Greetings, listeners. It's remarkable to witness our community's growth, now exceeding 100,000 listeners every Monday and Friday. Your continued support is truly appreciated. Today's episode delves into a thought-provoking query posed by Griff, a dedicated listener and Patron, regarding the relevance of personality types within the context of Stoicism. Griff questions whether such classifications confine individuals rather than foster personal development. From my perspective, I maintain a degre...
Mar 08, 2024•13 min•Season 1Ep. 210
In today's episode, I tackle the enduring Stoic principle that "Virtue is its own reward." This exploration is a personal journey into the heart of Stoicism, examining whether this ancient wisdom holds true in our contemporary lives, and I won't shy away from getting a bit salty or taking some swipes along the way. We begin with Meditation 11.4 as our focal point, which encourages us to reflect on our contributions to the common good and to find contentment in these efforts as our reward. This m...
Mar 04, 2024•13 min•Season 1Ep. 209
In today's episode, I delve into the profound theme of Forgiveness within the framework of Stoicism, a topic that resonates deeply with both my personal experiences and the Stoic principles I strive to embody. I commence with a note of gratitude towards new Patrons – Dan Brann, Jenny Kay, and Jay – whose support is instrumental in dedicating myself fully to this podcast. For those contemplating joining our Patreon, it offers an ad-free listening experience, exclusive articles, discussions with s...
Mar 01, 2024•23 min•Season 1Ep. 208
It is not always Just to be nice, but it is always nice to be Just. This is easier said than done. Can Meditations 5.32 and a bit of heavy Monday morning reflection help us get better? If not, there's a Toblerone at the end of this episode that you might be interested in. -- Become a Patron: https://stoicismpod.com/members Pre-order my book: https://stoicismpod.com/book Join the waitlist: https://stoicismpod.com/app Podcast Artwork by Randy Johnson: https://originalrandy.com Learn more about you...
Feb 26, 2024•17 min•Season 1Ep. 207
Anya Leonard is my friend and one of my heroes. She's built something really incredible over the last 10-years (ClassicalWisdom.com) and I think it is as important a contribution to mankind as was Britannica compiling the great works of Western literature - she has create a "great works" platform and she provides it for free to everyone. This makes her not just a friend and a hero but also a comrade in arms. In today's episode you'll learn about Anya, some of her history, what inspired her to st...
Feb 23, 2024•52 min•Season 1Ep. 206
-- Become a Patron: https://stoicismpod.com/members Pre-order my book: https://stoicismpod.com/book Podcast Artwork by Randy Johnson: https://originalrandy.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Feb 19, 2024•27 min•Season 1Ep. 205
-- Become a Patron: https://stoicismpod.com/members Pre-order my book: https://stoicismpod.com/book Podcast Artwork by Randy Johnson: https://originalrandy.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Feb 16, 2024•26 min•Season 1Ep. 204
-- Become a Patron: https://stoicismpod.com/members Pre-order my book: https://stoicismpod.com/book Podcast Artwork by Randy Johnson: https://originalrandy.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Feb 12, 2024•21 min•Season 1Ep. 203
Tanner Campbell converses with Michael Tremblay, an MMA fighter, writer, and co-creator of Stoa Stoic Meditations app. They delve into several topics, including the role of sport and exercise in addressing rage and anger. Michael Tremblay shares his insights on the practice of martial arts, particularly Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, and its philosophical alignment with Stoicism. He emphasizes how martial arts were his first exposure to explicit moral education, teaching not just physical skills but also ...
Feb 09, 2024•57 min•Season 1Ep. 202
In this week's episode of "Practical Stoicism," host Tanner Campbell tackles a diverse set of questions from Patreon supporters, diving deep into the application of Stoicism in modern life. Campbell begins by addressing the nature of Stoicism as a practical philosophy that requires active engagement and contextual understanding, warning against the misuse of Stoic quotes out of context, akin to religious dogmatism. He emphasizes that Stoicism, much like any philosophy, demands practice and inter...
Feb 05, 2024•30 min•Season 1Ep. 201
Donald Robertson joins Tanner Campbell to discuss his new book, "Marcus Aurelius: The Stoic Emperor," published by Yale University Press. The conversation delves into the life and philosophy of Marcus Aurelius, shedding light on both well-documented and lesser-known aspects of his reign. Robertson emphasizes the substantial amount of information available about Marcus Aurelius, more so than for most other ancient philosophers. Despite historical gaps and unreliable sources, a wealth of details a...
