The Via Stoica Podcast — A Stoic Way of Life

Welcome to the Via Stoica Podcast, the podcast on Stoicism. In this episode, I’m joined by Jason Nelson, author of A Balm for Your Soul: Six Seeds for Happiness, for a calm and honest conversation about happiness, burnout, and what it really takes to live well.Jason shares his journey from corporate life in London to a slower, more intentional way of living, shaped by reflection, practice, and self-trust. Together, we explore his six seeds of happiness, self-care, self-mastery, boundaries, kindness, relationships, and connection, and how closely they align with Stoic philosophy. We talk about people pleasing, impostor syndrome, emotional awareness, and why being kind is not the same as being nice. This episode is a reminder that happiness is not a destination, but a daily practice rooted in honesty, courage, and care for yourself and others.A few reflections you can take from this episode:Pause before reacting and examine what you are feeling.Notice where boundaries are missing, especially in familiar relationships.Pay attention to which connections nourish you and which drain you.Reflect at the end of the day with reason and kindness, not judgment.Listen to the full episode and explore how Stoic wisdom and lived experience come together to support a happier, steadier life.You can read the related article on Via Stoica: https://viastoica.com/a-stoic-conversation-with-jason-nelson/You can follow Jason here: IG: @iamjasonnelsonAnd you can find the book here: Amazon: https://amzn.to/44Fh1XhSupport the showhttps://viastoica.comhttps://viastoica.com/stoic-life-coachinghttps://viastoica.com/benny-vonckenYouTube: @viastoicainfo@viastoica.comProduced by: badmic.com

Welcome to the Via Stoica Podcast, the podcast on Stoicism.In this episode, we look at a passage by Marcus Aurelius from Meditations, Book 5.3, where he reminds himself how to act in the face of criticism and doubt:“If an action or utterance is appropriate, then it’s appropriate for you. Don’t be put off by other people’s comments and criticism. If it’s right to say or do it, then it’s the right thing for you to do or say.”— Marcus Aurelius, Meditations, Book 5.3The core idea is simple: first judge carefully what is appropriate, then have the courage to act. Marcus points out that other people follow their own impulses and views. Their reactions are not your responsibility. What matters is whether your action aligns with reason, ethics, and your role in the world.This theme runs through Stoicism as a whole. Epictetus emphasizes responsibility for choice, Seneca warns against living for approval, and all three Stoic disciplines come together here. Desire is trained away from praise, Assent is used to judge what is right, and Action is where courage is required to follow through.In practice, this helps when you hesitate to speak honestly, make a difficult decision, or feel shaken by criticism. Ask whether the action is fair and necessary. If it is, do it. Learn from feedback if it is useful, but do not let it define your worth or stop your progress.For more, check out this related article with quotes on Stoic courage:https://viastoica.com/10-epictetus-quotes-on-stoic-courage/And if you’re looking for more Stoic sayings, visit viastoica.com, where you’ll find hundreds of quotes with full references to the original texts:https://viastoica.com/stoic-quoteshttps://viastoica.com/marcus-aurelius-quoteshttps://viastoica.com/epictetus-quoteshttps://viastoica.com/seneca-quotesMake sure to subscribe for more Stoic Quotes episodes every Friday, as well as our Tuesday interviews and longer discussions.Support the showhttps://viastoica.comhttps://viastoica.com/stoic-life-coachinghttps://viastoica.com/benny-vonckenhttps://x.com/ViaStoicainfo@viastoica.comProduced by: badmic.com

Welcome to the Via Stoica Podcast, the podcast on Stoicism.In this episode, we explore why self compassion matters if we want to make real progress. Stoicism is demanding, and it can easily turn into a quiet kind of perfectionism, where every mistake feels like failure. But the Stoics were never asking us to be finished, they were asking us to keep training.Marcus Aurelius begins his reflections on Antoninus Pius with a simple lesson: “compassion.”Marcus Aurelius, Meditations, 1.17For the Stoics, this wasn’t about being soft or excusing yourself, but about staying fair, steady, and willing to learn. When Marcus points to compassion, he isn’t encouraging comfort for its own sake, but reminding us that harsh self judgment clouds reason, and makes it harder to correct course.You will hear practical reflections on the difference between being nice and being kind, how to use the Pause to step back instead of spiraling, and how the four virtues can guide honest self review without self punishment. The goal is not to lower the standard, but to keep moving toward it, as a student, one decision at a time.Listen to the full episode now and discover how self compassion can transform the way you think, act, and see your life.Read the related article: https://viastoica.com/why-stoic-progress-requires-self-compassion/Support the show🌐 viastoica.com🎯 viastoica.com/stoic-life-coaching👤 viastoica.com/benny-voncken▶️ YouTube: @viastoica📧 info@viastoica.com🎙️ Produced by: https://badmic.com

