The Practical Stoic with Simon J. E. Drew

“Memento Mori” is the phrase commonly used in Stoicism to encourage remembrance of death and of what death means in relation to our lives, and in this episode, Simon continues the discussion on Seneca’s thoughts about death and learning how to die. To support the channel go to patreon.com/simonjedrew/ To get coaching with Simon go to simonjedrew.com/coaching/

“Memento Mori” is the phrase commonly used in Stoicism to encourage a remembrance of death and of what death means in relation to our lives, and in this episode Simon continues the discussion on Seneca’s thoughts about death and learning how to die. To support the podcast go to patreon.com/simonjedrew/ To get coaching with Simon go to simonjedrew.com/coaching/

Robin Waterfield is a British classical scholar, translator, and editor, specializing in Ancient Greek philosophy. His books include, among many others, Why Socrates Died - Dispelling the Myths, Creators, Conquerers and Citizens - A History of Ancient Greece, The Greek Myths - Stories of the Greek Gods and Heroes Vividly Retold, and now by far the best translation of Marcus Aurelius's Meditations I've come across. In this interview we discuss Marcus Aurelius' life, his influences, and the philosophy/theology behind his magnificent writings. Buy Meditations (Translated by Robin Waterfield): shorturl.at/uABHW ----more---- To get coaching with Simon go to simonjedrew.com/coaching/ To support the podcast go to patreon.com/simonjedrew/

Brittany Polat is the author of Tranquility Parenting: A Guide to Staying Calm, Mindful, and Engaged. She holds a Ph.D. in applied linguistics but currently researches and writes about Stoic psychology and philosophy. Brittany's latest project is Living in Agreement, where she applies her lifelong interest in human nature to the discourse and practice of inner excellence. Website: livinginagreement.com Linkedin: @brittanypolat Twitter: @brittanypolat Stoicon-x Women will be happening on Saturday June 5th, UK time. The theme is “Practical Paths to Flourishing.” Find out more and buy tickets here: https://pathstoflourishing.org/ To support the Practical Stoic go to patreon.com/simonjedrew/ To get coaching with Simon go to simonjedrew.com/coaching/

Nancy Sherman is University Professor and Professor of Philosophy at Georgetown University. Sherman is a New York Times Notable Author. Her books include Afterwar, The Untold War, Stoic Warriors, and now Stoic Wisdom. From 1997-1999, she served as the inaugural holder of the Distinguished Chair in Ethics at the US Naval Academy, designing and teaching the brigade-wide military ethics course and laying the groundwork for the Stockdale Center for Ethical Leadership. Sherman has received numerous prestigious fellowships, including those from the Guggenheim Foundation, the Woodrow Wilson Center, the National Endowment for the Humanities, the American Council for Learned Societies, the Mellon Foundation, the Yale Whitney Humanities Center, the American Philosophical Society, the Newcombe Fellowship of the Woodrow Wilson Foundation, and NYU’s Center for Ballet and the Arts. Sherman is a frequent contributor to the media worldwide. She has research training in psychoanalysis from the Washington Psychoanalytic Institute and regularly consults with military and veterans groups in the U.S. and abroad on issues of ethics, moral injury, and posttraumatic stress. In October 2005, she visited Guantanamo Bay Detention Center as part of an independent observer team assessing the medical and mental health care of detainees. She lectures widely nationally and abroad. She holds a Ph.D. from Harvard in philosophy. WEBSITE: https://www.nancysherman.com/ Buy Stoic Wisdom: CLICK HERE Get coaching with Simon: simonjedrew.com/coaching/ Support this podcast: patreon.com/simonjedrew/

About Leo: Leonidas Konstantakos is a PhD candidate working on Stoicism and International Relations, especially Stoic just war theory. He, along with Kai Whiting, is the co-author of "Being Better, Stoicism for a World Worth Living in". About the book: Twenty-three centuries ago, in a marketplace in Athens, Zeno of Citium, the founder of Stoicism, built his philosophy on powerful ideas that still resonate today: all human beings can become citizens of the world, regardless of their nationality, gender, or social class; happiness comes from living in harmony with nature; and, most important, humans always have the freedom to choose their attitude, even when they cannot control external circumstances. This empowering message led a wide array of people, from the slave Epictetus to the Roman Emperor Marcus Aurelius, to embrace the philosophy. In our age of political polarization and environmental destruction, Stoicism has taken on new relevance. In Being Better, Kai Whiting and Leonidas Konstantakos apply Stoic principles to contemporary issues such as social justice, climate breakdown, and the excesses of global capitalism. Above all, they show that Stoicism is not an ivory-tower philosophy or a collection of Silicon Valley life hacks, but a vital way of life that helps us live simply, improve our communities, and find peace in a turbulent world. Buy the Book: Amazon.com: https://amzn.to/39YLq5L Amazon UK: https://amzn.to/3iDroSi Waterstones: http://bit.ly/WaterstonesBeingBetter Barnes and Noble: http://bit.ly/BarnesandNobleBeingBetter Coaching with Simon: simonjedrew.com/coaching/ Support the Podcast: patreon.com/simonjedrew/

