How can we apply memory techniques to learn from books?

Tansel recommends mind mapping, previewing chapters, and visual reading to convert books into memorable, retrievable structures.

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Episode notes

In this episode, Chris Do sits down with Tansel Ali, a four-time Australian Memory Champion, to explore how anyone can train their brain to remember anything — from names and speeches to entire books or phone directories.

Together, they unpack the science and art of storytelling for memory, the role of emotion in recall, and how tools like spaced repetition and the memory palace can transform how we learn. Tansel explains that memory isn’t a talent but a trainable skill that anyone can develop. Listeners will walk away with clear, actionable techniques to strengthen their focus, recall, and retention.

Timestamps

(00:00) - Intro

(01:00) - Meet Tansel Ali, memory master

(02:20) - Memorizing two phone books

(04:40) - Short-term vs long-term recall

(05:55) - Storytelling as a memory tool

(08:20) - Remembering names creatively

(10:40) - Visualization and imagination hacks

(12:30) - Why emotional memory sticks

(15:00) - Spaced repetition explained

(16:40) - Inside the memory palace method

(19:00) - Recall vs storage mindset