Welcome to the Via Stoica Podcast, the Podcast on Stoicism.Where we take a moment to slow down and reflect on what the Stoics can teach us about living with reason and restraint. In this episode, we turn to Seneca and a striking passage from On Anger, Book 3, section 3: “So tell me, will someone call a man sane who, as if caught up in a tempest, does not walk, but is driven along and takes as his master a furious demon?”Seneca uses vivid language to show what anger does to the mind. When anger takes over, we are no longer choosing our actions; we are being carried by them. The Stoic principle at work here is self-command. Anger is not strength, but a loss of inner direction, a momentary madness that blocks reason and leads us away from acting well.This idea connects closely with Epictetus and Marcus Aurelius, who both warn against being ruled by impressions instead of examining them. Through the disciplines of Desire, Assent, and Action, Stoicism teaches us to loosen our attachment to emotional impulses, question the judgments that ignite anger, and respond deliberately rather than react blindly. In everyday life, this means learning to pause when irritation arises, recognizing when emotion is taking the lead, and choosing restraint over release, especially in moments of pressure or conflict.For more, check out this related article with quotes on Stoicism and anger:https://viastoica.com/10-seneca-quotes-on-anger/And if you’re looking for more Stoic sayings, visit viastoica.com, where you’ll find hundreds of quotes with full references to the original texts:https://viastoica.com/stoic-quoteshttps://viastoica.com/marcus-aurelius-quoteshttps://viastoica.com/epictetus-quoteshttps://viastoica.com/seneca-quotesMake sure to subscribe for more Stoic Quotes episodes every Friday, as well as our Tuesday interviews and longer discussions.Support the showhttps://viastoica.comhttps://viastoica.com/stoic-life-coachinghttps://viastoica.com/benny-vonckenhttps://x.com/ViaStoicainfo@viastoica.comProduced by: badmic.com

Welcome to the Via Stoica Podcast, the podcast on Stoicism.In this episode, we explore why the idea of the Stoic lone wolf is a myth. While modern culture often praises isolation and radical self reliance as strength, the Stoics understood human beings as deeply social by nature. Solitude can restore us, but cutting ourselves off from others slowly erodes purpose and direction.Marcus Aurelius captures this clearly when he writes:“Have you ever seen a severed hand or foot, or a decapitated head, lying somewhere apart from the rest of the body? That is what a person makes of himself when he refuses to accept what happens and cuts himself off from others.”Marcus Aurelius, Meditations 8.34He is not condemning solitude, but reminding us that we flourish only when we see ourselves as part of a larger whole.This episode reflects on the difference between chosen solitude and harmful isolation, the Stoic importance of roles and duties, and why real strength lies in connection, responsibility, and contribution. Stoicism invites us not to withdraw from life, but to take our place in it with reason, kindness, and steadiness.Listen to the full episode now and discover how connection and responsibility can transform the way you think, act, and see your life.Read the related article: https://viastoica.com/why-the-stoic-lone-wolf-doesnt-exist/Support the show🌐 viastoica.com🎯 viastoica.com/stoic-life-coaching👤 viastoica.com/benny-voncken▶️ YouTube: @viastoica📧 info@viastoica.com🎙️ Produced by: https://badmic.com

Welcome to the Via Stoica Podcast, the podcast on Stoicism. In this week's Stoic Quotes episode, we look at Epictetus, Discourses, Book 4, Chapter 4, recorded by Arrian. He writes: “But it is a much finer thing to be happy, to have a peaceful and undisturbed mind, to have what concerns you depend on nobody but yourself.”At first glance, this can sound like withdrawal from the world, but Epictetus is pointing to something more demanding. He is reminding us that the moment we tie our happiness to externals, whether comfort, leisure, approval, or even quiet, we become dependent and easily disturbed. Stoic happiness is not about arranging perfect conditions, but about cultivating inner steadiness through right judgment. In modern terms, peace comes not from controlling life, but from aligning our desires with what is truly up to us.This teaching echoes through Stoicism, from Marcus Aurelius’ emphasis on inner rule to Seneca’s insistence that freedom begins with self-command. It touches all three Stoic disciplines: Desire, by letting go of attachments to externals; Assent, by examining the judgments that create disturbance; and Action, by choosing what accords with reason and virtue, even when it feels uncomfortable. Practically, this means learning to remain composed when plans fail, choosing values over convenience, and finding contentment in acting well rather than feeling comfortable.For more, check out this related article with quotes on Stoic inner peace and solitude:https://viastoica.com/10-marcus-aurelius-quotes-on-being-alone/And if you’re looking for more Stoic sayings, visit viastoica.com, where you’ll find hundreds of quotes with full references to the original texts:https://viastoica.com/stoic-quoteshttps://viastoica.com/marcus-aurelius-quoteshttps://viastoica.com/epictetus-quoteshttps://viastoica.com/seneca-quotesMake sure to subscribe for more Stoic Quotes episodes every Friday, as well as our Tuesday interviews and longer discussions.Support the showhttps://viastoica.comhttps://viastoica.com/stoic-life-coachinghttps://viastoica.com/benny-vonckenhttps://x.com/ViaStoicainfo@viastoica.comProduced by: badmic.com

