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
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 12min
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 3min
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.
Jun 24, 2025 • 23min
Figs, Fate, and When to Quit (Meditations 4.6)
Explore the balance between fate and personal agency as the hosts discuss Marcus Aurelius' reflections on acceptance. Delve into the Stoic approach to managing emotions and how grief can motivate change. Learn about the importance of mindful disengagement from unfulfilling roles and responsibilities, all while maintaining moral integrity. The conversation encourages listeners to embrace life’s natural rhythms and let go of lamentations to progress toward virtue.
9 snips
Jun 19, 2025 • 27min
Fear of Death? Listen to This (Meditations 4.5)
Dive into the Stoic reflection on death as a natural part of life, inspired by Marcus Aurelius' experiences. Acceptance of mortality is framed as essential for a meaningful existence. The discussion also addresses balancing patience with action, focusing on maintaining dignity without becoming passive. Discover strategies for setting healthy boundaries that respect both yourself and others, while navigating conflicts gracefully. This exploration encourages embracing reality and living in accordance with nature.
Jun 10, 2025 • 26min
Is Rape a Stoic Indifferent?
This discussion tackles the heavy moral implications of horrific acts, like rape, through Stoic ethics. It emphasizes that moral value is determined by context, not just actions. Rape is framed as an absolute moral failure, always unjust and vicious. The conversation delves into how intention matters in defining virtue and vice. Listeners are encouraged to critically evaluate their ethical beliefs and appreciate the intricate nature of understanding good and evil within Stoicism.
8 snips
Jun 4, 2025 • 34min
Even after years of practice, I still fail
A personal narrative reveals the struggle to maintain composure during a fraught train journey. Encounters with rowdy teenagers challenge the speaker's emotional stability, highlighting the need for continuous attention in Stoic practice. The discussion emphasizes that everyone, regardless of experience, can slip but that Stoic training helps mitigate our worst responses over time. Reflecting on these moments reinforces the importance of vigilance, humility, and self-reflection in personal growth.
May 27, 2025 • 27min
Are We All Part of One Law? (Meditations 4.4)
Delve into the shared nature of human reason and its ties to a universal law. Explore how Stoic cosmopolitanism challenges traditional ideas of justice and morality. Discover why self-awareness is crucial in advocating for justice in a polarized world. The discussion highlights the importance of recognizing personal limitations and focusing on manageable responsibilities. Anecdotes about aging and entrepreneurship add humor and relatability, bringing Stoicism into practical, everyday scenarios.
May 20, 2025 • 19min
Why "Retreating Into Yourself" Isn't Always Practical (Meditations 4.3)
Exploring Marcus Aurelius's thoughts, the discussion highlights the importance of retreating, not as a sign of weakness, but as a necessary step for personal growth. It emphasizes that everyone needs breaks to recharge and get better, challenging the idea that self-reflection should always be done alone. The pursuit of perfection is deemed unrealistic; instead, acceptance of our limitations is key. Retreats, whether physical or mental, are framed as vital tools in the journey of becoming our best selves.
