Practical Stoicism
Evergreen Podcasts
Stoicism is the pursuit of Virtue (Aretê), which was defined by the Ancient Greeks as "the knowledge of how to live excellently," Stoicism is a holistic life philosophy meant to guide us towards the attainment of this knowledge through the development of our character. While many other Stoicism podcasts focus on explaining Ancient Stoicism in an academic or historical context, Practical Stoicism strives to port the ancient wisdom of this 2300-plus-year-old Greek Philosophy into contemporary times to provide practical advice for living today, not two millennia ago. Join American philosopher of Stoicism Tanner Campbell, every Monday and Friday, for new episodes.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Sep 12, 2025 • 24min
From Defense to War: A Stoic Response to America’s Rebrand
The podcast tackles the renaming of the U.S. Department of Defense to the Department of War through a Stoic lens. It contrasts true warrior values—justice, self-control, and wisdom—with a focus on destructive ambition. The discussion highlights how words influence values and critiques performative strength over genuine moral leadership. It stresses Stoicism’s emphasis on intention behind military actions and warns against the dangers of confusing spectacle with true virtue, reminding us that practicing humanity should be our ultimate goal.
6 snips
Sep 3, 2025 • 24min
Can Stoics Eat Meat?
Explore Stoicism’s take on diet and the meat-eating debate. Discover how eating animals can align with rational nature, while critiquing factory farming. Learn that it's not just about meat consumption but the reasoning behind our food choices. Emphasize ethical sourcing and mindful eating. The conversation highlights the balance of virtue with practicality, encouraging personal reflection on food production methods. It’s about aligning dietary habits with Stoic values, not strict dietary rules.
13 snips
Aug 30, 2025 • 23min
Should Stoics Care About The Environment?
Explore the Stoic view on our environmental responsibilities and whether caring for nature is a moral obligation or merely indulgent. Discover how the natural world embodies divine order, deserving of our attention and care. Balance the need for corporate accountability with individual actions that can spark change. Reflect on sustainability and justice as essential elements of living in harmony with nature. Recognize the tension between profit and stewardship while advocating for responsible choices in daily life.
13 snips
Aug 22, 2025 • 18min
What If It Actually Is My Job?
Explore the burden of responsibility through the lens of iconic figures like Spider-Man. Discover how our defined roles shape our obligations and the importance of weighing new responsibilities. Delve into the tension between gut reactions and rational decision-making while confronting moral dilemmas. Learn why, for Stoics, true happiness stems from virtue rather than external circumstances. Balancing contentment and ambition becomes clearer as we embrace Stoic principles and strive for justice.
22 snips
Aug 11, 2025 • 28min
A Stoic's Perspective on Immigration (Broadly)
Dive into the nuanced world of immigration through a Stoic lens. The discussion highlights the importance of caring for all, addressing cultural challenges while seeking moral knowledge over preservation. Examine how Stoic principles differ from legal frameworks, emphasizing compassion and discernment. The podcast also contrasts historical and modern motivations for migration, questioning the balance between community responsibility and support for refugees. Delve into the ethics of immigration policies, advocating for a more humane approach to justice.
23 snips
Aug 4, 2025 • 1h
Rhetoric as a Method of Self-Betterment [Interview with Jay Heinrichs]
In this engaging conversation, Jay Heinrichs, author of "Aristotle's Guide to Self-Persuasion," delves into the transformative power of rhetoric for personal growth. He showcases how language shapes our perceptions and influences self-improvement. The discussion highlights the interplay of rhetoric and Stoicism, emphasizing effective self-communication drawn from historical figures. Heinrichs also explores the impact of rhythm on emotions and creativity, and shares insights into charisma's role in effective communication, inviting listeners to align their actions with deeper, authentic needs.
18 snips
Jul 27, 2025 • 14min
Introducing Season 3: Applied Stoicism
This discussion dives into the relevance of Stoicism in today's political landscape. The host explores how ancient principles can be applied to modern societal challenges. Listeners are encouraged to take an active role in governance while embracing Stoic wisdom. It's a fresh take on how philosophy can inform our engagement with the world around us.
19 snips
Jul 23, 2025 • 1h 10min
Guest Interview: The Strong Stoic Podcast
Brandon Tumblin, a Canadian podcaster and host of the Strong Stoic podcast, dives into the powerful connection between Stoicism and health. He shares transformative insights on fatherhood, highlighting how new parenting reshapes one's perspective on life. The discussion also navigates the dichotomy of control in business, emphasizing practical strategies for emotional regulation and physical well-being. Tumblin inspires listeners with empowerment through knowledge, illustrating how small health adjustments can lead to significant improvements and embracing imperfection.
23 snips
Jul 15, 2025 • 1h 1min
Guest Interview: The Tech Stoic Podcast
Brian Weiss, host of The Tech Stoic podcast and owner of iTech Solutions, dives into the intersection of technology and Stoic philosophy. They discuss how Stoicism fosters emotional resilience and moral integrity in the workplace. Punctuality and personal responsibility spark debate, exploring accountability in professional settings. The conversation embraces self-discovery, emphasizing continuous growth and reflection on past choices. Weiss also highlights a new journaling program aimed at building community among midlife men, enriching their entrepreneurial journeys.
Jul 13, 2025 • 5min
Quick Update: I'm not dead!
The hosts introduce a new Stoic Journaling program, designed to enrich lives with thoughtful prompts and a supportive community. They share a personal update, reassuring listeners about their well-being while reflecting on family time. Future plans include insightful interviews on Stoic philosophy and a program aimed at managing ADHD. They express eagerness to engage more deeply with their audience on a variety of topics.
