The Everyday Stoic

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.

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.