The Via Stoica Podcast — A Stoic Way of Life

Welcome to the Via Stoica Podcast, the Podcast on Stoicism

What is Stoicism? Is it about suppressing your emotions and becoming a cold, detached thinker? Or is it the path to inner freedom, resilience, and purpose?

In this deep-dive episode of the Via Stoica Podcast, Benny and Brendan unpack the true meaning of Stoicism, exploring its origins, key concepts, and modern relevance. From virtue ethics and emotional mastery to the dichotomy of control and living in accordance with nature, they guide you through the heart of this ancient philosophy with clarity and personal insight.

Learn how Stoicism is not about becoming emotionless or selfish, but about becoming the kind of person who improves themselves and contributes meaningfully to the world.

🎯 Topics covered include:

• What Stoicism is (and what it is not)

• The four Stoic virtues: wisdom, justice, courage, and temperance

• How Stoicism compares to Buddhism and cognitive behavioral therapy

• The Stoic view on emotions and how to respond instead of react

• Role ethics and finding your purpose

• Living in accordance with nature and reason

• The Dichotomy of Control (and its modern applications)

• Amor Fati and how to embrace fate without regret

• Memento Mori: how death awareness gives life meaning

• Preferred indifferents: how to be free from external attachments

Whether you're brand new to Stoic thought or looking to ground your practice, this episode will give you a complete foundation to apply Stoicism practically and meaningfully.

📘 Read the full article:
https://viastoica.com/what-is-stoicism/

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: Stoic Quotes Series

In this episode of the Stoic Quotes Series, we reflect on a striking line found in Seneca’s Consolation to Marcia—originally attributed to the slave philosopher Publius Syrus:

“Whatever fate one man can strike can come to all of us alike.”
– Publius, quoted in Seneca, Dialogues and Essays, Consolation to Marcia, 9

This quote is part of a powerful letter Seneca wrote to a grieving mother who had lost her son in battle. He reminds us that suffering is not reserved for the few—it’s part of the shared human experience. In this episode, we explore how to use this truth not as a source of despair, but as a source of preparation, connection, and compassion.

We’ll break down the quote, put it in its historical context, and offer Stoic practices to help you reflect on loss, unpredictability, and the strength found in solidarity.

If you're looking for more wisdom like this, visit viastoica.com, where you'll find hundreds of authentic Stoic quotes—each verified and referenced so you can trust and use them.

Browse our quote collections:
viastoica.com/stoic-quotes
viastoica.com/seneca-quotes
viastoica.com/epictetus-quotes
viastoica.com/marcus-aurelius-quotes

Make sure to subscribe for future quote episodes and our regular Tuesday interviews and reflections. And if this episode helped you, please leave a review—it helps us reach more people on the Stoic path.

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

🤝 Support the Show

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

What does it truly mean to be a Stoic man?

In today’s episode of the Via Stoica Podcast, Benny and Brendan explore what modern masculinity often gets wrong and how Stoicism offers a powerful alternative.

They challenge the cliché of the emotionless, lone wolf and instead present the Stoic man as someone rooted in virtue, self-awareness, and social responsibility.

From the myths of toxic strength and emotional suppression to the practical application of Stoic role ethics, this conversation gets to the heart of what it means to lead, to feel, and to grow with integrity.

You’ll hear personal reflections on masculinity, mistakes, and identity, as well as practical Stoic insights from Marcus Aurelius, Seneca, and Epictetus.

Topics covered:

• Common misconceptions about Stoicism and masculinity

• Why emotional intelligence is a Stoic strength

• How compassion and kindness are core Stoic values

• Why inner resilience matters more than outward power

• Role ethics and the path to purpose

• What real courage looks like in everyday life

• Why being a Stoic man means being a steady example, not a dominant force

📘 For a deeper dive, read the full article:
https://viastoica.com/what-is-the-stoic-man

🧭 If you’re on your own journey of self-discovery and want to live with more purpose, Stoic coaching might be a helpful next step. Book a free consultation at https://viastoica.com.

Whether you’re facing a crossroads in life or simply looking to grow, we’re here to help you move forward with clarity and strength.

