Citizens of the World: A Stoic Podcast for Curious Travelers

As a listener of this podcast, you’ve already heard me talk about how the ancient philosophy of Stoicism offers guidance on how we can live the good life in the modern world. How to be less stressed. How to be a better listener. How to be more productive. 

But Stoicism is about more than improving ourselves on an individual level, it’s about improving our communities and being an active member of society. 

“No one is an island,” says today’s guest. That’s actually the title of chapter five of the book he co-authored: Being Better: Stoicism for a World Worth Living In. 

I am speaking to Kai Whiting, an English researcher and lecturer in sustainability and Stoicism currently living in Lisbon, Portugal.

Kai and I spoke for several hours — he’s a new bff whom I definitely plan on visiting in real life. 

I loved our conversation and am splitting it up in a few parts. This week we’re focussed on why Kai decided to focus  his book on Stoicism for the common good, and we get into a fascinating discussion on how contemporary cancel culture is a version of exile from ancient times, and how Stoicism offers an antidote to this.

Enjoy.


Hello! I'm your host, Sarah Mikutel. But the real question is, who are you? Where are you now and where do you want to be? Can I help you get there?

Visit sarahmikutel.com to learn how we can work together to help you achieve more peace, happiness, and positive transformation in your life.

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We’re exploring hipster London with Jeremy Burge. Since moving to London from Australia a few years ago, Jeremy has turned a side-project creating an emoji dictionary into a full-time career. Today, Emojipedia gets about 25 million visits a month 🎉

Jeremy’s part of the secret squad that makes the rules about which emojis are available to us. We have a fun conversation about the evolution of emojis, and World Emoji Day 📅, which he invented (this year the Empire State Building’s lights turned yellow in recognition). Jeremy also shares his favorite London travel recommendations. Coffee, bikes, Google campus. It’s a London hipster paradise.

Links to what we discuss can be found on postcardacademy.co

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Fundraiser for Ukraine

Life feels pretty chaotic right now for many people. 

It's not just the war in Ukraine or Covid. The world these days seems too fast-paced and full of rage. You might feel...

• afraid to say anything online (or IRL)
• so overwhelmed by all you want to do, you don't do anything
• paralyzed and frustrated by your perfectionist procrastination

These are all totally normal thoughts and feelings. And you don't have to stay stuck here.

In  the Calm the Chaos audio course I created for you, I blend Stoic wisdom with modern psychology to help you:  

• feel less anxious in your mind and body
• be more present for friends and family – and yourself
• live with more intention and less regret
• stop worrying what others think

All course profits made between now and May 28 will go to Nova Ukraine, an organization providing humanitarian aid to Ukrainian refugees.

Go to sarahmikutel.com/calmthechaos to access the audio course via donation today. Once again, donations must be made by May 28. Thank you 🙏 🇺🇦

Happy Thanksgiving, U.S. listeners! This year about 54 million Americans will travel more than 50 miles during Thanksgiving, and most of these people will be driving, estimates AAA. However, it’s a myth that the day before Thanksgiving is the busiest travel day of the year (that honor actually goes to several weekends throughout the summer). But that’s not the only Thanksgiving myth out there. (Check out these 10 surprising Thanksgiving facts).

Don’t worry, this episode is not about tearing down this revered holiday. Spoiler: Thanksgiving really is a tradition rooted in gratitude and peace. But it’s also a holiday full of surprises that most people don’t know about, which is why I’m happy to share today’s interview with Melanie Kirkpatrick, author of Thanksgiving: The Holiday at the Heart of the American Experience.

We discuss the history of this very American tradition, including why the Pilgrims really came to the New World (it wasn’t to flee religious persecution, if that’s what you’re thinking).

Wherever you’re from, this week I hope you enjoy good food in great company.

I’m your host, Sarah Mikutel, and you can find travel guides and inspiration at postcardacademy.co Ready to book your trip? Sign up for my newsletter and get your free guide to cheap airfare.

Thank you so much for listening to this show. I know you’re busy and have many listening options, so it means a lot to me that you’re here. You are the best.

This podcast is brought to you by Audible. Not a member yet? Postcard Academy listeners can get a FREE audiobook and a 30-day free trial if you sign up via

audibletrial.com/postcard

This podcast is also brought to you by World Nomads. Need simple and flexible travel insurance? Get a cost estimate from World Nomads using their handy calculator at postcardacademy.co/insurance

When tourists visit England, most miss the beautiful coastal towns south of the London, and almost none of them have heard of Folkestone, the magical town in which my guest Tony Quarrington and I live. But we’re letting you in on the secret! (visit postcard academy.co for our list of recommendations.)

In the last episode, you heard about the history of Folkestone — it’s Victorian splendor and the important role the town played in World Wars I and II. Tony and I also talked about the two families that have had the greatest impact on the town over the last few centuries: the Radnors and the de Haans.

Tony left off speaking about Roger de Hann, who’s father was a prisoner of war during WWII and then went on to become a billionaire by founding the travel company Saga right here in Folkestone.

Roger has spent millions revitalizing the town where his father earned his fortune. I’m actually living in one of the refurbished buildings in the Creative Quarter.

In this episode, I jump back into my conversation with Tony, who will talk more about Roger de Hann’s influence on Folkestone and how the town has changed in the last few decades. Then Tony and I will share our favorite places to eat, drink, and do fun things in Folkestone.

I’m your host, Sarah Mikutel. Did you know I host another show called Podcasting Step by Step? Check it out if you’ve been wanting to start a podcast. Every week, I break down ‘how to podcast’ with a little loving motivation to give you the skills and confidence you need to finally launch that show of your dreams.

Ready to travel? Get your free guide to cheap airfare.

Thank you so much for listening to this show. I know you’re busy and have many listening options, so it means a lot to me that you’re here. You are the best.

This podcast is brought to you by Audible. Not a member yet? Postcard Academy listeners can get a FREE audiobook and a 30-day free trial if you sign up via

audibletrial.com/postcard

This podcast is also brought to you by World Nomads. Need simple and flexible travel insurance? Get a cost estimate from World Nomads using their handy calculator at postcardacademy.co/insurance