The Strong Stoic Podcast

If you attain something without integrity, the thing you attain will always have power over you.In The Hobbit, Gollum’s relationship with the Ring begins with murder. Bilbo’s begins with pity and mercy. Both possess the same corrupting object, but it does not shape them in the same way.In this episode, I use Bilbo and the Ring to explore the Stoic concept of preferred indifferents: money, power, status, health, and possessions. These things may be worth pursuing, but they cannot make us good—and how we acquire them matters far more than whether we acquire them at all.Every compromise leaves something behind. Eventually, we may discover that we no longer possess the things we wanted. They possess us.

A former Anthropic researcher recently went on CNN and made a startling claim: AI could pose an existential threat to humanity within the next few years.I’m not an AI researcher, and I’m not here to tell you whether that prediction is right.What interests me is the much older—and much more human—problem underneath it:Human beings have a habit of developing power before developing the wisdom necessary to wield it.We did it with nuclear weapons. We’ve done it with countless technologies throughout history. And now, perhaps, we’re doing it again with artificial intelligence.In this Stoic reaction, I explore the race for AI power, why intelligence and wisdom are not the same thing, why AI doesn’t need to be “evil” to become dangerous, and a question that increasingly matters for all of us:At what point does AI assistance become human abdication?Maybe the greatest danger isn’t that artificial intelligence becomes too intelligent—but that our power develops faster than our wisdom can catch up.If you enjoyed the discussion, subscribe and let me know your thoughts below.🎙️ Listen to The Strong Stoic Podcast wherever you get your podcasts.✍️ Read my writing and join The Strong Stoic on Substack.Stay strong. Stay Stoic.CNN Video: https://youtu.be/i30jVPqQeOM?si=ph27XqHlzSaSTE61

Ryan Holiday has introduced millions of people to Stoicism. But is what he teaches about success actually consistent with what the ancient Stoics taught?In this episode, I take a closer look at several of Holiday’s claims about success—not to tear him down, but to test those ideas against the philosophy itself.We explore why Stoic success cannot be measured purely by outcomes, what the Stoics actually meant by preferred indifferents, why making more money isn’t necessarily the Stoic choice, and a revealing passage from Seneca’s Letter 95that raises a larger problem with the way Stoicism is sometimes presented today.Because Stoicism isn’t fundamentally about becoming more effective at getting what you want.It asks a much harder question:Is what you want actually worth wanting?Ryan Holiday gets some things right. Other ideas, I argue, are incomplete. And in at least one case, returning to the original Stoic text tells a very different story.A successful life and a good life are not necessarily the same thing.The Stoics were concerned with the latter.

If someone could hear your thoughts for a week, who would they expect you to become?Marcus Aurelius wrote that “the soul becomes dyed with the color of its thoughts.” But not every thought stains us. An unwanted impulse is not character. The danger lies in the thoughts we repeatedly entertain, rehearse, defend, and eventually act upon.In Episode 429, Brandon explores how thoughts become words, words become actions, actions become habits, and habits become character. He examines why our speech reveals what the mind has been soaking in, how our closest relationships influence our inner lives, and where we can intervene before a passing impression becomes a permanent way of seeing the world.You cannot always control the first thought that enters your mind. You can decide whether to give it a room, a voice, and a place in your future.In this episode:Why Marcus Aurelius emphasized habitual thoughtsThe difference between an impulse and a rehearsed judgmentHow thoughts become character one small decision at a timeWhy your speech reveals the “color of the dye”How gossip, resentment, and excuses train the mindThe influence of your environment and closest friendsHow to interrupt a destructive thought before it becomes destiny

David Goggins believes in scheduled suffering, rejecting motivation and refusing to stop before the work is done. His philosophy has helped millions confront comfort, excuses and unrealized potential.But is Goggins actually a Stoic—and when does relentless discipline become self-punishment?In this episode, Brandon examines eight of Goggins’ central ideas through a Stoic lens, including the 40% Rule, voluntary discomfort, accepting help, recovery, permanent change and the difficult decision to quit something meaningful.Goggins gets several things profoundly right: motivation is unreliable, confidence must be earned, and a comfortable life can quietly become a smaller life. The danger appears when pain becomes an identity, recovery feels like weakness, or self-contempt begins masquerading as discipline.The Stoic correction is neither softness nor relentless punishment. It is deliberate hardship governed by wisdom.Chosen hardship becomes strength when it serves a worthy purpose. It becomes self-punishment when suffering itself becomes the purpose.The Strong Stoic Notebook is available here: Strongstoic.substack.com

