Pub and Porch: Applied Stoicism

In this week's episode, Adam and Mick discuss the Stoic virtue of Temperance. Opening with some initial definitions of the word, Adam and Mick discuss their views on temperance meaning self-control and the choices we make versus temperance as a sort of demeanor or appearance of character. Also discussed are ideas around humility and modesty, and how temperance can help shape how we view ourselves in the world. Final discussions compare this virtue to the other three, and how sometimes it's seen as a "lesser virtue" even though it shares an equal importance with the other virtues of the philosophy.URL: pubandporch.comEmail: [email protected]: @PubandPorchSubstack: Pub and Porch Applied StoicismYouTube: @pubporchPPAS Logo Provided by: Mike GolkaAll music provided by bensound.com

In this week's episode, Adam and Mick talk about change. The conversation starts by focussing on how change is constant, and an expected part of the universe, and how we can approach that as Stoics and as human beings. Then, Adam and Mick focus on the idea of choice and action, and Mick delves into the topic of resilience and how we can use those tools to address change as it expectedly comes into our lives. Lastly, Adam and Mick talk about our societal obligations and how we must teach youth about how to deal with the change that comes as part of anyone's life.URL: pubandporch.comEmail: [email protected]: @PubandPorchSubstack: Pub and Porch Applied StoicismYouTube: @pubporchPPAS Logo Provided by: Mike GolkaAll music provided by bensound.com

Today's episode revolves around relationships, and how Stoics approach them. Historical references to Stoicism's stance on relationships are where we start, with clear discussions on Stoicism's key tenets and beliefs around them even in relation to other philosophies. Relationship discussions go from marriage, to friendship, as well as other relationship types like family and work colleagues. Discussions around the social aspects of being human, as well as the full experience of emotions we have as humans, and we relate these things to some historic marriages for Stoics from the past.Books referenced today include:A Guide to the Good Life - William B. IrvineSocrates in Love - Armand D'AngourVerissimus - Donald J. RobertsonURL: pubandporch.comEmail: [email protected]: @PubandPorchSubstack: Pub and Porch Applied StoicismYouTube: @pubporchPPAS Logo Provided by: Mike GolkaAll music provided by bensound.com

In this episode, Mick and Adam discuss the current and historical context of Stoicism as a "street philosophy". Stoicism's origins, and how it spread to the streets of Rome and beyond, are discussed, as well as historical examples of how Stoicism arrived in a time of other new philosophies. Examples from related practices, and examples of other prominent philosophers of the time period, are discussed. What people first see when they come to the arrive at the philosophy is another prominent subject, and we close with some nerdiness about Space.URL: pubandporch.comEmail: [email protected]: @PubandPorchSubstack: Pub and Porch Applied StoicismYouTube: @pubporchPPAS Logo Provided by: Mike GolkaAll music provided by bensound.com

In this week's episode, Adam and Mick discuss some of the recent, alarming activity around the banning of certain books for their being deemed "inappropriate" in some shape or form. Wisdom, and our ability to think rationally and change our minds is key to the Stoics. The later discussion then focusses on the fact that censorship in any form comes with its own challenges, and the best way to fight dangerous or inappropriate ideas is to combat them with better ideas and better discourse. Adam closes with a history lesson from the space program, and how the presence of multiple, differing ideas actually makes us and those around us better. NOTE: There are some audio and video issues in the episode, so we apologize for some of the odd edits you might hear and see.URL: pubandporch.comEmail: [email protected]: @PubandPorchSubstack: Pub and Porch Applied StoicismYouTube: @pubporchPPAS Logo Provided by: Mike GolkaAll music provided by bensound.com

In today's special episode, Adam gets a chance to talk about his work and industry as Mick asks him questions about the space program, space exploration, and the upcoming Artemis II launch. Adam talks about the upcoming Artemis II mission, as well as the history of lunar exploration programs from the past as well as upcoming lunar missions that are being planned. The conversation closes on topics of how Stoicism relates to the space program in different ways.All views and opinions expressed in this episode are solely those of the speaker.URL: pubandporch.comEmail: [email protected]: @PubandPorchSubstack: Pub and Porch Applied StoicismYouTube: @pubporchPPAS Logo Provided by: Mike GolkaAll music provided by bensound.com

