The What Is Stoicism? Podcast

This episode explores the Stoic art of decatastrophizing—learning to meet fear by stripping events down to what they really are, rather than what our imagination makes of them. From Socrates calmly facing death to Seneca’s reminder that we suffer more in imagination than in reality, we see how clarity dissolves panic. The practice isn’t denial or blind optimism, but disciplined attention to the pr...

This episode explores an often-overlooked Stoic lesson: that even wisdom, effort, and reflection must be practiced in moderation. Through David Hume’s gentle warning against burnout—and his nuanced engagement with Stoic exercises—we see how pushing too hard, whether in work or in contemplating life’s fragility, can undermine the very growth we seek. Seneca’s counsel to rest the mind and Hume’s rem...

This episode dives into the Stoic idea of the “passions”—those powerful storms of anger, fear, envy, and grief that arise not from events themselves but from the judgments we attach to them. Epictetus teaches that emotional turmoil begins in the domain of desire, where unexamined impressions harden into false beliefs about what is good or bad. By learning to pause, test our impressions, and assent...

This episode explores listening as a form of courage and clarity—an active practice that shapes how we understand the world and ourselves. From Zeno’s simple reminder that we have “two ears and one mouth” to Epictetus’s deeper lesson on assent, we learn that true listening isn’t passive reception but deliberate attention. It invites empathy, reveals uncomfortable truths, and creates the space in w...

This episode brings haiku and Stoicism into conversation, showing how both traditions teach us to savor fleeting moments while also meeting life with energy and purpose. Bashō’s delicate images remind us to slow down and truly see the world, while Seneca urges us to “hold every hour in your grasp.” And in a surprising twist, modern research reveals that Stoic practice doesn’t dull the spirit—it ig...

This episode turns the Stoic lens toward the illusions of power and wealth, as Epictetus and Cicero expose the tyranny of desire and the poverty of excess. Through the figure of the boastful ruler and the self-satisfied rich man, both philosophers reveal how dependence on externals—on fortune, status, or approval—enslaves the soul. True mastery, they argue, lies not in ruling others but in ruling...

In this episode, I talk to Shermin Kruse, a globally recognized negotiation consultant, law professor, author, and TEDx producer. In her latest book, Stoic Empathy, Shermin blends neuroscience, philosophy, and her own personal journey to provide actionable insights into cultivating influence, self-leadership, and emotional regulation. It was a pleasure to speak to Shermin, I hope you enjoy our con...

This episode weaves together the wisdom of Michel de Montaigne and Seneca—two thinkers separated by centuries yet united in their answer to life’s oldest question: how should we live? For Montaigne, the key was freedom from the fear of death. For Seneca, freedom from the waste of life. One teaches acceptance, the other intention. Together, they remind us that peace comes not from prolonging our da...

In this episode, we look at the beauty of balance through Seneca’s counsel on plain living and Max Ehrmann’s Desiderata . Seneca reminds us that philosophy calls for simplicity, not self-punishment—a life both modest and graceful, grounded yet open to the world. Echoing this, Ehrmann’s gentle verses urge calm, kindness, and humility amid life’s noise and haste. Together, these voices teach that wi...

This episode explores Epictetus’s radical vision of strength—one rooted not in anger or domination, but in mastery of the self. Through his reflections on thieves, insults, and injustice, the former slave turned philosopher shows that true invincibility lies in compassion, clarity, and control over our own judgments. When we cease giving power to what others do and focus instead on how we respond,...

This episode traces the Stoic lineage back to Socrates, whose probing questions revealed that health, wealth, and reputation are not inherently good or bad—their value lies in how we use them. From Xenophon’s dialogues to Cicero’s reflections, we see how wisdom became the touchstone for discerning what truly matters. Fortune’s gifts and losses come and go, but virtue remains unshakeable. The Stoic...

This episode shines a light on Temperance—the often-overlooked Stoic virtue that quietly anchors all the rest. Far from being dull restraint, Temperance is freedom: the ability to enjoy life without being ruled by appetite or impulse. It’s the steady discipline that transforms courage into integrity, justice into fairness, and wisdom into clarity. In a culture that celebrates excess, this virtue r...

