PODCAST · society
Stoic Coffee Break
by Erick Cloward
"Act on your principles, not your moods." A weekly meditation on how Stoic principles can help you be a better human. https://stoic.coffee Follow us on social media: https://instagram.com/stoic.coffee
Episodes
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Vonnegut's Envelope: Why Inconvenience is the Cost of Community | 393
The Problem The last few months have been isolating for me. I was working hard on my book, which I turned in last week. It was exhausting, but I'm proud of what I've written. It also meant giving up a lot of social time. After writing for six or seven hours, I was often so drained that I skipped...
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Why You Need to Fight Better, Not Less | 392
Do you know how to fight well? Do you think that having relationship without conflict means that everything is just fine? In this episode we’re going to talk about why conflict can be a good and necessary thing, and how to fight well. “Honest disagreement is often a good sign of progress.” —...
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Why Socrates Would Hate AI | 391
AI seems to be everywhere at the moment. You can’t go a single day without someone posting about how AI sped up their work and solved all their problems. But with every technology there are downsides that aren’t apparent when it first shows up. Today we’re going to talk about some of those...
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Inner Critic vs. Inner Coach | 390
Beating yourself up doesn’t make you better person. Hating yourself doesn’t motivate you more. So what’s the difference between holding yourself high standards and punishing yourself for failure? In this episode we discuss the two warring voices in each of us — the inner critic and the inner…
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The Pressure Code: Interview with Performance Coach Jason Stacy | 388
Jason Stacy is a performance coach and author of The Pressure Code. He works with high performers including world tennis champion Aryan Sabalenka. In this episode we talk about how coming from living on the streets to being a top performance coach. We also discuss his formula of energy, emotions,...
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The Game You Didn't Know You Were Playing | 388
So much of our lives are governed by rules that we aren’t even really aware of. Many of them we never even really question because we just assume that’s the way things are. But what if by questioning those rules, we can live with more agency, leading to a life we choose? “The object of life is…
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The Danger of Certainty | 387
Certainty and hubris have always been part of being human. It feels good to be certain, to believe that your opinion is the right one. We like leaders who sound certain and shun those that don’t. But sounding right isn’t the same thing as having the truth. What if the actual way to truth is not...
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Michael Lukich: The Stoic System Thinker | 386
Michael has built a career at the intersection of data, teaching, and strategy. Always circling the same question: “How do we make better decisions amid a complex reality?” Throughout his career, he has helped people uncover the deeper structures beneath their most pressing challenges. Michael’s...
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Keystone Habits: How One Good Habit Can Change Everything | 385
Habits are a key part of our lives. We have helpful habits that help us accomplish what we set out to do. We also have some that we’d like to get rid of. But what if I told you that sometimes one good habit is all it takes to reorient our lives and make lasting changes? In this week’s episode…
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The Virtue of Reading | 384
When was the last time that you read a book. A serious book. Something stretched your mind? Something that you had to stop and go back and reread a sentence or paragraph to make sure you understood it? Maybe even learned some new words? New ideas? In this episode, let’s talk about why you should...
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Interview with Jon Brooks: Stoicism and Emotions | 383
Jon Brooks is the host of the Stoic Handbook podcast and Substack page. In this episode we talk about the dangers of over-managing your emotions and finding ways to be a good Stoic while not shutting yourself off emotionally. You can find out more about Jon and his work at stoichandbook.co The...
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What Does It Actually Take to Be Courageous? | 382
Courage, one of the four cardinal virtues of Stoicism, is what I consider the fuel for virtue, and really for living a good life. But what does courage actually look like? Are we born courageous or it it something we can develop? In today’s episode we’re going to dive into what Stoics taught…
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Interview with Kelly McGinnis: What it Takes to Really Lead | 381
Kelly McGinnis has a long and storied career working her way up the corporate ladder to CFO and later President of Thermo Fischer, a Fortune 100 company. In this episode we discuss ideas around what it takes to be good leader, company culture, and stepping out on your own. The Build an…
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What's the Worst that Could Happen? | 380
“What’s the worst that could happen?” We’ve all heard this before. Usually it’s tongue in cheek just before something really bad does happen. But counterintuitively, it’s actually one of the most powerful questions that we can ask ourselves when we’re stuck in anxiety. So let’s talk about how...
