The Stoic Handbook with Jon Brooks

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.

Ever felt overwhelmed by cravings? Discover how to transform those intense urges into moments of reflection. This podcast reveals how to recognize cravings as mere impressions rather than commands. Learn the power of the pause, and how just one minute can provide clarity. The three insightful tests help evaluate your impulses, leading to smart, mindful choices. Whether it's abstaining or indulging, feel empowered to decide with intention. Embrace the strength of your mind when temptation strikes, and reclaim your freedom!

Adam Rice, an evolution coach, yoga teacher, and shamanic guide, shares insights on embracing masculinity and healing through conscious relating. He discusses how to recognize and manage ego triggers, offering a three-step protocol for conflicts. Adam emphasizes the importance of integrating masculine and feminine energies for true power and intimacy, and shares techniques for conscious communication. He also highlights the role of plant medicines in facilitating personal transformation while promoting community and brotherhood among men.

Send us a textIf “be nicer” hasn’t fixed your toughest conversations, try Nonviolent Communication (NVC) in the wild. Coach Hans Nav Neev shows how to turn trigger moments into clarity, how to stop taking things personally, and why conflict—done well—becomes a portal to connection.What you’ll learnThe OFNR model (Observations, Feelings, Needs, Requests) that actually de-fogs conflictJackal vs. Giraffe ears: hearing judgments vs. hearing needsThe guilt process (“the art of being torn”) to end inner civil warsEnemy images and how to dissolve themWhen to set boundaries (and use protective force)Bridging NVC with BIFF (Brief, Informative, Friendly, Firm) for high‑conflict exchangesTimestamps00:00 Cold open, intentions, how we’ll talk02:40 What NVC is: surface techniques vs. deep worldview05:40 Taking things less personally; the guilt process08:10 Inner work vs. changing the world10:05 The OFNR model explained (Observations–Feelings–Needs–Requests)13:15 Practicing OFNR + the floor exercise14:50 Hardest skill: observations without interpretations (Krishnamurti)16:20 Anger = story about the event (not the event)18:30 Jackal vs. Giraffe ears (with props)21:20 Chronic “jackal mode,” boundaries, and dignity24:40 Needs, requests, and withdrawing from harmful dynamics26:30 Needs vs. rationalizations; congruence28:00 Language: “need” vs. “value/prefer”; needs as “frequencies”31:10 Family impact, social ripple of communication33:20 Trusting conflict; repair vs. rug-sweeping35:20 Intergenerational trauma; “enemy images”39:10 Avoiding the “obnoxious giraffe” (NVC police)41:30 Stoicism link: embody, don’t preach44:10 External validation; “seeds grow in the dark”45:50 Where NVC applies; protective use of force49:10 BIFF for high-conflict exchanges; bridging to NVC53:20 Filtering vs. entrenched relationships56:20 “Warm bath of empathy” and relationship risks59:30 Practice in low‑stakes settings first1:02:00 Resources and Insight Timer courses1:04:30 Two mantras: it’s never personal; guess the need1:06:40 Empathic guessing as a question (not a label)1:08:50 Measuring progress; conflict may rise first1:10:00 Positive gossip; humility as embodiment1:15:20 Self-image, overcorrection, and growth1:18:50 Vulnerability as success1:21:40 Beginner’s mind in communication1:24:10 Sensitivity with equanimity1:25:06 Rosenberg’s “tragic expression”; the third compassionate voice1:27:20 Metta vs. Tonglen; Michael Taft guidance1:30:27 Wrap-up, thanks, next stepsGuest: Hans Nav Neev — NVC coach and Insight Timer teacher with practical courses and tracks. Insight Timer (teacher page)https://insighttimer.com/hansvanv1Instagramhttps://www.instagram.com/nondualcommunication/Website (bio + offerings)https://www.nondualcommunication.net/bio--Host: Jon Brooks — The Stoic Handbook (stoicism + practical tools). • Site: https://stoichandbook.co • Newsletter (Nous): nous.xyz • YouTube: youtube.com/jonbrooksIf this helped, follow the show, share the episode with a friend, and join the newsletter for weekly tools.

Send us a textWhen your child’s “No!” sparks your own surge, this guided reset helps you find your soft voice again. We begin with 4–6 breathing to settle the nervous system, set a one‑line intention, and repeat the cue phrase “Good kid, tricky moment.” Then we practice holding two truths—kind and firm—so you can keep connection first and offer clear guidance once the charge is gone. You’ll choose one calm sentence or boundary, visualize setting the shaken “snow globe” down, and close with a simple, honest repair script you can use later: “I’m sorry I snapped. I’m on your side.”Use this any time the day feels heavy—before pick‑up, after a meltdown, or when you want to stop the spiral and lead with steadiness. For parents and caregivers of kids of any age. If this helps, share it with a fellow parent who could use a calm reset today.