The Everyday Stoic

In this episode, William explores three ancient Stoic principles that still transform lives over 2,000 years later. William unpacks the enduring wisdom of Memento Mori, the pursuit of inner goodness, and the art of living in the present moment. Drawing from Marcus Aurelius and other Stoic greats, this episode is a call to live with intention, virtue, and gratitude—starting now.Learn how meditating on mortality can free you from fear, why true success starts with being a good person, and how presence is the foundation of a meaningful life. Whether you're facing challenges, feeling lost, or simply looking to deepen your Stoic practice, this episode offers clarity and direction.

In this episode, William explores one of the most transformative Stoic principles: memento mori—"remember you are mortal." The Stoics didn’t just reflect on death; they practiced it daily, using reminders, meditations, and symbolic tokens to face life’s ultimate truth head-on. But why? Why did Marcus Aurelius, Seneca, and Epictetus insist on remembering death?William shares how this practice helped him conquer fear, escape procrastination, and embrace life fully. From childhood anxiety about death to finding peace and power through Stoicism, this episode offers a raw, honest reflection on mortality and how it can awaken us to our greatest potential.Whether you're new to Stoicism or deep on your journey, this episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to live a more intentional and fearless life.

We’ve all been there—stuck in a pointless argument, drained by drama, or stressed over someone else’s behavior. And later, we wonder why we even got involved. The Stoics had a clear answer to this, and more importantly, a method to stay above it all. In this episode, William explores three timeless Stoic principles that can help you win every argument—not by overpowering others, but by not needing to engage in the first place.Drawing from the wisdom of Epictetus and Marcus Aurelius, we begin with the dichotomy of control: the idea that peace comes from focusing only on what’s truly within our power—our thoughts, our actions, and our character. From there, we look at the Stoic commitment to virtue as the highest good. Arguments, insults, and petty conflicts become irrelevant when your focus is on being good, not looking good. And finally, we dive into the transformative power of deep empathy—seeing others not as adversaries, but as fellow participants in the same human story.Whether it’s a rude stranger, a difficult co-worker, or someone who just doesn't see the world the way you do, this episode will give you practical Stoic tools to rise above the noise, preserve your energy, and strengthen your character. Tune in and learn how to live with more clarity, purpose, and peace—no argument required.

In this Q&A session, William explores the most essential books for understanding and practicing Stoicism, including Meditations by Marcus Aurelius, Discourses and Selected Writings of Epictetus, and Letters from a Stoic by Seneca. He discusses the value of different translations and why starting with any accessible version is better than getting caught up in the “perfect” edition.William also shares what Stoic practice is most helpful for managing anxiety—breaking down our fears and impressions to their essence. He explores Stoic views on money, ambition, emotions, romantic relationships, and even rage baiting in the digital world. You’ll hear how Stoicism remains powerful, practical, and personal—whether you’re struggling with social anxiety or facing real-world injustice.

In today's episode, William explains the powerful impact Stoicism has had on his battle with anxiety. He reflects on how the ancient philosophy didn’t "cure" his anxiety—but transformed it from a controlling force into a practical tool for growth and awareness.William shares candid stories about struggling with overwhelming fear, rumination over the past and future, and the constant burden of self-doubt. Through practical Stoic exercises—testing impressions, reframing self-talk, accepting mortality, and staying present—he explains how you can shift your mindset from one of fear to one of freedom.Whether you're dealing with social anxiety, fear of failure, or existential dread, this episode offers grounded Stoic insights and actionable tools that can help you regain control.

Why do it seem like the worst people in life always come out on top? In this episode, William explores why morally questionable individuals often achieve success, while kind and virtuous people get overlooked. Drawing on lessons from The Nanny Diaries and the writings of Marcus Aurelius, William unpacks how cutting corners, sacrificing morals, and exerting ruthless assertiveness can propel people to the top — but at what cost? Learn how to navigate life without losing yourself, how to use assertiveness without sacrificing your integrity, and how to identify the right role models to emulate. Plus, discover practical Stoic strategies for building a life of virtue and good character, even in a world that seems to reward the opposite.

 Can Stoicism really lead to happiness? In this episode, we dive deep into the timeless wisdom of the Stoics to answer one of the most pressing modern questions: how do we find true happiness?William explores how Stoic philosophy helps us shift from chasing external validation—money, fame, and followers—to cultivating internal peace, presence, and virtue. You’ll learn how understanding what you can control, practicing mindfulness, and living with virtue are keys to lasting happiness. This episode challenges society’s distorted images of success and offers a grounded, transformative view of what it means to live well.Perfect for anyone feeling lost, anxious, or constantly chasing the next high—this conversation is your invitation to reclaim joy through timeless Stoic practices.

In this episode, William dives deep into one of the most fundamental—and misunderstood—principles of Stoicism: what is truly good and what is bad? William unpacks the Stoic understanding of virtue and vice, the divine principle of logos, and how testing your impressions is the cornerstone of living a good life.Through metaphors like the song of the universe, real-world examples, and Stoic insights from Epictetus, Marcus Aurelius, and Zeno, William shows how to align with nature by choosing reason, courage, justice, wisdom, and temperance. He explains why virtue is the only true good, why vice is the only bad, and how everyday challenges—from injuries and fines to dropped wallets—offer opportunities to practice Stoic values.

In today’s episode, William dives into one of the most powerful ideas in Stoic philosophy: how every challenge, setback, or frustration can become an opportunity for growth. Inspired by Book 3 of Epictetus’ Discourses, we explore how Stoics like Epictetus and Marcus Aurelius viewed adversity—not as obstacles, but as sparring partners sent by life itself to help us grow stronger, wiser, and more resilient.Through the whimsical tale of the carrot and personal reflections—including a tram fine turned life lesson—William breaks this concept down so simply even a five-year-old could understand. Whether it's a rude person, a lost job, or just a late bus, you’ll learn how to transform life's difficulties into gold using the principles of Stoicism. This is The Stoic Flame, the essence of turning any moment into virtue.

In this episode, William explores a profound Stoic concept from Epictetus’ Discourses—the backwards goal. While the world pushes us to chase success, climb higher, and achieve more, we often find that every summit only reveals another peak in the distance. Epictetus challenges this pursuit by offering a radical alternative: freedom is not achieved by satisfying our desires, but by eliminating them.William unpacks the metaphor of the mountain, the illusion of success, and the endless hunger that modern life stokes within us. Through stories, personal reflections, and powerful Stoic teachings, he reveals how letting go—of fame, money, respect, and even our deepest wants—can lead to genuine peace and autonomy. Learn how to test your impressions daily, strip away your vices, and discover the "small but certain happiness" that lies in simplicity.Whether you’re on a personal growth journey or wrestling with the weight of worldly ambitions, this episode is your guide to setting a backwards goal—the only true path to inner freedom and Stoic virtue.