Living intentionally does not mean avoiding regret. It means deciding which regrets you are willing to carry.In this episode, Brandon is joined by Joshua Bertolotti for an honest conversation about busyness, rest, vulnerability and the difficult work of examining your own life. They discuss why we often plan ordinary tasks more carefully than our futures, how constant activity can conceal exhaustion, and why slowing down is sometimes the most responsible thing we can do.The conversation also explores emotional honesty, the relationship between vulnerability and toughness, and the courage required to acknowledge when we are struggling.Every meaningful path demands a sacrifice. The question is whether you are choosing yours—or simply accepting the one life gives you.This episode includes sensitive emotional and mental-health-related themes.

Why do certain insults stay with us while others have no effect at all?In this episode of The Strong Stoic Podcast, I examine what our emotional reactions reveal about us—and how to respond to difficult people without becoming passive, cruel, or emotionally numb.Sometimes anger exposes an insecurity. Sometimes contempt points toward a version of ourselves we fear becoming. Sometimes we suffer because we decided another person owed us respect, recognition, affection, or fairness.The Stoic response is not to pretend that pain is unreal. It is to examine the judgment, take responsibility for what remains within our control, and refuse to let another person’s lack of character determine our own.In this episode:Why the same words affect people differentlyThe danger of using self-hatred as motivationHow ego turns harmless comments into personal attacksWhy acceptance does not mean approvalWhen walking away is an act of disciplineHow compassion and boundaries can coexistWhy physical health affects emotional controlWhat Stoicism actually teaches about emotionsThe goal is not to feel nothing. The goal is to handle what you feel without surrendering your character.If this episode helped you, share it with someone who might need it.Subscribe for grounded conversations about Stoicism, strength, leadership, physical training, and personal responsibility.Support the show: https://strongstoic.substack.com#Stoicism #EmotionalControl #SelfDiscipline

Resentment often begins where an important boundary remains unspoken.In Episode 425, we examine why boundaries exist in every healthy relationship—and why setting one is not necessarily an act of rejection. A clear boundary tells another person what matters, what you are willing to participate in, and what you will do if the line is crossed.We also explore the difference between boundaries and preferences, the discomfort of receiving someone else’s boundary, and the danger of becoming so rigid that healthy limits turn into walls.The goal isn’t to create relationships where boundaries are never crossed. The goal is to communicate clearly, follow through without cruelty, and leave a path back when repair is possible.Boundaries cannot control another person. They can only govern how you choose to respond.

Have you ever stopped enjoying something that once gave your life meaning?Maybe it's the guitar that now gathers dust. The running shoes that haven't left the closet. The books you used to devour but can't seem to pick up anymore.In this episode, I explore why our interests naturally change throughout life, why there's nothing wrong with losing a passion, and what Stoicism has to teach us about work, play, gratitude, and non-attachment.Sometimes the healthiest thing we can do isn't force ourselves back into an old hobby—it's to let it go, trust the season we're in, and welcome it back if life ever calls us there again.We discuss:• Why we don't choose what fascinates us • The difference between work and play • Why joy is deeply Stoic • Letting go without losing yourself • Following curiosity instead of obligation • Why gratitude is wiser than possession

Have you ever looked in the mirror and realized you’ve become someone you don’t respect?I have.In this deeply personal episode, I share a chapter of my life I’ve rarely talked about—the years after university when I slowly drifted into complacency. What began as well-earned rest became laziness, comfort, and eventually shame. One day I looked at the man I was becoming… and I didn’t like him.This episode is about the long, humbling process of rebuilding your character.We explore:Why good people can slowly become complacentHow your environment quietly shapes your characterThe danger of becoming comfortable with mediocrityWhy you must start much smaller than you thinkThe Stoic idea that character is built through daily choices, not grand momentsIf you’ve been feeling stuck, unmotivated, or disappointed in who you’ve become, this episode is a reminder that your story isn’t over.You don’t have to become a different person overnight.You just have to take the first small step.

Most people believe they know their limits.The truth is, they only know where they’ve chosen to stop.In this episode, I explore one of the biggest lies we tell ourselves—that discomfort equals incapability. Whether it’s grief, parenthood, illness, failure, or unexpected responsibility, history shows that ordinary people repeatedly rise to challenges they once believed impossible.Like the reserve tank in your vehicle, human beings often have far more left than they realize.Drawing from Stoic philosophy, personal stories, and everyday examples, this episode explores why suffering often reveals strengths that comfort never could.In this episode:Why discomfort isn’t the same as your limitThe “reserve tank” metaphor that changed how I think about resilienceWhat grief, parenthood, and hardship reveal about human capabilityMarcus Aurelius and Epictetus on preparing for difficultyWhy you’ve probably underestimated yourselfPerhaps the strongest version of you isn’t someone you have to build.Perhaps it’s someone difficult circumstances reveal.

