In this episode of Adaptation by Fire, we are is joined by philosopher and Stoicism expert Dr. William B. Irvine to explore how ancient philosophy applies to modern life and athletics. Together, they discuss why success and comfort often fail to bring lasting happiness, how hedonic adaptation shapes our expectations, and how Stoic practices such as negative visualization can strengthen resilience and mental fitness

Dr. Irvine shares personal stories and practical insights on using Stoicism not as an abstract philosophy, but as a daily operating system for life, sport, and adversity. This conversation bridges philosophy, endurance sports, and personal growth, offering listeners tools they can immediately apply in training, competition, and everyday life.

Topics Covered

• What Stoicism really is and why it still matters today

• Hedonic adaptation and why “more” never feels like enough

• Negative visualization as a tool for gratitude and perspective

• Mental fitness as a trainable skill in sports and life

• The Stoic dichotomy of control and its relevance to athletes

• Framing discomfort and adversity as opportunities for growth

• Why physical challenge can strengthen mental resilience

• Applying Stoic principles to endurance training and competition

Guest
Dr. William B. Irvine is a philosopher and author known for his work on Stoicism, happiness, and the application of ancient philosophy to modern living.

Host and Co Host
Dr. Mani Alavi is an emergency medicine physician, endurance athlete, and running coach. He is the host and co host of Adaptation by Fire, a podcast focused on resilience, performance, and the science of adaptation.

Connect
For questions, feedback, or collaboration, contact Dr. Mani Alavi at
doctor.apma@gmail.com

Keywords
Stoicism, hedonic adaptation, negative visualization, mental fitness, philosophy, resilience, athletics, coaching, Dr. William B. Irvine, Dr. Mani Alavi, Adaptation by Fire

In Part 1 of this series, Dr. William B. Irvine delves into the history and core principles of Stoicism with Dr. Mani Alavi, revealing how this philosophy can support runners in achieving mental toughness and resilience. Explore practical strategies to enhance your running experience and overcome obstacles.

Key Takeaways:

The origins of Stoicism and its influential thinkers. The impact of hedonic adaptation on running satisfaction. How negative visualization can enhance your appreciation for running. Stoic techniques for mental endurance in long-distance races. Focusing on controllable aspects of your running journey.

In this episode of Adaptation by Fire, Dr. Mani Alavi sits down with Maria Herr, MS, RDN, CSSD, LD, a registered dietitian and passionate runner, to explore the critical role nutrition plays in health and athletic performance. Together, they address common misconceptions about diet and emphasize the power of consistent, mindful eating habits.

Key topics discussed include:

• The essential role of macronutrients—protein, fats, and carbohydrates—in fueling the body for both daily life and athletic pursuits.
• Protein and carbohydrate recommendations for active individuals.
• The importance of complex carbohydrates and healthy fats for overall health and performance.
• How the body uses fat and carbohydrates during exercise, with insights on fat utilization during low-intensity workouts.
• Why fat adaptation and high-fat diets may not enhance performance in high-intensity racing.
• Practical tips for maintaining a nutrient-dense diet in a modern food environment filled with hyper-palatable, calorie-dense options.
• Small, sustainable dietary changes that promote better health and performance without restrictive eating.

Maria also shares her expert perspective on the state of nutrition in the country, highlighting the challenges posed by portion sizes and sedentary lifestyles. Tune in to learn actionable strategies for optimizing your nutrition, whether you're training for a race or striving for better health.

• Learn more about Maria Herr: Nutriworks, Inc. Staff Page
• Contact the Adaptation by Fire podcast: doctor.apma@gmail.com

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