If there are no sages, what are we even aiming for?

That was the quiet undercurrent flowing through my second conversation with Tanner Campbell, host of the Practical Stoicism podcast. We sat down not just to revisit Stoic ethics, but to tangle with a thorny but essential topic: how should a Stoic think about health and fitness?

This isn’t just a theoretical question. As someone deeply invested in physical wellbeing and Stoic philosophy, I often wonder where the line is between virtue and vanity. Where does discipline end and obsession begin? What’s the Stoic stance when you’ve skipped the gym three days in a row—neglect or appropriate role balancing?

Who is Tanner Campbell?

Tanner Campbell is a Stoic philosopher, author, and the host of Practical Stoicism, one of the most popular Stoicism podcasts in the world. With a focus on ethics, role theory, and the original Greek foundations of Stoic thought, Tanner brings clarity and depth to complex philosophical ideas. He’s also a husband, a father, and a thoughtful voice helping modern audiences apply ancient wisdom in practical, grounded ways.

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