Kathryn Koromilas is a writer, educator and co-organiser and host of Stoicon-x Women 2021. She presented at Stoicon-x Athens, 2019 on journaling practices and hosted a 4-hour "Journaling with the Stoics" discussion/workshop as a Stoicon-x 2020. She's the host of the Stoic Salon, a Facebook group dedicated to reading and writing with the Stoics, and is launching a new podcast called The Stoic Salon where she will be talking about life, love, work, play, the universe, and Stoicism with leading women Stoics and Stoic-curious. She's collaborating with Dr Ranjini George on a book called "Journaling with the Stoics." She creates bespoke creative-play experiences where she helps anyone to reignite their creativity, reimagine their purpose, and use ancient wisdom to thrive. Stoicon-x Women will be happening on Saturday June 5th, UK time. The theme is "Practical Paths to Flourishing." Find out more and buy tickets here: https://pathstoflourishing.org/ Find out more about Kathryn Koromilas here: https://kathrynkoromilas.com/ More links from Kathryn: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kathrynkoromilas/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/WriterStoic LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kathrynkoromilas/ Stoic Salon Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thestoicsalon/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/StoicSalon For coaching with Simon go to simonjedrew.com/coaching/ To support the podcast go to patreon.com/simonjedrew/

Kai Whiting is a researcher and lecturer in sustainability and Stoicism based at UCLouvain, Belgium. He Tweets @kaiwhiting and blogs over at StoicKai.com. He is the co-author of Being Better | Stoicism for a World Worth Living In. About the book: Twenty-three centuries ago, in a marketplace in Athens, Zeno of Citium, the founder of Stoicism, built his philosophy on powerful ideas that still resonate today: all human beings can become citizens of the world, regardless of their nationality, gender, or social class; happiness comes from living in harmony with nature; and, most important, humans always have the freedom to choose their attitude, even when they cannot control external circumstances. This empowering message led a wide array of people, from the slave Epictetus to the Roman Emperor Marcus Aurelius, to embrace the philosophy. In our age of political polarization and environmental destruction, Stoicism has taken on new relevance. In Being Better, Kai Whiting and Leonidas Konstantakos apply Stoic principles to contemporary issues such as social justice, climate breakdown, and the excesses of global capitalism. Above all, they show that Stoicism is not an ivory-tower philosophy or a collection of Silicon Valley life hacks, but a vital way of life that helps us live simply, improve our communities, and find peace in a turbulent world. Buy the Book: https://stoickai.com/being-better/ Amazon.com: https://amzn.to/39YLq5L Amazon UK: https://amzn.to/3iDroSi Waterstones: http://bit.ly/WaterstonesBeingBetter Barnes and Noble: http://bit.ly/BarnesandNobleBeingBetter Coaching with Simon: simonjedrew.com/coaching/ Support the Podcast: patreon.com/simonjedrew/

In this episode Simon discusses his newly released album, Pairidaēza Suite. Pairidaēza Suite is only partially available at the moment, and can be found via Apple Music in the link below. The full album, along with the album video and poetry, will be released in late May, 2021 (though it is currently available to all patrons). Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/album/pairida%C4%93za-suite/1563626546 To support Simon's work and to gain early access to the entire Pairidaēza Suite experience, go to patreon.com/simonjedrew/ A heartfelt expression of gratitude goes to the team at the Sunshine Coast Council for supporting the bulk of this project with a regional arts grant. Their generosity and willingness to support local artists is another stellar example of the Australian vision of a walled garden for its people. Thank you to Paul Cusick and Isaac Cavallaro for their support in the production of this album. Thanks also to all the people below who have supported Simon via his Patreon community. Whether they came for the podcasts, the writing, the music or all of the above, they truly make it possible for Simon to continue to create and think freely. Thank you all! Eric Marchand Pete Bell Walter Flaat Jimmy Donnellon Mike Lawrence Jake Isaac Brad Dorsey Joe Formica Matthew McCormack Adam Dugan Nicolle White John E. Boyer IV Laura Fouhse Happy listening!

In this episode Simon speaks to Australian-Chinese conductor, Dane Lam. About Dane Lam: Dane Lam was appointed Associate Music Director and Resident Conductor at Opera Queensland in December 2020, a position created specifically for him and the first of its kind in the company’s history. He is the Principal Conductor and Artistic Director of China’s Xi’an Symphony Orchestra, and in recent months he has been leading the orchestral revival in Australia following the Covid-lockdown, conducting the first performances in front of live audiences for Opera Queensland, Queensland Symphony Orchestra, Adelaide Symphony Orchestra and Melbourne Symphony Orchestra. Alongside Opera Queensland’s new production of Le nozze di Figaro, his 2021 highlights include the inaugural production of the National Opera in Canberra, La clemenza di Tito, concerts with the Sydney and Queensland Symphony Orchestras, and a Martha Argerich and friends festival with the Xi’an Symphony Orchestra. Dane has appeared with Opera Australia, Scottish Opera, Opera Holland Park, the Canberra, Western Australia, Dunedin, Beijing, Suzhou, Kunming and Shandong Symphony Orchestras, Munich Radio Orchestra, Het Residentie Orkest, City of London Sinfonia, Manchester Camerata, Southbank Sinfonia, RTÉ Concert Orchestra, Beethoven Orchester Bonn and the Verbier Festival Orchestra. Website: https://danelam.net/ Agent: http://www.rayfieldallied.com/artists/dane-lam/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/danealam/

