The Zen Stoic Podcast

This is the final episode of The Zen Stoic Podcast! While this is sad, we are excited to announce the launch of our new podcast, The Zen Stoic Path! Be sure to subscribe to The Zen Stoic Path to tune into daily episodes starting Monday, May 31, 2021 To stay updated, feel free to visit our brand new website zenstoic.com! For any questions or feedback feel free to email me at [email protected] Follow us on Instagram and Facebook: @victor.pierantoni @_zenstoic www.facebook.com/zenstoic.v

In today's episode, Victor and Nicko interview the Founder of The Oculus Institute, Sean Sessel. Sean Sessel runs The Oculus Institute which covers comprehensive personal development with a focus on helping people get clear on a career that is both fulfilling personally as well as financially rewarding. To learn more about Sean and his work, click here: https://oculusinstitute.com/ What was your biggest takeaway from this interview? Let us know by leaving a comment through voice message on Anchor or search for us on Facebook at Zen Stoic or on Instagram @zenstoic_v. BOOM.

In today's episode, Victor interviews the Owner of Jed's Barber Shop, Jed Beal.  Jed opened Jed's Barber Shop in Salt Lake City 9 years ago during the stages of the recession. The business now has 3 locations and dozens of employees- all of which are millennials. Jed specializes in branding, customer service, systems, and millennial management. To learn more about Jed's Barber Shop click here: http://www.jedsbarber.shop/  What was your favorite part of this interview? Let us know by leaving a comment through voice message on Anchor or search for us on Facebook at Zen Stoic or on Instagram @zenstoic_v. BOOM.

In today's episode, Victor interviews Brendon Lemon who is a Comedian, a lover of Stoicism and Zen, and author of a Stoic book called "The Stoic Salesperson." Learn more about Brendon's work here: https://www.brendonlemon.com/ and his book here: https://www.amazon.com/Stoic-Salesperson-Brendon-Lemon/dp/1735055204  What was your favorite takeaway from this interview? Let us know by leaving a comment through voice message on Anchor or search for us on Facebook at Zen Stoic or on Instagram @zenstoic_v. BOOM.

Where and what do you look to when you feel lost or overwhelmed?  In today's episode, Nicko and Victor will be discussing a quote from Epictetus that teaches us the important lesson of looking within when we feel pulled from external forces. What was your biggest takeaway from today's lesson? Let us know by leaving a comment through voice message on Anchor or search for us on Facebook at Zen Stoic or on Instagram @zenstoic_v. BOOM.

Do you feel that helping others only matters when it's done in a big way or do you feel every action, big or small, counts?  In today's episode, Victor and Nicko share a story to remind us that when we come together to do our part, every action counts.  What was your takeaway from this story? Let us know by leaving a comment through voice message on Anchor or search for us on Facebook at Zen Stoic or on Instagram @zenstoic_v. BOOM.

Bricia Lopez is a partner at Guelaguetza Restaurant, LA’s temple for Oaxacan cuisine. She has become a staunch proponent of Oaxacan culture and an integral figure in the gastronomic culture of Los Angeles. In 2015, her restaurant was awarded the coveted American Classics award from the James Beard Award Foundation and the LA Times awarded her with the Latinos de Hoy Cultural Ambassador Award. Her and her family’s story has been featured in numerous publications including, Forbes.com, The New Yorker, LA Times, and The Ringer just to name a few. In addition to the restaurant, Bricia helped launch Mama Rabbit, the biggest and most important Tequila and Mezcal bar in Vegas inside the Park MGM. She and her siblings have launched an online shop where they sell their bottled Guelaguetza™ mole paste and their proprietary cocktail mix, I Love Micheladas™. Her book, OAXACA home cooking from the heart of Mexico launched fall 2019 and became an instant Amazon bestseller. She lives in LA with her husband and son. Click these links to learn more about Bricia and her work:  https://store.ilovemole.com https://www.ilovemicheladas.com http://supermamas.com http://moleandmore.com