Most of us don’t wake up wanting to be selfish, impatient, or unkind.So why is being good so difficult?In this conversation, I sit down once again with Corey to explore one of the oldest questions in philosophy, faith, and everyday life. Beginning with Rudyard Kipling’s timeless poem If—, we unpack what it really means to choose goodness when life becomes uncomfortable.We discuss why ego fights humility, why justice feels so personal, why suffering can either harden us or deepen us, and why character is built in the ordinary moments no one else sees.Along the way we explore marriage, wrestling, strength training, silence, comparison, purpose, shared suffering, and even Eminem’s Walk on Water as a reflection on identity after success.Goodness isn’t a feeling.It’s a practice.And perhaps the greatest victory isn’t over other people—but over ourselves.

Most people hear Walk on the Moon and think about astronauts.I think about ordinary people doing extraordinary things.The father holding his newborn. The recovering alcoholic walking into their first meeting. The woman rebuilding her life after divorce. The man finally leaving the job that’s been draining him for years.We all have a “walk on the moon.”In this episode, I use one of my favorite songs as a lens to explore courage, regret, fear, Stoicism, and what it really means to chase the life that’s calling you.We’ll discuss: • Why “someday” often becomes “never” • The games we regret never playing • Why courage almost always looks like trembling • The thousands of small steps behind every giant leap • How to identify your own walk on the moonYou’ve got one life.The question isn’t whether you’ll ever walk on the moon.The question is whether you’ll have the courage to walk toward yours.

We all know we should learn from our mistakes.But somewhere along the way, many of us confuse self-reflection with self-punishment.In this episode, I explore the difference between shadow work and self-loathing. Drawing from Stoicism, Carl Jung, Seneca, Dostoevsky, and Tolkien, I examine why looking honestly at our flaws is necessary—and why beating ourselves up for them isn’t.The goal isn’t to ignore your mistakes.The goal is to face them honestly, learn from them, and move forward without carrying unnecessary suffering.Because grace is a paradox:“I accept you exactly as you are, and I believe you can become more.”That applies not only to your friends and family.It applies to you.

As we grow stronger, wiser, healthier, and more disciplined, a subtle danger emerges: contempt.It's easy to celebrate strength. It's much harder to remain compassionate toward weakness—especially the weaknesses we once saw in ourselves.In this episode, I explore a paradox at the heart of Stoicism: how to pursue excellence without developing disdain for those who are still struggling.From the gym floor to leadership, from courage to cowardice, the Stoics remind us that virtue should produce humility, not superiority. After all, everything we possess—including our strength—is borrowed.A reminder for anyone trying to improve themselves without losing their humanity.

What happens when someone you love dies?In this conversation, I sit down with a returning guest shortly after the loss of his father. We explore grief, mortality, legacy, and the strange reality that every person we meet was once a child, a son, a daughter, and a dream in someone else’s mind.We discuss Stoic perspectives on death, why history remembers some people and forgets others, the danger of judging people without understanding their circumstances, and what it means to leave something meaningful behind.This isn’t a conversation about having all the answers.It’s a conversation about being human.Topics include:Losing a parentStoicism and deathThe illusion of permanenceLegacy and remembranceWhy every person carries an unseen storyJournaling and preserving wisdomThe humanity of historical figuresWhat ordinary lives teach us about meaning

Sometimes the hardest part isn’t the workout, the meeting, the difficult conversation, or the grieving process.It’s the first step.In this episode, Brandon reflects on a lesson shared by Jeff Nippard following the tragic loss of his partner and explores how a simple idea—just take the first step—can help us navigate grief, fear, depression, and resistance.Drawing on personal experiences from the isolation of the COVID lockdowns and the Stoic understanding of courage, Brandon explains why momentum matters, why action often comes before motivation, and why being gentle with yourself doesn’t mean giving up.Whether you’re struggling with grief, avoiding a difficult task, or simply finding it hard to move forward, this episode offers a practical way through:Don’t worry about the hundred steps ahead.Take the first one.

