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The Via Stoica Podcast

Latest episodes

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Mar 4, 2025 • 40min

74. The Stoic Art of Embracing Disappointment: Transform Setbacks into Strength

Send us a textWelcome to the Via Stoica Podcast, the Podcast on Stoicism.In this transformative episode of the Via Stoica Podcast, we explore the profound Stoic approach to life's disappointments. Drawing from the timeless wisdom of Marcus Aurelius, Seneca, and Epictetus, discover how the ancient Stoics viewed setbacks not as obstacles, but as opportunities for profound personal growth.Learn practical techniques to shift your perspective when faced with disappointment, and understand why resistance to what is only deepens our suffering. We'll explore real-world examples of how modern Stoics navigate career setbacks, relationship challenges, and personal failures with grace and wisdom.Building on our previous Episode 73 about managing expectations, we'll dive deeper into how acceptance and understanding can transform our relationship with life's inevitable disappointments. You'll discover why the Stoics believed that disappointment often reveals what we truly value, and how this awareness can lead to greater emotional resilience.Whether you're dealing with major life changes or daily frustrations, this episode provides actionable Stoic practices to help you embrace disappointment as a teacher rather than an enemy. Learn to transmute the energy of disappointment into fuel for personal development and inner peace.Subscribe to Via Stoica on your favorite podcast platform and leave a rating to help others discover the transformative power of Stoic philosophy. Your support helps us continue sharing these timeless teachings with the world.Are you struggling to apply Stoic principles to life's challenges? Book a free Stoic coaching consultation at viastoica.com/stoic-coaching/ and discover how personalized guidance can help you develop unshakeable resilience in the face of life's disappointments.Support the showwww.ViaStoica.comhttps://viastoica.com/stoic-life-coaching/https://viastoica.com/benny-voncken/https://viastoica.com/Brendan-hogle/https://viastoica.com/Brice-noble/https://twitter.com/ViaStoicaReach us: info@viastoica.comProduced by: http://podmedia.net/
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Feb 25, 2025 • 37min

73. The Stoic Art of Transforming Expectations: Find Freedom in Acceptance

Discover how expectations shape our happiness and reality through the lens of ancient Stoicism. Explore practical Stoic techniques for transforming unrealistic expectations into emotional resilience. Learn the art of negative visualization to embrace adaptability, integrity, and gratitude in the face of life's challenges. Real-world examples illustrate why acceptance is key to achieving tranquility. Uncover the powerful connection between managing expectations and fostering a more fulfilling life.
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Feb 18, 2025 • 1h 3min

72. A Stoic Conversation with Meredith Alexander Kunz: Wisdom from a Stoic Mom beyond Stoicism and parenting

Send us a textWelcome to the Via Stoica Podcast, the Podcast on Stoicism.Join us for an insightful conversation with Meredith Alexander Kunz, co-author of "Beyond Stoicism" alongside Massimo Pigliucci and Gregory Lopez. In this episode, we explore the intersection of Stoic philosophy and modern parenting, the vital role of women in Stoicism, and examine the current state of Stoic practice. Meredith shares her unique perspective on applying ancient wisdom to contemporary challenges, particularly in family life and personal development.Meredith Alexander Kunz is a Silicon Valley-based writer, communications leader, and Stoic philosophy practitioner who bridges the gap between ancient wisdom and modern living. Known online as "The Stoic Mom," she brings a fresh perspective to practical philosophy while balancing her roles as a mother of two daughters and an accomplished academic. With degrees from Harvard College and Stanford University, Meredith's work spans both technical and philosophical realms – from science and technology communications to exploring how Stoic principles can enhance parenting and personal growth.As a personal and professional development coach grounded in Stoic principles, Meredith helps clients navigate life's challenges with practical wisdom. Her writing has appeared in prestigious publications including Newsweek, The San Francisco Chronicle, and Stanford Business. Through her popular blog "The Stoic Mom" (now on Substack) and social media presence, she continues to build a community around mindful parenting and practical philosophy.Find Meredith's insights and join her philosophical journey on social media platforms @thestoicmom, where she regularly shares wisdom on applying Stoic principles to modern family life and personal development.Read our comprehensive book review on Beyond Stoicism here: https://viastoica.com/beyond-stoicism/Don't forget to subscribe to the Via Stoica Podcast wherever you get your podcasts and leave us a rating to help more people discover these valuable conversations about practical philosophy and modern Stoicism. Your support helps us continue bringing you thoughtful discussions with leading voices in the Stoic community.Support the showwww.ViaStoica.comhttps://viastoica.com/stoic-life-coaching/https://viastoica.com/benny-voncken/https://viastoica.com/Brendan-hogle/https://viastoica.com/Brice-noble/https://twitter.com/ViaStoicaReach us: info@viastoica.comProduced by: http://podmedia.net/
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Feb 11, 2025 • 1h 18min

