The What Is Stoicism? Podcast

In this episode, we dig into the meaning behind Kurt Vonnegut’s famous line “so it goes” and how it’s more than just a catchphrase.Drawing from Slaughterhouse-Five, Stoic ideas, and the book The Courage to Be Disliked, we talk about how accepting what we can’t control can actually help us take better control of what we can.👇 👇 👇📻 FOR MORE STOIC AUDIO CONTENTCheck out one of my latest daily Micro Morning Meditations here on Substack:☀️ Micro Morning Meditation: How To Always Get What You Desirehttps://whatisstoicism.substack.com/p/micro-morning-meditation-how-to-always Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Discover the inspiring life of Epictetus, a Stoic philosopher who rose from slavery to find inner strength. The discussion highlights the balance between independence and interdependence, illustrating how Stoicism encourages support from others. Emphasizing the importance of open communication and vulnerability, the podcast reveals that true resilience not only comes from within but also flourishes in connection with our community.

Dive into the world of Stoicism with a comprehensive overview that unpacks its origins and key principles. Discover how to apply Stoic virtues in daily life for personal growth. Explore the essence of this philosophy, focusing on conquering destructive emotions like rage and envy. It emphasizes control and acceptance as tools for achieving clarity. Most importantly, the discussion reveals how accessible Stoicism is for everyone seeking wisdom and emotional integrity.

Dive into the intriguing world of dreams and reality as the hosts examine how illusions can shape our fears. Discover insights from Marcus Aurelius and Anne Lamott on the power of journaling and Stoic reflection. Learn how pre-meditatio malorum can prepare you for life's challenges and deepen your emotional understanding. This exploration will inspire you to wake up to clarity and purpose in your daily life.

Delve into the art of perception and how it influences our emotional landscape. Discover the profound insights of Epictetus and the wisdom of Nan Shepherd as they reveal how reclaiming control over our judgments can liberate us from unnecessary suffering. Journey from childhood envy to a richer, grounded existence by shifting focus from external validation to internal awareness. This insightful discussion encourages embracing the beauty of life beyond societal pressures.

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

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

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

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

We all have our own command center. Our own thoughts are within our control.Knowing this, we can break free from the impulses and influences trying to send us in different directions. We can accept our present fate and do what is within our control to flourish in that situation, whatever it may be.In this episode, we look at how this line of thinking can benefit 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 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.