leading by example. Explore how self-discipline is crucial for effective leadership, as shared by Stoic philosophers like Cicero and Marcus Aurelius. The importance of demonstrating values rather than just instructing others is highlighted, emphasizing the need for integrity in the face of injustice. This blend of philosophy and real-life application provides a compelling view on what it means to be a leader.

The ancient Stoic’s prerequisite for getting the most out of each of life’s experiences was to consider the possibility that it would be the last time they would ever have that particular experience.In this episode, we look at some practical ways to achieve this.👇 👇 👇📻 FOR MORE STOIC AUDIO CONTENTCheck out one of my latest daily Micro Morning Meditations here on Substack:Amongst Friends All Things In Commonhttps://whatisstoicism.substack.com/p/micro-morning-meditation-amongst Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.