
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

Sep 23, 2020 • 29min
Stephen Hawking Predicts Earth's Future: Book Insight on Brief Answers to the Big Questions by Stephen Hawking
* The final book from Stephen Hawking, Brief Answers To The Big Questions leaves us with the world-famous astrophysicist’s thoughts on the universe, its inception, development and uncertain future.
*Hawking returns to the questions he was most frequently asked at lectures, interviews and other events – everything from “what is inside a black hole” and “is time travel possible?” to “should we colonise space?”
*He provides often mind-bending answers in his distinctive, lucid prose and clear reasoning.
*Whether summarizing the most celebrated theories and discoveries of his career, or musing on more speculative questions about the future of humankind, Hawking makes the wonder of the universe intelligible to us all.
Theme 1: Brave New Superhumans - 0:28
Theme 2: Will We Survive on Earth? - 9:32
Theme 3: Colonizing the Cosmos - 18:43
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
HEAR THE FULL INTERVIEWS MENTIONED IN TODAYS' EPISODE HERE:
YouTube. (2019). USA: BRITISH PHYSICIST STEPHEN HAWKING LECTURE AT WHITE HOUSE. [online] Available at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JOJ1xNm18kg [Accessed 21 May 2019].
Yousubtitles.com. (2019). Larry King Now: A conversation with Stephen Hawking with English subtitles (closed captions) and transcript. [online] Available at: https://www.yousubtitles.com/Larry-King-Now-A-conversation-with-Stephen-Hawking-id-2446990 [Accessed 21 May 2019].
YouTube. (2019). INDIA: STEPHEN HAWKINGS WARNING: NUCLEAR CALAMITY. [online] Available at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tvpBQd9oXWY [Accessed 21 May 2019].
Spaceref.com. (2019). NASA's 50th Anniversary Lecture By Professor Stephen Hawking. [online] Available at: http://www.spaceref.com/news/viewsr.html?pid=27805 [Accessed 21 May 2019].
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: Brief Answers to the Big Questions
Year of Publication: 2018
Book Author: Stephen Hawking
To purchase the complete edition of this book click here: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07D6BBGKL/ref=dp-kindle-redirect?_encoding=UTF8&btkr=1
Book Insight Writer: Kevin Holden
Editor: Monica Woods
Producer: Daniel Gonzalez
Production Manager: Karin Richey
Curator: Tom Butler-Bowdon
Narrator: Elliott Schiff

Sep 23, 2020 • 17min
Book Lounge - Brief Answers to the Big Questions by Stephen Hawking
Today in the Book Lounge, Tom & Karin discuss the book Brief Answers to the Big Questions by Stephen Hawking.
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:
Hear about which of Hawking's future predictions Tom and Karin found most grim and chilling
The connection between botox, Neanderthals and Hawking's view of future humans
The hope and inspiration Hawking and this book offer to future generations
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

Sep 16, 2020 • 16min
Do You Know The Secret? Book Insight on The Secret by Rhonda Byrne
* Rhonda Byrne stumbled on ‘the Secret’ at a low point in her life, shortly after her father died.
*Reading the New Thought classic, The Science of Getting Rich, introduced her to the ‘law of attraction’ and by implementing its message, she soon began to reap the rewards, both personally and financially.
*Eager to spread the word, she began developing the idea for a film and interviewed every teacher, writer or speaker that seemed to know about the ‘law of attraction’.
*In essence, this law says that whatever you think about or focus your attention on becomes reality in your life. We attract things, people and situations that are of a similar ‘vibration’ to ourselves.
*However dubious this may sound, it’s a theory supported by millions of examples – feelings of abundance only attract more abundance; conversely feelings of lack have a corresponding effect.
*The film certainly struck a chord, becoming a word-of-mouth download and DVD hit.
*The book is a powerful work in its own right, bringing together all the elements of the Secret and explaining the transformative effect it can have across all aspects of your life.
Theme 1: The Creative Process - 0:28
Theme 2: Releasing How & Embracing Gratitude - 7:11
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 Secret
Year of Publication: 2006
Book Author: Rhonda Byrne
To purchase the complete edition of this book click here: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B002M5E2DW/ref=dp-kindle-redirect?_encoding=UTF8&btkr=1#ace-g6796040015
Book Insight Writer: Tom Butler-Bowdon
Editor: Tom Butler-Bowdon
Producer: Gabriel Mara
Production Manager: Karin Richey
Curator: Tom Butler-Bowdon
Narrator: Lora Oliver

