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Apr 01, 2024

Marcus Aurelius: The Stoic Emperor with Donald Robertson

You're listening to the Stoic Solutions Podcast - practical wisdom for everyday life inspired by the ancient tradition of Stoic Philosophy from Greece and Rome. I'm your host, Justin Vacula. Visit my website at StoicSolutionsPodcast.com.

For today’s episode, I recorded with author Donald Robertson about his new book ‘Marcus Aurelius: The Stoic Emperor.’

The book brings Marcus Aurelius to life for a new generation by exploring the emperor’s fascinating psychological journey. Robertson examines Marcus’s relationships with key figures in his life, such as his mother, the emperor Hadrian, and his Stoic tutors. He draws extensively on Marcus’s own Meditations and correspondence, and he examines the emperor’s actions as detailed in the Augustan History and other ancient texts.

Donald Robertson is a writer, cognitive-behavioral psychotherapist, and trainer. He is one of the founding members of the Modern Stoicism nonprofit and the founder and president of the Plato’s Academy Centre nonprofit in Athens, Greece. Robertson is an expert on the relationship between modern evidence-based psychotherapy and classical Greek and Roman philosophy. He specializes in teaching evidence-based psychological skills. His work is highly interdisciplinary, combining philosophy, history, and psychology.

Support my work through Patreon. Use referral links to various products.

http://justinvacula.com/donate/

Find Justin Vacula online and listen to past content:

Main website: http://www.stoicsolutionspodcast.com/

SoundCloud: http://www.soundcloud.com/justinvacula

iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/stoic-philosophy/id1264404483

YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/justinvacula

Stitcher: http://www.stitcher.com/podcast/justin-vacula/stoic-philosophy

Google Play: https://play.google.com/music/listen?authuser&u=0#/ps/I4gq7yzmfr63glwfvin2kmciifq

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/StoicSolutionsPodcast/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/StoicSolutions

Instagram: http://www.instagr..

Apr 01, 2024

40 55:35

Feb 27, 2024

Stoicism for Dummies with Gregory Bassham

For today’s episode, I recorded with author Gregory Bassham about his new book ‘Stoicism for Dummies’ that helps you learn the basic principles of Stoic Philosophy and navigate life through the application of Stoicism.

Gregory Bassham is formerly Professor of Philosophy at King's College (Pennsylvania). He is the author, co-author, or editor of eleven books, including Environmental Ethics: The Central Issues (2021), The Bedside Book of Philosophy (2021), Critical Thinking: A Student's Introduction (6th ed. 2019), The Philosophy Book: 250 Milestones in the History of Philosophy (2016), and The Ultimate Harry Potter and Philosophy (2010).

'Stoicism for Dummies'
https://a.co/d/cQXtkNN

Support my work through Patreon. Use referral links to various products.
http://justinvacula.com/donate/

Find Justin Vacula online and listen to past content:

Main website: http://www.stoicsolutionspodcast.com/

SoundCloud: http://www.soundcloud.com/justinvacula

iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/stoic-philosophy/id1264404483

YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/justinvacula

Stitcher: http://www.stitcher.com/podcast/justin-vacula/stoic-philosophy

Google Play: https://play.google.com/music/listen?authuser&u=0#/ps/I4gq7yzmfr63glwfvin2kmciifq

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/StoicSolutionsPodcast/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/StoicSolutions

Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/justinvacula

Justin’s other podcast: https://hurdygurdytravel.com/

Find me in the 2022 book ‘Stoicism Today: Selected Writings Volume 4:’ https://a.co/7sIAOso

Music: Birds by Scandinavianz https://soundcloud.com/scandinavianz Creative Commons — Attribution 3.0 Unported — CC BY 3.0 Free Download / Stream: https://bit.ly/Birds-Scandinavianz Music promoted ..

Feb 27, 2024

77 49:32

Aug 01, 2020

Episode 95 – Kai Whiting on Vegetarian and Vegan Eating

You're listening to the Stoic Solutions Podcast - practical wisdom for everyday life inspired by the ancient tradition of Stoic Philosophy from Greece and Rome. I'm your host, Justin Vacula.