Most extraordinary people are never famous.History remembers a few names — Marcus Aurelius, Churchill, Dostoevsky — but civilization itself is carried forward by ordinary people doing small things faithfully. Good fathers. Loyal friends. Honest workers. Men and women who plant trees whose shade they will never sit under.In this episode, I reflect on anonymous greatness, mortality, forgotten ancestors, war, courage, and why being forgotten may actually be one of the most beautiful truths about being human.We talk about:Why most virtuous lives are invisible to historyThe courage that comes from accepting your impermanenceWhy relationships matter more than recognitionThe quiet nobility of doing good without applauseWhat Marcus Aurelius can teach us about presence and legacyWhy civilization survives because of ordinary peopleBecause in the end, very few people will remember our names.But a handful of people may truly know who we were.And maybe that’s enough.

Most people think the worst thing in the world is being alone.But the Stoics made an important distinction between loneliness and solitude.Loneliness is the painful feeling of disconnection — the sense that you do not belong, that no one truly sees you, understands you, or stands beside you. Solitude, however, is something entirely different. Solitude is peace within yourself. It is the ability to sit quietly in your own company without needing distraction, validation, or noise.In this episode, I explore why human beings fear loneliness so deeply, how our evolutionary history shaped our need for connection, and why community matters far more than modern individualism often admits.I also reflect on Robin Williams’ famous quote:“The worst thing in the world is not to be alone, but to be around people who make you feel alone.”From a Stoic perspective, this quote reveals something profound about belonging, perception, emotional dependence, and the search for inner stability.This episode is about:The difference between loneliness and solitudeWhy human beings crave connectionThe Stoic idea of a “well-ordered mind”Why some people cannot tolerate being aloneThe danger of seeking relationships from desperationFinding peace both with others and within yourselfYou do not need to become emotionally isolated to become strong.You need to become stable enough that your peace does not disappear when silence arrives.

Most people are trying to fix symptoms instead of causes.You miss the gym and think you lack discipline.You eat poorly and think you have weak willpower.You feel exhausted and think you’ve become lazy.But what if those aren’t the real problem?In this episode, I talk about root causes — the foundational issues underneath the visible struggles in our lives. I use my recent work travel and disrupted sleep routine as an example of how one weak pillar can quietly affect everything else: mood, discipline, diet, training, recovery, and emotional resilience.The Stoics understood something modern people often forget: if you misdiagnose the problem, you can spend years fighting shadows.You don’t need to fix 100 problems individually.You need to find the few upstream problems generating the rest.And you don’t need to be perfect.You just need to become directionally right.

Most people think Stoicism means being friends with everyone.It doesn’t.In this episode, we break down a hard truth: not everyone is meant to be your friend.Some people, by their nature, won’t align with you. Others, by their roles, can’t.And trying to force those relationships doesn’t make you more virtuous—it makes you more confused.We talk about:The difference between kindness and friendshipWhy your inner circle should be smallHow leadership changes relationshipsAnd how to stop taking conflict personallyYou don’t need more people.You need the right ones.

You’re busy. Life is good. Things are flowing.And that’s exactly when you’re most likely to forget something critical:You’re going to die.In this episode, I break down why thinking about death—especially when life feels good—is one of the most practical Stoic tools you have.We talk about:Why feeling good doesn’t mean you’re living wellHow comfort quietly leads to wasted timeThe connection between mortality and urgencyWhy procrastination thrives when you feel like you have “more time”How to use Memento Mori without becoming negative or anxiousThis isn’t about being morbid.It’s about being precise with your life.

You’re not overwhelmed—you’re unprioritized.In this episode, I break down why the feeling of overwhelm isn’t always about having too much to do, but about trying to hold everything to the same standard.We talk about:Why life always feels “too full” as you take on more responsibilityThe concept of being functionally clean, fit, and presentWhen it’s appropriate to lower standards—and when it’s notThe idea of Minimum Viable Product applied to real lifeHow to decide what actually deserves excellence right nowThis is about precision, not productivity.Because the goal isn’t to do everything.It’s to do the right things—at the right standard.

You start something new—and it feels wrong.Not clearly wrong. Just… off.In this episode, I break down why that happens and why it’s not a signal to quit—but a signal to stay.Your nervous system is still calibrated to your old environment. And if you’re not careful, you’ll try to reshape your new life to match the one you left.We talk about:Why your instincts are unreliable during changeThe Stoic idea of controlling your response, not your first reactionWhen to stay vs. when to leaveThe 30-day rule for letting a new environment reveal itselfIf you’re in a new role, a new relationship, or a new phase of life—and something feels off—this one’s for you.

