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123: Procrastinate on Purpose by Rory Vaden

July 9, 2021 • 1 hour 40 minutes

For a long time, “procrastination” has been a four-letter in the productivity world. But today’s author attempts to turn it around by giving us five permissions in hopes of setting us free to do our best work. Join Joe & Mike as they consider yet another system designed to help clear the clutter and focus […]

122: Digital Body Language by Erica Dhawan

June 25, 2021 • 1 hour 43 minutes

We rely on body language to connect and build trust, but that can be difficult from behind a screen. Today’s author teaches us to decode and signals and use proper cues to make that a little bit easier. Join Joe & Mike as they seek to improve their own communication skills for the digital age. […]

121: Leaders Eat Last by Simon Sinek

June 11, 2021 • 1 hour 46 minutes

Too many workplaces are driven by cynicism, paranoia, and self-interest. But today’s author shows us how the best ones foster trust and cooperation by separating the security inside the team from the challenges outside. Join Joe & Mike as they try to expand their own circles of safety. Links Support the Show Obsidian MacVoices Obsidian […]

120: The Now Habit by Neil Fiore

May 28, 2021 • 1 hour 41 minutes

Procrastination is a problem we all have to deal with. But today’s author promises a comprehensive plan to help us lower our stress and increase our time to enjoy guilt-free play. Join Joe & Mike as they consider how they can eliminate anxiety brought on by their own negative habits of procrastination and perfectionism. Links […]

119: Effortless by Greg McKeown

May 14, 2021 • 1 hour 51 minutes

High-achievers have been conditioned to believe that the path to success is paved with relentless work. But today’s author challenges us to stop pushing harder and find an easier path. Join Joe & Mike as they embark on a journey to make their most essential activities the easiest ones. Links Support the Show The Hitchhiker’s […]

118: Work the System by Sam Carpenter

April 30, 2021 • 1 hour 38 minutes

Tired of playing Whac-a-Mole with todo lists that never seem to get any shorter? Today’s author says the real problem is our broken systems that consistently produce frustrating results. Join Joe & Mike as they embark on a journey to change their perspective and apply the systems mindset to their own lives. Links Support the […]

117: Think Again by Adam Grant

April 16, 2021 • 1 hour 43 minutes

Most of us favor the comfort of conviction and avoid the discomfort of doubt. But today’s author invites us to let go of our firmly held beliefs and open up our minds through the process of unlearning rethinking. Join Joe & Mike as they embrace their own limitations and discover the joy in being wrong. […]

116: The Art of Witty Banter by Patrick King

April 2, 2021 • 1 hour 42 minutes

Goodbye awkward silence, hello conversational agility! Today’s author promises to teach you how to think quickly on your feet, be incredibly smooth, funny, and clever – all at once. Join Joe & Mike as they embark on their journey to discover the art, nuance, and mechanics of banter and charm. Links Support the Show Keychron […]

115: A World Without Email by Cal Newport

March 19, 2021 • 1 hour 53 minutes

The modern knowledge worker is engaged in a constant battle against the hyperactive hive mind. While we’ve become so accustomed to an inbox-driven workday that it’s hard to imagine alternatives, today’s author argues that they do in fact exist. Join Joe & Mike as they consider the possibility of a future without email. Links Support […]

114: Thinking in Bets by Annie Duke

March 5, 2021 • 1 hour 38 minutes

Even great decisions don’t always yield the best outcomes every time. Today’s author (and former World Series of Poker champion turned business consultant) teaches us how to make better decisions by embracing the element of luck and simply considering the odds. Links Support the Show Obsidian Obsidian-Git plugin 1Writer Pretext Joe’s webinar w/ Emma Bogdan’s […]

113: The Great Mental Models Volume 1 by Rhiannon Beaubien and Shane Parrish

February 19, 2021 • 0 minutes

Mental models can help you make better decisions by changing how you see the world. In today’s book, Joe & Mike take a look at nine of the most versatile all-purpose mental models in an effort to make better decisions by seeing things more clearly. Links Support the Show Obsidian Obsidian-Git plugin Roam Research (ding?) […]

