Welcome to the Via Stoica Podcast, the Podcast on Stoicism.

In this episode of the Via Stoica Podcast, Benny explores the Stoic Discipline of Desire, one of the three core disciplines that guide us toward a calmer and more meaningful life.

In a world where everything we want is just a buy button away and social media constantly tempts us to compare ourselves with others, Stoicism offers a way out. Instead of chasing external goals like wealth, status, or possessions, the Stoics teach us to redirect our desires inward, toward virtue, peace of mind, and harmony with nature.

Drawing from Epictetus, Marcus Aurelius, and later Roman Stoics, Benny explains why unchecked desire leads to anxiety and dissatisfaction, and how suppressing or redirecting desire can create true freedom. You’ll hear about practical Stoic exercises such as pausing before impulses, practicing gratitude, journaling about wants and aversions, and realigning your goals with virtue.

If you’ve ever wondered how to stop craving more and start living with enough, this episode will give you the tools to begin. For more on this topic, see the full guide:
👉 https://viastoica.com/how-to-practice-the-stoic-discipline-desire/

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🎙️ Produced by: http://badmic.com

Welcome to the Via Stoica Podcast, the Podcast on Stoicism.

In this Stoic Quotes episode, Benny reflects on Epictetus’ words from Discourses 3.9:

“You too should drop your desire. Do not covet many things and you will get what you want.”

For Epictetus, the path to freedom and peace begins with the discipline of desire. We often chase after externals — wealth, success, recognition — only to find ourselves restless and unsatisfied. The more we want, the less content we feel. But when we align our desires with what is truly up to us, namely virtue and right action, we discover lasting satisfaction.

In this episode, Benny unpacks how Epictetus connects unchecked desire to frustration, anger, and fear, while showing that virtue is the only secure object of desire. You’ll hear how the Stoics distinguished between healthy wishes and destructive passions, and why letting go of unnecessary wants is the key to freedom.

Perfect for anyone exploring Epictetus’s quotes on desire, the Stoic discipline of desire, and practical philosophy for living a more grounded life.

In the Stoic Quotes series, we explore timeless wisdom from Seneca, Epictetus, Marcus Aurelius, and more — discovering what they meant then and how we can live them today. In this episode, Benny connects Epictetus’ insight to the daily struggle of ambition, the need for role clarity, and the courage to choose virtue over externals.

If you are looking for more quotes like this one, visit viastoica.com. We have hundreds of Stoic sayings with full references, so you can find them in the original texts or use them in your own reflections.

🔗 viastoica.com/stoic-quotes🔗 viastoica.com/epictetus-quotes🔗 viastoica.com/marcus-aurelius-quotes🔗 viastoica.com/seneca-quotes

Make sure to subscribe for more quote episodes every Friday, as well as our Tuesday interviews and longer Stoic discussions. Leave a comment if you have thoughts or questions — we might feature them in a future episode.

Support the show

🌐 viastoica.com🌐 viastoica.com/stoic-life-coaching🌐 viastoica.com/benny-voncken🐦 /viastoica📩 Reach us: info@viastoica.com

Produced by: badmic.com

Welcome to the Via Stoica Podcast, The Podcast on Stoicism.

In this episode of The Via Stoica Podcast, Benny speaks with Dr. John Sellars, one of today’s leading scholars of Stoicism and the history of philosophy. Dr. Sellars is Reader in the History of Philosophy at Royal Holloway, University of London, Associate Editor for the Ancient Commentators on Aristotle series at King’s College London, and a founding member of both Modern Stoicism and the Aurelius Foundation. He has authored and edited numerous works, including Stoicism (recently revised), Stoicism and Emotion, and The Cambridge Companion to Marcus Aurelius.

Our conversation traces Dr. Sellars’ journey from his early fascination with science and politics to his lifelong study of ancient philosophy. We explore how the Stoics carried forward the legacy of Socrates in a way that feels both practical and deeply human, and why their materialist, empiricist outlook resonated more with him than Plato’s metaphysical idealism. Dr. Sellars reflects on how philosophy has shaped his own life, from changing his views on free will to cultivating a “big picture” perspective that keeps ego and ambition in check.

The discussion ranges widely: from common misconceptions about Stoicism, such as that it is unemotional, politically disengaged, or only for men, to the role of community in mental health, and the tension between Stoic determinism and ideas of God, providence, and nature. We also dive into Marcus Aurelius’ Meditations, examining why the book endures, how Marcus grappled with death and difficult people, and why we should see him not as a perfect sage but as a flawed human being struggling to live well.