"Memento Mori" is the phrase commonly used in Stoicism to encourage a remembrance of death and of what death means in relation to our lives, and in this episode Simon discusses Seneca's thoughts on death and learning how to die. To support the podcast go to patreon.com/simonjedrew/ To get coaching with Simon go to simonjedrew.com/coaching/

In this episode Simon Drew discusses Seneca's thoughts on age and wisdom. Quotes are derived from Seneca's Epistles 4:1-2. For coaching with Simon go to simonjedrew.com/coaching/ To support the podcast go to patreon.com/simonjedrew/

In this episode Simon discusses Seneca's epistle 3, verses 5-6 where Seneca suggests a more harmonious balance between work and rest. To get coaching with Simon go to simonjedrew.com/coaching/ To support the podcast go to patreon.com/simonjedrew/

In this episode Simon Drew and Sharon Lebell have their monthly conversation, discussing topics such as the deeper wisdom of the cosmos, the principle of amor fati, and the power of art. To get coaching with Simon go to simonjedrew.com/coaching/ To support Simon's work go to patreon.com/simonjedrew/

In this episode Simon speaks with Steve Karafit from the Sunday Stoic Podcast about Seneca's 20th letter - On Practicing What You Preach. Listen to the Sunday Stoic Podcast here: https://www.sundaystoicpodcast.com/ Support the Practical Stoic here: patreon.com/simonjedrew/ Get coaching with Simon here: simonjedrew.com/coaching/

In this episode Simon shares a portion of a Patreon meetup recording from this weeks meetup on the topic of meaning and where to find it. He offers his thoughts on what meaning looks like, how to recognise it in your life, and what you might do in order to move closer towards more meaningful experiences in life. To support the podcast or attend future meetups, go to patreon.com/simonjedrew/ To get coaching with Simon go to simonjedrew.com/coaching/

In this episode Simon Drew discusses Seneca's thoughts on trust and friendship, derived from Seneca's Epistles 3:2-4. For coaching with Simon Drew go to simonjedrew.com/coaching/ To support Simon's work go to patreon.com/simonjedrew/

About the guest: Ryan A Bush is the founder of Designing the Mind LLC, a self-development organization focused on providing wisdom education and expanding human potential beyond the norm. Ryan’s background is in the design of systems – he works with tech startups to design and develop everything from patented physical products, to software, to buildings, to business models. But his most relevant credential is a lifelong appetite for introspective investigation, ravenous reading, and obsessive self-optimization. For more than a decade, he has been studying the insights of ancient teachers, practical philosophers, and cognitive scientists. In his first book, he aims to assemble these puzzle pieces to form a new vision for psychological growth and self-mastery. Ryan's Links: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/designing_the_mind/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/designingthemind Twitter: https://twitter.com/Designing_Mind Website: https://designingthemind.org Coaching with Simon J. E. Drew: simonjedrew.com/coaching/ Support the podcast: patreon.com/simonjedrew/

In this episode Simon has a conversation with Sharon Lebell about various lessons learned in 2020. Sharon Lebell is a writer, speaker and author of “The Art of Living – A Classical Manual on Virtue, Happiness and Effectiveness”, a collection of her own interpretations of Epictetus’ best writings. You can buy the book HERE. To support the podcast go to patreon.com/simonjedrew/ For coaching with Simon go to simonjedrew.com/coaching/

In this episode Simon speaks with Steve Karafit from the Sunday Stoic Podcast (https://www.sundaystoicpodcast.com/) about Seneca's 16th epistle "On Philosophy as the Guide of Life". Support the podcast on patreon: www.patreon.com/simonjedrew/ Get coaching with Simon: www.simonjedrew.com/coaching/

In this episode Simon breaks down the important lessons on desire, wealth and gratitude found in verse 6 of Seneca's second epistle. For coaching with Simon go to simonjedrew.com/coaching/ To support the show on Patreon go to patreon.com/simonjedrew/

In this episode Simon reflects on one of Seneca's daily learning habits which can help any student of philosophy to better digest specific lessons and ideas. Quote mentioned in the episode: Epistle 2:4-5 For coaching with Simon go to simonjedrew.com/coaching/ To support the show on Patreon go to patreon.com/simonjedrew/

What is the best way to learn how to think? How can one effectively gain wisdom through study? In this episode Simon Drew discusses Seneca's theory of learning wisely and gives examples from his own life where this theory has applied. Quote mentioned: Seneca's Epistles 2:2 To support the Practical Stoic Podcast go to patreon.com/simonjedrew/ To get philosophical coaching from Simon go to simonjedrew.com/coaching/

