
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

Jan 13, 2021 • 29min
Small Actions for Big Results: Book Insight on The Slight Edge by Jeff Olson
* When his solar energy business crashed and burned, Jeff Olson had an epiphany.
*When people have their backs to the wall, he saw, they will do anything to lift themselves up again, with often awe-inspiring effort.
* But when they do pull themselves up again, something happens: they relax a bit and start drifting again toward failure.
* When they get low, once again they pull themselves up.
* The cycle of failure/survival/success can continue across a person’s lifetime, causing endless confusion and heartache.
* Olson describes how to break that cycle, identifying the simple things – the small daily decisions and habits that add up to your ‘slight edge’, the very opposite of the fabled ‘big break’ – which over time can give you a massive advantage and take you to new heights in work and life.
Theme 1: Action Over Emotion - 0:29
Theme 2: Beware the Quantum Leap - 10:38
Theme 3: Happiness & The Slight Edge - 18:58
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
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 Slight Edge: Turning Simple Disciples into Massive Success and Happiness
Year of Publication: 2005
Book Author: Jeff Olson
To purchase the complete edition of this book click here: https://www.amazon.com/Slight-Edge-Turning-Disciplines-Happiness/dp/1626340463/ref=tmm_hrd_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1609995707&sr=8-1
Book Insight Writer: Tom Butler-Bowden
Editor: Tom Butler-Bowdon
Producer: Gabriel Mara
Production Manager: Karin Richey
Curator: Tom Butler-Bowdon
Narrator: Robin Gabrielli

Dec 16, 2020 • 20min
Book Lounge: Bonus Episode - Behind the Scenes, Faves & More!
Today is a BONUS episode of the Book Lounge where Tom & Karin discuss:
*Behind the scenes of Book Insights
*Their favorite Book Insights of the year
*An exciting new project from Memo'd, Book Insight's parent company
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

Nov 25, 2020 • 24min
Book Lounge - Einstein by Walter Isaacson
Today in the Book Lounge, Tom & Karin discuss the book Einstein by Walter Isaacson.
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:
*Einstein's life outside the lab, as a young hourly employee, pacifist and refugee
*The way Einstein's discoveries impact the apps you use everyday
*The disturbing similarities between society during Einstein's time (around WW2) and society today
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

Nov 25, 2020 • 33min
The Life and Politics of Albert Einstein: Book Insight on Einstein by Walter Isaacson
*Albert Einstein appeared like a shooting star across the sphere of astrophysics while making the first of his great discoveries as a part-time doctoral candidate in Switzerland.
*His constantly changing simulations of the universe launched a new foundation for cosmology, and future breakthroughs in physics based on his relativity equations are likely to continue into the coming centuries.
*Einstein was a lifelong anti-war activist, risking his life to promote resisting the draft.
*Einstein helped persuade the American government to race to develop atomic bombs first, but even before the first bombs were dropped, he crusaded against the use of atomic arms against civilians.
*His role as the planet’s most prominent antinuclear activist, and as a free-speech advocate in Cold War America, leaves a political legacy that is often overlooked compared to his scientific genius.
Theme 1: The Cosmic Revolution 0:28
Theme 2: Hitler and the Atomic Bomb 10:00
Theme 3: The Cold War Clashes 23:45
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:
"New Biography Focuses On Einstein's Creativity". Npr.Org, 2007, https://www.npr.org/templates/transcript/transcript.php?storyId=11786053. Accessed 12 Feb 2019.
"Albert Einstein Makes Anti-Nazi Speech". Youtube, 2010, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IeM9KR_O4yo&feature=youtu.be&t=23. Accessed 12 Feb 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: Einstein: His Life and Universe
Year of Publication: 2007
Book Author: Walter Isaacson
To purchase the complete edition of this book click here: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B007F5SFWS/ref=dp-kindle-redirect?_encoding=UTF8&btkr=1
Book Insight Writer: Kevin Holden
Editor: Tom Butler-Bowdon
Producer: Daniel Gonzalez
Production Manager: Karin Richey
Curator: Tom Butler-Bowdon
Narrator: Tom Evans

Nov 18, 2020 • 26min
Book Lounge - On Writing by Stephen King
Today in the Book Lounge, Tom & Karin discuss the book On Writing by Stephen King.
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:
*Stephen King's battle with addiction and the book he doesn't even remember writing due to his heavy use of narcotics.
*The sweet and heartwarming life events and autobiography snippets that are uncharacteristic of the King of "Horror"
*Why Horror fans, non-horror fans, writers and non-writers alike all love this book
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

Nov 18, 2020 • 30min
Stephen King: How One Of His Characters Nearly Killed Him: Book Insight on On Writing by Stephen King
*On Writing reveals the master of horror's life in a mixture of memoir and writing tips.
*The result is an autobiography with a purpose, or a page-turning writing manual, depending on your needs.
*King takes us on a journey from his schoolboy love of gory stories, to his initial fame with Carrie, and to a fateful day in 1999 when his writing career – and life – hung in the balance.
*A must-read for all Stephen King fans. For writers, one of the best guides you’ll find for a successful career.
Theme 1: The Women and the Cure 0:51
Theme 2: The Toolbox 12:47
Theme 3: Killed By A Character From His Own Books 21:07
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:
Manufacturing Intellect, Manufacturing. “Stephen King Discussion on Writing and Q&A with Wife Tabitha King and Son Owen King.” YouTube, YouTube, 14 June 2016, www.youtube.com/watch?v=kS9pQnnCD_4.
Atkins, Andy. “George RR Martin and Stephen King.” YouTube, YouTube, 21 June 2016, www.youtube.com/watch?v=v_PBqSPNTfg&t=1360s.
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: On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft
Year of Publication: 2000
Book Author: Stephen King
To purchase the complete edition of this book click here: https://www.amazon.com/On-Writing-Stephen-King-audiobook/dp/B0000547HM/ref=tmm_aud_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1605580646&sr=8-1
Book Insight Writer: Daniel Gonzalez
Editor: Tom Butler-Bowdon
Producer: Daniel Gonzalez
Production Manager: Karin Richey
Curator: Tom Butler-Bowdon
Narrator: Laura Faye Smith

