Geeky Stoics

Stephen Kent of Geeky Stoics lists off similarities between Stoic Philosophy and Star Wars. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.geekystoics.com/subscribe

In Dune, Paul Atreides (Timothee Chalamet) does not want to be the ruler of his people. His father, Duke Leto (Oscar Isaac) of the House Atreides, aims to help him down that path as gently as possible. Like many young characters at the start of their Hero’s Journey, Paul does not want the responsibility of power. He doesn’t crave its weight. Leto would have preferred to be a pilot himself, but here he is, a monarchal ruler instead. It’s a classic motif. Young princes don’t know how to be kings. Princesses don't know how to be queens. Girls aren’t born knowing how to be wives and boys don’t know how to be good husbands. Lord knows none of us “know” how to parents and raise successful, happy children. We just make it up as we go. Of course, we hopefully had role models to learn from and base our understanding on. A young man’s best hope for knowing how to be a decent husband is by having a father in his life who loves and honors the mother. If you don’t have that, social networks and stories can fill the void to a certain extent. Human beings love stories. And we are discretely taking notes from them throughout our lives. You might come from a family where literally no one has courage of any kind, and so you develop all of your understanding of courage from Peter in C.S. Lewis’s The Lion, The Witch & The Wardrobe…or from Katniss Everdeen in The Hunger Games.Speaking of C.S. Lewis, he has a remarkable observation about this very problem when it comes to the Christian life, which he outlines in the final chapters of his classic, Mere Christianity. In it, Lewis endorses what you might call roleplaying (cosplaying) the Christian in order to become the Christian. We’re all like “little Christs” or “toy soldiers” trying to be as close to the real thing as possible. And the truth is, we’ll never feel like we’ve reached the end destination. I doubt Duke Leto Atredies feels as though he is truly a king deep down. He wears the mask of one. Have you joined as a Subscriber? Don’t put it off any longer. We’d love to have you be part of our community. He knows how to move like one and dress like one. The moment a person such as Leto thinks of himself as a monarch with immense power, that’s when power begins to corrupt its wielder. Much better to think of one’s self as a father, patriot, son or husband who happens to be a king than to look in the mirror and see only royalty. I think we’ve lost sight of what “role model” is supposed to mean in our language. It’s not a blanket term meant to describe anyone in a position of power or influence. It’s a person who is modeling how to perform a certain role you may also have to play in this life. The boss. The spouse. The parent. The friend. The teacher. These are common roles. Yet we most often hear ‘role model’ deployed when talking about or criticizing the behavior of celebrities. I don’t think it’s correct to say “Taylor Swift is a good role model” or “Taylor Swift is a bad role model” because it’s unclear to me what role she would even be modeling for your typical young girl. “International pop star” is not a role that you are likely to play compared to citizen, neighbor, sibling, or mentor. Maybe the celebrity is modeling either humility or gluttony when it comes to their fame. Perhaps what they model for us is how to handle overwhelming success and public attention. Maybe the celebrity is modeling the role of “the blessed”. I never intend to be dismissive, especially not of our Great American Monarch, Queen Taylor Swift. The beauty of the scene in Dune which we began with today is how Duke Leto responds to Paul’s uncertainty and doubt. After Leto’s encouragement, Paul asks, “Dad, what if I’m not…..the future of House Atreides.” Leto answers gently, “A great man doesn't seek to lead; he is called to it. But if your answer is no, you'd still be the only thing I ever needed you to be: my son.” I’ve been thinking on and off about this for weeks now. I confided in a friend at church that I was struggling with how to be the kind of Dad my daughter needs me to be. And he prayed with me, and in his wisdom, knowing I love tying everything back to movies…spoke about this scene in Dune. He did that because this moment between Father and Son is a scene about roles, responsibility, duty, and fear….but it’s also about love. The Father loves his son. He loves Paul because he is his son, not because Paul does or does not want to step up and be a ruler. My friend reminded me that I’m covered. That God is with me in this walk, and that I’m already everything He and my child need me to be. Sometimes, just being present and existing in your kid’s life is all that is required. Seriously, that may be the truth of it. You don’t have to be a fount of wisdom and clever anecdotes, and you don’t have to have an answer for every question. You just have to be there. Showing up to play the role is all you ever had to do. After all, your story isn’t a scripted stage play with lines to remember. It’s impro

In the new live-action adaptation of Airbender, Uncle Iroh is reflecting on the suffering of his nephew, Prince Zuko, who has been banished from home for not being as cutthroat and ruthless as his father would like him to be. Zuko tries very hard to impress his father, but Zuko has a big heart, and it makes the task impossible.Zuko lives his life day to day not being his true self, not letting that heart show. The reason is simple. Showing his heart got him hurt very badly when his father laid fire to half of his face as a punishment for it.It breaks Iroh’s heart. Zuko should not have to wear the mask of a brute to make his father proud. That is a burden no child should have to carry.So Iroh begins to speak about the power of Masks. Here is what he says:It's amazing how far we'll go to hide our true selves from the world.Perhaps it's because we don't want people to know how much they really mean to us. Which is funny.Because the truth is, we would do anything for them.We'd travel incredible distances, risk our lives, even fight monsters.But I suppose it can be scary to admit you need people.Some might see that as a weakness, a liability.After all, what greater pain is there than losing someone you love?Or worse, finding out someone you love has left you behind.I guess that's why we feel the need to hide away and protect ourselves.So we put on a mask.It's not hard to understand why.What's hard is knowing that sometimes, the mask is who we really are.What masks do you wear? I wear a few.Not all are bad. Some are good.When I do TV or public speaking I put on the mask of a confident person. It’s necessary because I am terrified. The mask gives me some needed strength.When I am with my daughter I wear the “Dad Mask”. As Dad, I don’t overburden her with my problems, I don’t share what’s not in the bank account, I don’t overplay the fact that 75% of the time I don’t know what to do about anything……because she needs the feeling of security. It takes courage to wear that mask as a parent. There will be times when that mask needs to come off, and that will require bravery as well.We play certain roles to stay alive or make it in this world.My hope is that by reading this email today, you’ll begin to think about what masks play a role in your life, and be able to at least name them. When you are conscious of what they are, and when you put them on, you’ll have better control over their role in your life. But that does take reflection. Take that time today.Geeky Stoics is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.geekystoics.com/subscribe