Neil Cowley is an English jazz pianist and composer. He has also released music as part of Fragile State, the Green Nuns of the Revolution, and the Neil Cowley Trio. With his trio, he appeared on Later... with Jools Holland in April 2008 and won the 2007 BBC Jazz Award for best album for Displaced. He has a diverse discography of music produced by himself as well as significant recordings as a sideman, including albums from Adele and Birdy. In March 2021 he is releasing a new album called Hall of Mirrors. You can listen to one track from this album here: Bandcamp: https://neilcowley.bandcamp.com/ Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/album/hall-of-mirrors/1539916646 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/neilcowleytrio/ Neil Cowley Website: https://neilcowleymusic.com/ For coaching with Simon Drew visit simonjedrew.com/coaching/ To become a patron, go to patreon.com/simonjedrew/

In this episode Simon Drew discusses a single passage from Seneca's second epistle where he makes a suggestion about the sign of a well-ordered mind. Quote mentioned in this episode: Seneca's Epistle 2:1 To support the podcast and receive exclusive episodes like this you can visit patreon.com/simonjedrew/ To get coaching from Simon visit simonjedrew.com/coaching/

In this episode Simon discusses Australian modern history as it relates to war, international politics, and diplomacy, as well as Australia's current position leading into the future. Prof. Joseph Siracusa is Professor of Political History and International Diplomacy at Curtin University. Born and raised in Chicago and a long time resident of Australia, Joseph studied at the University of Denver and the University of Vienna and received his PhD at the University of Colorado (Boulder). He has worked at Merrill Lynch in Boston and New York; the University of Queensland; and for three years served as a senior visiting fellow in the Key Centre for Ethics, Law, Justice and Governance at Griffith University. He has authored and co-authored 310 refereed publications including 75 books, monographs and chapters, 115 journal articles/entries and scholarly reviews, and 120 refereed proceedings. His publications include the following: America and the Cold War, 1941-1991: A Realist interpretation, 2 volumes (Praeger, 2010) Nuclear Weapons: A Very Short Introduction (Second edition, Oxford University Press, 2015) The Death Penalty and U.S. Diplomacy (Rowman & Littlefield, 2013) A Global History of the Nuclear Arms Race, 2 volumes (Praeger, 2013) Language of Terror: How Neuroscience Influences Political Speech in the United States (Rowman & Littlefield, 2015) Diplomatic History: A Very Short Introduction, to be published by Oxford University Press, in early 2021 For coaching with Simon Drew go to simonjedrew.com/coaching/ To join Simon's Patreon community go to patreon.com/simonjedrew/

In this episode Simon dives into three verses from Seneca's first epistle which grapple with the complexities of time and death. Seneca's ideas around death and the value of our time are not only inspiring, but they are also deeply thought provoking and practical. After listening to this episode consider consulting with yourself about the feelings you associate with death. Does knowledge of death inspire you? Does it frighten you? Is it a bit of both? How does Seneca's take change the way you think and feel? Quoted passages: Epistles 1:2, 1:3, 1:4 To gain exclusive early access to more of this series go to patreon.com/simonjedrew/. For one-on-one coaching with Simon, visit simonjedrew.com/coaching/

In this episode Simon Drew continues his series on Seneca's writings and breaks down his favourite passage from Seneca's "Consolation to Helvia". This passage paints a beautiful picture of Seneca's feelings about his cosmic home, and with just the right mix of philosophy, theology, and literary finesse, it inspires us to nurture our sense of wonder and belonging with the world around us. Quoted passage sourced from Seneca's "Consolation to Helvia". To gain exclusive early access to more of this series go to patreon.com/simonjedrew/. For one-on-one coaching with Simon, visit simonjedrew.com/coaching/

In this new series, join Simon as he dives deep into the writings of Lucius Annaeus Seneca - the renowned Stoic philosopher, politician, and playwright. In this episode Simon gives a brief overview of Seneca's life, and he sets the scene for the episodes to come. Go to simonjedrew.com to find out more, or become a patron at patreon.com/simonjedrew/ to support Simon's work and receive extra episodes.

Sharon Lebell is a writer, speaker and author of "The Art of Living - A Classical Manual on Virtue, Happiness and Effectiveness", a collection of her own interpretations of Epictetus' best writings. In this conversation Simon and Sharon discuss holidays, traditions and rituals, and the important role they play in culture. Buy The Art of Living: https://www.amazon.com/Art-Living-Classical-Happiness-Effectiveness/dp/0061286052/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=the+art+of+living&qid=1608726565&sr=8-1 simonjedrew.com

This is such an important time of year where we all have the opportunity to transform ourselves and set new goals and intentions. In this episode Simon Drew and Ashley McCole discuss various tips and strategies for setting and succeeding with New Year resolutions. Ashley McCole is a dedicated practitioner of Stoicism from Perth, Australia. He currently runs various meetup groups and facilitates personal change in his students through fact-based habit change. Now, Ashley is running the Practical Stoic Mastermind on Facebook. simonjedrew.com

