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# The Read Well Podcast

Read Slowly - Take Notes - Apply the Ideas

## Sitemaps

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## Posts

- [Posts](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/blog/)
- [Self-Education: How Learning Changed My Life](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/essay/self-education-how-learning-changed-my-life/) - Learn how a free philosophy course sparked a journey of self-education that led me back to college and renewed my sense of purpose.
- [Should You Read The Odyssey by Homer?](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/blog/should-you-read-the-odyssey-by-homer/) - The Odyssey by Homer is for other people to read, right? English departments read Homer, but not you. After all, it’s epic poetry—and let’s not forget that it’s old. I’m talking 2,700 years old. Wouldn’t it be more fun to read something new? Maybe. But here’s the thing: I think you’re going to love The
- [The Best Line in All of Philosophy (In My Opinion)](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/blog/the-best-line-in-all-of-philosophy-in-my-opinion/) - Discover how to read deeply with insights from Rousseau’s The Social Contract. Learn why attentiveness, questioning, and reflection are key to truly understanding books and improving your reading skills.
- [Read Like Socrates: How to Choose Books That Actually Make You Better](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/blog/read-like-socrates-how-to-choose-books-that-actually-make-you-better/) - There’s a powerful line in Plato’s Protagoras about what happens when we learn something new. Socrates, speaking to a young man named Hippocrates, says: “Once you have learned something, you must go your way, having been either harmed or benefited” (314b). I love that line because it reminds us of a simple truth: once we learn something, we can’t
- [Learn to Journal Like Ralph Waldo Emerson (Week 5 of 6)](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/blog/learn-to-journal-like-ralph-waldo-emerson-week-5-of-6/) - Ralph Waldo Emerson used his journals as tools for thinking. In today's post, I talk about his method and give you prompts to get you started.
- [Learn to Journal like Ralph Waldo Emerson (Week 2 of 6)](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/blog/week-2-of-6-learn-to-journal-like-ralph-waldo-emerson/) - Ralph Waldo Emerson did more than journal; he studied his notes. It's time we got out our old journals and read through them with a highlighter.
- [Learn to Journal like Ralph Waldo Emerson (Week 4 of 6)](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/blog/learn-to-journal-like-ralph-waldo-emerson-week-4-of-6/) - Last week, I talked about John Locke’s method of indexing a journal and how Emerson abandoned it in favor of something simpler. 📚Emerson kept three main types of journals: Topic-specific journals – He dedicated entire notebooks to areas of study he cared about most. For example, he had a quotes journal, a poetry journal, and others
- [Learn to Journal Like Ralph Waldo Emerson (Week 3 of 6)](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/blog/learn-to-journal-like-ralph-waldo-emerson-week-3-of-6/) - Ralph Waldo Emerson wanted to organize his journals and turned to a popular indexing method of the time called The John Lock Index. Let's see if if it worked.
- [Learn to Journal Like Ralph Waldo Emerson (Part 1 of 6)](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/blog/learn-to-journal-like-ralph-waldo-emerson-part-1-of-6/) - Turn your journal into a savings bank of ideas. Forget perfection—capture messy thoughts that fuel creativity and deeper thinking.
- [I visited My Childhood Library](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/blog/i-visited-my-childhood-library/) - I went back to my childhood library in Brigham City and remembered why I’ve always been so curious. It’s where I learned I could be anything.
- [It's Unethical To Be Uneducated](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/essay/its-unethical-to-be-uneducated/) - Is it ethical to share opinions without facts? Explore why speaking uneducated can cause harm and why informed dialogue matters in today’s world.
- [Week 1: Learn to Journal like Ralph Waldo Emerson](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/blog/week-1-learn-to-journal-like-ralph-waldo-emerson/) - Discover Ralph Waldo Emerson’s journaling method—why he saw his notebooks as a “savings bank” of ideas and how you can start using yours the same way.
- [More Than Four Walls: Why Bookstores Matter](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/essay/more-than-four-walls-why-bookstores-matter/) - A bookstore is more than shelves of books—it’s a place to breathe, belong, and find yourself. Here’s why local bookstores matter more than ever.
- [I Disagree with Ralph Waldo Emerson](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/blog/i-disagree-with-ralph-waldo-emerson/) - Emerson believed deep reading could harm self-reliance—but I disagree. In this essay, I explore why slow, thoughtful reading leads to clearer thinking.
- [Dear Reader, Slow Down](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/blog/dear-reader-slow-down/) - Reading isn’t a competition.It’s not a work project or a side hustle.It’s not a race to hit 100 pages a day or 200 books a year.It’s not a bragging right.It’s not something you do for your boss.It’s not a way to look smarter or impress your friends.It’s not a measure of your worth. Reading is
- [Help Launch a Deep Reading Bookstore on August 20](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/blog/help-launch-a-deep-reading-bookstore-on-august-20/) - After two years of searching, I’ve found the perfect building. This is the spot for Edgewater Bookstore to become a REAL SPACE for deep readers to gather, connect, and explore ideas!!! I’ve scraped together everything I have, putting $100,000 of my own money toward the down payment. But to meet the down payment requirement of
- [How to Read Philosophy (Without Going Insane)](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/blog/how-to-read-philosophy-without-going-insane/) - Let's talk about how to read philosophy without losing your mind. It's my favorite subject, but let's be honest--it's tough. Here are some tips that help me.
- [The 53-Page Book That Consumed My Brain (So I Bought 100 Copies) | Episode 104](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/blog/the-53-page-book-that-consumed-my-brain-so-i-bought-100-copies-episode-104/) - In this week's episode, I’m sharing why The Death of Ivan Ilych by Leo Tolstoy is one of the most powerful things I’ve ever read. It’s only 53 pages, but it forced me to rethink how I’m living, what I’m chasing, and whether I’m being honest with myself. We’ll break down what this book is really about
- [Build a Stronger Reading Habit](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/blog/build-a-stronger-reading-habit/) - Discover the 4 levels of deep reading and how to build a habit that transforms books into immersive, meaningful experiences.
- [Does Reading Fix Your Brain?](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/blog/does-reading-fix-your-brain/) - A quirky encounter at a seafood restaurant sparks a heartfelt conversation about reading, distraction, and reclaiming focus—one page at a time.
- [Can Fiction Help Us Understand Our Shadow Selves? Let's Ask Carl Jung.](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/blog/can-fiction-help-us-understand-our-shadow-selves-lets-ask-carl-jung/) - Explore Carl Jung's shadow self theory and how fiction, like dreams, helps us confront our hidden desires and become more whole.
- [A Case for Reading Dangerous Books](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/blog/a-case-for-reading-dangerous-books/) - Discover the thrill of dangerous books—stories that pull you out of your comfort zone and into new perspectives. Dare to explore the unknown. #Reading
- [Do Books Make You Smarter? Potentially.](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/blog/do-books-make-you-smarter-potentially/) - Do books make you smarter? Reading isn’t enough—true learning comes from deep engagement. Discover how to make books work for you, not just collect them.
- [How to Get Into Reading Flow](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/blog/how-to-get-into-reading-flow/) - Flow is a fancy way of saying Optimal Experience. You know what it feels like because you've been in flow many times. It's when you're unstoppable, everything works, and your focus and skill are laser tight. Let's talk about how to get into reading flow, or how to have an optimal reading experience. Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi, author of FLOW
- [Great Books and Tasty Coffee](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/blog/great-books-and-tasty-coffee/) - Start your morning right with great books and great coffee! Discover the perfect brew for your reading sessions and share your favorite coffee routine.
- [Starting to Read Deeply Each Day](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/blog/starting-to-read-deeply-each-day/) - Struggling to read deeply in a busy life? Learn how to overcome distractions, start easily, and make deep reading a habit—no silent afternoons required!
- [Managing Reader Distractions](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/blog/managing-reader-distractions/) - Reading isn’t about perfect focus. Distractions happen, but every page turned makes us better. Embrace the chaos and keep reading. #MindfulReading
- [read, Highlight, apply: A simple strategy for booklovers](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/blog/read-highlight-apply-a-simple-strategy-for-booklovers/) - I’ve highlighted hundreds of passages in books I’ve read over the years, and for a long time, most of them just sat there. I never looked at them again. In this week's podcast, I discuss a simple strategy for getting your favorite bits off the page and into your life. In short, I'm exploring how
- [I Can't Get Over The Courage of Author James Baldwin](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/blog/i-cant-get-over-the-courage-of-author-james-baldwin/) - Reflecting on James Baldwin's fearless writing—his truths on race, identity, and faith still challenge us today. Here's to voices that make us think.
- [A Little Bit Each Day](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/blog/a-little-bit-each-day/) - Doing a little each day adds up. After years of setbacks, I’m writing again—10,000 words in and loving it. Start small, stay consistent, and chase your goals.
- [Zen And The Art of Not Hating Life](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/blog/zen-and-the-art-of-not-hating-life/) - Discover how pursuing Quality in any job can transform your work, your life, and those around you. It’s not what you do, but how you do it. #ZAMM
- [What Happened To All the Books?](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/blog/what-happened-to-all-the-books/) - Imagine a world without books—burned, banned, and forgotten. A chilling reminder of why stories matter and why we must protect them. #Fahrenheit451
- [Shakespeare's Secret for Better Reading 🤫](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/blog/shakespeares-secret-for-better-reading-🤫/) - Unlock Shakespeare’s secret to deep reading—slow down, imagine, and bring stories to life. A simple tip that makes every book 1000% better!
- [What Makes a Good Book?](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/blog/what-makes-a-good-book/) - Discover what keeps readers hooked! It’s not just characters or setting—it’s the need to know what happens next. Do your favorite books keep you asking?
- [Do You Forget Books? Try This When You Read.](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/essay/do-you-forget-books-try-this-when-you-read/) - When you look at your home library, do you see books that you’ve read, loved, and COMPLETELY forgotten? I’m talking about the life-changing books that filled you with ideas and are now collecting dust on your shelf. What happened? When I forget books, it’s because I stayed at level 1 of reading comprehension - a
- [Why We Take Notes](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/blog/why-we-take-notes/) - Capture important ideas with notes—no perfection needed, just a start. One note today sparks your journey. Don't lose great thoughts—write them down!
- [When Reading Feels Like a Chore](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/blog/when-reading-feels-like-a-chore/) - Sometimes I don’t feel good about myself as a reader. Little thoughts slither into my brain and destroy my motivation. I want to talk about these thoughts today because they’re normal and many of you feel them as well. Last week, I got an email from a community member in a reading slump. This person’s
- [The Reader's Question](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/blog/the-readers-question/) - Discover how mindfulness and intentional choices can help you manage your finite mental energy, focus on what matters, and create a more meaningful life.
- [You're Missing The Point of a Book](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/blog/youre-missing-the-point-of-a-book/) - You might be missing the point of reading books if you're doing this. In today's post about reading deeply, I discuss what happens after you finish a book.
- [You Can't Focus ALL Day](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/blog/you-cant-focus-all-day/) - Feeling drained after deep thinking? Embrace your focus time and let the rest be fluff. You're not a robot—give yourself grace and poke holes in the universe.
- [How to Read More Books](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/blog/how-to-read-more-books/) - Learn practical tips to read more books, choose titles you love, and make reading a priority. Simple strategies for a more rewarding reading experience.
- [Stop Binging on Junk Media: Feed Your Brain](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/blog/stop-binging-on-junk-media-feed-your-brain/) - Craving deeper reading? Discover why dieting taught me to ditch 'junk media' and tackle weighty books. Feed your brain substance. Read deeply.
- [The Bliss of Reading Books](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/blog/the-bliss-of-reading-books/) - Quiet Sundays, hot coffee, and an open book. Escape into the pages, where ink transforms into soul-filling adventures. A peaceful moment to cherish.
- [You've Heard of Stoicism, But Have You Achieved Ataraxia Yet?](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/blog/youve-heard-of-stoicism-but-have-you-achieved-ataraxia-yet/) - Explore Stoic philosophy and its pursuit of balance (Ataraxia) and fulfillment (Eudaimonia) alongside Epicureanism and Skepticism in today's post.
- [I Applied Cal Newport's Book "Deep Work" to Learn French](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/blog/i-applied-cal-newports-book-deep-work-to-learn-french/) - Deep Work by Cal Newport is a book that means a lot to me. The main concept is that we often get stuck doing shallow work in life, and if we want to get something meaningful done, we have to be purposeful on how we approach and do our most important work. So, I used
- [Let's Read Deeply Together](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/blog/lets-read-deeply-together/) - I just sent my weekly newsletter to 6,049 readers throughout the world. Here's what I talked about: My 90-day focus experiment Why Flowers for Algernon was my favorite read last year Why Euthyphro by Plato rocks (with a link to read online) If reading multiple books at the same time is a good idea I
- [A Quick Tip for Improving Focus](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/blog/a-quick-tip-for-improving-focus/) - Losing my AirPods taught me the power of boredom, focus, and presence. Sometimes, less noise means more clarity. #Mindfulness #Focus
- [LIVE DEliberately (As a Reader) in 2025](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/blog/design-your-life-live-deliberately-in-2025/) - Explore how to live deliberately in 2025 with purposeful goals, meaningful choices, and a focus on deep work. Make this year your most intentional yet!
- [Michel De Montaigne on Dancing](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/blog/michel-de-montaigne-on-dancing/) - Michel du Montaigne's wisdom on living in the moment and how it applies to reading well and choosing captivating books.
- [Shallow Reading vs Deep Reading](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/blog/shallow-reading-vs-deep-reading/) - Discover the power of deep reading! Learn to balance light, shallow reads with focused, challenging books that sharpen your mind and inspire growth.
- [Is Existential Overwhelm Real?](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/blog/is-existential-overwhelm-real/) - In Four Thousand Weeks: Time Management for Mortals, Oliver Burkeman teaches us about Existential Overwhelm. Let's talk about this strange feeling.
- [Battle Your Brainrot with Books](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/blog/battle-your-brainrot-with-books/) - Escape "Brainrot" with deep reading. Focus on challenging books to strengthen your mind, boost intelligence, and find clarity.
- [Thank You for Listening to The Read Well Podcast](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/blog/thank-you-for-listening-to-the-read-well-podcast/) - The Read Well Podcast, according to Buzzsprout, is in the top 5% of podcasts for 2024! Thank you for listening, and for your support.
- [A Simple Morning Routine That Fuels My Day](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/blog/a-simple-morning-routine-that-fuels-my-day/) - Discover a simple morning routine to set intentions, clear your mind, and focus on what matters. Watch now and start your day with purpose!
- [My Shakespeare Strategy for 2025](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/blog/my-shakespeare-strategy-for-2025/) - Making 2025 the year of Shakespeare! Join me as I dive into plays, a college course, and a perfect, note-ready complete works edition.
- [The Pleasure of Sunday Morning](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/blog/the-pleasure-of-sunday-morning/) - Start your Sunday with calm: coffee, Anna Karenina, and quiet reflection. Embrace the peaceful stillness of early morning. #SundayVibes
- [Editing My Interview with Dr. Huemer](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/blog/editing-my-interview-with-dr-huemer/) - Dr. Michael Huemer on critical thinking: 'Live in truth, not bias.' A masterclass in questioning beliefs. Interview drops next week!
- [Create a Focus Routine](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/blog/create-a-focus-routine/) - Struggling to focus? Learn how to build your focus like a skill with simple, practical steps—just like practicing the piano.
- [You Are What You Read](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/blog/you-are-what-you-read/) - Discover how your reading habits shape who you are—poet, philosopher, cook, or fantasy dreamer. Books matter; they change us deeply.
- [Do You Need More Time to Read?](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/blog/do-you-need-more-time-to-read/) - No time to read? Reading expands your life, not your to-do list. Reflect on why the "shoulds"—like books—are worth prioritizing.
- [How to Slay the Reading Resistance Monster](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/blog/how-to-slay-the-reading-resistance-monster/) - Struggling to focus on reading? Discover how Steven Pressfield's concept of Resistance can help you overcome daily distractions and read deeply.
- [Reading Makes You a Better Person. Here's How.](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/blog/reading-makes-you-a-better-person-heres-how/) - Discover how reading broadens understanding, overcomes prejudice, builds empathy, and makes you more interesting. Just read—start today!
- [Try This for Better Reading Comprehension](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/blog/try-this-for-better-reading-comprehension/) - Boost your reading comprehension by summarizing books in a paragraph. Clarify ideas, connect concepts, and retain more with this simple habit.
- [Why I'm Reading Books in 2025](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/blog/why-im-reading-books-in-2025/) - Read fewer books, but read them deeply. Discover why quality over quantity in reading leads to lasting impact and meaningful discussions.
- [Not Sure What to Read? Try a Steamy Romance.](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/blog/not-sure-what-to-read-try-a-steamy-romance/) - Feeling stuck on what to write or read? Follow Simone de Beauvoir's lead: start anywhere. Discover ideas & passions along the way.
- [When I Finish a Great Book](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/blog/when-i-finish-a-great-book/) - I just finished a great book, and now the real work begins! I love this part. After reading slowly, the next step is to take notes. All of my favorite passages have been marked. Now I get to go back, review the best ones, and make notes I can use throughout the rest of my
- [Read Like a Film Photographer](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/blog/read-like-a-film-photographer/) - Discover how film photography taught me to slow down, think deeply, and read books with intention—focusing on quality over quantity.
