The Via Stoica Podcast — A Stoic Way of Life

The Via Stoica Podcast: Stoic Quotes SeriesIn this Stoic Quotes edition, we explore a powerful teaching from The Discourses of Epictetus, Book 3, Chapter 23.1:“First say to yourself, what manner of man you want to be; when you have settled this, act upon it in all you do.”In this episode, Benny breaks down why this quote remains one of the most practical and transformational insights from Epictetus. What kind of person do you want to be—not just in your work or relationships, but in every aspect of your life? This question is not about chasing external goals, but about choosing a set of values and consistently living by them.Using the metaphor of an athlete preparing for the Olympics, Epictetus shows us that clarity of purpose must come first. Without it, we act at random or according to improper standards. With it, we find direction, consistency, and a deeper peace of mind. This episode guides you through how to identify your values, apply them in difficult moments, and grow from setbacks.If you're looking for more Stoic quotes like this one, visit viastoica.com, where you’ll find hundreds of Stoic sayings, all verified and referenced for your own study and reflection:Stoic Quotes CollectionSeneca QuotesEpictetus QuotesMarcus Aurelius QuotesNeed guidance?Book a free consultation with one of our coaches to get help defining your values and applying Stoicism in your daily life:👉 Stoic Life CoachingMake sure to subscribe to the podcast for more Stoic quote reflections and our regular Tuesday conversations and interviews. If you find value in what we share, leaving a rating helps us reach more like-minded listeners.Support the showwww.ViaStoica.comhttps://viastoica.com/benny-voncken/https://viastoica.com/Brendan-hogle/https://twitter.com/ViaStoicaReach us: info@viastoica.comProduced by: badmic.com

Welcome to the Via Stoica Podcast, the Podcast on StoicismIn this episode, Brendan interviews his co-host, Benny Voncken, to explore the personal journey that brought him to Stoic philosophy. From a difficult divorce and battles with alcohol to finding strength through books and reflection, Benny opens up about how Stoicism became his lifeline.You’ll hear how a moment of crisis in a hotel room sparked a turning point, how reading Marcus Aurelius and Epictetus shaped his outlook, and how Stoicism helped him set boundaries, let go of people-pleasing, and rediscover his sense of purpose. Benny also reflects on the role of love, teaching Stoic Week, and why Epictetus’ blunt wisdom gave him the wake-up call he needed.If you’re on your own Stoic path or curious where to begin, Benny’s story shows that philosophy isn’t just a theory — it’s a practical companion for real transformation.Do you have a Stoic story to share? We’d love to feature it.https://viastoica.com/stoic-stories/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

Why You Should Listen More and Speak Less – Wisdom from Zeno of CitiumStoic Quote Series – Via Stoica PodcastIn this episode of the Via Stoica Podcast, we go back to the roots of Stoicism — to Zeno of Citium, the founder of the philosophy. Long before Marcus Aurelius, Seneca, and Epictetus, Zeno taught the importance of listening, observation, and self-mastery.We reflect on one of his most powerful quotes:“The reason why we have two ears and only one mouth is that we may listen the more and talk the less.”– Zeno of Citium, Lives of Eminent Philosophers, Book 7.23Why is real listening so rare today? How can we practice presence and attention in everyday conversations? And how does this quote connect to Stoic ideas like impressions, cosmopolitanism, and inner virtue?This episode explores the Stoic art of listening and how to live it, not just talk about it.🔗 Want to go deeper into Stoicism?Explore more quotes, lessons, and coaching at:www.viastoica.com/stoic-quoteswww.viastoica.com/seneca-quoteswww.viastoica.com/epictetus-quoteswww.viastoica.com/marcus-aurelius-quoteswww.viastoica.com/stoic-life-coachingwww.viastoica.com/benny-vonckenwww.viastoica.com/brendan-hoglewww.twitter.com/ViaStoica🎙 Hosted by Benny VonckenProduced by: www.badmic.comContact: info@viastoica.com🧘 Practice the wisdom. Don’t just hear it — live it.#stoicism #zenoofcitium #stoicquotes #viastoica #stoicphilosophy #listenmore #stoicpodcast

Welcome to the Via Stoica Podcast, the Podcast on StoicismIn this special episode, co-host Brendan Hogle steps into the spotlight to share his personal Stoic journey — from first discovering The Obstacle is the Way by Ryan Holiday to applying the teachings of Marcus Aurelius during moments of grief, travel, and deep personal challenge.You’ll hear how Brendan went from a “passive Stoic” to someone who lives and breathes the practice, especially during the loss of his mother and the unpredictability of life abroad during the pandemic. He also reflects on what Stoicism still teaches him today, which virtue he struggles with most, and why daily practice remains a challenge even after a decade of study.Whether you’re new to Stoicism or well along your path, this episode offers practical wisdom, honest reflection, and a reminder that everyone’s Stoic story starts somewhere.Do you have a Stoic story to share? We’d love to feature it.https://viastoica.com/stoic-stories/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