Sep 16, 2020 • 19min
Book Lounge - The Secret by Rhonda Byrne
Today in the Book Lounge, Tom & Karin discuss the book The Secret by Rhonda Byrne.
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:
What is The Law of Attraction - the spiritual, emotional and metaphysical concepts
The connection between the bible and other ancient philosophies and The Secret
The criticism, controversy, and lawsuits that have swirled around the release of 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: Gabriel Mara
Hosts: Tom Butler-Bowdon & Karin Richey

Sep 9, 2020 • 26min
Book Lounge - The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho
Today in the Book Lounge, Tom & Karin discuss the book The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho.
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:
Learn what a "personal legend" is and how to pursue yours.
Discover the cost of following (and not following) your dreams.
Determine the role of the universe in your personal journey.
Listen to the Book Insight of the week at:
https://anchor.fm/memod/episodes/Why-do-Oprah--Madonna--Tony-Robbins-all-adore-The-Alchemist--Book-Insight-on-The-Alchemist-by-Paolo-Coelho-eca9hi
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 it’s 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

Sep 8, 2020 • 27min
Why do Oprah, Madonna & Tony Robbins all adore The Alchemist?: Book Insight on The Alchemist by Paolo Coelho
* The lesson to be learnt from this book could be the most important you will ever learn: how to conquer fear and live to the fullest.
* Coelho’s is a story that shows us that we can live not only an exciting life, but the best life imaginable.
* No matter who you are, no matter where you are from, to travel on your own path is to truly live for yourself, follow your destiny and be aligned with the “Soul of the World”.
Theme 1 - Dreams and Destiny 0:30
Theme 2 - The Purpose of Love 8:41
Theme 3 - The Best Way to Learn 17:58
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
HEAR THE FULL INTERVIEWS MENTIONED IN TODAYS' EPISODE HERE:
Coelho, Paul. “Paulo Coelho - The Alchemy of Pilgrimage.” The On Being Project, On Being, onbeing.org/programs/paulo-coelho-the-alchemy-of-pilgrimage/
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 Alchemist
Year of Publication: 1993
Book Author: Paulo Coelho
To purchase the complete edition of this book click here:
https://www.amazon.com/The-Alchemist-Paulo-Coelho-audiobook/dp/B000BO2D3C/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=the+alchemist&qid=1599508120&sr=8-1
Book Insight Writer: Kieran Saunders-Patel
Editor: Tom Butler-Bowdon
Producer: Daniel Gonzalez
Production Manager: Karin Richey
Curator: Tom Butler-Bowdon
Narrator: Kristi Burns

Sep 2, 2020 • 28min
Malcolm Gladwell Demystifies Success: Book Insight on Outliers by Malcolm Gladwell
* In Outliers, Malcolm Gladwell digs deep into the factors which determine remarkable achievement. Success isn’t necessarily out of reach, the domain of the gifted few.
* He asks how much is success inherent in the person, and how much is due to environment? The ‘story’ of success, he determines, is a lot more complex than the motivational books or the autobiographies of self-made men would have us believe.
* Pure chance and circumstance, opportunity and considerable hard work (he comes up with 10,000-hour rule to achieve world-class expertise) all play their part.
* Gladwell doesn’t underestimate the role of these factors, but in breaking them down he demystifies the mystery of achieving success. Outliers is his letter to the world to say, “You can succeed!” and you don’t need to be a genius to do so.
Theme 1 - 10,000 Hours 0:28
Theme 2 - Personal Ecologies 11:17
Theme 3 - Cultural Legacies 19:47
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
HEAR THE FULL INTERVIEWS MENTIONED IN TODAYS' EPISODE HERE:
London Business Forum. “Malcolm Gladwell - Outliers.” YouTube, YouTube, 1 Dec. 2008, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DPCOMtJL6vA&t=205s.
pennalumni. “Malcolm Gladwell - Why Do Some Succeed Where Others Fail? What Makes High-Achievers Different?” YouTube, YouTube, 4 Feb. 2009, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jh9ax4QvzoQ&t=255s.
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: Outliers: The Story of Success
Year of Publication: 2009
Book Author: Malcolm Gladwell
To purchase the complete edition of this book click here:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00FOR2FKW/ref=dp-kindle-redirect?_encoding=UTF8&btkr=1
Book Insight Writer: Jack Hargreaves
Editor: Tom Butler-Bowdon
Producer: Daniel Gonzalez
Production Manager: Karin Richey
Curator: Tom Butler-Bowdon
Narrator: Lora Oliver

