The Everyday Stoic

In this episode, William Mulligan speaks with Zen Buddhist teacher Haemin Sunim to explore how Stoicism and Zen, two ancient traditions from opposite sides of the world, arrive at remarkably similar insights about living well.Their conversation dives into the challenge of resisting the present moment and how acceptance can transform suffering into peace. Haemin shares practical ways to quiet the mind, through mindful breathing, gratitude, and compassion, while William reflects on Stoic practices such as memento mori and the dichotomy of control. Together they reveal how both philosophies guide us toward embracing fate, living with virtue, and finding meaning in the here and now.They also discuss the rise of modern anxiety, the power of small acts of kindness, and what it truly means to live a fulfilling life beyond wealth or status. This episode is a thoughtful meeting of East and West, offering wisdom for anyone seeking calm, courage, and connection in today’s world.

How should we deal with rude people? It’s a question that comes up again and again, and in this episode, we turn to Marcus Aurelius for the answer. In Book 9 of his Meditations, the great Roman emperor laid out a simple but profound exercise that can be done in seconds, an exercise that shifts our perspective, grounds us in virtue, and helps us respond wisely instead of reacting with anger.William unpacks this teaching in practical, everyday terms, showing how we can apply it when we’re cut off in traffic, confronted with harsh words, or faced with everyday frustrations. Drawing on Aurelius as well as Viktor Frankl’s reminder of the “space between stimulus and response,” he explains how the Stoics urged us to first return to our own directing mind, then remember our place within the greater whole, and finally see the other person with compassion rather than hostility.Rudeness, from the Stoic perspective, is not an obstacle but an opportunity, a sparring partner that gives us the chance to practice patience, empathy, and resilience. By pausing, recalling our shared humanity, and choosing to act with wisdom, courage, temperance, and justice, we not only protect our own peace of mind but also contribute to harmony in the wider world. This is timeless Stoic advice, and it remains just as relevant today.

In this episode, William is joined by Aaron Parker to explore how Stoicism, Muay Thai, and mindfulness helped Aaron transform a life of hedonism into one of purpose, gratitude, and authenticity.Aaron opens up about his rough upbringing, struggles with escapism, and the turning points that led him to philosophy, meditation, and self-discipline. Together, William and Aaron dive into the practical side of Stoicism, how to move beyond just reading the texts to truly living by them, and how principles like gratitude, presence, and temperance can reshape everyday life.They also tackle misconceptions around Stoicism, including the modern wave of “broicism,” and discuss how being truly Stoic means embracing emotions, practicing self-awareness, and striving to serve others. From sparring partners in Muay Thai to sparring partners in life, Aaron shares how challenges become the very training grounds for virtue.If you’ve ever struggled with finding direction, questioned the culture of excess, or wondered how to live more authentically, this conversation will resonate deeply.

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.