Stoicism: The Unconquerable Mind

Maitt Saiwyer
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Welcome to Stoicism: The Unconquerable Mind, the podcast that brings ancient Stoic wisdom to modern-day problems. Each week, we dive into the teachings of the great Stoics to give you practical tools for building resilience, finding calm, and living a better life. No jargon, no fluff—just timeless strategies for a stronger mind. Follow us now to get started.

  1. Episode 1 – Your First Stoic Superpower

    EPISODE 1

    Episode 1 – Your First Stoic Superpower

    This episode introduces the foundational Stoic principle of the dichotomy of control, presented as a practical "superpower" for navigating life's challenges. It explains that true tranquility and an unconquerable mind are achieved by understanding and applying this fundamental distinction. The core idea is that some things are within our control—our judgments, intentions, and actions—while most things, such as our bodies, reputations, and external events, are not. The episode delves into the teachings of the ancient Stoic philosopher Epictetus, who emphasized that our primary task in life is to consistently differentiate between these two categories. By focusing our energy exclusively on what we can control, we can avoid unnecessary frustration, anxiety, and suffering. The discussion highlights how misplacing our focus on external factors leads to a sense of powerlessness and emotional turmoil. The episode provides clear examples of what falls into each category: our internal world of choices and reactions is up to us, whereas the actions of others and the outcomes of events are not. It reframes the concept of success to be about our effort and character rather than external results. This shift in perspective is presented not as a passive acceptance of fate, but as a proactive way to build inner resilience and freedom. To make this principle actionable, the episode offers a simple yet powerful exercise: the "Circle of Control." This involves visualizing or writing down the things within and outside of our control in a given situation. By consciously directing our attention and energy only to the inner circle—what we can directly influence—we can cultivate a state of calm and purpose. The episode concludes by positioning this "first Stoic superpower" as the essential starting point for developing an unconquerable mind, capable of facing any challenge with grace and equanimity.

    30 min
  2. Episode 2 – Meet the Stoics: The Slave, The Senator, & The Emperor

    EPISODE 2

    Episode 2 – Meet the Stoics: The Slave, The Senator, & The Emperor

    This episode explores the lives of three of the most influential Roman Stoic philosophers: Epictetus, Seneca, and Marcus Aurelius, showcasing the universal applicability of Stoicism across vastly different life circumstances. It begins by posing a puzzle: what could a slave, a powerful political advisor, and a Roman emperor possibly have in common? The answer lies in their shared devotion to Stoicism, a philosophy they used not as an abstract theory but as a practical guide for living. Their stories serve as powerful testaments to the resilience and inner strength that Stoic principles can provide in the face of extreme adversity. The episode details the remarkable journeys of these three "Stoic superstars." Epictetus, born a slave, endured immense hardship yet emerged as one of antiquity's most respected philosophical teachers, emphasizing the power of our inner will. Seneca, a wealthy and influential statesman who advised the tyrannical Emperor Nero, navigated the treacherous world of Roman politics, ultimately facing a forced suicide with Stoic courage. Finally, Marcus Aurelius, the most powerful man on Earth, used his personal journal, "Meditations," to apply Stoic principles while grappling with the immense pressures of war, plague, and personal loss. Through these compelling narratives, the episode demonstrates that Stoicism is not a philosophy for a specific social class or situation but a robust operating system for life. It provides practical tools for anyone, regardless of their station, to cultivate tranquility, resilience, and virtue. The lives of the slave, the senator, and the emperor powerfully illustrate that true freedom and strength are not determined by external conditions but by the mastery of one's inner world, making Stoicism a timeless and profoundly relevant philosophy for anyone seeking to navigate life's challenges.

