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PODCAST

The What Is Stoicism? Podcast

Allan John (What Is Stoicism?)

Using Stoic philosophy to help you (and me): LEARN from the past, PLAN for the future, LIVE in the present. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

society & culture philosophy

All Episodes

5:40

Honor Those Who Shaped You

The What Is Stoicism? Podcast ·

2025/09/24

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 humility can transform competition into collaboration.At its heart, it’s a meditation on carrying forward

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6:18

How to Live for Others Without Losing Yourself

The What Is Stoicism? Podcast ·

2025/09/17

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 ourselves, but for the good of others.👇 👇 👇📻 FOR MORE STOIC AUDIO CONTENTCheck out one of my latest daily

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5:37

Happiness Isn’t for Sale—Not Even at the Oscars

The What Is Stoicism? Podcast ·

2025/09/10

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: if happiness can’t be bought, bestowed, or voted on, what’s left to shape it?👇 👇 👇📻 FOR MORE STOIC AUDIO

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5:27

Making Each Day a Complete Life

The What Is Stoicism? Podcast ·

2025/09/03

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.Ultimately, it’s a call to greet each morning with gratitude, compassion, and the resolve to make the most of

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42:01

Stoic Coffee Anyone? (Interview with Ayo Disu)

The What Is Stoicism? Podcast ·

2025/08/27

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 whatisstoicism10Ayo 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 beverage industries.He's also a practitioner of Stoicism and uses the philosophy to guide many of his

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19:27

Why Do Philosophy? (16 Reasons to Practice)

The What Is Stoicism? Podcast ·

2025/08/20

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.👇 👇 👇📻 FOR MORE STOIC AUDIO CONTENTCheck out one of my latest daily Micro Morning Meditations here on Substack:☀️

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7:29

How a Modern Stoic Practices

The What Is Stoicism? Podcast ·

2025/08/13

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 theory, combined with consistent practice, can help anyone build resilience and make meaningful progress

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7:02

Don’t Believe Everything You Think

The What Is Stoicism? Podcast ·

2025/08/06

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, fear, and unexamined thoughts.👇 👇 👇📻 FOR MORE STOIC AUDIO CONTENTCheck out one of my latest daily

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6:17

How Stoics Build Better Communities

The What Is Stoicism? Podcast ·

2025/07/30

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 isolation, but in the company of others striving for a life well lived.👇 👇 👇📻 FOR MORE STOIC AUDIO

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5:57

The Ideal Life Might Not Be What You Think

The What Is Stoicism? Podcast ·

2025/07/23

What does it mean to live the ideal life — and who gets to decide what “ideal” really means?In this episode, we explore wisdom from the Stoics and Goethe on how striving for purpose and meeting each moment fully might be closer to the answer than endless comfort. Take a moment to look the present in the eye and ask yourself: how long will you wait before you demand the best for yourself?👇 👇 👇📻 FOR MORE STOIC AUDIO CONTENTCheck out one of my latest daily Micro Morning Meditations here on

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4:57

Controlling What You Can Gives You Wings

The What Is Stoicism? Podcast ·

2025/07/16

In this episode, we explore the timeless Stoic lesson that true freedom lies in accepting what we can’t control—echoed powerfully in the life and art of Frida Kahlo.Drawing parallels between Epictetus’s teachings and Kahlo’s indomitable spirit, we see how even when life confines our bodies, our will can still soar.👇 👇 👇📻 FOR MORE STOIC AUDIO CONTENTCheck out one of my latest daily Micro Morning Meditations here on Substack:☀️ Micro Morning Meditation: The Quiet Wisdom Of

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5:55

You Can Neither Re-Live Nor Pre-Live

The What Is Stoicism? Podcast ·

2025/07/09

The Stoic philosophers understood something timeless about human nature: we spend much of our lives outside the present moment.We worry about the future, regret the past, and overlook the only time we ever truly possess—now.Among the Stoics, Seneca in particular had a clear warning: do not waste time.👇 👇 👇📻 FOR MORE STOIC AUDIO CONTENTCheck out one of my latest daily Micro Morning Meditations here on Substack:☀️ Micro Morning Meditation: How To Always Get What You

