Best Brendan And Benny Podcasts (2025)

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Stoic Quote: Seneca on Old Age and Outgrowing Desire 7:30

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1h ago7:30

7:30

Welcome to the Via Stoica Podcast, the podcast on Stoicism In this episode of the Via Stoica Podcast, we reflect on a powerful line from Seneca’s Letters to Lucilius, Letter 12: On Old Age: “How nice is it to have outworn one’s desires and left them behind.” Seneca, Letters to Lucilius, Letter 12 Seneca’s words remind us that there’s peace in growi…

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After the Hunt & Mr. Scorsese with Michelle Wolf and Rheeqrheeq Chainey 1:15:26

4d ago1:15:26

1:15:26

This week, Louis Virtel is joined by TV writer Rheeqrheeq Chainey to discuss Luca Guadagnino's After the Hunt, Apple TV's Mr. Scorsese docuseries, Netflix's gay military drama Boots, Kim Kardashian's faux fur thongs, and the current Oscar front-runners. Michelle Wolf also joins to discuss writing for late night, Barcelona's comedy scene, and her ne…

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The Stoic Archer – Choosing the Right Target and Letting Go 22:53

3d ago22:53

22:53

Welcome to the Via Stoica Podcast, the Podcast on Stoicism. What can a simple bow and arrow teach us about the art of living? In this episode of the Via Stoica Podcast, Benny explores the timeless Stoic Archer analogy—how to choose the right target in life, how to aim with reason, and how to release with trust. Drawing from Cicero’s On the Chief Go…

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Stoic Quote: Knowing Your Role - Epictetus on Self-Understanding and Balance 9:44

6d ago9:44

9:44

The Via Stoica Podcast: Stoic Quotes Series In the Stoic Quotes series, we take a look at what the Stoics said and uncover the wisdom they left behind. We explore the writings of Marcus Aurelius, Epictetus, Seneca, and more, to see how their lessons still guide us today. In this episode, we reflect on a quote by Epictetus, Handbook (Enchiridion), 3…

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Diane Keaton & The Kiss of the Spider Woman with Kyle MacLachlan & Jon Lovett 1:31:55

11d ago1:31:55

1:31:55

This week, Louis is joined by Pod Save America host Jon Lovett to discuss the greats of reality TV, Diane Keaton's inimitable career, Jennifer Lopez's new movie The Kiss of the Spider Woman, Bad Bunny's halftime show announcement, and D'Angelo's passing. Kyle MacLachlan also joins to chat about his new show The Lowdown, working with David Lynch, an…

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A Stoic Conversation with Becky Schmooke: Choosing the Handle That Holds in Life and Leadership 1:13:37

9d ago1:13:37

1:13:37

Welcome to the Via Stoica Podcast, the podcast on Stoicism. What does it mean to lead yourself, before leading others? In this episode of The Via Stoica Podcast, Benny speaks with Becky Schmooke, founder of Stoic Edge Consulting and Becky’s Mindful Kitchen, and author of Choose the Handle That Holds. Blending Stoic philosophy, modern science, and r…

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Stoic Quote: Choose Not to Be Harmed: Marcus Aurelius on Emotional Freedom 9:51

14d ago9:51

9:51

The Via Stoica Podcast: Stoic Quotes Series In the Stoic Quotes series, we take a look at what the Stoics said and uncover the wisdom they left behind. We explore the writings of Marcus Aurelius, Epictetus, Seneca, and more, to see how their lessons still guide us today. In this episode, we reflect on a quote by Marcus Aurelius, Meditations, Book 4…

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Taylor Swift's "The Life of a Showgirl" and More with Brendan Scannell and Jesse Williams 1:18:44

15d ago1:18:44

1:18:44

By Keep It!

