Mind the Gap: Stoic Portraits – Season One

What can a man born into slavery teach us about inner freedom?

In this five-minute reflection, Michael Comyn explores the life and legacy of Epictetus—the Stoic philosopher who had no control over his body, his birthplace, or his master… but refused to surrender his mind.

From radical acceptance to the discipline of emotional clarity, this episode distils Epictetus’ most powerful ideas and shows how they apply to the noise, stress, and uncertainty of modern life.

Whether you’re facing frustration, doubt, or just a crowded day, this quiet portrait reminds us:

You can’t always change the world, but you can always change your response to it.

Part of our Stoic Portraits bonus series—bite-sized wisdom from ancient lives that still echo today.

In this Mind the Gap bonus episode, we step into the reflective space of our companion series Echoes from the Margins to explore Pride—not just as a parade, but as a quiet, daily act of presence and truth.

We look at how Pride is celebrated, resisted, and quietly held across the world, from cities where flags wave freely to places where truth can be dangerous. We also pause to honour older LGBTQ+ voices who paved the way for today’s freedoms, yet often find themselves overlooked at the edges of the rainbow.

This episode weaves Stoic insights, indigenous perspectives, and gentle storytelling to explore a question many of us face: What does it cost to belong? And how can we belong to ourselves without apology?

If you’ve felt the tension between who you are and who the world wants you to be, this conversation is for you.

In this Mind the Gap bonus episode, we share a reflective conversation from our companion series, Echoes from the Margins.

Have you ever drafted a message you never sent, or replayed words you never spoke aloud? This episode, Letters Never Sent, explores the unspoken truths we carry: the letters tucked away, the messages deleted, the conversations rehearsed but left unspoken.

Through gentle storytelling, Stoic insights, and reflections on modern psychology, we explore why some words remain unspoken, why some truths wait for the right moment, and how silence can be an act of wisdom, boundary, or hope.

We also reflect on the power of restraint in a noisy world that demands constant reaction, and how sometimes, not saying something can be as powerful as speaking out.

If you have ever felt the weight of unspoken words or wondered whether silence can be an act of love, this conversation is for you.

In this special bonus episode, we share the debut of Echoes from the Margin here on Mind the Gap.

We turn down the noise to tune in more deeply, exploring the quiet strength found in humility, restraint, and presence. Drawing from Stoic thought, Indigenous wisdom, and timeless traditions from East and West, we reflect on what it means to lead, to influence, and to live—not through force, but through quiet clarity.

Because sometimes, the most powerful truths aren’t shouted. They’re simply lived.

In this episode:

• Why true wisdom rarely seeks the spotlight

• The difference between being overlooked and being grounded

• A gentle invitation to listen with more than just your ears

Take a moment to pause, breathe, and lean into the quiet power that shapes who we are.

We live in a world of constant pings, notifications, and endless scrolls. Yet for many, the phone doesn’t ring, the inbox is quiet, and the silence can feel heavy.

In this episode of Mind the Gap, Michael explores the difference between contact and connection, weaving in Stoic philosophy, emotional intelligence, and modern psychology to understand why so many feel lonely even while surrounded by people or devices.

Michael shares reflections on why he rarely feels lonely, the difference between solitude and loneliness, and how age, gender, and relationship status can shape the experience of loneliness. Most importantly, this episode offers gentle, practical steps for listeners who feel unseen and unheard, encouraging small acts of connection and reminding us that reaching out is a sign of courage, not weakness.

In this episode:

– Why contact isn’t the same as connection

– The loneliness paradox of modern life

– What the Stoics and Viktor Frankl teach us about loneliness

– Age, gender, and relationship status factors in loneliness

– Gentle steps to find a meaningful connection

If this episode resonates with you, consider sharing it with someone who may need it today. Because sometimes, the phone won’t ring until we decide to call first.

Have you ever felt chained to your phone, answering every message, every call, every ping—immediately? Michael shares a personal revelation on how the demand for instant replies has become a modern tyranny, shaping our anxiety, our relationships, and even our sense of self-worth.

From missed calls that led to €300 fines to the quiet fear of being unreachable when someone needs us, this episode explores why we struggle to pause, and what the Stoics, emotional intelligence, and modern thinkers might teach us about reclaiming our time.

Because sometimes, the wisest thing you can do is wait before you respond.

In this episode:

– The hidden cost of always being reachable

– What the Stoics would say about immediacy

– Fear of missing out versus the courage to pause

– Practical steps to free yourself from instant response habits

Michael also admits this is a lesson he’s still learning, reminding us that even those who teach these ideas must practice them daily.

In a world full of stress management workshops and resilience toolkits, are we missing the point of what it truly means to endure?

In this episode of Mind the Gap, Michael challenges the quick-fix culture that tells us to seek “work-life balance” as the ultimate goal, and instead invites us to discover a deeper, Stoic approach to living with composure and purpose, even when life doesn’t give us easy options.

With insights from ancient philosophy and the quiet courage of voices like Etty Hillesum, this conversation will leave you questioning the myth of balance, exploring how to prioritise what truly matters, and discovering how to stand steady in a world that rarely feels even.

Have you ever worked under a boss who micromanages, takes credit for your work, and treats your talents as threats? In this insightful episode of Mind the Gap, Michael Comyn explores the dynamics behind bosses driven by insecurity, envy, and fear. Drawing on timeless Stoic wisdom, modern psychology, and the latest insights from emotional intelligence experts, this episode offers powerful strategies for navigating challenging workplace relationships while protecting your emotional health and professional integrity.

You'll learn how to recognise and manage these difficult dynamics, build authentic allies, and maintain clarity and resilience in the face of adversity. Whether you're currently experiencing a challenging leadership situation or aiming to understand past experiences better, this episode will equip you with practical insights and the reassurance that your competence and talent should always shine.

If this resonates, please share, like, and subscribe. Your support helps us reach others who need to hear these messages.

Stay steady, and mind the gap!