The Stoic Question: Philosophy and Psychology

Adrian Goldsworthy, historian and novelist of ancient Rome and Greece, discusses the epic rivalry between Athens and Sparta. He explores how rhetoric and leaders shaped decisions. They probe biased sources, the trireme naval edge, timber and logistics, the Sicilian disaster, and how myths about Sparta and Athenian democracy distort reality.

Massimo Pigliucci, philosopher and Stoicism scholar, discusses his new book and the ties between ancient skepticism and Stoic practice. He explores Cicero’s role, Pyrrhonian suspension of judgment, probabilistic ways of knowing, and whether skepticism can help psychological resilience. Short, lively conversation about balancing doubt and practical living.

Donald Robertson, cognitive psychotherapist and author on Stoicism and modern therapy, joins to trace Stoic psychotherapy from Socratic questioning to Marcus Aurelius and Chrysippus. He explores Stoicism as an early cognitive model of emotion, practical tools like pausing and premeditation, and how ancient techniques map onto modern CBT.

Short demonstrations of hand-gesture techniques for shifting relationship to thoughts. Guided moves to cradle, separate, or push away mental content for detachment. A Stoic-inspired clenched-fist ritual to release assent and rehearse coping. Repeated gestures as a tool to link attitudes to action and reduce procrastination.

Claudia Mills, emerita philosophy professor and award-winning children’s author, talks about bringing ancient philosophy to young readers. Short stories and Socratic dialogue help introduce ethics, wisdom, and Epictetus’s ideas. Practical tips for sparking curiosity, fostering dialogue, and using philosophy to build empathy and emotional resilience.

Mark Forstater, film producer of Monty Python and author who adapts Marcus Aurelius, Seneca and Socrates for modern readers. He recounts discovering Stoic texts through audiobook work. Conversations range from comparing Marcus, Seneca and Epictetus to Socrates as a moral exemplar. He also links filmmaking to mindset and describes using Stoic and Taoist practices to survive a long legal battle.

Phil Yanov, facilitator of Stoic events and community conversations, joins to explore Stoic approaches to anger and moderation. They discuss why anger is seen as irrational, how it differs from raw affect, and practical pauses to interrupt escalation. Topics include Stoic psychotherapy, cognitive reappraisal, bodily cues, social media’s role in rage, and Marcus Aurelius’ techniques for tempering anger.

A dive into Socratic practices for everyday life. Short exercises contrast justice and injustice to sharpen thinking. Techniques for reframing events and distancing thoughts to ease strong emotions. Practical tools like quotation framing and third-person self-talk to boost wise reasoning. A look at anger, injustice, and how to assess what truly harms you.

This episode features guest hosts Dr. Scott Waltman and Kasey Pierce, authors of the forthcoming book The Rescuer Trap. While we take a short holiday break, we are excited to bring you a special presentation featuring our two compelling talks from the Philosophy of Love and Relationships virtual conferenceIn this episode, we bridge the gap between modern psychological traps and ancient philosophical wisdom to challenge how you view human connection:* “I Can Fix You: The CB Paradox” – Kasey Pierce explores the seductive but flawed desire to “fix” our partners. Discover why this common relationship dynamic often undermines the very foundation of the love it seeks to save.* “Stoic Interconnectedness: Kindness and Fairness” – Dr. Scott Waltman dives into the profound Stoic perspective on shared humanity. Learn how recognizing our mutual bonds can serve as the ultimate driver for cultivating genuine fairness and kindness in all our interactions.Happy Holidays! Live well and love wisely. Are you the fixer, the over-giver, the emotional first responder for everyone but yourself? Welcome to The Rescuer Trap. We playfully own the labels “Parentified and Codependent” to make a point: these are not identities, but learned behaviors.Stoicism: Philosophy as a Way of Life is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.And what can be learned can be unlearned. Hosts Dr. Scott Waltman and Kasey Pierce use Stoic philosophy and CBT to give you the tools to break the cycle and reclaim your autonomy. Your escape from the trap starts here. Based on the forthcoming book, The Rescuer Trap (New Harbinger).Thanks for reading Stoicism: Philosophy as a Way of Life! This post is public so feel free to share it. Get full access to Stoicism: Philosophy as a Way of Life at donaldrobertson.substack.com/subscribe

Massimo Pigliucci, a philosopher known for his work on Stoicism and practical philosophy, joins hosts Dr. Scott Waltman and Kasey Pierce. They dive into the pitfalls of being a ‘rescuer’ and the importance of skepticism. Pigliucci discusses the brain as a 'b******t' machine, the nuanced balance of certainty and doubt, and how social media distorts self-examination. The conversation explores ethical action, the Stoic distinction between altruism and selfishness, and the value of collaboration for genuine self-knowledge.