PHILOSOPHER KINGS.

This episode, we invite you to take a walk with Mark cooling down on a running trail, and to think about who you are and who you want to become. Socrates says the fastest way to become virtuous is to be who you pretend to be. He means that most of us put on a pretty good show that we are a good person; we act like we possess all the qualities we assume others around us would admire. We might even...

In this episode, Mark introduces an idea from his favorite ancient philosoopher, Epictetus. Epictetus says that we should divide all problems into what we can control and what we cannot. If we cannot control something in any way, he teaches that we should make the CHOICE not to worry about it. If you are just out of college or training, in your first five years of your career--We made this episode...

In this episode, Mark explains how virtue + kindness equals uncommon greatness as a young pro and person. Mark gives a short list of virtues which can literally transform your character, bring you success, and give you internal authority: wisdom justice courage philanthropy wonder humility No matter who you are or what you do for a living, virtue is for you. It does not belong to a religion or cre...

In this episode, Mark challenges young professionals to categorically give up the vices of alcohol, weed, and casual relationships. Aristotle says we are what we repeatedly do. And so we can think ourselves to be very virtuous and put-together, but if we are compartmentalizing aspects of our life which stand in the way of the mountains we want to climb... it is time to rethink some things. What if...

In this episode, Mark explores why admitting that you are "new at this" and embodying humility is a superpower for young professionals and early careers. Socrates explained to the men of Athens that what made him so wise was that he was aware of his ignorance. He famously said that "he was the wisest because he knew that he knew nothing." There is a release valve that can lower the pressure of bei...

In this episode, Mark explores why feedback is one of the fastest ways young professionals can grow. Instead of chasing externals like promotions, praise, and recognition, this episode challenges you to build internal authority by asking better questions, receiving correction, and training the traits that actually create trust. Whether your weakness is reliability, integrity, communication, or fee...

In this episode, Mark breaks down the Big Four Core Competencies of Philosopher Kings: Reliability, Integrity, Communication, and Feedback. Instead of overwhelming young professionals with endless workplace advice, this episode simplifies what actually matters. Reliability builds trust. Integrity creates internal authority. Communication brings clarity. Feedback fuels growth. Master these four tra...

In this episode, Mark explores how young professionals can stop over-explaining and start embodying the qualities that earn real trust. Drawing from Epictetus’ line, “Don’t explain your philosophy. Embody it,” this episode introduces the Big Four Core Competencies of Philosopher Kings: Reliability, Integrity, Communication, and Feedback. Master these fundamentals, and you quietly become the kind o...

Episode Two is a deeper dive into Plato’s vision of the Philosopher King and what it means for young professionals today. In this episode, Mark explores the connection between knowledge, wisdom, and virtue—and why modern education and professional training often focus almost entirely on knowledge while falling short on wisdom and virtue. Knowledge is usually covered in college classrooms, certific...

What does it mean to become a Philosopher King in the modern world? In this first episode of the  Philosopher Kings  podcast, Mark Shaffer explores the intersection of  knowledge, wisdom, and virtue —and why the best young professionals build  internal authority  before chasing external success. We talk about: Why competence alone is not enough The difference between externals and internal authori...