Bookworm

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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: […]

This episode of Bookworm is brought to you by: 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 Mike’s notes from Craft + Commerce Radical Candor by […]

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 […]

This episode of Bookworm is sponsored by: 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 shortcuts to help make sense of the world around us and make […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

This episode of Bookworm is sponsored by: 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 Bookworm #187: Difficult Conversations Bookworm #42: How to Read a Book Feel-Good Productivity by Ali Abdaal Part-Time YouTuber […]

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 […]

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 […]

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: […]

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: […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

This episode of Bookworm is sponsored by: 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 Change by Brad Stulberg […]

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. Obsidian University – use […]

This episode of Bookworm is sponsored by: 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. Obsidian University Mike’s Obsidian webinar The Good Life by […]

This episode of Bookworm is sponsored by: 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 pressing questions: how are […]

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. Links Support the Show Obsidian University Weekend Wednesday | CGP Grey The Art of Clear Thinking by Hasard Lee Bookworm #32: The Art of Thinking Clearly Bookworm #66: Extreme […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

The world moves fast, but that doesn’t mean we have to. Today’s author promises to illuminate a path to inner peace and balance amid the overwhelming demands of everyday life. Links Support the Show Obsidian University (Mike’s Obsidian cohort) Farnam Street membership Bookworm #171: The Gap and The Gain The Things You Can Only See […]

Today’s authors argue that many highly ambitious people are unhappy because of how they measure their progress. Join Joe and Mike as they attempt to focus on progress, not perfection. Links Support the Show Obsidian University (Mike’s Obsidian cohort) Farnam Street membership The Gap and The Gain by Dan Sullivan and Dr. Benjamin Hardy Who […]

This episode of Bookworm is sponsored by: Today’s author promises to deliver us a guide to wealth and happiness by sharing wisdom from entrepreneur, philosopher, and investor Naval Ravikant. Join Joe & Mike as they attempt to discover what it really means to live a rich life. Links Support the Show April 2023 LifeTheme cohort […]

This episode of Bookworm is sponsored by: Today’s author shares a personal journey that led him to leave a prestigious consulting firm and find his own pathless path. Join Joe & Mike as they consider what it really means to live the good life. Links Support the Show Disneyland Field Guide Yes Day | IMDb […]

This episode of Bookworm is sponsored by: Today’s author (and clinical psychologist) promises to help us combine the hard-won truths of ancient tradition with the surprising revelations of cutting-edge scientific research. Join Joe & Mike as they attempt to navigate the essence of what those of us in the modern world need to know. Links […]

Relying on willpower isn’t enough for us to reliably achieve our goals. But what are we supposed to use instead? Today’s author argues that motivation is energy, and what matters is the quality, not the quantity. Join Joe & Mike as they attempt to increase their choice, connection, and competence in a quest for optimal […]

Today’s author argues that the pandemic taught us that the future we were promised wasn’t all it was cracked up to be. Join Joe & Mike as they consider the role of analog in today’s digital world. Links Support the Show Acorn Ridge – Leather Goods Antinet Zettelkasten by Scott Scheper The Future is Analog […]

Today’s author argues that creativity has a place in everyone’s life and that we all have the potential to make that place larger. Join Joe & Mike as they endeavor to live a little more creatively. Links Support the Show Maslach Burnout Inventory Personal Retreat Handbook (Code HELPJOEOUT for 50% off) The Creative Act: A […]

Today’s author (and clinical psychologist) promises to help us fortify and maintain our mental health, even in the most trying of times. Join Joe & Mike as they explore the depths of the human mind and consider their own mental well-being. Links Support the Show Bookworm Stats Bookworm #163: How to Calm Your Mind Maslach […]

Today’s author promises to help us find the missing piece to the productivity puzzle that leads our efforts to become sustainable over time. Join Joe & Mike as they embark to find presence and productivity in these anxious times. Links Support the Show Mike’s Digital Journaling in Obsidian course (code BOOKWORM for $5 off) Faith-Based […]

According to the Japanese, everyone has an ikigai — a reason for living. Join Joe & Mike as they embark on a journey to find theirs. Links Support the Show Onyx Boox Tab Ultra 2023 Focused Calendar Mike’s Journaling Bootcamp video course Bookworm #161: The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership Ikigai by Héctor García & Francesc […]

Leadership is complex, but the need for it has never been greater. Join Joe & Mike as they embark on a journey to reach their full potential by helping others reach theirs. Links Support the Show Bookworm #160: 48 Laws of Power The Focus Course The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership by John Maxwell The […]

Today’s author promises to distill three thousand years of human history into a single definitive manual for anyone interested in gaining, observing, or defending against ultimate control. Join Joe & Mike as they venture into the amoral topic of power and attempt to better understand the “rules of the game.” Links Support the Show The […]