Weekly Wisdom with John Sampson

John Sampson
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Ready to stop overthinking and start living? Welcome to Weekly Wisdom with John Sampson, the new, essential 30-minute podcast dedicated to making you more resilient, focused, and purposeful. In a world full of noise, John Sampson cuts through the abstract theories, bringing you applied philosophy and practical psychology every single week. This show is designed for the modern listener who wants actionable solutions, not just academic concepts. What you can expect in every 30-minute episode: The Insight: A deep-yet-digestible look at one core psychological or philosophical barrier (like tackling procrastination or finding meaning)The Method: A clear step-by-step framework for you to immediately apply the wisdom to your daily life, starting todayCommit to 30 minutes a week and begin your journey toward self-mastery. We promise to deliver consistent, high-value content that you can integrate into your commute or daily routine. New episode every Tuesday

Episodes

  1. Stop Failing Your Resolutions: Stoic Wisdom & Brain Science for Goals That Stick

    1D AGO

    Stop Failing Your Resolutions: Stoic Wisdom & Brain Science for Goals That Stick

    The New Year's resolution failure rate is a staggering 80-90%. This week on Weekly Wisdom with John Sampson, we stop relying on false hope and reveal the evidence-based blueprint for setting goals that stick. Host John Sampson dives into the vital psychological benefits of goal setting, the high cost of stagnation, and the neuroscience of success—mapping the journey from your planning Prefrontal Cortex to your habit-forming Basal Ganglia. Most importantly, he connects modern behavioral science (Micro-Actions, Implementation Intentions) with the timeless Stoic philosophy of Marcus Aurelius and Epictetus, and the virtue ethics of Aristotle. Discover the optimal strategies to overcome procrastination, avoid the "False Hope Syndrome," and build automated habits for self-mastery. Learn how to frame your resolutions according to the Dichotomy of Control and design a life of purpose. This episode is your comprehensive guide to turning fleeting intentions into lasting personal transformation. #newyearsresolution #newyearnewme #goals #psychology #philosophy

    30 min
  2. The Radical Necessity of Stillness: Stoic Wisdom, Neuroscience, and the Cure for Burnout

    DEC 16

    The Radical Necessity of Stillness: Stoic Wisdom, Neuroscience, and the Cure for Burnout

    Stop the hustle. This episode of Weekly Wisdom with John Sampson proves that stillness is a biological and existential necessity, not a luxury. We expose the devastating cost of chronic busyness, examining the tragic mental collapses of historical figures like John Stuart Mill, Nikola Tesla, and Friedrich Nietzsche. Drawing on Stoic philosophy—especially Seneca's concept of tranquillitas (abiding stability of mind)—and modern neuroscience, we show how downtime activates the Default Mode Network (DMN), lowers cortisol (stress hormones), and restores attentional capacity. Learn practical, actionable steps to achieve otium (philosophical leisure) and use stillness to cultivate resilience, enhance creativity, and find true inner peace.

    24 min
  3. The Hubris Trap: Why Humility Is the #1 Leadership Trait | Freud, Stoics & The Titanic Disaster

    DEC 9

    The Hubris Trap: Why Humility Is the #1 Leadership Trait | Freud, Stoics & The Titanic Disaster

    Humility is not weakness—it's your greatest psychological strength. In this powerful episode, we reveal why hubris (excessive pride) is the single most dangerous flaw in leadership. We analyze the catastrophic cost of arrogance, from the Titanic and Challenger Disaster to modern AI CEOs and polarized politics. You will learn: The Science: Why your brain is neurologically addicted to certainty and how to use the Prefrontal Cortex to fight the "Hubris Trap."The Philosophy: Lessons from the Stoics (Marcus Aurelius, Epictetus) on why acknowledging ignorance is the first step to wisdom.The Psychology: How Freud's work on narcissism explains why a brittle ego shuts down learning.The Action: Practical strategies for cultivating humility, including why being willing to admit mistakes and learn from them is core to a growth mindset.Stop risking it all on certainty. Start building resilience through self-awareness. Tune in to rewire your mind for long-term success.

