The Pinoy Stoic : A Guide To A Peaceful Life
The Pinoy Stoic is a podcast hosted by Marco Viviezca that explores Stoic philosophy through the lens of Filipino culture and resilience. Each episode offers practical insights and steps for facing life's challenges with courage and grace. The show is based in Manila and connects timeless Stoic teachings with everyday Filipino experience.
Episodes
#55 - Keep the Promise to Yourself : A Practical Toolkit for the New Year
Hello, Friends! This is Stoicism for the year ahead. Stoicism for Filipinos who’ve lived through typhoons, brownouts, unpredictability, pasaway coworkers, difficult family dynamics, and the chaos of modern work. Stoicism for anyone — anywhere — who wants their goals to finally stick.* Intro/Outro Music Composed by Mac Viviezca. Listen to the "
#54 -Objects, Emotions, and the December Illusion
Hello, friends! Happy Holidays to you all :) Every December, the world hands you a mirror disguised as a celebration. It reflects back your desires, your insecurities, your assumed obligations, and all the emotional weight you’ve attached to the objects in your life.* Intro/Outro Music Composed by Mac Viviezca. Listen to the "Midnight in Mani
#53 - Scrolling Without Surrendering Your Mind
Hello, friends! Thanks for tuning in to the 53rd episode! Sorry for the late upload :)How do we deal with the storm of opinions that we see online? How do we avoid being swept into an echo chamber? When we scroll endlessly, or let breaking news set our emotional thermostat, we’re surrendering our clarity. We’re letting the storm set the terms of our peace.And the Stoic call is simple: don’t give t
#52 - Breaking Bad Habits
Hello, Friends! Have you ever felt that you lost control in life? Addicted to certain destructive habits? Today, we'll talk about how you can break habits that have plagued your life. Learn how to build new ones too. Hope you like this episode!* Follow The Pinoy Stoic on Instagram * Intro/Outro Music Composed by Mac Viviezca. Listen to the "
#51 - You're Not Saving Them, You're Losing You
Hello, Friends! In the beginning, toxic relationships rarely look toxic. Often, they begin with charm. Attention. Love bombing, even. They say the right things. They mirror your dreams. And before you know it, you’re attached to an idea of who they could be—not who they really are.* Follow The Pinoy Stoic on Instagram * Intro/Outro Music Composed by Mac Viviezca
#50 - Daily Meditations For Moms & Dads
Parenthood isn’t an interruption to the Stoic path—it is the path. It gives us countless opportunities to practice the virtues the Stoics held dear: patience, wisdom, justice, courage, and above all, presence. You don’t have to be unshakeable. You don’t have to be perfect. You just have to return, again and again, to your values. To breathe through the chaos. To act with clarity, not impulse. To r
#49 - The Stoic's Dillema
Stoicism, when practiced with wisdom and nuance, is a profound and transformative philosophy. It offers incredible tools for resilience, for peace, and for living a life of purpose. But like any powerful tool, it requires skill and self-awareness to wield effectively.* Follow The Pinoy Stoic on Instagram * Intro/Outro Music Composed by Mac Viviezca
#48 - When Convenience Makes You Weak
In an age where comfort is sold as identity and convenience feels like freedom, how does a modern Stoic walk the line between living well and living wisely? Let us explore how to own comfort without being owned by it, and how detachment—not denial—is the true mark of inner wealth. * Follow The Pinoy Stoic on Instagram * Intro/Outro Music Composed by Mac
#47 - The Long Goodbye To Who You Used To Be
Hello, friends! Thanks for tuning in to our 47th episode. We rarely notice when it starts—that slow erosion of the self we thought was permanent. The body stiffens. The dreams shift. The mirror tells a quieter story. In this episode, we explore the Stoic response to identity, aging, and the slow evolution of self that so many resist but none can avoid.* Follow The Pinoy Stoic on Insta
#46 - When The Mind Won’t Shut Up
Hello, Friends! Your mind means well. It wants to prepare and protect you. It wants to help you solve every possible problem before it happens. But somewhere along the way, thinking becomes overthinking—and instead of clarity, it gives you paralysis. In this episode, we explore the path to peace through simplicity of thought. This isn’t about suppressing thought—it’s about reclaiming control and l
#45 - The Exit Strategy Of A Stoic