Insights from C.S. Lewis and George Washington on being better than we actually are. Turns out “fake it to make it” might actually be a decent mantra for self-improvement. This is Geeky Stoics. A Podcast and Newsletter about the wisdom to be found in popular culture.TRANSCRIPTI've been thinking a lot lately about imposter syndrome and when exactly I'm going to feel like the person I one day wish to be.There's a future me out there who I believe is more disciplined and entrepreneurial, creative, brave, and patient.When is he going to arrive?There's a lot that I want to say on this subject.It's one that I refer to as self-actualization, and I'm going to share two insights with you on that, one from C.S.Lewis and another from George Washington biographer Richard Brookhiser.In Mere Christianity, a book by C.S.Lewis, he lays out the practical path to being a Christian.Contrary to what many in the world teach, particularly in the church, Lewis offers a poetic case for what you might recognize as fake it to make it.At some point, we have to decide, I am an artist.I am an author.I am a Christian.I am a soldier.Declaring it so might actually be your best hope of realizing it in the real world.This is CS Lewis.When you are not feeling particularly friendly but know you ought to be, the best thing you can do very often is to put on a friendly manner and behave as if you were a nicer person than you actually are.And in a few minutes, as we have all noticed, you will be really feeling friendlier than you were.Just by pretending.Very often the only way to get a quality in reality is to start behaving as if you had it all along.Pretending.C.S.Lewis, ever the fan of imaginative play and make-believe, suggests here that to be more Christ-like, a believer's best hope is to role-play.Your heart may never be fully transformed in this life, but you're better served by pretending that it is.Do this every single day in every walk of your life that you see as important.Fatherhood, motherhood, marriage, career, creativity, spirituality.Now, in George Washington on Leadership, a book by Richard Brookhiser, he tells of how Washington would inspire his troops throughout his military career.Washington's letters and accounts of WashingtonAt war, show that the famed General and Father of America often referred to his colleagues as, quote, my brave fellows when addressing them.My brave fellows, I ask you to reenlist.My brave fellows, fight.Richard Brookhiser says, maybe they would go home or run away and not be brave at all, but Washington would get them to be brave by telling them that they are.Now imagine if you went through life like the Cowardly Lion and the Wizard of Oz, both being told that you're a coward and telling it to yourself every single day.And then someone comes along and tells you that you could be brave and even that perhaps you already are brave.Anybody who's raised kids knows that this kind of rhetorical nudge matters a heck of a lot in helping kids realize their potential.Start being the person you want to be today.Tell yourself you are that person.You might find that by saying it, you hold yourself closer to the standards of that future you that you want to one day arrive.This is a complex subject.You know, you don't want to fake.You don't want to be disingenuous.You don't want to be unreal.You also don't want to, you know, carry a sort of hubris like you're better than you are.This is, of course, the nature of balance.You want to try to get these things in balance with one another.But you do have to aspire to be that future version of yourself.And that might just mean that you have to role play it and act it out every single day.I hope you can find that balance.I'm Stephen Kent and you're listening to the Geeky Stoics Podcast.You can find out more about what we do, finding wisdom in pop culture, books, TV, and movies over at geekystoics.com.Sign up for a free subscription and do leave a kind review on this podcast.It'll help you get your day off to a good start.That's what we aim for here and hope that you have a wonderful end of the week and a great weekend.Be well and we'll see you soon. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.geekystoics.com/subscribe

I am constantly anxious about the future. What about you? This is a state of being that is entirely natural and is a gift human beings have been given to contemplate what’s coming tomorrow and plan accordingly. It’s also torture. Never is our mind 100 percent in the moment, focused on where we are and what we are doing. This was Luke Skywalker’s problem in Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back as he trained to be a Jedi with Yoda. And it had always been his problem, even when he was back home on Tatooine. His mind wanders anxiously, a stew of anxiety, worry, hope, and dreams for his life. In a new book by Eric A. Clayton titled My Life With The Jedi, Clayton tells his story of walking through life with Star Wars and Ignatian spirituality. I’m only a few chapters deep but wanted to share it with you as soon as possible since the book just released this week. Anxiety is a terrible thing to waste, actually. [More on this after a quick sidenote]IT’S SUNDAY SO IT’S VIDEO PREMIERE TIMESpeaking of new things, something else new that is releasing right this very moment is our latest Geeky Stoics video chronicling our recent trip to Atlanta Comic Con. In Atlanta we tabled, promoted Geeky Stoics and led programs on Star Wars, Empathy, and Stoicism. In the video, I outline where Star Wars & Stoicism intersect, and thanks to the wizard video editing of Riley Blanton you’ll also see some of the highlights from our trip. Subscribers to Geeky Stoics make this kind of content possible. Thank you for your support! As I was saying….Anxiety is a terrible thing to waste, actually. It signals certain truths to us that we shouldn't ignore about our purpose and what is important to us. The calling of a Jedi is to be mindful and to be able to assess their feelings. They should be patient and recognize the validity of their feelings. Direct them toward something useful, but be patient, for one tried and true law of all progress is that these things take time.Accept the anxiety of feeling yourselfin suspense and incomplete.In My Life With The Jedi, Clayton shares a prayer from French Jesuit, Pierre Teilhard de Chardin that I wanted to pass along to you. Acceptance is its foundation. Read when you have a quiet moment alone, and I hope it speaks to you as you prepare for the week ahead. PATIENT TRUSTAbove all, trust in the slow work of God.We are quite naturally impatient in everything to reach the end without delay.We should like to skip the intermediate stages.We are impatient of being on the way to something unknown, something new.And yet it is the law of all progressthat it is made by passing through some stages of instability—and that it may take a very long time.And so I think it is with you;your ideas mature gradually—let them grow,let them shape themselves, without undue haste.Don’t try to force them on,as though you could be today what time(that is to say, grace and circumstances acting on your own good will)will make of you tomorrow.Only God could say what this new spiritgradually forming within you will be.Give Our Lord the benefit of believingthat his hand is leading you,and accept the anxiety of feeling yourselfin suspense and incomplete.-Pierre Teilhard de ChardinGeeky Stoics relies on the support of Paid Subscribers. Would you consider Upgrading and helping make what we do here possible? This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.geekystoics.com/subscribe

If someone can prove me wrong and show me my mistake in any thought or action, I shall gladly change. I seek the truth, which never harmed anyone: the harm is to persist in one's own self-deception and ignorance.Marcus Aurelius, Meditations This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.geekystoics.com/subscribe

Thank you to all our subscribers for the positive feedback on our most recent newsletter about the stoicism of Zorro, the 1998 film starring Antonio Banderas and Anthony Hopkins. It was fun to branch out beyond our usual focus on sci-fi and fantasy and riff about this awesome folk tale of revenge and justice. This email is the podcast version of Sunday’s newsletter and just a quick plug of our most recent videos on Geeky Stoics’ YouTube Channel + an appearance of your favorite Geeky Stoic on Breaking Bread with Adam Coleman. Mr. Coleman is a commentary writer and for this video series, he travels to meet other writers in their home, have a meal, and talk about politics and life. If you like that kind of thing, you’ll enjoy it! This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.geekystoics.com/subscribe

This week on the Geeky Stoics MEGACAST, Riley and Stephen recap their experience promoting Star Wars & Stoicism at Atlanta Comic Con.Stephen provides a brief Stoicism 101 for geeks, explaining the four virtues of courage, wisdom, justice, and temperance and how they shine throughout Star Wars. We also discuss the cultural significance of Star Wars and nostalgia. Riley reflects on how the franchise influenced his identity and friendships.Listen in for behind-the-scenes banter about how we tackled our first Con as the Geeky Stoics and our plans for the future.Geeky Stoics is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.geekystoics.com/subscribe

In Star Wars, Padme had enjoyed many years of a thriving political career. She had been free of the sort of distraction and messiness that a forbidden romance might bring into her life. Throughout the movie, as she resists her desire for Anakin Skywalker, at times quite awkwardly for both of them, she is almost in a kind of grieving stage for her more tidy and simple life.By the time Padme and Anakin are captured on a mission and sentenced to death, she sort of feels like the “old her” is dead already.We transform throughout our lives. We let certain versions of ourselves die so that new ones can live. They can’t always coexist. Never changing would be horrible.Let it happen. There are worse things than dying.Read more at GeekyStoics.com This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.geekystoics.com/subscribe

