In this episode, Dr. John Sellars and I explore Stoicism, its origins in ancient Greece, and its development as both a philosophical system and a practical guide to living well. We begin by discussing its central teachings, including the relationship between logic, physics, and ethics, before addressing common misconceptions about Stoic emotions and how our judgements shape our responses to everyday experiences. Building on this, we explore practical Stoic exercises, the distinction between what

In this episode, Professor Angie Hobbs and I explore Plato’s philosophy, heroism, celebrity, love, friendship, art, censorship, and the relevance of ancient Greek philosophy to modern life. Continuing our previous conversation on her book *Why Plato Matters Now* , we discuss how ideas of heroism have changed since ancient Greece, why we look up to particular individuals, and what our admiration of celebrities, billionaires, and powerful figures reveals about society’s values. We also explore Pla

In this episode, Professor Ariel Rubinstein and I explore economic theory, game theory, bargaining, bounded rationality, decision-making, language, and the relationship between economic models and the real world. Professor Rubinstein explains his view of economic models as mathematical stories or fables that can illuminate aspects of human behaviour without necessarily providing accurate descriptions or predictions of reality. We discuss what makes an economic model valuable, different approache

In this episode, Professor Jay Garfield and I explore Buddhist philosophy, Nagarjuna, emptiness, the two truths, no-self, compassion, and cross-cultural philosophy. We begin with his journey from logic and cognitive science into Buddhist philosophy, Tibetan epistemology, and his studies in India. Professor Garfield then explains the scale and diversity of Buddhist philosophy, including Theravada, Mahayana, Madhyamaka, Yogacara, Chinese Buddhism, Zen, and Indo-Tibetan Buddhism. We discuss Buddhis

In this episode, Professor Jon Abramowitz and I explore OCD, intrusive thoughts, compulsions, anxiety, uncertainty, reassurance, and exposure and response prevention. We discuss what OCD is, why it is much more than being tidy or washing your hands, and how intrusive thoughts can become distressing obsessions when they are treated as dangerous, meaningful, or morally important. Professor Abramowitz also explains why OCD often attaches itself to the areas of life people value most. We also discus

In this episode, Mr. Tim LeBon and I explore Stoicism, CBT, philosophical counselling, Stoic Week, and how ancient philosophy can be used practically in modern life. We discuss his work as a psychotherapist and CBT therapist, his involvement in Modern Stoicism, and the origins of Stoic Week as an experiment in trying Stoic exercises for everyday life. Mr. LeBon explains Stoicism as a philosophy of living well through virtue, wisdom, courage, self-control, justice, Stoic mindfulness, and learning