The Via Stoica Podcast — A Stoic Way of Life

A Stoic Conversation with William C. Spears: Stoicism as a Warrior Philosophy

In this episode of The Via Stoica Podcast, Benny and Brendan speak with William C. Spears, active duty U.S. naval officer, submarine commander, and author of Stoicism as a Warrior Philosophy. From the depths of nuclear-powered submarines to the halls of the Pentagon, William shares how Stoicism became a moral framework and mental toolkit for navigating high-stakes, high-pressure environments.

We explore his path from discovering Epictetus through Admiral James Stockdale, to writing a book that bridges the gap between ancient philosophy and modern military service. William unpacks what he means by “warrior” and “warrior philosophy,” why Stoicism is more than emotional suppression, and how its principles can strengthen leadership, resilience, and ethical decision-making in the armed forces.

The conversation also delves into just war theory, the mental health benefits of Stoic practice, and the misconceptions, both in and outside the military, about what it means to live by Stoic principles. Whether you’re in uniform, leading a team, or seeking a way to stay grounded in turbulent times, this episode offers a clear-eyed perspective on applying ancient wisdom to modern challenges.

You can connect with William at his website https://williamcspears.com or on X/Twitter via @WilliamCSpears.

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Produced by: http://badmic.com

The Via Stoica Podcast: Stoic quotes series

In the Stoic quotes series, we take a look at what the Stoics said and uncover the wisdom they left behind. We look at the famous writings from Epictetus, Seneca, Marcus Aurelius, and more.

In this episode, we turn to a powerful quote from Epictetus, found in the Discourses, that asks us to reflect on self-worth and the price we’re willing to pay for external approval:

“For it is you who know yourself, and what value you set upon yourself, and at what rate you sell yourself.”

What does it mean to "sell yourself"? And how often do we trade our principles, our time, or our peace of mind for things that are not truly valuable? In this episode, we explore how this quote invites us to know our inner worth and live accordingly.

We also discuss the importance of self-examination, how our choices reflect what we value most, and why living in alignment with our true character is the key to Stoic freedom.

For a deeper dive into this quote, check out the full reflection on our website:
https://viastoica.com/epictetus-quote-on-self-worth

And if you want to explore more quotes like this one, all properly sourced and referenced, head over to our Stoic quote library:

https://viastoica.com/stoic-quotes
https://viastoica.com/epictetus-quotes
https://viastoica.com/seneca-quotes
https://viastoica.com/marcus-aurelius-quotes

Make sure to subscribe to the podcast for more quote episodes or our regular Tuesday recordings and interviews. Also, leave a rating, as this helps us reach more like-minded people.

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[email protected]

Produced by: http://badmic.com

Welcome to the Via Stoica Podcast, the Podcast on Stoicism.

Most people spend their lives chasing happiness, but the Stoics had a different approach. In this episode of the Via Stoica Podcast, Benny and Brendan explore the true nature of happiness through a Stoic lens. You’ll learn why fleeting pleasures often leave us feeling empty, and how virtue, contentment, and self-awareness can lead to something deeper and longer-lasting.

The conversation unpacks essential Stoic concepts like eudaimonia, apatheia, and the difference between good emotions and uncontrolled passions. With personal stories, practical advice, and honest reflections, this episode helps you shift your focus from temporary highs to a stable and flourishing inner life.

To go further, check out our article: Why the Stoic View on Happiness Is So Different

Support the show

https://viastoica.com
https://viastoica.com/stoic-life-coaching
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YouTube: /viastoica
Reach us: [email protected]
Produced by: http://badmic.com

The Via Stoica Podcast: Stoic quotes series

In the Stoic quotes series, we take a look at what the Stoics said and uncover the wisdom they left behind. We look at the famous writings from Epictetus, Seneca, Marcus Aurelius, and more.

In this episode, we explore a quote cited by Marcus Aurelius in Meditations, but originally attributed to the pre-Socratic philosopher Democritus:

“The world is nothing but change. Our life is only perception.”

What does it mean to see life as perception and the world as change? And how can understanding this quote help us become more stable, more rational, and more resilient in the face of uncertainty?

We unpack the Stoic idea that our emotions and actions depend not on what happens to us, but on the judgments we form about those events. By learning to step back and examine our impressions, we can train ourselves to see change not as something to resist, but as something to accept, and even embrace.