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Why Searching for Meaning Is Keeping You Stuck | 379
Marcus Aurelius was the most powerful man on Earth. He had every external condition for a meaningful life — wealth, status, purpose handed to him by birth. And yet, his private journals are full of reminders he had to write to himself just to keep going. Which tells you something important…
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Collaborating with Reality: The Stoic Art of Being Present | 378
Far too often we’re never really in the moment. Maybe we’re stuck ruminating in the past over what we wished would have happened, or projecting out into the future our hope of what will happen. Maybe we distract ourselves with our phones, with entertainment, or alcohol or drugs. Anything that can...
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The Power of Paradox: The Stoic Art of Holding Two Truths at Once | 377
Can two things be true at the same time? Can you hold two opposing ideas at the same time? Today I want to talk about how learning be be comfortable with opposites can widen your thinking and help you see reality a little more clearly. "The opposite of a correct statement is a false statement.…
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How Fear Creates the Failure It Fears | 376
Are you motivated by fear? What if that fear is actually at the root of why you’re not getting the results you’re going after? In this week’s episode I want to talk about how to stop fear from sabotaging your best work. “What I advise you to do is, not to be unhappy before the crisis comes; since...
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Before You Book the Therapist, Build the Foundations | 375
Do you need therapy in order to have a good life? What is the difference between therapy and philosophy? Today I want to discuss the differences and how you need to right tools to build a good life. “We should not use philosophy like a herbal remedy, to be discarded when we're through. Rather, we...
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Why You'll Never Reach Your Ideal Self (And Why That's the Point) | 374
Do you have a clear picture of the person you want to become? And what happens when you fall short of that person — not once, but again and again? Today I want to talk about what you should do when you fall short of reaching your ideal self. “Give yourself fully to your endeavors. Decide to...
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The Busy Trap: Seneca on Why You're Optimizing the Wrong Thing | 373
THE PROBLEM Are you too busy? Are you working too hard to be productive with every minute of your time? In today’s episode I want to talk about the perils of over-optimizing your life, and what the Stoics had to say about managing your time. “So, concerning the things we pursue, and for which we...
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Skeptical, not Cynical: How to Think in an Age of Misinformation | 372
In today’s media environment do you know how to think well? How do you know who to trust? Today we’re going to talk about how Stoicism can help you to think critically about what you consume, and how be skeptical without being cynical. “You become what you give your attention to…If you yourself...
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Akrasia: The Challenge of Knowing vs. Doing | 371
How often do you put things off? Why do you put things off that you know you should do? Maybe waiting for circumstances to be just right before you make a change? In this week’s episode we’re going to dive a deeper into why put things off, and what you can do to build momentum, and move forward....
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370 - Q & A: Opinions, Anxiety, Ambition, & Knowing vs. Doing
How do you stop worrying about what others think of you? Is worrying ever useful? Can Stoics be ambitious? How can I actually do what I know I should? In this week's episode I answer some of your questions through the lens of Stoicism. "It never ceases to amaze me: we all love ourselves more than...
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369 - Spend It Like a Millionaire: Why Holding Back Isn't Humility
What if the thing you've been quietly doing your whole life — the thing that feels almost too easy to count — is actually your greatest gift to the world? And what is it costing you to keep holding it back? "If you have a talent, use it in every which way possible. Don't hoard it. Don't dole it…
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368 - Finding Your Pace: Stoic Advice for Dealing with Burnout
How do you get back up when too many things in life hit you all at once? How do you get your momentum back when it feels like every step is like wading through molasses? Today I want to talk about how Stoicism and friendship can find your balance and get moving again when life knocks you off your...
