Stoic Wellbeing

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...

As human beings, we’re naturally inclined to take care of ourselves and our immediate family. This is the center of our circles of concern.  As Stoics, of course, we believe we can extend our sense of care and belonging (oikeiosis) to also include our community, country, and the rest of the world. I believe travel is one of the best ways to practice oikeiosis. This is why I’m sharing part of an in...

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 use Stoicism to 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...

What do courage and resilience truly mean? This Memorial Day, 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 testament to human resili...

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...

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 f...

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...

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. Do you ever go blank or start rambling when someone puts you on the spot?  I created a free Conversation Cheat Sheet with sim...

On a recent trip to Scotland, I ate well, I drank well -- didn’t so much sleep well. But I enjoyed just the right amount of indulgence for me on a trip.  This kind of happiness is hedonia. Hedonic pleasure is about, well, pleasure. Comfort. Satisfaction. What feels good in the moment. Pleasure coming from external things. A massage after a long day. A bite of flourless chocolate cake. Sprawling ou...

What are the life skills that really matter? In this episode, you’ll hear specifics on how to live a good life. A simple life. One that will give you more energy and inner peace.  I’m joined by Stephen Warley, fellow Stoicism lover and host of the Life Skills That Matter podcast. This interview originally aired on my other podcast, LIVE Without Borders, a year or so ago. I think you’ll get a lot o...

You know when you’re traveling and you see families fuming in the airport or no longer speaking to each other at dinner?  Chances are, one of them, or multiple people, blew something out of proportion and are still reacting to it.  Why does this happen? How can we be more emotionally resilient, that is, more Stoic, and enjoy a more smoothly flowing life?  Let’s dive into why things don’t have to u...

Note: I recorded this awhile ago. With everything happening in Ukraine, this information is more important than ever.   *** Where do these emotions come from? What are emotions? How can we cultivate healthy emotions that improve our own wellbeing, and thereby our positive impact on the world?  That’s what I want to talk about today.    Here's a little taste...    Most people think emotions ru...

In this episode, I am back with my friend Kai Whiting, co-author of the book Being Better: Stoicism for a World Worth Living In.  Kai is a researcher and lecturer in sustainability and Stoicism currently living in Lisbon, Portugal. If you’re into ancient ruins, you will love the beginning of our interview, where Kai talks about the research he conducted in Pompeii.  And then we spend a lot of the...

As a listener of this podcast, you’ve already heard me talk about how the ancient philosophy of Stoicism offers guidance on how we can live the good life in the modern world. How to be less stressed. How to be a better listener. How to be more productive.  But Stoicism is about more than improving ourselves on an individual level, it’s about improving our communities and being an active member of...

Janus is the Roman god of beginnings and endings, transitions and passageways, doorways and duality, amongst several other things.  And he was one of my favorite sculptures in my town’s art Triennial this year, formally known as the Creative Folkestone Triennial 2021.  High up on the East Cliff, in a little park overlooking the ocean, stood this massive head of Janus, who’s typically portrayed wit...