1M ago50:07

50:07

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Stoic Quote: Life Is Long, If You Know How to Use It – Seneca’s Stoic Reminder 7:54

1M ago7:54

7:54

Welcome to the Via Stoica Podcast, the podcast on Stoicism. In this Stoic Quotes episode, Benny reflects on the words of Seneca from his essay On the Shortness of Life. Seneca challenges the common complaint that life is too brief, reminding us instead that: “Life is long, if only you know how to use it.” Rather than blaming nature for giving us to…

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The Emmys, Charlie Sheen, & The Roses with Jaboukie Young-White & Akilah Green 1:23:10

1M ago1:23:10

1:23:10

This week, Louis is joined by Ghosts writer Akilah Green to discuss the 77th Emmys, Charlie Sheen's documentary, The Roses, Nicolandria, Robert Redford, and their favorite warring couples in film. Jaboukie Young-White also joins to discuss his new film, The Threesome. Subscribe to Keep It on YouTube to catch full episodes, exclusive content, and ot…

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The Stoic Discipline of Assent: Control Your Mind, Control Your Life 25:12

1M ago25:12

25:12

Welcome to the Via Stoica Podcast, the Podcast on Stoicism. In this episode of the Via Stoica Podcast, Benny explores the Stoic Discipline of Assent, the practice of choosing how we respond to impressions, rather than being led by impulse or unexamined opinions. In an age of fast judgments, social media scrolls, and reactive emotions, this discipli…

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Stoic Quote: To Philosophize Is to Learn How to Die: Montaigne and the Stoic View of Death 8:25

1M ago8:25

8:25

Welcome to the Via Stoica Podcast, the podcast on Stoicism. In this Stoic Quotes episode, Benny reflects on the words of Michel de Montaigne, the 16th-century French philosopher who pioneered the personal essay. In his famous essay To Philosophize Is to Learn How to Die, Montaigne reminds us that the purpose of philosophy is not abstract speculatio…

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The VMAs, Man's Best Friend, and Celebrity Families with Nicholas Stoller & Mariah Smith 1:25:51

2M ago1:25:51

1:25:51

This week, Louis is joined by Smith Sisters Live co-host Mariah Smith to discuss the VMAs, Sabrina Carpenter’s new album Man’s Best Friend, Lady Gaga’s new music, Justin Bieber’s Swag II, the Wuthering Heights teaser, and Hollywood’s most legendary celebrity families. They’re also joined by writer/director Nicholas Stoller to discuss season 2 of th…

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The Stoic Discipline of Action: How to Live with Justice and Purpose 20:03

2M ago20:03

20:03

Welcome to the Via Stoica Podcast, the Podcast on Stoicism. In this episode of the Via Stoica Podcast, Benny explores the Stoic Discipline of Action, the practice of living with justice, fairness, and responsibility in our interactions with others. In a time where social media and digital life can make us feel more isolated and divided than ever, S…

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Stoic Quote: Epictetus on Approval: Why Seeking Praise Ruins Your Integrity 7:44

2M ago7:44

7:44

Welcome to the Via Stoica Podcast, the podcast on Stoicism. In this Stoic Quotes episode, Benny reflects on Epictetus’ teaching from the Handbook (Enchiridion 23): “If it ever happens that you turn to external things in the desire to please some other person, realize that you have ruined your scheme of life. Be content then with being a philosopher…

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What Is the Discipline of Desire? A Stoic Guide to Freedom and Calm 31:01

2M ago31:01

31:01

Welcome to the Via Stoica Podcast, the Podcast on Stoicism. In this episode of the Via Stoica Podcast, Benny explores the Stoic Discipline of Desire, one of the three core disciplines that guide us toward a calmer and more meaningful life. In a world where everything we want is just a buy button away and social media constantly tempts us to compare…

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Stoic Quote: Let Go of Desire — Epictetus on Finding True Satisfaction 8:36

2M ago8:36

8:36

Welcome to the Via Stoica Podcast, the Podcast on Stoicism. In this Stoic Quotes episode, Benny reflects on Epictetus’ words from Discourses 3.9: “You too should drop your desire. Do not covet many things and you will get what you want.” For Epictetus, the path to freedom and peace begins with the discipline of desire. We often chase after external…

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Alien: Earth & Love Island USA with Matt Smith and Ben Mandelker 1:31:48