This is episode 95 – Kai Whiting on Vegetarian and Vegan Eating. Kai is a researcher and lecturer in sustainability and Stoic Philosophy based at UC Louvain in Belgium. He tweets @KaiWhiting and blogs at StoicKai.com. His newest paper is titled 'How might a Stoic eat in accordance with nature and “environmental facts”?' We last met at Stoicon 2019 and continue our conversation today!

Support my work through Patreon, the Cash App, and Paypal and use referral links
http://justinvacula.com/donate/

Find Justin Vacula online and listen to past content:

Main website: http://www.stoicsolutionspodcast.com/

SoundCloud: http://www.soundcloud.com/justinvacula

iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/stoic-philosophy/id1264404483

YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/justinvacula

Stitcher: http://www.stitcher.com/podcast/justin-vacula/stoic-philosophy

Google Play: https://play.google.com/music/listen?authuser&u=0#/ps/I4gq7yzmfr63glwfvin2kmciifq

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/StoicSolutionsPodcast/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/StoicSolutions

Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/justinvacula

Engage at home or on-the-go with podcast listeners and people interested in Stoicism & Philosophy in my new interactive easy-to-use Discord chat channel: http://justinvacula.com/2018/04/02/stoic-solutions-podcast-discord-chat/

John Bartmann offered free consultation and audio edits for episodes 51-63.
https://www.johnbartmann.com/

Aug 01, 2020

167 52:34

Nov 24, 2019

Stoic Solutions Podcast Episode 89: How to Have Impossible Conversations with Peter Boghossian

You're listening to the Stoic Solutions Podcast - practical wisdom for everyday life. I'm your host, Justin Vacula, back from Stoicon 2019 in Athens, Greece and still recovering from a cold, excuse the sniffles. This is episode 89 with special guest Peter Boghossian who talks about his new book 'How to Have Impossible Conversations: A Very Practical Guide. We talk about effective conversational strategies, humility, civility, friendship, and much more.

Dr. Peter Boghossian is a full time faculty member in the philosophy department at Portland State University and an affiliated faculty member at Oregon Health Science University in the Division of General Internal Medicine.

He's a national speaker for the Center of Inquiry and the Secular Student Alliance and an international speaker for the Richard Dawkins Foundation for Reason and Science.

Peter has an extensive publication record across multiple domains of thought. He is currently serving as a Fellow for the Global Secular Institute's think tank.

Find his new book 'How to Have Impossible Conversations' on Amazon, Audible, and many other platforms. Follow Peter Boghossian on Twitter @PeterBoghossian – B-O-G-H-O-S-S-I-A-N. Onto the show!

https://amzn.to/2ODmWEM

https://twitter.com/peterboghossian

Visit my website at stoicsolutionspodcast.com where you can email me; connect with me on social media; find past episodes; and join my Discord chat server for interactive discussion. Support my work through Patreon, Paypal, the Cash App, and referral links by visiting the donate tab on my website.

Support my work through Patreon, the Cash App, and Paypal and use referral links
http://justinvacula.com/donate/

Nov 24, 2019

166 39:12

Sep 20, 2019

Stoic Solutions Podcast Episode 88: Discussion with Caleb Ontiveros

You're listening to the Stoic Solutions Podcast - practical wisdom for everyday life. I'm your host, Justin Vacula with episode 88 Discussion with Caleb Ontiveros. We talk about parallels between games and life; mindfulness meditation; frugality; and much more. Caleb is the creator of the app Stoa which blends mindfulness mediatation and Stoic Philosophy – available now for iPhone and Android devices. Learn more at stoameditation.com. Enjoy our discussion!