Most advice for your 20s is designed to comfort you—not prepare you.In this episode, I break down 12 lessons that don’t sound good… but hold up when life gets difficult.We talk about:Why integrity costs more than people admitThe tension between ambition and relationshipsThe loneliness that comes with leadershipWhy decisiveness matters more than certaintyHow comfort quietly weakens youAnd why strength—physical and mental—is your real advantageThis isn’t motivation.It’s preparation.

Most of your life is going to feel… repetitive.Wake up. Work. Eat. Train. Sleep. Repeat.And if you’re not careful, you’ll start to believe something is wrong with that.In this episode, I break down why that feeling exists—and why it’s misleading.We talk about:Why movies distort your expectations of lifeThe difference between monotony and meaninglessnessHow to actually enjoy the ordinary parts of your dayAnd why the “boring” parts are where your life is really builtThis isn’t about forcing positivity.It’s about learning to see what’s already there.

Marcus Aurelius wrote, “The soul becomes dyed with the color of its thoughts.”In this episode, we break down what that really means — and why it’s more psychological than poetic.Your character isn’t shaped by random thoughts. It’s shaped by repeated ones.The ones you rehearse.The ones you circulate.The ones you give attention to daily.We explore:How repeated thoughts build identityWhy resentment, fear, and insecurity are trained habitsThe physical analogy of cupping and circulationHow modern inputs (social media, outrage cycles) dye your mindThe Stoic discipline of guarding your impressionsYou don’t control events.But you control the dye.And over time, that becomes who you are.

Money stresses almost everyone.But Stoicism doesn’t tell us to ignore wealth — it tells us to rank it correctly.In this episode, I break down:Why money isn’t arbitrary (it represents reciprocity and contribution)Why living below your means is philosophical disciplineThe Stoic case for saving and investingThe difference between stewardship and obsessionWhy generosity requires orderWealth is a preferred indifferent.But mismanaging it is not neutral.Receive prosperity without arrogance.Be ready to let it go without collapse.

Every man has his excuses.And the more vile the man becomes, the more touching the story has to be.In this episode of The Strong Stoic, we explore a brutal truth: no one thinks they’re the villain. From The Blade Itself to Game of Thrones to Breaking Bad, we examine how the human mind protects itself with narrative.We talk about:Why evil rarely feels evil from the insideHow rationalization becomes identityWhy dictators loved dogs and went home to dinnerThe Stoic discipline of self-interrogationWhy moral discomfort is a feature of growthIf you’ve ever lost sleep over a decision, questioned your integrity, or struggled with criticism—this episode is for you.Being a good person isn’t about feeling good.It’s about facing uncomfortable truths and refusing to exile the people who bring them to you.Be dangerous to your excuses.Leave room for the human.

In this episode of The Strong Stoic, I sit down with an active-duty Navy submarine officer to explore Stoicism through the lens of military leadership, conflict, and responsibility.We discuss:Why Stoicism isn’t emotional suppressionThe role of anger in leadership and combatHow virtue makes you more effective — not softerWhy roles matter more than feelingsThe connection between strength training and moral disciplineWhat Marcus Aurelius can teach modern leaders about conflictThis is not a romanticized conversation about war.It’s a grounded exploration of responsibility under pressure.If you’ve ever felt the weight of leadership…If you’ve ever questioned how to handle conflict…If you’re trying to be dangerous — but disciplined —This one’s for you.

Most people don’t fail at Stoicism because they don’t know enough.They fail because they don’t practice enough.In this episode, I talk about why I stopped buying Stoic books, why fiction pulled me back into reading, and how the real work of philosophy happens far away from the page.We explore the gap between knowing and becoming, why mastery takes decades—not weeks—and why repetition, not insight, is the true currency of growth.If you feel stuck despite “doing everything right,” this episode is for you.

Our culture glorifies multitasking—but the Stoics would call it a mistake.In this episode of The Strong Stoic Podcast, we explore why doing more at once often means experiencing less. Drawing on Marcus Aurelius and Seneca, we examine presence, intention, and why even “productive” multitasking quietly erodes meaning.We’ll talk about:Why multitasking feels productive but isn’tThe difference between intentional rest and avoidanceHow presence transforms ordinary actionsWhy life feels short when attention is scatteredSlow down. Focus. Do what matters—fully.