Today, Mick and Adam discuss their views on the future of Stoicism and where they hope this philosophy will go next. Ideas for the philosophy to act as a political movement, movement for social justice, and ways in which it can be used to shape the direction for humanity all come to the fore. Use of the philosophy across the political spectrum also become a prevalent topic, as the philosophy is discussed as a tool for deciding the degree to which political movements can use it to shape their decisions.URL: pubandporch.comEmail: [email protected]: @PubandPorchSubstack: Pub and Porch Applied StoicismYouTube: @pubporchPPAS Logo Provided by: Mike GolkaAll music provided by bensound.com

In today's episode, Mick and Adam discuss the idea of "toxic masculinity" and how it is both negative and harmful in society today. Chauvinism, sexism, and racism are discussed as aspects of this movement, as well as the ideas of certain emotions being singled out as "right" while others are not. The Stoic concepts surrounding anger as a "temporary madness" are discussed, as well as both historical and modern examples of Stoic views on the subject.URL: pubandporch.comEmail: [email protected]: @PubandPorchSubstack: Pub and Porch Applied StoicismYouTube: @pubporchPPAS Logo Provided by: Mike GolkaAll music provided by bensound.com

Today, Mick and Adam discuss Stoicism and its long history in the military. Topics include historical examples of prominent Stoics from history who spent time in the military as soldiers and generals, as well as discussions about the modern use of Stoicism in the military throughout recent history up to and including modern day. Mick shares many examples of his own past, and Adam shares his own stories from the space program.URL: pubandporch.comEmail: [email protected]: @PubandPorchSubstack: Pub and Porch Applied StoicismYouTube: @pubporchPPAS Logo Provided by: Mike GolkaAll music provided by bensound.com

Today, Mick and Adam discuss the war and Stoicism's use or place within it. Stoicism's views on war are discussed at length both from a historical perspective as well as from a more modern point of view. Key Stoics of the past referenced include Cato, Marcus Aurelius, and Seneca, and the history of Julius Caesar and other historical figures is intertwined throughout the podcast. The idea of a "just" war is discussed, and the need for strong reasons behind the choices we make and the alliances we forge are also discussed, as well as the act of carrying out actions ethically and morally in a just manner.Two books are referenced:Rome's Last Citizen: The Life and Legacy of Cato, Mortal Enemy of Caesar - Rob Goodman and Jimmy SoniStoicism as a Warrior Philosophy: Insights on the Morality of Military Service - Commander William C. Spears, USNURL: pubandporch.comEmail: [email protected]: @PubandPorchSubstack: Pub and Porch Applied StoicismYouTube: @pubporchPPAS Logo Provided by: Mike GolkaAll music provided by bensound.com

Today Adam and Mick discuss parenting, with some key themes emerging that exist through Stoicism's writings today. Thankfulness, responsibility, and virtue are all discussed at length about how they can be applied to parenting, and discussions around the historical context of people like Marcus and Seneca also take place. Justice, control, embodiment, and setting an example are key concepts discussed as well, and Mick and Adam tell a few personal stories about their experiences. URL: pubandporch.comEmail: [email protected]: @PubandPorchSubstack: Pub and Porch Applied StoicismYouTube: @pubporchPPAS Logo Provided by: Mike GolkaAll music provided by bensound.com

Adam and Mick discuss some of the finer points of Stoicism today, focusing on the common misconceptions about the philosophy that can be heard today. Topics include common tropes we hear, as well as modern "movement" that run parallel to Stoicism like Broicism, $toicism, and StoicisM. Adam and Mick do their best to dispel the common myths and misunderstandings, and try to bring light to the actual lessons and virtues of the philosophy.URL: pubandporch.comEmail: [email protected]: @PubandPorchSubstack: Pub and Porch Applied StoicismYouTube: @pubporchPPAS Logo Provided by: Mike GolkaAll music provided by bensound.com

In today's episode, Adam and Mick discuss the press, its freedom, and how a Stoic approaches the new and the news cycle. Topics covered include the historical context of the press going back to Roman times, the duty and responsibility of being informed as Stoics, and the duty that we have to question the information coming to us to identify what is true and how we feel about it. Tips on dealing with the modern news cycle, and also examples of other parts of media (not just news) round out the conversation.URL: pubandporch.comEmail: [email protected]: @PubandPorchSubstack: Pub and Porch Applied StoicismYouTube: @pubporchPPAS Logo Provided by: Mike GolkaAll music provided by bensound.com

Today, Adam and Mick talk about how to deal with the seemingly endless number of national and international events going on, and ways in which one may be able to better deal with them as a Stoic. Stoic perspectives, practices, and mindsets form the core of the discussion centering around the ideas of choice, action, and what we control. Key Stoic exercises also form the latter half of the conversation including the View from Above and The River.URL: pubandporch.comEmail: [email protected]: @PubandPorchSubstack: Pub and Porch Applied StoicismYouTube: @pubporchPPAS Logo Provided by: Mike GolkaAll music provided by bensound.com

