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The Sunday Stoic
Applying ancient philosophy to modern life.
The Sunday Stoic Podcast is a weekly show for those seeking to live a life guided by reason, virtue, and resilience. Each episode explores the timeless wisdom of ancient Stoicism through modern reflections on ancient writings, practical applications, and interviews. Whether you're new to Stoicism or deeply steeped in its teachings, the show blends clarity, curiosity, and community in a down-to-earth format designed to inspire thoughtful action.
The Sunday Stoic
The Spark Before the Fire: Stoic Protopathē
In this episode, we explore the subtle yet powerful Stoic concept of protopathē—the initial stirrings of emotion that arise before reason has a chance to intervene. Often misunderstood as signs of weakness or failure, these “proto-passions” are actually natural physiological responses: a racing heart, a sudden flush of fear, a jolt of surprise. The Stoics didn’t condemn these reactions—they distinguished them from full-blown passions (pathē) that result from poor judgment.