The Everyday Stoic

Jaksot

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  How to Stop Taking Things Personally | Stoicism 7 Rules 18.05.2026 9min

  📖 Get my book: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Everyday-Sto...US & Canada [https://a.co/d/1tnxZ11]If you’re new here, my name’s William Mulligan.I grew up in a council house in the UK with my single mum and seven siblings. We didn’t have much. I was a shy, anxious, weak, and often depressed kid. At 16, I was laboring full time — illegally underpaid and working all hours to help my family survive.At 18, I discovered Stoicism. It changed everything.I quit my job and flew to New Zealand with my best mate, sleeping in our car as we visited every Lord of the Rings film location. That trip gave me something I’d never had before: a vision of what life could be.When I got home, my brothers and I started The Mulligan Brothers, with one simple mission: to inspire 1 billion people. I began editing the videos you’ve probably seen if you've ever looked for gym motivation — the viral ones with powerful speeches and cinematic storytelling. That was me behind the scenes.But I didn’t stop there. I kept studying Stoicism — not the fancy, elitist version you find online, but the real stuff. The kind of philosophy that helps working-class people like me survive, grow, and live well.I started sharing Stoic teachings online in a way anyone could understand. That eventually led to my first book, The Everyday Stoic, published by Penguin. It’s now been translated into 15 languages.My goal is to take Stoicism back from the influencers and the intellectual gatekeepers. It’s not supposed to be expensive, complicated, or only for the wealthy. It’s simple. And it saved my life.Now, I spend my time creating content, writing books, and building a movement that helps real people improve their lives using the timeless wisdom of Stoicism, Taoism, and Zen.To everyone out there fighting their own battles:You don’t need to be perfect. You just need to keep going.You either get an epic outcome or an epic story. Both mean you win.Never quit,William🔔 Subscribe for more Stoic wisdom & self-improvement!
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  Stoicism's Toughest Questions Answered by a Modern Stoic 15.05.2026 22min

  If you’re new here, my name’s William Mulligan.I grew up in a council house in the UK with my single mum and seven siblings. We didn’t have much. I was a shy, anxious, weak, and often depressed kid. At 16, I was laboring full time — illegally underpaid and working all hours to help my family survive.At 18, I discovered Stoicism. It changed everything.I quit my job and flew to New Zealand with my best mate, sleeping in our car as we visited every Lord of the Rings film location. That trip gave me something I’d never had before: a vision of what life could be.When I got home, my brothers and I started The Mulligan Brothers, with one simple mission: to inspire 1 billion people. I began editing the videos you’ve probably seen if you've ever looked for gym motivation — the viral ones with powerful speeches and cinematic storytelling. That was me behind the scenes.But I didn’t stop there. I kept studying Stoicism — not the fancy, elitist version you find online, but the real stuff. The kind of philosophy that helps working-class people like me survive, grow, and live well.I started sharing Stoic teachings online in a way anyone could understand. That eventually led to my first book, The Everyday Stoic, published by Penguin. It’s now been translated into 15 languages.My goal is to take Stoicism back from the influencers and the intellectual gatekeepers. It’s not supposed to be expensive, complicated, or only for the wealthy. It’s simple. And it saved my life.Now, I spend my time creating content, writing books, and building a movement that helps real people improve their lives using the timeless wisdom of Stoicism, Taoism, and Zen.To everyone out there fighting their own battles:You don’t need to be perfect. You just need to keep going.You either get an epic outcome or an epic story. Both mean you win.Never quit,William
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  11 Stoic Rules for a Better Life | Wisdom from Marcus Aurelius 13.05.2026 23min

  In today's episode, William explores eleven practical Stoic rules for a better life inspired by the teachings of Marcus Aurelius. Drawing from classic texts like Meditations and over a decade of personal practice, he breaks down ancient philosophical concepts into simple and actionable advice. The discussion covers essential habits for personal growth, such as remaining a lifelong student, taking absolute responsibility for your actions without falling into a victim or tyrant mentality, and the importance of having clear direction. Listeners will also learn why they should adopt the grounded mindset of a wrestler rather than a dancer, how to face uncomfortable truths, and the profound peace found in staying present and embracing simplicity. Additional highlights include the value of doing good selflessly, establishing core life principles, confronting mortality to find true meaning, and the mental clarity gained through daily journaling.
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  Marcus Aurelius Vs Diognes: The Homeless Man Who Was Richer Than the Emperor 07.05.2026 10min

