Why do so many people tell you to skip Book One of Meditations? In this episode, William challenges that advice and dives deep into why the first chapter of Marcus Aurelius’ writings might be the most profound. Far from being a simple list of thank-yous, Book One is a blueprint for modeling virtue - an ancient Stoic exercise that teaches us how to learn from everyone around us.

William unpacks how Marcus used real people—from his grandfather to mentors and beyond—to shape his moral compass and how we can do the same. From the passion of Steve Irwin to the compassion of Fred Rogers, we explore how modern examples can become our own "purple threads," guiding us toward a better self.

This episode is a guide to practical stoicism, reflective journaling, and character modeling - showing how Meditations is more than a diary; it’s a manual for becoming who you wish to be.

Are you facing hardship, grief, or overwhelming challenges? In this episode, William explores how Stoic philosophy reframes suffering—not as punishment, but as a path to personal greatness.

Drawing from the ancient myth of Hercules and timeless Stoic metaphors, William shows how adversity is life’s greatest teacher. Learn why the Stoics saw every painful trial as a gift, how to find strength through suffering, and why accepting pain is essential to personal growth.

Whether you’re navigating grief, battling setbacks, or simply feeling lost, this episode offers grounded wisdom to help you rise above. Remember: your pain has a purpose, and your character is forged in the fire of difficulty.

In this episode, William shares how discovering he was going to be a father in 2023 led him down an unexpected yet transformative path. Guided by Stoic principles, William reflects on how the ancient philosophy has helped him navigate the emotional highs and lows of raising a child. From sleepless nights to milestones, he explores how Stoicism encourages us to embrace the full spectrum of parenting - seeing the chaos and beauty as two inseparable sides of the same coin.

Rather than chasing perfection or succumbing to the pressures of judgment and social media, William emphasizes the importance of presence. This episode is a Stoic meditation on acceptance, resilience, and what it truly means to be a good parent. Whether you’re a parent, soon-to-be, or simply care for others, this reflection offers grounded wisdom to help you stay steady, present, and kind through it all.

In one of the most frequently asked episodes yet, William dives deep into the age-old question: Do the Stoics believe in God? Whether you're religious, spiritual, agnostic, or atheist, this episode of The Everyday Stoic brings clarity to Stoicism’s stance on the divine, the cosmos, and the human soul.

William explores how early Stoics like Epictetus and Marcus Aurelius spoke of God, fate, and Zeus not as separate religious deities, but as personifications of universal reason. More importantly, he explains how Stoicism isn’t a religion, but a philosophy of living according to nature and virtue.

Learn how the Stoic path invites everyone—regardless of faith—to recognize the divine spark within, live with purpose, and become a better person. If you've ever wondered, Can I be Stoic and religious? Can I be an atheist and still follow Stoicism?—this episode is for you.

In this episode, we uncover the powerful connection between the Stoics and the Spartans - two ancient schools of thought united by discipline, resilience, and an unshakable will. Discover how Marcus Aurelius and other Stoic thinkers were inspired by Spartan ideals, and how you can channel that same strength in your own life.

William explores five key Spartan rules that forged mental toughness - rules that still apply in our modern world of distractions and comfort. Through stories of harsh training, ancient wisdom, and personal insight, you’ll learn how Stoic and Spartan values intersect to create a mindset built for adversity.

In this episode, William reveals a powerful mental technique practiced by all three of the great Stoic philosophers—Marcus Aurelius, Seneca, and Epictetus. Known as premeditatio malorum ("the premeditation of evils"), this simple morning exercise prepares your mind for whatever the day throws at you.

Discover how imagining potential setbacks—from missing your bus to facing criticism at work—can paradoxically boost your emotional resilience, much like taking an "overload" in a video game. It may feel uncomfortable at first, but with daily practice, you can raise your mental stats and build an inner calm that lasts a lifetime.

Whether you're new to Stoicism or deep in your practice, this episode offers a practical ritual to strengthen your mindset and help you meet life’s challenges with courage and clarity.

In this episode, we explore one of the most damaging myths about stoicism—the idea that it demands emotional numbness. William explains why this perception is not only false but harmful, and how real stoicism offers something far more powerful: clarity, presence, and emotional understanding. Drawing from personal experience and ancient Stoic teachings, he discusses how many people are drawn to stoicism in times of emotional turmoil, looking for a way to shut down their feelings—but that’s not what the philosophy is truly about.

Instead, stoicism teaches us to understand our emotions deeply without being controlled by them. It’s not about building a cage around your vulnerability, but about standing beside your emotions rather than drowning in them. William shares how being present and embracing vulnerability are actually signs of strength, not weakness. He also highlights how emotions like anger and fear have a rightful place in our lives when used with wisdom.

Ultimately, this episode invites listeners to rethink what it means to be stoic—not as the cold, detached rock, but as someone grounded, connected, and emotionally intelligent. If you’ve ever misunderstood stoicism or judged others who do, this episode is for you.

In this episode, William explores three ancient Stoic principles that still transform lives over 2,000 years later. William unpacks the enduring wisdom of Memento Mori, the pursuit of inner goodness, and the art of living in the present moment. Drawing from Marcus Aurelius and other Stoic greats, this episode is a call to live with intention, virtue, and gratitude—starting now.

Learn how meditating on mortality can free you from fear, why true success starts with being a good person, and how presence is the foundation of a meaningful life. Whether you're facing challenges, feeling lost, or simply looking to deepen your Stoic practice, this episode offers clarity and direction.