Uncle Iroh says many wise things to Zuko over the course of his time running the tea business, a short period of bliss during Airbender’s second season. Here’s what stuck out to me today. It’s simple.“Follow your passion and life will reward you”In Avatar: The Last Airbender, Zuko is frustrated with Uncle Iroh and his simple passion for running this tea shop. Zuko has a claim to the throne of the Fire Nation and is on a mission to reclaim his “honor” from a father who exiled him from the kingdom. Zuko is obsessed with retaking his place. Uncle Iroh implores Zuko to search himself, look inward, and determine once and for all if his passion is truly his own, or if it flows from the expectations of his cruel father.Perhaps you can relate.MUSIC: All copyright belongs to their respective owners. Avatar The Last Airbender Themes by Jeremy Zuckerman Arranged and Orchestrated by Samuel Kim. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.geekystoics.com/subscribe

Star Wars is a saga about one thing: Letting go. All of its main characters must learn to confront the fear of failure and loss, things beyond their control. It’s a message we all need to hear more of, and it’s what Geeky Stoics is all about. Thank you for listening to Geeky Stoics.More on this at geekystoics.comAnd find the videos on YouTubehttps://www.youtube.com/@GeekyStoics/videos This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.geekystoics.com/subscribe

Live or die. This is the message from the ghost of Anakin Skywalker to his grown-up apprentice, Ahsoka Tano. Not many of us want to die. Ahsoka doesn’t either. But she was living as if she were dead. That is the message. Are you living your life, moving forward and for tomorrow? Or are you stuck in the past, reliving past successes and stewing on yesterdays failures?Thank you for listening to Geeky Stoics.More on this at geekystoics.comAnd find the videos on YouTubehttps://www.youtube.com/@GeekyStoics/videos This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.geekystoics.com/subscribe

Life will be a lot cheaper when you’re dead.Pay the taxes. Anticipate and accept the hidden costs. Understand that you truly own very little. Most of what you have is borrowed, so don’t overly invest yourself in hoarding it. Once you’ve sincerely thought over the hidden costs, decide if you truly need this thing, person, or job to be happy.Above all else, be thankful for the things and the people who pass in and out of your life. Gratitude has the power to reframe everything.www.geekystoics.com This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.geekystoics.com/subscribe

Star Wars is chock full of real-world wisdom and insights on life, death, control, love, and change. In this podcast, Riley Blanton of Geeky Stoics breaks down the 5 essential quotes from Star Wars that you can live by. Thank you for listening to Geeky Stoics.More on this at geekystoics.comAnd find the videos on YouTubehttps://www.youtube.com/@GeekyStoics/videos This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.geekystoics.com/subscribe

This podcast is about The Lord of the Rings, complaining, and Stoic insights on doing your duty without whining. Enjoy!As an enjoyer of the The Lord of the Rings films, I’ve never much liked Frodo Baggins. Frodo is the chief protagonist of the series, the Ringer Bearer, the “Chosen One” of sorts, and he can be pretty fussy. Frodo is always going on about the heaviness of the Ring, and complaining about the burden of his quest. Sometimes he creepily fondles it and makes repeated attempts to go it alone all the way to Mordor. It can get a bit annoying. Such is the case in the Tolkien books as well. In our brand new Geeky Stoics book club we are reading The Fellowship of the Ring together with members of this community. In the book, Frodo is more or less the same. Frodo hatred is a pretty common thing. Few are impressed by the reluctant hero at the beginning of his journey, something I hear often about other iconic leads such as Luke Skywalker, in Star Wars: A New Hope.We don’t like complainers. I certainly don’t. Especially when there is something vitally important that must be done.Well, that’s easy to say, until you’re the Ring Bearer…….Geeky Stoics is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.geekystoics.com/subscribe

How do you give people moral advice they’ll listen to? A recent controversy involving director Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy offers a worthwhile opportunity to consider how you tell moral stories and aim to improve your audience. Enjoy the podcast and join us at geekystoics.com for more. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.geekystoics.com/subscribe

In this episode of the Geeky Stoics Mega-Cast, Riley and Stephen delve into a recent controversy in the Star Wars community. We analyze an interview given by a certain upcoming Star Wars director and explore the fan reactions it sparked. Stephen provides insightful background on the director and quotes that particularly stuck with the fans, stirring up debate.Key Discussion Points:* Director's Controversial Interview: An exploration of the recent interview with Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy that has caused a stir among fans. Stephen provides context and examines the quotes that ignited fan discussions.* Storytelling Philosophies: Riley and Stephen engage in a deep discussion on different storytelling philosophies. They reference C.S. Lewis, focusing on the idea that the most impactful writing stems from addressing one's personal struggles rather than attempting to 'fix' others. This concept is then applied to the situation surrounding Obaid-Chinoy.* Geeky Stoics' Creative Journey: We also share insights into the creative process behind Geeky Stoics. We discuss the challenges we face with perfectionism and the difficulties in deciding when to release content. Stephen shares an anecdote about setting boundaries in collaborative projects.* Inspirations and Current Reads: A look into how Riley and Stephen draw inspiration from their current readings and how they incorporate these ideas into Geeky Stoics' content.Upcoming Content Teasers:* Videos and Articles: Sneak peeks into upcoming Geeky Stoics videos and articles, touching on themes such as moral relativism and in-depth analyses of Star Wars quotes.* Book Club: Anticipation builds for the Geeky Stoics book club discussion on "Fellowship of the Ring."MTFBWY! This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.geekystoics.com/subscribe

This is going to be an ugly year. There’s a presidential election, after all. People will talk about how high the stakes are and they’ll theorize about the end of the American experiment — no matter the outcome. I am reluctant to say it, but hate and mass fear will be a huge part of what we observe in 2024. But there can also be beauty.The question is, will you be able to see it? Do you even know what the beautiful things are in your life and in this world that are worth saving?In Episode VIII: The Last Jedi, Resistance fighter Rose Tico rushes onto the battlefield to save the ex-Stormtrooper turned Resistance fighter, Finn. She really likes him. She might even love him. Finn was on a suicide mission of sorts, ready to plow his ship into a First Order vessel in an attempt to stop the bad guys from advancing on the Resistance hideout on Crait. Rose intervenes. She uses her speeder to knock Finn’s craft out of the way, endangering herself in the process. Finn rushes over to Rose in the wreckage and pulls her out.He wants to know why she did this. Rose says something I’ve always enjoyed.Find out more in this podcast and dive deeper at GeekyStoics.com This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.geekystoics.com/subscribe

2024 is here — and it is going to be spicy. In the face of a legally fraught election, rising interest rates, social turmoil, and the never-ending “culture war,” The Geeky Stoics podcast is here to tell you about the key to keeping your sanity this year. It comes from an unlikely source which I was reminded of this past December…Dr. Seuss's classic, How The Grinch Who Stole Christmas. Enjoy! This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.geekystoics.com/subscribe

This is Geeky Stoics, a podcast from GeekyStoics.com about the eternal wisdom beneath the surface of your favorite stories. This week we have a reflection on Anakin Skywalker’s fall, and a connection to C.S. Lewis’ writings on Right & Wrong. Read it here: What do we make excuses for?We make excuses for a short temper, that time you screamed at a child because you were “tired and hungry” (AKA hangry), we broke our marriage vows because we were “lonely”, “drunk” or “resentful”.No one makes excuses for Right action, such as helping a person up off the ground when they’ve fallen down or not screaming at a child when they’re tired. When we do Right, we ascribe that virtue to ourselves in a self-congratulatory manner.Wrong things: we finger-point and blame.Right things: we pat ourselves on the back.Because we know what is Right.As Yoda said, when you are still, listening, calm, and at peace — you know what the good side is and can distinguish it from the bad.You’ve always known.The key is creating space in your life for calm, peace, and necessary quiet. Find it, or build it into your day. Guard it with prejudice. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.geekystoics.com/subscribe

