Struggling to start something new because you're afraid of looking foolish? This episode is your permission slip to begin. You’ll learn how Stoic philosophy and growth mindset can help you move through discomfort, let go of perfectionism, and build real confidence – one imperfect step at a time. If you’ve been overthinking or biting your tongue, this conversation will help you shift into action.

Read the transcript

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I’m your host, Sarah Mikutel, a communication and mindset coach. My work is about helping people like you share your voice, strengthen your relationships, and have more fun.

As an American expat living in the U.K., I value curiosity, courage, and joy. A few things I love: wandering European streets in search of the best vegetarian meal, practicing Italian, and helping my clients design lives that feel rich and meaningful.

If you're ready to have conversations that open doors – in your career, your relationships, and your life – let’s talk.

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Calm Your Nerves in 90 Seconds: Public Speaking Anxiety Reset

Does the phrase “public speaking” make you feel a little sick…even if it’s just a team meeting or a group conversation?

I made something to help you.

Calm Your Nerves in 90 Seconds is a free anxiety-reduction toolkit with a guided meditation and journal to help you communicate with confidence.

Use it anytime your brain goes into overdrive and you need a reset.

https://sarahmikutel.com/reset

What do abandoned mansions in Bucharest have to do with dirty dishes and emotional resentment?

In this episode, I explore how our desire for fairness can lead us to self-sabotage — and how Stoic justice asks us to think beyond pride, punishment, and being right.

We’ll walk through a real-world example of decades-long property disputes, connect it to the Ultimatum Game in behavioral economics, and look at how these same dynamics show up in our everyday relationships — from family drama to who does the dishes.

This is an invitation to reflect on what you're holding onto, and whether it’s time to build something new — even without the apology or closure you thought you needed.

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Hi! I’m your host, Sarah Mikutel, an American in England and fellow citizen of the world. A few things I love: Stoicism, great vegetarian tacos, and helping my coaching clients thrive in all areas of their lives.

sarahmikutel.com ❤️

Does the phrase “public speaking” make you feel a little sick…even if it’s just a team meeting or a group conversation?

I made something to help you.

Calm Your Nerves in 90 Seconds is a free anxiety-reduction toolkit with a guided meditation and journal to help you communicate with confidence.

Use it anytime your brain goes into overdrive and you need a reset.

https://sarahmikutel.com/reset

Mr. Darcy has been on my mind this week. Not because he’s the fantasy of so many women, but because I finally read Pride and Prejudice, and discovered something shocking (to me) about him.

I’d always thought of Mr. Darcy as this tall, brooding, misunderstood character. The fabulously wealthy, handsome man who everyone thinks is a jerk, but secretly has a heart of gold and wants to take care of you. This is why women have been obsessed with him for hundreds of years. The strong, silent, mysterious hero.

But that’s not who he starts out as in the book.

Reading Pride and Prejudice reveals so much more about him, and about what it takes to change and grow.

In this episode, I’ll share what Mr. Darcy’s transformation can teach us about:

1. how honest conversations can lead to personal transformation – for you and the person you’re speaking with.
2. why hard conversations are worth having, even when they feel risky or uncomfortable.
3. what Stoic principles and practical communication tools can help us handle conflict gracefully.

By the way – hello! I’m your host, Sarah Mikutel, an American writer, communication coach, and practicing Stoic based in England.

sarahmikutel.com

Nonviolent communication tips

Last week, I gave one of the lightning talks at Stoicon 2024. The topic: How to Combat Speaking Anxiety with Stoicism.

Want to see the video? Head to my Substack 👉 Citizens of the World

Thanks for listening ❤️

sarahmikutel.com

Live Without Borders is now called Citizens of the world 🎉

This podcast will continue to share how we can thrive through Stoic wisdom, better communication, and global exploration – so why change the name? I explain it all in this episode.

Love,
Sarah

sarahmikutel.com

Does the phrase “public speaking” make you feel a little sick…even if it’s just a team meeting or a group conversation?

I made something to help you.

Calm Your Nerves in 90 Seconds is a free anxiety-reduction toolkit with a guided meditation and journal to help you communicate with confidence.

Use it anytime your brain goes into overdrive and you need a reset.

https://sarahmikutel.com/reset

Welcome, fellow citizen of the world. Today we are roadtripping through Turkey with my friend Michelle Warner-Martin.

Michelle recently roadtripped across Turkey through:

• Bursa
• Ephesus
• Pamukkale
• Konya
• Istanbul
• Adana
• Mersin
• Cappadocia

And she’s here to highlight the incredible experiences you can when traveling across Turkey.

Michelle is a wedding photographer, which allows her to travel in the off season when things are less crowded and less expensive.

Have you been to Turkey? Share your favorite memories with me! I’d love to hear from you on Instagram, or you can email me :)

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Hi 👋 I’m your host Sarah Mikutel, an American expat in England. I love meeting fellow citizens of the world. Things I’m into: Stoicism, travel, and helping introverts communicate with confidence. Want to be friends?
https://sarahmikutel.com/
@sarahmikutel

Does the phrase “public speaking” make you feel a little sick…even if it’s just a team meeting or a group conversation?

I made something to help you.

Calm Your Nerves in 90 Seconds is a free anxiety-reduction toolkit with a guided meditation and journal to help you communicate with confidence.

Use it anytime your brain goes into overdrive and you need a reset.

https://sarahmikutel.com/reset

Why do we get angry? How can we challenge our immediate reactions? And what's the best way to articulate our feelings without passive aggression or a blow-up?

In this episode, you'll learn four Stoic tips to turn potential conflicts into opportunities for personal growth and stronger relationships.

Does the phrase “public speaking” make you feel a little sick…even if it’s just a team meeting or a group conversation?

I made something to help you.

Calm Your Nerves in 90 Seconds is a free anxiety-reduction toolkit with a guided meditation and journal to help you communicate with confidence.

Use it anytime your brain goes into overdrive and you need a reset.

https://sarahmikutel.com/reset

Travel can be restorative, fun, and, in my opinion, it’s the greatest form of diplomacy there is. Because we get to know people as individuals rather than stereotypes. We develop deeper connections as true citizens of the world. We experience life.

Yet travel and trading countries is not a magic pill for happiness. There is no perfect place, and wherever we go, we take our problems with us.

I’m reading David Fideler’s excellent book Breakfast with Seneca, where he quotes Seneca in one of his letters:

“If you want to escape your troubles, you don't need to be somewhere else: you need to be someone else.”

Those searching for meaning or purpose in life might think a new place will provide answers. But a new location, a new job, a new partner doesn’t guarantee a better life or a fresh start.

Finding purpose involves understanding your values, interests, and goals. It’s internal work that can be done anywhere.

sarahmikutel.com
Looking to live a more Stoic life? Let's chat.

Does the phrase “public speaking” make you feel a little sick…even if it’s just a team meeting or a group conversation?

I made something to help you.

Calm Your Nerves in 90 Seconds is a free anxiety-reduction toolkit with a guided meditation and journal to help you communicate with confidence.

Use it anytime your brain goes into overdrive and you need a reset.

https://sarahmikutel.com/reset