Living with the Monks

By: Jesse Itzler

Narrated by: Jesse Itzler

Equal parts memoir and road map to living a less stressful and more vibrant life, best-selling author Jesse Itzler offers an illuminating, entertaining, and unexpected trip for anyone looking to feel calmer and more controlled in our crazy, hectic world.

Entrepreneur, endurance athlete, and father of four Jesse Itzler only knows one speed: Full Blast. But when he felt like the world around him was getting too hectic, he didn't take a vacation or get a massage. Instead, Jesse moved into a monastery for a self-imposed time-out. In Living with the Monks, the follow-up to his New York Times best-selling Living with a SEAL, Jesse takes us on a spiritual journey like no other. Having only been exposed to monasteries on TV, Jesse arrives at the New Skete religious community in the isolated mountains of upstate New York with a shaved head and a suitcase filled with bananas.

To his surprise, New Skete monks have most of their hair. They're Russian Orthodox, not Buddhist, and they're also world-renowned German shepherd breeders and authors of dog-training books that have sold in the millions. As Jesse struggles to fit in amongst the odd but lovable monks, self-doubt begins to beat like a tribal drum. Questioning his motivation to embark on this adventure and missing his family (and phone), Jesse struggles to balance his desire for inner peace with his need to check Twitter.

But in the end, Jesse discovers the undeniable power of the monks and their wisdom, and the very real benefits of taking a well-deserved break as a means of self-preservation in our fast-paced world.

©2018 Jesse Itzler (P)2018 Hachette Audio

Critic reviews

"Jesse is a risk taker and is always trying different things to get better. Plus, he's fun to go out with." (Tom Brady, New England Patriots, four-time NFL Champion, two-time NFL MVP)

"Living with a Seal is funny and compelling with practical wisdom that leaves the reader feeling elevated and empowered. It also deeply impacted my own personal journey to health, fitness and well being." (Cory Booker, US Senator for New Jersey)

"This is 100% Jesse. Do it differently and you get different results. That's the way he has operated his entire life and it has worked beautifully." (Mike "Coach K" Krzyzewski, Duke Basketball head coach)

Love it! Thank you Jesse!

Just listened to this entire book in one sitting on a 13 hour drive home from Saint Louis! Funny, and just a “real guy”- great insights and definitely makes you think about this race called “life”....

#thankful

This book was by far the BEST book I have read to date. Thank you!

ABSOLUTELY LOVED THIS BOOK!!!

Jesse is a MASTER STORYTELLER!!! The stories are very engaging and funny, there were places in the book where I was on the floor laughing ... this book has so much humor and yet is also LOADED with simple and profound wisdom, at times I couldn’t decide which one was greater!

Few of my favorite elements in the book were “Billy, the bully”, “Lenny the intern”, monks asking Jesse to “LISTEN”, “If I die tomorrow” and “Mr Sara Blakey”

To deliver invaluable nuggets of wisdom in such a humurous way is so charming!!

Jesse’s first book was amazing... but this one is even better!!!

Really good stuff.

He has a quality about his story telling that definitely keeps my attention. Thanks Jesse

Never Heard of Jesse Itzler, Now I'm a Big Fan!

I first read Living With a Seal and was immediately entertained. Not only that but I learned some really cool life lessons. In this book it was fun to follow Jesse on his journey with the Monks. His story telling is fun and flowing, his take on life is uplifting and unique and I was sad when it ended! Can't wait for another adventure with Jesse!

Simple and Direct!

A wonderfully heartfelt read. I’d never heard of Jesse Itzler but the title of this book spoke to me. I so enjoyed listening and learning from him. If you like learning from other’s remarkable experiences, you will most certainly gain from this read.

An awesome book that will make you dig deep within

This was just the 2nd audible book I've listened to. The first one I attempted was so boring that it kept putting me to sleep. I decided to give Jesse's book a try since it was highly recommended by someone I trust. I'm very glad I did. Jesse's performance creating this audiobook was great and very entertaining. The content was well written and very thought-provoking. Do yourself a favor and listen to this book. It will change your life if you take action on what you learn.

Insightful

I like the they way Jesse describes his experience overall. You must know that if you also listened to “Living with a Seal” a few stories are repeated.

Some parts feel like they were a little forced, but the end reflections were very interesting and make you reconsider your relationship with time and a present life.

If you’re a fan of Jesse, like myself, I recommend this book.

Jesse Itzler is a mensch!

inspiring, riveting, and read with optimal sincerity. Creates a sense of urgency in life.
A great follow up to Living With A Seal. I highly recommend both.

A little bit of all of us in an entertaining story

we all need to slow down, this is a great example of why and how. the authors vulnerability is refreshing and relatable. his story of going to extremes shows us that anything is possible if you commit to the now. "think about tomorrow"