112: The Organised Writer by Antony Johnston

February 5, 2021 • 1 hour 52 minutes

Writing is hard. But today’s author promises that if you take a weekend and set up the proper system, it can be made a lot easier. Join Joe & Mike as they consider what it means to be an organised writer. Links Support the Show NerdFitness Concept2 Model D Amazon Basics Kettlebell Iron Age Pullup […]

111: Discipline Equals Freedom by Jocko Willink

January 22, 2021 • 1 hour 47 minutes

Many books promise to help you overcome obstacles and reach your goals. But it’s still up to you to take action – which is why they often don’t work. Today’s drill sergeant (er, author) put the the blame and power where it belongs – on you. Join & Mike as they report to boot camp […]

110: Lead Yourself First by Raymond Kethledge & Michael Erwin

January 8, 2021 • 1 hour 37 minutes

Throughout history, leaders have used solitude to make better decisions. Today’s book shares firsthand historical accounts in an effort to show how solitude can help gain clarity, spur creativity, sustain emotional balance, and generate moral courage for when it matters most. Join Joe & Mike as they explore the topic of solitude and all of […]

109: Bowling Alone by Robert Putnam

December 25, 2020 • 1 hour 54 minutes

How we socialize has changed significantly. Today’s author has studied American social behavior over the decades, and shows how our shrinking social captial poses a serious threat to our civic and personal health. Join Joe & Mike as they consider the ways in which we connect, the role of technology, and how we can build […]

108: The Practice by Seth Godin

December 11, 2020 • 1 hour 43 minutes

Creating can be hard. But a consistent practice can make it easier. Today’s author insists that writer’s block is a myth, that consistency is far more important than authenticity, and that experiencing the imposter syndrome is a sign that you’re a well-adjusted human. Join Joe & Mike as they explore the creative process, getting unstuck, […]

107: The Motivation Code by Todd Henry

November 27, 2020 • 1 hour 54 minutes

What drives us to unleash our best work? And how do we tap into that drive to get superior results? Today’s author explains how understanding our own motivational themes can help us have conversations, make decisions, and even choose better career paths. Join Joe & Mike as they attempt to understand what really makes them […]

106: Brain Wash by David & Austin Perlmutter

November 13, 2020 • 1 hour 45 minutes

Today’s authors argue that our modern culture is rewiring our brains and damaging our health. But today’s book promises to give us the tools we need to think more clearly, make better decisions, strengthen bonds with others, and develop healthier habits. Join Joe & Mike as they attempt to overcome the mental hijacking that can […]

105: Shorter by Alex Soojung-Kim Pang

October 30, 2020 • 1 hour 41 minutes

The traditional idea of success means being always-on, never saying no, and outworking your peers. But what if there was another way? Today’s author shares how entrepreneurs and leaders all over the world have figured out how to shrink the workweek without cutting salaries or sacrificing productivity. Join Joe & Mike as they explore the […]

104: The Minimalist Home by Joshua Becker

October 16, 2020 • 1 hour 52 minutes

Today’s author takes us on a decluttering tour of our own houses and apartments, showing us how to decide what to get rid of and what to keep. Join Joe & Mike as they attempt to transform their homes into launching pads for a more fulfilling and productive life. Links Support the Show Bookworm 103: […]

103: How to Be Everything by Emilie Wapnick

October 2, 2020 • 1 hour 46 minutes

If you dread answering the question “what do you do?” because you have trouble picking just one thing, you could be a multipotentialite. And you’re not alone. Today’s author says there’s nothing wrong with you if you too have difficulty picking one thing and sticking with it. Join Joe & Mike on their own multipotentialite […]

102: Pick Three by Randi Zuckerberg

September 18, 2020 • 1 hour 29 minutes

In an increasingly demanding world, we’ve been told that we can do everything—maintain friendships, devote ourselves to work, spend time with family, stay fit, and get enough sleep. Today’s author encourages us to come to grips with the fact that we can’t do it all – at least not every day. Join Joe & Mike […]

101: Never Split the Difference by Chris Voss

September 4, 2020 • 1 hour 49 minutes

Life is negotiation. And today’s author (& former FBI hostage negotiator) teaches us how to use tactical empathy so it can help us get more of what we want out of life. Join Joe & Mike as they seek to develop their own communication skills in hopes of getting better results. LinksSupport the Show Video […]

100: Ratings Adjustments & Trivia

August 21, 2020 • 1 hour 26 minutes

After 100 episodes, Joe & Mike go back and fix a few of the ratings that don’t seem quite right. Mike also tests Joe knowledge recall with some impromptu Bookworm trivia.

