
Bookworm
Bookworm is a podcast hosted by Mike Schmitz and Cory Hixson that focuses on reading and discussing books. The hosts read a book every two weeks and explore how to apply the lessons from each book to their own lives. The podcast aims to go beyond simply reading by encouraging practical application of the ideas presented in the books.
Episodes
252: The Book of Elon by Eric Jorgenson
Today's author promises to help us bring purpose and energy to our meaningful work. Join Mike & Cory as they attempt to learn from the life of one of the Internet's most enigmatic and colorful characters.Support the ShowUnreasonable Hospitality by Will GuidaraThe Book of Elon by Eric JorgensonThe Almanack of Naval Ravikant by Eric JorgensonHow to Live a Meaningful Life by Bill Burnett
251: Unreasonable Hospitality by Will Guidara
Today's author and restaurateur shares hospitality lessons learned from turning Eleven Madison Park into the #1 restaurant in the world. Join Mike & Cory as they consider how they, too, can transform ordinary transactions into extraordinary experiences.Support the ShowUnreasonable Hospitality by Will GuidaraNathan Barry Show with Will Guidara & Brian CanlisThe One Minute Manager b
250: Design Love In by Marcus Buckingham
Today's author promises to help us unleash the most powerful force in business — love. Join Mike & Cory as they consider what it means to design love in as leaders and experience-makers.Support the ShowBookworm #249: What You’re Made For by George RavelingDesign Love In by Marcus BuckinghamLove + Work by Marcus BuckinghamStrengthsFinderStandOutMac Power Users with Marco ArmentOvercast
249: What You're Made For by George Raveling
This episode is sponsored by:St. Louis Pen Show: Join us June 25-28. Tickets on sale now!Today's author shares incredible behind-the-scenes stories from his career working with some of the world's best athletes. Join Mike & Cory as they explore purpose, meaning, and wisdom from a legendary coaching trailblazer.Support the ShowNathan Barry episode on Unreasonable HospitalityWhat You’re
248: How to Live a Meaningful Life by Bill Burnett and Dave Evans
Today's authors promise to help you build purpose, clarity, and connection without quitting your job, blowing up your life, or starting from scratch. Join Mike & Cory as they consider how to use design thinking to craft lives and careers they love.Support the ShowNathan Barry Show with Bill Burnett & Dave EvansCurrent Reader appThe LibraryHow to Live a Meaningful Life by Bill Burn
247: The Way of Excellence by Brad Stulberg
This episode is sponsored by:St Louis Pen Show: Join us June 25-28. Tickets on sale now!Today's author promises to give us a guide to creating, contributing, and actualizing our potential amid the craziness of modern life. Join Mike & Cory as they embark on a journey to rediscover excellence in their own lives.Support the ShowNathan Barry Show episode with Bill Burnett & Dave Evan
246: The 6 Types of Working Genius by Patrick Lencioni
This episode of Bookworm is sponsored by: Vitally: Your Copilot for AI-Powered Customer Success. Get a free pair of AirPods Pro when you book a qualified meeting. Today's author promises to teach us a framework that will change the way we think about work and teams forever. Join Mike & Cory as they attempt to identify the type of work that brings them joy and energy, and avoid work th
245: The Science of Storytelling by Will Storr
This episode of Bookworm is sponsored by: Vitally: Your Copilot for AI-Powered Customer Success. Get a free pair of AirPods Pro when you book a qualified meeting. Today's author (and acclaimed storytelling teacher) promises to teach us how our brains create worlds by being attuned to moments of unexpected change. Join Mike & Cory as they embark on a journey to master the science of st
244: The Coaching Habit by Michael Bungay Stanier
Today's author promises to transform the way we coach others by offering us seven simple questions. Join Mike & Cory as they attempt to level up their own coaching habits.New Media SummitThe LibraryThe Coaching HabitBox of CrayonsMike’s YouTube channelObsidian Starter VaultFree Time by Jenny BlakeJenny’s Free Time ToolkitEssentialism by Greg McKeownPlaying to Win by A. G. Lafley &
243: The End of Burnout by Jonathan Malesic
