The What Is Stoicism? Podcast
Episodes
Aphorisms for Action: Making Stoicism Stick
25 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
This episode explores how Stoicism moves from theory to instinct. The ancients distilled complex teachings into sharp, portable aphorisms—short phra...
Why Genuine Kindness Is Irresistible
18 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
This episode reflects on the power of everyday kindness—the remembered question, the use of someone’s name, the simple act of inclusion that makes...
What Is There to Fear? What Is There to Do?
11 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
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 chara...
What Stoicism Looks Like in Public and in Private
04 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
This episode follows Epictetus’s vivid portrait of Diogenes the Cynic—a philosopher who lived as a “spy” on false values, exposing how little ...
Why Good People Suffer
25 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
This episode tackles one of life’s most enduring questions: why do misfortunes so often strike those who seem least deserving of them?Drawing on Sen...
Don’t Lose Today in the Trap of Tomorrow
18 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
This episode explores how expectation quietly robs us of the only time we ever truly have: today. Through a wry story from John O’Donohue and Seneca...
The Stoic Morning: Poems To Wake Up To
11 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
This episode is a quiet pause at the start of the day—a meditation on mornings as gifts rather than obligations. Drawing on Stoic gratitude and four...
When Escape Isn't Possible, Acceptance Is The Way
04 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
This episode examines a quietly radical insight: that much of our suffering comes not from pain itself, but from our attempt to escape it. Drawing a l...
You'll Never Be Perfect, And That's Just Fine
28 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
This episode reframes Stoicism not as a quest for unreachable perfection, but as a practice of steady progress. Drawing on the ancient idea of the pro...
People Over Things: The Urgency of Today
21 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
This episode reflects on how awareness of mortality sharpens our sense of what truly matters, through the unforgettable lesson Randy Pausch taught wit...
We Suffer Most in Our Imagination
14 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
This episode explores the Stoic art of decatastrophizing—learning to meet fear by stripping events down to what they really are, rather than what ou...
Why Relaxation Is Absolutely Necessary
07 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
This episode explores an often-overlooked Stoic lesson: that even wisdom, effort, and reflection must be practiced in moderation.Through David Hume’...
How Stoics Tamed Their Strongest Emotions
31 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This episode dives into the Stoic idea of the “passions”—those powerful storms of anger, fear, envy, and grief that arise not from events themse...
The Discipline of Listening: How to Hear Wisely
24 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This episode explores listening as a form of courage and clarity—an active practice that shapes how we understand the world and ourselves.From Zeno’...
Practical Ways to Find Joy in the Present
17 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This episode brings haiku and Stoicism into conversation, showing how both traditions teach us to savor fleeting moments while also meeting life with ...
What Tyrants Get Wrong About Power and Wealth
10 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This episode turns the Stoic lens toward the illusions of power and wealth, as Epictetus and Cicero expose the tyranny of desire and the poverty of ex...
Why The World Needs Stoic Empathy (Interview with Shermin Kruse)
03 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, I talk to Shermin Kruse, a globally recognized negotiation consultant, law professor, author, and TEDx producer.In her latest book, S...
Don’t Fear Death, Fear a Life Unlived
26 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This episode weaves together the wisdom of Michel de Montaigne and Seneca—two thinkers separated by centuries yet united in their answer to life’s...
The Poetry of Simple Stoic Living
19 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we look at the beauty of balance through Seneca’s counsel on plain living and Max Ehrmann’s Desiderata.Seneca reminds us that phi...
How a Stoic Becomes Invincible
12 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This episode explores Epictetus’s radical vision of strength—one rooted not in anger or domination, but in mastery of the self. Through his reflec...
Do You Know What Things Are Good And Evil?
05 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This episode traces the Stoic lineage back to Socrates, whose probing questions revealed that health, wealth, and reputation are not inherently good o...
Why No Virtue Stands Alone
29 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This episode shines a light on Temperance—the often-overlooked Stoic virtue that quietly anchors all the rest.Far from being dull restraint, Tempera...
The Flow and Freedom of a Stoic Life
22 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This episode turns to two of the Stoics’ deepest insights: that everything outside us is in constant motion, and that within us lies a freedom nothi...
The Courage to Ask, The Courage to Care
15 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This episode explores the quiet courage it takes to ask for help—and the deeper Stoic truth that vulnerability is not weakness but strength.From Mar...
