Citizens of the World: A Stoic Podcast for Curious Travelers

I cried in my first knitting class and I didn’t know why – it’s not like I’m emotionally invested in making potholders out of yarn.

In this episode, I explore the quiet pressure we put on ourselves without realizing it, and how we can give ourselves more grace.

Read the transcript

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I’m your host, Sarah Mikutel, a communication and mindset coach. My work is about helping people like you share your voice,...

My guest today, Sunalie, is a warm and gifted journalist – and also a former client of mine.

During our time together, she had so many meaningful wins. Hearing about the specific shifts she made will help you strengthen your own confidence and communication skills – including how to feel more at ease when all eyes are on you. 

Sunalie has been with her partner for over 20 years, but they never got married. Not because she didn’t want...

Are you procrastinating more than you think you are? In this episode, I’m talking about virtuous procrastination – the act of avoiding discomfort, uncertainty, or purposeful risk by busying yourself with work that appears responsible, generous, and good. Volunteering. Overcommitting. Over-preparing. It looks admirable, but sometimes it’s just a sneaky distraction from what’s most important to you. 

Read the article.

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I’m your host,...

Comfort can quietly cost you the life you really want. When we play it too safe in the name of avoiding unpleasant thoughts or feelings, we drift away from our values and the things that bring meaning, energy, and connection. The Stoics offer a way back through intentional action, self-inquiry, and showing up with integrity – even when it’s uncomfortable.

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I’m your host, Sarah Mikutel, a communication and mindset coach. My work is...

We often have something meaningful to say – but the way we say it can get in the way. We overload our listener with backstory, hoping to make them understand, and end up muddying the message instead. In this episode, I explore why this happens and how a small shift in how we speak can make a big difference.

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I’m your host, Sarah Mikutel, a communication and mindset coach. My work is about helping people like you share your voice, ...

Carrie Bradshaw used to feel relatable. Now we accuse her of being unhinged.

But maybe that says more about us than it does about her.

Read the article.

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I’m your host, Sarah Mikutel, a communication and mindset coach. My work is about helping people like you share your voice, strengthen your relationships, and have more fun.

As an American expat living in the U.K., I value curiosity, courage, and joy. A few things I love: ...

We’ve all had those moments where an insult or offhand comment sticks in our head. Hours later, we’re still replaying it, wishing we’d come up with the perfect comeback. But what if the strongest response isn’t a clever line at all?

In this episode, I explore what the Stoics – and even a surprising scene from Gladiator 2 – can teach us about handling insults and keeping our peace of mind. You’ll hear:

• Why chasing the “upper hand”...

To move forward, sometimes the most powerful thing you can do is pause and take stock of how far you’ve come. 

Read the article.

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I’m your host, Sarah Mikutel, a communication and mindset coach. My work is about helping people like you share your voice, strengthen your relationships, and have more fun.

As an American expat living in the U.K., I value curiosity, courage, and joy. A few things I love: wandering European stre...

I finally became a British citizen after years of putting it off – not because I didn’t qualify, but because perfectionism kept slowing me down. 

In this episode, I share the real reason I delayed, what happened when I shifted my focus from “perfect” to “done,” and revisit how the concept of maximizers vs. satisficers can help you move forward in your life.

Read the article (and come say hi on Substack).

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I’m your host, Sarah Mikute...

Being blunt isn’t the same as being brave. In a culture that idolizes people who “say whatever they think,” we’ve started confusing impulsiveness for honesty, and arrogance for authenticity.

But unfiltered speech isn’t just lazy. Sometimes, it’s harmful.

In this episode, I explore the difference between courage and carelessness, and how to practice mindful communication without losing your voice or your values. 

Read the article.

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I’...

The Science of Connection: Building Bonds Through Small Acts of Love

In this episode, I share a brief moment with my nephew that opened up a bigger question: How do we create the kind of presence that people remember? 

I explore the science of likability, the concept of “Love 2.0,” and why the smallest gestures – eye contact, laughter, a kind word – have long-lasting emotional and health benefits. This isn’t about being charming or c...

What if the real key to growth isn’t pushing harder, but celebrating more?

In this episode, I’m sharing why savoring your wins matters – how it rewires your brain, reinforces your identity, and helps you live in alignment with your values.

If you’ve been rushing from one goal to the next, this is your invitation to pause, reflect, and really honor the actions you’re taking.

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I’m your host, Sarah Mikutel, a commun...

What did the Founding Fathers actually mean when they talked about “the pursuit of happiness” – and how can we apply that wisdom to our lives today? 

This episode is about what real happiness looks like – not the fireworks version, but the kind that comes from gratitude, good character, and being present for the small moments.

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I’m your host, Sarah Mikutel, a communication and mindset coach. My work is about helping people like you...

Struggling to start something new because you're afraid of looking foolish? This episode is your permission slip to begin. You’ll learn how Stoic philosophy and growth mindset can help you move through discomfort, let go of perfectionism, and build real confidence – one imperfect step at a time. If you’ve been overthinking or biting your tongue, this conversation will help you shift into action.

Read the transcript

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I’m your h...

What do abandoned mansions in Bucharest have to do with dirty dishes and emotional resentment?

In this episode, I explore how our desire for fairness can lead us to self-sabotage — and how Stoic justice asks us to think beyond pride, punishment, and being right.

We’ll walk through a real-world example of decades-long property disputes, connect it to the Ultimatum Game in behavioral economics, and look at how these same dynamics show ...

Mr. Darcy has been on my mind this week. Not because he’s the fantasy of so many women, but because I finally read Pride and Prejudice, and discovered something shocking (to me) about him. 

I’d always thought of Mr. Darcy as this tall, brooding, misunderstood character. The fabulously wealthy, handsome man who everyone thinks is a jerk, but secretly has a heart of gold and wants to take care of you. This is why women have ...

Last week, I gave one of the lightning talks at Stoicon 2024. The topic: How to Combat Speaking Anxiety with Stoicism.

Want to see the video? Head to my Substack 👉 Citizens of the World

Thanks for listening ❤️

sarahmikutel.com

Do you ever go blank or start rambling when someone puts you on the spot? 

I created a free Conversation Cheat Sheet with simple formulas you can use so you can respond with cla...

Live Without Borders is now called Citizens of the world 🎉 

This podcast will continue to share how we can thrive through Stoic wisdom, better communication, and global exploration – so why change the name? I explain it all in this episode. 

Love,
Sarah

sarahmikutel.com

Do you ever go blank or start rambling when someone puts you on the spot? 

I created a free Conversation Cheat Sheet with simple formulas ...

Welcome, fellow citizen of the world. Today we are roadtripping through Turkey with my friend Michelle Warner-Martin. 

Michelle recently roadtripped across Turkey through:

• Bursa
• Ephesus
• Pamukkale
• Konya
• Istanbul 
• Adana 
• Mersin 
• Cappadocia

And she’s here to highlight the incredible experiences you can when traveling across Turkey. 

Michelle is a wedding photographer, which allows her to travel in the off season when things are less cro...