Dads and Moms Answer Questions about The Best Books for 2024, Holiday Recipes and More!

Nov 28, 2024

Dive into a treasure trove of book recommendations perfect for gifting this season! Discover top picks for both adults and kids that inspire growth, empathy, and connection. Enjoy delightful stories of family cooking, including a beloved holiday recipe for apple cider. The chat highlights cherished traditions and the joy of including children in the kitchen. Plus, hear humorous anecdotes about creating memorable family moments through storytelling and cooking together!

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Intro

00:00 • 2min

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Diverse Literary Insights and Recommendations

02:19 • 12min

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The Joy of Storytelling in Family Life

14:18 • 11min

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The Power of Community and Creative Parenting

25:46 • 4min

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Thanksgiving Traditions in the Kitchen

Lonesome Dove is a classic Western novel that follows the journey of two former Texas Rangers, Augustus McCrae and Woodrow F. Call, as they embark on a cattle drive from Texas to Montana. The novel is renowned for its vivid descriptions of the American West, its exploration of themes such as friendship, loyalty, and the decline of the Old West, and its well-developed characters. It is the third book in the Lonesome Dove series and is widely regarded as McMurtry's magnum opus.

Founding Sales

Peter Kazanjy

Four Thousand Weeks

Time Management for Mortals

Oliver Burkeman

In 'Four Thousand Weeks', Oliver Burkeman offers a contrarian approach to time management by focusing on the finite nature of human life. Assuming an average lifespan of 80 years, the book calculates that we have approximately 4,000 weeks to live. Burkeman argues against the modern fixation on productivity and efficiency, instead advocating for embracing the limits of time and prioritizing what truly matters. The book draws on insights from ancient and contemporary philosophers, psychologists, and spiritual teachers to help readers construct a more meaningful life by accepting and working within the constraints of time. It addresses issues such as the efficiency trap, the pitfalls of convenience culture, and the importance of living in the present while acknowledging the unpredictability of the future.

When the Heavens Went on Sale

Ashlee Vance

Never Split the Difference

Negotiating As If Your Life Depended On It

Tahl Raz

Chris Voss

VOSS/RAZ

This book, written by former FBI hostage negotiator Chris Voss and co-author Tahl Raz, provides a masterclass in influencing others through negotiation. It distills the Voss method, revealing skills such as establishing rapport, creating trust with tactical empathy, and transforming conflict into collaboration. The book is filled with real-life examples from Voss's career, illustrating how these techniques can be applied in both professional and personal life to achieve goals and defuse potential crises.

Poor Charlie's Almanack

The Essential Wit and Wisdom of Charles T. Munger

Charles T. Munger

Peter D. Kaufman

Originally published in 2005, Poor Charlie's Almanack is a collection of eleven talks delivered by Charles T. Munger between 1986 and 2007. Edited by Peter D. Kaufman, this book draws on Munger's extensive knowledge across various fields to provide a framework for rational and rigorous approaches to life, learning, and decision-making. It is renowned for its sharp wit and rhetorical flair, making it an essential read for investors, entrepreneurs, and anyone seeking to enhance their wisdom and critical thinking skills.

Outlive

The Science and Art of Longevity

Peter Attia

Bill Gifford

In this book, Dr. Peter Attia draws on the latest science to deliver innovative nutritional interventions, techniques for optimizing exercise and sleep, and tools for addressing emotional and mental health. The book aims to replace the outdated medical framework with a personalized, proactive strategy for longevity, focusing on creating the best individual plan for long-term health. It covers topics such as the limitations of cholesterol tests, underdiagnosed liver conditions, the importance of exercise, and the integration of overall health with relational health.

The big leap

Conquer Your Hidden Fear and Take Life to the Next Level

Gay Hendricks

In 'The Big Leap,' Gay Hendricks addresses the concept of the Upper Limit Problem, where individuals subconsciously sabotage their own success and happiness due to deep-seated fears and limiting beliefs. The book introduces four zones of activity: the Zone of Incompetence, Zone of Competence, Zone of Excellence, and Zone of Genius. Hendricks emphasizes the importance of identifying and operating in the Zone of Genius, where one combines what they love doing with what they are exceptionally good at. He also outlines four common hidden barriers to success: feeling fundamentally flawed, fear of disloyalty and abandonment, believing more success brings a bigger burden, and the fear of outshining others. The book provides practical advice on overcoming these barriers, embracing continuous growth, and achieving a balance between professional success and personal fulfillment.

