<![CDATA[PHILOSOPHER KINGS.]]>Philosopher Kings is designed to transform young professionals into people who think, speak, and act with knowledge, wisdom, and virtue—ten(ish) minutes at a time. It’s perfect for growing during your commute, investing in your internal-self during a workout, or leveling up while running errands. Each episode revives ancient philosophy, mythology, and timeless insight to help you lead and live with clarity, navigate chaos with character, and build the good life.

We invite you to listen on your lunch break, on your commute, or while you reset—because the future belongs to the wise. Aristotle explains that "virtue is no accident-- we are what we repeatedly DO." Start by repeatedly listening to a great show made to help you thrive as a young professional and person.

]]>www.philosopherkings.netRiverside.fm (https://riverside.com)Sat, 18 Jul 2026 06:17:20 GMTTue, 19 May 2026 14:01:56 GMT60Mark Shaffer, PhD in Ancient Near Eastern and Classical Literature.<p><b><i>Philosopher Kings</i></b> is designed to transform young professionals into people who think, speak, and act with knowledge, wisdom, and virtue—ten(ish) minutes at a time. It’s perfect for growing during your commute, investing in your internal-self during a workout, or leveling up while running errands. Each episode revives ancient philosophy, mythology, and timeless insight to help you lead and live with clarity, navigate chaos with character, and build the good life.</p><p></p><p>We invite you to listen on your lunch break, on your commute, or while you reset—because the future belongs to the wise. Aristotle explains that "virtue is no accident-- we are what we repeatedly DO." Start by repeatedly listening to a great show made to help you thrive as a young professional and person.</p>episodicMark Shaffer, PhD in Ancient Near Eastern and Classical Literature.markdshaffer@gmail.comno<![CDATA[10. BE WHO YOU PRETEND TO BE.]]>This episode, we invite you to take a walk with Mark cooling down on a running trail, and to think about who you are and who you want to become.

Socrates says the fastest way to become virtuous is to be who you pretend to be. He means that most of us put on a pretty good show that we are a good person; we act like we possess all the qualities we assume others around us would admire. We might even change out the masks we wear from place to place to match a crowd like a chameleon.

Socrates would say this a false-self and the best way to find the good life is to be yourself all the time and like yourself all of the time. And so Mark invites you to internal authority through actually being the things you KNOW would heal your soul and make you great. BE WHO YOU PRETEND TO BE, and goodness becomes simple.

If you are just out of college or training, in your first five years of your career--We made this episode to encourage you and equip you for growth and success. We hope you love it Kings and Queens!

Heart,

The Philosopher Kings Team

Mark, Skylar, and Ricardo

Join the Philosopher Kings community here:
https://www.skool.com/philosopher-kings-8259/about

For all things Philosopher Kings, visit:
www.philosopherkings.net

]]>00115087-fe24-4f00-a44a-9d20dcea2174Wed, 08 Jul 2026 18:51:00 GMT<p>This episode, we invite you to take a walk with Mark cooling down on a running trail, and to think about who you are and who you want to become.</p><p></p><p>Socrates says the fastest way to become virtuous is to be who you pretend to be. He means that most of us put on a pretty good show that we are a good person; we act like we possess all the qualities we assume others around us would admire. We might even change out the masks we wear from place to place to match a crowd like a chameleon.</p><p></p><p>Socrates would say this a false-self and the best way to find the good life is to be yourself all the time and like yourself all of the time. And so Mark invites you to internal authority through actually being the things you KNOW would heal your soul and make you great. BE WHO YOU PRETEND TO BE, and goodness becomes simple.</p><p></p><p>If you are just out of college or training, in your first five years of your career--We made this episode to encourage you and equip you for growth and success. We hope you love it Kings and Queens!</p><p></p><p>Heart,</p><p>The Philosopher Kings Team</p><p>Mark, Skylar, and Ricardo</p><p></p><p>Join the Philosopher Kings community here:<br /><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.skool.com/philosopher-kings-8259/about" target="_blank"><b>https://www.skool.com/philosopher-kings-8259/about</b></a></p><p></p><p>For all things Philosopher Kings, visit:<br /><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="http://www.philosopherkings.net" target="_blank"><b>www.philosopherkings.net</b></a></p>no00:06:3110. BE WHO YOU PRETEND TO BE.full<![CDATA[09. WORRY AND CONTROL.]]>In this episode, Mark introduces an idea from his favorite ancient philosoopher, Epictetus.