Have you ever felt "burnt out?" Burnout has become our go-to term for talking about the pressure and dissatisfaction we experience. Today's author shares his own experience and proposes an alternative to our cultural obsession with work. Join Mike & Cory as they explore a new way to think about work, ideals, and dignity.The End of Burnout by Jonathan MalesicBurnout by Christina Maslac
242: The Overthinker's Guide to Making Decisions by Joseph Nguyen
Today's author promises to teach us frameworks and principles to help us stop overthinking when trying to decide. Join Mike and Cory as they attempt to escape the endless "what if" loops in their brains and make better (and more intuitive) decisions.Intentional by Chris BaileyClaude Just Game My Obsidian Journaling Workflow a HUGE UpgradeMike’s PKM QuizMike’s Obsidian Report Card FormThe
241: Intentional by Chris Bailey
Today's author promises to distill a decade of deep research on productivity to deliver a profound, practical, and counterintuitive road map to getting things done. Join Mike & Cory as they embark on a journey to live a more intentional life.Support the ShowIntentional by Chris BaileyThe Productivity Project by Chris BaileyThe Library CommunityHyper Focus by Chris BaileyHow to Calm Yo
240: Hacking the Human Mind by Richard Shotton & Michaelaaron Flicker
Note: If you're only hearing Mike, delete and redownload the file.Today's authors promise to teach us the behavioral science secrets behind 17 of the world's best brands. Join Mike & Cory as they consider the marketing of the world's biggest brands.Support the ShowNeuYear Focused CalendarCraft + CommerceBandersnatch by Diana Pavloc GlyerHacking the Human Mind by Richard Shotton &
239: Proust and The Squid by Maryanne Wolf
Today's author (and neuropsychologist) shows us how and why the human brain has adapted in order to read and write. Join Mike & Cory as they examine the past and consider the future of the reading brain.Support the showNew Bookworm websiteMike’s Live Practical PKM CohortSublimeProust and The Squid by Maryanne WolfReader, Come Home by Maryanne Wolf#196: Focus & The Reading Life, wi
238: Sketch Your Mind by Zsolt Viczian
Today's author promises to help us build a visual-first system to capture, connect, and use our ideas like never before. Join Mike & Cory as ponder the creative power of the visual zettelkasten.Support the ShowLazy.soSketch Your Mind by Zsolt ViczianA System for Writing by Bob DotoExcalidrawExcalidraw Obsidian pluginExcalibrain Obsidian pluginGoodNotesMindNodeSublimeThe Sketchnote Wor
237: Toxic Grit by Amanda Goetz
For years, we’ve been told the answer to burnout is better balance. Today’s author promises to show us a better way. Join Mike and Cory as they examine an alternative approach to ambition.Support the Show Recommend a Book Craft + Commerce Sponsor Games The Pathless Path Premium Hardcover Edition Otterpine Press Bookworm #208: Good Work Toxic Grit by Amanda Goetz Practical PKM Hybrid Cohor
236: Wisdom Takes Work by Ryan Holiday
Today’s author promises to teach us how to listen more than we talk, to think with nuance, to ruthlessly question our own beliefs, and to develop a method of self-education. Join Mike & Cory as they consider the virtue on which all other virtues depend.Support the Show Recommend a Book Personal Retreat Planner Bookworm #235: Made to Stick Sponsor Games Wisdom Takes Work by Ryan Holida
235: Made to Stick by Chip and Dan Heath
Today’s authors promise to help us transform the way we communicate our ideas. Join Mike & Cory as they dive into what makes an idea sticky.
Support the Show
Recommend a Book
Mike’s Personal Retreat video
NaNoWriMo
The Library
Sponsor Games
Bookworm 234: Sponsor Magnet by Justin Moore
Made to Stick by Chip and Dan Heath
Storyworth by Matthew Dicks
Mike’s 20 Obsidian Quality of Life
234: Sponsor Magnet by Justin Moore
Today’s author promises to give us the tools we need to turn influence into income. Join Mike & Cory as they consider building their own dream brand partnerships.
Support the Show
Recommend a Book
FC26
The Personal Retreat Planner
Sponsor Magnet by Justin Moore
Signature Framework
Sponsor Games
Creator Wizard
Building a Second Brain book
Building a Second brain course
Morgen
Mike’s
233: Time Anxiety by Chris Guillebeau
Today’s author promises to give us the antidote to deadline dread, time guilt, and chronic rushing. Join Mike & Cory as they attempt to redefine their relationships with the clock.