Not everyone regulates themselves the same way.Some people measure their actions by character. Others measure by consequences. In this episode, we explore the difference between internal and external regulation, why Stoics tend to be internal regulators, and why that can quietly lead to rumination and burnout if left unchecked.We cover:Why not everyone thinks the way you doHow internal regulation drives growth—and sufferingWhen reflection stops being usefulA simple Stoic method to close the rumination loopBeing internally regulated is a strength—but only if you know when to move on.

Most leadership failures don’t come from incompetence.They come from imbalance.Too much edge and people comply—but stop trusting you.Too much kindness and standards quietly collapse.Real leadership lives in the tension between humanity and consequence.In this episode, I break down:Why edge without warmth creates feaWhy kindness without teeth creates entitlementWhat “teeth” actually mean (and what they don’t)The real cost of balanced leadershipWhy every Stoic is a leader—whether you want the role or notBe kind enough to protect the human.Be dangerous enough to protect the standard.

In this episode, Brandon sits down with an educator and school principal, Kyle Sarka, to explore Stoic resilience—not as brute toughness, but as endurance guided by wisdom.The conversation moves fluidly between Stoic philosophy, leadership, fitness, history, and modern life, examining what it really means to persevere when outcomes are uncertain and comfort is abundant.Rather than glorifying suffering for its own sake, this episode argues that resilience is about knowing when to endure, when to adapt, and when to step back—and having the courage to act either way.

In this episode of The Strong Stoic, I explore a Stoic paradox: the one making the most progress often feels it the least.Drawing from Epictetus, Marcus Aurelius, and real-world examples from leadership, fitness, and personal responsibility, this episode breaks down why conscientious people feel behind, why growth creates insecurity, and why feeling unstable doesn’t mean you’re weak.I talk about:Why rising standards distort self-perceptionThe difference between awareness and anxietyWhy imposter syndrome often signals expansionHow to separate your role from unrealistic expectationsAnd why shaking knees don’t invalidate strengthIf you’ve felt stretched, inadequate, or unsure lately—this episode may help you see that discomfort differently.

Life isn’t fair — and Stoicism never said it would be.In this episode, we explore what it actually means to live with integrity in a world that doesn’t reward effort, honesty, or discipline in predictable ways. We talk about the difference between character and reputation, when telling the truth is courageous — and when silence is wiser — and how Stoicism helps us respond to unfairness without becoming bitter or defensive.This is an episode about composure under pressure, clarity in chaos, and learning to carry yourself well even when the outcome isn’t what you hoped for.If you’ve ever felt unseen, misunderstood, or unfairly judged — this one’s for you.

We all try to live with intention—but life keeps interrupting us.In this episode, I explore the tension between daily reactivity and long-term vision through a Stoic lens. Why do we keep returning to Marcus Aurelius, Epictetus, and Seneca? Why do we need constant reminders of principles we already know?Because life pulls us away—daily, hourly, relentlessly.This episode is about carving out small moments of intention inside a reactive world, and why you don’t need more time—just space—to live with clarity and character.

Imposter syndrome doesn’t mean you’re weak.It often means you’re growing.In this episode of The Strong Stoic Podcast, I explore imposter syndrome through a Stoic lens—why it shows up during periods of growth, why it often steals our sleep, and why it may actually be evidence that your character is strengthening.When we take on new roles—at work, in relationships, as parents, or in life—we carry weight we haven’t carried before. Our knees shake. Our confidence wavers. And at night, when there’s no more room in the day to process it all, the mind takes over.Drawing on Stoic philosophy, personal experience, and thinkers like Marcus Aurelius, Epictetus, and Viktor Frankl, this episode reframes restless nights not as failure—but as adaptation.Life doesn’t necessarily get easier.We get stronger.But there’s also a limit. Not all weight can be squatted. Growth requires ambition and humility—knowing when to stretch your capacity, and when the load risks crushing you.This episode is for anyone:Taking on a new responsibilityFeeling behind, unqualified, or overwhelmedLosing sleep during a season of growthWondering whether they’re built for the weight they’re carryingYou are.But strength is built under load—and with rest.

In this episode, Brandon explores Hemingway’s famous line: “The world breaks everyone.”But instead of treating breaking as failure, we look at it through the Stoic lens—as a natural part of being human, and the raw material for growth.From tendon micro-tears in heavy lifting, to emotional micro-fractures in leadership and relationships, we break far more often than we admit. And yet every fracture offers us a choice: shatter through denial… or rebuild into something stronger.Brandon talks about:• Why strong people break harder• The illusion of invulnerability• Micro-damage as a metaphor for character development• Stoic recovery: reflection, realignment, rebuilding• How to turn every break into wisdom• Why breaking means you’re becoming—not failingIf you’re carrying a heavy load, if you feel cracks forming, or if you’ve recently broken and are trying to make sense of it—this episode will help you rebuild strong at the broken places.

