Stoa Conversations: Stoicism Applied

In this conversation, Caleb speaks with Chris Gill, author of Learning to Live Naturally: Stoic Ethics and its Modern Significance. They discuss topics such as understanding indifference in Stoicism, the connection between human nature and virtue, the perception of the natural world through stoic philosophy, and promotion of upcoming books and resources.

Exploring Stoic perspectives on food, hosts discuss Musonius Rufus and Seneca's views. They debunk myths, emphasize communal significance of food, and highlight the balance between nourishment and social aspects. The chapter delves into virtues, moderation, and aligning food choices with Stoic principles, cautioning against fixation on diet alone.

Gregory Sadler, founder of ReasonIO, discusses criticisms of Stoicism from philosophers like Hegel, Nietzsche, and William James. They explore the importance of understanding these criticisms, the stoic theory of emotions, and the pragmatic approach to truth. They also delve into debates in Stoic philosophy and express gratitude for the opportunity to have a conversation.

Caleb Ontiveros is a Stoic advocate focused on practical applications of ancient philosophy, while Michael Tremblay examines the relevance of these ideas today. They engage in a thought-provoking discussion about why ancient philosophy deserves attention in a modern context. They debate critiques of studying the past, explore how ancient wisdom can guide contemporary life, and draw parallels between philosophy and crafts like organ making. Their insights reveal how merging tradition with innovation enriches personal growth and understanding.

Dana Gioia, poet and translator of Seneca's The Madness of Hercules, discusses Seneca's tragedies and the enduring theme of enduring a world without justice and guarantees. The conversation covers Dana's personal story, Stoicism, Seneca's play, the value of Seneca's violence, reading vs listening vs seeing, Seneca the Playwright vs the Philosopher, Stoicism today, fasting, and more.

Want to become more Stoic? Join us and other Stoics this October: Stoicism Applied by Caleb Ontiveros and Michael Tremblay on Maven"They say that love is an effort to form a friendship because of an impression of beauty in young persons at their prime..."In this conversation, Caleb and Michael talk about the Stoics on eros and romantic love. First, they cover how the Stoics saw the nature of romantic love. Then, they look at what advice they have for us today. Finally, they end on the topic of heartbreak.(01:35) Introducing Love(05:36) Erotic Love(20:18) Friendship(27:00) Stoic Advice for Modern Relationships(30:39) Knowing How To Say The I(36:59) Role Ethics  (41:24) The Stoics on Heartbreak***Subscribe to The Stoa Letter for weekly meditations, actions, and links to the best Stoic resources: www.stoaletter.com/subscribeDownload the Stoa app (it’s a free download): stoameditation.com/podIf you try the Stoa app and find it useful, but truly cannot afford it, email us and we'll set you up with a free account.Listen to more episodes and learn more here: https://stoameditation.com/blog/stoa-conversations/Thanks to Michael Levy for graciously letting us use his music in the conversations: https://ancientlyre.com/ Get full access to The Stoa Letter at www.stoaletter.com/subscribe

Dr. Randolph Nesse, author of 'Good Reasons for Bad Feelings,' discusses anxiety from an evolutionary perspective. The podcast explores the evolutionary origins of anxiety, the role of commitment in social groups, imposter syndrome, mental health treatments, charisma, and human nature. Delve into the essential conversation on understanding negative emotions and insights of the Stoics.

In this conversation, we discuss failure, how to avoid it, and how to deal with it when it happens. We explore the Stoic philosophy regarding desire and aversion, embracing failure for personal growth, and strategies for success and resilience.

Want to become more Stoic? Join us and other Stoics this October: Stoicism Applied by Caleb Ontiveros and Michael Tremblay on MavenCatherine Wilson is a Professor of Philosophy, currently at the City University of New York. She is the author of How to Be an Epicurean: The Ancient Art of Living Well, which covers Epicureanism, an ancient philosophy, as a way of life.In this conversation Michael and Catherine cover the basics of Epicureanism, a philosophical alternative to Stoicism based on minimizing the painful experiences of yourself and others, while maximizing enjoyment. They also discuss the contrasts between Stoicism and Epicureanism, including the idea that Stoicism is a tool for stress management, while Epicureanism is a tool for stress avoidance.This conversation is a must for anyone interested in expanding their knowledge of Hellenistic philosophy, or anyone interested in ancient philosophies of life besides Stoicism.(01:33) Stoicism vs Epicureanism(03:45) Convention vs Nature(10:13) Epicurean Altruism(20:35) The Garden(25:17) Back to Convention(29:11) Intellectual Pleasure(30:49) Stoicism vs Epicureanism, Revisited***Subscribe to The Stoa Letter for weekly meditations, actions, and links to the best Stoic resources: www.stoaletter.com/subscribeDownload the Stoa app (it’s a free download): stoameditation.com/podIf you try the Stoa app and find it useful, but truly cannot afford it, email us and we'll set you up with a free account.Listen to more episodes and learn more here: https://stoameditation.com/blog/stoa-conversations/Thanks to Michael Levy for graciously letting us use his music in the conversations: https://ancientlyre.com/ Get full access to The Stoa Letter at www.stoaletter.com/subscribe

Want to become more Stoic? Join us and other Stoics this October: Stoicism Applied by Caleb Ontiveros and Michael Tremblay on MavenIn this conversation, we review Ryan Holiday and Stephen Hanselman’s Lives of the Stoics, focusing on their accounts of the big three Roman Stoics: Seneca, Epictetus, and Marcus Aurelius. This is a great episode for getting a sense of the lives of key figures we talk about.Stoicism Applied course(02:54) Introduction(08:39) Seneca the Striver(24:00) Epictetus the Free Man(37:16) Marcus Aurelius the Philosopher King ***Subscribe to The Stoa Letter for weekly meditations, actions, and links to the best Stoic resources: www.stoaletter.com/subscribeDownload the Stoa app (it’s a free download): stoameditation.com/podIf you try the Stoa app and find it useful, but truly cannot afford it, email us and we'll set you up with a free account.Listen to more episodes and learn more here: https://stoameditation.com/blog/stoa-conversations/Thanks to Michael Levy for graciously letting us use his music in the conversations: https://ancientlyre.com/ Get full access to The Stoa Letter at www.stoaletter.com/subscribe