What if criticism could be seen as a gift rather than an attack? What if most of our worries existed only in our imagination? And what if the greatest challenges we face in life are actually the very things that shape us into who we are meant to become? In this episode, William dives into the timeless wisdom of Epictetus and the Stoic tradition, exploring how these ancient teachings can be applied to modern life.

William unpacks Stoic insights on criticism, self-mastery, and the famous “dichotomy of control,” showing how they continue to influence modern therapies like Rational Emotive Behavioral Therapy. He reflects on the futility of worry, the importance of surrounding yourself with people who uplift you, and the Stoic view of wealth and freedom—not as possessions to chase, but as a mindset to cultivate. Through personal stories and practical examples, William demonstrates how Stoicism is not just a set of quotes to admire but a philosophy to embody in daily life.

This episode is a reminder that true happiness and freedom are found not in what happens to us, but in how we choose to respond. With Epictetus as our guide, we learn to embrace difficulties as opportunities for growth, to swap expectations for gratitude, and to live with the courage, wisdom, and discipline that the Stoics believed define a good life.

In this episode, William dives into the timeless Stoic idea of having a “North Star”, a guiding principle that helps us stay grounded, even when life pulls us in a hundred directions. Seneca once warned that to value a person for their clothing or social status is foolish, and William reflects on how this wisdom feels even more urgent today, in a world obsessed with likes, followers, and luxury brands. Instead of chasing flames that burn us, the Stoics call us to live with virtue, courage, and character.

William shares how great figures like Steve Irwin, Fred Rogers, and even fictional heroes such as Aragorn can become models for us to emulate. By asking, “What would they do?” in moments of doubt, we slowly reshape our character, carve out new paths in the mind, and build the foundation of a stronger and better self. This practice of “virtue modeling” becomes part of our North Star, keeping us aligned with what truly matters.

Along the way, William discusses how to align our careers with our deeper values, drawing on astronaut Chris Hadfield’s advice about following natural interests. He also reminds us of Marcus Aurelius’ conviction that the noblest pursuit is not greatness, wealth, or fame, but simply the pursuit of being a good person. When we act with virtue, we create lives that are not only meaningful but also unshakable in the face of hardship and temptation.

In this episode, William shares the four Stoic principles that helped him lift the invisible “mist” that once made life feel empty, even when things looked good on the outside. Drawing from his own struggles with anxiety, depression, and a persistent sense that life hadn’t truly begun, he explains how Stoic wisdom from Marcus Aurelius, Epictetus, and Musonius Rufus provided a simple but powerful framework for living fully.

From replacing expectations with appreciation, to living in the present moment, to accepting life as it unfolds, and stripping away false value from material things, these timeless teachings are broken down with real-life stories, and practical exercises.

If you have ever felt lost, anxious, or like something was missing from your life, this episode offers the clarity and tools to step out of the fog and truly start living.