The Stoic Question: Philosophy and Psychology

The Rivalry of Athens and Sparta 25.06.2026 1h 24min

In this episode, I talk to award-winning historian, and novelist, Dr. Adrian Goldsworthy. He is the author of numerous books on ancient history, especially the Romans, and we’ll be discussing his latest one, which came out in May, Athens and Sparta: The Rivalry that Shaped Ancient Greece. Highlights* Do you think readers will perceive any parallels between ancient Athenian politics and recent history?* What are our sources like for this period? How biased are they? What’s missing?* How Athenian were the Spartans and how Spartan were the Athenians? * How did Athens and Sparta become rival powers? What set the stage for the Peloponnesian War?* What can we learn about the strengths and weaknesses of democracy from the Athenians? * What was the status of slaves and women in Athens and Sparta?* What can we learn about how alliances work, or don’t work?* What role did ancient “technological” advantage play in the outcome of the war?* What would have happened if the Athenians had stuck to the military policies of Pericles?* Was Sparta a bit of a myth? How distorted is the popular image of the Spartans today?* If the Athenians had conquered Sicily and defeated Sparta, would they have invaded Persia? (What caused the Sicilian disaster?)Stoicism: Philosophy as a Way of Life is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.Links* Adrian Goldsworthy’s Amazon author profile* Athens and Sparta on AmazonThanks for reading Stoicism: Philosophy as a Way of Life! This post is public so feel free to share it. Get full access to Stoicism: Philosophy as a Way of Life at donaldrobertson.substack.com/subscribe

How to Be a Happy Skeptic with Massimo Pigliucci 18.06.2026 1h 19min

I talk with Prof. Massimo Pigliucci about Stoicism, Cicero, and his forthcoming book How to be a (Happy) Skeptic.Stoicism: Philosophy as a Way of Life is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.Thank you Vanessa Morgenstern| Stoic🌸, Ken Chapman, Kasey Pierce, Samuel Horton, Doug Bates, and many others for tuning into my live video with Massimo Pigliucci! Thanks for reading Stoicism: Philosophy as a Way of Life! This post is public so feel free to share it. Get full access to Stoicism: Philosophy as a Way of Life at donaldrobertson.substack.com/subscribe

How to Do Stoic Therapy, with Phil Yanov 15.05.2026 1h 35min

In this live conversation, I’m joined by Phil Yanov to discuss what it actually means to “do” Stoic therapy. We explore how Stoic philosophy can be applied in practice to emotions, habits, values, and everyday problems — and how these ancient ideas relate to modern psychotherapy and coaching.This episode was originally recorded as a Substack Live conversation.Stoicism: Philosophy as a Way of Life is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.Thank you Vanessa Morgenstern, Jeremy the therapist, Samuel Horton, JRCCreasey©️✅, Jeannine Bednar-Giyose, and many others for tuning into my live video with Phil Yanov! Join me for my next live video in the app.Thanks for reading Stoicism: Philosophy as a Way of Life! This post is public so feel free to share it. Get full access to Stoicism: Philosophy as a Way of Life at donaldrobertson.substack.com/subscribe

Hand Gestures for Self-Improvement 05.05.2026 15min

Stoicism: Philosophy as a Way of Life is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.Thanks for reading Stoicism: Philosophy as a Way of Life! This post is public so feel free to share it. Get full access to Stoicism: Philosophy as a Way of Life at donaldrobertson.substack.com/subscribe

How can Stoicism Help Kids? 30.04.2026 54min

In this episode, I chat with Claudia Mills, an emerita professor of philosophy and award-winning author of more than sixty books for young readers. Her new novel, Calliope Callisto Clark and the Search for Wisdom, is about a difficult young student who joins a philosophy club seeking the wisdom she needs to keep her beloved but equally difficult dog.Stoicism: Philosophy as a Way of Life is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.Highlights* To what extent do you think children can benefit from learning about ancient philosophy?* Do you think there are any ways in which children have an advantage over adults when it comes to learning about Greek philosophy?* How can parents help their children to learn about and benefit from philosophy?* What is wisdom?* What drew you to Epictetus in particular for this story?* What about Socrates and Plato?* What are the problems faced by Calliope, and how does philosophy help her?* In what ways do you think children could potentially benefit from ancient philosophy in terms of their psychological well being?Links* Goodreads profile* Calliope Callisto Clark and the Search for WisdomThanks for reading Stoicism: Philosophy as a Way of Life! This post is public so feel free to share it. Get full access to Stoicism: Philosophy as a Way of Life at donaldrobertson.substack.com/subscribe

