The What Is Stoicism? Podcast

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 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This episode reflects on the Stoic call to care for your own soul.Marcus Aurelius warns that misery comes not from ignoring others, but from neglecting the activity of our own mind.Seneca adds that a well-formed soul—guided by reason, courage, and discipline—becomes independent of fortune, because its true wealth lies within.👇 👇 👇📻 FOR MORE STOIC AUDIO CONTENTCheck out one of my latest daily Micro Morning Meditations here on Substack:☀️ Micro Morning Meditation: The Stoic View on Interior Designhttps://whatisstoicism.substack.com/p/micro-morning-meditation-the-stoic-b16 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This episode looks at how Stoicism handles insults without turning us into “unfeeling statues.” Epictetus suggests taking a cue from a stone: insults only work if we grant them importance. When we pause and refuse that inner assent, the words lose their grip.👇 👇 👇📻 FOR MORE STOIC AUDIO CONTENTCheck out one of my latest daily Micro Morning Meditations here on Substack:☀️ Micro Morning Meditation: To Live Without Error is Impossiblehttps://whatisstoicism.substack.com/p/micro-morning-meditation-to-live-126 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Short, punchy sayings that turn Stoic theory into instant reflexes. A tour of Delphic maxims and Cicero’s practical triad as bite-sized mental anchors. Tips for crafting and repeating personal aphorisms so calm reasoning replaces impulsive reaction. Guidance on using simple lines as steady reminders during stress.

A reflection on the power of everyday kindness and how small acts make people feel seen. Remembering names and details as a quiet way to signal care. Inclusion and simple invitations that bridge isolation. Traditions of anonymous giving like suspended coffee and bread as ways to pay kindness forward. The idea that true charity needs no recognition.

This episode centres on a question from Epictetus: what is there to fear?By focusing only on what’s truly within our control—our choices and character—we loosen the grip of anxiety.With fear quieted, attention returns to the present, where even ordinary moments become material for reflection and growth.👇 👇 👇📻 FOR MORE STOIC AUDIO CONTENTCheck out one of my latest daily Micro Morning Meditations here on Substack:☀️ Micro Morning Meditation: Curl Up And Be Warm In The Presenthttps://whatisstoicism.substack.com/p/micro-morning-meditation-curl-up Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.