- [Your Painful Secret](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/blog/your-painful-secret/) - Emerson’s "The Poet" (1844) urges poets to express humanity's "painful secret" honestly. Discover how poetry can reveal and heal our shared humanness.
- [My Books Are a Portal to the Outside World](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/blog/my-books-are-a-portal-to-the-outside-world/) - Reflecting on The Hiding Place: Finding light in dark times, just as Corrie Ten Boom did, and how books can be windows to hope and warmth. #BookClub
- [The World Can Change in 30 Minutes](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/blog/the-world-can-change-in-30-minutes/) - Discover the power of 30-minute reading sessions—refresh your mind, stay focused, and make the most of brief breaks in a busy day. Beautiful.
- [I'm a Sucker for Beautiful Book Covers](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/blog/im-a-sucker-for-beautiful-book-covers/) - When I was a kid, going to the bookstore was always a treat, but it was different then. The book covers were not as pretty. Over the past few years, booksellers have learned that a gorgeous piece of art sells books, and I'm a sucker for it. Here are a few of my favorite book
- [How to Level Up Your Reading Instantly](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/blog/how-to-level-up-your-reading-instantly/) - If there's one trick I know of for improving my reading immediately, it's this: to think before I put the book down for the day. After a reading session, it's tempting to close the book and move on to other tasks, meetings, etc. Instead, hit pause for a few moments and think about what you've
- [An Extra Hour of Reading](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/blog/an-extra-hour-of-reading/) - Today (Dayling Savings) comes with an extra hour of reading built into it. I've committed to spending the entire day in my pajamas with a good book, some Anthology Coffee, and my beautiful family. Have a wonderful day reading, friends. I know I will. Until tomorrow, read slowly - take notes - apply the ideas.
- [Live Event: Learn to Think for Yourself](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/blog/live-event-learn-to-think-for-yourself/) - Join me as Dr. Michael Huemer discusses his new book "Progressive Myths" live on Dec 1st—exploring truth in today’s most debated topics.
- [There's Never Enough Time to Read](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/blog/theres-never-enough-time-to-read/) - Prioritizing reading is self-care. Discover why making time for books can bring peace and a deeper connection to yourself. #Reading #SelfCare
- [Why Philosophers are Weird (and Fantastic)](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/blog/why-philosophers-are-weird-and-fantastic/) - I'm pleased to report that philosophy is not dead. It did not go the way of the Dodo with the death of Socrates, Nietzsche, or Foucault. We have living and breathing philosophers today, still writing and pondering the mishaps of our nutty world. One of those living philosophers, Dr. Michael Huemer, points out in his
- [The Art of Mastery (For Book Lovers)](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/essay/the-art-of-mastery-for-book-lovers/) - Unlock your potential through purposeful reading. Discover Robert Greene's insights on mastering skills by finding your Life’s Task and true mentors in books.
- [1-Hour Playlist for Book Lovers](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/blog/1-hour-playlist-for-book-lovers/) - Immerse in reading with our curated, hour-long music playlist for book lovers—12 instrumental tracks to enhance focus and set a relaxing mood.
- [Read the Next Sentence (Fully)](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/blog/read-the-next-sentence-fully/) - Does your mind wander when reading? Try this: focus on just one sentence. Rediscover depth in details, avoid frustration, and stay engaged.
- [Why You Should Read Montaigne](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/blog/why-you-should-read-montaigne/) - I'm a big fan of Michel de Montaigne. To my knowledge, he was the first one to write personal essays. From 1533 to 1597, Montaigne lived in Southern France near Bordeaux writing about his experiences with friendship, death, and even his failures and frustrations in the bedroom. While he was the first to do this,
- [Why I Crave Good Books](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/blog/why-i-crave-good-books/) - When my brain feels like a New York City traffic jam, I crave a good book. Why does that happen?
- [I'm Behind in My Reading. Now What?](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/blog/im-behind-in-my-reading-now-what/) - I'm behind in my reading for book club. We're studying Crime and Punishment by Fyodor Dostoyevsky at a pace of 20 pages a day. How far behind am I, you ask? About 100 pages. Should I stress out? Worry? Berate myself for letting work and life get the better of my reading habit? What I
- [How I Take Notes When I Read a Book](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/essay/how-i-take-notes-when-i-read-a-book/) - Here's my current note-taking strategy for when I read fiction and non-fiction books. Hopefully, it helps you build a system of your own that you can grow with!
- [Create a Thinking Routine](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/blog/create-a-thinking-routine/) - Discover how a simple morning reading and thinking ritual can reduce anxiety and boost focus. Prioritize reflection to start your day right.
- [The Ketchup Bottle Effect: How Our Biases Shape the Way We Read](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/blog/the-ketchup-bottle-effect-how-our-biases-shape-the-way-we-read/) - A humorous lesson on how our biases affect reading, using a lost ketchup bottle to show how we often miss the obvious in books and life.
- [Are Book Readers Weird?](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/blog/are-book-readers-weird/) - Join the "weirdo" club of focused readers! Rediscover attention, break free from distractions, and train your mind by reading more.
- [Why You're Not Finishing Books (ANd WHat to Do About It)](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/blog/why-youre-not-finishing-books-and-what-to-do-about-it/) - Learn how to slow down, enjoy reading, and finish books by treating them as companions. Stop rushing, start savoring the journey.
- [Does Reading Give You Anxiety?](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/blog/does-reading-give-you-anxiety/) - Reading should never cause anxiety. In today's post, I talk about the two reasons you may be feeling "off" when reading a book.
- [5 Books I HATED but Now I LOVE](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/blog/5-books-i-hated-but-now-i-love/) - Books I once hated but now love: how growing as a reader helped me appreciate classics like The Old Man and the Sea and The Republic.
- [Morning Pages for Deeper Reading](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/blog/morning-pages-for-deeper-reading/) - Discover how Morning Pages from "The Artist's Way" can help you know yourself, break creative blocks, and choose the perfect book.
- [🌈Take a Look...It's in a Book...Reading Rainbow!](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/blog/🌈take-a-look-its-in-a-book-reading-rainbow/) - I got to meet LeVar Burton, host of Reading Rainbow! He taught me to love books and the value of being kind.
- [Every American Should Read This Document](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/blog/every-american-should-read-this/) - Why all Americans should read The Declaration of Independence and reflect on its ideals, Jefferson’s hypocrisy, and our nation's progress toward equality.
- [Are Paper Books Better Than Digital?](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/blog/are-paper-books-better-than-digital/) - Wow! I had a wonderful interview yesterday with Dr. Maryanne Wolf, author of Reader, Come Home. While earning her doctorate from Harvard, she focused on the neuroscience of reading and dyslexia. In short, she's very qualified to speak about the reading brain. I can't wait to get this episode published so that you can hear
- [Reclaim Your Reading Brain](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/blog/reclaim-your-reading-brain/) - Today is a special day. I'll be interviewing Maryanne Wolf, author of the incredible book Reader, Come Home. This is a live event for members of our community.
- [Do This Before Reading Deeply](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/blog/do-this-before-reading-deeply/) - I learned a great trick to help me with reading deeply each morning. I'll be doing this before every study session going forward.
- [Why You Should Read Philosophy for Fun](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/blog/why-you-should-read-philosophy-for-fun/) - You already believe in a branch of philosophy, and that's why you should read philosophy for fun. Go to the bookstore and see what questions you can explore.
- [How to Read for Long Periods of Time](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/blog/how-to-read-for-long-periods-of-time/) - I was asked how I read for long periods of time by a guy on an airplane. Here's what I told him after a six-hour reading session.
- [A Method for Reading Deeply](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/blog/reading-deeply-just-got-better/) - Reading Deeply is a skill, and yesterday I learned a method for practicing that will make a big impact on my thinking. Let's discuss.
- [Apply One Idea from a Book](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/blog/apply-one-idea-from-a-book/) - What if you applied one idea from every book you read? Discover how making real changes can transform your life, one book at a time.
- [The Ugly Truth About Authors](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/blog/the-ugly-truth-about-literature/) - Discover how Cotton Mather’s literature fueled fear during the Salem Witch Trials.
- [The Beautiful Books of James Baldwin](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/blog/the-beautiful-books-of-james-baldwin/) - Discover James Baldwin's powerful works as I dive into *Go Tell It on the Mountain* and explore the beauty of literary fiction.
- [Debates, Arguments, and Critical Thinking in 2024](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/blog/debates-arguments-and-critical-thinking-in-2024/) - Last night's Presidential Debate was a perfect case study in critical thinking. Despite who you think won or how the candidates performed in general, one thing is clear: emotional talk influences people. Statements can be made without any supporting evidence and we will believe them, simply because they were said with emotion and struck a
- [Is it bad to Write in Books?](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/blog/is-it-bad-to-write-in-books/) - Discover why writing in books enhances their value, turning them from dust collectors into cherished intellectual companions.
- [Why is Reading so Darn enjoyable?](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/blog/why-is-reading-so-darn-enjoyable/) - Discover how reading puts you in a state of flow by boosting concentration, reducing distractions, and improving intellect and empathy.
- [An Argument for Diverse Literature](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/blog/an-argument-for-diverse-literature/) - Discover the power of diverse voices in literature by reading authors like Morrison, Baldwin, and Tan to enrich your understanding and reading experience.
- [My Weekend Reading Plan](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/blog/my-weekend-reading-plan/) - Plan your weekend reading with structure. Study during the day, and unwind with fiction at night.
- [Become a Virtuoso Reader](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/blog/become-a-virtuoso-reader/) - Reading is a skill, but reading well is an art. Learn how practice and patience can help you master challenging books like a virtuoso.
- [We're Reading "Flow" the Book](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/blog/were-reading-flow-the-book/) - Join our book club as we explore *Flow* by Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi. Learn how to achieve focus and maximize your potential in any activity!
- [Books & Hidden Laundry Chutes](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/blog/books-hidden-laundry-chutes/) - Discover the hidden wonders in books, much like a childhood home, as you revisit and explore deeper meanings with a second read.
- [Being Forced to Read Books](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/blog/being-forced-to-read-books/) - Discover the freedom and joy of choosing what to read. Reflect on the privilege of learning at your own pace with Plato's wisdom.
- [Coffee & A Great Book](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/blog/coffee-a-great-book/) - It's morning now. I've just turned on my espresso machine and I'm holding Sophie's World in my hands. The air is cooling down outside, just a little, and I can feel that fall tingle on my skin. There's something great about starting the day with coffee and a book. It's nice having a ritual that
- [Reading After a Long Day](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/blog/reading-after-a-long-day/) - Reflecting on a busy day, battling resistance to reading, and the joy of creative progress. A moment of quiet contemplation. -Eddy
- [What it Feels Like to Read Deeply](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/blog/what-it-feels-like-to-read-deeply/) - We had a fantastic conversation at book club last night. Everyone was fired up over Song of Myself by Walt Whitman. It’s such a powerful poem, and the ending is truly astounding. For me, it perfectly captures what it feels like to read a piece of literature deeply. I’m going to share a few stanzas
- [Don’t Miss my Live Bookstore Launch on Oct 23rd!](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/blog/dont-miss-my-live-bookstore-launch-on-oct-23rd/) - Join our Facebook Live on Oct 23rd, 7-9 PM MST, for the launch of Edgewater Bookstore. Exclusive discounts, product tours, and giveaways await!
- [The Odd Personality of Bookworms](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/blog/the-odd-personality-of-bookworms/) - Do you think bookworms have a strange personality? As one myself, I would rather be reading than doing most other things. So, sue me.
- [Looking for a Halloween Book](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/blog/looking-for-a-halloween-book/) - Seeking the perfect Halloween read? Share your spooky book recommendations and make this fall season even more thrilling!
- [Stephen King’s Thrills vs. Daniel Keyes’ Deep Thoughts](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/blog/stephen-kings-thrills-vs-daniel-keyes-deep-thoughts/) - Compare the distinct styles of Stephen King and Daniel Keyes—entertainment vs. philosophical exploration.
- [A Wall of Forgotten Books](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/blog/a-wall-of-forgotten-books/) - Rediscover the books on your shelf with a thoughtful re-read. Learn how revisiting and taking notes can bring forgotten stories back to life.
- [Making Notes vs. Taking Notes](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/blog/making-notes-vs-taking-notes/) - Master the art of note-taking with these tips for creating lasting, valuable notes that enhance your reading and thinking skills.
- [Your Reading Environment Matters](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/blog/your-reading-environment-matters/) - Craft your perfect reading space—engage all senses. A comfy chair, a warm drink, and a good book can make all the difference. What's your setup?
- [Before a Busy Week Starts](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/blog/before-a-busy-week-starts/) - Feeling too busy to read? Reclaim your day by making time for the books that keep your mind sharp and stress at bay, even on a hectic Monday.
- [The Decision to Pay Attention](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/blog/the-decision-to-pay-attention/) - Switch off autopilot and turn your brain on while reading. Make a conscious decision to focus and transform your reading experience.
- [Reading Walt Whitman](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/blog/reading-walt-whitman/) - Experience the intimate and natural wonder of Walt Whitman’s poetry, where every word brings nature to life and invites you to see the world anew.
- [The #1 Benefit of Reading Books](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/blog/the-1-benefit-of-reading-books/) - Regain control of your mental space by reading. Discover how books offer a refreshing escape from daily distractions in today's post.
- [Book Club Meetup in Boston?](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/blog/book-club-meetup-in-boston/) - Join me in Boston, September 17-20, for an evening of books, food, and great conversation. Let's explore a local bookshop and enjoy dinner together!
- [Restoring My Morning Reading Ritual](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/blog/restoring-my-morning-reading-ritual/) - Survived a jazz-filled vacation in New Orleans, now back to my morning routine with a book and coffee. Rediscovering calm with Whitman's *Song of Myself*.
- [Pick Books That are Right for You](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/blog/pick-books-that-are-right-for-you/) - Embrace your life stage to improve your reading skills. Even Junot Díaz enjoys horror fiction. Be kind to yourself and start where you are.
- [3 Ideas for Managing Your TBR List](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/blog/3-ideas-for-managing-your-tbr-list/) - Overwhelmed by your TBR list? Discover tips to manage your reading pile, stay motivated, and enjoy your books more. Read, relax, and repeat!
- [Practice The Art of Focus](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/blog/practice-the-art-of-focus/) - Discover how daily reading can improve focus amidst distractions. Learn tips to enhance concentration and productivity through the power of books.
- [Reset Your Reading on Sundays](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/blog/reset-your-reading-on-sundays/) - Discover the joy of a peaceful Sunday morning dedicated to personal reading. Enjoy the tranquility of books, coffee, and quiet moments to reset.
- [Stop Reading on Elevators](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/blog/stop-reading-on-elevators/) - Approach books like meaningful conversations. Don't miss the chance to connect deeply, just like in an elevator. Read, engage, and discover.
- [What Book Goes in Your Coffin?](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/blog/what-book-goes-in-your-coffin/) - Join the conversation: What's the one book you'd take to your grave? Share your choice and see mine—Dostoyevsky's 'Crime and Punishment.' Comment below!"
- [Free Up Mental Space (A Stoic Trick)](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/blog/free-up-mental-space-a-stoic-trick/) - Free up mental space by analyzing your beliefs. Discover how Marcus Aurelius' wisdom can help you declutter your mind and find peace.
- [Junot Díaz Interview Starting Soon](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/blog/junot-diaz-interview-starting-soon/) - Quick reminder. Pulitzer Prize author Junot Díaz will be on The Read Well Podcast this morning! I'll be interviewing him about the importance of literature, how to improve as a reader and more. If you're a member of my book club, then you have access to these live events and can join me as an
- [Your Input Needed: Edgewater Bookstore’s New Coffee and Tea Line](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/blog/your-input-needed-edgewater-bookstores-new-coffee-and-tea-line/) - Discover exclusive coffee and tea blends at Edgewater Bookstore! Join the discussion on our unique, eco-friendly selections. Share your thoughts!
- [Don't Read This Way](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/blog/dont-read-this-way/) - Balancing grades and genuine learning: How focusing on knowledge over grades transforms the classroom experience and fosters true understanding.
- [Reading the Stoic Philosophers](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/blog/reading-the-stoic-philosophers/) - Explore the timeless wisdom of Stoic Philosophers in our book club as we discuss "Meditations" and its relevance today. Discover stoic philosophy with us!
- [Imagine a World Without Bookstores](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/blog/imagine-a-world-without-bookstores/) - Discover the charm of local bookstores vs. online convenience. Embrace the joy of community, cozy aisles, and real bookish experiences. Where do you stand?
- [3 Questions to Ask When Reading](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/blog/3-questions-to-ask-when-reading/) - Explore key questions to enhance your reading: evaluate arguments, identify life changes, and further the conversation. Read deeply and thoughtfully.
- [This Book Has a Speed Limit](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/blog/this-book-has-a-speed-limit/) - I have a short but necessary message for readers today: Every book has a speed limit. Some books can be read at 70 MPH while others start to rumble and shake if you go faster than 10 MPH. To read Aristotle's Nicomachean Ethics is very different than to read Dennis Lehane's Mystic River. So, when
