The Practical Philosopher

Nothing Lasts: And That's the Point: How Impermanence Reveals Your Bigger Why- Episode 8

What would you do if you really accepted that your time is limited? In this episode, Colin explores why impermanence isn't the enemy of purpose it's the engine. Drawing from Buddhist teachings, the Stoic practice of memento mori, existentialist philosophy, and the concept of being 1% better every day, this episode walks through the two traps people fall into when facing mortality (nihilism and hustle-culture panic) and offers a third path: using your finite time as a catalyst for intentional living. Colin gets personal about his own struggles with attachment to outcomes, shares the Five Whys exercise for uncovering your deeper purpose, and makes the case that the dying flame is exactly what makes it worth lighting. If you've ever caught yourself asking 'what's the point?' this one's for you.

The Discipline Paradox: Why Consistency Creates Freedom - Episode 7

In this episode of The Practical Philosopher, I reframe discipline as something radically different: not self-punishment, but self-respect. Not intensity, but consistency. Not hype, but care. In this episode, I explore: * Why motivation is a terrible leader—it's inconsistent and mood-dependent. Discipline is steady. It's choosing your future self over your current feelings. * The paradox of short-term "freedom" vs. long-term restriction * The difference between the pain of discipline and the pain of regret * Why many people don't lack discipline—they lack self-belief * How to build discipline through identity, not intensity * Practical systems to make consistency automatic If this episode resonated with you, leave a comment and tell me one area of your life where you're choosing your future self this week. I read every single one. And if you want more conversations that turn philosophy into something you can actually use—follow the show and join me for the next episode.

Episode 6: The Three Bs: A Compass for 2026

It’s hard to know if you’re going in the right direction—especially when life is full of choices, setbacks, and uncertainty that you can’t control. In this New Year’s episode of The Practical Philosopher, Colin Burke introduces a simple framework: The Three Bs Building, Bonding, and Being. If you can place yourself in one (or more) of these three states, you can stop spiraling about whether you’re “doing life right” and start moving with more peace, purpose, and clarity—without needing a perfect plan. We explore: * Building: progress, craft, work, and long-term goals—without losing your life to the future * Being: presence, discomfort tolerance, and the skill of not outsourcing your peace to distraction * Bonding: relationships, connection, and why meaning collapses without other people This episode is a practical compass for 2026: not a guarantee that everything will work out but a reliable way to know you’re not wasting the moment you’re in.

Episode 5: The Five Hindrances: Understanding the Mind’s Resistance

In this episode of The Practical Philosopher, we dive into one of the most powerful frameworks for understanding why inner peace — and meaningful action — often slips through our fingers: the Five Hindrances. These are the habitual mental patterns that quietly block clarity, focus, motivation, and presence, keeping us reactive instead of intentional. We explore how these hindrances show up in daily life, why they’re not personal flaws, and how simply recognizing them is the first step toward mastery. Along the way, we reference an insightful TEDx talk by Shaolin Master Shi Heng Yi, where he breaks down similar obstacles in the path of self-discovery and growth — and offers wisdom on moving past them toward balance and self-mastery.  Whether you’re struggling with distraction, anxiety, doubt, or resistance to meaningful change, this episode gives you a practical lens and actionable perspective to transform your relationship with your mind. Watch the TEDx talk we mention here: Master Shi Heng Yi – 5 Hindrances to Self‑Mastery (TEDxVitosha) [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4-079YIasck&utm_source=chatgpt.com]

Episode 4: Existentialism the call to create your own purpose

What is the purpose of life? Existentialism’s answer is simple: no one can choose it for you — you must create it yourself. In this episode, we break down existentialism in a clear and accessible way, tracing its history, core ideas, and practical lessons you can apply to your own search for meaning. This isn’t the depressing version you hear online — it’s the liberating one. A perfect episode for anyone feeling stuck, directionless, or ready to take ownership of their life.