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367 - Choosing From the Wreckage: The Stoic Guide to Impossible Decisions
How do you make a decision when all the choices in front of you feel like bad ones? Today I want talk about how Stoicism can help us take action when faced with impossible choices. “What should we have ready at hand in a situation like this? The knowledge of what is mine and what is not mine…
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366 - Your Beautiful Life: The Path of Stoic Joy
Is Stoicism all about being strong and serious? Is it too pessimistic and always looking for where things can go wrong, where the next challenge or struggle is? Today I want to talk about the softer side of Stoicism, and how many of the tools the Stoics teach us can actually lead us to joy. “To...
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365 - The Test of Power: Why Stoic Virtue Matters in Leadership
Why does virtue matter in leadership? What happens to a community, a city, a country when there is lack of virtue in leadership? In this episode we’re going to discuss power, leadership, and why virtue matters. "Nearly all men can stand adversity, but if you want to test a man's character, give…
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364 - Moral Courage: Standing up to Injustice
Why is it important to resist and stand up against injustice? What happens when we don’t stand up to injustice? Today we'll explore why virtue is necessary, what the Stoics taught about resistance, and how to actually practice moral courage in your daily life. "The object of life is not to be on...
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363 - Step Into Greatness: How to Be Your Own Hero
Are you living the life you want? Are you waiting for something to happen to push you into becoming the hero of your own story? In this episode I want to talk about why we fear stepping into greatness, and how you can be your own hero. “Every difficulty in life presents us with an opportunity to...
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362 - Multi-Perspective Thinking: How to Make Better Decisions in 4 Steps
Do you approach a problem from only one perspective? Are there ways that you could expand your understanding and incorporate different perspectives? Today I want to talk about the power of multi-perspective thinking and how it can help you dig deeper into challenges in your life. “Everything we...
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361 - Ataraxia: The Stoic Skill of Staying Level
Can you stay calm in the storm? Or do you let your emotions cloud your judgment, leading to poor decisions? Today I want to talk about the Stoic concept of ataraxia and how it can help you be more mentally tough. “Don't hope that events will turn out the way you want, welcome events in whichever...
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360 - Advice for the New Year
At the end of the year is always a good time to step back and think about the year to come. Maybe you have some goals that you want to accomplish. Maybe get in better shape and eat better or pick up a new skill. But have you thought about what kind of attributes you want in the next year? In this...
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359 - Who do You Think You Are?: Identity and Self-Belief
What do you believe about yourself? Do you have beliefs that keep from stepping into your true self? Today I want to talk about self-beliefs and how the ideas that we hold about ourselves might just be your biggest obstacle to becoming who you want to be. "When I let go of what I am, I become…
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358 - How to Love Like a Stoic: Loving From Wholeness
Love is the greatest thing in the world. We're all trying to build relationships that enrich our lives. But can Stoicism help us love better? Today I want to talk about how Stoicism can help you be a more loving person. "Accept the things to which fate binds you, and love the people with whom…
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357 - The Investment of Attention
What do you invest your attention in? Are you investing in things that enrich your life or keep you distracted? Today I want to talk about the importance of attention and what it’s costing you. “You live as if you were destined to live forever, no thought of your frailty ever enters your head, of...
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356 - Q & A: Temperance, Self-Forgiveness, Dealing with Chaos
In this week's episode I answer questions from my listeners. I give my thoughts on practicing temperance in everyday life, practicing self-forgiveness, and how to deal with the chaos in the world. As always, please feel free to let me know of questions or topics you'd like me to answer in future...
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355 - On Anger: Interview with Donald Robertson
Anger is a powerful force in the world, but the effects of anger often cause greater harm than the cause of it. Many see anger as a necessary emotion for human survival, but the Stoics warned us against anger, calling it a "temporary madness". In my personal life, anger has been a recurring theme...
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354 - What Would You Do If You Were Valuable?
What do you value in this life? Maybe your home? Your job? Your family? But do you value yourself? Today I want to talk about the importance of self-value and how Stoicism can help you find the treasure within. "Do not degrade your own soul; it will soon be out of your power to bring it to honor....