Dr. Sellars also shares insights into his ongoing projects, including new research on Stoicism and leadership (with Justin Stead of the Aurelius Foundation), and his work with psychologists at Royal Holloway testing Stoic practices in peer-reviewed studies on resilience, anxiety, and anger.

Whether you are new to Stoicism or looking to go deeper into its history and modern applications, this episode offers both scholarly depth and practical wisdom for living a good life.

You can find Dr. Sellars’ books, including the revised edition of Stoicism and The Cambridge Companion to Marcus Aurelius, through major booksellers. To learn more, visit the Aurelius Foundation or the Center for the Study and Application of Stoicism at Royal Holloway.

Support the show

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⁠https://x.com/ViaStoica⁠info@viastoica.com

⁠Produced by: ⁠http://badmic.com

Welcome to the Via Stoica Podcast, the podcast on Stoicism.

In this Stoic Quotes episode, Benny reflects on Marcus Aurelius’ reminder from Meditations 7.18:

“Frightened of change? But what can exist without it? What’s closer to nature’s heart?”

Change is constant — from the rise and fall of empires to the daily challenges in our own lives. Marcus wrote these words while facing war, plague, and political turmoil, reminding himself that change is not something to resist but the very pulse of nature itself.

Discover how the Stoics saw change not as an enemy but as the natural order of things. Learn how this view can help you face uncertainty with courage, accept the inevitability of loss, and meet each moment with wisdom and strength. Perfect for anyone exploring Marcus Aurelius' quotes on change, the Stoic view of nature, and practical philosophy for adapting to life’s challenges.

In the Stoic Quotes series, we uncover timeless wisdom from Seneca, Epictetus, Marcus Aurelius, and more — exploring what they meant then and how we can live them today. In this episode, Benny connects Marcus’ insight on change to Stoic physics, the cycle of renewal in nature, and the courage to face the unknown with dignity.

If you are looking for more quotes like this one, visit viastoica.com. We have hundreds of Stoic sayings with full references, so you can find them in the original texts or use them in your own work.

🔗 https://viastoica.com/stoic-quotes/
🔗 https://viastoica.com/seneca-quotes/
🔗 https://viastoica.com/epictetus-quotes/
🔗 https://viastoica.com/marcus-aurelius-quotes/

Make sure to subscribe for more quote episodes every Friday, as well as our Tuesday interviews and longer Stoic discussions. Leave a comment if you have thoughts or questions — we might feature them in a future episode.

Support the show

🌐 www.ViaStoica.com
🌐 https://viastoica.com/stoic-life-coaching/
🌐 https://viastoica.com/benny-voncken/
🐦 /viastoica

📩 Reach us: info@viastoica.com
Produced by: http://badmic.com

In this episode of The Via Stoica Podcast, Benny and Brendan speak with Dr. Ranjini George, a writer, teacher, and scholar who bridges the worlds of East and West. Formerly an Associate Professor of English at Zayed University in Dubai, and now teaching Creative Writing and Arts & Humanities at the University of Toronto, Dr. George brings decades of experience exploring the overlap between philosophy, literature, and lived practice.

We trace her journey from growing up in India and Kenya, to teaching in Oman and Dubai, to immigrating to Canada, where she began weaving meditation, Buddhism, and Stoicism into her teaching and writing. Dr. George shares how Marcus Aurelius’ Meditations and Thich Nhat Hanh’s writings became constant companions, how Donald Robertson’s How to Think Like a Roman Emperor deepened her Stoic path, and why she believes both traditions offer a daily, practical way to train the mind.

The conversation explores where Buddhism and Stoicism align, in mindfulness, compassion, and resilience, and where they diverge. We talk about journaling as a form of self-inquiry, the importance of suffering “intelligently,” and what it means to pursue meaningful work without being consumed by comparison or self-cherishing. Dr. George also reflects on her books Through My Mother’s Window and her works-in-progress, Blue Flowers and Miracle of Flowers, and how storytelling itself can be a philosophical act.

Whether you are drawn to Buddhism, Stoicism, or simply the search for a good life, this episode offers insight into building your own philosophy of life with compassion, wisdom, and presence.

You can explore Dr. Ranjini George’s novel excerpt on Modern Stoicism: https://modernstoicism.com/blue-flowers-novel-excerpt-by-ranjini-george/
You can also find her teaching at the University of Toronto School of Continuing Studies: https://learn.utoronto.ca

Support the show
https://viastoica.com
https://viastoica.com/stoic-life-coaching
https://viastoica.com/benny-voncken
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https://x.com/ViaStoica
info@viastoica.com

Produced by: http://badmic.com

Life is precious because it ends.

In this Stoic Quotes episode, Benny reflects on one of Seneca’s most powerful lines from Consolation to Marcia:

“Life, it is thanks to death that you are precious in my eyes.”

