The Via Stoica Podcast

The Via Stoica Podcast: Stoic quotes seriesIn the Stoic quotes series, we take a look at what the Stoics said and uncover the wisdom they left behind. We look at the famous writings from Epictetus, Seneca, Marcus Aurelius, and more.In this episode, we turn to a powerful quote from Epictetus, found in the Discourses, that asks us to reflect on self-worth and the price we’re willing to pay for external approval:“For it is you who know yourself, and what value you set upon yourself, and at what rate you sell yourself.”What does it mean to "sell yourself"? And how often do we trade our principles, our time, or our peace of mind for things that are not truly valuable? In this episode, we explore how this quote invites us to know our inner worth and live accordingly.We also discuss the importance of self-examination, how our choices reflect what we value most, and why living in alignment with our true character is the key to Stoic freedom.For a deeper dive into this quote, check out the full reflection on our website:https://viastoica.com/epictetus-quote-on-self-worthAnd if you want to explore more quotes like this one, all properly sourced and referenced, head over to our Stoic quote library:https://viastoica.com/stoic-quoteshttps://viastoica.com/epictetus-quoteshttps://viastoica.com/seneca-quoteshttps://viastoica.com/marcus-aurelius-quotesMake sure to subscribe to the podcast for more quote episodes or our regular Tuesday recordings and interviews. Also, leave a rating, as this helps us reach more like-minded people.Support the showhttps://viastoica.comhttps://viastoica.com/stoic-life-coachinghttps://viastoica.com/benny-vonckenhttps://viastoica.com/brendan-hoglehttps://twitter.com/ViaStoicainfo@viastoica.comProduced by: http://badmic.com

Welcome to the Via Stoica Podcast, the Podcast on Stoicism.Most people spend their lives chasing happiness, but the Stoics had a different approach. In this episode of the Via Stoica Podcast, Benny and Brendan explore the true nature of happiness through a Stoic lens. You’ll learn why fleeting pleasures often leave us feeling empty, and how virtue, contentment, and self-awareness can lead to something deeper and longer-lasting.The conversation unpacks essential Stoic concepts like eudaimonia, apatheia, and the difference between good emotions and uncontrolled passions. With personal stories, practical advice, and honest reflections, this episode helps you shift your focus from temporary highs to a stable and flourishing inner life.To go further, check out our article: Why the Stoic View on Happiness Is So DifferentSupport the showhttps://viastoica.comhttps://viastoica.com/stoic-life-coachinghttps://viastoica.com/benny-vonckenhttps://viastoica.com/brendan-hogleYouTube: /viastoicaReach us: info@viastoica.comProduced by: http://badmic.com

The Via Stoica Podcast: Stoic quotes seriesIn the Stoic quotes series, we take a look at what the Stoics said and uncover the wisdom they left behind. We look at the famous writings from Epictetus, Seneca, Marcus Aurelius, and more.In this episode, we explore a quote cited by Marcus Aurelius in Meditations, but originally attributed to the pre-Socratic philosopher Democritus:“The world is nothing but change. Our life is only perception.”What does it mean to see life as perception and the world as change? And how can understanding this quote help us become more stable, more rational, and more resilient in the face of uncertainty?We unpack the Stoic idea that our emotions and actions depend not on what happens to us, but on the judgments we form about those events. By learning to step back and examine our impressions, we can train ourselves to see change not as something to resist, but as something to accept, and even embrace.If you want to dive deeper into this idea, check out our full blog post on it:https://viastoica.com/perception-and-change-in-stoicismAnd if you're looking for more quotes like this one, visit viastoica.com — we’ve compiled hundreds of Stoic sayings, all carefully referenced so you can find and use them in your own writing.https://viastoica.com/stoic-quoteshttps://viastoica.com/marcus-aurelius-quoteshttps://viastoica.com/epictetus-quoteshttps://viastoica.com/seneca-quotesMake sure to subscribe to the podcast for more quote episodes or our regular Tuesday recordings and interviews. Also, leave a rating, as this helps us reach more like-minded people.Support the showhttps://viastoica.comhttps://viastoica.com/stoic-life-coachinghttps://viastoica.com/benny-vonckenhttps://viastoica.com/brendan-hoglehttps://twitter.com/ViaStoicainfo@viastoica.comProduced by: http://badmic.com

