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): stoamedi…

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…

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): sto…

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 (51:2…

“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. Sto…

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 Impo…

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 Cou…

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 o…

"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 …

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 vir…

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 Physic…

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…

“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 th…

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 Epict…

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)…

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…

“Although we don’t often recognise it, the 21st century is a transhuman era, where everything that currently makes us human, from our brains and bodies, to our values and ways of life, is poised to be transformed or superseded.” In this episode, Caleb and Michael consider a contemporary philosophical issue through the lens of Stoicism. Transhumanis…

In this conversation, Caleb speaks with Donald Robertson about Marcus Aurelius. They dive into what we know about the man and the critical episodes of his life. Donald shares his thoughts on the Marcomannic wars, whether Marcus Aurelius ordered the assassination of one of his top generals, and why he appointed Commodus as his successor. They end by…

“Everything has two handles, and it may be carried by one of these handles, but not by the other.” In this conversation, Caleb and Michael talk about these lines from Epictetus. They talk about how it points the way towards Stoic creativity, offensive and defensive Stoicism ,and role ethics. It’s a simple passage with a lot of depth. (00:31) Epicte…

In this podcast, Caleb speaks with professor Rob Colter. Rob has extensive experience teaching Stoicism in camps, universities, and prisons. He talks about the powerful idea of Stoic freedom, how he’s seen Stoicism make a difference in people’s lives, and why he calls himself a Socratic. Learn more about Wyoming Stoic Camp here. (00:51) Stoicism (0…

“A Stoic is a Buddhist with attitude” How do you not just survive in chaos, but benefit from it? In this podcast, Caleb and Michael review Nassim Taleb’s book “Antifragile.” In it, Taleb describes a Stoic philosophy grounded in the realities of randomness and practice. They talk about how ideas from this book have impacted them – and the questions …

Who were the Cynics and why did the Stoics treat them as exemplars? In this conversation, Caleb speaks with Dr. M. D. Usher about the ancient philosophy of Cynicism, its training program, and way of life. How to Say No (00:47) Farming (02:21) What Is Cynicism (06:56) Outsiders (10:39) Living In Accordance With Nature (15:15) Storytime (23:18) Train…

Time for another Stoic movie review. This week Caleb and Michael talk 300. They cover the good, bad, and and provocative aspects of the film on the Spartan’s epic last stand at Thermopylae. Gladiator (02:29) The Movie (06:58) Spartan Stoic Virtues (08:36) Powers Of Perception (15:00) Action Over Words (19:48) What Winning Means (24:26) Spartan Prop…

This one is for all of you interested in Stoic theory. In this conversation, Caleb and Scott Aikin discuss objections to Stoicism. Scott defends a revisionary kind of Stoicism. In some places, Caleb questions how revisionary it is – is Scott just restating things the ancients solved already? In other places, Caleb questions whether it’s too revisio…

Caleb and Michael discuss an objection to Stoicism: the impossibility objection. Along the way, they talk about the challenge of living by Stoic principles, especially in extreme situations, and whether achieving the ideal Stoic sage is possible. 03:26 The Argument 14:47 Why It Matters 17:06 Stoicism Doesn't Require Unrealistic Control 27:15 Forcef…

How can you use Stoicism to cultivate compassion and build deeper connections? Brittany Polat joins Caleb to talk about the themes from her new set of meditations: Deeper Connections. They discuss the meaning of Stoic compassion and what becoming more compassionate looks like in theory and practice. Deeper Connections Journal Like A Stoic https://s…

Caleb and Michael talk about Seneca’s 94th Letter to Lucilius. In it Seneca debates the place of rules in the philosophical life with the ancient Stoic Aristo. It's a topic of theoretical and practical importance. How do you use rules, proverbs, and precepts well when they are such imperfect tools? What's the difference between rules and principles…