- [Find Your Motivation to Read](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/blog/find-your-motivation-to-read/) - I hate to admit it, but some days the motivation to read isn't there. Now, should I read, even if I'd rather take a nap or watch a movie? Let's discuss. For me, reading takes effort. It's not a casual, lounge around the house activity (unless I'm reading my beloved fiction at night). Usually, I'm
- [If Your Day is Too Busy to Read](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/blog/if-your-day-is-too-busy-to-read/) - Busy day with no time to read? Schedule a meeting with your books! Find balance in your day, just like Hamlet teaches us.
- [I'm Starting a Bookstore](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/blog/im-starting-a-bookstore/) - Discover Edgewater Bookstore: Curated books, custom reading guides, and thoughtful essentials. Experience the magic of reading with every delivery.
- [Exciting News: Junot Díaz on the Podcast!](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/blog/exciting-news-junot-diaz-on-the-podcast/) - Join me on July 31st for an exclusive podcast with Junot Díaz, discussing his works, writing tips, and the future of storytelling. Don't miss it!
- [Getting Lost in Books](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/blog/getting-lost-in-books/) - There's a value to getting lost in books. Author Tom Lutz teaches us how to embrace what he calls "The Cloud of Unknowing."
- [I STOPPED READING BOOKS (FOR 7 DAYS)](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/blog/what-happens-when-you-stop-reading-books/) - Jet-lagged from a Hawaiian vacation, I reflect on the importance of taking breaks from reading books to refresh and enjoy life’s moments.
- [How to Read a Lot of Books](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/blog/how-to-read-a-lot-of-books/) - Discover how to read more books: spend quality time with each book, read slowly to connect with ideas, and avoid distractions. No hacks needed!
- [Personality Test: What Kind of Reader are you?](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/blog/personality-test-what-kind-of-reader-are-you/) - Uncover your reader type with our Personality Test for Readers. Discover what kind of reader you are with this insightful and fun test!
- [What's Wrong with Getting More Intelligent?](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/blog/whats-wrong-with-getting-more-intelligent/) - Explore the complexities of intelligence in "Flowers for Algernon" and how it relates to today's knowledge acquisition. Do people resent intelligence?
- [On the Basis of Sex](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/blog/on-the-basis-of-sex/) - On the Basis of Sex (2018) is a movie about the early years of Ruth Bader Ginsberg's legal career. I watched the movie last night and loved it. Here's why. Exposure of bias: Ginsberg went to Harvard Law School. There are several scenes in which it's clear the administration does not want women in their
- [Late-Night Reading](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/blog/late-night-reading/) - Discover the joy of late-night fiction reading. Escape the hustle, relax your mind, and travel with Don Quixote in a peaceful 2 AM adventure.
- [The Freedom to Read](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/blog/the-freedom-to-read/) - Celebrate the Freedom to Read! Reflect on the priceless liberty to choose your books, thanks to those who safeguard our freedoms. Happy Independence Day!
- [A Club for Readers? Really?](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/blog/a-club-for-readers-really/) - I love clubs. There's something fantastic about connecting with friends who share my interests. If you live reading difficult books, this club is for you.
- [A Good Book Has 3 Layers](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/blog/a-good-book-has-3-layers/) - Discover the depth of good books by exploring their sources. Dive into the layers of knowledge for a richer reading experience.
- [A Blue Shirt In a Mormon Church](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/essay/a-blue-shirt-in-a-mormon-church/) - This essay explores my personal experience with the Mormon church and seeks to understand how religion transforms rational individuals into followers.
- [Have Books Ruined Me? Let's Find Out.](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/blog/have-books-ruined-me-lets-find-out/) - Discover how books transformed our lives and led us out of the Mormon church. Read my essay and join The Read Well Podcast for deeper insights.
- [I Dare You to Read Antigone by Sophocles](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/blog/i-dare-you-to-read-antigone-by-sophocles/) - Discover the timeless drama of Antigone by Sophocles, where moral conflict and tragedy unfold between Antigone and Creon. A must-read classic!
- [How to Pick Your Next Book](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/blog/how-to-pick-your-next-book/) - Let's do a thought experiment. Assume you've just come back from your doctor who's given you 30 days to live. You decide to make the most of your time on earth by being with loved ones, learning to taste your food before you gulp it down, going outside to feel the sunshine on your face,
- [Reading Rituals](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/blog/reading-rituals/) - Discover the joy of reading rituals. From morning coffee with a book to treadmill reads, create a daily habit that brings peace and enjoyment.
- [Having "One Thing" Helps Me](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/blog/having-one-thing-helps-me/) - We had a car blow up yesterday. Well, it didn't blow up, but the engine seized. Somehow, all the oil leaked from the engine while my son was driving, and now the car is headed for the junkyard. We towed it to a mechanic, who couldn't explain how it happened. We changed the oil regularly,
- [Turn Your Mac Into a Typewriter](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/blog/turn-your-mac-into-a-typewriter/) - Discover Loud Typer for Mac! Transform your typing experience with typewriter sounds, boosting creativity and productivity. A must-try for writers!
- [When the Reading Mood Strikes](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/blog/when-the-reading-mood-strikes/) - "Explore the joys of reading books, from Thoreau's essays to Newport's insights on productivity, and how to fit reading into a busy schedule.
- [Give In to Your Book](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/blog/give-into-your-book/) - Discover the joy of reading without pressure. Let books lead, teach, and surprise you. Embrace slow, thoughtful reading with Eddy's tips.
- [A Reading Break](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/blog/a-reading-break/) - Discover the parallels between hiking Utah's Rocky Mountains and reading: embrace pauses, find strength in breaks, and read with intention and depth.
- [The Phrenetic Saxophone](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/blog/the-phrenetic-saxophone/) - My daughter plays the saxophone every day for more than five hours. Marching band is a big deal around here, and it's her first year in the show, so she's working hard to earn her spot. The problem is that this year's music selection clocks in at 168 beats a minute, and she has to
- [The Joy of a Messy Bookshelf](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/blog/the-joy-of-a-messy-bookshelf/) - Organize your reading room with a 'messy bookshelf' for easy reshelving. Discover how a bit of chaos keeps your space clean and your books in order.
- [Meet Famous Authors](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/blog/meet-famous-authors/) - It's a big day at The Read Well Podcast! Some of my favorite authors are noticing the community and coming to the show as guests! Here's the fun part: If you're a member of the book club ($9 a month), you'll get access to all the live events, interviews with authors, etc. The first event
- [I'm a Hypocritical Reader (And It's OK)](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/blog/im-a-hypocritical-reader-and-its-ok/) - Struggling to focus while reading? Embrace the imperfections of deep reading and learn how to stay engaged. Discover tips and personal anecdotes.
- [My Response to a Reader's Judgement](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/blog/my-response-to-a-readers-judgement/) - Occasionally, I receive a message from someone who's angry with me. This happened again yesterday. There's no need to share her identity, although you can find her and others in the comments. I'll let you read her words for yourself: "All white. All men. All western. Read well? Yeh. No." She's attacking me on several
- [How to be a Productive Reader](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/blog/how-to-be-a-productive-reader/) - Explore the power of slow reading: an illustration contrasts peaceful, focused reading with hectic multitasking. Which approach is more productive?
- [Can Books Make Us Happy?](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/blog/can-books-make-us-happy/) - Wealth is not happiness. Power is not happiness. Food is not happiness. Sex is not happiness. Nature is not happiness. Travel is not happiness. Freedom is not happiness. And no, reading books is not happiness. Happiness is happiness. Until tomorrow, read slowly - take notes - and apply the ideas. -Eddy
- [A List of My Book Recommendations](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/blog/a-list-of-my-book-recommendations/) - I make a book recommendation every week in my newsletter. Yesterday, I thought I should post them in aggregate somewhere on my website. If the book is on the list, I've read it and feel it's worth the time and consideration of reading well. Each week, a new recommendation will make the list. Bookmark this
- [How to Finish Reading a Book](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/blog/how-to-finish-reading-a-book/) - Learn how to finish a book without rushing or losing interest. Discover tips to maintain focus and fully enjoy the book's conclusion.
- [It Takes Two to Read a Book](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/blog/it-takes-two-to-read-a-book/) - Two people are involved whenever you sit down to read a book. You're the first. You set aside time in your busy day to learn something new: a philosophical idea, a strategy for launching a business, or even a viewpoint on social change. You opened yourself up as a student, and that takes courage. Long
- [Can You Really Read 1,000 Pages a Day and Remember Everything?](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/blog/can-you-really-read-1000-pages-a-day-and-remember-everything/) - Debunking the myth: "Read 1,000 pages a day" YouTube claims. Explore why genuine reading requires time and focus over sensational shortcuts.
- [Read a Book, Control Your Mind](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/blog/read-a-book-control-your-mind/) - Discover the serenity of reading books amidst a world of distractions. Embrace the tranquility and focus that comes with a good book.
- [139 Days of Writing About Books. Here's What I've Learned.](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/blog/139-days-of-writing-about-books-heres-what-ive-learned/) - Discover the insights gained from 139 days of writing about reading books daily. Learn how to sustain a writing habit and connect with fellow book lovers.
- [Yasmine Mohammed is Visiting the Read Well Podcast](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/blog/yasmine-mohammed-is-visiting-the-read-well-podcast/) - I'm getting ready for a special interview with author Yasmine Mohammed. We will discuss gender apartheid, media manipulation, and Western liberalism.
- [10 Reasons to Read a Book](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/blog/10-reasons-to-read-a-book/) - "Discover 10 compelling reasons to read a book, from boosting your brainpower to escaping screens, and make reading a daily habit.
- [Fyodor Dostoyevsky Couldn't Get Published Today](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/blog/fyodor-dostoyevsky-couldnt-get-published-today/) - I don't think Fyodor Dostoyevsky could get a publishing deal today. Agents want easy-to-digest stories with "pacing" and direct prose. I've been to writing conferences where you pitch your story ideas to agents, and they all want the same thing: something that will sell. It no longer matters if it's good; it only matters if
- [Visit Your BookShelf](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/blog/visit-your-bookshelf/) - Discover the joy of reading. Explore your bookshelf, find a book, and enjoy a calm, focused escape from digital distractions.
- [The Purpose of Taking Notes](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/blog/the-purpose-of-taking-notes/) - Unlock the power of taking notes to spark new ideas and retain key concepts from books. Learn how smart notes can transform your reading experience.
- [Read a Book - Reboot Your Life](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/blog/read-a-book-reboot-your-life/) - Anne Lamott got it right by saying, "Almost everything will work again if you unplug it for a few minutes, including you." The reboot function fixes most phones, computers, and other electronic tomfoolery. If it's running slow, shut it down and relaunch. When I read a book each day, that's my reboot switch. I unplug
- [How to Fix Your Reading Brain](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/blog/how-to-fix-your-reading-brain/) - In her fantastic book, Reader Come Home, Maryanne Wolf describes a time in her adult life when she longed to read books like she had as a child. She was hungry for something substantial after realizing that a life full of 140-character tweets, digital media providing non-stop sensory overload, and "hollow" reading experiences, left her
- [Decide to Do Something Well](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/blog/decide-to-do-something-well/) - Discover the joy of slowing down and embracing quality work. Step out of the chaotic race and find peace in precision and craftsmanship.
- [Are AudioBooks Better Than Paper Books?](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/blog/are-audiobooks-better-than-paper-books/) - Discover the differences between audiobooks and reading books, and find out when to choose each for the best learning and entertainment experience.
- [I'm Not As Smart As I Thought](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/blog/im-not-as-smart-as-i-thought/) - Struggling with my first philosophy paper after years away from school. Overcoming ego, embracing feedback, and aiming to improve my writing skills.
- [Unveiled by Yasmine Mohammed](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/blog/unveiled-by-yasmine-mohammed/) - Review of *Unveiled* by Yasmine Mohammed: A brave tale exposing the impact of radical Islam and the need for true support for Islamic women.
- [Behind on Reading Books?](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/blog/behind-on-reading-books/) - "Falling behind on reading books? It's okay! Discover how to reframe your approach to reading for a more fulfilling and productive day."
- [15 Reasons to Read a Book](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/blog/15-reasons-to-read-a-book/) - If you read a book for 30 minutes today, several benefits will occur. Here are 15 reasons to take that novel off the shelf.
- [How to Memorize a Poem](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/blog/how-to-memorize-a-poem/) - Learn how to memorize a poem with this simple and effective system. Within a few short minutes, you can memorize a poem and retain it for life.
- [Reading with Noise](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/blog/reading-with-noise/) - I'm reading in a cabin packed with nearly 30 family members, kids screaming for treats, and the television blaring. It's the veritable loud house of chaos you see in comedy movies like Home Alone when everyone is screaming to be heard. I've planted myself at the dinner table where six kids are crafting. It's the
- [Get a Book For Just $16](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/blog/get-a-book-for-just-16/) - For just $16, get a life-changing book filled with psychology, philosophy, and memorable characters. Invest in a treasure that will stay with you.
- [I Can Fix Myself](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/blog/i-can-fix-myself/) - The world is full of disinformation. People are credulous, which makes bad news spread even faster. I may not be able to fix the world, but I can fix myself.
- [It Only Takes One](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/blog/it-only-takes-one/) - It only takes one book to change your life. Maybe you're in a funk, trying to lose weight, start a business, or get your head on straight about the girlfriend that just dumped you. I don't know. We all have problems. The beauty is that there are countless books with good advice in them. They're
- [An Argument for Reading](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/blog/an-argument-for-reading/) - Let's create a syllogism for why you should read today. Premise 1: All experiences that challenge our thinking are thought-provoking and valuable. Premise 2: Reading books challenge our thinking. Conclusion: Therefore, reading books is thought-provoking and valuable. Now, you might argue that many books are poorly written and not thought-provoking. But I would argue that
- [Is Your Book Any Good?](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/blog/is-your-book-any-good/) - The eighteenth-century Scottish philosopher David Hume said that when we think about art, we should take care not to confuse the question, "Do I like it?" with the question, "Is it good?" This idea is worth considering when you judge the next book that you read. After all, what makes a book good? How do
- [Proof That I'm a Slow Reader](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/blog/proof-that-im-a-slow-reader/) - I just timed myself. I read 180 words a minute. The average adult reads 200 to 300 words a minute, and speed-readers clock up to 1000 words a minute. I do this on purpose. By slowing down, I give the words on the page room to breathe. Every word has meaning. Consider the word "educated."
- [Should You Force Yourself to Read?](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/blog/should-you-force-yourself-to-read/) - Forcing yourself to read can be rewarding. Embrace the habit, avoid literary atrophy, and banish guilt. Discover the joy of consistent reading and personal growth.
- [Are You a Biased Reader?](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/blog/are-you-a-biased-reader/) - Explore how biases shape our views. Using coffee as an example, learn how awareness of bias can lead to more objective understanding and deeper insights.
- [Read Without an Agenda](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/blog/read-without-an-agenda/) - What if you decided to read a book today without an agenda? Instead of trying to accomplish a reading goal, tackle the classics, or make progress on your bucket list, you read simply for enjoyment. What if you read a book just for the happiness it brings you? Until tomorrow, read slowly - take notes
- [You're Not a "Broken" Reader](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/blog/youre-not-a-broken-reader/) - Learn how to enhance reading focus. Avoid multitasking for better comprehension and retention!
- [You'll Love This Short Story by Joyce Carol Oates](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/blog/youll-love-this-short-story-by-joyce-carol-oates/) - You know when you're in the hands of a great author. You can feel it in the words, how he or she weaves conflict into all the crevices. Yesterday, I read a short story by Joyce Carol Oates that exhausted me in a good way. In ten short pages, Oates had her way with me.
- [Are You "Getting Through" Books?](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/blog/are-you-getting-through-books/) - There are a lot of ways to "get through" a book. You can buy the Cliff Notes, watch the movie, get a summary from A.I., listen to it 2X on Audible so that the narrator sounds like a chipmunk - but there's only one way to absorb a book, and that's by sitting with it,
- [Reading on Mother's Day](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/blog/reading-on-mothers-day/) - To all my readers who are mothers, Happy Mother's Day! We're busy at the Hood Household getting ready for three different celebrations. My wife (a mother of four), then a lunch at my mom's, and finally a dinner at my mother-in-laws. It's a big day, but one I'm looking forward to living. Even though I
- [Decide to Read Well](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/blog/decide-to-read-well/) - When you sit down to read your book today, start by deciding to read well. Hold the book in your hands, consider why you chose to read this specific work, and what you hope to gain from it. Then, make the decision that you will read well. Turn off your phone and turn on your
