
Book Insights Podcast
Check us out at podcast.memod.com for our entire library of podcast episodes!
Each week we do a deep dive into a nonfiction bestseller. Self-Help. Psychology. Business. Philosophy. In around 30 minutes we cover the major themes and ideas of a recent hit, an important work, or an ancient classic.
The result: concentrated wisdom that goes beyond the headlines, makes you think and helps you succeed in relationships, career, or business.
The podcast builds on the work of Tom Butler-Bowdon, author of the “50 Classics series”.
Latest episodes

Feb 17, 2021 • 52min
Book Lounge - Influence by Robert Cialdini with guest Dr. Karin Tamerius
Today in the Book Lounge, Tom & Karin discuss the book Influence with special guest Dr. Karin Tamerius.
Each week Book Insights creator and author of The 50 Classics Series Tom Butler-Bowdon and Memo’d Program Manager Karin Richey invite you to join their fun and casual conversation about the book of the week. Hear what they love it about, what they don’t, how they rate it, and how it can advance your work and life. You’ll learn why it was selected to be part of the curated list of Book Insights, and what’s new with the book or the author currently.
This week, Tom and Karin offer you insight on:
*Dr. Karin Tamerius of Smart Politics shares her tips and tricks for understanding and influencing Trump supporters and having productive political conversations.
*Tom and Karin share experiences with car salespeople, fundraisers and others wielding the power of influence and how to protect yourself from being manipulated.
*Learn the 6 types of influence people are most receptive to as well the reason most of us fail when it comes to trying to influence or persuade others.
Show Notes:
medium.com/@karintamerius
facebook.com/groups/smartly
Twitter: @tamerius
Angry Uncle Bot
CliMate Chat Bot
What is the difference between Book Insights episodes and Book Lounge episodes?
Book Insights are formal, structured summary, analysis and exploration of a bestselling nonfiction book. Each episode is read by a professional voice actor and will introduce a new title selected specifically for its value to your work and life.
Book Lounge episodes are casual discussions about the book, the author, and anything else that comes along through the course of conversation. It’s more of a broad chat about how the book relates to current, everyday life.
Should I listen to both the Book Insight and the Book Lounge episode on the same book?
Sure! Each episode works fine as a standalone piece, so no requirement to listen to both or to listen in any particular order, but we definitely recommend (and think you’ll enjoy!) both. Think of it like reading a book and liking it so much you want to chat about it on the porch with a friend. That is the vibe at the Book Lounge.
Like what you hear? Be sure to like & subscribe to support this podcast! Also leave a comment and let us know your thoughts on the episode.
You can also get a free weekly email about the Book Insight of the week. Subscribe at memod.com/insights
Audio Producer: Daniel Gonzalez
Hosts: Tom Butler-Bowdon & Karin Richey

Feb 10, 2021 • 21min
Great Memory = Great Success: Book Insights on Moonwalking With Einstein by Joshua Foer
* Joshua Foer sets out to answer the question: "Can anyone develop a brilliant memory?"
* Foer learns the tricks of the trade from mnemonic masters and ‘mental athletes’ and ultimately earns the title of 2006 US Memory champion. Not bad after only a year’s preparation.
* Alongside the entertaining tale of rising to this challenge, Foer shows how memory built modern civilization, and is the driver of personal success and creativity.
* As the subtitle of the book suggests, memorization is both science and art – high-level memorizing is an ancient art, but science now shows how it works neurologically. It gives us power and allows for great learning.
* Our individual memory banks are what make us human.
Theme 1: Memory and Expertise - 0:29
Theme 2: Mechanics of Memory & Creativity - 7:24
Theme 3: The Memory Championships - 15:05
Like what you hear? Be sure to like & subscribe to support this podcast! Also leave a comment and let us know your thoughts on the episode.
