x

75% of people globally want unbiased news (Pew Research) but are concerned they're not getting that.

Get balanced coverage with Symby. See how stories are covered across diverse outlets and spot when one side covers a story the other skips.

PODCAST

The Via Stoica Podcast

Brendan, and Benny

Welcome to the Via Stoica Podcast, the podcast on Stoicism that brings you the ancient wisdom of this philosophy to our modern-day lives. Walking the digital streets, Brendan and Benny examine the ancient texts and tools through a current lens. The Stoics teach us to focus on the moment, and that’s how Stoicism should be approached. We have the foundation of the wise minds of the past and now it is our time to find the right application to this philosophy of life.In our weekly episodes, we will

society & culture philosophy

All Episodes

00:07:33

Stoic Quote: Marcus Aurelius on Freedom: Stop Prizing...

The Via Stoica Podcast ·

2025/09/25

Welcome to the Via Stoica Podcast, the podcast on Stoicism.In this Stoic Quotes episode, Benny reflects on the words of Marcus Aurelius from Meditations, Book 6.16:“And if you can’t stop prizing a lot of other things, then you’ll never be free.”Marcus reminds himself that true freedom is not found in wealth, possessions, or status—but in learning to stop attaching value to what lies outside our control. For the Stoics, freedom means self-sufficiency, tranquility, and being free from the passions

en

00:50:07

A Stoic Conversation with Kortney Yasenka: Finding...

The Via Stoica Podcast ·

2025/09/22

What do the Swedish concept of lagom—living with balance and “just enough”—and the philosophy of Stoicism have in common? In this episode of the Via Stoica Podcast, Benny speaks with Kortney Yasenka, licensed clinical mental health counselor, writer, and Stoic practitioner, about how these two traditions can guide us toward a more meaningful and joyful life.Together they explore:Why asking yourself “What is enough?” is central to both Stoicism and LagomHow daily reflection on Stoic quotes can

en

00:07:54

Stoic Quote: Life Is Long, If You Know How to Use It...

The Via Stoica Podcast ·

2025/09/19

Welcome to the Via Stoica Podcast, the podcast on Stoicism.In this Stoic Quotes episode, Benny reflects on the words of Seneca from his essay On the Shortness of Life. Seneca challenges the common complaint that life is too brief, reminding us instead that: “Life is long, if only you know how to use it.”Rather than blaming nature for giving us too little time, Seneca argues that the problem lies in how we waste it—chasing externals, worrying about the future, or clinging to the past. Benny unpacks

en

00:25:12

The Stoic Discipline of Assent: Control Your Mind,...

The Via Stoica Podcast ·

2025/09/15

Welcome to the Via Stoica Podcast, the Podcast on Stoicism.In this episode of the Via Stoica Podcast, Benny explores the Stoic Discipline of Assent, the practice of choosing how we respond to impressions, rather than being led by impulse or unexamined opinions.In an age of fast judgments, social media scrolls, and reactive emotions, this discipline gives us a way back to clarity. Stoicism teaches that when something happens, we don’t have to accept what our emotions or impressions tell us

en

00:08:25

Stoic Quote: To Philosophize Is to Learn How to Die:...

The Via Stoica Podcast ·

2025/09/14

Welcome to the Via Stoica Podcast, the podcast on Stoicism.In this Stoic Quotes episode, Benny reflects on the words of Michel de Montaigne, the 16th-century French philosopher who pioneered the personal essay. In his famous essay To Philosophize Is to Learn How to Die, Montaigne reminds us that the purpose of philosophy is not abstract speculation, but preparation for the ultimate change: death.Drawing from Cicero and Plato, Montaigne writes that true philosophers are always practicing how to die,

en

00:20:03

The Stoic Discipline of Action: How to Live with...

The Via Stoica Podcast ·

2025/09/09

Welcome to the Via Stoica Podcast, the Podcast on Stoicism.In this episode of the Via Stoica Podcast, Benny explores the Stoic Discipline of Action, the practice of living with justice, fairness, and responsibility in our interactions with others.In a time where social media and digital life can make us feel more isolated and divided than ever, Stoicism reminds us that we are social beings, connected to one another and to nature itself. Far from being about retreating inward, the Discipline of

en

00:07:44

Stoic Quote: Epictetus on Approval: Why Seeking...

The Via Stoica Podcast ·

2025/09/05

Welcome to the Via Stoica Podcast, the podcast on Stoicism.In this Stoic Quotes episode, Benny reflects on Epictetus’ teaching from the Handbook (Enchiridion 23):“If it ever happens that you turn to external things in the desire to please some other person, realize that you have ruined your scheme of life. Be content then with being a philosopher in everything; and if you wish also to be seen as one, show yourself that you are one, and you will be able to achieve it.”Epictetus reminds us that

en

00:31:01

What Is the Discipline of Desire? A Stoic Guide to...

The Via Stoica Podcast ·

2025/09/02

Welcome to the Via Stoica Podcast, the Podcast on Stoicism.In this episode of the Via Stoica Podcast, Benny explores the Stoic Discipline of Desire, one of the three core disciplines that guide us toward a calmer and more meaningful life.In a world where everything we want is just a buy button away and social media constantly tempts us to compare ourselves with others, Stoicism offers a way out. Instead of chasing external goals like wealth, status, or possessions, the Stoics teach us to redirect

en

00:08:36

Stoic Quote: Let Go of Desire — Epictetus on Finding...

