PHILOSOPHER KINGS.

Mark Shaffer, PhD in Ancient Near Eastern and Classical Literature.
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Philosopher Kings is designed to transform young professionals into people who think, speak, and act with knowledge, wisdom, and virtue—ten(ish) minutes at a time. It’s perfect for growing during your commute, investing in your internal-self during a workout, or leveling up while running errands. Each episode revives ancient philosophy, mythology, and timeless insight to help you lead and live with clarity, navigate chaos with character, and build the good life. We invite you to listen on your lunch break, on your commute, or while you reset—because the future belongs to the wise. Aristotle explains that "virtue is no accident-- we are what we repeatedly DO." Start by repeatedly listening to a great show made to help you thrive as a young professional and person.

Episodes

  1. 4d ago

    06. THE SUPERPOWER OF HUMILITY.

    In this episode, Mark explores why admitting that you are "new at this" and embodying humility is a superpower for young professionals and early careers. Socrates explained to the men of Athens that what made him so wise was that he was aware of his ignorance. He famously said that "he was the wisest because he knew that he knew nothing." There is a release valve that can lower the pressure of being new in your professional life, simply by owning that you are young, embracing the help of mentors, and thanking others for wisdom. If you are just out of college or training, in your first five years of your career--We made this episode to encourage you and equip you for growth and success. We hope you love it Kings and Queens! Heart, The Philosopher Kings Team Mark, Skylar, and Ricardo Join the Philosopher Kings community here: https://www.skool.com/philosopher-kings-8259/about For all things Philosopher Kings, visit: www.philosopherkings.net

    6 min

  2. May 26

    05. WORK ON THE WEAKEST.

    In this episode, Mark explores why feedback is one of the fastest ways young professionals can grow. Instead of chasing externals like promotions, praise, and recognition, this episode challenges you to build internal authority by asking better questions, receiving correction, and training the traits that actually create trust. Whether your weakness is reliability, integrity, communication, or feedback itself, the path forward is simple: find the gap, train it daily, and become the kind of person people naturally trust, respect, and promote. Join the Philosopher Kings community here: https://www.skool.com/philosopher-kings-8259/about For all things Philosopher Kings, visit: www.philosopherkings.net

    5 min

  3. May 26

    04. RELIABILITY. INTEGRITY. COMMUNICATION. FEEDBACK.

    In this episode, Mark breaks down the Big Four Core Competencies of Philosopher Kings: Reliability, Integrity, Communication, and Feedback. Instead of overwhelming young professionals with endless workplace advice, this episode simplifies what actually matters. Reliability builds trust. Integrity creates internal authority. Communication brings clarity. Feedback fuels growth. Master these four traits, and you become the kind of person people trust, respect, and rely on. Join the Philosopher Kings community here: https://www.skool.com/philosopher-kings-8259/about For all things Philosopher Kings, visit: www.philosopherkings.net

    9 min

  4. May 26

    03. THE BIG FOUR.

    In this episode, Mark explores how young professionals can stop over-explaining and start embodying the qualities that earn real trust. Drawing from Epictetus’ line, “Don’t explain your philosophy. Embody it,” this episode introduces the Big Four Core Competencies of Philosopher Kings: Reliability, Integrity, Communication, and Feedback. Master these fundamentals, and you quietly become the kind of person people trust, respect, and promote. Join the Philosopher Kings community here: https://www.skool.com/philosopher-kings-8259/about For all things Philosopher Kings, visit: www.philosopherkings.net

    8 min

  5. May 23

    02. LONG ON KNOWLEDGE. SHORT ON WISDOM AND VIRTUE.

    Episode Two is a deeper dive into Plato’s vision of the Philosopher King and what it means for young professionals today. In this episode, Mark explores the connection between knowledge, wisdom, and virtue—and why modern education and professional training often focus almost entirely on knowledge while falling short on wisdom and virtue. Knowledge is usually covered in college classrooms, certifications, and professional programs. But many young professionals are never taught wisdom: practical decision-making, good judgment, emotional intelligence, and how to navigate real life well. Even fewer are taught virtue: developing a personal moral code, ethical practices, integrity, discipline, and the kind of internal character that creates trust, leadership, and long-term success. This episode argues that the strongest professionals are not simply knowledgeable, but people who learn to think, speak, and act with knowledge, wisdom, and virtue. Join the Philosopher Kings community here: Philosopher Kings Skool Community For all things Philosopher Kings, visit: Philosopher Kings Official Website

    7 min

  6. May 23

    01. WHAT IS A PHILOSOPHER KING?

    What does it mean to become a Philosopher King in the modern world? In this first episode of the Philosopher Kings podcast, Mark Shaffer explores the intersection of knowledge, wisdom, and virtue—and why the best young professionals build internal authority before chasing external success. We talk about: Why competence alone is not enoughThe difference between externals and internal authorityAncient philosophy and modern professional lifeThe lost art of wisdom, discipline, and characterHow Gen Z professionals can stand out in a distracted world As Plato argued, the ideal leader is not merely powerful, but formed by wisdom and virtue—a true “philosopher king.”  This podcast is for people who want to think clearly, speak wisely, and live with integrity in work, relationships, leadership, and life. To join the Philosopher Kings community, start your free 7-day trial here: Philosopher Kings Skool Community Inside the community, you’ll find conversations with Mark and the PK team, exclusive resources, and the Philosopher Kings Memo—designed to help young professionals level up both their careers and their character. Each edition of the PK Memo delivers profound growth through 4–5 short articles, a “sneaky link” to a free digital training, and other resources designed to help you build real internal authority. For everything Philosopher Kings, visit: Philosopher Kings Official Website

    10 min
  • 6 Episodes

About

Philosopher Kings is designed to transform young professionals into people who think, speak, and act with knowledge, wisdom, and virtue—ten(ish) minutes at a time. It’s perfect for growing during your commute, investing in your internal-self during a workout, or leveling up while running errands. Each episode revives ancient philosophy, mythology, and timeless insight to help you lead and live with clarity, navigate chaos with character, and build the good life. We invite you to listen on your lunch break, on your commute, or while you reset—because the future belongs to the wise. Aristotle explains that "virtue is no accident-- we are what we repeatedly DO." Start by repeatedly listening to a great show made to help you thrive as a young professional and person.

Information

  • Creator
    Mark Shaffer, PhD in Ancient Near Eastern and Classical Literature.
  • Years Active
    2K
  • Episodes
    6
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Mark Shaffer, PhD in Ancient Near Eastern and Classical Literature.