What Marcus Aurelius Can Teach Us About Coping with Stress 16.04.2026 56min

In this episode, I chat with Mark Forstater, the producer of over 30 films, including Monty Python and the Holy Grail. He is the author of a number of books, including The Spiritual Teachings of Marcus Aurelius, The Spiritual Teachings of Seneca, and The Living Wisdom of Socrates, as well as books on yogic philosophy and Daoism. His most recent book, The 7th Python: A Twat’s Tale, documents his experience of working with the Pythons, and a protracted legal battle that he found himself fighting, and winning, decades later.Stoicism: Philosophy as a Way of Life is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.Highlights* How did you get into Marcus Aurelius and Seneca? What motivated you to adapt them for modern readers and what are the main ideas that you take from their writings?* You’ve also written about Socrates, how do you feel he compares with the Stoics as a guide today?* What, if anything, do you think that working in movies can teach us about how the mind works?* Have you found Stoic ideas helpful during stressful periods in your own life? During your legal battles for example?* Could you imagine there being another movie about Marcus Aurelius?Links* Goodreads profile* The Spiritual Teachings of Marcus Aurelius* The Spiritual Teachings of Seneca* The Living Wisdom of Socrates* The 7th PythonThanks for reading Stoicism: Philosophy as a Way of Life! This post is public so feel free to share it. Get full access to Stoicism: Philosophy as a Way of Life at donaldrobertson.substack.com/subscribe

Stoicism and Anger Live 07.04.2026 1h 52min

Thank you George Shay, Kasey Pierce, Louisa Swaden, Joanna Milne 🏺, Hippie Dippie ME!, and many others for tuning into my live video with Phil Yanov! Join me for my next live video in the app.Stoicism: Philosophy as a Way of Life is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. Get full access to Stoicism: Philosophy as a Way of Life at donaldrobertson.substack.com/subscribe

Five Practical Ideas from Socrates 12.03.2026 11min

Stoicism: Philosophy as a Way of Life is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.Thanks for reading Stoicism: Philosophy as a Way of Life! This post is public so feel free to share it. Get full access to Stoicism: Philosophy as a Way of Life at donaldrobertson.substack.com/subscribe

The Rescuer Trap: The Ethics of Love 24.12.2025 48min

This episode features guest hosts Dr. Scott Waltman and Kasey Pierce, authors of the forthcoming book The Rescuer Trap. While we take a short holiday break, we are excited to bring you a special presentation featuring our two compelling talks from the Philosophy of Love and Relationships virtual conferenceIn this episode, we bridge the gap between modern psychological traps and ancient philosophical wisdom to challenge how you view human connection:* “I Can Fix You: The CB Paradox” – Kasey Pierce explores the seductive but flawed desire to “fix” our partners. Discover why this common relationship dynamic often undermines the very foundation of the love it seeks to save.* “Stoic Interconnectedness: Kindness and Fairness” – Dr. Scott Waltman dives into the profound Stoic perspective on shared humanity. Learn how recognizing our mutual bonds can serve as the ultimate driver for cultivating genuine fairness and kindness in all our interactions.Happy Holidays! Live well and love wisely. Are you the fixer, the over-giver, the emotional first responder for everyone but yourself? Welcome to The Rescuer Trap. We playfully own the labels “Parentified and Codependent” to make a point: these are not identities, but learned behaviors.Stoicism: Philosophy as a Way of Life is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.And what can be learned can be unlearned. Hosts Dr. Scott Waltman and Kasey Pierce use Stoic philosophy and CBT to give you the tools to break the cycle and reclaim your autonomy. Your escape from the trap starts here. Based on the forthcoming book, The Rescuer Trap (New Harbinger).Thanks for reading Stoicism: Philosophy as a Way of Life! This post is public so feel free to share it. Get full access to Stoicism: Philosophy as a Way of Life at donaldrobertson.substack.com/subscribe

