In this episode, I speak about Clarity and Wisdom with executive coach, Jim Vaselopulos. Jim is co-host of The Leadership Podcast. We discuss his new book, Clarity: Business Wisdom to Work Less and Achieve More.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.Highlights* What is clarity?* What's the relationship between wisdom and clarity?* What are the benefits of having more clarity?* What gets in the way of clarity?* How do we get clarity?* How do we help other people to get more clarity?Links* The Leadership Podcast website* The Leadership Podcast on Apple* Jim Vaselopulos on LinkedIn* Clarity: Business Wisdom to Work Less and Achieve MoreThank you 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

Former Forest Monk, Matthew Gindin, discusses the rise of Stoicism's popularity and its appeal to Buddhism enthusiasts. He explores the historical relationship between Stoicism and Buddhism, emphasizing the similarities in training the mind and taking responsibility. The podcast also delves into Spinoza's influence on Stoicism and the varying Buddhist perspectives on meat consumption. Additionally, it explores the connections between Greek and Indian philosophers, and provides techniques for managing afflicting thoughts and effective emotional coping strategies.

Ryan A. Bush, author of Designing the Mind, discusses his approach to self-improvement and the influence of Stoicism. They explore breaking the cycle of rumination and worry, recognizing core values and virtues for self-worth, and the role of metacognition in repairing the mind. They also introduce his new book, Become Who You Are, focusing on a new theory of well-being and the interconnection of self-worth, depression, and virtues.

Elliot Chung, a student at Phillips Academy Andover, interviewed me recently for his new Philosophy for the Modern Mind podcast, and we decided to share our conversation on this podcast as well. We talk in particular about how Stoicism could be of practical benefit to young people, and the challenges they face today. Thank you for reading Stoicism: Philosophy as a Way of Life. This post is public so feel free to share it.Thank you 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

How to drink like a Roman emperor, if that emperor is Marcus Aurelius. In this episode I explore the relationship between Stoic philosophy and the Twelve Step Program of Alcoholics Anonymous, discussing how Stoicism can help those suffering from alcoholism, as well as their friends and families. I spot parallels between the Twelve Step advice and Stoic teachings, and give examples from the life of Marcus Aurelius. I talk about how his wayward brother, and co-emperor, Lucius Verus, was almost certainly an alcoholic. Also, Frank, retired NYPD police officer, shares his experience of combining Stoicism the Twelve Step Program.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.The original article is available on Substack, titled How to Drink Like a Roman Emperor.Thank you 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

In this episode, I talk with Marc J. Victor, about Stoicism and politics. Marc is an attorney in the US, where he is a certified Criminal Law Specialist, and president of the Attorneys for Freedom law firm. He is also an activist and founder of the Live and Let Live global peace movement.Thank you for reading Stoicism: Philosophy as a Way of Life. This post is public so feel free to share it.Highlights* Why Stoicism is attracting more interest today* Misconceptions * What is the Live and Let Live Movement?* What does “live and let live” mean in terms of your philosophy?* The relationship between Stoicism and the Live and Let Live principle* How does the movement define aggression?* Our competence to avoid being victims of exploitation* Rhetoric, lawyers, and philosophy* Final question: “How could we better incorporate Stoicism into a political philosophy that could help us achieve global peace?”Links* Live and Let Live * Marc J. VictorThank you 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

In this episode, I talk to Robin Waterfield about the life and philosophy of the Greek philosopher, Plato. Robin is a British classicist who has translated many works of Plato, Xenophon, and other Greek writers. He is also the author of several books, including the recently-published Plato of Athens: A Life in Philosophy, the first full-length modern biography of Plato in English. Robin is also a member of our board of advisors for the Plato’s Academy Centre.Highlights* Why is Plato “super-important” today?* The Socratic Problem — to what extent can we separate Socrates from Plato?* How eclectic was the early Academy?* How did Plato differ from the image of Socrates in his dialogues?* The relationship between Plato and Pythagoreanism* What advice would Plato give us about dealing with social media?* Final question: “Why are we born to suffer and die?”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.Links* Plato of Athens, Oxford University Press* Robin Waterfield’s website* Plato’s Academy Centre * Plato's Academy Centre Newsletter Thank you 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

In this episode, Donald talks with Michael Tremblay. Michael is the co-founder of the Stoa Meditation app and co-host of the Stoa Conversations podcast.  He has a doctorate in philosophy from Queens University in Ontario.  His research has focused on moral education in the Stoics, and philosophy as a way of life.  He’s also a wrestler and a black belt in Brazilian Jiu-jitsu.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.Highlights* How did you become interested in ancient philosophy and why Stoicism rather than Buddhism?* What is the main thing that we can learn from Epictetus about moral education* What we can learn from the use of athletic imagery as a metaphor for philosophy in Epictetus and other ancient sources* Marcus says the “art of living” is more like wrestling than dancing – do you agree?* The relationship between martial arts, like BJJ, and Stoic askesis* Could athletic or martial arts training ever conflict with the goals of Stoicism? Resources* Michael on Twitter* Stoa Meditation on Twitter* Michael’s Website Get full access to Stoicism: Philosophy as a Way of Life at donaldrobertson.substack.com/subscribe

In this episode, Donald talks with Matthew Sharpe.  Matt is Associate Professor of Philosophy at Deakin University in Australia.  He’s spoken at Stoicon in Athens.  He is the co-author of Philosophy as a Way of Life, and one of the translators of The Selected Writings of Pierre Hadot: Philosophy as Practice. His most recent book is titled Stoicism, Bullying, and Beyond: How to Keep Your Head When Others Around You Have Lost Theirs and Blame You.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.Highlights* Stoicism and Philosophy as a Way of Life* Why isn’t Stoicism more popular in academia?* Pierre Hadot and Stoicism* Philosophy and Spiritual Exercises* Philosophy and the History of Psychotherapy* Anger, Self-Estrangement, and Politics* The French Enlightenment and Philosophy as a Way of LifeLinks* Matthew Sharpe Profile at Deakin University* Stoicism, Bullying, and Beyond* The Other Enlightenment: Race, Sexuality and Self-Estrangement* The Selected Writings of Pierre Hadot* Philosophy as a Way of Life: History, Dimensions, DirectionsStoicism: 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. Get full access to Stoicism: Philosophy as a Way of Life at donaldrobertson.substack.com/subscribe

In this episode, I chat with J.W. Bertolotti host of the In Search of Wisdom podcast, and founder of the Perennial Leader Project. Josh was one of the speakers at our Stoicon-x Military event a few years ago. We’re both very active on Substack now, Josh at Perennial Meditations so I thought it would be a great opportunity to reconnect and chat about philosophy as a guide to life.Highlights* How Joshua got into philosophy* His journey as a podcaster speaking to people about the nature of wisdom * Stoicism and other philosophies* Desire and attachment in philosophy* Conceit, and skepticism as a way of life* How the Delphic maxims can teach us about philosophyLinks* Perennial Meditations Newsletter on Substack* In Search of Wisdom Podcast @in sear on Substack and on Spotify* Perennial Meditations Podcast* @JWBertolotti on Twitter* Perennial Leader Project website Get full access to Stoicism: Philosophy as a Way of Life at donaldrobertson.substack.com/subscribe