The Strong Stoic Podcast

We often think of monsters as creatures hiding under our beds. But real monsters walk among us — and sometimes, they are born of sickness, isolation, and the collapse of reason.In this episode, Brandon explores the story of Ed Gein, the real-life inspiration behind Psycho, The Texas Chainsaw Massacre, and The Silence of the Lambs. Through a Stoic lens, we look at what happens when a human being is cut off from the cosmos, when rationality breaks down, and when evil emerges from confusion rather than choice.This isn’t about excusing atrocity — it’s about understanding the fragile boundary between reason and madness, and why Stoicism calls us not to hate the wicked, but to pity them.

An 18-year-old boy lies dying. When asked if he’s afraid, he simply says, “Yeah.”In this episode, I explore what that single word reveals about mortality, honesty, and the limits of Stoicism. From family stories of loss to Christopher Hitchens’ final writings, we look at the stark truth that no philosophy can soften: we will all die, and that’s okay to admit.Listen for a reflection on death, courage, and the quiet strength of facing fear without pretending it’s not there.

In this episode, I explore the idea that life is not about escaping problems but learning how to face them. We often think the grass is greener on the other side—that a new job, relationship, or lifestyle will free us from the struggles we face today. But in reality, every path comes with its own weeds.Drawing from Stoic philosophy, I break down why problems aren’t curses but gifts—opportunities to grow stronger, more competent, and more resilient. Instead of trading one set of problems for another, we should focus on tending our own garden, cultivating gratitude for the challenges we already have, and using them to shape our character.If you’ve ever caught yourself daydreaming about an easier life, this episode will help you see your problems in a new light.

Explore the intriguing intersection of evolutionary psychology and relationship dynamics. Discover how sex differences in mate preferences reveal underlying truths about human nature. Unpack the contrasting views on jealousy, love, and commitment, highlighting the Red Pill's cynicism versus Stoicism's call for virtue. Delve into the importance of health and character over reductionist views. Finally, understand the role of genuine charm and generosity in courtship, promoting a compassionate dialogue that separates facts from values.

In this episode of The Strong Stoic Podcast, I share reflections from my recent two-week trip to Vietnam—my first time in Asia. Travel today is often portrayed as a flex on social media, but beneath the highlight reels lies a deeper opportunity: stepping outside your cultural bubble and immersing yourself in another way of life.I talk about how travel challenges assumptions we take for granted—whether it’s family expressions of affection, adapting to year-round warm weather, or simply letting go of routines like coffee and gym time. The Stoic lesson is clear: when you travel, you’re not there to judge, but to learn, to adapt, and to remind yourself that people are people, no matter where you are.Ultimately, travel is a way to live out the Stoic idea of the Cosmopolis—that we are all brothers and sisters, meant to share this planet, to learn from one another, and to grow through those differences.

In this episode, I explore Epictetus’ challenge: Can you gain wealth and possessions without losing your dignity, self-respect, and character? Drawing from Enchiridion 24, I unpack the Stoic idea of detachment—why possessions so easily ensnare us, how loss reveals our attachments, and what it really means to see everything in life as borrowed, not owned. From backyard saunas to daily conveniences, I share how to enjoy externals without clinging to them, and why the only thing life can’t take from you is your character.

Dating has never been more complicated. Between the rise of online apps, shifting cultural expectations, and the pull of red pill and feminist extremes, many people are left frustrated—or giving up altogether.In this episode, I sit down with Tim Ash, co-author of Primal Dating, to uncover the evolutionary psychology beneath our modern mating struggles. We explore why men and women play by different rules when it comes to attraction, what the friend zone really signals, how porn and OnlyFans are reshaping relationship dynamics, and why situational leadership—becoming a “situational alpha”—matters more than ever in today’s hyper-connected world.Tim also breaks down how red pill communities misuse evolutionary psychology, why men and women both lose when relationships collapse, and what practical steps each side can take to build deeper, healthier connections.Whether you’re navigating dating yourself, reflecting on past relationships, or trying to understand the cultural shifts around intimacy, this conversation goes straight to the root of human nature—and how we can live with it wisely.Tim AshYou can find Tim and his works at www.timash.com

In this episode, I dive deep into one of Epictetus’s striking passages: “As a target is not set up for the archer to miss it, so there is no intrinsic evil that exists in the world.” At first glance, it’s an odd way to phrase things—but hidden within is a Stoic lesson on victimhood, agency, and what it truly means to be free.We live in a culture that often glorifies the victim mentality, and while injustices undeniably exist, the Stoics remind us that our character—not our circumstances—is what defines us. Epictetus himself, once a literal slave, rejected the label of victim. Why? Because virtue is the only good, and no external force—not chains, not poverty, not betrayal—can rob us of our ability to choose our response.Join me as I explore what it means to step out of the victim mindset, how to recognize when we’re subtly slipping into it in our daily lives, and why the world is not out to get us. The target is just there—it’s up to us to take our aim.

In this episode of The Strong Stoic Podcast, I sit down once again with Chuck Chakrapani, author of The Power to Change: Stoic Strategies to Transform Your Life. Chuck shares practical wisdom on how Stoicism can be applied to modern problems—overthinking, fear, indecision, and the messy complexity of life.We discuss:Why most people struggle to change despite good intentions.The role of inner dialogue in shaping our experience of reality.The “backseat drivers” that pull us away from virtue.How to embrace life’s messiness without wishing for utopia.The true meaning of courage—and why cowardice is more dangerous than fear.This conversation is full of practical Stoic strategies that go beyond theory and into the challenges of everyday life. If you’ve ever wrestled with fear, regret, or the chaos of being human, this episode will give you tools to reframe, refocus, and take back your power to change.Chuck Chakrapaniwww.chuckchakrapani.comwww.thestoicgym.com

From the outside, my decision at work didn’t make much sense — it cost more time, more money, and even confused a few people. But it was the right call for the people involved. That’s justice in the Stoic sense — not just what’s legal, not just what looks efficient on paper, but what’s fair. In this episode, we explore justice as one of the four Stoic cardinal virtues, why it’s inseparable from wisdom, courage, and temperance, and why it often costs you something to live it. From workplace promotions to gym etiquette to keeping promises with friends, we’ll uncover why real justice isn’t flashy — and why it matters most when no one’s watching.