In today's episode, Victor interviews René Rodriguez.  René Rodriguez is the CEO of the strategic coaching and consultancy company, InnerSpartan Media. He and his team of exceptional coaches and trainers work directly with organizations to help create high performing teams and directly with individuals who aspire to  achieve greater levels of success in their businesses and careers, relationships, and health. René helps his clients succeed by getting them to focus on their "inner game" and in developing what he calls an exponential mindset. If you enjoyed this episode and would like to hear René and Victor tackle some other subjects, he was on his podcast, InnerSpartan Unleashed, which releases this coming Monday. Go to www.InnerSpartanUnleashed.com, or wherever you get your podcasts to subscribe now to make sure you don’t miss it.  What was your biggest takeaway from this interview? Let us know by leaving a comment through voice message on Anchor or search for us on Facebook at Zen Stoic or on Instagram @zenstoic_v. BOOM.

Have you tried to do something new and outside of your comfort zone but quickly got shut down by someone you care about? In today's episode, Nicko asks Victor the question "In the face of uncertainty, how do I follow through with what I know can be possible or that I can achieve?" Listen on to hear Victor's answer for this scenario! Have you taken inventory of your assets lately? Let us know by leaving a comment through voice message on Anchor or search for us on Facebook at Zen Stoic or on Instagram @zenstoic_v. BOOM.

What role does failure play in your life? Is it something you welcome or shy away from?  In today's episode, Victor and Nicko discuss a quote from Robert Greene that remind us of the gifts failure can bring us.  What was your biggest takeaway from this episode? Let us know by leaving a comment through voice message on Anchor or search for us on Facebook at Zen Stoic or on Instagram @zenstoic_v. BOOM.

Do you see yourself separate or a part of nature?  In today's episode, Victor and Nicko discuss a quote from Marcus Aurelius that reminds us how important it is to view ourselves as a part of nature and how we can find guidance through it.  What was your biggest lesson from this episode? Let us know by leaving a comment through voice message on Anchor or search for us on Facebook at Zen Stoic or on Instagram @zenstoic_v. BOOM.

What is your strategy when it comes to meeting new challenges and endeavors? Do you run straight in because you've seen other people run in before or do you like to ask where the stepping stones are first?  In today's episode, Victor and Nicko will be sharing a story to highlight how often we use our Egos to run into doing new things instead of asking for help or guidance.  How has this story helped you today? Let us know by leaving a comment through voice message on Anchor or search for us on Facebook at Zen Stoic or on Instagram @zenstoic_v. BOOM.

In today's episode, Victor interviews the CEO and Creative Director of Anthony Vazquez Photography, Anthony Vazquez.  Anthony Vazquez Photography is a wedding and film production company based in New York City catering to high-end clients in the New York state and tri-state area.  Victor and Anthony discuss how to be happy, stress-free, and enjoy the simple things even when the world seems like it's falling apart.  Learn more about Anthony's work here: https://www.anthonyvazquez.com/ or @anthonyvazquezphotography

Do you have ruminating thoughts that prohibit you from real progress? In today's episode, Victor and Nicko will be answering a Dojo member's question. Giovanni's question is  "how to stop feelings and thoughts of regret and normalize thought process that immediately presents opportunity for growth? I have had multiple issues over the last few days letting things go and finding closure with small issues. It prohibits me from real progress." How has this episode helped with your thought process? Let us know by leaving a comment through voice message on Anchor or search for us on Facebook at Zen Stoic or on Instagram @zenstoic_v. BOOM.

Do you feel pulled toward your purpose but also feel an internal resistance to executing it? In today's episode, Victor and Nicko discuss an excerpt from the book "The War of Art" by Steven Pressfield that reminds us to share our gifts with the world instead of hiding it away and understand where this internal resistance is coming from.  What do you need to execute your calling? Let us know by leaving a comment through voice message on Anchor or search for us on Facebook at Zen Stoic or on Instagram @zenstoic_v. BOOM.

