Acta Non Verba

Brady Pesola shares his thoughts on integrating Stoicism into modern life, particularly as a tool against the emotional manipulation and challenges posed by artificial intelligence and social media algorithms. Drawing from his experience in tactical disciplines and Stoicism, the conversation showcases how Stoic principles of logic, reason, and personal responsibility can enhance resilience against external influences and encourage a more mindful, rational approach to technology. Episode Highlights: 02:46 The Power of Stoicism in Today's AI-Driven World 09:37 Stoicism vs. Emotional Manipulation: A Modern Battle 21:34 Exploring the Depths of Stoic Justice and AI Bias 33:18 Stoicism as a Design for Living in a Technological Era 39:30 The Practicality of Stoicism Over Academic Jargon 42:16 Stoicism and the Challenge of Artificial Intelligence 50:20 Social Media, Stoicism, and the Quest for Authenticity 01:03:59 The Essence of Stoicism: Wisdom Over Knowledge Brady Pesola, a San Diego-based veteran leader, offers straightforward mentorship and coaching, shaping the local veteran community. With Triple B Adventures, a thriving nonprofit he founded, he aids veterans' personal and professional growth. Experienced in tactical training and executive protection, Brady emphasizes Stoic philosophy for mental resilience and decision-making. Connect on Instagram @gray.man.project or at https://www.bradypesola.com/   Learn more about the gift of Adversity and my mission to help my fellow humans create a better world by heading to www.marcusaureliusanderson.com. There you can take action by joining my ANV inner circle to get exclusive content and information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Lee McKinney, the talented guitarist and songwriter of the American metal band Born of Osiris recounts his journey from being a seventeen-year-old professional musician to overcoming substance addiction that led to a coma. He offers insightful discussion on developing unique artistic voice, the significance of discipline, parallels between martial arts and music, and the value of quality over quantity in social media. Underscoring the importance of authenticity, perseverance, and maintaining an influential circle of peers, he touches on his signature Kiesel guitar line and encourages others to cultivate their experiences into art. Episode Highlights: 35:02 Navigating Life Changes and Finding Stability in Music 37:55 The Evolution of a Musician's Career and the Impact of Technology 50:18 The Balance Between Artistic Integrity and Audience Expectations 52:56 The Role of Adversity in Shaping a Musician's Career 01:10:41 Rediscovering the Warrior Ethos 01:11:43 Overcoming Imposter Syndrome and Fear 01:13:53 The Influence of Martial Arts on Music 01:15:18 The Inspiration from Musashi and Martial Arts 01:17:45 The Intersection of Martial Arts and Music 01:20:37 The Impact of Adversity on Personal Growth Lee McKinney is best known as the guitarist and composer of the progressive metal band Born of Osiris. He produces, records, and engineers out of Osiris Studios. Born Lee Patrick McKinney on April 24, 1989, he grew up in the northwest suburbs of Chicago. Lee picked up the guitar at age 10 and knew immediately that music was his passion. To that end, he began practicing up to 6-10 hours a day in effort to become the most he could be at his instrument. Some of his early influences include Randy Rhoads, Eric Johnson, Dimebag Darrell, Steve Vai, Yngwie Malmsteen, Steve Ray Vaughan, Joe Satriani, and more. You can hear more from Lee on YouTube at: https://www.youtube.com/c/leemckinney Learn more about the gift of Adversity and my mission to help my fellow humans create a better world by heading to www.marcusaureliusanderson.com. There you can take action by joining my ANV inner circle to get exclusive content and information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week Marcus discusses Occam's Razor, explained as 'the simplest answer is usually the best one', and suggests applying it in business by simplifying processes. The story of Alexander the Great cutting the Gordian Knot is used as a metaphor for finding direct and rule-bending solutions to complex problems. Finally, teachings of Greek Stoic philosopher, Epictetus, are shared, emphasizing the importance of disregarding elements beyond your control and focusing on thoughts, beliefs, and actions that are within your control. The episode concludes with three action items: applying Occam's Razor to reduce complications, taking direct approach to solve complex problems, and learning to shift focus away from uncontrollable aspects of life. Episode Highlights: 00:45 The Philosophy of Simplicity 02:31 Applying Occam's Razor 04:55 Alexander the Great and the Gordian Knot 07:32 Epictetus and the Power of Control   Learn more about the gift of Adversity and my mission to help my fellow humans create a better world by heading to www.marcusaureliusanderson.com. There you can take action by joining my ANV inner circle to get exclusive content and information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Seerut Chawla explores an array of topics including therapeutic styles, psychotherapeutic modalities, the influence of social media, and aspects of psychotherapy. Seerut also shares insights on how her religion, Sikhism, has shaped her perceptions. Marcus and Seerut underline the importance of resilience, self-care, and pro-active mental health management.   