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 practice.

We trace her journey from growing up in India and Kenya, to teaching in Oman and Dubai, to immigrating to Canada, where she began weaving meditation, Buddhism, and Stoicism into her teaching and writing. Dr. George shares how Marcus Aurelius’ Meditations and Thich Nhat Hanh’s writings became constant companions, how Donald Robertson’s How to Think Like a Roman Emperor deepened her Stoic path, and why she believes both traditions offer a daily, practical way to train the mind.

The conversation explores where Buddhism and Stoicism align, in mindfulness, compassion, and resilience, and where they diverge. We talk about journaling as a form of self-inquiry, the importance of suffering “intelligently,” and what it means to pursue meaningful work without being consumed by comparison or self-cherishing. Dr. George also reflects on her books Through My Mother’s Window and her works-in-progress, Blue Flowers and Miracle of Flowers, and how storytelling itself can be a philosophical act.

Whether you are drawn to Buddhism, Stoicism, or simply the search for a good life, this episode offers insight into building your own philosophy of life with compassion, wisdom, and presence.

You can explore Dr. Ranjini George’s novel excerpt on Modern Stoicism: https://modernstoicism.com/blue-flowers-novel-excerpt-by-ranjini-george/
You can also find her teaching at the University of Toronto School of Continuing Studies: https://learn.utoronto.ca

Support the show
https://viastoica.com
https://viastoica.com/stoic-life-coaching
https://viastoica.com/benny-voncken
https://viastoica.com/brendan-hogle
https://x.com/ViaStoica
info@viastoica.com

Produced by: http://badmic.com

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. Perfect for anyone exploring Seneca's quotes on death, the Stoic view of mortality, and practical philosophy for living well.

In the Stoic Quotes series, we explore timeless wisdom from Seneca, Epictetus, Marcus Aurelius, and more — uncovering what they meant then and how we can live it today.

In this episode, Benny unpacks why the Stoics believed death adds value to life, weaving in Seneca’s insights, Epictetus’ advice, and even a lyric from Pearl Jam’s I Am Mine. You’ll hear practical reflections on living according to nature, fulfilling your roles well, and meeting the end of life — whenever it comes — with peace and dignity.

If you are looking for more quotes like this one, visit viastoica.com. We have hundreds of Stoic sayings with full references, so you can find them in the original texts or use them in your own work.

🔗 https://viastoica.com/stoic-quotes/🔗 https://viastoica.com/seneca-quotes/🔗 https://viastoica.com/epictetus-quotes/🔗 https://viastoica.com/marcus-aurelius-quotes/

Make sure to subscribe for more quote episodes every Friday, as well as our Tuesday interviews and longer Stoic discussions. Leave a comment if you have thoughts or questions — we might feature them in a future episode.

Support the show
🌐 www.ViaStoica.com🌐 https://viastoica.com/stoic-life-coaching/🌐 https://viastoica.com/benny-voncken/🐦 https://twitter.com/ViaStoica
📩 Reach us: info@viastoica.com

Produced by: http://badmic.com

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 high-stakes, high-pressure environments.

We explore his path from discovering Epictetus through Admiral James Stockdale, to writing a book that bridges the gap between ancient philosophy and modern military service. William unpacks what he means by “warrior” and “warrior philosophy,” why Stoicism is more than emotional suppression, and how its principles can strengthen leadership, resilience, and ethical decision-making in the armed forces.

The conversation also delves into just war theory, the mental health benefits of Stoic practice, and the misconceptions, both in and outside the military, about what it means to live by Stoic principles. Whether you’re in uniform, leading a team, or seeking a way to stay grounded in turbulent times, this episode offers a clear-eyed perspective on applying ancient wisdom to modern challenges.

You can connect with William at his website https://williamcspears.com or on X/Twitter via @WilliamCSpears.

Support the show

https://viastoica.com

https://viastoica.com/stoic-life-coaching.com

https://viastoica.com/benny-voncken

https://viastoica.com/brendan-hogle

https://x.com/ViaStoica

info@viastoica.com

Produced by: http://badmic.com

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 know yourself, and what value you set upon yourself, and at what rate you sell yourself.”

What does it mean to "sell yourself"? And how often do we trade our principles, our time, or our peace of mind for things that are not truly valuable? In this episode, we explore how this quote invites us to know our inner worth and live accordingly.

We also discuss the importance of self-examination, how our choices reflect what we value most, and why living in alignment with our true character is the key to Stoic freedom.

