In this episode of the Project 55 podcast, Justin Goodman and Brendan Corr engage with Benny Voncken, an expert in Stoicism, who shares his personal journey and the transformative power of Stoicism in overcoming anxiety, setting boundaries, and living a more fulfilling life. Benny discusses the core principles of Stoicism, its practical applications, and addresses common misconceptions about the philosophy. The conversation emphasizes the importance of self-discovery, gratitude, and being present in the moment, while also exploring the connection between Stoicism and sobriety. In this conversation, Benny Via Stoica delves into the essence of stoicism, emphasizing the importance of the inward journey towards peace and tranquility. He discusses the dualities individuals face in their lives, the significance of making conscious choices, and the role of coaching in navigating difficult times. The conversation also touches on the pursuit of purpose beyond materialism, embracing hardships as opportunities for growth, and practical tips for daily resilience. Benny highlights the need for gratitude and reflection in achieving a fulfilling life, while also recommending foundational stoic texts for further exploration.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Stoicism and Its Benefits

02:18 Benny's Personal Journey to Stoicism

05:36 Understanding Stoicism: Core Principles

07:07 The Impact of Stoicism on Relationships

09:05 Setting Boundaries and Self-Discovery

11:03 Practices for Living in the Present

12:10 The Importance of Gratitude

15:04 Overcoming Anxiety and Staying Present

17:12 Sobriety and Stoicism: A Personal Connection

20:19 Misconceptions About Stoicism

21:17 The Inward Journey of Stoicism

23:29 Navigating Personal Dualities

27:01 The Importance of Choice

28:16 Coaching Through Difficult Times

31:06 Finding Purpose Beyond Materialism

34:14 Embracing Hardships as Growth

40:29 Practical Tips for Daily Resilience

Keywords

Stoicism, personal development, anxiety, gratitude, self-discovery, philosophy, mental health, boundaries, sobriety, mindfulness, stoicism, personal growth, mental health, purpose, resilience, coaching, mindfulness, gratitude, self-improvement, emotional well-being