- [Today is bleh.](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/blog/today-is-bleh/) - Some days feel monotonous. Today is one of those days. I wake up, eat the same food, work at the same desk, talk to the same people, and go to bed at the same time. Don’t get me wrong, I’m grateful to be alive, but sometimes it’s maddeningly boring. While I risk sounding melodramatic, I’m
- [The Ship of Theseus (A Puzzle)](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/blog/the-ship-of-theseus-a-puzzle/) - I came across a wonderful thought puzzle for people interested in reading philosophy. Let's close our eyes and envision a Greek hero named Theseus, a man known for sailing around the Mediterranean Sea doing hero-like things. He slays evil creatures, saves villages from destruction, on so on. While on one of his many adventures, he
- [It's an Honor to Read with You](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/blog/its-an-honor-to-read-with-you/) - Last night, I had the privilege of exploring The Idiot by Fyodor Dostoyevsky with a group of curious, intelligent, and fascinating members of The Read Well Book Club. I walked into that meeting, like I always do each Tuesday, excited about the prospect of layers. What do I mean by layers? Well, a good book
- [Literature Changes You](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/blog/literature-changes-you/) - Have you ever read a book more than once and thought, "That's not how I remembered it!"? Literature changes every time you read it because each time you open a book, you're a different person. I first read Treasure Island when I was nine years old. If I were to read it now, the book
- [Day 1 (Start Reading Again)](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/blog/day-1-start-reading-again/) - Becoming a reader takes patience. It's no different than going to the gym, eating healthy, or waking up early. When we try and do things that are "good for us," we often start with the best of intentions, but then a few days in, find ourselves in the pantry surreptitiously eating entire bags of Oreos
- [Saturday Reading](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/blog/saturday-reading/) - Saturday is my catch-all day for the rest of the week. I have lawns to mow, kids to monitor in the completion of their chores, electrical circuits to fix, water heaters to replace, and, well you get the idea. There's a never-ending stream of things to do around my house. That's why reading MUST be
- [I Struggle to Finish Books](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/blog/i-struggle-to-finish-books/) - A friend recently told me, "I struggle to finish books." I hear this a lot, so let's talk about it. We want to be better readers, and so we go to bookstores and fill our shelves with shiny new releases. We jump into reading challenges with the best of intentions, join book clubs, and set
- [Because of Their Hard Work](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/blog/because-of-their-hard-work/) - It's remarkable that I can ask the question, "What do I want to learn today?" Many of my ancestors before me didn't have that luxury. They were too busy milking cows, fighting wars, and fending off innumerable diseases. Because of their hard work, I can now get my milk from the grocery store, I'm not
- [Burn Some of Your Books](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/blog/burn-some-of-your-books/) - If I told you there were aliens in my computer writing these daily posts, would you demand proof before you believed me? Of course you would, because your a sane and logical person. Thankfully, there are no aliens in my keyboard, but this question teaches us something valuable about reading. If an author makes a
- [One Way I Use AudioBooks](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/blog/one-way-i-use-audiobooks/) - I loved being an only child. I had no competition for mom's love, and there was always a quiet reading nook at hand. Things were simple when it was just me. And then I got married to a woman from a large family and everything in my life changed. Family dinners with the in-laws are
- [SAPERE AUDE! (Dare to KNow)](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/blog/sapere-aude-dare-to-know/) - It's 1784. Your name is Immanuel Kant, and you're a celebrated German Philosopher in the town of Königsberg, (what is now Kaliningrad, Russia). You're frustrated that people have lost their will think think for themselves. They move about the streets in a sort of robotic trance, like mice in a maze - honestly, this sounds
- [Return to Your Book 100 Times](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/blog/return-to-your-book-100-times/) - Whether you like the idea of meditation or not, it has something to teach you about reading books. Consider this: meditation is the practice of taming your mind. It's not about sitting in silence with an empty brain, it's about recognizing distraction and then training your brain to come back to a point of focus
- [Read the Best Writers](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/blog/read-the-best-writers/) - It's true. You don't have time to read everything. The argument, then, is that you should only read the best writers. Why waste your precious time on books that are poorly written or copy the ideas of others (to which there are many)? There's a benefit to hanging out with history's brightest thinkers. "Contact with
- [The Danger of Reading](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/blog/the-danger-of-reading/) - I write daily about the benefits of reading, but there is a danger as well. To read a book is only half of the equation. Once you finish the last page and put it back on the shelf, you're only 50% finished. If, in that moment, you pick up another book, then you're in danger
- [Your #1 Responsibility Starts Here](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/blog/your-1-responsibility-starts-here/) - It's 1818 and you've just been born into slavery. Your father, though it can't be proved, is the wealthy Maryland slave owner who slept with your black mother. At twelve-months-old, you're separated from her, and must fend for yourself. As you grow up, you're shackled, whipped, and told to work. It's illegal to educate you,
- [The Untrained Reading Brain](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/blog/the-untrained-reading-brain/) - It's possible to read a book without getting distracted. No matter your background, educational level, or outlook on life - you do have the ability to focus for more than 8 seconds. If you haven't read a book in a while, doing so will feel like a chore. That's normal. Even now, reading this post,
- [20 Reasons to Read a Book](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/blog/20-reasons-to-read-a-book/) - Warning. Some of these reasons are more fulfilling than others. That being said, each one of the motivations on this list have influenced my reading. Leave me a comment in this format: (4 - 5 - 19) telling me the top three reasons you want to read more books - and be honest! To learn
- [Designing a Reading Strategy](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/blog/designing-a-reading-strategy/) - There's some great conversation happening today in my private Reading Community. We're talking about how to set up a personal reading strategy and the question was, "Should we stick to specific genres or should we skip around?" I think it starts with knowing what you want to accomplish. For me, if I'm reading about a
- [30 Minutes of Reading Adds Up](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/blog/30-minutes-of-reading-adds-up/) - If you spend 30 minutes reading today, depending on the material, you'll read about 15 to 30 pages of a book. Let's assume 15 because I teach the importance of reading slowly. At the end of the month, you'll have read 450 pages. That's a lot. And that's the trick to reading many books. All
- [A Stoic Way of Thinking](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/blog/a-stoic-way-of-thinking/) - We create unnecessary suffering for ourselves. In this passage from Seneca's Letters from a Stoic, notice the philosopher's specific use of the word torment. "Accordingly, some things torment us more than they ought; some torment us before they ought; and some torment us when they ought not to torment us at all. We are in
- [Stacks of Books](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/blog/stacks-of-books/) - I live four-and-a-half hours away from Moab, Utah. It's a place known for incredible hikes, Jeep trails, and whitewater rafting. If you go on a hike there, you're bound to see stacks of rocks called cairns. Hikers (who have gone before you) balanced rocks as trailside markers to keep you on the path - otherwise
- [Get the Best Ideas From Atomic Habits](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/blog/get-the-best-ideas-from-atomic-habits/) - I've read James Clear's book, Atomic Habits, a few times now. It's one of those texts that I never dared make extensive notes on because there are too many valuable ideas --- it would take ages to get done. Well, I've recently rebuilt my PKM (Personal Knowledge Management) System, and in doing so, realized it
- [The #1 Best Way to Become a Better Reader (In My Opinion)](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/blog/the-1-best-way-to-become-a-better-reader-in-my-opinion/) - Join a book club if you want to become a better reader. It doesn't have to be mine, but it should focus on books you find interesting, and it should support open and equal conversation. It must be easy to access, meetings should be recorded for later viewing, and the group should have good ratings.
- [The Goldilocks Rule (of Reading)](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/blog/the-goldilocks-rule-of-reading/) - If you're struggling to build a reading habit, it's because you're ignoring the Goldilocks Rule. "The Goldilocks Rule states that humans experience peak motivation when working on tasks that are right on the edge of their current abilities. Not too hard. Not too easy. Just right" (Clear 231). Applied to our reading goals, this means
- [Sunday Reading](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/blog/sunday-reading/) - I often wonder why Sunday lends itself so well to reading books. Sure, I'm not at work and they day is softer, less frenetic, and simple. But there's something else about Sundays. I think it has to do with questions. Monday to Friday, I ask work related questions in my head. What's on the to-do
- [We Caught Him in the Act](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/blog/we-caught-him-in-the-act/) - We have a "no shoes" rule in our house. We also have four kids who think this rule is ridiculous. My oldest, who's living at home while going to college, tip-toed up the stairs on his way to work a few days ago, and yes he had his shoes on. When we caught him, a
- [Make Notes in a Digital Garden](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/blog/make-notes-in-a-digital-garden/) - Over the last month, I've rebuilt my note-taking system into a digital garden. I love notes because, with each new entry, the whole system gets more valuable. They're connected to each other, making a web of thought that I can rely on for my work. But my system has always lacked a particular feature, the
- [Have YOu Read The Other Book?](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/blog/read-the-other-book-first/) - Have you read the other book? I'm not talking about the one you just finished that's got you all fired up on a sensitive topic like abortion, gun control, or the validity of vaccines. I'm talking about the other book. Let me explain. Let's pretend you just finished a book on how social media is
- [I Write, Therefore I Am](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/essay/i-write-therefore-i-am/) - This essay argues that you don't exist until you can think for yourself. It's based on Cogito, ergo sum ("I think, therefore I am") by René Descartes.
- [A Love Letter to Books](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/blog/a-love-letter-to-books/) - I feel like most days are similar, and that's the problem. I get out of bed at the same time everyday, shower, and then commute to work. From there, I sit at a desk and stare at a computer for eight hours until I commute home and make dinner for my family. I spend about
- [The Problem with Reading Goals](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/blog/the-problem-with-reading-goals/) - Because I spend all my time in the reading community, I hear the same proclamation weekly - someone has set a goal to read a certain number of books this year. I often wonder how they decided on 50 or 100 books. Are they basing their goal off an arbitrary internet list? Or did they
- [The 4 Steps of Critical Thinking](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/blog/the-4-steps-of-critical-thinking/) - I finished my notes for A Discourse on the Method by René Descartes and found a 4-step method to thinking critically, a skill I'd like to improve (17). Let's see how it works: (1) Never blindly accept something as true - How does this rule apply to what I learn on social media? What about
- [Some Books MUST Be Read Twice](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/blog/some-books-must-be-read-twice/) - Most of what you learn is surface-level drivel. You never get into the meat of something because you're trying to learn too quickly. You can't learn well if you're in a rush. I start all books the same - casually. I give them a read, and if I'm interested, I highlight passages along the way.
- [It's Not Enough to Possess a Good Mind](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/blog/its-not-enough-to-posess-a-good-mind/) - I talk about reading slowly, but why does it matter? You can watch YouTube summaries, purchase cliff notes, and conspire with ChatGPT to say that you've "read the novel." In high school, we were assigned Hemingway's beautiful book, The Old Man and the Sea. Most of the students cheated and rented the movie. I'm working
- [There's Always Time](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/blog/theres-always-time/) - There's always time to read a book. Here's a quick story about how I made time today, despite the tornado of work.
- [Now is The Winter of Our Discontent](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/blog/now-is-the-winter-of-our-discontent/) - Shakespeare's play, Richard III, begins with one of the most famous lines literature , "Now is the winter of our discontent." Let's learn why it's genius.
- [Life is Finite. Make a Choice.](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/blog/life-is-finite-make-a-choice/) - I've been meaning to read Oliver Burkeman's Four Thousand Weeks: Time Management for Mortals for a few months, but I just couldn't do it. I've read so many "productivity" books that I needed a break. Once I finally turned the cover, I was happy to see that Burkeman's approach was not only new, but actually
- [Do You Require Noise?](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/blog/do-you-require-noise/) - When you read, how long does it take before the first distractions appear? For me, it's less then a minute. We've forgotten how to be alone, and reading is a solitary activity. It requires time by yourself in silence. Author David Foster Wallace pointed out that people feel a sense of dread about having to
- [Reading Takes Time](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/blog/it-takes-the-time-it-takes/) - How do you read more books? The answer isn't a speed reading course or playing Audible at 2X the speed - you have to invest more time in reading. Everyone's hunting for the secret formula to consuming large quantities of books, but what they're not willing to do is spend four to five hours a
- [Madness and Brutes](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/blog/madness-and-brutes/) - The great German writer, Johann Wolfgang von Goethe (1749 - 1832), summarized the mantra of our reading community when he said, "We must plunge into experience and then reflect on the meaning of it. All reflection and no plunging drives us mad; all plunging and no reflection, and we are brutes" (Becker 199). The mantra
- [The Swarm of Children](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/blog/the-swarm-of-children/) - At 9:00 a.m., the Mayor for our little town blew the foghorn and a mass of children ran onto baseball fields to collect thousands of Easter eggs dumped in the grass. I thought it would take quite a while to pick them up, but those kids swarmed the field and stripped it clean in less
- [5 Words I Thought I Understood, But Didn't.](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/blog/5-words-i-thought-i-understood-but-didnt/) - There are five words that keep invading the books and conversations of my life. I hear them on YouTube as well, and I realized that I don't actually know what they mean. I researched them this morning and thought you might find them helpful. Irascible - Having a tendency to become easily angered. --> He's
- [The Drug of Reading Books](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/blog/the-drug-of-reading-books/) - My alarm goes off every morning at 6:30 a.m., and my first thought is always the same thing: What am I reading today? I'm so excited to get up, find my books, and get lost in my thoughts. I have no predilection toward drugs or other distraction because reading fills every gap in my life.
- [Hercule Poirot](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/blog/hercule-poirot/) - I've been an Agatha Christie nut my entire life, and Hercule Poirot is one of my favorite fictional characters. I first heard about the detective in fifth grade, when Chris Porter (the smartest kid in the class) sat reading The Big Four while the other kids ran outside for recess. When I asked him about
- [The Six Mistakes of Man](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/blog/the-six-mistakes-of-man/) - The best part about reading is that you find shelter in great ideas. Cicero (106 - 43 BCE) was a Roman statesman, orator, and writer. Today, I bumbled into The Six Mistakes of Man which is generally attributed to him. Have a look, and let me know what you think. The Six Mistakes of Man
- [The Four Types of Readers](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/blog/the-four-types-of-readers/) - Samuel Coleridge, the English Poet, defined four types of readers. Which category best describes you
- [Oh, Darn.](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/blog/oh-darn/) - For the past few days, warblers have sung from my trees. The tulip bulbs my daughter planted last fall sprouted and the grass turned from pale yellow to hopeful green. Yesterday, I dug out the sunscreen and flip-flops to do some work in the yard. It was glorious. And now it's snowing. This happens every
- [Annotated Notes on Walden](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/blog/annotated-notes-on-walden/) - If you're interested in reading Walden by Henry David Thoreau, feel free to review my book notes before you get started. I've collected 19 of the best direct quotes from the book including: P.7 - “The mass of men lead lives of quiet desperation. What is called resignation is confirmed desperation.” P. 286 - “I
- [Dear Reader, What Do You Think?](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/blog/dear-reader-what-do-you-think/) - Ralph Waldo Emerson challenged us to use books well. He wanted us to be "Man Thinking," a far cry from "Man Reading."
- [Wear a Tie When Reading](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/blog/wear-a-tie-when-reading/) - How you dress, influences how you think. If you want to get more out of your study sessions, consider dressing well to improve your psychology.
- [A Useful Framework for Learning New Things (D-I-R-T)](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/essay/a-useful-framework-for-learning-new-things-d-i-r-t/) - Discover a framework for effective learning and idea generation, transforming theoretical knowledge into practical wealth.
- [A Moral Obligation To Do Good Work](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/essay/a-moral-obligation-to-do-good-work/) - Explore why pursuing your passions and learning new skills is crucial, despite life's fleeting nature. This essay argues for a life of curiosity, meaningful work, and the legacy of a life well-lived.
- [The Value of Doing Nothing](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/blog/the-value-of-doing-nothing/) - Explore the value of idleness with Thoreau at Walden Pond. A journey of contemplation, finding profound industriousness in the art of doing nothing."
- [The Deliberate Practice of Learning](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/blog/the-deliberate-practice-of-learning/) - Discover the power of learning as a skill through deliberate practice. Become a master learner by engaging with material and honing your approach.
- [Sieze the Sunday](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/blog/sieze-the-sunday/) - Explore the parallels between rock climbing and life in this post, highlighting the importance of plateaus for rest, reflection, and preparing for what lies ahead.
- [The UnSelfish Act of Reading](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/blog/the-unselfish-act-of-reading/) - Exploring the guilt of personal time vs. family duties, a father reflects on the balance of reading, support from loved ones, and the quest for self-care.