Welcome to the Via Stoica Podcast, the podcast on Stoicism. In this episode, we explore what it really means to build a strong relationship, not from modern ideals of romance or constant happiness, but from a Stoic understanding of character, responsibility, and shared life. Relationships matter deeply in everyday life, yet they often become a source of anxiety, pressure, and confusion. The Stoics approached them differently, seeing relationships not as a solution to personal emptiness, but as a field in which virtue is practiced.At the core of this episode is a simple but demanding insight: strong relationships begin with a strong relationship to oneself. Before seeking completion in another, Stoicism asks us to cultivate self-knowledge, balance, and inner stability. From that foundation, relationships become places of cooperation rather than dependency, growth rather than possession.Marcus Aurelius captures this clearly when he writes:“People exist for one another; you can instruct them, or endure them.”Meditations, Book 8.59For the Stoics, this wasn’t about ideal harmony or avoiding conflict, but about understanding our role toward others. When Marcus Aurelius writes this, he isn’t being cynical, but reminding us that relationships are part of our nature as social beings. They call us to act with patience, fairness, and care, even when it is difficult.The episode also draws on Stoic reflections on friendship, marriage, and attachment, including insights from Seneca and Epictetus, showing that lasting relationships are grounded in virtue rather than pleasure, status, or fear of loss.Here are a few Stoic practices from this episode you can explore in your own life:Strengthen your inner foundation – Work on self-knowledge and balance before seeking fulfillment through another person.Practice relationships as cooperation – Replace winning arguments with understanding and shared responsibility.Examine judgments in conflict – Pause before reacting and question the story you are telling yourself about the other person.Hold relationships with gratitude, not fear – Remember that others are mortal and changeable, and let this deepen appreciation rather than anxiety.In a time when relationships are often idealized or feared, Stoicism offers a grounded alternative. It helps us approach love, friendship, and partnership with clarity, realism, and care. By the end of this episode, you’ll see that Stoicism isn’t a cold philosophy of detachment, but a way of building relationships that are honest, resilient, and rooted in virtue.Listen to the full episode now and discover how Stoic wisdom can transform the way you relate to others and to yourself.Read the companion article: [insert link if available]Support the show🌐 viastoica.com🎯 viastoica.com/stoic-life-coaching👤 viastoica.com/benny-voncken▶️ YouTube: @viastoica📧 info@viastoica.com🎙️ Produced by: badmic.com

Welcome to the Via Stoica Podcast, the podcast on Stoicism. This is another Stoic Quotes edition, where we reflect on a single passage and its meaning for everyday life. In this episode, we turn to Marcus Aurelius and a note from Meditations 10.37: “Learn to ask of all actions, ‘Why are they doing that?’ Starting with your own.” In another translation, he adds: “What is his point of reference here? But begin with yourself.”Marcus is reminding himself that frustration often comes from rushed judgments. We often assume that others act to inconvenience or offend us when, in reality, they are guided by their own pressures, habits, and priorities. The Stoic task is to pause and question the story we tell ourselves, while first turning that same scrutiny inward. Have I acted like this before, and why?This short reflection connects directly to the Stoic disciplines of Assent and Action. We cannot control what others do, but we can examine our judgments and choose a response rooted in patience rather than impulse. Practiced consistently, this habit softens irritation, reduces conflict, and helps us meet daily interactions with more understanding and restraint.For more, check out this related article with quotes on dealing with frustrating people:https://viastoica.com/how-to-deal-with-frustrating-people/And if you’re looking for more Stoic sayings, visit viastoica.com, where you’ll find hundreds of quotes with full references to the original texts:https://viastoica.com/stoic-quoteshttps://viastoica.com/marcus-aurelius-quoteshttps://viastoica.com/epictetus-quoteshttps://viastoica.com/seneca-quotesMake sure to subscribe for more Stoic Quotes episodes every Friday, as well as our Tuesday interviews and longer discussions.Support the showhttps://viastoica.comhttps://viastoica.com/stoic-life-coachinghttps://viastoica.com/benny-vonckenhttps://x.com/ViaStoicainfo@viastoica.comProduced by: badmic.com

