The Strong Stoic Podcast

Merry Christmas, everyone! This time of year is special, not just for the joy of holiday cheer, family gatherings, and festive feasts, but also for the opportunity it presents: a chance to reset.For many of us, Christmas marks the beginning of a unique stretch of time—those magical days between Christmas and New Year’s.It’s a period where routines blur, responsibilities pause, and indulgence is almost a requirement. While it’s easy to get lost in the rhythm of holiday movies, naps, and too many treats, there’s a deeper value to be found in this pause—a chance to step off the treadmill of life and reset intentionally.The Strong Stoic Podcast is a raw, honest, and unapologetically deep podcast about philosophy and self-improvement. Join your host, Brandon Tumblin, as he breaks down a wide variety of complex and difficult topics aimed at provoking thought and opening your perspective.This podcast is listener-supported; if you would like to support the Strong Stoic (as well as gain access to exclusive content), you can do so on Patreon or Substack:Patreon: www.patreon.com/brandontumblinSubstack: https://strongstoic.substack.com

The Stoic philosophy, while often revered for its emphasis on self-discipline and resilience, also places great importance on being useful to others. As Marcus Aurelius reminds us in Meditations:“If you have talents, do your work as a human being. Do it without fuss or hypocrisy and let your actions be guided by reason and a concern for the well-being of others.”At its heart, Stoicism advocates for service—to society, to our communities, and to the people around us. Yet, this process of being useful doesn’t happen overnight. Before one can be useful, one must become useful.The Strong Stoic Podcast is a raw, honest, and unapologetically deep podcast about philosophy and self-improvement. Join your host, Brandon Tumblin, as he breaks down a wide variety of complex and difficult topics aimed at provoking thought and opening your perspective.This podcast is listener-supported; if you would like to support the Strong Stoic (as well as gain access to exclusive content), you can do so on Patreon or Substack:Patreon: www.patreon.com/brandontumblinSubstack: https://strongstoic.substack.com

In both Stoicism and Buddhism, there's a strong emphasis on being fully present. The idea of living in the moment is often associated with Buddhist teachings, but the Stoics share this perspective, though framed through their unique lens. For them, the moment you are in right now is the only thing that truly exists.The past? It’s unchangeable; the ink is already dry. The future? Unwritten and unknowable, no matter how much energy we spend dreaming or worrying about it. The Stoics encourage us to live fully in the present.Yet, here’s the twist: Stoicism also emphasizes the importance of self-reflection—an act that involves revisiting the past and contemplating how we might respond differently in the future. At first glance, this might seem contradictory. How can you live in the moment while also reflecting on what has already happened?The answer lies in balance.The Strong Stoic Podcast is a raw, honest, and unapologetically deep podcast about philosophy and self-improvement. Join your host, Brandon Tumblin, as he breaks down a wide variety of complex and difficult topics aimed at provoking thought and opening your perspective.This podcast is listener-supported; if you would like to support the Strong Stoic (as well as gain access to exclusive content), you can do so on Patreon or Substack:Patreon: www.patreon.com/brandontumblinSubstack: https://strongstoic.substack.com

I recently found myself exploring a bookstore. I made my way to the philosophy section, as I usually inevitably do. However, when I picked up a newly released Stoic book, I asked myself: What good is reading this really going to do for me? For someone who loves philosophy and learning, it felt like heresy to question the value of reading. But over time, I’ve realized something: reading can sometimes be an escape. A distraction disguised as productivity.We fall into a trap where consuming ideas feels like progress. But the real work—the transformation—happens when we take what we learn and implement it in our lives.The Strong Stoic Podcast is a raw, honest, and unapologetically deep podcast about philosophy and self-improvement. Join your host, Brandon Tumblin, as he breaks down a wide variety of complex and difficult topics aimed at provoking thought and opening your perspective.This podcast is listener-supported; if you would like to support the Strong Stoic (as well as gain access to exclusive content), you can do so on Patreon or Substack:Patreon: www.patreon.com/brandontumblinSubstack: https://strongstoic.substack.com

In a world that constantly screams "more," minimalism whispers, "enough." Minimalism challenges the pervasive narrative of consumerism—one that equates happiness with accumulation. It asks us to pause, reflect, and consider the cost of this endless chase for wealth, possessions, and status.The Stoics, philosophers of simplicity and clarity, would find much to agree with in this modern movement. They understood that the relentless pursuit of external achievements can leave us feeling overwhelmed, trapped, and, ironically, empty. By embracing minimalism, we align ourselves with a philosophy that values inner peace over external abundance.Find this episode on:https://linktr.ee/Strongstoic The Strong Stoic Podcast is a raw, honest, and unapologetically deep podcast about philosophy and self-improvement. Join your host, Brandon Tumblin, as he breaks down a wide variety of complex and difficult topics aimed at provoking thought and opening your perspective.This podcast is listener-supported; if you would like to support the Strong Stoic (as well as gain access to exclusive content), you can do so on Patreon or Substack:Patreon: www.patreon.com/brandontumblinSubstack: https://strongstoic.substack.com

