The Via Stoica Podcast

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://twitter.com/ViaStoicaReach us: info@viastoica.comProduced by: http://badmic.com

Massimo Pigliucci, a philosophy professor and a key figure in modern Stoicism, shares his journey from secular humanism to Stoic thought. He discusses navigating personal crises, emphasizing how philosophy can offer practical guidance. Pigliucci critiques modern misinterpretations of Stoicism, contrasting moral excellence with superficial achievements. He also explores the blend of Stoicism with modern psychology, advocating for a meaningful life through pro-social engagement and personal reflection. His insights shed light on resilience and the importance of controlling what we can in our daily lives.

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://twitter.com/ViaStoicaReach us: info@viastoica.comProduced by: http://badmic.com

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.

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://twitter.com/ViaStoicaReach us: info@viastoica.comProduced by: http://badmic.com

Send us a textWelcome to the Via Stoica Podcast, the podcast on StoicismIn this festive episode of the Via Stoica Podcast, hosts Benny and Brendan dive deep into the gap between holiday expectations and reality through the lens of ancient Stoic wisdom. Discover how the teachings of Marcus Aurelius, Seneca, and Epictetus can transform your approach to the festive season, helping you find genuine joy amidst the chaos.Drawing from their own experiences and Stoic principles, Benny and Brendan explore practical techniques for managing family dynamics, social obligations, and the pressure to create "perfect" celebrations. Learn how to navigate gift-giving anxiety, set healthy boundaries, and maintain inner tranquility even when celebrations don't go as planned.Through their signature blend of humor and philosophical insight, your hosts tackle complex family relationships, financial pressures, and the overwhelming nature of holiday preparations. This episode provides actionable Stoic strategies to help you celebrate authentically, with Benny sharing personal holiday challenges and Brendan offering ancient wisdom that's surprisingly relevant to modern struggles.Together, they unpack the Stoic perspective on gratitude and presence - two powerful tools that can revolutionize your holiday experience. Learn why managing expectations isn't about lowering them, but about aligning them with what truly matters.🎵 Subscribe to Via Stoica on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast platform to join Benny and Brendan on their journey of practical ancient wisdom for modern living. 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 Benny and Brendan's mission of bringing Stoic philosophy to everyday life.#Stoicism #PersonalDevelopment #Mindfulness #HolidayWellness #Philosophy #ViaStoica #SelfImprovement #MentalHealth #Wisdom #AncientPhilosophySupport 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

Send us a textWelcome to the Via Stoica Podcast, the podcast on Stoicism.What does it mean to invest like a Stoic? In this episode, we explore how timeless Stoic principles can guide your financial decisions, helping you build wealth and achieve financial freedom with clarity and purpose. Discover how detachment from emotions, disciplined action, and a focus on what truly matters can transform the way you approach investing.We'll discuss the Stoic mindset for navigating market volatility, avoiding impulsive decisions, and staying resilient during economic uncertainties. Learn how key Stoic teachings, such as understanding the dichotomy of control and aligning your actions with your long-term goals, can serve as a foundation for smarter and more mindful investments.Whether you’re new to investing or a seasoned investor, and whether you invest in traditional assets or crypto currencies, this episode offers actionable insights to align your financial strategy with Stoic wisdom. Find out how to cultivate patience, remain calm under pressure, and prioritize financial decisions that bring true freedom and peace of mind.If you enjoy this episode, please take a moment to rate and subscribe to The Via Stoica Podcast! Your support helps us reach more listeners who want to live better, think deeper, and act with intention. Don’t forget to share this episode with friends or colleagues who are interested in Stoicism and financial growth.Tune in now and start investing like a Stoic!You can read more about investing like a Stoic here: https://viastoica.com/investing-like-a-stoic-using-money-as-a-tool/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

Dive into the transformative power of suffering through Stoic wisdom. The conversation explores how to use pain as a catalyst for personal growth and resilience. Discover the difference between voluntary and involuntary suffering, and how both can lead to self-discovery. Insightful case studies from athletes highlight the mental toughness needed to endure hardships. Embrace discomfort with actionable steps to shift your mindset and find purpose in adversity, turning struggles into opportunities for inner peace.

Brittany Polat, a philosophical writer dedicated to accessible Stoicism, and Christopher Gill, an Emeritus Professor and ancient philosophy expert, dive into the essential role of Stoic ethics today. They discuss their book, *Stoic Ethics: The Basics*, emphasizing how ancient virtues connect to modern happiness and personal challenges. The conversation highlights the importance of making Stoicism relatable, addressing contemporary ethical dilemmas, and incorporating philosophical thinking in education to foster moral courage and resilience.

Explore the timeless wisdom of Stoic philosophy on time management. Discover how to prioritize what truly matters and eliminate distractions. Learn the art of saying no to safeguard your goals and maintain balance in life. Reflect on aligning your time investment with personal values and responsibilities. Engage mindfully in each task while appreciating the present moment. With insights from Seneca, Marcus Aurelius, and Epictetus, transform your approach to productivity and find intentionality in your daily life.