Epictetus says that we should divide all problems into what we can control and what we cannot. If we cannot control something in any way, he teaches that we should make the CHOICE not to worry about it.

If you are just out of college or training, in your first five years of your career--We made this episode to encourage you and equip you for growth and success. We hope you love it Kings and Queens!

Heart,

The Philosopher Kings Team

Mark, Skylar, and Ricardo

Join the Philosopher Kings community here:
https://www.skool.com/philosopher-kings-8259/about

For all things Philosopher Kings, visit:
www.philosopherkings.net

]]>a74298fa-e234-43de-a9bc-17b7fa73278fThu, 02 Jul 2026 11:56:36 GMT<p>In this episode, Mark introduces an idea from his favorite ancient philosoopher, Epictetus. </p><p></p><p>Epictetus says that we should divide all problems into what we can control and what we cannot. If we cannot control something in any way, he teaches that we should make the CHOICE not to worry about it.</p><p></p><p>If you are just out of college or training, in your first five years of your career--We made this episode to encourage you and equip you for growth and success. We hope you love it Kings and Queens!</p><p></p><p>Heart,</p><p>The Philosopher Kings Team</p><p>Mark, Skylar, and Ricardo</p><p></p><p>Join the Philosopher Kings community here:<br /><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.skool.com/philosopher-kings-8259/about" target="_blank"><b>https://www.skool.com/philosopher-kings-8259/about</b></a></p><p></p><p>For all things Philosopher Kings, visit:<br /><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="http://www.philosopherkings.net" target="_blank"><b>www.philosopherkings.net</b></a></p>no00:07:3009. WORRY AND CONTROL.full<![CDATA[08. WHY VIRTUE WILL MAKE YOU AN UNCOMMONLY BETTER YOUNG PRO.]]>In this episode, Mark explains how virtue + kindness equals uncommon greatness as a young pro and person.

Mark gives a short list of virtues which can literally transform your character, bring you success, and give you internal authority:

  • wisdom
  • justice
  • courage
  • philanthropy
  • wonder
  • humility

No matter who you are or what you do for a living, virtue is for you. It does not belong to a religion or creed, and they are tried and true-- they have been informing the BEST of people for over 2000 years.

If you are just out of college or training, in your first five years of your career--We made this episode to encourage you and equip you for growth and success. We hope you love it Kings and Queens!

Heart,

The Philosopher Kings Team

Mark, Skylar, and Ricardo

Join the Philosopher Kings community here:
https://www.skool.com/philosopher-kings-8259/about

For all things Philosopher Kings, visit:
www.philosopherkings.net

]]>968cc043-7c75-437c-9902-2e97cbdacb68Sat, 20 Jun 2026 12:36:04 GMT<p>In this episode, Mark explains how virtue + kindness equals uncommon greatness as a young pro and person. </p><p></p><p>Mark gives a short list of virtues which can literally transform your character, bring you success, and give you internal authority:</p><p></p><ul><li>wisdom</li><li>justice</li><li>courage</li><li>philanthropy</li><li>wonder</li><li>humility</li></ul><p></p><p>No matter who you are or what you do for a living, virtue is for you. It does not belong to a religion or creed, and they are tried and true-- they have been informing the BEST of people for over 2000 years.</p><p></p><p>If you are just out of college or training, in your first five years of your career--We made this episode to encourage you and equip you for growth and success. We hope you love it Kings and Queens!</p><p></p><p>Heart,</p><p>The Philosopher Kings Team</p><p>Mark, Skylar, and Ricardo</p><p></p><p>Join the Philosopher Kings community here:<br /><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.skool.com/philosopher-kings-8259/about" target="_blank"><b>https://www.skool.com/philosopher-kings-8259/about</b></a></p><p></p><p>For all things Philosopher Kings, visit:<br /><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="http://www.philosopherkings.net" target="_blank"><b>www.philosopherkings.net</b></a></p>no00:11:0008. WHY VIRTUE WILL MAKE YOU AN UNCOMMONLY BETTER YOUNG PRO.full<![CDATA[07. TO CHANGE YOUR LIFE, YOU HAVE TO CHANGE YOUR LIFE.]]>In this episode, Mark challenges young professionals to categorically give up the vices of alcohol, weed, and casual relationships.