In this conversation, Michael Tremblay and Erlend MacGillivray take a deep dive into Stoic history and the life of Epictetus. It’s an excellent discussion for anyone looking to enrich their knowledge of ancient history and situate the Stoics in their time. https://schoolofepictetus.substack.com/ (01:20) Getting Into Stoicism (05:33) Epictetus (10:2…

In this conversation, Caleb and Michael talk Socrates. Why was he held in such high regard by the Stoics? What’s the line of philosophical theory and practice connecting Stoicism to Socrates? And how did Socrates philosophy differ from the Stoics? (03:52) Who Was Socrates? (07:07) Philosophy As A Way Off Life (14:48) The Socratic Method (20:49) Vir…

In this conversation, Caleb speaks with William O Stephens about his 6 core themes of Stoicism. Epictetus’s 'Encheiridion': A New Translation and Guide to Stoic Ethics https://williamostephens.com/ (04:12) Self-Control (09:31) Seeing Things As They Are (14:34) Living In Accordance With Nature (22:12) Role Ethics (35:57) Virtue Depends On Knowledge …

Register for a free workshop January 3rd: stoameditation.com/workshop Join our live course – starting next week: stoameditation.com/course Happy new year! Thanks for listening to Stoa Conversations. In this one, Caleb and Michael discuss their highlights from 2023 – one year of podcasting in public. Relive your favorite philosophical moments with t…

(00:11) Scott Aikin (03:35) Massimo Pigliucci (05:08) Donald Robertson (07:09) Brittany Polat (10:29) Tim Lebon (14:34) Chris Gill *** Learn more about our new year’s course: stoameditation.com/course Subscribe to The Stoa Letter for weekly meditations, actions, and links to the best Stoic resources: www.stoaletter.com/subscribe Download the Stoa a…

Register for a free workshop January 3rd: stoameditation.com/workshop Are New Year’s resolutions Stoic? Caleb and Michael talk about the Stoic cases for and against the practice. Then they move to what we can learn from the Stoics about setting resolutions well. (01:41) Against Resolutions (09:44) The Case For Resolutions (18:47) Making New Year’s …

In this conversation, Caleb speaks with Aiste Celkyte about the Stoic theory of beauty. They cover what the Stoics saw as beautiful, how their aesthetics expresses their ethics, and the practical application of this neglected topic. Aiste Celkyte is a professor at the university of Leiden and author of The Stoic Theory of Beauty. (00:57) What Is Be…

Start the year with others looking to apply Stoicism to our life. Join our 3-week intensive course: https://stoameditation.com/course The Stoics are always reminding us to improve ourselves now. But how do you actually do that? What advice do they have for us? Caleb and Michael discuss a simple 3 step approach to procrastination we can glean from t…

In this conversation, Caleb speaks with Rob LaFleur, Professor of Anthropology & History at Beloit College and teacher of The Great Courses Books That Matter: The Analects of Confucius. Stoics care about virtue and role ethics – two things central to Confucianism. Understanding the similarities and differences between the two philosophies can only …

Caleb and Michael debate the role of politics in the modern Stoic life. Caleb argues that Stoics should stay away from politics – like the Epicureanism. Michael thinks this couldn’t be any more wrong. Heated, if Stoic, debated ensues. (05:18) Arguments Against Politics (25:49) The Wisdom of Epicurus (33:52) Justice Without Politics (37:57) The Stoi…

In this episode, Caleb speaks with Mahmoud Rasmi, a former philosophy professor from Lebanon, on philosophy, business, and the importance of asking questions well. Philosophy for Business Leaders: https://amzn.to/3NeQ7gi https://twitter.com/Decafquest (03:04) Getting Into Philosophy (12:26) Losing Your Business (14:11) Philosophy vs Critical Thinki…

Caleb and Michael engage in a discussion on Existentialism, explaining its essence, distinguishing it from Stoicism, and extracting valuable insights. Michael underscores the significance of authenticity, while Caleb highlights the ideas of bad faith and radical freedom. (02:20) Existentialism (18:20) Stoicism vs Existentialism (32:17) Existentiali…