How do you respond when you're faced with adversity and challenges?  In today's episode, Victor and Nicko discuss a quote from Epictetus that teaches us we have more to learn from adversity than it takes away from us.  Share this episode to anyone you think may need to hear this! What was your biggest takeaway? Let us know by leaving a comment through voice message on Anchor or search for us on Facebook at Zen Stoic or on Instagram @zenstoic_v. BOOM.

How often are you letting your Ego lead the way?  In today's story day episode, Victor and Nicko tell the story of The Young Archer to remind us that we often need to let the Ego and the Self work in harmony to keep things in check. What was your biggest takeaway from this story? Let us know by leaving a comment through voice message on Anchor or search for us on Facebook at Zen Stoic or on Instagram @zenstoic_v. BOOM.

In today's episode, Victor and Nicko discuss the important topic of Black Lives Matter through a Zen Stoic lens. 

Have you wondered how to develop self-control?  In today's episode, Victor and Nicko respond to a Dojo member question! Scott asks "What does the Zen Stoic say about this? It seems I have self-control over some things but not others. Also, all virtues seem unapproachable without self-control. How does one attain the virtue of self-control?" Listen on to hear what the Zen Stoic answer is.  What did you take away from this episode? Let us know by leaving a comment through voice message on Anchor or search for us on Facebook at Zen Stoic or on Instagram @zenstoic_v. BOOM.

Have you ever asked yourself "What is the point of all this? Why was I even born?"  In today's episode, Victor and Nicko are discussing an excerpt from Alan Watt's book, "The Way of Zen" which teaches us to ask instead, "who is it that is asking not to be born?" and to embrace and accept our own humanity rather than separating from it. What was your biggest lesson from this episode? Let us know by leaving a comment through voice message on Anchor or search for us on Facebook at Zen Stoic or on Instagram @zenstoic_v. BOOM.

Have you listened to last weeks' episode for Part 1?  In today's episode, Victor and Nicko will continue discussing the remainder of "The Characteristics of The Rational Soul" derived from Marcus Aurelius' journal "Meditations" and how it will look like applied to our modern-day world. Listen on to find out what they are! How many of these apply to you? Or how many of these characteristics would you like more of? Let us know by leaving a comment through voice message on Anchor or search for us on Facebook at Zen Stoic or on Instagram @zenstoic_v. BOOM.

What does it mean to control a temper? Is it even something for us to control or to overcome?  In today's episode, also Nicko's favorite day, Victor and Nicko will be telling a Zen story to illustrate what role temper has in our lives and how we can begin to find our inner peace by seeing it for what it really is.  What did you take away from this story? Let us know by leaving a comment through voice message on Anchor or search for us on Facebook at Zen Stoic or on Instagram @zenstoic_v. BOOM.

Have you ever wondered how to measure how much you've progressed on your self-mastery journey? Or if you've reached a level where you cannot progress any further?  In today's episode, Victor and Nicko will be answering and discussing a client question. They asked "How do you measure the progress of self-mastery? How do I know when I have actually reached the desired level?"  The answer may not be what you expect! Listen on to find out more. Let us know by leaving a comment through voice message on Anchor or search for us on Facebook at Zen Stoic or on Instagram @zenstoic_v. BOOM.

Many of us believe we aren't able to do what we want to do due to a lack of time but what better time than now?  In today's episode, Victor and Nicko discuss a quote for Epictetus and Seneca, what they teach us about procrastination, and how we can overcome this. How was this episode helped your habit? Let us know by leaving a comment through voice message on Anchor or search for us on Facebook at Zen Stoic or on Instagram @zenstoic_v. BOOM.

Marcus Aurelius was a Roman emperor and Stoic philosopher from 161 to 180. In his journal, which later was published as the book "Meditations," he reflected upon and wrote about "The Characteristics of The Rational Soul." In today's episode, Victor and Nicko will be discussing these characteristics and how it will look like applied to our modern-day world. Listen on to find out what they are! How can you use these characteristics for yourself? Let us know by leaving a comment through voice message on Anchor or search for us on Facebook at Zen Stoic or on Instagram @zenstoic_v. BOOM.

