Welcome to I am Max. About this Episode: The Double-Edged Sword of Anger: A Stoic Perspective In this episode, Max Roeck explores the toxic impact of anger and hate. Drawing from the wisdom of Stoic philosophers and social leaders like Seneca and Martin Luther King Jr., he explains how anger, although often perceived as a motivating force, can prove to be self-destructive in the long run. He argues that responding to hate with hate only leads to a destructive cycle with high personal costs. The ...
Feb 10, 2024•3 min•Season 1Ep. 98
Welcome to I am Max. About this Episode: The Power of Holding No Opinion: Mastering Mindfulness In this episode, your host, Max Roeck talks about the concept of holding no opinion and its power to maintain a tranquil state of mind. He illuminates a perspective from Marcus Aurelius and gives a thoughtful exercise on how to be unaffected by unknown negativity. Max highlights the importance of cultivating this power and disenabling an opinion that might cause aggravation. He encourages viewers to p...
Feb 09, 2024•2 min•Season 1Ep. 97
Welcome to I am Max. About this Episode: Dealing with Pain and Emotions: A Stoic Approach Host Max Roeck investigates managing extreme emotions and physical discomfort in a stoic manner, citing Seneca's philosophy. He emphasizes self-restraint during emotional outbursts and prompts listeners to question if their reactions are actually alleviating their feelings or symptoms. The video encourages self-exploration, continuous learning, and growth. In addition, Max invites viewers to engage in deepe...
Feb 08, 2024•2 min•Season 1Ep. 96
Welcome to I am Max. About this Episode: Fear: A Self-Fulfilling Prophecy - Lessons from History In this episode of 'I'm Max', host Max Roeck discusses the negative impacts of fear and paranoia, drawing examples from history and quoting from luminaries like Seneca and former CEO of Intel, Andy Grove. He elaborates on how fear-induced mania can cause self-destruction, especially when paired with power, and urges listeners to control their impulses and fears, lest they become sources of their own ...
Feb 07, 2024•3 min•Season 1Ep. 95
Welcome to I am Max. About this Episode: Choosing Peace over Strife: An Insight into Theodore Roosevelt's Life In this episode, Max Roeck focuses on Theodore Roosevelt's life, discussing his driven and compulsive nature. Drawing on Seneca's wisdom about choosing peace over strife, the episode explores the potential pitfalls of a life led by compulsion and work, and questions if it is not more honorable and fitting to choose peace. It underlines the importance of being in the 'arena' of life for ...
Feb 06, 2024•4 min•Season 1Ep. 94
Welcome to I am Max. About this Episode: Managing Impulses with Stoic Philosophies - with Host Max Roeck In this episode, Max Roeck discusses stoic philosophies and how they can help manage impulses. Drawing inspiration from Marcus Aurelius, Max suggests utilizing justice, reason and philosophy as filters to distinguish between beneficial and disadvantageous impulses. Urging his audience to think before acting and question who's in control and what principles are guiding them, he underscores the...
Feb 05, 2024•2 min•Season 1Ep. 93
Welcome to I am Max. About this Episode: Cultivating Invincibility with Reasoned Choices In this episode of 'I'm Max', hosted by Max Roeck, he shares his insights about being invincible. He defines invincibility as being able to handle anything without being upset, using the example of professional members of CSIM handling tough media sessions with humor, poise, and patience. Max emphasizes the importance of emotional control and reasoned choices, or 'proheresis' as referred to by the Stoics. He...
Feb 04, 2024•3 min•Season 1Ep. 92
Welcome to I am Max. About this Episode: Conquering Anxiety: Understanding Your Control and Embracing Peace In this episode of 'I'm Max' hosted by Max Roeck, he examines the root of our anxieties, discussing how our desires for situations beyond our control lead to worry. Using examples like an anxious father, a distressed traveller, and a nervous investor, he illustrates how wanting something outside our control often creates anxiety. He encourages the listeners to question their anxiety, its c...
Feb 03, 2024•3 min•Season 1Ep. 91
Welcome to I am Max. About this Episode: Mastering Emotions and Impulses: Independence and Self-Sufficiency In this insightful episode, host Max Roeck delves into the importance of mastering one's emotions and impulses. Drawing inspiration from a Marcus Aurelius quote, he emphasizes the necessity of being independent and self-sufficient in thought and action. Max spotlights the contradiction in how we resent being controlled by others, while easily allowing our emotions and impulses to dictate o...
Feb 02, 2024•3 min•Season 1Ep. 90
Welcome to I am Max. About this Episode: Understanding the Power of Calmness over Anger in Athletics and Life In this episode of 'I'm Max', host Max Roeck discusses the concept of maintaining calmness and control over anger, using the example of athletes who use trash talking as a strategy to throw off their competitors. He cites the legendary boxer, Joe Louis, as an example of how maintaining composure amid provocation equates to strength. The episode concludes with an invitation to further eng...