Hello, friends! In this episode, we break down the Stoic philosophy of knowing when to walk away—not out of weakness, but out of wisdom. We’ll explore why persistence is only a virtue when it serves you, how to recognize when a pursuit is no longer aligned with your principles, and why quitting isn’t failure—it’s often the first step toward something better. Whether it’s a toxic job, an exhausting
#44 - The Art Of Waiting
Hello, friends! Thanks for checking out the latest episode of "The Pinoy Stoic". I feel that we don’t talk about boredom enough. Definitely not in a serious way. It’s either dismissed as trivial or can easily be solved with distractions. The Stoics had an unflinching way of staring at reality, of dissecting the mundane until it revealed something profound. And boredom? For them, it’s not
#43 - Stay On The Path
Hello, friends! How is your year so far? Have you been disciplined enough to follow through on the goals you've set for yourself this year? Mastery of the self is about training the mind to act according to virtue, not emotion. I hope you continue to stay on the path and I am here to give you the motivation to follow through. * Follow The Pinoy Stoic on Instagram* Intro/Out
#42 - How The Stoics Can Inspire Your Daily Grind
Ever felt out of gas? Can't get out of bed? Stoicism inspires modern individuals by teaching focus, resilience, and purpose in a chaotic world. By emphasizing control over our thoughts, actions, and reactions, it reduces anxiety and helps us channel energy into what truly matters. It reframes challenges as opportunities for growth, turning setbacks into stepping stones.
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#41 - 10 Stoic Habits to Shape the Year Ahead
Hello, Friends! In this episode, I’ll share 10 habits I’m committed to carrying into 2025. From practicing daily reflection to embracing challenges with courage, these habits are designed to build resilience, focus, and more importantly, peace. Tune in to this episode for practical insights to help you align your actions with timeless virtues this new year. * Follow The Pinoy Stoic on
#40 - Be The Best Version Of Yourself in 2025
Staying true to your resolutions is not about perfection but persistence. The wisdom of the Stoics reminds us that we have the power to shape our lives, one small step at a time. Be the best version of yourself this coming 2025 by ensuring consistency in all your aspirations.
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* Intro/Outro Music Composed by Mac Viviezc
#39 - The Rational Optimist vs. The Overthinking Pessimist
In today’s world, it’s easy to get pulled toward extremes. Social media often glamorizes relentless positivity, while the news feeds us a steady diet of despair. Stoicism offers a grounded alternative.
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* Intro/Outro Music Composed by Mac Viviezca. Listen to the "Midnight in Manila" EP on
#38 - Mastering The Art of "Enough"
The holidays come with a unique pressure: advertisements promise joy and happiness through endless shopping, societal norms nudge us to overspend on luxurious gifts, and we feel pressured to decorate our lives with more, more, more.
But let me ask you: how often do those shiny new things bring us lasting satisfaction?
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* Intro/Outro
#37 - Live Like It's Your Last Day On Earth
What makes life beautiful? The answer is, its impermanence. Yet, we tend to waste time like it’s nothing. We harbor resentment towards others. We fight and bicker about the most mundane things. Think about it: every second that ticks by is a second closer to the end of your life. That is reality. Marcus Aurelius often reminded himself of this truth, writing in Meditations : “You could leave life r
#36 - Don't Be Toxic To Others
In a world that constantly pits people against each other, how does one promote unity rather than divisiveness? Whether we realize it or not, we all have an impact on the people around us. And there’s a lot of value in being mindful about whether that impact is positive or negative. Our words and actions are a reflection of our character, and they have a lasting impact on those around us. By appro
#35 - How Self-Sufficiency Can Protect Us From Chaos
Stoicism doesn’t advocate for complete independence from the society that we're in. Instead, it teaches us to be in harmony with ourselves so that we can engage more fully and generously with our community. That’s a lesson that benefits us all, Stoic or not. Self-sufficiency teaches us that, no matter what happens, we are enough.