Support the Show
Recommend a Book
Overcoming Procrastination (Chris Bailey’s course)
The Personal Retreat Planner
Mike’s Personal Retreat video
Time Anxiety by Chris Guillebeau
The Technological Society
232: Published by Chandler Bolt
Today’s author promises to give us a map to go from blank page to published author as fast as possible. Join Mike & Cory as they consider what it takes to actually write a book.
Support the Show
Recommend a Book
The Personal Retreat Planner
Mike’s Book Notes
Overcoming Procrastination (Chris Bailey’s course)
The Productivity Project by Chris Bailey
Hyperfocus by Chris Bailey
How to
231: Eat That Frog by Brian Tracy
Today’s author promises to give us tactics we can use to overcome procrastination and take action on what’s really important. Join Mike & Cory as they attempt to seize the day with decision, discipline, and determination.
Support the Show
Recommend a Book
The Personal Retreat Planner
Zapier
Numerics
Eat That Frog! Fourth Edition by Brian Tracy
Focused podcast
Atomic Habits by James
230: The Science of Scaling by Dr. Benjamin Hardy & Blake Erickson
Today’s authors promise to teach us a framework for helping us view business through a whole new lens. Join Mike & Cory as they consider what it means to set impossible goals with impossible timelines.
Support the Show
Recommend a Book
WavePal
Extra Focus by Jesse J. Anderson
The Science of Scaling by Dr. Benjamin Hardy & Blake Erickson
The Gap & The Gain by Dan Sullivan &a
229: From Strength to Strength by Arthur Brooks
Today’s author promises to help us find success, happiness, and deep purpose in the second half of life. Join Mike & Cory as they attempt to navigate some of life’s toughest transitions.
Support the Show
Recommend a Book
Ecamm Live
Doc Rock | YouTube
Opus Pro
No Dumb Questions
From Strength to Strength by Arthur Brooks
The Second Mountain by David Brooks
Four Thousand Weeks by Oliv
228: AI Snake Oil by Arvid Narayanan & Sayash Kapoor
Today’s authors (and two of Time’s 100 Most Influential People in AI) promise to help us navigate the often misleading claims about the real capabilities of Artificial Intelligence. Join Mike & Cory as they consider what AI can do, what it can’t, and how to tell the difference.
Support the Show
Recommend a Book
The Library
Typefully
Lean Learning companion course
AI Snake Oil by Ar
227: Lean Learning by Pat Flynn
Today’s author promises to help us identify what’s essential for our growth and eliminate all the distractions that tend to bog us down. Join Mike & Cory as they attempt to navigate the chaos of information overload.
Support the Show
Recommend a Book
Craft + Commerce
CEX
Newsletter Marketing Summit
The Library
Macstock
Lean Learning by Pat Flynn
Smart Passive Income
Deep Pocket Mon
226: The 5 Resets by Dr. Aditi Nerurkar
Today’s author is a Harvard stress expert who promises to help us overcome our stress using five small but mighty mindset shifts. Join Mike & Cory as they attempt to rewire their brains and achieve balance in their battle with burnout.
Support the Show
Recommend a Book
The Let Them Theory by Mel Robbins
The 5 Resets by Dr. Aditi Nerurkar
Extra Focus by Jesse J. Anderson
Don’t Eat t
225: The Let Them Theory by Mel Robbins
Today’s author promises to teach us how to stop wasting energy on what we can’t control and start focusing on what truly matters. Join Mike & Cory as they embark on a journey to discover how much power they truly have.
Support the Show
Craft + Commerce
The Let Them Theory by Mel Robbins
The 5 Second Rule by Mel Robbins
Mel Robbins Podcast
The 5 Resets by Dr. Aditi Nerurkar
Lean Lea
224: The Confident Mind by Dr. Nate Zinsser
Today’s author has worked with U.S. Military Academy Cadets, world-class athletes, and many others needing to develop the confidence needed to succeed on the world’s largest stages. Join Cory & Mike as they learn how to build, protect, and rely on the confidence needed to perform well when it matters most.
Support the Show
Craft + Commerce
City of Trees Marathon
The Confident Mind
223: When by Daniel Pink
Today’s author promises to help us understand how considering when can help us live richer, more engaged lives. Join Mike & Cory as they attempt to decipher the scientific secrets of perfect timing.