Welcome to the Via Stoica Podcast, the podcast on Stoicism. In this episode, we explore why New Year’s can feel strangely heavy, even when it’s meant to be a celebration. For many people, it becomes a moment of judgment, comparison, and pressure, a symbolic “turning point” that makes unfinished business feel louder than usual. The Stoics offer a calmer way to approach it, not as a magical reset, but as another chance to live with clarity, intention, and steadiness.At the center of this episode is a simple Stoic shift: measure your year by your character, not your outcomes. We often evaluate ourselves by externals, achievements, money, status, habits, even health, yet so much of that is never fully up to us. For the Stoics, this wasn’t about lowering ambition, but about grounding self-worth in what truly belongs to you: how you think, choose, and act.Epictetus captures this clearly when he reminds us:“Some things are up to us and some are not.”Epictetus, Handbook 1For the Stoics, this wasn’t about becoming passive, but about becoming precise. When Epictetus writes this, he isn’t telling us to stop striving, but reminding us to stop attaching our peace to results we cannot command. New Year’s intentions become healthier when they focus on the inner work, boundaries, honesty, courage, and daily discipline, rather than a single dramatic change on January 1st.Here are a few Stoic practices from this episode you can explore in your own life:A yearly review of character – Ask, “Did I act well this year?” rather than “Did I win?” Look for progress in patience, integrity, and self-control.Set intentions, not fantasies – Replace rigid resolutions with small commitments you can practice daily, even when motivation fades.Detach from comparison – Notice the impulse to measure your year against others, and return to what you actually know: your own choices.Accept the past, begin again – Let last year be a teacher, not a verdict. Drop regret, take the lesson, and continue.New Year’s can be a useful mirror, but it doesn’t need to become a courtroom. Stoicism helps you step into the next year with less pressure and more direction, grounded in what you control and softened toward what you don’t. By the end of this episode, you’ll see that Stoicism isn’t a cold philosophy of detachment, but a way of living wisely, steadily, and with quiet confidence, one day at a time.Listen to the full episode now and discover how New Year’s reflection can transform the way you think, act, and see your life.Read the companion article: [insert link if available]Support the show🌐 viastoica.com🎯 viastoica.com/stoic-life-coaching👤 viastoica.com/benny-voncken▶️ YouTube: @viastoica📧 info@viastoica.com🎙️ Produced by: badmic.com

Welcome to the Via Stoica Podcast, the podcast on Stoicism. In this Stoic Quotes edition, we reflect on Seneca’s On Anger, Book III, where he reports Aristotle’s concern that, without anger, the mind becomes “indifferent to great endeavors.” Seneca, Dialogues and Essays, On Anger, 3Seneca introduces this idea to question it. For the Stoics, anger is not a source of strength but a disturbance of reason. It clouds judgment and pulls us away from deliberate, ethical action. The greatest endeavor is not an external achievement, but the cultivation of character. Virtue does not need anger to motivate it.This view runs throughout Stoic philosophy. Epictetus urges us to examine impressions before giving assent, and Marcus Aurelius reminds himself to act without bitterness. Through the three Stoic disciplines, anger reflects misplaced desire, unexamined assent, and impulsive action.In practice, this means noticing anger early, pausing before reacting, and questioning the judgments behind it. Calm commitment to virtue proves far more powerful than anger ever could.For more, check out this related article with quotes on anger and self-control:https://viastoica.com/10-seneca-quotes-on-anger/And if you’re looking for more Stoic sayings, visit viastoica.com, where you’ll find hundreds of quotes with full references to the original texts:https://viastoica.com/stoic-quoteshttps://viastoica.com/marcus-aurelius-quoteshttps://viastoica.com/epictetus-quoteshttps://viastoica.com/seneca-quotesMake sure to subscribe for more Stoic Quotes episodes every Friday, as well as our Tuesday interviews and longer discussions.Support the showhttps://viastoica.comhttps://viastoica.com/stoic-life-coachinghttps://viastoica.com/benny-vonckenhttps://x.com/ViaStoicainfo@viastoica.comProduced by: https://badmic.com

