
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

Apr 28, 2021 • 31min
Book Lounge - I Will Teach You to Be Rich by Ramit Sethi with guest Nick Hutchison
Today in the Book Lounge, Tom & Karin discuss the book I Will Teach You to Be Rich with special guest Nick Hutchison.
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:
*Discover what self help influencer Nick Hutchison spends lavishly on and cuts ruthlessly on after having read "I Will Teach You to Be Rich".
*The major banking changes that Nick and Karin both made as a result of reading this book.
*The dangers of a healthy bank account with an unhealthy mind. Learn to balance risk, safety, spending and saving while keeping your head on straight (AKA don/t spend it all on Dogecoin).
Show Notes:
Nick Hutchison is a founder of Bookthinkers, an online community and educational technology company that enables readers to achieve more and live better. They have over 100k followers worldwide and offer review, synopsis and analyses of nonfiction books.
http://www.instagram.com/bookthinkers
https://www.bookthinkers.com/
https://www.youtube.com/bookthinkers
https://www.twitter.com/bookthinkers
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

Apr 21, 2021 • 40min
Book Lounge - The Automatic Millionaire by David Bach with guest Sarah Wilson (Budget Girl)
Today in the Book Lounge, Tom & Karin discuss the book The Automatic Millionaire with special guest Sarah Wilson (aka Budget Girl).
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:
*Sarah Wilson, famously known as Budget Girl on Youtube and Instagram, shares lessons she's learned from The Automatic Millionaire and how it helped her go from drowning in debt to now having a net worth of over $100k in a few short years.
*Which strategies and techniques work for which income levels and how anyone can get started at any age or financial situation.
*Join the debate - lattes vs no lattes and budget-y vs budget-free - see what works for you!
Show Notes:
https://budgetgirl.com/
https://facebook.com/gobudgetgirl
https://www.instagram.com/gobudgetgirl
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCleJPdQX1ycjBtsjBBSEAPg
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

Apr 21, 2021 • 17min
Be A Millionaire - Automatically! Book Insight on The Automatic Millionaire by David Bach
* Discover how to secure your financial future in one simple step, no matter how much you earn – paying yourself a regular set amount. This is the ‘automatic’ of the title.
* Bach isn’t offering a finger-click, instant wealth generator, but he shows that by paying yourself first, you can lay the foundations for future wealth and security.
* Stay in your job and amass wealth slowly through automatic saving, the effect of compounding over time, riding out any stock market peaks and troughs, and benefit from tax rules that favor ‘those who help themselves’. This way, attaining wealth becomes an inevitability, not just a faint hope.
Theme 1: Financial Priorities - 0:29
Theme 2: Debt & Automation - 8:34
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:
Bach, David. “DAVID BACH - THE AUTOMATIC MILLIONAIRE.” YouTube, YouTube, 7 Dec. 2016, www.youtube.com/watch?v=VuHE5EWxGs8&t=42s.
Bach, David. “David Bach's 7 Places Your Money Needs To Go Automatically.” YouTube, YouTube, 25 Dec. 2016, www.youtube.com/watch?v=fpARUOMlOYE.
OWN. “How Much Should You Be Saving at 25? | The Oprah Winfrey Show | Oprah Winfrey Network.” YouTube, YouTube, 2 Sept. 2015, www.youtube.com/watch?v=VB_YNB1CHsg.
Full Title: The Automatic Millionaire: A Powerful One-Step Plan to Live and Finish Rich
Year of Publication: 2003
Book Author: David Bach
To purchase the complete edition of this book click here: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0002P0FLM/ref=cm_sw_em_r_mt_dp_VPHD3ZGFK972A5MKRP3R
Book Insight Writer: Tom Butler-Bowden
Editor: Tom Butler-Bowden
Producer: Gabe Mara
Production Manager: Karin Richey
Curator: Tom Butler-Bowden
Narrator: Michael Khachanov

Apr 16, 2021 • 37min
Book Lounge - The 10X Rule by Grant Cardone with guest Dr. Robin Kiera
Today in the Book Lounge, Tom & Karin discuss the book Open Your Mind To Prosperity with special guest Jermain Miller.
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:
*Why Robin advises those he consults to "eat their own dog food" when it comes to being persuasive in marketing, networking and sales.
* How different Grant Cardone's 10x Rule is compared to other self help and motivational books like Can't Hurt Me, The 5 Second Rule and The Compound Effect.
* Why both Grant Cardone and Robin Kiera believe there is no middle when it comes to success or failure.
For Show Notes:
Meet Dr. Robin Kiera - Founder and CEO of Digitalscouting a consulting and marketing agency based in Germany. Robin is an author, renowned speaker, entrepreneur, top-ranked insurance and finance influencer.
https://robinkiera.com/
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC9UC1WtMRp1JAg7jYWJaGSQ
https://www.digitalscouting.de/
https://www.tiktok.com/@robin_kiera?lang=en
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

