The Strong Stoic Podcast

“Show me that you have your principles in order, not that fortune is currently favoring you.” — Epictetus As we get older, life tends to get better in some ways—at least materially. One of the most obvious examples is wealth. Most of us, over time, tend to accumulate more of it. That’s no surprise: if you’re working, saving, investing, and generally being responsible, your financial situation like...

“Associate with people who are likely to improve you.”  - Seneca  In this simple yet powerful statement, Seneca offers a foundational truth of Stoic living. The idea isn’t just about socializing with the right crowd — it’s about deliberately surrounding yourself with people who bring out your best. In today’s language, we might call this the inner circle — a small group of trusted individuals who...

The Stoic tradition teaches that death is not to be feared but rather meditated on, accepted, and used as a tool for living virtuously. But what happens when death, once seen as inevitable and natural, becomes optional—perhaps even solvable? As science and technology evolve, the question is no longer purely hypothetical. More voices, like that of entrepreneur Brian Johnson, are challenging death a...

Viktor Frankl once wrote, “Those who cannot find a deep sense of meaning distract themselves with pleasure.” It’s a quote that resonates deeply within the Stoic tradition. The Stoics, much like Frankl, warned against the unmoderated pursuit of indulgence. Pleasure, entertainment, materialism—these things are not inherently wrong, but when used to fill a void of meaning, they become distractions. A...

As Stoics, we are called to play many roles in life, each with its own set of duties and responsibilities. These roles—whether as professionals, parents, partners, community members, or homeowners—shape our lives and define how we engage with the world. Yet, balancing these roles is a constant challenge. Sometimes, despite our best intentions, we fail to meet the demands of one or more of these ro...

“You know what, from my experience, what I found out? That God tests you to see how much of this you can take before you say, ‘Let’s just be finished with this.’ He wants to show you something. He wants to see how much you can take, how much you can handle of life. You say you love life? You want to live life? I’m gonna show you life. Life is beautiful, but you have to accept the good and the bad...

It was a typical Saturday night. The kind where you’re winding down after a fun outing, and you’re almost home. That was me a few weeks ago. It was around 11 PM, and as I turned right at an intersection, I noticed another car turning left… directly into mine. I stopped, expecting them to notice and adjust. They didn’t. Instead, they drove straight into the front of my car, damaging the fender, bli...

In this episode, we dive deep into the totalitarian world of George Orwell’s 1984 and ask: Could a Stoic survive—and even thrive—there? What does inner freedom look like when the outer world is a prison? And how might Stoic philosophy be the ultimate rebellion in a world where truth is erased, thought is policed, and fear is everywhere? This podcast is listener-supported; if you would like to supp...

Last week, I attended the funeral of a man who had worked for our company for 25 years. He was deeply woven into the fabric of our organization—one of those steady presences who quietly held things together. He died too young, and the ceremony was filled with friends, family, coworkers, and members of the community who came to say goodbye. As his manager, I came into the service with the perspecti...

Joshua W. Bertolotti is the host of the In Search of Wisdom Podcast and the Perennial Podcast where he talks about all kinds of ancient wisdom and engages in meaningful conversations with modern thinkers. He also manages the Perennial Leader Project, which includes these podcasts along with a weekly newsletter and blog posts. Josh is a regular guest on the podcast. In this conversation, Josh and I...

It’s a compelling question—one I’ve spent years thinking through, not only as someone who once followed a strict vegan diet, but as someone who continually aims to live according to Stoic principles. The deeper I explore Stoicism, the more I realize this philosophy doesn’t often provide simple yes-or-no answers. Rather, it offers a rational, values-based framework to navigate complex ethical dilem...

Over the years, I have experimented with countless daily habits, each aimed at optimizing my productivity, happiness, and health. Some worked, some didn’t, and some I struggled to implement effectively. However, through trial and error, I have identified ten key habits that have remained consistent in my routine. These habits have stood the test of time and are the ones I would recommend to anyone...

Like many people living in cities, I’ve noticed that the homeless population has grown significantly. In my home province of Nova Scotia, this was hardly an issue in the past, but now it's become much more apparent. The city has taken some steps, such as setting up small shelters—tiny homes that provide a temporary place to stay. While these efforts are positive, they raise a deeper question:...

