The Stoic Compass

What if the ancient Stoics were only half right about what you can control? In this series premiere, we dive into the timeless wisdom of the Dichotomy of Control—the foundation that has guided everyone from Marcus Aurelius to modern CEOs. But here's the twist: 2000 years of scientific discovery have dramatically expanded the boundaries of human agency.We'll explore why focusing on your responses (not outcomes) remains essential wisdom, then tease the mind-bending discoveries ahead—from meditation literally rewiring your brain to your thoughts influencing your genetic expression. Join Jim and Ellie as they launch a provocative journey that honors anci...

Could your grandmother's favorite pastimes actually be profound paths to Stoic wisdom? We explore how simple acts like knitting, gardening, or baking bread become powerful "islands of calm" that teach patience, presence, and acceptance in our fast-paced world. Discover why these aren't just charming activities, but quiet rebellions against modern anxieties, offering practical ways to cultivate inner peace and a more grounded life.

Forget dry philosophy! Discover how ancient Stoic wisdom comes alive through the powerful stories of emperors, slaves, and everyday people who truly lived their principles. This episode unpacks vital lessons like the power of choosing your response, finding essential guidance, and standing firm in your integrity. It's a practical toolkit for navigating modern life with greater calm and purpose.

🔗Voxcrea: https://voxcrea.ai

🔗Heroic stoic: https://theheroicstoic.com

Ever wondered if ancient wisdom can truly transform your modern life? This episode explores how pioneering researchers and the 'Modern Stoicism' movement are actively revitalizing Stoic philosophy for mental well-being today. Discover initiatives like 'Stoic Week,' which has helped thousands worldwide significantly reduce negative emotions and boost life satisfaction. Learn how this living philosophy provides a practical toolkit for cultivating inner peace, resilience, and a clear mind to navigate life's inevitable ups and downs.

🔗Voxcrea: https://voxcrea.ai

🔗Heroic stoic: https://theheroicstoic.com

Do you often find yourself putting off what truly matters, always waiting for the "perfect" moment? We uncover why we fall into the trap of procrastination, exploring ancient wisdom and modern psychology that reveal it's often more about fear and perfectionism than laziness. Learn timeless Stoic strategies like the power of routine, the "process mindset," and the urgency of "memento mori" to help you break free, conquer delay, and start living your most purposeful life *now*.

🔗Voxcrea: https://voxcrea.ai

🔗Heroic stoic: https://theheroicstoic.com

Ever find yourself battling the snooze button or scrolling endlessly when you know you should be getting things done? You're in good company – even Roman Emperor Marcus Aurelius faced this very struggle, having an inner debate just to get out of bed! This episode uncovers the ancient Stoic secrets to conquering procrastination, revealing practical strategies like designing your life to 'box out the Resistance' and fueling your motivation with Epictetus's 'habit bonfire.' Learn how these timeless principles, from winning your morning to embracing the power of 'thinking small,' can help you cultivate powerful routines and find your HO...

Think Stoicism demands an emotionless 'stiff upper lip' when facing grief? This episode shatters that myth, revealing how ancient Stoic wisdom offers profound, practical tools to not just endure loss, but to transform it. We explore strategies for processing sorrow, controlling your response, and actively embracing your fate, turning even the deepest pain into a pathway for resilience and strength. Discover how to cultivate an inner citadel that helps you navigate life's inevitable hardships with wisdom and purpose.

🔗Voxcrea: https://voxcrea.ai

🔗Heroic stoic: https://theheroicstoic.com

Ever feel like life's just happening *to* you? This episode reveals three surprisingly simple Stoic exercises that can help you take back control and truly thrive. We're diving into ancient wisdom on conquering the morning battle, building unbreakable habits one day at a time, and infusing intention into every single task – even the small ones. Discover how these practical strategies offer a powerful toolkit for cultivating inner strength and purpose in your everyday life.

🔗Voxcrea: https://voxcrea.ai

🔗Heroic stoic: https://theheroicstoic.com

It's an inescapable truth: rude people are everywhere. But what if you could face them not with irritation, but with unshakeable calm? This episode unpacks five brilliant Stoic strategies, inspired by ancient thinkers like Marcus Aurelius, to help you reclaim your peace. Discover how to give others the benefit of the doubt, use 'the view from above,' and protect your most precious possession—your character—from the negativity of others.

