The Read Well Podcast

As a kid, I used to read by flashlight under my covers—completely absorbed, completely amazed. Somewhere along the way, I traded that sense of wonder for utility. In this episode, I talk about what happened and how to get it back. I’ll share one book that lit the fire again and offer a few tips for reclaiming a deeper, more joyful experience of reading. Send Me a Text Message with Your Questions...

I didn’t pick these books expecting them to shake up my perspective. But they did. In this episode, I walk through Working Days by John Steinbeck, The Lonely Passion of Judith Hearne , and Cultish by Amanda Montell—three very different books that ended up revealing something essential about how we live, what we believe, and what we hide from ourselves. If you’re looking for thoughtful, honest read...

In this episode, I talk about why so many people forget what they read—and how I’ve changed my habits to remember the books that matter. It’s not a trick or a hack. It’s just a way of treating books like relationships. You can’t know someone after one dinner, and you can’t know a book after one reading. Send Me a Text Message with Your Questions 👋📚Take Your Reading Deeper (Try my Book Club for F...

This is episode 100 of The Read Well Podcast, and to mark the moment, I’m sharing the 11 books we’ll be reading together from June 2025 to June 2026 in season 3 of the Book Club. If you’re someone who wants to read more deeply, especially when it comes to philosophy and big ideas, I think you’ll want to see what’s on the list. I’ll also explain how to join us for book club—whether you want to talk...

I read to spend time with people—fictional or not—that make me think, make me laugh, or just feel like good company. In this episode, I talk about why Less by Andrew Sean Greer worked for me, why Artemis by Andy Weir didn’t, and why I give every novel exactly 50 pages to win me over. This isn’t about snobbery—it’s about using your time wisely. Send Me a Text Message with Your Questions 👋📚Take Yo...

Philosophy can feel like a foreign language at first. I used to struggle with it too—until I found the right books. In this episode, I walk through 9 books that helped me go from confused to curious, and eventually confident. If you’ve ever wanted to read philosophy but didn’t know where to begin, these titles will help you build that muscle. This isn’t about sounding smart—it’s about learning to...

In this episode, I sit down with Binnie Kirshenbaum to talk about her new novel, Counting Backwards —a story about love, aging, and the slow disappearance of memory. We talk about how books can help us wrestle with what it means to be human, and how reading deeply—without rushing—can be one of the most powerful ways to stay present in our own lives. Send Me a Text Message with Your Questions 👋📚T...

Writing a novel is a long road, and no one knows that better than Piers Torday, Andrea Stewart, and L.R. Lam. In this live interview, they share what writing looks like on a daily basis, how they help new writers at The Novelry, and how reading with a writer’s mind can change the way you experience books. I think you’ll find their insight helpful whether you’re working on a manuscript or just tryi...

I’ve started writing a novel—and it’s been draining in a way I didn’t expect. In this episode, I talk about the strange fatigue that comes with creative work and how I’ve learned to notice when I’m running low. I share what helps me recharge, including the kinds of books I turn to when I need my mind to come back to life. ☕️ Speaking of coffee, check out my life of incredible flavors at: https://...

I tried to improve my handwriting because I couldn’t read my own notes. What I didn’t expect was that it would change how I read books. In this episode, I talk about how slowing down my writing helped me slow down my reading, how physical tension shows up in both, and how emotional baggage can get in the way of both writing and reading. Send Me a Text Message with Your Questions 👋📚Take Your Read...

Reading isn’t enough. People love to say that books make you smarter, but that’s only true if you do something with what you read. In this episode, I’ll talk about how to read for knowledge in a way that actually improves your life. I’ll also share some key decisions I’ve made as a reader to sharpen my understanding, including lessons from my study of Macbeth . Interested in joining us for book cl...

In this episode, I talk about why classic literature is still worth reading, even in our busy lives. These books have lasted the test of time for a reason. They offer rich insights into the human experience, and I’ll show you how reading a novel like Jane Eyre can help you see life from new perspectives. You’ll find that classic literature is not just for scholars—it’s for anyone who wants to unde...