Website: simonjedrew.com For as long as I can remember, I have really loved the Christmas season. Of course, having grown up as a Latter Day Saint in a Christian society, and having parents who have made their entire living in Christmas decorations, it seems only natural that I would have a certain affinity for this holiday. But even more broadly than just Christmas, the final months of each year and the traditions that take place always bring moments of reflection, inspiration and renewal - something that we could all use after a year like this. During my own personal reflection over the past few weeks I’ve been thinking about the opportunities for personal growth that lie within three specific traditional holidays of this time of year, namely Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Years Eve. These three traditions, in my view, offer far more than an opportunity to gather with friends and family, which is incredibly important in its own right. Rather, it seems to me that by looking at them as a cohesive progression we can tap into one of the greatest cycles of personal transformation available to us. First, let’s look at Thanksgiving. If we can view this holiday from the perspective of what it is supposed to instill within us, then it’s clear that an attitude of gratitude is number one on the list. Thanksgiving should be a time of personal reflection about all that we have to be thankful for. We should take stock of our blessings and gifts, and we should spend time with those people who mean something to us. We should think of the friends, family, and ancestors who paved the way before us, and we should remind ourselves that no matter how challenging life can get, there are always things to be grateful for. Nothing to my knowledge is more necessary for personal growth than to be reminded of this fact. The grateful heart at the same time shows humility, respect for life, and a willingness to press forward with a cheerful disposition. Comparatively, the ungrateful heart shows egotism, arrogance, and resentment towards life's challenges. This is not the same thing as saying that people don’t go through dark times in their lives or that we have no reason for sadness, but it is fair to suggest that even dark times can be made lighter by shining the torch of gratitude. This is why I believe that it is truly brilliant that the holiday season begins, at least in the United States, with Thanksgiving. How else would you want to begin the winding down of the year than to pause and to be grateful? Then we move through to Christmas - the celebration of the birth of the person who could accurately be described as the Sage of Western culture - Jesus Christ. He’s the archetypal hero in our culture - the man of humble birth who became a master of tradition, bore the weight of his terrible burdon, and died a noble death. Whether or not you celebrate Christmas in this traditional form by meditating on the life of Jesus, it appears to me that there lies a real opportunity for us all to at least reflect on the Sage at this time of year. What are the characteristics of the best possible human that you can be? Who is the hero you think of when you need inspiration? Which ruler will you measure your own life against? What is your own personal ideal? Close to the beginning of a new year, Christmas is the ideal time to imagine all the ways that you could be a better citizen of this cosmos. And always remember that meditating on the ideal path is not only necessary for personal change - it’s fundamental, simply due to the fact that if you’d like to be a better person, then you first need to at least define what “better” would mean. Finally we arrive at New Years Eve and New Years Day. This is the phoenix of all the holidays. Arising from the ashes of the now dead year, we are reborn into a new year with new priorities, new goals, and a renewed sense of excitement and adventure. We launch ourselves into the new year with a celebration, and we prepare to succeed in uprooting the personal failings which have plagued our souls previously. Sure, we may fall short of fully realising these new aims, but I’ve come to think that this is a shallow way of viewing this time of year. The point isn’t to perfectly realise every dream or goal that we set, but rather it’s simply expected that we aim higher and set our sights on some image of a more perfectly developed self. Where’s the harm in that? Where’s the downside? Yes, there’s definitely an important conversation to be had regarding the necessary steps we could take to ensure a more long-term commitment to our goals, but we cannot underestimate the power of simply taking that leap of faith and having the courage to start on a new path toward a better life. So how do we tie these all together? Within their own individual traditions these holidays each present unique opportunities for an individual as well as a society’s growth and development, but I believe that when bundled together this trio become

simonjedrew.com simonjedrew.com/coaching/ patreon.com/simonjedrew/ Know Thyself | A Call to Curiosity, Duty & Reverence I was recently reminded of a maxim that was inscribed on the temple of Apollo at Delphi - one which has actually been on my mind throughout this entire year. There are 147 of these maxims (you can find them here. Thanks to JC for sending this amazing list to me!), but this particular one has had such a transformative effect on my life that it's hard to know exactly how to begin the process of sharing this experience. Perhaps beginning with the words might suffice. The maxim simply reads, "Know thyself." Sometimes the simplest combinations of words can inspire within us the most significant changes, and I guess that says as much about the power of carefully chosen words as it says about the specific effect which they can have in an individual's life as well as the effect they can have on the course of history. The first time I really thought about these two powerful words was when I was reading about the philosopher Thales who, according to Diogenes in The Lives of the Eminent Philosophers, was the original purveyor of this proverb of "Know thyself." It was also Thales who said that what was most difficult was to know oneself. When I read these words I felt a sense that seeing as they came from one of the original seekers of wisdom, and seeing as my own wisdom pales in comparison to those giants who have come before me, these words must necessarily be taken on with curiosity, duty and reverence - these being an excellent combination of modes with which to face a set of words that have the power to transform one's life. Let me explain why. We'll start with curiosity, or perhaps more accurately presented in the form of wonder. Must we not be curious about the transformative effects that words could have on our lives? Is it not completely necessary, if we are to derive any lasting value from words over the course of our lives, to first be intrigued by what those words mean? Or at least to garner a sense of wonder about what they could mean if we were able to fully comprehend and realise the depth of their utility in our own lives? This is what we call inspiration - a set of words that come to us, spelling out a hero's journey that has yet to be taken, a road that longs to be travelled, an idea that cries out to be developed, experienced, and lifted from the depths and into the light. This is that moment when, despite all your greatest efforts to improve your life and move in the direction that suits what you think is you, a few simple words in a book, a heartfelt comment from a friend, or the lyrics in a song seem to jump out at you and lift your soul while crushing you all at once. These words lift you because they show you a new side of yourself that you've never been introduced to before. They show you a new ideal, a new way of being, or a new trove of treasure waiting to be found. But as we all know, every cave full of treasure is guarded by a dragon, and that's why inspiration, or curious combinations of words, also by necessity crush you; because you're not who you need to be in order to live up to that new ideal - that new adventure. You don't have what it takes, yet, and as such you’ll need to let some parts of you die so that other parts of you can be born - parts which are necessary for the task at hand. This is where duty comes into the picture. You've received inspiration, you're captivated by words which tell a new story, and you're also frightened by who you'd have to become in order to live up to that new ideal, but a part of you knows that if you don't accept the call, then something within you will be lost. And the part of you that will be lost is the very part of you that would flourish if you decided there and then to accept the call, and to take the first step. But you don't take the first step because you'd feel guilty if you didn't, or because I tell you to, or because your family would judge you if you didn't. You take those first steps because there's something within you that knows that to not accept the call of adventure would be a moral crime, not only to the detriment of the people in your life who could benefit from you becoming everything you could become, but it would also be to the detriment of your own soul - the one thing you have access to. This is the duty that is nested within every word, sentence, or paragraph that grasps your attention and makes you wonder, "what could these words mean for me?". It’s the duty that we all have to grasp those moments and see what they could teach us, not only theoretically, but practically in our lives. And finally, there is reverence. Reverence is the quality which inspires within us a deep respect and gratitude for the divine, as well as a humble admission that no matter how clever or “rational” we think we are, there is always an infinite array of knowledge and understanding that is either not presenting itself to us

