Stoic Empathy with Shermin Kruse

What does it mean to succeed without losing yourself? In this powerful episode of Stoic Empathy, Shermin Kruse sits down with Dion Dawson, U.S. Navy veteran, social entrepreneur, and founder of Dion’s Chicago Dream, a nonprofit reimagining the fight against hunger.

Dion’s story is one of resilience, purpose, and self-belief—from experiencing homelessness to becoming a national leader in food security. His approach to success is de...

How do you bring two opposing sides to the same table? How do you build the infrastructure for peace in a world shaped by conflict? In this episode of Stoic Empathy, host Shermin Kruse sits down with Joel Braunold, a public policy entrepreneur and peace-building expert, to discuss the role of empathy, emotional regulation, and strategic thinking in resolving international conflicts.

As the Managing Director of the S. Daniel Abraham...

In this compelling episode of Stoic Empathy, Shermin Kruse welcomes the legendary Marie P. Anderson, the renowned modeling agent who discovered Cindy Crawford and redefined the industry’s standards of beauty and integrity. With decades of experience, Marie has been a steadfast advocate for young women, working tirelessly to protect their rights, safety, and mental health in an often toxic industry.

Marie shares personal stories tha...

In this enlightening episode of Stoic Empathy, host Shermin Kruse and producer Alex Waite dive into the intricacies of emotional control and understanding. Breaking emotions into five key processes—neurophysiological responses, behavioral expressions, motivational tendencies, subjective feelings, and cognitive processes—Shermin shares practical strategies for managing emotions through the lens of stoic empathy.

The discussion highl...

Empathy is a powerful tool for connection—but it’s also widely misunderstood. In this episode of Stoic Empathy, host Shermin Kruse is joined by producer Alex Waite and colleague Beth Hill to break down the different forms of empathy and their impact on our interactions. Together, they explore emotional empathy—feeling what others feel—and cognitive empathy—understanding others without taking on their emotions.

Shermin and her guest...

In this heartfelt and inspiring episode of Stoic Empathy, Shermin Kruse sits down with Jason Patera, Head of the Chicago Academy for the Arts, to discuss the transformative power of Stoicism, mindfulness, and community. A dedicated educator and a Stoicism enthusiast, Jason shares how these principles have shaped his approach to leadership, personal challenges, and fostering an environment where students and staff thrive.

The conver...

In this illuminating episode of Stoic Empathy, Shermin Kruse welcomes Abiodun Durojaye, a trailblazer in leadership, advocacy, and purpose-driven living. Born in Lagos, Nigeria, Abiodun’s journey from being called "Abby" to fully embracing her name, identity, and mission has inspired countless individuals, including the thousands who connected with her powerful TEDx talk, What’s Your Starbucks Name?

Shermin and Abiodun dive into th...

In this inspiring episode of Stoic Empathy, Shermin Kruse is joined by Dr. Christina Madison, a trailblazer in healthcare advocacy and founder of The Public Health Pharmacist. With over 200 media appearances and a mission to amplify the voices of underrepresented healthcare professionals, Dr. Madison shares her journey of resilience, empathy, and radical self-love.

The conversation highlights her work addressing health disparities ...

In this thought-provoking episode of Stoic Empathy, Shermin Kruse sits down with acclaimed actor and cultural visionary Harry Lennix to explore the intricate interplay of emotion, identity, and resilience in both personal and professional life.

Harry shares profound insights into his philosophy of acting, discussing how he embodies intense roles while protecting his emotional well-being. Drawing on his extensive experience in the a...

In this episode of the Stoic Empathy Podcast, Shermin Kruse is joined by Congressman Mike Quigley, who shares his powerful firsthand experience during the January 6th Capitol attack. Together, they discuss the complexities of maintaining empathy and composure in the face of crises, offering invaluable insights on balancing emotional and cognitive empathy during intense situations. Congressman Quigley also reflects on the broader ch...

In this episode of The Stoic Empathy Podcast, host Shermin Kruse is joined by Whitney Reynolds, an inspiring journalist and host of The Whitney Reynolds Show. Together, they dive deep into the art of empathetic storytelling, exploring how Whitney’s approach to understanding and sharing the stories of others has shaped her career. Whitney shares insights from her TEDx talk and her extensive work in the media, discussing how she navi...

What if everything we thought we knew about neurodegenerative diseases was flawed? In this episode of Stoic Empathy, Shermin Kruse sits down with renowned neuroscientist Dr. Alberto Espay to explore the challenges of breaking scientific dogma, the role of empathy in research, and how stoicism can help navigate intellectual resistance.

Dr. Espay challenges the traditional checkbox approach to diagnosing diseases like Alzheimer’s and...

Welcome to the very first episode of *Stoic Empathy*! In this introductory episode, host Shermin Kruse warmly invites you into the world of Stoic Empathy, a transformative philosophy that combines the power of emotional regulation with the art of understanding others. Sher introduces the basics of Stoic Empathy, showing how mastering your inner world can lead to deeper connections, stronger relationships, and greater personal growt...