Podcast
The Camino Stoic
Hosted by Eric Fendley · ENGLISH
What happens when an ancient walking path meets ancient wisdom?
The Camino Stoic follows host Eric on a 1,000-kilometer pilgrimage along Spain’s Camino de la Plata — one of Europe’s most soulful and lesser-known routes. As he walks, he explores how the timeless teachings of Stoic philosophers like Seneca, Epictetus, and Marcus Aurelius can guide us through the challenges of daily life.
Each episode blends personal reflection, stories from the trail, and the principles of Stoic thought — offering insight into how we can walk through the world with more resilience, clarity, and peace.
Whether you’re planning your own Camino, curious about Stoicism, or simply looking to live more intentionally, this podcast invites you to slow down, tune in, and walk with purpose.
14episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
Via de la Plata Episode 8 – Galicia, Arrival, and the Stoic Classroom
Aug 1800:09:08Tap to summarizeIn this closing episode of The Camino Stoic, Eric walks the final stretch of the Via de la Plata through Galicia and reflects on what the journey has taught him. From moss-draped forests and quiet villages to the calm arrival in Santiago de Compostela, he shares the emotional and philosophical lessons of finishing a thousand-kilometer pilgrimage. Along the way, Eric explores Stoic principles lived on the trail—acceptance, resilience, simplicity, and gratitude—and considers how they shape life beyond the Camino. Practical insights (yes, shoes and socks matter) sit alongside deeper reflections on solitude, anticipation, and the quiet power of completion. Whether you’ve walked the Camino, are curious about Stoicism, or simply enjoy slowing down to reflect, this episode offers a thoughtful closing chapter—and a reminder that the journey matters as much as the destination. The Camino Stoic is written and presented by Eric Fendley, produced by Viil Fjøse, with music by Stonecraft. If you find value in this episode, please consider following and sharing the podcast with a fellow traveller.
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Via de la Plata Episode 7 – Angelo’s Story of Solitude, Friendship, and Resilience
Aug 1100:36:27Tap to summarizeIn this special extended episode of The Camino Stoic, Eric is joined by fellow pilgrim Angelo, a multilingual doctor and seasoned Camino walker. Together they reflect on the unique character of the Via de la Plata, the challenges of solitude, and the lessons learned when reality doesn’t match expectations. Their conversation weaves through memorable encounters, moments of deep self-reflection, and the surprising ways the Camino mirrors life’s journey. Along the way, they explore themes of inner peace, resilience, and the stoic art of accepting what cannot be changed—snoring bunkmates included. The Camino Stoic is written and presented by Eric Fendley, produced by Viil Fjøse, with music by Stonecraft. If you find value in this episode, please consider following and sharing the podcast with a fellow traveller.
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Via de la Plata Episode 6 – The Long View: Castile, Goals, and the Weight of the Pack
Aug 400:09:59Tap to summarizeAs Eric crosses the vast plains of Castile and León, the journey begins to shift. Santiago is no longer just a distant idea—it’s a presence on the horizon. In this episode, he reflects on how the changing landscape invites deeper thought, and how the long walk prepares not just the body, but the mind. Drawing from Stoic principles—Amor Fati, voluntary discomfort, self-discipline, reflection, and equanimity—Eric explores what it means to carry both less and more as the Camino nears its end. The path is quieter now, but the lessons grow louder. The Camino Stoic is written and presented by Eric Fendley, produced by Viil Fjøse, with music by Stonecraft. If you find value in this episode, please consider following and sharing the podcast with a fellow traveller.
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Via de la Plata Episode 5 – Rain, Rhythm, and Reflective Practice
Jul 2800:09:01Tap to summarizeIn this episode, Eric walks through Extremadura, where the days bring more clouds than sunshine and just enough rain to keep things interesting. He explores how we handle life’s unpredictable moments, big or small, and why Stoicism teaches us to accept whatever weather — literal or emotional — comes our way. With muddy paths, damp gear, and quiet country roads as his backdrop, Eric reflects on the value of patience and steady effort. This is an episode about building resilience not through grand trials, but through calmly meeting each modest challenge, knowing that true strength grows from how we respond to the everyday, not just the storms. The Camino Stoic is written and presented by Eric Fendley, produced by Viil Fjøse, with music by Stonecraft. If you find value in this episode, please consider following and sharing the podcast with a fellow traveller.
