The Via Stoica Podcast
Welcome to the Via Stoica Podcast, the podcast on Stoicism that brings you the ancient wisdom of this philosophy to our modern-day lives. Walking the digital streets, Brendan and Benny examine the ancient texts and tools through a current lens. The Stoics teach us to focus on the moment, and that’s how Stoicism should be approached. We have the foundation of the wise minds of the past and now it is our time to find the right application to this philosophy of life. In our weekly episodes, we will dissect a wide range of topics and apply the Stoic teachings to them. It is our goal to show you the benefits of Stoicism and provide you with examples and tools to help you live a better and more peaceful life. If you wish to contact us, you can visit Viastoica.com, or email us at info@viastoica.com. You can find us on X.com: @viastoica, Brendan:@BogglestheStoic, and Benny: @benny_viastoica. If you like the content we are providing you can support us by subscribing, leaving a rating, and a review. Furthermore, you can support us via Patreon as well. Stoicism is a philosophy we adhere to in our daily lives. It helps us live better lives and it is our duty to share this with you. And remember, Virtue is the only good.
Episodes
Welcome to the Via Stoica Podcast, the podcast on Stoicism.
In this Stoic Quotes episode, Benny reflects on Marcus Aurelius’ reminder from Meditations 7.18:
“Frightened of change? But what can exist without it? What’s closer to nature’s heart?”
Change is constant — from the rise and fall of empires to the daily challenges in our own lives. Marcus wrote these words while facing war, plague, and political turmoil, reminding himself that...
In this episode of The Via Stoica Podcast, Benny and Brendan speak with Dr. Ranjini George, a writer, teacher, and scholar who bridges the worlds of East and West. Formerly an Associate Professor of English at Zayed University in Dubai, and now teaching Creative Writing and Arts & Humanities at the University of Toronto, Dr. George brings decades of experience exploring the overlap between philosophy, literature, and lived prac...
Life is precious because it ends.
In this Stoic Quotes episode, Benny reflects on one of Seneca’s most powerful lines from Consolation to Marcia:
“Life, it is thanks to death that you are precious in my eyes.”
Discover how the Stoics saw death not as something to fear, but as the reason we should live fully. Learn how this view can help you approach life with urgency, gratitude, and virtue — making the most of the time you have now. ...
A Stoic Conversation with William C. Spears: Stoicism as a Warrior Philosophy
In this episode of The Via Stoica Podcast, Benny and Brendan speak with William C. Spears, active duty U.S. naval officer, submarine commander, and author of Stoicism as a Warrior Philosophy. From the depths of nuclear-powered submarines to the halls of the Pentagon, William shares how Stoicism became a moral framework and mental toolkit for navigating hig...
The Via Stoica Podcast: Stoic quotes series
In the Stoic quotes series, we take a look at what the Stoics said and uncover the wisdom they left behind. We look at the famous writings from Epictetus, Seneca, Marcus Aurelius, and more.
In this episode, we turn to a powerful quote from Epictetus, found in the Discourses, that asks us to reflect on self-worth and the price we’re willing to pay for external approval:
“For it is you who kno...
Welcome to the Via Stoica Podcast, the Podcast on Stoicism.
Most people spend their lives chasing happiness, but the Stoics had a different approach. In this episode of the Via Stoica Podcast, Benny and Brendan explore the true nature of happiness through a Stoic lens. You’ll learn why fleeting pleasures often leave us feeling empty, and how virtue, contentment, and self-awareness can lead to something deeper and longer-lasting.
The ...
The Via Stoica Podcast: Stoic quotes series
In the Stoic quotes series, we take a look at what the Stoics said and uncover the wisdom they left behind. We look at the famous writings from Epictetus, Seneca, Marcus Aurelius, and more.
In this episode, we explore a quote cited by Marcus Aurelius in Meditations, but originally attributed to the pre-Socratic philosopher Democritus:
“The world is nothing but change. Our life is...
Welcome to the Via Stoica Podcast, the podcast on Stoicism.
What if preparing for death is the key to truly living? In this episode of the Via Stoica Podcast, Benny and Brendan explore the Stoic approach to mortality, not as something to fear, but as a tool to cultivate presence, peace, and purpose.
Through personal stories, Stoic reflections, and practical exercises, they discuss how coming to terms with death can transform how ...
The Via Stoica Podcast: Stoic quotes series
In the Stoic quotes series, we take a look at what the Stoics said and uncover the wisdom they left behind. We look at the famous writings from Epictetus, Seneca, Marcus Aurelius, and more.
In this episode, we turn to Seneca and his timeless essay On the Shortness of Life, where he reminds us:
“It’s not that we have a brief length of time to live, but that we squander a great deal of that ti...
Welcome to the Via Stoica Podcast, the Podcast on Stoicism
What happens when Stoicism moves beyond personal development and toward a deeper understanding of our place in the universe? In this thought-provoking episode of the Via Stoica Podcast, Benny speaks with philosopher and author Will Johncock, whose book Beyond the Individual explores Stoicism as a systems-based philosophy rooted in interconnectedness, rational order, and humi...
The Via Stoica Podcast: Stoic quotes series
In the Stoic quotes series, we take a look at what the Stoics said and uncover the wisdom they left behind. We look at the famous writings from Epictetus, Seneca, Marcus Aurelius, and more.
In this episode, we reflect on a powerful quote from Epictetus, Discourses, Book 1, Chapter 24:
“Difficulties are the things that show what men are.”
What does this quote really mean? How do we respond whe...
Welcome to the Via Stoica Podcast, the podcast on Stoicism.
What is virtue, and why did the Stoics believe it’s the only true good? In this episode of the Via Stoica Podcast, Benny and Brendan explore the heart of Stoic ethics: the four cardinal virtues of wisdom, justice, courage, and temperance.
Learn how these timeless principles can guide your daily decisions, shape your character, and help you live in alignment with your na...
Welcome to the Via Stoica Podcast: Stoic Quotes Series
In this episode of the Stoic Quotes Series, we explore a simple yet powerful reminder found in Meditations by Marcus Aurelius:
“If you seek tranquillity, do less.”
– Democritus, Frg. B.3, quoted in Marcus Aurelius, Meditations, Book 4.24
While the quote originates from Democritus, Marcus builds on it with a distinctly Stoic perspective. Instead of withdrawing from life like the Epi...
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 dichoto...
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 m...
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 myt...
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 pe...
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 ...
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 M...
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 tw...
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