You can also get a free weekly email about the Book Insight of the week. Subscribe at memod.com/insights
THANK YOU FOR LISTENING TO BOOK INSIGHTS. READY FOR MORE LEARNING? Get unlimited access to our entire collection of Book Insights on over 100 nonfiction bestsellers with a subscription at http://memod.com/insights
HEAR THE FULL INTERVIEWS MENTIONED IN TODAYS' EPISODE HERE:
Foer, Joshua. “Feats of Memory Anyone Can Do | Joshua Foer.” YouTube, YouTube, 10 May 2012, www.youtube.com/watch?v=U6PoUg7jXsA.
Please keep in mind that the information provided in or through our Book Insights episodes is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for advice given by qualified professionals, and should not be relied upon to disregard or delay seeking professional advice.
Full Title: Moonwalking with Einstein: The Art and Science of Remembering Everything
Year of Publication: 2011
Book Author: Joshua Foer
To purchase the complete edition of this book click here:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B004H4XI5O/ref=dp-kindle-redirect?_encoding=UTF8&btkr=1
Book Insight Writer: Tom Butler-Bowdon
Editor: Tom Butler-Bowdon
Producer: Daniel Gonzalez
Production Manager: Karin Richey
Curator: Tom Butler-Bowdon
Narrator: Lora Oliver

Feb 10, 2021 • 38min
Book Lounge: Moonwalking With Einstein with Marlo Yonocruz
Today in the Book Lounge, Tom & Karin discuss the book Moonwalking With Einstein with special guest Marlo Yonocruz.
Each week Book Insights creator and author of The 50 Classics Series Tom Butler-Bowdon and Memo’d Program Manager Karin Richey invite you to join their fun and casual conversation about the book of the week. Hear what they love it about, what they don’t, how they rate it, and how it can advance your work and life. You’ll learn why it was selected to be part of the curated list of Book Insights, and what’s new with the book or the author currently.
This week, Tom and Karin offer you insight on:
*Marlo Yonocruz shares how he uses the Palace of Memories technique and his views on how memory can help boost creativity for creators like him.
*The human mind's capacity for memory - what we're wired for, what we're not, and how to use it to your advantage
*The value of memory - even in a digital world - and how to set yourself up for remembering things
Show Notes:
Book summaries website:
marloyonocruz.com
Instagram: @yolocruzbookclub@gmail.com
https://www.instagram.com/yolocruzbookclub/
Facebook: Yolocruz Book Club
https://www.facebook.com/yolocruzbookclub
YouTube: Yolocruz Book Club
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCMuummZlExOYHSqH8YXtFCA
Twitter: @yolobookclub
https://twitter.com/yolobookclub
TikTok: @yolocruzbookclub
https://www.tiktok.com/@yolocruzbookclub
What is the difference between Book Insights episodes and Book Lounge episodes?
Book Insights are formal, structured summary, analysis and exploration of a bestselling nonfiction book. Each episode is read by a professional voice actor and will introduce a new title selected specifically for its value to your work and life.
Book Lounge episodes are casual discussions about the book, the author, and anything else that comes along through the course of conversation. It’s more of a broad chat about how the book relates to current, everyday life.
Should I listen to both the Book Insight and the Book Lounge episode on the same book?
Sure! Each episode works fine as a standalone piece, so no requirement to listen to both or to listen in any particular order, but we definitely recommend (and think you’ll enjoy!) both. Think of it like reading a book and liking it so much you want to chat about it on the porch with a friend. That is the vibe at the Book Lounge.
Like what you hear? Be sure to like & subscribe to support this podcast! Also leave a comment and let us know your thoughts on the episode.
You can also get a free weekly email about the Book Insight of the week. Subscribe at memod.com/insights
Audio Producer: Gabe Mara
Hosts: Tom Butler-Bowdon & Karin Richey

Feb 3, 2021 • 25min
Seneca's Stoic Wisdom for Modern Life: Book Insights on Letters to Lucilius by Seneca
* The historian Tacitus described the events surrounding Seneca’s death in a way that made him into a Stoic hero, facing his own death with total equanimity despite the injustice of the situation.