If you want to dive deeper into this idea, check out our full blog post on it:
https://viastoica.com/perception-and-change-in-stoicism

And if you're looking for more quotes like this one, visit viastoica.com — we’ve compiled hundreds of Stoic sayings, all carefully referenced so you can find and use them in your own writing.

https://viastoica.com/stoic-quotes
https://viastoica.com/marcus-aurelius-quotes
https://viastoica.com/epictetus-quotes
https://viastoica.com/seneca-quotes

Make sure to subscribe to the podcast for more quote episodes or our regular Tuesday recordings and interviews. Also, leave a rating, as this helps us reach more like-minded people.

Support the show

https://viastoica.com
https://viastoica.com/stoic-life-coaching
https://viastoica.com/benny-voncken
https://viastoica.com/brendan-hogle
https://twitter.com/ViaStoica
[email protected]

Produced by: http://badmic.com

Welcome to the Via Stoica Podcast, the podcast on Stoicism.

What if preparing for death is the key to truly living? In this episode of the Via Stoica Podcast, Benny and Brendan explore the Stoic approach to mortality, not as something to fear, but as a tool to cultivate presence, peace, and purpose.

Through personal stories, Stoic reflections, and practical exercises, they discuss how coming to terms with death can transform how we live day to day. You’ll learn how Stoicism reframes death as a natural event, how meditating on mortality increases gratitude, and how the loss of loved ones can become a powerful teacher.

This conversation pairs beautifully with our article Why Death Needs Rebranding, which challenges the modern fear of dying and invites us to embrace the Stoic wisdom of memento mori.

Whether you're dealing with grief, contemplating your legacy, or just looking for a deeper connection to life, this episode offers guidance from the ancient Stoics and from two modern voices living the practice.

Support the show

⁠www.ViaStoica.com⁠
⁠https://viastoica.com/stoic-life-coaching⁠
⁠https://viastoica.com/benny-voncken/⁠
⁠https://viastoica.com/Brendan-hogle/⁠
YouTube: ⁠/viastoica⁠
Reach us: ⁠[email protected]

⁠
Produced by: ⁠http://badmic.com⁠

The Via Stoica Podcast: Stoic quotes series

In the Stoic quotes series, we take a look at what the Stoics said and uncover the wisdom they left behind. We look at the famous writings from Epictetus, Seneca, Marcus Aurelius, and more.

In this episode, we turn to Seneca and his timeless essay On the Shortness of Life, where he reminds us:

“It’s not that we have a brief length of time to live, but that we squander a great deal of that time.”

Benny explores what it means to truly live rather than merely exist. Why do our days feel so short, even though life is long enough? How do we let our time slip away through distractions, regrets, and other people’s expectations?

This quote hits especially hard in today’s world of overstimulation and hustle culture. Instead of rushing through your day, the Stoics urge us to pause and ask: Is this how I want to spend my life? We reflect on modern busyness, personal alignment, and the importance of knowing your own “enough.”

For a deeper dive into this quote and its practical lessons, visit the companion article:
https://viastoica.com/reclaim-your-time-with-stoicism/

And if you're looking for more quotes like this one, visit viastoica.com. We have hundreds of Stoic sayings with full references from Seneca, Epictetus, Marcus Aurelius, and more:

https://viastoica.com/stoic-quotes/
https://viastoica.com/seneca-quotes/
https://viastoica.com/epictetus-quotes/
https://viastoica.com/marcus-aurelius-quotes/

Make sure to subscribe to the podcast for more quote episodes and our regular Tuesday conversations and interviews. And leave a rating—it helps us reach more like-minded people.

Support the show
www.ViaStoica.com
https://viastoica.com/stoic-life-coaching/
https://viastoica.com/benny-voncken/
https://viastoica.com/Brendan-hogle/
https://twitter.com/ViaStoica
Reach us: [email protected]

Produced by:
http://badmic.com

Welcome to the Via Stoica Podcast, the Podcast on Stoicism

What happens when Stoicism moves beyond personal development and toward a deeper understanding of our place in the universe? In this thought-provoking episode of the Via Stoica Podcast, Benny speaks with philosopher and author Will Johncock, whose book Beyond the Individual explores Stoicism as a systems-based philosophy rooted in interconnectedness, rational order, and humility.

Together, they dive into big questions:
– What does it mean to be part of the rational logos?– Why is modern Stoicism often misread as hyper-individualistic?– How did the ancient Stoics view God, freedom, and community?– Can Stoicism help us move from isolation to social belonging?

