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
9 snips
Dec 27, 2025 • 50min
Tenth Day of Stoic Christmas
The hosts dive into the life of Epictetus, exploring his origins and unique teaching style. They discuss the importance of matching careers to natural talents and the courage needed to change paths. Practical advice is offered for retail workers during the holidays, emphasizing a positive attitude in service roles. Examples of radical career changes highlight finding meaning in work. The conversation wraps up with reminders about life's balance, urging listeners to enjoy nature and relationships beyond just work.
12 snips
Dec 27, 2025 • 44min
Ninth Day of Stoic Christmas
The hosts dive into the emotional chaos of the holiday season, discussing issues like loneliness and gift pressures. They explore Stoic philosophy, revealing that emotions arise from our judgments about loss and danger. Positive feelings like joy and compassion are examined alongside the risks of sentimentality. The conversation highlights the importance of comforting others without absorbing their negativity and emphasizes cultivating gratitude and internal happiness amidst consumerism. They wrap up with insights on appreciating relationships and everyday blessings.
Dec 27, 2025 • 50min
Eighth Day of Stoic Christmas
The hosts dive into the nuances of role ethics, exploring how we juggle natural and acquired roles in life. They tackle the complexities of conflicting roles like parenthood versus professional obligations, highlighting the need for reasoned prioritization. Practical advice rolls out on being a considerate guest and thoughtful host, focusing on contributions and attentiveness. A fascinating discussion on neighborly conduct sheds light on managing disputes respectfully. Ultimately, they guide listeners on applying Stoic principles in everyday interactions.
Dec 27, 2025 • 37min
Seventh Day of Stoic Christmas
Tanner shares the heartfelt story of how he met his wife online, adding personal charm to the discussion. The duo dives into cosmopolitanism, linking it to shared rationality and local versus universal responsibilities. They explore the poignant theme of celebrating holidays far from home, examining connections to Stoic ideals. Further, they discuss how virtue promotes the common good and the impact of human actions on the cosmos. Finally, they clarify Stoic theology, emphasizing its acceptance even among atheists, while connecting gratitude and festivals to fellowship.
Dec 27, 2025 • 43min
Sixth Day of Stoic Christmas
Join William Stevens, a contributor and Stoic scholar, as he dives deep into the concept of oikiosis—the recognition of what belongs to us. He and Tanner illuminate how this foundational Stoic idea applies to human connection and empathy, especially during the holidays. They explore Hierocles' circles of concern, advocating for treating strangers as kin. Personal stories highlight compassion for the unsheltered, emphasizing small, meaningful acts of kindness. Their discussion inspires listeners to volunteer gifts and skills in ways that genuinely resonate with them.
Dec 18, 2025 • 43min
Fifth Day of Stoic Christmas
Holiday humor kicks off a lively discussion about the cardinal virtues, with insights on why they're termed 'cardinal.' The hosts unravel the unity of virtues and share an underwater analogy to illustrate Stoic concepts. They emphasize the importance of justice, advocating respectful treatment of service workers during the festive season. Moderation in food and drink is examined, along with coping strategies for personal indulgences. Grief and social connections are addressed, encouraging kindness to neighbors and resilience in tough times.
Dec 18, 2025 • 35min
Fourth Day of Stoic Christmas
The hosts kick off with light-hearted banter and holiday shopping woes. They dive into Stoic preparation for public annoyances, using insights from Marcus and Epictetus. A fascinating discussion on how our impressions shape responses in public spaces follows. The episode explores courtesy over confrontation, illustrated by a mall encounter. From defensive driving tips to the dangers of anger, they share playful Stoic suggestions for navigating holiday frustrations. Tune in for a mix of humor and wisdom to brighten your season!
Dec 18, 2025 • 42min
Third Day of Stoic Christmas
William Stevens, a philosopher and Stoicism scholar known for his work on Marcus Aurelius, delves into the Stoic principles of choice and judgment through the lens of Epictetus. He discusses managing anger and the importance of recognizing ignorance behind offensive behaviors, urging compassion at family gatherings. The conversation touches on Stoic techniques for controlling emotions, emphasizing that true judgment requires understanding motives. With humor, they remind listeners to avoid conflict at holiday celebrations and engage in constructive dialogue.
Dec 18, 2025 • 46min
Second Day of Stoic Christmas
Amidst holiday banter, the hosts discuss their Stoic-themed fashion and an amusing Costco encounter. They explore the origins of Christmas traditions and the impact of consumerism on gift-giving. The conversation shifts to the Stoic perspective on possessions, emphasizing that true wealth comes from wanting what you have, not hoarding. Gifts should express care rather than serve as transactions. They also navigate the Stoic view on travel, highlighting the importance of managing emotions rather than escaping them. Finally, a practical journaling takeaway is suggested.
Dec 17, 2025 • 44min
First Day of Stoic Christmas
William Stevens, a philosopher and author specializing in Roman history and Stoicism, discusses his new book on Marcus Aurelius and the warm spirit of Christmas. He shares memories of childhood gifts and emphasizes the importance of meaningful connections during the holidays. They delve into the stresses of consumerism, advocating for gift-giving as an act of virtue. William highlights the significance of presence at gatherings, offering tips for building community and combating loneliness. Their conversation culminates in the idea that a Stoic Christmas is about active participation and generosity.