* It was through lifelong training in Stoic philosophy that he achieved this state of mind.
* Throughout the centuries, Seneca has been admired as one of the greatest writers of antiquity.
* He has a way of expressing Stoic philosophy that makes it seem eminently practical and just as relevant to life today as it was two thousand years ago.
* He taught that we should remain grounded in the present moment by paying attention to the here and now of experience.
* This was only possible by being fully aware of the impermanence of life, visualizing the worst that could happen, and preparing for our own death.
Theme 1: Who Was Seneca? - 0:29
Theme 2: Contemplating Death - 9:30
Theme 3: Contemplation of the Sage - 15:23
Like what you hear? Be sure to like & subscribe to support this podcast! Also leave a comment and let us know your thoughts on the episode.
You can also get a free weekly email about the Book Insight of the week. Subscribe at memod.com/insights
THANK YOU FOR LISTENING TO BOOK INSIGHTS. READY FOR MORE LEARNING? Get unlimited access to our entire collection of Book Insights on over 100 nonfiction bestsellers with a subscription at http://memod.com/insights
HEAR THE FULL INTERVIEWS MENTIONED IN TODAYS' EPISODE HERE:
"Transcript Of Good Fortune, Episode Eleven: Uprooting Fear". Immoderate Stoic, 2019, https://immoderatestoic.com/transcripts/2016/2/23/transcript-of-good-fortune-episode-eleven. Accessed 25 Mar 2019.
Please keep in mind that the information provided in or through our Book Insights episodes is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for advice given by qualified professionals, and should not be relied upon to disregard or delay seeking professional advice.
Full Title: Letters to Lucilius (Letters from a Stoic)
Year of Publication: 1st century AD
Book Author: Seneca
To purchase the complete edition of this book click here:
https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B07B1JVWLF/ref=cm_sw_em_r_mt_dp_WP4EG8RPE5SBKRRR7YG2
Book Insight Writer: Donald Robertson
Editor: Tom Butler-Bowdon
Producer: Daniel Gonzalez
Production Manager: Karin Richey
Curator: Tom Butler-Bowdon
Narrator: Elliott Schiff

Feb 3, 2021 • 51min
Book Lounge: Letters to Lucilius by Seneca with Guest Donald Robertson
Today in the Book Lounge, Tom & Karin discuss the book Letters to Seneca with special guest Donald Robertson.
Each week Book Insights creator and author of The 50 Classics Series Tom Butler-Bowdon and Memo’d Program Manager Karin Richey invite you to join their fun and casual conversation about the book of the week. Hear what they love it about, what they don’t, how they rate it, and how it can advance your work and life. You’ll learn why it was selected to be part of the curated list of Book Insights, and what’s new with the book or the author currently.
This week, Tom and Karin offer you insight on:
*The connection between ancient Stoicism and modern Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
*How Seneca managed to offer everyday wisdom for commoners despite being one of the wealthiest men of his time
*The benefit of Stoicism while coping with the stress of the COVID-19 pandemic (and why we should be preparing for the next one)
Show Notes:
https://donaldrobertson.name/
https://don-robertson-ca.medium.com/
https://www.facebook.com/robertsontraining
https://www.instagram.com/howtothinklikearomanemperor/
https://www.amazon.com/How-Think-Like-Roman-Emperor/dp/1250196620/
What is the difference between Book Insights episodes and Book Lounge episodes?
Book Insights are formal, structured summary, analysis and exploration of a bestselling nonfiction book. Each episode is read by a professional voice actor and will introduce a new title selected specifically for its value to your work and life.
Book Lounge episodes are casual discussions about the book, the author, and anything else that comes along through the course of conversation. It’s more of a broad chat about how the book relates to current, everyday life.
Should I listen to both the Book Insight and the Book Lounge episode on the same book?