The Via Stoica Podcast ·

2025/08/28

Welcome to the Via Stoica Podcast, the Podcast on Stoicism.In this Stoic Quotes episode, Benny reflects on Epictetus’ words from Discourses 3.9:“You too should drop your desire. Do not covet many things and you will get what you want.”For Epictetus, the path to freedom and peace begins with the discipline of desire. We often chase after externals — wealth, success, recognition — only to find ourselves restless and unsatisfied. The more we want, the less content we feel. But when we align our desires

en

00:57:43

A Stoic Conversation with Dr. John Sellars: Stoicism...

The Via Stoica Podcast ·

2025/08/25

Welcome to the Via Stoica Podcast, The Podcast on Stoicism.In this episode of The Via Stoica Podcast, Benny speaks with Dr. John Sellars, one of today’s leading scholars of Stoicism and the history of philosophy. Dr. Sellars is Reader in the History of Philosophy at Royal Holloway, University of London, Associate Editor for the Ancient Commentators on Aristotle series at King’s College London, and a founding member of both Modern Stoicism and the Aurelius Foundation. He has authored and edited

en

00:07:58

Stoic Quote: Change Is Nature’s Way: Marcus Aurelius...

The Via Stoica Podcast ·

2025/08/21

Welcome to the Via Stoica Podcast, the podcast on Stoicism.In this Stoic Quotes episode, Benny reflects on Marcus Aurelius’ reminder from Meditations 7.18:“Frightened of change? But what can exist without it? What’s closer to nature’s heart?”Change is constant — from the rise and fall of empires to the daily challenges in our own lives. Marcus wrote these words while facing war, plague, and political turmoil, reminding himself that change is not something to resist but the very pulse of nature

en

00:58:52

A Stoic Conversation with Dr. Ranjini George: Where...

The Via Stoica Podcast ·

2025/08/19

In this episode of The Via Stoica Podcast, Benny and Brendan speak with Dr. Ranjini George, a writer, teacher, and scholar who bridges the worlds of East and West. Formerly an Associate Professor of English at Zayed University in Dubai, and now teaching Creative Writing and Arts & Humanities at the University of Toronto, Dr. George brings decades of experience exploring the overlap between philosophy, literature, and lived practice.We trace her journey from growing up in India and Kenya, to

en

00:08:38

Stoic Quote: Seneca on Why Death Makes Life Precious

The Via Stoica Podcast ·

2025/08/15

Life is precious because it ends. In this Stoic Quotes episode, Benny reflects on one of Seneca’s most powerful lines from Consolation to Marcia:“Life, it is thanks to death that you are precious in my eyes.”Discover how the Stoics saw death not as something to fear, but as the reason we should live fully. Learn how this view can help you approach life with urgency, gratitude, and virtue — making the most of the time you have now. Perfect for anyone exploring Seneca's quotes on death, the Stoic

en

00:52:05

A Stoic Conversation with William C. Spears: Stoicism...

The Via Stoica Podcast ·

2025/08/12

A Stoic Conversation with William C. Spears: Stoicism as a Warrior PhilosophyIn 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 and mental toolkit for navigating high-stakes, high-pressure environments.We explore his path from

en

00:08:22

Stoic Quote: “For it is you who know yourself, and...

The Via Stoica Podcast ·

2025/08/08

The Via Stoica Podcast: Stoic quotes seriesIn 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 external approval:“For it is you who know yourself, and what value you set upon yourself, and at what rate

en

00:27:26

Stoicism and Happiness: How to Find Joy Beyond Pleasure

The Via Stoica Podcast ·

2025/08/05

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 something deeper and longer-lasting.The conversation unpacks essential Stoic concepts like eudaimonia,

en

00:08:05

Stoic Quote: “The world is nothing but change. Our...

The Via Stoica Podcast ·

2025/08/01

The Via Stoica Podcast: Stoic quotes seriesIn 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 nothing but change. Our life is only perception.”What does it mean to see life as perception and the world as

en

00:30:21

Death and Stoicism: The Art of Dying Well and Living...

The Via Stoica Podcast ·

2025/07/29

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 terms with death can transform how we live day to day. You’ll learn how Stoicism reframes death as a natural

en

00:08:45

Stoic Quotes: It's not that we have a brief length of...

The Via Stoica Podcast ·

2025/07/24

The Via Stoica Podcast: Stoic quotes seriesIn 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 that we squander a great deal of that time.”Benny explores what it means to truly live rather than merely

en

01:04:58

A Stoic Conversation with Will Johncock: Beyond the...

The Via Stoica Podcast ·

2025/07/21

Welcome to the Via Stoica Podcast, the Podcast on StoicismWhat 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 interconnectedness, rational order, and humility.Together, they dive into big questions:– What does it mean to be

en

134 results

Similar Podcasts

The Daily Horoscope

The Daily Horoscope

The Michael Decon Program

Michael Decon

Kalimera Koveos

Andrea Koveos

The Documentary Podcast

BBC World Service

Smarter leben

DER SPIEGEL