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#34 - Self-Control In The Age of Social Media and Screens
Before smart phones, people had limited exposure to media. You have to physically go to a store to buy your newspaper. You have to tune in to your favorite channel at a specific time to watch a TV series. Remember the age of beepers? You have to call a number so you can send a text message to your friend. I feel that the additional friction we had back then on these things were actually good for u
#33 - Gratitude : A Stoic's Daily Discipline
Life is full of uncertainty. It’s full of moments we can’t control, full of things that go wrong. If we focus only on what’s missing, on what we don’t have, we end up feeling frustrated, anxious, and disconnected. But when we practice gratitude, when we focus on what’s good, we shift our mindset. We go from a scarcity mindset—one focused on what’s lacking—to an abundance mindset—one focused on
#32 - Turning Discipline Into a Daily Practice
It makes sense to examine Stoicism and Discipline together. The quest for self-control, inner serenity, and tenacity in the face of adversity are the objectives. We'll examine the potent synthesis between Stoicism and Discipline as well as its relevance in our contemporary society.
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* Intro/Outro Music Composed by
#31 - Stoicism For Increased Work Focus
In this day and age, we are subject to a myriad of distractions. Our attention is divided in ways that keep us from really being able to focus fully on our work. But here’s the thing: You can prevent this from happening by incorporating stoic practices.
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* Intro/Outro Music Composed by Mac Viviezca
#30 - Master The Body, Master Yourself
Thanks for tuning in to our 30th episode. Today, we'll talk about the importance of taking care of your body. By taking care of your physical health, you’re also creating the conditions for a stronger, more resilient mind. And that’s what Stoicism is all about—developing the resilience to face life’s challenges with clarity and strength.
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#29 - A New Perspective
Changing your perspective means that you view the world a little differently. We have to stop overreacting in situations that aren't actually bad. Remember, it’s not about pretending everything is perfect—it’s about seeing things in a way that gives you more control over how you respond.
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#28 - How To Use Stoicism To Boost Your Self-Confidence
Confidence is built through action. You can’t think your way into it. You can’t wait for the stars to align or for everything to be perfect before you make a move. Confidence comes from doing — from taking calculated risks, from putting yourself out there, from trying and failing and trying again. You have to keep moving.
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* Intro
#27 - Stoicism Meets Eastern Philosophy: What Are The Similarities?
Welcome to our 27th episode! Today, we’ll be exploring the parallels between Stoicism and Eastern philosophies, specifically Taoism and Buddhism. Despite their origins in different cultures, these philosophies share deep, universal truths that continue to resonate in our modern lives.
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* Intro/Outro Music Composed by Mac
#26 - Stoicism : A Tool For Depression
Welcome to the 26th episode of "The Pinoy Stoic" podcast. Stoicism isn’t just a philosophy to read about; it’s something to practice every day, especially when times are tough. If you’re struggling with depression, building a Stoic practice can help you navigate those difficult days.
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#25 - Haters Gonna Hate
Negativity isn’t just something that happens to us. Sometimes, if we’re not careful, we can become the source of negativity in someone else’s life. It’s important to recognize this because if we’re going to shield ourselves from negativity, we also need to ensure we’re not contributing to the problem.
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#24 - You Could Leave Life Right Now
In a world that often feels chaotic and overwhelming, Memento Mori is the anchor that can keep us grounded. It reminds us that life is precious, that our time is limited, and that we should make the most of every moment we have. It’s a reminder to live boldly, to love deeply, and to leave a legacy that matters.
