Stoicism: Philosophy as a Way of Life Podcast

Dive into the complexities of emotional dependency on AI and the allure of dating apps. Explore whether AI relationships serve as a form of avoidance and how they may threaten personal autonomy. The hosts discuss the dangers of cognitive atrophy and the importance of preserving authentic human connections. Learn practical tools from cognitive behavioral therapy to break free from dependency cycles. Reflect on the nature of modern relationships and the philosophical question: What does it mean to truly connect with another person?

Dr. Jeff Perron, a clinical psychologist and author of 'Psychology of Happiness,' joins hosts Dr. Scott Waltman and Kasey Pierce to dissect the 'Rescuer Trap.' They explore how childhood schemas like Self-Sacrifice and Subjugation shape adult behaviors, leading to people-pleasing. Perron offers insights on setting boundaries, recognizing conflicting values, and nurturing an 'Inner Sage' to combat these patterns. Delving into approval-seeking and emotional inhibition, he emphasizes the necessity of healthy self-care while balancing altruistic values.

This conversation features Kyle Shepard, a Navy resilience training expert, and Vakia, the moderator. They explore the profound connection between Stoicism and resilience. Kyle shares insights from military training on early intervention and stress management. Donald Robertson contrasts Stoicism with CBT, emphasizing its lasting impact on identity. They discuss the relevance of Stoic texts today and practical techniques for building emotional resilience, such as emotional labeling and modeling coping strategies for children.

Explore the intriguing dynamics of self-sacrifice and rescuing behavior. Discover how the sunk cost fallacy traps us into unhealthy patterns. Learn about radical acceptance and distress tolerance as keys to moving forward. Delve into the challenges of breakups, from mourning to practical steps for self-care. The conversation emphasizes the importance of recognizing when to walk away and how confronting fears can lead to growth. It’s a playful yet impactful discussion aimed at reclaiming personal autonomy.

Commander William C. Spears, a U.S. Navy submarine warfare officer and author, shares his journey into Stoicism. He highlights how Stoicism equips military personnel with resilience and ethical decision-making. Exploring the synergy of warfare and virtue, he argues against absolute pacifism while advocating for a Stoic approach to modern challenges like drone warfare. Spears emphasizes that his upcoming book is both scholarly and accessible, aiming to enrich the Stoic dialogue for military and civilian audiences alike.

Explore the fascinating world of parentification, where children take on caretaking roles and its complex effects. Discover how these learned behaviors can lead to overfunctioning and a loss of self-identity. The hosts delve into childhood experiences, emotional neglect, and the societal pressures that create these roles. They also offer Stoic principles and CBT tools to help break free from the rescuer trap. Plus, learn the difference between labeling behaviors and identities to promote personal growth and autonomy.

In this engaging discussion, Kasey Pierce, co-author and psychotherapist, and Dr. Scott Waltman, clinical psychologist, dissect the concept of being a 'values chameleon.' They explore how people often confuse preferences with true values and the pitfalls of sacrificing one’s values in relationships. Using Stoic principles, they offer insights on recognizing codependent behaviors, the futility of seeking validation, and the importance of reclaiming autonomy. Tune in for practical strategies to break free from the rescuer trap and embrace authentic connections.

In a fascinating discussion, Robert Garland, a classical philologist and historian, explores ancient beliefs about death from Greeks to Egyptians. He delves into burial practices, human connections with the deceased, and how philosophical views shaped popular beliefs. Garland reveals insights on the differing perspectives of soldiers and ordinary citizens towards mortality. He underscores how reflecting on death, a central Stoic practice, enhances life's appreciation. Expect to uncover the evolution of afterlife concepts and their societal impacts.

This episode features guest hosts Dr. Scott Waltman and Kasey Pierce, authors of the forthcoming book The Rescuer Trap. Scott and Kasey discuss the forthcoming virtual event for Plato’s Academy Centre and its featured speakers. They also talk values chameleons: taking on the shade of your partner to ensure the survival of the relationship. 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.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.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

Matthew and Matteo Storm, a father-son duo passionate about Roman history, dive into the captivating life of Marcus Aurelius. They explore how the Meditations resonate with modern readers and debate whether Marcus wrote them as a private journal. The conversation also touches on his complex relationships, including the enigmatic Faustina, and the controversies surrounding his successor, Commodus. Additionally, they discuss Marcus's views on mortality, revenge, and the nature of true fortune, providing a thought-provoking look at Stoic philosophy.