In this episode, Michael and Caleb break down Handbook 42, where Epictetus lays out Socratic Intellectualism and explains why people's harsh words say more about them than you This episode will challenge your assumptions about conflict and equip you with practical Stoic tools for navigating a world of criticism and misunderstanding. (00:52) Epictetus's Handbook 42 (05:48) Empathy (09:26) People's Words Say More About Them (14:41) It Seemed So To Him (18:48) This Applies To Everything (23:36) Sto...
Oct 15, 2024•35 min
Money talks, but what do the Stoics say about it? In this episode, Caleb and Michael dive into the relationship between Stoicism and wealth. They explore the risks of chasing riches, the virtue of moderation, and why philosophy should come before your bank account. You'll hear Epictetus' take on why honesty trumps money-making and Seneca's surprising advice on the "shortest cut to riches." The hosts unpack the hidden dangers of comfort and how to avoid them, discuss why obsession with wealth mig...
Oct 08, 2024•35 min
Michael talks with Brigid Delaney about her journey into Stoicism, the value it has had in her life, and the unique role it has to play in helping others. Reasons Not To Worry (03:41) Stoicism vs Wellness (13:15) Ataraxia (18:07) Stoic Friends (20:26) Favorite Stoic (24:14) How To Explore The Stoics (29:47) Persauding Non-Stoics (34:11) Stripping Away Illusions (38:51) Idealism Vs Stoicism (51:44) Stoic Fable (53:53) Story Of Stoicism (57:45) What's Special Today? (01:02:39) Desire *** Subscribe...
Oct 01, 2024•1 hr 13 min
The four pillars of Stoic Justice. Justice isn't just about courtrooms and laws. For the Stoics, it was a way of life. In this episode, Caleb and Michael break down the four components of Stoic justice: piety, kindness, good fellowship, and fair dealing. They explore how these ideas apply to our lives today, from helping strangers to making tough business decisions. You'll learn why the Stoics thought we should expand our circles of concern to include all of humanity, and how to deal fairly with...
Sep 24, 2024•53 min
Blushing, sweating, stumbling over words - we've all been there. But what if these physical reactions are holding you back from greatness? In this episode, Caleb and Michael unpack Seneca's advice on handling embarrassment like a Stoic. (00:46) Embarrassing Introduction (04:50) Seneca On Blushing (08:08) Feelings vs Judgments (10:02) You Are Not A Horse (13:05) Embarrassment For Learning (14:52) Caring About What Others Think (19:24) Natural Bugs (22:47) Seneca On Nature Download the Stoa app (i...
Sep 17, 2024•25 min
In this episode, Caleb and Michael explore how Stoicism reframes our understanding of risk, teaching us to embrace uncertainty while focusing on what truly matters. They discuss: Why Stoics aren't reckless, but cultivate caution How Stoicism offers the highest reward with the lowest real risk Critiques that Stoicism is for the risk-averse, and why they fall short Why Stoicism may provide the ultimate psychological aid for meaningful risk-taking Learn how ancient wisdom can help you navigate life...
Sep 10, 2024•53 min
Is Stoicism just toxic positivity? No, obviously. But what's the difference between toxic positivity and unrealistic optimism? And how can Stoics avoid the real risks of both? In this episode, Caleb and Michael dive deep into Stoic practice and its alleged similarity to toxic positivity. *** Listen to more episodes and learn more here: https://stoameditation.com/blog/stoa-conversations/ Download the Stoa app (it's a free download): stoameditation.com/pod If you try the Stoa app and find it usefu...
Sep 03, 2024•54 min
The Stoic art of solitude and self-consistency Can you be alone with your thoughts? Seneca's Letter X challenges us to master the art of solitude. In this conversation, Caleb and Michael unpack Seneca's advice on solitude and explore its relevance in our hyperconnected world. (00:58) The Paradox of Solitude (05:40) Consistency Between Private and Public Life (12:35) The Dangers of Isolation (19:08) Keeping Others and Nature in Mind (26:12) Is Solitude a Goal? (31:04) The Internet: A Modern Chall...
Aug 27, 2024•39 min
Join Caleb and Michael as they dissect the mental game of competition and explore how ancient philosophy can give us an edge in modern battles – both on and off the mat. In this gripping episode, Caleb shares his experience competing in his first Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu tournament and the valuable lessons he learned about applying Stoic principles under pressure. Michael, who has competed hundreds of time, offers advice and challenges Caleb along the way. Whether you're a martial artist, a competito...
Aug 20, 2024•57 min
Diogenes: the man who lived in a barrel and inspired Stoic philosophy. In this episode, Michael and Caleb explore the life and ideas of Diogenes the Cynic - one of the most influential and eccentric philosophers of ancient Greece. They discuss: (00:00) Epictetus on Diogenes' Freedom (03:21) Diogenes' Life and Connection to Stoicism (08:29) Diogenes' Approach to Philosophy (15:59) Looking for an Honest Man (21:27) Behold a Man – Plucked Chicken (26:12) The Cup (30:00) You Need A Master (34:35) Al...