🔗Voxcrea: https://voxcrea.ai

🔗Heroic stoic: https://theheroicstoic.com

What if everything you thought you knew about being "rich" was wrong? This episode dives deep into the Stoic philosophy of wealth, revealing how ancient wisdom redefines true abundance not as endless accumulation, but as profound freedom. Discover powerful practices to define your own "enough," escape the hedonic treadmill, and even "practice poverty" to build resilience and cultivate a life overflowing with genuine contentment and inner peace. It's time to redefine what true wealth means for you.

🔗Voxcrea: https://voxcrea.ai

🔗Heroic stoic: https://theheroicstoic.com

Could a cold plunge truly make you more resilient, or even more Stoic? This episode ventures into The Space Fort Lauderdale, a hub where modern wellness practices like breathwork, cryotherapy, yoga, and meditation converge with ancient wisdom. You'll discover how taking control of your breath or embracing discomfort in an ice bath can directly apply Stoic principles, empowering you to master your inner state and build unshakeable fortitude for life's challenges. Tune in to unlock practical tools for self-mastery in a fast-paced world.

🔗Voxcrea: https://voxcrea.ai

🔗Heroic stoic: https://theheroicstoic.com

That familiar sting of regret can feel like an endless loop, replaying past decisions you wish you could change. But what if you could transform that burden into a powerful tool for growth? Dive into three timeless Stoic strategies that teach you how to focus on what you truly control, bravely embrace every turn of your fate, and proactively prepare for life's inevitable curveballs. Discover how to shift from dwelling on the past to cultivating a resilient present and a truly regret-free future.

🔗Voxcrea: https://voxcrea.ai

🔗Heroic stoic: https://theheroicstoic.com

Ever felt like your emotions were an 'uncontrollable car wreck'? This episode shares a profound true story of how Stoicism became a lifeline, pulling one individual back from two decades of crippling depression and extreme mania. Discover the transformative power of learning to 'pause' and take control of your internal world, shifting from being a victim of your thoughts to an agent of virtuous action. You'll gain practical insights on embracing personal responsibility, finding peace with the future, and leveraging the awareness of mortality to live a deeply meaningful life.

Think Stoics were all grim and humorless? Think again! We're busting a common misconception and revealing how laughter isn't just compatible with Stoicism, but an integral part of living virtuously. Discover why one of history's most famous Stoics literally died laughing and how cultivating a detached, reflective sense of humor can help you navigate life's absurdities with grace and profound inner peace.

🔗Voxcrea: https://voxcrea.ai

🔗Heroic stoic: https://theheroicstoic.com

Think Stoicism means a life devoid of laughter? Prepare to be surprised! This episode challenges the common misconception, revealing how ancient Stoics embraced wit (one even reportedly died laughing!) and how a modern comedian finds his deepest material by focusing on our own irrational reactions. Discover how mastering your emotions isn't about becoming humorless, but actually unlocks a more resilient, joyful, and genuinely humorous way to navigate life's absurdities.

Think saying 'yes' to everything is the path to success? Think again. This episode reveals the profound, Stoic power of 'no,' a simple word that can transform your productivity, reclaim your time, and protect your inner peace. Discover why every 'yes' is implicitly a 'no' to everything else, and learn how to master this essential skill to live a truly intentional life.

🔗Voxcrea: https://voxcrea.ai

🔗Heroic stoic: https://theheroicstoic.com

Ever poured your heart out only to be met with inconsistency, ghosting, or outright heartbreak? It’s easy to feel "not enough," but what if their inability to reciprocate wasn't about *your* worth, but *their* capacity? This episode dives deep into unreciprocated love, offering a powerful Stoic truth: your value is inherent, and a breakup doesn't diminish it. Learn to reclaim your peace, grieve the fantasy, and discover how to keep your heart open without becoming hardened by what you cannot control.

Do you ever feel like you're in a never-ending audition for approval? This episode reveals why the constant pursuit of "gold stars" leaves us hollow and burnt out. Learn how ancient Stoic wisdom can help you ditch external validation and ignite an unshakable inner fire, empowering you to live authentically and build a life rooted in your own truth. It's time to stop performing and start being fiercely *you*.