    45 min
  3. Episode 3 – The Obstacle Is The Way

    EPISODE 3

    Episode 3 – The Obstacle Is The Way

    This episode delves into the transformative Stoic concept that challenges and obstacles are not merely impediments but can be the very path to growth and advantage. It centers on Marcus Aurelius's profound insight: "The impediment to action advances action. What stands in the way becomes the way." The episode unpacks this seemingly paradoxical idea, showing how it can shift our perspective from seeing difficulties as sources of frustration to viewing them as tailor-made opportunities for practicing virtues like patience, courage, and creativity. To illustrate this principle in action, the episode recounts the harrowing story of James Stockdale, a US Navy pilot who was a prisoner of war in Vietnam for over seven years. Facing unimaginable torture and hardship, Stockdale consciously entered "the world of Epictetus," using his Stoic training to endure and even find meaning in his suffering. This modern example is complemented by the story of Zeno of Citium, the founder of Stoicism, who embarked on his philosophical journey only after a shipwreck cost him everything he owned. Both stories powerfully demonstrate how profound adversity can become a catalyst for inner strength and purpose. The episode explains that the key to this transformative process lies in the "discipline of perception"—learning to see events objectively, stripped of our initial emotional judgments and preconceived notions. By applying this discipline, we can reframe any challenge, from a minor annoyance to a major life crisis, as a chance to develop our character and strengthen our resolve. It's a powerful call to action, urging us to stop fighting against our circumstances and instead learn to work with them, transforming every obstacle into a stepping stone on the path to a more resilient and virtuous life.

    22 min
  4. Episode 4 – Live Like You're Dying

    EPISODE 4

    Episode 4 – Live Like You're Dying

    This episode explores the Stoic practice of Memento Mori, or "remembering death," revealing it not as a morbid preoccupation but as a powerful tool for living a more vibrant and meaningful life. It challenges the common perception that thinking about death is depressing, arguing instead that a conscious awareness of our mortality is the key to appreciating the present moment. The Stoics believed that by contemplating the impermanence of all things—our lives, our relationships, our possessions—we can cultivate a profound sense of gratitude and urgency, freeing ourselves from the tyranny of trivial concerns and distractions. The episode explains the practical application of this principle through the technique of "negative visualization." This involves regularly and intentionally imagining the loss of things we value. By doing so, we counteract the human tendency to take things for granted. When we remember that our time is finite, we are more likely to use it wisely, focusing on what truly matters and not putting off important actions or conversations. This practice, far from inducing sadness, actually enhances our joy and appreciation for the simple pleasures and precious relationships we have right now. Ultimately, Memento Mori is presented as a life-affirming philosophy. It's about living with an awareness of the bigger picture, which helps to put our daily anxieties and frustrations into perspective. By embracing the reality of our mortality, we are empowered to live more fully, with more purpose, and with a deeper sense of connection to the present. The episode encourages listeners to see this practice not as a somber duty, but as a liberating secret to a richer, more engaged, and ultimately more joyful existence.

    22 min
  5. Episode 5 – The Red Mist: A Stoic's Guide to Conquering Anger

    EPISODE 5

    Episode 5 – The Red Mist: A Stoic's Guide to Conquering Anger

    This episode tackles the powerful and often destructive emotion of anger, offering the Stoic perspective as a practical guide to understanding and managing it. It introduces Seneca's striking description of anger as "brief insanity," highlighting the Stoic view that anger is not an uncontrollable force of nature but a temporary madness that hijacks our reason. The core insight presented is that anger is a choice, an internal response stemming from our judgments about external events, rather than an inevitable reaction. This reframing is the first step toward gaining control over this potent emotion. The episode delves into Seneca's practical techniques for "taming the red mist." The most crucial of these is delay. By creating a pause between the trigger and our response, we give our rational mind a chance to intervene and prevent an impulsive, often regrettable, outburst. Other strategies discussed include considering the source of the anger, visualizing the negative consequences of lashing out, and shifting our goal from punishment to constructive correction. These tools are designed to prevent the fire of anger from starting in the first place, rather than just trying to extinguish it once it's raging. The Stoic approach to anger is not about suppression or becoming emotionless; it's about responding to situations with reason and virtue. The episode emphasizes that by mastering our judgments, we can choose a more effective and tranquil path. It's a practical blueprint for transforming a destructive emotion into an opportunity for self-control and wisdom, allowing us to navigate interpersonal conflicts and frustrations without losing our inner peace or compromising our character.