Support the Show
Mike’s Newsletter poll
When by Daniel Pink
Dead Wake by Erik Larson
Daily Rituals by Mason Currey
Fear Setting
Poor Charlie’s Almanack
Thinking, Fast and Slow by Daniel
222: Wild Courage by Jenny Wood
This episode of Bookworm is brought to you by:
The Saint Louis Pen Show – Join us June 26-29. Tickets on sale now!
Today’s author promises to help us overcome our fear by giving us the courage to go after what we really want. Join Mike & Cory as they attempt to embrace the boldest versions of themselves.
Support the Show
Mike’s 3 Levels of Knowledge post (+ Practical PKM po
221: The 5 Types of Wealth by Sahil Bloom
Today’s author promises to help us reject the default path, define our priorities, and achieve lasting happiness. Join Mike & Cory as they attempt to design their dream lives.
Support the ShowThe Ruthless Elimination of Hurry by John Mark Comer I’ve Got Time by Paul Loomans Focused #228: Time Surfing, with Paul Loomans The Library (Mike’s community) Mike’s Plus Minus Next YouTube v
220: Inner Excellence by Jim Murphy
Today’s author promises to help us train our minds for extraordinary performance in every aspect of our lives. Join Mike & Cory as they attempt to move beyond the pursuit of happiness and embark on a journey toward a life of purpose and fulfillment.
Support the Show
The Library (Mike’s community)
Bookworm #219: Tiny Experiments
Mike’s Plus Minus Next Shortcut (requires Actions for
219: Tiny Experiments by Anne-Laure Le Cunff
Today’s author promises to help us live freely in a goal-obsessed world. Join Mike & Cory as they embark on a journey to turn challenges into self-discovery and doubt into opportunity.
Support the Show
Focused #225: Tiny Experiments, with Anne-laure Le Cunff
Tiny Experiments by Anne-Laure Le Cunff
Ness Labs
Atomic Habits by James Clear
Cortex #162: 2025 Yearly Themes
Ship 30 for 30
218: The Catalyst by Jonah Berger
Today’s author promises to help us identify the key barriers to change and show us how to mitigate them. Join Mike & Cory as they explore how to catalyze change.
Support the Show
Mike’s newsletter from the Newsletter Marketing Summit
The Catalyst by Jonah Berger
Recommend a Book
Liminal Thinking by Dave Gray
Good to Great by Jim Collins
Simple Marketing for Smart People by Billy Br
217: Make It Stick by Peter Brown, Henry Roediger, and Mark McDaniel
Today’s authors promise to help us sort through what works and what doesn’t when it comes to the science behind successful learning. Join Mike & Cory as they consider their own approaches to lifelong learning and self-improvement.
Support the Show
Cory’s YouTube channel
Recommend a Book
Mac Power Users #784: Exploring AI & Productivity, with Michael Hyatt
Bookworm #216: The Cou
216: The Courage to Be Disliked by Ichiro Kishimi & Fumitake Koga
Today’s authors promise to help us unlock our full potential and free ourselves from the shackles of past traumas and societal expectations to find true personal happiness using principles from Adlerian psychology. Join Mike & Cory as they embark on a journey toward lasting happiness and personal fulfillment.
Support the Show
The Courage to Be Disliked by Ichiro Kishimi & Fumit
215: Poor Charlie’s Almanack
Today’s book is a collection of wisdom shared by one of the world’s most brilliant business minds. Join Mike & Cory as they explore Charlie Munger’s encyclopedic knowledge of business, finance, history, philosophy, physics, ethics, and (of course) mental models.
Support the Show
Poor Charlie’s Almanack
Bookworm #214: Simple Marketing for Smart People
Mike’s Mind Map Notes for Poor
214: Simple Marketing for Smart People by Billy Broas
This episode of Bookworm is brought to you by:
Morgen: Turn your to-dos into daily action plans. Save 10% off any subscription with the code LifeHQ10.
Today’s author promises to teach us a new way to craft marketing content that compels customers to act without feeling sleazy. Join Mike & Cory as they try to shun complexity and give belief-building a try.
Support the Show
M
213: Meditations by Marcus Aurelius
Today’s author shares personal wisdom from almost 2000 years ago. Join Mike and Cory as they examine an ancient classic of wisdom literature to see if it stands the test of time.
