
The Everyday Stoic
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.
Latest episodes

Jul 2, 2024 • 20min
The Secret To The Good Life | 4 Stoic Virtues, Day 21 of Stoic School with William Mulligan
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Today is day 21 of the 100-day Stoic School journey, and the focus is on the essence of Stoic philosophy: virtue. Drawing inspiration from Cicero and Socrates, William explores why virtue is considered the only true good and the key to happiness according to the Stoics.
In Stoicism, virtue is about excelling at human nature. It is represented by the four cardinal virtues: wisdom, courage, temperance, and justice. Wisdom involves good judgment and purpose, courage encompasses endurance and bravery, temperance means self-control and discipline, and justice is about fairness and public service. Living with virtue means embodying these virtues in daily life, which the Stoics believed leads to true happiness and fulfilment.
Practicing virtue is like building a skill; it requires consistent effort and reflection. By contemplating the virtues given by nature, admiring and emulating virtuous qualities in others, and reviewing actions daily, one can strengthen character and live in accordance with nature. This journey of self-improvement and virtuous living is the core of Stoic philosophy and the path to becoming the best version of oneself.

Jul 1, 2024 • 17min
The Stoic Way To Find Happiness | Day 20 of Stoic School with William Mulligan
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In today's episode, William tackles the modern-day obsession with wealth, fame, and material possessions. As society relentlessly pursues money, luxury cars, and designer brands, William reminds us that true happiness lies far beyond these fleeting symbols of success. He shares the wisdom of the Stoics, offering seven practical ways to cultivate genuine happiness in 2024.
William emphasizes the importance of gratitude, explaining how it can transform your mindset from one of negativity to positivity. By focusing on what you can control and letting go of external factors, you can find a deeper sense of peace and contentment. He also highlights the significance of doing good deeds, suggesting that small acts of kindness can profoundly impact your happiness.
The episode encourages listeners to simplify their lives by embracing minimalism and reducing distractions. By seeking internal approval rather than external validation, you can liberate yourself from the pressures of social media and societal expectations. William also stresses the importance of recognizing that you already have enough and that true wealth comes from appreciating what you possess.
Finally, William discusses the value of embracing adversity. By facing challenges head-on and cultivating resilience, you can grow stronger and more fulfilled. Through personal anecdotes and practical exercises, William guides listeners on integrating these Stoic practices into their daily lives, paving the way for a happier and more meaningful 2024.

Jun 30, 2024 • 25min
The 7 Stoic Methods to Combat Worry | Day 19 of Stoic School with William Mulligan
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In today's episode, we explore seven practical Stoic methods to help you worry less in 2024. Worry can be a heavy burden, but with the guidance of Stoic principles, we can find a path to a more peaceful and balanced life.
William shares his personal journey with worry and anxiety, illustrating how Stoicism transformed his outlook. From learning to distinguish between imagination and reality to the concept of de-catastrophizing, these timeless teachings help us manage our fears effectively. By removing unrealistic expectations and focusing on the present moment, we can reduce the anxiety that often stems from anticipating future uncertainties.
One powerful analogy William uses is the block of wood, symbolizing our potential to shape our lives despite initial roughness. Coupled with the dichotomy of control, which emphasizes focusing on what we can influence, these teachings provide a roadmap to inner peace. Finally, the concept of Memento Mori, or remembering our mortality, encourages us to live fully without being paralyzed by fear.
Tune in to discover how these Stoic strategies can help you cultivate a worry-free, more confident life.

Jun 29, 2024 • 20min
The Perfect Stoic Morning Routine | Day 18 of Stoic School with William Mulligan
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In this episode, we explore the ultimate morning routine inspired by the teachings of two legendary Stoics: Epictetus and Marcus Aurelius. Despite their vastly different lives, both developed simple yet profound morning rituals designed to set a positive tone for the day and foster long-term personal growth.
Epictetus, a Greek-born slave who endured immense hardships, emphasized the importance of starting the day with self-reflection and asking crucial questions like "How can I be free of passions?" and "How can I find tranquillity?" Meanwhile, Marcus Aurelius, the philosopher-king and last great emperor of Rome, advocated for looking at the sky in the morning to remind oneself of the orderly nature of the universe and one's place within it.
In this episode, William merges these routines into a concise five-minute practice that encourages you to begin your day with mindfulness and introspection. This routine includes steps such as avoiding your phone upon waking, reflecting on the universe, and asking introspective questions to align your actions with Stoic values. While practicing this routine even once can improve your day, William emphasizes that consistent daily practice is where true transformation occurs.

Jun 28, 2024 • 12min
The Greatest Wisdom from Seneca | Rules for a Resilient Life, Day 17 of Stoic School with William Mulligan
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Welcome back to Day 17 of 100 Days of Stoicism! In this episode, William delves into the timeless wisdom of Seneca, the renowned Stoic philosopher and writer. Through a series of profound quotes and passages, Seneca's teachings reveal how true happiness is found in enjoying the present moment without the anxiety of future uncertainties. William emphasizes the importance of contentment, illustrating how our desires often lead to unnecessary suffering and how appreciating what we have can lead to a more fulfilling life.
Today’s episode also touches on Seneca's advice on productivity and procrastination, encouraging listeners to stop wasting time and to be grateful for the life they have. William shares personal anecdotes on how adopting Stoic principles can help overcome feelings of inadequacy and materialistic desires. He underscores the idea that life's greatest blessings are within our reach and that a wise person is content with their lot, without wishing for what they lack.
By embracing these Stoic teachings, you can cultivate a mindset of resilience, courage, and tranquility. Tune in to discover how the wisdom of a man who lived thousands of years ago can still provide clarity and peace in today's chaotic world.

