The Via Stoica Podcast — A Stoic Way of Life

A Stoic Conversation with William C. Spears: Stoicism as a Warrior Philosophy In this episode of The Via Stoica Podcast, Benny and Brendan speak with William C. Spears, active duty U.S. naval officer, submarine commander, and author of Stoicism as a Warrior Philosophy. From the depths of nuclear-powered submarines to the halls of the Pentagon, William shares how Stoicism became a moral framework a...

The Via Stoica Podcast: Stoic quotes series In the Stoic quotes series, we take a look at what the Stoics said and uncover the wisdom they left behind. We look at the famous writings from Epictetus, Seneca, Marcus Aurelius, and more. In this episode, we turn to a powerful quote from Epictetus, found in the Discourses , that asks us to reflect on self-worth and the price we’re willing to pay for ex...

Welcome to the Via Stoica Podcast, the Podcast on Stoicism. Most people spend their lives chasing happiness, but the Stoics had a different approach. In this episode of the Via Stoica Podcast, Benny and Brendan explore the true nature of happiness through a Stoic lens. You’ll learn why fleeting pleasures often leave us feeling empty, and how virtue, contentment, and self-awareness can lead to some...

The Via Stoica Podcast: Stoic quotes series In the Stoic quotes series, we take a look at what the Stoics said and uncover the wisdom they left behind. We look at the famous writings from Epictetus, Seneca, Marcus Aurelius, and more. In this episode, we explore a quote cited by Marcus Aurelius in Meditations , but originally attributed to the pre-Socratic philosopher Democritus: “The world is noth...

Welcome to the Via Stoica Podcast, the podcast on Stoicism. What if preparing for death is the key to truly living? In this episode of the Via Stoica Podcast, Benny and Brendan explore the Stoic approach to mortality, not as something to fear, but as a tool to cultivate presence, peace, and purpose. Through personal stories, Stoic reflections, and practical exercises, they discuss how coming to te...

The Via Stoica Podcast: Stoic quotes series In the Stoic quotes series, we take a look at what the Stoics said and uncover the wisdom they left behind. We look at the famous writings from Epictetus, Seneca, Marcus Aurelius, and more. In this episode, we turn to Seneca and his timeless essay On the Shortness of Life , where he reminds us: “It’s not that we have a brief length of time to live, but t...

Welcome to the Via Stoica Podcast, the Podcast on Stoicism What happens when Stoicism moves beyond personal development and toward a deeper understanding of our place in the universe? In this thought-provoking episode of the Via Stoica Podcast, Benny speaks with philosopher and author Will Johncock , whose book Beyond the Individual explores Stoicism as a systems-based philosophy rooted in interco...

The Via Stoica Podcast: Stoic quotes series In the Stoic quotes series, we take a look at what the Stoics said and uncover the wisdom they left behind. We look at the famous writings from Epictetus, Seneca, Marcus Aurelius, and more. In this episode, we reflect on a powerful quote from Epictetus, Discourses, Book 1, Chapter 24 : “Difficulties are the things that show what men are.” What does this...

Welcome to the Via Stoica Podcast, the podcast on Stoicism. What is virtue, and why did the Stoics believe it’s the only true good? In this episode of the Via Stoica Podcast, Benny and Brendan explore the heart of Stoic ethics: the four cardinal virtues of wisdom, justice, courage, and temperance. Learn how these timeless principles can guide your daily decisions, shape your character, and help yo...

Welcome to the Via Stoica Podcast: Stoic Quotes Series In this episode of the Stoic Quotes Series, we explore a simple yet powerful reminder found in Meditations by Marcus Aurelius: “If you seek tranquillity, do less.” – Democritus, Frg. B.3, quoted in Marcus Aurelius, Meditations, Book 4.24 While the quote originates from Democritus, Marcus builds on it with a distinctly Stoic perspective. Instea...

Welcome to the Via Stoica Podcast, the Podcast on Stoicism What is Stoicism? Is it about suppressing your emotions and becoming a cold, detached thinker? Or is it the path to inner freedom, resilience, and purpose? In this deep-dive episode of the Via Stoica Podcast, Benny and Brendan unpack the true meaning of Stoicism, exploring its origins, key concepts, and modern relevance. From virtue ethics...

Welcome to The Via Stoica Podcast: Stoic Quotes Series In this episode of the Stoic Quotes Series, we reflect on a striking line found in Seneca’s Consolation to Marcia —originally attributed to the slave philosopher Publius Syrus: “Whatever fate one man can strike can come to all of us alike.” – Publius, quoted in Seneca, Dialogues and Essays, Consolation to Marcia, 9 This quote is part of a powe...