Why You Should Try Voluntary Hardship (Interview with Jon Brooks)
08 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This episode is a welcome return to the podcast for my friend Jon Brooks, creator of the Stoic Handbook.Jon and I had a great conversation, and he sha...
Why Their Anger Isn’t Your Problem
01 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we follow Epictetus and Musonius Rufus as they dismantle the illusion that we can control anyone—or anything—outside ourselves.Th...
Honor Those Who Shaped You
24 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This episode explores the timeless bond between mentors and students, drawing on Plutarch’s portraits of statesmen and Marcus Aurelius’s personal ...
How to Live for Others Without Losing Yourself
17 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This episode explores how Cicero and Marcus Aurelius both emphasized kindness, service, and integrity as essential parts of human nature.We look at Ci...
Happiness Isn’t for Sale—Not Even at the Oscars
10 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In a world where “more” is sold as the shortcut to happiness, the Stoics stood in stubborn, refreshing opposition.They argued that wealth, status,...
Making Each Day a Complete Life
03 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This episode begins by exploring Jiddu Krishnamurti’s reflections on life, death, and daily renewal, and then weaves them together with Stoic wisdom...
Stoic Coffee Anyone? (Interview with Ayo Disu)
27 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Mentioned in this episode: First Pour Coffee, Seneca Edition.You can find it here: https://drinkfirstpour.com/ and get 10% off with the discount code ...
Why Do Philosophy? (16 Reasons to Practice)
20 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
What’s the point of philosophy, and why does it matter to the way we live each day?In this episode, we explore philosophy as a companion, a practice...
How a Modern Stoic Practices
13 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This episode explores how the daily practice of Stoicism can transform the way we respond to challenges, drawing on the story of Andrew Overby from Ma...
Don’t Believe Everything You Think
06 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, I look at how Stoicism teaches us not to suppress our emotions but to master our responses to them through mindful assent.With a prac...
How Stoics Build Better Communities
30 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This episode explores how Stoicism is not just about inner strength, but about cultivating virtue through community and just interaction with others.G...
The Ideal Life Might Not Be What You Think
23 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
What does it mean to live the ideal life — and who gets to decide what “ideal” really means?In this episode, we explore wisdom from the Stoics a...
Controlling What You Can Gives You Wings
16 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we explore the timeless Stoic lesson that true freedom lies in accepting what we can’t control—echoed powerfully in the life and ...
You Can Neither Re-Live Nor Pre-Live
09 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
The Stoic philosophers understood something timeless about human nature: we spend much of our lives outside the present moment.We worry about the futu...
Defending Ourselves Against Our Enemies
02 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we look at what Stoicism has to say about resisting the urge for revenge and reclaiming our inner freedom.With help from Marcus Aurel...
So It Goes
25 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 fro...
Strong Enough To Ask For Help
18 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we explore the life and teachings of Epictetus, the Stoic philosopher born into slavery who found unshakable strength from within.His...
What Is Stoicism?
11 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
I try to answer this question each week in different ways.For this episode, however, I wanted to step back and provide a more general overview. I hope...
Stoic Tools To Help You Wake Up
04 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Have you ever woken from a nightmare only to feel deep relief that it wasn’t real?In this episode, we explore what Marcus Aurelius and Anne Lamott c...
How to Get Out of Your Own Way
28 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we explore how our judgments—not external events—shape our emotional world, from a child’s toy envy to ancient Stoic parables a...
Building Inner Walls Against Outer Storms
21 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 u...
Stoic Actions for Anxious Minds
14 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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...
Heaven Decreed Better: A Stoic Response to Misfortune
07 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
When life feels overwhelming or uncertain, our minds often jump to the worst-case scenario.In this episode, we explore the Stoic art of "decatastrophi...
Advice For Living Lightly in a Heavy World
30 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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...
Think Slower, Judge Better: How to Control Your Command Center
23 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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...
Why External Events Aren’t Good or Bad
16 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In his Discourses, the Stoic teacher Epictetus explains that a person is making progress when they understand a simple Stoic principle: we desire what...
Lessons In Leadership from Gandhi and the Stoics
09 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
It's an unfortunate truth: many so-called leaders expect things from others that they don’t expect from themselves.In this episode, we look to the S...
The Last Time - A Short Stoic Guide to Savoring Life
02 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
The ancient Stoic’s prerequisite for getting the most out of each of life’s experiences was to consider the possibility that it would be the last ...
Correcting Misconceptions About Stoicism (Interview with Gregory B. Sadler)
26 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, I talk to Gregory B. Sadler. Through his public speaking, content production (including videos for a YouTube channel with over 150,00...
