This podcast, the second in a series of three, discusses the highlights of books III and IV of Cicero's "On Moral Ends." In these two books, Cato and Cicero aggressively debate the merits of Stoicism and its conception of the Ultimate Good. The discussion takes place at Tusculum, Italy, a place that was extensively photographed by the translator in preparation of this work. When reading books III and IV, ask yourself what you think of the points raised by the disputants. How does Stoicism compar...
Oct 27, 2018•28 min
This podcast is the first of a series of three podcasts that will discuss Cicero's treatise "On Moral Ends." I have just published an illustrated, annotated translation of this work and wanted to introduce readers to the book's major concepts and arguments. This podcast discusses the following subjects: 1. The origin and purpose of the work 2. The main ideas of, and arguments for, the Epicurean philosophy 3. The flaws and criticisms of Epicureanism After reading books I and 2 of "On Moral Ends,"...
Oct 24, 2018•37 min
A reader tells how he had a very good mentor when he was young. As an older man, he now wants to be a mentor to a young person, but is not sure of the right way to go about it. We offer some suggestions.
Oct 20, 2018•14 min
My new, original translation of Cicero's "On Moral Ends" is now available. This podcast describes the unique features of the book, what it is about, and why it is important.
Oct 13, 2018•22 min
We discuss the importance of continuing to move forward, no matter what happens, and no matter how many bad things happen to you. Everyone's luck changes for the better sooner or later, and you have to be in the game when it happens. We compare and contrast the experiences of Nikki Sixx of the rock band Motley Crüe with that of television personality Anthony Bourdain. We close by reading a few tweets from the G Manifesto.
Sep 26, 2018•21 min
A reader asks about how he should handle a limitation he believes he has. We respond by telling him an anecdote, and drawing the appropriate lessons from it. We close on a humorous note by reading some recent tweets by the G Manifesto.
Sep 18, 2018•18 min
In this podcast we cover travel tips and impressions learned from my recent trip to Athens. The following areas are covered: Useful suggestions (Shoes, hotel, suitcase, money, etc.) Suggested itineraries Impressions of the country Food Language tips if you don't know Greek Prices
Sep 09, 2018•27 min
The virtues have been a force promoting social cohesion and stability for thousands of years. As a society becomes more wealthy, it tends to neglect these virtues. The consequences are deeply destructive: loss of social cohesion, indiscipline, greed and moral corruption. History suggests that such societies become ripe for disorder, even collapse.
Aug 18, 2018•28 min
A reader says that he has a family member with anger issues. Every time he tries to help the family member, the person lashes out and becomes defensive. Nothing he does seems to make the situation any better. The reader wants to know if there is anything he can do. We discuss.
Aug 09, 2018•15 min
The willingness to do what is necessary is an essential condition of success in any enterprise. There are those who are willing to do what is necessary, and those who are not. We discuss an anecdote from Sun Tzu's "Art of War," and several other historical examples, to bring these points into focus.
Jul 14, 2018•21 min
This podcast deals with two different questions I recently received: 1. A guy in his early 20s feels like his girlfriend is holding him back and smothering him, but he's not sure how to handle the situation. 2. A girl in her 20s is feeling frustrated that she can't find the kind of long-term relationship that she would like to have. We break down both questions, and offer some thoughts.
Jun 08, 2018•16 min
This is the third podcast I've done on Michael Porfirio, aka The G Manifesto. They've proven to be extremely popular. In this latest episode, we talk about the "Porfirio Insight": the ability to step outside yourself, take stock in your life, and see where you are headed. It's all about the journey, and whether the trip has been a memorable one. We've all only got one life to live...so you'd better make it count.
May 28, 2018•28 min
I learned a few new travel tips last week, and wanted to share them.
May 22, 2018•11 min
Our society places too much emphasis on the individualistic need to win every argument, to be right in all things, and to impose our will on others. Sometimes, you need to swallow your pride and let things go for the sake of preserving harmony. Stop trying to be "right" all the time. You will find yourself feeling better, less stressed out, and more at peace. Sometimes, being good is more important than being "right."