Will also shares the philosophical roots behind his work, how Marcus Aurelius and Epictetus inspired his thinking, and why the Stoic concept of God as Nature should not be stripped from the tradition.

If you’ve ever felt disconnected in today’s self-centered world, this conversation offers a powerful reminder: you are not alone; you are part of something much greater.

Learn more about Will here: https://www.willjohncock.com/

—

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https://www.youtube.com/@viastoica

📬 Reach us: [email protected]
🎧 Produced by: http://badmic.com

The Via Stoica Podcast: Stoic quotes series

In the Stoic quotes series, we take a look at what the Stoics said and uncover the wisdom they left behind. We look at the famous writings from Epictetus, Seneca, Marcus Aurelius, and more.

In this episode, we reflect on a powerful quote from Epictetus, Discourses, Book 1, Chapter 24:

“Difficulties are the things that show what men are.”

What does this quote really mean? How do we respond when life gets hard? And why did the Stoics welcome adversity rather than avoid it? In this episode, Benny dives into the deeper meaning of this short but profound line and shares how it ties into training, character, and the ultimate test of a person’s philosophy.

You’ll also hear about Stoic comparisons to athletes training for the Olympics, parallels with Seneca’s view on misfortune, and how this mindset shift, from victimhood to voluntary trial, can completely change your experience of hardship.

If you want to read more about this quote and its deeper implications, visit our full article:
https://viastoica.com/the-stoic-view-on-overcoming-difficulties/

And if you're looking for more quotes like this one, visit viastoica.com. We have hundreds of Stoic sayings with full references from Epictetus, Seneca, Marcus Aurelius, and more:

https://viastoica.com/stoic-quotes/
https://viastoica.com/seneca-quotes/
https://viastoica.com/epictetus-quotes/
https://viastoica.com/marcus-aurelius-quotes/

Make sure to subscribe to the podcast for more quote episodes and our regular Tuesday conversations and interviews. And leave a rating—it helps us reach more like-minded people.

Support the show
www.ViaStoica.com
https://viastoica.com/stoic-life-coaching/
https://viastoica.com/benny-voncken/
https://viastoica.com/Brendan-hogle/
https://twitter.com/ViaStoica
Reach us: [email protected]

Produced by:
http://badmic.com

Welcome to the Via Stoica Podcast, the podcast on Stoicism.

What is virtue, and why did the Stoics believe it’s the only true good? In this episode of the Via Stoica Podcast, Benny and Brendan explore the heart of Stoic ethics: the four cardinal virtues of wisdom, justice, courage, and temperance.

Learn how these timeless principles can guide your daily decisions, shape your character, and help you live in alignment with your nature.

We also discuss how Stoicism redefines what it means to live well, not through external success, but through arete, the ancient Greek word for moral excellence. If you’ve ever asked what it truly means to be a good person, this episode offers a clear and practical Stoic answer.

Dive deeper into the concept of arete:
https://viastoica.com/what-is-arete/

Support the show
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https://viastoica.com/stoic-life-coaching/
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https://www.youtube.com/@viastoica

📬 Reach us: [email protected]
🎧 Produced by: http://badmic.com

Welcome to the Via Stoica Podcast: Stoic Quotes Series

In this episode of the Stoic Quotes Series, we explore a simple yet powerful reminder found in Meditations by Marcus Aurelius:

“If you seek tranquillity, do less.”
– Democritus, Frg. B.3, quoted in Marcus Aurelius, Meditations, Book 4.24

While the quote originates from Democritus, Marcus builds on it with a distinctly Stoic perspective. Instead of withdrawing from life like the Epicureans, Marcus teaches us to do what is essential—what the logos of a social being requires—and to do it well.

In this episode, we explore the balance between minimalism and duty, and how practicing focused action leads to clarity and peace. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, this quote offers a path back to simplicity and purpose.

For more authentic Stoic quotes, visit viastoica.com, where each quote is verified and referenced so you can use it in your own writings or daily reflections.

Browse our quote collections:

viastoica.com/stoic-quotes
viastoica.com/seneca-quotes
viastoica.com/epictetus-quotes
viastoica.com/marcus-aurelius-quotes

Subscribe to hear more quote episodes every Friday and full-length interviews and reflections every Tuesday. If this helped you, please leave a review—it helps us reach more people on the Stoic path.

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viastoica.com/stoic-life-coaching
viastoica.com/benny-voncken
viastoica.com/brendan-hogle
twitter.com/viastoica
Reach us: [email protected]
Produced by: badmic.com

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