The Read Well Podcast

Searching for the perfect stocking stuffer ideas for the bookworm in your life? Look no further! In this video, I've compiled the ultimate list of stocking stuffer ideas that are sure to light up any book lover like a Christmas tree. From literary-themed trinkets to practical accessories, I have thoughtfully curated a mix of unique and essential gifts that are bound to bring joy this holiday...

In this comprehensive guide, I dive deep into the art of atomic note-taking, providing you with a step-by-step tutorial on how to master this powerful method. Atomic notes are the building blocks of effective knowledge management, enabling you to capture and organize information in its simplest form. Throughout the show, I explore various techniques and strategies to help you optimize your note-ta...

I’ve been reading more philosophy lately. It’s great, but it’s complicated. I don’t have a degree in this stuff, although I am considering a few online courses, so I need all the help I can get. Over the past few weeks, I realized I had a few reading habits that actually made understanding philosophy harder. Now that I’ve stopped doing them, I’m learning more effectively. I’m excited to share thes...

In this week’s show, I take a close look at how philosophy, especially insights from Seneca's 'Letters from a Stoic,' can help us deal with life in 2024. I'll discuss how these ancient ideas can show us a way to live not just with wealth, but with real purpose and authenticity. If you're feeling caught up in today's fast-paced world and want to understand what it trul...

In last week's podcast episode, I sat down and talked about setting reading goals for 2024.  Now, it's critical not to read just to say you read - but to read up on topics that interest you.  How do you know if something is interesting to you? Well, these exercises can help you discover topics that matter the most to you. Send Me a Text Message with Your Questions 👋📚Take Your Reading D...

Every year, I love to set reading goals for myself. However, I’ve learned a few things about reading goals that make them either enjoyable or miserable.  In this episode, I walk through some of the tips I’ve picked up that have helped me look forward to my reading sessions. I hope you enjoy this one as you consider your own journey this year. Send Me a Text Message with Your Questions 👋📚Take You...

In this video, I’m finally taking the plunge to build a reading room where I can dig into the books I love, think, and write. If you’ve been thinking about building your own reading room, follow along as I figure out paint, furniture, and more in this two-part series. Send Me a Text Message with Your Questions 👋📚Take Your Reading Deeper (Try my Book Club for FREE Here): https://thereadwellpodcas...

Reading should not be a painful experience. In this video, I talk about the difference between hard books that challenge you and boring books that put you to sleep.  Send Me a Text Message with Your Questions 👋📚Take Your Reading Deeper (Try my Book Club for FREE Here): https://thereadwellpodcast.com/book-club/

The Intellectual Life by A. G. Sertillanges is for anyone interested in becoming a better reader, writer, and thinker. In this video, I talk about five of the most important lessons from the book and why I think it’s a read worth adding to your list.   The Intellectual Life is a philosophical work that explores what it means to be an intellectual. It was written in the 1920s, but most of its wisdo...

I’ve wasted a lot of time reading books because I’ve been doing several things wrong as a reader. In this episode, I’ll show you how to avoid some of the most common pitfalls of reading. Honestly, I’ve committed many of these reading sins myself, so let’s call these life’s reading lessons learned.  Send Me a Text Message with Your Questions 👋📚Take Your Reading Deeper (Try my Book Club for FREE H...

Learning "how to write an essay" goes beyond a typical school task. 📝💡 It's about shaping your thoughts, communicating clearly, and connecting with your audience effectively. A well-crafted essay isn't just ink on paper; it's a message that resonates and stays with its reader. Though essay writing can be challenging, the skills you gain are truly valuable. If you're...

Ever feel like there's just not enough time in the day to read? I get it – life is busy. But what if I told you there's a simple strategy to sneak in more reading without overhauling your schedule? Enter Habit Stacking, the game-changing technique tailored specifically for book lovers like you. In this video, I’ll share: 📚 The science behind habit stacking and why it's the secret s...

Looking to get more from your book club sessions? This guide offers practical advice on preparing for and engaging in discussions - especially when tackling classic literature and philosophy. In this week’s podcast, I cover tips on reading, research, and active participation to help you better understand and appreciate each book. Additionally, I touch upon the importance of reflection after each m...