Welcome to the Via Stoica Podcast, the podcast on Stoicism.In this episode, we explore a theme that quietly weighs on many people during this time of year: navigating the holidays alone. While the holiday season is often portrayed as a time of togetherness, joy, and celebration, it can also amplify feelings of loneliness, pressure, and comparison. The Stoics approached these moments differently, not by denying the difficulty, but by understanding it through reason, acceptance, and self-knowledge.At the heart of this episode is the Stoic distinction between loneliness and solitude. Loneliness arises when our desires and expectations clash with reality, when we believe something essential is missing. Solitude, by contrast, is a state of inner steadiness, a calm connection with oneself that does not depend on external circumstances.Seneca captures this beautifully when he writes:“…we say the wise man is self-content; he is so in the sense that he is able to do without friends, not that he desires to do without them.”Seneca, Letters from a Stoic, Letter 9For the Stoics, this wasn’t about rejecting relationships or becoming emotionally distant, but about grounding our well-being in what truly belongs to us: our judgments, values, and character. When Seneca speaks of self-contentment, he isn’t praising isolation, but reminding us that inner stability is the foundation for meaningful connection, not its opposite.Here are a few Stoic practices from this episode you can explore in your own life:Examining desires – Notice where your expectations about the holidays come from, and whether they are reasonable or imposed by social pressure.Reframing impressions – When thoughts of “I shouldn’t be alone” arise, pause and question the judgment behind them.Practicing solitude – Use time alone for reflection, rest, and reconnection with your values, rather than distraction.Voluntary withdrawal from comparison – Step back from social media when it fuels restlessness or self-judgment.This episode gently reframes the holidays as an opportunity for honesty and presence. By applying the Stoic view, moments of solitude can become moments of clarity, grounding, and even quiet joy. Stoicism shows us that peace does not come from having life look a certain way, but from learning to meet life as it is, with reason and kindness toward ourselves.Listen to the full episode now and discover how navigating the holidays alone can transform the way you think, act, and relate to yourself.Support the show🌐 viastoica.com🎯 viastoica.com/stoic-life-coaching👤 viastoica.com/benny-voncken▶️ YouTube: @viastoica📧 info@viastoica.com🎙️ Produced by: badmic.com

Welcome to the Via Stoica Podcast, the podcast on Stoicism.In this Stoic Quotes episode, we turn to Epictetus and one of the most important passages from the Handbook (Enchiridion), 1. Epictetus writes: “Practice then from the start to say to every harsh impression, ‘You are an impression and not at all the things you appear to be.’ Then examine it and test it by these rules … whether it has to do with the things which are up to us or with the things which are not. And if it has to do with the things which are not up to us, be ready to reply, ‘It is nothing to me.’”This quote points to a core Stoic insight: events themselves do not disturb us, but the judgments we add to them do. Impressions arise automatically, but we always have the capacity to pause, examine them, and decide whether they concern what is truly up to us. This is where Stoic freedom begins.The same idea appears throughout Stoic philosophy. Marcus Aurelius urges us to remove opinion from events, while Seneca warns how unchecked impressions quickly turn into destructive emotions. Through the disciplines of Desire, Assent, and Action, the Stoics teach us to release attachment to externals, question our immediate reactions, and act from virtue rather than impulse.In practice, this means learning to pause when something unsettling happens, asking whether it lies within your control, and letting go of value judgments where it does not. What remains is the freedom to respond well, no matter the circumstances.For more, check out this related article with quotes on control:https://viastoica.com/10-epictetus-quotes-on-control/And if you’re looking for more Stoic sayings, visit viastoica.com, where you’ll find hundreds of quotes with full references to the original texts:https://viastoica.com/stoic-quoteshttps://viastoica.com/marcus-aurelius-quoteshttps://viastoica.com/epictetus-quoteshttps://viastoica.com/seneca-quotesMake sure to subscribe for more Stoic Quotes episodes every Friday, as well as our Tuesday interviews and longer discussions.Support the showhttps://viastoica.comhttps://viastoica.com/stoic-life-coachinghttps://viastoica.com/benny-vonckenhttps://x.com/ViaStoicainfo@viastoica.comProduced by: badmic.com

Welcome to the Via Stoica Podcast, the podcast on StoicismIn this episode of The Via Stoica Podcast, I sit down with Eric Weiner, celebrated author, philosophical traveler, and former NPR foreign correspondent, to explore how philosophy, travel, and character shape a meaningful life. Known for The Socrates Express and The Geography of Bliss, Eric brings a mix of humor, honesty, and depth to the conversation.We dive into the wisdom behind The Socrates Express, the surprising modern relevance of ancient philosophers, and why Stoic ideas continue to resonate today. Eric also shares insights from Ben and Me, his exploration of Benjamin Franklin’s habits, virtues, and practical philosophy for living well.Whether you’re into Stoicism, philosophy, or simply searching for grounded guidance in daily life, this conversation offers clear, practical takeaways. If you enjoy the episode, rate, review, and subscribe, and read our full review of The Socrates Express: https://viastoica.com/the-socrates-express/Support the showhttps://viastoica.comhttps://viastoica.com/stoic-life-coachinghttps://viastoica.com/benny-vonckenhttps://twitter.com/ViaStoicainfo@viastoica.comProduced by: http://badmic.com

