What does it truly mean to lead yourself and others with strength and heart?

In this powerful conversation, author and law professor Shermin Kruse shares the wisdom behind her book Stoic Empathy, revealing how we can harness both stoicism and compassion to navigate life with intention, resilience, and justice. From childhood memories of war to lessons on identity, aging, and emotional mastery, this episode offers a deeply human take on what it means to live wisely and well.

Shermin Kruse is a law professor, author, mother of four, and former street fighter turned meditation advocate. Her new book Stoic Empathy explores the intersection of ancient philosophy and modern leadership, showing how to lead with both strength and compassion.

Reach out to Shermin:

Book: Stoic Empathy — Available at local bookstores, Indigo (Canada), or https://amzn.to/4k0amwD

Website: https://www.sherminkruse.com

Key Timestamps:

(0:00) Intro

(04:59) Childhood in war-torn Iran

(09:54) Aging as a teacher of humility

(12:12) Living with intention every day

(17:03) Pain, vulnerability, and discomfort

(23:39) Owning your identity and power

(26:09) Right responses in hard moments

(32:19) Growth through failure and time

(35:01) Memento mori and perspective

(42:41) What real stoicism looks like

(49:42) Leadership, power, and integrity

(58:45) The art of being human

(1:00:37) Outro

Connect with Cody: https://linktr.ee/cjones803

If you got value from this episode, do me a favor—like, subscribe, and share this with someone who needs to hear it. It takes two seconds, and it helps more than you know. Let’s get this message out to more people. Appreciate you!

Disclaimer: Any information discussed in this podcast is for entertainment purposes only and is not intended to act as a substitute for professional, medical, legal, educational, or financial advice. The following views and opinions are those of the individual and are not representative views or opinions of their company or organization. The views and opinions shared are intended only to inform, and discretion and professional assistance should be utilized when attempting any of the ideas discussed. Pure Wisdom Podcast, LLC, its host, its guest, or any company participating in advertising through this podcast is not responsible for comments generated by viewers which may be offensive or otherwise distasteful. Any content or conversation in this podcast is completely original and not inspired by any other platform or content creator. Any resemblance to another platform or content creator is purely coincidental and unintentional. No content or topics discussed in this podcast are intended to be offensive or hurtful. Pure Wisdom Podcast, LLC, its host, its guest, or any company participating in advertising through this podcast is not responsible for any misuse of this content.

Susan is a Certified Epigenetic Human Performance Coach. She optimizes health and wellness according to how one is created. The ultimate in personalized health.

www.healthyawakening.co

www.everydayepigenetics.co

Cody's content:

https://linktr.ee/cjones803

#podcast #purewisdompodcast #personalgrowth #motivation #mindset #facingfears #selfidentity #inspiration #selfimprovement #psychology #entrepreneurship #fitness #fitnessmotivation #business #career #dating #relationships #lifecoach #healthandwellness #workout #coaching

Disclaimer: Any information discussed in this podcast is for entertainment purposes only and is not intended to act as a substitute for professional, medical, legal, educational, or financial advice. The following views and opinions are those of the individual and are not representative views or opinions of their company or organization. The views and opinions shared are intended only to inform, and discretion and professional assistance should be utilized when attempting any of the ideas discussed. Pure Wisdom Podcast, LLC, its host, its guest, or any company participating in advertising through this podcast is not responsible for comments generated by viewers which may be offensive or otherwise distasteful. Any content or conversation in this podcast is completely original and not inspired by any other platform or content creator. Any resemblance to another platform or content creator is purely coincidental and unintentional. No content or topics discussed in this podcast are intended to be offensive or hurtful. Pure Wisdom Podcast, LLC, its host, its guest, or any company participating in advertising through this podcast is not responsible for any misuse of this content.

