Author: Erick

  • 343 – Stoicism 101: Seneca the Younger

    343 – Stoicism 101: Seneca the Younger

    Seneca is remembered as one of the most popular Stoic philosophers, partly because a lot of his teachings survived and were passed through antiquity. But how much do you know about Seneca? This week, I’m sharing a chapter for my book, Stoicism 101. “Men do not care how nobly they live, but only for how…

  • 342 – Interview with Derrick Zaworski: Philosophy, Music, & Addiction

    342 – Interview with Derrick Zaworski: Philosophy, Music, & Addiction

    Join Erick Cloward as he delves into an enlightening conversation with Derrick Zaworski on the Stoic Coffee Break podcast. Discover Derrick’s journey through philosophy, addiction, and his love for music. With insights on Stoicism’s practical applications and personal growth, this episode offers a rich exploration of seeking balance and meaning in life. Whether you’re a…

  • 341 – Future You: How to Bargain with the Future to Become Your Best Self

    341 – Future You: How to Bargain with the Future to Become Your Best Self

    Do you ever think about your future self? How would your choices in the present change if you took the time to consider those choices would impact future you? Today I want to talk about the power of getting to know the future you. “First say to yourself what you would be; and then do…

  • 340 – Is Free Will Just a Lie We Tell Ourselves?

    340 – Is Free Will Just a Lie We Tell Ourselves?

    Do we have free will or are we destined to our fate? Do the Stoics believe that we have free will or are our lives pre-determined? Does is matter? “Lead me, Fate, wherever you will, and I will cheerfully follow. For even if I kick and wail, all the same I must follow.” —Cleanthes

  • 339 – Resistance Training for the Soul: Why the Hard Way Might Be the Right Way

    339 – Resistance Training for the Soul: Why the Hard Way Might Be the Right Way

    What if I told you that the thing you’re avoiding… is exactly the thing you need most? In this episode we’re going about why comfort might be the biggest lie we believe, and how leaning into resistance can actually be the path to everything you want. “The superior man thinks always of virtue; the common…

  • 338 – Q & A: Am I Stoic Enough?

    338 – Q & A: Am I Stoic Enough?

    Join us on this week’s Stoic Coffee Break podcast as we tackle questions about handling criticism, measuring personal growth, and Marcus Aurelius’ take on social media. Dive into stoicism over a coffee break and discover ways to live a more thoughtful life.

  • 337 – Evil Is the Absence of Empathy

    337 – Evil Is the Absence of Empathy

    “Wherever there is a human being, there is an opportunity for kindness.” —Seneca In an age of outrage, empathy faces scrutiny. Is it a liability or the key to preserving humanity? Dive into the critiques and defenses of empathy, exploring its role in justice and the common good. Discover why we might need a deeper,…

  • 336 – Facts and Feelings: The Power of Objectivity

    336 – Facts and Feelings: The Power of Objectivity

    “Between stimulus and response, there is a space. In that space is our power to choose our response. In our response lies our growth and our freedom.” —Viktor Frankl The Stoics place a premium on rationality and objectivity to help manage our emotions. But how do we develop that objectivity? Why should we practice become…

  • 335 – Stay Curious: The Stoic Case for Asking Why

    335 – Stay Curious: The Stoic Case for Asking Why

    Socrates was considered the wisest man in Athens, not because he knew everything, but because he was curious. Discover how curiosity can be your greatest asset for personal growth. From challenging assumptions to embracing new perspectives, learn how this key trait leads to wisdom and joy. Let’s shake off routine and stay curious!

  • 334 – Serious Joy: A Stoic’s Unexpected Superpower

    334 – Serious Joy: A Stoic’s Unexpected Superpower

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    Explore how Stoicism, often seen as emotionally detached, can actually be a pathway to genuine joy. Learn how Stoic principles like perspective, acceptance, and gratitude can help you overcome fear, find happiness, and thrive in life.