This is what Geeky Stoics is all about. Identifying and celebrating those moments in modern stories that were in a sense, gifted to us. It’s an inheritance, one we’re grateful for. We focus on that rather than the predictable, angry, and shallow entertainment commentary that defines so much of our online lives. Even in movies we don’t particularly love, our attention is on finding the meaning or kernel of wisdom worth holding on to. It’s been a process of transformation and finding just the right message for this Substack. You might remember that this newsletter started as “Politicize Me” in 2021, then it became “This Is The Way” and only recently relaunched with a new and complete identity, “Geeky Stoics”. Stephen and I have known one another for years and long shared an admiration for one another’s passion for storytelling, philosophy, and the search for meaning. If you're watching or reading this today, you’re one of the people who make this possible, and we want to say thank you so much for your support. Whether it's watching the videos, listening to the podcast version, or reading the newsletter, you make it worthwhile. This is something we believe in and we're both excited about how far Geeky Stoics has come in 2023. We look forward to an amazing 2024.May the Force be with you all and remember, “Your focus determines your reality.” -Riley Blanton & Stephen Kent This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.geekystoics.com/subscribe

Gandalf the White is in the company of Aragorn and the sons of Elrond when they are joined by Prince Imrahil of Dol Amroth. They are discussing what will happen if the Ring of Power is destroyed and Middle Earth is rid of Sauron. Gandalf makes a remark that leaps from the page as a reminder to think bigger about our role in making good of our time in this world.“Other evils there are that may come; for Sauron is but a servant or emissary. Yet it is not our part to master all the tides of the world, but to do what is in us for the succour (support) of those years wherein we are set, uprooting the evil in the fields that we know, so that those who live after may have clean earth to till. What weather they have is not ours to rule.” In this podcast, I’ll explain what this means and how we can apply it to life. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.geekystoics.com/subscribe

This weekend has been a difficult one for me. Not to get too personal or whine, but my wife and I just completed in September, a renovation of our unfinished basement, which now functions as an office for my work and a second den. It was beautiful. Now it is not. An underground sewer line has busted, and it flooded half the basement and undid all the hard work we put into making it pretty. I know me. And I know for a fact that two years ago the old me would have lost their damn mind. But as I mention in this video interview above about Stoicism’s founder, Zeno of Citium, the whole reason for studying philosophy is to make good come from “shipwrecks.” Zeno began his journey to philosophy after being shipwrecked and losing nearly everything, everything but his life. Zeno turned it into an opportunity.Stoicism is about accepting things as they are. It’s about stubborn realism. Thank you for listening to Geeky Stoics. More on this at geekystoics.com This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.geekystoics.com/subscribe

It’s all a matter of perspective, and perspective is often a matter of choice. Have you ever read (or been read) The Snow Queen (1844)? It’s a classic children’s fairy tale by Hans Christian Andersen, the storyteller behind The Little Mermaid, The Emperor’s New Clothes, The Princess & The Pea, and The Ugly Ducking. Elements of this fairytale are used in Disney’s Frozen, which hit theaters 10 years ago today, as well as C.S. Lewis’ The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe. In the tale, the Devil creates a mirror with the cursed ability to make the beholder see ugliness in beautiful things, and wickedness in what is good. It also accentuates the largess of negative things. Everything is worse. In the mirror, “the loveliest landscapes look like boiled spinach and the best people appear ugly, or as if they are standing on their head — their faces distorted and unrecognizable. The smallest freckle spreads over one’s entire nose and mouth.”Yeah, this seems like something a demon would do. Knowing just how susceptible people are to their reflection and to first impressions, this mirror could change the hearts of mankind and the attitude of the entire planet. And it does. In a battle of sorts with God’s angels, the mirror is shattered into billions of pieces. The shards, some microscopic in size, fall to Earth and bore into the eyes and skin of unsuspecting people. We know how easy this is in real life. Anyone who has ever been at the beach has experienced a gust of wind that kicks up the sand furthest from the waterline. It gets in your eyes all too easily.Once the shard is in your eye, your perspective is changed, as if you see through the glass as a lens on life.In this tale, negativity and a sour outlook on the world is foisted upon unsuspecting individuals. It’s not their choice. But the utility of the story is to consider how the Devil’s glass shard may play a role in your real life. Someone said something to you that felt like an attack. Was it? Or are you just inclined to take it as such? The movie you paid $50 to go see in theaters didn’t quite meet your expectations. Did you try judging the film separately from your lofty expectations? On its own merits instead of yours….You’re caught in Thanksgiving traffic on the road home. A total standstill. Have you been inconvenienced or is this merely a fine opportunity to exit the car and stretch your legs? (Yes, this was our drive home last week from Nashville) Epictetus put this struggle in simple terms, “It is not events that disturb people, it is their judgments concerning them.”Marcus Aurelius would later write in Meditations, “If you are pained by any external thing, it is not this thing that disturbs you, but your own judgment about it. And it is in your power to wipe out this judgment now.”Within Stoicism is a long trail of clever comments and observations about perception. If the philosophy were to be boiled down 3 Pillars, that would be one of them. Just as your eyes can deceive you, your impressions can as well. Question your inner monologue, that voice which is inclined toward cynicism and wicked intent. Maybe that thing your spouse, boss, sibling, girlfriend, or boyfriend said was not meant to hurt you — maybe they just lack your skill with words, and perhaps they lack some self-awareness about the way their words sound. This is a choice. Saint Thomas Aquinas defined love as “The choice to will the good of the other.” Sometimes it will take an act of Will to see the best in a situation, a movie, a person, or their words. Remove the glass shard from your eye. Flush it out this week. And when it returns, which it will — rinse and repeat. This is the way. Thank you for reading Geeky Stoics. Would you consider joining up as a Paid Supporter of the site to help make our work possible?Two new videos to watch this weekFirst, Stephen Kent produced a dramatic reading of The Power of Myth by Joseph Campbell and Bill Moyers. Campbell is read by William Walker Smith, and Moyers by Stephen Kent. This short passage from 1988 is about urban violence, social unrest, and crime…and how a decline of myth in society has led to more of it in American cities. Then to follow it up, Riley Blanton of Geeky Stoics did an analysis of the same passage in The Power of Myth. He goes a bit deeper on how this demythologized culture is impacting entertainment and our favorite film franchises. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.geekystoics.com/subscribe

WE ARE NOW GEEKY STOICS. Enjoy this new episode of the podcast where Stephen Kent walks through a connection between the writings of Seneca and the fall of Anakin Skywalker in Star Wars Episode III. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.geekystoics.com/subscribe