  In today's episode, William analyzes the philosophical differences between Diogenes the Cynic and Roman Emperor Marcus Aurelius to determine who lived a genuinely better life. He contrasts the immense power, wealth, and societal duties of Marcus Aurelius with the absolute destitution and societal rejection of Diogenes.While Marcus Aurelius faced the heavy burdens and personal tragedies associated with leadership, William points out that Diogenes enjoyed true freedom by desiring nothing at all. This extreme independence is highlighted by Diogenes' famous dismissal of Alexander the Great, proving that wanting nothing can equate to having everything. William acknowledges the strong appeal of living entirely free from the traps and expectations of society.
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  11 Years of Stoicism Wisdom in 46 Minutes 06.05.2026 46min

  In today's episode, William breaks down fifty-six practical lessons he has learned from over a decade of practicing real Stoicism. Moving past the academic theories and superficial social media trends, he shares how these ancient principles completely transformed his life from a state of anxious uncertainty to genuine happiness. He explores powerful concepts like the block of wood theory, the true meaning of discipline, and the profound importance of finding beauty in entirely ordinary moments. Listeners will discover actionable advice on overcoming the bystander effect, embracing their fate, and understanding why a single month of genuine practice always beats thirty years of simply reading.
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  3 Forgotten Stoic Principles That Will Transform Your Life (No One Talks About These) 30.04.2026 18min

  3 Forgotten Stoic Principles That Will Transform Your Life (No One Talks About These)Discover 3 powerful but forgotten Stoic principles that can completely transform your mindset, boost resilience, and help you stay calm in a chaotic world. While most people focus on basic Stoicism, this video dives deeper into lesser-known teachings that offer real, practical results.If you're interested in Stoicism, self-improvement, mental toughness, discipline, or personal growth, these hidden insights will give you a fresh perspective you won’t hear anywhere else.In this video, you’ll learn:Lesser-known Stoic ideas that improve daily lifeHow to control your thoughts and emotions effectivelyPractical Stoic habits for success, focus, and inner peaceInspired by the teachings of Marcus Aurelius, Seneca, and Epictetus, these principles are simple, timeless, and incredibly powerful when applied consistently.Whether you're new to Stoicism or already on your self-improvement journey, this video will help you build a stronger, calmer, and more disciplined mind.Keywords: stoicism, stoic principles, forgotten stoicism, marcus aurelius, seneca, epictetus, self improvement, mental strength, discipline, personal growth, mindset, philosophy, success habits, inner peace
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  5 Stoic Habits That Changed My Life In One Week | The Everyday Stoic 11.11.2025 33min

  In this episode, William shares five Stoic habits that completely transformed his life in just one week. No theory, no empty quotes, just real practices, real progress, and honest reflection from over a decade of living Stoicism every day.He breaks down each habit, from waking with purpose to practicing moderation and digital discipline, showing how ancient Stoic wisdom can create instant results when applied with intention. William tracks his daily progress, drawing from Marcus Aurelius, Seneca, and Epictetus, and explains how these timeless lessons lead to confidence, peace, and direction.Through personal stories—from sleepless nights building a business in a cramped attic to rediscovering empathy and presence through mindful living—he proves that Stoicism isn’t just for scholars or philosophers. It’s for anyone ready to stop being anxious, weak, and directionless, and start living like a philosopher in the real world.If you’re tired of hearing hollow “self-help” advice and want practical steps that work, this episode delivers. Clear, tested, and grounded in lived experience, these five Stoic habits will help you wake with clarity, act with purpose, and live with meaning.
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  7 Things a Stoic Would Never Do | The Everyday Stoic 09.11.2025 15min

