Pub and Porch: Applied Stoicism

In this episode, Mick and Adam discuss the current and historical context of Stoicism as a "street philosophy". Stoicism's origins, and how it spread to the streets of Rome and beyond, are discussed, as well as historical examples of how Stoicism arrived in a time of other new philosophies. Examples from related practices, and examples of other prominent philosophers of the time per...

In this week's episode, Adam and Mick discuss some of the recent, alarming activity around the banning of certain books for their being deemed "inappropriate" in some shape or form. Wisdom, and our ability to think rationally and change our minds is key to the Stoics. The later discussion then focusses on the fact that censorship in any form comes with its own challenges, and the be...

In today's special episode, Adam gets a chance to talk about his work and industry as Mick asks him questions about the space program, space exploration, and the upcoming Artemis II launch. Adam talks about the upcoming Artemis II mission, as well as the history of lunar exploration programs from the past as well as upcoming lunar missions that are being planned. The conversation closes on to...

Today, Mick and Adam discuss their views on the future of Stoicism and where they hope this philosophy will go next. Ideas for the philosophy to act as a political movement, movement for social justice, and ways in which it can be used to shape the direction for humanity all come to the fore. Use of the philosophy across the political spectrum also become a prevalent topic, as the philosophy is di...

In today's episode, Mick and Adam discuss the idea of "toxic masculinity" and how it is both negative and harmful in society today. Chauvinism, sexism, and racism are discussed as aspects of this movement, as well as the ideas of certain emotions being singled out as "right" while others are not. The Stoic concepts surrounding anger as a "temporary madness" are d...

Today, Mick and Adam discuss Stoicism and its long history in the military. Topics include historical examples of prominent Stoics from history who spent time in the military as soldiers and generals, as well as discussions about the modern use of Stoicism in the military throughout recent history up to and including modern day. Mick shares many examples of his own past, and Adam shares his own st...

Today, Mick and Adam discuss the war and Stoicism's use or place within it. Stoicism's views on war are discussed at length both from a historical perspective as well as from a more modern point of view. Key Stoics of the past referenced include Cato, Marcus Aurelius, and Seneca, and the history of Julius Caesar and other historical figures is intertwined throughout the podcast. The idea...

Today Adam and Mick discuss parenting, with some key themes emerging that exist through Stoicism's writings today. Thankfulness, responsibility, and virtue are all discussed at length about how they can be applied to parenting, and discussions around the historical context of people like Marcus and Seneca also take place. Justice, control, embodiment, and setting an example are key concepts d...

Adam and Mick discuss some of the finer points of Stoicism today, focusing on the common misconceptions about the philosophy that can be heard today. Topics include common tropes we hear, as well as modern "movement" that run parallel to Stoicism like Broicism, $toicism, and StoicisM. Adam and Mick do their best to dispel the common myths and misunderstandings, and try to bring light to...

In today's episode, Adam and Mick discuss the press, its freedom, and how a Stoic approaches the new and the news cycle. Topics covered include the historical context of the press going back to Roman times, the duty and responsibility of being informed as Stoics, and the duty that we have to question the information coming to us to identify what is true and how we feel about it. Tips on deali...

Today, Adam and Mick talk about how to deal with the seemingly endless number of national and international events going on, and ways in which one may be able to better deal with them as a Stoic. Stoic perspectives, practices, and mindsets form the core of the discussion centering around the ideas of choice, action, and what we control. Key Stoic exercises also form the latter half of the conversa...

In today's episode, Mick and Adam discuss Stoicism and its presence in sport, as well as examples of some sports who inherently embody some of the classic attributes of Stoic principles. Sports discussed include: Boxing, Biathlon, Cross Country Skiing, American Football, Australian Football, Tennis, Running, Baseball, Basketball, Ice Hockey, Speed Skating, and much more. Stories of historical...

In today's episode, Adam and Mick discuss current events in the world among some of the key alliances and allegiances that have shaped the last century. Discussions about historical alliances, the formation of organizations like the League of Nations, UN, and NATO all come to the fore. History also becomes prevalent, speaking of the Spartans at Thermopylae, Salamis, Plataea, as well as Marcus...

