Stoa Conversations: Stoicism Applied

Goodhart’s Law says: when a measure becomes a target, it ceases to be a good measure.  But if that’s true, how should we measure our philosophical progress?  In this episode, Michael Tremblay wrestles with this question. *** Download the Stoa app (free): https://stoameditation.com/pod For those who find the app valuable but face financial constraints, email us for a free account. Listen to more ep...

Get these tested Stoic strategies pull you out of bed and back into life's beauty. Michael and Caleb explore ancient wisdom for reconnecting with meaning through nature, duty, and proper thinking. (00:47) Set Up (04:33) Crisis in Thinking (10:29) Finding Purpose (19:18) Beauty (26:59) Play With Time (38:43) Be Gentle (42:08) Summary *** Download the Stoa app (free): https://stoameditation.com/pod...

No one chooses to be wrong. This core Stoic teaching, inherited from Socrates, shaped how ancient philosophers viewed human behavior and mistakes. In this episode, Caleb explores why the Stoics believed people only do what they think is best – even when those choices seem obviously wrong to others. The episode tackles challenging questions: How do addictions and bad habits fit into this framework?...

Pain is inevitable. Suffering is optional. In this episode, we explore a powerful Buddhist concept that mirrors Stoic wisdom: the Second Arrow. The first arrow is the pain life throws at us - rejection, loss, failure. The second arrow? That's the one we shoot at ourselves through our reactions, stories, and judgments. Michael Tremblay discusses the Buddhist parable of the second arrow and what it...

Author and Podcaster Noah Rasheta explores the parallels between Buddhism and Stoicism with Michael Tremblay. Whether you're seeking practical wisdom or philosophical insight, this conversation offers tools for living more skillfully – regardless of which tradition resonates with you. From handling grief and identity to achieving wisdom, we uncover where these philosophies converge and diverge. No...

Caleb and Michael discuss Stoic epistemology—how to think well, avoid ignorance, and form justified beliefs. They explore the importance of skepticism, setting realistic standards for truth, and cultivating expertise to navigate complex decisions. (00:00) Common Sense (04:54) Default To Skepticism (09:38) Criterion of Truth (18:31) Common Sense (29:10) Building Confidence Through Expertise  (35:01...

Caleb Ontiveros makes the case that Stoicism is more intuitive than you might think. He argues that if minor setbacks don't ruin our lives, why should major ones? This episode explores how Stoic ideas about virtue, happiness, and adversity align with our deepest intuitions about living well. *** Subscribe to The Stoa Letter for weekly meditations, actions, and links to the best Stoic resources: ww...

Bryan Caplan, economist and bestselling author, discusses practical wisdom from modern economics and ancient philosophy. He argues against medicalization of human behavior, champions personal agency, and reveals why appeasement often beats confrontation. Caplan shows how lessons from economics can serve as self-help and why creating a "social bubble" – the modern version of an Epicurean garden – m...

Michael and Caleb explore how understanding ourselves as our faculty of choice—not our bodies, possessions, or reputation—transforms our approach to life's challenges. Learn how clarifying what we are (and aren't) guides self-improvement and decision-making, unlocks insights in Stoic theory, and ultimately leads to a more tranquil existence. (06:10) Why It Matters Who We Are (09:30) What Are We? (...

Why Epictetus tells us to compare our suffering to others.  This simple exercise can help you in times of crisis.   Join Michael as he breaks down Epictetus’s Handbook 26. *** Subscribe to The Stoa Letter for weekly meditations, actions, and links to the best Stoic resources: www.stoaletter.com/subscribe Download the Stoa app (it’s a free download): https://stoameditation.com/pod If you try the St...

Has Science proven that the world is nothing more than a physical machine without overarching purpose? Spencer Klavan’s most recent book answers with an emphatic no. Ancient philosophy and modern science reveal that the worldview of materialism is not enough. Instead, our picture of the world must include mind as a fundamental ingredient – just as the Stoic and Christian worldviews do. Light of th...

What if the things you obsess over daily don't ultimately matter? The ancient Stoics had a radical idea: most of what we chase - wealth, fame, even health - is neither good nor bad. They called these things "indifferents." In this episode, Caleb reads his short piece on indifferents and adds additional commentary. Read the piece: https://www.stoaletter.com/p/indifferents *** Subscribe to The Stoa...

In this episode, Michael and Caleb break down Handbook 42, where Epictetus lays out Socratic Intellectualism and explains why people's harsh words say more about them than you This episode will challenge your assumptions about conflict and equip you with practical Stoic tools for navigating a world of criticism and misunderstanding. (00:52) Epictetus's Handbook 42 (05:48) Empathy (09:26) People's...