Miles Davis, the legendary trumpeter, was one of the most revolutionary artists in all of history, compared to people like Leonardo da Vinci, Pablo Picasso and Igor Stravinsky. His music influenced the sound of multiple generations of musicians, and he is widely regarded to be one of the most creatively inspired people who ever lived. In this series of episodes Simon Drew draws inspiration not from his music, but from the wisdom he spoke regarding creativity, art and life. simonjedrew.com patreon.com/simonjedrew/

Miles Davis, the legendary trumpeter, was one of the most revolutionary artists in all of history, compared to people like Leonardo da Vinci, Pablo Picasso and Igor Stravinsky. His music influenced the sound of multiple generations of musicians, and he is widely regarded to be one of the most creatively inspired people who ever lived. In this series of episodes Simon Drew draws inspiration not from his music, but from the wisdom he spoke regarding creativity, art and life. simonjedrew.com patreon.com/simonjedrew/

Simon gives an update for the month of November and discusses finishing university, finalising his book and composing his first original album on piano. He then also discusses some ideas about how we can find more room for common ground in political matters. simonjedrew.com simonjedrew.com/coaching/ facebook.com/groups/practicalstoicmastermind/

About Dirk Mahling: Faculty member at the College of Stoic Philosophers (FCSP) Professor Emeritus, Information Sciences, University of Pittsburgh, PA, USA Fulbright Scholar Licensed Psychologist, Germany Licensed Autogenic Training/Meditation Councellor Go-Dan (5th degree black belt) in Aikido, Instructor Certified Advanced Hanggliding Instructor; USHGA Officer of the reserve in the German Army Frigga's Web Association, Trustee; USA CIO in Fortune 500 Utility Companies in the USA Published author in peer reviewed books and journals on Cognitive Science Speaker and author on digital transformation in the utility industry College of Stoic Philosophers: http://collegeofstoicphilosophers.org/ Simon Drew Website: simonjedrew.com

About the Guest: Brian C. Muraresku graduated Phi Beta Kappa from Brown University with a degree in Latin, Greek and Sanskrit. As an alumnus of Georgetown Law and a member of the New York Bar, he has been practicing law internationally for fifteen years. He lives outside Washington D.C. with his wife and two daughters. In 2016, Muraresku became the founding executive director of Doctors for Cannabis Regulation. Their work has been featured on CNN and ESPN, as well as The Washington Post and San Francisco Chronicle. In arbitration with the NFL in 2018, Muraresku represented the first professional athlete in the United States to seek a therapeutic use exemption for cannabis. The Immortality Key is his debut book. Website: https://www.brianmuraresku.com/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/BrianMuraresku Buy The Immortality Key: https://www.amazon.com/Immortality-Key-Secret-History-Religion/dp/125075299X ----more---- Simon Drew Links Website: simonjedrew.com Patreon: patreon.com/simonjedrew Coaching: simonjedrew.com/coaching/ Practical Stoic Mastermind: facebook.com/groups/practicalstoicmastermind

Rob turner is a musician from Manchester UK and is the Drummer and co-writer with the band GoGo Penguin. The band is known for expanding the piano trio format, combining elements of traditional styles such as Jazz and Classical with modern electronic music which they perform live on acoustic instruments. His work with the band has included five studio albums, two released by Manchester’s Gondwana Records, the second of which received the coveted mercury prize shortlist in 2014 and three albums released by the legendary Blue Note record label. With GoGo penguin Rob composed ‘As above so below, a hermetic influenced tribute to the work of Basil Kirchin commissioned by the performing rights society foundation, a live ballet performed at the Barbican and a live re-scoring of Godfrey Reggio’s cult masterpiece Koyaanisqatsi. In addition to performing around the globe the band have also appeared on NPR’s tiny desk series, Jools Holland and together with co-member and bassist Nick Blacka Rob has presented on Giles Peterson’s worldwide FM radio. Band Website: https://gogopenguin.co.uk/ Simon Drew Links Patreon: patreon.com/simonjedrew Coaching: simonjedrew.com/coaching/ Practical Stoic Mastermind: facebook.com/groups/practicalstoicmastermind Website: simonjedrew.com

