Bonus Episode: The Emperor’s Journal – Marcus Aurelius
Mind the Gap: Stoic Portraits – Season One
What does a Roman emperor write to himself when no one else is meant to read it?
In this five-minute episode, Michael Comyn reflects on the inner world of Marcus Aurelius—Stoic philosopher, reluctant ruler, and author of Meditations, a private diary that became a timeless guide to clarity, calm, and self-command.
As the world around him unravelled, Marcus turned inward, not to escape, but to anchor. This portrait reveals how his quiet discipline speaks across centuries, offering strength not through dominance, but through restraint.
For anyone navigating overwhelm, leadership pressure, or emotional noise, Marcus Aurelius reminds us:
Your mind is yours. Rule it well.
Part of our Stoic Portraits bonus series—five-minute meditations on ancient lives that still speak today.
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Bonus Episode: Stillness in Shackles – Who was Epictetus?
Mind the Gap: Stoic Portraits – Season One
What can a man born into slavery teach us about inner freedom?
In this five-minute reflection, Michael Comyn explores the life and legacy of Epictetus—the Stoic philosopher who had no control over his body, his birthplace, or his master… but refused to surrender his mind.
From radical acceptance to the discipline of emotional clarity, this episode distils Epictetus’ most powerful ideas and shows how they apply to the noise, stress, and uncertainty of modern life.
Whether you’re facing frustration, doubt, or just a crowded day, this quiet portrait reminds us:
You can’t always change the world, but you can always change your response to it.
Part of our Stoic Portraits bonus series—bite-sized wisdom from ancient lives that still echo today.
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Contact Isn’t Connection
We live in a world of constant pings, notifications, and endless scrolls. Yet for many, the phone doesn’t ring, the inbox is quiet, and the silence can feel heavy.
In this episode of Mind the Gap, Michael explores the difference between contact and connection, weaving in Stoic philosophy, emotional intelligence, and modern psychology to understand why so many feel lonely even while surrounded by people or devices.
Michael shares reflections on why he rarely feels lonely, the difference between solitude and loneliness, and how age, gender, and relationship status can shape the experience of loneliness. Most importantly, this episode offers gentle, practical steps for listeners who feel unseen and unheard, encouraging small acts of connection and reminding us that reaching out is a sign of courage, not weakness.
In this episode:
– Why contact isn’t the same as connection
– The loneliness paradox of modern life
– What the Stoics and Viktor Frankl teach us about loneliness
– Age, gender, and relationship status factors in loneliness
– Gentle steps to find a meaningful connection
If this episode resonates with you, consider sharing it with someone who may need it today. Because sometimes, the phone won’t ring until we decide to call first.
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The Power Beneath the Silence
In this special bonus episode, we share the debut of Echoes from the Margin here on Mind the Gap.
We turn down the noise to tune in more deeply, exploring the quiet strength found in humility, restraint, and presence. Drawing from Stoic thought, Indigenous wisdom, and timeless traditions from East and West, we reflect on what it means to lead, to influence, and to live—not through force, but through quiet clarity.
Because sometimes, the most powerful truths aren’t shouted. They’re simply lived.
In this episode:
• Why true wisdom rarely seeks the spotlight
• The difference between being overlooked and being grounded
• A gentle invitation to listen with more than just your ears
Take a moment to pause, breathe, and lean into the quiet power that shapes who we are.
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“Always On: The Tyranny of Instant Response”
Have you ever felt chained to your phone, answering every message, every call, every ping—immediately? Michael shares a personal revelation on how the demand for instant replies has become a modern tyranny, shaping our anxiety, our relationships, and even our sense of self-worth.
From missed calls that led to €300 fines to the quiet fear of being unreachable when someone needs us, this episode explores why we struggle to pause, and what the Stoics, emotional intelligence, and modern thinkers might teach us about reclaiming our time.
Because sometimes, the wisest thing you can do is wait before you respond.
In this episode:
– The hidden cost of always being reachable
– What the Stoics would say about immediacy
– Fear of missing out versus the courage to pause
– Practical steps to free yourself from instant response habits
Michael also admits this is a lesson he’s still learning, reminding us that even those who teach these ideas must practice them daily.
Welcome to “Mind the Gap,” the podcast where ancient wisdom and modern emotional intelligence converge. I’m Michael Comyn, and with 38 years of experience in emotional intelligence, I’m excited to bring you this exploration of how Stoic philosophy can illuminate our contemporary challenges.
You might also recognize my voice from a different context—I’ve been the one reminding passengers to “Mind the Gap” on public transport across Ireland for the past 25 years. It’s a phrase that’s taken on a new meaning in this podcast, as we delve into the gap between our emotions and reality.
In each episode, we’ll bridge the gap between the timeless insights of Stoic philosophers and the latest understandings of emotional intelligence. I’ll share practical tools and strategies to help you manage feelings, enhance self-awareness, and build resilience.
Join me as we explore how these ancient teachings can provide clarity and guidance for today’s emotional landscape. Let’s close the gap together, turning everyday challenges into opportunities for growth, one episode at a time.
Ireland