Episode Highlights: 07:26 Discussing the Role of Religion and Philosophy in Life 12:36 Exploring the Concept of Intellectual Humility 31:11 Discussing the Importance of Self-Care for Therapists 43:38 Balancing Work and Personal Life 45:11 The Misconception of Self-Care 47:27 The Importance of Mental Health Hygiene 51:11 The Role of Medication in Mental Health 57:11 The Difference Between Being a Victim and Playing the Victim Seerut K. Chawla is a psychotherapist based in London; she trained at the University of Roehampton in Integrative Counselling and Psychotherapy. Seerut is also a bit of a nerd, and a diehard Lord Of The Rings fan.  You can learn more about Seerut here: https://www.seerutkchawla.com/ Learn more about the gift of Adversity and my mission to help my fellow humans create a better world by heading to www.marcusaureliusanderson.com. There you can take action by joining my ANV inner circle to get exclusive content and information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of Acta Non Verba, Donald Robertson sheds light on the practice of Stoicism and its relevance in today's world. He warns against the societal perils of anger, victim mentality, and information manipulation, especially in the age of technologically advanced misinformation. Drawing parallels between ancient teachings of Socrates and modern societal influence, Robertson emphasizes the defensive power of philosophy in understanding logical fallacies, rhetoric, and promoting critical thinking. He further discusses the importance of studying history to gain better insights into the present and shares his unique approach to home-based education during the pandemic.   Episode Highlights: 04:58 The Impact of Childhood Experiences on Adult Life 06:33 The Concept of Reversal of Fortune in Ancient Philosophy 40:49 The Power of Stoicism in Breaking Free from Societal Trances 46:11 The Role of Anger in Military Training 46:28 Harnessing Anger: A Stoic Perspective 47:45 The Dangers of Underestimating Risk 48:52 The Role of Anger in Decision Making 01:06:04 The Influence of Media on Our Opinions 01:08:55 The Role of Philosophy in Protecting Us from Manipulation 01:11:49 The Importance of Studying History to Understand Our Present   Donald Robertson is a writer, cognitive-behavioral psychotherapist, and trainer, co-founded Modern Stoicism nonprofit and leads Plato’s Academy Centre in Athens. Specializing in evidence-based psychological skills, he bridges modern therapy and ancient philosophy. Born in Scotland, he practiced in London before moving to Canada, where he focuses on writing and consultancy, splitting time with Greece.   You can learn more about Donald here: https://donaldrobertson.name/   Learn more about the gift of Adversity and my mission to help my fellow humans create a better world by heading to www.marcusaureliusanderson.com. There you can take action by joining my ANV inner circle to get exclusive content and information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of Acta Non Verba, Dr. Mark Goulston, a leadership and mindset coach, renowned psychiatrist, and former FBI and police hostage negotiator shares about adversity, leadership, and overcoming personal challenges. Dr. Goulston speaks candidly about his current battle with myeloid leukemia and his YouTube series 'I'm Dying to Tell You.' Listen as Marcus and Dr. Goulston explore the significance of humor, vulnerability, learning from adversity, deep connections, and the power of acceptance in personal and professional life.   Episode Highlights: 02:59 The Power of Vulnerability and Emotional Intimacy 19:21 The Role of Emotions and Acceptance in Facing Death 36:20 Reconnecting with a Past Love 37:20 The Concept of 'Cleaning the Slate' 41:55 The Struggle with Accepting Compliments 42:20 The Impact of Mentors and the Difficulty of Accepting Praise 47:25 The Three P's: Professional, Purposeful, Personal 57:12 The Power of Visionary Thinking   Dr. Mark Goulston, a member of Marshall Goldsmith's 100 Coaches, mentors entrepreneurs, CEOs, Chairs, and Managing Directors to reach their full potential. With over 25 years as a UCLA psychiatry professor and former FBI and police hostage negotiation trainer, he's a seasoned expert. Author of nine books, including the acclaimed "Just Listen," he's a sought-after international keynote speaker and host of the podcast "My Wakeup Call."   Learn more about Dr. Goulston at: https://markgoulston.com/   Learn more about the gift of Adversity and my mission to help my fellow humans create a better world by heading to www.marcusaureliusanderson.com. There you can take action by joining my ANV inner circle to get exclusive content and information.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of Acta Non Verba, Marcus shares his experiences and the lessons learned from being a part of the Arete Syndicate, a group composed of successful warriors, leaders, entrepreneurs, and experts. Marcus was awarded the 'Arete Syndicate Create a Positive Impact Award' for his contributions as a speaker, leadership coach, and author. He highlights five key lessons he learned from the Syndicate and shares anecdotes from his unique journey. He emphasizes the importance of actions, pushing boundaries, maintaining a state of blissful dissatisfaction, and not overlooking the 'last 10 percent' in any endeavor.   