Support the Show
Focused #218: Turning Down the Volume, with Stephen Hackett
Writebook
Bookworm #211: Anti-Time Management
Bookworm #210: Free Time
Meditations by Marcus Aurelius
Bookworm #201: Right Thing, Ri
212: Never Play It Safe by Chase Jarvis
Today’s author promises to equip us with the tools, insights, and inspiration needed to create the life of our dreams. Join Mike & Cory as they consider what it means to live boldly and authentically.
Support the Show
Mike on Bluesky
Cory on Bluesky
Vidpros
Mike’s YouTube channel
Never Play it Safe
Mike’s Notes from Never Play It Safe
Clay Hebert’s TED talk
Clay Hebert on The Natha
211: Anti-Time Management by Richie Norton
Today’s author promises to help us find our motivation, prioritize our ideals, and create a flexible lifestyle — no matter how busy we are. Join Mike & Cory as they attempt to flip the traditional approach to productivity on its head.
Support the Show
Bookworm 210: Free Time
Anti-Time Management by Richie Norton
Mike’s mind map notes for Anti-Time Management
Entrepreneurs on Fire
M
210: Free Time by Jenny Blake
Today’s author promises to give us a playbook to free our minds, time, and team for our best work. Join Mike & Cory as they consider what it looks like to run a heart-based business.
Support the Show
Mike’s Black Friday deal details
Ugmonk pen
Free Time by Jenny Blake
Mike’s notes for Free Time
Bookworm #207: Storyworthy
Pivot by Jenny Blake
Cortex podcast
The Extended Mind by Anni
209: Meditations for Mortals by Oliver Burkeman
Today’s author promises to give us a map for a liberating journey toward a more meaningful life. Join Mike & Cory as they attempt to embrace their non-negotiable limitations.
Support the Show
Bookworm #208: Good Work
LifeTheme Cohort
LifeHQ
Meditations for Mortals by Oliver Burkeman
Mike’s Notes from Meditations for Mortals
Bookworm #135: Four Thousand Weeks
Bookworm #56: Hyper Foc
208: Good Work by Paul Millerd
What if work wasn’t just something you did but was a portal to a life where you felt fully alive? Today’s author challenges us to think differently about our profession. Join Mike & Cory as they embark on a mission to find their own “good work.”
Support the Show
Good Work by Paul Millerd
Mike’s mind map notes for Good Work
Bookworm #169: The Pathless Path
Ali Abdaal’s video on The
207: Storyworthy by Matthew Dicks
Whether we realize it or not, we are always telling stories. Today’s author and storyteller extraordinaire promises to help us tell them better.
Support the Show
LifeHQ
Storyworthy by Matthew Dicks
Bookworm #169: The Pathless Path
Storyworthy YouTube Channel
Aaron Beverley’s speech
Bookworm #40: The Artist’s Way
Building a StoryBrand by Donald Miller
Good Work by Paul Millerd
Meditatio
206: 101 Essays That Will Change the Way You Think by Brianna Wiest
Today’s author promises to change the way we think with a collection of essays about why we should pursue purpose over passion, embrace negative thinking, see the wisdom in daily routine, and become aware of the cognitive biases that are creating the way we see our lives.
Support the Show LifeHQ Drafts Write of Passage 101 Essays That Will Change the Way You Think by Brianna Wiest Book
205: A System for Writing by Bob Doto
Today’s author shares an unconventional approach to help writers and aspiring creatives capture their ideas, think wildly, and write constantly. Join Mike & Cory as they enter the labyrinth of the zettelkasten.
Support the Show
LifeHQ
Mike’s Journaling Shortcut video
Mike’s Daily Questions video
A System for Writing by Bob Doto
Mike’s Notes from A System for Writing
Bookworm #68:
204: The Ritual Effect by Michael Norton
Today’s author promises to help us create surprising satisfaction and enjoyment from the intention-filled acts that drive human behavior. Join Mike & Cory as they attempt to inject meaning and magic into their daily routines.
Support the Show
LifeHQ
Conduit
The Ritual Effect by Michael Norton
Bookworm #195: Supercommunicators
Hario V60
Kalita Wave
Chemex
Blue Bottle Dripper
Phoen
203: Hidden Genius by Polina Marinova Pompliano
Today’s author has studied thousands of the most interesting people in the world and promises to teach us the frameworks they use to be successful. Join Mike & Cory as they attempt to upgrade their mental toolbox.