The Via Stoica Podcast: Stoic Quotes SeriesIn this episode of the Stoic Quotes series, we explore a powerful reminder from Marcus Aurelius, found in Meditations, Book 10.16:“To stop talking about what the good man is like, and just be one.”Marcus doesn’t leave much room for excuses here. This quote cuts through all pretense and self-image. It challenges us to move from words to action, from theory to practice. Instead of debating virtue, he reminds us to embody it. But what does being “a good man” actually mean in Stoic philosophy? And how can we live that out today?Go to https://viastoica.com/what-is-the-stoic-man, to learn what a true Stoic man is.Join us as we reflect on this sharp directive from the Stoic emperor and discuss practical ways to close the gap between what we say and what we do. Whether you’re new to Stoicism or deep in your practice, this episode offers a grounded look at personal integrity, consistency, and moral action.If you're looking for more quotes like this one, visit viastoica.com, where we host hundreds of authentic Stoic sayings, each fully referenced and ready for your own reflections or writing.Browse our collections: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 to the podcast for more Stoic quote breakdowns, regular Tuesday episodes, and guest interviews. If this episode resonated with you, please leave a rating. It helps us reach more people interested in practical wisdom.Support the show:www.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

Shermin Kruse, an author and executive coach, discusses the power of Stoic Empathy, blending emotional intelligence with philosophy. She shares insights from her childhood in post-revolution Iran, emphasizing the role of artistic expression as protest. The conversation explores balancing personal responsibility with emotional well-being, and how courage without empathy can be inadequate. Shermin also reflects on the importance of navigating discomfort in leadership and fostering deeper connections through understanding.

Welcome to the Via Stoica Podcast, the podcast on Stoicism.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 striking quote from Seneca’s Letters to Lucilius, Letter 78:“There are times when even to live is an act of bravery.”Seneca reminds us that courage isn’t only found on battlefields or in grand gestures. Sometimes, simply choosing to keep going, through illness, loss, or emotional struggle, is a deeply Stoic act. This letter was written while Seneca was ill himself, showing that resilience in daily life can be one of the greatest forms of bravery.If you’re looking for more quotes like this one, visit viastoica.com, where you’ll find hundreds of Stoic sayings with full references perfect for study, reflection, or sharing.Stoic Quotes CollectionSeneca QuotesEpictetus QuotesMarcus Aurelius QuotesSubscribe to the podcast for more short quote episodes and regular Tuesday recordings with deeper conversations and interviews. Leave a rating to help us reach more people drawn to living with wisdom and peace.Support the show🌐 www.ViaStoica.com🧘‍♂️ Stoic Life Coaching🎙 Benny Voncken | Brendan Hogle🐦 Twitter / X📩 Reach us: info@viastoica.comProduced by: badmic.com

Dive into the art of making authentic choices with insights from Stoic philosophy. Explore how to navigate personal decisions free from societal pressures. Discover the concept of assent and its impact on clarity in decision-making. Learn practical steps to embrace autonomy and develop self-trust. The host shares personal experiences from travels, highlighting the tension between cultural influences and true self-discovery. This enlightening discussion offers a roadmap to living authentically in modern times.

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 reflect on a powerful line from Epictetus in The Discourses:“Enable my mind to adapt itself to whatever comes to pass.”This quote points to the heart of Stoic resilience — the ability to remain grounded and flexible no matter what life throws our way. Epictetus reminds us that peace is not found in control over events, but in the power to adjust our minds to them.If you’re interested in more quotes like this one, visit viastoica.com, where you’ll find hundreds of Stoic sayings, each fully referenced and ready to use for study or inspiration.Stoic Quotes CollectionEpictetus QuotesSeneca QuotesMarcus Aurelius QuotesSubscribe to the podcast for more short quote episodes and our regular Tuesday recordings with deeper conversations and interviews. A rating or review helps us reach more listeners interested in living with clarity and virtue.Support the show🌐 www.ViaStoica.com🧘‍♂️ Stoic Life Coaching🎙 Benny Voncken | Brendan Hogle🐦 Twitter / X📩 Reach us: info@viastoica.comProduced by: badmic.com

Send us a textWelcome to the Via Stoica Podcast, the Podcast on Stoicism.In this episode of the Via Stoica Podcast, Brendan and Benny sit down with Anya Leonard, co-founder of Classical Wisdom, to explore how ancient philosophy continues to shape the modern world. From the dusty ruins of antiquity to today’s digital forums, Anya brings a fresh, accessible take on why classical thought still matters.We follow her personal journey through philosophy, the transformative power of travel, and the timeless relevance of Stoicism. Anya speaks about the importance of diverse voices in philosophy, especially those of women, and why keeping classical languages and ideas alive is crucial for future generations.This wide-ranging conversation touches on Stoicism as a gateway to deeper thinking, the role of community in philosophical growth, and how ancient insights can help us lead more thoughtful, grounded lives today.Listen in to explore:Why philosophy isn’t just for academicsHow the classics still speak to today’s biggest questionsThe need for more female voices in philosophyWhat travel teaches us about life, meaning, and cultureWhy Stoicism offers more than just self-help adviceIf you enjoy engaging conversations about Stoicism, ancient wisdom, and how philosophy can enrich everyday life, this episode is for you.Subscribe for more interviews and Stoic reflections every week.Follow Classical Wisdom on:https://classicalwisdom.substack.com/https://www.facebook.com/ClassicalWisdomWeeklyX: @ClassicalWisdomhttps://www.instagram.com/classicalwisdomweekly/Follow Anya:https://substack.com/@anyaleonardX: https://x.com/anyaeleonard Connect with us at: ViaStoica.comSupport 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