2M ago1:31:48

1:31:48

This week Louis Virtel and guest co-host Ben Mandelker dive into Taylor Swift’s engagement, the Love Island USA reunion, Alien: Earth, legendary albums, Snoop Dogg’s reaction to Lightyear, and Project Runway. Matt Smith also joins to discuss his new role in Caught Stealing. Subscribe to Keep It on YouTube to catch full episodes, exclusive content, …

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A Stoic Conversation with Dr. John Sellars: Stoicism Rediscovered Beyond the Buzzword 57:43

2M ago57:43

57:43

Welcome to the Via Stoica Podcast, The Podcast on Stoicism. In this episode of The Via Stoica Podcast, Benny speaks with Dr. John Sellars, one of today’s leading scholars of Stoicism and the history of philosophy. Dr. Sellars is Reader in the History of Philosophy at Royal Holloway, University of London, Associate Editor for the Ancient Commentator…

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Stoic Quote: Change Is Nature’s Way: Marcus Aurelius on Embracing Life’s Flux 7:58

2M ago7:58

7:58

Welcome to the Via Stoica Podcast, the podcast on Stoicism. In this Stoic Quotes episode, Benny reflects on Marcus Aurelius’ reminder from Meditations 7.18: “Frightened of change? But what can exist without it? What’s closer to nature’s heart?” Change is constant — from the rise and fall of empires to the daily challenges in our own lives. Marcus w…

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Highest 2 Lowest, And Just Like That, & Clue with Charlie Day & Taylor Hale 1:25:40

2M ago1:25:40

1:25:40

This week, Louis and Big Brother 24 winner Taylor Hale discuss And Just Like That, The Amazing Race, Highest 2 Lowest, the 40th anniversary of Clue, reality TV friendships, and the recent blows to film criticism. Subscribe to Keep It on YouTube to catch full episodes, exclusive content, and other community events. Find us there at YouTube.com/@Keep…

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A Stoic Conversation with Dr. Ranjini George: Where Buddhism Meets Stoicism 58:52

2M ago58:52

58:52

In this episode of The Via Stoica Podcast, Benny and Brendan speak with Dr. Ranjini George, a writer, teacher, and scholar who bridges the worlds of East and West. Formerly an Associate Professor of English at Zayed University in Dubai, and now teaching Creative Writing and Arts & Humanities at the University of Toronto, Dr. George brings decades o…

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Stoic Quote: Seneca on Why Death Makes Life Precious 8:38

2M ago8:38

8:38

Life is precious because it ends. In this Stoic Quotes episode, Benny reflects on one of Seneca’s most powerful lines from Consolation to Marcia: “Life, it is thanks to death that you are precious in my eyes.” Discover how the Stoics saw death not as something to fear, but as the reason we should live fully. Learn how this view can help you approac…

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South Park, Queer Travel and Weapons with Margaret Cho 1:14:57

2M ago1:14:57

1:14:57

This week, comedy legend Margaret Cho joins Louis to discuss Weapons, South Park, The Ultimatum: Queer Love, Project Runway and the summer's hottest queer travel destinations from Princetown to Chicago. Subscribe to Keep It on YouTube to catch full episodes, exclusive content, and other community events. Find us there at YouTube.com/@KeepItPodcast …

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A Stoic Conversation with William C. Spears: Stoicism as a Warrior Philosophy 52:05

3M ago52:05

52:05

A Stoic Conversation with William C. Spears: Stoicism as a Warrior Philosophy In this episode of The Via Stoica Podcast, Benny and Brendan speak with William C. Spears, active duty U.S. naval officer, submarine commander, and author of Stoicism as a Warrior Philosophy. From the depths of nuclear-powered submarines to the halls of the Pentagon, Will…

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Stoic Quote: “For it is you who know yourself, and what value you set upon yourself, and at what rate you sell yourself.” 8:22

3M ago8:22

8:22

The Via Stoica Podcast: Stoic quotes series In the Stoic quotes series, we take a look at what the Stoics said and uncover the wisdom they left behind. We look at the famous writings from Epictetus, Seneca, Marcus Aurelius, and more. In this episode, we turn to a powerful quote from Epictetus, found in the Discourses, that asks us to reflect on sel…