In this episode of The Strong Stoic, I’m joined by classicist and author Inger Kuin to dive deep into the wild, hilarious, and surprisingly practical life of Diogenes—the original Cynic and, in many ways, the “stress test” for Stoic ideas.We explore:Who Diogenes was and why his life still mattersWhy he chose to live in a jar, throw away his cup, and embrace radical simplicityHow his ideas flowed through Crates to Zeno, making him Stoicism’s “intellectual grandfather”The difference between training your body vs punishing itHow temporary discomfort (no-spend months, cabin weekends, etc.) can build real resilienceCultural norms, door-holding in Canada, and why Diogenes cared more about justice than etiquetteCosmopolitanism and being a “citizen of the cosmos” instead of a slave to one culture’s expectationsWhether Diogenes was “crazy” or just radically consistent with his philosophyThe tension between independence and human connection: why Diogenes avoided close attachments—and why Inger (and I) think that might throw the baby out with the bathwaterHow to examine your own motives honestly: are you saying “yes” for good, joy, or just money and status?We close with practical advice on bringing a bit of Diogenes into modern life without selling your house and moving into a barrel—by questioning your motives, experimenting with less comfort, and rethinking the weight you give to externals.Guest & BookInger’s new book, Diogenes: The Rebellious Life and Revolutionary Philosophy of the Original Cynic, is out November 11, 2025 and available wherever you buy books (hardcover, e-book, and audiobook).🔗 Learn more about Inger and her work: ingerkuin.comIf you enjoy this conversation, please share it with a friend, leave a review, and subscribe for more episodes on Stoicism, character, and the hard work of being a good human.Show Notes / Key Timestamps00:00 – Introduction & timeboxing the conversation01:10 – Who was Diogenes? Exile from Sinope, life in Athens, and his role as Stoicism’s “grandfather” through Crates and Zeno.05:35 – Diogenes as a stress test for Stoic principles06:40 – Radical simplicity: living in a jar and throwing away the cup10:40 – Temporary discomfort vs permanent renunciation13:25 – Door-holding in Canada and the problem with overvaluing etiquette18:20 – Cosmopolitanism: being a citizen of the cosmos22:35 – “The dog” and “a raving Socrates”: was Diogenes mad?28:20 – Shame, shamelessness, and why the world doesn’t end when you break a norm29:50 – Needing to be liked vs needing to be understood32:30 – Did Diogenes go too far in rejecting close relationships?36:50 – Externals vs internals: Epictetus, wealth, and Diogenes’ influence40:40 – How Inger uses Diogenes’ lens to make real-life decisions43:00 – Watching your intentions: status, money, or genuine good?43:50 – Book details and live events46:30 – Closing reflections & mutual appreciation

In this episode, Brandon discusses the journey of personal growth and self-improvement, emphasizing the importance of learning from past experiences and embracing change. He highlights how incremental improvements can lead to greater wisdom and the challenges of overcoming feelings of shame associated with past actions.TakeawaysAs you develop and learn, you become wiser.Incremental improvements lead to better decision-making.It's common to feel ashamed of past actions.Growth involves recognizing and laughing at your past mistakes.Many people struggle to move forward due to shame.Awareness of your growth can be burdensome.Embracing change is essential for personal development.Self-improvement is a continuous journey.Learning from the past is crucial for future success.Overcoming shame can unlock potential for growth.

After nearly two years away from the Stoic world, author and researcher Kai Whiting returns to share—candidly—what happened: sudden metabolic illness, becoming a father, career upheaval, a public rift, and rebuilding meaning from first principles. We talk attachment, grief, diet experiments, masculinity, work identity, and how to live the virtues when theory isn’t enough.In this episode:Breaking the silence: why Kai disappeared (02:00)Severe health spiral, hospitalizations, and discovering diabetes (03:30)Losing the bodybuilding identity—and the grief that follows (12:35)Food, mood, and mitochondria: one person’s n=1 (18:30) (not medical advice)Stoicism vs. “pure abstraction”: why bodies and sports matter (24:30)On Peterson, bricklaying, and zooming out to purpose (53:20)Leaving academia, starting over in sales, and serving the beehive (49:00, 54:40)Rebuilding a professional identity without losing your soul (1:04:50)Key ideas & takeawaysGrief is Stoic: when you lose an identity (athlete, academic, whatever), you grieve first—then choose your next courageous action.Meet yourself where you are: programs (training or life) must fit your current capacity, not your past PRs or future fantasies.Bodies matter: movement can be a pressure-release valve while the “heat source” (deeper causes) is addressed.Serve the beehive: tie daily tasks to a larger vision; energy savings at a school becomes trees planted and kids learning.Change your mind in public: integrity > consistency; update beliefs when evidence (or life) demands it.ConnectGuest: Kai Whiting — best reached via LinkedIn for sustainability/energy efficiency conversations.Host: Brandon Tumblin — Strong Stoic Podcast, Substack, and socials.Disclaimer: This episode includes one person’s health and nutrition experiences and is not medical advice.