Aristotle says we are what we repeatedly do. And so we can think ourselves to be very virtuous and put-together, but if we are compartmentalizing aspects of our life which stand in the way of the mountains we want to climb... it is time to rethink some things.

What if you could feel way way better in a matter of weeks or even days by removing the cloud of chemicals affecting your brain and body on the cellular level, or truly believe yourself to be worthy of someone who deeply sees you, knows you, and shows up for you insted of hooking up? This episode is just a few thoughts on that. And it comes from a place of love.

If you are just out of college or training, in your first five years of your career--We made this episode to encourage you and equip you for growth and success. We hope you love it Kings and Queens!

Heart,

The Philosopher Kings Team

Mark, Skylar, and Ricardo

Join the Philosopher Kings community here:
https://www.skool.com/philosopher-kings-8259/about

For all things Philosopher Kings, visit:
www.philosopherkings.net

]]>5d80c151-28e0-4cec-bdfb-12d3aa5e4144Mon, 08 Jun 2026 10:54:45 GMT<p>In this episode, Mark challenges young professionals to categorically give up the vices of alcohol, weed, and casual relationships.</p><p></p><p>Aristotle says we are what we repeatedly do. And so we can think ourselves to be very virtuous and put-together, but if we are compartmentalizing aspects of our life which stand in the way of the mountains we want to climb... it is time to rethink some things. </p><p></p><p>What if you could feel way way better in a matter of weeks or even days by removing the cloud of chemicals affecting your brain and body on the cellular level, or truly believe yourself to be worthy of someone who deeply sees you, knows you, and shows up for you insted of hooking up? This episode is just a few thoughts on that. And it comes from a place of love. </p><p></p><p>If you are just out of college or training, in your first five years of your career--We made this episode to encourage you and equip you for growth and success. We hope you love it Kings and Queens!</p><p></p><p>Heart,</p><p>The Philosopher Kings Team</p><p>Mark, Skylar, and Ricardo</p><p></p><p>Join the Philosopher Kings community here:<br /><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.skool.com/philosopher-kings-8259/about" target="_blank"><b>https://www.skool.com/philosopher-kings-8259/about</b></a></p><p></p><p>For all things Philosopher Kings, visit:<br /><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="http://www.philosopherkings.net" target="_blank"><b>www.philosopherkings.net</b></a></p>no00:11:2007. TO CHANGE YOUR LIFE, YOU HAVE TO CHANGE YOUR LIFE.full<![CDATA[06. THE SUPERPOWER OF HUMILITY.]]>In this episode, Mark explores why admitting that you are "new at this" and embodying humility is a superpower for young professionals and early careers.

Socrates explained to the men of Athens that what made him so wise was that he was aware of his ignorance. He famously said that "he was the wisest because he knew that he knew nothing."

There is a release valve that can lower the pressure of being new in your professional life, simply by owning that you are young, embracing the help of mentors, and thanking others for wisdom.

If you are just out of college or training, in your first five years of your career--We made this episode to encourage you and equip you for growth and success. We hope you love it Kings and Queens!

