Citizens of the World: A Stoic Podcast for Curious Travelers

Why do we get angry? How can we challenge our immediate reactions? And what's the best way to articulate our feelings without passive aggression or a blow-up?  In this episode, you'll learn  four Stoic tips to turn potential conflicts into opportunities for personal growth and stronger relationships. Do you ever go blank or start rambling when someone puts you on the spot?  I create...

Travel can be restorative, fun, and, in my opinion, it’s the greatest form of diplomacy there is. Because we get to know people as individuals rather than stereotypes. We develop deeper connections as true citizens of the world. We experience life. Yet travel and trading countries is not a magic pill for happiness. There is no perfect place, and wherever we go, we take our problems with us. I’m re...

Our intentions don’t always line up with our outcomes, and misunderstandings lead to anger, sadness, frustration, and conflict. In this episode, I’ll talk about intent vs impact, which is more important, and how to effectively and ethically communicate your intentions. Of course, I’ll be weaving in the timeless wisdom of the Stoics. Hi, I’m Sarah Mikutel, your communication and mindset coach, an E...

Introvert Emergency Kit   Click here if you're ready to become a less anxious, more charismatic public speaker . When it comes to public speaking, what exactly are you afraid of?  Most people I talk to don’t explore their fears at all – and this makes them worse.  The thought of public speaking brings up such uncomfortable feelings that they try to ignore them or stuff them down – which is wh...

Want to come to Bulgaria with me? For real. My friend Zlatina (who's also today's guest) and I are bringing a small group here for an authentic  Balkan experience in May. This is not some naff bus tour. We're inviting a max of 10 world travelers to join us to explore Bulgaria's hidden gems (as well as its most culturally significant sites). Get on the waitlist now so you get pr...

We often hear how negative self-comparisons can be, especially when it comes to social media. But what if we could use comparison as a force for good? A tool to help us grow and flourish at work and in our personal lives?  Great news, we can! Today you’ll learn how to stop negatively comparing yourself to others and start measuring your progress in healthier and more productive ways. Plus, you’ll...

Have you ever wondered why the richest countries on Earth consistently rank so high in anxiety and depression?  Research says this is because we’re so overstimulated by instant gratification that our brains never feel satisfied and become increasingly unhappy in the quest for more. We’re literally addicted to pursuing pleasures that will never satisfy us. The cure to this man-made misery? Self-con...

Ever been cut off mid-sentence and feel a whirlwind of emotions – frustration, anger,  embarrassment? Why do we take interruptions so personally, and how can we handle them with grace? I'm your host, Sarah Mikutel, and in this episode, I dive into effective communication and mindset strategies that will help you be seen and heard. By the end, you'll be equipped to handle interruptions co...

What do courage and resilience truly mean? As the anniversary of D-Day approaches, I reflect on the incredible bravery of the 'Greatest Generation' during World War II, drawing inspiration from my visits to historic locations such as Auschwitz and Churchill's War Rooms in London. From blackouts to rationing, the everyday experiences of European civilians during WWII serve as a testa...

In a few days I’m headed to Salzburg, Austria for my friend’s birthday (We need more of these kind of trips! Destination parties should go beyond weddings. Do you agree?) And that’s why today I’m speaking with Vivien Conacher, a trained opera singer from Sydney who now lives in Salzburg. From Mozart's birthplace and Sound of Music locations to the historic fortress and breweries, discover the...

Have you ever noticed how our thoughts and reactions can create unnecessary stress, or cultivate empathy and understanding for others? On a recent flight to Florida, I was reminded of the power of perception and emotional resiliency. I share the story of passengers clapping after a smooth landing, the reactions of those around me as a father rushed to exit the plane, and how the simple words of a...

Do you have a philosophy that you live your life by? My guest today thinks you should — and so do all the Stoics who came before her. I’m speaking with Brittany Polat, author of Tranquility Parenting: A Guide to Staying Calm, Mindful, and Engaged and  Journal Like a Stoic: A 90-Day Stoicism Program to Live with Greater Acceptance, Less Judgment, and Deeper Intentionality . She’s also a steering co...

