John Sampson | Science-Based Self-Help
25 episodes listed below
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Explore the intersection of modern psychology and ancient Stoic philosophy with The Synapse and the Stoa, a science-based self-help podcast hosted by John Sampson. Each episode bridges the gap between neuroscience and timeless wisdom to provide practical tools for mental resilience and personal growth.In a world of surface-level advice, we go deeper. By examining the neural pathways of the 'Synapse' and the timeless logic of the 'Stoa', we unpack why we think, feel, and act the way we do. Whether you're struggling with burnout, seeking better habits, or simply curious about the human condition, this show provides a roadmap...
That missed arrow is your cue to ask what you can control before blaming the wind.
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Short reviews from the PlayNext desk, based on the episodes we processed.
A hard-edged look at blame, responsibility, and what it takes to stop circling the same habits.
John Sampson treats blame as a habit that quietly drains power, slows careers, and frays relationships, then turns to Aristotle, Epictetus, and Nietzsche to argue for a harder kind of accountability.
A strong case for agency that blends philosophy, psychology, and neuroscience.
It makes a plain case against fatalism: people can get trapped inside the story they tell about their limits, and that story can be revised. Drawing on Aristotle, the Stoics, Nietzsche, and modern neuroscience, it uses learned helplessness and explanatory style to frame why…
Jonquilyn Hill chases one listener question per episode to the experts who can answer it.
Three hosts and psychologist Dr Emily talk vulnerability, therapy, and imperfection with guests.
Fearne Cotton interviews guests like Boy George and Bryony Gordon about mental health and identity.
Dr. Joy Harden Bradford pairs therapy insight with Black TV recaps, maternal health, and history.
This episode explores why blaming others is a weakness, examining the neuroscience behind blame as a threat response and the philosophical perspectives of Aristotle, the Stoics, and Nietzsche.
Host John Sampson of The Synapse and the Stoa delivers a structured argument against fatalism using Aristotelian logic, Stoic philosophy, Nietzsche, and modern neuroscience.
John Sampson distinguishes ancient Cynicism, associated with Diogenes of Sinope and virtue-based self-mastery, from modern cynicism, which he describes as suspicion without aspiration.
The Synapse and the Stoa, hosted by John Sampson, examines the “cavalry complex”—the expectation that a boss, partner, government, or universe will eventually provide rescue.
This episode explores why humans resist change and how Stoic philosophy and neuroscience provide tools to embrace it for a fulfilling life.
This episode explores the neuroscience behind dissatisfaction and offers Stoic-inspired tools to overcome the 'grass is greener' mentality.
This episode explores the fear of judgment, its psychological and neurological effects, and how Stoic philosophy can help build resilience against it.
This episode explores the philosophical and scientific power of having ideals and role models, drawing from Stoic, Aristotelian, and Nietzschean thought alongside modern neuroscience to guide personal development.
This episode explores how ancient philosophers and modern neuroscience approach anger, offering practical strategies for managing rage constructively.
This episode explores procrastination through the lenses of neuroscience and Stoic philosophy, examining why we delay tasks and how to overcome it.
This episode explores how to respond to life's upheavals by integrating insights from ancient philosophers and modern psychology, culminating in acceptance and commitment therapy.
This episode explores the human desire for external praise through the lens of Stoic philosophy, using a quote from Marcus Aurelius.