In today's episode, Mick and Adam discuss Stoicism and its presence in sport, as well as examples of some sports who inherently embody some of the classic attributes of Stoic principles. Sports discussed include: Boxing, Biathlon, Cross Country Skiing, American Football, Australian Football, Tennis, Running, Baseball, Basketball, Ice Hockey, Speed Skating, and much more. Stories of historical athletes include those from both recent times and ancient history, as well as reference to the pankration (an ancient form of MMA) which Marcus Aurelius practiced. The use of sports to hone our own minds as well as our bodies is also discussed.Major figures included in today's episode include:Fernando Mendoza - Heisman trophy winnerHans Christer Holund - Cross Country SkierTeddy Atlas - Boxing CoachJim Telfer - Rugby CoachURL: pubandporch.comEmail: [email protected]: @PubandPorchSubstack: Pub and Porch Applied StoicismYouTube: @pubporchPPAS Logo Provided by: Mike GolkaAll music provided by bensound.com

In today's episode, Adam and Mick discuss current events in the world among some of the key alliances and allegiances that have shaped the last century. Discussions about historical alliances, the formation of organizations like the League of Nations, UN, and NATO all come to the fore. History also becomes prevalent, speaking of the Spartans at Thermopylae, Salamis, Plataea, as well as Marcus Aurelius and back through the modern era. What sets us apart in these alliances as humans, and not just animals, rounds out the topics for today's episode.URL: pubandporch.comEmail: [email protected]: @PubandPorchSubstack: Pub and Porch Applied StoicismYouTube: @pubporchPPAS Logo Provided by: Mike GolkaAll music provided by bensound.com

Today for Martin Luther King Day, Adam and Mick discuss protest both as an act and as an idea. Themes covered include morality, ethics, and the application of the Stoic virtues in the process of protest. Historical examples from both 20th century and classical history are referenced throughout the discussion, and the idea of a Stoic's duty to protest throughout history is cited. Lastly, discussion around the responsibility of fighting to maintain all people's right to protest as well as the responsibility to protest for the betterment of others is how the podcast closes out today. URL: pubandporch.comEmail: [email protected]: @PubandPorchSubstack: Pub and Porch Applied StoicismYouTube: @pubporchPPAS Logo Provided by: Mike GolkaAll music provided by bensound.com

Mick and Adam discuss the political violence that has been occurring so much in the world today and over the recent past. Topics covered include historical takes on violence in political rhetoric, the difference between a sophist and a philosopher, things to watch out for in the political sphere, and the vigilance we must all be prepared for. URL: pubandporch.comEmail: [email protected]: @PubandPorchSubstack: Pub and Porch Applied StoicismYouTube: @pubporchPPAS Logo Provided by: Mike GolkaAll music provided by bensound.com

In today's episode, Mick and Adam talk about colonialism from its very definition to what it has meant throughout history and in to modern day. Concepts around democracy, cosmopolitanism, and vigilance take centre stage as the two discuss any concepts from the view of both modern day interpretations and events as well as historical interpretations through the eyes of historic Stoics such as Cato and Marcus.URL: pubandporch.comEmail: [email protected]: @PubandPorchSubstack: Pub and Porch Applied StoicismYouTube: @pubporchPPAS Logo Provided by: Mike GolkaAll music provided by bensound.com

In this episode, Mick and Adam take turns discussing purpose and how to find it, what to look for, and what it means. Discussions around purpose in life, purpose in employment, purpose in action all get discussed. Personal stories and historical stories talk about finding purpose and what that does for us as human beings.URL: pubandporch.comEmail: [email protected]: @PubandPorchSubstack: Pub and Porch Applied StoicismYouTube: @pubporchPPAS Logo Provided by: Mike GolkaAll music provided by bensound.com

Mick and Adam discuss another current events topic today, unlawful orders and what is a Stoic's duty. Themes covered today include lawful vs unlawful, checks in the system, obligation, duty, ethics, and the choices that we all must make. Topics today do not just cover the military but also cover things in public life and the private sector, with a significant discussion on space program history that is relevant to this topic.Books cited today:George Marshall: Defender of the Republic - David RollChallenger: A True Story of Heroism and Disaster on the Edge of Space - Adam HigginbothamStoicism as a Warrior Philosophy - William SpearsStoic Warriors: The Ancient Philosophy behind the Military Mind - Nancy ShermanURL: pubandporch.comEmail: [email protected]: @PubandPorchSubstack: Pub and Porch Applied StoicismYouTube: @pubporchPPAS Logo Provided by: Mike GolkaAll music provided by bensound.com

