The Read Well Podcast

I’m sharing every book I read in 2024, giving quick reviews to help you decide what to pick up next year. If you’re looking for challenging ideas, deep philosophy, or just a great story, I’ve got recommendations for you. Send Me a Text Message with Your Questions 👋📚Take Your Reading Deeper (Try my Book Club for FREE Here): https://thereadwellpodcast.com/book-club/

Audiobooks are powerful, but too many of us rely on them alone to absorb knowledge. In this video, I share how audiobooks are just the first step in truly learning from a book, and how to build on that initial listen to get a full grasp of complex ideas. I’ll also share my experience with a favorite book and how I used audiobooks to deepen my understanding. Send Me a Text Message with Your Questio...

We all have days when reading feels like a struggle. In this video, I’m sharing my go-to strategies for those low-motivation days and introducing three practical tools that keep me reading even when I don’t feel like it. Plus, I’ll recommend a book that’s been a game-changer for reading more intentionally. Send Me a Text Message with Your Questions 👋📚Take Your Reading Deeper (Try my Book Club fo...

Not all fiction needs note-taking, but when you find a book with something to say, jotting down your thoughts can deepen the experience. In this episode, I’ll share why I sometimes take notes on fiction, how I set up a dedicated notebook for it, and my process for capturing meaningful insights. Whether it’s a novel packed with ideas or one that just hits home, here’s how I approach notes when fict...

In this video, I’m breaking down key lessons from Robert Greene’s “Mastery” and exploring how the path to true skill and understanding might look for readers without mentors. Greene emphasizes learning through apprenticeship—but if you don’t have a guide, I’ll share how you can use books to develop that same depth and expertise. Send Me a Text Message with Your Questions 👋📚Take Your Reading Deep...

I’ve always found that reading helps me slow down enough to actually think. In this episode, I’ll share why I believe that reading tough books makes us better thinkers, not by giving us all the answers, but by making us work for them. I’ll also walk through how I use writing to process and refine the ideas I pick up from books. Send Me a Text Message with Your Questions 👋📚Take Your Reading Deepe...

I sit down with Dr. Martin Jacobsen to discuss the downsides of aiming to read a book a week. Dr. Jacobsen shares his experience of getting caught up in the numbers and how it affected the quality of his reading. We explore why slowing down can actually lead to more rewarding reading sessions and how to focus on enjoying the journey, not just the goal. Send Me a Text Message with Your Questions 👋...

In this episode, I’m sharing five unconventional but highly effective ideas that will help you become a better reader. These aren't your typical tips, but they’ve transformed the way I approach books and deepened my understanding. If you’re looking to break out of reading ruts, get more from the books you love, and develop new strategies for learning, this episode is for you. Tune in and expl...

I didn't always love the books I discuss on this show. In fact, this week I’m revisiting five books I couldn't stand when I was younger. But now? I can't get enough of them. Why the change? Over the years, I've grown as a reader, gained a bit more perspective, and life has shaped the way I connect with these stories. Tune in to hear how my relationship with these books has evol...

Join me for a discussion with Maryanne Wolf, author of ” Reader, Come Home ,” as we dive into the science of reading and how our brains respond differently to paper and digital formats. We'll also cover practical strategies for reclaiming our attention and becoming better readers. If you’re curious about how technology affects your reading brain, don’t miss this one. Send Me a Text Message wi...

Ever wonder how to stay completely absorbed in a book for hours? Last week, a guy on a plane asked me just that—and today, I’m sharing my answer. Discover practical tips for reading longer with focus and enjoyment, plus an exciting community update and a must-read book recommendation you won’t want to miss. Send Me a Text Message with Your Questions 👋📚Take Your Reading Deeper (Try my Book Club f...

Reading should be a joy, not a headache. In this episode, I talk about common problems we face during difficult reading sessions. From headaches to reading above your level, I’ll walk you through the simple ways to fix these issues and get more from your reading. Let’s make sure you’re reading at your level, with a clear purpose, and without unnecessary discomfort. Send Me a Text Message with Your...

In this episode, I’m sharing 13 books that are perfect for Halloween, but these aren’t your typical horror stories. Each book on this list offers something deeper—whether it’s a philosophical exploration, a psychological thriller, or a classic tale with layers of meaning. If you’re looking for books that will both challenge your mind and set the right mood for the season, this episode is for you....

