
The Stoic Handbook by Jon Brooks
Modern practical breakdowns of the best ideas in ancient Stoicism.
Latest episodes

Feb 19, 2025 • 11min
Socrates' "Mirror For The Mind" Will Transform Your Thinking
Join philosopher Donald Robertson as he dives into Socrates' profound teachings on wisdom and self-awareness. Discover how Socratic dialogue serves as a powerful tool for self-reflection and growth. Donald explains how Socrates viewed learning as a journey, emphasizing humility and the importance of questioning over mere authority. The conversation illuminates how engaging with others can shine a light on our biases and unlock deeper truths within ourselves. Get ready for a transformative reflection on the art of thinking!

7 snips
Feb 17, 2025 • 18min
Socrates’ Two-Column Method Is The Best Self-Help Tool
Delve into the wisdom of Socrates with insights from a Stoicism expert. Discover the transformative two-column method for enhancing critical thinking and decision-making. The discussion highlights cognitive flexibility and the importance of questioning assumptions. Unlike typical self-help approaches, this method encourages active engagement and deep understanding. Explore historical reflections that connect ancient philosophy to contemporary personal growth and emotional resilience.

Feb 16, 2025 • 7min
Coping Flexibility: The Stoic Art of Picking Your Battles Wisely
In this engaging discussion, Donald Robertson, an expert on Stoicism and cognitive behavioral therapy, shares insights on coping flexibility—adapting responses based on circumstances. He explains the Stoic art of choosing battles wisely, referencing Epictetus’ lessons on knowing when to fight a lion. The conversation highlights how even Marcus Aurelius practiced martial arts, linking self-knowledge to sound decision-making. With practical wisdom, they explore how to face adversity effectively while maintaining a thoughtful approach to everyday challenges.

Feb 13, 2025 • 10min
The Missing Piece of Stoicism: Why Kindness is Strength | Donald Robertson
In this engaging discussion, Donald Robertson, an expert on Stoicism, challenges the common misconceptions surrounding the philosophy by emphasizing that true strength lies in kindness and compassion. He explains how Marcus Aurelius viewed anger as weakness, asserting that empathy is a core tenet of Stoic thought. The conversation also dives into the emotional mastery that Stoicism promotes, and how it resonates with early Christian ethics, illuminating the vital connection between compassion and philosophical strength.

Jan 16, 2025 • 1h 8min
How to Handle Difficult People: Stoic Strategies, Empathy vs. Compassion, and Communication Techniques
Explore strategies for managing difficult personalities using insights from Stoic philosophy and psychology. Learn the critical difference between empathy and compassion to improve your responses. Delve into boundary-setting techniques that empower you without escalating conflict. Discover communication methods like the 'I' Model and DEAR MAN to navigate tough conversations effectively. Uncover the Gray Rock technique for handling abusive dynamics and the power of tone in de-escalating conflicts. Gain practical tools to enhance your emotional well-being while engaging with challenging individuals.

23 snips
Nov 21, 2024 • 2h 57min
Donald Robertson on Socrates, Philosophy, and Modern Self-Help
Donald Robertson, a renowned author and psychotherapist specializing in ancient philosophy, discusses Socrates' enduring influence on ethics and self-help. He highlights the Socratic Method, emphasizing critical thinking and emotional resilience, encouraging listeners to embrace setbacks as growth opportunities. Donald critiques modern self-help, advocating for active engagement and self-reflection instead of passive approaches. The conversation also touches on the complexities of Socrates' relationships, particularly with his wife Xanthippe, and the importance of philosophical dialogue in today's world.

Oct 31, 2024 • 23min
Creating the Ultimate Stoic Routine: Work Rituals (2)
Discover how to redefine your concept of work beyond traditional roles. Explore a six-step pre-work ritual to enhance focus and productivity. Learn the importance of enjoying your work as part of a fulfilling process. Develop a performance statement to keep distractions at bay and maintain motivation. Embrace mindfulness to improve interactions and relationships. Plus, anticipate challenges with a Stoic mindset to foster resilience and personal growth. Tune in for a journey towards creating a meaningful work routine!

Sep 20, 2024 • 31min
Crafting The Ultimate Stoic Routine: Morning Rituals (1)
Discover how a structured morning routine can transform your day through Stoic principles. Reflect on Stoic quotes and practice mindful journaling to set clear intentions. Explore the benefits of meditation for mindfulness and the value of reading Stoic texts for resilience. Embrace cold exposure for mental discipline and engage in death meditation to motivate living fully. Learn how intentional clothing choices can align with your values, creating a positive mindset from the moment you wake up.

Sep 2, 2024 • 9min
Stoic Meditation: Turning Judgment into Self-Reflection and Compassion
In this insightful meditation, listeners are guided to transform judgments into meaningful self-reflection. Drawing on Marcus Aurelius' wisdom, it encourages confronting personal flaws with compassion. Emphasis is placed on introspection, urging individuals to learn from emotions like anger and frustration. The practice fosters empathy towards others while promoting personal growth. Participants are invited to embrace shared human experiences as catalysts for understanding and forgiveness, leading to a more compassionate outlook in daily life.

Aug 29, 2024 • 10min
The 3 Procrastination Traps and How to Avoid Them
Dive into the fascinating reasons behind procrastination, revealing how fear and perfectionism often play a larger role than laziness. Discover practical strategies to conquer self-doubt and kick-start productivity. The discussion emphasizes the crucial first step towards progress and the mindset needed to sustain action. Plus, get insights on unique premium offerings that enhance your emotional well-being through exclusive Stoic wisdom!