Feb 02, 2024•44 min•Season 1Ep. 200
In today's episode, I explored the question of whether women should engage in the study of philosophy, particularly Stoicism, through the lens of Musonius Rufus, a Roman Stoic philosopher. Musonius was asked if daughters should receive the same education as sons, and his response is profoundly relevant today, especially in discussions about gender roles in philosophy. Stoicism, often perceived as a male-dominated philosophy, asserts that Virtue – the knowledge of how to live excellently – is att...
Jan 29, 2024•22 min•Season 1Ep. 199
In today's episode, I dove into a contemplative discussion on grief, regret, and the nature of our reactions to loss, drawing inspiration from Seneca's "Letters of Consolation to Marcia." Seneca, in his own verbose manner, offered insights on dealing with the loss of a loved one, a topic that often intertwines with regret, especially when that loss is sudden and unexpected. I began by highlighting a significant excerpt from Seneca's letters, where he acknowledges the naturalness of sorrow over l...
Jan 26, 2024•24 min•Season 1Ep. 198
In today's podcast episode, I explored Meditation 10 from Book 8 of Marcus Aurelius' "Meditations." This particular meditation delves into the nature of repentance, pleasure, and their relationship with virtue. Marcus asserts that repentance is a self-reproof for neglecting something useful, and what is truly good must always be useful. He concludes that sensual pleasure, therefore, is neither good nor useful. Marcus’ meditation might initially seem to advocate for a life devoid of pleasure, ech...
Jan 22, 2024•15 min•Season 1Ep. 197
In today's podcast episode, I tackled some thought-provoking listener questions, providing insights into how to approach life's complexities through a Stoic lens. The first question came from listener "Modern Rust", who asked about prioritizing roles in life. My response emphasized the Stoic principle that no roles should contradict each other. The key lies in understanding the Circles of Concern, starting with the self at the center. I explained that prioritizing ourselves means appropriately c...
Jan 19, 2024•33 min•Season 1Ep. 196
In today's episode, I delve into Book 11 of Marcus Aurelius' "Meditations," focusing on a meditation (Meditations 11.1) that sheds light on the concept of service to ourselves and others. This passage from Marcus Aurelius profoundly illustrates the properties of the rational soul: it has the capacity to see and analyze itself, and to shape its own existence according to its will. What's unique about the rational soul is that it enjoys the fruits of its own actions, unlike plants and animals, who...
Jan 15, 2024•28 min•Season 1Ep. 195
I had an insightful discussion with Will Johncock about his book, "Beyond the Individual." Will explored the themes of Stoicism, particularly how it emphasizes community and connection rather than just individualism. As a philosopher and academic, he delved into Stoicism's perspectives on individualism and collectivism, highlighting the importance of understanding where we as individuals end and where the rest of the world begins. He discussed his academic journey, noting how he became intereste...
Jan 12, 2024•58 min•Season 1Ep. 194
This episode of "Practical Stoicism" delves into the concept of Oikeiôsis, focusing on how to identify the aspects of life one should actively concern themselves with. I emphasize the distinction between caring about something and actively concerning oneself with it. Drawing from Stoic philosophy, the episode unfolds in four steps: #1 - Realize that you're human: Acknowledging that my most proximal concerns must be for ourselves and other humans. The Stoic perspective asserts that our ethical co...
Jan 08, 2024•25 min•Season 1Ep. 193
In today's episode of Practical Stoicism, I'm thrilled to bring back Professor William Stephens for a deep dive into Oikeiôsis, the theme of this month. We delve into its ancient Stoic roots and its relevance in contemporary life, exploring how it helps us understand what is truly ours to be concerned with. Oikeiôsis, a term that signifies the recognition of what is akin or appropriate to us, extends our concern beyond ourselves to our family, community, humanity, and the entire biosphere. Profe...
Jan 05, 2024•1 hr 5 min•Season 1Ep. 192
In today's episode, I'm discussing Oikeiôsis, an essential part of Stoic philosophy and a cornerstone for developing a virtuous character. I'll revisit Hierocles' Circles of Concern, illustrating our interconnectedness with family, community, humanity, and the biosphere, and introduce the Pyramid of Concern, a new perspective emphasizing the foundational role of broader concerns in our well-being. As we explore Oikeiôsis, I'll explain how caring for others as ourselves isn't just noble; it's a p...
Jan 01, 2024•32 min•Season 1Ep. 191
In this episode, I continue the discussion on ego, incorporating insights from my listeners and sharing my own reflections. After welcoming new patron Richard Herring, I note the podcast's expansion onto YouTube and the distinct approach I'm taking there. I dive into various listener perspectives on ego, ranging from its necessity in self-identity and decision-making to its potential dangers when overinflated. These comments highlight the complexity of ego, suggesting it's neither wholly good no...