Sep 2, 2020 • 20min
Book Lounge - Outliers by Malcolm Gladwell
Today in the Book Lounge, Tom & Karin discuss the book Outliers by Malcolm Gladwell.
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 surprising connection between Justin Bieber and Malcolm Gladwell
How Outliers is a theory of success and why it may make extraordinary results feel far more attainable by ordinary people
How messages from Gladwell and Outliers resonate in light of the COVID-19 pandemic and the police brutality issues in the US
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

Aug 26, 2020 • 27min
Do You Think Fast or Slow? Book Insight on Thinking Fast and Slow by Daniel Kahneman
* Presenting a revolution in behavioral psychology, Thinking, Fast and Slow, uncovers the unconscious flaws and prejudices in our decision-making.
* Nobel Prize-winning psychologist Daniel Kahneman reveals the two ways in which we make choices, his System 1 and System 2: the first is fast, associative, automatic; the second slow, deliberate and more taxing – kicking in when we’re filling out a tax form, for instance, or testing out an argument.
* These fundamentally different modes of thought tend to work in tandem to manage the cognitive load of everyday life, but can often result in poor decision-making and errors of judgement – sometimes minor, sometimes more drastic.
* By focusing on this propensity for human error, Kahneman shows how we can become more aware of these cognitive faultlines and make altogether better decisions in our daily lives.
Theme 1 - Modes of Thought 3:00
Theme 2 - Errors in Judgement and Decisions 9:45
Theme 3 - Two Selves 18:38
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
HEAR THE FULL INTERVIEWS MENTIONED IN TODAYS' EPISODE HERE:
YouTube. (2019). Daniel Kahneman Interview - Nobel Laureate - The Guardian. [online] Available at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RHmXPyX7czU [Accessed 19 Mar. 2019].
YouTube. (2019). Daniel Kahneman: The Trouble with Confidence. [online] Available at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tyDQFmA1SpU [Accessed 19 Mar. 2019].
YouTube. (2019). Daniel Kahneman: Thinking Fast vs. Thinking Slow | Inc. Magazine. [online] Available at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PirFrDVRBo4 [Accessed 19 Mar. 2019].
YouTube. (2019). Daniel Kahneman: Why We Make Bad Decisions About Money (And What We Can Do About It). [online] Available at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kpev-Lb0EAg [Accessed 19 Mar. 2019].
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: Thinking, Fast and Slow
Year of Publication: 2011
Book Author: Daniel Kahneman
To purchase the complete edition of this book click here:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B005Z9GAJG/ref=cm_sw_em_r_mt_dp_FZwrFbCM72X1N
Book Insight Writer: James Safford
Editor: Tom Butler-Bowden
Producer: Gabriel Mara
Production Manager: Karin Richey
Curator: Tom Butler-Bowdon
Narrator: Kristi Burns

Aug 19, 2020 • 33min
Melinda Gates on Breaking Barriers: Book Insight on The Moment of Lift by Melinda Gates
Since co-founding the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation in 2000, Melinda Gates has worked on initiatives to improve healthcare and educational opportunities and reduce poverty around the world.
The foundation’s mission has taken her across Africa, India and Southeast Asia, as well as closer to home in the US.
Throughout her travels, she has met inspiring and courageous women struggling with extreme poverty, outmoded practices or lack of opportunities.
Their stories are recorded here, alongside hard data and some of Gates’ own experiences as a mother and wife.
The result is a candid and compelling case for raising women up and connecting with one another, for the good of society as a whole.
3:32 Part One: Empower Women Through Contraception, Family Planning, and Education
12:48 Part Two: Reward Unpaid Work to Reduce Equality
24:07 Part Three: Change Cultures and Traditions of Discrimination
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
HEAR THE FULL INTERVIEWS MENTIONED IN TODAYS' EPISODE HERE:
"TED - Let's Put Birth Control Back On The Agenda"
https://www.ted.com/talks/melinda_gates_let_s_put_birth_control_back_on_the_agenda?language=en
"C-SPAN - Moment of Lift"
https://www.c-span.org/video/?460179-1/the-moment-lift&start=2346
"Melina Gates On Marriage, Gender Equality & Solving Tough Problems"
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BuYfALzDPrY&feature=share
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 Moment of Lift: How Empowering Women Changes the World
Year of Publication: 2019
Book Author: Melinda Gates
To purchase the complete edition of this book click here:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07NHHT9QD/ref=dp-kindle-redirect?_encoding=UTF8&btkr=1
Book Insight Writer: Wen-Ching Shang
Editor: Monica Woods
Producer: Karin Richey
Production Manager: Karin Richey
Curator: Tom Butler-Bowdon
Narrator: Krysta Gonzalez