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Via de la Plata Episode 4 – Heat, Hills, and Harmony with Nature
Jul 2100:08:38Tap to summarizeThis episode dives into how facing challenges — whether it’s the blazing sun, long climbs, or life’s everyday struggles — can actually bring us closer to inner peace. Eric shares reflections on how embracing discomfort isn’t about suffering for its own sake, but about building the kind of strength and perspective that makes real freedom possible. It’s a look at how nature, effort, and simple routines work together to create a deeper sense of harmony. The Camino Stoic is written and presented by Eric Fendley, produced by Viil Fjøse, with music by Stonecraft. If you find value in this episode, please consider following and sharing the podcast with a fellow traveller.
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Via de la Plata Episode 3 – Loving The Camino As It Comes
Jul 1400:08:34Tap to summarizeOn the Camino, discomfort is inevitable—blisters, bad weather, no beds, and yes… snoring. In this episode, Eric explores Amor Fati, the Stoic principle of loving one’s fate. Not just tolerating the unpredictable, but embracing it fully. Through the shared realities of albergue life and the daily surprises of pilgrimage, Eric reflects on how the Camino becomes a living classroom for this powerful idea. When we stop fighting what we can’t control, we begin to see each obstacle not as a setback, but as part of the path. The Camino Stoic is written and presented by Eric Fendley, produced by Viil Fjøse, with music by Stonecraft. If you find value in this episode, please consider following and sharing the podcast with a fellow traveller.
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Via de la Plata Episode 2 – The Long Road Out of Seville
Jul 800:08:31Tap to summarizeIn this episode, Eric leaves the bustling streets of Seville and begins the slow process of settling into the rhythm of the Camino. As the urban landscape gives way to quiet trails, he reflects on the Stoic idea of accepting what we cannot control and the mental shift that comes with the early days of pilgrimage. The journey has begun—and the road is already teaching. The Camino Stoic is written and presented by Eric Fendley, produced by Viil Fjøse, with music by Stonecraft. If you find value in this episode, please consider following and sharing the podcast with a fellow traveller.
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Via de la Plata Episode 1 – Setting Out
Jul 100:09:43Tap to summarizeIn this first episode of Via de la Plata Eric Vendley shares the deeply personal story behind his decision to leave behind three decades in Germany—selling his business, his home, and a complex life—to walk the 1,000km Via de la Plata Camino in Spain. As he journeys through sunlit landscapes, Eric dives into Stoic philosophy, seeking clarity, simplicity, and a more intentional way of living. Whether you're curious about the Camino, Stoicism, or personal reinvention, this story is your invitation to start walking with purpose. The Camino Stoic is written and presented by Eric Fendley, produced by Viil Fjøse, with music by Stonecraft. If you find value in this episode, please consider following and sharing the podcast with a fellow traveller.
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The 4 Stoic Virtues - Summary
Jun 2700:07:27Tap to summarizeEpisode 5 - Summary: How can Stoic philosophy support us in our daily struggles? In this reflective episode, Eric explores four common life situations—uncertainty, anger, solitude, and setbacks—and shows how each of the Stoic virtues can guide our responses. With personal insights from the Camino de la Plata and practical applications, this episode offers a compass for navigating life with steadiness and purpose. Whether you’re on the trail or simply seeking wisdom, this episode brings Stoicism down to earth. The Camino Stoic is written and presented by Eric Fendley. Produced by Viil Fjøse, with music by Stonecraft. If you’ve enjoyed this episode, consider following the podcast and sharing it with a fellow traveller. Thank you for walking with us.
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The 4 Stoic Virtues - Temperance
Jun 2600:08:07Tap to summarizeEpisode 4 - Temperence: In today’s world of constant distraction, instant gratification, and overconsumption, the Stoic virtue of Temperance can feel like an ancient relic. But what if it’s exactly what we need to reclaim balance, presence, and peace? In this episode of The Camino Stoic, Eric guides us through the final cardinal virtue—temperance—drawing insights from the Camino de Santiago and the teachings of the Stoics. Through personal stories from the Via de la Plata, we examine how moderating our desires isn’t about deprivation—it’s about freedom. Whether it’s craving comfort, control, or praise, temperance helps us ask: Do I really need this? And as we walk, we begin to hear the quiet answer: You already have enough. Tune in to reflect, reset, and reconnect with the virtue of moderation. The Camino Stoic is written and presented by Eric Fendley, produced by Viil Fjøse, with music by Stonecraft. If you’ve enjoyed this episode, consider following the podcast and sharing it with a fellow traveller.
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