The Everyday Stoic

In this thought-provoking episode, we dive into one of the most insidious forces shaping modern life: the algorithm. William unpacks how these invisible systems are meticulously engineered to hijack your attention, foster division, fuel procrastination, and even rewire your desires—keeping you from your goals, your health, and your purpose.Imagine a team of experts hired to keep you distracted, tracking your every move, pushing you further away from your dreams—and worse, doing it under the guise of entertainment and relevance. From doom-scrolling disturbing content to spiraling into ideological echo chambers, William exposes how the algorithm exploits your darkest impulses and disrupts your peace.But all is not lost. William shares Stoic strategies for reclaiming your focus, tailoring your feed, and re-centering your life around intention and virtue. This is a wake-up call for anyone who’s ever felt stuck, anxious, or lost in the noise. A must-listen for anyone seeking clarity, discipline, and digital freedom.

In a world buzzing with chaos, practical Stoic principles can help reclaim your peace. Discover seven methods inspired by Marcus Aurelius and Seneca, including the power of voluntary discomfort and negative visualization. Learn how documenting your worries can curb catastrophizing, turning anxiety into manageable tasks. Explore the journey from stress to contentment through resilience-building strategies, and unlock a transformative toolkit for mental clarity and strength in everyday life.

MrBeast is the biggest YouTuber on the planet, a philanthropist, and a business mogul—but in a rare moment of honesty, he’s revealed that his success hasn’t brought him happiness. In this episode, William break down his recent warning about the pursuit of fame, fortune, and relentless ambition.Why do so many people aspire to be like him despite his clear warning? Why does success often fail to bring fulfillment? And most importantly, is there a way to achieve greatness without sacrificing happiness?Drawing on Stoic wisdom, we explore the dangers of the "hamster wheel" of ambition, the illusion of happiness tied to external success, and the importance of balance. We also take a deep dive into the daily routines of some of history’s most successful figures—Tolkien, Ian Fleming, and C.S. Lewis—to uncover a different, more sustainable path to achievement.This is a must-listen for anyone chasing success, questioning their goals, or simply looking to live a more fulfilling life.

In this episode, William dives into a key lesson from The Everyday Stoic, exploring the chapter "I Literally Can’t Do Anything." Inspired by ancient Stoic philosophy, we discuss the nature of chaos, expectations, and how to navigate an unpredictable world with confidence and caution.We reflect on Zeno’s analogy of a dog tied to a moving cart—how fate will take us forward, whether we resist or not. Drawing on insights from Epictetus and Marcus Aurelius, we explore practical Stoic exercises like premeditatio malorum(preparing for difficulties in advance) to help reduce stress and frustration in everyday life.William also shares a personal story from my time at the Shaolin Temple Europe, where Master Shi Heng Yi offered a powerful perspective on why we should never be surprised by the behaviour of strangers. Plus, a simple mindset shift that can help you stay calm when dealing with rude people, unexpected obstacles, and life’s daily frustrations.If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by the chaos of the modern world, this episode will give you Stoic tools to handle it with resilience.

In this episode, William explores the timeless wisdom of Epictetus and the Stoics, breaking down a powerful three-step framework that ensures victory in every situation—no matter the outcome. By mastering these principles, you’ll navigate life’s challenges with resilience, growth, and inner peace. The Dichotomy of Control – Understanding what is truly within your power and what isn’t. Your thoughts, actions, and responses? Within your control. External events, reputation, and wealth? Not in your control. Accept this, and you’ll free yourself from unnecessary suffering. The Stoic Flame – Using every obstacle as fuel for growth. Just as fire burns brighter when more is thrown into it, you can turn setbacks into stepping stones for personal development. The Reserve Clause – Taking action with determination, but always with the mindset of "fate permitting." You strive for success but remain detached from the outcome, knowing that even failure provides lessons.Through compelling examples, William illustrates how applying these principles allows you to embrace every situation as a win, turning adversity into an opportunity for strength, wisdom, and resilience.

Are they really happier than you, or are they just better at marketing their lives? In this episode, we explore the deceptive nature of social media and the curated highlight reels that make us feel like we're missing out. William breaks down why the “perfect” lives we see online are nothing more than a well-crafted illusion—and how shifting our focus to presence and real joy can free us from comparison.Drawing wisdom from Stoicism and Buddhism, this episode reminds us that suffering is a part of life, no matter how polished someone’s Instagram looks. The real game isn’t about appearing happy; it’s about actually being happy. Tune in to learn how to break free from the marketing trap and reclaim your own inner peace.

In this episode, William takes a deep dive into a modern-day poison—our obsession with greatness and its weak imitation, clout. Drawing from the wisdom of Marcus Aurelius and the Stoics, he explores how this toxic pursuit has infiltrated every aspect of our lives, stripping us of true joy and fulfilment.Through a personal story of a childhood friend who lost his love for adventure to the validation of social media, William paints a vivid picture of how modern society has twisted our motivations. We climb mountains not for the view, but to be seen. We live for the approval of others, forgetting the richness of ordinary life.But what if we stopped chasing this illusion? What if, instead of grasping at the smoke of greatness, we embraced the beauty of the ordinary? William argues that true contentment lies in being present, being good, and finding meaning in the everyday—not in the unattainable image of success we’ve been sold.This episode is a powerful reminder to seek authenticity over approval, to value presence over performance, and to find greatness in the small, quiet moments of life.

What are you really avoiding right now? In this episode, William dives deep into the subtle ways we distract ourselves from discomfort—yes, even with self-improvement. William challenges you to confront the hidden reasons behind your impulse to watch this video, check social media, or dive into another productivity hack.This isn't about fixing or escaping uncomfortable feelings—it’s about accepting them. You’ll learn how to recognize the physical sensations tied to avoidance, from that tight knot in your chest to the tension in your shoulders, and how to meet them with compassion, patience, and acceptance.By the end, you’ll understand how the very feelings you run from might actually be your greatest guides. It’s time to stop escaping and start listening. Take a breath, be present, and let the discomfort stay—it might just have something important to teach you.

In this powerful episode, William dives into a timeless lesson from Epictetus, the slave-turned-stoic philosopher who inspired even the great Marcus Aurelius. What are the two worst things you can do in life? The answer might surprise you—lack of persistence and lack of self-control.William breaks down why these two vices, according to Epictetus, are the roots of personal downfall and how embracing the simple mantra "Persist and Resist" can transform your life.In a world flooded with constant temptations—from endless scrolling to quick dopamine hits—we're losing touch with our true resilience. Discover how this ancient wisdom can help you reclaim your potential, develop discipline, and stay strong through life’s challenges.

Have you ever made a promise with the best intentions, only to let yourself—or someone else—down? You’re not alone. In this episode, William explores why good intentions aren’t enough and how failing to follow through erodes trust, respect, and self-discipline.William breaks down the Stoic approach to reliability, offering a simple but powerful framework to turn your words into action. Learn how to commit to promises only after considering the real effort involved, create systems to follow through, and develop a reputation as someone who can be trusted—by others and by yourself.