- [I Will Live Deliberately](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/blog/i-will-live-deliberately/) - Explore finding personal fulfillment by living deliberately, inspired by Thoreau and Emerson's call to focus on what truly matters in life.
- [How to Read a Book Well](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/blog/how-to-read-a-book-well/) - I've read hundreds of books in my life, but the first one I read well was Mastery by Robert Greene. I started it like any other book, eager to learn something new. But after the first few pages, I felt guilty for being casual with the material. It was full of knowledge and I wasn't
- [I Tranquilized Myself to Avoid Work](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/blog/i-tranquilized-myself-to-avoid-work/) - Yesterday was rough for me. It was one of those days where every little thing stacks up in the wrong direction so that, by the evening, you're completely disheveled. I sat through several hours of administrative meetings at work (not my favorite), my son forgot about his dentist appointment, the gym was packed full of
- [The Rat Race](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/blog/the-rat-race/) - It's Monday morning and we're back to work. But what's the point? Sure, we're putting food on our tables and we're keeping the bills paid, but there has to be a greater reason for all this running around. Maybe you love your work, or maybe you're in a job because it's your only option for
- [Why Books Matter](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/blog/why-books-matter/) - When I read a magazine, I compare myself to the people in the articles and the ads. They're wearing nice clothes, live successful lives, and generally make me feel like I have a ways to go - like I'll never be happy until I have what they have. When I read the news, I get
- [Oh, the Places I've Gone!](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/blog/oh-the-places-ive-gone/) - A tropical plant stood in the corner by a small table and a stack of books. I grabbed the most colorful story in the pile and ran back to my mother. We settled into the hard, plastic chairs and waited for the receptionist to call us back for my doctor visit. I was playing baseball
- [Feel Well, Then Read Well](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/blog/feel-well-then-read-well/) - An intimate look at how dental pain paused my life, underscoring a personal epiphany on self-care's role in enabling us to pursue what truly fulfills us."
- [The Sea of Philosophy](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/blog/the-sea-of-philosophy/) - A poem navigating the endless sea of thought, confronting the depths of fear, wonder, and self-discovery in philosophy's vast waters.
- [I Love Shoveling Manure](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/blog/i-love-shoveling-manure/) - Last night, I spoke with a friend who feels like a failure. He left a high-paying career for a blue-collar job and wonders if he's sold himself short. He's happy, but worried that he gave up the "better life." It made me think of Henry David Thoreau shoveling manure. The nineteenth-century philosopher left his life
- [How to Get Smarter](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/blog/how-to-get-smarter/) - There's a simple trick to getting smarter. In today's post I talk about what I've discovered that has helped me learn something new each day.
- [It's Not Enough to Be Industrious](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/blog/its-not-enough-to-be-industrious/) - Henry David Thoreau once said, "It's not enough to be industrious. Ants are industrious. What are you going to be industrious about?"
- [The Sunday Apologia](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/blog/the-sunday-apologia/) - Apologia is a Greek word that means, "Speaking in Defense." You hear the term Apologetics used as a label for people who defend a set of beliefs. The word has a foundation in Plato's Apology where Socrates had to defend himself in a trial for corrupting the youth of Athens. He was asked to justify
- [Foolish Consistency](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/blog/foolish-consistency/) - "Foolish consistency is the hobgoblin of little minds." This quote comes from Ralph Waldo Emerson's fantastic essay titled, Self-Reliance. Let's unpack it. My first job in college was doing basic accounting work for a homebuilder. I was tasked with keeping track of all the bills we had to pay. We were building 250 homes a
- [It's hard to Focus and Read](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/blog/its-hard-to-focus-and-read/) - I love to read, but getting started is always hard. My brain won't turn off, and when I do manage to sit down with a book, I find myself getting up a few minutes later to check on something - anything. There's a real resistance to focused work. This morning, when I started my book,
- [I Fell Down the Stairs Today](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/blog/i-fell-down-the-stairs-today/) - Confirmation bias is a problem. When I fell down the stairs today, I realized something about my own bias that will make me a better reader. Here's the story.
- [(MVH) - Minimum Viable Happiness](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/blog/mvh-minimum-viable-happiness/) - I knew today was a disaster by 7:19 AM. I'd left my laptop charger at the office. Normally I wouldn't care, but this morning, I was the parent responsible for getting kids out the door and taking my second oldest to a dentist appointment. Recently, his rock band won a local battle of the band's
- [I Opened a Vietnam Time Capsule Today](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/blog/i-opened-a-vietnam-time-capsule-today/) - It's cold outside. The walk from my car to the office was enough to make me never want to go outdoors again. As I clutched a hot coffee and fiddled with the keys to my door, I had a thought: if you stop too long in this world, you'll freeze to death. The only way
- [Read Like An Audiobook Narrator](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/blog/read-like-an-audiobook-narrator/) - I just recorded an hour-long episode of The Read Well Podcast with my first-ever guest. Liza Jacob is an audiobook narrator who, through several years of acting classes, diction training, and practice has learned a valuable lesson - that narrating a book makes it more meaningful. The episode will come out soon, but for now,
- [Snowboarding and Books](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/blog/snowboarding-and-books/) - I'm going snowboarding with my family today. It's an all-day trip from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. Days like this are magical with one exception: the lack of books. I love being outside, breathing air so cold that it both tightens and relaxes my lungs at the same time. I savor being with my kids,
- [Slowly, But Surely](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/blog/slowly-but-surely/) - Saturday morning is insanity in my home. It's chore day, which means that nobody can enjoy anything until the toilets are scrubbed, the beds are made, and the mysterious junk drawers are emptied and sanitized. It's a lot of work, and with it comes a lot of noise. Kids shout that they're out of cleaning
- [This idea Made Me a Better Reader](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/blog/this-idea-made-me-a-better-reader/) - Everyone is learning a new language. Maybe it's French or Spanish or Romulan. I realized this week, that as a reader, I need to learn English.
- [I Just Enrolled (This is Nuts)](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/blog/i-just-enrolled-this-is-nuts/) - I just enrolled at Weber State University for my third degree. I'm going deep with a Major in Philosophy and a Minor in English Lit. Buckle Up, Buttercup.
- [Your 5 Favorite Authors](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/blog/your-5-favorite-authors/) - The authors you read will change your life. If you could only pick 5 authors to study, who would you pick and what would your future look like? Let's find out.
- [Circular Reasoning in a Book](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/blog/circular-reasoning-in-a-book/) - Circular reasoning is is an argumentative tactic that takes you in a circle without proving anything, and it happens all the time.
- [The Denial of Death by Earnest Becker](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/blog/the-denial-of-death-by-earnest-becker/) - The Denial of Death explores how our fear of death makes us build careers, climb Mount Everest, and more. Join us in the book club to study this great work.
- [A List of Great Philosophers (Men and Women) You Should Read](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/blog/a-list-of-great-philosophers-men-and-women-you-should-read/) - This list of great philosophers includes both ancient and contemporary thinkers, and more importantly, it features both male and female philosophers.
- [Overcome Yourself in 3 Steps (According to Nietzsche)](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/blog/overcome-yourself-in-3-steps-according-to-nietzsche/) - Nietzsche proposed a 3-step system that would free us from our daily chains. See where you're at in the process of overcoming the self.
- [How to Think For Yourself](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/blog/how-to-think-for-yourself/) - We've forgotten how to think for ourselves. If we're not listening to podcasts, then we're watching YouTube. Hit pause today and take time to ruminate.
- [I Need a Digital Detox](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/blog/i-need-a-digital-detox/) - It's true, I need a digital detox. Sometimes I go from looking at the little screen (my phone), to the large screen (my laptop), all while watching a movie on the biggest screen (my television). In total, I spend six to ten hours a day looking at glowing surfaces and my head is throbbing. I
- [The War of Reading](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/blog/the-war-of-reading/) - You want to read books, but you feel resistance and distraction. You want to study, but you can get your backside into the chair. Here's how to fix it.
- [Valentine's Day can be Awkward](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/blog/valentines-day-can-be-awkward/) - I don't mind the loneliness and gaudy display of Valentine's Day. In fact, I barely notice it because my book is just too damn good.
- [Life is Hard. Reading Make It Better.](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/blog/life-is-hard-reading-make-it-better/) - I went to a storyteller's festival and learned a valuable lesson. In today's essay, I explore why books are needed now, more than ever.
- [Learn to Read in Loud Places](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/blog/learn-to-read-in-loud-places/) - Here's my simple solution for reading in loud places. Don't let distractions keep you from your book.
- [She Wouldn't Read the Book](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/blog/she-wouldnt-read-the-book/) - My wife reads a lot for work. As a college professor with a Ph.D., if she's not reading research papers, she's grading large stacks of homework. In her downtime, the last thing she has energy for is more reading. But last night, things got interesting. She was unwinding on Instagram while I read Hiking with
- [How to Borrow the Brain of a Genius](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/blog/how-to-borrow-the-brain-of-a-genius/) - Reading a book is like borrowing the brain of a genius, assuming the author is brilliant. Here are a few brains you can borrow to get started. Happy reading.
- [3 Reading Mistakes That Embarrassed Me in Front of a Great Magician](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/blog/how-i-failed-to-learn-from-a-book/) - My attempt to learn from a book and how I embarrassed myself in front of a great magician named Jeff McBride.
- [Would You Eat Poop Food?](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/blog/would-you-eat-poop-food/) - Philosopher and Yale Professor Tamar Szabó Gendler published a paper in The Journal of Philosophy showing why it's rational to eat food that looks like poop.
- [Hey, Lady - Prostitution is not the only option](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/blog/hey-lady-prostitution-is-not-the-only-option/) - I love the line, "One cannot think well, love well, sleep well, if one has not dined well." It comes from Virginia Woolf's essay titled A Room of One's Own and is a powerful reminder that when we're starving for basic needs like food and shelter, it's hard to produce great work, have healthy relationships,
- [Will Reading Fix Your Mental Illness?](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/blog/will-reading-fix-your-mental-illness/) - Explore how reading books can positively influence mental health, offering solace and understanding for those battling ADHD, anxiety, depression, and more."
- [Reading on Sunday](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/blog/reading-on-sunday/) - There's a different quality about Sunday. Compared to the other days of the week, it's softer and less hurried. I hear the rhythmic tick of the clock and the occasional sounds of my home settling in for a quiet, winter day. My kids are still asleep as I scoop Earl Grey tea into an infuser
- [Quiet, Gilligan's Island is On](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/blog/quiet-gilligans-island-is-on/) - Gilligan's Island comes on at 6:00 a.m. If I get out the door by 7:15, I can bike the two miles to school and still make Mrs. Freeman's fifth-grade class. She's the kind of teacher who wanders the room with a wooden yardstick slapping desks and grinding her teeth. I'm convinced she's the twin sister
- [Stop Eating Broccoli Books](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/blog/stop-eating-broccoli-books/) - Mom never made me eat broccoli - she wanted me to be happy. And so I was. She fed me well, always nutritious food, but if I didn't like it, why have a fight about it? That's my mother, wise and kind in the same package. She's irreplaceable and she taught me a lesson. I
- [The Flywheel of Philosophy](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/blog/the-flywheel-of-philosophy/) - Philosophy is hard to understand, but there's a reason you should read it. My first experience with Plato, Aristotle, and contemporaries like Hannah Arendt came in the fall of 2004. I was getting a Bachelor's degree in business, and I needed an easy class to fill my schedule - so I took Intro to Philosophy.
- [The Art of Holding the Book](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/blog/the-art-of-holding-the-book/) - I have a friend who wants to be a reader. He's a great father, and he maintains a career. But at the end of the day, after all the paperwork is filed and the piggybacks are done, he has just enough energy to sleep. That's why I think his reading system is brilliant. He recognized
- [Become More Articulate](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/blog/become-more-articulate/) - What does it mean to become more articulate? Do we need to master the Oxford Dictionary, sprinkling words like obsequious or colloquial into daily conversation?
- [Become an After-Hours Academic](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/blog/become-an-after-hours-academic/) - Learn how an after-hours academic juggles work, family, and a passion for reading. Get practical tips for your own life balance.
- [The 30-Day Focused Reader Challenge](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/blog/the-30-day-focused-reader-challenge/) - Join the 30-Day Focused Reader Challenge: Learn to immerse in 60 minutes of daily focused reading. Enhance your concentration and reading skills.
- [Why You Should Read Hard Books](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/blog/why-you-should-read-hard-books/) - You should learn to read hard books because the weight of their ideas forces you to sit down and pay attention. They teach you to think and question everything.
- [The Hedonic Treadmill of Reading](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/blog/the-hedonic-treadmill-of-reading/) - The Hedonic Treadmill says if you keep busting your ass, you'll be happy one day. Except that, for each "improvement" you make, you don't feel any different.
- [New Year's Reading Goals](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/blog/new-years-reading-goals/) - 25 days ago, countless people pledged to read more. The bell struck midnight on January 1st and the New Year's reading goals were carved in stone. By now, many have quit because they're too busy. How are you doing with your commitment? Reading takes time. It's true. And you probably are too busy to carve
- [Support Local Bookstores](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/blog/support-local-bookstores/) - I love local bookstores. Every time I walk into a small shop, I'm reminded of why I love to read. If you enjoy this blog, you feel the same way. You're my people. Let us pledge to never buy books from Amazon or Barnes & Noble again. Instead, let's take the time to drive a
- [Attention Poverty (How to Focus)](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/blog/attention-poverty-how-to-focus/) - Author Daniel Goleman (Emotional Intelligence, Focus, etc.) taught that the wealth of information at our disposal has led to a poverty of attention. You can research anything you want, distract yourself with the latest game, or scroll endlessly through YouTube. Access to unlimited information has made it almost impossible to think, let alone focus for
- [Read The Introduction](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/blog/read-the-introduction/) - I always read the introduction of a book, especially if it's a technical text. Why? Because introductions are often written by people who are familiar with the work. They've studied it, mastered the terms, and have been asked by the author or publisher to help you get a "lay of the land." Note that I
- [Freud's Last Session](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/blog/freuds-last-session/) - I went to the movies last night and was delighted to see that Freud's Last Session was playing. I had never heard of it. The story is a drama between Anthony Hopkin's character, Sigmund Freud (the founder of psychoanalysis and an atheist), and Matthew Goode's character, C.S. Lewis (the author of the Narnia and prominent
- [Reading with friends](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/blog/reading-with-friends/) - I love reading, but more than that, I love reading with friends. Especially if we're talking about the kinds of books that require a little (or a lot) of thinking. And those are the kinds of books that I like. I'm not sure why I gravitate towards philosophy and psychology. Perhaps I need to feel
- [Why You Should Study Philosophy in 2024](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/essay/why-you-should-study-philosophy-in-2024/) - In this week’s essay, I argue that philosophy is a powerful way to maintain who you are in a fast-paced world.
- [5 Lessons I Learned Reading The Intellectual Life](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/essay/5-lessons-i-learned-reading-the-intellectual-life/) - The Intellectual Life by A.G. Sertillanges is a great book for anyone who wants to improve as a reader, writer, and thinker. Here are 5 lessons I picked up from the book.
- [Why Are More People Reading Books in 2023?](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/essay/why-are-more-people-reading-books-in-2023/) - I look up from my book to scan the audience of parents. We sit in a large room with chairs off to one side as our children take a karate class in a local dojo. There are probably twenty parents in the room, and I note that four others are reading books. I'm both shocked
- [What You Gain by Reading The Brothers Karamazov](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/essay/what-you-gain-by-reading-the-brothers-karamazov/) - The Brothers Karamazov is a deeply personal read. This book explores the psychological and philosophical questions we all struggle with and crave to understand. In this essay, I review what you’ll gain from reading this book and why it’s worth your time.
- [The Three Reading Habits That Waste Time](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/essay/the-three-reading-habits-that-waste-time/) - There are several things you may be doing as reader that are wasting your time. Life is too short to fall into these reading boobytraps. In this week's essay, I talk about how to read with purpose.
- [Learning to Write (Well), Changes Everything](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/essay/learning-to-write-well-changes-everything/) - Your ideas are stuck inside your head. If they stay there, you'll never get what you want. Your career will stall, your bank account will crumble, and your life will feel meaningless. I'm not trying to be dramatic, just honest. If you feel stuck, it's because your ideas are stuck. I get it. I've felt
- [Live an Intellectual Life with a PKM System](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/essay/live-an-intellectual-life-with-a-pkm-system/) - Most PKM or Personal Knowledge Management Systems fail for three main reasons. In this essay, I cover what they are and how you can avoid these disasters in the conquest of your own second brain.