Welcome to the Via Stoica Podcast, The Podcast on Stoicism. What does it truly mean to be a Stoic man ? In today’s episode of the Via Stoica Podcast, Benny and Brendan explore what modern masculinity often gets wrong and how Stoicism offers a powerful alternative. They challenge the cliché of the emotionless, lone wolf and instead present the Stoic man as someone rooted in virtue, self-awareness,...

Welcome to the Via Stoica Podcast, the Podcast on Stoicism. In this episode of the Via Stoica Podcast, Benny and Brendan take you behind the scenes of Stoic coaching. What exactly is Stoic coaching ? Who is it for? And how does it differ from therapy or other forms of coaching? From practical tools and tailored exercises to personal stories of grief, divorce, and transformation, this episode dives...

The Via Stoica Podcast: Stoic Quotes Series In this Stoic Quotes edition, we explore a powerful teaching from The Discourses of Epictetus, Book 3, Chapter 23.1: “First say to yourself, what manner of man you want to be; when you have settled this, act upon it in all you do.” In this episode, Benny breaks down why this quote remains one of the most practical and transformational insights from Epict...

Welcome to the Via Stoica Podcast, the Podcast on Stoicism In this episode, Brendan interviews his co-host, Benny Voncken, to explore the personal journey that brought him to Stoic philosophy. From a difficult divorce and battles with alcohol to finding strength through books and reflection, Benny opens up about how Stoicism became his lifeline. You’ll hear how a moment of crisis in a hotel room s...

Why You Should Listen More and Speak Less – Wisdom from Zeno of Citium Stoic Quote Series – Via Stoica Podcast In this episode of the Via Stoica Podcast, we go back to the roots of Stoicism — to Zeno of Citium, the founder of the philosophy. Long before Marcus Aurelius, Seneca, and Epictetus, Zeno taught the importance of listening, observation, and self-mastery. We reflect on one of his most powe...

Welcome to the Via Stoica Podcast, the Podcast on Stoicism In this special episode, co-host Brendan Hogle steps into the spotlight to share his personal Stoic journey — from first discovering The Obstacle is the Way by Ryan Holiday to applying the teachings of Marcus Aurelius during moments of grief, travel, and deep personal challenge. You’ll hear how Brendan went from a “passive Stoic” to someon...

The Via Stoica Podcast: Stoic Quotes Series In this episode of the Stoic Quotes series, we explore a powerful reminder from Marcus Aurelius , found in Meditations , Book 10.16: “To stop talking about what the good man is like, and just be one.” Marcus doesn’t leave much room for excuses here. This quote cuts through all pretense and self-image. It challenges us to move from words to action, from t...

Welcome to the Via Stoica Podcast, the Podcast on Stoicism. In this episode of the Via Stoica Podcast , Shermin Kruse joins us for a deep and personal conversation on how Stoic Empathy can help you lead, connect, and live with greater clarity and compassion. We explore the Stoic roots of emotional intelligence, how to navigate discomfort and tough decisions, and why courage without empathy often f...

Welcome to the Via Stoica Podcast, the podcast on Stoicism. The Via Stoica Podcast: Stoic Quotes Series In the Stoic Quotes series, we take a look at what the Stoics said and uncover the wisdom they left behind. We look at the famous writings from Epictetus, Seneca, Marcus Aurelius, and more. In this episode, we explore a striking quote from Seneca’s Letters to Lucilius , Letter 78: “There are tim...

Welcome to the Via Stoica Podcast, the podcast on Stoicism. In this episode of Via Stoica , host Benny Voncken delves into the art of making authentic choices through the lens of Stoic philosophy. Drawing from personal experiences and Stoic teachings, Benny explores how to navigate decisions that align with one's true self, free from external pressures and expectations. Key topics include: Underst...

The Via Stoica Podcast: Stoic Quotes Series In the Stoic Quotes series, we take a look at what the Stoics said and uncover the wisdom they left behind. We look at the famous writings from Epictetus, Seneca, Marcus Aurelius, and more. In this episode, we reflect on a powerful line from Epictetus in The Discourses : “Enable my mind to adapt itself to whatever comes to pass.” This quote points to the...

Send us a text Welcome to the Via Stoica Podcast, the Podcast on Stoicism. In this episode of the Via Stoica Podcast, Brendan and Benny sit down with Anya Leonard , co-founder of Classical Wisdom , to explore how ancient philosophy continues to shape the modern world. From the dusty ruins of antiquity to today’s digital forums, Anya brings a fresh, accessible take on why classical thought still ma...

Send us a text Welcome to The Via Stoica Podcast, the podcast on Stoicism. The Stoic Quotes series. In the Stoic quotes series, we take a look at what the Stoics said and uncover the wisdom they left behind. We look at the famous writings from Epictetus, Seneca, Marcus Aurelius, and more. In this episode, we look at a quote by Marcus Aurelius from Meditations , Book 6.6: “The best revenge is not t...