Feb 01, 2024•3 min•Season 1Ep. 89
Welcome to I am Max. About this Episode: Philosophy as a Medicine of the Soul: Embracing Stoicism In this episode of 'I'm Max', host Max Roeck discusses the importance of philosophy, specifically Stoicism, as a form of mental and spiritual healing. He speaks about how easy it is to drift away from philosophical practice as we get busier with our lives and warns about the potential problems that might arise from such neglect. He urges listeners to regularly check in with their philosophical pract...
Jan 31, 2024•3 min•Season 1Ep. 88
Welcome to I am Max. About this Episode: Freedom Through Detachment: Reducing Media Consumption for Personal Growth Max Roeck, in this episode of 'I'm Max,' discusses the concept of liberating oneself from the societal pressure of staying constantly updated. He emphasizes that disconnecting, to some extent, from our hyperconnected 24/7 media world can lead to powerful personal growth. He challenges the perceived obligation of constantly being informed about every news scandal, breaking story, or...
Jan 30, 2024•3 min•Season 1Ep. 87
Welcome to I am Max. About this Episode: Master Your Tasks with Simplicity: Guidelines from Marcus Aurelius In this episode, host Max Roeck discusses the value of simplicity and focus in daily life. Guided by the wisdom of Marcus Aurelius, listeners are encouraged to live a disciplined life, approaching each task as if it were their last. The episode promotes mastering your duties like a Roman soldier, focusing only on what's in front of us, and not getting distracted. Max engages with his audie...
Jan 29, 2024•4 min•Season 1Ep. 86
Welcome to I am Max. About this Episode: Finding Wisdom: Models and Mentors In this episode, Max Roeck explores the importance of identifying and exploring wise figures in our lives. He encourages viewers to choose a model for wisdom, such as a parent, philosopher, writer, thinker, or religious figure and closely observe their actions and principles. The episode emphasizes the role of these figures in shaping our perspectives. Max also encourages viewer participation, inviting audience to share ...
Jan 28, 2024•2 min•Season 1Ep. 85
Welcome to I am Max. About this Episode: Epitetus' Three Areas of Personal Training - A Roadmap to Wisdom In this enlightening episode, host Max Roeck explores the three areas of training laid out by philosopher Epitetus. Focusing on the relationship between desires, aversions, impulses, duty, and judgment, Max emphasizes the need for thoughtful practice in every aspect of our lives to achieve clarity and success. He underscores the intersectionality of our motivations, desires, and judgments, a...
Jan 27, 2024•4 min•Season 1Ep. 84
Welcome to I am Max. About this Episode: The Power of Mantras: Boost Your Mindfulness In this episode, host Max Roeck discusses the significance of mantras, universal tools utilized in various spiritual practices for attaining clarity and guidance. The concept originates from Sanskrit and refers to secret utterances - words, phrases or even sounds. Mantras are particularly useful in meditation as they help maintain focus amidst distractions. Max suggests creating a personal Stoic mantra that spe...
Jan 26, 2024•3 min•Season 1Ep. 83
Welcome to I am Max. About this Episode: Finding True Wealth: Unconventional Lifestyle Choices of the Rich In this episode, host Max Roeck examines the paradoxically frugal lifestyles of high net-worth individuals like Warren Buffet, John Urschel, and Quig Leonard. Despite their considerable wealth, they live far below their possessive means, finding value in things that money can't buy. The episode underscores the importance of aligning lifestyle with personal values rather than societal expect...
Jan 25, 2024•5 min•Season 1Ep. 82
Welcome to I am Max. About this Episode: Deep Learning and Gratitude with Marcus Aurelius This video explores Marcus Aurelius' practice of gratitude and deep understanding as presented in his work, Meditations. It emphasizes the influence of Quintus Junius Rusticus, who encouraged Marcus to strive for a deep clarity in his learning. The video also discusses Aurelius' close study of Epictetus, how he absorbed the teachings fully, and implemented them throughout his life for clarity, despite his i...
Jan 24, 2024•4 min•Season 1Ep. 81
Welcome to I am Max. About this Episode: The Truth About Money: Are the Rich Really Different? In this episode, host Max Roeck discusses the perceptions and realities of wealth, drawing from Seneca and F. Scott Fitzgerald's viewpoints. He reflects on the idea that money only marginally changes life and cannot solve problems or fix internal issues. The narrative warns about the disillusionment that can occur when the glamour of wealth fades to reveal its underlying limitations. The episode ends w...
Jan 23, 2024•4 min•Season 1Ep. 80
Welcome to I am Max. About this Episode: Mastering Personal Finance: Seven Cures of a Lean Purse In this episode of 'I Am Max', host Max Roeck, an accomplished financial consultant, guides listeners on mastering personal finance. He refers to the book 'The Richest Man in Babylon' to deliver insights into the 'Seven Cures for a Lean Purse', namely: 'Start thy purse to fattening', 'Control thy expenditures', 'Make thy gold multiply', 'Guard thy treasures from loss', 'Make thy dwelling a profitable...