I’ve never met a person who wanted to not live free. The trick with human beings is that we’re all seeking freedom from different things, people, places, and ideas. One man’s prison is another’s retreat. In last week’s edition, What Sets You Free (paywall is now down) I outlined how the Jedi and Sith differ on what defines freedom, and how it relates to our own struggles with living the kind of lives we’d like to live. Today I have something else for you to consider, a controversial point — no doubt. Which is that freedom and subjugation may depend only on your perspective. After all, when we’re talking about Star Wars’ philosophy, even a blind man can see more clearly than those with functioning eyes. But first! Stephen Kent and Riley Blanton took How The Force Can Fix The World and the message of This Is The Way on the road to North Carolina Comicon in Durham. Many of you reading this today are folks we met on the convention floor, again — welcome! Stephen gave a talk to a live audience about Star Wars’ & Empathy titled “The Call of Heroes". That call is to look beyond the masks and illusions of people who frighten and confuse us. That talk will be posted on YouTube soon. In the meantime, this 4-minute video is a sneak peek into our journey and what it was like preparing for for NC Comicon and spreading our message about how Star Wars makes us better. In Rogue One: A Star Wars Story, we meet Chirrut Îmwe, a Force-wielding mystic and adherent to the Jedi way. He is no Jedi, but this blind monk of the planet Jedha would have made a great one, if not for the Empire’s rise. Chirrut finds himself captured by anti-Imperial militants along with Cassian Andor and Baze Malbus. They sit together in a shoddy prison cell. Cassian Andor is nervously trying to find a way out. Chirrut says, “Relax, Captain. We've been in worse cages than this one.”Andor snips back, “This is the first for me.”Chirrut Îmwe, the blind monk sitting relaxed behind prison bars and undisturbed by their situation, says….“There is more than one sort of prison, Captain. I sense that you carry yours wherever you go.”Chirrut senses a dark shadow around Cassian. One of guilt, worry, shame, doubt, and anger. All of these things shape Cassian’s actions and bear down on him like a wet blanket. Cassian could escape this prison cell and still be a prisoner, of sorts. Chirrut on the other hand, is free as a bird in any situation. This Is The Way is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.Just as Chirrut can see clearly through the Force, even without his eyes, Chirrut is not held hostage by his past mistakes or worries. All is, from his perspective, as the Force wills it. It’s a perfect encapsulation of the philosophy of Epictetus (meaning: the acquired one), one of the Stoic greats of 55–135 AD. Whereas many Stoics of the age were wealthy and well-connected, Epictetus was a fellow traveler who was enslaved. He had no freedom in the literal or legal sense, but in his teachings throughout life, he would speak of how he was more free than any man who had ever owned him. A lofty ideal, but worthy of consideration. Chirrut Îmwe, without a doubt, would have identified with this lens on life. Epictetus, whose lectures are captured in the Enchiridion, remarked on how the rich and powerful of Rome would weep over money, status, and possessions. Epictetus had none. His perspective was to guard the freedom he had in his mind. To be uninfluenced by status, uncompromised by concerns over money or belongings — this was liberty. I wanted to keep this message today short, so if you want to go deeper, check out last week’s post on defining freedom. In the modern age, we’re fortunate to now be raised with an understanding of how unjust (and evil) systems like slavery are. But we should be wary of thinking of chains only in the literal sense. After all, some of us carry our prison with us wherever we go. Make choices this week that lead you toward more freedom to choose. This is the way. A comparison of the Jedi & Sith view of freedom, and how it relates to our very real lives. Will you consider joining us as a Paid Supporter of This Is The Way? This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.geekystoics.com/subscribe

Qui-Gon Jinn is a quote machine. Probably more than any Jedi Master in Star Wars, even more than Yoda. During his one film, Episode I: The Phantom Menace, Qui-Gon delivers a quip to Jar Jar Binks that is more important than you may realize. Jar Jar almost gets them both killed. Qui-Gon is a tad flustered by this and asks, “What are you, brainless?” Jar Jar says back, “I can speak”Qui-Gon responds, “The ability to speak doesn’t make you intelligent.” Many of you receiving this email today are new to This Is The Way and joined us by signing up at our table at NC Comicon. Welcome! We hope this message today is of use to you in the week ahead. I have to repeat this to myself often. Over the weekend I was in Durham, North Carolina for NC Comicon. That’s my hometown. It was great to be back and to present a talk in front of a live audience titled, “Fear, Hate, Anger, Not Today” about the most worthwhile virtues of Star Wars.I spoke for about 30 minutes. And if I hadn’t significantly edited down my remarks, it could have been closer to 50. The goal of public speaking is not to say everything you want to say, and it’s not to say everything that could be said. It’s to say what needs to be said. Nothing more. I hope I got that balance right. In a few weeks, we’ll share a video of that talk, so you can let me know.If you don’t think Qui-Gon has this right, consider Seneca, the Roman philosopher and advisor to the emperor of the Roman Empire. He wrote a lot about speaking and rhetoric, especially in his now-published letters to a friend named Lucilius. In one Seneca writes about the lawyers in Rome:“Even in an advocate (lawyer) I should be careful to allow such uncontrolled speed in delivery, all in an unruly rush; how could a judge (or jury) be expected to keep up with it? —- You will be doing the right if you do not listen to people who are more concerned with the quantity than the quality of what they say.” Seneca doesn’t care for fast talkers and ramblers of the Roman legal scene. He brings it up numerous times over the years as he’s writing to Lucilius. As I’ve built a career as a writer, occasional public speaker, and TV commentator, I know this wisdom from Seneca to be true. You want to say memorable things. After all, “bumper sticker wisdom” is called that for a reason. It can fit on a sticker, and people want to share it with others. Because it’s clever and quick. Essays and monologues aren’t nearly as cool as: “Speak less, smile more” (Hamilton) and “Do or do not, there is no try”(Star Wars)This week, try to catch yourself when you’re saying more than is necessary. Edit yourself when possible. The truth of your heart and mind shines the brightest when fewer words are getting in the way. This is the way.Thank you for being part of THIS IS THE WAY, a newsletter from Stephen Kent (that’s me) and Riley Blanton, about the life lessons and wisdom from within Star Wars and other great stories.This is a free letter that goes out at least once per week with the goal of helping you be the best version of yourself in a crazy world. This newsletter is free, but….there is a paid version as well which gets you more regular emails throughout the week, more tips and tricks for life, the ability to comment on articles, and opportunities to hang out with Stephen, Riley, and other subscribers. We’re building a community of Star Wars fans who love the philosophy of these films. You should join us! Upgrade your Subscription and start tapping into the perks of Supporting This Is The WayPaid Subscribers also get earlier access to podcasts, videos, and special releases from This Is The Way. Our YouTube channel is still getting started and you can find it now… Walk The Way This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.geekystoics.com/subscribe

Go through the motions. Mind details. The basics are what save your life. The fundamentals are what set you free to do great things. This is what I learned from reading Star Wars: Master & Apprentice, about the training of Obi-Wan Kenobi. Master Qui Gon Jinn had to teach him that the fundamentals of saber combat are the most timeless and valuable elements, not fancy spins and flipping attacks. Keep it simple. This really hit home for me when I was rock climbing in Virginia, and my partner nearly died on the mountain. She fell. The mistake was very careless. In this podcast, I’ll tell the story and I hope you are reminded in your day-to-day life…mind the details. Have you joined us on YouTube yet? Here’s our most popular video so far. This Is The Way is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.geekystoics.com/subscribe

Don’t let your intellect and curiosity blind you to the motivations and drive of others. Don’t be fooled by the villain with pure bloodlust because another villain has a sympathetic backstory. Darth Vader and Palpatine (for example) are very different people. To confuse one for the other would be a fatal error.Be curious. Use reason. Study history and seek to know more about the way the world works. Learn about other cultures and what they value. And while you do this, you must keep clear of “quibbles and qualifications,” and maintain a sense of what is good in your culture.Without an anchor to something true, you’re just paper (a fancy degree) blowing around in the wind. Pity this person, the fool who will adopt any way of life or creed so long as the words sound pretty.You can read this article in full here: This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.geekystoics.com/subscribe