Dr. Benjamin Ritter, is an award-winning leadership and career coach, author of the Amazon best-seller Becoming Fearless, and founder of Live for Yourself (LFY) Consulting. He spreads the message of becoming fearless in your career and life as a Top LinkedIn Voice, and host of two podcasts, The Executive and Live Fearlessly.

liveforyourselfconsulting.com amazon.com/Becoming-Fearless-Strategies-Self-Doubt-Self-Mastery-ebook/dp/B0D9MRD7FY https://www.linkedin.com/in/drbenjaminritter-leadershipdevelopment/

Cody's content:

https://linktr.ee/cjones803

#podcast #purewisdompodcast #personalgrowth #motivation #mindset #facingfears #selfidentity #inspiration #selfimprovement #psychology #entrepreneurship #fitness #fitnessmotivation #business #career #dating #relationships #lifecoach #healthandwellness #workout #coaching

Disclaimer: Any information discussed in this podcast is for entertainment purposes only and is not intended to act as a substitute for professional, medical, legal, educational, or financial advice. The following views and opinions are those of the individual and are not representative views or opinions of their company or organization. The views and opinions shared are intended only to inform, and discretion and professional assistance should be utilized when attempting any of the ideas discussed. Pure Wisdom Podcast, LLC, its host, its guest, or any company participating in advertising through this podcast is not responsible for comments generated by viewers which may be offensive or otherwise distasteful. Any content or conversation in this podcast is completely original and not inspired by any other platform or content creator. Any resemblance to another platform or content creator is purely coincidental and unintentional. No content or topics discussed in this podcast are intended to be offensive or hurtful. Pure Wisdom Podcast, LLC, its host, its guest, or any company participating in advertising through this podcast is not responsible for any misuse of this content.

Victor Giusfredi

Dana E. Sherwin is a consultant, speaker, and writer in the field of healthcare management and patient-physician communication. She has served in healthcare executive and consultant positions throughout her 35-year career. She holds a Master of Health Services Administration degree from the University of Michigan's School of Public Health and a Bachelor of Science degree from Cornell University.

linkedin.com/in/desherwin

thethinkingpatient.com

Cody's content:

https://linktr.ee/cjones803

#podcast #purewisdompodcast #personalgrowth #motivation #mindset #facingfears #selfidentity #inspiration #selfimprovement #psychology #entrepreneurship #fitness #fitnessmotivation #business #career #dating #relationships #lifecoach #healthandwellness #workout #coaching

Disclaimer: Any information discussed in this podcast is for entertainment purposes only and is not intended to act as a substitute for professional, medical, legal, educational, or financial advice. The following views and opinions are those of the individual and are not representative views or opinions of their company or organization. The views and opinions shared are intended only to inform, and discretion and professional assistance should be utilized when attempting any of the ideas discussed. Pure Wisdom Podcast, LLC, its host, its guest, or any company participating in advertising through this podcast is not responsible for comments generated by viewers which may be offensive or otherwise distasteful. Any content or conversation in this podcast is completely original and not inspired by any other platform or content creator. Any resemblance to another platform or content creator is purely coincidental and unintentional. No content or topics discussed in this podcast are intended to be offensive or hurtful. Pure Wisdom Podcast, LLC, its host, its guest, or any company participating in advertising through this podcast is not responsible for any misuse of this content.

Jake brings a no-nonsense, sustainable approach to health and fitness by keeping things simple and effective. His coaching style is supportive yet honest—helping clients understand what truly matters, guiding them through challenges, and holding them accountable when it’s time to level up. Rather than chasing quick fixes, he focuses on building long-term habits that fit each person’s lifestyle, making success feel both achievable and lasting.

