The Via Stoica Podcast

Welcome to the Via Stoica Podcast, the podcast on Stoicism. In this episode, we explore why New Year’s can feel strangely heavy, even when it’s meant to be a celebration. For many people, it becomes a moment of judgment, comparison, and pressure, a symbolic “turning point” that makes unfinished business feel louder than usual. The Stoics offer a calmer way to approach it, not as a magical reset, but as another chance to live with clarity, intention, and steadiness.At the center of this episode is a simple Stoic shift: measure your year by your character, not your outcomes. We often evaluate ourselves by externals, achievements, money, status, habits, even health, yet so much of that is never fully up to us. For the Stoics, this wasn’t about lowering ambition, but about grounding self-worth in what truly belongs to you: how you think, choose, and act.Epictetus captures this clearly when he reminds us:“Some things are up to us and some are not.”Epictetus, Handbook 1For the Stoics, this wasn’t about becoming passive, but about becoming precise. When Epictetus writes this, he isn’t telling us to stop striving, but reminding us to stop attaching our peace to results we cannot command. New Year’s intentions become healthier when they focus on the inner work, boundaries, honesty, courage, and daily discipline, rather than a single dramatic change on January 1st.Here are a few Stoic practices from this episode you can explore in your own life:A yearly review of character – Ask, “Did I act well this year?” rather than “Did I win?” Look for progress in patience, integrity, and self-control.Set intentions, not fantasies – Replace rigid resolutions with small commitments you can practice daily, even when motivation fades.Detach from comparison – Notice the impulse to measure your year against others, and return to what you actually know: your own choices.Accept the past, begin again – Let last year be a teacher, not a verdict. Drop regret, take the lesson, and continue.New Year’s can be a useful mirror, but it doesn’t need to become a courtroom. Stoicism helps you step into the next year with less pressure and more direction, grounded in what you control and softened toward what you don’t. By the end of this episode, you’ll see that Stoicism isn’t a cold philosophy of detachment, but a way of living wisely, steadily, and with quiet confidence, one day at a time.Listen to the full episode now and discover how New Year’s reflection can transform the way you think, act, and see your life.Read the companion article: [insert link if available]Support the show🌐 viastoica.com🎯 viastoica.com/stoic-life-coaching👤 viastoica.com/benny-voncken▶️ YouTube: @viastoica📧 info@viastoica.com🎙️ Produced by: badmic.com

Welcome to the Via Stoica Podcast, the podcast on Stoicism. In this Stoic Quotes edition, we reflect on Seneca’s On Anger, Book III, where he reports Aristotle’s concern that, without anger, the mind becomes “indifferent to great endeavors.” Seneca, Dialogues and Essays, On Anger, 3Seneca introduces this idea to question it. For the Stoics, anger is not a source of strength but a disturbance of reason. It clouds judgment and pulls us away from deliberate, ethical action. The greatest endeavor is not an external achievement, but the cultivation of character. Virtue does not need anger to motivate it.This view runs throughout Stoic philosophy. Epictetus urges us to examine impressions before giving assent, and Marcus Aurelius reminds himself to act without bitterness. Through the three Stoic disciplines, anger reflects misplaced desire, unexamined assent, and impulsive action.In practice, this means noticing anger early, pausing before reacting, and questioning the judgments behind it. Calm commitment to virtue proves far more powerful than anger ever could.For more, check out this related article with quotes on anger and self-control:https://viastoica.com/10-seneca-quotes-on-anger/And if you’re looking for more Stoic sayings, visit viastoica.com, where you’ll find hundreds of quotes with full references to the original texts:https://viastoica.com/stoic-quoteshttps://viastoica.com/marcus-aurelius-quoteshttps://viastoica.com/epictetus-quoteshttps://viastoica.com/seneca-quotesMake sure to subscribe for more Stoic Quotes episodes every Friday, as well as our Tuesday interviews and longer discussions.Support the showhttps://viastoica.comhttps://viastoica.com/stoic-life-coachinghttps://viastoica.com/benny-vonckenhttps://x.com/ViaStoicainfo@viastoica.comProduced by: https://badmic.com