71. A Stoic Conversation with Massimo Pigliucci: From How to be a Stoic to Beyond Stoicism

Send us a textWelcome to the Via Stoica Podcast, the podcast on Stoicism.Join us for a profound exploration of Stoic philosophy with Massimo Pigliucci, as we journey from his groundbreaking work "How to Be a Stoic" to his latest philosophical evolution in "Beyond Stoicism."Massimo Pigliucci is a professor of philosophy at the City College of New York and a leading voice in modern Stoicism.As a philosopher and scientist with a Ph.D. in Evolutionary Biology, he brings a unique perspective to ancient wisdom, making complex philosophical concepts accessible and applicable to everyday life.In this engaging conversation, we delve into practical Stoic wisdom for modern life, the evolution of ancient philosophy, and how to cultivate resilience and virtue in today's challenging world.Learn how Stoic principles can transform your daily life, enhance decision-making, and foster emotional well-being.His influential works include "How to Be a Stoic: Using Ancient Philosophy to Live a Modern Life" (2017), which provides a practical framework for applying Stoic principles to contemporary challenges.His follow-up work, "A Field Guide to a Happy Life" (2020), reinterprets Epictetus's Enchiridion for modern readers, making ancient wisdom accessible to contemporary audiences.In his latest work, "Beyond Stoicism" (2024), Pigliucci explores new philosophical territories while examining the limitations and possibilities of Stoic thought in the 21st century.For an in-depth analysis of his seminal work, check out our comprehensive reviews of "How to Be a Stoic" at viastoica.com/how-to-be-a-stoic-book-review/ and Beyond Stoicism: https://viastoica.com/beyond-stoicism/Don't miss future episodes of transformative conversations with leading thinkers in philosophy, psychology, and personal development.Subscribe to our podcast on your favorite platform, and if you find value in these discussions, please take a moment to rate and review us.Your support helps us reach more listeners and continue bringing you high-quality content that challenges, inspires, and enriches your life. Join our growing community of thoughtful individuals seeking wisdom and practical insights for better living.Support the showwww.ViaStoica.comhttps://viastoica.com/stoic-life-coaching/https://viastoica.com/benny-voncken/https://viastoica.com/Brendan-hogle/https://viastoica.com/Brice-noble/https://twitter.com/ViaStoicaReach us: info@viastoica.comProduced by: http://podmedia.net/
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Feb 4, 2025 • 29min