This episode turns to two of the Stoics’ deepest insights: that everything outside us is in constant motion, and that within us lies a freedom nothing can touch. Using Zeno’s vision of happiness as “a good flow of life,” we explore how change and death are not disruptions but essential parts of the rhythm that makes life meaningful. Epictetus then reminds us that while we can’t control the tune, w...

This episode explores the quiet courage it takes to ask for help—and the deeper Stoic truth that vulnerability is not weakness but strength. From Marcus Aurelius’s reminder that “there is no shame in being helped” to Ryan Holiday’s call for bravery in admitting our needs, we see how openness creates stronger bonds and shared resilience. Woven through is the Stoic commitment to justice, empathy, an...

This episode is a welcome return to the podcast for my friend Jon Brooks, creator of the Stoic Handbook. Jon and I had a great conversation, and he shared a lot of really valuable insights and practical guidance on the topic of voluntary hardship and what that means in the context of Stoicism. I hope you enjoy the episode and that you find it as useful to reflect on as I did afterward. Jon's Links...

In this episode, we follow Epictetus and Musonius Rufus as they dismantle the illusion that we can control anyone—or anything—outside ourselves. Through the story of a man desperate to end his brother’s anger and Musonius’s calm endurance in exile, the Stoics remind us that patience and virtue are the only sure defenses against life’s turbulence. External blows, whether personal slights or imperia...

This episode explores the timeless bond between mentors and students, drawing on Plutarch’s portraits of statesmen and Marcus Aurelius’s personal inventory of gratitude. We trace how wisdom flows not through rivalry but through respect, service, and the steady honoring of those who came before us. Along the way, we see how these ancient lessons still resonate in modern life, where gratitude and hu...

This episode explores how Cicero and Marcus Aurelius both emphasized kindness, service, and integrity as essential parts of human nature. We look at Cicero’s call to strengthen society through generosity and Marcus’s list of ways we betray ourselves when we act against virtue. Together, their teachings form a practical guide to living with wisdom, justice, courage, and balance—not just for ourselv...

In a world where “more” is sold as the shortcut to happiness, the Stoics stood in stubborn, refreshing opposition. They argued that wealth, status, and praise, far from guaranteeing joy, often entangle us in new anxieties. This episode explores that ancient wisdom through voices from Plutarch and Seneca to George C. Scott, the Hollywood star who famously refused his Oscar. Along the way, we ask: i...

This episode begins by exploring Jiddu Krishnamurti’s reflections on life, death, and daily renewal, and then weaves them together with Stoic wisdom from Seneca and the battlefield lessons of Sparta. Through vivid stories and timeless philosophy, it reminds us that freedom from the fear of death brings greater freedom in life, and that each day offers the chance to live a complete life anew. Ultim...

Mentioned in this episode: First Pour Coffee, Seneca Edition. You can find it here: https://drinkfirstpour.com/ and get 10% off with the discount code whatisstoicism10 Ayo Disu is the co-founder of a company called Octillion Capital Partners, a value-driven brand platform and holding company, operating, and growing an ecosystem of inclusive and sustainable brands in the health, beauty, food and be...

What’s the point of philosophy, and why does it matter to the way we live each day? In this episode, we explore philosophy as a companion, a practice, and a framework that shapes our choices—whether we notice it or not. From the challenge of drifting through life on autopilot to the courage of living with clarity, we consider what it means to think deliberately and act with purpose. 👇 👇 👇 📻 FO...

This episode explores how the daily practice of Stoicism can transform the way we respond to challenges, drawing on the story of Andrew Overby from Massimo Pigliucci’s How to Be a Stoic . We look at how Andrew used Stoic principles like the dichotomy of control and reframing adversity to navigate depression and break cycles of negative thinking. Through a simple step-by-step example, we show how t...

In this episode, I look at how Stoicism teaches us not to suppress our emotions but to master our responses to them through mindful assent. With a practical focus, we examine how the Stoic distinguishes between involuntary impressions and the voluntary judgments that follow. By learning to pause, reflect, and test our fears, we reclaim control over our minds and protect our inner peace from rumor,...

This episode explores how Stoicism is not just about inner strength, but about cultivating virtue through community and just interaction with others. Guided by the examples of Zeno, Musonius Rufus, Epictetus, and the legendary story of Lycurgus, we see how reasoned dialogue and patient understanding transform conflict into character. Join us as we discover why true Stoic wisdom is grown not in iso...