Sure! Each episode works fine as a standalone piece, so no requirement to listen to both or to listen in any particular order, but we definitely recommend (and think you’ll enjoy!) both. Think of it like reading a book and liking it so much you want to chat about it on the porch with a friend. That is the vibe at the Book Lounge.
Like what you hear? Be sure to like & subscribe to support this podcast! Also leave a comment and let us know your thoughts on the episode.
You can also get a free weekly email about the Book Insight of the week. Subscribe at memod.com/insights
Audio Producer: Daniel Gonzalez
Hosts: Tom Butler-Bowdon & Karin Richey

Jan 27, 2021 • 43min
Book Lounge - The Seven Principles for Making Marriage Work by John Gottman & Nan Silver with Guest Stephanie Coontz
Today in the Book Lounge, Tom & Karin discuss the book The Seven Principles for Making Marriage Work with special guest Stephanie Coontz.
Each week Book Insights creator and author of The 50 Classics Series Tom Butler-Bowdon and Memo’d Program Manager Karin Richey invite you to join their fun and casual conversation about the book of the week. Hear what they love it about, what they don’t, how they rate it, and how it can advance your work and life. You’ll learn why it was selected to be part of the curated list of Book Insights, and what’s new with the book or the author currently.
This week, Tom and Karin offer you insight on:
*Historian, gender and marriage researcher Stephanie Coontz dispels marriage myths and offers her insights on gender roles as they relate to marriage and Gottman's book.
*Hear about the destructive power of the harsh startup, the value of moving towards bids for connection and the "deal-breakers" that make some marriages unworkable.
*Marriage in light of the COVID-19 pandemic as it relates to home schooling, housework and how couples' division of labor impacts the marriage (for better and worse).
What is the difference between Book Insights episodes and Book Lounge episodes?
Book Insights are formal, structured summary, analysis and exploration of a bestselling nonfiction book. Each episode is read by a professional voice actor and will introduce a new title selected specifically for its value to your work and life.
Book Lounge episodes are casual discussions about the book, the author, and anything else that comes along through the course of conversation. It’s more of a broad chat about how the book relates to current, everyday life.
Should I listen to both the Book Insight and the Book Lounge episode on the same book?
Sure! Each episode works fine as a standalone piece, so no requirement to listen to both or to listen in any particular order, but we definitely recommend (and think you’ll enjoy!) both. Think of it like reading a book and liking it so much you want to chat about it on the porch with a friend. That is the vibe at the Book Lounge.
Like what you hear? Be sure to like & subscribe to support this podcast! Also leave a comment and let us know your thoughts on the episode.
You can also get a free weekly email about the Book Insight of the week. Subscribe at memod.com/insights
Audio Producer: Gabe Mara
Hosts: Tom Butler-Bowdon & Karin Richey

Jan 27, 2021 • 35min
Dr. Gottman's 7 Principles to Save (or Strengthen) Your Marriage: Book Insights on The Seven Principles for Making Marriage Work by John M. Gottman and Nan Silver
* When John Gottman began researching marriage in the early 1970s, there was little scientific data on the factors that make it work.
* Counsellors depended on conventional wisdom, opinion, intuition, religious beliefs or the ideas of psychologists.
* The result? Not much effectiveness. Using quantitative research based on direct observation of couples, Gottman identified consistent patterns in what causes marriages to fail – and, more importantly, patterns that enable them to succeed.
* The good news: you don’t have to agree on everything, you don’t have to change who you are and you don’t need to change them.
* If you value your marriage, and are willing to commit to it, there is no reason why you can’t save it.
Theme 1: Let Go of the Myths - 0:27
Theme 2: Nurture the Friendship and How to Deal with Conflict - 11:50
Theme 3: Most Marriages Can be Saved - 24:05
Like what you hear? Be sure to like & subscribe to support this podcast! Also leave a comment and let us know your thoughts on the episode.