99: The Motive by Patrick Lencioni

August 7, 2020 • 1 hour 37 minutes

It’s time for another Patrick Lencioni leadership fable! Join Joe & Mike as they consider the responsibility of leadership, take a look at the five omissions of reward-centered leaders, and consider why they want to be leaders in the first place.

98: The Crossroads of Should and Must by Elle Luna

July 24, 2020 • 1 hour 46 minutes

Do you view your work as a job, a career, or a calling? Today’s author argues that the most life-affirming thing you can do is to honor the voice inside that says your have something special to give, and encourages us all to heed the call and act. Join Joe & Mike as they explore […]

97: Reclaiming Conversation by Sherry Turkle

July 10, 2020 • 1 hour 35 minutes

In our digital age, it’s easy to stay connected. Emails, text messages, and social media allow us to share snippets of our lives with others- without really having to look, listen, or reveal ourselves. Today’s author argues that we have lost the art of conversation, and makes the case that now, more than ever, is […]

96: Triggers by Marshall Goldsmith

June 26, 2020 • 1 hour 38 minutes

Do you ever find yourself reacting to something, then immediately saying something like, “I can’t believe I just did that?” It may not be your fault – at least, not entirely. Join Joe & Mike as they take a look at the triggers in their own environments and consider how to overcome them – without […]

95: Stillness is the Key by Ryan Holiday

June 12, 2020 • 1 hour 38 minutes

More than ever, people are overwhelmed. Today’s author argues that what we really need is stillness – the ability to be steady while the world spins around you. Join Joe & Mike on their own journeys to achieve self-mastery, discipline, and focus.

94: Tiny Habits by BJ Fogg

May 29, 2020 • 1 hour 45 minutes

When it comes to change, tiny is mighty. Today’s author (who also happens to be the world’s leading expert on habit formation) shows us how we can have a happier, healthier life: by starting small. Join Joe & Mike as they dive back down the habits rabbit hole and examine how these little changes lead […]

93: Nudge by Richard Thaler

May 15, 2020 • 1 hour 37 minutes

Whether it’s deciding what to eat for dinner or which investments to pick for our 401k, we humans have a track record of making poor choices. But is it really our fault? Today’s author argues that choice architecture is largely to blame, and explains how small nudges can help move us in a better direction. […]

92: The Bullet Journal Method by Ryder Carroll

May 1, 2020 • 1 hour 47 minutes

Can pen & paper really cut it as a task manager in today’s fast-paced world? Today’s author makes a compelling argument that it can. Join Joe & Mike as they take a look at The Bullet Journal Method, and see if it’s enough to get these digital natives to get their heads out of their […]

91: The Antidote by Oliver Burkeman

April 17, 2020 • 1 hour 38 minutes

If you find yourself repulsed by the blatant optimism espoused by most self-help gurus, then today’s book may just be a breath of fresh air for you. Join Joe & Mike as they consider stoicism, death, and the negative path to happiness.

90: Good to Great by Jim Collins

April 3, 2020 • 1 hour 33 minutes

What makes a successful business tick? Today’s author shares the results from a five-year study that “fly in the face of our modern business culture and will, quite frankly, upset some people.” Join Joe & Mike as they discover why some companies make the leap – and others don’t.

89: Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance by Robert Pirsig

March 20, 2020 • 1 hour 17 minutes

Today’s author takes us on a 17-day motorcycle ride from Minnesota to California. Join Joe and Mike on their journey to discover quality, truth, and what it means to get a real education.

88: It Doesn’t Have to Be Crazy at Work

March 6, 2020 • 1 hour 36 minutes

Long hours, an excessive workload, and a lack of sleep have become a badge of honor for modern professionals. But the authors of today’s book argue that it’s actually a mark of stupidity. Join Joe & Mike as they examine what it means to run a calm company.

Author’s Corner: Nir Eyal

February 28, 2020 • 50 minutes

Nir Eyal joins us for our first author’s corner episode to talk about his book Indistractable, turning values into time, and building better relationships.