Today for Martin Luther King Day, Adam and Mick discuss protest both as an act and as an idea. Themes covered include morality, ethics, and the application of the Stoic virtues in the process of protest. Historical examples from both 20th century and classical history are referenced throughout the discussion, and the idea of a Stoic's duty to protest throughout history is cited. Lastly, discu...

Mick and Adam discuss the political violence that has been occurring so much in the world today and over the recent past. Topics covered include historical takes on violence in political rhetoric, the difference between a sophist and a philosopher, things to watch out for in the political sphere, and the vigilance we must all be prepared for.  URL: pubandporch.com Email: info@pubandporch.com X: @P...

In today's episode, Mick and Adam talk about colonialism from its very definition to what it has meant throughout history and in to modern day. Concepts around democracy, cosmopolitanism, and vigilance take centre stage as the two discuss any concepts from the view of both modern day interpretations and events as well as historical interpretations through the eyes of historic Stoics such as C...

In this episode, Mick and Adam take turns discussing purpose and how to find it, what to look for, and what it means. Discussions around purpose in life, purpose in employment, purpose in action all get discussed. Personal stories and historical stories talk about finding purpose and what that does for us as human beings. URL: pubandporch.com Email: info@pubandporch.com X: @PubandPorch Substack: P...

Mick and Adam discuss another current events topic today, unlawful orders and what is a Stoic's duty. Themes covered today include lawful vs unlawful, checks in the system, obligation, duty, ethics, and the choices that we all must make. Topics today do not just cover the military but also cover things in public life and the private sector, with a significant discussion on space program histo...

In this episode, Mick and Adam discuss the anti-science movement from a Stoic perspective. The conversation morphs into one about education, ignorance, critical thinking, and the parallel anti-intellectual movement. Stoic perspectives discuss thoughts from Socrates, Marcus, Epictetus, and others, and the virtues we practice and the choices that we must make as Stoics for the present and the future...

Mick and Adam discuss A.I. in today's episode, looking at the pros and cons of its presence in the world. Uses of A.I. that are discussed includes its use in the workplace, on the battlefield, and in the sphere of arts and music. Responsibility, choice, and the ethics of the use of A.I. and robotics are prime topics discussed. URL: pubandporch.com Email: info@pubandporch.com X: @PubandPorch S...

Mick and Adam discuss the writings and concepts of the Stoic teacher Musonius Rufus, teacher of Epictetus (another well-known Stoic). The discussion centres about Rufus' history, but also the connections between his concepts of the past and how they are still relevant today.  URL: pubandporch.com Email: info@pubandporch.com X: @PubandPorch Substack: Pub and Porch Applied Stoicism YouTube: @pu...

Mick and Adam discuss the concept of resilience, toughness, and the will to keep going even in times of great adversity. Using Stoicism to persevere in challenging times, and the self-discipline to continue when others do not is discussed at length. Using the military and sports as examples, Mick and Adam discuss examples of resilience and also examples of some Stoic practices and mindsets to fact...

Mick and Adam talk about the Stoic concept of Justice, both its meaning and its application. The conversation moves from discussions on the legal sense of justice, into the further discussion of how Stoics view Justice as a virtue which includes the act of benevolence, magnanimity, and compassion. The application of Justice in day-to-day life is also discussed as well as the treatment of others an...

Mick and Adam discuss the idea of remembrance as we reach November 11th this year, known as Remembrance Day, Armistice Day, and Veterans' Day among most of our listeners. Mick and Adam talk about how Stoics view remembrance, and some major historical events of the past, as well as their view of the future.  URL: pubandporch.com Email: info@pubandporch.com X: @PubandPorch Substack: Pub and Por...

Mick and Adam have a short clip today announcing a new award from the podcast, the Rufus Award. This year's recipient: Maria Corina Machado. URL: pubandporch.com Email: info@pubandporch.com X: @PubandPorch Substack: Pub and Porch Applied Stoicism YouTube: @pubporch PPAS Logo Provided by: Mike Golka All music provided by bensound.com