Stoicism: Philosophy as a Way of Life Podcast

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.

Donald J. Robertson, a cognitive-behavioral psychotherapist and Stoicism expert, dives deep into the nuances of anger. He defines anger through a Stoic lens as a desire for revenge, exploring its societal impact. Donald discusses Marcus Aurelius' techniques for managing anger and debates its potential benefits in social justice. The conversation also differentiates between emotional anger and strategic aggression, unraveling the evolutionary roots behind these feelings. He concludes with a practical tip on pausing to mitigate anger escalation.

Carlos Garcia, Co-founder and CEO of True Progress Lab, is a U.S. Army Major and certified Master Resilience Trainer. He discusses how military resilience training overlaps with Stoic philosophy, emphasizing mental strength and perspective. Carlos shares insights on overcoming the fear of people's opinions (FOPO) and combines ancient Stoic practices with modern therapy to foster resilience. His flagship course, The Inner Fortress, highlights building confidence and calming techniques, drawing on lessons from Marcus Aurelius that resonate deeply with leaders today.

Join Harry Sidebottom, a Lecturer in Ancient History at Oxford and bestselling author, as he dives into the world of Roman gladiators. Discover how gladiatorial games reveal Roman beliefs about life and death, and learn surprising facts about their diets and training regimens. Harry discusses the complexities of their lives, from being symbols of hope to facing brutal realities. He also explores the links between gladiators and legionaries, the cultural perceptions of this iconic role, and how Stoic philosophy shaped their resilience in the arena.

Shermin Kruse, a negotiation consultant and law professor, discusses the intriguing concept of Stoic Empathy and how it can help maintain compassion without leading to burnout. She differentiates Stoic Empathy from traditional compassion models, exploring common misconceptions about empathy and its relationship with anger. Shermin shares practical tools for fostering healthy emotional engagement and emphasizes the importance of journaling and mindfulness practices. This transformative approach offers insights for facing global injustices while preserving emotional resilience.