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 m ... Show More
Nov 21
Growing Into Roles We're Not Good At Yet
In this episode I talk about what it’s like to take on a large number of new roles in a very short period of time, and how doing so can leave you feeling detached from yourself unless you approach those roles with clear thinking, humility, and attention. Over the last few years I ... Show More
16m 30s
Nov 14
Living Well on a Hot Planet [The COP30]
In this episode I take a current headline—the opening of COP30 in Belém, Brazil—and sit with it like a philosopher, not a pundit. Instead of debating policy language or political victories, I look at what a global event like this means for people trying to live excellently right ... Show More
25m 35s
Nov 5
Gender Roles and the Rational Soul
In this episode I take on a listener question about gender roles and Stoicism — whether they exist, how the Stoics would have defined them, and what any of it means for modern relationships. We look closely at Musonius Rufus, the so-called “fourth head” of the Stoic school, who a ... Show More
22m 28s
Feb 2023
Episode 116, 'Why Honour Matters' (Part I - The Centre of Morality)
<p class="">Honour calls a person to defend their teammates, support their family, and have self-respect. To heed the call of honour, say those who listen, leads us towards a good life. Yet, honour does not bear the marks of modern liberal morality. Honour does not focus on the u ... Show More
45 m
Sep 2024
Aharon (bonus episode) - "Innocent and pure from sin"
Aharon was hosted on the podcast a few months ago and felt he wanted to say more. I recommend listening to his full interview, and then listening to this very special conversation we had about his late brother, Mohammed Bahar, and about retrieving our humanity. Check out my Patre ... Show More
33m 4s
Jun 2025
Ep. 368: Hume on Reason in Ethics (Part One)
We talk a bit more about David Hume's An Enquiry Concerning the Principles of Morals (1751), and add some parts of A Treatise of Human Nature (1739): sec. 3 "Of the Influencing Motives of the Will" within the third part of Book II, "Of the Passions," and the first two sections of ... Show More
44m 56s
Mar 2025
The philosophy of dehumanisation | David Livingstone Smith
The philosophy of dehumanisation with David Livingstone SmithIn this exclusive interview, philosopher David Livingstone Smith explores the history, nature, and evolution of dehumanisation. As what is 'acceptable' in society changes, so do the tactics of undercover dehumanisation. ... Show More
31m 21s
Feb 2025
The Framework of Restorative Justice: A Conversation with Yoana Tchoukleva
<p>As part of our series, “A World Beyond Revenge” on Restorative Justice, today’s episode features Yoana Tchoukleva. She is an attorney, community organizer and restorative justice practitioner. She has held dozens of restorative justice accountability processes, both inside of ... Show More
1h 4m
May 2021
Episode 97, 'Lessons from Lockdown' with Vittorio Bufacchi (Part II - Further Analysis and Discussion)
<p class=""><strong>Introduction</strong></p> <p id="yui_3_17_2_1_1620481929880_657" class="">Over a year has passed since COVID-19 forced the world to shut its doors. Millions of lives have been lost, and millions more have undergone radical change. At times, many of us have wis ... Show More
35m 11s