Support the Show
Mike’s Pro Vault
Hidden Genius by Polina Marinova Pompliano
Mike’s notes from Hidden Genius
Good Work with Polina Marinova Pompliano
The Profile
Bookwor
202: Uncommon Greatness by Mark Miller
Virtually every problem can be traced back to one root cause: leadership. Today’s author and seasoned business leader promises to help us transform our leadership from ordinary to extraordinary. Join Cory & Mike as they embark on a journey to unlock their full potential.
Support the Show
Three-Body Problem by Cixin Liu
Uncommon Greatness by Mark Miller
The Secret
The Heart of Lead
201: Right Thing, Right Now by Ryan Holiday
Today’s author presents the stoic case for living a life of self-discipline. Join Mike & Cory as they consider what it means to do what’s right – even when it isn’t easy.
Support the Show
Spiral.computer
Hypefury
Mike’s Starter Vault
Mike’s Bible Study video
Mike’s newsletter
Mike’s notes for Right Thing, Right Now
Raycast
Mike’s Obsidian Pro Vault Waitlist
Right Thing, Right Now
200: Co-Intelligence by Ethan Mollick
With great power comes great responsibility. Today’s author promises to help us harness the power and promise of the era of AI without losing our identity.
Support the Show
Arc Browser
Macstock Use coupon code MIKESCHMITZ to save $30
Co-Intelligence by Ethan Mollick
Mike’s notes from Co-Intelligence
Bookworm #192: The Inevitable
The Deep Life #306: Defusing AI Panic
Tools and Weapons
199: Radical Candor by Kim Scott
This episode of Bookworm is brought to you by:
Aeropress: Make great coffee on the go with the Aeropress Go Plus. Get 20% off with the code bookworm.
Today’s author promises to teach us how to improve our leadership ability by caring about others personally and challenging others directly. Join Cory & Mike as they attempt to step up their radical candor.
Support the Show
M
198: Scarcity Brain by Michael Easter
The world is overloaded with everything we’re built to crave. Today’s author promises to help us overcome the scarcity mindset we inherited from our ancient ancestors to live a more satisfying life.
Support the Show
Rocket
Macstock (use coupon code MIKESCHMITZ to save $30)
Groundhog Day
Read Between the Lynes
Scarcity Brain by Michael Easter
Mike’s notes from Scarcity Brain
The Comfor
197: Super Thinking by Gabriel Weinberg & Lauren McCann
This episode of Bookworm is sponsored by:
Aeropress: Ditch the drive-thru and make great coffee at home. Get 20% off with the code bookworm.
The world’s best problem-solvers, forecasters, and decision-makers all use mental models that help them cut through complexity and separate good ideas from bad ones. Today’s authors promise to teach us how to use these frameworks and shortcut
196: Why We Sleep by Matthew Walker
Sleep is one of the most important but least understood aspects of our life, wellness, and longevity. Today’s author promises us a revolutionary exploration of sleep, examining how it affects every aspect of our physical and mental well-being. Join Mike & Cory as they attempt to sleep (and live) better.
Support the Show
Greater Good in Action
Netflix Culture Deck
Why We Sleep by M
195: Supercommunicators by Charles Duhigg
The right conversation at the right moment can change everything. Today’s author promises to teach us how to identify and leverage the hidden layers that lurk beneath every conversation.
Support the Show
Mike’s LifeTheme cohort
Mike’s Reading Masterclass
Supercommunicators by Charles Duhigg
Bookworm #52: The Power of Habit
Bookworm #63: Atomic Habits
Bookworm #94: Tiny Habits
Bookworm
194: Mastery by Robert Greene
Today’s author believes each one of us has within us the potential to be a Master and promises to teach us how to unlock it. Join Mike & Cory as they embark on the path to greatness.
Support the Show
Mike’s Reading Masterclass
Mike’s Community (The Library)
Hello Audio
Room.com
Mastery by Robert Greene
Bookworm 160: 48 Laws of Power
Bookworm #193: Slow Productivity
Bookworm #132:
193: Slow Productivity by Cal Newport
Our current definition of “productivity” is broken. Today’s author promises to give us a roadmap for escaping overload without sacrificing accomplishment. Join Mike & Cory as they dive into Cal Newport’s latest book and attempt to fight back against busyness and overwhelm.