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* Intro/Outro Music Compo
#23 - Do Not Let Anger Consume You
Anger is a powerful emotion that we all experience. For the Stoics, anger was one of the most destructive and irrational emotions. It clouded judgment, led to poor decisions, and often resulted in harm to oneself and others. Let's strive to be like the Stoics, embracing reason, empathy, and self-control in the face of anger. By doing so, we not only improve our own lives but also contribute to
#22 - Kindness Is A Superpower
Hello, friends! In this episode, we talk about why kindness is a fundamental aspect of Stoic philosophy. It is not a sign of weakness, but a demonstration of our understanding of human nature and our commitment to living in accordance with reason and virtue. By practicing empathy, patience, service, and forgiveness, we embody the Stoic ideal of kindness and contribute to the greater good.
* Foll
#21 - Embrace Your Fate: The Power of Amor Fati
Hello, friends! In this episode, we're delving into the concept of Amor Fati. Let's dig deeper so we can fully digest what it means and how it can help us overcome challenges. By accepting and loving our fate, we can alleviate anxiety and find peace amidst life’s uncertainties. Remember the words of Marcus Aurelius: “Dwell on the beauty of life. Watch the stars, and see yourself running wi
#20 - The Art Of Letting Go
The art of letting go is not about dismissing the importance of what we leave behind, but rather about recognizing when something has served its purpose and making room for new opportunities and growth. As the Stoics teach us, focusing on what we can control, accepting what we cannot, and living in harmony with nature's flow is the key to a fulfilling life.
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#19 - Using Stoicism To Help Others
Ever had a friend approach you for advice? Sometimes, it's really hard to relay Stoic concepts to someone who's going through a difficult situation in their lives. Often, you might alienate someone without knowing it! In our 19th episode, we'll talk about how you can leverage on Stoicism to help your loved ones go through their challenges.
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#18 - What People Get Wrong About Stoicism
Why do people think that Stoics are like robots? That we're devoid of emotions? In this episode, Marco Viviezca talks about the common misconceptions about Stoicism. In reality, Stoicism teaches us to care deeply and act ethically without being overwhelmed by negative emotions or irrational impulses. It’s a philosophy of balanced engagement, combining rational detachment with heartfelt compass
#17 - Keep Calm & Carry On
Hello, friends! In this episode, we're going to explore the Stoic approach to staying calm and centered during times of turmoil and chaos. Living in a world of distractions and anxiety, we can maintain our composure by focusing on just our thoughts, beliefs, and attitude. This inner strength is the key to Stoic calmness.
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* Intro/Outro Music Compo
#16 - You're Not All That
In our 16th episode, we’re exploring the ancient Stoics’ perspective on ego. The best approach to managing ego is being humble, embracing continuous learning, and turning challenges into opportunities for growth. By applying these timeless Stoic insights, we can all strive to live more balanced and fulfilling lives.
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* Intro/Outro Music Composed by
#15 - Opinions Are Overrated
Hello, friends! In the fifteenth episode of "The Pinoy Stoic" podcast, we discuss why not having an opinion all the time can help you attain equanimity. In a world where everyone seems to have an opinion on everything, the Stoic practice of selective silence is a powerful tool for maintaining mental clarity, reducing stress, and fostering better relationships. By focusing on what truly m
#14 - You Have Courage Within
Welcome to 14th episode of "The Pinoy Stoic" podcast. We will be talking about another cardinal virtue in Stoicism which is Courage. This cardinal virtue is not just about boldness in the face of imminent danger, but about the strength to act rightly and steadfastly in the face of adversity.
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* Intro/Outro Music Composed by Mac Viviezca
#13 - Everything In Moderation
In this episode, we talk about temperance aka moderation, one of the four cardinal virtues of Stoicism alongside, Wisdom, Courage, and Justice. Join Marco Viviezca in the 13th episode of “The Pinoy Stoic” podcast as he talks about how we can benefit from practicing moderation in our daily lives. Find joy in the present moment and appreciate what you currently have.
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#12 - It's Ok To Be Lonely Sometimes
Do you sometimes dread feelings of isolation? Are you afraid to listen to your own thoughts? In this episode, we delve into the timeless wisdom of two extraordinary figures from history: Epictetus, the Stoic philosopher, and Miyamoto Musashi, the legendary samurai. Though separated by centuries and cultures, both men faced profound loneliness and transformed it into a source of strength and enligh
#11 - Love Yourself Too
Happy Mother's Day to all the moms out there! In this episode, we look into the timeless wisdom of Stoicism and its profound implications for nurturing self-worth. Join us on a journey of self-discovery as we explore how Stoicism can serve as a guiding light in our quest for self-esteem and fulfillment.
