The What Is Stoicism? Podcast

In this episode, we look at the Stoic principle of focusing only on what lies within our control, using the weather as a vivid metaphor for life’s unpredictable externals.Drawing on insights from George Gissing, Epictetus, Seneca, Mac Miller, and even Derren Brown, we reflect on how to maintain inner peace in a world that constantly tempts and tests us.👇 👇 👇📻 FOR MORE STOIC AUDIO CONTENTCheck out one of my latest daily Micro Morning Meditations here on Substack:Micro Morning Meditation: It Might Have Been Otherwisehttps://whatisstoicism.substack.com/p/micro-morning-meditation-it-might

This episode explores how anxiety can quietly hold us back from the things that matter most—and how Stoic wisdom offers a path through it.Drawing on insights from Epictetus and Marcus Aurelius, we look at how changing our judgments, not just our circumstances, empowers us to act despite fear and grow stronger in the process.👇 👇 👇📻 FOR MORE STOIC AUDIO CONTENTCheck out one of my latest daily Micro Morning Meditations here on Substack:Micro Morning Meditation: Is It The Thought That Counts?https://whatisstoicism.substack.com/p/micro-morning-meditation-is-it-the

When life feels overwhelming or uncertain, our minds often jump to the worst-case scenario.In this episode, we explore the Stoic art of "decatastrophizing"—challenging our initial impressions, stepping back from fear-driven thoughts, and learning to respond with clarity and calm.With guidance from Epictetus and Seneca, we understand how to navigate misfortune not just with acceptance, but with strength, reason, and grace.👇 👇 👇📻 FOR MORE STOIC AUDIO CONTENTCheck out one of my latest daily Micro Morning Meditations here on Substack:The Power To Live As One Wisheshttps://whatisstoicism.substack.com/p/micro-morning-meditation-the-power-413

What if the things that trouble us most are really just tremendous trifles? In this episode, we explore how shifting our perspective can turn everyday stress into a source of clarity—with a simple story of boiling water and a reminder that life is too short to sweat what won’t matter tomorrow.👇 👇 👇📻 FOR MORE STOIC AUDIO CONTENTCheck out one of my latest daily Micro Morning Meditations here on Substack:The Power To Live As One Wisheshttps://whatisstoicism.substack.com/p/micro-morning-meditation-the-power-413

In his Discourses, the Stoic teacher Epictetus explains that a person is making progress when they understand a simple Stoic principle: we desire what we see as good, and we avoid what we see as bad.In this episode, we look at how this advice can drastically reduce the chances of being disturbed by what happens around us.👇 👇 👇📻 FOR MORE STOIC AUDIO CONTENTCheck out one of my latest daily Micro Morning Meditations here on Substack:It's Not A Joyless Philosophyhttps://whatisstoicism.substack.com/p/micro-morning-meditation-its-not

It's an unfortunate truth: many so-called leaders expect things from others that they don’t expect from themselves.In this episode, we look to the Stoics and an old story about Mahatma Gandhi to see how true leaders lead by example.👇 👇 👇📻 FOR MORE STOIC AUDIO CONTENTCheck out one of my latest daily Micro Morning Meditations here on Substack:Unbroken Tranquility And Unending Freedomhttps://whatisstoicism.substack.com/p/micro-morning-meditation-unbroken

The ancient Stoic’s prerequisite for getting the most out of each of life’s experiences was to consider the possibility that it would be the last time they would ever have that particular experience.In this episode, we look at some practical ways to achieve this.👇 👇 👇📻 FOR MORE STOIC AUDIO CONTENTCheck out one of my latest daily Micro Morning Meditations here on Substack:Amongst Friends All Things In Commonhttps://whatisstoicism.substack.com/p/micro-morning-meditation-amongst

In this episode, I talk to Gregory B. Sadler. Through his public speaking, content production (including videos for a YouTube channel with over 150,000 subscribers), consulting, and philosophical counseling, Greg makes classical and contemporary philosophy accessible to non-philosophers.I really enjoyed this conversation, in which we mainly discussed the many misconceptions there are about what Stoicism really is. Greg did a great job of clearing these misunderstandings up, so I think this will be a really useful episode for those who want to learn more about Stoicism to listen to. I hope you enjoy.📻 FOR MORE STOIC AUDIO CONTENTCheck out one of my latest daily Micro Morning Meditations here on Substack:Unbroken Tranquility And Unending Freedomhttps://whatisstoicism.substack.com/p/micro-morning-meditation-unbroken