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353 - Polyvagal Theory and Stoicism: Interview with Justin Senseri
Have you ever wondered about how your emotional well being is connected to your body? In this week's episode, I interview therapist and host of the Stuck Not Broken podcast, Justin Senseri about polyvagal theory and how it inter-relates to Stoicism. Justin Sunseri is a therapist and coach who...
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352 - Emotional Courage: Masculinity and Stoicism
What does it mean to be a man? How do our perceptions and ideas about masculinity hinder men from living full and happy lives? Today we’re going to dive into how Stoicism can help us develop a more healthy definition of masculinity. "We teach boys that being vulnerable is being weak. And then we...
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351 - From Socrates to CBT: Interview with Dr. Scott Waltman PsyD
This week's episode is an interview with Dr. Scott Waltman PsyD. Dr. Scott Waltman, PsyD, ABPP, is a clinician, international trainer, and practice-based researcher. His interests include evidence-based psychotherapy practice, training, and implementation in systems that provide care to…
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350 - Stoicism 101 - Virtue: The Sole Good
The Stoics talk a lot about virtue as the sole good. Now what do they mean by virtue and why did they think that it was so important? In this week's episode, I'm reading another chapter from my book, Stoicism 101. “Of things some are good, some are bad, and others are indifferent. The good then…
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349 - The Meta-Habit: The One Skill For Building Better Habits
Do you have good habits? Do you have some you’d rather get rid of? What if I told you that by developing one key skill, you’ll be able to adopt better habits and let go of unhelpful ones? In this weeks episode we’re going to talk about the one “meta-habit” you need to develop in order to make…
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348 - The Inner Watchdog: Building a Self-Correcting Mind
Have you ever found yourself stuck in a way of thinking that you knew deep down wasn’t serving you? Maybe it was an assumption about someone, a stubborn belief, or an emotional reaction. The good news is that our minds are built for self-correction—if we know how to use them. “If anyone can prove...
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347 - Stoicism 101 - Freedom from External Events: Embracing the Power Within
Do you ever feel like life is happening to you, and that you’re at the whim of circumstances? What would it feel like if you could take what life hands you and say, “Thank you sir! May I have another?” In this week’s episode I’m going to be reading another chapter from my book, Stoicism 101…
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346 - Interview with Louisa Swaden: Speed Racer and Author of the Stoic Rider
Have you ever had put a dream to the side? What if that dream was the key to finding the thing that fulfilled you as a person? In this week's episode I interview author and speed racer, Louisa Swaden, about Stoicism, racing motorcycles, and how it's never too late to chase your dreams. You can…
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345 - Mental Toughness: The Quiet Strength
Are you mentally tough? Are you able to take what life dishes out and keep smiling? Today I want to talk about mental toughness and how you can develop the right kind of toughness while being flexible to life changes. “Difficulties strengthen the mind, as labor does the body.” —Seneca Send us Fan...
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344 - Languishing: How to Get Unstuck
Do you ever feel like you’re stuck? Like things aren’t going bad but aren’t moving in the right direction either? Today I want to talk about being stuck and what to do to get things moving in the right direction. “First say to yourself what you would be; and then do what you have to do.”…
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
"Act on your principles, not your moods." A weekly meditation on how Stoic principles can help you be a better human. https://stoic.coffee Follow us on social media: https://instagram.com/stoic.coffee
HOSTED BY
Erick Cloward
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does Stoic Coffee Break have?
Stoic Coffee Break currently has 394 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is Stoic Coffee Break about?
"Act on your principles, not your moods." A weekly meditation on how Stoic principles can help you be a better human. https://stoic.coffee Follow us on social media: https://instagram.com/stoic.coffee
How often does Stoic Coffee Break release new episodes?
Stoic Coffee Break publishes regularly with 394 episodes available. Check the episode list for the typical release schedule.
Where can I listen to Stoic Coffee Break?
You can listen to Stoic Coffee Break on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts Stoic Coffee Break?
Stoic Coffee Break is created and hosted by Erick Cloward.
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