In today's story day episode, Victor and Nicko talk about the importance of showing empathy to someone that "may not deserve it" and also illustrates how powerful it is to just allow someone's voice to be heard. All it takes it that one pivotal moment where all you needed was to be heard instead of trying to express it through destructive behavior.  How has this story touched your heart today? Let us know by leaving a comment through voice message on Anchor or search for us on Facebook at Zen Stoic or on Instagram @zenstoic_v. BOOM.

Did you know the music in The Zen Stoic Micro Meditations are carefully designed with specific sound frequencies that enhance the outcome of the meditation? Whether the outcome is to become ready and awake or relaxed and calm. Brandon Koertge is a Musician, Audio Engineer, and the Co-Creator of the Zen Stoic Micro Meditations. In today's interview, you will learn all about his journey and expertise with music and breaking down the elements that go into each Zen Stoic Micro Meditation. The powerful combination of sound frequencies curated by Brandon along with Victor's voice guidance on top is, ultimately, what makes these micro meditations so effective in such a short period of time. Download a free 5-minute sample here: www.zenstoic.com You can find Brandon on Facebook: @brandonkoertgemusic on Instagram: @brandonkoertge or on Spotify: Brandon Koertge

In today's episode, Victor and Nicko answer a question from one of our Zen Stoic Dojo members!  Principal Andrew asks "What value do you see that educators, specifically administrators of schools could have in practicing and putting into place the zen stoic ideas into schools? Which aspects of Zen Stoicism do you think could be of most value in a school?" Which aspects do you think would be valuable in a school? Let us know by leaving a comment through voice message on Anchor or search for us on Facebook at Zen Stoic or on Instagram @zenstoic_v. BOOM.

Sometimes the road to self-improvement can be very confusing. How do we know what is truth and what is not?  In today's episode, Victor and Nicko will be talking about one of the most common mistakes people will make on their self-improvement journey, how to bring awareness to it, and what to do with all the information instead.  What is your personal truth? Let us know by leaving a comment through voice message on Anchor or search for us on Facebook at Zen Stoic or on Instagram @zenstoic_v. BOOM.

Do you ever find yourself procrastinating or unable to stick to new habits?  In today's episode, Victor and Nicko will be breaking down 3 Zen Stoic principles you can use to help you create more discipline. The time is always now Do less, but do it better Memento Mori- to meditate on your own mortality Which one(s) will you begin to use today? Let us know by leaving a comment through voice message on Anchor or search for us on Facebook at Zen Stoic or on Instagram @zenstoic_v. BOOM.

Guess what day it is!? It's Nicko's favorite day! In today's episode, Victor will be telling the story of "The Bamboo Acrobat" to bring awareness to our tendencies in watching what other people are doing instead of keeping our own things in check and balance first. Are you one to plan your day around others or check-in with yourself first? Let us know by leaving a comment through voice message on Anchor or search for us on Facebook at Zen Stoic or on Instagram @zenstoic_v. BOOM.

In today's episode, Victor interviews celebrity magician, Daniel Fernandez. You will get to hear Daniel describe the art of his magic, what mentalism is, and Victor and Daniel's discussion on the power of your mindset.  Find out more about Daniel's work here: https://www.facebook.com/danielvfernandez/  What interesting new idea did you learn from this interview? Let us know by leaving a comment through voice message on Anchor or search for us on Facebook at Zen Stoic or on Instagram @zenstoic_v. BOOM.