In a world overflowing with distractions, how do you discern what truly matters? We explore how focusing on timeless wisdom and understanding that many 'new' problems are actually ancient can bring profound perspective. Discover why your life's story is a reflection of what you choose to pay attention to, and learn how this Stoic practice can be your ultimate guide to a more focused and tranquil existence. Get ready to ask yourself: was the last thing you paid real attention to worthwhile?

 In this profound episode of The Stoic Compass, hosts Jim Walker and Eleanor Vance tackle the painful experience of losing self-trust. They explore the feeling of disconnect that arises from ignoring our "inner knowing" and the common reasons we dismiss our gut instincts. Drawing on Stoic principles, they offer a compassionate perspective on why this happens, emphasizing that it makes us "profoundly human." The discussion provides practical, actionable steps—referred to as "small acts of reclamation"—for rebuilding this vital connection. The hosts delve into how actions like honoring your fatigue, saying no, and setting boundaries are not only pract...

Join Jim and Ellie on "The Stoic Compass" as they tackle that all-too-common late-night whisper: "What happened to my life?" They dive into why the life you envisioned in your twenties may not be the one you're living now, and why that’s not a failure—it's a path to a more honest, authentic existence. Inspired by Alison Moore’s piece, "The Grace of Letting Go," they explore how Stoicism can help you stop comparing your life to a supposed "perfect" timeline and start embracing the one you have.

Learn to use the Dichotomy of Control to focus...

In a world overflowing with distractions, how do you discern what truly matters? We explore how focusing on timeless wisdom and understanding that many 'new' problems are actually ancient can bring profound perspective. Discover why your life's story is a reflection of what you choose to pay attention to, and learn how this Stoic practice can be your ultimate guide to a more focused and tranquil existence. Get ready to ask yourself: was the last thing you paid real attention to worthwhile?

Join Jim and Ellie on The Stoic Compass as they dive into the profound insights of Stoic paradoxes, drawing inspiration from Steven Gambardella's "Wisdom Against Conventional Thinking." This episode features the astonishing true story of a plane crash caused not by a loose crocodile, but by the passengers' unreasoned panic. Discover how often our "common sense" reactions lead us astray, and learn to distinguish between what's within your control and what's outside of it.

Explore Stoic practices like "premeditatio malorum" and the power of "pausing" to cultivate reason and virtue even in the face of modern-day "crocodiles"...

Join Jim and Ellie on "The Stoic Compass" as they tackle the universally relatable experience of losing momentum. Drawing wisdom from Stoic philosophy and insights from Alison Moore's article "When Momentum Fades: What to Do When Your Drive Goes Missing," this episode offers practical strategies for overcoming creative slumps and inner criticism. Learn how to embrace consistency over fleeting motivation, silence your inner "Ali," return gently to your work, release guilt, reconnect with your core purpose, and normalize the inevitable lulls and chaos of any journey. Discover how Stoic principles like the dichotomy of control, the power of consistency...

Jim and Ellie explore how the popular show Squid Game can teach us about Stoic philosophy, drawing insights from Konstantin Pavliouts' article "A Stoic Wouldn't Play the Squid Game" from The Blackwell Philosophy and Pop Culture Series. They discuss why Stoics would avoid the game, the importance of controlling what's within our power, and how both the poor and wealthy characters in the show exemplify Stoic warnings about chasing external goods. The hosts emphasize that true freedom comes from within, even in desperate circumstances.

This episode of "The Stoic Compass" explores the quiet but profound heartbreak of an adult friendship fading away. Hosts Jim Walker and Eleanor Vance discuss how to navigate this painful experience with the wisdom of Stoicism, moving beyond the myth of "forever friendships."

Using the timeless teachings of philosophers like Epictetus, Marcus Aurelius, and Seneca, they reframe the ending of a friendship not as a failure, but as a natural and often necessary part of personal growth. Jim and Ellie provide a compassionate, step-by-step "guide" for letting go with grace. They cover key Stoic principles such as...