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4:54

Defending Ourselves Against Our Enemies

The What Is Stoicism? Podcast ·

2025/07/02

In this episode, we look at what Stoicism has to say about resisting the urge for revenge and reclaiming our inner freedom.With help from Marcus Aurelius, Epictetus, and Diogenes, we examine why retaliation degrades us and how self-mastery is a better path to strength. Instead of reacting impulsively to harm or misfortune, we can learn to respond with integrity, turning adversity into opportunities to build character.👇 👇 👇📻 FOR MORE STOIC AUDIO CONTENTCheck out one of my latest daily Micro

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6:25

So It Goes

The What Is Stoicism? Podcast ·

2025/06/25

In this episode, we dig into the meaning behind Kurt Vonnegut’s famous line “so it goes” and how it’s more than just a catchphrase.Drawing from Slaughterhouse-Five, Stoic ideas, and the book The Courage to Be Disliked, we talk about how accepting what we can’t control can actually help us take better control of what we can.👇 👇 👇📻 FOR MORE STOIC AUDIO CONTENTCheck out one of my latest daily Micro Morning Meditations here on Substack:☀️ Micro Morning Meditation: How To Always Get What You

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4:58

Strong Enough To Ask For Help

The What Is Stoicism? Podcast ·

2025/06/18

In this episode, we explore the life and teachings of Epictetus, the Stoic philosopher born into slavery who found unshakable strength from within.His story reminds us that while true resilience begins in the mind, Stoicism also embraces the power of connection, encouraging us not just to endure, but to give and receive support as part of a greater whole.👇 👇 👇📻 FOR MORE STOIC AUDIO CONTENTCheck out one of my latest daily Micro Morning Meditations here on Substack:☀️ Micro Morning Meditation: How

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7:15

What Is Stoicism?

The What Is Stoicism? Podcast ·

2025/06/11

I try to answer this question each week in different ways.For this episode, however, I wanted to step back and provide a more general overview. I hope you find it useful!👇 👇 👇📻 FOR MORE STOIC AUDIO CONTENTCheck out one of my latest daily Micro Morning Meditations here on Substack:☀️ Micro Morning Meditation: Don't Mistake Glamour For Beautyhttps://whatisstoicism.substack.com/p/micro-morning-meditation-dont-mistake Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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4:52

Stoic Tools To Help You Wake Up

The What Is Stoicism? Podcast ·

2025/06/04

Have you ever woken from a nightmare only to feel deep relief that it wasn’t real?In this episode, we explore what Marcus Aurelius and Anne Lamott can teach us about illusion, imagination, and insight—how dreams, fears, and even our thoughts can mislead us, and how journaling and Stoic reflection can help us wake up to deeper clarity and purpose.👇 👇 👇📻 FOR MORE STOIC AUDIO CONTENTCheck out one of my latest daily Micro Morning Meditations here on Substack:How To Live

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5:36

How to Get Out of Your Own Way

The What Is Stoicism? Podcast ·

2025/05/28

In this episode, we explore how our judgments—not external events—shape our emotional world, from a child’s toy envy to ancient Stoic parables and the quiet wisdom of Nan Shepherd.Using Epictetus’s insights and Shepherd’s meditative reflections, we examine how reclaiming control over our perceptions can free us from needless suffering and open us to a richer, more grounded experience of life.👇 👇 👇📻 FOR MORE STOIC AUDIO CONTENTCheck out one of my latest daily Micro Morning Meditations here on

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5:15

Building Inner Walls Against Outer Storms

The What Is Stoicism? Podcast ·

2025/05/21

In this episode, we look at the Stoic principle of focusing only on what lies within our control, using the weather as a vivid metaphor for life’s unpredictable externals.Drawing on insights from George Gissing, Epictetus, Seneca, Mac Miller, and even Derren Brown, we reflect on how to maintain inner peace in a world that constantly tempts and tests us.👇 👇 👇📻 FOR MORE STOIC AUDIO CONTENTCheck out one of my latest daily Micro Morning Meditations here on Substack:Micro Morning Meditation: It Might

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5:19

Stoic Actions for Anxious Minds

The What Is Stoicism? Podcast ·

2025/05/14

This episode explores how anxiety can quietly hold us back from the things that matter most—and how Stoic wisdom offers a path through it.Drawing on insights from Epictetus and Marcus Aurelius, we look at how changing our judgments, not just our circumstances, empowers us to act despite fear and grow stronger in the process.👇 👇 👇📻 FOR MORE STOIC AUDIO CONTENTCheck out one of my latest daily Micro Morning Meditations here on Substack:Micro Morning Meditation: Is It The Thought That

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211 results

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