The Sunday Stoic

Amor Fati - Love Your Fate

In this episode, Steve and Dan discuss the Stoic concept of Amor Fati (Love Your Fate). They explore whether Amor Fati is tenable under different conceptions of Divine Providence.

Marriage and Stoicism - Part 2

Dan expands on the discussion regarding Marriage and Stoicism that began in Part 1. Dan begins by presenting the position of Musonius Rufus that it is the duty of a Stoic practitioner to marry and have children, and then presents his reasons to disagree with that position. Dan goes on to discuss how the Stoic Spiritual Exercises of Prosoche and Memento Mori relate to marriage. He also expands the discussion regarding the importance of evaluating the character of the person you are choosing as a spouse-to-be, and why it is important to avoid choosing a spouse based on their Externals, like their beauty, wealth, power, influence, prestige, etc.

What Kind of Person Will You Be? Stoic Parenting and the Art of Living Part 2.

In this continuation of Mary Miller’s interview on The Sunday Stoic, Steve and Mary explore how Stoic philosophy can shape courage, leadership, parenting, resilience, and moral clarity in the modern world. Drawing from her father’s deeply practical wisdom, Mary shares unforgettable stories from her childhood, her groundbreaking career in the nuclear Navy, and the hard-earned lessons that taught her to lead with integrity under pressure. The conversation weaves together the teachings of Epictetus, Marcus Aurelius, and James Stockdale with real-life experiences involving bullying, authority, toxic workplaces, emotional discipline, religion, and the importance of protecting one’s mind from manipulation and social pressure. Mary reflects on tactical Stoicism in high-stakes naval environments, explains how practical wisdom is learned through struggle rather than theory, and discusses how parents can model virtue through their actions instead of merely preaching it. The episode also explores the dangers of modern “brainwashing” through media and social influence, the importance of choosing one’s battles wisely, and how true leadership often means creating safety and accountability for others. This episode is a profound meditation on Stoic virtues—wisdom, justice, temperance, and courage—and how ancient philosophy can still guide us through the chaos of modern life.

What Kind of Person Will You Be? Stoic Parenting and the Art of Living Part 1.

In this deeply personal episode of The Sunday Stoic, Steve sits down with engineer, Navy captain, and consultant Mary Miller to explore the profound influence of her father — an Air Force fighter pilot, test pilot, engineer, and quiet Stoic philosopher. Through unforgettable porch conversations, Mary’s father taught her timeless lessons about character, responsibility, freedom, and choosing one’s own path in life. From survival school wisdom about “owning your mind” to lessons on picking battles, mastering your craft, and becoming a “citizen of the universe,” this episode reveals how Stoic philosophy can be lived and passed down through everyday parenting. Mary shares stories of growing up in the 1960s as a girl determined to become an engineer, inspired by a father who believed that what matters most is not what you do, but who you choose to become. Along the way, listeners will hear reflections on Marcus Aurelius, Musonius Rufus, courage, independence, and the lifelong pursuit of meaningful work. This is an episode about mentorship, resilience, identity, and the rare kind of wisdom that shapes a life forever.

Marriage and Stoicism - Part 1

Steve and Dan explore the topic of marriage as it relates to Stoicism. What did the ancient Stoics have to say on the topic of marriage? Do Stoic practitioners have a duty to marry? To have children? How much of what the ancient Stoics had to say regarding marriage is still persuasive in the 21st century?