The Stoic Handbook with Jon Brooks

Start your day with a transformative 10-minute meditation inspired by ancient Stoic practices. Discover the power of gratitude by reflecting on three things you appreciate, shifting your mindset from lack to abundance. Learn how thinkers like Marcus Aurelius and Seneca encourage us to notice simple morning gifts and acknowledge personal achievements. Explore the concept of negative visualization to deepen your appreciation for what you have. Set a daily intention to highlight positivity, creating a grateful mindset that endures throughout your day.

Start your day by identifying what’s in your control and what’s not. A guided practice helps you confront worries gently, allowing you to feel their physical manifestations. Release these concerns through visualization, letting them fall away. Cultivate a calm response with daily intentions, asking yourself, 'Is this up to me?' This approach fosters resilience and agency, perfect for those grappling with anxiety or racing thoughts as they prepare for the day ahead.

In this insightful discussion, Martijn Schirp, an entrepreneur and contemplative practitioner, shares his transformative journey from professional poker player to co-founding a legal psilocybin retreat center. He reveals how ayahuasca uncovered intergenerational trauma and explores the intersection of Buddhism with intentional psychedelic practice. Martijn emphasizes the need for community and integration, arguing that peak experiences alone aren't sufficient. His new program, Upāyosis, aims to blend ancient wisdom and modern psychedelics for deeper personal growth.

Feeling overwhelmed with tasks? Discover how ancient Stoic wisdom can bring focus and fulfillment. Embrace the idea that life's limits free you to prioritize what truly matters. Learn to ask, 'Is this necessary?' to eliminate distractions. Explore the Dichotomy of Control to reduce anxiety by focusing on your choices. Understand that discomfort can signal meaningful work and growth. Jon challenges you to tackle one important task today and align your actions with your values. It's time to make your moments count!

Send us a textWhat if the secret to gratitude isn't positive thinking—but imagining loss?In this 12-minute guided meditation, I'll walk you through an ancient Stoic practice called praemeditatio malorum—the premeditation of adversity. Used by Marcus Aurelius, Seneca, and Epictetus, this technique trains you to appreciate what you have before it's gone.We'll imagine a vivid scenario: a sudden accident that changes everything. Not to be morbid, but to wake you up to the fragility and preciousness of your life right now—your health, your freedom, your relationships, the simple ability to walk across a room.This practice will help you:Cultivate deep, felt gratitude (not just intellectual appreciation)Prepare mentally for life's inevitable challengesReduce anxiety by rehearsing resilienceBreak free from hedonic adaptation and wanting moreAs Epictetus said: "He is a wise man who does not grieve for the things which he has not, but rejoices for those which he has."Find a quiet space. Close your eyes. And let's practice together.

Send us a textTired of stumbling over Greek terms when exploring Stoic philosophy? This episode is your essential guide to understanding Stoicism's core concepts—without the academic confusion.Join Jon Brooks as he breaks down the key Stoic vocabulary that every practitioner needs to know, translating ancient Greek wisdom into practical, modern language. From arete (moral excellence) to apatheia (tranquility, not apathy), discover what these terms actually mean and how they apply to your daily life.You'll learn:The true meaning of Stoic "indifference" (and why it's not what you think)How prohairesis gives you unshakable freedomWhat Marcus Aurelius really meant by living according to logosThe difference between destructive emotions and healthy Stoic feelingsPractical exercises to embody these ancient concepts todayWhether you're new to Stoicism or deepening your practice, this episode transforms confusing terminology into actionable wisdom. No philosophy degree required—just a desire to live with greater virtue, resilience, and peace.Perfect for: Stoicism beginners, personal development enthusiasts, and anyone seeking clarity on ancient wisdom for modern challenges.

Feeling lost? Explore the four Stoic virtues: wisdom, courage, justice, and temperance, each a guiding light for life's challenges. Learn how wisdom helps you focus on what you can control, while courage means acting on your values despite fear. Justice emphasizes treating others fairly to foster community. Discover the balance of temperance in a world of excess. Packed with practical exercises and modern examples, this discussion reveals how these 2,000-year-old principles can help you live a more meaningful life today.

Discover ancient Stoic wisdom applied to today's social challenges. Learn to pause before reacting and steer conversations away from gossip. Embrace silence and listen more deeply for better connections. Choose your company wisely to cultivate positive influences in your life. Master the art of authentic joy, and regulate your desires to protect your character. With practical tips on handling criticism and embracing humility, this guide empowers you to transform your social interactions.

Discover how to leverage the timeless wisdom of Epictetus with a modern twist! The podcast demystifies the dichotomy of control, offering smart strategies to discern what’s up to you and what’s not. Learn to plan like a strategist and tackle real-life situations, from job hunting to tough conversations. The innovative Epictetan Control Framework guides you through practical steps to manage anxiety and frustration effectively. Plus, engage in a quick exercise to tackle your current stressor right away!

Send us a textWhat if the secret to genuine confidence isn't positive affirmations or fake-it-till-you-make-it energy—but five ancient skills the Stoics spent centuries perfecting?In this episode, we explore how clarity of purpose, non-attachment to outcomes, radical authenticity, unshakeable self-worth, and enjoyment of your own company create the kind of confidence that doesn't need external validation.You'll discover:Why clear intentions make you magnetic (and how to develop them)The Stoic practice of releasing outcomes without abandoning effortHow to close the gap between who you are and who you pretend to beWhy self-worth isn't arrogance—it's philosophical truthThe biofeedback loop that shapes your personality when you stop performingThese aren't traits you can fake. They're practices you cultivate. And when you do? You become someone who walks through the world with self-sovereignty—unbothered by rejection, unshaken by external chaos.Stop twisting yourself into shapes that don't fit. Start here.