The Via Stoica Podcast — A Stoic Way of Life

Discover the Stoic Discipline of Desire and how it helps redirect our cravings inward for true peace and virtue. Learn why unchecked desires lead to anxiety and how to practice gratitude and journaling to align wants with inner values. Explore the difference between fleeting pleasures and lasting joy, and understand how comparison distorts our reasoning. Gain practical tools like pausing before impulses and reflecting on your true goals to cultivate freedom and calm in a world filled with distractions.

Welcome to the Via Stoica Podcast, the Podcast on Stoicism.In this Stoic Quotes episode, Benny reflects on Epictetus’ words from Discourses 3.9:“You too should drop your desire. Do not covet many things and you will get what you want.”For Epictetus, the path to freedom and peace begins with the discipline of desire. We often chase after externals — wealth, success, recognition — only to find ourselves restless and unsatisfied. The more we want, the less content we feel. But when we align our desires with what is truly up to us, namely virtue and right action, we discover lasting satisfaction.In this episode, Benny unpacks how Epictetus connects unchecked desire to frustration, anger, and fear, while showing that virtue is the only secure object of desire. You’ll hear how the Stoics distinguished between healthy wishes and destructive passions, and why letting go of unnecessary wants is the key to freedom.Perfect for anyone exploring Epictetus’s quotes on desire, the Stoic discipline of desire, and practical philosophy for living a more grounded life.In the Stoic Quotes series, we explore timeless wisdom from Seneca, Epictetus, Marcus Aurelius, and more — discovering what they meant then and how we can live them today. In this episode, Benny connects Epictetus’ insight to the daily struggle of ambition, the need for role clarity, and the courage to choose virtue over externals.If you are looking for more quotes like this one, visit viastoica.com. We have hundreds of Stoic sayings with full references, so you can find them in the original texts or use them in your own reflections.🔗 viastoica.com/stoic-quotes🔗 viastoica.com/epictetus-quotes🔗 viastoica.com/marcus-aurelius-quotes🔗 viastoica.com/seneca-quotesMake sure to subscribe for more quote episodes every Friday, as well as our Tuesday interviews and longer Stoic discussions. Leave a comment if you have thoughts or questions — we might feature them in a future episode.Support the show🌐 viastoica.com🌐 viastoica.com/stoic-life-coaching🌐 viastoica.com/benny-voncken🐦 /viastoica📩 Reach us: info@viastoica.comProduced by: badmic.com

Dr. John Sellars, a leading scholar in Stoicism and a Reader in the History of Philosophy at Royal Holloway, shares his insights on the enduring relevance of Stoicism. He clarifies common misconceptions about the philosophy, including the ideas that it's unemotional or for men only. The conversation delves into his personal journey with philosophy, emphasizing the balance between ego and ambition. Sellars also discusses the appeal of ancient ethics in today's world, the impact of community on mental health, and the intriguing complexities of Stoic beliefs about determinism and divinity.

Welcome to the Via Stoica Podcast, the podcast on Stoicism.In this Stoic Quotes episode, Benny reflects on Marcus Aurelius’ reminder from Meditations 7.18:“Frightened of change? But what can exist without it? What’s closer to nature’s heart?”Change is constant — from the rise and fall of empires to the daily challenges in our own lives. Marcus wrote these words while facing war, plague, and political turmoil, reminding himself that change is not something to resist but the very pulse of nature itself.Discover how the Stoics saw change not as an enemy but as the natural order of things. Learn how this view can help you face uncertainty with courage, accept the inevitability of loss, and meet each moment with wisdom and strength. Perfect for anyone exploring Marcus Aurelius' quotes on change, the Stoic view of nature, and practical philosophy for adapting to life’s challenges.In the Stoic Quotes series, we uncover timeless wisdom from Seneca, Epictetus, Marcus Aurelius, and more — exploring what they meant then and how we can live them today. In this episode, Benny connects Marcus’ insight on change to Stoic physics, the cycle of renewal in nature, and the courage to face the unknown with dignity.If you are looking for more quotes like this one, visit viastoica.com. We have hundreds of Stoic sayings with full references, so you can find them in the original texts or use them in your own work.🔗 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 for more quote episodes every Friday, as well as our Tuesday interviews and longer Stoic discussions. Leave a comment if you have thoughts or questions — we might feature them in a future episode.Support the show🌐 www.ViaStoica.com🌐 https://viastoica.com/stoic-life-coaching/🌐 https://viastoica.com/benny-voncken/🐦 /viastoica📩 Reach us: info@viastoica.comProduced by: http://badmic.com

