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Bryan Caplan, economist and bestselling author, discusses practical wisdom from modern economics and ancient philosophy.
He argues against medicalization of human behavior, champions personal agency, and reveals why appeasement often beats confrontation. Caplan shows how lessons from economics can serve as self-help and why creating a "social bubble" – the modern version of an Epicurean garden – might be the smartest way to navigate modern life.
The conversation spans Epicurean and Stoic perspectives on death, social obligations, and the thinker Thomas Szasz.
Self-Help Is Like a Vaccine
The Myth of the Rational Voter
Caplan on Szasz
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Listen to more episodes and learn more here: https://stoameditation.com/blog/stoa-conversations/
Thanks to Michael Levy for graciously letting us use his music in the conversations: https://ancientlyre.com/
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Michael and Caleb explore how understanding ourselves as our faculty of choice—not our bodies, possessions, or reputation—transforms our approach to life's challenges.
Learn how clarifying what we are (and aren't) guides self-improvement and decision-making, unlocks insights in Stoic theory, and ultimately leads to a more tranquil existence.(06:10) Why It Matters Who We Are
(09:30) What Are We?
(16:28) You Are Not Your Thoughts
(24:25) Personal Identity And Indifferents
(30:29) Solving What Is Up To You
(34:34) So How Do We Live?
(43:22) We Really Really Cannot Be Harmed By Others
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Subscribe to The Stoa Letter for weekly meditations, actions, and links to the best Stoic resources: www.stoaletter.com/subscribe
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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 more episodes and learn more here: https://stoameditation.com/blog/stoa-conversations/
Thanks to Michael Levy for graciously letting us use his music in the conversations: https://ancientlyre.com/
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Fehlende Folgen?
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Why Epictetus tells us to compare our suffering to others. This simple exercise can help you in times of crisis.
Join Michael as he breaks down Epictetus’s Handbook 26.
***Subscribe to The Stoa Letter for weekly meditations, actions, and links to the best Stoic resources: www.stoaletter.com/subscribe
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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 more episodes and learn more here: https://stoameditation.com/blog/stoa-conversations/
Thanks to Michael Levy for graciously letting us use his music in the conversations: https://ancientlyre.com/
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Has Science proven that the world is nothing more than a physical machine without overarching purpose?
Spencer Klavan’s most recent book answers with an emphatic no. Ancient philosophy and modern science reveal that the worldview of materialism is not enough.
Instead, our picture of the world must include mind as a fundamental ingredient – just as the Stoic and Christian worldviews do.
Light of the Mind, Light of the World
Young Heretics Podcast
(01:28) Resetting the Narrative About Science
(10:14) Science vs. Religion
(23:30) Secularism and the Sacred
(29:48) Genesis
(42:50) The Stoic View of the World
(49:48) Determinism
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Subscribe to The Stoa Letter for weekly meditations, actions, and links to the best Stoic resources: www.stoaletter.com/subscribe
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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 more episodes and learn more here: https://stoameditation.com/blog/stoa-conversations/
Thanks to Michael Levy for graciously letting us use his music in the conversations: https://ancientlyre.com/
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What if the things you obsess over daily don't ultimately matter? The ancient Stoics had a radical idea: most of what we chase - wealth, fame, even health - is neither good nor bad. They called these things "indifferents."
In this episode, Caleb reads his short piece on indifferents and adds additional commentary.
Read the piece: https://www.stoaletter.com/p/indifferents
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Subscribe to The Stoa Letter for weekly meditations, actions, and links to the best Stoic resources: www.stoaletter.com/subscribeDownload the Stoa app (it’s a free download): https://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 more episodes and learn more here: https://stoameditation.com/blog/stoa-conversations/
Thanks to Michael Levy for graciously letting us use his music in the conversations: https://ancientlyre.com/
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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) Stoic Determinism
(26:22) Difficulty With Socratic Intellectualism
(33:40) Handbook 42
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Subscribe to The Stoa Letter for weekly meditations, actions, and links to the best Stoic resources: www.stoaletter.com/subscribe
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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 more episodes and learn more here: https://stoameditation.com/blog/stoa-conversations/
Thanks to Michael Levy for graciously letting us use his music in the conversations: https://ancientlyre.com/
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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 might mean you're missing the point, and offer insights on how to pursue success without sacrificing your values.
Whether you're grinding for that next promotion or living on ramen noodles, this episode will make you rethink your relationship with money. Don't let your wallet own you – tune in and learn how to own your wealth instead.
(00:00) Wealth, Money, and Riches
(05:34) Wisdom From The Stoics
(08:09) When To Pursue Wealth
(14:39) Risks of Wealth
(20:20) You Always Need More
(25:41) Stoic Capitalism
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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): https://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 more episodes and learn more here: https://stoameditation.com/blog/stoa-conversations/
Thanks to Michael Levy for graciously letting us use his music in the conversations: https://ancientlyre.com/
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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
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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): https://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 more episodes and learn more here: https://stoameditation.com/blog/stoa-conversations/
Thanks to Michael Levy for graciously letting us use his music in the conversations: https://ancientlyre.com/
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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 others without being a pushover.