Welcome to the Via Stoica Podcast, the podcast on Stoicism.In this episode, we explore a theme that quietly weighs on many people during this time of year: navigating the holidays alone. While the holiday season is often portrayed as a time of togetherness, joy, and celebration, it can also amplify feelings of loneliness, pressure, and comparison. The Stoics approached these moments differently, not by denying the difficulty, but by understanding it through reason, acceptance, and self-knowledge.At the heart of this episode is the Stoic distinction between loneliness and solitude. Loneliness arises when our desires and expectations clash with reality, when we believe something essential is missing. Solitude, by contrast, is a state of inner steadiness, a calm connection with oneself that does not depend on external circumstances.Seneca captures this beautifully when he writes:“…we say the wise man is self-content; he is so in the sense that he is able to do without friends, not that he desires to do without them.”Seneca, Letters from a Stoic, Letter 9For the Stoics, this wasn’t about rejecting relationships or becoming emotionally distant, but about grounding our well-being in what truly belongs to us: our judgments, values, and character. When Seneca speaks of self-contentment, he isn’t praising isolation, but reminding us that inner stability is the foundation for meaningful connection, not its opposite.Here are a few Stoic practices from this episode you can explore in your own life:Examining desires – Notice where your expectations about the holidays come from, and whether they are reasonable or imposed by social pressure.Reframing impressions – When thoughts of “I shouldn’t be alone” arise, pause and question the judgment behind them.Practicing solitude – Use time alone for reflection, rest, and reconnection with your values, rather than distraction.Voluntary withdrawal from comparison – Step back from social media when it fuels restlessness or self-judgment.This episode gently reframes the holidays as an opportunity for honesty and presence. By applying the Stoic view, moments of solitude can become moments of clarity, grounding, and even quiet joy. Stoicism shows us that peace does not come from having life look a certain way, but from learning to meet life as it is, with reason and kindness toward ourselves.Listen to the full episode now and discover how navigating the holidays alone can transform the way you think, act, and relate to yourself.Support the show🌐 viastoica.com🎯 viastoica.com/stoic-life-coaching👤 viastoica.com/benny-voncken▶️ YouTube: @viastoica📧 info@viastoica.com🎙️ Produced by: badmic.com

Welcome to the Via Stoica Podcast, the podcast on Stoicism.In this Stoic Quotes episode, we turn to Epictetus and one of the most important passages from the Handbook (Enchiridion), 1. Epictetus writes: “Practice then from the start to say to every harsh impression, ‘You are an impression and not at all the things you appear to be.’ Then examine it and test it by these rules … whether it has to do with the things which are up to us or with the things which are not. And if it has to do with the things which are not up to us, be ready to reply, ‘It is nothing to me.’”This quote points to a core Stoic insight: events themselves do not disturb us, but the judgments we add to them do. Impressions arise automatically, but we always have the capacity to pause, examine them, and decide whether they concern what is truly up to us. This is where Stoic freedom begins.The same idea appears throughout Stoic philosophy. Marcus Aurelius urges us to remove opinion from events, while Seneca warns how unchecked impressions quickly turn into destructive emotions. Through the disciplines of Desire, Assent, and Action, the Stoics teach us to release attachment to externals, question our immediate reactions, and act from virtue rather than impulse.In practice, this means learning to pause when something unsettling happens, asking whether it lies within your control, and letting go of value judgments where it does not. What remains is the freedom to respond well, no matter the circumstances.For more, check out this related article with quotes on control:https://viastoica.com/10-epictetus-quotes-on-control/And if you’re looking for more Stoic sayings, visit viastoica.com, where you’ll find hundreds of quotes with full references to the original texts:https://viastoica.com/stoic-quoteshttps://viastoica.com/marcus-aurelius-quoteshttps://viastoica.com/epictetus-quoteshttps://viastoica.com/seneca-quotesMake sure to subscribe for more Stoic Quotes episodes every Friday, as well as our Tuesday interviews and longer discussions.Support the showhttps://viastoica.comhttps://viastoica.com/stoic-life-coachinghttps://viastoica.com/benny-vonckenhttps://x.com/ViaStoicainfo@viastoica.comProduced by: badmic.com

Welcome to the Via Stoica Podcast, the podcast on StoicismIn this episode of The Via Stoica Podcast, I sit down with Eric Weiner, celebrated author, philosophical traveler, and former NPR foreign correspondent, to explore how philosophy, travel, and character shape a meaningful life. Known for The Socrates Express and The Geography of Bliss, Eric brings a mix of humor, honesty, and depth to the conversation.We dive into the wisdom behind The Socrates Express, the surprising modern relevance of ancient philosophers, and why Stoic ideas continue to resonate today. Eric also shares insights from Ben and Me, his exploration of Benjamin Franklin’s habits, virtues, and practical philosophy for living well.Whether you’re into Stoicism, philosophy, or simply searching for grounded guidance in daily life, this conversation offers clear, practical takeaways. If you enjoy the episode, rate, review, and subscribe, and read our full review of The Socrates Express: https://viastoica.com/the-socrates-express/Support the showhttps://viastoica.comhttps://viastoica.com/stoic-life-coachinghttps://viastoica.com/benny-vonckenhttps://twitter.com/ViaStoicainfo@viastoica.comProduced by: http://badmic.com