Dru Johnson is an associate professor of biblical and theological studies at The King’s College in New York City, director of the Center for Hebraic Thought , editor at The Biblical Mind, host of the Center for Hebraic Thought Podcast, and co-host of the OnScript Podcast. Before that, he was a high-school dropout, skinhead, punk rock drummer, combat veteran, IT supervisor, and pastor—all things that he hopes none of his children ever become. Website: https://drujohnson.com/ The Biblical Mind: https://thebiblicalmind.org/ Centre for Hebraic Thought Podcast: https://centerforhebraicthought.podbean.com/ On Script Podcast: https://onscript.study/ Books: https://drujohnson.com/page/ Simon Drew Links Patreon: patreon.com/simonjedrew Coaching: simonjedrew.com/coaching/ Practical Stoic Mastermind: facebook.com/groups/practicalstoicmastermind Facebook: facebook.com/simonjedrew Instagram: instagram.com/simonjedrew LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/simonjedrew Website: simonjedrew.com FEEDSPOT: https://blog.feedspot.com/stoicism_podcasts/

Harry Terrell and Eli Goss are the founders of The Breathing Effect - an LA-based synth-heavy rock band that leaves a lasting impression. They play psychedelic fusion with soul, jazz, and electronic influences, and are signed to L.A.'s Alpha Pup Records label. Shapes That Change Shape: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KAQr0SPUqQ8 The Breathing Effect Bandcamp: https://thebreathingeffect.bandcamp.com/ The Breathing Effect Website: https://thebreathingeffect.com/

Troels Engberg Pedersen is a Pauline theologian, author, and professor of New Testament exegesis at the University of Copenhagen in Denmark. For approximately 25 years, Pedersen has focused his attentions on the writings of Paul the Apostle and on exploring how the structure and content of the Pauline epistles align with themes which are present in Stoic philosophy of the Hellenistic Period. When set in conjunction with Paul's identity as a Greco-Roman Jew, the implications of Paul's letters standout as a demonstration of how the early Christian church community developed in light of the Greco-Roman world which surrounded it. Paul and the Stoics

Ben Aldridge is an adventurer who believes that doing challenging things makes us feel better, stronger and more alive. By routinely throwing himself into unusual situations, he has overcome his own severe anxiety and created a new method for building mental toughness through exciting experiences. His new book, How to be Comfortable With Being Uncomfortable, will launch you out of your own comfort zone in fun and practical ways. Ben Aldridge Website: https://www.benaldridge.com/ ​Buy How to be Comfortable With Being Uncomfortable

Sharon Lebell is a philosophical writer and musician from Northern California. Her book, "The Art of Living", is a collection of modern translations of some of Epictetus' best teachings that has served as a source of inspiration for Stoics all around the world for over 20 years. BOOKS: https://www.amazon.com/Sharon-Lebell/e/B000AR8A5U%3Fref=dbs_a_mng_rwt_scns_share Simon Drew Links Patreon: patreon.com/simonjedrew Coaching: simonjedrew.com/coaching/ Practical Stoic Mastermind: facebook.com/groups/practicalstoicmastermind Facebook: facebook.com/simonjedrew Instagram: instagram.com/simonjedrew LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/simonjedrew Website: simonjedrew.com FEEDSPOT: https://blog.feedspot.com/stoicism_podcasts/

Paul has over 30 years of experience in organisational psychology, leadership and personal development. His insights are based on expertise in the theory and more importantly the practice of high performance. He taught at Oxford University, and has four books published. He has also coached over 10,000 employees around the world, and founded and built a major training and recruitment business. His new book, Significance, is a blueprint for flourishing in the new normal and refocusing your life on what matters most. His previous book, The Wisdom of Groundhog Day, was #1 for Self Help on Amazon and a Sunday Times bestseller. Paul specializes in working with leaders who want to achieve both success and significance, and who want their lives to have greater meaning and purpose. Website: https://paulhannam.com/ Simon Drew Links Patreon: patreon.com/simonjedrew Coaching: simonjedrew.com/coaching/ Practical Stoic Mastermind: facebook.com/groups/practicalstoicmastermind Facebook: facebook.com/simonjedrew Instagram: instagram.com/simonjedrew LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/simonjedrew Website: simonjedrew.com FEEDSPOT: https://blog.feedspot.com/stoicism_podcasts/

