

The Everyday Stoic
William Mulligan
The Everyday Stoic is hosted by William Mulligan, Author of the book "The Everyday Stoic : The Simple Rules for a Good Life". He is also widely recognised as one of the Mulligan Brothers a network of social pages and films with the missions of inspiring change around the world.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Jun 17, 2024 • 20min
The Best Way To Build Powerful Discipline | Day 8 of Stoic School with William Mulligan
Click here to check out HUEL: https://my.huel.com/mulliganbros #ad
Welcome to day eight of 100 Days of Stoicism with William Mulligan. In this episode, we explore the crucial topic of building self-discipline, drawing inspiration from the teachings of Marcus Aurelius and other Stoic philosophers. Self-discipline is fundamental to living a balanced and fulfilling life, and today we outline seven practical steps to help you cultivate this essential skill.
We begin by understanding the importance of finding your purpose, a guiding light that keeps you focused and resilient against distractions. Next, we discuss the power of creating a detailed plan with manageable steps, emphasizing that consistent, small actions lead to significant achievements over time. We also highlight the value of practicing voluntary hardships to build resilience, and the Stoic principle of the dichotomy of control, which helps you focus on what you can influence.
Further, we delve into the necessity of avoiding self-pity and facing challenges head-on, practicing delayed gratification to enhance self-control, and the importance of reflecting on your daily progress. By integrating these Stoic practices into your life, you can develop the self-discipline needed to achieve your goals and live a more balanced, fulfilling life.

Jun 16, 2024 • 23min
7 Stoic Methods to Overcome Anxiety | Day 7 of Stoic School with William Mulligan
Click here to check out HUEL: https://my.huel.com/mulliganbros #ad
Welcome back to day seven of 100 days of Stoicism! In this episode, we tackle a topic close to many hearts: anxiety. William shares his personal experiences with anxiety and how Stoicism has provided a transformative path to overcoming it. Through the teachings of Stoic philosophers like Seneca and Marcus Aurelius, William introduces seven practical strategies to manage and diminish anxiety's grip on our lives.
Learn how to "name your monster" by seeing things as they truly are, not as our imagination amplifies them. Explore the concept of negative visualization to prepare for life's uncertainties, and embrace the Stoic practice of memento mori to keep your anxieties in perspective. William also emphasizes the importance of living in the present, simplifying your life, and avoiding the pitfalls of imaginary fears. By applying these Stoic principles, you can develop a more balanced, calmer, and happier life.
Tune in to this enlightening episode and discover how Stoicism can help you conquer anxiety and live a more fulfilling life.

Jun 16, 2024 • 13min
The Stoic Archer | The Stoic Rule to Stop Caring with William Mulligan, Day 6 of Stoic School
Click here to check out HUEL: https://my.huel.com/mulliganbros #ad
Welcome back to the podcast, today is day six of our 100-day journey into Stoicism! Today, we delve into the powerful concept of the Stoic Archer. William breaks down this ancient principle to help you incorporate it into your daily life.
Discover the wisdom of Cicero and Seneca as William explains how focusing on your intentions, rather than outcomes, can lead to a calmer, more balanced, and courageous life. Learn how to distinguish between what is within your control and what is not, and how to apply the Stoic reserve clause to embrace challenges fate may throw your way.
Join us for practical insights and timeless wisdom, and see how these ancient teachings can transform your modern life. Whether you're new to Stoicism or continuing your journey, this episode is packed with actionable advice to help you become the best version of yourself.

