
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

Jun 3, 2020 • 30min
An Unquiet Mind by Kay Redfield Jamison
* Dr Kay Redfield Jamison, one of the leading authorities on manic depression (or bipolar disorder), has written extensively about the often perplexing psychiatric illness, and also about its links with creativity.
* In An Unquiet Mind she unites these strands in a courageous and gripping memoir, revealing her own experiences of living with manic depression.
* Jamison details the incredible highs and the devastating lows.
* The complex relationship with the lithium medication she is prescribed.
* Her unique perspective in treating patients suffering from the same condition.
2:45 Part One: Defining Manic Depression
11:50 Part Two: A Battle with Lithium
19.46 Part Three: The Others
HEAR THE FULL INTERVIEWS MENTIONED IN TODAY'S EPISODE HERE:
"Manic Depression And Mania, Kay Jamison :: DNA Learning Center". Dnalc.Org, 2019, https://www.dnalc.org/view/15372-Manic-depression-and-mania-Kay-Jamison.html. Accessed 26 Jan 2019.
"Understanding The Experience Of A Manic Depressive, Kay Jamison :: DNA Learning Center". Dnalc.Org, 2019, https://www.dnalc.org/view/15370-Understanding-the-experience-of-a-manic-depressive-Kay-Jamison.html. Accessed 26 Feb 2019.
"Support For People With Bipolar | Kay Redfield Jamison". Youtube, 2014, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hMaPc9-JCiQ. Accessed 26 Feb 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: An Unquiet Mind: A Memoir of Moods and Madness
Year of Publication: 1995
Book Author: Kay Redfield Jamison

May 27, 2020 • 28min
How to Be a Stoic by Massimo Pigliucci
* Stoicism was a school of ancient philosophy which survived for several centuries, and is going through a major revival today.
* Massimo Pigliucci provides an essential guide to applying the wisdom of the Stoics to 21st-century life, making the sometimes difficult subject of ancient Greek and Roman philosophy accessible and relevant to the modern world.
* The book is based around several key quotes from the famous Stoic Epictetus, explaining their meaning in terms of everyday events and anecdotes from his own life.
* Discover how to accept those things that are beyond your control, learn from the example of others’ behavior, be it good or foolish, and build your emotional resilience.
* Whatever life throws at you, these ancient minds will help keep you focused on your goals while retaining your personal integrity.
* Success is good, but maintaining your peace of mind no matter what is an even greater treasure.
3:23 Part One: Dichotomy of Control
11:35 Part Two: Moral Ignorance
18:48 Part Three: Negative Visualization
HEAR THE FULL INTERVIEWS MENTIONED IN TODAY'S EPISODE HERE:
The School of Life - "Why Stoicism Matters" www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pc_6GDWl0s4.
Cultural Services French Embassy - "Better Living Through Stoicism" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-i-6nLIuxgg&t=349s.
"Eichmann Trial - Session No. 1" www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fv6xbeVozhU
"Finding Meaning in Difficult Times (Interview with Dr. Viktor Frankl)" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LlC2OdnhIiQ
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: How to Be a Stoic: Using Ancient Philosophy to Live a Modern Life
Year of Publication: 2017
Book Author: Massimo Pigliucci

May 20, 2020 • 25min
Happiness at Work by Srikumar Rao
This work of philosophy will get you thinking about much more than your average personal development or business book.
Srikumar Rao applies ancient Eastern spiritual wisdom to the high-stress present-day work setting.
Lessons include: managing yourself, not time; leaving behind a me-centered world; and the power of not judging.
Focusing on helping others will also make you happier, and Rao is keen to remind us that people who are happy tend to be better at their work.
2:37 Part One: Working and Avoiding Judging
8:58 Part Two: Time, Change, Drama & Happiness
16:42 Part Three: Achievement, Quiet, The World & Self Discovery
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://memodapp.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: Happiness at Work
Year of Publication: 2010
Book Author: Srikumar Rao

May 13, 2020 • 25min
Flow by Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi
Psychologist Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi says it is best to think about the universe in terms of order and chaos (entropy)
The best way to have an ordered mind, and a life of meaning, is to engage in many ‘flow’ activities.
A flow activity is one undertaken for its own sake rather than an end result – running a marathon for the joy of it, say, rather than in desperation to win the race.
In a nutshell, flow makes life more meaningful, and a meaningful life, argues Csikszentmihalyi, is the key to happiness.
2:56 - Part One: Control the Mind
8:58 - Part Two: Enjoyment & Pleasure
16:48 - Part Three: Experience Matters
HEAR THE FULL INTERVIEW MENTIONED IN TODAYS' EPISODE HERE:
"TED Talk – Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi – Flow – 2004"
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I_u-Eh3h7Mo
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://memodapp.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: Flow: The Psychology of Optimal Experience
Year of Publication: 1990
Book Author: Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi

May 9, 2020 • 33min
Enlightenment Now by Steven Pinker
* Is humanity really heading towards an abyss?
* Or have we forgotten how to acknowledge progress?
* Enlightenment Now by Steven Pinker argues that statistically people are happier, wealthier and healthier than ever before
* Our progress over the past 300 years is due to the ideals set out by Enlightenment thinkers in the 18th century: science, reason and humanism
HEAR THE FULL INTERVIEWS MENTIONED IN TODAY'S EPISODE HERE:
"Steven Pinker | The Case For Reason, Science, Humanism, And Progress | OFFinNY"
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cz_fh...
"Steven Pinker Discusses 'Enlightenment Now'"
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8xzqn...
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://memodapp.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: Enlightenment Now
Year of Publication: 2018
Book Author: Steven Pinker

Apr 27, 2020 • 19min
Being Wrong by Kathryn Schulz
We can’t all be right, all of the time. Much as we might hate to admit it, Kathryn Schulz argues that being wrong has its advantages, and recognising this could do us the world of good. Drawing on science, philosophy, psychology, literature and personal experience, she unpicks our difficult relationship with being wrong. Everyone slips up, but it’s in our nature to downplay, cover up, deny, or to blame others. Shouldn’t we have better mechanisms for confronting the mistakes we make in everyday life? We might be prepared, just about, to admit fault over small things, but what about accepting we’ve been wrong about our faith, career or choice of spouse? Surely, if these big things are so important to our happiness and sense of worth, we should make it our mission to eliminate error in making such decisions. Schulz considers these questions as she darts through human history, touching on the work of diverse figures from St Augustine to Darwin and Freud, and ultimately showing the benefits and transformative potential of embracing being wrong.
3:10 - Part One: Humanity & Errors
9:21 - Part Two: Why Errors & Self Deception
Full Title: Being Wrong
Year of Publication: 2010
Book Author: Kathryn Schulz
Want to learn more? Get unlimited access to our entire collection of Book Insights on over 100 nonfiction bestsellers with a subscription at www.memodapp.com/insights
Media Sources:
Finance, Bloomberg Markets and. “Greenspan Says Nobody Forecast the 2008 Financial Crisis.” YouTube, YouTube, 14 Nov. 2018, www.youtube.com/watch?v=iLLjBeVLPLc.
TED. “On Being Wrong | Kathryn Schulz.” YouTube, YouTube, 26 Apr. 2011, www.youtube.com/watch?v=QleRgTBMX88.
To purchase the complete edition of this book click here.