Heart,

The Philosopher Kings Team

Mark, Skylar, and Ricardo

Join the Philosopher Kings community here:
https://www.skool.com/philosopher-kings-8259/about

For all things Philosopher Kings, visit:
www.philosopherkings.net

]]>34c3d045-988a-4173-9bf5-ccde2bcea52eWed, 03 Jun 2026 21:01:17 GMT<p>In this episode, Mark explores why admitting that you are "new at this" and embodying humility is a superpower for young professionals and early careers. </p><p></p><p>Socrates explained to the men of Athens that what made him so wise was that he was aware of his ignorance. He famously said that "he was the wisest because he knew that he knew nothing." </p><p></p><p>There is a release valve that can lower the pressure of being new in your professional life, simply by owning that you are young, embracing the help of mentors, and thanking others for wisdom. </p><p></p><p>If you are just out of college or training, in your first five years of your career--We made this episode to encourage you and equip you for growth and success. We hope you love it Kings and Queens!</p><p></p><p>Heart, </p><p>The Philosopher Kings Team</p><p>Mark, Skylar, and Ricardo</p><p></p><p>Join the Philosopher Kings community here:<br /><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.skool.com/philosopher-kings-8259/about" target="_blank"><b>https://www.skool.com/philosopher-kings-8259/about</b></a></p><p></p><p>For all things Philosopher Kings, visit:<br /><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="http://www.philosopherkings.net" target="_blank"><b>www.philosopherkings.net</b></a></p>no00:06:1206. THE SUPERPOWER OF HUMILITY.full<![CDATA[05. WORK ON THE WEAKEST.]]>In this episode, Mark explores why feedback is one of the fastest ways young professionals can grow.

Instead of chasing externals like promotions, praise, and recognition, this episode challenges you to build internal authority by asking better questions, receiving correction, and training the traits that actually create trust.

Whether your weakness is reliability, integrity, communication, or feedback itself, the path forward is simple: find the gap, train it daily, and become the kind of person people naturally trust, respect, and promote.

Join the Philosopher Kings community here:
https://www.skool.com/philosopher-kings-8259/about

For all things Philosopher Kings, visit:
www.philosopherkings.net

]]>683c289a-5fe1-4cb0-a3f0-d19fe5b89c8dTue, 26 May 2026 11:56:19 GMT<p>In this episode, Mark explores why feedback is one of the fastest ways young professionals can grow.</p><p></p><p>Instead of chasing externals like promotions, praise, and recognition, this episode challenges you to build internal authority by asking better questions, receiving correction, and training the traits that actually create trust.</p><p></p><p>Whether your weakness is reliability, integrity, communication, or feedback itself, the path forward is simple: find the gap, train it daily, and become the kind of person people naturally trust, respect, and promote.</p><p></p><p>Join the Philosopher Kings community here:<br /><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.skool.com/philosopher-kings-8259/about" target="_blank">https://www.skool.com/philosopher-kings-8259/about</a></p><p></p><p>For all things Philosopher Kings, visit:<br /><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="http://www.philosopherkings.net" target="_blank">www.philosopherkings.net</a></p>no00:04:541505. WORK ON THE WEAKEST.full<![CDATA[04. RELIABILITY. INTEGRITY. COMMUNICATION. FEEDBACK.]]>In this episode, Mark breaks down the Big Four Core Competencies of Philosopher Kings: Reliability, Integrity, Communication, and Feedback.

Instead of overwhelming young professionals with endless workplace advice, this episode simplifies what actually matters. Reliability builds trust. Integrity creates internal authority. Communication brings clarity. Feedback fuels growth.

Master these four traits, and you become the kind of person people trust, respect, and rely on.