Support my work through Patreon, the Cash App, and Paypal and use referral links
http://justinvacula.com/donate/

Find Justin Vacula online and listen to past content:
Main website: http://www.stoicsolutionspodcast.com/
SoundCloud: http://www.soundcloud.com/justinvacula
iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/stoic-philosophy/id1264404483
YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/justinvacula
Stitcher: http://www.stitcher.com/podcast/justin-vacula/stoic-philosophy
Google Play: https://play.google.com/music/listen?authuser&u=0#/ps/I4gq7yzmfr63glwfvin2kmciifq
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/StoicSolutionsPodcast/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/StoicSolutions
Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/justinvacula

Podcast music, used with permission, is from Fairyland's album 'Score to a New Beginning.' View their Facebook page here:
https://www.facebook.com/Groupe.Fairyland.Officiel/

John Bartmann offered free consultation and audio edits for episodes 51-63.
https://www.johnbartmann.com/

Resources:
h..

Sep 20, 2019

183 54:19

Sep 14, 2019

Stoic Solutions Podcast Episode 87: Discussion with Tyler Martina

You're listening to the Stoic Solutions Podcast - practical wisdom for everyday life. I'm your host, Justin Vacula with episode 87 Discussion with Tyler Martina. Around this time last year, I spoke with Tyler Martina of Mr. Inkwells Tattoo Shop concerning Stoicism on the topics of happiness, overcoming adversity, finding meaning in life, self-improvement, and mindset.

Thanks to listeners who have reengaged with my podcast and for positive comments on new episodes this September 2019! Enjoy the discussion – a blast from the past!

Support my work through Patreon, the Cash App, and Paypal and use referral links
http://justinvacula.com/donate/

Podcast music, used with permission, is from Fairyland's album 'Score to a New Beginning.' View their Facebook page here:
https://www.facebook.com/Groupe.Fairyland.Officiel/

John Bartmann offered free consultation an..

Sep 14, 2019

177 14:37

Sep 12, 2019

Stoic Solutions Podcast Episode 86: Happiness From Within

You're listening to the Stoic Solutions Podcast - practical wisdom for everyday life. I'm your host, Justin Vacula with episode 86 – Happiness From Within. I explore finding inner contentment, a real sustainable happiness, through exploration of Cellar Darling's new album 'The Spell.'

Support my work through Patreon, the Cash App, and Paypal and use referral links
http://justinvacula.com/donate/

Podcast music, used with permission, is from Fairyland's album 'Score to a New Beginning.' View their Facebook page here:
https://www.facebook.com/Groupe.Fairyland.Officiel/

John Bartmann offered free consultation and audio edits for episodes 51-63.
https://www.johnbartmann.com/

Resources:
http://justinvacula.com/resources/

Sep 12, 2019

148 0:00

Sep 05, 2019

Stoic Solutions Podcast Episode 85: Crossroads

You're listening to the Stoic Solutions Podcast - practical wisdom for everyday life. I'm your host, Justin Vacula with episode 85 – Crossroads – where I explore personal updates and how to face major decisions with prudence and courage.

Support my work through Patreon, the Cash App, and Paypal and use referral links
http://justinvacula.com/donate/

Podcast music, used with permission, is from Fairyland's album 'Score to a New Beginning.' View their Facebook page here:
https://www.facebook.com/Groupe.Fairyland.Officiel/

John Bartmann offered free consultation and audio edits for episodes 51-63.
https://www.johnbartmann.com/

Resources:
http://justinvacula.com/resources/

Sep 05, 2019

203 10:58

Dec 24, 2018

Stoic Solutions Podcast Episode 80: Year-End Reflections

You're listening to the Stoic Solutions Podcast - practical wisdom for everyday life. I'm your host, Justin Vacula with episode 80 – Year End Reflections. I dispute conspicuous consumption, praise a frugal lifestyle, talk about my goals, and discuss my conception of happiness.

Support my work through Patreon, the Cash App, and Paypal and use referral links
http://justinvacula.com/donate/

Podcast music, used with permission, is from Fairyland's album 'Score to a New Beginning.' View their Facebook page here:
https://www.facebook.com/Groupe.Fairyland.Officiel/

John Bartmann offered free consultation and audio edits for episodes 51-63.
https://www.johnbartmann.com/

Resources:
http://justinvacula.com/resources/

Dec 24, 2018

246 42:46

Jul 08, 2018

Stoic Solutions Podcast Episode 63: Interview with musicians of Cellar Darling

You're listening to the Stoic Solutions Podcast - practical wisdom for everyday life. I'm your host, Justin Vacula. This is Episode 63: Interview with the musicians of Cellar Darling.

