Discover
Citizens of the World: A Stoic Podcast for Curious Travelers

Citizens of the World: A Stoic Podcast for Curious Travelers
Author: Communication & Mindset Coach Sarah Mikutel
Subscribed: 91Played: 3,007Subscribe
Share
© 2025 Sarah Mikutel
Description
Thrive through Stoic wisdom, better communication, and global exploration. Host Sarah Mikutel is a communication coach and American expat in England who's here to help you make the most of your brief time on Earth. Memento mori. It’s time to make every moment matter.
206 Episodes
Reverse
We often have something meaningful to say – but the way we say it can get in the way. We overload our listener with backstory, hoping to make them understand, and end up muddying the message instead. In this episode, I explore why this happens and how a small shift in how we speak can make a big difference. *** I’m your host, Sarah Mikutel, a communication and mindset coach. My work is about helping people like you share your voice, strengthen your relationships, and have more fun. As an Ame...
Carrie Bradshaw used to feel relatable. Now we accuse her of being unhinged. But maybe that says more about us than it does about her. Read the article. *** I’m your host, Sarah Mikutel, a communication and mindset coach. My work is about helping people like you share your voice, strengthen your relationships, and have more fun. As an American expat living in the U.K., I value curiosity, courage, and joy. A few things I love: wandering European streets in search of the best vegetarian meal, ...
We’ve all had those moments where an insult or offhand comment sticks in our head. Hours later, we’re still replaying it, wishing we’d come up with the perfect comeback. But what if the strongest response isn’t a clever line at all? In this episode, I explore what the Stoics – and even a surprising scene from Gladiator 2 – can teach us about handling insults and keeping our peace of mind. You’ll hear: Why chasing the “upper hand” keeps us stuck.How Epictetus, a former slave turned philosopher...
To move forward, sometimes the most powerful thing you can do is pause and take stock of how far you’ve come. Read the article. *** I’m your host, Sarah Mikutel, a communication and mindset coach. My work is about helping people like you share your voice, strengthen your relationships, and have more fun. As an American expat living in the U.K., I value curiosity, courage, and joy. A few things I love: wandering European streets in search of the best vegetarian meal, practicing Italian,...
I finally became a British citizen after years of putting it off – not because I didn’t qualify, but because perfectionism kept slowing me down. In this episode, I share the real reason I delayed, what happened when I shifted my focus from “perfect” to “done,” and revisit how the concept of maximizers vs. satisficers can help you move forward in your life. Read the article (and come say hi on Substack). *** I’m your host, Sarah Mikutel, a communication and mindset coach. My work is abou...
Being blunt isn’t the same as being brave. In a culture that idolizes people who “say whatever they think,” we’ve started confusing impulsiveness for honesty, and arrogance for authenticity. But unfiltered speech isn’t just lazy. Sometimes, it’s harmful. In this episode, I explore the difference between courage and carelessness, and how to practice mindful communication without losing your voice or your values. Read the article. *** I’m your host, Sarah Mikutel, a communication and mind...
The Science of Connection: Building Bonds Through Small Acts of Love In this episode, I share a brief moment with my nephew that opened up a bigger question: How do we create the kind of presence that people remember? I explore the science of likability, the concept of “Love 2.0,” and why the smallest gestures – eye contact, laughter, a kind word – have long-lasting emotional and health benefits. This isn’t about being charming or chosen. It’s about how we choose to show up. *** I’m you...
What if the real key to growth isn’t pushing harder, but celebrating more? In this episode, I’m sharing why savoring your wins matters – how it rewires your brain, reinforces your identity, and helps you live in alignment with your values. If you’ve been rushing from one goal to the next, this is your invitation to pause, reflect, and really honor the actions you’re taking. *** I’m your host, Sarah Mikutel, a communication and mindset coach. My work is about helping people like you share yo...
What did the Founding Fathers actually mean when they talked about “the pursuit of happiness” – and how can we apply that wisdom to our lives today? This episode is about what real happiness looks like – not the fireworks version, but the kind that comes from gratitude, good character, and being present for the small moments. *** I’m your host, Sarah Mikutel, a communication and mindset coach. My work is about helping people like you share your voice, strengthen your relationships, and ...