Welcome to the Via Stoica Podcast, the podcast on Stoicism.In today’s Stoic Quotes edition, we explore a powerful passage from Marcus Aurelius, Meditations 11.16:“Why is it so hard when things go against you? If it is imposed by nature, accept it gladly and stop fighting. And if not, work out what your own nature requires and aim at that… None of us is forbidden to pursue our own good.”Marcus invites us to examine why unexpected events unsettle us so deeply. His answer is simple but demanding: if something follows from the natural order of things, resisting it only creates frustration. And if the difficulty doesn’t come from nature itself but from our own value judgments and desires, then our task is to return to what our own nature requires, the pursuit of virtue, clarity, and good character.This passage points directly to the heart of Stoic freedom. What harms us is not the event but the judgment we attach to it. Marcus reminds himself that externals merely “hover before us,” without the power to determine our perception. Our beliefs and attitudes do that. And because they are ours, we can change them.Stoicism becomes clearer when we apply this to our own lives. Many of the things that upset us do so because they collide with external desires, the career we want, the praise we seek, the outcomes we imagine. When those things fail, we call it “misfortune,” even though the true good was always in our character, not in the result.Practical reflections for your day:• When something unpleasant happens, pause and ask: “Is this from nature, or from my expectation?”• Break the situation into its simple parts, what actually occurred versus the story you attached to it.• Shift your focus from external outcomes to internal excellence: “What is the virtuous thing for me to do right now?”These small shifts make the Stoic path real, not theoretical. They help you respond with steadiness instead of frustration, clarity instead of confusion, and purpose instead of reactivity.For more, check out this related article with quotes on acceptance and perspective:https://viastoica.com/how-to-practice-stoic-acceptance-of-what-is/And if you’re looking for more Stoic sayings, visit viastoica.com, where you’ll find hundreds of quotes with full references to the original texts:https://viastoica.com/stoic-quoteshttps://viastoica.com/marcus-aurelius-quoteshttps://viastoica.com/epictetus-quoteshttps://viastoica.com/seneca-quotesMake sure to subscribe for more Stoic Quotes episodes every Friday, as well as our Tuesday interviews and longer discussions.Support the showhttps://viastoica.comhttps://viastoica.com/stoic-life-coachinghttps://viastoica.com/benny-vonckenhttps://x.com/ViaStoicainfo@viastoica.comProduced by: badmic.com

Welcome to the Via Stoica Podcast, the podcast on Stoicism.In this episode, we explore what it truly means to socialize like a Stoic in a world shaped by screens, quick fixes, and the rising tide of loneliness. Many believe confidence comes from external aids like alcohol or status, yet the Stoics approached human connection from a far deeper place. This conversation invites you to pause and reconsider where real confidence and meaningful relationships actually begin.At the heart of this episode is the Stoic understanding that we are, by nature, social beings, meant to contribute to one another and to the greater whole. As Marcus Aurelius reminds us in Meditations 5.1:“At dawn, when you have trouble getting out of bed, tell yourself: I have to go to work as a human being.”For the Stoics, this wasn’t about productivity or social performance, but about duty, contribution, and showing up as a rational, pro-social being. When Marcus writes this, he isn’t being harsh, but reminding us that withdrawing from life and others is not in harmony with who we are meant to be.Here are a few Stoic practices from this episode you can explore in your own life:– Examining impressions – noticing when fear of rejection or discomfort shapes your social choices.– Voluntary discomfort – practicing sober, deliberate presence in social settings to build real confidence.– View from above – stepping back to see how small momentary rejection truly is in the larger pattern of life.– Daily reflection – journaling how you showed up for others and where you avoided connection.Modern life offers endless stimulation but little depth. Algorithms, digital validation, and social shortcuts promise connection yet often strengthen isolation. Stoicism offers another way—one grounded in character, clarity, and courage. By the end of this episode, you’ll see that Stoicism isn’t a cold philosophy of detachment, but a way of living with presence, responsibility, and quiet inner strength.Referenced clips from the episodeScott Galloway on Bill Maher:https://youtu.be/BeTLZasgWS4?si=p0a4l-Bp7Us3_0TvGary Vaynerchuk on confidence and judgment:https://www.youtube.com/shorts/A-BFFp9TdD4Listen to the full episode now and discover how social connection can transform the way you think, act, and see your life.Support the show🌐 viastoica.com🎯 viastoica.com/stoic-life-coaching👤 viastoica.com/benny-voncken▶️ YouTube: @viastoica📧 info@viastoica.com🎙️ Produced by: badmic.com

