The Strong Stoic Podcast

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SELF-IMPROVEMENT
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The Strong Stoic Podcast is a raw, honest, and unapologetically deep podcast about philosophy and self-improvement. Join your host, Brandon Tumblin, as he breaks down a wide variety of complex and difficult topics while bringing together different philosophies, sciences, and perspectives.

1D AGO

#403 - William C. Spears | Conflict, Leadership, and the Stoic Way

In this episode of The Strong Stoic, I sit down with an active-duty Navy submarine officer to explore Stoicism through the lens of military leadership, conflict, and responsibility. We discuss: Why Stoicism isn’t emotional suppression The role of anger in leadership and combatHow virtue makes you more effective — not softerWhy roles matter more than feelingsThe connection between strength training and moral disciplineWhat Marcus Aurelius can teach modern leaders about conflictThis is not a romanticized conversation about war. It’s a grounded exploration of responsibility under pressure. If you’ve ever felt the weight of leadership… If you’ve ever questioned how to handle conflict… If you’re trying to be dangerous — but disciplined — This one’s for you.

1h 4m
FEB 10

#402 - Why I Stopped Buying Stoic Books (And Started Practicing Stoicism)

Most people don’t fail at Stoicism because they don’t know enough. They fail because they don’t practice enough. In this episode, I talk about why I stopped buying Stoic books, why fiction pulled me back into reading, and how the real work of philosophy happens far away from the page. We explore the gap between knowing and becoming, why mastery takes decades—not weeks—and why repetition, not insight, is the true currency of growth. If you feel stuck despite “doing everything right,” this episode is for you.

20 min
FEB 3

#401 - Multitasking Is Ruining Your Life (The Stoics Warned Us)

Our culture glorifies multitasking—but the Stoics would call it a mistake. In this episode of The Strong Stoic Podcast, we explore why doing more at once often means experiencing less. Drawing on Marcus Aurelius and Seneca, we examine presence, intention, and why even “productive” multitasking quietly erodes meaning. We’ll talk about: Why multitasking feels productive but isn’t The difference between intentional rest and avoidanceHow presence transforms ordinary actionsWhy life feels short when attention is scatteredSlow down. Focus. Do what matters—fully.

17 min
JAN 27

#400 - Internal vs External Regulation — And When Reflection Becomes a Trap

Not everyone regulates themselves the same way. Some people measure their actions by character. Others measure by consequences. In this episode, we explore the difference between internal and external regulation, why Stoics tend to be internal regulators, and why that can quietly lead to rumination and burnout if left unchecked. We cover: Why not everyone thinks the way you doHow internal regulation drives growth—and sufferingWhen reflection stops being usefulA simple Stoic method to close the rumination loopBeing internally regulated is a strength—but only if you know when to move on.

19 min
JAN 20

#399 - Be Dangerous, But Leave Room for the Human

Most leadership failures don’t come from incompetence. They come from imbalance. Too much edge and people comply—but stop trusting you. Too much kindness and standards quietly collapse. Real leadership lives in the tension between humanity and consequence. In this episode, I break down: Why edge without warmth creates feaWhy kindness without teeth creates entitlementWhat “teeth” actually mean (and what they don’t)The real cost of balanced leadershipWhy every Stoic is a leader—whether you want the role or notBe kind enough to protect the human. Be dangerous enough to protect the standard.

20 min
JAN 13

#398 - Stoic Resilience: You're Stronger Than You Think | With Kyle Sarka

In this episode, Brandon sits down with an educator and school principal, Kyle Sarka, to explore Stoic resilience—not as brute toughness, but as endurance guided by wisdom. The conversation moves fluidly between Stoic philosophy, leadership, fitness, history, and modern life, examining what it really means to persevere when outcomes are uncertain and comfort is abundant. Rather than glorifying suffering for its own sake, this episode argues that resilience is about knowing when to endure, when to adapt, and when to step back—and having the courage to act either way.

1h 28m
JAN 6

#397 - Why Does Progress Often Feel Like Failure?

In this episode of The Strong Stoic, I explore a Stoic paradox: the one making the most progress often feels it the least. Drawing from Epictetus, Marcus Aurelius, and real-world examples from leadership, fitness, and personal responsibility, this episode breaks down why conscientious people feel behind, why growth creates insecurity, and why feeling unstable doesn’t mean you’re weak. I talk about: Why rising standards distort self-perceptionThe difference between awareness and anxietyWhy imposter syndrome often signals expansionHow to separate your role from unrealistic expectationsAnd why shaking knees don’t invalidate strengthIf you’ve felt stretched, inadequate, or unsure lately—this episode may help you see that discomfort differently.

19 min
12/30/2025

#396 - Life Isn’t Fair — And That’s the Point

Life isn’t fair — and Stoicism never said it would be. In this episode, we explore what it actually means to live with integrity in a world that doesn’t reward effort, honesty, or discipline in predictable ways. We talk about the difference between character and reputation, when telling the truth is courageous — and when silence is wiser — and how Stoicism helps us respond to unfairness without becoming bitter or defensive. This is an episode about composure under pressure, clarity in chaos, and learning to carry yourself well even when the outcome isn’t what you hoped for. If you’ve ever felt unseen, misunderstood, or unfairly judged — this one’s for you.

21 min

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5

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3 Ratings

The Strong Stoic Podcast is a raw, honest, and unapologetically deep podcast about philosophy and self-improvement. Join your host, Brandon Tumblin, as he breaks down a wide variety of complex and difficult topics while bringing together different philosophies, sciences, and perspectives.