Stoicism: Philosophy as a Way of Life Podcast

Discover the hidden costs of people-pleasing as the hosts dive into how it sabotages your effectiveness. They explore the guilt of disappointing others and the pressure of unrealistic inbox expectations. Learn to reclaim your autonomy with Stoic principles and CBT tools, including how to say no without feeling selfish. The discussion highlights the health implications of chronic people-pleasing and explores the dynamics between empaths and narcissists. Embrace discomfort to reshape your priorities and allow space for personal flourishing!

Delve into the intricate dynamics of codependency and depression. Learn how the impulse to 'fix' a partner can lead to emotional sinking. Discover the importance of reciprocity in relationships and the dangers of over-helping. The hosts explore Stoic principles about control, urging listeners to break free from the rescuer role. They tackle emotional avoidance and societal pressures that fuel unrealistic expectations. Practical strategies for reclaiming autonomy are shared, challenging you to reassess your relational patterns.

Explore the intriguing concept of the 'Rescuer Trap' where over-giving can lead to emotional burnout. Discover the perils of maladaptive overcorrection and how to strike a balance between independence and healthy interdependence. Learn about the impact of avoiding relationships after trauma and how it exacerbates anxiety. Gain insights on setting boundaries not as rules for others but as self-guides. Finally, understand the importance of community in Stoic philosophy and how it leads to a more meaningful life.

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.