## Pages

- [](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/) - Welcome to The Read Well Podcast. I talk about how to read slowly, take notes, and apply the ideas.
- [Book Club](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/book-club/) - Join The Read Well Book Club and become a more thoughtful reader through guided discussions, live weekly meetings, deep literary insight, and a community that helps you read great books well.
- [Welcome & Thank You](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/congratulations/) - You're all set! Every Wednesday, I'll send you practical ideas, book recommendations, and lessons I've learned from years of reading, teaching, and hosting discussions with serious readers. My goal is simple: help you read more thoughtfully, understand difficult books, and get more value from the time you spend reading. Want to Go Deeper? The newsletter
- [](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/newsletter/) - Get a handpicked selection of tools, insights, and book recommendations to improve your reading experience. I publish once a week on Wednesdays.
- [Book Club Reading List](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/book-recommendations/) - Browse the complete list of books we've read in The Read Well Book Club, from Homer and Shakespeare to Dostoevsky, Morrison, Steinbeck, and more.
- [You're Almost There!!! 🎉](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/thank-you-for-subscribing/) - ✉️ You’re Almost In — One More Step! I just sent you an email titled:“Confirm your subscription to The Read Well Podcast.” 👉 Open that email and click the purple “Confirm” button.That’s it — then you’ll instantly get my list of 20 Book Recommendations for Better Reading. 📬 Can’t find it? Check “Promotions,” “Spam,” or
- [The Best Local Bookstores](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/the-best-local-bookstores/) - Discover the world's best local bookstores with our comprehensive guide. Support community gems and explore unique finds away from mainstream giants like Amazon and Barnes & Noble.
- [Contact](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/contact/) - Feel free to email me at eddy@thereadwellpodcast.com - I usually respond within 1 business day. For Sponsors If you would like to sponsor the show, please describe your business and how you would like your product or service mentioned. I can do sponsorships on my YouTube channel, in my blog, in The Read Well Podcast
- [Thank YOu for Your Interest!](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/thank-you-edgewater/) - I take your email inbox seriously and will never spam or share your information. I send my newsletter out each week on Wednesday. Within that newsletter, I will provide weekly updates regarding the launch of Edgewater Bookstore and provide members with "first-in-line" benefits. You're about to get 2 Emails from Me Both emails are important.
- [Book Notes](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/book-notes/) - This page is a collection of my book notes. Ill be adding to this monthly so check back often for books you may be interested in. Philosophy Descartes, René - A Discourse on the Method Seneca, Lucius Annaeus - Letters from a Stoic Sertillanges, A.G. - The Intellectual Life Thoreau, Henry David - Walden Work
- [Book Notes: The Intellectual Life by A.G. Sertillanges](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/book-notes-the-intellectual-life-by-a-g-sertillanges/) - The Intellectual Life is a guide for how to structure your life so that you could spend more time in thoughtful study. Get the best ideas from the book here.
- [Book Notes: Essentialism by Greg McKeown](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/book-notes-essentialism-by-greg-mckeown/) - Essentialism by Greg McKeown is about doing less of the "unessential" so that you can do more of what matters. Get the best ideas from the book here.
- [Book Notes: Letters From a Stoic by Seneca](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/book-notes/book-notes-letters-from-a-stoic-by-seneca/) - Letters from a Stoic by Seneca is a series of communications between the philosopher and his friend. Get the best quotes and passages from the book here.
- [Book Notes: Atomic Habits by James Clear](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/book-notes/book-notes-atomic-habits-by-james-clear/) - Review the best passages from Atomic Habits by James Clear, including 14 memorable quotes and over 50 important ideas.
- [Book Notes: A Discourse on the Method by René Descartes](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/book-notes-a-discourse-on-the-method-by-rene-descartes/) - René Descartes wrote A Discourse on the Method as an introduction to his logical thought. These notes highlight 28 of the best passages in the book.
- [Tools](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/tools/) - A list of my favorite reading tools to help improve both the enjoyment and productivity of each reading session.
- [Book Notes: Four Thousand Weeks by Oliver Burkeman](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/book-notes-four-thousand-weeks-by-oliver-burkeman/) - Four Thousand Weeks: Time Management for Mortals by Oliver Burkeman is about accepting the finitude of life in order to live well. Here are my notes.
- [Book Notes: Walden by Henry David Thoreau](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/book-notes-walden-by-henry-david-thoreau/) - Here are my book notes on Walden by Henry David Thoreau. I cover the the main philosophical concepts, quotes, and critical passages of the work.
- [The 30-Day Focused Reader Challenge](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/the-30-day-focused-reader/) - Welcome to the reading challenge! I'm glad that you're here. Before we start, please take a moment to bookmark this page so that you can return to it easily. All done? Great. The goal of this challenge is to help you build your reading stamina so that you can comfortably spend 60 minutes each day
- [Listen to The Show](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/listen-to-the-read-well-podcast/) - Get the latest episodes of The Read Well Podcast, a show about building strong reading habits, learning new ideas, and discussing great book recommendations.
- [Shop](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/shop/)
- [About](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/about/) - We foster a space for better reading habits, find intellectual stimulation, uncover amazing reads, and build a community that cherishes lifelong learning.

## Podcast

- [Learn to Saunter Through Your Books | EP128](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/podcast/learn-to-saunter-through-your-books-ep128/) - In this episode, I explore Henry David Thoreau's essay Walking and what it can teach us about becoming better readers. Thoreau believed that walking could be transformed into something deeper than exercise—a practice of attention, presence, and discovery. I argue that reading can undergo the same transformation. I'll share four different reading speeds, explain why most readers
- [Nobody Is Coming to Educate You | EP127](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/podcast/nobody-is-coming-to-educate-you-ep127/) - For years, I thought education was something that happened in classrooms, universities, and formal programs. Then I realized that some of the most meaningful learning in my life happened when I took responsibility for my own education. In this episode, I explore how self-education changed the way I think and live, why I recently enrolled
- [📚What I’m Reading This Year (Book Club Season 4) | EP 126](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/podcast/📚what-im-reading-this-year-book-club-season-4-ep-126/) - I share the reading list for Season 4, explain why Homer’s The Odyssey remains one of the most rewarding books to read.
- [The Read Well Podcast (Trailer)](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/podcast/the-read-well-podcast-trailer/)
- [Do NOT Read 200 Books This Year | Episode 1](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/podcast/do-not-read-200-books-this-year-episode-1/) - Show Summary: In this episode, I tackle some of the biggest challenges we have as readers. It can be hard in today's "hustle culture" to slow down and spend quality time learning something. I'll give you several tips on how to beat the vanity project of "read more and read faster" so that you can
- [Overcome the Anxiety of Choosing Your Next Book | Episode 2](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/podcast/overcome-the-anxiety-of-choosing-your-next-book-episode-2/) - Show Summary: Have you ever struggled to pick the next book? Does it give you anxiety in the bookstore? It's a bit daunting, especially when you have limited time and you want to make the most of your reading. In this week's episode, I talk about how to find a good book and I also
- [The 7 Biggest Lies Readers Tell Themselves | Episode 3](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/podcast/the-7-biggest-lies-readers-tell-themselves-episode-3/) - Show Summary: These 7 lies are ruining your reading experience. In this week's episode, I dismantle each one so that you can avoid something that I call "Book Guilt." If you have a stack of books on your nightstand that you've been meaning to read but haven't, this episode is for you.About Me:My name is
- [Build The Ultimate Reading Kit | Episode 4](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/podcast/build-the-ultimate-reading-kit-episode-4/) - Show Summary: Here's a fun change you can make that will improve your reading experience by 10X. In this week's episode, we're digging into my reading kit to learn what it is, how it works, and how you can build your own. Let's do this! Links to make your reading kit: The bag: Sooez High
- [Atomic Reading Habits | Episode 5](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/podcast/atomic-reading-habits-episode-5/) - Show Summary: In this week's episode, I'm exploring James Clear's book, Atomic Habits. I'll discuss 10 strategies to enhance our reading sessions in The Read Well Community, aiming for consistency, effectiveness, and enjoyment. I found tons of value in this book and look forward to sharing it with you. Let's dig in! Links to make
- [Grow Your Second Brain Intelligently | Episode 6](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/podcast/grow-your-second-brain-intelligently-episode-6/) - Show Summary: I've recently adopted a new note-taking system, and it's been quite the shift. I've titled it "The Daily Note Card." In this week's episode of The Read Well Podcast, I'll show you how it works and how to get started. This change has improved my reading, my personal knowledge management, and my writing.
- [Keep Your Second Brain Clutter-Free | Episode 7](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/podcast/keep-your-second-brain-clutter-free-episode-7/) - A second brain refers to a method used to organize your reading and research materials. While this concept seems excellent in theory, it often devolves into a messy collection of highlighted excerpts, book notes, and annotations. I've noticed that within a period of three to six months, many people find their note-taking system has become
- [Thoughts on Narrative of The Life of Frederick Douglass | Episode 8](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/podcast/thoughts-on-narrative-of-the-life-of-frederick-douglass-episode-8/) - The Narrative of The Life of Frederick Douglass is supposed to be one of the most influential books on abolitionism, the value of a man’s life, and the rights we enjoy as American citizens. Here are my thoughts on this work which should be helpful to anyone preparing to read this work.
- [This One Idea is Helping Me Understand the Philosophy of Nietzsche | EP 9](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/podcast/this-one-idea-is-helping-me-understand-the-philosophy-of-nietzsche-ep-9/) - Discover the brilliance of Friedrich Nietzsche in my latest podcast episode. As a groundbreaking philosopher, he explored concepts like Nihilism and the reevaluation of values, exposing ideas that are both interesting and challenging to get through. Thankfully, Nietzsche left us a valuable clue to decoding his essays, which I'll unravel in this week’s show. If
- [Do We Really Need to Read Books in 2023? | EP 10](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/podcast/do-we-really-need-to-read-books-in-2023-ep-10/) - Why do we need to read books in 2023 if we have instant access to information and entertainment through the internet and online services like YouTube or Netflix? I’m seeing more and more people return to the humble book in their spare time. Why is this? In today’s episode, I’ll share four theories and a
- [This Book is DREADFUL! How to Make Difficult Books Interesting | EP 11](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/podcast/this-book-is-dreadful-how-to-make-difficult-books-interesting-ep-11/) - This book was hard for me to read the first time around. Difficult books struggle to keep our attention. They’re usually on topics we don’t care about, or they’re written so dryly that, despite our best efforts, our eyes roll into the backs of our heads. Life is too short to read bad books, but
- [Should You Read The Brothers Karamazov? | EP 12](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/podcast/should-you-read-the-brothers-karamazov-ep-12/) - If you’re on the fence about tackling the 800+ page Russian novel called The Brothers Karamazov, let me give you a little push. Read it.At its core, this book addresses several philosophical and psychological ideas that will target everything you thought you understood about your own life. It’s impossible to read it without holding a
- [Improve Your Reading Focus | EP 13](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/podcast/improve-your-reading-focus-ep-13/) - For this week’s podcast, I share a simple strategy to improve focus while reading. Learn how to transition from a distracted mindset to being fully immersed in your book. By applying these tips, you can gradually enhance your concentration, allowing you to read for an uninterrupted hour, free from the pull of daily tasks and
- [Book Club Schedule for Season 1 (2023 - 2024) | EP 14](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/podcast/book-club-schedule-for-season-1-2023-2024-ep-14/) - I’m so excited to announce that I’m launching a live online book club for the 2023 - 2024 year. This is the first season of the book club and we’re going to dive head-first into some incredible works that will move you, challenge you, and enrich your life. Benefits of joining: Facebook live sessions every
- [How to Read (Like a Philosopher) | EP 15](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/podcast/how-to-read-like-a-philosopher-ep-15/) - The art of reading must be learned and then practiced on a daily basis. Socrates the philosopher had a complicated relationship with the written word. He neither fully dismissed its value nor embraced it. Instead, he was worried that writing things down (and reading them) would weaken your memory. In Plato’s “Phaedrus”, he describes the
- [Maximizing Your Experience in a Book Club | EP 16](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/podcast/maximizing-your-experience-in-a-book-club-ep-16/) - Looking to get more from your book club sessions? This guide offers practical advice on preparing for and engaging in discussions - especially when tackling classic literature and philosophy. In this week’s podcast, I cover tips on reading, research, and active participation to help you better understand and appreciate each book. Additionally, I touch upon
- [Habit Stacking for Readers: Find More Time for Books | EP 17](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/podcast/habit-stacking-for-readers-find-more-time-for-books-ep-17/) - Ever feel like there's just not enough time in the day to read? I get it – life is busy. But what if I told you there's a simple strategy to sneak in more reading without overhauling your schedule? Enter Habit Stacking, the game-changing technique tailored specifically for book lovers like you. In this video,
- [Learning How to Write (Well) Changes Everything | EP 18](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/podcast/learning-how-to-write-well-changes-everything-ep-18/) - Learning "how to write an essay" goes beyond a typical school task. 📝💡 It's about shaping your thoughts, communicating clearly, and connecting with your audience effectively. A well-crafted essay isn't just ink on paper; it's a message that resonates and stays with its reader. Though essay writing can be challenging, the skills you gain are
- [The 3 Reading Habits that Waste Time | EP 19](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/podcast/the-3-reading-habits-that-waste-time-ep-19/) - I’ve wasted a lot of time reading books because I’ve been doing several things wrong as a reader. In this episode, I’ll show you how to avoid some of the most common pitfalls of reading. Honestly, I’ve committed many of these reading sins myself, so let’s call these life’s reading lessons learned. Important Links: Join my book
- [5 Lessons I Learned Reading The Intellectual Life | EP 20](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/podcast/5-lessons-i-learned-reading-the-intellectual-life-ep-20/) - The Intellectual Life by A. G. Sertillanges is for anyone interested in becoming a better reader, writer, and thinker. In this video, I talk about five of the most important lessons from the book and why I think it’s a read worth adding to your list. The Intellectual Life is a philosophical work that explores
- [Hard Books vs Boring Books | EP 21](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/podcast/hard-books-vs-boring-books-ep-21/) - Reading should not be a painful experience. In this video, I talk about the difference between hard books that challenge you and boring books that put you to sleep. Important Links: Join my book club: https://highlightish.com/book-club Make better book notes and become a better writer at: https://highlightish.com/ Get my essays at: https://www.thereadwellpodcast.com/essays Subscribe to my
- [Build a Reading Room | EP 22](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/podcast/build-a-reading-room-ep-22/) - In this video, I’m finally taking the plunge to build a reading room where I can dig into the books I love, think, and write. If you’ve been thinking about building your own reading room, follow along as I figure out paint, furniture, and more in this two-part series. Important Links: Join my book club: https://highlightish.com/book-clubMake better
- [Should You Set Reading Goals for 2024? | EP 23](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/podcast/should-you-set-reading-goals-for-2024-ep-23/) - Every year, I love to set reading goals for myself. However, I’ve learned a few things about reading goals that make them either enjoyable or miserable. In this episode, I walk through some of the tips I’ve picked up that have helped me look forward to my reading sessions. I hope you enjoy this one
- [What is a Good Reading Goal? | EP 24](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/podcast/what-is-a-good-reading-goal-ep-24/) - In last week's podcast episode, I sat down and talked about setting reading goals for 2024. Now, it's critical not to read just to say you read - but to read up on topics that interest you. How do you know if something is interesting to you? Well, these exercises can help you discover topics
- [Why You Should Study Philosophy in 2024 | EP 25](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/podcast/why-you-should-study-philosophy-in-2024-ep-25/) - In this week’s show, I take a close look at how philosophy, especially insights from Seneca's 'Letters from a Stoic,' can help us deal with life in 2024. I'll discuss how these ancient ideas can show us a way to live not just with wealth, but with real purpose and authenticity. If you're feeling caught
- [I Changed 3 Reading Habits and Now Philosophy is More Understandable I EP 26](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/podcast/i-changed-3-reading-habits-and-now-philosophy-is-more-understandable-i-ep-26/) - I’ve been reading more philosophy lately. It’s great, but it’s complicated. I don’t have a degree in this stuff, although I am considering a few online courses, so I need all the help I can get. Over the past few weeks, I realized I had a few reading habits that actually made understanding philosophy harder.
- [Absorb Any Book with Atomic Notes | EP 27](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/podcast/absorb-any-book-with-atomic-notes-ep-27/) - In this comprehensive guide, I dive deep into the art of atomic note-taking, providing you with a step-by-step tutorial on how to master this powerful method. Atomic notes are the building blocks of effective knowledge management, enabling you to capture and organize information in its simplest form. Throughout the show, I explore various techniques and
- [Ultimate Stocking Stuffer Ideas for Book Lovers - The Perfect Gifts for Bookworms! | EP 28](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/podcast/ultimate-stocking-stuffer-ideas-for-book-lovers-the-perfect-gifts-for-bookworms-ep-28/) - Searching for the perfect stocking stuffer ideas for the bookworm in your life? Look no further! In this video, I've compiled the ultimate list of stocking stuffer ideas that are sure to light up any book lover like a Christmas tree. From literary-themed trinkets to practical accessories, I have thoughtfully curated a mix of unique
- [I Read 10,000,000 Books This Year (And Learned This!) | EP 29](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/podcast/i-read-10000000-books-this-year-and-learned-this-ep-29/) - Booktube has gotten itself into a bit of a jam. In order to stay relevant (and clickable), booktube creators feel like they have to make videos showcasing that they read large quantities of books. While I love this idea, and I love that booktube is promoting the art of reading, I am worried about how
- [What I Learned in Yale’s Philosophy Course | EP 30](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/podcast/what-i-learned-in-yales-philosophy-course-ep-30/) - I’ve recently experienced some major changes in my life, notably the fact that I’ve stepped away from a high-demand religion (Mormonism) recently. While I feel a wave of several emotions, I’m mainly excited for the rest of my life and the opportunity I have to question things for myself. I’m starting with this course because
- [Focused Reading: Learning from 'Essentialism’ | EP 31](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/podcast/focused-reading-learning-from-essentialism-ep-31/) - In this episode, I discuss Greg McKeown's 'Essentialism', a book that challenges the status quo of busyness by advocating for a more deliberate way of living. I'll explore how its principles can be applied to reading and learning, offering strategies for those looking to deepen their intellectual pursuits. By focusing on what is truly essential,
- [The Trolly Dilemma: Would You Push a Man onto the Train Tracks? | EP 32](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/podcast/the-trolly-dilemma-would-you-push-a-man-onto-the-train-tracks-ep-32/) - Tune in to this week's episode of The Read Well Podcast where I dissect the famous trolley problem. I'll explore the ethical quandaries it poses and examine how it continues to influence contemporary moral philosophy. This episode is not just about hypotheticals; it's a deep dive into how we make decisions, the value we place
- [Why Are You Trying So Hard to Impress Everyone? (Let’s Ask Plato) | EP 33](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/podcast/why-are-you-trying-so-hard-to-impress-everyone-lets-ask-plato-ep-33/) - In this week's episode of The Read Well Podcast, titled "Why Are You Trying So Hard to Impress Everyone? (Let’s Ask Plato)", I'm excited to take you on a philosophical journey back to ancient Greece, exploring Plato's "The Republic." Our main focus is on the compelling concept of moral motivation, as vividly illustrated through the
- [3 Books Helping Me Find Happiness Post-Mormonism | EP 34](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/podcast/3-books-helping-me-find-happiness-post-mormonism-ep-34/) - In this episode, I share my recent experience of leaving the Mormon church and the ensuing quest to redefine my own beliefs. I explore 3 different books offering a philosophical perspective on dealing with internal conflicts and the pursuit of truth. Join me as I navigate these waters and share exciting updates like the launch