Most people want to read more but struggle to stay consistent. I’ve been there. Over the years, I’ve learned a few simple ways to make reading part of my life without forcing it. I’ll share the strategies that worked, the six books that kept me hooked when my motivation dipped, and how to handle common mistakes—like getting stuck in books that feel impossible to finish. Send Me a Text Message with...

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 episode, I’ll walk you through how I fixed that—how I actually use my highlights to learn, remember, and apply what I read. If you’ve ever found yourself excited about a passage but unsure how to make it stick, this episode is for you. Sen...

Shakespeare’s Henry V opens with an unusual request: The Chorus begs the audience to use their imagination because the play can’t capture the full scale of the story. That’s Shakespeare admitting something every reader should remember—fiction alone isn’t enough. In this episode, I explore why even the greatest writer of all time asked his audience to fill in the gaps and why doing the same will ma...

If you feel like you forget books as soon as you finish them, you're not alone. Most people never move beyond basic comprehension when they read. In this episode, I break down the four levels of reading, how to work through a book more effectively, and why deeper comprehension matters. Send Me a Text Message with Your Questions 👋📚Take Your Reading Deeper (Try my Book Club for FREE Here): ht...

Sometimes, reading feels overwhelming. It’s normal to have feelings of self-doubt and overwhelm when it comes to reading books. Today I’m sharing with you how I tackle these feelings so that they don’t derail me from my reading sessions.  Send Me a Text Message with Your Questions 👋📚Take Your Reading Deeper (Try my Book Club for FREE Here): https://thereadwellpodcast.com/book-club/

Reading more books isn’t just about time—it’s about making better choices. I’ll explain why it’s okay to stop reading books you don’t love, how to handle a book when it gets boring, and how to find books that match your goals and interests. Let’s make reading enjoyable again. Send Me a Text Message with Your Questions 👋📚Take Your Reading Deeper (Try my Book Club for FREE Here): https://thereadwe...

In this video, I dive into Plato's Euthyphro and explore its famous dilemma: Are moral laws good because God commands them, or does God command them because they are good? Reflecting on my time as a Mormon, I apply this question to one seemingly simple rule: Why can’t Mormons drink coffee? Join me as I philosophize through faith, culture, and coffee. Read the Euthyphro by Plato for Free at: ...

Ever wondered if you can read multiple books at once without losing focus? In this video, I share my personal reading routine and answer a community question about balancing books for study, enjoyment, and discussion. Learn how to follow your curiosity, understand your limits as a reader, and build habits that keep you engaged in every book you pick up.  You'll discover:  How I study non-fict...

Flowers for Algernon is a book I believe everyone should read. In this episode, I discuss the major themes of the novel and why it became my favorite read of 2024. With Dr. Martin Jacobsen’s help, we examine the ethical and emotional questions the book raises and offer strategies for navigating its deeper ideas. If you're looking for a meaningful story that will leave a lasting impression, th...

Books aren’t just a way to escape—they can be tools for real transformation. In this episode, I’ll share how I’m using Harry Potter and Charlie and the Chocolate Factory to learn French. I’ll explain why stories are such a powerful resource for language learning and reflect on how books can help us change the way we live. Send Me a Text Message with Your Questions 👋📚Take Your Reading Deeper (Try...

I’ve spent years refining a simple, intentional morning reading routine, and in this episode, I’m sharing what works for me and why it might work for you. I’ll walk you through why morning routines are so powerful, what I do each morning, and how this practice has shaped my life. The message is clear: it’s not about what’s in your routine but that you do it every day with purpose. Send Me a Text M...

I used to think time management was about fitting more into my day, but reading Four Thousand Weeks by Oliver Burkeman completely shifted my perspective. In this episode, I share five key lessons I took from the book, explain why it’s worth your time, and give practical ideas for applying its insights to your own life. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by productivity hacks or like you’re racing aga...

In this episode, I sit down with philosopher Dr. Michael Huemer to talk about the importance of thinking critically in a world full of competing ideas. We discuss his latest book, Progressive Myths , and what it reveals about common misconceptions. Dr. Huemer also shares practical strategies for developing independent thought, and I explain how I’ve applied these lessons in my own life. If you’ve...