Discover how the Stoics saw death not as something to fear, but as the reason we should live fully. Learn how this view can help you approach life with urgency, gratitude, and virtue — making the most of the time you have now. Perfect for anyone exploring Seneca's quotes on death, the Stoic view of mortality, and practical philosophy for living well.

In the Stoic Quotes series, we explore timeless wisdom from Seneca, Epictetus, Marcus Aurelius, and more — uncovering what they meant then and how we can live it today.

In this episode, Benny unpacks why the Stoics believed death adds value to life, weaving in Seneca’s insights, Epictetus’ advice, and even a lyric from Pearl Jam’s I Am Mine. You’ll hear practical reflections on living according to nature, fulfilling your roles well, and meeting the end of life — whenever it comes — with peace and dignity.

If you are looking for more quotes like this one, visit viastoica.com. We have hundreds of Stoic sayings with full references, so you can find them in the original texts or use them in your own work.

🔗 https://viastoica.com/stoic-quotes/🔗 https://viastoica.com/seneca-quotes/🔗 https://viastoica.com/epictetus-quotes/🔗 https://viastoica.com/marcus-aurelius-quotes/

Make sure to subscribe for more quote episodes every Friday, as well as our Tuesday interviews and longer Stoic discussions. Leave a comment if you have thoughts or questions — we might feature them in a future episode.

Support the show
🌐 www.ViaStoica.com🌐 https://viastoica.com/stoic-life-coaching/🌐 https://viastoica.com/benny-voncken/🐦 https://twitter.com/ViaStoica
📩 Reach us: info@viastoica.com

Produced by: http://badmic.com

A Stoic Conversation with William C. Spears: Stoicism as a Warrior Philosophy

In this episode of The Via Stoica Podcast, Benny and Brendan speak with William C. Spears, active duty U.S. naval officer, submarine commander, and author of Stoicism as a Warrior Philosophy. From the depths of nuclear-powered submarines to the halls of the Pentagon, William shares how Stoicism became a moral framework and mental toolkit for navigating high-stakes, high-pressure environments.

We explore his path from discovering Epictetus through Admiral James Stockdale, to writing a book that bridges the gap between ancient philosophy and modern military service. William unpacks what he means by “warrior” and “warrior philosophy,” why Stoicism is more than emotional suppression, and how its principles can strengthen leadership, resilience, and ethical decision-making in the armed forces.

The conversation also delves into just war theory, the mental health benefits of Stoic practice, and the misconceptions, both in and outside the military, about what it means to live by Stoic principles. Whether you’re in uniform, leading a team, or seeking a way to stay grounded in turbulent times, this episode offers a clear-eyed perspective on applying ancient wisdom to modern challenges.

You can connect with William at his website https://williamcspears.com or on X/Twitter via @WilliamCSpears.

Support the show

https://viastoica.com

https://viastoica.com/stoic-life-coaching.com

https://viastoica.com/benny-voncken

https://viastoica.com/brendan-hogle

https://x.com/ViaStoica

info@viastoica.com

Produced by: http://badmic.com

The Via Stoica Podcast: Stoic quotes series

In the Stoic quotes series, we take a look at what the Stoics said and uncover the wisdom they left behind. We look at the famous writings from Epictetus, Seneca, Marcus Aurelius, and more.

In this episode, we turn to a powerful quote from Epictetus, found in the Discourses, that asks us to reflect on self-worth and the price we’re willing to pay for external approval:

“For it is you who know yourself, and what value you set upon yourself, and at what rate you sell yourself.”

What does it mean to "sell yourself"? And how often do we trade our principles, our time, or our peace of mind for things that are not truly valuable? In this episode, we explore how this quote invites us to know our inner worth and live accordingly.

We also discuss the importance of self-examination, how our choices reflect what we value most, and why living in alignment with our true character is the key to Stoic freedom.

For a deeper dive into this quote, check out the full reflection on our website:
https://viastoica.com/epictetus-quote-on-self-worth

And if you want to explore more quotes like this one, all properly sourced and referenced, head over to our Stoic quote library:

https://viastoica.com/stoic-quotes
https://viastoica.com/epictetus-quotes
https://viastoica.com/seneca-quotes
https://viastoica.com/marcus-aurelius-quotes

Make sure to subscribe to the podcast for more quote episodes or our regular Tuesday recordings and interviews. Also, leave a rating, as this helps us reach more like-minded people.

Support the show

https://viastoica.com
https://viastoica.com/stoic-life-coaching
https://viastoica.com/benny-voncken
https://viastoica.com/brendan-hogle
https://twitter.com/ViaStoica
info@viastoica.com

Produced by: http://badmic.com