Zero to One

Notes on Startups, or How to Build the Future

Peter Thiel

In 'Zero to One,' Peter Thiel argues that true innovation comes from creating something entirely new, going from 'zero to one,' rather than incrementally improving existing ideas. He emphasizes the importance of vertical progress through technology and the benefits of monopoly in driving innovation. Thiel also discusses the need for long-term planning, the importance of finding the right co-founders, and the power law in startup success. The book challenges conventional wisdom and encourages readers to think critically and aim big to build the future.

Faster than normal

Turbocharge Your Focus, Productivity, and Success with the Secrets of the ADHD Brain

Peter Shankman

In 'Faster Than Normal,' Peter Shankman presents a positive and practical approach to living with ADHD. He argues that ADHD is not a disease but a unique advantage that can be leveraged for increased creativity, hyperfocus, and out-of-the-box thinking. The book provides strategies such as creating rituals, streamlining daily routines, using technology to manage time, and emphasizing the importance of exercise and nutrition. Shankman shares personal anecdotes and practical tips to help individuals with ADHD, as well as those who feel overwhelmed, to maximize their productivity and achieve a fulfilling life.

Liftoff

Elon Musk and the Desperate Early Days That Launched SpaceX

Eric Berger

Liftoff chronicles the turbulent beginnings of SpaceX, highlighting Elon Musk’s vision for space exploration and the company’s struggles and successes. The book draws on exclusive interviews with former and current engineers, designers, mechanics, and executives, including Elon Musk. It covers the first four launches of the Falcon 1 rocket, the challenges faced by the team, and the pivotal moments that transformed SpaceX into a leading-edge rocket company. The narrative includes stories from various locations such as El Segundo, Texas ranchland, and the Kwajalein atoll, where SpaceX conducted its early launches.

Demon Copperhead

Barbara Kingsolver

Demon Copperhead is a powerful and emotionally engaging novel that tells the story of Damon Fields, a boy born to a teenage single mother in a trailer home in the Appalachian Mountains of Virginia. The novel, inspired by Charles Dickens' 'David Copperfield', follows Demon's journey through the challenges of foster care, child labor, derelict schools, athletic success, addiction, and disastrous loves. Kingsolver vividly portrays the opioid epidemic's impact on rural communities and explores themes of love, survival, and the transformative power of storytelling. The narrative is delivered through Demon's unsparing and authentic voice, which brings to life the harsh realities and the resilience of the people in Appalachia.

The Hunger Games

Suzanne Collins

Set in a post-apocalyptic North America known as Panem, The Hunger Games follows Katniss Everdeen, a 16-year-old girl from District 12, who volunteers to participate in the 74th Hunger Games to save her younger sister Prim. Alongside Peeta Mellark, the other tribute from District 12, Katniss must use her hunting skills and wits to survive the arena. The Games are a tool of oppression by the Capitol to remind the districts of their defeat in a past rebellion. As Katniss and Peeta navigate the treacherous arena, they also manipulate the audience and sponsors to gain advantages, while sparking the beginnings of a rebellion against the Capitol's tyrannical rule.

The Cat Kid Comic Club Collection

None

Dav Pilkey

How the Grinch Stole Christmas!

Dr Seuss

Reentry

SpaceX, Elon Musk, and the Reusable Rockets that Launched a Second Space Age

A Swim in a Pond in the Rain

George Saunders

From Grassroots to Greatness

Lloyed Lobo

Teach your giraffe to ski

Viviane Elbee

Someday a Bird Will Poop on You

The Book with No Pictures

B.J. Novak

Penguin Problems

Jory John

The spooky wheels on the bus

J. Elizabeth Mills

Little Blue Truck Makes a Friend

Alice Schertle

Jill McElmurry

Welcome to a special episode of Startup Dad! It’s the holiday time again when the list of responsibilities, performances, potlucks and gifts goes through the roof for already busy parents. To help you navigate the chaos I’ve asked many of my past guests to share with me their favorite books from the past year – those they’d gift to another person and those they’d tell parents to get for their kids. I’ve also highlighted parent’s favorite meals to make with and for their kids.

