Practical Stoicism

Practical Stoicism

Stoicism is the pursuit of Virtue (Aretê), which was defined by the Ancient Greeks as "the knowledge of how to live excellently," Stoicism is a holistic life philosophy meant to guide us towards the attainment of this knowledge through the development of our character. While many other Stoicism podcasts focus on explaining Ancient Stoicism in an academic or historical context, Practical Stoicism strives to port the ancient wisdom of this 2300-plus-year-old Greek Philosophy into contemporary times to provide practical advice for living today, not two millennia ago. Join American philosopher of Stoicism Tanner Campbell, every Monday and Friday, for new episodes.

Episodes

What If It Actually Is My Job?

August 22, 2025 • 18 mins
In this episode I reflect on the idea of responsibility through the lens of Spider-Man’s famous question, “What if it is my job?” I talk about how we can discern whether something really falls to us or not, how our roles and duties guide those decisions, and why happiness isn’t the point of life for a Stoic — virtue is. Along the way, I share thoughts on gut reactions, role-based reasoning, and how we can both accept where we are a...
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A Stoic's Perspective on Immigration (Broadly)

August 11, 2025 • 28 mins
In this episode I explore how Stoic principles apply to the controversial and often emotionally charged topic of immigration. Using the Circles of Concern as a framework, I examine why Stoics must care for all members of the Cosmopolis, even when cultural differences challenge us. I also break down why preserving culture “at all costs” is un-Stoic, and how moral reasoning—not fear, nationalism, or rigid legality—should guide immigr...
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Rhetoric as a Method of Self-Betterment [Interview with Jay Heinrichs]

August 4, 2025 • 60 mins
My interview with Jay Heinrichs, author of "Aristotle's Guide to Self-Persuasion." Buy the book here: https://stoicismpod.com/jay All my links here: https://links.stoicismpod.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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Introducing Season 3: Applied Stoicism

July 27, 2025 • 14 mins
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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Guest Interview: The Strong Stoic Podcast

July 23, 2025 • 69 mins
Check out the Strong Stoic podcast at https://brandontumblin.com/strongstoicpodcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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Guest Interview: The Tech Stoic Podcast

July 15, 2025 • 61 mins
Find Brian's show here on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/14w68JEPb1D2suzGHAEWU9?si=4d97cdfb29244780 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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Quick Update: I'm not dead!

July 13, 2025 • 5 mins
I live! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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Figs, Fate, and When to Quit (Meditations 4.6)

June 24, 2025 • 20 mins
This week I reflect on Meditations 4.6 and consider whether Marcus is really writing about death—or if he's reminding himself of the silliness of resisting what naturally unfolds. I explore the Stoic view of fate through the lens of the causal chain and point out where I think Stoicism allows some space for personal agency and emotional response. We also address the human tendency to lament things we cannot change, and I explain wh...
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Fear of Death? Listen to This (Meditations 4.5)

June 19, 2025 • 25 mins
In this episode, I reflect on Meditations 4.5 and Marcus Aurelius’ effort to habituate acceptance of death as a natural and necessary part of life. Drawing from Marcus' experiences leading Rome through war and plague, I explore how his preoccupation with death wasn’t morbid, but practical—an attempt to remain aligned with Nature and his duty within the Cosmopolis. Death, like birth, is part of the universal order, and Stoicism teac...
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Is Rape a Stoic Indifferent?

June 10, 2025 • 23 mins
In this episode, I respond to a challenging and emotionally heavy listener question: how can Stoicism claim that only Virtue is Good and only Vice is Evil, even in the face of horrific acts like rape? This isn’t a theoretical exercise in cruelty—it's a serious inquiry into Stoic ethical nuance. The heart of the issue is understanding what Stoicism means when it calls something "indifferent," and why it insists that moral value resi...
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Even after years of practice, I still fail

June 4, 2025 • 31 mins
In this episode, I share a personal story about nearly losing my temper on a train—a moment that reminded me, yet again, how far I am from sagehood and how important continuous attention (prosochē) is in Stoic practice. A long day in London, a rowdy group of teens, and a few minor annoyances were enough to push me near my breaking point. But in reflecting on the moment, I was reminded that even when we slip, our years of practice c...
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Are We All Part of One Law? (Meditations 4.4)