For a deeper dive into this quote, check out the full reflection on our website:
https://viastoica.com/epictetus-quote-on-self-worth

And if you want to explore more quotes like this one, all properly sourced and referenced, head over to our Stoic quote library:

https://viastoica.com/stoic-quotes
https://viastoica.com/epictetus-quotes
https://viastoica.com/seneca-quotes
https://viastoica.com/marcus-aurelius-quotes

Make sure to subscribe to the podcast for more quote episodes or our regular Tuesday recordings and interviews. Also, leave a rating, as this helps us reach more like-minded people.

Support the show

https://viastoica.com
https://viastoica.com/stoic-life-coaching
https://viastoica.com/benny-voncken
https://viastoica.com/brendan-hogle
https://twitter.com/ViaStoica
info@viastoica.com

Produced by: http://badmic.com

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 conversation unpacks essential Stoic concepts like eudaimonia, apatheia, and the difference between good emotions and uncontrolled passions. With personal stories, practical advice, and honest reflections, this episode helps you shift your focus from temporary highs to a stable and flourishing inner life.

To go further, check out our article: Why the Stoic View on Happiness Is So Different

Support the show

https://viastoica.com
https://viastoica.com/stoic-life-coaching
https://viastoica.com/benny-voncken
https://viastoica.com/brendan-hogle
YouTube: /viastoica
Reach us: info@viastoica.com
Produced by: http://badmic.com

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 only perception.”

What does it mean to see life as perception and the world as change? And how can understanding this quote help us become more stable, more rational, and more resilient in the face of uncertainty?

We unpack the Stoic idea that our emotions and actions depend not on what happens to us, but on the judgments we form about those events. By learning to step back and examine our impressions, we can train ourselves to see change not as something to resist, but as something to accept, and even embrace.

If you want to dive deeper into this idea, check out our full blog post on it:
https://viastoica.com/perception-and-change-in-stoicism

And if you're looking for more quotes like this one, visit viastoica.com — we’ve compiled hundreds of Stoic sayings, all carefully referenced so you can find and use them in your own writing.

https://viastoica.com/stoic-quotes
https://viastoica.com/marcus-aurelius-quotes
https://viastoica.com/epictetus-quotes
https://viastoica.com/seneca-quotes

Make sure to subscribe to the podcast for more quote episodes or our regular Tuesday recordings and interviews. Also, leave a rating, as this helps us reach more like-minded people.

Support the show

https://viastoica.com
https://viastoica.com/stoic-life-coaching
https://viastoica.com/benny-voncken
https://viastoica.com/brendan-hogle
https://twitter.com/ViaStoica
info@viastoica.com

Produced by: http://badmic.com

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 we live day to day. You’ll learn how Stoicism reframes death as a natural event, how meditating on mortality increases gratitude, and how the loss of loved ones can become a powerful teacher.

This conversation pairs beautifully with our article Why Death Needs Rebranding, which challenges the modern fear of dying and invites us to embrace the Stoic wisdom of memento mori.

Whether you're dealing with grief, contemplating your legacy, or just looking for a deeper connection to life, this episode offers guidance from the ancient Stoics and from two modern voices living the practice.

Support the show

⁠www.ViaStoica.com⁠
⁠https://viastoica.com/stoic-life-coaching⁠
⁠https://viastoica.com/benny-voncken/⁠
⁠https://viastoica.com/Brendan-hogle/⁠
YouTube: ⁠/viastoica⁠
Reach us: ⁠info@viastoica.com

⁠
Produced by: ⁠http://badmic.com⁠

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 time.”

Benny explores what it means to truly live rather than merely exist. Why do our days feel so short, even though life is long enough? How do we let our time slip away through distractions, regrets, and other people’s expectations?

This quote hits especially hard in today’s world of overstimulation and hustle culture. Instead of rushing through your day, the Stoics urge us to pause and ask: Is this how I want to spend my life? We reflect on modern busyness, personal alignment, and the importance of knowing your own “enough.”

For a deeper dive into this quote and its practical lessons, visit the companion article:
https://viastoica.com/reclaim-your-time-with-stoicism/

And if you're looking for more quotes like this one, visit viastoica.com. We have hundreds of Stoic sayings with full references from Seneca, Epictetus, Marcus Aurelius, and more:

https://viastoica.com/stoic-quotes/
https://viastoica.com/seneca-quotes/
https://viastoica.com/epictetus-quotes/
https://viastoica.com/marcus-aurelius-quotes/

Make sure to subscribe to the podcast for more quote episodes and our regular Tuesday conversations and interviews. And leave a rating—it helps us reach more like-minded people.

Support the show
www.ViaStoica.com
https://viastoica.com/stoic-life-coaching/
https://viastoica.com/benny-voncken/
https://viastoica.com/Brendan-hogle/
https://twitter.com/ViaStoica
Reach us: info@viastoica.com

Produced by:
http://badmic.com