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The Naked Gun & Funniest Women with Jenny Slate & Caroline Goldfarb 1:30:00

3M ago1:30:00

1:30:00

This week, Sex Lives of College Girls writer and tinned fish mogul Caroline Goldfarb joins Louis to discuss the Mayhem Ball, The Naked Gun, funny women, Rod Stewart, and the VMA nominations. They also chat with Jenny Slate about her Emmy-nominated performance in Hulu’s Dying for Sex. Subscribe to Keep It on YouTube to catch full episodes, exclusive…

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Stoicism and Happiness: How to Find Joy Beyond Pleasure 27:26

3M ago27:26

27:26

Welcome to the Via Stoica Podcast, the Podcast on Stoicism. Most people spend their lives chasing happiness, but the Stoics had a different approach. In this episode of the Via Stoica Podcast, Benny and Brendan explore the true nature of happiness through a Stoic lens. You’ll learn why fleeting pleasures often leave us feeling empty, and how virtue…

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Stoic Quote: “The world is nothing but change. Our life is only perception.” 8:05

3M ago8:05

8:05

The Via Stoica Podcast: Stoic quotes series In the Stoic quotes series, we take a look at what the Stoics said and uncover the wisdom they left behind. We look at the famous writings from Epictetus, Seneca, Marcus Aurelius, and more. In this episode, we explore a quote cited by Marcus Aurelius in Meditations, but originally attributed to the pre-So…

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The End of an Ira 1:28:36

3M ago1:28:36

1:28:36

Ira and Louis answer listener questions and revisit your favorite moments, interviews, and takes from the podcast for Ira’s final episode. Plus, one final Keep It… to Beyoncé?? Coded Justice by Stacey Abrams: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/697037/coded-justice-by-stacey-abrams/ Subscribe to Keep It on YouTube to catch full episodes, exclu…

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Death and Stoicism: The Art of Dying Well and Living Wisely 30:21

3M ago30:21

30:21

Welcome to the Via Stoica Podcast, the podcast on Stoicism. What if preparing for death is the key to truly living? In this episode of the Via Stoica Podcast, Benny and Brendan explore the Stoic approach to mortality, not as something to fear, but as a tool to cultivate presence, peace, and purpose. Through personal stories, Stoic reflections, and …

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Stoic Quotes: It's not that we have a brief length of time... 8:45

3M ago8:45

8:45

The Via Stoica Podcast: Stoic quotes series In the Stoic quotes series, we take a look at what the Stoics said and uncover the wisdom they left behind. We look at the famous writings from Epictetus, Seneca, Marcus Aurelius, and more. In this episode, we turn to Seneca and his timeless essay On the Shortness of Life, where he reminds us: “It’s not t…

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Colbert & Leo Season Movies with Billy Porter 1:31:58

3M ago1:31:58

1:31:58

Ira and Louis discuss Nicki Minaj versus SZA, CBS canceling The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, Drag Race All Stars 10, Building the Band, and movies with Leo Energy. Billy Porter joins to discuss playing the Emcee in Cabaret, his dream roles, and more. Subscribe to Keep It on YouTube to catch full episodes, exclusive content, and other community e…

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A Stoic Conversation with Will Johncock: Beyond the Individual 1:04:58

3M ago1:04:58

1:04:58

Welcome to the Via Stoica Podcast, the Podcast on Stoicism What happens when Stoicism moves beyond personal development and toward a deeper understanding of our place in the universe? In this thought-provoking episode of the Via Stoica Podcast, Benny speaks with philosopher and author Will Johncock, whose book Beyond the Individual explores Stoicis…

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Stoic Quote: “Difficulties are the things that show what men are.” 8:07

3M ago8:07

8:07

The Via Stoica Podcast: Stoic quotes series In the Stoic quotes series, we take a look at what the Stoics said and uncover the wisdom they left behind. We look at the famous writings from Epictetus, Seneca, Marcus Aurelius, and more. In this episode, we reflect on a powerful quote from Epictetus, Discourses, Book 1, Chapter 24: “Difficulties are th…

