Stoicism: Philosophy as a Way of Life Podcast

Donald speaks with Matthew Gindin, writer, editor, and former Buddhist monk. We talk about Buddhist teachings on anger and the parallels between Buddhist and Stoic contemplative meditation practices. 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.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

Explore the pervasive presence of anger in today’s society and how media amplifies emotional reactions. Unpack the Stoic critique of modern self-improvement cultures that often overlook deeper issues of aggression. Delve into the philosophical roots of psychotherapy as influenced by figures like Seneca. Discover how anger often clouds judgment and leads to impulsive actions, while alternative motivators like love can inspire constructive change. Finally, learn the importance of mindfulness and self-awareness in effectively managing this complex emotion.

Anya Leonard, the founder of Classical Wisdom, shares her unique insights into the philosophy and psychology of anger. She discusses its historical significance and how it’s often overshadowed by anxiety and depression. Anya highlights the complexity of anger, exploring its cultural dimensions and its role in social media. Drawing from ancient philosophers like Seneca and Aristotle, she advocates cognitive strategies for managing anger. The conversation emphasizes the importance of understanding and channeling anger for personal growth and emotional intelligence.

Windy Dryden, Emeritus Professor of Psychotherapeutic Studies at Goldsmiths, University of London, is a leading expert on Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy. He shares insights on the evolution of psychotherapy since the 1970s and the significance of emotional flexibility in therapy. Dryden explains the unique aspects of REBT and the ABC model, along with the benefits of single-session therapy. He also delves into managing anger, distinguishing between healthy and unhealthy expressions, and offers practical advice for personal growth.

Thanks to Jon Brooks for remastering my audio recording of the View from Above, a guided Stoic meditation exercise.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.Check out my article about the Acropolis and View from Above in the Meditations of Marcus Aurelius.You’ll also find an version of the script in this article…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

Join Chuck Garcia, founder of Climb Leadership International and author of The Moment That Defines Your Life, as he shares insights on Stoicism and emotional intelligence. He discusses the transformative power of mortality on personal philosophy and leadership styles influenced by Marcus Aurelius. Listeners will discover how Stoicism can mitigate anger and enhance decision-making in high-pressure situations. Chuck also connects his experiences as a mountaineer to Stoic principles, advocating for a balanced approach to emotional resilience and personal growth.

Erick Cloward, an executive coach from Amsterdam and former tech CTO, discusses his journey into Stoicism and leadership coaching. He dispels misconceptions about Stoicism, emphasizing its emotional depth and relevance today. Erick reveals insights from his upcoming book, "Stoicism 101," focusing on how Stoic principles like the dichotomy of control can strengthen leadership and resilience. He highlights the importance of emotional regulation, particularly regarding anger, and shares how understanding historical figures enriches one's Stoic practice.

Benny Voncken, a life coach and co-founder of Via Stoica, shares his transformative journey with Stoic philosophy, which helped him conquer anxiety and anger. He discusses how Stoicism offers practical strategies for emotional management, emphasizing the value of personalized coaching over traditional self-help. Topics include mastering emotions, the paradox of anger, and the importance of self-awareness in personal growth. Voncken encourages listeners to explore Stoicism's applications in modern life as a means to enhance resilience and emotional clarity.

Join Igor Grossmann, a psychology professor and wisdom expert from the University of Waterloo, as he unpacks the essence of wisdom. He discusses whether wisdom is static or dynamic and its interplay with abstract and concrete thinking. Intellectual humility, open-mindedness, and distanced reflection emerge as key elements in fostering wise reasoning. Grossmann also explores how understanding wisdom can aid in coping with anxiety and depression, comparing his research to insights from ancient philosophers and addressing the challenges posed by modern technology.

Listen to our live How to Think Like Socrates book launch from 19th Nov. Phil Yanov was kind enough to send me this recording of the event.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.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