  In this episode, William lays out seven behaviours the ancient Stoics warned against and explains why each one poisons your peace of mind. He breaks down how complaining and blaming others robs you of power, how emotional overreactions cloud judgment, and how chasing validation turns you into a puppet for public opinion. Each behavior is examined through Stoic teachings from Epictetus, Marcus Aurelius, and Seneca, with practical advice for modern life.William also explores the Stoic view of hardship, showing why struggle and discomfort are essential for growth. He talks about the danger of wasting time on meaningless distractions, how giving in to desires weakens your discipline, and why taking responsibility for your actions is the cornerstone of inner strength. Through real examples and grounded philosophy, he reminds us that virtue, not comfort, leads to freedom.
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  The Truth About the Law of Attraction and Stoicism - I've Done Both. | The Everyday Stoic 06.11.2025 14min

  In this episode, William digs into how Stoicism and the Law of Attraction are surprisingly similar yet completely different. Both claim that our thoughts shape our reality, but they take wildly different routes to get there. William shares how he once practiced manifestation, believing he could think success into existence, and how years later he came to see the Stoic view as a more grounded path.He breaks down how Stoicism teaches focus on what is within our control, while the Law of Attraction focuses on belief and visualization. Both have truth, both can guide you, and both can lead to real change if you understand them properly. Through his own experiences, stories of hardship, and lessons from Epictetus and Marcus Aurelius, William explores what it really means to shape your life through thought and action.This episode will challenge anyone who thinks Stoicism is too cold or that manifestation is just magic. It is philosophy meeting practicality, no fluff, no nonsense, and no mystical shortcuts.
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  The Stoic Protocol - How to Stay Unbothered in Chaotic Times |The Everyday Stoic 29.10.2025 16min

  In today's episode, William walks through a four-step Stoic protocol to protect your peace in a chaotic, outrage-driven world. Drawing on Marcus Aurelius and Viktor Frankl, William explains how to build an unshakable foundation by writing and testing your rules, model virtue by listing the people and characters you admire, use the pause to choose your response, redirect outrage into purposeful action, and finally face pain directly so it stops running the show. This episode is for anyone battling anxiety, stress, trauma, or everyday distraction and looking for practical emotional regulation, resilience training, and clarity.Listen to learn how to stop giving your attention to algorithms, trolls, and habitual outrage and instead channel that energy into creative work, courage, and service. William shares personal stories about family, phones as escapism, and the momentary pause that rewired his behavior, plus step-by-step exercises you can use immediately to protect your mental space and lead by example.
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  THE SHIFT - Why You Are Recently Drawn to Andrew Tate and Monks | The Everyday Stoic 22.10.2025 19min

  In this episode, William explores why so many people are drawn to figures like Andrew Tate and what that desire reveals about our search for control, confidence, and meaning. William doesn’t argue for or against these influencers. Instead, he examines the psychological pull they have, the way their certainty and mastery seem to promise relief from our own uncertainty and pain. He reflects on his own experiences with anxiety, showing how the attraction to strong, decisive voices can arise from a longing for stability when life feels chaotic.Through personal stories, reflections, and simple, actionable advice, William invites listeners to step away from the noise of self-proclaimed gurus and return to something quieter but more powerful: self-trust, curiosity, and the courage to face discomfort. This episode is a reminder that growth rarely feels glamorous, and the real path forward is the one you walk yourself.
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  The Forgotten Stoic Virtue that Made Zeno a 'God' | The Everyday Stoic 16.10.2025 20min