Join Jim and Ellie on The Stoic Compass as they explore Alison Moore's powerful blog post, "You Can't Break What Was Born to Blaze." This episode delves into the profound connection between inner strength and Stoic principles, highlighting how we can navigate adversity, embrace our "untamable spirit," and understand that exhaustion is simply proof of our endurance. Discover how self-care and recognizing our place in the "bigger picture" are vital for sustained resilience, and why Stoicism isn't about suppressing emotions, but rather cultivating emotional intelligence.

Join Jim and Ellie on The Stoic Compass as they dive into a powerful discussion connecting Stoic philosophy with the ongoing fight for women's liberation. Inspired by Alison Moore's thought-provoking article, "Don't Call It Progress If Women Are Still in Chains," they explore how Stoicism's emphasis on virtue, reason, and action challenges us to dismantle oppressive systems and actively contribute to a more just world. Discover why Stoicism isn't passive, but a radical call to embody courage and justice in the face of inequality.

Check out Alison Moore's original article on The Heroic Stoic: https://blog.theheroicstoic...

Can Stoicism inspire a revolution? Jim and Ellie of The Stoic Compass delve into Allison Moore's "Manifesto for Women in 2025," revealing how this intense call for resistance and resilience perfectly embodies Stoic virtues like courage, wisdom, and a commitment to positive change. Prepare to see Stoicism not as passive acceptance, but as a powerful framework for building a better world.

What if your morning routine could transform your entire day? In this episode of The Stoic Compass, Jim and Ellie explore how Stoic affirmations like “I am capable” and “External opinions do not sway me” can help you rise with purpose and face the world with unshakable confidence. Whether you're dodging coffee spills or dealing with difficult bosses, this lighthearted but powerful conversation shows you how Stoicism can be your secret weapon from the moment you wake up.

Join Jim and Ellie on The Stoic Compass as they explore the surprising parallels between modern fitness wisdom and ancient Stoic philosophy. In this episode, they dive into the teachings of fitness expert Marcus Smallwood of Elite Body Design, discussing how his emphasis on mental habits, positive routines, and perseverance aligns perfectly with Stoic principles of self-mastery and virtue. Discover how cultivating your mind can transform your body and your life.

In this episode of The Stoic Compass, Jim and Ellie take on a timeless question:
If money brings happiness, why do so many wealthy people feel empty?

Inspired by a thought-provoking piece from The Heroic Stoic blog, they unpack ancient Stoic wisdom to challenge our modern obsession with accumulation.

From Epictetus to Marcus Aurelius, discover how contentment, virtue, and gratitude offer a more durable form of wealth than any bank account.

Join us as we explore how to build a richer life—without chasing more.

🎧 Listen now:
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In this episode of The Stoic Compass, Jim and Ellie take on a timeless question: If money brings happiness, why do so many wealthy people feel empty? Inspired by a thought-provoking piece from The Heroic Stoic blog, they unpack ancient Stoic wisdom to challenge our modern obsession with accumulation. From Epictetus to Marcus Aurelius, discover how contentment, virtue, and gratitude offer a more durable form of wealth than any bank account. Join us as we explore how to build a richer life—without chasing more.

Have you ever been so sure about something, only to realize you were completely wrong? The real danger isn’t ignorance—it’s misplaced confidence. This video explores the concept of Negative IQ, where we’re not just uninformed, but confidently incorrect. Discover how cognitive biases, misinformation, and overconfidence can lead us astray and how to cultivate intellectual humility to avoid the trap of false certainty.

Join Jim and Ellie on The Stoic Compass as they explore the surprising connections between Stoicism and the Islamic holiday of Eid! In this episode, we delve into the wisdom of gratitude, generosity, and community spirit found in Eid traditions and how these values align with ancient Stoic principles.We’ll discuss:✨ What is Eid, and its significance?🎁 Why giving is considered a virtue from a Stoic perspective.📜 Marcus Aurelius's quote about how we all benefit when we give back to the community.🙏 The art of receiving and how to approach it with humility and gratitude.🧘 The Stoic practice of negative visu...

From the philosophical musings of Marcus Aurelius to contemporary scientific endorsements, journaling remains a powerful tool for personal growth and well-being. It's a practice that transcends time, offering clarity, healing, and insight. So, why not give it a go? Your future self might just thank you.

Happy journaling!

Is blood the primary designator for family? Let's rethink this one ...