Support the Show
Mike’s Reading Workshop
The Deep Life podcast
Slow Productivity by Cal Newport
Focused #176:
192: The Inevitable by Kevin Kelly
Today’s author shares twelve technological imperatives that will shape the next thirty years. Join Cory and Mike as they consider the role of AI and other trends and the impact they will have on our lives.
Mike’s notes for The Inevitable
Lateral Thinking by Edward de Bono
Bookworm #191: Six Thinking Hats
The Inevitable by Kevin Kelly
The Deep Life #289: The Email Catastrophe
Bookworm
191: Six Thinking Hats by Edward de Bono
Today’s author promises to teach us a practical and uniquely positive approach to making decisions and exploring new ideas. Join Cory & Mike as they embark on a journey for clearer thinking, improved communication, and greater creativity.
Mike’s notes for Six Thinking Hats
Six Thinking Hats by Edward de Bono
Mike’s iPhone Home Screen
Blank Spaces iOS app
Brick
The Light Phone
Mike
190: Learn Like a Pro by Barbara Oakley & Olav Schewe
Do you have trouble learning new things? Today’s authors promise to help us improve our ability to learn based on neuroscience and cognitive psychology. Join Mike & new co-host Cory Hixson as they attempt to make the best use of their brains.
Mike’s Notes from Learn Like a Pro
Cory’s Designing Your Academic Life workshop
Mike’s Learning Community
Learn Like a Pro by Barbara Oakley
189: Designing Your Life by Bill Burnett & Dave Evans
Today’s authors (and Stanford Life Design Lab co-founders) promise to help us use design thinking to create a life that is both meaningful and fulfilling. Join Mike and new co-host Cory Hixson as they attempt to build their version of a well-lived, joyful life.
Apple Vision Pro
Focused 196: Focus & The Reading Life, with Maryanne Wolf
Reader, Come Home by Maryanne Wolf
The Upgradi
188: Feel Good Productivity by Ali Abdaal
This episode of Bookworm is sponsored by:
HelloFresh: America’s #1 Meal Kit. Get one free breakfast item per box for the length of your subscription with the code bookwormfree.
Productivity isn’t just hard work and efficiency. Today’s author promises to teach us an easier and happier path to success.
Cory’s Talking to the Internet podcast
Mike’s Obsidian University Cohort
Book
187: Difficult Conversations by Douglas Stone, Bruce Patton, & Sheila Heen
As humans, we tend to avoid conversations that can cause us to feel anxious or frustrated. But today’s authors make the case for leaning into these difficult conversations and give us advice for doing so with confidence and skill.
Talking to the Internet podcast
Bookworm #101: Never Split the Difference
Mike’s Obsidian University Cohort
Difficult Conversations by Douglas Stone, Bruce
186: Same as Ever by Morgan Housel
We tend to focus on the things that are new and different. But today’s author argues that we should really be looking at the things that stay the same. Join Joe & Mike as they attempt to navigate uncertainty by focusing on the things that never, ever change.
Cal Newport podcast episode about task management
Mike’s Obsidian task management Dashboard
Obsidian Tasks
Same as Ever by M
185: Who Not How by Dan Sullivan & Dr. Benjamin Hardy
Today’s author(s) promise to teach us a perspective shift that will help us achieve incredible personal freedom. Join Joe & Mike as they consider who can help them get where they want to go.
Adam Grant’s Hidden Potential Quiz
Bookworm #184: Hidden Potential
Who Not How by Dan Sullivan and Dr. Benjamin Hardy
Bookworm 171: The Gap & The Gain
Strategic Coach
Bookworm #132: So Goo
184: Hidden Potential by Adam Grant
Today’s author offers us a new framework for raising aspirations and exceeding expectations. Join Joe & Mike as they attempt to reach their full potential.
Canvas Candy for Obsidian
Mike’s YouTube video on Canvas Candy
Mike’s Obsidian 101 Black Friday Deal – Save $40 with coupon code GRATITUDE
Hidden Potential by Adam Grant
Bookworm #117: Think Again
Bookworm #38: Mindset
The Migh
183: Build by Tony Fadell
Today’s author (and leader of the product teams behind the iPod, iPhone, and Nest thermostat) shares about leadership, design, startups, Apple, Google, decision-making, mentorship, devastating failure, and unbelievable success. Join Joe & Mike as they consider what it means to make things worth making.