Trainsteadfast.com

Cody's content:

https://linktr.ee/cjones803

#podcast #purewisdompodcast #personalgrowth #motivation #mindset #facingfears #selfidentity #inspiration #selfimprovement #psychology #entrepreneurship #fitness #fitnessmotivation #business #career #dating #relationships #lifecoach #healthandwellness #workout #coaching

Disclaimer: Any information discussed in this podcast is for entertainment purposes only and is not intended to act as a substitute for professional, medical, legal, educational, or financial advice. The following views and opinions are those of the individual and are not representative views or opinions of their company or organization. The views and opinions shared are intended only to inform, and discretion and professional assistance should be utilized when attempting any of the ideas discussed. Pure Wisdom Podcast, LLC, its host, its guest, or any company participating in advertising through this podcast is not responsible for comments generated by viewers which may be offensive or otherwise distasteful. Any content or conversation in this podcast is completely original and not inspired by any other platform or content creator. Any resemblance to another platform or content creator is purely coincidental and unintentional. No content or topics discussed in this podcast are intended to be offensive or hurtful. Pure Wisdom Podcast, LLC, its host, its guest, or any company participating in advertising through this podcast is not responsible for any misuse of this content.

Kay Sanders is a Soul Alchemist, spiritual mentor, and transformational guide who helps awakening souls, spiritual seekers, and conscious creators break through unconscious fears, master their emotions, and align with their highest potential. Through shadow work, soul alchemy, and energetic alignment, she empowers others to release limitations, transmute self-sabotage into clarity, and step into their power as conscious creators of their reality.

website: https://www.kaysanders.com/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@KaySanders

my membership: https://www.kaysanders.com/transcendence/

Cody's content:

https://linktr.ee/cjones803

#podcast #purewisdompodcast #personalgrowth #motivation #mindset #facingfears #selfidentity #inspiration #selfimprovement #psychology #entrepreneurship #fitness #fitnessmotivation #business #career #dating #relationships #lifecoach #healthandwellness #workout #coaching

Disclaimer: Any information discussed in this podcast is for entertainment purposes only and is not intended to act as a substitute for professional, medical, legal, educational, or financial advice. The following views and opinions are those of the individual and are not representative views or opinions of their company or organization. The views and opinions shared are intended only to inform, and discretion and professional assistance should be utilized when attempting any of the ideas discussed. Pure Wisdom Podcast, LLC, its host, its guest, or any company participating in advertising through this podcast is not responsible for comments generated by viewers which may be offensive or otherwise distasteful. Any content or conversation in this podcast is completely original and not inspired by any other platform or content creator. Any resemblance to another platform or content creator is purely coincidental and unintentional. No content or topics discussed in this podcast are intended to be offensive or hurtful. Pure Wisdom Podcast, LLC, its host, its guest, or any company participating in advertising through this podcast is not responsible for any misuse of this content.

Jazzie Newton spent years chasing a version of success that never felt right—working multiple jobs, launching a business, and still feeling stuck. A two-month trip turned into two years of travel, during which she broke free from old patterns, embraced her ADHD, and discovered what true alignment meant. Now based in Barcelona, she’s transformed Just Jazzie into a high-level strategy and execution partner for coaches, helping them streamline, scale, and build businesses that feel as good as they succeed. Her journey proves that real success isn’t about hustling harder—it’s about creating a life and business that truly fit.

www.justjazzie.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasmine-newton

Cody's content:

https://linktr.ee/cjones803

#podcast #purewisdompodcast #personalgrowth #motivation #mindset #facingfears #selfidentity #inspiration #selfimprovement #psychology #entrepreneurship #fitness #fitnessmotivation #business #career #dating #relationships #lifecoach #healthandwellness #workout #coaching

Disclaimer: Any information discussed in this podcast is for entertainment purposes only and is not intended to act as a substitute for professional, medical, legal, educational, or financial advice. The following views and opinions are those of the individual and are not representative views or opinions of their company or organization. The views and opinions shared are intended only to inform, and discretion and professional assistance should be utilized when attempting any of the ideas discussed. Pure Wisdom Podcast, LLC, its host, its guest, or any company participating in advertising through this podcast is not responsible for comments generated by viewers which may be offensive or otherwise distasteful. Any content or conversation in this podcast is completely original and not inspired by any other platform or content creator. Any resemblance to another platform or content creator is purely coincidental and unintentional. No content or topics discussed in this podcast are intended to be offensive or hurtful. Pure Wisdom Podcast, LLC, its host, its guest, or any company participating in advertising through this podcast is not responsible for any misuse of this content.