Brian McNeil: Cicero and the Pursuit of Happiness (#364, 26 June 2026)

Brian McNeil, classics scholar, and Cicero enthusiast, joins the RockneCast once again. In this episode, we explore the Cicero's concept of "happiness", and the good life. Cicero was a Roman statesman, orator, lawyer and philosopher of happiness. He also heavily influenced the thinking of our nation's Founders, especially Thomas Jefferson and his famous phrase from the Declaration of Independence: life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. What did Jefferson mean by that? What did Cicero mean by "happiness"? In this episode, Brian and I explore those questions through the lens of Cicero.

Discover the profound power of Jesus’ three prayers in John 17—an awe-inspiring message of unity, love, and divine purpose that you’ve probably never heard before. These prayers, spoken just before Jesus’ arrest, reveal a level of spiritual depth and unwavering focus on glorifying the Creator, even amid impending suffering. Once you experience these words, you’ll never look at prayer—or your purpose—the same way again.In this episode, Rockne Cole unpacks the beauty and transformative potential of these overlooked prayers, sharing why they matter for your life today. You’ll learn how Jesus’ focus on unity with the Father and the love He prays for believers to experience can inspire you to deepen your own connection with God and live intentionally. Experience why Jesus’ desire for believers to be “one” just as He is with the Father isn’t just spiritual rhetoric—it's a blueprint for daily life and community.We break down:The context behind Jesus’ prayers just before His arrest, highlighting their emotional power and theological significanceHow these prayers emphasize life over death, divine unity, and love, even in the face of unimaginable sufferingKey themes: glorification, eternal life, unity among believers, the love of God, and the power of prayer in transforming your perspectivePractical insights on how these prayers can elevate your faith practice, strengthen your relationships, and ignite purpose in your daily walkMissing this knowledge means missing out on an empowering perspective that can radically influence your spiritual journey and your relationships with others—especially in today’s divisive world. These prayers aren’t just words—they’re a message of divine unity and love that you can embrace to live a more purpose-driven, fulfilled life.Whether you’re seeking stronger faith, deeper connection, or a fresh understanding of divine purpose, this episode is essential listening. Perfect for anyone yearning for spiritual clarity or looking to harness the unshakeable peace and love Christ prays for.Rockne Cole, a passionate seeker and storyteller, guides you through these powerful prayers, inviting you to experience their depth firsthand. If you're ready to be inspired by divine words that transcend time, this episode is your next step.Take a moment—read these prayers yourself, let their power transform you, and share this revelation with others. Your journey to purposeful living and divine unity starts here.

I just finished Born to Walk by Mark Sisson. In this episode, I review this book and share some insight's from Sisson's book. Most people underestimate walking—not just as a gentle activity but as a powerful tool for transforming your health, mind, and spirit. Mark Sisson’s latest insights in Born to Walk challenge everything you think you know about exercise, revealing why walking, not running, is the secret to longevity, mental clarity, and fat loss. If you're tired of injuries, burnout, or simply seeking a sustainable way to improve your well-being, this episode is your ultimate game-changer.Discover how chronic running can do more harm than good, including its hidden risks like joint damage, hormonal imbalances, and even heart issues. Sisson breaks down the counterintuitive science: why long-distance running often preserves fat rather than burns it and how excessive stress from exercise hampers fat metabolism and muscle growth. You’ll learn why elite long-distance runners tend to be naturally skinny and how that differs from the rest of us trying to shed pounds.We break down the surprising power of walking—an activity so simple, yet so scientifically proven to boost brain function, elevate mood, and ignite creativity. Hear about the revolutionary hormone BDNF, which grows your brain’s capacity, and how walking can increase your IQ, sharpen decision-making, and even prevent diseases by up to 32%. You’ll discover the unique cognitive benefits of walking in nature, including how it stimulates ideas, reduces depression, and fosters happiness—without any stress or side effects.This episode reveals why walking is the most accessible, free, and effective lifestyle habit you can adopt today. It’s perfect for busy people, those healing from injury, or anyone eager to optimize health without risking burnout. Whether you’re looking to improve fat burning, enhance mental clarity, or simply reconnect with your body and spirit, walking provides all that and more—long-term, sustainable, and enjoyable.Join us as we explore the anatomy of the ideal movement routine—why 80% of your training should be gentle walks and why the 10% of high-intensity effort is enough for real gains. And if you’re wondering how to get started, Sisson shares practical tips for integrating walking into your daily routine, even with a busy schedule or family commitments. Plus, learn how walking can deepen your connection with loved ones and elevate your overall quality of life.This episode isn’t just about exercise; it’s a call to reclaim your health with the simplest, most effective movement: walking. It’s time to slow down, enjoy nature, and unlock the full potential of your mind and body—one step at a time.Are you ready to redefine wellness? Hit play and start walking your way to a healthier, sharper, happier you.