In this episode, Mick and Adam discuss the anti-science movement from a Stoic perspective. The conversation morphs into one about education, ignorance, critical thinking, and the parallel anti-intellectual movement. Stoic perspectives discuss thoughts from Socrates, Marcus, Epictetus, and others, and the virtues we practice and the choices that we must make as Stoics for the present and the future.URL: pubandporch.comEmail: [email protected]: @PubandPorchSubstack: Pub and Porch Applied StoicismYouTube: @pubporchPPAS Logo Provided by: Mike GolkaAll music provided by bensound.com

Mick and Adam discuss A.I. in today's episode, looking at the pros and cons of its presence in the world. Uses of A.I. that are discussed includes its use in the workplace, on the battlefield, and in the sphere of arts and music. Responsibility, choice, and the ethics of the use of A.I. and robotics are prime topics discussed.URL: pubandporch.comEmail: [email protected]: @PubandPorchSubstack: Pub and Porch Applied StoicismYouTube: @pubporchPPAS Logo Provided by: Mike GolkaAll music provided by bensound.com

Mick and Adam discuss the writings and concepts of the Stoic teacher Musonius Rufus, teacher of Epictetus (another well-known Stoic). The discussion centres about Rufus' history, but also the connections between his concepts of the past and how they are still relevant today. URL: pubandporch.comEmail: [email protected]: @PubandPorchSubstack: Pub and Porch Applied StoicismYouTube: @pubporchPPAS Logo Provided by: Mike GolkaAll music provided by bensound.com

Mick and Adam discuss the concept of resilience, toughness, and the will to keep going even in times of great adversity. Using Stoicism to persevere in challenging times, and the self-discipline to continue when others do not is discussed at length. Using the military and sports as examples, Mick and Adam discuss examples of resilience and also examples of some Stoic practices and mindsets to fact adversity in life today. Personal stories and anecdotes abound in this episode.URL: pubandporch.comEmail: [email protected]: @PubandPorchSubstack: Pub and Porch Applied StoicismYouTube: @pubporchPPAS Logo Provided by: Mike GolkaAll music provided by bensound.com

Mick and Adam talk about the Stoic concept of Justice, both its meaning and its application. The conversation moves from discussions on the legal sense of justice, into the further discussion of how Stoics view Justice as a virtue which includes the act of benevolence, magnanimity, and compassion. The application of Justice in day-to-day life is also discussed as well as the treatment of others and the challenges when trying to apply Justice. URL: pubandporch.comEmail: [email protected]: @PubandPorchSubstack: Pub and Porch Applied StoicismYouTube: @pubporchPPAS Logo Provided by: Mike GolkaAll music provided by bensound.com

Mick and Adam discuss the idea of remembrance as we reach November 11th this year, known as Remembrance Day, Armistice Day, and Veterans' Day among most of our listeners. Mick and Adam talk about how Stoics view remembrance, and some major historical events of the past, as well as their view of the future. URL: pubandporch.comEmail: [email protected]: @PubandPorchSubstack: Pub and Porch Applied StoicismYouTube: @pubporchPPAS Logo Provided by: Mike GolkaAll music provided by bensound.com

Mick and Adam have a short clip today announcing a new award from the podcast, the Rufus Award. This year's recipient: Maria Corina Machado.URL: pubandporch.comEmail: [email protected]: @PubandPorchSubstack: Pub and Porch Applied StoicismYouTube: @pubporchPPAS Logo Provided by: Mike GolkaAll music provided by bensound.com

On today's episode, Mick and Adam discuss The Stoic Opposition, a group of Stoics from ancient Rome who opposed tyrannical and autocratic rule at different times in history. Mick and Adam discuss the history of the group, the context of the time in which they live, as well as how the group applied their philosophy to their political lives, and how this might apply to Stoics today.URL: pubandporch.comEmail: [email protected]: @PubandPorchSubstack: Pub and Porch Applied StoicismYouTube: @pubporchPPAS Logo Provided by: Mike GolkaAll music provided by bensound.com