70. The Stoic's Guide to Love: Ancient Teachings for Deeper Connections

Send us a textWelcome to the Via Stoica Podcast, the Podcast on Stoicism.In this special Valentine's Day episode, hosts Brendan and Benny explore the timeless intersection of Stoic philosophy and love. Discover how ancient wisdom can transform your approach to modern relationships, from building deeper connections to navigating the complexities of romantic partnerships.Journey through the ancient Greek concepts of love - from Eros (passionate love) to Philia (deep friendship), Philautia (self-love), and Agape (unconditional love). Our hosts examine how these distinct forms of love align with Stoic principles and enrich our understanding of modern relationships.Drawing from the teachings of Marcus Aurelius, Seneca, and Epictetus, our hosts unpack powerful Stoic principles that can help you cultivate more meaningful and resilient relationships. Learn practical strategies for balancing emotion with reason and maintaining inner peace while opening your heart to others.Whether you're single, dating, or in a long-term relationship, this episode offers valuable insights on applying Stoic wisdom to enhance your love life. Brendan and Benny share personal experiences and practical exercises to help you implement these ancient teachings in your daily life.For a deeper dive into Stoicism and love, check out our comprehensive guide on the Via Stoica website: "How to Love: A Stoic View" (https://viastoica.com/how-to-love-a-stoic-view/). There you'll find additional resources, exercises, and practical applications of these concepts.Don't forget to like, subscribe, and share this episode with someone who might benefit from these timeless relationship insights. Your support helps us continue bringing ancient wisdom to modern ears.Support the showwww.ViaStoica.comhttps://viastoica.com/stoic-life-coaching/https://viastoica.com/benny-voncken/https://viastoica.com/Brendan-hogle/https://viastoica.com/Brice-noble/https://twitter.com/ViaStoicaReach us: info@viastoica.comProduced by: http://podmedia.net/
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Jan 29, 2025 • 30min

69. Why Stoicism Matters Today: Timeless Tools for Modern Life

Explore the relevance of Stoic philosophy in today’s fast-paced world. Discover how ancient wisdom from figures like Marcus Aurelius provides practical tools for modern challenges. The hosts discuss managing digital overwhelm and building meaningful relationships in a virtual environment. Learn how Stoicism can help you maintain focus, make better decisions under pressure, and find tranquility amidst chaos. Dive into the intersection of religion and philosophy, and see how Stoicism fosters resilience and connection in our shared human experience.
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Jan 21, 2025 • 36min

68. Stoicism and Decision Making: Ancient Solutions for Modern Choices

Dive into the ancient art of decision-making as the hosts explore how Stoic philosophy can illuminate modern choices. Discover practical techniques from Marcus Aurelius for maintaining perspective, as well as Epictetus's focus on controlling what you can. The discussion includes premeditatio malorum to prepare for outcomes and ways to foster emotional resilience. With relatable anecdotes, this conversation bridges timeless wisdom with current challenges, providing tools for confident and ethical decision-making in a complex world.
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Jan 14, 2025 • 33min

67. Stoicism and Physical Training: Building Mental and Physical Strength

Send us a textWelcome to the Via Stoica Podcast, the Podcast on Stoicism.In this powerful episode of Via Stoica, hosts Brice and Benny explore the profound connection between Stoic philosophy and physical training. Discover how ancient Roman and Greek philosophers approached bodily discipline as a pathway to mental fortitude and spiritual growth.Delve into the Stoic perspective on exercising for the right reasons - not for vanity or social status, but for developing resilience, self-discipline, and character. Learn how Marcus Aurelius viewed physical training as a laboratory for practicing virtues and maintaining mental clarity through challenging circumstances.Whether you're an experienced athlete or just beginning your fitness journey, this episode reveals invaluable insights into using exercise as a testing ground for Stoic practice. Explore how to maintain focus on what you can control during training, develop mental toughness through physical challenges, and approach setbacks with philosophical wisdom.Brice and Benny break down ancient training philosophies into actionable modern practices, emphasizing the crucial mental aspects of physical development. Discover practical techniques for quieting negative self-talk during workouts, setting intentional training goals aligned with Stoic values, and using exercise as a daily opportunity for philosophical growth.Perfect for fitness enthusiasts seeking deeper meaning in their training and Stoic practitioners looking to embody philosophy through physical practice. Join us as we explore how the forge of physical training can temper both body and mind.Physical exercise is a bit topic among men, but what does it mean to be a man? Check out the article on our website about the Stoic Man: https://viastoica.com/what-is-the-stoic-man/. If you struggle with physical exercising and all that is involved with it, get in touch with our Stoic coaches and see how we can help.🎧 Subscribe to Via Stoica on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast platform to receive weekly doses of practical Stoic wisdom. Your 5-star rating and review help other philosophical athletes discover these transformative insights and support our mission of bringing Stoic principles to modern training.Support the showwww.ViaStoica.comhttps://viastoica.com/stoic-life-coaching/https://viastoica.com/benny-voncken/https://viastoica.com/Brendan-hogle/https://viastoica.com/Brice-noble/https://twitter.com/ViaStoicaReach us: info@viastoica.comProduced by: http://podmedia.net/
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Jan 7, 2025 • 1h 19min