    20 min
  4. How to Find Your Role Model: Advice from the Stoics, Aristotle, Nietzsche, Frankl, and Neuroscience

    DEC 2

    How to Find Your Role Model: Advice from the Stoics, Aristotle, Nietzsche, Frankl, and Neuroscience

    Are you living in an "existential vacuum," unsure who you are or who you should be? The key to a meaningful life isn't just self-discovery; it's self-creation through the power of the ideal. Host John Sampson explores the necessity of having an aspirational guide—a role model—to shape your character and direction. In this episode, you will learn: The Philosophical Imperative: Discover why Aristotle viewed the emulation of excellence as the pathway to virtue, and how Nietzsche's concept of self-overcoming demands a constant striving toward a better self. We also examine Viktor Frankl's warning about the danger of living without a clearly defined ideal.The Science of Emulation: Dive into the fascinating neuroscience that explains exactly why we are wired to admire and learn. Understand the role of dopamine and mirror neurons in turning observation into motivation, making the ideal not just a philosophical concept but a neurological process.The 5-Step Roadmap: Get a practical framework for implementation, including how to:Clarify your three most important values.Identify a historical figure, mentor, or fictional character who embodies those values.Use your ideal as a "constellation of wisdom"—a guide, not a destination—to prevent existential drift.Stop arguing about what a good person should be, and start being one. Use the ideal self as your compass to write the script for your self-mastered life. #philosophy #psychology #emulation #rolemodel #ideal #imitation #stoicism #mentalhealth

    22 min
  5. 5 Strategies to Ignite Your Motivation

    NOV 25

    5 Strategies to Ignite Your Motivation

    Do you struggle with the heavy, dragging sense of "what's the point?" that stalls your goals? This isn't laziness—it's demotivation, a fundamental barrier to achievement that affects everyone from students to CEOs. Host John Sampson dismantles the myth of laziness and provides a powerful framework for understanding and igniting your inner drive. In this episode, you will learn: The Philosophical Fuel: Explore Nietzsche's radical concept of the "Will to Power"—our essential drive to overcome ourselves and constantly grow—and how to harness it as a relentless pursuit of your best self.The Science of Drive: Understand the difference between fragile Extrinsic Motivation (rewards/punishments) and powerful Intrinsic Motivation (acting for joy and values). We dive into how to shift your focus from external rewards to internal purpose.5 Practical Strategies to Beat Demotivation: Get an actionable, step-by-step plan you can use today, including:Value Alignment: Connecting tasks to what you truly care about.Micro-Action: Using tiny steps to overcome initial resistance.Reframing: Applying Stoic principles to challenge limiting beliefs.Growth Mindset: Transforming "I can't do this" into "I can't do this... yet."Motivation is not a secret gift, but a skill built on courage, values, and choice. Stop waiting to feel motivated, and start using these tools to create it. #motivation #psychology #mentalhealth #philosophy #stoicism

    23 min
  6. How to Overcome a Quick Temper: Stoic Wisdom and the 4-Step Cognitive Framework

    NOV 18

    How to Overcome a Quick Temper: Stoic Wisdom and the 4-Step Cognitive Framework

    Anger is a powerful force that can destroy relationships, careers, and peace of mind. But can it also be a noble and necessary emotion? Host John Sampson dives deep into the complex nature of anger, showing you how to move from being its victim to becoming its master. This episode is a comprehensive guide blending ancient philosophical discipline with modern neurological science. What You Will Learn: The Philosophical Debate: Explore the radical skepticism of the Stoics—especially Seneca (who called anger a "brief madness")—alongside Plato's view of anger as a noble, spirited ally and Aristotle's concept of "good-tempered" anger. We also touch on the Chinese wisdom of Confucius on the threat of anger to harmony.The Science of Rage: Understand the neuroscience behind the "seeing red" impulse, mapping the battle between the amygdala (the fight-or-flight center) and the prefrontal cortex (rational control).Your 4-Step Mastery Framework: Learn the practical, scientifically backed method for taking control in the moment:The Pause (Creating distance)The Re-Appraisal (Cognitive Restructuring)The Response (Rational choice)The Aftermath (Reflecting on the result)Stop allowing your impulses to write your life's script. Start mastering your emotions one mindful choice at a time. #anger #mentalhealth #philosophy #psychology #stoicism

