logo
episode-header-image
Feb 2025
7m 8s

Coping Flexibility: The Stoic Art of Pic...

JON BROOKS
About this episode

Send us a text

How do you know when to speak up and when to stay silent? When to push forward and when to step back? In this conversation with Donald Robertson, we explore the concept of coping flexibility—the ability to adapt your response based on the situation.

Drawing from Stoicism, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), and martial arts, we discuss:

📌 Key Topics in This Interview:

- What is coping flexibility, and why does it matter?
- The Stoic skill of picking your battles wisely.
- Epictetus’ lesson: How do you know if you can fight a lion?
- Why even Marcus Aurelius practiced martial arts.
- The role of self-knowledge in decision-making.
- How to build practical wisdom for facing adversity.

Support the show

Resources

Up next
Jul 10
The Ultimate Stoic Sleep & Wisdom Meditation: Daily (2025)
Send us a textEnd your day with this calming Stoic meditation designed to help you unwind, reflect, and sleep deeply. Drawing on ancient Stoic wisdom, you'll be guided through mindful presence, a gentle nightly review, acceptance of the day, and a cosmic perspective to let go of ... Show More
13m 51s
Jun 23
The Complete Daily Stoic Meditation: Repeat Daily (2025)
Send us a textFree SPQR Stoic Reset Kit — 5-min audio + 1-page protocol to stop anxiety spirals fast. → stoichandbook.co/toolkit 
12m 29s
Jun 4
Stoicism in 3 Minutes: Master Your Emotions with Erick Cloward
Send us a textJoin Erick Cloward, Stoic author and host of The Stoic Coffee Break Podcast, as he shares how Stoicism transformed his approach to emotions and reactivity. In this 3-minute clip, learn practical Stoic wisdom to stay calm and focused in any situation!💡 Key Takeaways ... Show More
5m 5s
Recommended Episodes
Feb 2024
Starting Stoicism
Are you new to Stoicism and want to know where to get started in learning about it and how to apply it in your life? Then this episode is for you. One of the things that I appreciate about Stoicism is that it’s very practical philosophy, and there are a lot of ideas and principle ... Show More
15m 47s
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
Apr 2020
231 | Stoicism
Joshua talks about stoicism, what it means to live a good life, and different philosophies for living with author and professor William B. Irvine, and they answer the following questions: Is stoicism applicable to all cultures? (10:05) How do I explain the benefits of stoicism to ... Show More
39m 31s
May 14
Stoic Actions for Anxious Minds
This episode explores how anxiety can quietly hold us back from the things that matter most—and how Stoic wisdom offers a path through it.Drawing on insights from Epictetus and Marcus Aurelius, we look at how changing our judgments, not just our circumstances, empowers us to act ... Show More
5m 19s
Jul 2
Defending Ourselves Against Our Enemies
In this episode, we look at what Stoicism has to say about resisting the urge for revenge and reclaiming our inner freedom.With help from Marcus Aurelius, Epictetus, and Diogenes, we examine why retaliation degrades us and how self-mastery is a better path to strength. Instead of ... Show More
4m 54s
Jul 2024
100 Tips For A Stoic Life
☀️ Start your next 10 days like a Stoic with morning routines that take only 10 minutes to complete. Free Stoic 10-day series: https://whatisstoicism.com/10days --- It’s obvious to say, but important nonetheless: if we’re to make progress toward a more Stoic life, we have to regu ... Show More
24m 44s
Jan 2025
Understand Relationship Conflict: Build Empathy, Emotional Intelligence & Reduces Stress Through Curiosity
Fill Out a 2 Minute Listener Survey for Access to My Secret Podcast and a Chance to Win a Free Coaching Session! Ever had a stupid argument that spiraled out of control? Same. Enter: The Cheeseburger Incident. This episode is all about why we get stuck in pointless fights, how o ... Show More
16m 27s
Apr 2025
communication mastery series part 2: the stoic art of emotional control
Welcome to Part 2 of our Communication Mastery Series. In this episode, we’re diving into something powerful and timeless: Stoicism. This philosophy isn’t just for philosophers or ancient thinkers. It’s an emotional control blueprint for anyone who feels overpowered by their feel ... Show More
1h 13m
May 2023
Stoicism: Become Undefeatable
Today's motivation is all about becoming more stoic. Audio Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EFkyxzJtiv4 More about Stoicism: Stoicism is a philosophical school of thought that originated in ancient Greece and later flourished in ancient Rome. It offers a practical and ... Show More
13m 31s
Jul 21
You 2.0: The Wisdom of Stoicism
What does it mean to be stoic? Many of us assume it means you have a stiff upper lip, or that you suppress your emotions. That's what Massimo Pigliucci thought — until he started to peruse a book called Meditations. It was written nearly two thousand years ago by the Roman Empero ... Show More
50m 11s