Money talks, but what do the Stoics say about it? In this episode, Caleb and Michael dive into the relationship between Stoicism and wealth. They explore the risks of chasing riches, the virtue of moderation, and why philosophy should come before your bank account. You'll hear Epictetus' take on why honesty trumps money-making and Seneca's surprising advice on the "shortest cut to riches." The hos...

Michael talks with Brigid Delaney about her journey into Stoicism, the value it has had in her life, and the unique role it has to play in helping others. Reasons Not To Worry (03:41) Stoicism vs Wellness (13:15) Ataraxia (18:07) Stoic Friends (20:26) Favorite Stoic (24:14) How To Explore The Stoics (29:47) Persauding Non-Stoics (34:11) Stripping Away Illusions (38:51) Idealism Vs Stoicism (51:44)...

The four pillars of Stoic Justice. Justice isn't just about courtrooms and laws. For the Stoics, it was a way of life. In this episode, Caleb and Michael break down the four components of Stoic justice: piety, kindness, good fellowship, and fair dealing. They explore how these ideas apply to our lives today, from helping strangers to making tough business decisions. You'll learn why the Stoics tho...

Blushing, sweating, stumbling over words - we've all been there. But what if these physical reactions are holding you back from greatness? In this episode, Caleb and Michael unpack Seneca's advice on handling embarrassment like a Stoic.  (00:46) Embarrassing Introduction (04:50) Seneca On Blushing (08:08) Feelings vs Judgments (10:02) You Are Not A Horse (13:05) Embarrassment For Learning (14:52)...

In this episode, Caleb and Michael explore how Stoicism reframes our understanding of risk, teaching us to embrace uncertainty while focusing on what truly matters. They discuss: Why Stoics aren't reckless, but cultivate caution How Stoicism offers the highest reward with the lowest real risk Critiques that Stoicism is for the risk-averse, and why they fall short Why Stoicism may provide the ultim...

Is Stoicism just toxic positivity? No, obviously. But what's the difference between toxic positivity and unrealistic optimism?  And how can Stoics avoid the real risks of both? In this episode, Caleb and Michael dive deep into Stoic practice and its alleged similarity to toxic positivity.  *** Listen to more episodes and learn more here: https://stoameditation.com/blog/stoa-conversations/ Download...

The Stoic art of solitude and self-consistency Can you be alone with your thoughts? Seneca's Letter X challenges us to master the art of solitude. In this conversation, Caleb and Michael unpack Seneca's advice on solitude and explore its relevance in our hyperconnected world. (00:58) The Paradox of Solitude (05:40) Consistency Between Private and Public Life (12:35) The Dangers of Isolation (19:08...

Join Caleb and Michael as they dissect the mental game of competition and explore how ancient philosophy can give us an edge in modern battles – both on and off the mat. In this gripping episode, Caleb shares his experience competing in his first Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu tournament and the valuable lessons he learned about applying Stoic principles under pressure. Michael, who has competed hundreds of...

Diogenes: the man who lived in a barrel and inspired Stoic philosophy. In this episode, Michael and Caleb explore the life and ideas of Diogenes the Cynic - one of the most influential and eccentric philosophers of ancient Greece. They discuss: (00:00) Epictetus on Diogenes' Freedom (03:21) Diogenes' Life and Connection to Stoicism (08:29) Diogenes' Approach to Philosophy (15:59) Looking for an Ho...

Caleb Ontiveros speaks with Johnathan Bi, an entrepreneur and philosopher, about Friedrich Nietzsche's critique of Stoicism and egalitarianism. The conversation begins with Jonathan sharing his personal journey from STEM to philosophy, setting the stage for a deep dive into Nietzsche's challenging ideas. They explore Nietzsche's opposition to Stoic egalitarianism and his concept of "higher men." T...

In this episode of Stoic Conversations, Michael Tremblay offers a deep dive into one of Stoicism's most popular concepts: the Dichotomy of Control. Drawing from his 2021 article for the Modern Stoicism blog, Tremblay explores common misunderstandings about this principle and provides a more nuanced interpretation aligned with authentic Stoic philosophy. Key points covered: Misinterpretations arisi...

Should Stoics become rich? What is your relationship to money? Caleb speaks with Darius Foroux about his new book The Stoic Path To Wealth. They discuss a practical investment strategy and how Stoics should think about investing. https://dariusforoux.com/ https://stoicpathtowealth.com/ (00:50) Darius's Story (04:32) Stoicism (11:51) Your Relationship With Money (22:37) Becoming Rich (34:25) Avoidi...