Welcome to the Via Stoica Podcast, the podcast on Stoicism.In this episode, we explore a powerful line from Seneca’s On Anger (Book 3.5): “The first essential is not to become angry; the second, to cease being angry; the third, to cure anger in others.” Seneca calls anger a form of “momentary madness,” a state that pulls us away from clarity and keeps us from making the right moral choice.We walk through why the Stoics saw anger as a judgment rather than an inevitable reaction, and how examining that judgment helps us understand the emotion instead of being overpowered by it. Drawing on the Stoic disciplines of Desire, Assent, and Action, this episode shows how we can pause before anger rises, return to reason when it does, and eventually help others do the same.You’ll also hear practical ways to apply Seneca’s three steps in daily life, from creating a pause between trigger and response, to setting a calmer example for the people around us. This is a reflective and grounded look at how Stoicism helps us navigate one of the most common and disruptive emotions.For more, check out this related article with quotes on anger:https://viastoica.com/how-to-take-right-action-like-a-stoic/And if you’re looking for more Stoic sayings, visit viastoica.com, where you’ll find hundreds of quotes with full references to the original texts:https://viastoica.com/stoic-quoteshttps://viastoica.com/marcus-aurelius-quoteshttps://viastoica.com/epictetus-quoteshttps://viastoica.com/seneca-quotesMake sure to subscribe for more Stoic Quotes episodes every Friday, as well as our Tuesday interviews and longer discussions.Support the showhttps://viastoica.comhttps://viastoica.com/stoic-life-coachinghttps://viastoica.com/benny-vonckenhttps://x.com/ViaStoicainfo@viastoica.comProduced by: https://badmic.com

Welcome to the Via Stoica Podcast, the podcast on Stoicism.In today’s episode, we explore a simple but powerful December practice: returning to a few meaningful books as a way to reflect, reset, and prepare for the year ahead. This is a time when many people think about change, but the Stoics approached renewal differently. For them, reflection wasn’t about waiting for January 1st, it was about using this moment, right now, to strengthen the mind and clarify intention.At the heart of this episode is the idea that reading is not an escape but a form of self-examination. He isn’t urging perfectionism, but pointing us toward small, present-moment choices, the kind of choices this yearly reading ritual helps illuminate.Here are a few Stoic practices from this episode you can explore in your own life:• Reflective reading — return to books that ground you, not for new information but to renew your mindset and revisit forgotten insights.• Preparing the mind early — instead of waiting for New Year’s resolutions, use December as your mental runway to understand why you want to change.• Examining impressions — pause when you feel pulled toward old habits and ask yourself what belief or expectation sits underneath the impulse.• Daily philosophical reminders — create your own “handbook” of quotes or ideas that steady you when life becomes noisy.This episode is a quiet invitation to step back from the rush of the year and reconnect with what matters. The books Benny discusses — Man’s Search for Meaning, Epictetus’ Handbook, and Marcus Aurelius' Meditations are not just texts but companions that sharpen attention, deepen gratitude, and restore a sense of direction. By returning to them, we rediscover that Stoicism is not about cold detachment. It is about remembering who we want to be and choosing to live with clarity, courage, and a bit more kindness toward ourselves.Listen to the full episode now and discover how end-of-year reflection can transform the way you think, act, and see your life.You can also check out the article: https://viastoica.com/the-best-stoic-books-for-reflection/Support the show🌐 viastoica.com🎯 viastoica.com/stoic-life-coaching👤 viastoica.com/benny-voncken▶️ YouTube: @viastoica📧 info@viastoica.com🎙️ Produced by: badmic.com