In one sentence, the philosopher Nassim Taleb encapsulates the power of Stoic philosophy.This episode explores the transformative power of a profound sentence.Apply it and you may just transform your life.Ignore it at your peril. It delves into how fear, pain, mistakes, and desire can be harnessed for personal growth, using Stoic principles and real-life examples like Jiu Jitsu. Key TopicsThe transformative sentence from Nassim Nicholas TalebThe role of fear and prudence in growthPain as a catalyst for transformationMistakes as initiation into masteryDesire as a driver for undertaking goals

Complexity presents one of the greatest obstacles to losing excess weight.As complexity goes up, adherence goes down.Conversely, a simple approach increases adherence to a diet plan, increasing the chances of sustained weight loss. In this episode, I identify three simple steps (none of which are unique or originate with me).1. Adopt a 8 to 10 hour eating window.2. Avoid processed foods, especially those with refined sugar or carbohydrates and replaced with foods edge of grocery store like meats, fruits, nuts, and dairy (if you can handle it)3. Adopt a daily walking habit of between 5000 to 7500 steps.That's it. There are other strategies too (eliminate or minimize alcohol consumption), but those increase complexity. Keep it simple.My only credential is keeping weight off for five years (nearly 45 pounds). For those wanting credentials, I identify my three favorite credentialled influencers: (1) Dr. Jason Fung - Obesity Code; (2) Dr. Robert Lustig - Metabolical; and (3) Mark Sisson, author of Born to Walk.

In this episode, Rockne Cole sits down with Brian McNeil, a former Classics and History scholar who taught Western Civilization from Sumeria to Vietnam, Latin, Roman Civilization, and Rhetoric. Brian shares his personal academic journey — from his MA to his PhD work in Classics at the University of Iowa — and how that path led him to intellectual history and the heart of ancient philosophy.The conversation traces the direct lineage of Virtue Ethics from Aristotle through the raw rebellion of the ancient Cynics to the practical wisdom of Stoicism, culminating in the timeless writings of Marcus Aurelius. Brian explains why Virtue Ethics remains so powerful today: it is a “buck stops here” philosophy that focuses solely on what you can control — yourself — and pursues eudaimonia, a deep sense of peace with yourself and the world around you.They also discuss the book that introduced many modern listeners to Stoicism, William B. Irvine’s A Guide to the Good Life: The Ancient Art of Stoic Joy, and reflect on Tacitus’ haunting line: “To ravage, to slaughter, to usurp under false titles, they call empire; and where they make a desert, they call it peace.” A thoughtful, personal, and deeply grounded exploration of how ancient wisdom can help us live better today.

In this episode, we cover the first three pages of The Heart of Buddha's Teaching by Thich Nhat Hanh, one of the greatest Buddhist monks of the last century.

I am the Tax Collector, a sinner undeserving of God's grace. Of all the parables, the parable of the tax collector and the pharisee resonates with me most. Luke 18:9-14. It directly addresses the common critique of Christians, that we go to exalt ourselves and condemn others. In fact, Jesus teaches the exact opposite. People are free to hold their own views, but they should at least acknowledge what the Word actually says.In this episode, I explore the parable of the tax collector and the pharisee; share what I learned at the New Covenant Bible Church in Cedar Rapids; and reflect on the sacrifice that Jesus made for you and me.In his death, we have life.

A blizzard hit the Big O last weekend, resulting in unintended free time. So, I watched Nobody 1 and Nobody 2. From the creator of John Wick, Nobody features Hutch, a Nobody middle aged dad, living a life of quiet desperation. But he wasn't always a model of domesticated tranquility. He had a past as a bad ass. Nobody features the reemergence is inner bad ass and how that it relates to his domesticated side.This movie got me thinking about the proper balance of wild domesticated versus domesticated wild.

The winds of fate can be unpredictable. Unexpected bad things can happen to us, resulting in misfortune for us. But even greater misfortune arises when we don't respond the way. This episode explores the discipline of perception as outlined by Ryan Holliday in the Obstacle is the Way, a modern classic on Stoicism.Our response to bad events governs the outcome almost as much, if not more, than the event itself.And Stoicism asks an even deeper question. Is there an opportunity here amidst the ruins?This episode explores all of these topics. We'll explore Marcus Aurelius, Jason Bourne, Sangfroid, and the discipline of training the mind to respond to adverse events.Share if you enjoyed the episode!!