Jan 22, 2024•18 min•Season 1Ep. 79
Welcome to I am Max. About this Episode: Self-Reflection and Personal Growth: A Stoic Approach In this video, Max Roeck explores the concept of self-reflection and constant improvement through the lens of Stoicism. Drawing from Seneca's practice of looking back at his behavior, actions and plans, Max emphasizes the importance of reflecting on the day, seeking improvement, and recording these reflections in a personal journal. He suggests that this exercise not only reinforces learning but also a...
Jan 22, 2024•4 min•Season 1Ep. 78
Welcome to I am Max. About this Episode: Morning Rituals and Self Reflection In this episode, Max Roeck discusses the essentiality of morning rituals, particularly self-reflection activities like journaling, as practiced by stoic philosophers like Marcus Aurelius and Epictetus. He emphasizes on the importance of introspective questions in paving the path to tranquility and inner freedom while advising viewers to incorporate these into their daily routines. Highlighting the personal, solitary nat...
Jan 21, 2024•4 min•Season 1Ep. 77
Welcome to I am Max. About this Episode: Ignite Your Thoughts: Reconnecting with Your Principles In this episode, host Max Roeck covers the topic of getting back to your principles in times of setback, inspired by a note from Marcus Aurelius. He reminds listeners that though they may drift away from their values during challenging times, the principles remain constant and they can always return to them at any time. Past mistakes and disappointments should not hinder present progress. Additionall...
Jan 20, 2024•4 min•Season 1Ep. 76
Welcome to I am Max. About this Episode: Freedom of Choice and Life's Constant Unpredictability: A Stoic Perspective In this episode, hosted by Max Roeck, the theme of freedom of choice, a key concept in Stoicism, is explored. Drawing on the diverse backgrounds and experiences of the Stoics, Max underscores that regardless of our life status, advantage or adversity, the crucial task remains to focus on what is in our control. Amidst all life's fluctuations, one's freedom of choice remains consta...
Jan 19, 2024•3 min•Season 1Ep. 75
Welcome to I am Max. About this Episode: Seeing the World Through the Eyes of a Poet On this episode of 'I'm Max', your host Max Roeck explores the beauty of appreciating nature and ordinary events from artistic and poetic perspectives, with insights gleaned from 'Meditations' by Roman Emperor Marcus Aurelius. He discusses the influence of Marcus Cornelius Fronto, a renowned orator and teacher of Marcus Aurelius, on this perspective. Max invites his audience to see the world more positively, cel...
Jan 18, 2024•3 min•Season 1Ep. 74
Welcome to I am Max. About this Episode: Reboot the Real Work: Overcoming Fear and Embracing Growth In this enlightening episode, your host, Max Roeck, encourages listeners to aim towards unhindered completion, freedom from compulsive behavior, unrestrained growth, and most importantly, happiness. Through his words, he evokes the fear most people have had in their early life or school years when they were scared to venture into something new for fear of failing. Max (the teacher) discusses how t...
Jan 17, 2024•3 min•Season 1Ep. 73
Welcome to I am Max. About this Episode: Breaking Bad Habits | Max Roeck's Empowerment Journey In this episode, host Max Roeck discusses the importance of breaking free from the grip of bad habits. Citing the danger of mindlessly following routines that may not be beneficial, he challenges the viewer to critically assess their actions and perceptions revolving around pain, pleasure, life, death, giving, receiving, and routines in general. Max concludes with a call to action for viewers to unders...
Jan 16, 2024•3 min•Season 1Ep. 72
Welcome to I am Max. About this Episode: Finding Tranquility: A Seneca-inspired discussion In this episode, host Max Roeck explores the idea of tranquility, taking inspiration from Seneca's essay on the subject. Max discusses 'Eptimia', a Greek word meaning self-belief and trust in one's own path as key elements in achieving tranquility. He encourages not constantly comparing ourselves to others or changing our minds based on new information but instead promotes identifying and sticking to our o...
Jan 15, 2024•3 min•Season 1Ep. 71
Welcome to I am Max. About this Episode: Cutting the Strings of Distraction: A Talk with Marcus Aurelius and Viktor Frankl In this episode, host Max Roeck delves into the philosophies of Marcus Aurelius and Viktor Frankl, exploring how external forces and internal drives can act like puppet strings, manipulating our behaviours and emotions. Drawing parallels between the distractions faced by the philosopher-king and those of our modern world, from engineered food products to addictive social med...
Jan 14, 2024•4 min•Season 1Ep. 70
Welcome to I am Max. About this Episode: The Circle of Control: A Stoic's Guide In this episode, host Max Roeck discusses the Stoic principle of the 'Circle of Control'. He delves into the Stoic belief that the only thing within our control is our own mind and reasoned choice. Expressing that understanding this drastically simplifies our responsibilities, the episode encourages listeners to focus on managing their choices and will. Max also invites his audience to join the conversation, and offe...
Jan 13, 2024•3 min•Season 1Ep. 69