Today, we’re exploring the picturesque city of Cambridge, England, home — or at least temporary home — of some of the world’s greatest minds across the centuries. Cambridge is known for its prestigious university, beautiful architecture, and punting — and if you’re not sure what that is, you’ll know by the end of this episode.  I’m back with tour guide Sib Jackson, who’s here to share insider tips...

What happens when life upends you? Things seem to be running smoothly, then all of a sudden you lose your job, someone walks out on you, you graduate, you retire. Some big shift happens — now what? Do you ruminate about the past, or do you honor it and reflect on how to move forward? My guest today chose the latter. Sib Jackson is a German living in England as a Cambridge tour guide, amongst other...

Get ready to be transported to the sun-soaked beaches, charming coastal villages, and rolling hillsides of Sicily, Sardinia, and beyond.  Katie Parla is back and just published her third book: Food of the Italian Islands .  Katie’s an American who has been living in Rome for about 20 years as a food and beverage writer, culinary guide, and cookbook author. We will be diving deep into the cultural...

What would life be like if we felt more happy connections with people on a regular basis? How can we embrace the wider world and bring people closer to us, even if for a few moments at the seaside?  Oikeiosis Stoics believe we are all citizens of the world, part of one global community. This is Stoic cosmopolitanism.  The Stoic philosopher Seneca said:  “ Our relations with one another are like a...

Harvard researchers have been studying what makes people happy for decades.  Since 1938, they’ve been following the same people, and then their families, to learn more about what makes a good life. This is the longest-running study of its kind involving hundreds of people across different walks of life. JFK was even involved when he was a student.  So what did they discover in this happiness surve...

I’m hosting a 2023 Goal-Mapping Workshop on Jan. 14. It’s free and a replay will be available for a few days after if you register in advance .  This isn’t a lecture – it’s a very interactive session. You’ll: Create a vision for your year that aligns with your values and priorities Break down your big goals into manageable tasks that don't overwhelm you Develop a plan of action to stay on tra...

Around January 1, we set goals that we intend to keep. But most of us break these vows before the month is over – why? What’s the real reason people won’t change? And how can we use Stoicism and modern psychology to start? To truly be free and move forward, we need to cultivate helpful thoughts and let go of unhelpful ones. This is how we become resilient and learn to flow with life instead of fig...

What does Auld Lang Syne mean and why is its message so important? Find out in this episode. Also, Happy New Year! What are your intentions for this year? https://sarahmikutel.com/ Do you ever go blank or start rambling when someone puts you on the spot?  I created a free Conversation Cheat Sheet with simple formulas you can use so you can respond with clarity, whether you’re in a meeting or...

It’s that time of year when we encourage each other to slow down, appreciate what we have, and be present with others. But how do we stay in the moment when our minds keep drifting to what’s happening next week, or what occurred 10 years ago? That’s what this episode is about. sarahmikutel.com Do you ever go blank or start rambling when someone puts you on the spot?  I created a free Conversa...

Today I’m continuing my conversation with Dr. Chocolate Kristy Leissle. an American who now lives in South Africa. Kristy, author of  Cocoa and co-founder of the Cocoapreneurship Institute of Ghana , spent four years living in that country. In this episode, she shares why this part of Africa is so special to her and what we should see and do when we visit Ghana on our travels. sarahmikutel.com ❤️...

Chocolate. Lots of us love it. Where does it come from? Who makes it? And how can we be ethical consumers of chocolate?  I want the answer to be easy — like, just by such-and-such chocolate bar. But the answer is more complicated than that.  Today I’m speaking with cocoa and chocolate scholar (and lover of chocolate) Dr. Kristy Leissle, an American who now lives in South Africa. Kristy, aka Dr. Ch...

Chances are this holiday season you'll have to talk to at least one person who drives you bananas.  But what if this doesn't have to stress you out? What if you could have a good conversation? What if this could be your least angst-filled holiday yet?  It can be! Here are five ancient Stoic techniques (backed up by modern psychology) to manage your anger and anxiety when talking to peopl...

On a recent trip, I learned that the last so-called witch to be executed in Scotland died in 1727. Of course, there are still people being tortured, killed, and scapegoated around the world today.  But we’re more likely to be involved in hanging people on social media. sarahmikutel.com Do you ever go blank or start rambling when someone puts you on the spot?  I created a free Conversation Che...