Philosophy as a Way of Life

Donald Robertson and Massimo Pigliucci talk about the Stoic approach to death; Marcus Aurelius, the emperor-philosopher; and the relationship between therapy and philosophy conceived as the art of life. [Episode extracted from a show formerly known as the Stoa Nova Conversations.]

Rob and Massimo interview Liz Gloyn, author of The Ethics of the Family in Seneca. We talk about the radical approach of the Stoics to human relationships, the concepts of oikeiosis (appropriation of other people's concerns) and cosmopolitanism, and why Seneca was a far more innovative thinker than he is often given credit for. [Episode extracted from a show formerly known as the Stoa Nova Conversations.]

Chris Gill and Massimo Pigliucci talk about the basics of Stoic ethics and wonder how it may hold up to modern challenges, such as the one posed by a deteriorating environment (short answer: pretty well!). [Episode extracted from a show formerly known as the Stoa Nova Conversations.]

Hosts Massimo Pigliucci and Rob Colter chat with cognitive and compassion focused therapist Tim LeBon about his research on the effectiveness of Stoicism as a path to a serene and happy life. [Episode extracted from a show formerly known as the Stoa Nova Conversations.]

Rob and Massimo have a conversation on the use of Stoic philosophy in prisons. Rob talks about his firsthand experiences with inmates and how they react to, and learn from, philosophy.

Bill Irvine, author of "The Stoic Challenge" joins Massimo  for a conversation on how to turn adversity and setbacks into exercises in resilience. [Episode extracted from a show formerly known as the Stoa Nova Conversations.]

Rob Colter and Massimo Pigliucci talk to Eric Weiner, the author of The Socrates Express. In the book, Eric examines various philosophers and philosophies, but our conversation focuses on Marcus Aurelius, Epictetus, and a number of philosophical traditions close to Stoicism. [Episode extracted from a show formerly known as the Stoa Nova Conversations.]

Greg Sadler, editor of the Modern Stoicism blog, joins Massimo Pigliucci for a conversation on a number of common misconceptions of Stoic philosophy. [Episode extracted from a show formerly known as the Stoa Nova Conversations.]

Rob and Massimo talk to translator Robin Waterfield, author of Meditations: The Annotated Edition. We explore how a translator works, what challenges he encounters, and how the book affects him.

Rob and Massimo discuss the relationship between Stoicism and politics. The ancient Stoics were definitely involved in politics, and so should the modern ones. But how? [Episode extracted from a show formerly known as the Stoa Nova Conversations.]