The Jedi sought to control their emotions. Luke Skywalker mastered them through compassion. In this episode, I explore how Star Wars reflects the core tension in Stoicism — the balance between discipline and humanity. We’ll examine Yoda’s flawed advice, the Jedi’s dogmatism, and why Luke’s compassion made him the most Stoic of them all.

We often think of monsters as creatures hiding under our beds. But real monsters walk among us — and sometimes, they are born of sickness, isolation, and the collapse of reason.In this episode, Brandon explores the story of Ed Gein, the real-life inspiration behind Psycho, The Texas Chainsaw Massacre, and The Silence of the Lambs. Through a Stoic lens, we look at what happens when a human being is cut off from the cosmos, when rationality breaks down, and when evil emerges from confusion rather than choice.This isn’t about excusing atrocity — it’s about understanding the fragile boundary between reason and madness, and why Stoicism calls us not to hate the wicked, but to pity them.

An 18-year-old boy lies dying. When asked if he’s afraid, he simply says, “Yeah.”In this episode, I explore what that single word reveals about mortality, honesty, and the limits of Stoicism. From family stories of loss to Christopher Hitchens’ final writings, we look at the stark truth that no philosophy can soften: we will all die, and that’s okay to admit.Listen for a reflection on death, courage, and the quiet strength of facing fear without pretending it’s not there.

In this episode, I explore the idea that life is not about escaping problems but learning how to face them. We often think the grass is greener on the other side—that a new job, relationship, or lifestyle will free us from the struggles we face today. But in reality, every path comes with its own weeds.Drawing from Stoic philosophy, I break down why problems aren’t curses but gifts—opportunities to grow stronger, more competent, and more resilient. Instead of trading one set of problems for another, we should focus on tending our own garden, cultivating gratitude for the challenges we already have, and using them to shape our character.If you’ve ever caught yourself daydreaming about an easier life, this episode will help you see your problems in a new light.

In this episode, I revisit my recent conversation with Tim Ash on evolutionary psychology and take a deeper dive into its most cited facts. From sex differences in mate preferences to jealousy, pair bonding, and courtship rituals, these scientific findings describe human nature as shaped by our evolutionary past. But facts alone don’t tell us how to live. That’s where the Red Pill movement often goes wrong — by adding value judgments and weaponizing these facts to justify cynicism, control, and distrust. Stoicism offers a different path: align with facts, but act with wisdom, justice, courage, and temperance. I’ll walk through ten evolutionary psychology findings, show how Red Pill frames and distorts them, and explain the Stoic framing that keeps us grounded in virtue.

In this episode of The Strong Stoic Podcast, I share reflections from my recent two-week trip to Vietnam—my first time in Asia. Travel today is often portrayed as a flex on social media, but beneath the highlight reels lies a deeper opportunity: stepping outside your cultural bubble and immersing yourself in another way of life.I talk about how travel challenges assumptions we take for granted—whether it’s family expressions of affection, adapting to year-round warm weather, or simply letting go of routines like coffee and gym time. The Stoic lesson is clear: when you travel, you’re not there to judge, but to learn, to adapt, and to remind yourself that people are people, no matter where you are.Ultimately, travel is a way to live out the Stoic idea of the Cosmopolis—that we are all brothers and sisters, meant to share this planet, to learn from one another, and to grow through those differences.

In this episode, I explore Epictetus’ challenge: Can you gain wealth and possessions without losing your dignity, self-respect, and character? Drawing from Enchiridion 24, I unpack the Stoic idea of detachment—why possessions so easily ensnare us, how loss reveals our attachments, and what it really means to see everything in life as borrowed, not owned. From backyard saunas to daily conveniences, I share how to enjoy externals without clinging to them, and why the only thing life can’t take from you is your character.