Using Stoicism To Give Up On The Old You
19 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
If we want to break free from our old opinions, or at least confirm if they are still valid, we must be willing to accept that our way of seeing thing...
We Have The Potential To Live A Good Life
12 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
“To live a good life: We have the potential for it,” writes Marcus Aurelius in his Meditations. “If we can learn to be indifferent to what makes...
Stoicism 101 (Interview with Stoic Coffee Break's Erick Cloward)
05 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Erick Cloward is the host of the popular Stoic Coffee Break podcast where every week he discusses how to live a more resilient and happy life using an...
Things You Don't Have To Say Make You Rich
26 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
There's an old Spanish proverb that says: "Don't speak unless you can improve on the silence."With such restraint comes a question: what should we red...
The Road To Stoicism (Interview With Via Stoica's Benny Voncken)
19 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode I talk to Benny Voncken, a writer, speaker, and practicing Stoic who's originally from the Netherlands.He's also the co-founder of an ...
Should You Suppress Your Desires?
12 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
The most common misunderstanding about Stoicism is that it’s all about suppressing or burying our emotions.This tends to come from the confusion bet...
Examples Of Stoicism In The Wild
05 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
It can be useful to find parallels between our philosophical pursuits that are inspired by ancient practices and the more modern messages we’re expo...
How To Prepare For Disappointment
29 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
The more we do, the Stoic philosopher Seneca tells us in his book On Tranquility of Mind, the more we put ourselves in Fortune's power, the more we te...
Know Yourself, Know Your Worth
22 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
If we practice philosophy, it’s up to us to get to know ourselves. It’s up to us to know the principles by which we live and, by extension, what w...
Duty, Justice, and the Art of Kindness
15 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
When those unfamiliar with Stoicism learn about the four cardinal virtues of Wisdom, Justice, Temperance, and Courage, they are sometimes disturbed th...
What It Means To Do Philosophy
08 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
It can sometimes be challenging to remember what it actually means to “do philosophy.” To some, it’s an abstract concept. When it comes to Stoic...
The Wind Changes In Its Own Good Time
01 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we examine Stoic ways of mentally preparing for the unexpected events that each day presents.It's then possible to resolve to meet th...
A Short Reminder To Do Less
18 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
"If you seek tranquillity, do less. More accurately, do what’s essential...and in the requisite way.Which brings a double satisfaction: to do less, ...
How A Stoic Trains For Life
11 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
The Stoics liked to draw parallels between the practice of philosophy and other, more physical pursuits that require concentrated effort to improve on...
People We Have Met And Don't Want To
04 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
To prepare for the day ahead, the Stoic Roman emperor Marcus Aurelius would often remind himself of the type of people he was likely to come into cont...
Reasons To Write Letters
27 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
The Stoic philosopher Seneca wrote 124 letters to his friend Lucilius and reveled in his replies:"Your letter has given me pleasure, and has roused me...
How To Think Like Socrates (Interview With Donald Robertson)
20 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Donald Robertson’s new book How To Think Like Socrates will be a welcome release for anyone keen to delve into the life of the man often referred to...
A Short Exercise For Dealing With Future Worry
13 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Let’s face a worry together using this time we have carved out specifically for our philosophical practice.It’s a short exercise, so there’s no ...
The Formula For Human Greatness
06 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
The formula for human greatness: it’s a grand proposition that there would even be one but is it really as simple as loving what happens?📻 FOR MO...
A Stoic Alien Reports On The Humans
30 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, I explore a fun writing prompt that can help achieve the powerful perspective of Stoic objectivity.It's reminiscent of an exercise Ma...
A Daily Way To Exemplify Stoic Character
23 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
A discourse from Epictetus and three entertaining stories of Stoic philosophers to provide good examples of ways in which today, no matter what happen...
What Are Your Roles In Life?
16 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In his book Being Better, Kai Whiting tells us that the Stoic philosopher Panaetius established the idea that everyone has four roles in life.In this ...
Three Short Questions To Know Yourself Better
09 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Three philosophical questions, courtesy of the late poet John O'Donohue, to ask yourself today and help inform the actions you take.📻 FOR MORE STOI...
How To Leave The Past Behind
02 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
By repeatedly telling ourselves negative stories we add a second layer of suffering to whatever sorrow we happen to encounter.Due to our close proximi...
Building Stoic Courage, One Step at a Time
25 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
This episode is based on Epictetus's teaching of a classic Stoic trope: the less we shy away from adversity, the more strength and courage we build in...
