In this episode, I’m joined by longtime friend and fellow philosopher Joshua Bertolotti—writer, father, and host of Dying Every Day. We dive into what it really means to know yourself, why emotional presence matters more than emotional distance, and how even rest can unearth hidden tension.

Joshua opens up about decompressing after years in the military, the subtle art of relaxing with intention, and how practicing Stoicism in isolation differs from practicing it socially. We also explore the paradoxes of Stoic behavior: when detachment appears as apathy, when teaching Stoicism isn’t the Stoic thing to do, and why empathy might be the ultimate expression of wisdom.

Want to hear more about Joshua’s backstory and his philosophy of success? Join us on Steps to Success, available to Substack Premium and Patreon supporters.

📝 Follow Joshua’s work:

• Podcast: Dying Every Day
• Newsletter: Perennial Meditations on Substack