The Stoic Question: Philosophy and Psychology

Short demonstrations of hand-gesture techniques for shifting relationship to thoughts. Guided moves to cradle, separate, or push away mental content for detachment. A Stoic-inspired clenched-fist ritual to release assent and rehearse coping. Repeated gestures as a tool to link attitudes to action and reduce procrastination.

Claudia Mills, emerita philosophy professor and award-winning children’s author, talks about bringing ancient philosophy to young readers. Short stories and Socratic dialogue help introduce ethics, wisdom, and Epictetus’s ideas. Practical tips for sparking curiosity, fostering dialogue, and using philosophy to build empathy and emotional resilience.

Mark Forstater, film producer of Monty Python and author who adapts Marcus Aurelius, Seneca and Socrates for modern readers. He recounts discovering Stoic texts through audiobook work. Conversations range from comparing Marcus, Seneca and Epictetus to Socrates as a moral exemplar. He also links filmmaking to mindset and describes using Stoic and Taoist practices to survive a long legal battle.

Phil Yanov, facilitator of Stoic events and community conversations, joins to explore Stoic approaches to anger and moderation. They discuss why anger is seen as irrational, how it differs from raw affect, and practical pauses to interrupt escalation. Topics include Stoic psychotherapy, cognitive reappraisal, bodily cues, social media’s role in rage, and Marcus Aurelius’ techniques for tempering anger.

A dive into Socratic practices for everyday life. Short exercises contrast justice and injustice to sharpen thinking. Techniques for reframing events and distancing thoughts to ease strong emotions. Practical tools like quotation framing and third-person self-talk to boost wise reasoning. A look at anger, injustice, and how to assess what truly harms you.

This episode features guest hosts Dr. Scott Waltman and Kasey Pierce, authors of the forthcoming book The Rescuer Trap. While we take a short holiday break, we are excited to bring you a special presentation featuring our two compelling talks from the Philosophy of Love and Relationships virtual conferenceIn this episode, we bridge the gap between modern psychological traps and ancient philosophical wisdom to challenge how you view human connection:* “I Can Fix You: The CB Paradox” – Kasey Pierce explores the seductive but flawed desire to “fix” our partners. Discover why this common relationship dynamic often undermines the very foundation of the love it seeks to save.* “Stoic Interconnectedness: Kindness and Fairness” – Dr. Scott Waltman dives into the profound Stoic perspective on shared humanity. Learn how recognizing our mutual bonds can serve as the ultimate driver for cultivating genuine fairness and kindness in all our interactions.Happy Holidays! Live well and love wisely. Are you the fixer, the over-giver, the emotional first responder for everyone but yourself? Welcome to The Rescuer Trap. We playfully own the labels “Parentified and Codependent” to make a point: these are not identities, but learned behaviors.Stoicism: Philosophy as a Way of Life is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.And what can be learned can be unlearned. Hosts Dr. Scott Waltman and Kasey Pierce use Stoic philosophy and CBT to give you the tools to break the cycle and reclaim your autonomy. Your escape from the trap starts here. Based on the forthcoming book, The Rescuer Trap (New Harbinger).Thanks for reading Stoicism: Philosophy as a Way of Life! This post is public so feel free to share it. Get full access to Stoicism: Philosophy as a Way of Life at donaldrobertson.substack.com/subscribe

Massimo Pigliucci, a philosopher known for his work on Stoicism and practical philosophy, joins hosts Dr. Scott Waltman and Kasey Pierce. They dive into the pitfalls of being a ‘rescuer’ and the importance of skepticism. Pigliucci discusses the brain as a 'b******t' machine, the nuanced balance of certainty and doubt, and how social media distorts self-examination. The conversation explores ethical action, the Stoic distinction between altruism and selfishness, and the value of collaboration for genuine self-knowledge.

Join Kasey and Scott as they explore the 'Rescuer Trap' mindset and its link to perfectionism. They discuss how rescuing behavior often leads to emotional burnout and the struggle to enjoy achievements. The duo highlights the importance of good-enough parenting, modeling imperfection, and clarifying values to manage perfectionist tendencies. Stoic techniques like premeditatio malorum help tackle anxiety and encourage self-compassion. Discover how stepping back in relationships can foster growth and lead to healthier connections.

Discover the hidden costs of people-pleasing as the hosts dive into how it sabotages your effectiveness. They explore the guilt of disappointing others and the pressure of unrealistic inbox expectations. Learn to reclaim your autonomy with Stoic principles and CBT tools, including how to say no without feeling selfish. The discussion highlights the health implications of chronic people-pleasing and explores the dynamics between empaths and narcissists. Embrace discomfort to reshape your priorities and allow space for personal flourishing!

Delve into the intricate dynamics of codependency and depression. Learn how the impulse to 'fix' a partner can lead to emotional sinking. Discover the importance of reciprocity in relationships and the dangers of over-helping. The hosts explore Stoic principles about control, urging listeners to break free from the rescuer role. They tackle emotional avoidance and societal pressures that fuel unrealistic expectations. Practical strategies for reclaiming autonomy are shared, challenging you to reassess your relational patterns.