Take On The Color Of The Dead
18 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
"Of all men they alone are at leisure who take time for philosophy, they alone really live; for they are not content to be good guardians of their own...
How A Stoic Focuses On What’s Necessary
11 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
“Because most of what we say and do isn’t essential. Ask yourself at every moment, Is this necessary?”—Marcus Aurelius, Meditations 4.24📻 F...
The Ripple Effect of Teaching, Tolerance and Kindness
04 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
The Stoics strongly believed that we should be respectful to everyone, no matter who they are or what they’ve done.It’s a freeing attitude: not on...
The Chief Task In Life Is This
28 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
The ancient Stoic teacher Epictetus said we should contemplate daily the freedom of our will: The fact that no matter what happens or what anyone else...
Stoic Help With Socializing
21 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
"Our fellowship is very similar to an arch of stones, which would fall apart, if they did not reciprocally support each other."— Seneca, Letters 95....
Guided Exercise: Reframe Life's Paintings
07 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
A step-by-step exercise showing how to mentally reframe challenging situations.Video referenced in this episode: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=__JLF...
A Stoic Get-Rich-Quick Scheme
31 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
"What I will teach you is the ability to become rich as speedily as possible.. I will lead you by a shortcut to the greatest wealth... not wanting som...
Stoic Paradox 3 - All Vices Are Equal And All Virtues Are Equal
24 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we look at Cicero's third Stoic paradox—that all vices are equal and all virtues are equal.📻 FOR MORE STOIC AUDIO + EMAIL CONTEN...
Be Your Own Master: Only The Philosophical Are Free
17 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
We often bemoan the restrictions that are placed on us.Whether we feel held back by our many personal responsibilities or stifled by our work environm...
Finding Purpose: The Joy of Becoming Good
10 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
As we know, Stoicism is a practical philosophy.Theory alone does not improve the skill of being good.Only the struggle of everyday experience improves...
100 Tips For A Stoic Life
03 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
It’s obvious to say, but important nonetheless: if we’re to make progress toward a more Stoic life, we have to regularly practice the principles o...
Stoic Paradox 2 - When Virtue Is Present, Nothing Will Be Lacking
26 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we look at Cicero's second Stoic paradox—that virtue is all that is needed for happiness.📻 FOR MORE STOIC AUDIO + EMAIL CONTENTC...
Gain Freedom From Envy With The Self-Consultation Technique
19 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
It’s a common disruption to our tranquility: putting someone else’s life on a pedestal compared to our own.We envy the apparent prosperity and hap...
Guided Contemplation - Embrace Your Insignificance
12 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
A guided contemplation to help you reflect on a powerful idea from Stoicism: the notion that our insignificance isn't a bad thing.This idea can be lib...
Freedom Is Having A Mind Superior To Injury
05 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
"Liberty is having a mind superior to injury, a mind that makes itself the only source from which its pleasures spring, that separates itself from all...
How To Acquire Something That Will Fortify You Every Day
29 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
"Each day acquire something that will fortify you against poverty, against death, indeed against other misfortunes as well; and after you have run ove...
Stoic Paradox 1 - Virtue Is The Only True Good
22 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we look at Cicero's explanation of the Stoics' main guiding principle—that virtue is the only true good in life.📻 FOR MORE STOIC...
Renew Your Focus On, And Appreciation Of, The Present
15 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
"The present moment is enough for you,” Marcus Aurelius told himself in his Meditations.As Pierre Hadot wrote in his book Philosophy as a Way of Lif...
The Molecular Pause - A Stoic Technique Inspired by Kurt Vonnegut
08 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
To help achieve the kind of mental freedom the Stoics enjoyed by worrying less about the opinions of others, I have constructed a short exercise that ...
Marcus Aurelius's Meditations (Book 12)
01 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
A reading of the twelfth book of Marcus Aurelius's twelve-book work.📻 FOR MORE STOIC AUDIO + EMAIL CONTENTCheck out What Is Stoicism? on Substack:h...
A Stoic Micro Morning Meditation
24 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
☀️ This episode features a free example edition of my Micro Morning Meditations.📻 FOR MORE STOIC AUDIO + EMAIL CONTENTCheck out What Is Stoicis...
How a Stoic Deals With Harsh Truths
17 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
When someone tells us a harsh truth, it may question our beliefs or behavior in a way that offends us.This episode explores how we can use the Stoic v...