I'm joined by Alex Cohen, Andrew Capland, Brian Balfour, Adam Nash, Adam Grenier, Will Rocklin, Rob Schutz, Casey Handmer, Tye DeGrange, Josh Herzig-Marx, Carla Naumburg, and Michael Perry.

In this episode we discuss:

- Top book recommendations from 2024 for adults

- Their top book recommendations for kids of all ages

- A favorite recipe to make with your kids

Where to find Adam Fishman

- Newsletter: FishmanAFNewsletter.com

- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamjfishman/

- X: https://twitter.com/fishmanaf

- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/startupdadpod/

Timestamps:

[00:41] Favorite book to gift this holiday season?

[14:27] Favorite book that you’d recommend to another parent for their kids?

[28:52] What recipe do you like to get your kids involved in at the holiday time?

Show References

A full list of ALL references in this show can be found here: https://docs.google.com/document/d/17eDnhGaRWvCqBl0RmM746Je7Ovpt7qL-14TNzQS4DUg/edit?tab=t.0

Nick Soman’s Episode: https://startupdadpod.substack.com/p/building-a-company-and-family-nick-soman-decent

Founding Sales, The Founder Led Sales & Early Stage Go-to-Market Handbook by Pete Kazanjy: https://www.foundingsales.com/

Decent: https://www.decent.com/

Casey Handmer’s Episode: https://startupdadpod.substack.com/p/astrophysics-saving-the-planet-and-three-kids

Poor Charlie's Almanack: The Essential Wit and Wisdom of Charles T. Munger

by Charles T. Munger: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/poor-charlies-almanack-charles-t-munger/1142619102

Eric Bahn’s Episode: https://startupdadpod.substack.com/p/integration-over-balance-and-hustling-with-kids

Never Split the Difference: Negotiating as if Your Life Depended on It by Chris Voss: https://www.amazon.com/Never-Split-Difference-audiobook/dp/B01COR1GM2/

Demon Copperhead by Barbara Kingsolver: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/demon-copperhead-barbara-kingsolver/1140860121

Eric Mauskopf Episode: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jOkHqWbJI1c

Will Rocklin Episode: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LnPwKjSosyM

A Swim in a Pond in the Rain: In Which Four Russians Give a Master Class on Writing, Reading, and Life by George Saunders: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/a-swim-in-a-pond-in-the-rain-george-saunders/1137150630

Michael Perry’s Episode: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AP6JJhiFfK4

Four Thousand Weeks: Time Management for Mortals by Oliver Burkeman:https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/four-thousand-weeks-oliver-burkeman/1137427241

Tye DeGrange Episode: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BVs8FnMNIQI

Lonesome Dove by Larry McMurtry: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/lonesome-dove-larry-mcmurtry/1001920809

Adam Nash’s Episode: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MaOCL5WSzhc

When the Heavens Went on Sale: The Misfits and Geniuses Racing to Put Space Within Reach

by Ashlee Vance: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/when-the-heavens-went-on-sale-ashlee-vance/1142161472

Liftoff: Elon Musk and the Desperate Early Days That Launched SpaceX by Eric Berger: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/liftoff-eric-berger/1137428010

Reentry: SpaceX, Elon Musk, and the Reusable Rockets that Launched a Second Space Age

by Eric Berger: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/reentry-eric-berger/1144620800

Brian Balfour’s Episode: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iiQ_wAwfv5s

100% Unofficial AB to Jay-Z by Jessica Chiha: https://www.amazon.com/100-Unofficial-Jay-Z-Jessica-Chiha/dp/0648073912/

Andrew Capland’s Episode: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1p-4ir53gZc

The Big Leap: Conquer Your Hidden Fear and Take Life to the Next Level by Gay Hendricks:https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-big-leap-gay-hendricks/1102667522

Rob Schutz’s Episode: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g611gCs4g0A

The Ferryman by Justin Cronin: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-ferryman-justin-cronin/1141941765

Carla Naumburg’s Episode: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qcrzFhbeIVs

Case Histories (Jackson Brodie Series #1) by Kate Atkinson: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/case-histories-kate-atkinson/1100163888

Josh Herzig-Marx’s Episode:

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