For episode 100, Caleb and Michael discuss Marcus Aurelius’s Meditations 2.1. Thank you for listening. Send us a note at stoa@stoameditation.com if you ever have any comments, questions, or requests. (03:01) Reading 2.1 (04:32) Praemediatio Malorum (09:44) Dealing With Others (17:15) Seeing Goodness (24:46) No One Can Harm Us (27:15) Overcoming Ang…

Caleb and Michael talk about forgiveness and clemency. How does the Stoic idea of forgiveness differ from the popular account – and when should we pardon other’s wrongdoing or address it head on? (01:16) What Is Forgiveness? (15:59) The Stoic Account (25:00) Forgive Everyone At Once (28:18) Clemency (35:10) Is Clemency Only A Tool For The Strong? (…

Caleb speaks with Jennifer Baker about teaching Stoicism and its application to modern day life. Along the way they discuss Aristotle, business ethics, the meaning of living in accordance with nature, and natural vs actual virtue. https://philosophy.cofc.edu/faculty-staff-listing/baker-jennifer.php (00:40) Teaching Stoicism In Academia (04:22) Aris…

Caleb and Michael discuss the Stoics strategy for setting boundaries. Learn about the issues many Stoic practitioners face with boundaries and how Epictetus counsels us to live better. (02:59) What Are Boundaries? (06:13) The Challenge for Stoics (19:58) Defining and Enforcing Boundaries (30:46) Everything Is A Scam (38:33) Enforce Boundaries For T…

“Stoicism is not so much an ethic as it is a paradoxical recipe for happiness.” Caleb speaks with Allan from What Is Stoicism about the practice of Stoicism as a philosophy of daily life. They discuss how they think about Stoicism, the work of Pierre Hadot, underrated ideas in Stoicism, and their Stoic practices. https://whatisstoicism.substack.com…

“Shadows and dust” Caleb and Michael talk about the philosophical themes in the epic movie “Gladiator.” It's the very first Stoa film review. (00:39) Introduction (07:26) Movie Review (09:32) Commodus as Anti-Model (13:57) Is Maximus Stoic? (17:03) Marcus Aurelius in Gladiator (19:50) Maximus is a Stoic Hero (23:28) The Afterlife (29:11) Proximo (3…

Why does Musonius Rufus lecture on food and men’s fashion? Caleb talks to William O Stephens to find out. Learn how the Stoics thought about ordinary issues of life in order to live extraordinarily well. https://williamostephens.com/ (01:11) Musonius Rufus and Epictetus (09:09) Why Care About Food and Fashion? (13:42) Food (23:16) Optimizing Health…

"Nothing has happened which was not going to be, and likewise nothing is going to be of which nature does not contain causes working to bring that very thing about." The Stoics believed that we were responsible for our actions and that every action was fated. In this conversation, Michael explains how they made sense of those two ideas. We cover de…

In this conversation, Caleb speaks with Jeremy Reid. Jeremy is an Assistant Professor in Philosophy at San Francisco State University. They talk about anger and forgiveness, using his excellent paper “Stoic Forgiveness” as a launching off point. This is an excellent conversation for understanding the Stoic view of anger and enriching it with their …

“And what are we by nature? We are free, honorable, and self-respecting. After all, does any other animal blush or feel shame?” The fear of social disgrace, shame, can prevent us from living well. Yet, the Stoics argued that there’s a related emotion, a kind of self-respect, that can help us live more freely. In this conversation, Caleb and Michael…

“This day will end like all others.” “And after that?” In this conversation, Caleb speaks with Zena Hitz about her recent book “A philosopher looks at the religious life.” They discuss meaning, Christianity, and Stoicism. https://catherineproject.org/ (01:10) Wholeheartedness (06:59) Meaning (14:18) Abandonment (17:45) Devotion and Role Ethics (30:…