(03:21) Defining Justice
(05:36) Piety
(11:47) What Piety Looks Like
(16:22) Kindness
(24:06) Good Fellowship
(35:03) Fair Dealing
***Subscribe to The Stoa Letter for weekly meditations, actions, and links to the best Stoic resources: www.stoaletter.com/subscribe
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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 more episodes and learn more here: https://stoameditation.com/blog/stoa-conversations/
Thanks to Michael Levy for graciously letting us use his music in the conversations: https://ancientlyre.com/
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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 NatureDownload 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 more episodes and learn more here: https://stoameditation.com/blog/stoa-conversations/
Thanks to Michael Levy for graciously letting us use his music in the conversations: https://ancientlyre.com/
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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-takingLearn how ancient wisdom can help you navigate life's gambles with grace and purpose. The Stoics knew: true risk lies not in external outcomes, but in compromising your character.
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Subscribe to The Stoa Letter for weekly meditations, actions, and links to the best Stoic resources: www.stoaletter.com/subscribe
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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 more episodes and learn more here: https://stoameditation.com/blog/stoa-conversations/
Thanks to Michael Levy for graciously letting us use his music in the conversations: https://ancientlyre.com/
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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.
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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 useful, but truly cannot afford it, email us and we'll set you up with a free account.
Thanks to Michael Levy for graciously letting us use his music in the conversations: https://ancientlyre.com/
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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 Challenge to Stoic Principles
(35:00) Becoming a Friend to Oneself
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Listen as they discuss the Stoic approach to balancing social engagement with self-reflection, the importance of character in both solitude and company, and how to cultivate a healthy relationship with oneself.
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 more episodes and learn more here: https://stoameditation.com/blog/stoa-conversations/
Thanks to Michael Levy for graciously letting us use his music in the conversations: https://ancientlyre.com/
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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 competitor in any field, or someone looking to apply Stoicism to life's challenges, this episode offers actionable insight on maintaining composure and clarity – as well as challenges and reflections on how to apply Stoicism to jiu jitsu in particular.
(02:48) Jiu Jitsu Competitions
(04:58) What Is Jiu Jitsu
(07:05) Why Compete
(12:54) How Did It Go?
(17:23) Michael on Caring And Stoicism
(21:26) Michael's Advice For Caleb
(29:08) Should You Use The Restroom?
(35:06) Zooming In Too Much
(36:41) Epictetus vs Marcus on Competition
(39:24) Participation Trophies Matter
(43:11) Caleb Doesn't Like Participation Trophies
(46:15) Social Resistance And Ego
(54:05) Caleb's Learnings
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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 and find it useful, but truly cannot afford it, email us and we'll set you up with a free account.
Listen to more episodes and learn more here: https://stoameditation.com/blog/stoa-conversations/
Thanks to Michael Levy for graciously letting us use his music in the conversations: https://ancientlyre.com/
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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) Alexander the Great – So Called
(39:00) Takeaways: Epictetus on Diogenes
(44:48) Favorite Diogenes StoriesDownload 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 more episodes and learn more here: https://stoameditation.com/blog/stoa-conversations/
Thanks to Michael Levy for graciously letting us use his music in the conversations: https://ancientlyre.com/
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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 Nietzsche's insights can be applied to critically examine our own philosophical commitments.
https://greatbooks.io/
Johnathan’s YouTube
(01:50) From Hating Humanities to Loving Philosophy
(06:06) Silicon Valley Detour
(11:01) The Life of Action VS Contemplation
(19:58) Philosophy as a Way Of Life
(27:43) Nietzsche's Challenge To Stoicism
(31:04) The Equality Illusion
(39:20) Nietzsche on Epictetus
(50:04) Nietzsche For Every Day Life
(56:31) Why Ad Hominems Win & Metaethics
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Subscribe to The Stoa Letter for weekly meditations, actions, and links to the best Stoic resources: www.stoaletter.com/subscribe
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Listen to more episodes and learn more here: https://stoameditation.com/blog/stoa-conversations/
Thanks to Michael Levy for graciously letting us use his music in the conversations: https://ancientlyre.com/
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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 decide
Control as strong influence
A more accurate interpretation: what depends on us vs. what doesn't Practical applications of this refined understandinghttps://modernstoicism.com/what-many-people-misunderstand-about-the-stoic-dichotomy-of-control-by-michael-tremblay/
***Download the Stoa app (it’s a free download): stoameditation.com/pod
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Listen to more episodes and learn more here: https://stoameditation.com/blog/stoa-conversations/
Thanks to Michael Levy for graciously letting us use his music in the conversations: https://ancientlyre.com/
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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
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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 and find it useful, but truly cannot afford it, email us and we'll set you up with a free account.
Listen to more episodes and learn more here: https://stoameditation.com/blog/stoa-conversations/
Thanks to Michael Levy for graciously letting us use his music in the conversations: https://ancientlyre.com/
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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
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Subscribe to The Stoa Letter for weekly meditations, actions, and links to the best Stoic resources: www.stoaletter.com/subscribe
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Listen to more episodes and learn more here: https://stoameditation.com/blog/stoa-conversations/
Thanks to Michael Levy for graciously letting us use his music in the conversations: https://ancientlyre.com/
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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
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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 more episodes and learn more here: https://stoameditation.com/blog/stoa-conversations/
Thanks to Michael Levy for graciously letting us use his music in the conversations: https://ancientlyre.com/
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