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Practical Stoicism

Dealing with Anger and Rage Through Physical Sport (with Michael Tremblay)

Practical Stoicism

Evergreen Podcasts

Philosophy, Society & Culture

4.8662 Ratings

🗓️ 9 February 2024

⏱️ 55 minutes

🧾️ Download transcript

Summary

Tanner Campbell converses with Michael Tremblay, an MMA fighter, writer, and co-creator of Stoa Stoic Meditations app. They delve into several topics, including the role of sport and exercise in addressing rage and anger. Michael Tremblay shares his insights on the practice of martial arts, particularly Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, and its philosophical alignment with Stoicism. He emphasizes how martial arts were his first exposure to explicit moral education, teaching not just physical skills but also the importance of character development, self-control, and ethical behavior. Discussing anger, Tremblay highlights the Stoic perspective, as outlined by Seneca, which views anger as a reaction to perceived harm that demands punishment. He distinguishes between two types of anger: the immediate, reactionary kind often experienced in daily frustrations, and a deeper, more persistent anger stemming from significant personal betrayals or grievances. Tremblay notes that while physical activities like martial arts can effectively mitigate the immediate, reactionary anger, they are less effective in addressing deeper, long-standing feelings of rage or betrayal. He explains how Stoicism helps navigate these emotions by encouraging a present-focused mindset, acknowledging past mistakes while striving to change and improve. In dealing with regret, Tremblay and Campbell agree that while Stoicism advocates for acceptance and moving forward, it also acknowledges the natural feelings of sadness and shame that come with regret. They underscore the importance of understanding and transforming these feelings constructively, focusing on the present and future actions rather than dwelling on past errors. The conversation also touches upon Epictetus, his background as a slave, and his philosophical teachings. Tremblay provides insights into Epictetus's approach to teaching young Roman men destined for politics or industry, emphasizing the importance of not just learning philosophy but living it. In summary, the podcast highlights the value of physical disciplines like martial arts in managing immediate anger and stress, while recognizing the need for philosophical reflection and self-improvement in addressing deeper emotional issues. The discussion reinforces the Stoic principles of focusing on present actions, accepting the past, and continually striving for personal growth and ethical living. -- Become a Patron: https://stoicismpod.com/members Check out Neurohacker: https://neurohacker.com/practical Podcast Artwork by Randy Johnson: https://originalrandy.com Stoa Conversations: https://open.spotify.com/episode/7wHSqUf6BZDIUBDu0YgAAs Stoa Meditation App: https://stoameditation.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Transcript

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0:00.0

Most of our media are owned by a handful of tech billionaires, but there's one place that still operates like the internet was never invented.

0:10.4

On the new season of the divided dial from On the Media, we're exploring shortwave radio, where prayer and propaganda coexist with news and conspiracy theories, and where an existential battle for

0:22.9

the public airwaves is playing out right now. Listen to On the Media, wherever you get your podcasts.

0:30.0

Hey there, Procaptans. Today, I am joined by Michael Tremblay. You might know Michael Tremblay. If you

0:36.0

don't, you should. He writes for

0:38.4

Modern Stoicism.com. He has an app on the iOS store. It's called Stoa Meditations. He has a

0:45.6

podcast called Stoa Conversations. There are links to these things in the description of today's

0:50.6

episode. And I would encourage you to check those things out. He did his PhD on

0:55.5

Epictetus. I can't remember from what college, but it's probably more important than he did

0:59.4

his PhD on Epictetus than we give any credit to the university he went to. I believe he is a proud

1:04.4

Canadian. And he's also an accomplished martial artist. And this conversation was not planned.

1:12.1

A lot of you in the Patreon suggested that I have Michael on. Michael and I have spoken before. I'd like to think we're friends,

1:17.5

but we've never met in person. So maybe we're just more like professional acquaintances who

1:21.8

kind of like each other a bit. And I have actually been on his podcast. So it was easy to invite him.

1:26.7

I was happy to do it.

1:27.8

I'm always happy to follow the direction and grant the wishes of those who support this podcast

1:33.3

financially. It's very much appreciated. And on that topic, I have just one new patron to thank

1:39.1

today. A shout out all to yourself, John T. Bonacorsi. I think I've said that right. Or John T. Bonacchorsi. It's

1:48.0

double C's. It seems Italian. And so I feel like it should be Bonacorcy. But if I'm saying it wrong,

1:54.0

I've now said it wrong a bunch of times, John. So I'll stop. But thank you very much for becoming

1:58.7

a patron of this podcast. If you are not yet a patron of this

2:02.0

podcast, you can become one by going to stoicismpod.com forward slash members. It costs just

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