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Superman, Emmy Nominations, & Justin Bieber with Ari Aster 1:26:33

3M ago1:26:33

1:26:33

Ira and Louis discuss Superman, Too Much, Emmy noms, new albums from Justin Bieber and Kesha, Jet2holidays, and the continued search for a song of the summer. Ari Aster joins to discuss his new film Eddington, his fave paranoid thrillers, and more. Subscribe to Keep It on YouTube to catch full episodes, exclusive content, and other community events…

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What Is Virtue? A Stoic Guide to Excellence in Character and Action 27:12

3M ago27:12

27:12

Welcome to the Via Stoica Podcast, the podcast on Stoicism. What is virtue, and why did the Stoics believe it’s the only true good? In this episode of the Via Stoica Podcast, Benny and Brendan explore the heart of Stoic ethics: the four cardinal virtues of wisdom, justice, courage, and temperance. Learn how these timeless principles can guide your …

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Stoic Quote: If You Seek Tranquility – A Reflection on Doing Less 6:43

4M ago6:43

6:43

Welcome to the Via Stoica Podcast: Stoic Quotes Series In this episode of the Stoic Quotes Series, we explore a simple yet powerful reminder found in Meditations by Marcus Aurelius: “If you seek tranquillity, do less.” – Democritus, Frg. B.3, quoted in Marcus Aurelius, Meditations, Book 4.24 While the quote originates from Democritus, Marcus builds…

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Jurassic World Rebirth & The Best 100 Movies of the 21st Century with Ty Burrell and Kyle Buchanan 1:22:24

4M ago1:22:24

1:22:24

Louis Virtel and guest co-host Kyle Buchanan discuss Jurassic World Rebirth, Scarlett Johansson's box-office record, The New York Times' Best 100 Movies of the 21st Century list, Survivor season 50, and Jojo Siwa's cover of Bette Davis Eyes. They also chat with Ty Burrell about his new audiobook The Good Life, Modern Family, and Salt Lake City bars…

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What is Stoicism? Discovering the True Nature of This Ancient Wisdom 41:46

4M ago41:46

41:46

Welcome to the Via Stoica Podcast, the Podcast on Stoicism What is Stoicism? Is it about suppressing your emotions and becoming a cold, detached thinker? Or is it the path to inner freedom, resilience, and purpose? In this deep-dive episode of the Via Stoica Podcast, Benny and Brendan unpack the true meaning of Stoicism, exploring its origins, key …

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Stoic Quote: Whatever Fate One Man Can Strike – A Lesson from Seneca 7:16

4M ago7:16

7:16

Welcome to The Via Stoica Podcast: Stoic Quotes Series In this episode of the Stoic Quotes Series, we reflect on a striking line found in Seneca’s Consolation to Marcia—originally attributed to the slave philosopher Publius Syrus: “Whatever fate one man can strike can come to all of us alike.” – Publius, quoted in Seneca, Dialogues and Essays, Cons…

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What Is the Stoic Man? Rediscovering Masculinity Through Stoicism 31:12

4M ago31:12

31:12

Welcome to the Via Stoica Podcast, The Podcast on Stoicism. What does it truly mean to be a Stoic man? In today’s episode of the Via Stoica Podcast, Benny and Brendan explore what modern masculinity often gets wrong and how Stoicism offers a powerful alternative. They challenge the cliché of the emotionless, lone wolf and instead present the Stoic …

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Best R&B Artists & Brokeback Mountain with Allison Williams and Charleton Lamb 1:29:26

4M ago1:29:26

1:29:26

On this week’s Keep It, Ira says hello from Fire Island, then Louis and guest co-host Charleton Lamb discuss Billboard’s 75 Best R&B Artists list, Brokeback Mountain’s 20th Anniversary, Katy Perry and Orlando Bloom’s break-up, novelty popcorn buckets, and the continuing hunt for a song of the summer. Ira and Louis are also joined by Allison William…