
Stoa Conversations: Stoicism Applied
Caleb Ontiveros and Michael Tremblay discuss how to build resilience, develop virtue, and make sense of the world through Stoic philosophy.
One episode a week.
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Latest episodes

Aug 11, 2023 • 49min
David Fideler on The Stoic Renaissance (Episode 68)
Author and expert on the Renaissance, David Fideler, discusses the influence of Stoicism during the Renaissance and what Modern Stoics today can learn from the Renaissance Humanists. The conversation touches on history, education, and virtue ethics, highlighting the impact of stoic practices on society and the potential for integrating Stoic philosophy into education.

Aug 8, 2023 • 53min
Memento Mori (Episode 67)
This podcast explores the stoic practice of Memento Mori, emphasizing the importance of keeping death in mind to live well. The hosts discuss the Stoic view of death, overcoming fear of death and pain, accepting death as a dispreferred indifference, and the fear of pursuing a positive vision. They also delve into different approaches to practicing stoicism and the significance of reflection and exploration.

Aug 4, 2023 • 53min
Michael Gibson on Philosophy Outside of the Academy and Stoicism in Silicon Valley (Episode 66)
Want to become more Stoic? Join us and other Stoics this October: Stoicism Applied by Caleb Ontiveros and Michael Tremblay on MavenIn this conversation, Caleb speaks with the investor, author, and philosopher Michael Gibson.You’ll hear why Michael thinks novelists are the successors of Plato, what some of the key entrepreneurial virtues he looks for are, how a philosopher like him ended up managing a sizable venture capitalist fund, and what his criticisms are of Stoicism in Silicon Valley. So I hope you enjoy this conversation as much as I did and do check out his most recent book: Paper Belt on Fire – as it has a number of gems we don’t even begin to touch on.https://www.1517fund.com/(09:29) Redesigning Academic Philosophy(19:34) The Meaning of Polytropon(23:18) Do Founders Need a Life Philosophy?(26:38) Does Virtue Pay?(31:54) Virtue Ethics in Entrepreneurship(33:55) Stoicism and Silicon Valley(50:22) A Role Model***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

Aug 1, 2023 • 57min
Everything You Need To Know About Graduate School (Episode 65)
Want to become more Stoic? Join us and other Stoics this October: Stoicism Applied by Caleb Ontiveros and Michael Tremblay on MavenIn this conversation, Michael and Caleb talk about philosophy graduate school. We discuss the good, bad, and interesting. You’ll learn why we think it’s awesome, but fewer people should go to graduate school and whether we’d do the experience again.(01:31) Our Academic Stories(07:45) Logic in the Academy(12:52) Getting Paid $$$(18:15) Custodians of Civilization(21:33) Surrounded by Serious People(24:09) Bad Business(28:56) Too Many Graduate Students(33:33) A Culture of Perfection(36:56) Philosophies of Life(42:21) The Obsession about Prestige(48:23) Making Graduate School Better(52:10) Would You Do Graduate School Again?***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

Jul 28, 2023 • 58min
Leonidas Konstantakos on Stoic Justice (Episode 64)
Leo Konstantakos, a veteran and professor of international relations, discusses various topics related to Stoicism, including seeing Socrates in a new light, Stoicism in ancient Sparta, justice in the ancient world, and the question of whether someone can be Stoic today. The conversation explores the dichotomy of control, appropriate action in different social roles, Stoic justice, and the dangers and benefits of identifying as a Stoic. Overall, an insightful and thought-provoking discussion on Stoicism.

Jul 25, 2023 • 58min
Skepticism as a Philosophy of Life (Episode 63)
Caleb and Michael explore skepticism as a rival philosophy to stoicism, discussing its origins and epistemological commitments. They delve into the gap between perception and reality, emphasizing the importance of suspending judgment and skill-building. The ongoing debate between skeptics and stoics is explored, along with the value of skepticism in today's uncertain world.

Jul 21, 2023 • 51min
Michael McGill on Applying Stoicism (Episode 62)
Want to become more Stoic? Join us and other Stoics this October: Stoicism Applied by Caleb Ontiveros and Michael Tremblay on MavenIn this conversation, Caleb speaks with Michael McGill. They discuss Michael's story, Roman history, and how Michael applies Stoic philosophy to his life. It’s a great look at how anyone can take lessons from Greco-Roman philosophy and use them in work, family life, and hobbies in a positive and energetic way.https://twitter.com/mcgillmd921(02:46) Introduction(04:34) How Stoicism Shows Up In Michael's Life(10:56) What Lost Stoic Do You Want To Read?(13:21) Roman History(19:23) Cicero(22:12) Time Management(26:06) Cato the Younger(31:38) Role Models and Anti-Models(35:39) Introducing Others To Stoicism(43:06) Advice for Creators(47:57) Busts***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

Jul 18, 2023 • 48min
Why Virtue is the ONLY good (Episode 61)
Want to become more Stoic? Join us and other Stoics this October: Stoicism Applied by Caleb Ontiveros and Michael Tremblay on MavenThe Stoics thought anyone could be happy in any situation.This is because virtue is the only good and it is obtainable by anyone.But why did the Stoics think virtue was the only good?That’s what Caleb and Michael discuss in this conversation. They frame the discussion around objections to that idea from Scott Aikin, William Stephens, and Massimo Pigliucci (all past Stoa Conversations guests).Epictetus’s Encheiridion: A New TranslationVirtue cannot be the ultimate good(02:51) Why This Matters(09:04) What is Virtue?(17:45) The Objection(26:31) Response: Stoic Move I(31:59) Response: Stoic Move II(39:43) The Practical Upshots***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

Jul 14, 2023 • 50min
Brittany Polat on Living as a Stoic (Episode 60)
Want to become more Stoic? Join us and other Stoics this October: Stoicism Applied by Caleb Ontiveros and Michael Tremblay on MavenIn this conversation, Caleb speaks with Brittany Polat.She’s has done excellent work teaching and promoting the ideas of Stoicism through her books, blog, and Stoicare, so we’re always happy to have her on. In this conversation, we talk about what we can learn from monasteries, how to think about Stoicism & accountability, what Epictetus believed about the Cynics, and the Stoic attitude towards beauty.Stoicism for Humans(01:41) Introduction(03:11) Ethical Development(09:15) Determinism and Accountability(16:55) Learning From Medieval Monks(21:19) Medieval Monks on Meditation(29:40) Beauty(33:39) Epictetus on the Cynics(38:54) Devotion(42:56) Learning To Live Naturally***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

Jul 11, 2023 • 1h 2min
Everything You Should Know About Ancient Stoicism (Episode 59)
Want to become more Stoic? Join us and other Stoics this October: Stoicism Applied by Caleb Ontiveros and Michael Tremblay on MavenIn this podcast, Michael Tremblay discusses everything you should know about ancient Stoicism in 1 hour. Consider it a Stoic speed run.(01:54) Introduction(04:46) The History(13:48) Stoic Ethics(19:35) Psychological Claims(26:49) Stoic Epistemology(33:09) Stoic Metaphysics(42:05) Stoic Exercises(52:09) Objections(56:58) Last Challenge***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