In recent years, the term "Practical Stoicism" has gained traction. It suggests a philosophy rooted in real-world application rather than abstract ideals. While Stoicism itself is inherently practical, emphasizing values that anyone can apply to life’s ups and downs, the renewed focus on "practical" Stoicism reflects a shift. It bridges ancient Stoic thought with modern life, which is steeped in complexity, ambiguity, and moral gray areas. Practical Stoicism is not about adhering rigidly to ideals but learning to navigate life’s intricate terrain with a flexible, thoughtful approach to virtue.Find this episode on:https://linktr.ee/Strongstoic The Strong Stoic Podcast is a raw, honest, and unapologetically deep podcast about philosophy and self-improvement. Join your host, Brandon Tumblin, as he breaks down a wide variety of complex and difficult topics aimed at provoking thought and opening your perspective.This podcast is listener-supported; if you would like to support the Strong Stoic (as well as gain access to exclusive content), you can do so on Patreon or Substack:Patreon: www.patreon.com/brandontumblinSubstack: https://strongstoic.substack.com

As we approach the aftermath of the 2024 U.S. presidential election, this discussion offers insights into how Stoic philosophy can guide us through the intense partisanship often seen in today’s political landscape. This reflection, rooted in Stoicism, invites us to consider our responsibilities not only as citizens of our nations but also as members of a broader human community.Find this episode on:https://linktr.ee/Strongstoic The Strong Stoic Podcast is a raw, honest, and unapologetically deep podcast about philosophy and self-improvement. Join your host, Brandon Tumblin, as he breaks down a wide variety of complex and difficult topics aimed at provoking thought and opening your perspective.This podcast is listener-supported; if you would like to support the Strong Stoic (as well as gain access to exclusive content), you can do so on Patreon or Substack:Patreon: www.patreon.com/brandontumblinSubstack: https://strongstoic.substack.com

In everyday conversation, we often hear terms like "optimist," "pessimist," and "realist" thrown around to describe how people approach life. These labels have clear associations: an optimist tends to see the positive in things, a pessimist expects the worst, and a realist tries to focus on practical matters without letting emotions or opinions cloud their perspective.While Stoicism has its own unique framework, many wonder where Stoic philosophy fits into this spectrum. Is it fundamentally realistic, as the Stoics strive to see life as it is? Or does it lean slightly toward optimism because of its emphasis on resilience and inner peace?Find this episode on:https://linktr.ee/Strongstoic The Strong Stoic Podcast is a raw, honest, and unapologetically deep podcast about philosophy and self-improvement. Join your host, Brandon Tumblin, as he breaks down a wide variety of complex and difficult topics aimed at provoking thought and opening your perspective.This podcast is listener-supported; if you would like to support the Strong Stoic (as well as gain access to exclusive content), you can do so on Patreon or Substack:Patreon: www.patreon.com/brandontumblinSubstack: https://strongstoic.substack.com

Money preoccupies most of us, whether it’s deciding which bills to pay or aiming for financial goals. Personal finances, while essential, can consume a lot of mental space. For Stoics, though, money is not inherently good or bad; it’s a “moral indifferent,” a category of things that neither inherently enhance nor damage our character. As we navigate money’s role in our lives, we can look to Stoicism for a balanced approach to wealth.Find this episode on:https://linktr.ee/Strongstoic The Strong Stoic Podcast is a raw, honest, and unapologetically deep podcast about philosophy and self-improvement. Join your host, Brandon Tumblin, as he breaks down a wide variety of complex and difficult topics aimed at provoking thought and opening your perspective.This podcast is listener-supported; if you would like to support the Strong Stoic (as well as gain access to exclusive content), you can do so on Patreon or Substack:Patreon: www.patreon.com/brandontumblinSubstack: https://strongstoic.substack.com

Pain is an unavoidable part of life. Whether it’s physical, emotional, or mental, no one is immune to it. The Stoics, especially philosophers like Epictetus and Marcus Aurelius, offer a unique approach to pain. Instead of viewing it as something inherently bad, they argue that it is a natural occurrence—something that, while unpleasant, can be transcended by the power of the human spirit.In a reflection drawn from Epictetus' teachings, we encounter the idea that while certain outcomes are inevitable—death, imprisonment, exile—we have a choice in how we experience these events. Epictetus reminds us that even if the body is in chains, our will remains free. No one, not even the gods, can conquer the human will. This profound insight becomes the foundation for understanding how Stoics approach pain.Find this episode on:https://linktr.ee/Strongstoic The Strong Stoic Podcast is a raw, honest, and unapologetically deep podcast about philosophy and self-improvement. Join your host, Brandon Tumblin, as he breaks down a wide variety of complex and difficult topics aimed at provoking thought and opening your perspective.This podcast is listener-supported; if you would like to support the Strong Stoic (as well as gain access to exclusive content), you can do so on Patreon or Substack:Patreon: www.patreon.com/brandontumblinSubstack: https://strongstoic.substack.com