Nov 11, 2020 • 33min
The Hillbilly Known as The Trump Whisperer: Book Insight on Hillbilly Elegy by JD Vance
*Working-class white America and the rest of the country inhabit “two separate worlds”, according to JD Vance.
*Most groups in America are intent on giving the best to their kids so they can succeed. Parents from Vance’s Appalachia ‘hillbilly’ culture don’t even seem to know where to start.
*Thrift, hard work, ambition, the pursuit of knowledge are alien to them, so it’s little surprise that their children don't succeed.
*As long as this continues, underachievement and social problems including drug addiction, violence, and widespread poverty will remain.
*This gripping memoir became a bestseller in 2016 after Donald Trump's presidential victory.
*For liberals, it helped explain why millions of "forgotten Americans," suspicious of city elites, voted the way they did.
Note: This Book Insight contains explicit language and mature themes.
Theme 1: What is a Hillbilly? - 0:27
Theme 2: Adverse Childhood Experiences and Instability in the Home - 9:54
Theme 3: Pessimism and the Role of Expectations - 19:53
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:
"'Hillbilly Elegy' Recalls A Childhood Where Poverty Was 'The Family Tradition'". Npr.Org, 2019, https://www.npr.org/templates/transcript/transcript.php?storyId=490328484.
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: Hillbilly Elegy: A Memoir of a Family and Culture in Crisis
Year of Publication: 2016
Book Author: J.D. Vance
To purchase the complete edition of this book click here: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01JR1KJBC/ref=dp-kindle-redirect?_encoding=UTF8&btkr=1
Book Insight Writer: Gabriel Mara
Editor: Tom Butler-Bowdon
Producer: Gabriel Mara
Production Manager: Karin Richey
Curator: Tom Butler-Bowdon
Narrator: Laura Faye Smith

Nov 11, 2020 • 22min
Book Lounge: Hillbilly Elegy by JD Vance
Today in the Book Lounge, Tom & Karin discuss the book Hillbilly Elegy by JD Vance.
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 Hillbilly culture, it's Scotch-Irish Appalachian origins JD Vance's surprising culture shock experiences
*How the book's author came to be known as The Trump Whisperer
*The connections between Hillbilly Elegy and Educated by Tara Westover
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: Gabriel Mara
Hosts: Tom Butler-Bowdon & Karin Richey

Nov 4, 2020 • 29min
Gabrielle Union on Life, Love and the Pursuit of Acceptance: Book Insight on We're Going to Need More Wine by Gabrielle Union
* Gabrielle Union has been a model, actress and advocate ever since her first television appearance on Family Matters in 1993.
* While she’s best known for her sassy leading role in cult classic cheerleading movie Bring It On, there is so much more to this talented woman than a 90’s teen movie.
* In this warm, candid and inspiring memoir, learn about her racially turbulent childhood, her steep learning curve on the way to finding love and acceptance, and the advice she has for anyone who feels like sometimes the journey to personal growth is just one mountain too many.
Theme 1: Early Life and Love - 0:28
Theme 2: Some Things Never Change - 8:38
Theme 3: Self Care - 19:50
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:
Books, PBS. “Gabrielle Union on ‘We're Going to Need More Wine’ at the 2018 L.A. Times Festival of Books.” YouTube, YouTube, 30 Apr. 2018, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XVn7xUaeMNs.
LiveSigning. “Gabrielle Union Book Signing & Interview | ‘We're Going to Need More Wine.’” YouTube, YouTube, 16 Oct. 2017, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fNfT_Rc7MUU.
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: We're Going to Need More Wine: Stories That Are Funny, Complicated, and True
Year of Publication: 2017
Book Author: Gabrielle Union
To purchase the complete edition of this book click here: https://www.amazon.com/Were-Going-to-Need-More-Wine-audiobook/dp/B0742MGR31/ref=sr_1_2?dchild=1&keywords=gabrielle+union&qid=1604434134&sr=8-2
Book Insight Writer: Karin Richey
Editor: Morwenna Loughman
Producer: Gabriel Mara
Production Manager: Karin Richey
Curator: Tom Butler-Bowdon
Narrator: Krysta Gonzales

Nov 4, 2020 • 28min
Book Lounge - We're Gonna Need More Wine by Gabrielle Union
Today in the Book Lounge, Tom & Karin discuss the book We're Gonna Need More Wine by Gabrielle Union.
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:
*Gabrielle Union's rise to fame, facing sexism, racism and her views on "the mountain of assimilation"
*The nature of Hollywood show business and the toll it takes on actors like Union
*The connection between Gabrielle Union and major societal movements like #MeToo, Black Lives Matter and becoming a Time Magazine most influential person of 2020
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
Sponsorships: off for this episode