Episode Highlights: 03:01 The Impact of Being Part of the Arete Syndicate 05:30 Lessons Learned from the Arete Syndicate   Learn more about the gift of Adversity and my mission to help my fellow humans create a better world by heading to www.marcusaureliusanderson.com. There you can take action by joining my ANV inner circle to get exclusive content and information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of the Acta Non Verba podcast, host Marcus Aurelius Anderson gets into an in-depth conversation with Don Vandergriff, a veteran, best-selling author, and leadership expert, about how observing someone's actions can give valuable insights into their true beliefs. Vandergriff emphasizes the importance of the ability to adapt and make decisions on the spot, especially in challenging war scenarios. Listen in as they explore the power of communication and empowering team members while accepting everyone's strengths and weaknesses. They also touch upon topics like learning methodologies, team development, maneuver warfare, and the non-linear aspects of warfare that are often overlooked.   Episode Highlights: 02:53 The Role of Reflection in Learning 06:17 The Importance of Adaptability in Leadership 34:22 The Impact of Competition on Decision Making 49:54 The Importance of Understanding Mission Command 55:28 The Power of Nonlinear Thinking   Donald E. Vandergriff is considered an expert on Mission Command, Maneuver Warfare and Leader Development using the latest in Learning Methodologies. He is a noted speaker, award winning author, and teacher being named ROTC teacher of the year. He is also the author or editor of six other books and over 100 articles. He is also a retired Marine and Army officer having served 24 years in uniform, and another 12 years as a contractor, both overseas and in the US.   You can learn more about Donald’s book at: https://www.usni.org/press/books/adopting-mission-command   Learn more about the gift of Adversity and my mission to help my fellow humans create a better world by heading to www.marcusaureliusanderson.com. There you can take action by joining my ANV inner circle to get exclusive content and information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Acta Non Verba show, host Marcus Aurelius Anderson talks to Errol Doebler, a Former Navy SEAL and FBI Special Agent, Executive Coach, and Leadership Expert. The conversation explores the importance of emotional awareness, responding to adversity, and ice cold leadership. Doebler discusses his use of cold exposure therapy as a tool for testing stress response and resetting the nervous system. The conversation underlines the recurrent theme that every adversity is unique and needs to be accepted irrespective of judgments, and also the danger of becoming complacent or mediocre. The duo also discusses the importance of having a defined identity and consciously working towards it.   Episode Highlights: 01:37 The Importance of Exposing Yourself to Challenges 02:04 Concept of Resistance in Leadership 13:43 Understanding the Importance of Emotional Awareness in Leadership 24:49 The Impact of Anger on Leadership 30:09 Life After Being a SEAL and FBI Agent 33:57 The Impact of Brain Injury on Emotional Regulation 34:33 The Role of Cold Exposure in Stress Management 38:37 The Importance of Emotional Awareness in Overcoming Adversity   Errol Doebler is a 1991 Graduate of the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, MD and later served as Assistant Platoon Commander of SEAL Team Four and Platoon Commander of SEAL Team One.   In 2006 Errol joined the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) where he investigated International Terrorist Organizations out of the FBI’s flagship office in New York City and also served as a member of the FBI’s New York SWAT Team.   The lessons that Errol learned operating in these intense environments can apply to anyone in every day life. That’s why Errol has made it his passion to share these lessons and experiences many people dream of with YOU today.    You can connect with Errol at www.icecoldleader.com   Learn more about the gift of Adversity and my mission to help my fellow humans create a better world by heading to www.marcusaureliusanderson.com. There you can take action by joining my ANV inner circle to get exclusive content and information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week on Acta Non Verba, Dave Sanderson, a survivor of the "miracle on the Hudson" shares how the event and his mentor's teachings on keeping one's word and taking decisive action shaped his response during the crisis. He recounts the crash of US Airways flight 1549, the immediate aftermath, and his role in helping others. The conversation highlights the importance of leadership, taking action in adversity, and finding meaning in life's challenging moments. Dave Sanderson, a nationally recognized leadership speaker and author, is best known as the inspirational survivor of "The Miracle on the Hudson." As the last passenger off US Airways Flight 1549, he turned his profound experience into a mission to encourage others, sharing coping skills and valuable leadership lessons worldwide. Named one of Inc.com's Top 100 Leadership speakers, Dave has raised over $14.8M USD for the American Red Cross in the last decade. Based in Charlotte, NC, he enjoys life with his wife Terri of 35 years and their grateful children.   You can connect with Dave here: https://davesandersonspeaks.com/   Learn more about the gift of Adversity and my mission to help my fellow humans create a better world by heading to www.marcusaureliusanderson.com. There you can take action by joining my ANV inner circle to get exclusive content and information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.