Jun 14, 2024 • 18min
The Stoic Flame | How to Thrive Amidst Life's Trials with William Mulligan, Day 5 of Stoic School
Click here to check out HUEL: https://my.huel.com/mulliganbros #ad
In today's episode, we explore the transformative concept of the Stoic Flame. This principle can revolutionise how you perceive and overcome life's challenges, transforming obstacles into opportunities for personal growth and improvement. William begins by explaining how this idea changed his own worldview, helping him to see every difficulty as a step up rather than a setback.
Drawing inspiration from the lives of Thomas Edison, Walt Disney, and Michael Jordan, William illustrates how these figures embodied the Stoic Flame by embracing their failures and using them as fuel for their success. Edison, often regarded as one of the greatest inventors, famously viewed his numerous failed attempts not as setbacks but as essential steps towards his groundbreaking inventions. Similarly, Walt Disney and Michael Jordan faced and overcame significant challenges by adopting a mindset that saw failure as a valuable part of their journey.
William also shares personal anecdotes from his early struggles, highlighting how a shift in perspective helped him turn adversity into a powerful catalyst for growth. By viewing life as a continuous journey where every setback is a step up, he encourages listeners to adopt the Stoic Flame in their own lives. Practical advice is given on how to reframe everyday challenges—such as traffic jams and rude encounters—as opportunities to build patience, compassion, and resilience.

Jun 13, 2024 • 14min
The Dark Side of Stoicism | What The True Meaning of Stoicism Is with William Mulligan, Day 4 of Stoic School
Click here to check out HUEL: https://my.huel.com/mulliganbros #ad
Welcome to Day 4 of 100 Days of Stoicism. In this episode, we tackle the myths surrounding stoicism, often mistaken for "broicism". Discover what true stoicism entails beyond the stereotypes of being emotionless, overly manly, or solely focused on wealth and power.
Just a quick note: Some of you may have heard this episode before, as it temporarily went public ahead of schedule. Thanks for your understanding and continued support!
We'll dive into the teachings of Epictetus, who emphasized purity and virtue over material desires, and explore why crying and expressing emotions are part of the stoic journey. Hear insightful anecdotes about Marcus Aurelius, who balanced immense power with humility and emotional depth.
Join us as we dispel the myths and reveal how genuine stoicism is about living a balanced, virtuous life, rich in inner peace and true fulfilment. If you're ready to transform your understanding and application of stoic principles, this episode is for you.

Jun 12, 2024 • 14min
The Stoic Exercise for Inner Peace | The View From Above With William Mulligan, Day 3 of Stoic School
Click here to check out HUEL: https://my.huel.com/mulliganbros #ad
Welcome to Day 3 of the 100 Days of Stoicism series with William Mulligan. Today’s episode is particularly practical as we delve into a powerful Stoic exercise known as "The View from Above." This ancient practice was used by notable Stoics like Marcus Aurelius to gain a broader perspective on life, and it has the potential to profoundly shift your outlook in a matter of moments.
This exercise is designed to help you see your problems from a new, detached viewpoint. By imagining yourself from progressively higher vantage points, you can diminish the significance of your troubles and gain clarity. It’s especially useful when you’re feeling overwhelmed, stressed, or caught up in the minutiae of daily life. Begin by visualizing yourself in your current setting, then gradually expand your view to include your room, house, street, city, country, and finally, the entire Earth and universe. Each step helps you see how small and insignificant individual problems can be in the grand scheme of things, bringing a sense of calm and detachment.
William shares how he used this exercise during the early, challenging days of starting a company with his family, Mulligan Brothers. Working from a cramped attic, this exercise helped him manage stress and maintain focus on his goals. He found that taking a few moments to perform "The View from Above" could transform his mindset from overwhelmed to empowered. Marcus Aurelius often reflected on this perspective in his Meditations, reminding us of our small role in the vastness of time and space. Similarly, Carl Sagan’s famous "Pale Blue Dot" underscores our tiny place in the universe, encouraging us to cherish and protect our shared home.
Join us tomorrow for Day 4 of our 100 Days of Stoicism, where we’ll explore another key aspect of Stoic philosophy.