I’ve been feeling tired lately. All is well. Nothing out of the ordinary. It’s just that the grind has been more noticeable in my low energy, aching body, and a mind frequently daydreaming of the next vacation. Where in the world could I escape to? Just for a day or two. Surely then I will feel better. You’ve been here before, haven’t you? Like so many vacations I’ve taken in the past, the fact remains that when I finally take the trip I’m stuck there with the same problem: Me“Are you amazed to find that even with such extensive travel, to so many varied locales, you have not managed to shake off gloom and heaviness from your mind? As if that were a new experience! You must change the mind, not the venue.” - Seneca, Letters to Lucillius XXVIII.1Perspective is everything. Yesterday my daughter returned home from a trip to California with her grandfather. As usual, she came home with some photography from her journey. This time to San Diego and Joshua Tree National Park. One of the photos she took shocked me. Especially when I learned how it came to be. It’s stunning, isn’t it? The whiskers on the stem, the way the light strikes the reddish pink petals. Its outer edges shine, almost glowing. Scanning through her photo collection, I had to pause and take this one in. It is beautiful. Even the Black Ford SUV rolling by in the background. Yeah, the backdrop is a black SUV. I don’t know how she framed this shot exactly, but what I’m told is she took a dozen other photos before the car pulled up. None of them worked. The sky was too bright, or the clouds were offsetting the lighting. Then comes a car, which she assumed was yet another wrecked photo. Exactly the opposite. The car reframed everything. The ultimate obstruction to the shot transformed it into a stunning expose of the flower’s beauty. Which reminds me….Remember the opening scene of The Gladiator? Russell Crowe is standing somewhere, listening to the wind blow and staring off into the distance. The framing of the shot is tight. We don’t know where he is. Maximus has a moment of bliss observing this bird. He found his center, just for a passing second. Then he returns to where he is at in the moment. A warzone and desolated battlefield. The frame expands. In the quote at the top of the piece, you Seneca speaking to his friend Lucillius, by way of a letter. Seneca reminds his friend that travel and vacations mean nothing if you carry your chaos there with you. Fix the mind. Not the venue. Find quiet, bliss, rest, and contentment wherever you are. Prayer. Meditation. Lifting weights. Target shooting. Yoga. Why wait until the expensive vacation to be still? That trip may never come. Change your perspective. This is the way. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.geekystoics.com/subscribe

Today’s podcast is on an invaluable insight from Master & Apprentice, a novel by Claudia Gray about Qui-Gon Jinn and Obi-Wan Kenobi. Before we met them in Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace, these two Jedi did not always get along. Qui-Gon even wanted to dump Kenobi as his Padawan learner during this time. They were oil and water. Why was Obi-Wan so reactive to Qui-Gon Jinn’s loose nature as a teacher? Young people are contrarian by nature of their age. Here’s what Qui-Gon had to learn….“What your Padawan is doing is totally normal. Adolescents go one of two ways. They’re either rebels to the core, or even stricter than their elders. So Obi-Wan’s the latter. He’ll relax after a while. Know what? If his new Master is stricter than you, I bet he’ll loosen up immediately, just to be contrary.” This is what Rael Averross says to Qui-Gon Jinn, who is distraught about his messy relationship with Obi-Wan Kenobi. Jinn is a rule breaker and Obi-Wan is a rather puritanical Jedi. But part of what Learners do is they see both your best and your worst. They borrow from what they like, and dispense with what they don’t. It’s natural. Don’t be offended when YOUR Padawan does the same. They are growing. Testing boundaries and their own convictions. Let them. Keep watch, but let them feel out their own values. It’s not all about you. This is the way. In case you missed the latest from This Is The Way, we have a new short article about making the most of adventures, those you planned and those you never saw coming. To go along with this piece, we have an interview on YouTube with author James Pethokoukis. As promised, we’re doing more than ever at This Is The Way to give you more value, more content, and more actionable ideas to reflect on. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.geekystoics.com/subscribe

On the podcast today, lessons from The West Wing, Napoleon, and Butch Cassidy & The Sundance Kid. The number one thing I’m driving at in this podcast is that you need to pay attention to the little things — to focus on the here and now.The greatest risk to you on the road is not the driver who runs the red light, it is the driver barrelling toward the intersection with no signs of slowing down that you did not see coming. Maybe you were changing the playlist on Spotify and looked away for just a few moments.Pay attention. Keep your concentration here and now where it belongs.Abstract fears distract us from clear and present dangers. Distraction imperils us all (more on that in the next post) more than any zombie apocalypse scenario you could dream up.Focus. Look up.This is the way.For more, read the full article The Sky Is Falling! And?And be sure to watch our new video on YouTube This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.geekystoics.com/subscribe

What is a Jedi? Is it a religion? To be a warrior? Are they the Light of the galaxy? No hiding the ball on this one. I’ll tell you. To be a Jedi is to act a certain way in any given situation. You’re given hate — respond with gentleness. You’re presented with fear —- you choose faith and courage. You’re given war —- then you fight for peace and with no hatred in your heart. You fight for tomorrow.This new Walk The Way podcast is a rundown of a recent post, Fight For Better Days, inspired by the Ahsoka series, the music of Noah Gundersen and the writings of Marcus Aurelius. Enjoy. This Is The Way is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.Watch the video here This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.geekystoics.com/subscribe

My friends, we are now podcasting directly out of Substack. Riley Blanton had a great point when he called me to suggest that we should be making This Is The Way the HQ of all our activities. I want you to get the most possible out of your subscription to this newsletter. What you can expect from our podcast, Walk The Way, is 1-2 “wake up and go” podcasts that borrow from the written articles, and expand a bit on them. If you read When You're Consciously Incompetent, this podcast is the companion audio to that piece. I highly recommend taking in both. Read something, then listen to it back, again. I do this every day with another newsletter and its companion podcast. Go figure, I gotta hear things twice before I really hear it.Learn to walk the way that we’re teaching about here. I hope you enjoy the podcast! This is the way. Will you join us? ICYMI: Some recent articles from This Is The Way This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.geekystoics.com/subscribe

Change is painful, and yet it can still be so beautiful. In this episode, Stephen Kent reflects on parenting and a new song from musician Noah Gundersen called "Haunted House"Listen to the song herehttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rYTg47b2Xv4Follow us on Substack and join the communityhttps://thisistheway.substack.com/Join Walk The Way on YouTubehttps://www.youtube.com/channel/UCrtAeMhf3qJcD2xjeMNNE1AFollow us on Substack and join the community https://thisistheway.substack.com/Join Walk The Way on YouTubehttps://www.youtube.com/channel/UCrtAeMhf3qJcD2xjeMNNE1A This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.geekystoics.com/subscribe

This episode of the Walk the Way podcast covers Riley's experience visiting the Lucasfilm headquarters in San Francisco to attend a screening of the new Ahsoka television series. Riley reflects on how this opportunity arose unexpectedly after he had let go of his past desires for validation through Star Wars fandom. He explains how his trip to Lucasfilm reinforced his views on detachment and focusing on the story of Star Wars over the competition in online fandom.Timestamps:Intro to walk the way. 0:07Today's episode is about how sometimes good things can come out entirely outside of one's own control.HousekeepingThe coincidences of life and Star Wars. 1:58The coincidences of life and how Riley became a retired Star Wars podcaster.The desire for reputation and validationStar Wars and the Presidio. 3:56Life throws you a bone when you are least expecting it.A preview fan event at the PresidioThe Yoda Fountain. 5:49Lucasfilm is the beating heart of the Star Wars universe.Star Wars fan content creators tend to chase validation.Why I joined This is the Way. 7:45Why it was the right choice to shift the focus to dive into the philosophy behind the stories.Yoda says that attachment leads to jealousy and the shadow of greed.Learn to let goFollow us on Substack and join the community https://thisistheway.substack.com/Join Walk The Way on YouTubehttps://www.youtube.com/channel/UCrtAeMhf3qJcD2xjeMNNE1A This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.geekystoics.com/subscribe