Jun 27, 2024 • 23min
The Stoic Secret That Will Change Your Life | Amor Fati, Day 16 of Stoic School with William Mulligan
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In today's episode, we dive deep into the transformative power of Amor Fati, a Stoic principle meaning the love of one's fate. Drawing inspiration from both ancient Stoic philosophers and the German thinker Friedrich Nietzsche, William explains how embracing everything that happens in life, whether good or bad, can lead to profound personal growth and resilience.
Through a vivid metaphor, William asks us to imagine our life as a ride that we've chosen to experience again. This perspective helps us see every high and low, every joy and sorrow, as integral parts of our journey. Instead of resisting our fate, which only leads to stress and unhappiness, we are encouraged to accept and even love it, finding tranquility and strength in the process.
William also shares practical steps to incorporate this mindset into our daily lives, transforming our approach to adversity. By embracing Amor Fati, we learn to view challenges as opportunities for growth and to appreciate the full spectrum of human experience. This episode reminds us that by loving our fate, we can navigate life with greater ease and fulfilment.

Jun 26, 2024 • 10min
Epictetus' Greatest Quotes | Becoming Unshakeable, Day 15 of Stoic School with William Mulligan
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Welcome to Day 15 of 100 Days of Stoicism with William Mulligan. In today’s episode, we dive into the profound wisdom of Epictetus, sharing some of his most impactful quotes to guide your journey towards a more Stoic life. We explore the power of Stoic thinking in overcoming daily challenges and achieving inner peace. Key insights include handling negative remarks with grace, understanding that true strength lies in our response, not in the words of others, and discovering the importance of controlling anger to free ourselves from being dominated by others.
Reflecting on the necessity of demanding the best for yourself and making progress a daily commitment, this episode emphasizes the ultimate goal of freedom and how disregarding things beyond our control leads to a fulfilling life. William also highlights the significance of surrounding yourself with people who uplift you and encourage your best self.
In addition to these timeless teachings, William shares how these principles can be integrated into modern life, providing practical advice on embodying Stoic values. Whether you’re facing imagined anxieties or real problems, the wisdom of Epictetus offers a path to serenity and resilience.

Jun 25, 2024 • 16min
Mastering the Art of Living | The Meditations of Marcus Aurelius, Day 14 of Stoic School with William Mulligan
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In today’s episode, we explore the profound wisdom from Marcus Aurelius' Meditations. These personal reflections of the Roman emperor offer timeless guidance on living a virtuous and fulfilling life.
Marcus emphasizes the importance of dedicating each hour to the task at hand with precise analysis, dignity, sympathy, and justice. He urges us to live fully in the present, recognizing that life is a fleeting fragment of time, with the past gone and the future uncertain. Instead of seeking physical retreats, Marcus advises finding peace within our own minds through a well-ordered life.
We also delve into Marcus' teachings on embracing death as a natural process, akin to the stages of growth and aging. By welcoming death without fear, we can live more fully and authentically.

Jun 23, 2024 • 13min
Can Women Be Stoic? | Day 13 of Stoic School with William Mulligan
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In today's episode of "The Everyday Stoic with William Mulligan," we explore one of the most debated topics in Stoicism: Can women be Stoic? This question has sparked intense discussions among Stoic practitioners and scholars alike. William delves into the historical perspectives of prominent Stoics such as Zeno, Musonius Rufus, and Seneca, who all advocated for gender equality in the pursuit of virtue and wisdom. Zeno's ideal republic envisioned men and women as equals, influenced by his Cynic tutor Crates and Crates' wife, Hipparchia.
The episode highlights remarkable women in Stoicism, including Porcia Catonis, who demonstrated extraordinary courage and loyalty, and Elizabeth Carter, who translated Epictetus' works into English and used her earnings for charity. William also shares personal anecdotes about his mother, whose strength and resilience exemplified Stoic values.
Listeners are invited to reflect on their own beliefs about gender and Stoicism, promoting an inclusive view that anyone, regardless of gender, can practice Stoicism. Tune in to join the conversation about gender equality in Stoicism and gain valuable insights from this thought-provoking discussion.

Jun 21, 2024 • 22min
The 3 Pillars of Stoicism | Teachings from Marcus Aurelius, Seneca & Epictetus, Day 12 of Stoic School
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In today's episode, William delves into the profound impact of the three most influential Stoic philosophers: Marcus Aurelius, Seneca, and Epictetus.
William begins by discussing how many people, in moments of personal crisis, turn to Stoicism for guidance on issues such as anxiety, confidence, loneliness, and grief. These ancient teachings, still relevant today, offer a roadmap to a better life.
The episode highlights Marcus Aurelius, the Roman emperor whose personal diary, Meditations, provides timeless wisdom on remaining a student, pursuing goodness, and embracing Amor Fati—loving one's fate. Next, William explores Seneca, the advisor to Emperor Nero, whose writings in Letters from a Stoic emphasise the value of time, the dangers of desire, and the importance of inner tranquility. Finally, William discusses Epictetus, the former slave whose teachings focus on the dichotomy of control, embodying philosophy, and finding freedom within.
By examining the lives and teachings of these three great philosophers, William simplifies and makes accessible the core principles of Stoicism, showing how they can be applied to modern life. Tune in and discover how the wisdom of Marcus Aurelius, Seneca, and Epictetus can guide you towards a more balanced and fulfilling existence.