The Rescuer Trap: The Skeptic's Guide to Autonomy 17.12.2025 1h 7min

This episode features guest hosts Dr. Scott Waltman and Kasey Pierce, authors of the forthcoming book The Rescuer Trap. Is it a gut Instinct or gut Infection? This week, we talk to Massimo Pigliucci about why the brain is essentially a ‘b******t’ machine and how to stop being a doormat by embracing ancient doubt. By the end of the episode, Pigliucci leaves Kasey and Scott grappling with the fundamental question: Whose Socrates is it anyway? (the Stoics’ or the Skeptics’?) Are you the fixer, the over-giver, the emotional first responder for everyone but yourself? Welcome to The Rescuer Trap. We playfully own the labels “Parentified and Codependent” to make a point: these are not identities, but learned behaviors.Stoicism: Philosophy as a Way of Life is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.And what can be learned can be unlearned. Hosts Dr. Scott Waltman and Kasey Pierce use Stoic philosophy and CBT to give you the tools to break the cycle and reclaim your autonomy. Your escape from the trap starts here. Based on the forthcoming book, The Rescuer Trap (New Harbinger).Thanks for reading Stoicism: Philosophy as a Way of Life! This post is public so feel free to share it. Get full access to Stoicism: Philosophy as a Way of Life at donaldrobertson.substack.com/subscribe

The Rescuer Trap: Broicism Just Might Work (Until it Doesn't) 10.12.2025 40min

This episode features guest hosts Dr. Scott Waltman and Kasey Pierce, authors of the forthcoming book The Rescuer Trap. Kasey asks Scott “Can the argument be made for the overachiever’s mindset?”; and reveals she used to be a spinning-wheels ‘bro’. Are you the fixer, the over-giver, the emotional first responder for everyone but yourself? Welcome to The Rescuer Trap. We playfully own the labels “Parentified and Codependent” to make a point: these are not identities, but learned behaviors.Stoicism: Philosophy as a Way of Life is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.And what can be learned can be unlearned. Hosts Dr. Scott Waltman and Kasey Pierce use Stoic philosophy and CBT to give you the tools to break the cycle and reclaim your autonomy. Your escape from the trap starts here. Based on the forthcoming book, The Rescuer Trap (New Harbinger).Thanks for reading Stoicism: Philosophy as a Way of Life! This post is public so feel free to share it. Get full access to Stoicism: Philosophy as a Way of Life at donaldrobertson.substack.com/subscribe

The Rescuer Trap: Fate Willing, I'll Get Back to You 03.12.2025 47min

This episode features guest hosts Dr. Scott Waltman and Kasey Pierce, authors of the forthcoming book The Rescuer Trap. Scott and Kasey explore how people-pleasing tendencies sabotage effective inbox management and tackling other neuroticisms that have us living for others.Are you the fixer, the over-giver, the emotional first responder for everyone but yourself? Welcome to The Rescuer Trap. We playfully own the labels “Parentified and Codependent” to make a point: these are not identities, but learned behaviors.And what can be learned can be unlearned. Hosts Dr. Scott Waltman and Kasey Pierce use Stoic philosophy and CBT to give you the tools to break the cycle and reclaim your autonomy. Your escape from the trap starts here. Based on the forthcoming book, The Rescuer Trap (New Harbinger).Thanks for reading Stoicism: Philosophy as a Way of Life! This post is public so feel free to share it. Get full access to Stoicism: Philosophy as a Way of Life at donaldrobertson.substack.com/subscribe

The Rescuer Trap: Treehouse of Sadness: Codependency and Depression 26.11.2025 38min

