The Strong Stoic Podcast

We all face particularly dark and hard times in our lives where we are really tested. Perhaps two or more bad things have happened, and before you know it evil is staring you directly in the face.I'd describe this as "The Great Test" and it will come for you at least several times throughout your life. That being certain, what is the best response? How can we effectively go through such times when everything seems against us and come out with our spirit and character intact?Listen in as this topic is discussed. Bring your strongest whiskey and a little bit of hope! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The battle between faith and reason (that is, between "religion" and "science" has been ongoing for years, and there is no doubt that it will continue to be a battle for years to come. As such, claiming to have a definite answer on this is arrogance at its finest.However, a very interesting perspective is offered in a famous work of literature, The Brothers Karamazov. In it, Dostoevsky cleverly  presents arguments on both sides with a conclusion that is definitely worth thinking about.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The world we live in is filled with awful deeds. The gulag and the holocaust are but 2 examples. A hard thing to accept is that such deeds were committed by our fellow humans, of which we all share the vast majority of our genes. However, along with our capacity for great evil, we seem to have a great capacity to maintain our goodness despite all of the awful things that happen to us, and so it begs the question: what is the worst thing that can happen to us? In other words, what is the worst misfortune?Listen in today on this topic as we tie in lessons from the history of the twentieth century. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

According to the Tao, life can be divided between Chaos and Order. The Stoics call this a little differently; they divide life into things that you cannot control, and things that you can. However, it's the same overall message. The Stoics also say that we shouldn't worry about things that we cannot control. Makes sense! But is the division between Chaos and Order clear?Listen in on today's episode as we go over this simple yet involved topic. There will even be a personal story to bring the message home! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ego is a huge problem for many people. We all know people who are too into themselves, and it's rather off-putting isn't it? Despite this, many people still struggle with a big head. Perhaps one of the reasons for this is that ego grows slowly under the radar; just a little bit every day. Eventually, we reach a point where we definitely need humbling. Listen in on today's episode as the practice of humbling oneself is discussed with a personal story and example. Learn also about how this practice isn't new; rather it's been practiced throughout history by famous Stoics, and even Kings. Stay Humble! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Christianity has, more or less, fallen! This is rather interesting, considering it was and still is the dominating religion in the world. One of the biggest modern criticisms of Christianity is that it is, well, ridiculous! After all, how could a virgin have a baby, and how could Jesus perform miracles? Still, it begs the question: how has it historically resonated with so many people?Listen in on this episode as Jesus (who is NOT your saviour, whether you're a Christian or not) is discussed. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We all have different opinions and perspectives on what the best way to live is. Many of us even have different ideas on what a good way of living looks like. Regardless of our differing opinions, most of us would agree that a person needs a philosophy to live by. The question is: how do we choose the best one? And why doesn't it work for everyone?Today's episode will discuss this very matter, diving into why we need a philosophy in the first place, how this ties in with the law, and why we can't have one, single, governing, enforced philosophy.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The idea of saving your father occurs frequently throughout works of fiction. It would seem that this archetype has some significance which resonates with so many people; but what is it exactly?Grab your favorite marionnette and get cozy as this archetypical story is discussed and what the true meaning behind it is. Note: Brandon's nose did NOT grow during the recording of this episode!  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Compassion is something that most people could have more of. It allows you to act in an unselfish way, as you are more likely to understand other people and the bigger picture. However, does compassion have a blind spot?Listen in as the topic of compassion and empathy are discussed. We'll be covering what it truly is, the positive aspects of it, and any (if any at all) blind spots.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Winter is Coming! This phrase has been popularized by Game of Thrones.  Apart from its literal meaning (winter indeed comes), there is a broader message here which dates back to ancient times. Listen in as this phrase is discussed along with its modern (and non-fantasy) applications. "The King in the North!" Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices