"Act on your principles, not your moods." A weekly meditation on how Stoic principles can help you be a better human. https://stoic.coffee Follow us on social media: https://instagram.com/stoic.coffee https://twitter.com/stoiccoffee https://facebook.com/stoiccoffee
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Erick Cloward Podcasts
Modern practical breakdowns of the best ideas in ancient Stoicism.
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Caleb Ontiveros and Michael Tremblay discuss how to build resilience, develop virtue, and make sense of the world through Stoic philosophy. One episode a week. Get the Stoa app: www.stoameditation.com/pod Get the Stoa Letter: www.stoaletter.com/subscribe
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NVC in Real Life with Hans van Veen
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1:24:12Send us a text If “be nicer” hasn’t fixed your toughest conversations, try Nonviolent Communication (NVC) in the wild. Coach Hans Nav Neev shows how to turn trigger moments into clarity, how to stop taking things personally, and why conflict—done well—becomes a portal to connection. What you’ll learn The OFNR model (Observations, Feelings, Needs, R…
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349 - The Meta-Habit: The One Skill For Building Better Habits
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13:11Do you have good habits? Do you have some you’d rather get rid of? What if I told you that by developing one key skill, you’ll be able to adopt better habits and let go of unhelpful ones? In this weeks episode we’re going to talk about the one “meta-habit” you need to develop in order to make real changes in your life. The Meta-Habit: The One Skill…
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348 - The Inner Watchdog: Building a Self-Correcting Mind
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15:46Have you ever found yourself stuck in a way of thinking that you knew deep down wasn’t serving you? Maybe it was an assumption about someone, a stubborn belief, or an emotional reaction. The good news is that our minds are built for self-correction—if we know how to use them. “If anyone can prove and show to me that I think and act in error, I will…
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347 - Stoicism 101 - Freedom from External Events: Embracing the Power Within
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11:38Do you ever feel like life is happening to you, and that you’re at the whim of circumstances? What would it feel like if you could take what life hands you and say, “Thank you sir! May I have another?” In this week’s episode I’m going to be reading another chapter from my book, Stoicism 101, where I write about dealing with external events. “Look w…
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346 - Interview with Louisa Swaden: Speed Racer and Author of the Stoic Rider
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1:15:22Have you ever had put a dream to the side? What if that dream was the key to finding the thing that fulfilled you as a person? In this week's episode I interview author and speed racer, Louisa Swaden, about Stoicism, racing motorcycles, and how it's never too late to chase your dreams. You can find out more about Louisa and her book The Stoic Rider…
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Good Kid, Tricky Moment: A Calm‑Parenting Reset
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13:51Send us a text When your child’s “No!” sparks your own surge, this guided reset helps you find your soft voice again. We begin with 4–6 breathing to settle the nervous system, set a one‑line intention, and repeat the cue phrase “Good kid, tricky moment.” Then we practice holding two truths—kind and firm—so you can keep connection first and offer cl…
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345 - Mental Toughness: The Quiet Strength
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13:12Are you mentally tough? Are you able to take what life dishes out and keep smiling? Today I want to talk about mental toughness and how you can develop the right kind of toughness while being flexible to life changes. “Difficulties strengthen the mind, as labor does the body.” —Seneca Send us a text My book Stoicism 101 is available! Order here! Fi…
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Do you ever feel like you’re stuck? Like things aren’t going bad but aren’t moving in the right direction either? Today I want to talk about being stuck and what to do to get things moving in the right direction. “First say to yourself what you would be; and then do what you have to do.” —Epictetus Discourses, 3.23 Send us a text My book Stoicism 1…
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The Ultimate Stoic Sleep & Wisdom Meditation: Daily (2025)
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13:51Send us a text End your day with this calming Stoic meditation designed to help you unwind, reflect, and sleep deeply. Drawing on ancient Stoic wisdom, you'll be guided through mindful presence, a gentle nightly review, acceptance of the day, and a cosmic perspective to let go of stress and reconnect with peace. Blending reflection, gratitude, and …
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The Complete Daily Stoic Meditation: Repeat Daily (2025)
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12:29Send us a text 🔥 🧰 Free SPQR Stoic Reset Kit — 5-min audio + 1-page protocol to stop anxiety spirals fast. → stoichandbook.co/toolkitBy Jon Brooks
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This week's episode is a chapter from my book, Stoicism 101. It's the chapter about Seneca the Younger, one of the most famous Stoic philosophers and writers. Seneca is remembered as one of the most popular stoic philosophers, partly because a lot of his writings survived and were passed through antiquity. But how much do you know about Seneca? We…
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342 - Interview with Derrick Zaworski: Philosophy, Music, & Addiction
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1:34:36This week I dive into philosophy, life, music, and addiction with my friend Derrick Zaworski. Derrick is a music producer and owner of Road Tripping Records. Derrick and I have been friends for several years and we've always enjoyed deep and interesting conversations, so I thought it would be worthwhile to get one of those conversations on record. …
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Stoicism in 3 Minutes: Master Your Emotions with Erick Cloward
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5:05Send us a text Join Erick Cloward, Stoic author and host of The Stoic Coffee Break Podcast, as he shares how Stoicism transformed his approach to emotions and reactivity. In this 3-minute clip, learn practical Stoic wisdom to stay calm and focused in any situation! 💡 Key Takeaways Feel emotions in proportion to events with Stoic principles. Your pe…
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341 - Future You: How to Bargain with the Future to Become Your Best Self
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13:07Do you ever think about your future self? How would your choices in the present change if you took the time to consider those choices would impact future you? Today I want to talk about the power of getting to know the future you. “First say to yourself what you would be; and then do what you have to do.” — Epictetus Send us a text My book Stoicism…
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I Am The Pilot, Not The Turbulence — 5-Minute Stoic Reset
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6:08Send us a text In just five minutes, this guided meditation uses a precise 4-2-6 breath and Stoic detachment to separate your calm center from external chaos. By grounding in the body, naming the “turbulence,” and repeating “I am the pilot, not the turbulence,” you’ll instantly regain perspective and control. Designed for use anywhere—desk, car, or…
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Wrestling with Stoic Ethics: Cicero's On Ends V (Episode 183)
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52:39In this final exploration of Cicero's "On Ends," Michael and Caleb break down Book V, where Cicero reveals his own philosophical sweet spot – an Aristotelian-Platonic approach that challenges both Stoicism and Epicureanism. Against a backdrop of ancient Athens, Cicero's characters debate the core question: What makes a truly good human life? They n…
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340 - Is Free Will Just a Lie We Tell Ourselves?
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16:54Do we have free will or are we destined to our fate? Do the Stoics believe that we have free will or are our lives pre-determined? Does is matter? Today I’m going to talk about the Stoic ideas behind free will and fate, and how it does or doesn’t impact our lives. “Lead me, Fate, wherever you will, and I will cheerfully follow. For even if I kick a…
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Amor Fati: The Stoic Art of Loving Your Fate – Ultimate Guide
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9:46Send us a text Imagine embracing every twist and turn of life—both pleasant and painful—with open arms. This is the profound Stoic philosophy of amor fati, or "love of fate." Far from passive acceptance, amor fati encourages active enthusiasm toward every event in life. In this comprehensive guide, you'll discover the meaning of amor fati, its Stoi…
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The Stoic Fragments: Hidden Wisdom from Epictetus (Episode 182)
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46:40Discover the hidden gems of Stoic philosophy in this exploration of Epictetus' fragments - those powerful passages preserved by other philosophers but lost from his main works. Caleb and Michael unpack these concentrated nuggets of wisdom, from the surprising idea that we should value people by their capacity to help friends rather than harm enemie…
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339 - Resistance Training for the Soul: Why the Hard Way Might Be the Right Way
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12:52What if I told you that the thing you’re avoiding… is exactly the thing you need most? Today we’re going about why comfort might be the biggest lie we believe, and how leaning into resistance can actually be the path to everything you want. “The superior man thinks always of virtue; the common man thinks of comfort.” ― Confucius Send us a text My b…
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Forgive Your Enemies with Epictetus (Episode 181)
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24:25In this episode, Michael Tremblay explores Epictetus' radical approach to anger and forgiveness. Discover why the Stoics believed we should pity rather than punish those who harm us, and how this ancient wisdom offers a practical path to emotional freedom in your daily life. Through Epictetus' teachings, learn the liberating power of seeing wrongdo…
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Trolleys, Torture, and Moral Dilemma's (Episode 180)
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1:00:46Michael and Caleb dive into classic philosophical thought experiments to uncover Stoic solutions to impossible choices. From the infamous Trolley Problem to the Happiness Machine, they examine how Stoicism's focus on virtue, context, and roles provides a unique framework for moral decision-making. Unlike utilitarian or rule-based ethics, the Stoic …
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The Stoic Morning Ritual to Fortify Your Mind Daily (2025)
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11:08Send us a text Begin each morning with a ten‑minute immersion in Stoic clarity, guided by the words of Marcus Aurelius, Seneca, and Epictetus. This meditation trains you to anchor attention, soften reactivity, and greet every challenge as a chance to practice virtue. You’ll scan body and mind, reframe yesterday’s worries, and pre‑rehearse today’s t…
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Why Stoicism is False | Cicero's On Ends IV (Episode 179)
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56:39Caleb and Michael break down Book IV of Cicero's "On Ends" - his powerful critique of Stoic ethics. Discover why Cicero believed the Stoics fell short by prioritizing virtue alone while dismissing external goods. Is Stoicism just playing word games with what's "good" versus "preferred"? Would the perfect Stoic and the perfect Aristotelian behave th…
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In this week's episode, I take some time to answer a few questions: - What should I do when someone criticizes me and I know they’re right? - How do I know if I’m actually making progress in my personal growth—or just spinning my wheels? - What would Marcus Aurelius say about social media? - What’s one way I secretly avoid discomfort—even though I …
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7 Stoic Habits You Can Start Today (Episode 178)
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36:09Living like a Stoic is about getting the little things right. In this episode, Michael Tremblay discusses 7 Stoic habits you can start today to build a more thoughtful, resilient, and Stoic you. (01:25) Thinking Well (14:24) Living Philosophically (17:58) Preparing for Adversity (30:15) Summary *** Subscribe to The Stoa Letter for weekly meditation…
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Empathy has been called everything from a virtue to a weakness to a sin. But in an age of outrage, is empathy a liability? Or is it the very thing we need to preserve civilization? In this week's episode I talk about the importance of empathy and why we need more, not less empathy in the world. “Wherever there is a human being, there is an opportun…
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Plato’s Apology: The Only Book Every Human Needs to Read ft. Donald Robertson
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13:52Send us a text In this clip, renowned Stoicism writer @DonaldRobertson explains why he believes Plato’s Apology is the only book he universally recommends. Donald dives into the profound impact of this short yet powerful text, Socrates’ legendary courtroom defense, and its relevance to Stoic philosophy and modern life. What You’ll Learn in This Cli…
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The Classic Defense Of Stoic Ethics (Episode 177)
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58:17In this episode of Stoic Conversations, Caleb and Michael break down Book III of Cicero's On Ends - the definitive ancient defense of Stoic ethics. Discover why the Stoics believed virtue alone is sufficient for happiness, and how they justified their unique system of values. Follow along as they unpack Stoic moral development, from our earliest in…
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336 - Facts and Feelings: The Power of Objectivity
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12:20The Stoics place a premium on rationality and objectivity to help manage our emotions. But how do we develop that objectivity? Why should we practice become more objective? In this week’s episode we’re going to dive into those questions and talk about how you can be more objective. “Between stimulus and response, there is a space. In that space is …
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Seneca's Medea | Revenge, Violence, and Stoicism (Episode 176)
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59:41Seneca's brutal play "Medea" reveals what happens when rage takes control. A betrayed wife, an indecisive husband, and a tragic ending that challenges Stoic ideals. In this episode, Caleb and Michael analyze Seneca's bloody retelling of the Medea myth - where passion overcomes reason with devastating consequences. Dana Gioia on Seneca and The Madne…
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Send us a text This 7.5-minute Stoic morning meditation guides you in the practice of objective representation—seeing events clearly without emotional distortion. You'll be invited to observe a recent experience, separate facts from feelings, and reframe your response with calm and clarity. Inspired by the wisdom of Marcus Aurelius and Epictetus, t…
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335 - Stay Curious: The Stoic Case for Asking Why
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17:40What if your biggest obstacle in life isn’t a lack of knowledge, but something else? What if this one attribute is the one thing that can help you truly excel in life? In this episode, I want discuss what I think is the greatest attribute that any person should have who wants improve themselves and how to develop it. “I’m am neither clever nor espe…
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Against The Epicureans | On Ends Book II (Episode 175)
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57:30Caleb and Michael take on Book II of Cicero’s On Ends. In this books Cicero goes off against the Epicureans. What do you think? On Ends Book I Aristippus: The Philosopher Who Mastered Pleasure (02:43) Different Kinds Of Pleasure (16:34) Turning AgainstThe Stoics (18:02) Ranking Pleasures (24:40) Epicurean Rebranding? (30:55) Epicureans Ignore Virtu…
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334 - Serious Joy: A Stoic’s Unexpected Superpower
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14:18How often to you spend time worrying about everything that is happening in the world? How can you create more joy into your life? Can a Stoic be happy and joyful? Today I want to talk about Stoicism and joy. “A cheerful disposition and serenity of mind are not the result of luck but of wisdom.” — Seneca (Here's the link to the sunshine video!) Send…
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Politics And Amor Fati With Erick Cloward (Episode 174)
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1:07:54In this episode, Michael talks with Erick Cloward, the host of the Stoic Coffee Break Podcast. Erick talks about his journey into Stoicism, his recent use of Amor Fati, and how to have difficult conversations, especially with those you politically disagree with. (08:49) How Stoicism Makes A Difference (16:33) Amor Fati (31:03) Amor Fati And Politic…
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Send us a text Begin your day with mental clarity and emotional resilience through this 8-minute Stoic meditation. This guided session will help you separate raw events from the judgments you attach to them, giving you the power to observe your thoughts without being controlled by them. Through three simple steps—observing reality, recognizing your…
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Making Proper use of Impressions with Epictetus (Episode 173)
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26:43Epictetus tells us the chief task of philosophy is just one thing: Make proper use of impressions. In this episode, Michael Tremblay does a deep dive into what this means, how we can do it, and why, for Epictetus, it is the most important thing there is. *** Download the Stoa app (free): https://stoameditation.com/pod For those who find the app val…
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333 - Do Better, Be Better: Maintaining Stoic Virtue in Times of Turmoil
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18:27In times of political division, it’s easy to be swept away by anger, resentment, and fear. But what does that accomplish? Does your anger towards those that disagree with you help yourself or the world? In this episode I want to talk about the importance of maintaining your Stoic principles in times of turmoil. “The essence of good and evil consist…
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The Epicureans | On Ends Book I (Episode 172)
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55:07In 45 BC, amid the turmoil of the Roman Civil War, Cicero wrote one of philosophy's most important works on the meaning of life. This episode unpacks Book I of "On Ends," exploring the clash between Epicurean pleasure-seeking and Stoic virtue. (01:14) Meeting Cicero (06:18) Latin over Greek (11:40) On Ends Core Debates (16:03) Cicero attacks (20:44…
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Was Socrates in a Toxic Relationship with his Wife?
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12:07Send us a text What was Socrates’ relationship with his infamous wife, Xanthippe, really like? Was she an abusive partner, or simply misunderstood within the context of ancient Athenian culture? In this fascinating discussion, I dive deep into Socrates’ domestic life with philosopher and author Donald Robertson. 🔥 🧰 Free SPQR Stoic Reset Kit — 5-mi…
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Send us a text In this lesson, renowned Stoicism writer and philosopher Donald Robertson and Jon Brooks reflect on the unique personality of Socrates and his profound love for humanity. Donald compares Socrates to modern-day creative icons, such as Jimi Hendrix, to illustrate his total immersion in philosophy as a way of life. Discover how Socrates…
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Stoicism Is a Practice—Not Just a Philosophy
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6:37Send us a text Reading about Stoicism won’t change your life—practicing it will. In this conversation with Donald Robertson, one of the world's leading Stoic authors and cognitive-behavioral therapists, we explore a major misconception: Stoicism isn’t just a philosophy to study—it’s a way of life to train. 🔥 🧰 Free SPQR Stoic Reset Kit — 5-min audi…
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Socrates' "Mirror For The Mind" Will Transform Your Thinking
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11:40Send us a text What if another person could act as a mirror for your mind? In this thought-provoking conversation with philosopher Donald Robertson we delve into Socrates' timeless insights on wisdom, self-awareness, and the art of questioning. Discover how Socrates used deep dialogue to uncover life’s most fundamental truths and what he meant by a…
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The First Cynic | Antisthenes (Episode 171)
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45:02Caleb and Michael discuess teacher of Diogenes and the grandfather of Stoicism. Before there were Stoics arguing about virtue, there was Antisthenes. A warrior turned philosopher who studied under Socrates. (02:40) Antisthenes The Man (07:32) Cynicism (12:42) How To Become Cynical (21:27) Virtue is Action (23:58) Socratic Influence (27:02) Antisthe…
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Socrates’ Two-Column Method Is The Best Self-Help Tool
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18:53Send us a text In this lesson, I speak to Stoicism expert Donald Robertson about how to apply the Socratic method. Discover the timeless wisdom of Socrates and his groundbreaking two-column technique—a simple yet profound method for improving critical thinking, questioning assumptions, and making better decisions. This ancient approach to self-impr…
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Coping Flexibility: The Stoic Art of Picking Your Battles Wisely
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7:43Send us a text How do you know when to speak up and when to stay silent? When to push forward and when to step back? In this conversation with Donald Robertson, we explore the concept of coping flexibility—the ability to adapt your response based on the situation. Drawing from Stoicism, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), and martial arts, we discu…
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332 - Creating a Stoic Company: Interview with Geoff Roberts from Outseta
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59:50Stoicism is a very personal and practical philosophy. But what would a company look like that implemented some of the ideas from Stoic philosophy? In this episode, I interview Geoff Roberts the CEO of Outseta. Many of the operating principles run counterintuitive to the conventional wisdom of how most companies are managed, and they've been quite s…
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The Missing Piece of Stoicism: Why Kindness is Strength | Donald Robertson
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10:55Send us a text Modern Stoicism often focuses on self-control and resilience, but what if we’ve overlooked its most important lesson? True Stoicism is about strength through compassion. Marcus Aurelius believed that anger is weakness and that true power comes from brotherly love and justice. Yet today, Stoicism is often misrepresented as cold, emoti…
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Stoic Guide to Mastering Desire | Epictetus Handbook 14 (Episode 170)
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26:06Freedom isn't about having enough money to do what you want. It's about wanting what you can actually control. In this episode, Michael breaks down Epictetus's radical handbook chapter 14, revealing the four key principles of Stoic desire – and why wanting the wrong things makes us slaves to circumstance. *** Subscribe to The Stoa Letter for weekly…
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