Benny Voncken
The Via Stoica Podcast — A Stoic Way of Life
Via Stoica is a podcast dedicated to Stoicism as a lived philosophy and a practical way of meeting modern life. We draw from ancient texts and apply them to real challenges, emotional reactivity, discipline, purpose, relationships, and adversity. This is not about abstract theory. It is about practice, with attention to what is within our control. Each week, we explore Stoic themes through reflections, practical topics, and interviews. The views expressed are my own and for informational purposes only. Learn more at viastoica.com.
Where to listen?
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Episodes
Stoic Quote: “The wise man is content with himself.” - Seneca 09.05.2025 7:42
Send us a text Welcome to the Via Stoica Podcast, the podcast on Stoicism. In the Stoic Quotes series, we explore timeless insights from the ancient Stoics and break them down into simple, practical lessons. Drawing on the works of Seneca, Epictetus, Marcus Aurelius, and others, we reflect on how these teachings still apply today. In this episode, we turn to a powerful reminder from Seneca in Lett...
Overcoming Overwhelm: Stoic Tactics for a Chaotic World 06.05.2025 26:43
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 explore how Stoic philosophy can help us overcome overwhelm and stay grounded in an increasingly chaotic world. When everything feels out of control—news cycles, obligations, emotions—the Stoics remind us to focus on what is truly within our power. Drawing from th...
The Stoic Cure for Loneliness: Find peace in solitude 05.05.2025 20:44
Welcome to the Via Stoica Podcast, the podcast on Stoicism. In this episode of The Via Stoica Podcast, Brendan and Benny explore the Stoic cure for loneliness and how solitude can lead to true inner peace. Drawing from the teachings of Marcus Aurelius, Epictetus, and Seneca, we discuss how being alone, when approached with wisdom and intention, is not a burden but an opportunity for growth. Instea...
Stoic Quote: "Anger, if not restrained, is frequently more hurtful to us than the injury that provokes it." 25.04.2025 9:27
Send us a text Welcome to the Via Stoica Podcast, the podcast on Stoicism Stoic Quotes 7 In the Stoic quotes series, we take a look at what the Stoics said and uncover the wisdom they left behind. We explore famous works of writing from Epictetus, Seneca, Marcus Aurelius, and others. In this episode, we turn to the Roman Stoic Seneca and examine a widely shared paraphrase based on his work On Ange...
Stoic Quote: "If a man knows not to which port he sails, no wind is favorable." 18.04.2025 5:03
Send us a text 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 explore the famous writings from Epictetus, Seneca, Marcus Aurelius, and more. In this episode, we focus on a quote by Seneca from Letters to Lucilius , Letter 71.3: “If a man knows not to which port he sails, no wind is favorable...
Stoic Quote: “What harm is there while you are kissing your child to say softly, ‘Tomorrow you will die’.” 11.04.2025 9:09
Send us a text 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 striking quote by Epictetus from The Discourses , Book 3, Chapter 24.87: “What harm is there while you are kissing you...
Define Your Enough: A Stoic Roadmap to Inner Peace 08.04.2025 30:14
Send us a text Welcome to the Via Stoica Podcast, the Podcast on Stoicism What if the peace you are searching for does not come from adding more to your life, but from realizing how little you actually need? In this episode, Brendan and Benny explore the Stoic concept of enough —a quiet but powerful idea that sits at the heart of contentment. We live in a culture that constantly tells us to do mor...
Stoic Quote: That Sort of Person is Bound to Do That 04.04.2025 8:46
Send us a text Welcome to the Via Stoica Podcast, the podcast on Stoicism. 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 fourth episode, we explore a striking reminder from Marcus Aurelius in Meditations , Book 4.6: “That sort of person is bound to...
Stoic Quote: Suffer More Often in Imagination than in Reality 28.03.2025 8:20
Send us a text Welcome to the Via Stoica Podcast, the podcast on Stoicism. In the Stoic quotes series, we take a look at what the Stoics said and uncover the wisdom they left behind. We explore the famous writings of Epictetus, Seneca, Marcus Aurelius, and others. In this episode, we turn to a powerful insight from Seneca, found in Moral Letters to Lucilius , Book 2, Letter 13.4: “There are more t...
Stoic Quote: "To stand up straight, not straightened." Marcus Aurelius 21.03.2025 9:39
Send us a text 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 look at a quote by Marcus Aurelius. In his Meditations, book 3.5. "To stand up straight – not straightened." Self-reliance is an im...
Mastering Impressions: The Stoic Path to Wisdom and Truth 18.03.2025 32:46
Send us a text Welcome to the Via Stoica Podcast, the Podcast on Stoicism. How often do your first impressions deceive you? According to Stoic philosophy, our initial reactions to people, events, and challenges are not always reliable—but mastering them is key to living with wisdom and clarity. In this episode of The Via Stoica Podcast , hosts Brendan and Benny explore how Stoicism teaches us to e...
Stoic Quotes: “Do not ask things to happen as you wish...” 14.03.2025 10:18
Send us a text 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 first episode, we look at a quote by Epictetus. In the Handbook, the Enchiridion, the focus is on number 8: “Do not ask things to happen as you...
A Stoic Conversation with Meredith Alexander Kunz: Wisdom from a Stoic Mom beyond Stoicism and parenting 18.02.2025 1:02:47
Send us a text Welcome to the Via Stoica Podcast, the Podcast on Stoicism. Join us for an insightful conversation with Meredith Alexander Kunz, co-author of "Beyond Stoicism" alongside Massimo Pigliucci and Gregory Lopez. In this episode, we explore the intersection of Stoic philosophy and modern parenting, the vital role of women in Stoicism, and examine the current state of Stoic practice. Mered...