## Courses

- [Day 1 - Forget the Pomodoro](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/course/day-1-forget-the-pomodoro/) - Join 'The Focused Reader' 30-day challenge to enhance your reading focus, aiming for 60 mins daily. Discover the power beyond the Pomodoro Technique.
- [Day 2 - Attention Poverty and Three Books](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/course/day-2-attention-poverty-and-three-books/) - Explore Daniel Goleman's idea that more information means less attention in 'The Focused Reader.' Learn how using three books can combat this.
- [Day 3 - Feathers, Anchors, and Forgiveness](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/course/day-3-feathers-anchors-and-forgiveness/) - Learn to enhance reading focus with feathers, anchors, and forgiveness from 'The Focused Reader.' Use mindfulness to gently tackle distractions.
- [Day 4 - The Deep Work Space (Your Reading Room)](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/course/day-4-the-deep-work-space-your-reading-room/) - Transform your reading focus with a dedicated space, inspired by 'Deep Work.' Discover tips for creating an ideal environment for immersion.
- [Day 5 - Ron Swanson's Philosophy of "No"](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/course/day-5-ron-swansons-philosophy-of-no/) - Embrace Ron Swanson's approach to safeguard reading time. Learn to set clear boundaries and communicate with loved ones for focused personal growth.
- [Day 6 - Sigmund Freud and Your Phone](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/course/day-6-sigmund-freud-and-your-phone/) - Explore Freud's theories on the conscious and subconscious during reading and learn strategies to minimize distractions like your phone for a deeper focus.
- [Day 7 - First Week Check-in (Feather Practice)](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/course/day-7-first-week-check-in-feather-practice/) - Reflect on a week's journey with 'The Focused Reader,' enhancing reading habits through diverse strategies, environment optimization, and minimizing distractions.
- [Day 8 - What's the Dip?](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/course/day-8-whats-the-dip/) - Navigate 'the dip' in reading habits, recognizing it as a transformative phase towards greater focus, understanding, and enjoyment of reading. Push through for breakthrough growth.
- [Day 9 - Plato's Charioteer and Your End Goal](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/course/day-9-platos-charioteer-and-your-end-goal/) - Harness Plato's chariot analogy to balance your aspirations and distractions for focused reading. Identify strategies to manage both and define your ultimate goal as a reader.
- [Day 10 - Hume's Passion over Reason (Make it Emotional)](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/course/day-10-humes-passion-over-reason-make-it-emotional/) - Embrace Hume's view on emotion over reason in reading habits. Find joy in your chosen books to sustain motivation and discipline through a deep emotional connection.
- [Day 11 - The 50-Page Rule](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/course/day-11-the-50-page-rule/) - Leverage the 50-Page Rule to enrich your reading experience. If a book doesn't captivate you in the first 50 pages, feel free to switch, ensuring your reading remains a joy, not a chore.
- [Day 12 - How to Eat and Other Lessons by Thich Nhat Hanh](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/course/day-12-how-to-eat-and-other-lessons-by-thich-nhat-hanh/) - Adopt mindfulness in reading, inspired by Thich Nhat Hanh's teachings. Savor each word like a mindful meal, appreciating the book's journey from thought to print for a deeper connection.
- [Day 14 - Second Week Check-in (How's Your Monkey Brain?)](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/course/day-14-second-week-check-in-hows-your-monkey-brain/) - Reflect on week two of 'The Focused Reader,' covering navigating 'The Dip,' applying Plato's charioteer analogy, embracing mindfulness à la Thich Nhat Hanh, exploring Emerson's self-reliance in reading, and taming distractions. Share your journey's challenges and triumphs, focusing on mindfulness and self-reliance's impact on your reading practice.
- [Day 15 - Let's Talk About Annotation](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/course/day-15-lets-talk-about-annotation/) - Enhance non-fiction reading with annotation: engage more deeply by highlighting ideas, quotes, disagreements, and sources. Discover how this method enriches comprehension.
- [Day 16 - Let's Talk About Notebooks](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/course/day-16-lets-talk-about-notebooks/) - Boost reading comprehension and retention by keeping a notebook for insights and questions. This practice fosters a deeper connection to the material and builds a personal knowledge archive.
- [Day 17 - Let's Talk About a Zettelkasten](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/course/day-17-lets-talk-about-a-zettelkasten/) - Explore advanced note-taking methods like Zettelkasten, Cornell, and Mind Mapping to elevate reading comprehension and idea development. Experiment to find the strategy that best enhances your learning and understanding.
- [Day 18 - Let's Talk About Highlightish](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/course/day-18-lets-talk-about-highlightish/) - Transform your reading with Highlightish: capture, annotate, and organize passages for deeper learning and content creation. Try it now for a streamlined note-taking experience.
- [Day 13 - Emerson and Self-Reliance as a Reader](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/course/day-13-emerson-and-self-reliance-as-a-reader/) - In this session, titled 'Emerson and Self-Reliance as a Reader,' we consider the core ideas of Ralph Waldo Emerson's famous essay, 'Self-Reliance.'
- [Day 19 - Let's Talk About Book Club](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/course/day-19-lets-talk-about-book-club/) - Joining a book club allows you to make new reading friends and create an accountability system for yourself. Let's talk about why that matters.
- [Day 20 - Let's Talk About Traffic Jams](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/course/day-20-lets-talk-about-traffic-jams/) - Despite our best plans, life often throws us into 'traffic jams' – unexpected events or challenges that disrupt our routine. It's important to know how to navigate these moments, especially when you're working on establishing a new habit like focused reading.
- [Day 21 - Third Week Check-in (It's Time to Challenge a Friend)](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/course/day-21-third-week-check-in-its-time-to-challenge-a-friend/) - Welcome to our third week check-in for 'The Focused Reader.' As we approach the end of our third week, it's a great time to pause and reflect on the progress we've made and the insights we've gained on our reading journey.
- [Day 22 - Filling Up Your Cup](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/course/day-22-filling-up-your-cup/) - Picture yourself as an empty cup. Each reading session is an opportunity to fill this cup with new insights, knowledge, inspiration, and tools for your daily life. The more consistently you read, the more you fill your cup.
- [Day 23 - You Can't Read Them All](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/course/day-23-you-cant-read-them-all/) - No matter how much you love reading, it's impossible to read every book out there. As your passion for reading grows, so does your list of books you want to read.
- [Day 24 - Clean Up Your Stack](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/course/day-24-clean-up-your-stack/) - In today's session, titled 'Clean Up Your Stack,' we focus on the importance of organizing your To-Be-Read (TBR) list and your bookshelf.
- [Day 25 - It's Time to Make a Book Recommendation](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/course/day-25-its-time-to-make-a-book-recommendation/) - Today's lesson is about taking an active role in our reading community. One of the most rewarding aspects of reading is sharing your experiences and insights with others.
- [Day 26 - It's Time to Identify One Change](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/course/day-26-its-time-to-identify-one-change/) - In today's lesson, 'It's Time to Identify One Change,' we focus on an essential aspect of our reading journey: translating knowledge into action.
- [Day 27 - What's Your Excuse?](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/course/day-27-whats-your-excuse/) - Throughout our challenge to build a consistent reading habit, it's common to encounter obstacles. Often, these obstacles are internal – excuses we tell ourselves that prevent us from following through with our reading plans.
- [Day 28 - Embrace the Mantra](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/course/day-28-embrace-the-mantra/) - In today's lesson, titled 'Embrace the Mantra,' we focus on deeply ingraining our community's guiding principle into your reading habits and beyond.
- [Day 29 - Write a Review](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/course/day-29-write-a-review/) - As we approach the conclusion of 'The Focused Reader' 30-Day Challenge, today's lesson is an opportunity to reflect on your journey and share your experience.
- [Day 30 - Claim your badge because you earned it!](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/course/day-30-claim-your-badge-because-you-earned-it/) - Congratulations! You've reached the end of 'The Focused Reader' 30-Day Challenge, a significant accomplishment towards building a more focused reading habit.