Welcome to the Via Stoica Podcast, the podcast on Stoicism. In today’s Stoic Quotes episode, we explore a powerful teaching from Epictetus taken from the Handbook (Enchiridion), Section 4, a short, concentrated guide to Stoic practice.“When you are about to undertake some action, remind yourself what sort of action it is.”Epictetus, Handbook, 4This simple instruction contains a profound Stoic discipline: prepare your mind before entering situations where frustration, irritation, or impatience are likely to arise. Epictetus uses the example of going to the public baths in ancient Rome, a chaotic place full of noise, crowds, and annoyances. His point is timeless: if you remember what you are stepping into, you won’t be surprised by what happens inside it.What he’s really pointing to is the Stoic principle of prosochē, attentive presence. When you anticipate the nature of the situation, you protect your freedom of response. You remember that your task is not just to “take a bath,” or “drive a car,” or “stand in a queue,” but to keep your choices aligned with nature, meaning aligned with reason, patience, and virtue.When you adopt this mindset, daily life becomes far less reactive. You stop wishing people were different and begin practicing who you want to be.In practical terms, this teaching can help you:• Reduce frustration in situations you already know will test you — driving, airports, crowded shops, delays.• Take a brief mental pause before entering a task and ask, “What am I about to do — and who do I want to be while doing it?”• Shift from reacting to others’ behavior toward fulfilling your own role with patience, calm, and steadiness.By preparing your mind before the moment, you create space for virtue within the moment.For more, check out this related article with quotes on how to take the right action:https://viastoica.com/how-to-take-right-action-like-a-stoic/And if you’re looking for more Stoic sayings, visit viastoica.com, where you’ll find hundreds of quotes with full references to the original texts:https://viastoica.com/stoic-quoteshttps://viastoica.com/marcus-aurelius-quoteshttps://viastoica.com/epictetus-quoteshttps://viastoica.com/seneca-quotesMake sure to subscribe for more Stoic Quotes episodes every Friday, as well as our Tuesday interviews and longer discussions.Support the showhttps://viastoica.comhttps://viastoica.com/stoic-life-coachinghttps://viastoica.com/benny-vonckenhttps://x.com/ViaStoicainfo@viastoica.comProduced by: badmic.com

Welcome to the Via Stoica Podcast, the podcast on Stoicism.In this episode, we explore the roots of Stoic thought through Donald Robertson’s new book, How to Think Like Socrates. Instead of beginning with Marcus Aurelius, we step back to the source, to a philosopher who shaped the very way the Stoics learned to think. Socrates invites us to examine our beliefs, question our assumptions, and approach life with clarity and honesty.Listen to the full episode now and discover how the Socratic method can sharpen your thinking and deepen your Stoic practice.Support the showviastoica.comviastoica.com/stoic-life-coachingviastoica.com/benny-vonckenYouTube: @viastoicainfo@viastoica.comProduced by: badmic.com

Welcome to the Via Stoica Podcast, the podcast on Stoicism.In today’s Stoic Quotes episode, we explore a powerful reflection from Marcus Aurelius, Meditations 2.1, a reminder of responsibility, harmony, and our place within the larger human community:“No one can implicate me in ugliness. Nor can I feel angry at my relative or hate him. We were born to work together, like feet, hands, and eyes; like two rows of teeth, upper and lower. To obstruct each other is unnatural.”Marcus Aurelius, Meditations 2.1Marcus opens with a simple but profound truth: the state of your character is yours alone. No one can force you to act without integrity. No one can push you into bitterness or moral compromise. The choice, the judgment, is always yours. And then he widens the frame: because we share the same nature, hurting others ultimately harms ourselves. Unity is our natural state; hostility is the obstruction.This teaching points directly to two Stoic principles: responsibility for one’s own moral choices, and cosmopolitanism, the idea that we are all parts of one body. In modern language: you are accountable for the way you respond, and the people around you are not obstacles but fellow limbs of the same organism.Epictetus says that nothing external can force your judgment. Seneca grounds responsibility in the integrity of one’s own soul. And Marcus constantly reminds himself that he is part of a larger whole.Seen through the three Stoic disciplines, this passage becomes even clearer:• Desire — letting go of the impulse to want people to be different from what they are.• Assent — choosing not to accept impressions that provoke anger or hatred.• Action — behaving in a way that supports the unity and well-being of the larger human community.When you look at life this way, the quote becomes an invitation: protect your character, and treat others as parts of the same living structure.Here are a few practical reflections for daily life:• When someone behaves poorly, pause before reacting. Their action is theirs. Your judgment is yours.• Choose responses that strengthen the connection rather than fracture it. Even a moment of patience is a step toward harmony.• When tempted to blame others for your choices, remind yourself that accountability is freedom. You keep your integrity by owning your decisions.For more, check out this article to learn how to Practice Stoicism: https://viastoica.com/how-to-practice-stoicism/And if you’re looking for more Stoic sayings, visit viastoica.com, where you’ll find hundreds of quotes with full references to the original texts:https://viastoica.com/stoic-quoteshttps://viastoica.com/marcus-aurelius-quoteshttps://viastoica.com/epictetus-quoteshttps://viastoica.com/seneca-quotesMake sure to subscribe for more Stoic Quotes episodes every Friday, as well as our Tuesday interviews and longer discussions.Support the showhttps://viastoica.comhttps://viastoica.com/stoic-life-coachinghttps://viastoica.com/benny-vonckenhttps://x.com/ViaStoicainfo@viastoica.comProduced by: badmic.com