
Stoic Coffee Break
"Act on your principles, not your moods." A weekly meditation on how Stoic principles can help you be a better human. https://stoic.coffee Follow us on social media: https://instagram.com/stoic.coffee https://twitter.com/stoiccoffee https://facebook.com/stoiccoffee
Latest episodes

19 snips
Jun 4, 2025 • 1h 37min
342 - Interview with Derrick Zaworski: Philosophy, Music, & Addiction
Derrick Zaworski, a music producer and owner of Road Tripping Records, shares his journey through philosophy, addiction, and the transformative power of music. He discusses the interplay between addiction and attention disorders, revealing how Stoic principles can guide individuals towards personal growth. The dark realities of fentanyl and its societal impact are explored, along with the importance of community and self-acceptance in overcoming challenges. Derrick's insights into creativity in music highlight its role in fostering self-awareness and connection.

24 snips
May 26, 2025 • 12min
341 - Future You: How to Bargain with the Future to Become Your Best Self
What if your present choices could shape a better future you? Discover practical methods like future self-journaling that deepen your relationship with your aspirations. The discussion highlights the importance of aligning today's decisions with desired identities. Additionally, explore how reflecting on your future self can enhance community engagement, promoting gratitude and positive interactions. It's all about fostering connections and building an unbreakable support network for personal growth!

18 snips
May 12, 2025 • 19min
340 - Is Free Will Just a Lie We Tell Ourselves?
Is free will an illusion? This thought-provoking discussion explores the Stoic perspective on fate versus free will. It dives into how neuroscience shapes our understanding of decision-making and moral accountability. Personal agency takes center stage, as listeners learn practical strategies for self-control and reflection. Discover how embracing Stoic principles can empower individuals to navigate life’s challenges more effectively. Ultimately, it’s about finding freedom in managing our responses to fate.

29 snips
May 2, 2025 • 10min
339 - Resistance Training for the Soul: Why the Hard Way Might Be the Right Way
The discussion highlights the idea that what we often avoid could be the very thing we need most. It challenges the belief that comfort equals happiness, emphasizing that embracing resistance leads to personal growth. The conversation explores how discomfort is essential for resilience and confidence. Insights from Stoic philosophy are shared, along with practical applications to encourage listeners to lean into their challenges. The introduction of a book and a bonus course further enriches the exploration of Stoic principles.

24 snips
Apr 12, 2025 • 18min
338 - Q & A: Am I Stoic Enough?
Explore the intriguing intersections between Stoicism and personal growth. Discover how to embrace criticism while acknowledging your mistakes for self-improvement. Learn to measure your progress in happiness and navigate the challenges posed by social media. With insights from Marcus Aurelius and Seneca, this discussion promotes emotional resilience and mindfulness in an often distracting digital world. Delve into why comfort avoidance can hinder growth and how embracing discomfort can lead to richer experiences.

17 snips
Apr 4, 2025 • 15min
337 - Evil Is the Absence of Empathy
Empathy is examined as both a strength and a potential liability in today's world. Philosophical insights highlight how it fosters understanding amidst moral complexities. Historical examples reveal the dangers of its absence, emphasizing a universal human need for compassion. The discussion showcases how empathy not only promotes justice but also helps maintain societal values. Personal anecdotes further illustrate its power in cultivating kindness, reminding listeners of its critical role in preserving civilization.

35 snips
Mar 27, 2025 • 12min
336 - Facts and Feelings: The Power of Objectivity
Explore the Stoic viewpoint on the importance of rationality and objectivity in emotional management. Discover practical techniques for transforming emotions into clarity and enhancing decision-making. Learn how embracing objectivity can lead to inner peace, especially during tough times. The discussion also introduces a new community initiative aimed at fostering positive connections among listeners. These insights emphasize the idea that between stimulus and response lies the power to choose and grow.

9 snips
Mar 19, 2025 • 17min
335 - Stay Curious: The Stoic Case for Asking Why
Discover how curiosity might be your ultimate tool for personal growth. The discussion explores how embracing a curious mindset aligns with Stoic principles. Practical tips are shared, like starting a curiosity journal to challenge your beliefs and expand your understanding. Dive deep into the transformative power of asking 'why' as a path to wisdom. This episode emphasizes that it's not cleverness that leads to success, but the relentless pursuit of knowledge through curiosity.

12 snips
Mar 13, 2025 • 14min
334 - Serious Joy: A Stoic’s Unexpected Superpower
Worried about the world's chaos? Discover how to invite joy into your life through Stoic principles. The conversation dives into the relationship between joy and happiness, revealing that a cheerful disposition stems from wisdom, not luck. Learn to embrace challenges with a positive mindset and find strength in perspective, acceptance, and gratitude. Plus, get insights into a new book and community initiatives that inspire joy amidst adversity.

26 snips
Feb 27, 2025 • 17min
333 - Do Better, Be Better: Maintaining Stoic Virtue in Times of Turmoil
In a world rife with political division, maintaining Stoic principles is crucial. Listeners are encouraged to reflect on how anger and resentment affect both personal well-being and society. Embracing virtues like wisdom and justice during turbulent times can foster meaningful dialogue. Cultivating compassion and self-control in political discussions serves as a pathway to healing rather than division. The insights inspire a return to core values, promoting kindness and collaboration in the face of turmoil.