    24 min
  6. Episode 6 – Amor Fati: How to Love Everything That Happens

    EPISODE 6

    Episode 6 – Amor Fati: How to Love Everything That Happens

    This episode explores one of the most challenging and profound Stoic concepts: Amor Fati, or the "love of fate." This isn't just about passively accepting what happens; it's about actively, even joyfully, embracing every event in our lives as if we had chosen it ourselves. The Stoics believed that the universe is governed by a rational principle called the Logos, and therefore everything that occurs, even things that seem negative to us, is a necessary part of a larger, coherent whole. To fight against this reality is to create our own suffering. The practice of Amor Fati is deeply connected to the dichotomy of control. Once we have truly internalized what is and isn't up to us, we can learn to love the things we cannot change. Instead of wishing for circumstances to be different, we can find opportunity and purpose within them. The episode uses the examples of Stoic figures who faced immense hardship, like Epictetus and Marcus Aurelius, to show how this mindset can transform suffering into a source of strength and virtue. A setback is no longer a tragedy but a "catalyst" for growth. Ultimately, Amor Fati is presented as a powerful tool for achieving an unconquerable mind. It's a radical act of acceptance that liberates us from the exhausting cycle of resentment, frustration, and complaint. By choosing to love our fate, we are not giving up our agency; rather, we are directing our energy toward what truly matters—our own response. This mindset allows us to find peace and even joy not in spite of our circumstances, but because of them, turning every moment of life into a chance to live virtuously.

    20 min
  7. Episode 7 – The View From Above

    EPISODE 7

    Episode 7 – The View From Above

    This episode introduces a powerful Stoic meditation technique known as the "View from Above," a mental exercise designed to provide radical perspective and cultivate an unconquerable mind. This practice involves consciously zooming out from our immediate situation to see ourselves, our communities, and eventually the entire Earth from a vast, cosmic vantage point. The goal of this "flight of the soul" is to understand the relative scale of our personal problems against the immense backdrop of the universe, thereby diminishing their emotional weight. The discussion explains how this shift in perspective works on multiple levels. Firstly, it fosters humility and a sense of interconnectedness, or sympatheia. From this high-up view, the boundaries that divide us and the conflicts that consume us appear insignificant, revealing our shared place in the cosmos. Secondly, it helps us re-evaluate what truly matters. As Marcus Aurelius, a frequent practitioner of this exercise, noted, the bustling affairs of humanity can look like the scurrying of ants from a great height, putting our own anxieties and ambitions into a much larger context. The "View from Above" is presented not as a form of escapism, but as a practical tool for emotional regulation and wise decision-making. By regularly engaging in this mental zoom-out, we can detach from the immediate emotional charge of our problems and respond with greater clarity and reason. It's a technique for building the "inner citadel"—that fortified, tranquil part of the mind that remains unshaken by external chaos, allowing us to navigate life's challenges with a calm, expansive, and unconquerable spirit.

    31 min
  8. Episode 8 – The Inner Citadel & The Outer World

    EPISODE 8

    Episode 8 – The Inner Citadel & The Outer World

    This episode directly confronts the modern stereotype of the Stoic as a detached, emotionless, and withdrawn individual, arguing that this is a fundamental misunderstanding of the philosophy. It asserts that the true aim of Stoicism is not to escape from the world, but to build the inner strength necessary to engage with it more effectively, virtuously, and compassionately. The Stoic "inner citadel" is not a bunker to hide in, but a secure base of operations from which to act in the world with purpose and resilience. The episode explores key Stoic concepts that highlight this call to action. The idea of cosmopolitanism, or being a "citizen of the world," emphasizes our shared humanity and inherent duty to one another. This is further developed through the concept of oikeiosis, the understanding that our natural sense of concern should expand outward in concentric circles—from ourselves to our family, our community, and ultimately, all of humanity. These principles demand active participation and a sense of responsibility for the common good, directly contradicting the image of the isolated, uncaring Stoic. By examining the lives of prominent Stoics like Marcus Aurelius, Seneca, and Cato the Younger, the episode shows that they were deeply involved in the messy, often dangerous, realities of public life. They were emperors, statesmen, and leaders who used their philosophy to navigate immense challenges, not to run from them. The core message is that Stoicism is a philosophy for "doers," providing the tools to maintain inner peace not by avoiding life, but by fully and virtuously participating in it.