Welcome to the Via Stoica Podcast, the podcast on Stoicism.What if preparing for death is the key to truly living? In this episode of the Via Stoica Podcast, Benny and Brendan explore the Stoic approach to mortality, not as something to fear, but as a tool to cultivate presence, peace, and purpose.Through personal stories, Stoic reflections, and practical exercises, they discuss how coming to terms with death can transform how we live day to day. You’ll learn how Stoicism reframes death as a natural event, how meditating on mortality increases gratitude, and how the loss of loved ones can become a powerful teacher.This conversation pairs beautifully with our article Why Death Needs Rebranding, which challenges the modern fear of dying and invites us to embrace the Stoic wisdom of memento mori.Whether you're dealing with grief, contemplating your legacy, or just looking for a deeper connection to life, this episode offers guidance from the ancient Stoics and from two modern voices living the practice.Support the show⁠www.ViaStoica.com⁠⁠https://viastoica.com/stoic-life-coaching⁠⁠https://viastoica.com/benny-voncken/⁠⁠https://viastoica.com/Brendan-hogle/⁠YouTube: ⁠/viastoica⁠Reach us: ⁠info@viastoica.com⁠Produced by: ⁠http://badmic.com⁠

The Via Stoica Podcast: Stoic quotes seriesIn the Stoic quotes series, we take a look at what the Stoics said and uncover the wisdom they left behind. We look at the famous writings from Epictetus, Seneca, Marcus Aurelius, and more.In this episode, we turn to Seneca and his timeless essay On the Shortness of Life, where he reminds us:“It’s not that we have a brief length of time to live, but that we squander a great deal of that time.”Benny explores what it means to truly live rather than merely exist. Why do our days feel so short, even though life is long enough? How do we let our time slip away through distractions, regrets, and other people’s expectations?This quote hits especially hard in today’s world of overstimulation and hustle culture. Instead of rushing through your day, the Stoics urge us to pause and ask: Is this how I want to spend my life? We reflect on modern busyness, personal alignment, and the importance of knowing your own “enough.”For a deeper dive into this quote and its practical lessons, visit the companion article:https://viastoica.com/reclaim-your-time-with-stoicism/And if you're looking for more quotes like this one, visit viastoica.com. We have hundreds of Stoic sayings with full references from Seneca, Epictetus, Marcus Aurelius, and more:https://viastoica.com/stoic-quotes/https://viastoica.com/seneca-quotes/https://viastoica.com/epictetus-quotes/https://viastoica.com/marcus-aurelius-quotes/Make sure to subscribe to the podcast for more quote episodes and our regular Tuesday conversations and interviews. And leave a rating—it helps us reach more like-minded people.Support the showwww.ViaStoica.comhttps://viastoica.com/stoic-life-coaching/https://viastoica.com/benny-voncken/https://viastoica.com/Brendan-hogle/https://twitter.com/ViaStoicaReach us: info@viastoica.comProduced by:http://badmic.com

Welcome to the Via Stoica Podcast, the Podcast on StoicismWhat happens when Stoicism moves beyond personal development and toward a deeper understanding of our place in the universe? In this thought-provoking episode of the Via Stoica Podcast, Benny speaks with philosopher and author Will Johncock, whose book Beyond the Individual explores Stoicism as a systems-based philosophy rooted in interconnectedness, rational order, and humility.Together, they dive into big questions:– What does it mean to be part of the rational logos?– Why is modern Stoicism often misread as hyper-individualistic?– How did the ancient Stoics view God, freedom, and community?– Can Stoicism help us move from isolation to social belonging?Will also shares the philosophical roots behind his work, how Marcus Aurelius and Epictetus inspired his thinking, and why the Stoic concept of God as Nature should not be stripped from the tradition.If you’ve ever felt disconnected in today’s self-centered world, this conversation offers a powerful reminder: you are not alone; you are part of something much greater.Learn more about Will here: https://www.willjohncock.com/—Support the showhttps://viastoica.comhttps://viastoica.com/stoic-life-coaching/https://viastoica.com/benny-voncken/https://viastoica.com/brendan-hogle/https://www.youtube.com/@viastoica📬 Reach us: info@viastoica.com🎧 Produced by: http://badmic.com