Mike’s LifeTheme Cohort – use coupon code BOOKWORM for $50 off
Bookworm #161: T
182: Clear Thinking by Shane Parrish
Today’s author promises to give us the tools to navigate the critical space between stimulus and response. Join Joe & Mike as they embark on a journey to optimize their decision-making and live more intentional lives.
Bookworm #181: On Quality
Bookworm #89: Zen & The Art of Motorcycle Maintenance
Mike’s LifeTheme Cohort – use coupon code BOOKWORM for $50 off
Clear Thinking by
181: On Quality by Robert Pirsig
After disliking Zen & The Art of Motorcycle Maintenance, Mike decides to give a Robert Pirsig book another go. Join Mike and special guest David Sparks as they consider the metaphysics of quality.
Bookworm #180: Master of Change
Bookworm #89: Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance
On Quality by Robert Pirsig
Lila by Robert Pirsig
David’s Craftsmanship post
Focused #146: The Ext
180: Master of Change by Brad Stulberg
This episode of Bookworm is sponsored by:
Factor Meals: America’s #1 Ready-To-Eat Meal Kit. Get 50% off with the code bookworm50.
Change is all around us, but most of us resist it. Today’s author argues that we should flip this script on its head and offers us a path for embracing and even growing from life’s constant instability. Featuring special guest Mike Vardy.
Master of
179: The E-Myth Revisited by Michael Gerber
There are a lot of myths about starting and running a small business. Today’s author and small business consultant promises to dispel them with insights learned from years of experience. Join Mike and special guest Shawn Blanc as they consider what it means to work on your business, not in it.
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178: The Good Life by Robert Waldinger and Marc Schulz
This episode of Bookworm is sponsored by:
Factor Meals: America’s #1 Ready-To-Eat Meal Kit. Get 50% off with the code bookworm50.
What makes for a happy, fulfilling life? In a word: relationships. Today’s authors (and Harvard Study of Adult Development directors) promise to show us how we can make our lives happier and more meaningful through our connection to others.
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177: Life Worth Living by Miroslav Volf, Matthew Croasmun, and Ryan McAnnally-Linz
This episode of Bookworm is sponsored by:
Factor Meals: America’s #1 Ready-To-Eat Meal Kit. Get 50% off with the code bookworm50.
What makes a good life? Today’s authors attempt to deliver us a guide to defining and then creating a flourishing life through meaning and reflection in the pursuit of underlying truth. Join Joe & Mike as they attempt to answer one of life’s most pr
176: The Art of Clear Thinking by Hasard Lee
Based on his career of making high-stakes, split-second decisions as a U.S. fighter pilot, today’s author promises to teach us combat-tested techniques for making better decisions.
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Obsidian University
Weekend Wednesday | CGP Grey
The Art of Clear Thinking by Hasard Lee
Bookworm #32: The Art of Thinking Clearly
Bookworm #66: Extreme Ownership
EAA AirVenture
The De
175: Excellent Advice for Living by Kevin Kelly
Today’s author shares his best advice written to be passed down to his adult children on his 68th birthday. Join Joe & Mike as they eavesdrop on the technology writer’s personal wisdom in an attempt to navigate life with grace and creativity.
Links Support the Show
Obsidian University
Excellent Advice for Living by Kevin Kelly
The Inevitable by Kevin Kelly
Bookworm #63: Atomic Habi
174: Quit by Annie Duke
In a world where sticking with things is a virtue, today’s author makes the argument for knowing when to walk away. Join Joe & Mike as they attempt to get better at knowing when to hold ’em and when to fold ’em.
Links Support the Show
LifeTheme Email Course
Obsidian University
Getaway House
Quit by Annie Duke
Bookworm #124: Liminal Thinking
Bookworm #63: Atomic Habits
Personal Retr
173: Decoding Greatness by Ron Friedman
For generations, we’ve been taught there are two ways to succeed—either from talent or practice. Today’s author promises to show us a better way through reverse engineering.
Links Support the Show
The Creative Momentum Masterclass
ConvertKit Documentary
Wander
Decoding Greatness by Ron Friedman
Bookworm #144: Steal Like an Artist
Bookworm #49: Peak
Bookworm #35: The Art of Asking
Bookw
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