Pete Bell is the owner of Aurelius, a management consulting firm focused on adding maximum value to businesses and people below the surface; so that they can shine above it. The people strategies and frameworks applied by Aurelius to assist people in their specific growth journey often have links back to philosophies that have stood the test of time, like Stoicism. Pete also looks to practically apply the learnings from such philosophies to his own life. He is a proud father, husband and passionate about supporting community initiatives that break down the stigma associated with mental (brain) health and provide shelter for the disadvantaged. Click the link below to find out how you can purchase Pete's new book - Stepping Out The Other Side. STEPPING OUT THE OTHER SIDE:​ https://aurelius.com.au/stepping/ WEBSITE: https://aurelius.com.au/ LINKEDIN: https://www.linkedin.com/in/petergerardbell/

This episode is a guest podcast exchange with the Crazy Town Podcast from the Post Carbon Institute. About the Crazy Town Podcast With equal parts humor and in-depth analysis, Asher, Rob, and Jason safeguard their sanity while probing crazy-making topics like climate change, overshoot, runaway capitalism, and why we’re all deluding ourselves. Website: https://www.postcarbon.org/crazytown/episode-1/ About the Episode Can you imagine putting on a Santa Claus suit, not to pull a fast one on the kids and deliver Christmas presents, but to protest Big Oil and climate change in front of your local gas station? That may sound insane, but given what’s at stake, it might be the sanest thing you could do on Christmas Eve (plus it’s kinda funny). In this first episode, Asher, Rob, and Jason explore how tough it can be to keep from going crazy as our society rushes headlong toward the cliff edge of environmental and social meltdown. Welcome to Crazy Town, where most of the inhabitants just want you to keep contributing to an economy already in overshoot, keep distracting yourself from the most important stories, and (most of all) keep your mouth shut.

Jonathan T. Pennington is currently Associate Professor of New Testament Interpretation and Director of Research Doctoral Studies at Southern Seminary in Louisville, Kentucky (USA). He earned a B.A. in History as well as a Teaching Certificate from Northern Illinois University. He received the Master of Divinity degree from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School (Chicago), where he also taught Greek for two years as a NT Fellow. During his time at TEDS he also served for five years as the Associate Pastor at the Evangelical Free Church of Mt. Morris in northern Illinois. He holds the PhD in New Testament Studies from the University of St. Andrews, Scotland (in St. Mary’s College), where he wrote a thesis entitled “Heaven and Earth in the Gospel of Matthew” under the supervision of Professors Richard Bauckham and Philip Esler. He attended St. Andrews as a Rotary International Ambassadorial Scholar and while there he also served as a lecturer in Greek. ​Website: https://www.jonathanpennington.com/ Simon Drew Links Patreon: patreon.com/simonjedrew Coaching: simonjedrew.com/coaching/ Practical Stoic Mastermind: facebook.com/groups/practicalstoicmastermind Facebook: facebook.com/simonjedrew Instagram: instagram.com/simonjedrew LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/simonjedrew Website: simonjedrew.com FEEDSPOT: https://blog.feedspot.com/stoicism_podcasts/

Scott F. Aikin is an American philosopher and Assistant Professor of Philosophy at Vanderbilt University in Nashville, Tennessee, where he also holds a joint appointment in Classics. He earned an M.A. in Philosophy from the University of Montana in 1999 and a Ph.D. in Philosophy from Vanderbilt University in 2006. His principal areas of research are epistemology, argumentation theory, ancient philosophy, and pragmatism. And on top of all this he's also the co-author of the book "Why We Argue (How We Should) - A Guide to Political Disagreement." ACADEMIA: https://vanderbilt.academia.edu/ScottAikin UNIVERSITY: https://as.vanderbilt.edu/philosophy/bio/scott-aikin BUY SCOTT'S BOOK: https://www.amazon.com/Why-Argue-How-Should-Disagreement/dp/0415859050 SENECA SURPASSING GOD: https://www.academia.edu/34402290/Seneca_on_Surpassing_God Simon Drew Links Patreon: patreon.com/simonjedrew Coaching: simonjedrew.com/coaching/ Practical Stoic Mastermind: facebook.com/groups/practicalstoicmastermind Facebook: facebook.com/simonjedrew Instagram: instagram.com/simonjedrew LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/simonjedrew Website: simonjedrew.com FEEDSPOT: https://blog.feedspot.com/stoicism_podcasts/

About Dirk Mahling: Faculty member at the College of Stoic Philosophers (FCSP) Professor Emeritus, Information Sciences, University of Pittsburgh, PA, USA Fulbright Scholar Licensed Psychologist, Germany Licensed Autogenic Training/Meditation Councellor Go-Dan (5th degree black belt) in Aikido, Instructor Certified Advanced Hanggliding Instructor; USHGA Officer of the reserve in the German Army Frigga's Web Association, Trustee; USA CIO in Fortune 500 Utility Companies in the USA Published author in peer reviewed books and journals on Cognitive Science Speaker and author on digital transformation in the utility industry College of Stoic Philosophers: http://collegeofstoicphilosophers.org/ Simon Drew Links Patreon: patreon.com/simonjedrew Coaching: simonjedrew.com/coaching/ Practical Stoic Mastermind: facebook.com/groups/practicalstoicmastermind Facebook: facebook.com/simonjedrew Instagram: instagram.com/simonjedrew LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/simonjedrew Website: simonjedrew.com FEEDSPOT: https://blog.feedspot.com/stoicism_podcasts/