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 explore the writings of Marcus Aurelius, Epictetus, Seneca, and more, to see how their lessons still guide us today.In this episode, we reflect on a quote by Epictetus, Handbook (Enchiridion), 37:“If you take on a role that is beyond your powers, you not only disgrace yourself in that role, but you neglect the role that you were capable of fulfilling.”Epictetus reminds us to know our limits and live in harmony with our true nature. Trying to play a part that isn’t ours leads to frustration and imbalance. The Stoic lesson here is simple but powerful: fulfillment comes from performing our genuine roles well, not from chasing status or proving ourselves.In this episode, we explore how to recognize when a role no longer fits, how to realign with what truly matters, and why stepping back can sometimes be an act of wisdom rather than failure.If you are looking for more Stoic quotes like this one, visit ⁠viastoica.com⁠, where you’ll find hundreds of authentic Stoic sayings with full references to the original texts.⁠https://viastoica.com/stoic-quotes⁠⁠https://viastoica.com/seneca-quotes⁠⁠https://viastoica.com/epictetus-quotes⁠⁠https://viastoica.com/marcus-aurelius-quotes⁠Make sure to subscribe to The Via Stoica Podcast for new Stoic quote episodes every Friday, and our regular Tuesday conversations and interviews. If you enjoy the show, please leave a rating — it helps us reach more like-minded people.Support the show:🌐 ⁠https://viastoica.com⁠🎓 ⁠https://viastoica.com/stoic-life-coaching⁠👤 ⁠https://viastoica.com/benny-voncken⁠🐦 ⁠https://x.com/ViaStoica⁠📧 Reach us: ⁠info@viastoica.com⁠Produced by: ⁠badmic.com⁠

Welcome to the Via Stoica Podcast, the podcast on Stoicism.What does it mean to lead yourself, before leading others? In this episode of The Via Stoica Podcast, Benny speaks with Becky Schmooke, founder of Stoic Edge Consulting and Becky’s Mindful Kitchen, and author of Choose the Handle That Holds.Blending Stoic philosophy, modern science, and real-world leadership, Becky helps people transform everyday challenges into opportunities for growth. Her approach isn’t about motivational hype; it’s about practical, lasting change through action-based mindfulness.Together they explore:How Stoicism helps you “choose the handle that holds” when facing obstaclesThe connection between mindfulness, leadership, and self-masteryWhy true leadership is a lifestyle, not a job titlePractical ways to apply Stoic tools in your personal and professional lifeYou can read about this interview here: https://viastoica.com/a-stoic-approach-to-leadership/With humor, vulnerability, and a deep understanding of both philosophy and human behavior, Becky shares insights from her work with organizations across the U.S., from healthcare teams and first responders to the NFL, showing that Stoic principles can empower anyone to live and lead with purpose.Follow Becky’s work here:🌐 beckyschmooke.com💼 linkedin.com/in/becky-schmooke📸 instagram.com/beckyschmooke✉️ substack.com/@beckyschmooke

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 explore the writings of Marcus Aurelius, Epictetus, Seneca, and more, to see how their lessons still guide us today.In this episode, we reflect on a quote by Marcus Aurelius, Meditations, Book 4, Number 7:“Choose not to be harmed and you won’t feel harmed. Don’t feel harmed and you haven’t been.”Marcus Aurelius reminds us that our sense of being “hurt” depends on our judgment, not the event itself. By removing the thought “I am hurt,” the pain itself disappears. This is a core Stoic idea about emotional freedom: that while we cannot control what others do or say, we can control our response to it.In this episode, we explore how Stoics understood the process of emotion, from first impressions to assent, and how to apply this in daily life. You’ll learn how to pause before reacting, see events for what they are, and gradually weaken the thoughts that lead to anger or distress.If you are looking for more Stoic quotes like this one, visit viastoica.com, where you’ll find hundreds of authentic Stoic sayings with full references to the original texts.viastoica.com/stoic-quotesviastoica.com/seneca-quotesviastoica.com/epictetus-quotesviastoica.com/marcus-aurelius-quotesMake sure to subscribe to The Via Stoica Podcast for new Stoic quote episodes every Friday, and our regular Tuesday conversations and interviews. If you enjoy the show, please leave a rating, it helps us reach more like-minded people.Support the show🌐 viastoica.com🎓 viastoica.com/stoic-life-coaching👤 viastoica.com/benny-voncken👤 viastoica.com/brendan-hogle🐦 twitter.com/ViaStoica📧 Reach us: info@viastoica.comProduced by: badmic.com

