The Everyday Stoic

In this episode, William shares a powerful yet simple Stoic question from Marcus Aurelius that can cut through modern distractions like TikTok, YouTube, and endless scrolling. Learn how this practical tool, drawn from the  Meditations , can help you overcome procrastination, sharpen your focus, and reclaim your time. William explains how Marcus used this very question to confront his own fears and...

Why do so many people tell you to skip Book One of  Meditations ? In this episode, William challenges that advice and dives deep into why the first chapter of Marcus Aurelius’ writings might be the most profound. Far from being a simple list of thank-yous, Book One is a blueprint for modeling virtue - an ancient Stoic exercise that teaches us how to learn from everyone around us. William unpacks h...

Are you facing hardship, grief, or overwhelming challenges? In this episode, William explores how Stoic philosophy reframes suffering—not as punishment, but as a path to personal greatness. Drawing from the ancient myth of Hercules and timeless Stoic metaphors, William shows how adversity is life’s greatest teacher. Learn why the Stoics saw every painful trial as a gift, how to find strength throu...

In this episode, William shares how discovering he was going to be a father in 2023 led him down an unexpected yet transformative path. Guided by Stoic principles, William reflects on how the ancient philosophy has helped him navigate the emotional highs and lows of raising a child. From sleepless nights to milestones, he explores how Stoicism encourages us to embrace the full spectrum of parentin...

In one of the most frequently asked episodes yet, William dives deep into the age-old question: Do the Stoics believe in God? Whether you're religious, spiritual, agnostic, or atheist, this episode of The Everyday Stoic brings clarity to Stoicism’s stance on the divine, the cosmos, and the human soul. William explores how early Stoics like Epictetus and Marcus Aurelius spoke of God, fate, and Zeus...

In this episode, we uncover the powerful connection between the Stoics and the Spartans - two ancient schools of thought united by discipline, resilience, and an unshakable will. Discover how Marcus Aurelius and other Stoic thinkers were inspired by Spartan ideals, and how you can channel that same strength in your own life. William explores five key Spartan rules that forged mental toughness - ru...

In this episode, William reveals a powerful mental technique practiced by all three of the great Stoic philosophers—Marcus Aurelius, Seneca, and Epictetus. Known as  premeditatio malorum  ("the premeditation of evils"), this simple morning exercise prepares your mind for whatever the day throws at you. Discover how imagining potential setbacks—from missing your bus to facing criticism at work—can...

In this episode, we explore one of the most damaging myths about stoicism—the idea that it demands emotional numbness. William explains why this perception is not only false but harmful, and how real stoicism offers something far more powerful: clarity, presence, and emotional understanding. Drawing from personal experience and ancient Stoic teachings, he discusses how many people are drawn to sto...

In this episode, William explores three ancient Stoic principles that still transform lives over 2,000 years later. William unpacks the enduring wisdom of Memento Mori, the pursuit of inner goodness, and the art of living in the present moment. Drawing from Marcus Aurelius and other Stoic greats, this episode is a call to live with intention, virtue, and gratitude—starting now. Learn how meditatin...

In this episode, William explores one of the most transformative Stoic principles:  memento mori —"remember you are mortal." The Stoics didn’t just reflect on death; they practiced it daily, using reminders, meditations, and symbolic tokens to face life’s ultimate truth head-on. But why? Why did Marcus Aurelius, Seneca, and Epictetus insist on remembering death? William shares how this p...

We’ve all been there—stuck in a pointless argument, drained by drama, or stressed over someone else’s behavior. And later, we wonder why we even got involved. The Stoics had a clear answer to this, and more importantly, a method to stay above it all. In this episode, William explores three timeless Stoic principles that can help you win every argument—not by overpowering others, but by not needing...

In this Q&A session, William explores the most essential books for understanding and practicing Stoicism, including  Meditations  by Marcus Aurelius,  Discourses and Selected Writings  of Epictetus, and  Letters from a Stoic  by Seneca. He discusses the value of different translations and why starting with any accessible version is better than getting caught up in the “perfect” edition. Willia...