    30 min
  9. Episode 9 – Ancient Wisdom, Modern Life

    EPISODE 9

    Episode 9 – Ancient Wisdom, Modern Life

    This episode investigates the remarkable resurgence of Stoicism in the 21st century, exploring why this ancient philosophy is resonating so deeply in our modern, often anxious, world. It posits that Stoicism's popularity stems from its highly practical and actionable nature, offering a robust "operating system for the mind" in an age of information overload, constant distraction, and overwhelming choice. The ancient wisdom of figures like Seneca, Epictetus, and Marcus Aurelius provides a timeless toolkit for navigating the chaos of contemporary life. The discussion highlights several key reasons for this revival. In a world where traditional sources of meaning may be less influential, Stoicism offers a powerful, non-dogmatic framework for living a virtuous and fulfilling life. Furthermore, its principles show a striking parallel to modern psychological approaches like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), with its emphasis on challenging and reframing our own distorted thoughts and judgments. This connection gives Stoicism a contemporary scientific credibility, making it accessible to a wide audience. The episode also points to the influence of modern authors and entrepreneurs, like Ryan Holiday and Tim Ferriss, who have translated these ancient ideas for a new generation. They have successfully framed Stoicism not as a dry academic subject, but as a practical blueprint for resilience, productivity, and inner peace. Ultimately, the modern Stoic revival is driven by a collective hunger for a philosophy that is not just thought about, but lived—one that provides clear, effective strategies for finding tranquility and purpose amidst the pressures of the modern world.

    31 min
  10. Episode 10 – Your Stoic Toolkit: Building a Daily Practice

    EPISODE 10

    Episode 10 – Your Stoic Toolkit: Building a Daily Practice

    This episode serves as a practical conclusion to the series, translating the core principles of Stoicism into a concrete daily blueprint for building a more resilient and tranquil life. It moves beyond theory to offer an actionable routine, demonstrating that Stoicism is not just a set of ideas but a lived, daily practice. The goal is to provide listeners with a simple yet powerful structure for integrating Stoic wisdom into their everyday existence, from the moment they wake up to the moment they go to sleep. The proposed daily routine is anchored by two key practices. The morning routine involves a form of premeditatio malorum, or the premeditation of evils, where one anticipates potential challenges and frustrations of the day ahead. This isn't about pessimism, but about mental preparation, rehearsing how to respond with virtue and calm. The evening routine is inspired by Seneca's practice of a daily review, where one reflects on their actions, judgments, and progress, asking what they did well, where they fell short, and how they can improve tomorrow. Throughout the day, the episode encourages the on-demand use of other Stoic tools, such as the "View from Above" to gain perspective on overwhelming problems and practicing the dichotomy of control to distinguish what is and isn't up to us. The emphasis is on consistency and effort, not perfection. This daily blueprint provides a clear, manageable path for anyone to begin actively practicing Stoicism, transforming philosophical knowledge into a tangible, life-improving habit for building a truly unconquerable mind.

    21 min
See All Season 1 (10)

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Welcome to Stoicism: The Unconquerable Mind, the podcast that brings ancient Stoic wisdom to modern-day problems. Each week, we dive into the teachings of the great Stoics to give you practical tools for building resilience, finding calm, and living a better life. No jargon, no fluff—just timeless strategies for a stronger mind. Follow us now to get started.

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