Anna Murphy (songwriter, vocalist, hurdy gurdy player, and flutist) accompanied by Merlin Sutter (drummer and songwriter) joined me for a candid, humble, and insightful conversation – often coupled with laughter – about their applications of Stoicism in private and public life.

We spoke about their appreciation for Marcus Aurelius, Seneca, and Epictetus which led them to include Stoic themes in their music namely in their song 'Hullabaloo' formerly titled 'Tears of a Stoic' among other songs on their album 'This is the Sound.'

We also explore overcoming adversity; the benefit of taking on challenges; creative expression; coping with negative emotions; balance between intense emotion and reason; self-reflection; finding meaning in life; courage; friendship, the importance of social connections; grief; death; anger; and mental health.

Cellar Darling formed in Summer of 2016 out of the split of Switzerland’s most successful metal act to date, the chart-topping Eluveitie. The trio, also including, Ivo Henzi (guitars & bass), looks back on a decade of touring the world in more than 45 countries on 6 continents.

After the split with their former band, the trio began working on their own songs - a unique combination of grand and heavy riffs, powerful drumming and a unique voice with the signature folky, earthy tones of the hurdy gurdy confidently fusing heavy alternative and progressive rock with strong folk influences and poetic tales – a New Wave Of Folk Rock.

The release of Cellar Darling's debut album ‘This Is The Sound,’ signed to Nuclear Blast Records, received widespread critical acclaim also entering top 100 charts in Switzerland, Germany and the UK peaking at #16 in the band's home country and surpassing 1.8 million streams on Spotify alone within 6 months.

Transcript:
..

Jul 08, 2018

272 52:47

Jun 30, 2018

Stoic Solutions Podcast Episode 62: Dr David Kyle Johnson on Free Will and Science Fiction

You're listening to the Stoic Solutions Podcast - practical wisdom for everyday life. I'm Justin Vacula and this is episode 62 – David Kyle Johnson on Free Will and Science Fiction.

We talk about Mr. Spok, emotions, deliberation, neuroscience, changing habits, self-improvement, and finding meaning in life amidst content presented in his new online course 'Sci Phi: Science Fiction as Philosophy' hosted by The Great Courses.

David Kyle Johnson is a professor of philosophy at King’s College in Pennsylvania who has three courses for The Great Courses: Sci-Phi: Science Fiction as Philosophy (2018), The Big Questions of Philosophy (2016) and Exploring Metaphysics (2014). Academically he specializes in logic, metaphysics, and philosophy of religion. He has articles in journals such as Religious Studies; Sophia; Philo; Think; and Science, Religion and Culture. Most of his articles are available for free on academia.edu. Kyle publishes prolifically on the intersection of philosophy and popular culture. He’s edited four books on the topic: the forthcoming Black Mirror and Philosophy, Inception and Philosophy, NBC’s Heroes, and Introducing Philosophy Through Pop Culture. He's written over 20 articles on Star Trek, Doctor Who, South Park, Tolkien, The Colbert Report, The Daily Show, Family Guy, The Office, and Battlestar Galactica just to name a few. He maintains two blogs for Psychology Today (Plato on Pop and A Logical Take), is the author of The Myths that Stole Christmas, and has an authors@google talk on Inception with over half-a-million views on Youtube.

Visit my website at stoicsolutionspodcast.com where you can connect with me on social media; find past episodes on many podcast platforms; and join my Discord chat server for interactive discussion. Support my work by becoming a donor through Patreon or Paypal to access special rewards including the ability to have upcoming guests answer your questions, custom podcast episodes, and personalized one-on-one disc..