Did yesterday's episode, "How to Remedy The 5 Patterns of Sabotage," have you wondering what kind of action steps you can take for yourself?  In today's episode, Victor and Nicko share exactly what you can start to add into your day to help you feel more present and to see yourself as one with nature (remedy #1.)  The Zen Stoic Micro Meditations are used by many and you can begin your journey today by downloading a free 5-minute micro meditation guided by Victor! Download yours here: www.zenstoic.com What other questions do you have for Victor and Nicko? Let us know by leaving a comment through voice message on Anchor or search for us on Facebook at Zen Stoic or on Instagram @zenstoic_v. BOOM.

In today's episode, Victor and Nicko will be answering listeners' questions! Our listener, Tyler, asks "What can you do to mend your soul after damaging it from one of those five things for so long?" This question throws it back to one of our original episodes "Ep. 8 The 5 Patterns of Sabotage." Victor will be recapping the 5 patterns in which you sabotage and damage your soul in this episode, however, we encourage you to listen to episode 8 for a full refresh and context of this topic. Do you have any questions for us? Let us know by leaving a comment through voice message on Anchor or search for us on Facebook at Zen Stoic or on Instagram @zenstoic_v. BOOM.

Many of us attach our identity and value to our hustle, ambitions, and goals. But what if we told you they do not define or validate who you are? In today's episode, Victor and Nicko will talk about how goals are actually meant to help us and how embracing the process of getting there will bring you true validation.  What are your thoughts or questions about the essence of acceptance? Let us know by leaving a comment through voice message on Anchor or search for us on Facebook at Zen Stoic or on Instagram @zenstoic_v. BOOM.

We've all said it... "I'll be happy when THIS happens" or "my life will be complete once I do this!" But what happens when you get there? We may find ourselves asking "now what?" Do you find this to be a pattern in your life? In today's episode, Victor and Nicko will be reminding us how important it is to live immediately (with a quote by Seneca) and how we can break this pattern by bringing ourselves to the present moment quickly with the power of meditation.  Are you wondering how you can introduce meditation into your day? Download our free 5-minute meditation guided by Victor here: www.zenstoic.com  Was this episode helpful for you? Let us know by leaving a comment through voice message on Anchor or search for us on Facebook at Zen Stoic or on Instagram @zenstoic_v. BOOM.

It's Nicko's favorite day! In today's episode, Victor will be telling us the story of "Maybe." This story helps to remind us of this simple yet powerful word that captures the ebb and flow of life.  How will your life be different if you replaced the defining words of "good" and "bad" with "maybe?"  Let us know by leaving a comment through voice message on Anchor or search for us on Facebook at Zen Stoic or on Instagram @zenstoic_v. BOOM

Zen Stoicism is the hybrid philosophy for unshakeable inner peace. How do we create unshakeable inner peace? It is by mastering the 2 fundamental experiences of being a human: thinking and being.  In today's episode, Victor and Nicko will share exactly how you can master these two fundamentals beginning with incorporating Zen Stoic Micro Meditations into your day! Start by clicking this link to download your free 5-minute guided meditation: www.zenstoic.com What did you think of the micro meditation? We would love to hear from you! Let us know by leaving a comment through voice message on Anchor or search for us on Facebook at Zen Stoic or on Instagram @zenstoic_v. BOOM.

In today's episode, Victor and Nicko will be answering a question from a Zen Stoic Dojo member!  Have you been in interactions with people that like to complain about small insignificant things? How about with people that like to blow things out of proportion? How do you deal with this? Listen on to find out. Has this episode helped you with your own conversations? Let us know by leaving a comment through voice message on Anchor or search for us on Facebook at Zen Stoic or on Instagram @zenstoic_v. BOOM.

Right now, we are faced with more change than ever. Do you spend your time looking back on what life used to be or have you let go and walked on? If not, what keeps us from walking on?  In today's episode, Victor and Nicko share a quote from Alan Watts to answer this question, discuss the key elements of how we can view and manage change better, and remind us to spend more time nurturing our own melodies. What insights did you gain from this episode? Let us know by leaving a comment through voice message on Anchor or search for us on Facebook at Zen Stoic or on Instagram @zenstoic_v. BOOM.

