logo
episode-header-image
Jul 2023
1h 19m

A Stoic Life: Real-world Applications of...

JON BROOKS
About this episode

Send us a text

"Stoicism provides us with a kind of psychological toolbox. It's full of strategies for helping us cope with anxiety, anger, pain, and all sorts of emotional problems."

"People who love Stoicism often read the Meditations over and over. You can squeeze more and more out of it the more you read it."

In this episode, we're thrilled to be joined by a renowned expert in Stoicism Donald Robertson.  This episode was created a few years ago on the HighExistence podcast but has never been shared on the Stoic Handbook podcast. 

In my discussion with Donald, we explore the rich history of this ancient philosophy and unravel the wisdom of some of the great Stoic thinkers including Marcus Aurelius, Epictetus, and Seneca. As we dissect key Stoic texts, we will also discover how to effectively apply these age-old teachings to address modern-day challenges. Whether you’re new to Stoicism or well-acquainted, get ready to embark on an enlightening journey that transcends time and sheds light on living a meaningful and contented life.

In the episode, you'll learn... 

  • Introduction to the ancient philosophy of Stoicism and its historical background.
  • Insight into the fundamental principles of Stoicism, including rationality, virtue, and acceptance of fate.
  • Exploration of key Stoic texts including Marcus Aurelius’ Meditations, Epictetus’ Handbook, and Seneca’s Letters.
  • Discussion on the contemporary relevance of Stoicism and how it addresses modern challenges such as anxiety and depression.
  • A guide on how to effectively study and interpret Stoic texts.
  • Examination of Stoicism’s influence on cognitive behavioral therapy and psychological practices.
  • The importance of community and connection in Stoic philosophy.
  • Overview of modern adaptations and interpretations of Stoicism, including books by Ryan Holiday.
  • Personal reflections and stories of how Stoicism has profoundly impacted the expert’s life.
  • Recommendations on how to integrate Stoic principles into daily life for greater well-being and contentment.

🧠 Learn More About Donald Robertson: 

Support the show

Resources

Up next
Sep 30
Become Untriggerable: Masculinity, Intimacy, and Healing with Adam Rice
Send us a textMost “men’s advice” teaches tactics. In this conversation, Adam Rice shares a deeper path: becoming untriggerable, relating consciously, and integrating the masculine and feminine so you can lead, love, and live without the drama spiral.We cover how to spot ego flar ... Show More
2h 6m
Sep 24
NVC in Real Life with Hans van Veen
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 connectio ... Show More
1h 24m
Aug 26
Good Kid, Tricky Moment: A Calm‑Parenting Reset
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 t ... Show More
13m 51s
Recommended Episodes
Aug 2024
Philosophical Antagonists? The Real Story of Stoicism and Epicureanism
The stereotypes of Stoics as emotionless brutes and Epicureans as self-indulgent pleasure-seekers is not just misleading, but is an injustice to the two philosophies. Tune in to learn the similarities, differences, myths, stories, and history behind Stoicism and Epicureanism. 🗞️ ... Show More
23m 52s
Apr 2025
Stoic Advice for Handling Setbacks, Insults, and Death | William Irvine
How to boost your psychological immune system, the stoic way. William “Bill” Irvine is the emeritus professor of philosophy at Wright State University in Dayton, Ohio. He is the author of eight books that have been translated into more than twenty languages, including Guide to th ... Show More
1h 14m
Dec 2024
The Wisest Man Alive (Yet Not Without Flaws)
Socrates is considered the man who brought philosophy down from the heavens. He made philosophy practical, accessible, urgent, but he was also contradictory, confusing, and complicated. Today's audiobook excerpt is from How to Think Like Socrates: Ancient Philosophy as a Way of L ... Show More
26m 44s
Feb 2025
What is Stoicism, really?
Modern interpretations of Stoicism are often wildly inaccurate, reducing the philosophy to a life hack for suppressing emotions, a tool for productivity-obsessed entrepreneurs, or a justification for toxic masculinity. But do any of these portrayals hold up under scrutiny? In thi ... Show More
21m 30s
Dec 2024
The Life of Musonius Rufus the Unbreakable
Get to know Musonius Rufus, the resilient Stoic philosopher and teacher of Epictetus, in today's episode. Learn how he exemplified Stoic principles when faced with multiple exiles, adversities and in times of tyranny and hardship. The Daily Stoic New Year, New You Challenge is 3 ... Show More
28m 11s
Jan 2025
Dr. Rangan Chatterjee’s Essential Daily Practices for a Healthier, Happier Life
How do your emotional responses and daily habits affect your health? Dr. Rangan Chatterjee joins Ryan to discuss how intentional practices can create lasting change in both your physical and emotional well-being. Drawing from personal experiences and over 20 years of clinical exp ... Show More
1h 3m
Apr 2025
Encourage Yourself Like This | Are Women MORE Stoic Than Men?
It was a dark world…and Marcus Aurelius desperately needed some light. 🎉 Celebrate Marcus Aurelius' Birthday this month by reading Meditations with us and the Daily Stoic community. On April 26th, 1905 years after the day of his birth, Ryan Holiday will host an invite-only LIVE ... Show More
44m 41s
Jun 2019
Episode 62, Epictetus: A Guide to Stoicism (Part III. Modern Stoicism)
Imagine you are in an open field which stretches in every direction, further than your eyes can see. Since there is nothing of interest in your immediate surroundings, you set your sights on the horizon. You begin to walk with purpose; long strides eventually break into a run unt ... Show More
51m 6s
Apr 2025
It Can Change Your Life | Ask Daily Stoic
The right book at the right time is a powerful thing. In fact, it can change the whole course of your life. 🎉 Celebrate Marcus Aurelius' Birthday this month by reading Meditations with us and the Daily Stoic community. On April 26th, 1905 years after the day of his birth, Ryan H ... Show More
18m 41s
Jul 2019
Episode 62, Epictetus: A Guide to Stoicism (Part IV. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy)
Imagine you are in an open field which stretches in every direction, further than your eyes can see. Since there is nothing of interest in your immediate surroundings, you set your sights on the horizon. You begin to walk with purpose; long strides eventually break into a run unt ... Show More
37m 35s