Support the show

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

Produced by: ⁠http://badmic.com⁠

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

In this episode of the Via Stoica Podcast, Benny and Brendan take you behind the scenes of Stoic coaching. What exactly is Stoic coaching? Who is it for? And how does it differ from therapy or other forms of coaching?

From practical tools and tailored exercises to personal stories of grief, divorce, and transformation, this episode dives deep into how Stoic coaching helps people face life’s challenges with calm and clarity. You’ll hear about the three pillars of Stoic coaching, the most common misconceptions, and why this peer-to-peer approach is gaining traction, especially among those seeking grounded, actionable support.

Whether you're curious about working with a Stoic coach or just want a clearer picture of how philosophy meets real life, this conversation offers insights, inspiration, and clarity.

🟢 Want to explore Stoic coaching for yourself?
Book a free consultation at ViaStoica.com

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

The Via Stoica Podcast: Stoic Quotes Series

In this Stoic Quotes edition, we explore a powerful teaching from The Discourses of Epictetus, Book 3, Chapter 23.1:

“First say to yourself, what manner of man you want to be; when you have settled this, act upon it in all you do.”

In this episode, Benny breaks down why this quote remains one of the most practical and transformational insights from Epictetus. What kind of person do you want to be—not just in your work or relationships, but in every aspect of your life? This question is not about chasing external goals, but about choosing a set of values and consistently living by them.

Using the metaphor of an athlete preparing for the Olympics, Epictetus shows us that clarity of purpose must come first. Without it, we act at random or according to improper standards. With it, we find direction, consistency, and a deeper peace of mind. This episode guides you through how to identify your values, apply them in difficult moments, and grow from setbacks.

If you're looking for more Stoic quotes like this one, visit viastoica.com, where you’ll find hundreds of Stoic sayings, all verified and referenced for your own study and reflection:

• Stoic Quotes Collection

• Seneca Quotes

• Epictetus Quotes

• Marcus Aurelius Quotes

Need guidance?
Book a free consultation with one of our coaches to get help defining your values and applying Stoicism in your daily life:
👉 Stoic Life Coaching

Make sure to subscribe to the podcast for more Stoic quote reflections and our regular Tuesday conversations and interviews. If you find value in what we share, leaving a rating helps us reach more like-minded listeners.

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

Produced by: badmic.com

Welcome to the Via Stoica Podcast, the Podcast on Stoicism

In this episode, Brendan interviews his co-host, Benny Voncken, to explore the personal journey that brought him to Stoic philosophy. From a difficult divorce and battles with alcohol to finding strength through books and reflection, Benny opens up about how Stoicism became his lifeline.

You’ll hear how a moment of crisis in a hotel room sparked a turning point, how reading Marcus Aurelius and Epictetus shaped his outlook, and how Stoicism helped him set boundaries, let go of people-pleasing, and rediscover his sense of purpose. Benny also reflects on the role of love, teaching Stoic Week, and why Epictetus’ blunt wisdom gave him the wake-up call he needed.

If you’re on your own Stoic path or curious where to begin, Benny’s story shows that philosophy isn’t just a theory — it’s a practical companion for real transformation.

Do you have a Stoic story to share? We’d love to feature it.
https://viastoica.com/stoic-stories/

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

Why You Should Listen More and Speak Less – Wisdom from Zeno of Citium

Stoic Quote Series – Via Stoica Podcast

In this episode of the Via Stoica Podcast, we go back to the roots of Stoicism — to Zeno of Citium, the founder of the philosophy. Long before Marcus Aurelius, Seneca, and Epictetus, Zeno taught the importance of listening, observation, and self-mastery.

We reflect on one of his most powerful quotes:

“The reason why we have two ears and only one mouth is that we may listen the more and talk the less.”
– Zeno of Citium, Lives of Eminent Philosophers, Book 7.23

Why is real listening so rare today?

How can we practice presence and attention in everyday conversations? And how does this quote connect to Stoic ideas like impressions, cosmopolitanism, and inner virtue?

This episode explores the Stoic art of listening and how to live it, not just talk about it.