A Stoic Conversation with Massimo Pigliucci: From How to be a Stoic to Beyond Stoicism 11.02.2025 1:17:55
Send us a text Welcome to the Via Stoica Podcast, the podcast on Stoicism. Join us for a profound exploration of Stoic philosophy with Massimo Pigliucci, as we journey from his groundbreaking work "How to Be a Stoic" to his latest philosophical evolution in "Beyond Stoicism." Massimo Pigliucci is a professor of philosophy at the City College of New York and a leading voice in modern Stoicism. As a...
The Stoic's Guide to Love: Ancient Teachings for Deeper Connections 04.02.2025 28:50
Send us a text Welcome to the Via Stoica Podcast, the Podcast on Stoicism. In this special Valentine's Day episode, hosts Brendan and Benny explore the timeless intersection of Stoic philosophy and love. Discover how ancient wisdom can transform your approach to modern relationships, from building deeper connections to navigating the complexities of romantic partnerships. Journey through the ancie...
Why Stoicism Matters Today: Timeless Tools for Modern Life 29.01.2025 30:28
Send us a text Welcome to the Via Stoica Podcast, The Podcast on Stoicism. In this compelling episode, hosts Brendan and Benny explore why Stoic philosophy has become more relevant than ever in our fast-paced, digital world. Discover how ancient principles are helping tech leaders, entrepreneurs, and everyday people navigate modern challenges with greater resilience and clarity. From managing digi...
Beyond Resolutions: Stoic Principles for Meaningful Year-End Reflection 31.12.2024 29:26
Send us a text Welcome to the Via Stoica Podcast, the podcast on Stoicism. In this insightful episode of the Via Stoica Podcast, Brendan and Benny challenge conventional New Year's wisdom by exploring the deeper Stoic approach to year-end reflection. Moving beyond simple resolutions, your hosts dive into ancient philosophical principles that can transform how you evaluate your past year and plan f...
Holiday Expectations vs Reality: Stoic Tools for Authentic Celebration 24.12.2024 26:41
Send us a text Welcome to the Via Stoica Podcast, the podcast on Stoicism In this festive episode of the Via Stoica Podcast, hosts Benny and Brendan dive deep into the gap between holiday expectations and reality through the lens of ancient Stoic wisdom. Discover how the teachings of Marcus Aurelius, Seneca, and Epictetus can transform your approach to the festive season, helping you find genuine...
How to Invest Like a Stoic: Understand Wealth and Financial Freedom 03.12.2024 32:38
Send us a text Welcome to the Via Stoica Podcast, the podcast on Stoicism. What does it mean to invest like a Stoic? In this episode, we explore how timeless Stoic principles can guide your financial decisions, helping you build wealth and achieve financial freedom with clarity and purpose. Discover how detachment from emotions, disciplined action, and a focus on what truly matters can transform t...
A Stoic Guide to Suffering: Transforming Pain into Growth and Wisdom 19.11.2024 23:47
Send us a text In this episode of The Via Stoica Podcast , we dive into one of life’s most challenging aspects: suffering. Guided by timeless Stoic wisdom, we’ll explore how to not only endure pain but use it as a powerful force for personal growth and deeper wisdom. Discover how Stoic principles can help transform your perspective on hardship, turning setbacks into opportunities for resilience an...
Stoic Ethics with Brittany Polat and Christopher Gill: Bringing Morality Back 30.09.2024 1:07:08
Send us a text Welcome to The Via Stoica Podcast. On this special episode, number 52, we are joined by two amazing guests: Brittany Polat and Christopher Gill. Two impactful voices in the Modern Stoic world. Christopher Gill is an Emeritus Professor of Ancient Thought at the University of Exeter, UK, following earlier appointments at Yale, Bristol, and Aberystwyth Universities. He has published ma...
Time is Precious: Stoic Insights on Time Management 17.09.2024 38:59
Send us a text In this episode of The Via Stoica Podcast, we dive into the Stoic philosophy of time management. The Stoics believed that time is one of our most valuable resources—once it’s gone, we can never get it back. We explore how Stoicism teaches us to focus on what truly matters and make the most of every moment. You'll learn practical tips from Stoic thinkers like Seneca, Marcus Aurelius,...
A Stoic Conversation with Phil van Treuren: From Beginnings to Published Books 20.08.2024 1:11:50
Send us a text Welcome to The Via Stoica Podcast, the Podcast on Stoicism. This week, Phil van Treuren is our special guest as we have an interesting conversation on Stoicism. Phil van Treuren is an author, creative writer, E-commerce expert, and SEO expert. He is the author of the Stoic blog, https://www.stoicsimple.com/ and the writer of Stoic books like The Little Book of Stoic Quotes, The Stoc...
Start Practicing Stoicism Today: A Newcomer’s Guide to the Ancient Philosophy 13.08.2024 43:48
Send us a text Welcome to the Via Stoica Podcast, the podcast on Stoicism. Are you curious about Stoicism and ready to start incorporating its timeless wisdom into your daily life? In this episode, 'Start Practicing Stoicism Today: A Newcomer’s Guide to the Ancient Philosophy,' we take you on a journey through the foundational concepts of Stoicism, offering clear and practical advice for beginners...
Must-Read Stoic Books: How to Start and Expand your Stoic Journey 06.08.2024 36:34
Send us a text Welcome to this episode of The Via Stoica Podcast, titled "Must-Read Stoic Books: How to Start and Expand Your Stoic Journey." In this episode, we delve into the essential reading list for anyone interested in Stoic philosophy. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned practitioner, we’ve got you covered with recommendations from classic to contemporary authors. We begin with the foun...
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