Join the Philosopher Kings community here:
https://www.skool.com/philosopher-kings-8259/about

For all things Philosopher Kings, visit:
www.philosopherkings.net

]]>49541391-9de6-48c2-9b13-38fc4885d53cTue, 26 May 2026 11:52:45 GMT<p>In this episode, Mark breaks down the Big Four Core Competencies of Philosopher Kings: Reliability, Integrity, Communication, and Feedback.</p><p></p><p>Instead of overwhelming young professionals with endless workplace advice, this episode simplifies what actually matters. Reliability builds trust. Integrity creates internal authority. Communication brings clarity. Feedback fuels growth.</p><p></p><p>Master these four traits, and you become the kind of person people trust, respect, and rely on.</p><p></p><p>Join the Philosopher Kings community here:<br /><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.skool.com/philosopher-kings-8259/about" target="_blank">https://www.skool.com/philosopher-kings-8259/about</a></p><p></p><p>For all things Philosopher Kings, visit:<br /><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="http://www.philosopherkings.net" target="_blank">www.philosopherkings.net</a></p>no00:08:301404. RELIABILITY. INTEGRITY. COMMUNICATION. FEEDBACK.full<![CDATA[03. THE BIG FOUR.]]>In this episode, Mark explores how young professionals can stop over-explaining and start embodying the qualities that earn real trust.

Drawing from Epictetus’ line, “Don’t explain your philosophy. Embody it,” this episode introduces the Big Four Core Competencies of Philosopher Kings:

Reliability, Integrity, Communication, and Feedback.

Master these fundamentals, and you quietly become the kind of person people trust, respect, and promote.

Join the Philosopher Kings community here:
https://www.skool.com/philosopher-kings-8259/about

For all things Philosopher Kings, visit:
www.philosopherkings.net

]]>acfe65a2-8ed4-4f48-a6c3-74b8e2d19d5bTue, 26 May 2026 11:49:47 GMT<p>In this episode, Mark explores how young professionals can stop over-explaining and start embodying the qualities that earn real trust.</p><p></p><p>Drawing from Epictetus’ line, “Don’t explain your philosophy. Embody it,” this episode introduces the Big Four Core Competencies of Philosopher Kings: </p><p></p><p>Reliability, Integrity, Communication, and Feedback.</p><p></p><p>Master these fundamentals, and you quietly become the kind of person people trust, respect, and promote.</p><p></p><p>Join the Philosopher Kings community here:<br /><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.skool.com/philosopher-kings-8259/about" target="_blank">https://www.skool.com/philosopher-kings-8259/about</a></p><p></p><p>For all things Philosopher Kings, visit:<br /><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="http://www.philosopherkings.net" target="_blank">www.philosopherkings.net</a></p>no00:07:301303. THE BIG FOUR.full<![CDATA[02. SHORT ON WISDOM AND VIRTUE.]]>Episode Two is a deeper dive into Plato’s vision of the Philosopher King and what it means for young professionals today.

In this episode, Mark explores the connection between knowledge, wisdom, and virtue—and why modern education and professional training often focus almost entirely on knowledge while falling short on wisdom and virtue.

Knowledge is usually covered in college classrooms, certifications, and professional programs. But many young professionals are never taught wisdom: practical decision-making, good judgment, emotional intelligence, and how to navigate real life well.

Even fewer are taught virtue: developing a personal moral code, ethical practices, integrity, discipline, and the kind of internal character that creates trust, leadership, and long-term success.

This episode argues that the strongest professionals are not simply knowledgeable, but people who learn to think, speak, and act with knowledge, wisdom, and virtue.

