The Warrior Priest Podcast

In this episode of the podcast, Marcus Aurelius and Aesop on hatred and reconciliation.

In this episode of the podcast, encouragement from Admiral William McRaven to never, ever quit.

Donavon Riley reads Marcus Aurelius' Meditations and Aesop's Fables and discusses honesty and the friendship of wolves. _______________ The rotten pretense of the man who says, 'I prefer to be honest with you'! What are you on about, man! No need for this preface - the reality will show. It should be written on your forehead, immediately clear in the tone of your voice and the light of your eyes,...

Donavon Riley reads Marcus Aurelius' Meditations and discusses how failing to exercise self-discipline can help us become better at self-discipline. ______________________________________ Marcus Aurelius, Meditations Book 5 “At dawn, when you have trouble getting out of bed, tell yourself: ‘I have to go to work—as a human being. What do I have to complain of, if I’m going to do what I was born for...

Donavon Riley reads and discusses Marcus Aurelius' Meditations and Aesop's fables. In this episode, what is the value in moderation? ____________________________________ Marcus Aurelius, Meditations 3.6 If you find in human life anything better than justice, truth, temperance, fortitude, and, in a word, anything better than your own mind's self-satisfaction in the things which it enables you to do...

Donavon Riley reads a reflection by Mia Kang and discusses self-care, depression, and embracing life's dichotomies.

Donavon Riley concludes his reading and discussion of Norman Maclean's book, Young Men and Fire: A True Story of the Mann Gulch Fire. In this episode, last thoughts and feelings, the end of time, and hope.

Donavon Riley discusses the power of nostalgia and the importance of choosing the right heroes.

Donavon Riley continues to read and discuss Norman Maclean's book, Young Men and Fire: A True Story of the Mann Gulch Fire. In this episode, we enter a different time zone, of art and truth.

Donavon Riley discusses fear, adaption, and where to find comfort when we're panicked.

Donavon Riley reads and discusses Norman Maclean's book, Young Men and Fire: A True Story of The Man Gulch Fire. This episode, the nature of catastrophes, how we react to tragedy, and how we can respond to fear and panic.

Donavon Riley reads and discusses Richard Rolle's 14th-century poem: The limbs that move, the eyes that see, these are not entirely me; Dead men and women helped to shape, the mold that I do not escape; The words I speak, the written line, these are not uniquely mine. For in my heart and in my will, old ancestors are warring still, Celt, Roman, Saxon and all the dead, from whose rich blood my vein...

Donavon Riley discusses developing a competition mindset, the importance of sticking with a gameplan, and finding happiness [even] in defeat.

Donavon Riley finishes reading and discussing the Epic of Gilgamesh. This episode, Gilgamesh confronts his own mortality. What can we learn from our mortality? How can it change us and our way of seeing others? 

Donavon Riley reads and discusses, "Are You Trapped by Modern Society," by Bjorn Andreas Bull-Hansen. Do you feel that you’re not living the life you want to live? The game is rigged and you are going to lose. But, what happens if you just leave? https://bull-hansen.com/2016/02/26/are-you-trapped-by-modern-society-part-i/

Donavon Riley continues to read and discuss the Epic of Gilgamesh. This episode, Gilgamesh suffers the death of Enkidu. How has the language of brotherhood, so prevalent in ancient cultures, all but disappeared from our relationships at present? How has not contemplating our mortality contributed to the devaluing of life? What is the purpose of our lives? 

Donavon Riley reads and discusses the Epic of Gilgamesh. This episode, Enkidu is seduced, Gilgamesh receives visions, and a friendship emerges from conflict.

Donavon Riley discusses the consequences of embracing weakness and doubt and using failure to become mentally, physically, and emotionally stronger. Kevin Ross on the Joe Rogan Podcast: https://youtu.be/XiWYB_xTd9k

Donavon Riley reads and discusses the Epic of Gilgamesh. This episode, we're introduced to Gilgamesh and Enkidu, civilization and savagery, and the world as it is versus the world as we want it.

Donavon Riley reads and discusses an article by Marty Skovelund Jr., "The Philosophy of Inanimate Objects." Also, thoughts on upcoming episodes, moving from self to sacrifice, and what happens when we stop chasing after what everyone else wants. https://gillespie.coffee https://havokjournal.com/culture/the-philosophy-of-inanimate-objects/

Donavon Riley discusses learning to manage fear in competition and what experience can teach us about expecting the worst, losing, and breaking through mental barriers.

Donavon Riley reads and discusses philosopher and author, Sam Harris' reflection on his experience learning Brazilian jiu-jitsu. https://samharris.org/the-pleasures-of-drowning/

Donavon Riley reads and discusses Leo Jenkin's article, "You're Not Entitled to Your Own Opinion." Is everyone entitled to their own opinions, regardless of the time and energy they've invested (or not) in forming their opinions? How does a sense of entitlement alter our opinions, and our self-identity? https://havokjournal.com/culture/youre-not-entitled-to-your-own-opinion/

Donavon Riley reads and discusses Elizabeth Fagan's meditation on living the warrior's life. Are you showing you every day? Are you putting your heart into the work? Are you disciplined enough to do the things you don't want to do? https://www.instagram.com/mselizabethfagan/ https://youtu.be/XiWYB_xTd9k

Donavon Riley finishes reading and discussing Sebastian Junger's book, Tribe. This episode, what happens to people in a society that doesn't offer them the chance to act selflessly? How does a lack of connectedness contribute to peoples' selfish behaviors? https://www.sebastianjunger.com/tribe-by-sebastian-junger