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 […]

Do you ever feel like the more time you save, the less time you have? Today’s author promises to help us stop struggling to get more out of our time and start effortlessly getting more out of our minds. Join Joe & Mike as they attempt to tune their work habits to maximize their creative […]

To master anything, we must first learn to master ourselves. Today’s author promises to teach us the power of self-discipline and balance and cautions us against the perils of extravagance and hedonism. Join Joe & Mike as they embark on their own journeys toward self-mastery. Links Support the Show Raycast FBP Community 2023 Focused NeuYear […]

Today’s author attempts to help demystify the creative process by uncovering the thinking and science behind it. Join Joe & Mike as they attempt to unlock their creative potential. Links Support the Show Apple Watch Series 8 Raycast Paste app Focused #163: The Laws of Creativity, with Joey Cofone The Laws of Creativity by Joey […]

Have you ever paused to think about why we participate in communal ceremonies? Today’s author attempts to explain the subtle mechanics that bind us together. Join Joe & Mike as they consider the role of rituals in human life. Links Support the Show Apple Watch Series 8 Linking Your Thinking Mastering ConvertKit Ritual by Dimitris […]

Ever wonder what sparks a flash of brilliance or what kind of environment creates eureka moments? Today’s author dissects the science of breakthroughs and identifies seven key patterns behind genuine innovation. Join Joe & Mike as they consider the question: where do good ideas come from? Links Support the Show Mike’s Daily Questions Video Where […]

Today’s book revisits the topic of mental models by examining cognitive tools from the domains of chemistry, biology, and physics. Join Joe & Mike as they continue to develop their mental toolboxes. Links Support the Show The Great Mental Models, Volume 2 Bookworm #113: The Great Mental Models, Volume 1 Bookworm #124: Liminal Thinking Bookworm […]

If you’ve ever been frustrated with the endless pursuit of productivity perfection, today’s episode is for you. Join Joe & Mike as they embrace the joyful messiness and unpredictability of life. Links Support the Show Bookworm iPhone cases Intentional Family #64: Meet The Buhligs MindNode Bookworm #135: Four Thousand Weeks Acorn Ridge I Didn’t Do […]

Can using mind maps really help you get more organized, improve your memory, or plan your business strategy? Today’s author (and self-professed mind map inventor) promises to help us take our thinking to the next level. Join Joe & Mike as they consider the role of mind mapping as a creative thinking tool. Links Support […]

Today’s author (and licensed psychotherapist) promises to help us break free from our self-defeating patterns of behavior and write a new story for ourselves. Join Joe & Mike as they examine the Enneagram in an effort to become who they were truly meant to be. Links Support the Show Tracker plugin for Obsidian Bookworm #80: […]

Today’s author promises to help us end self-sabotage and rewire our habits for doing difficult work now. Join Joe & Mike as they attempt to beat procrastination once and for all. Links Support the Show StandOut assessment Bookworm #149: Work + Love Unique Ability 2.0 Kolbe Type A StrengthsFinder Joe’s wood pile sorter Do the […]

Today’s author promises to help us break free from conformity to discover what engages us and makes us thrive. Join Joe & Mike as they consider the role of love through creativity, collaboration, and excellence in the workplace and beyond. Links Support the Show Obsidian Quick Note Shortcut Bookworm #148: Building a Second Brain Daily […]

We live in the information age, but it often leaves us feeling overwhelmed. Today’s author promises to help us develop a system for personal knowledge management that enables us to make sense of it all. Join Joe & Mike as they embark on a journey to build their second brains. Links Support the Show Building […]

Do you know your life purpose? Today’s author promises to help us find it and bring fulfillment through our life and work. Join Joe & Mike as they embark on a journey to live more meaningful lives. Links Support the Show Bookworm Stats Hero on a Mission by Donald Miller Blue Like Jazz by Donald […]

Today’s author argues that a melancholic outlook on life can be the key to creativity, con­nection, and transcendence. Join Joe & Mike as they explore what bittersweetness can teach us about compassion, leadership, spirituality, mortality, and love. Links Support the Show Bittersweet by Susan Cain Bookworm #67: Quiet Why You Will Marry the Wrong Person […]

Everyone wants to live a meaningful life. Today’s author promises to help us identify the obstacles that keep us from living with intention so we can focus on what matters most. Join Joe & Mike as they embark on a quest to identify their purpose and find lasting meaning. Links Support the Show Joe’s Live […]