Join the Philosopher Kings community here:
Philosopher Kings Skool Community

For all things Philosopher Kings, visit:
Philosopher Kings Official Website

]]>f839dcf7-802e-4a4d-ac12-e414563b2c5bSat, 23 May 2026 15:52:04 GMT<p>Episode Two is a deeper dive into Plato’s vision of the Philosopher King and what it means for young professionals today.</p><p></p><p>In this episode, Mark explores the connection between knowledge, wisdom, and virtue—and why modern education and professional training often focus almost entirely on knowledge while falling short on wisdom and virtue.</p><p></p><p>Knowledge is usually covered in college classrooms, certifications, and professional programs. But many young professionals are never taught wisdom: practical decision-making, good judgment, emotional intelligence, and how to navigate real life well.</p><p></p><p>Even fewer are taught virtue: developing a personal moral code, ethical practices, integrity, discipline, and the kind of internal character that creates trust, leadership, and long-term success.</p><p></p><p>This episode argues that the strongest professionals are not simply knowledgeable, but people who learn to think, speak, and act with knowledge, wisdom, and virtue.</p><p></p><p>Join the Philosopher Kings community here:<br /><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.skool.com/philosopher-kings-8259/about?utm_source=chatgpt.com" target="_blank">Philosopher Kings Skool Community</a></p><p></p><p>For all things Philosopher Kings, visit:<br /><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.philosopherkings.net/?utm_source=chatgpt.com" target="_blank">Philosopher Kings Official Website</a></p>no00:06:351202. SHORT ON WISDOM AND VIRTUE.full<![CDATA[01. WHAT IS A PHILOSOPHER KING?]]>What does it mean to become a Philosopher King in the modern world?

In this first episode of the Philosopher Kings podcast, Mark Shaffer explores the intersection of knowledge, wisdom, and virtue—and why the best young professionals build internal authority before chasing external success.

We talk about:

  • Why competence alone is not enough
  • The difference between externals and internal authority
  • Ancient philosophy and modern professional life
  • The lost art of wisdom, discipline, and character
  • How Gen Z professionals can stand out in a distracted world

As Plato argued, the ideal leader is not merely powerful, but formed by wisdom and virtue—a true “philosopher king.” 

This podcast is for people who want to think clearly, speak wisely, and live with integrity in work, relationships, leadership, and life.

To join the Philosopher Kings community, start your free 7-day trial here:
Philosopher Kings Skool Community

Inside the community, you’ll find conversations with Mark and the PK team, exclusive resources, and the Philosopher Kings Memo—designed to help young professionals level up both their careers and their character.

Each edition of the PK Memo delivers profound growth through 4–5 short articles, a “sneaky link” to a free digital training, and other resources designed to help you build real internal authority.

For everything Philosopher Kings, visit:
Philosopher Kings Official Website

]]>71dff09f-7199-4dac-ba17-21c0b4e2f269Sat, 23 May 2026 13:49:38 GMT<p>What does it mean to become a Philosopher King in the modern world?</p><p></p><p>In this first episode of the <i>Philosopher Kings</i> podcast, Mark Shaffer explores the intersection of <b>knowledge, wisdom, and virtue</b>—and why the best young professionals build <i>internal authority</i> before chasing external success.</p><p></p><p>We talk about:</p><p></p><ul><li>Why competence alone is not enough</li><li>The difference between externals and internal authority</li><li>Ancient philosophy and modern professional life</li><li>The lost art of wisdom, discipline, and character</li><li>How Gen Z professionals can stand out in a distracted world<p></p></li></ul><p>As Plato argued, the ideal leader is not merely powerful, but formed by wisdom and virtue—a true “philosopher king.” </p><p>This podcast is for people who want to think clearly, speak wisely, and live with integrity in work, relationships, leadership, and life.</p><p></p><p>To join the Philosopher Kings community, start your free 7-day trial here:<br /><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.skool.com/philosopher-kings-8259/about?utm_source=chatgpt.com" target="_blank">Philosopher Kings Skool Community</a></p><p></p><p>Inside the community, you’ll find conversations with Mark and the PK team, exclusive resources, and the <i>Philosopher Kings Memo</i>—designed to help young professionals level up both their careers and their character.</p><p></p><p>Each edition of the PK Memo delivers profound growth through 4–5 short articles, a “sneaky link” to a free digital training, and other resources designed to help you build real internal authority.</p><p></p><p>For everything Philosopher Kings, visit:<br /><a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.philosopherkings.net/?utm_source=chatgpt.com" target="_blank">Philosopher Kings Official Website</a></p>no00:10:191101. WHAT IS A PHILOSOPHER KING?full