Alexandra Hudson, author of the upcoming book "The Soul of Civility: Timeless Principles to Heal Society and Ourselves" joins Walk The Way to discuss the book. Hudson reacts to scenes from James Cameron's Titanic and helps answer how to employ civility when being asked for your pronouns when you'd prefer not to answer. Pre-order THE SOUL OF CIVILITY before its October launch and get $700 worth of FREE GIFTS for you to enjoy RIGHT NOW from Alexandra HudsonYou can order the book and claim your gifts here:These gifts include:A course: Four Civility Books that Will Change Your Life (a $350 value)A toolkit: How to Talk to Anyone about Anything (a $47 value)An ebook: Cultivating Curiosity (a $12 value)Monthly calls with Alexandra Hudson and some of the most interesting and curious people of our day (a $250 value)A free year of Civic Renaissance (a $70 value)(And with a purchase of 20+ copies, enjoy a private virtual workshop, a $5000 valueWatch the video trailer for Alexandra's bookhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fb6Oa0gAU0YFollow us on Substack and join the community https://thisistheway.substack.com/Join Walk The Way on YouTubehttps://www.youtube.com/channel/UCrtAeMhf3qJcD2xjeMNNE1A This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.geekystoics.com/subscribe

Big Idea: Focus on things within your control and choose the stories you tell yourself after difficult experiences.In this episode of Walk the Way, Riley and Stephen discuss resiliency, trigger warnings, and mental health through the lens of Stoicism and the importance of perspective. Stephen shares an Atlantic article on trigger warnings and how they may have damaged the resiliency of a generation. Riley shares his experience working with MQ-9 operations in the military and how perspective shaped his view on mental health.[0:00:01] Introduction - Resiliency and trigger warnings[0:01:01] Trigger warnings controversy and Stoicism[0:02:01] Riley's experience with drone operations and mental health in the military[0:06:22] Balance between experienced trauma and perceived trauma[0:10:00] Importance of perspective in shaping experiences[0:15:44] "Post-traumatic Growth" and free will vs determinism[0:22:09] Stoicism and focusing on things within your control[0:25:29] Measuring policies by results, not intentions[0:31:24] Viktor Frankl and choosing how you respond[0:35:12] Teenage self-consciousness and perceiving everything as an attack[0:39:58] Perspective of Marines during the Afghanistan Evacuation[0:44:19] Choosing the story you tell yourself after tragedyFollow us on Substack and join the community https://thisistheway.substack.com/Join Walk The Way on YouTubehttps://www.youtube.com/channel/UCrtAeMhf3qJcD2xjeMNNE1A This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.geekystoics.com/subscribe

In this episode, Stephen dives into the cultural phenomenon of Barbie, exploring her historical symbolism and what it means for our understanding of femininity and beauty. He analyzes the 2023 Barbie movie, featuring Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling, to uncover its rich social commentary. Stephen also delves into Stoic philosophy, gender dynamics, societal discontentment, and the authenticity of natural beauty.Links and Resources:https://thisistheway.substack.com/ Subscribe to the newsletter.Barbie Movie (2023)Meditations by Marcus AureliusConnect with the Host:Follow Walk The Way on Twitter, InstagramJoin the podcast community on Discord.Support the Show:Leave a review on your preferred podcast platform.Tell a friend!Follow us on Substack and join the community https://thisistheway.substack.com/Join Walk The Way on YouTubehttps://www.youtube.com/channel/UCrtAeMhf3qJcD2xjeMNNE1A This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.geekystoics.com/subscribe

Big Idea: Bad bosses who rely on fear and intimidation fail to inspire their teams to achieve goals. On this episode of Walk the Way, Riley and Stephen discuss their experiences with intimidating bosses and how good ideas can overcome bad leadership. They share stories from the military and office environments, highlighting the importance of speaking up for your values, knowing the mission, and encouraging your team with courage instead of fear. Listen in to learn how good ideas can help you overcome an intimidating boss and inspire better performance from your team.[0:00:07] Introduction - The idea of leadership through intimidation fails to inspire, true leadership stems from respect and integrity. [0:01:23] Don't be Kylo Ren.[0:02:14] Overview of the Lizzo story - Lizzo is facing lawsuits from dancers over intimidation, body shaming, and sexual harassment.[0:02:37] The importance of remembering employees are people on their own journeys, not just tools. Treating them as "NPCs" will always backfire.[0:03:59] Anecdote from The West Wing about Rob Lowe defying his boss to protect him. The importance of knowing the mission and goals.[0:09:46] Riley's experience with an intimidating supervisor in Korea for a short time. The environment focused on making the boss happy instead of accomplishing goals.[0:16:29] Riley's regret at not speaking up and defending his values during an interaction. The experience has helped him moving forward.[0:25:00] Poor "Leaders" can be like bad bosses anywhere, using fear and intimidation.[0:32:57] Good ideas can overcome bad bosses. When teams face courage and encouragement, they perform well.Links and Resources:https://thisistheway.substack.com/ Subscribe to the newsletter.Riley's original piece Connect with us:Follow Walk The Way on Twitter, InstagramJoin the podcast community on Discord.Support the Show:Leave a review on your preferred podcast platform.Tell a friend!Follow us on Substack and join the community https://thisistheway.substack.com/Join Walk The Way on YouTubehttps://www.youtube.com/channel/UCrtAeMhf3qJcD2xjeMNNE1A This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.geekystoics.com/subscribe

In this bite-sized episode, Stephen examines "Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny," exploring the narrative and the more prominent themes it represents. The discussion delves into the portrayal of aging, the generational disconnect, and the societal treatment of the elderly.Takeaway: Reconnect with the elders in our lives! Dial of Destiny serves as a springboard for a deeper conversation about the value, respect, and understanding we owe to our older generations.Links and Resources:https://thisistheway.substack.com/ Subscribe to the newsletter.Dial of Destiny (2023)Connect with us:Follow Walk The Way on Twitter, InstagramJoin the podcast community on Discord.Support the Show:Leave a review on your preferred podcast platform.Tell a friend!Follow us on Substack and join the community https://thisistheway.substack.com/Join Walk The Way on YouTubehttps://www.youtube.com/channel/UCrtAeMhf3qJcD2xjeMNNE1A This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.geekystoics.com/subscribe

This episode of The Walk Away Podcast discusses the difference between courage and bravado through the lens of a quote from the movie Glass Onion. Stephen and Riley argue that true courage involves demonstrating wisdom, temperance, and discipline when faced with difficult situations, while bravado often involves speaking recklessly without considering whether one's words are true or good. Takeaways: [0:00:00] - Courage is demonstrating wisdom, justice, temperance, and other virtues when facing challenges. Bravery alone is not courage.[0:07:46] - Some people mistake speaking recklessly for truth-telling. Truth requires inward and outward searching and discipline with words.[0:13:22] - People see influencers who speak without restraint as courageous due to a culture of censorship, but they may lack self-control.[0:19:48] - Aim for Aristotle's golden mean by slowing down and choosing words carefully to communicate in a way that is both true and good.[0:25:39] - The goal is to improve every day, though there will be imperfections along the way.Follow us on Substack and join the community https://thisistheway.substack.com/Join Walk The Way on YouTubehttps://www.youtube.com/channel/UCrtAeMhf3qJcD2xjeMNNE1A This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.geekystoics.com/subscribe