In The Handbook of Epictetus, paragraph 46, the Stoic philosopher provides a powerful lesson on humility, wisdom, and the importance of embodying philosophy rather than simply discussing it. His words offer a practical guide on how to conduct oneself in social environments and how true wisdom is demonstrated through actions, not rhetoric. This podcast is listener-supported; if you would like to su...

If we think of wisdom and stoicism as embodied in an elder figure, it’s often someone like a grandfather—calm, patient, slow to anger. Grandparents tend to be forgiving, knowing that life is long and that small mistakes aren’t the end of the world. They let things slide. They slip their grandchildren candy when the parents aren’t looking. They offer guidance without the intensity of immediate resp...

In his Handbook, Epictetus offers a profound insight into human suffering “What upsets people is not things themselves but their judgments about the things. For example, death is nothing dreadful or else it would have appeared dreadful to Socrates. But instead, the judgment about death—that it is dreadful—that is what is dreadful. So when we are thwarted or upset or distressed, let us never blame...

Hard work and perseverance are not innate qualities—they are carved into a person through experience, struggle, and discipline. The philosophy of Stoicism teaches many things, but at its core, it urges people to become useful. To be useful is to contribute, to be of value to others. This means being courageous, pro-social, disciplined, and willing to take on challenges that others shy away from. H...

Tariffs, tariffs, tariffs. A term that has been the subject of heated debate in North America, particularly in the context of economic policy shifts. While tariffs may not seem like a typical topic for Stoic reflection, the truth is that everything can be examined through a philosophical lens—including trade policies. As a Canadian who has lived in the United States and traveled to Mexico, I see N...

In the face of life’s greatest certainty—death—there exists a paradox of fear and transcendence. It’s a subject both daunting and enlightening, woven deeply into human philosophy, mythology, and even our collective acts of courage.  In this exploration, let’s revisit the battlefield cry from The Lord of the Rings—“Death! Death! Death!”—and how it mirrors real-life heroism, like the sacrifices on D...

Few scenes in cinematic history manage to capture the raw essence of courage as powerfully as King Théoden’s speech in The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers . As he rallies his riders before charging into near-certain death, the emotions resonate beyond Middle-earth, connecting deeply to real-world acts of valor. This isn’t just about a fictional battle. It’s a study in human courage—a theme that...

Life is full of moments when we’re faced with difficult decisions or challenges, and in those moments, we search for something to give us clarity—a guiding principle or phrase that resonates deeply. It’s why many people turn to Stoic philosophy. The works of Marcus Aurelius, Epictetus, and Seneca offer timeless wisdom condensed into quotes that help us navigate life’s complexities. But these aren’...

“The courage to be happy also includes the courage to be disliked. When you choose to live authentically, you inevitably invite criticism.” — The Courage to Be Disliked In today’s social media-driven world, the desire to be liked by everyone can become an overwhelming force that shapes our thoughts, actions, and identity.  But The Courage to Be Disliked by Ichiro Kishimi and Fumitake Koga argues t...

Life is filled with challenges that often feel like punishments: setbacks, pain, and suffering that can seem unfair or overwhelming. Yet, the quote “What punishments from God are not also gifts?” invites us to reframe how we see these difficulties. Whether attributed to divine will or simply the natural course of life, hardships are opportunities for growth, self-awareness, and transformation. The...

Merry Christmas, everyone! This time of year is special, not just for the joy of holiday cheer, family gatherings, and festive feasts, but also for the opportunity it presents: a chance to reset. For many of us, Christmas marks the beginning of a unique stretch of time—those magical days between Christmas and New Year’s. It’s a period where routines blur, responsibilities pause, and indulgence is...

The Stoic philosophy, while often revered for its emphasis on self-discipline and resilience, also places great importance on being useful to others. As Marcus Aurelius reminds us in Meditations : “If you have talents, do your work as a human being. Do it without fuss or hypocrisy and let your actions be guided by reason and a concern for the well-being of others.” At its heart, Stoicism advocates...