Explore the wisdom of Marcus Aurelius on accepting what nature brings us and the challenges of resisting it. The podcast delves into the importance of understanding our judgments about external events and how they impact our emotions. Listeners learn to break down situations for better perspective and to emphasize character over external outcomes. The discussion highlights the pursuit of virtue and clarity as the true good, urging us to embrace stoic principles in our daily lives.

Welcome to the Via Stoica Podcast, the podcast on Stoicism.In this episode, we explore what it truly means to socialize like a Stoic in a world shaped by screens, quick fixes, and the rising tide of loneliness. Many believe confidence comes from external aids like alcohol or status, yet the Stoics approached human connection from a far deeper place. This conversation invites you to pause and reconsider where real confidence and meaningful relationships actually begin.At the heart of this episode is the Stoic understanding that we are, by nature, social beings, meant to contribute to one another and to the greater whole. As Marcus Aurelius reminds us in Meditations 5.1:“At dawn, when you have trouble getting out of bed, tell yourself: I have to go to work as a human being.”For the Stoics, this wasn’t about productivity or social performance, but about duty, contribution, and showing up as a rational, pro-social being. When Marcus writes this, he isn’t being harsh, but reminding us that withdrawing from life and others is not in harmony with who we are meant to be.Here are a few Stoic practices from this episode you can explore in your own life:– Examining impressions – noticing when fear of rejection or discomfort shapes your social choices.– Voluntary discomfort – practicing sober, deliberate presence in social settings to build real confidence.– View from above – stepping back to see how small momentary rejection truly is in the larger pattern of life.– Daily reflection – journaling how you showed up for others and where you avoided connection.Modern life offers endless stimulation but little depth. Algorithms, digital validation, and social shortcuts promise connection yet often strengthen isolation. Stoicism offers another way—one grounded in character, clarity, and courage. By the end of this episode, you’ll see that Stoicism isn’t a cold philosophy of detachment, but a way of living with presence, responsibility, and quiet inner strength.Referenced clips from the episodeScott Galloway on Bill Maher:https://youtu.be/BeTLZasgWS4?si=p0a4l-Bp7Us3_0TvGary Vaynerchuk on confidence and judgment:https://www.youtube.com/shorts/A-BFFp9TdD4Listen to the full episode now and discover how social connection can transform the way you think, act, and see your life.Support the show🌐 viastoica.com🎯 viastoica.com/stoic-life-coaching👤 viastoica.com/benny-voncken▶️ YouTube: @viastoica📧 info@viastoica.com🎙️ Produced by: badmic.com

Welcome to the Via Stoica Podcast, the podcast on Stoicism.In this episode, we explore a powerful line from Seneca’s On Anger (Book 3.5): “The first essential is not to become angry; the second, to cease being angry; the third, to cure anger in others.” Seneca calls anger a form of “momentary madness,” a state that pulls us away from clarity and keeps us from making the right moral choice.We walk through why the Stoics saw anger as a judgment rather than an inevitable reaction, and how examining that judgment helps us understand the emotion instead of being overpowered by it. Drawing on the Stoic disciplines of Desire, Assent, and Action, this episode shows how we can pause before anger rises, return to reason when it does, and eventually help others do the same.You’ll also hear practical ways to apply Seneca’s three steps in daily life, from creating a pause between trigger and response, to setting a calmer example for the people around us. This is a reflective and grounded look at how Stoicism helps us navigate one of the most common and disruptive emotions.For more, check out this related article with quotes on anger:https://viastoica.com/how-to-take-right-action-like-a-stoic/And if you’re looking for more Stoic sayings, visit viastoica.com, where you’ll find hundreds of quotes with full references to the original texts:https://viastoica.com/stoic-quoteshttps://viastoica.com/marcus-aurelius-quoteshttps://viastoica.com/epictetus-quoteshttps://viastoica.com/seneca-quotesMake sure to subscribe for more Stoic Quotes episodes every Friday, as well as our Tuesday interviews and longer discussions.Support the showhttps://viastoica.comhttps://viastoica.com/stoic-life-coachinghttps://viastoica.com/benny-vonckenhttps://x.com/ViaStoicainfo@viastoica.comProduced by: https://badmic.com

