Stoicism: Philosophy as a Way of Life Podcast

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.

In this discussion, Raymond DiGiuseppe, a Professor of Psychology and expert in Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy, explores anger management through a Stoic lens. He contrasts Marcus Aurelius' strategies with modern psychotherapy, emphasizing the importance of understanding character and context before reacting. They delve into the futility of venting anger and how empathy can reshape emotional responses. The conversation highlights Stoic ideas on revenge and the role of compassion in managing conflict, promoting a deeper awareness of our emotional landscapes.

Matthew Gindin, a writer, editor, and former Buddhist monk, delves into the intriguing interplay between anger, Stoicism, and Buddhism. The conversation highlights how both philosophies perceive anger as a barrier to enlightenment and well-being. Gindin explores the historical context of Buddha and Heraclitus, revealing their insights on impermanence. They also discuss the importance of mindfulness, critiquing its commercialization, while showcasing shared meditation practices that foster self-reflection and resilience in facing life's challenges.

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.