In this Halloween-themed episode, I’m talking about the 9 goblins that haunt every reader. Whether it’s the voice of self-criticism or the shadow of doubt, these goblins can turn a simple reading session into a struggle. I’ll share strategies to banish these goblins and help you reclaim the pleasure of reading. Send Me a Text Message with Your Questions 👋📚Take Your Reading Deeper (Try my Book Cl...

Today, I’m diving into the benefits of slow reading. We’ll look at Walt Whitman’s 'Song of Myself' to see how taking your time can lead to greater insight and enjoyment of complex texts. I’ll walk you through how slowing down can help you not just read but truly understand and remember what you’ve read. 📚📚📚Follow along with the opening of my new bookstore at www.edgewaterbookstore.com...

As adults, we’re constantly pulled in different directions—work, family, and responsibilities. But what if reading could be your way of reclaiming your attention? In this episode, I’ll talk about why reading as an adult is both challenging and rewarding, and share practical tips for slowing down and making the most of your reading time. Whether you’re struggling to find the time or the focus, this...

In this episode, I'll explore why so many of us feel anxious when faced with a new journal. We'll discuss the common reasons behind this anxiety and share practical tips on how to overcome it. By the end, you'll see that this feeling is perfectly normal and learn ways to make your journaling experience more enjoyable and productive. Send Me a Text Message with Your Questions 👋📚Tak...

In this episode of The Read Well Podcast, I sit down with acclaimed author Junot Diaz to explore the art of reading. Junot offers practical advice on how to navigate complex texts and discusses why literature is crucial in our lives. We also take a closer look at his distinctive writing style and the themes that define his work. Perfect for anyone passionate about reading and learning. Follow the...

Welcome to Edgewater Bookstore! I'm Eddy Hood, host of The Read Well Podcast, and I'm thrilled to announce the launch of my dream bookstore. Edgewater Bookstore is more than just a place to buy books—it's a curated experience for discerning readers. Each book is handpicked for its depth and meaning and comes with a custom reading guide, bookmark, and book notes for further study. We...

In this week’s show, we’re diving into the world of book nerds—those of us who live and breathe literature. If you’re passionate about thoughtful and classic works like Dostoyevsky, Thoreau, and other profound authors, this episode is for you. We'll explore the telltale signs of a true book ned and celebrate the habits that make us unique. From maintaining a dedicated reading routine to cheri...

Let’s have a chat about “difficult” books. What are they and why should you read them? Also, let’s get into a few tips for getting the most of a challenging read. #ReadingTips #DifficultBooks #PhilosophyReading #BookLovers #IntellectualGrowth #ReadingJourney #ComplexTexts #NonFictionBooks #BookRecommendations #ReadingCommunity Send Me a Text Message with Your Questions 👋📚Take Your Reading Deeper...

Join me as I sit down with Yasmine Mohammed, author of 'Unveiled,' to learn about her incredible journey and her efforts to support Islamic women. We'll explore how to discern truth in the media and the impact of her work. Discover why 'Unveiled' is a crucial read for those who value freedom and truth. Get Connected with Yasmine’s Work at: Free Hearts Free Minds Yasmine Mo...

In this episode, I explore the six fundamental reasons why we read books. Reading goes beyond mere entertainment or passing the time. I’ll share how reading can optimize your life, make you more educated, expand your horizons, introduce you to interesting ideas, and help you gain control over your life. Join me to discover why every book you pick up can be a tool for personal growth and understand...

In this episode, I’ll explore William Wordsworth's poem, "Nuns Fret Not at Their Convent's Narrow Room," and uncover how his choice of the sonnet form teaches us about the power of constraints. We'll see how applying limits in your work can lead to greater fulfillment and skill. Whether you're a truck driver or a school teacher, you'll learn why focusing on a spe...

In this episode, I'll introduce you to Maryanne Wolf's insightful book, "Reader Come Home," which is a fantastic resource for anyone looking to improve their reading skills. I'll also share a simple yet effective two-week exercise to help you focus better while reading. Together, we'll explore how neural plasticity can keep your reading muscles strong and your mind ag...