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PODCAST

The Strong Stoic Podcast

Brandon Tumblin

The Strong Stoic Podcast is a raw, honest, and unapologetically deep podcast about philosophy and self-improvement. Join your host, Brandon Tumblin, as he breaks down a wide variety of complex and difficult topics while bringing together different philosophies, sciences, and perspectives.

education self-improvement

All Episodes

15:58

#357 - Gandalf, Stoicism, and the Wisdom of the...

The Strong Stoic Podcast ·

2025/03/04

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 responsibility.But before you can become a grandfather, you must first be a father.Fathers (and parents in

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23:09

#356 - The Wisdom of Judgment

The Strong Stoic Podcast ·

2025/02/25

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 someone else but rather ourselves. That is, our own judgments. An uneducated person accuses others when

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16:10

#355 - Nobody is Cut Out For This

The Strong Stoic Podcast ·

2025/02/18

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. However, achieving this usefulness does not happen overnight, nor does it happen without pain.Our society

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20:09

#354 - Tariffs Through a Stoic Lens

The Strong Stoic Podcast ·

2025/02/11

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 North America as a connected entity, a single people. Historically, the continent embraced the North

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19:26

#353 - Death: Fear & Transcendence

The Strong Stoic Podcast ·

2025/02/04

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-Day. These expressions of defiance, courage, and ultimate purpose invite us to view death not as a

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23:14

#352 - Courage in the Face of Certain Death

The Strong Stoic Podcast ·

2025/01/28

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 echoes through history and our own lives.The Strong Stoic Podcast is a raw, honest, and unapologetically

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17:14

#351 - I Do What I Think is Right, and That's Enough

The Strong Stoic Podcast ·

2025/01/21

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’t just abstract ideas; they’re practical tools for gaining perspective when we need it most.One of the

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17:48

#350 - The Courage to Be Disliked

The Strong Stoic Podcast ·

2025/01/14

“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 DislikedIn 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 that true freedom and happiness come not from being liked but from living authentically — even if it means

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19:09

#349 - What Punishments Are Not Gifts?

The Strong Stoic Podcast ·

2025/01/07

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 Strong Stoic Podcast is a raw, honest, and unapologetically deep podcast about philosophy and

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10:34

#348 - The Gift of Resetting: A Christmas Reflection

The Strong Stoic Podcast ·

2024/12/24

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 almost a requirement. While it’s easy to get lost in the rhythm of holiday movies, naps, and too many

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15:06

#347 - Becoming Useful

The Strong Stoic Podcast ·

2024/12/17

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 for service—to society, to our communities, and to the people around us. Yet, this process of being useful

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17:59

#346 - The Stoic Art of Self-Reflection

The Strong Stoic Podcast ·

2024/12/10

In both Stoicism and Buddhism, there's a strong emphasis on being fully present. The idea of living in the moment is often associated with Buddhist teachings, but the Stoics share this perspective, though framed through their unique lens. For them, the moment you are in right now is the only thing that truly exists.The past? It’s unchangeable; the ink is already dry. The future? Unwritten and unknowable, no matter how much energy we spend dreaming or worrying about it. The Stoics encourage us to

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13:31

#345 - Are You Reading Stoicism or Living It?

The Strong Stoic Podcast ·

2024/12/03

I recently found myself exploring a bookstore. I made my way to the philosophy section, as I usually inevitably do. However, when I picked up a newly released Stoic book, I asked myself: What good is reading this really going to do for me? For someone who loves philosophy and learning, it felt like heresy to question the value of reading. But over time, I’ve realized something: reading can sometimes be an escape. A distraction disguised as productivity.We fall into a trap where consuming ideas feels

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16:33

344 - The Pursuit for Less

The Strong Stoic Podcast ·

2024/11/26

In a world that constantly screams "more," minimalism whispers, "enough." Minimalism challenges the pervasive narrative of consumerism—one that equates happiness with accumulation. It asks us to pause, reflect, and consider the cost of this endless chase for wealth, possessions, and status.The Stoics, philosophers of simplicity and clarity, would find much to agree with in this modern movement. They understood that the relentless pursuit of external achievements can leave us feeling overwhelmed,

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23:00

#343 - Practical Stoicism

The Strong Stoic Podcast ·

2024/11/19

In recent years, the term "Practical Stoicism" has gained traction. It suggests a philosophy rooted in real-world application rather than abstract ideals. While Stoicism itself is inherently practical, emphasizing values that anyone can apply to life’s ups and downs, the renewed focus on "practical" Stoicism reflects a shift. It bridges ancient Stoic thought with modern life, which is steeped in complexity, ambiguity, and moral gray areas. Practical Stoicism is not about adhering rigidly to ideals

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19:08

#342 - Modern Politics & Stoicism

The Strong Stoic Podcast ·

2024/11/12

As we approach the aftermath of the 2024 U.S. presidential election, this discussion offers insights into how Stoic philosophy can guide us through the intense partisanship often seen in today’s political landscape. This reflection, rooted in Stoicism, invites us to consider our responsibilities not only as citizens of our nations but also as members of a broader human community.Find this episode on:https://linktr.ee/Strongstoic The Strong Stoic Podcast is a raw, honest, and unapologetically deep

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19:17

#341 - Are Stoics Optimists, Pessimists, or Realists?

The Strong Stoic Podcast ·

2024/11/05

In everyday conversation, we often hear terms like "optimist," "pessimist," and "realist" thrown around to describe how people approach life. These labels have clear associations: an optimist tends to see the positive in things, a pessimist expects the worst, and a realist tries to focus on practical matters without letting emotions or opinions cloud their perspective.While Stoicism has its own unique framework, many wonder where Stoic philosophy fits into this spectrum. Is it fundamentally

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17:13

#340 - The Stoic Approach to Wealth

The Strong Stoic Podcast ·

2024/10/29

Money preoccupies most of us, whether it’s deciding which bills to pay or aiming for financial goals. Personal finances, while essential, can consume a lot of mental space. For Stoics, though, money is not inherently good or bad; it’s a “moral indifferent,” a category of things that neither inherently enhance nor damage our character. As we navigate money’s role in our lives, we can look to Stoicism for a balanced approach to wealth.Find this episode on:https://linktr.ee/Strongstoic The Strong Stoic

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16:42

#339 - Finding Peace in Pain

The Strong Stoic Podcast ·

2024/10/22

Pain is an unavoidable part of life. Whether it’s physical, emotional, or mental, no one is immune to it. The Stoics, especially philosophers like Epictetus and Marcus Aurelius, offer a unique approach to pain. Instead of viewing it as something inherently bad, they argue that it is a natural occurrence—something that, while unpleasant, can be transcended by the power of the human spirit.In a reflection drawn from Epictetus' teachings, we encounter the idea that while certain outcomes are

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15:12

#338 - The Nature of Evil and How to Respond to It

The Strong Stoic Podcast ·

2024/10/15

In Game of Thrones, Tyrion Lannister recounts a story to his brother Jaime about their cousin Orson, who spent his days crushing beetles with a rock. The tale is simple, yet it speaks volumes about the complexity of human behaviour, the nature of evil, and how we, as individuals, respond to it.Tyrion's contemplation about Orson's actions leads to profound philosophical questions: why do people commit seemingly meaningless acts of destruction? Why do they harm others? The metaphor of crushing beetles

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398 results

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