The art of reading must be learned and then practiced on a daily basis. Socrates the philosopher had a complicated relationship with the written word. He neither fully dismissed its value nor embraced it. Instead, he was worried that writing things down (and reading them) would weaken your memory.  In Plato’s “Phaedrus”, he describes the conversation between Socrates and Phaedrus. It’s a fascinati...

I’m so excited to announce that I’m launching a live online book club for the 2023 - 2024 year. This is the first season of the book club and we’re going to dive head-first into some incredible works that will move you, challenge you, and enrich your life.  Benefits of joining:  Facebook live sessions every Tuesday at 8:30 EST with the group Your monthly fee covers the cost of highlightish.com giv...

For this week’s podcast, I share a simple strategy to improve focus while reading. Learn how to transition from a distracted mindset to being fully immersed in your book. By applying these tips, you can gradually enhance your concentration, allowing you to read for an uninterrupted hour, free from the pull of daily tasks and distractions. Send Me a Text Message with Your Questions 👋📚Take Your Re...

If you’re on the fence about tackling the 800+ page Russian novel called The Brothers Karamazov, let me give you a little push. Read it. At its core, this book addresses several philosophical and psychological ideas that will target everything you thought you understood about your own life. It’s impossible to read it without holding a mirror up to your own deeds and beliefs. That is why it's...

This book was hard for me to read the first time around. Difficult books struggle to keep our attention. They’re usually on topics we don’t care about, or they’re written so dryly that, despite our best efforts, our eyes roll into the backs of our heads. Life is too short to read bad books, but sometimes you have to do it. Maybe the book was prescribed by your college professor, or perhaps your bo...

Why do we need to read books in 2023 if we have instant access to information and entertainment through the internet and online services like YouTube or Netflix? I’m seeing more and more people return to the humble book in their spare time. Why is this? In today’s episode, I’ll share four theories and a few books that will change your life. Send Me a Text Message with Your Questions 👋📚Take Your...

Discover the brilliance of Friedrich Nietzsche in my latest podcast episode. As a groundbreaking philosopher, he explored concepts like Nihilism and the reevaluation of values, exposing ideas that are both interesting and challenging to get through. Thankfully, Nietzsche left us a valuable clue to decoding his essays, which I'll unravel in this week’s show. If you're seeking a way into N...

The Narrative of The Life of Frederick Douglass is supposed to be one of the most influential books on abolitionism, the value of a man’s life, and the rights we enjoy as American citizens.  Here are my thoughts on this work which should be helpful to anyone preparing to read this work. Send Me a Text Message with Your Questions 👋📚Take Your Reading Deeper (Try my Book Club for FREE Here): https:...

A second brain refers to a method used to organize your reading and research materials. While this concept seems excellent in theory, it often devolves into a messy collection of highlighted excerpts, book notes, and annotations. I've noticed that within a period of three to six months, many people find their note-taking system has become so cluttered that it's practically useless. In th...

I've recently adopted a new note-taking system, and it's been quite the shift. I've titled it "The Daily Note Card." In this week's episode of The Read Well Podcast, I'll show you how it works and how to get started. This change has improved my reading, my personal knowledge management, and my writing. Let me know what you think, and if you have any suggestions f...

Show Summary: In this week's episode, I'm exploring James Clear's book, Atomic Habits. I'll discuss 10 strategies to enhance our reading sessions in The Read Well Community, aiming for consistency, effectiveness, and enjoyment. I found tons of value in this book and look forward to sharing it with you. Let's dig in! Links to make your reading kit:  The bag: ⁠Sooez High Cap...

Show Summary: Here's a fun change you can make that will improve your reading experience by 10X. In this week's episode, we're digging into my reading kit to learn what it is, how it works, and how you can build your own. Let's do this! Links to make your reading kit:  The bag: Sooez High Capacity Pencil Case The highlighters: Sharpies 3 x 5 Cards: Oxford Cards Pens: Zebra Med...