  What does it mean to “find your place amongst the gods”? In this episode, William explores the extraordinary life of Zeno of Citium, the founder of Stoicism. Once a wealthy merchant who lost everything in a shipwreck, Zeno could have given in to despair. Instead, he discovered a philosophy that continues to guide people thousands of years later. Where heroes like Hercules ascended to Olympus through strength and labor, Zeno’s ascent was achieved through something quieter, temperance, the art of self-restraint.William reflects on why the Stoics saw temperance as the highest expression of virtue, and how, in the noise of modern life, it remains the key to peace, balance, and goodness. From resisting the pull of your phone to confronting the discomforts that arise in daily life, this episode explores how to pause, reflect, and make choices that align with your better nature. Temperance, as William explains, is not about denial or extreme discipline, but about moderation. Finding the calm strength to do what is right, moment by moment.Zeno’s story reminds us that greatness is not found in wealth or status, but in character. His victory was not a single grand act, but a series of small, quiet triumphs over impulse and vice. In a world that celebrates extremes, temperance offers a return to stillness and integrity, and a way to reclaim control over our desires and rediscover what it means to live a truly good life.
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  Stoicism Meets Psychedelics: Ancient Wisdom & Modern Science | The Everyday Stoic 02.10.2025 56min

  In today’s episode, William Mulligan sits down with neuroscientist and psychedelic researcher Manesh Girn to explore the intersection of Stoic philosophy and modern science. Manesh shares his perspective on core Stoic ideas such as virtue, the dichotomy of control, and amor fati, while drawing connections to the transformative potential of psychedelics.The conversation dives into themes of neuroplasticity, the role of health in living virtuously, and how both Stoicism and psychedelics can help us overcome trauma, reframe our perceptions, and live more fully in the present.From discussing Marcus Aurelius and Epictetus to the neuroscience of predictive coding and emotional breakthroughs, this episode offers a rich look at how ancient wisdom and contemporary research can complement each other in the pursuit of a good life.
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  Why Life Feels So Hard Right Now (This Could Make or Break You | The Everyday Stoic 29.09.2025 17min

  In this episode, William reflects on the nature of struggle and why hardship is not something to be avoided, but embraced as a sign of growth. He explains that pain and inner conflict are evidence of courage, proof that one is still in the fight rather than surrendering to nihilism, cynicism, or escapism. Drawing from Stoic philosophy, Buddhist teachings, and the myth of Hercules, he shows how challenges act as life’s sparring partners, shaping character and revealing harmful patterns that must be overcome.William emphasizes the importance of self-compassion, urging listeners to treat themselves with the same kindness they would offer a loved one in distress. He reminds us that though the path ahead may be unclear and unfamiliar, it is precisely this uncertainty that makes it ours to walk. Each small step, however insignificant it may seem, is a victory that strengthens resilience and reveals the way forward.
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  Neuroscientist Reacts to Stoicism | The Everyday Stoic 26.09.2025 1t 1min

  In this episode of The Everyday Stoic, William Mulligan is joined by Oxford-educated neuroscientist Dr. Sarah McKay to explore Stoic philosophy through a scientific lens.Dr. McKay provides her expert opinion on the core principles of Stoicism, examining the four cardinal virtues of wisdom, courage, justice, and temperance from a developmental and neurological perspective. The conversation covers practical Stoic exercises, such as the Dichotomy of Control and the concept of Premeditatio MalorumIn the conversation, they explore the understanding of how these philosophical concepts align with our understanding of the human brain, how virtues may change and develop across our lifespan, and how to apply these ideas to cultivate resilience and live a more examined life.
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  What to Do When Life Hurts - A Stoic's Guide to Never Giving Up | The Everyday Stoic 22.09.2025 17min

  What if every hardship you face was not a setback, but an invitation to grow? In this episode, William explores how the Stoics saw difficulties not as punishments but as opportunities to build virtue, discipline, and inner strength.Drawing on the wisdom of Epictetus and Marcus Aurelius, as well as modern examples like Kobe Bryant, Muhammad Ali, and Maya Angelou, William explains how small daily decisions forge greatness. From resisting distractions to keeping your inner flame alive, this episode shows why true courage is found in the little victories you win each day.William shows how to see challenges as sparring partners sent to prepare you for a greater life, and how the Stoic mindset can transform pain into purpose, chaos into justice, and obstacles into stepping stones.If you feel overwhelmed, stuck in procrastination, or tempted to give up, this episode will remind you that the fight itself is proof you are still in the game, and that every small win brings you closer to becoming who you are meant to be.
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  Zen Buddhist Monk Reacts to Stoicism | The Everyday Stoic 18.09.2025 44min