Dec 20, 2023•20 min•Season 1Ep. 190
Today begins a three-part series exploring ego. I question whether ego is the 'big bad boogey monster' of Vice, setting the stage for a week-long thematic exploration. Initially, I discuss a meditation from Marcus Aurelius, which, although not explicitly about ego (since the concept didn't exist in his time), relates to the idea of self-importance. I note the difference between the everyday use of 'ego' and its clinical or scientific definitions. The colloquial understanding often equates ego wi...
Dec 18, 2023•13 min•Season 1Ep. 189
In this episode of "Practical Stoicism," I delve into the intriguing concept of the Daimon in Stoic philosophy, an aspect I find less central to my practice but immensely significant. The discussion navigates the nuanced parallels between Stoicism and religious or deeply spiritual practices, underscoring the varied approaches to Stoic practice - from everyday practical applications to more devout, monk-like dedication. The core of the episode revolves around understanding the Daimon as our guidi...
Dec 11, 2023•17 min•Season 1Ep. 188
In this episode, I engage in a thought-provoking conversation with Professor Christopher Gill of the University of Exeter. As a renowned scholar in Ancient Thought and author of several influential books, including the recent "Learning to Live Naturally," Professor Gill shares his deep insights into Stoicism. Our discussion centers on Stoic Compatibilism, Nature, Free Will, and Autonomy, offering a unique perspective on these classical concepts. Professor Gill elaborates on the Stoic view of uni...
Dec 08, 2023•45 min•Season 1Ep. 187
In this episode of "Practical Stoicism," I delve into Enchiridion 10, a personal favorite, which prompts us to consider how we can use our abilities to properly handle different situations in life. The core message revolves around transforming life's challenges into opportunities for practicing virtues like self-restraint, fortitude, and patience. I candidly share my own struggles and complaints, such as dealing with a complicated emigration process, to illustrate how easy it is to fall into the...
Dec 06, 2023•14 min•Season 1Ep. 186
Today's episode features Meditations 5.26. I delve into the profound teachings of Marcus Aurelius, focusing on the importance of maintaining rational control over bodily afflictions. Marcus advises us to accept natural sensations like pain without labeling them as good or bad. He emphasizes the need to avoid letting physical discomforts, such as pain from minor injuries, overwhelm our rational faculties. This concept resonates with me personally, as I share an ongoing struggle to manage my anger...
Dec 04, 2023•14 min•Season 1Ep. 185
In this episode of "Practical Stoicism," I delve into the profound teachings of Enchiridion 9, a text that compellingly explores the concept of freedom of choice. The irony isn't lost on me that we're discussing this topic, especially as we anticipate introducing the third guest in our series soon. Enchiridion 9 teaches us that our physical conditions, like sickness or lameness, do not impede our ability to choose. This wisdom comes from a former slave who experienced physical torment firsthand,...
Nov 29, 2023•14 min•Season 1Ep. 184
Today's episode takes a deep dive into a particularly challenging meditation from Marcus Aurelius – Meditation 25 from Book 5. This meditation, often misinterpreted, addresses how we should respond to the wrongdoings of others. It reads: "Another does wrong. What is that to me? Let him look to it; he has his own disposition, his own activity. I have now what Universal Nature wills me to have, and I do what my own nature wills me to do." At first glance, this might seem like Marcus is suggesting ...
Nov 28, 2023•10 min•Season 1Ep. 183
In this podcast episode, myself and guest Dr. William O. Stephens, Professor Emeritus of Philosophy at Creighton University, delve into the concept of free will in Stoicism, defined as "uninhibited freedom of choice." Initially, I share my emotional response to criticisms received on a previous episode about free will. Recognizing my response as un-Stoic, I offer an apology and clarify my views, emphasizing my responsibility in presenting Stoicism accurately, especially to the young and impressi...
Nov 24, 2023•1 hr 14 min•Season 1Ep. 182
In this episode, I explore the complex topic of free will, particularly through the lens of Stoicism and its modern interpretations. I begin by defining free will as our capacity to act, think, or behave in ways that aren't predetermined by past events. I delve into Sam Harris's book "Free Will," which posits that our brains make decisions before we're consciously aware of them, challenging the existence of free will. However, I argue against this perspective, suggesting instead that the brain d...
Nov 22, 2023•23 min•Season 1Ep. 181
