What if life’s biggest challenges weren’t roadblocks, but invitations to grow stronger and feel more alive?
Learn how ancient Stoic wisdom can help you reframe adversity, build emotional strength, and find calm in the chaos. Discover why becoming a “thankaholic” might be the key to lasting joy and how preparing for hard times can actually make you happier.
Join Matt and guest William B. Irvine for this powerful episode of Good Mood Revolution, and unlock the tools to turn setbacks into breakthroughs.
0:00 Intro
5:26 Reframing Setbacks As Stoic Challenges
15:05 Biggest Cost Of Setbacks
20:22 Choosing Humor Over Victimhood
25:32 Equanimity As Life's Ultimate Goal
30:12 The Five Second Rule For Anger
35:33 Closing Thoughts And Resources
Resources Mentioned:
📚"The Stoic Challenge" by William B. Irvine
About the Guest
William B. Irvine is a philosopher, author, and retired professor who brings ancient wisdom into modern life. After earning his PhD from UCLA, he spent nearly four decades teaching philosophy at Wright State University. Rather than writing for academics, William speaks to everyday thinkers, curious minds seeking practical ways to navigate life’s challenges. Known for his deep commitment to Stoicism, he doesn’t just study the philosophy, he lives it, helping others build resilience, gratitude, and a grounded sense of purpose.
Popular Podcasts
Stuff You Should Know
If you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, then look no further. Josh and Chuck have you covered.
Dateline NBC
Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations. Follow now to get the latest episodes of Dateline NBC completely free, or subscribe to Dateline Premium for ad-free listening and exclusive bonus content: DatelinePremium.com
CrimeLess: Hillbilly Heist
It’s 1996 in rural North Carolina, and an oddball crew makes history when they pull off America’s third largest cash heist. But it’s all downhill from there. Join host Johnny Knoxville as he unspools a wild and woolly tale about a group of regular ‘ol folks who risked it all for a chance at a better life. CrimeLess: Hillbilly Heist answers the question: what would you do with 17.3 million dollars? The answer includes diamond rings, mansions, velvet Elvis paintings, plus a run for the border, murder-for-hire-plots, and FBI busts.