Struggling to start something new because you're afraid of looking foolish? This episode is your permission slip to begin. You’ll learn how Stoic philosophy and growth mindset can help you move through discomfort, let go of perfectionism, and build real confidence – one imperfect step at a time. If you’ve been overthinking or biting your tongue, this conversation will help you shift into action. Read the transcript *** I’m your host, Sarah Mikutel, a communication and mindset coach. My work i...
What do abandoned mansions in Bucharest have to do with dirty dishes and emotional resentment? In this episode, I explore how our desire for fairness can lead us to self-sabotage — and how Stoic justice asks us to think beyond pride, punishment, and being right. We’ll walk through a real-world example of decades-long property disputes, connect it to the Ultimatum Game in behavioral economics, and look at how these same dynamics show up in our everyday relationships — from family drama to who ...
Mr. Darcy has been on my mind this week. Not because he’s the fantasy of so many women, but because I finally read Pride and Prejudice, and discovered something shocking (to me) about him. I’d always thought of Mr. Darcy as this tall, brooding, misunderstood character. The fabulously wealthy, handsome man who everyone thinks is a jerk, but secretly has a heart of gold and wants to take care of you. This is why women have been obsessed with him for hundreds of years. The strong, silent...
Last week, I gave one of the lightning talks at Stoicon 2024. The topic: How to Combat Speaking Anxiety with Stoicism. Want to see the video? Head to my Substack 👉 Citizens of the World Thanks for listening ❤️ sarahmikutel.com Feeling on edge lately? You’re not alone. What if I created a membership where we’ll practice techniques I use with my one-to-one clients to calm the nervous system – and have fun while we’re at it. If this community sounds great to you, get on the waitlist to r...
Live Without Borders is now called Citizens of the world 🎉 This podcast will continue to share how we can thrive through Stoic wisdom, better communication, and global exploration – so why change the name? I explain it all in this episode. Love, Sarah sarahmikutel.com Feeling on edge lately? You’re not alone. What if I created a membership where we’ll practice techniques I use with my one-to-one clients to calm the nervous system – and have fun while we’re at it. If this commun...
Welcome, fellow citizen of the world. Today we are roadtripping through Turkey with my friend Michelle Warner-Martin. Michelle recently roadtripped across Turkey through: BursaEphesusPamukkaleKonyaIstanbul Adana Mersin CappadociaAnd she’s here to highlight the incredible experiences you can when traveling across Turkey. Michelle is a wedding photographer, which allows her to travel in the off season when things are less crowded and less expensive. Have you bee...
Why do we get angry? How can we challenge our immediate reactions? And what's the best way to articulate our feelings without passive aggression or a blow-up? In this episode, you'll learn four Stoic tips to turn potential conflicts into opportunities for personal growth and stronger relationships. Feeling on edge lately? You’re not alone. What if I created a membership where we’ll practice techniques I use with my one-to-one clients to calm the nervous system – and have fun whil...
Travel can be restorative, fun, and, in my opinion, it’s the greatest form of diplomacy there is. Because we get to know people as individuals rather than stereotypes. We develop deeper connections as true citizens of the world. We experience life. Yet travel and trading countries is not a magic pill for happiness. There is no perfect place, and wherever we go, we take our problems with us. I’m reading David Fideler’s excellent book Breakfast with Seneca, where he quotes Seneca in one of hi...
Our intentions don’t always line up with our outcomes, and misunderstandings lead to anger, sadness, frustration, and conflict. In this episode, I’ll talk about intent vs impact, which is more important, and how to effectively and ethically communicate your intentions. Of course, I’ll be weaving in the timeless wisdom of the Stoics. Hi, I’m Sarah Mikutel, your communication and mindset coach, an Enneagram 9 expat in England, and practicing Stoic. Introverts come to me to learn to speak ...
Introvert Emergency Kit Click here if you're ready to become a less anxious, more charismatic public speaker. When it comes to public speaking, what exactly are you afraid of? Most people I talk to don’t explore their fears at all – and this makes them worse. The thought of public speaking brings up such uncomfortable feelings that they try to ignore them or stuff them down – which is why they continue to suffer from speaking anxiety, one of the most common fears in the wo...
Want to come to Bulgaria with me? For real. My friend Zlatina (who's also today's guest) and I are bringing a small group here for an authentic Balkan experience in May. This is not some naff bus tour. We're inviting a max of 10 world travelers to join us to explore Bulgaria's hidden gems (as well as its most culturally significant sites). Get on the waitlist now so you get priority to come plus a special early-bird rate. How amazing does this sound: walking along the ancient Rom...