Welcome to the Via Stoica Podcast, the podcast on StoicismAI is changing fast, and so are our reactions to it. Some people resist it, others embrace it, and many feel afraid. In this episode of the Via Stoica Podcast, Benny looks at AI through a Stoic lens and asks a simple question: how do we meet rapid change with reason rather than fear?Benny clarifies what today’s “AI” mostly is: tools that predict and generate language, and why labeling it good or bad is our addition, not a fact. From there, he applies core Stoic ideas: AI as an external and therefore an indifferent, the three disciplines as a daily guide, and the need to keep agency over judgment and action. You will hear practical examples of using AI to support your work without outsourcing your voice, along with common risks to watch for, like misinformation, over-reliance, and letting tools set your identity.The episode offers concrete practices: negative visualization to rehearse possible losses or overuse, the view from above to place AI among past waves of change like the internet and mobile phones, and journaling to keep your reason active rather than passive. The goal is not to glorify or demonize AI, but to cultivate wisdom, courage, and self-command while the world shifts around us.If you want a grounded way to use AI as a tool, without letting it use you, this conversation will help you stay steady, thoughtful, and free.Support the show🌐 ⁠https://viastoica.com⁠🎯 ⁠https://viastoica.com/stoic-life-coaching⁠👤 ⁠https://viastoica.com/benny-voncken⁠▶️ YouTube: /viastoica📧 Reach us: ⁠info@viastoica.com⁠🎙️ Produced by: ⁠http://badmic.com⁠

Welcome to the Via Stoica Podcast, the podcast on Stoicism.In this Stoic Quotes episode, Benny reflects on the words of Seneca from On Providence, section 4:“You are unfortunate in my judgment, for you have never been unfortunate. You have passed through life with no antagonist to face you. No one will know what you were capable of, not even yourself.”Seneca reminds us that trials and obstacles are not punishments but opportunities. Without resistance, we never learn our limits or discover our inner strength. For the Stoics, hardship is the training ground for virtue, a test that sharpens self-knowledge and resilience.Benny explores how this insight connects to the Socratic principle of “know yourself,” the Stoic embrace of adversity as a teacher, and the mindset shift that transforms obstacles from burdens into opportunities for growth. From athletes seeking worthy opponents to Marcus Aurelius’ reminder that “the obstacle is the way,” Stoicism teaches us that challenges reveal what we are truly capable of.Practical ReflectionsWhen facing obstacles, pause and ask: What is this teaching me about myself?Reframe difficulties as tests of character rather than punishments of fate.Remember past struggles you overcame; you are stronger than you imagine.For more, check out this related article on overcoming adversity:https://viastoica.com/stoic-freedomAnd 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/seneca-quoteshttps://viastoica.com/marcus-aurelius-quoteshttps://viastoica.com/epictetus-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 Stoicism.Immigration is one of the most polarizing topics of our time, stirring emotions, fears, and debates across nations. But how might the Stoics approach it?In this episode of the Via Stoica Podcast, Benny explores immigration through the lens of Stoic philosophy. Drawing from Marcus Aurelius, Epictetus, and the Stoic idea of cosmopolitanism, he unpacks how we might see beyond national borders and labels to recognize each other as fellow citizens of the world.Benny examines the natural movement of people, the fears that immigration often provokes, such as economic competition, cultural change, and security, and contrasts these with Stoic principles of justice, compassion, and role ethics. He reflects on Hierocles’ circles of concern, the Stoic “view from above,” and what it means to treat strangers as kin.Rather than succumbing to fear and division, Stoicism invites us to build understanding through education, dialogue, and shared humanity. Immigration, seen from this perspective, becomes not just a challenge but an opportunity to practice virtue, unity, and wisdom in our global community.If you’ve ever wondered how Stoic philosophy can help us reframe modern debates about borders, culture, and identity, this episode offers a thought-provoking starting point.Support the show🌐 ⁠https://viastoica.com⁠🎯 ⁠https://viastoica.com/stoic-life-coaching⁠👤 ⁠https://viastoica.com/benny-voncken⁠▶️ YouTube: /viastoica📧 Reach us: ⁠info@viastoica.com⁠🎙️ Produced by: ⁠http://badmic.com⁠