Yoda's ruse was a test of Luke's patience. Tests in life are often unannounced.Inward vs Outward focus - Stephen missed a flight and lost the opportunity to properly engage with a kind stranger who gave him a ride. All is not as it seemsWhy we should always give people our best selves - tests are often unannounced.Follow us on Substack and join the community https://thisistheway.substack.com/Join Walk The Way on YouTubehttps://www.youtube.com/channel/UCrtAeMhf3qJcD2xjeMNNE1A This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.geekystoics.com/subscribe

In this debut episode of Walk the Way, Riley and Stephen discuss the philosophy behind Rey Skywalker's choice to take on the Skywalker name in Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker. They talk about the theme of self-definition and identity in Star Wars and how pop culture stories can shape our worldviews and teach us virtues. They explain the focus of the Walk the Way podcast - diving deep into the philosophy they can learn from popular movies, TV shows, and books and how to apply those lessons to their own lives.Timestamps:[0:00:00] Riley and Stephen introduce the podcast and discuss their previous collaborations.[0:08:32] Rey Skywalker - you can choose a new name - we discuss Stephen's substack about the philosophy of Rey Skywalker in Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker.[0:16:42] Self-definition in Star Wars - we discuss the theme of self-definition in Star Wars and Rey choosing the Skywalker name.[0:22:01] Walk the Way podcast - we discuss the focus of the Walk the Way podcast, talking about the philosophy we can learn from pop culture.[0:32:50] How to get the word out. Follow us on Substack and join the community https://thisistheway.substack.com/Join Walk The Way on YouTubehttps://www.youtube.com/channel/UCrtAeMhf3qJcD2xjeMNNE1A This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.geekystoics.com/subscribe

Show notes:Introduction and Background (0:00-1:00)Riley Blanton, the founder and long-term host of The Star Wars Report podcast, announces the new podcast "Walk the Way" co-hosted by Stephen Kent.Both hosts have a long history of Star Wars podcasting and intend to create a space that focuses on the philosophy and stories that define who we are.The Concept of "Walk the Way" Podcast (1:01-2:05)The podcast aims to delve deep into the stories and mythologies that inspire us and shape our identities.We hope to move beyond the surface-level Star Wars news of the week and the controversies that havedivided the fandom.Help us Launch! (2:06-2:50)Subscribe, leave a rating, and review the new podcast on Apple Podcasts or wherever they get their podcasts to help kick off the show.Introduction to the First Episode (2:51-3:45)The first episode includes an audio excerpt from Stephen's latest "Walk the Way" video on the new YouTube channel about his experience visiting Iceland.Stephen Kent's Life Lessons from Iceland (3:46-17:50)Importance of valuing time with family over money (3:46-7:15)Being present and finding solace in any environment while traveling (7:16-10:00)The need to be a stable, calming presence in the face of life's chaos (10:01-13:45)Relearning how to deal with potential disappointments (13:46-17:50)Conclusion (17:51-19:20)Stephen asks listeners to engage leaving comments and sharing the content.Join the community on substack at https://thisistheway.substack.com/Follow us on Substack and join the community https://thisistheway.substack.com/Join Walk The Way on YouTubehttps://www.youtube.com/channel/UCrtAeMhf3qJcD2xjeMNNE1A This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.geekystoics.com/subscribe

Hello Friends! I had a few people request by email that we release the entirety of my interview with David French (The Dispatch) for the recent episode on dismantling the Death Star threat of our politics + David’s new book “Divided We Fall”So…you can stream that right here (above)First, I loved the book. It’s written for anyone left, right or center and is even-handed in describing the problem we face and the upside of David’s solution to every faction. But he is clear-eyed about the risks and the likelihood we can achieve what he’s described. You really should pick this book up. The good people at DK Publishing were kind enough to send me a copy of the new “Star Wars Book” which is a comprehensive yet compact guide to the Star Wars universe. This is distinct from Star Wars guides of the past where it’s all alphabetical and breaking down everything from Darth Vader’s mask mechanics to how a Stormtrooper blaster works…The Star Wars Book breaks down timelines, politics, government, eras and turning points in Star Wars lore like I’ve ever seen before. It’s a MUST have for all Star Wars fans. I joined The Living Force Podcast & Youtube show this week to talk about REGIME change in Star Wars + the 2020 election and we break down what’s so great about this book at (16:00)—— It’s me, Stephen Kent! I’m the curator of Politicize Me, host of the Beltway Banthas Podcast forthcoming author of ‘How The Force Can Fix The World’ (Hachette-Center Street). You can follow me on Twitter @Stephen_Kent89. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.geekystoics.com/subscribe

Hello Banthas! We have some important updates about the podcast to share with you. Exciting news to be sure. In this broadcast, you'll get a quick primer on what we're working on and why! The podcast is about to undergo a major transformation and we hope you'll be part of it. At the end of the episode, you can catch the audio of our first foray into YouTube! **LISTENER SURVEY **NEWSLETTER SIGNUP: Star Wars, politics and more YouTube Video: Trump 2020 and Rogue One, Krennic parallel This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.geekystoics.com/subscribe

Episode III: Revenge of the Sith is a movie about control, and what happens when someone with a great deal of power cannot bear the idea of living with unpredictability. It's relatable. We all want a certain degree of control over our lives and destinies. 15 years after Revenge of the Sith and its message about control and safety vs security...what can we take from it that applies to the world today? TV producer Andrew Kenlon joins the podcast to look back on Episode III and apply its lessons to the Coronavirus lockdown. This episode was recorded in mid-May before a wave of unrest and protests against police brutality & racism that have moved the entire world. We've put an introduction at the start of the episode to set this tough conversation in context. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.geekystoics.com/subscribe

Star Wars author E.K. Johnston just put out her latest book on Padme, "Queens Peril". This new canon novel takes a look at Padme's rise the political power on Naboo and the days leading up to the Droid Invasion of Star Wars: Episode I. E.K and Stephen talk Naboo politics, how real-world principles over trade and immigration impact a galaxy, far, far away and what Padme teaches us about the virtue humility. Buy "Queens Peril" by E.K. Johnston TODAY and learn more about WHY Naboo ever became a target of the Trade Federation for a trade blockade, the dark history of the Naboo and Gungans & much more. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.geekystoics.com/subscribe

Kat Rosenfield wrote for Reason Magazine a feature piece on how Star Wars' three trilogies aligns almost perfectly with the politics of the time they were made in. What makes the sequel trilogy so unique, Episodes VII-IX, is that their chaotic nature almost mirrors the era we live in today. Stephen Kent and Kat discuss her article, living during COVID-19 and Kat shares a solid TV recommendation. Read Kat's article here: https://reason.com/2020/04/26/star-wars-identity-crisis/ Stream Stephen's EP, Color Me In With Green, on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/album/1jJYBRBRhnbfYHFAtWsqXv?si=NHZd4ghMRemIdCrLLrn49g This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.geekystoics.com/subscribe