You can also get a free weekly email about the Book Insight of the week. Subscribe at memod.com/insights
THANK YOU FOR LISTENING TO BOOK INSIGHTS. READY FOR MORE LEARNING?
Get unlimited access to our entire collection of Book Insights on over 100 nonfiction bestsellers with a subscription at http://memod.com/insights
HEAR THE FULL INTERVIEWS MENTIONED IN TODAYS' EPISODE HERE:
Institute, Gottman. “Making Marriage Work | Dr. John Gottman.” YouTube, YouTube, 30 Jan. 2018, www.youtube.com/watch?v=AKTyPgwfPgg.
“Making Marriage Work: Dr. John Gottman.” YouTube, 30 Jan. 2018, youtu.be/AKTyPgwfPgg?t=2732.
Please keep in mind that the information provided in or through our Book Insights episodes is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for advice given by qualified professionals, and should not be relied upon to disregard or delay seeking professional advice.
Full Title: The Seven Principles for Making Marriage Work
Year of Publication: 1999
Book Author: John M Gottman & Nan Silver
To purchase the complete edition of this book click here:
https://www.amazon.com/Seven-Principles-Making-Marriage-Work/dp/0609805797
Book Insight Writer: Samantha Cook
Editor: Tom Butler-Bowdon
Producer: Gabe Mara
Production Manager: Karin Richey
Curator: Tom Butler-Bowdon
Narrator: Elliott Schiff

Jan 20, 2021 • 26min
Optimize Your Willpower: Book Insight on The Willpower Instinct by Kelly McGonigal
* Several years ago, Kelly McGonigal began teaching a popular course at Stanford University on the science of willpower.
* Her students began reporting the life-changing impacts her course had on them. When they understood the science of willpower and practiced the methods she advised, they overcame bad habits, stuck to exercise programs, even kept better bank balances.
* Over the years she refined the methods, streamlining the most effective practices through further student interaction.
* The Willpower Instinct combines both the science and methods of this refined curriculum.
* McGonigal shows you how you to unlock your natural capacity for self-control to achieve your goals, and it’s all backed by science.
Theme 1: The Science of Willpower - 0:30
Theme 2: Identifying Willpower Weaknesses - 7:20
Theme 3: Using the Willpower Instinct - 16:05
Like what you hear? Be sure to like & subscribe to support this podcast! Also leave a comment and let us know your thoughts on the episode.
You can also get a free weekly email about the Book Insight of the week. Subscribe at memod.com/insights
THANK YOU FOR LISTENING TO BOOK INSIGHTS. READY FOR MORE LEARNING?
Get unlimited access to our entire collection of Book Insights on over 100 nonfiction bestsellers with a subscription at http://memod.com/insights
HEAR THE FULL INTERVIEWS MENTIONED IN TODAYS' EPISODE HERE:
“Kelly McGonigal on The Willpower Instinct - Talks at Google (Full Transcript) – The Singju Post.” The Singju Post, The Singju Post, 18 June 2018, singjupost.com/kelly-mcgonigal-on-the-willpower-instinct-talks-at-google-full-transcript/?singlepage=1.
Please keep in mind that the information provided in or through our Book Insights episodes is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for advice given by qualified professionals, and should not be relied upon to disregard or delay seeking professional advice.
Full Title: The Willpower Instinct: How Self-Control Works, Why It Matters, and What You Can Do to Get More of It
Year of Publication: 2012
Book Author: Kelly McGonigal
To purchase the complete edition of this book click here: https://www.amazon.com/The-Willpower-Instinct-audiobook/dp/B07QZT49MK/ref=tmm_aud_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1611030961&sr=8-1
Book Insight Writer: Philip Jaekl
Editor: Tom Butler-Bowdon
Producer: Daniel Gonzalez
Production Manager: Karin Richey
Curator: Tom Butler-Bowdon
Narrator: Laura Faye Smith

Jan 20, 2021 • 50min
Book Lounge - The Willpower Instinct by Kelly McGonigal
Today in the Book Lounge, Tom & Karin discuss the book The Willpower Instinct by Kelly McGonigal with special guest Dr. Ian Taylor.