87: Thinking, Fast and Slow by Daniel Kahneman

February 21, 2020 • 1 hour 32 minutes

What causes us to act the way we do? Today’s book offers a comprehensive look into the depths of behavioral science. Join Joe & Mike as they examine their own cognitive biases in an effort to understand why they have a tendency to make dumb decisions.

86: The Art of Gathering by Priya Parker

February 7, 2020 • 1 hour 29 minutes

Today’s author argues that the lackluster and unproductive gatherings in our lives don’t have to be that way. Join Joe & Mike as they consider how to bring a more human-centered approach to gathering in an effort create meaningful, memorable experiences for everyone involved.

85: Making It All Work by David Allen

January 24, 2020 • 1 hour 24 minutes

In today’s episode, Joe & Mike revisit the topic of Getting Things Done (GTD). Join them as they take a closer look at the mother of all productivity systems and discover all the things that they’re doing wrong.

84: Indistractable by Nir Eyal

January 10, 2020 • 1 hour 43 minutes

In a world of distraction, focus is a superpower. In today’s book, Joe and Mike look at how to channel their attention in a quest to become indistractable.

83: The Infinite Game by Simon Sinek

December 27, 2019 • 1 hour 38 minutes

How do we win a game that has no end? In today’s book, author Simon Sinek explains how an infinite mindset helps overcome the letdown that typically comes shortly after achieving a goal by commiting to a just cause that inspires us to show up day after day, week after week, and year after year.

82: Margin by Richard Swenson

December 13, 2019 • 1 hour 37 minutes

Do you ever feel overhwelmed? Today’s book by Dr. Richard Swenson has the prescription for anyone who yearns for relief from the pressures of overload. Join Joe & Mike as they investigate the topic of margin, reevaluate their priorities, and attempt to simplify their lives.

81: You Are Awesome by Neil Pasricha

November 29, 2019 • 1 hour 34 minutes

Bad things happen, but they don’t have to keep you realizing your dreams. Today’s author shares 9 secrets from his own experience of overcoming negative circumstances by changing his perspective. Join Joe and Mike as they examine the mindsets that make people like Neil so resilient, even in the face of personal tragedy and failure.

80: Principles by Ray Dalio

November 15, 2019 • 1 hour 31 minutes

What does radical truth and radical transparency have to do with personal and professional success? Everything, argues today’s author. Join Joe & Mike as they dive deep on the systems and principles of life and business in their quest to understand the idea meritocracy.

79: SuperBetter by Jane McGonigal

November 1, 2019 • 1 hour 40 minutes

Reality is broken. In today’s book, author Jane McGonigal attempts a fix by applying a gameful approach to personal growth. Join Mike & Joe as they examine the idea that playing games can make us better.

78: Ultralearning by Scott Young

October 11, 2019 • 1 hour 45 minutes

Lifelong learning is a noble goal – but is ultralearning really the best approach? Today’s book aims to help you achieve your goals faster, future-proof your career, and maximize your competitive advantage. Join Joe & Mike as they unpack the principles the author promises can help you learn anything deeply and quickly, without teachers or […]

77: Creativity, Inc. by Ed Catmull

September 27, 2019 • 1 hour 35 minutes

Pixar has inspired the creative world for over 20 years with iconic films like Toy Story, The Incredibles, and WALL-E, just to name a few. Today’s book gives us an inside look at the meetings, postmortems, and Braintrust sessions that have produced some of the most successful animated films in history. Join Joe & Mike […]

76: Range by David Epstein

September 13, 2019 • 1 hour 49 minutes

We’ve all heard stories of famous people who knew what they were born to do from a young age. But should we really be trying to follow in their narrow-focused footsteps? Today’s author challenges the traditional idea that 10,000 hours of deliberate practice is what it takes to become an expert, explains why specializing early […]

75: Getting Results the Agile Way by J.D. Meier

August 30, 2019 • 1 hour 34 minutes

Lots of books teach systems to help you achieve more, but the problem is that they are usually very strict and rigid. Today’s book promises to deliver a simple system that is flexible and adaptable so you can change course as needed without sacrificing meaningful results.

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Bookworm is dedicated to doing more than just reading books. Mike Schmitz and Cory Hixson read a book every two weeks and discuss ways to apply the authors lessons to their lives.

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