The What Is Stoicism? Podcast

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.

In a fascinating conversation, Gregory B. Sadler, President of Reason.io, dispels common myths surrounding Stoicism. He humorously tackles misattributions of Stoic quotes and emphasizes that true Stoicism involves community, not solitude. The discussion also highlights the philosophy’s evolving perception, especially regarding masculinity and emotional expression, advocating for inclusivity. From critiquing competitive parenting to redefining perfectionism in learning, Sadler shares insights that make Stoic principles more relatable and accessible for everyone.

Breaking free from outdated beliefs is a journey worth taking. The discussion encourages confronting inner turmoil rather than seeking distractions. Self-reflection is presented as a crucial step for personal growth. Stoicism is highlighted as a valuable tool for re-evaluating opinions and embracing change. Insights from philosophers and poets enrich this exploration, inviting listeners to let go of old versions of themselves for a more fulfilling existence.

Discover how the ancient Stoics, including Marcus Aurelius, believed in the power of virtue as the cornerstone of a good life. Internal clarity is highlighted as far more valuable than the chase for material wealth and external validation. The discussion emphasizes autonomy and the importance of being indifferent to distractions, urging listeners to focus on what truly matters for a fulfilling existence.

Erick Cloward is the host of the popular Stoic Coffee Break podcast where every week he discusses how to live a more resilient and happy life using ancient Stoicism and modern wisdom.He's also a Leadership Coach and Speaker, as well as an author who’s just realised a new book called Stoicism 101.In this episode, I talk to Erick about his book, his Stoic background, the problem with Broicism, and more. I hope you enjoy.Erick's book can be found here:https://www.simonandschuster.co.uk/books/Stoicism-101/Erick-Cloward/Adams-101-Series/9781507223574👇 👇 👇📻 FOR MORE STOIC AUDIO CONTENTCheck out one of my latest daily Micro Morning Meditations here on Substack:Will You Follow Or Be Dragged?https://open.substack.com/pub/whatisstoicism/p/micro-morning-meditation-will-you Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Explore the wisdom of silence and the art of measured speech to enhance communication. Discover how choosing restraint can lead to more impactful dialogue, embodying the stoic virtue of temperance. Dive into the power of introspection as a tool for cultivating inner peace. Reflect on four essential questions that boost self-awareness and emotional resilience. This journey emphasizes that sometimes, what we don’t say can enrich our lives.

In this episode I talk to Benny Voncken, a writer, speaker, and practicing Stoic who's originally from the Netherlands.He's also the co-founder of an online Stoicism platform called Via Stoica, which offers personalized Stoic coaching services, an online Stoic community, live conversations on X, and their own Via Stoica podcast.I really enjoyed talking with Benny. In the conversation, he shares some of the difficulties he's been through that led to him taking Stoicism seriously as a philosophy of life and how he now uses that experience to help others in his work as a Stoic coach. I hope you enjoy the episode.📻 FOR MORE STOIC AUDIO + EMAIL CONTENTCheck out What Is Stoicism? on Substack:https://whatisstoicism.substack.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The most common misunderstanding about Stoicism is that it’s all about suppressing or burying our emotions.This tends to come from the confusion between Stoicism (upper case ‘S’) and stoicism (lower case ‘s’); the former is the ancient Greek philosophy that we learn about and practice, the latter is simply a “stiff-upper-lip” coping style.In this episode, we look at why it's better to understand and process our emotions rather than dismiss and suppress them.📻 FOR MORE STOIC AUDIO + EMAIL CONTENTCheck out What Is Stoicism? on Substack:https://whatisstoicism.substack.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.