May 12, 2018•11 min
I recently received an email from a man who is about to ship off to USMC boot camp. He wanted to know if I had any pieces of advice for him before he goes. I offer ten points that I found to be useful from my own experience.
Apr 11, 2018•23 min
A reader is worried that he's feeling lethargic and unfocused. He's in a rut in his life, and his routine is becoming more and more oppressive. He's not sure what the problem is, and wants to know the best way to deal with the situation.
Mar 27, 2018•17 min
A reader has a question about the direction he should take in life. His father died recently, and he is feeling the effects of delayed shock and repressed anger. He feels like he has been denied a positive role model. I offer some thoughts and suggestions, using an anecdote and then some commentary.
Mar 04, 2018•23 min
Coconut debris, machetes, game meats, natural oils, custom suits, and the whole 9 yards. This authorized podcast goes into more details about the themes talked about in my last podcast, "The Surrealistic World of Michael Porfirio." We delve deeper to extract the timeless lessons for the modern man, and explain the nuances. The rest is up to you.
Feb 24, 2018•27 min
This podcast is a change of pace. I talk about one of my favorite Twitter accounts, the account of @MichaelPorfirio, and I discuss why I think it actually has, in its own way, legitimate artistic merit. Sometimes we need to be thrown curve balls here and there, to keep us all on our toes.
Feb 20, 2018•30 min
In this podcast I discuss three separate questions sent to me by readers. The questions are: 1. How do I deal with a situation where I'm worried my boss might try to prevent me from getting a new position? 2. What do I think of dress codes and standards? 3. Is there a place for men's organizations?
Feb 17, 2018•25 min
After saying a few words about the great explorers and travelers of the past, we give a podcast reading of my most recent article, "Charles Sturt: A Pioneer Of Australian Exploration."
Feb 07, 2018•16 min
In this podcast we discuss David Mamet's 2008 film "Redbelt." This is a great movie, and a worthy addition to his long line of films that explore the moral and ethical problems that men face as they try to reconcile their personal creeds with the world's corrupting influences. How we resolve this struggle will define what kind of man we are.
Jan 14, 2018•21 min
I spent the recent holidays in Belo Horizonte, which is the capital of the Brazilian state of Minas Gerais. It was a fantastic trip, and I wanted to give readers my impressions of the city.
Jan 07, 2018•18 min
During this holiday season, try to reach out to someone who needs a hand and try to show some kindness. Too often, we all get so wrapped up in our own lives that we forget other people also need help.
Dec 23, 2017•12 min
The theme of this podcast is the subject of escape, and how it is connected with travel and discovery. We explore this theme through the prism of two recent movies: "The Last Days" (2013) and "The Way Back" (2010). (Trailers for both films can be found on my post for this podcast at qcurtius.com).
Dec 20, 2017•16 min
We explore the theme of the presence of death through two movies: "Biutiful" (2010) and "Amour" (2012). We also discuss Polydore Vergil's comments on the burial customs of various peoples.
Dec 10, 2017•22 min
A reader has some questions about giving his son advice on educational and career choices. He is torn between emphasizing what is "practical" and what he feels "passionate" about. Which one is more important? And if given the option, which one should be emphasized? I offer six points that might help him in coming to his own conclusions.
Nov 26, 2017•29 min
In this podcast we discuss three movies: "Good People" (2014), "Smoke and Mirrors" (El Hombre de las Mil Caras)(2016), and the unsettling "The Killing of a Sacred Deer" (2017). Trailers for these films can be seen on the post for this podcast at www.qcurtius.com.
Nov 16, 2017•22 min
In this podcast we give short reviews of five movies I've seen recently: Hell or High Water (2016) Life (2017) Son of a Gun (2014) Black Snow (2017) Michael Clayton (2007)
Nov 04, 2017•24 min
A reader who is doing volunteer work says he's feeling underappreciated and taken advantage of in his work. He wants to know to maintain his focus and positivity, and at the same protect himself from being used. We discuss some strategies and insights.
Oct 20, 2017•17 min
