Beyond the To-Do List - Productivity for Work and Life

Jonathan Levi on Memory Hacks: How to Learn Faster and Remember More (Shortcast)

7 snips
Jun 30, 2025
In this insightful discussion, Jonathan Levi, author of The Only Skill That Matters, shares revolutionary techniques to enhance memory and learning. He debunks the myth of having a 'bad memory,' emphasizing it's about using the right strategies. Listeners will discover the power of visual mnemonics for effortless recall and learn about speed reading techniques that can boost reading rates dramatically. Jonathan also introduces the Memory Palace technique, a method grounded in history, to elevate information retention and organization.
Ask episode
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
INSIGHT

Memory Depends on Technique

  • Memory is a trainable skill dependent on technique, not talent or inherent ability.
  • People often mistake poor memory technique for having a "bad memory."
ADVICE

Use Visual Mnemonics

  • Use visual mnemonics by creating silly, novel mental images to encode information.
  • Visualizing strange pictures with meaning and sound dramatically improves recall speed and accuracy.
ANECDOTE

Example Visual Mnemonic

  • To remember the Spanish word "caber" (fit), imagine a taxi cab with a bear stuffed inside it.
  • This silly image encodes both the sound and meaning, making memorization easier.
Get the Snipd Podcast app to discover more snips from this episode
Get the app