Jun 30, 2018

281 37:29

Jun 24, 2018

Stoic Solutions Podcast Episode 61: Ward Farnsworth author of The Practicing Stoic

You're listening to the Stoic Solutions Podcast - practical wisdom for everyday life. I'm Justin Vacula and this is episode 61 – Ward Farnsworth author of The Practicing Stoic.

We talk the psychological benefits of applying Stoicism, finding fulfillment in life, and changing bad habits amidst discussion of his chapters on judgments, externals, perspective, death, desire, emotion, and adversity.

Ward Farnsworth is Dean of the University of Texas School of Law. He has written extensively on law, rhetoric, and Chess. His prior books include Farnsworth's Classical English Rhetoric and Farnsworth's Classical English Metaphor. His newest book 'The Practicing Stoic' released June 2018.

Support through Patreon and Paypal
Donate: http://justinvacula.com/donate/

Find Justin Vacula online and listen to past content:
Main website: http://www.stoicsolutions.com
SoundCloud: http://www.soundcloud.com/justinvacula
iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/stoic-philosophy/id1264404483
YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/justinvacula
Stitcher: http://www.stitcher.com/podcast/justin-vacula/stoic-philosophy
Google Play: https://play.google.com/music/listen?authuser&u=0#/ps/I4gq7yzmfr63glwfvin2kmciifq
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/StoicSolutionsPodcast/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/StoicSolutions
Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/justinvacula

Engage at home or on-the-go with podcast listeners and people interested in Sto..

Jun 24, 2018

327 43:57

Jun 16, 2018

Stoic Solutions Podcast Episode 60: Steve Karafit of the Sunday Stoic Podcast

You're listening to the Stoic Solutions Podcast - practical wisdom for everyday life. I'm Justin Vacula and this is episode 60 – Steve Karafit of the Sunday Stoic Podcast. We talk about how Stoicism can help us overcome adversity including grief and illness; the appeal of Stoicism to non-religious people; music; and regret. We also talk about Steve's upbringing on a family farm and ethical considerations towards animals and one's diet.

Steve is originally from rural western Ohio where his family still farms the land his great grandfather worked. Steve has an associates degree in Recreation and Wildlife from Hocking College, a B.S. in Field Biology and Environmental Studies Certificate from Ohio University and a M.S. in Systematics and Evolution from the University of Alberta. He is currently a lecturer in the Biology Department at the University of Central Arkansas and uploads episodes of the Sunday Stoic Podcast.

Support through Patreon and Paypal
Donate: http://justinvacula.com/donate/

Jun 16, 2018

328 1:00:04

Jun 09, 2018

Stoic Solutions Podcast Episode 58: Donald Robertson on Modern Stoicism and Online Communities

You're listening to the Stoic Solutions Podcast - practical wisdom for everyday life. I'm Justin Vacula and this is episode 58 – Modern Stoicism and Online Communities with Donald Robertson.

We talk about the appeal of Stoic Philosophy in modern times, the benefits of online communities, challenges associated with online discussion and moderation, dealing with insults, handling adversity, and modern Stoic resources including online training courses and larger events.

Today's special guest Donald Robertson is a writer and trainer with over twenty years’ experience. He’s a specialist in teaching evidence-based psychological skills, and known as an expert on the relationship between modern cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) and classical Greek and Roman philosophy. He was born in Scotland and worked as a psychotherapist for twenty years in London where he ran a training school for therapists before moving to Canada to focus on his writing and developing new online training courses.

He is an experienced public speaker. His therapy practice specialised for many years in helping clients with social anxiety and self-confidence issues. His work, and that of his colleagues, has often featured in the media of different countries, including a recent article on the front cover of the Toronto Globe and Mail.

Support through Patreon and Paypal
Donate: http://justinvacula.com/donate/

Find Justin Vacula online and listen ..

Jun 09, 2018

397 56:49

Jun 01, 2018

Stoic Solutions Podcast Episode 57: Sunrise Hoodie on Men Going Their Own Way (MGTOW)

You're listening to the Stoic Solutions Podcast - practical wisdom for everyday life.