    23 min
  7. How to Stop Procrastinating: Practical tools from Stoic Philosophy and Psychology

    NOV 11

    How to Stop Procrastinating: Practical tools from Stoic Philosophy and Psychology

    Are you stuck in the cycle of knowing what to do but doing the opposite? This isn't laziness—it's emotional avoidance. Host John Sampson explores why 15-20% of the population suffers from chronic procrastination and gives you a proven framework to break free. We look at procrastination through two powerful lenses: Ancient Philosophy: Learn what the Stoics called a "failure of character" and why Seneca warned that postponement is the greatest waste of life. Discover Aristotle's concept of Akrasia —the knowing-doing gap—and how Marcus Aurelius used the urgency of Memento Mori to force action.Modern Psychology: Understand procrastination as a failure of emotion-regulation. We break down Temporal Motivation Theory (Expectancy Value / Delay Impulsiveness) , the role of dopamine and hyperbolic discounting , and the limbic system vs. prefrontal cortex tug-of-war.Get the 4-Step Framework You Can Use Today: This episode gives you a simple, powerful framework that blends Stoic Dichotomy of Control with modern Cognitive Restructuring: Awareness (Mindfulness)Reframe (Focus on what you can control)Align with Values (Boost intrinsic motivation)Take a Micro-Action (Build Aristotle's virtue through habit)Stop wasting your most valuable asset—your time—and start building the person you want to be. #procrastination #motivation #mentalhealth #psychology #philosophy #stoicism

    25 min
  8. How to Accept Your Reality and Move Forward with Purpose After Life's Challenges

    NOV 4

    How to Accept Your Reality and Move Forward with Purpose After Life's Challenges

    How do you move forward when life delivers a crushing blow? Host John Sampson explores the journey of Accepting Your Reality and finding purpose after a life-altering event. This episode provides a practical framework drawing on both ancient philosophy and modern psychology: The Ancient Wisdom: Explore Plato's Myth of Er and the unchangeable "cosmic order", the Stoics' radical concept of Amor Fati (Love of Fate), and how Marcus Aurelius and Seneca used misfortune as a training ground for virtue.The Modern Mindset: Discover Nietzsche's life-affirming approach to Amor Fati, the grounded wisdom of Carl Jung on how "we cannot change anything until we accept it", and Aristotle's focus on choosing noble actions in the face of adversity.A Practical Approach: Learn the steps of Radical Acceptance and the principles of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), a proven method for enhancing psychological flexibility and reducing distress during chronic stress.End the internal struggle, align your actions with your values, and find your next best step forward. #overcoming #mentalhealth #stoicism #psychology #philosophy #reality

    23 min
  9. The 'Like' Trap: How to Stop Chasing External Praise and Find Inner Worth

    OCT 28

    The 'Like' Trap: How to Stop Chasing External Praise and Find Inner Worth

    Are you tired of feeling defined by likes, followers, or the fleeting approval of others? This episode tackles the universal need for external validation, exploring how it’s been magnified by social media metrics and the resulting dopamine hit. Host John Sampson dives into the timeless wisdom of Plato, Aristotle, Seneca, and Marcus Aurelius to show you why building your worth on the "clacking of tongues" is a fool's errand. Learn practical psychological remedies like cognitive restructuring and self-compassion to shift your focus inward and cultivate an imperturbable sense of self. #socialmedia #philosophy #psychology #mentalhealth #stoicism

    27 min
  • 9 Episodes

About

Ready to stop overthinking and start living? Welcome to Weekly Wisdom with John Sampson, the new, essential 30-minute podcast dedicated to making you more resilient, focused, and purposeful. In a world full of noise, John Sampson cuts through the abstract theories, bringing you applied philosophy and practical psychology every single week. This show is designed for the modern listener who wants actionable solutions, not just academic concepts. What you can expect in every 30-minute episode: The Insight: A deep-yet-digestible look at one core psychological or philosophical barrier (like tackling procrastination or finding meaning)The Method: A clear step-by-step framework for you to immediately apply the wisdom to your daily life, starting todayCommit to 30 minutes a week and begin your journey toward self-mastery. We promise to deliver consistent, high-value content that you can integrate into your commute or daily routine. New episode every Tuesday

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