Mick and Adam discuss times when they have felt most unlike a Stoic, perhaps even failing to be a Stoic in their lives. They discuss ways in which they work to regain their practice, get back to their core practice, and they talk about what practicing Stoicism means to them. References to the ancient Stoics and their guidance, plus some tips and strategies to pull themselves out of feeling challenged to be Stoic.URL: pubandporch.comEmail: [email protected]: @PubandPorchSubstack: Pub and Porch Applied StoicismYouTube: @pubporchPPAS Logo Provided by: Mike GolkaAll music provided by bensound.com

Mick and Adam discuss the Stoic idea of equality, of both genders, based on the views of the original Stoics of history from Zeno to Plato and more. Discussions about misconceptions around Stoicism and what it really means, as well as rebuttals of some more "versions" of Stoicism which aren't really following the true philosophy, are all part of the discussion.URL: pubandporch.comEmail: [email protected]: @PubandPorchSubstack: Pub and Porch Applied StoicismYouTube: @pubporchPPAS Logo Provided by: Mike GolkaAll music provided by bensound.com

Mick and Adam discuss a current event happening in the world right now, and discuss how it shows that a will to continue and not give up is important. Mick and Adam discuss lessons they take from this event, and also discuss the concepts of personal responsibility, choice, and the decisions that we must make as human beings about our lives. Key learnings to take away from the events are discussed, and the show wraps up with some key takeaways for the listener. URL: pubandporch.comEmail: [email protected]: @PubandPorchSubstack: Pub and Porch Applied StoicismYouTube: @pubporchPPAS Logo Provided by: Mike GolkaAll music provided by bensound.com

Mick and Adam discuss an event that occurred, where anger was very prevalent. Mick and Adam discuss the event as it happened, discuss the way it was handled and the emotions both during and after the fact. Mick and Adam talk about the Stoic stance on anger, and use examples of Stoics from the past to show how Stoics might approach these events if they ever occur. Discussions abound on the Stoic stance toward anger.URL: pubandporch.comEmail: [email protected]: @PubandPorchSubstack: Pub and Porch Applied StoicismYouTube: @pubporchPPAS Logo Provided by: Mike GolkaAll music provided by bensound.com

Mick and Adam discuss the 4 Stoic virtues of Wisdom, Courage, Justice, and Temperance, and how Stoics view these and apply them in their daily lives. The direction granted by the virtues, and the nature of how Stoics discuss their practice, as well as the value garners from using the 4 virtues as a compass are all parts of the discussion.URL: pubandporch.comEmail: [email protected]: @PubandPorchSubstack: Pub and Porch Applied StoicismYouTube: @pubporchPPAS Logo Provided by: Mike GolkaAll music provided by bensound.com

Mick and Adam discuss the concept of character, and their views on what it means to have it, develop it, and show it. The discussion also includes points from the book, On Character by General Stanley McCrystal.URL: pubandporch.comEmail: [email protected]: @PubandPorchSubstack: Pub and Porch Applied StoicismYouTube: @pubporchPPAS Logo Provided by: Mike GolkaAll music provided by bensound.com

Mick and Adam discuss Zeno's Republic, and its rebuttal of Plato's work of the same name. The hosts discuss the historical context in which the Republic was written, as well as discuss the major points of the work and key ideas that the reader should think about taking away from it.URL: pubandporch.comEmail: [email protected]: @PubandPorchSubstack: Pub and Porch Applied StoicismYouTube: @pubporchPPAS Logo Provided by: Mike GolkaAll music provided by bensound.com

Mick and Adam talk about their ideas on daily practice of Stoicism, their day-to-day practices, and their opinions on some of the most common practices for stoics. URL: pubandporch.comEmail: [email protected]: @PubandPorchSubstack: Pub and Porch Applied StoicismYouTube: @pubporchPPAS Logo Provided by: Mike GolkaAll music provided by bensound.com

Mick and Adam discuss their hopes for the podcast, ideas about what they will discuss and the different types of topics they would both love to discuss together. Inclusion of the listeners in the podcast's activities, how the hosts want to engage with their audience, and ideas for where they hope the podcast will go are all discussed at length.URL: pubandporch.comEmail: [email protected]: @PubandPorchSubstack: Pub and Porch Applied StoicismYouTube: @pubporchPPAS Logo Provided by: Mike GolkaAll music provided by bensound.com

Join Mick and Adam as they navigate their first episode on this new podcast. They talk about their hopes and wishes for the podcast, as well as discuss a little bit about themselves and how they were introduced to the philosophy, and how they began their journeys with this philosophy and practice.URL: pubandporch.comEmail: [email protected]: @PubandPorchSubstack: Pub and Porch Applied StoicismYouTube: @pubporchPPAS Logo Provided by: Mike GolkaAll music provided by bensound.com