## Book Recommendations

- [Behave by Robert Sapolsky](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/book_recommendations/behave-by-robert-sapolsky/) - We just finished up the first 70 pages of Behave by Robert Sapolsky in book club and had a fantastic discussion last Tuesday evening. Here's what we spoke about:​Everything from a violent outburst to a craving for Oreos is rooted in biology—but never biology alone. We explored how the brain is layered like an archaeological
- [1984 by George Orwell](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/book_recommendations/1984-by-george-orwell/) - I'm recommending George Orwell's dystopian political novel 1984 for the month of March. I love this book because it presents an eerily plausible vision of what could happen if we allow politicians to lead us blindly. I'm not here to argue whether our current government is doing well or poorly. My hope is to encourage people to think
- [How to Live by Sarah Bakewell](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/book_recommendations/how-to-live-by-sarah-bakewell/) - There are 20 essays in this book focused on how to live. In essays six and seven, Bakewell takes us into Michel de Montaigne's world of philosophy. He was fascinated with Stoicism, Epicureanism, and Skepticism. Each of the schools had the same aim: to achieve a way of living known in original Greek as eudaimonia, often
- [Deep Work by Cal Newport](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/book_recommendations/deep-work-by-cal-newport-3/) - This week's lesson from Deep Work is a BIG one. I've got it in my head that I need to make use of every second of the day. For me, time is precious, and I do everything I can to SQUEEZE my day for quality deep work time.But that's wrong. 📝On page 147, Newport references a study performed
- [Deep Work by Cal Newport](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/book_recommendations/deep-work-by-cal-newport-2/) - If you follow my newsletter closely, you might be thinking, "What a minute, hasn't Eddy already recommended this book?" The answer is yes! Here's what's going on. I teach the process of reading slowly, taking notes, and applying the ideas. A wonderful member of my book club pointed out that I need to recommend fewer
- [Euthyphro by Plato](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/book_recommendations/euthyphro-by-plato/) - Here's the good news! You can get this one for free. Plato lived a long time ago, so all of his work is on the Internet, free of charge. 🔥 Euthyprho Rocks. In just 20 pages, Plato tackles the question: What is pious and what is impious? The goal is to determine what the relationship between
- [Understanding Knowledge by Dr. Michael Huemer](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/book_recommendations/understanding-knowledge-by-dr-michael-huemer/) - I got a chance to interview Dr. Huemer on the podcast. It was a wonderful experience, and since then, I've been asked by many of you what my favorite book of his is…well, this is it. Understanding Knowledge takes you on a walk through the concepts of Epistemology. Essentially, it's a book that asks the
- [Deep Work by Cal Newport](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/book_recommendations/deep-work-by-cal-newport/) - This book has had a major impact on how I approach my work and creative projects. Newport’s insights on the power of focused, distraction-free time helped me design my own deep work space—something I rely on daily to do my best work. It's because of this book that I built my own "Deep Work" headquarters
- [Antifragile by Nassim Taleb](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/book_recommendations/antifragile-by-nassim-taleb/) - This week, I'm recommending Nassim Nicholas Taleb's "Antifragile: Things That Gain from Disorder." Taleb teaches that systems can thrive and grow stronger through volatility, stress, and chaos. He introduces the concept of 'antifragility,' a trait that goes beyond resilience or robustness, to describe systems that improve when exposed to shocks. The book is full of
- [Walden and Civil Disobedience by Henry David Thoreau](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/book_recommendations/walden-and-civil-disobedience-by-henry-david-thoreau/) - This week, I traveled over 2,000 miles for a work conference, but I managed to steal a day for myself. I rented a car, drove north, and found my way to Walden Pond—the very place where Henry David Thoreau wrote Walden and Civil Disobedience. ​These works have been foundational in shaping my life, which is why visiting Walden
- [Crime and Punishment by Fyodor Dostoyevsky](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/book_recommendations/crime-and-punishment-by-fyodor-dostoyevsky/) - 🤟 Why do I love this book? It's a psychological thriller wrapped up in a giant philosophical question: Do our actions matter? Dostoyevsky puts his protagonist, a student named Raskolnikov, in an ethical dilemma that's fascinating to read. I won't ruin it for you, but here's what you need to know ---> Raskolnikov believes he
- [Frankenstein by Mary Shelly](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/book_recommendations/frankenstein-by-mary-shelly/) - After watching all the movie adaptations (with Young Frankenstein being my favorite), I thought I had this story figured out. But the book itself explores so much more, especially the question: "How does love affect the human condition?" Many of you recommended I read this, and I finally did—perfect timing for Halloween. The novel is incredible. What
- [Aristotle's Nicomachean Ethics by Aristotle](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/book_recommendations/aristotles-nicomachean-ethics-by-aristotle/) - This is one of those books you'll read for the rest of your life. Yes, it's Aristotle. And Yes, it's complicated. I can't get over the fact that a book written around 350 BCE is still relevant today. I don't agree with every idea here, but the core tenets are worth studying again and again.
- [Collected Poems by T.S. Eliot](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/book_recommendations/collected-poems-by-t-s-eliot/) - This week, I’m recommending T.S. Eliot's Collected Poems (1909-1962). Eliot’s poetry, from "The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock" to "The Waste Land," feels very human and raw. "The Waste Land" is a good place to start. Written after World War I, it’s a mix of cultural and literary references that I can't stop thinking about.
- [Meditations by Marcus Aurelius](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/book_recommendations/meditations-by-marcus-aurelius/) - "Meditations" is often discussed in philosophical circles, but there's a twist I'd like to add to the conversation: the translation you choose matters. My top recommendation is the Robin Waterfield translation from Basic Books. This edition is enriched with annotations that provide essential background knowledge, bringing Marcus Aurelius's thoughts to life with greater clarity and
- [Discourses by Epictetus](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/book_recommendations/discourses-by-epictetus/) - Epictetus was a Stoic philosopher, and in my humble opinion, one of the most profound and worthwhile to read. If you're looking for a book that combines practical wisdom with a touch of ancient history, I highly recommend his work titled "Discourses." Epictetus rose from slavery to become one of the most respected philosophers of
- [Flow by Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/book_recommendations/flow-by-mihaly-csikszentmihalyi/) - We are getting ready to ready Flow by Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi in book club! We are starting on Sept. 3rd. If you've always wanted to read this book, consider joining us! Flow is all about getting into that state of mind where you are at your very best. Do you know what I'm taking about? It's
- [Flow by Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/book_recommendations/flow-by-mihaly-csikszentmihalyi-2/) - I'm keeping this book front and center for the second week in a row. Yes, I recommended it last week, but I'm hoping that with a second reminder, the readers in our community will have a chance to get in on this book and join us for book club. The book is 240 pages long and
- [The Bluest Eye by Toni Morrison](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/book_recommendations/the-bluest-eye-by-toni-morrison/) - "Nuns go by as quiet as lust, and drunken men and sober eyes sing in the lobby of the Greek hotel." That's the very first sentence of Toni Morrison's incredible novel, The Bluest Eye. How can you not read the book after that line? This novel explores issues of beauty, race, and identity in a way that
- [A Gentleman in Moscow](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/book_recommendations/a-gentleman-in-moscow/) - I don't know about you, but I love hotels. There's something about them that feels like stepping into a storybook, especially the historical ones with lots of rooms, a grand entry, and a fancy restaurant. I'm a bit late to the game with this book recommendation, but I’m making it anyway. Amor Towles' incredible A Gentleman
- [Mastery by Robert Greene](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/book_recommendations/mastery-by-robert-greene/) - I've mentioned Mastery on the podcast several times because it’s one of those rare books that can fundamentally shift how you approach your passions. Whether you want to be a better writer, singer, or mathematician, this book will challenge your perception of what it takes to excel. Most of us strive to be good at something, but
- [Sophie's World by Jostein Gaarder](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/book_recommendations/sophies-world-by-jostein-gaarder/) - Since my message this week was on philosophy, Sophie's World is the perfect book recommendation. When I first started reading in this genre (Is philosophy a genre? Who knows anymore?), I would find myself standing in the philosophy section of a Barnes and Noble holding a book by Nietzsche or Heidegger while going cross-eyed. I wanted to
- [Invisible Man by Ralph Ellison](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/book_recommendations/invisible-man-by-ralph-ellison/) - If you haven’t read Invisible Man by Ralph Ellison yet, let me give it a strong recommendation. This is one of those rare novels that doesn’t just tell a story but reaches out and challenges the way you think. Those are the kinds of books I love! It follows the journey of an unnamed protagonist as he
- [The War of Art by Steven Pressfield](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/book_recommendations/the-war-of-art-by-steven-pressfield/) - It's only fitting that I recommend Steven's book since I featured it in my message above. I love this book because it reminds me that the Resistance I feel is normal. There's nothing wrong with me for not wanting to get started on a project, read the book, or write the post. It also reminds
- [The Republic by Plato](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/book_recommendations/the-republic-by-plato/) - ​I love The Republic. It's a book that's worth its weight in gold (sorry for being cliché). Is it hard to read? Yes. I've been reading it for a few years now. Once I'm done, I start over. It's one of those books you study rather than read once. A lot of great ideas came from
- [Uncle Tom's Cabin by Harriet Beecher Stowe](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/book_recommendations/uncle-toms-cabin-by-harriet-beecher-stowe/) - I put off reading this book for a long time. I'm not sure why. Maybe it just seemed too old and dusty for my taste. Then I was assigned to read it for an American Literature class this fall, and you know what?I loved every page. Here’s why: First, Stowe’s talent as a writer completely
- [At The Existentialist Café by Sarah Bakewell](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/book_recommendations/at-the-existentialist-cafe-by-sarah-bakewell/) - I love Sarah's writing on so many levels. She's a master at blending the biographies of history's most interesting people with an easy-to-understand view of their ideas or accomplishments. At The Existentialist Café takes you to Paris after World War II to meet some of modern philosophy's most interesting thinkers including Jean-Paul Satre, Simone de Beauvoir,
- [In Praise of Idleness by Bertrand Russell](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/book_recommendations/in-praise-of-idleness-by-bertrand-russell/) - This week, I'm recommending Bertrand Russell's In Praise of Idleness. Russell challenges the idea that constant work is the key to a meaningful life, arguing instead for the value of leisure, rest, and thoughtful reflection. In a world that glorifies busyness, the essay offers a refreshing perspective on why we should reclaim our time for thinking
- [How to Make the Best Coffee at Home by James Hoffmann](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/book_recommendations/how-to-make-the-best-coffee-at-home-by-james-hoffmann/) - This book demystifies coffee, is beautifully written and photographed, and is the love project of Mr. Coffee himself, James Hoffmann.
- [Steal Like an Artist by Austin Kleon](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/book_recommendations/steal-like-an-artist-by-austin-kleon/) - "Steal Like an Artist" is a book I read at least once a year. It's a manifesto on how to create something beautiful despite doubt.
- [The Hiding Place by Corrie Ten Boom](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/book_recommendations/the-hiding-place-by-corrie-ten-boom/) - First of all, I absolutely love the picture of Corrie Ten Boom above. I found it on the internet and immediately felt happier. She's beautiful in every way, and her book is worth a read. In fact, if you want to read it with a group, my book club has it on the schedule. The Hiding
- [Mortality by Christopher Hitchens](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/book_recommendations/mortality-by-christopher-hitchens/) - This week's essay recommendation is Mortality by Christopher Hitchens. At the end of his life, battling cancer, Hitchens let's us into his most private life.
- [Reader, Come Home by Maryanne Wolf](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/book_recommendations/reader-come-home-by-maryanne-wolf/) - This week's book recommendation is Reader, Come Home by Maryanne Wolf. It's a deep look into what happens at the level of the brain when reading is taken seriously.
- [Unveiled by Yasmine Mohammed](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/book_recommendations/unveiled-by-yasmine-mohammed/) - This week's book recommendation is Unveiled by Yasmine Mohammed. It's s a powerful memoir revealing the harsh realities at the core of the Islamic religion.
- [The Brief and Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao by Junot Díaz](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/book_recommendations/the-brief-and-wondrous-life-of-oscar-wao-by-junot-diaz/) - This week's book recommendation is The Brief and Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao. It's the cultural story of a a Dominican Republic family and the challenges they face.
- [Fluke by Brian Klaas](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/book_recommendations/fluke-by-brian-klaas/) - This week's book recommendation is Fluke by Brian Klaas. It covers free will, determinism, and the ripple effects of scientific thought.
- [King of the Bingo Game by Ralph Ellison](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/book_recommendations/king-of-the-bingo-game-by-ralph-ellison/) - This week's short story recommendation is King of the Bingo Game by Ralph Ellison, a piece on symbolism, game theory, and societal struggle.
- [Smoke Gets In Your Eyes by Caitlin Doughty](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/book_recommendations/smoke-gets-in-your-eyes-by-caitlin-doughty/) - This week's book recommendation is Smoke Gets In Your Eyes by Caitlin Doughty. It's a front and center look at the process of cremation.
- [Atomic Habits by James Clear](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/book_recommendations/atomic-habits-by-james-clear/) - This week's book recommendation is Atomic Habits by James Clear. This is book about making steady improvement towards the goals you care about.
- [Snow Falling On Cedars by David Guterson](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/book_recommendations/snow-falling-on-cedars-by-david-guterson/) - This week's book recommendation is Snow Falling on Cedars by David Guterson. It's a thoughtful courtroom thriller for late night reading.
- [Time Management for Mortals by Oliver Burkeman](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/book_recommendations/time-management-for-mortals-by-oliver-burkeman/) - This week's book recommendation is Time Management for Mortals by Oliver Burkeman. He takes a new approach to time management that will help you focus.
- [The Brothers Karamazov](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/book_recommendations/the-brothers-karamazov/) - This week's book recommendation is The Brothers Karamazov by Fyodor Dostoyevsky. It's a dive into the psychology of a family obsessed with greed, sex, and reputation.
- [Peak By Anders Ericsson and Robert Pool](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/book_recommendations/peak-by-anders-ericsson-and-robert-pool/) - This week's book recommendation is Peak by Anders Ericsson and Robert Pool. It's a book about implementing deliberate practice.
- [Leaves of Grass by Walt WHitman](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/book_recommendations/leaves-of-grass-by-walt-whitman/) - This week's book recommendation is Leaves of Grass by Walt Whitman. This is one of my favorite collections of poetry.
- [Achilles in Vietnam by Jonathan Shay](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/book_recommendations/achilles-in-vietnam-by-jonathan-shay/) - This week's book recommendation is Achilles in Vietnam by Jonathan Shay. It compares Homer's Iliad to the Vietnam War.
- [BearTown by Frederik Backman](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/book_recommendations/beartown-by-frederik-backman/) - This week's book recommendation is BearTown by Frederik Backman. It's a story about a small town with deep obsessions.
- [Hiking with Nietzsche by John Kaag](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/book_recommendations/hiking-with-nietzsche-by-john-kaag/) - This week's book recommendation is Hiking with Nietzsche by John Kaag.
- [The Denial of Death by Earnest Becker](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/book_recommendations/the-denial-of-death-by-earnest-becker/) - This week's book recommendation is The Denial of Death by Earnest Becker.
- [The Happiness Hypothesis by Jonathan Haidt](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/book_recommendations/the-happiness-hypothesis/) - This week's book recommendation is The Happiness Hypothesis by Jonathan Haidt. It's a junction between philosophical frameworks and today's real-world living.
- [On Writing Well by William Zinsser](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/book_recommendations/on-writing-well-by-william-zinsser/) - I'm in love with On Writing Well by William Zinsser. The book is about writing, sure, but it’s so much more than that. Zinsser shows how good writing is a portal to success, helping you figure out what you want and how to get there. He keeps the topic interesting, which is quite a feat for a

## Categories

- [Blog](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/category/blog/) - These blog posts are short, daily ideas on reading deeply, taking notes, and applying the ideas. Each post is written by Eddy Hood with the goal of encouraging readers to pick up a book in favor of technology.
- [Essay](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/category/essay/) - These essays were written by Eddy Hood and represent an in-depth exploration of specific ideas related to literature and philosophy.
- [Podcast](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/category/podcast/)

## Tags

- [Essay](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/tag/essay/)
- [Note-Taking](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/tag/note-taking/)
- [PKM](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/tag/pkm/)
- [Dostoyevsky](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/tag/dostoyevsky/)
- [Classic Literature](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/tag/classic-literature/)
- [Russian Literature](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/tag/russian-literature/)
- [Writing](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/tag/writing/)
- [Reading Habits](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/tag/reading-habits/)
- [Philosophy](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/tag/philosophy/)
- [Community](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/tag/community/)
- [Focus](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/tag/focus/)
- [David Hume](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/tag/david-hume/)
- [Hard Books](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/tag/hard-books/)
- [Reading Challenge](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/tag/reading-challenge/)
- [Academic](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/tag/academic/)
- [Book Recommendation](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/tag/book-recommendation/)
- [Hannah Arendt](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/tag/hannah-arendt/)
- [Flywheel](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/tag/flywheel/)
- [Story](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/tag/story/)
- [Fiction](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/tag/fiction/)
- [Storytelling](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/tag/storytelling/)
- [Mental Illness](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/tag/mental-illness/)
- [ADHD](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/tag/adhd/)
- [Anxiety](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/tag/anxiety/)
- [Education](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/tag/education/)
- [Psychology](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/tag/psychology/)
- [Learning](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/tag/learning/)
- [Distracted Reading](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/tag/distracted-reading/)
- [Motivation](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/tag/motivation/)
- [Hardship](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/tag/hardship/)
- [Valentine's Day](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/tag/valentines-day/)
- [Resistance](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/tag/resistance/)
- [Distraction](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/tag/distraction/)
- [Digital Detox](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/tag/digital-detox/)
- [Aristotle](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/tag/aristotle/)
- [Nietzsche](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/tag/nietzsche/)
- [Critical Thinking](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/tag/critical-thinking/)
- [Freud](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/tag/freud/)
- [Book Club](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/tag/book-club/)
- [Logic](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/tag/logic/)
- [Weber State](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/tag/weber-state/)
- [Degree](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/tag/degree/)
- [Student](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/tag/student/)
- [Vocabulary](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/tag/vocabulary/)
- [Vacation](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/tag/vacation/)
- [Audiobook](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/tag/audiobook/)
- [Emotional Intelligence](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/tag/emotional-intelligence/)
- [Happiness](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/tag/happiness/)
- [Ralph Waldo Emerson](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/tag/ralph-waldo-emerson/)
- [Apologia](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/tag/apologia/)
- [Greek](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/tag/greek/)
- [Sunday](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/tag/sunday/)
- [Henry David Thoreau](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/tag/henry-david-thoreau/)
- [Work](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/tag/work/)
- [Freedom](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/tag/freedom/)
- [Poetry](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/tag/poetry/)
- [Imagination](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/tag/imagination/)
- [Living Well](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/tag/living-well/)
- [Walden](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/tag/walden/)
- [Family](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/tag/family/)
- [Time](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/tag/time/)
- [Idleness](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/tag/idleness/)
- [Book Notes](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/tag/book-notes/)
- [Transcendentalism](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/tag/transcendentalism/)
- [Tea](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/tag/tea/)
- [Cicero](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/tag/cicero/)
- [Agatha Christie](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/tag/agatha-christie/)
- [René Descartes](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/tag/rene-descartes/)
- [Etymology](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/tag/etymology/)
- [Read Closely](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/tag/read-closely/)
- [Read More](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/tag/read-more/)
- [Oliver Burkeman](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/tag/oliver-burkeman/)
- [Shakespeare](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/tag/shakespeare/)
- [Drama](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/tag/drama/)
- [Reading System](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/tag/reading-system/)
- [Goals](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/tag/goals/)
- [Bias](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/tag/bias/)
- [Digital Garden](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/tag/digital-garden/)
- [Straw Man Fallacy](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/tag/straw-man-fallacy/)
- [James Clear](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/tag/james-clear/)
- [Atomic Habits](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/tag/atomic-habits/)
- [Frederick Douglass](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/tag/frederick-douglass/)
- [Argument](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/tag/argument/)
- [Fallacy](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/tag/fallacy/)
- [Burden of Proof Fallacy](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/tag/burden-of-proof-fallacy/)
- [Bookstore](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/tag/bookstore/)
- [Short Story](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/tag/short-story/)
- [Joyce Carol Oates](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/tag/joyce-carol-oates/)
- [Conflict](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/tag/conflict/)
- [Objectivity](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/tag/objectivity/)
- [Aestetics](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/tag/aestetics/)
- [Syllogism](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/tag/syllogism/)
- [Research](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/tag/research/)
- [Yasmine Mohammed](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/tag/yasmine-mohammed/)
- [Religion](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/tag/religion/)
- [Interview](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/tag/interview/)
- [Cal Newport](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/tag/cal-newport/)
- [Steven Pinker](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/tag/steven-pinker/)
- [Live Event](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/tag/live-event/)
- [Announcement](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/tag/announcement/)
- [Breaks](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/tag/breaks/)
- [Stress](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/tag/stress/)
- [Sophocles](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/tag/sophocles/)
- [Sources](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/tag/sources/)
- [Movie](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/tag/movie/)
- [Ruth Bader Ginsburg](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/tag/ruth-bader-ginsburg/)
- [Moral Relativism](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/tag/moral-relativism/)
- [Quiz](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/tag/quiz/)
- [Personality Test](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/tag/personality-test/)
- [Junot Díaz](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/tag/junot-diaz/)
- [Edgewater Bookstore](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/tag/edgewater-bookstore/)
- [Marcus Aurelius](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/tag/marcus-aurelius/)
- [Ryan Holiday](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/tag/ryan-holiday/)
- [Stoic](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/tag/stoic/)
- [weird](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/tag/weird/)
- [Walt Whitman](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/tag/walt-whitman/)
- [Read Deeply](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/tag/read-deeply/)
- [Coffee](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/tag/coffee/)
- [history](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/tag/history/)
- [Maryanne Wolf](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/tag/maryanne-wolf/)
- [Reading Deeply](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/tag/reading-deeply/)
- [Equality](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/tag/equality/)
- [Knowledge](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/tag/knowledge/)
- [Reading Timer](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/tag/reading-timer/)
- [Reading Goals](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/tag/reading-goals/)
- [Skepticism](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/tag/skepticism/)
- [Epicureanism](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/tag/epicureanism/)
- [Stoicism](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/tag/stoicism/)
- [Reading Flow](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/tag/reading-flow/)
- [Read Slowly](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/tag/read-slowly/)
- [Library](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/tag/library/)
- [Journaling](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/tag/journaling/)
- [Notebooks](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/tag/notebooks/)
- [Index](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/tag/index/)
- [Jean-Jacques Rousseau](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/tag/jean-jacques-rousseau/)
- [The Social Contract](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/tag/the-social-contract/)
- [Homer](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/tag/homer/)
- [Self-Education](https://thereadwellpodcast.com/tag/self-education/)