In this episode of The Via Stoica Podcast, Benny and Brendan speak with Dr. Ranjini George, a writer, teacher, and scholar who bridges the worlds of East and West. Formerly an Associate Professor of English at Zayed University in Dubai, and now teaching Creative Writing and Arts & Humanities at the University of Toronto, Dr. George brings decades of experience exploring the overlap between philosophy, literature, and lived practice.We trace her journey from growing up in India and Kenya, to teaching in Oman and Dubai, to immigrating to Canada, where she began weaving meditation, Buddhism, and Stoicism into her teaching and writing. Dr. George shares how Marcus Aurelius’ Meditations and Thich Nhat Hanh’s writings became constant companions, how Donald Robertson’s How to Think Like a Roman Emperor deepened her Stoic path, and why she believes both traditions offer a daily, practical way to train the mind.The conversation explores where Buddhism and Stoicism align, in mindfulness, compassion, and resilience, and where they diverge. We talk about journaling as a form of self-inquiry, the importance of suffering “intelligently,” and what it means to pursue meaningful work without being consumed by comparison or self-cherishing. Dr. George also reflects on her books Through My Mother’s Window and her works-in-progress, Blue Flowers and Miracle of Flowers, and how storytelling itself can be a philosophical act.Whether you are drawn to Buddhism, Stoicism, or simply the search for a good life, this episode offers insight into building your own philosophy of life with compassion, wisdom, and presence.You can explore Dr. Ranjini George’s novel excerpt on Modern Stoicism: https://modernstoicism.com/blue-flowers-novel-excerpt-by-ranjini-george/You can also find her teaching at the University of Toronto School of Continuing Studies: https://learn.utoronto.caSupport the showhttps://viastoica.comhttps://viastoica.com/stoic-life-coachinghttps://viastoica.com/benny-vonckenhttps://viastoica.com/brendan-hoglehttps://x.com/ViaStoicainfo@viastoica.comProduced by: http://badmic.com

Life is precious because it ends. In this Stoic Quotes episode, Benny reflects on one of Seneca’s most powerful lines from Consolation to Marcia:“Life, it is thanks to death that you are precious in my eyes.”Discover how the Stoics saw death not as something to fear, but as the reason we should live fully. Learn how this view can help you approach life with urgency, gratitude, and virtue — making the most of the time you have now. Perfect for anyone exploring Seneca's quotes on death, the Stoic view of mortality, and practical philosophy for living well.In the Stoic Quotes series, we explore timeless wisdom from Seneca, Epictetus, Marcus Aurelius, and more — uncovering what they meant then and how we can live it today.In this episode, Benny unpacks why the Stoics believed death adds value to life, weaving in Seneca’s insights, Epictetus’ advice, and even a lyric from Pearl Jam’s I Am Mine. You’ll hear practical reflections on living according to nature, fulfilling your roles well, and meeting the end of life — whenever it comes — with peace and dignity.If you are looking for more quotes like this one, visit viastoica.com. We have hundreds of Stoic sayings with full references, so you can find them in the original texts or use them in your own work.🔗 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 for more quote episodes every Friday, as well as our Tuesday interviews and longer Stoic discussions. Leave a comment if you have thoughts or questions — we might feature them in a future episode.Support the show🌐 www.ViaStoica.com🌐 https://viastoica.com/stoic-life-coaching/🌐 https://viastoica.com/benny-voncken/🐦 https://twitter.com/ViaStoica📩 Reach us: info@viastoica.comProduced by: http://badmic.com

A Stoic Conversation with William C. Spears: Stoicism as a Warrior PhilosophyIn this episode of The Via Stoica Podcast, Benny and Brendan speak with William C. Spears, active duty U.S. naval officer, submarine commander, and author of Stoicism as a Warrior Philosophy. From the depths of nuclear-powered submarines to the halls of the Pentagon, William shares how Stoicism became a moral framework and mental toolkit for navigating high-stakes, high-pressure environments.We explore his path from discovering Epictetus through Admiral James Stockdale, to writing a book that bridges the gap between ancient philosophy and modern military service. William unpacks what he means by “warrior” and “warrior philosophy,” why Stoicism is more than emotional suppression, and how its principles can strengthen leadership, resilience, and ethical decision-making in the armed forces.The conversation also delves into just war theory, the mental health benefits of Stoic practice, and the misconceptions, both in and outside the military, about what it means to live by Stoic principles. Whether you’re in uniform, leading a team, or seeking a way to stay grounded in turbulent times, this episode offers a clear-eyed perspective on applying ancient wisdom to modern challenges.You can connect with William at his website https://williamcspears.com or on X/Twitter via @WilliamCSpears.Support the showhttps://viastoica.comhttps://viastoica.com/stoic-life-coaching.comhttps://viastoica.com/benny-vonckenhttps://viastoica.com/brendan-hoglehttps://x.com/ViaStoicainfo@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 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