  In this episode, William Mulligan speaks with Zen Buddhist teacher Haemin Sunim to explore how Stoicism and Zen, two ancient traditions from opposite sides of the world, arrive at remarkably similar insights about living well.Their conversation dives into the challenge of resisting the present moment and how acceptance can transform suffering into peace. Haemin shares practical ways to quiet the mind, through mindful breathing, gratitude, and compassion, while William reflects on Stoic practices such as memento mori and the dichotomy of control. Together they reveal how both philosophies guide us toward embracing fate, living with virtue, and finding meaning in the here and now.They also discuss the rise of modern anxiety, the power of small acts of kindness, and what it truly means to live a fulfilling life beyond wealth or status. This episode is a thoughtful meeting of East and West, offering wisdom for anyone seeking calm, courage, and connection in today’s world.
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  How Stoics Deal with Rude People - Wisdom from Marcus Aurelius | The Everyday Stoic 15.09.2025 19min

  How should we deal with rude people? It’s a question that comes up again and again, and in this episode, we turn to Marcus Aurelius for the answer. In Book 9 of his Meditations, the great Roman emperor laid out a simple but profound exercise that can be done in seconds, an exercise that shifts our perspective, grounds us in virtue, and helps us respond wisely instead of reacting with anger.William unpacks this teaching in practical, everyday terms, showing how we can apply it when we’re cut off in traffic, confronted with harsh words, or faced with everyday frustrations. Drawing on Aurelius as well as Viktor Frankl’s reminder of the “space between stimulus and response,” he explains how the Stoics urged us to first return to our own directing mind, then remember our place within the greater whole, and finally see the other person with compassion rather than hostility.Rudeness, from the Stoic perspective, is not an obstacle but an opportunity, a sparring partner that gives us the chance to practice patience, empathy, and resilience. By pausing, recalling our shared humanity, and choosing to act with wisdom, courage, temperance, and justice, we not only protect our own peace of mind but also contribute to harmony in the wider world. This is timeless Stoic advice, and it remains just as relevant today.
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  Ex-Party Addict - From Drugs & Hedonism to Stoicism | The Everyday Stoic 09.09.2025 1t 4min

  In this episode, William is joined by Aaron Parker to explore how Stoicism, Muay Thai, and mindfulness helped Aaron transform a life of hedonism into one of purpose, gratitude, and authenticity.Aaron opens up about his rough upbringing, struggles with escapism, and the turning points that led him to philosophy, meditation, and self-discipline. Together, William and Aaron dive into the practical side of Stoicism, how to move beyond just reading the texts to truly living by them, and how principles like gratitude, presence, and temperance can reshape everyday life.They also tackle misconceptions around Stoicism, including the modern wave of “broicism,” and discuss how being truly Stoic means embracing emotions, practicing self-awareness, and striving to serve others. From sparring partners in Muay Thai to sparring partners in life, Aaron shares how challenges become the very training grounds for virtue.If you’ve ever struggled with finding direction, questioned the culture of excess, or wondered how to live more authentically, this conversation will resonate deeply.
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  The Biggest Myth About Stoicism |The Everyday Stoic 26.08.2025 15min

  Most people have completely misunderstood Stoicism. The most common myth, repeated endlessly online, is that Stoics were cold, emotionless, and detached from life. This false idea is not only wrong, it’s harmful. It fuels toxic masculinity, pushes people away from philosophy, and has convinced many that Stoicism is about suppressing emotions instead of living well with them.In this episode, William breaks down why this myth has spread so far, how it nearly ruined his own understanding of Stoicism, and what the Stoics actually taught about emotions, friendship, and community. Far from being a philosophy of indifference, Stoicism shows us how to recognize and work with our emotions, using them wisely instead of being ruled by them.Stoicism has never been about isolation or coldness. It is about virtue, justice, courage, and compassion. It is about building friendships, loving humanity, and striving for harmony in society. Whether you are new to Stoicism or have been practicing it for years, this episode will challenge what you thought you knew and reveal why Stoicism remains one of the most human and life-affirming philosophies ever created.