Jun 11, 2024 • 17min
Who was The First Ever Stoic? | Day 2 of Stoic School with William Mulligan
Click here to check out HUEL: https://my.huel.com/mulliganbros #ad
Welcome to day 2 of 100 days of Stoicism. In this episode, William explores the origins of Stoicism by delving into the life of its founder, Zeno of Citium.
Zeno's journey began with a catastrophic shipwreck that left him penniless, but this disaster led him to Athens, where he encountered the teachings of Socrates and the Cynics. Inspired by these philosophies, Zeno developed his own teachings, which later became known as Stoicism.
We discuss Zeno's core teachings, including the dangers of pursuing pleasure and attachment, and the importance of living in accordance with reason. We also reflect on Zeno’s wisdom through some of his famous quotes and his vision of a utopian society governed by rationality and equality.
Zeno’s story serves as a powerful reminder that even the most challenging circumstances can lead to profound personal growth and lasting contributions to humanity. Join us as we continue our journey through Stoicism, aiming to transform our lives with its timeless wisdom.

Jun 10, 2024 • 16min
The Power of Memento Mori & How It Can Change Your Life | Day 1 of Stoic School with William Mulligan
Click here to check out HUEL: https://my.huel.com/mulliganbros #ad
Today's episode is the first of 100 days of Stoicism, designed to educate and entertain you on your journey to understanding and living Stoic principles.
In this inaugural episode, William introduces the concept of "Memento Mori," a fundamental Stoic practice that encourages us to remember our mortality. He explores the importance of acknowledging death to enhance our appreciation for life, drawing from the wisdom of philosophers like Albert Camus and historical texts such as the Hagakure. The episode also highlights key Stoic figures Marcus Aurelius, Seneca, and Epictetus, showing how they confronted death with wisdom and tranquillity.
William shares personal anecdotes and practical exercises to help you incorporate "Memento Mori" into your daily routine. By the end of this episode, you'll understand how contemplating death can lead to a more present, grateful, and purposeful life.
Join us for this journey of 100 days to learn and practice Stoicism, transforming yourself into a calmer, happier, and more balanced person.

Jun 3, 2024 • 25min
7 Things That You Should Not Do | Stoic Rules for a Fulfilling Life with William Mulligan
Click here to check out HUEL: https://my.huel.com/mulliganbros #ad
In today's episode, William delves into "The Seven Stoic Don'ts," a guide based on Stoic teachings that emphasises what not to do for a happier, more fulfilling life.
We often seek new habits or hacks to improve our lives, but the Stoics believed in stripping away the unnecessary. By avoiding certain behaviors, you can drastically enhance your happiness, confidence, and overall well-being.
William discusses the importance of embodying goodness rather than debating it, focusing on your actions rather than arguing about morality on social media. He highlights the destructive nature of self-pity and how it prevents us from finding solutions and moving forward. Stoicism, he explains, isn’t about becoming an isolated, self-sufficient island. It's about understanding our interconnectedness and working together for the common good.
Emphasizing the dichotomy of control from Epictetus, William advises focusing on our internal reactions rather than external circumstances. He warns against the extremes of victim mentality and tyrannical behaviour, advocating for a balance that leads to strength and virtue. Finally, William stresses the importance of using our limited time wisely, inspired by Seneca's teachings on the shortness of life.
Listen now to learn how these timeless Stoic principles can transform your life.

May 31, 2024 • 23min
What is the Goal of Stoicism? | Explaining the Path to Eudaimonia, the Dichotomy of Control & More with William Mulligan
Click here to check out HUEL: https://my.huel.com/mulliganbros #ad
In today's episode, William explains the profound goal of Stoicism, and delves into the nature of true happiness, the enduring fulfilment that comes from living in accordance with virtue. Drawing on insights from his book and teachings of ancient Stoic philosophers like Marcus Aurelius, Epictetus, and Cleanthes, William explains how to cultivate wisdom, courage, justice, and moderation in our daily lives.
The discussion highlights the importance of taking responsibility and focusing on what we can control. By living with areté (virtue) and understanding its role in achieving eudaimonia, we can transform our approach to life. The episode underscores the essential Stoic virtues—wisdom, moderation, courage, and justice—and their application in modern life, fostering resilience and inner peace.