Each week Book Insights creator and author of The 50 Classics Series Tom Butler-Bowdon and Memo’d Program Manager Karin Richey invite you to join their fun and casual conversation about the book of the week. Hear what they love it about, what they don’t, how they rate it, and how it can advance your work and life. You’ll learn why it was selected to be part of the curated list of Book Insights, and what’s new with the book or the author currently.
This week, Tom and Karin offer you insight on:
*Psychologist Dr. Ian Taylor shares the lesson on willpower that has most impacted his work and life - using willpower as a signal for the need for change.
*The surprising things - like feeling successful or even just a single donut- that can derail willpower.
*Helpful techniques and ways to think about willpower in order to increase and direct it to improve your life.
What is the difference between Book Insights episodes and Book Lounge episodes?
Book Insights are formal, structured summary, analysis and exploration of a bestselling nonfiction book. Each episode is read by a professional voice actor and will introduce a new title selected specifically for its value to your work and life.
Book Lounge episodes are casual discussions about the book, the author, and anything else that comes along through the course of conversation. It’s more of a broad chat about how the book relates to current, everyday life.
Should I listen to both the Book Insight and the Book Lounge episode on the same book?
Sure! Each episode works fine as a standalone piece, so no requirement to listen to both or to listen in any particular order, but we definitely recommend (and think you’ll enjoy!) both. Think of it like reading a book and liking it so much you want to chat about it on the porch with a friend. That is the vibe at the Book Lounge.
Like what you hear? Be sure to like & subscribe to support this podcast! Also leave a comment and let us know your thoughts on the episode.
You can also get a free weekly email about the Book Insight of the week. Subscribe at memod.com/insights
Audio Producer: Daniel Gonzalez
Hosts: Tom Butler-Bowdon & Karin Richey

Jan 13, 2021 • 38min
Book Lounge: The Slight Edge by Jeff Olson (with Adam Ashton)
Today in the Book Lounge, Tom & Karin discuss the book The Slight Edge by Jeff Olson with special guest Adam Ashton.
Each week Book Insights creator and author of The 50 Classics Series Tom Butler-Bowdon and Memo’d Program Manager Karin Richey invite you to join their fun and casual conversation about the book of the week. Hear what they love it about, what they don’t, how they rate it, and how it can advance your work and life. You’ll learn why it was selected to be part of the curated list of Book Insights, and what’s new with the book or the author currently.
This week, Tom and Karin offer you insight on:
*Popular book podcaster Adam Ashton shares his favorite strategies for utilizing habits to improve your life.
*The many "habits" books currently flooding the market (and the new one Karin has suggested!) and what sets The Slight Edge apart
*How to push past the inevitable "dip" when you're not getting the results you want, but perservere anyway.
What is the difference between Book Insights episodes and Book Lounge episodes?
Book Insights are formal, structured summary, analysis and exploration of a bestselling nonfiction book. Each episode is read by a professional voice actor and will introduce a new title selected specifically for its value to your work and life.
Book Lounge episodes are casual discussions about the book, the author, and anything else that comes along through the course of conversation. It’s more of a broad chat about how the book relates to current, everyday life.
Should I listen to both the Book Insight and the Book Lounge episode on the same book?
Sure! Each episode works fine as a standalone piece, so no requirement to listen to both or to listen in any particular order, but we definitely recommend (and think you’ll enjoy!) both. Think of it like reading a book and liking it so much you want to chat about it on the porch with a friend. That is the vibe at the Book Lounge.
Like what you hear? Be sure to like & subscribe to support this podcast! Also leave a comment and let us know your thoughts on the episode.
You can also get a free weekly email about the Book Insight of the week. Subscribe at memod.com/insights
Audio Producer: Daniel Gonzalez
Hosts: Tom Butler-Bowdon & Karin Richey