The Via Stoica Podcast: Stoic quotes seriesIn the Stoic quotes series, we take a look at what the Stoics said and uncover the wisdom they left behind. We look at the famous writings from Epictetus, Seneca, Marcus Aurelius, and more.In this episode, we reflect on a powerful quote from Epictetus, Discourses, Book 1, Chapter 24:“Difficulties are the things that show what men are.”What does this quote really mean? How do we respond when life gets hard? And why did the Stoics welcome adversity rather than avoid it? In this episode, Benny dives into the deeper meaning of this short but profound line and shares how it ties into training, character, and the ultimate test of a person’s philosophy.You’ll also hear about Stoic comparisons to athletes training for the Olympics, parallels with Seneca’s view on misfortune, and how this mindset shift, from victimhood to voluntary trial, can completely change your experience of hardship.If you want to read more about this quote and its deeper implications, visit our full article:https://viastoica.com/the-stoic-view-on-overcoming-difficulties/And if you're looking for more quotes like this one, visit viastoica.com. We have hundreds of Stoic sayings with full references from Epictetus, Seneca, Marcus Aurelius, and more:https://viastoica.com/stoic-quotes/https://viastoica.com/seneca-quotes/https://viastoica.com/epictetus-quotes/https://viastoica.com/marcus-aurelius-quotes/Make sure to subscribe to the podcast for more quote episodes and our regular Tuesday conversations and interviews. And leave a rating—it helps us reach more like-minded people.Support the showwww.ViaStoica.comhttps://viastoica.com/stoic-life-coaching/https://viastoica.com/benny-voncken/https://viastoica.com/Brendan-hogle/https://twitter.com/ViaStoicaReach us: info@viastoica.comProduced by:http://badmic.com

Discover the essence of virtue in Stoic philosophy, where moral excellence is paramount. Explore the four cardinal virtues: wisdom, justice, courage, and temperance, and learn how they can shape your character and decision-making. Dive into the relationship between emotions and virtue, understanding how self-reflection can enhance personal growth. Embrace the journey towards virtue, recognizing that progress matters more than perfection. This thoughtful dialogue provides practical insights for aligning your actions with your true nature.

Welcome to the Via Stoica Podcast: Stoic Quotes SeriesIn this episode of the Stoic Quotes Series, we explore a simple yet powerful reminder found in Meditations by Marcus Aurelius:“If you seek tranquillity, do less.”– Democritus, Frg. B.3, quoted in Marcus Aurelius, Meditations, Book 4.24While the quote originates from Democritus, Marcus builds on it with a distinctly Stoic perspective. Instead of withdrawing from life like the Epicureans, Marcus teaches us to do what is essential—what the logos of a social being requires—and to do it well.In this episode, we explore the balance between minimalism and duty, and how practicing focused action leads to clarity and peace. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, this quote offers a path back to simplicity and purpose.For more authentic Stoic quotes, visit viastoica.com, where each quote is verified and referenced so you can use it in your own writings or daily reflections.Browse our quote collections:viastoica.com/stoic-quotesviastoica.com/seneca-quotesviastoica.com/epictetus-quotesviastoica.com/marcus-aurelius-quotesSubscribe to hear more quote episodes every Friday and full-length interviews and reflections every Tuesday. If this helped you, please leave a review—it helps us reach more people on the Stoic path.www.viastoica.comviastoica.com/stoic-life-coachingviastoica.com/benny-vonckenviastoica.com/brendan-hogletwitter.com/viastoicaReach us: info@viastoica.comProduced by: badmic.com🤝 Support the Show

Uncover the essence of Stoicism, a philosophy focused on inner freedom, resilience, and purpose. Dive into the four cardinal virtues: wisdom, justice, courage, and temperance, essential for personal growth and ethical living. Explore how Stoicism navigates emotions through reason and the powerful concept of the dichotomy of control, which can reduce stress. Embrace mortality as a motivator and learn about preferred indifference, helping you cultivate emotional stability and detach from external influences.