After 10 Years of Stoicism - Does it Really Make You Happy?
Can Stoicism really lead to happiness? In this episode, we dive deep into the timeless wisdom of the Stoics to answer one of the most pressing modern questions: how do we find true happiness?William explores how Stoic philosophy helps us shift from chasing external validation—money, fame, and followers—to cultivating internal peace, presence, and virtue. You’ll learn how understanding what you can control, practicing mindfulness, and living with virtue are keys to lasting happiness. This episode challenges society’s distorted images of success and offers a grounded, transformative view of what it means to live well.Perfect for anyone feeling lost, anxious, or constantly chasing the next high—this conversation is your invitation to reclaim joy through timeless Stoic practices.
--------
10:29
The Fundamentals of Stoicism | How a Stoic Knows the Difference Between Good and Bad with William Mulligan
In this episode, William dives deep into one of the most fundamental—and misunderstood—principles of Stoicism: what is truly good and what is bad? William unpacks the Stoic understanding of virtue and vice, the divine principle of logos, and how testing your impressions is the cornerstone of living a good life.Through metaphors like the song of the universe, real-world examples, and Stoic insights from Epictetus, Marcus Aurelius, and Zeno, William shows how to align with nature by choosing reason, courage, justice, wisdom, and temperance. He explains why virtue is the only true good, why vice is the only bad, and how everyday challenges—from injuries and fines to dropped wallets—offer opportunities to practice Stoic values.
--------
22:02
Advice from Epictetus | Turn Hard Times Into the Greatest Gifts with William Mulligan
In today’s episode, William dives into one of the most powerful ideas in Stoic philosophy: how every challenge, setback, or frustration can become an opportunity for growth. Inspired by Book 3 of Epictetus’ Discourses, we explore how Stoics like Epictetus and Marcus Aurelius viewed adversity—not as obstacles, but as sparring partners sent by life itself to help us grow stronger, wiser, and more resilient.Through the whimsical tale of the carrot and personal reflections—including a tram fine turned life lesson—William breaks this concept down so simply even a five-year-old could understand. Whether it's a rude person, a lost job, or just a late bus, you’ll learn how to transform life's difficulties into gold using the principles of Stoicism. This is The Stoic Flame, the essence of turning any moment into virtue.
--------
15:04
Epictetus' Backwards Goal | How to Be Successful with William Mulligan
In this episode, William explores a profound Stoic concept from Epictetus’ Discourses—the backwards goal. While the world pushes us to chase success, climb higher, and achieve more, we often find that every summit only reveals another peak in the distance. Epictetus challenges this pursuit by offering a radical alternative: freedom is not achieved by satisfying our desires, but by eliminating them.William unpacks the metaphor of the mountain, the illusion of success, and the endless hunger that modern life stokes within us. Through stories, personal reflections, and powerful Stoic teachings, he reveals how letting go—of fame, money, respect, and even our deepest wants—can lead to genuine peace and autonomy. Learn how to test your impressions daily, strip away your vices, and discover the "small but certain happiness" that lies in simplicity.Whether you’re on a personal growth journey or wrestling with the weight of worldly ambitions, this episode is your guide to setting a backwards goal—the only true path to inner freedom and Stoic virtue.
--------
15:50
The Algorithm is Stealing Your Life | How to Take Back Your Freedom with Stoicism
In this thought-provoking episode, we dive into one of the most insidious forces shaping modern life: the algorithm. William unpacks how these invisible systems are meticulously engineered to hijack your attention, foster division, fuel procrastination, and even rewire your desires—keeping you from your goals, your health, and your purpose.Imagine a team of experts hired to keep you distracted, tracking your every move, pushing you further away from your dreams—and worse, doing it under the guise of entertainment and relevance. From doom-scrolling disturbing content to spiraling into ideological echo chambers, William exposes how the algorithm exploits your darkest impulses and disrupts your peace.But all is not lost. William shares Stoic strategies for reclaiming your focus, tailoring your feed, and re-centering your life around intention and virtue. This is a wake-up call for anyone who’s ever felt stuck, anxious, or lost in the noise. A must-listen for anyone seeking clarity, discipline, and digital freedom.
The Everyday Stoic is hosted by William Mulligan, Author of the book "The Everyday Stoic : The Simple Rules for a Good Life". He is also widely recognised as one of the Mulligan Brothers a network of social pages and films with the missions of inspiring change around the world.
Ireland