66. A Stoic Conversation with Michael McGill: A Deep Dive into Real Modern-day Stoicism

Send us a textWelcome to the Via Stoica Podcast, the Podcast on Stoicism.In this enlightening episode of The Via Stoica Podcast, we welcome Michael McGill, a passionate Stoic practitioner and advocate for living a life rooted in ancient wisdom. Michael dives deep into his personal journey with Stoicism, sharing how it helped him navigate life’s challenges and embrace adversity with strength and clarity.As a real modern-day Stoic, Michael talks about how Stoicism helps him as a father and husband, a CIO, and life in general. We learn how he discovered Stoic philosophy and why he thinks it is so valuable in the world today. We touch on his passion for Roman history and how it connects with the ancient Stoics. His extensive library and we ask him about his favorite books.Find out more about Michael Mcgill, sometimes called the Stoic CIO, on his social media platform. You can connect with him on X (Twitter) here: https://x.com/mcgillmd921 and make sure to sign up for his weekly newsletter: Stay Stoic. He also shares his passion for the Roman empire and the busts of emperors he creates. If you enjoy this episode, be sure to subscribe to The Via Stoica Podcast on your favorite platform. Don’t forget to leave a rating and review—it helps us reach more listeners and spread the practical power of Stoicism to those who need it most. Support the showwww.ViaStoica.comhttps://viastoica.com/stoic-life-coaching/https://viastoica.com/benny-voncken/https://viastoica.com/Brendan-hogle/https://viastoica.com/Brice-noble/https://twitter.com/ViaStoicaReach us: info@viastoica.comProduced by: http://podmedia.net/
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Dec 31, 2024 • 29min

65. Beyond Resolutions: Stoic Principles for Meaningful Year-End Reflection

Send us a textWelcome to the Via Stoica Podcast, the podcast on Stoicism.In this insightful episode of the Via Stoica Podcast, Brendan and Benny challenge conventional New Year's wisdom by exploring the deeper Stoic approach to year-end reflection. Moving beyond simple resolutions, your hosts dive into ancient philosophical principles that can transform how you evaluate your past year and plan for the future.Through their characteristic blend of humor and practical wisdom, Brendan and Benny break down the fundamental Stoic practices for meaningful self-assessment. Learn why traditional resolutions often fail, and discover how Stoic principles like premeditatio malorum and the dichotomy of control can revolutionize your approach to personal growth.Your hosts share their own experiences with year-end reflection, offering candid insights about their successes, failures, and lessons learned. Together, they unpack powerful techniques from Seneca, Epictetus, and Marcus Aurelius that you can apply immediately to your own reflection practice.Whether you're tired of abandoned resolutions or seeking a more philosophical approach to personal development, this episode provides actionable strategies for turning year-end reflection into lasting change. Discover why the Stoics believed that sustainable growth starts with honest self-examination.🎵 Subscribe to Via Stoica on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast platform to join Brendan and Benny in exploring ancient wisdom for modern challenges. Your subscription helps our community of modern Stoics grow stronger.⭐️ If you found value in this episode, please take a moment to rate and review Via Stoica. Your feedback helps other seekers of wisdom discover these transformative teachings and supports our mission of bringing practical Stoic philosophy to everyday life.#Stoicism #NewYear2025 #PersonalDevelopment #Mindfulness #Philosophy #ViaStoica #SelfImprovement #Reflection #Wisdom #AncientPhilosophySupport the showwww.ViaStoica.comhttps://viastoica.com/stoic-life-coaching/https://viastoica.com/benny-voncken/https://viastoica.com/Brendan-hogle/https://viastoica.com/Brice-noble/https://twitter.com/ViaStoicaReach us: info@viastoica.comProduced by: http://podmedia.net/

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