🔗 Want to go deeper into Stoicism?
Explore more quotes, lessons, and coaching at:

• www.viastoica.com/stoic-quotes

• www.viastoica.com/seneca-quotes

• www.viastoica.com/epictetus-quotes

• www.viastoica.com/marcus-aurelius-quotes

• www.viastoica.com/stoic-life-coaching

• www.viastoica.com/benny-voncken

• www.viastoica.com/brendan-hogle

• www.twitter.com/ViaStoica

🎙 Hosted by Benny Voncken
Produced by: www.badmic.com
Contact: [email protected]

🧘 Practice the wisdom. Don’t just hear it — live it.

#stoicism #zenoofcitium #stoicquotes #viastoica #stoicphilosophy #listenmore #stoicpodcast

Welcome to the Via Stoica Podcast, the Podcast on Stoicism

In this special episode, co-host Brendan Hogle steps into the spotlight to share his personal Stoic journey — from first discovering The Obstacle is the Way by Ryan Holiday to applying the teachings of Marcus Aurelius during moments of grief, travel, and deep personal challenge.

You’ll hear how Brendan went from a “passive Stoic” to someone who lives and breathes the practice, especially during the loss of his mother and the unpredictability of life abroad during the pandemic. He also reflects on what Stoicism still teaches him today, which virtue he struggles with most, and why daily practice remains a challenge even after a decade of study.

Whether you’re new to Stoicism or well along your path, this episode offers practical wisdom, honest reflection, and a reminder that everyone’s Stoic story starts somewhere.

Do you have a Stoic story to share? We’d love to feature it.
https://viastoica.com/stoic-stories/

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

The Via Stoica Podcast: Stoic Quotes Series

In this episode of the Stoic Quotes series, we explore a powerful reminder from Marcus Aurelius, found in Meditations, Book 10.16:

“To stop talking about what the good man is like, and just be one.”

Marcus doesn’t leave much room for excuses here. This quote cuts through all pretense and self-image. It challenges us to move from words to action, from theory to practice. Instead of debating virtue, he reminds us to embody it. But what does being “a good man” actually mean in Stoic philosophy? And how can we live that out today?

Go to https://viastoica.com/what-is-the-stoic-man, to learn what a true Stoic man is.

Join us as we reflect on this sharp directive from the Stoic emperor and discuss practical ways to close the gap between what we say and what we do. Whether you’re new to Stoicism or deep in your practice, this episode offers a grounded look at personal integrity, consistency, and moral action.

If you're looking for more quotes like this one, visit viastoica.com, where we host hundreds of authentic Stoic sayings, each fully referenced and ready for your own reflections or writing.

Browse our collections:

• 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 Stoic quote breakdowns, regular Tuesday episodes, and guest interviews. If this episode resonated with you, please leave a rating. It helps us reach more people interested in practical wisdom.

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.

In this episode of the Via Stoica Podcast, Shermin Kruse joins us for a deep and personal conversation on how Stoic Empathy can help you lead, connect, and live with greater clarity and compassion.

We explore the Stoic roots of emotional intelligence, how to navigate discomfort and tough decisions, and why courage without empathy often falls short.

Shermin shares powerful stories from her upbringing in post-revolution Iran, the art of negotiating from a place of grounded strength, and how to create space between impulse and response, both in life and leadership.

Shermin Kruse is an author, speaker, professor, TEDx producer, and executive coach who helps leaders, teams, and individuals master resilience, influence, and meaningful connection. Her new book, Stoic Empathy: The Roadmap to a Life of Influence, Self-Leadership, and Integrity (Hay House, April 2025), blends Stoic philosophy with emotional intelligence to offer a powerful framework for navigating high-pressure situations and cultivating ethical leadership.

Visit Shermin’s official site: https://www.sherminkruse.com
Book site: https://www.stoicempathy.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sher_kruse/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shermin-kruse/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sher.kruse

Buy the book Stoic Empathy

• Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0D1C5ZMG7

• Target: https://www.target.com/p/-/A-91578121

• Penguin Random House: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/742401/stoic-empathy-by-shermin-kruse

• ThriftBooks: https://www.thriftbooks.com/w/stoic-empathy/38258912/

🎧 If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to like, subscribe, and leave a review on your favorite podcast platform. It helps others discover the show and supports more meaningful conversations like this one. You can also visit us at:

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