The Everyday Stoic

Most people have completely misunderstood Stoicism. The most common myth, repeated endlessly online, is that Stoics were cold, emotionless, and detached from life. This false idea is not only wrong, it’s harmful. It fuels toxic masculinity, pushes people away from philosophy, and has convinced many that Stoicism is about suppressing emotions instead of living well with them.In this episode, William breaks down why this myth has spread so far, how it nearly ruined his own understanding of Stoicism, and what the Stoics actually taught about emotions, friendship, and community. Far from being a philosophy of indifference, Stoicism shows us how to recognize and work with our emotions, using them wisely instead of being ruled by them.Stoicism has never been about isolation or coldness. It is about virtue, justice, courage, and compassion. It is about building friendships, loving humanity, and striving for harmony in society. Whether you are new to Stoicism or have been practicing it for years, this episode will challenge what you thought you knew and reveal why Stoicism remains one of the most human and life-affirming philosophies ever created.

Explore how criticism can be a gift and worries often exist only in our minds. Discover the Stoic idea that challenges shape our identities. Learn about the dichotomy of control and its influence on modern therapy. Embrace the importance of uplifting connections while managing anxiety and focusing on the present. Understand that true freedom comes from self-discipline and emotional mastery. Witness personal stories illustrating how gratitude and adversity lead to growth, reminding us that happiness lies in our responses.

In this episode, William dives into the timeless Stoic idea of having a “North Star”, a guiding principle that helps us stay grounded, even when life pulls us in a hundred directions. Seneca once warned that to value a person for their clothing or social status is foolish, and William reflects on how this wisdom feels even more urgent today, in a world obsessed with likes, followers, and luxury brands. Instead of chasing flames that burn us, the Stoics call us to live with virtue, courage, and character.William shares how great figures like Steve Irwin, Fred Rogers, and even fictional heroes such as Aragorn can become models for us to emulate. By asking, “What would they do?” in moments of doubt, we slowly reshape our character, carve out new paths in the mind, and build the foundation of a stronger and better self. This practice of “virtue modeling” becomes part of our North Star, keeping us aligned with what truly matters.Along the way, William discusses how to align our careers with our deeper values, drawing on astronaut Chris Hadfield’s advice about following natural interests. He also reminds us of Marcus Aurelius’ conviction that the noblest pursuit is not greatness, wealth, or fame, but simply the pursuit of being a good person. When we act with virtue, we create lives that are not only meaningful but also unshakable in the face of hardship and temptation.

The podcast delves into four Stoic principles that can help lift feelings of emptiness and anxiety. It emphasizes gratitude, showcasing how shifting from expectations to appreciation can lead to true fulfillment. The importance of being present and accepting life as it unfolds is discussed, with practical exercises for cultivating mindfulness. Personal stories illustrate the futility of seeking validation through material possessions. Lastly, the transformative power of meditation is highlighted, urging a return to authentic values in a superficial world.

In this episode, William shares the one Stoic habit that radically improved his mental health. Rooted in the wisdom of Marcus Aurelius, Seneca, and even Pythagoras, this practice centres on describing events in your life with calm objectivity, stripping away the emotional weight that often makes everyday struggles feel overwhelming.William explores the idea of “catastrophizing”—the habit of using dramatic, exaggerated language to describe minor setbacks—and how Stoicism teaches us to respond instead with measured, precise reflection. By journaling your day exactly as it happened, without judgment or flair, you gain a clearer perspective and reduce the grip anxiety holds on your mind.Drawing on his personal journey and Stoic texts like Meditations, William explains how this habit doesn’t just help you process negative experiences—it also helps reframe your desires, stripping away the illusion of status and material success. This episode is both a practical guide and a heartfelt reflection on the real power of Stoicism when it's not just read, but lived.

Explore the transformative power of morning routines rooted in ancient Stoic philosophy. Discover how simple practices like 'premeditatio malorum' and self-reflection can shift your mindset. Learn to cultivate resilience and intentional living right from the start of your day. This approach can help you face challenges with clarity and strength, aligning you more deeply with your true self. Whether you’re a Stoic novice or a seasoned practitioner, these insights can elevate your daily experience.

In this episode, William shares a powerful yet simple Stoic question from Marcus Aurelius that can cut through modern distractions like TikTok, YouTube, and endless scrolling. Learn how this practical tool, drawn from the Meditations, can help you overcome procrastination, sharpen your focus, and reclaim your time.William explains how Marcus used this very question to confront his own fears and vices, and how we too can use it to live more intentionally. Discover why the Stoics didn’t label things like social media or entertainment as good or bad, but instead taught us to judge by how we use them.If you want to align your life with Stoic wisdom and make better use of your time, this episode is your guide.

Why do so many people tell you to skip Book One of Meditations? In this episode, William challenges that advice and dives deep into why the first chapter of Marcus Aurelius’ writings might be the most profound. Far from being a simple list of thank-yous, Book One is a blueprint for modeling virtue - an ancient Stoic exercise that teaches us how to learn from everyone around us.William unpacks how Marcus used real people—from his grandfather to mentors and beyond—to shape his moral compass and how we can do the same. From the passion of Steve Irwin to the compassion of Fred Rogers, we explore how modern examples can become our own "purple threads," guiding us toward a better self.This episode is a guide to practical stoicism, reflective journaling, and character modeling - showing how Meditations is more than a diary; it’s a manual for becoming who you wish to be.

Are you facing hardship, grief, or overwhelming challenges? In this episode, William explores how Stoic philosophy reframes suffering—not as punishment, but as a path to personal greatness.Drawing from the ancient myth of Hercules and timeless Stoic metaphors, William shows how adversity is life’s greatest teacher. Learn why the Stoics saw every painful trial as a gift, how to find strength through suffering, and why accepting pain is essential to personal growth.Whether you’re navigating grief, battling setbacks, or simply feeling lost, this episode offers grounded wisdom to help you rise above. Remember: your pain has a purpose, and your character is forged in the fire of difficulty.

In this episode, William shares how discovering he was going to be a father in 2023 led him down an unexpected yet transformative path. Guided by Stoic principles, William reflects on how the ancient philosophy has helped him navigate the emotional highs and lows of raising a child. From sleepless nights to milestones, he explores how Stoicism encourages us to embrace the full spectrum of parenting - seeing the chaos and beauty as two inseparable sides of the same coin.Rather than chasing perfection or succumbing to the pressures of judgment and social media, William emphasizes the importance of presence. This episode is a Stoic meditation on acceptance, resilience, and what it truly means to be a good parent. Whether you’re a parent, soon-to-be, or simply care for others, this reflection offers grounded wisdom to help you stay steady, present, and kind through it all.