Aug 13, 2024•46 min
Caleb Ontiveros speaks with Johnathan Bi, an entrepreneur and philosopher, about Friedrich Nietzsche's critique of Stoicism and egalitarianism. The conversation begins with Jonathan sharing his personal journey from STEM to philosophy, setting the stage for a deep dive into Nietzsche's challenging ideas. They explore Nietzsche's opposition to Stoic egalitarianism and his concept of "higher men." The discussion delves into the psychology behind moral beliefs and value systems, examining how Nietz...
Aug 06, 2024•1 hr 8 min
In this episode of Stoic Conversations, Michael Tremblay offers a deep dive into one of Stoicism's most popular concepts: the Dichotomy of Control. Drawing from his 2021 article for the Modern Stoicism blog, Tremblay explores common misunderstandings about this principle and provides a more nuanced interpretation aligned with authentic Stoic philosophy. Key points covered: Misinterpretations arising from the English word "control" Two common misunderstandings:Control as absolute ability to decid...
Jul 30, 2024•26 min
Should Stoics become rich? What is your relationship to money? Caleb speaks with Darius Foroux about his new book The Stoic Path To Wealth. They discuss a practical investment strategy and how Stoics should think about investing. https://dariusforoux.com/ https://stoicpathtowealth.com/ (00:50) Darius's Story (04:32) Stoicism (11:51) Your Relationship With Money (22:37) Becoming Rich (34:25) Avoiding The Sidelines (42:07) The Miracle of Compounding (50:02) Role Models *** Subscribe to The Stoa Le...
Jul 23, 2024•58 min
The ancient Stoic, Arius Didymus, provided a framework for practical wisdom and prudence. It’s still applicable today. Courage Moderation (02:29) Reading (05:01) Judgment (17:19) View (26:24) Shrewdness (31:11) Discretion (37:38) Soundness of aim (41:31) Resourcefulness *** Subscribe to The Stoa Letter for weekly meditations, actions, and links to the best Stoic resources: www.stoaletter.com/subscribe Download the Stoa app (it’s a free download): stoameditation.com/pod If you try the Stoa app an...
Jul 16, 2024•53 min
Michael and Caleb discuss the differences between modern self help and Stoicism – where self help is useful, where it isn’t, and recommend their favorite self help books. (04:07) Defining Self Help (11:31) Where Self Help Goes Wrong (28:09) The Good in Self Help (45:02) Best Self Help Books *** Download the Stoa app (it’s a free download): stoameditation.com/pod If you try the Stoa app and find it useful, but truly cannot afford it, email us and we'll set you up with a free account. Listen to mo...
Jul 09, 2024•51 min
Caleb and Michael read through Marcus Aurelius’s Meditations. Specifically: Meditations 2.6-2.10. There are several essential themes in these passages: the importance of self-examination, maintaining focus on what matters, and the philosophical underpinnings of Stoicism. in the Meditations we get to see Marcus Aurelius rehearsing Stoic maxims – and apply that practice to our own life too. (04:51) Meditations 2.6 (12:04) Meditations 2.7 (18:45) Meditations 2.8 (26:11) Meditations 2.9 (34:34) Medi...
Jul 02, 2024•51 min
This one is different. Caleb reads from his essay, Why Stoicism Is True . It’s a short encapsulation of the what he takes to be the three most important ideas of the philosophy – as well as a philosophical defense of their veracity. Let us know what you think. https://calebontiveros.substack.com/ *** Download the Stoa app (it’s a free download): stoameditation.com/pod If you try the Stoa app and find it useful, but truly cannot afford it, email us and we'll set you up with a free account. Listen...
Jun 25, 2024•13 min
In this episode, Michael presents the Stoic idea of "indifferents." It’s one of the key ideas behind Stoicism, one’s that often misunderstood but necessary to know in order to understand Stoicism. (02:52) The 3 Value Categories (06:22) Defining Good (15:32) Defining Indifferents (37:32) Total Indifferents (39:06) How To Live With Indifferents (51:22) Summary *** Subscribe to The Stoa Letter for weekly meditations, actions, and links to the best Stoic resources: www.stoaletter.com/subscribe Downl...
Jun 18, 2024•56 min
“Moderation is subdivided into good discipline, seemliness, modesty, and self-control.” The ancient Stoic breakdown of moderation is essential for becoming more disciplined. It will help you think about the ideas of moderation, discipline, and self-control more deeply and generate strategies for how to becoming more moderate in your life today. Stoic Courage (00:22) The Meaning Of Moderation (07:17) David Goggins Can't Hurt Me (12:06) Moderate Role Models (18:08) Stoic Sources (22:15) Self-Disci...
Jun 11, 2024•48 min
In this conversation, Michael and Caleb discuss Epictetus’s chapter On Attention (Discourses 4.12). It’s an essential reading from the Stoic master on an essential topic. Buddhism 101 Stoicism and Mindfulness Caleb and Michael also preview an upcoming conversation on Moderation…Stay tuned. It will be released in the next few weeks. (01:04) The Importance of Attention (06:07) Pay Attention Now (08:48) Attention Fuels the Fire (10:27) Always On (15:08) What's Wrong With Phones (20:41) Moderate Sho...