This episode features guest hosts Dr. Scott Waltman and Kasey Pierce, authors of the forthcoming book The Rescuer Trap. Kasey breaks the silence with a six-word confession. She and Scott then explore the painful truth of codependency: when you jump into the quicksand of a partner’s depression to save them, the inevitable result is sinking yourself.Are you the fixer, the over-giver, the emotional first responder for everyone but yourself? Welcome to The Rescuer Trap. We playfully own the labels “Parentified and Codependent” to make a point: these are not identities, but learned behaviors.And what can be learned can be unlearned. Hosts Dr. Scott Waltman and Kasey Pierce use Stoic philosophy and CBT to give you the tools to break the cycle and reclaim your autonomy. Your escape from the trap starts here. Based on the forthcoming book, The Rescuer Trap (New Harbinger).Thanks for reading Stoicism: Philosophy as a Way of Life! This post is public so feel free to share it. Get full access to Stoicism: Philosophy as a Way of Life at donaldrobertson.substack.com/subscribe

The Rescuer Trap: Doormat or a Hand Grenade: When Rescuing Behavior Gets Overcorrected 19.11.2025 38min

This episode features guest hosts Dr. Scott Waltman and Kasey Pierce, authors of the forthcoming book The Rescuer Trap. It’s time to rejoin the pack, lone wolf, and bring your newfound healthy boundaries with you. Scott and Kasey unpack Maladaptive Overcorrection and how to find the middle path of flexibility and true, healthy Interdependence.Are you the fixer, the over-giver, the emotional first responder for everyone but yourself? Welcome to The Rescuer Trap. We playfully own the labels “Parentified and Codependent” to make a point: these are not identities, but learned behaviors.And what can be learned can be unlearned. Hosts Dr. Scott Waltman and Kasey Pierce use Stoic philosophy and CBT to give you the tools to break the cycle and reclaim your autonomy. Your escape from the trap starts here. Based on the forthcoming book, The Rescuer Trap (New Harbinger).Thanks for reading Stoicism: Philosophy as a Way of Life! This post is public so feel free to share it. Get full access to Stoicism: Philosophy as a Way of Life at donaldrobertson.substack.com/subscribe

The Rescuer Trap: Dating a Dream: The Rise of AI Dependency 12.11.2025 42min

This episode features guest hosts Dr. Scott Waltman and Kasey Pierce, authors of the forthcoming book The Rescuer Trap. In this Sci-not-so-Fi episode, they talk about the dangers of emotional dependency on AI and Socrates asks “What is a boyfriend?” Are you the fixer, the over-giver, the emotional first responder for everyone but yourself? Welcome to The Rescuer Trap. We playfully own the labels “Parentified and Codependent” to make a point: these are not identities, but learned behaviors.And what can be learned can be unlearned. Hosts Dr. Scott Waltman and Kasey Pierce use Stoic philosophy and CBT to give you the tools to break the cycle and reclaim your autonomy. Your escape from the trap starts here. Based on the forthcoming book, The Rescuer Trap (New Harbinger).Thanks for reading Stoicism: Philosophy as a Way of Life! This post is public so feel free to share it. Get full access to Stoicism: Philosophy as a Way of Life at donaldrobertson.substack.com/subscribe

The Rescuer Trap: The Schema Trap featuring Dr. Jeff Perron 05.11.2025 1h 3min

This episode features guest hosts Dr. Scott Waltman and Kasey Pierce, authors of the forthcoming book The Rescuer Trap. Dr. Jeff Perron joins us to explore the deep-seated schemas (like Self-Sacrifice and Subjugation) that create the “Rescuer Trap.” We discuss how these unconscious, childhood-rooted patterns conflict with your adult values, and provide insight on using a schema-informed approach to establish boundaries and finally break free from the cycle of people-pleasing. Follow Dr. Perron on Substack: Are you the fixer, the over-giver, the emotional first responder for everyone but yourself? Welcome to The Rescuer Trap. We playfully own the labels “Parentified and Codependent” to make a point: these are not identities, but learned behaviors.And what can be learned can be unlearned. Hosts Dr. Scott Waltman and Kasey Pierce use Stoic philosophy and CBT to give you the tools to break the cycle and reclaim your autonomy. Your escape from the trap starts here. Based on the forthcoming book, The Rescuer Trap (New Harbinger).Thanks for reading Stoicism: Philosophy as a Way of Life! This post is public so feel free to share it. Get full access to Stoicism: Philosophy as a Way of Life at donaldrobertson.substack.com/subscribe

