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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

5:59

How Stoics Tamed Their Strongest Emotions

The What Is Stoicism? Podcast ·

2025/12/31

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 only to what is true, we reclaim mastery over our inner world.The work is gradual but transformative:

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7:20

The Discipline of Listening: How to Hear Wisely

The What Is Stoicism? Podcast ·

2025/12/24

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 which wisdom can emerge.When we listen with patience and discernment—to others, to nature, to our own

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7:03

Practical Ways to Find Joy in the Present

The What Is Stoicism? Podcast ·

2025/12/17

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 ignites zest, the vigor that makes life feel vivid again.Together, haiku’s quiet attention and Stoicism’s

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6:56

What Tyrants Get Wrong About Power and Wealth

The What Is Stoicism? Podcast ·

2025/12/10

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 oneself. The person content with virtue alone, free from craving and fear, is richer and stronger than any

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1:13:13

Why The World Needs Stoic Empathy (Interview with...

The What Is Stoicism? Podcast ·

2025/12/03

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 conversation as much as I did.👇 👇 👇📻 FOR MORE STOIC AUDIO CONTENTCheck out one of my latest daily Micro

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6:44

Don’t Fear Death, Fear a Life Unlived

The What Is Stoicism? Podcast ·

2025/11/26

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 days, but from inhabiting them fully—to stop dreading the end and start honoring the present as life’s most

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7:10

The Poetry of Simple Stoic Living

The What Is Stoicism? Podcast ·

2025/11/19

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 wisdom is not withdrawal but harmony: to live earnestly, serve humbly, and never lose sight of the quiet joy

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7:21

How a Stoic Becomes Invincible

The What Is Stoicism? Podcast ·

2025/11/12

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, we become untouchable in the deepest sense. The Stoic’s triumph is not over enemies or circumstance, but

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6:30

Do You Know What Things Are Good And Evil?

The What Is Stoicism? Podcast ·

2025/11/05

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 message endures: our real possessions are inward ones, the moral resources that no change of fate can

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6:51

Why No Virtue Stands Alone

The What Is Stoicism? Podcast ·

2025/10/29

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 reminds us that moderation is not denial but mastery—the calm art of keeping life in balance so that joy,

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7:05

The Flow and Freedom of a Stoic Life

The What Is Stoicism? Podcast ·

2025/10/22

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, we are always free to choose how we respond to it. Together, these lessons reveal a path to

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6:24

The Courage to Ask, The Courage to Care

The What Is Stoicism? Podcast ·

2025/10/15

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, and fellowship: by leaning on others and extending our hand in turn, we transform isolation into

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1:33:31

Why You Should Try Voluntary Hardship (Interview with...

The What Is Stoicism? Podcast ·

2025/10/08

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:Stoic Handbook: stoichandbook.coFree Stoic Power Challenge:

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5:54

Why Their Anger Isn’t Your Problem

The What Is Stoicism? Podcast ·

2025/10/01

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 imperial banishments, cannot touch the command center within. What matters most is how we shape our own art of

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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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