Are emotions good or bad? How about when uncomfortable sensations come up through your body?  In today's episode, Victor and Nicko will break down that they're actually neither and how to approach viewing your emotions instead to invite more curiosity than judgment. What are your emotions trying to tell you? How did this lesson support you today? Let us know by leaving a comment through voice message on Anchor or search for us on Facebook at Zen Stoic or on Instagram @zenstoic_v. BOOM.

Have you ever been met with rudeness even when our intentions are to help the other person? We are often reminded of important lessons by retelling powerful stories. In today's story, Victor and Nicko reminds us to let go of the things that we cannot control, especially during this difficult time, and focus on what we can control.  Let us know what lessons you got from this story by leaving a comment through voice message on Anchor or search for us on Facebook at Zen Stoic or on Instagram @zenstoic_v. BOOM.

In this episode, Victor interviews the President and Co-Founder of StandOut Authority: Joshua B. Lee.  StandOut Authority works to bring back the humanity in Marketing via LinkedIn during the heavily automated times we live in. As people interact more and more through the digital world, Joshua's mission is to create more raw and real experiences and bring back the human touch. Find out more about StandOut Authority here: https://standoutauthority.com/ Let us know what you thought about this interview by leaving a comment through voice message on Anchor or search for us on Facebook at Zen Stoic or on Instagram @zenstoic_v. BOOM.

In today's episode, Nicko shares his experience and feedback on Victor's Micro Meditation.  Do you want to experience these minutes for yourself? From the great Nicko himself: "This sample is better than a Costco sample." Download your free micro meditation sample here: www.zenstoic.com Let us know what you thought of the micro meditation by leaving a comment through voice message on Anchor or search for us on Facebook at Zen Stoic or on Instagram @zenstoic_v. BOOM.

In today's very special episode, we are joined by the host of "My Zen Post-Op Life" podcast, Jonathan Duarte.   Jonathan began his Zen journey after he was hit by a drunk driver head-on in 2018. He woke up in critical condition and needed 5 surgeries in a month and had to relearn how to walk again. Along this journey, Jonathan found The Zen Stoic Podcast. Today, you will hear of how Zen Stoicism has helped him with adapting and reshaping his life and how he used these principles to face the drunk driver who changed his life forever. To listen more, you can find Jonathan's podcast here: https://anchor.fm/myzenlife 

"Oo! Karmas a bitch." Heard that before?  In today's episode, Victor and Nicko peel back the layers on what karma actually is and how it works contrary to popular belief. What are your views on karma? How has this perspective helped shift your view on your place in the world?  Let us know by leaving a comment through voice message on Anchor or search for us on Facebook at Zen Stoic or on Instagram @zenstoic_v. BOOM.

How do you react when you hear people saying "we've just always done it this way" or "that's just how it is!"? Do you accept it right away or do you question it? Should we be questioning it?  In today's episode, Victor and Nicko break down the importance of detaching yourself from dogmatic thinking especially when it no longer serves your life and how you can manage this instead. What are your thoughts on dogmatic thinking? How can this episode help you today? Let us know by leaving a comment through voice message on Anchor or search for us on Facebook at Zen Stoic or on Instagram @zenstoic_v BOOM!

It's Nicko's favorite day! In today's episode, Victor tells the story of "Moving Mind." This story teaches us the power of perception and how understanding this can help you to begin understanding how you can manage your own thoughts and emotions.  What insights did you get from this episode? Let us know!

In today's episode, we have the special honor and treat of interviewing our very own Zen Stoic Dojo member, Larry Karnis. Victor and Larry talk about how they came about the philosophy and share their insights and wisdom found along the journey.  What was your biggest takeaway from this interview? Let us know! 

Everyone has felt like they've needed a break and vacation from time to time. Have you ever felt like you needed a vacation from your vacation?  In today's episode, Victor and Nicko talk about a key tool you can adopt to have a vacation even if you're not on a beach somewhere on Tahiti.  Does this sound like something you would like? Let us know!