Video: Stoicism & Resilience 30.10.2025 1h 26min

Thank you Beth Pagano, Ann Cronin, Kevin White, Marcos, BCz, and many others for tuning into my live video with Kyle Shepard! Join me for my next live video in the app.Stoicism: Philosophy as a Way of Life is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.Thanks for reading Stoicism: Philosophy as a Way of Life! This post is public so feel free to share it. Get full access to Stoicism: Philosophy as a Way of Life at donaldrobertson.substack.com/subscribe

The Rescuer Trap: We're Coming to Fix You, Barbara 29.10.2025 42min

This episode features guest hosts Dr. Scott Waltman and Kasey Pierce, authors of the forthcoming book The Rescuer Trap. Strangers get weird on Scott when he attempts to exorcise their sadness with an old painting while Kasey runs away with the invisible idealized man... again. Are you the fixer, the over-giver, the emotional first responder for everyone but yourself? Welcome to The Rescuer Trap. We playfully own the labels “Parentified and Codependent” to make a point: these are not identities, but learned behaviors.And what can be learned can be unlearned. Hosts Dr. Scott Waltman and Kasey Pierce use Stoic philosophy and CBT to give you the tools to break the cycle and reclaim your autonomy. Your escape from the trap starts here. Based on the forthcoming book, The Rescuer Trap (New Harbinger).Thanks for reading Stoicism: Philosophy as a Way of Life! This post is public so feel free to share it. Get full access to Stoicism: Philosophy as a Way of Life at donaldrobertson.substack.com/subscribe

Stoicism as a Warrior Philosophy 23.10.2025 1h 1min

In this episode, I chat with Commander William C. Spears. William is a submarine warfare officer in the United States Navy, and author of the upcoming book Stoicism as a Warrior Philosophy. He enlisted in the Navy in June 2001, then earned his commission through the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis. He has since led a career in nuclear submarines, where he was most recently the second-in-command of a ballistic missile submarine. Today he works at the Pentagon in Washington, D.C.Stoicism: Philosophy as a Way of Life is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.Highlights* Tell us a little about your background, and how you became interested in Stoicism.* Why should the military take note of Stoicism?* What do you mean when you say that Stoicism is a warrior philosophy?* How can warfare have anything to do with virtue?* Is your book, Stoicism as a Warrior Philosophy, more of an academic work or is it written for a general audience?* What are some ways in which your book advances the conversation about Stoicism?Links* Stoicism as a Warrior Philosophy* Amazon Listing* William C. Spears’ WebsiteThanks for reading Stoicism: Philosophy as a Way of Life! This post is public so feel free to share it. Get full access to Stoicism: Philosophy as a Way of Life at donaldrobertson.substack.com/subscribe

The Rescuer Trap: Country Fried Parentified 22.10.2025 51min

This episode features guest hosts Dr. Scott Waltman and Kasey Pierce, authors of the forthcoming book The Rescuer Trap. Scott serves up a heapin’ helping of downhome ‘parentification’. We’re also talking about those labor=love moments that lead to leering at those couch-bound oxygen thieves, regretting that you never asked for help. Are you the fixer, the over-giver, the emotional first responder for everyone but yourself? Welcome to The Rescuer Trap. We playfully own the labels “Parentified and Codependent” to make a point: these are not identities, but learned behaviors.And what can be learned can be unlearned. Hosts Dr. Scott Waltman and Kasey Pierce use Stoic philosophy and CBT to give you the tools to break the cycle and reclaim your autonomy. Your escape from the trap starts here. Based on the forthcoming book, The Rescuer Trap (New Harbinger).Thanks for reading Stoicism: Philosophy as a Way of Life! This post is public so feel free to share it. Get full access to Stoicism: Philosophy as a Way of Life at donaldrobertson.substack.com/subscribe