Everything is a remix. Today’s author encourages us to embrace our influences to discover our own paths. Join Joe & Mike as they attempt to get in touch with their artistic side and build a more creative life. Links Support the Show Obsidian Multiplayer plugin How to Read People Like a Book by Patrick King […]

Everyone loves talking about starts and finishes, but no one likes talking about the hard part in-between. Join Joe as they embrace the messy middle and attempt to find their way on their own creative projects. Links Support the Show Joe’s Working with OmniFocus course Part-Time YouTuber Academy Ship 30 for 30 Pencil Pirates Bookworm […]

Joe & Mike tackle another Victor Frankl book as they consider purpose, value, and the meaning of life. Links Support the Show Bookworm #44: Man’s Search for Meaning Mike’s Newsletter Part-Time YouTuber Academy Ship 30 for 30 signup You Can Learn the Bible Yes to Life by Victor Frankl Bookworm #69: Emotional Intelligence Bookworm #74: […]

Do you consider yourself to be “creative?” Whether you’re an artist or an engineer, today’s author argues that creativity isn’t a skill—it’s a habit available to everyone. Join Joe & Mike as they seek to establish their own creative practices. Links Support the Show Bookworm #140: Unwinding Anxiety Bookworm #89: Zen & The Art of […]

The world has never been more anxious. But today’s author promises to help us uproot anxiety at its source using brain-based techniques. Join Joe & Mike as they fight their own sense overwhelm with mindfulness and curiosity. Links Support the Show Keyboard Maestro Stream Deck Bookworm #139: Personal Socrates Unwinding Anxiety by Judson Brewer Bookworm […]

At any point, we are one question away from a different life. And today’s author gives us 100+ questions from 40+ profiles of legendary achievers to help bring clarity, intentionality, and possibility to every aspect of our lives. Links Support the Show 20 Podcasts That Made Me a Millionaire | Ali Abdaal My Best Podcasts […]

Do you know what’s standing between you and success? Today’s author promises to help us overcome common barriers to change like impulsivity, procrastination, and forgetfulness. Join Joe & Mike as they take yet another look at the science of behavioral change. Links Support the Show Joe’s Task Management Diagram Bookworm #137: Atlas of the Heart […]

Today’s author condenses two decades worth of research into a comprehensive guide for mapping meaningful connections. Join Joe & Mike as they consider emotions and explore the language of human experience. Links Support the Show 2022: The Year of Recalibration The 5am Club by Robin Sharma Concept 2 Model D Atlas of the Heart by […]

Systems are all around us. Many of the problems we face every day (big & small) are simply systems failures. Today’s author attempts to help us develop the systems-thinking skills we need to avoid confusion find more effective solutions. Links Support the Show Bookworm #135: Four Thousand Weeks Thining in Systems by Donella Meadows Mike’s […]

Nobody needs telling there isn’t enough time. Today’s author encourages us to reject the idea of getting everything done by recognizing our time on earth is short. Join Joe & Mike as they embark on a journey to embrace their own finitude. Links Support the Show Remarkable Four Thousand Weeks by Oliver Burkeman Bookworm #91: […]

What can we learn about productivity from a book written over 100 years ago? Turns out, quite a lot. Join Joe & Mike as they examine the oldest Bookworm book yet. Links Support the Show Bookworm #34: Think & Grow Rich Bookworm #133: Soundtracks Bookworm #38: Mindset Self Control – It’s Kingship & Majesty by […]

Today’s author promises to help change overthinking from a super problem into a superpower. Join Joe & Mike as they attempt to change their thoughts as they DJ their own mental soundtracks. Links Support the Show Bookworm Sweatshirt The Focused calendar Daily Content Machine Focused 134: Finding Space with Sean McCabe Overlap by Sean McCabe […]

If you’re trying to live a remarkable life, today’s author argues that “follow your passion” is terrible advice. Join Joe & Mike as they consider the craftsman mindset in an effort to collect their own career capital. Links Support the Show Focused #138: Hyper-Scheduling Revisited Email Lessons from Napoleon Bonaparte So Good They Can’t Ignore […]

Do you yearn for freedom from the constant reactivity? Today’s author promises to show us how to reclaim time for thinking and make room for what truly matters. Join Joe & Mike as they fight their own battles against busyness. Links Support the Show Bookworm #43: Flow Bookworm #25: Grit Creativity by Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi Keychron […]