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.

In this episode, William shares the one Stoic habit that radically improved his mental health. Rooted in the wisdom of Marcus Aurelius, Seneca, and even Pythagoras, this practice centres on describing events in your life with calm objectivity, stripping away the emotional weight that often makes everyday struggles feel overwhelming.

William explores the idea of “catastrophizing”—the habit of using dramatic, exaggerated language to describe minor setbacks—and how Stoicism teaches us to respond instead with measured, precise reflection. By journaling your day exactly as it happened, without judgment or flair, you gain a clearer perspective and reduce the grip anxiety holds on your mind.

Drawing on his personal journey and Stoic texts like Meditations, William explains how this habit doesn’t just help you process negative experiences—it also helps reframe your desires, stripping away the illusion of status and material success. This episode is both a practical guide and a heartfelt reflection on the real power of Stoicism when it's not just read, but lived.

In today’s episode, William reveals the exact morning routine he uses, rooted in ancient Stoic philosophy, to set the tone for a resilient, purposeful, and fulfilling day. Drawing directly from the works of Marcus Aurelius and other Stoic masters, this is no modern self-help gimmick. It’s a daily ritual refined by the wisdom of centuries.

Discover how starting your day with the right mindset can make you emotionally bulletproof, more present, and deeply aligned with your true nature. Whether you're new to Stoicism or deep in the practice, this simple but powerful morning habit can shift the trajectory of your day—and your life.

Listen now and learn how to live intentionally, think like a Stoic, and face life’s challenges with strength and clarity.

In this episode, William shares a powerful yet simple Stoic question from Marcus Aurelius that can cut through modern distractions like TikTok, YouTube, and endless scrolling. Learn how this practical tool, drawn from the Meditations, can help you overcome procrastination, sharpen your focus, and reclaim your time.

William explains how Marcus used this very question to confront his own fears and vices, and how we too can use it to live more intentionally. Discover why the Stoics didn’t label things like social media or entertainment as good or bad, but instead taught us to judge by how we use them.

If you want to align your life with Stoic wisdom and make better use of your time, this episode is your guide.

Why do so many people tell you to skip Book One of Meditations? In this episode, William challenges that advice and dives deep into why the first chapter of Marcus Aurelius’ writings might be the most profound. Far from being a simple list of thank-yous, Book One is a blueprint for modeling virtue - an ancient Stoic exercise that teaches us how to learn from everyone around us.

William unpacks how Marcus used real people—from his grandfather to mentors and beyond—to shape his moral compass and how we can do the same. From the passion of Steve Irwin to the compassion of Fred Rogers, we explore how modern examples can become our own "purple threads," guiding us toward a better self.

This episode is a guide to practical stoicism, reflective journaling, and character modeling - showing how Meditations is more than a diary; it’s a manual for becoming who you wish to be.

Are you facing hardship, grief, or overwhelming challenges? In this episode, William explores how Stoic philosophy reframes suffering—not as punishment, but as a path to personal greatness.

Drawing from the ancient myth of Hercules and timeless Stoic metaphors, William shows how adversity is life’s greatest teacher. Learn why the Stoics saw every painful trial as a gift, how to find strength through suffering, and why accepting pain is essential to personal growth.

Whether you’re navigating grief, battling setbacks, or simply feeling lost, this episode offers grounded wisdom to help you rise above. Remember: your pain has a purpose, and your character is forged in the fire of difficulty.