Welcome to the Via Stoica Podcast, the podcast on Stoicism.In today’s episode, we explore a simple but powerful December practice: returning to a few meaningful books as a way to reflect, reset, and prepare for the year ahead. This is a time when many people think about change, but the Stoics approached renewal differently. For them, reflection wasn’t about waiting for January 1st, it was about using this moment, right now, to strengthen the mind and clarify intention.At the heart of this episode is the idea that reading is not an escape but a form of self-examination. He isn’t urging perfectionism, but pointing us toward small, present-moment choices, the kind of choices this yearly reading ritual helps illuminate.Here are a few Stoic practices from this episode you can explore in your own life:• Reflective reading — return to books that ground you, not for new information but to renew your mindset and revisit forgotten insights.• Preparing the mind early — instead of waiting for New Year’s resolutions, use December as your mental runway to understand why you want to change.• Examining impressions — pause when you feel pulled toward old habits and ask yourself what belief or expectation sits underneath the impulse.• Daily philosophical reminders — create your own “handbook” of quotes or ideas that steady you when life becomes noisy.This episode is a quiet invitation to step back from the rush of the year and reconnect with what matters. The books Benny discusses — Man’s Search for Meaning, Epictetus’ Handbook, and Marcus Aurelius' Meditations are not just texts but companions that sharpen attention, deepen gratitude, and restore a sense of direction. By returning to them, we rediscover that Stoicism is not about cold detachment. It is about remembering who we want to be and choosing to live with clarity, courage, and a bit more kindness toward ourselves.Listen to the full episode now and discover how end-of-year reflection can transform the way you think, act, and see your life.You can also check out the article: https://viastoica.com/the-best-stoic-books-for-reflection/Support the show🌐 viastoica.com🎯 viastoica.com/stoic-life-coaching👤 viastoica.com/benny-voncken▶️ YouTube: @viastoica📧 info@viastoica.com🎙️ Produced by: badmic.com

Welcome to the Via Stoica Podcast, the podcast on Stoicism. In today’s Stoic Quotes episode, we explore a powerful teaching from Epictetus taken from the Handbook (Enchiridion), Section 4, a short, concentrated guide to Stoic practice.“When you are about to undertake some action, remind yourself what sort of action it is.”Epictetus, Handbook, 4This simple instruction contains a profound Stoic discipline: prepare your mind before entering situations where frustration, irritation, or impatience are likely to arise. Epictetus uses the example of going to the public baths in ancient Rome, a chaotic place full of noise, crowds, and annoyances. His point is timeless: if you remember what you are stepping into, you won’t be surprised by what happens inside it.What he’s really pointing to is the Stoic principle of prosochē, attentive presence. When you anticipate the nature of the situation, you protect your freedom of response. You remember that your task is not just to “take a bath,” or “drive a car,” or “stand in a queue,” but to keep your choices aligned with nature, meaning aligned with reason, patience, and virtue.When you adopt this mindset, daily life becomes far less reactive. You stop wishing people were different and begin practicing who you want to be.In practical terms, this teaching can help you:• Reduce frustration in situations you already know will test you — driving, airports, crowded shops, delays.• Take a brief mental pause before entering a task and ask, “What am I about to do — and who do I want to be while doing it?”• Shift from reacting to others’ behavior toward fulfilling your own role with patience, calm, and steadiness.By preparing your mind before the moment, you create space for virtue within the moment.For more, check out this related article with quotes on how to take the right action:https://viastoica.com/how-to-take-right-action-like-a-stoic/And if you’re looking for more Stoic sayings, visit viastoica.com, where you’ll find hundreds of quotes with full references to the original texts:https://viastoica.com/stoic-quoteshttps://viastoica.com/marcus-aurelius-quoteshttps://viastoica.com/epictetus-quoteshttps://viastoica.com/seneca-quotesMake sure to subscribe for more Stoic Quotes episodes every Friday, as well as our Tuesday interviews and longer discussions.Support the showhttps://viastoica.comhttps://viastoica.com/stoic-life-coachinghttps://viastoica.com/benny-vonckenhttps://x.com/ViaStoicainfo@viastoica.comProduced by: badmic.com