In today's episode, William explains the powerful impact Stoicism has had on his battle with anxiety. He reflects on how the ancient philosophy didn’t "cure" his anxiety—but transformed it from a controlling force into a practical tool for growth and awareness. William shares candid stories about struggling with overwhelming fear, rumination over the past and future, and the constant...

Why do it seem like the worst people in life always come out on top? In this episode, William explores why morally questionable individuals often achieve success, while kind and virtuous people get overlooked. Drawing on lessons from  The Nanny Diaries  and the writings of Marcus Aurelius, William unpacks how cutting corners, sacrificing morals, and exerting ruthless assertiveness can propel peopl...

 Can Stoicism really lead to happiness? In this episode, we dive deep into the timeless wisdom of the Stoics to answer one of the most pressing modern questions: how do we find true happiness? William explores how Stoic philosophy helps us shift from chasing external validation—money, fame, and followers—to cultivating internal peace, presence, and virtue. You’ll learn how understanding what you ...

In this episode, William dives deep into one of the most fundamental—and misunderstood—principles of Stoicism: what is truly  good  and what is  bad ? William unpacks the Stoic understanding of virtue and vice, the divine principle of logos, and how testing your impressions is the cornerstone of living a good life. Through metaphors like the  song of the universe , real-world examples, and Stoic i...

In today’s episode, William dives into one of the most powerful ideas in Stoic philosophy: how every challenge, setback, or frustration can become an opportunity for growth. Inspired by Book 3 of Epictetus’  Discourses , we explore how Stoics like Epictetus and Marcus Aurelius viewed adversity—not as obstacles, but as sparring partners sent by life itself to help us grow stronger, wiser, and more...

In this episode, William explores a profound Stoic concept from Epictetus’  Discourses —the backwards goal. While the world pushes us to chase success, climb higher, and achieve more, we often find that every summit only reveals another peak in the distance. Epictetus challenges this pursuit by offering a radical alternative: freedom is not achieved by satisfying our desires, but by eliminating th...

In this thought-provoking episode, we dive into one of the most insidious forces shaping modern life: the algorithm. William unpacks how these invisible systems are meticulously engineered to hijack your attention, foster division, fuel procrastination, and even rewire your desires—keeping you from your goals, your health, and your purpose. Imagine a team of experts hired to keep you distracted, t...

In today’s episode, we tackle one of the most pressing issues of modern life—stress. As the world grows noisier and more overwhelming, many of us feel like we’re carrying the weight of the world on our shoulders. But there is a better way. Drawing from the timeless wisdom of Marcus Aurelius, Seneca, and Epictetus, William shares 7 Stoic principles that can help you find calm, clarity, and strength...

MrBeast is the biggest YouTuber on the planet, a philanthropist, and a business mogul—but in a rare moment of honesty, he’s revealed that his success hasn’t brought him happiness. In this episode, William break down his recent warning about the pursuit of fame, fortune, and relentless ambition. Why do so many people aspire to be like him despite his clear warning? Why does success often fail to br...

In this episode, William dives into a key lesson from  The Everyday Stoic , exploring the chapter  "I Literally Can’t Do Anything." Inspired by ancient Stoic philosophy, we discuss the nature of chaos, expectations, and how to navigate an unpredictable world with confidence and caution. We reflect on Zeno’s analogy of a dog tied to a moving cart—how fate will take us forward, whether we...

In this episode, William explores the timeless wisdom of Epictetus and the Stoics, breaking down a powerful three-step framework that ensures victory in every situation—no matter the outcome. By mastering these principles, you’ll navigate life’s challenges with resilience, growth, and inner peace. The Dichotomy of Control  – Understanding what is truly within your power and what isn’t. Your though...

Are they really happier than you, or are they just better at marketing their lives? In this episode, we explore the deceptive nature of social media and the curated highlight reels that make us feel like we're missing out. William breaks down why the “perfect” lives we see online are nothing more than a well-crafted illusion—and how shifting our focus to presence and real joy can free us from...

In this episode, William takes a deep dive into a modern-day poison—our obsession with greatness and its weak imitation, clout. Drawing from the wisdom of Marcus Aurelius and the Stoics, he explores how this toxic pursuit has infiltrated every aspect of our lives, stripping us of true joy and fulfilment. Through a personal story of a childhood friend who lost his love for adventure to the validati...