Welcome to the Via Stoica Podcast, the podcast on Stoicism.In this Stoic Quotes episode, Benny reflects on the words of Marcus Aurelius from Meditations, Book 6.16:“And if you can’t stop prizing a lot of other things, then you’ll never be free.”Marcus reminds himself that true freedom is not found in wealth, possessions, or status—but in learning to stop attaching value to what lies outside our control. For the Stoics, freedom means self-sufficiency, tranquility, and being free from the passions that disturb the soul.Benny explores how this insight connects to the Discipline of Desire and the Stoic pursuit of eudaimonia—a flourishing life rooted in reason and virtue. Marcus, despite being emperor of Rome, knew the danger of craving more: it enslaves us to fortune and leaves us restless.Drawing connections to Epictetus’ reminder that only our judgments and actions are truly ours, and Seneca’s warnings about wasted time and attachments, this episode shows how the Stoic path to freedom is inward, not outward.Practical ReflectionsExamine what you prize most in life: are these things truly within your control?Practice gratitude for what you already have, instead of longing for what you lack.Remind yourself that all externals are on loan from fortune—when they leave, your character and choices remain.For more, check out this related article with quotes on freedom:https://viastoica.com/stoic-freedom/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

Kortney Yasenka, a licensed clinical mental health counselor and author, bridges Stoicism and the Swedish concept of lagom—living with balance. She discusses how asking 'What is enough?' fosters a meaningful life. Kortney highlights daily reflection on Stoic quotes and practical strategies for contentment in our busy world. She shares insights from her therapy practice, emphasizing the importance of defining personal values and finding joy in simplicity, all while navigating the challenges of modern life.

Welcome to the Via Stoica Podcast, the podcast on Stoicism.In this Stoic Quotes episode, Benny reflects on the words of Seneca from his essay On the Shortness of Life. Seneca challenges the common complaint that life is too brief, reminding us instead that: “Life is long, if only you know how to use it.”Rather than blaming nature for giving us too little time, Seneca argues that the problem lies in how we waste it—chasing externals, worrying about the future, or clinging to the past. Benny unpacks how this insight shifts our perspective: life is not about how many years we get, but how we live each present moment with awareness and virtue.Drawing connections with Marcus Aurelius’ reflections on time and Epictetus’ call to focus only on what is in our control, this episode explores how attention and presence transform the quality of our days. By treating each moment as if it could be our last, we discover that we already have enough time, if we live it well.You’ll hear how slowing down gives life a deeper richness, why attention is a form of love, and how letting go of legacy and haste brings us closer to peace. Seneca’s reminder still speaks to us today: a fulfilled life is not measured by its length, but by the way we choose to use it.Perfect for anyone reflecting on time, meaning, and how to live more intentionally with Stoic wisdom.For more, check out this related article with quotes on how to use our time best:🔗 https://viastoica.com/10-seneca-quotes-on-time/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:🔗 viastoica.com/stoic-quotes🔗 viastoica.com/marcus-aurelius-quotes🔗 viastoica.com/epictetus-quotes🔗 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 show🌐 viastoica.com🌐 viastoica.com/stoic-life-coaching🌐 viastoica.com/benny-voncken🐦 /viastoica📩 Reach us: info@viastoica.comProduced by: badmic.com

Explore the Stoic Discipline of Assent, an essential practice for mastering our responses to life's impressions. Discover how pausing can transform impulsive reactions into thoughtful judgments. Learn from ancient philosophers like Epictetus and Marcus Aurelius about emotional regulation and decision-making. Gain practical techniques to distance yourself from immediate impressions and reflect on deeper truths. This engaging discussion also delves into how this discipline can enhance relationships and offer clarity in an age of rapid reactions.