The What Is Stoicism? Podcast

This episode returns philosophy to its ancient meaning: not something merely studied, but something lived. Pierre Hadot shows that figures like Marcus Aurelius practiced philosophy through daily self-examination rather than abstract theory. With four simple Stoic reminders—unity, moral good, human kinship, and the present moment—we offer a practical foundation for living like a philosopher.👇 👇 👇📻 FOR MORE STOIC AUDIO CONTENTCheck out one of my latest daily Micro Morning Meditations here on Substack:☀️ Micro Morning Meditation: Let Us Cherish Old Agehttps://whatisstoicism.substack.com/p/micro-morning-meditation-let-us-cherish

This episode examines the attention we surrender to screens, busyness, and distraction.Eric Pickersgill’s phone-free photographs reveal how strange our habits can look when the device disappears, while Seneca warns that constant bustle is often just a restless mind in motion. The question isn't whether modern life demands our attention, but whether we're choosing where it goes.👇 👇 👇📻 FOR MORE STOIC AUDIO CONTENTCheck out one of my latest daily Micro Morning Meditations here on Substack:☀️ Micro Morning Meditation: Let Us Cherish Old Agehttps://whatisstoicism.substack.com/p/micro-morning-meditation-let-us-cherish

This episode reflects on the quiet evidence of resilience we carry with us: the fact that we have survived every difficult moment that once seemed unbearable. Seneca’s image of the scar reminds us that old wounds are not just records of pain, but proof of endurance. Epictetus adds to the lesson by showing that external events only truly threaten us when our judgments give them power.👇 👇 👇📻 FOR MORE STOIC AUDIO CONTENTCheck out one of my latest daily Micro Morning Meditations here on Substack:☀️ Micro Morning Meditation: Let Us Cherish Old Agehttps://whatisstoicism.substack.com/p/micro-morning-meditation-let-us-cherish

This episode turns Seneca’s call to “hold every hour in our grasp” into something more concrete.Through Montaigne’s habits of writing and walking, and Matt Haig’s reflections on acceptance, we look at how attention can slow the feeling of life rushing past. The point isn't to seize time by force, but to notice what's here, accept what can't be changed, and live the hour instead of losing it.👇 👇 👇📻 FOR MORE STOIC AUDIO CONTENTCheck out one of my latest daily Micro Morning Meditations here on Substack:☀️ Micro Morning Meditation: The Object is Bound to Perishhttps://whatisstoicism.substack.com/p/micro-morning-meditation-the-object

This episode examines anger through the lens of Seneca and Epictetus.Seneca warns that anger harms us first, clouding reason and undermining self-control, while Epictetus reframes wrongdoing as error rather than malice.Together, they suggest a practical response: pause, question the impression, and consider the cost of reacting.👇 👇 👇📻 FOR MORE STOIC AUDIO CONTENTCheck out one of my latest daily Micro Morning Meditations here on Substack:☀️ Micro Morning Meditation: Go to Their Soulshttps://whatisstoicism.substack.com/p/micro-morning-meditation-go-to-their

This episode explores how much of our distress comes not from events themselves, but from the interpretations we layer on top of them. Marcus Aurelius reminds us that opinions are optional, while Epictetus shows how easily appearances can mislead us. By sticking closer to the facts and examining our impressions carefully, we reduce unnecessary mental noise.👇 👇 👇📻 FOR MORE STOIC AUDIO CONTENTCheck out one of my latest daily Micro Morning Meditations here on Substack:☀️ Micro Morning Meditation: Go to Their Soulshttps://whatisstoicism.substack.com/p/micro-morning-meditation-go-to-their

This episode explores Cicero’s three-part guide to living well: let reason govern impulse, see things as they truly are, and practice moderation. These principles form a practical framework for navigating daily decisions without being carried away by instinct or excess. With Epictetus reinforcing the need to understand before we act, the focus is on building a well-ordered mind step by step.👇 👇 👇📻 FOR MORE STOIC AUDIO CONTENTCheck out one of my latest daily Micro Morning Meditations here on Substack:☀️ Micro Morning Meditation: When Something Stands in the Wayhttps://whatisstoicism.substack.com/p/micro-morning-meditation-when-something

This episode is a gentle return to practice for anyone who’s drifted or struggled to begin.Seneca and the Stoics remind us that growth starts with effort, but becomes easier—and even rewarding—once it takes hold.The aim isn’t perfection, but steady progress: correcting judgments, strengthening character, and moving a little closer each day.👇 👇 👇📻 FOR MORE STOIC AUDIO CONTENTCheck out one of my latest daily Micro Morning Meditations here on Substack:☀️ Micro Morning Meditation: When Something Stands in the Wayhttps://whatisstoicism.substack.com/p/micro-morning-meditation-when-something