The Sunday Stoic

Steve reflects on Thanksgiving, family, history, and the importance of the present moment. 

 This week, in honor of Thanksgiving, Dan discusses themes of gratitude found in Stoicism. 

 Death is inevitable and when it takes a loved one by surprise, the grief can be devastating.  It is good to have been preparing for that moment in advance, so as to lessen the potentially devastating impact.  

One way to ensure you make progress is to list out your basic rules for life. In this episode I go over my 10 rules for living.  I will revere Nature I will not conceal the truth I will not not compare myself to others I cannot control events, so I must control yourself I will strive to subdue my passions I will strive for arete in all that I do I will honor those who have nurtured me and ensure t...

In this autumn-themed episode of the Sunday Stoic Podcast, Steven and Dan explore the Stoic practice of memento mori—remembering death to live more fully. Through quotes from Seneca, Epictetus, Marcus Aurelius, and Socrates, they discuss how facing mortality can free us from fear and help us focus on what truly matters. From writing your own obituary to reflecting on the fleeting nature of life, t...

This week Dan discusses how hypomnema journaling can become a vital part of your Stoic practice

 Commander William C. Spears, a U.S. Navy submarine warfare officer and author of Stoicism as a Warrior Philosophy , joins the Sunday Stoic Podcast to explore how ancient Stoic wisdom guides modern warriors. From James Stockdale’s legacy to moral autonomy and duty, this episode dives deep into philosophy, leadership, and virtue in service.  A video of this interview is also available: https://www....

In this episode Dan discusses the Stoic technique that allows you to keep your head and fulfil your social roles even under adverse conditions.  

In this episode, we explore the subtle yet powerful Stoic concept of protopathē —the initial stirrings of emotion that arise before reason has a chance to intervene. Often misunderstood as signs of weakness or failure, these “proto-passions” are actually natural physiological responses: a racing heart, a sudden flush of fear, a jolt of surprise. The Stoics didn’t condemn these reactions—they disti...

In this episode, we confront the most sobering—and liberating—truth of Stoic philosophy: our mortality. Drawing from the timeless wisdom of Seneca, Marcus Aurelius, and Epictetus, we explore how remembering death can sharpen our focus, deepen our gratitude, and guide us toward a life of purpose. 

In this classic episode Massimo Pigliucci visits the show to discuss  ethics and the use of reason. According to the Stoics, the one thing that distinguishes us from the rest of nature is that we are capable of reason. But what exactly is reason and how does it relate to living a complete life?  Dr. Massimo Pigliucci joins the podcast this week to discuss Stoicism, Reason, Science and Scientism. ...

In this episode Dan discusses the ancient Stoic paradox that Virtue is the only good.

In this episode of The Sunday Stoic , I sit down with author, actress, and former MTV VJ Karen Duffy to explore her latest book, Wise Up: Irreverent Enlightenment from a Mother Who's Been Through It . With her signature wit and warmth, Duffy shares Stoic-inspired insights drawn from a life of resilience, motherhood, and being followed by bears—yes, really.

We investigate the Stoic technique of breaking things down to their component parts to put some distance between events and our emotions. 

This week we explore one of the main tools of maintaining equanimity in the face of adversity. It is the idea passed down from Socrates that no one does evil on purpose. 

 In this episode Donald Robertson Joins the show to discuss his book How to Think Like a Roman Emperor. We discuss the life and philosophy of Emperor Marcus Aurelius and how to apply this ancient wisdom to modern life.  Check out Donald's website here: https://donaldrobertson.name/

This week we discuss the Enchiridion 6. Epictetus warns us not to take pride in the characteristics of our possessions as only our character is our own. 

 What if ancient wisdom could help you thrive in modern chaos? In this episode, Steve  sits down with philosopher and author William B. Irvine to explore A Guide to the Good Life , a modern roadmap to Stoic joy. From battling hedonic adaptation to embracing voluntary discomfort, Irvine shares practical tools for cultivating resilience, tranquility, and purpose. Whether you're new to Stoicism...

Life is not permanent, our time here should be thought of like a stop at an Inn.  When you spend the night at a hotel, you don't typically get attached to the furniture or other objects within. When its time to go you move on and another guest takes your place. https://en.wikisource.org/wiki/Of_Con... . Epictetus and the boat #7…  http://classics.mit.edu/Epictetus/epi... Marcus V #33    http:...

In this episode, we discuss the Enchiridion Chapter 5, a very influential text. We can't change the facts of the world, but we can change what we believe about them! 

Today we discuss the Enchiridion 3 and 4. Book 3 is one of the most challenging to apply to modern life and book 4 is something we should remember each and every day! 

Steve and Dan discuss Epictetus's advice on desires and aversions as we cover the Enchiridion 2. 

The Sunday Stoic Podcast Returns! Steve returns to the mic along with Dan to discuss the Enchiridion Chapter 1.  contact the show at sundystoic@gmail.com