Jun 04, 2024•56 min
The Stoics promoted the four cardinal virtues: courage, moderation, justice, and wisdom. In this episode, we talk about Stoic courage. Caleb and Michael discuss what it is and how the Stoics broke it down into different subdisciplines. Their breakdown still provides an effective framework for building the skill of bravery today. (01:03) What Is Courage? (10:19) Aristotle (14:14) The Subcomponents Of Courage (15:36) Endurance (19:03) Confidence (21:23) Greatness Of Soul (27:34) Vitality (33:54) L...
May 28, 2024•51 min
Do you want to learn how to Journal like Marcus Aurelius? Parker Settecase explains different approaches to journaling, writing, and recording your thoughts. He and Michael take a deep dive into how and why to think about journaling. Use these strategies to organize your thinking, and be the best version of yourself. Park Notes Michael and Parker on Parker's Pensées (01:32) Journaling As A Philosophical Practice (18:24) Transformative Journaling (22:32) Self-Dialogue (31:44) Why You Need A Catch...
May 21, 2024•1 hr 14 min
"The thought for today is one which I discovered in Epicurus; for I am wont to cross over even into the enemy's camp, – not as a deserter, but as a scout." In this conversation, Caleb and Michael talk about lessons from Epicureanism. To do this, use Seneca’s quotations of Epicurus and other Epicureans as a source. The Epicurean tradition has a lot of wisdom about how to relate to wealth, master desire, and study philosophy. (00:26) Introduction (02:38) What Epicureanism Is (07:54) The Enemy's Ca...
May 14, 2024•51 min
Why did talking about virtue fall out of fashion – and why is it coming back now? In this conversation, Caleb speaks with Judith Stove about that very question, providence, and Marcus Aurelius as God. Judith Stove is a Sydney, Australia, researcher and writer, focusing on Jane Austen and her reception, as well as on Stoicism and other classical virtue ethics. Along with Simon J.E. Drew , she co-hosts the podcast 'Soul Searching With Seneca' at The Walled Garden philosophical community. She is cu...
May 07, 2024•56 min
The ancients talked about Nature, Reason, Zeus, and God – but what did they mean by it? In this conversation, Michael tells us who or what the Stoic God is. We’re here to tell you – and share how the Stoic’s beliefs about God influenced their practice and picture of Stoicism. (00:58) Why The Stoic God Matters (03:21) The Agenda (05:40) Stoic Physics (08:29) Is This Like Aristotle? (14:13) God Is Fire (23:35) The Forms of God (28:53) God Is Everything (31:52) The Divine In Us (37:15) Reason (38:3...
Apr 30, 2024•1 hr
The philosopher and the general. Stoic philosophy in ancient Roman history. In this podcast, Caleb speaks with Alex Petkas about Pompey and Posidonius – the great Roman general and his Stoic mentor. Both of their lives were epic in the greatest sense. They carry lessons for applying Stoic emotion management, cosmopolitanism, and, even, inquiry into the natural world. https://costofglory.com/ (01:27) Seneca on Posidonius (03:28) The World of Posidonius (12:35) The Roman Civil War (15:59) Pompey M...
Apr 23, 2024•56 min
“Show me a man who is not a slave; one is a slave to lust, another to greed, another to ambition.” – Seneca In this conversation, Michael and Caleb discuss how Stoics think about ambition. What does healthy ambition look like? The unhealthy kind? How do you navigate between the two? Caleb and Michael talk through the Stoic tradition’s answers to these questions. *** Subscribe to The Stoa Letter for weekly meditations, actions, and links to the best Stoic resources: www.stoaletter.com/subscribe D...
Apr 16, 2024•52 min
In this Stoa Conversation, Michael Tremblay speaks to Brian Johnson about Stoic roles ethics, methods of teaching, and how martial arts. The start with the question: does martial arts improve character? What about other forms of physical training? They then move to Stoic Role Ethics, especially the role ethics of Epictetus. The Role Ethics of Epictetus *** Subscribe to The Stoa Letter for weekly meditations, actions, and links to the best Stoic resources: www.stoaletter.com/subscribe Download th...
Apr 09, 2024•1 hr 7 min
What advice do the Stoics have for managing social anxiety? In this conversation, Caleb Ontiveros and Michael Tremblay talk about Epictetus on anxiety – and how his advice for dissolving anxiety can be applied to social situations. (03:29) Epictetus On Anxiety (13:13) You Will Not Have Anxiety If You Do This (23:42) Learning From Experience (26:36) Epictetus On How To Make It Happen (34:40) Why Is It Weird To Treat Social Skills Like A Craft? (38:34) Focus On What Is Up To You (47:14) Summarizin...
Apr 02, 2024•58 min
How should modern Stoics understand the relationship between the mind and the body? In this conversation, Caleb Ontiveros and Marcus Hedahl discuss Stoicism and the mind-body connection. They walk through issues of theory and practice that the tight bond between our minds and bodies brings up. This episode has both significant practical upshots and takes a few detours into theory on the way. Let us know what you think. (04:18) The Body Influences the Mind (11:23) Your Body Is Not Up to You (13:3...
Mar 26, 2024•55 min