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* Intro/Outro Music Composed by Mac Viviezca. L
#10 - To Forgive Is Divine
Why is it so hard to forgive people who hurt us sometimes? Why can't we let go of resentment even when all it brings is grief and misery? It keeps us trapped in a cycle of negativity and prevents us from experiencing inner peace and healing. How did the Stoics view forgiveness? Is it a sign of weakness or a sign of immense strength of will?
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* Intro/Outro
#9 - Who Are You When No One Is Watching?
Who are you when no one is watching? Are you the best version of yourself at this moment? Do you aspire to do good despite the temptation to do the opposite? We should all strive to be the best version of ourselves at all times for it is the natural thing to do. In this episode, I'll share my thoughts on the matter and explain why it is imperative for us to always try to do the right thing eve
#8 - Anxiety Is Your Best Friend
In the 8th episode of "The Pinoy Stoic" podcast, we delve into the ancient wisdom of Stoicism and its unique approach to anxiety. Japan's famed swordsman, Miyamoto Musashi & Roman Emperor Marcus Aurelius didn't see anxiety as a hindrance but as an opportunity for growth. By embracing discomfort and uncertainty, they cultivated resilience and inner strength.
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#7 - Miyamoto Musashi : The Stoic Swordsman
In the seventh episode of the podcast, we'll be talking about ten precepts from Miyamoto Musashi's "Dokkodo" (The Way of Walking Alone) and its parallel concepts in Stoicism.
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* Intro/Outro Music Composed by Mac Viviezca. Listen to the "Midnight in Manila" EP on Spotify
#6 - Have You Ever Felt Overwhelmed?
In our sixth episode, we'll talk about times when we feel overwhelmed with everything that's happening in our life. This is a state that people find themselves in often. What can we do to help ease our minds and achieve inner peace and tranquility?
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* Intro/Outro Music Composed by Mac Viviezca. Listen to the "Midnight in Manila" EP on
#5 - Dealing With Difficult People In Our Lives
In this episode of "The Pinoy Stoic" podcast, we talk about the timeless teachings of Stoicism to explore practical strategies for navigating the complexities of dealing with difficult people in our lives. Drawing from the wisdom of ancient Stoic philosophers like Marcus Aurelius & and Epictetus, we uncover insightful perspectives and actionable techniques to maintain peace of mind a
#4 - Memento Mori : Remember That You Will Die
Hello, Friends! Listen to the fourth episode of "The Pinoy Stoic" podcast as we talk about the profound concept of "Memento Mori".
Derived from Latin, "Memento Mori" translates to "Remember that you will die." It's an important reminder of the impermanence of life, compelling us to reflect on our mortality and live each moment with purpose and intention
#3 - Focus on What You Can Control
Dive into the wisdom of the Stoics in our latest podcast episode, where we explore the principle of focusing on what you can control and its profound impact on self-improvement. We will unravel the power of directing our attention to the aspects of life within our sphere of influence.
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* Intro/Outro Music Composed by Mac Viviezca. Listen to the "Mid
#2 - What is "Amor Fati?"
Join us we explore the concept of "Amor Fati" - the love of fate. In this episode, we'll be talking about how Amor Fati can make you invincible against life's challenges. From ancient wisdom to practical tips for modern living, discover how Amor Fati can help you find strength and peace in the face of adversity.
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* Intro/Outro Music Compo
#1 - The Pinoy Stoic : A Guide to a Peaceful Life
Welcome to the first episode of our podcast. I aim to share good vibes and positivity to anyone who needs it in their lives. Life is full of surprises and we need the strength of mind and will to be able to live peacefully especially in times of difficulty.
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* Intro/Outro Music Composed by Mac Viviezca. Listen to the "Midnight in Manila&qu