May 27, 2025 • 24 mins
In this episode of Practical Stoicism, I unpack Meditations 4.4, where Marcus Aurelius reflects on the shared nature of human reason and its connection to a universal law. While Marcus builds a case for a kind of Stoic cosmopolitanism—where all rational beings are part of one commonwealth—I explore how this can inform our understanding of decentralized morality and Natural Law. I also contrast Stoic justice with religious or centra...
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Why "Retreating Into Yourself" Isn't Always Practical (Meditations 4.3)

May 20, 2025 • 19 mins
PendingIn today’s episode of Practical Stoicism, I explore Meditations 4.3, a passage that, while often celebrated, carries the potential for self-abuse if misunderstood. Marcus Aurelius reflects on the desire to escape daily life by retreating into nature—something he admits he feels compelled to do himself. But rather than criticize that impulse, I suggest we reframe it: needing a retreat isn’t weakness, it’s part of the process ...
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Are You Living Purposefully? (Meditations 4.2)

May 13, 2025 • 17 mins
This episode of Practical Stoicism dives into the thought-provoking yet concise Meditations 4.2 by Marcus Aurelius. I explore what it means to act with purpose and how the Stoic tradition invites us to examine our actions not by their strict planning but by their alignment with Virtue. I argue that taking time to rest or reconnect with nature is not inherently aimless if it serves the goal of living well. I also reflect on a listen...
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Your Daemon, Divine Reason, and the Fire Within (Meditations 4.1)

May 6, 2025 • 23 mins
In this episode, I begin Book 4 of Meditations with reflection 4.1, a powerful meditation that compares the rational mind to a fire that consumes everything it encounters, growing stronger because of obstacles rather than being snuffed out by them. Marcus is teaching us that when we align our rational faculty with Nature, we develop the ability to transform adversity into fuel for flourishing. I explore the Stoic concepts of the he...
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You Might Suck, But You Don't Have To (Meditation 3.16)

April 29, 2025 • 19 mins
In this episode I have a Trump-esque hair day, but, more importantly, we will close out Book 3 of Meditations by working through Meditation 3.16, which challenges us to recognize that there’s nothing supernatural about goodness. Our bodies, impulses, and rational faculties are the same as those of the worst villains and even the simplest beasts. What sets the good person apart is their commitment to making Virtuous choices — embrac...
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Stoic Role Ethics and The Limits of Health Worship

April 22, 2025 • 28 mins
This episode clears up confusion around Stoic indifferents, especially when it comes to fitness and health. I revisit last week’s topic of context and explain why outcomes—like physical strength or general health—have nothing to do with Virtue. Drawing on Epictetus’ concept of the hegemonikon, I explore how only our choices fall within the domain of moral responsibility. I also address the common misconception that Stoics should al...
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Context is Everything (Meditations 3.15)

April 15, 2025 • 26 mins
In today’s episode, I take a close look at Meditations 3.15, which reads: “They have not learnt to know the manifold significance of theft, of sowing, of buying, resting, seeing what ought to be done. This depends not on the bodily eye but on another kind of vision.” Marcus is pointing us toward a crucial insight: context matters deeply. Nothing, not even theft or sowing, is always straightforwardly good or bad. I explore how Stoic...
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When Rest & Relaxation Become Vice (Mediation 3.14)

April 8, 2025 • 12 mins
This week, I take a closer look at Meditations 3.14, where Marcus Aurelius encourages us not to “wander from our path any longer.” It’s a meditation you’ve probably heard before, and while some translations simplify it to “put away your books,” I find that framing a little misleading. Books, much like hobbies or relaxation activities, have their place. They support our well-being and our pursuit of Virtue—when used in the right way...
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Are You Ready to Act Justly? (Meditations 3.13)

April 1, 2025 • 12 mins
In this episode, I explore Meditations 3.13, where Marcus Aurelius reminds us to keep the principles of Stoicism as close at hand as a doctor keeps their instruments. Our “scalpel” is our rational faculty—our ability to discern what is right and act justly, even when it's hard. When we stay ready in this way, we fulfill our role as rational agents within the whole of Nature. We also dig into what it means to be part of a rational a...
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