I'm Justin Vacula and this is episode 57 – Men Going Their Own Way (MGTOW) with SunriseHoodie.

Today's special guest, YouTube content creator SunriseHoodie, joins me to talk about MGTOW – men going their own way – parallels and dissimilarities between MGTOW and Stoicism.

SunriseHoodie talks of MGTOW as a philosophical approach to life detaching from many parts of modern society while disengaging from romantic relationships, dating, marriage, and having children.

He and other MGTOW talk about the downsides of romantic relationships including loss of identity, great risks, money, time, and other resources. He encourages self-actualization and life optimization offering support and advice for men.

Support through Patreon and Paypal
Donate: http://justinvacula.com/donate/

Jun 01, 2018

240 1:00:49

May 26, 2018

Stoic Solutions Podcast Episode 56: Conversation With Massimo Pigliucci

You're listening to the Stoic Solutions Podcast - practical wisdom for everyday life.

Today's special guest Massimo Pigliucci joins me to talk about practical applications of Stoicism, how Stoic Philosophy can benefit us in modern times, and address misconceptions about Stoicism.

We explore whether Stoicism encourages us to suppress or ignore emotions; what it means to be virtuous; what a good life looks like; Stoics' view on wealth; whether Stoics are killjoys; social approval; insults; being offended; regret; toleration; and friendship among other topics.

Prof. Pigliucci has a PhD in Evolutionary Biology from the University of Connecticut and a
PhD in Philosophy from the University of Tennessee. He currently is the K.D. Irani Professor
of Philosophy at the City College of New York. His research interests include the philosophy
of biology, the relationship between science and philosophy, the nature of pseudoscience, and
the practical philosophy of Stoicism.

Prof. Pigliucci has been elected fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of
Science “for fundamental studies of genotype by environmental interactions and for public
defense of evolutionary biology from pseudoscientific attack.”

In the area of public outreach, Prof. Pigliucci has published in national and international outlets
such as the N ew York Times , W ashington Post , and the W all Street Journal , among others.
He is a Fellow of the Committee for Skeptical Inquiry and a Contributing Editor to S keptical
Inquirer . He publishes two blogs: Plato’s Footnote ( platofootnote.org ), on general philosophy,
and How to Be a Stoic ( howtobeastoic.org ), on his personal exploration of Stoicism as
practical philosophy.

At last count, Prof. Pigliucci has published 153 technical papers in science and philosophy (full
list: https://platofootnote.wordpress.com/papers/). He is also the author or editor of 13 books
(full list: https://platofootnote.wordpress.com/books/), most recently of the best s..

May 26, 2018

Created 6 years, 2 months ago.

16 videos

Category Education

I’m creating podcast episodes offering practical wisdom for everyday life — solutions to modern human concerns — informed by the ancient philosophical school of Stoicism popularized by thinkers including Seneca, Epictetus, and Marcus Aurelius.

I explore topics such as gratitude; finding meaning in life; living a good life; moderation; dealing with change; coping with grief; suicide, death; acceptance; friendship; and anger.

Visit my website at stoicsolutionspodcast.com where you can connect with me on social media and listen to past episodes. Support my work by becoming a donor through Patreon or Paypal to access special rewards including the ability to have upcoming guests answer your questions, request custom podcast episodes, have group conversations with me and podcast listeners, and one-on-one discussions. Join my new Discord chat server, linked in show notes, for interactive discussion with me and people interested in Stoicism. Share, comment, like, subscribe, and leave reviews to help support my efforts and keep this project going. Email me with your thoughts – justinvacula at gmail.com.

Support through Patreon and Paypal
Donate: http://justinvacula.com/donate/

Engage at home or on-the-go with podcast listeners and people interested in Stoicism, Philosophy in my new interactive easy-to-use Discord chat channel: http://justinvacula.com/2018/04/02/stoic-solutions-podcast-discord-chat/

Podcast music, used with permission, is from Fairyland's song 'Master of the Waves.' View their Facebook page here:
https://www.facebook.com/Groupe.Fairyland.Officiel/

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