Apr 14, 2021 • 25min
Turn Obstacles into Opportunities: Book Insights on The Obstacle Is the Way by Ryan Holiday
* A formula for success which has been used for centuries, by emperors, military commanders, athletes, presidents and entrepreneurs, the quiet grace and forbearance espoused by the ancient Stoics may seem at odds with today’s brash, dog-eat-dog world.
* Ryan Holiday draws on the ancient philosophy of Stoicism, which was founded in Greece in the early 3rd century, to show how this approach can be applied effectively to twenty-first-century life.
* Mastering the three critical elements of perception, action, and will opens up an eminently pragmatic way to confront any obstacles, and gain power, peace of mind and success.
Theme 1: Perception - 0:29
Theme 2: Action - 9:55
Theme 3: Will - 16:20
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 Obstacle Is The Way: The Timeless Art of Turning Trials Into Triumph
Year of Publication: 2014
Book Author: Ryan Holiday
To purchase the complete edition of this book click here: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00K5JUNSU/ref=cm_sw_em_r_mt_dp_ZAMASKPCRKCSTYRCCX7S
Book Insight Writer: Donald Robertson
Editor: Tom Butler-Bowden
Producer: Daniel Gonzalez
Production Manager: Karin Richey
Curator: Tom Butler-Bowden
Narrator: Robin Gabrielli

Apr 14, 2021 • 47min
Book Lounge - The Obstacle Is the Way by Ryan Holiday with guest Donald Robertson
Today in the Book Lounge, Tom & Karin discuss the book The Obstacle Is the Way 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:
*Donald Robertson explains the common misconception of Stoicism and apatheia centering around being emotionless, passionless or unfeeling.
*The virtues and personal growth that are possible as a result of facing challenges, and thinking through what the most important goal really is.
*The interesting gift Ryan Holiday sent to Donald Robertson as a reminder of their Stoic beliefs.
Show Notes:
https://donaldrobertson.name/
https://modernstoicism.com/
Marcus Aurelius 1900th Anniversary Event:
https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/141293351217
Stoicon-x Military Conference:
https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/138626889759
Stoicon-x Women Conference:
https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/138604101599
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

Apr 7, 2021 • 37min
Book Lounge - Open Your Mind To Prosperity by Catherine Ponder with guest Jermain Miller
Today in the Book Lounge, Tom & Karin discuss the book Open Your Mind To Prosperity with special guest Jermain Miller.
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:
*Guest Jermain Miller shares why he points his coaching clients to Open Your Mind to Prosperity and how he responds to skeptics
*How God, the universe or a power greater than yourself is necessary for prosperity - in fact, it is the ultimate source
*The various definitions of prosperity and the mentality needed to attain it.
Show Notes:
https://www.jermainmiller.com/
https://www.instagram.com/jermainmiller/
https://www.amazon.com/Jermain-Miller/e/B083F6DTNN/ref=dp_byline_cont_pop_ebooks_1
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

Apr 7, 2021 • 23min
Are You Manifesting Prosperity? Book Insights on Open Your Mind to Prosperity by Catherine Ponder
*A classic guide to welcoming wealth and well-being into your life from the doyenne of prosperity thinking.
*Ponder explains how to rid yourself of the psychological blocks hampering your progress, allowing you to clear your mind and create a spiritual bedrock for future success and happiness.
*Drawing on a range of sources – the Bible, New Thought philosophers, esoteric teachings – she creates an easily digestible guide to the ‘prosperity laws.’
*At the same time, the warmth of her writing conveys a sense of peace: troubles are put into perspective, and the heart lifts on reading the stories of people who experienced a prosperity miracle when they had known only hard times.
*Yet Ponder’s words are pragmatic, not simply escapist, providing the tools to take your life to a new level, if you are willing to open your mind to the spiritual side of prosperity.
Theme 1: Spiritual Alignment - 0:27
Theme 2: The Path to Prosperity - 8:05
Theme 3: Getting What You Want - 15:41
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: Open Your Mind To Prosperity
Year of Publication: 1971
Book Author: Catherine Ponder
To purchase the complete edition of this book click here: https://www.amazon.com/Open-Your-Prosperity-Catherine-Ponder/dp/0875165311
Book Insight Writer: Tom Butler-Bowdon
Editor: Tom Butler-Bowdon
Producer: Gabriel Mara
Production Manager: Karin Richey
Curator: Tom Butler-Bowdon
Narrator: Elliott Schiff

Mar 31, 2021 • 22min
Think 10X Bigger: Book Insights on The 10X Rule by Grant Cardone
*The pioneer of “Massive Action”, Grant Cardone puts forward a new vision for reaching your goals.
*Don’t just work hard – work ten times harder; aim for $10 million, not $10,000; don’t get one new client this week, get ten.
*This is the ultimate can-do mindset. Unreasonable? Arguably. Controversial? Definitely. But a path to success? Without a doubt.
Theme 1: What is the 10X Rule? - 0:27
Theme 2: The Four Degrees of Action - 7:22
Theme 3: Average is a Formula For Failure - 15:20
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 10X Rule: The Only Difference Between Success and Failure
Year of Publication: 2011
Book Author: Grant Cardone
To purchase the complete edition of this book click here:
https://www.amazon.com/10X-Rule-Difference-Between-Success/dp/0470627603
Book Insight Writer: Gabriel Mara
Editor: Morwenna Loughman
Producer: Gabriel Mara
Production Manager: Karin Richey
Curator: Tom Butler-Bowdon
Narrator: Sam Suskiri

Mar 24, 2021 • 24min
5, 4, 3, 2, 1- THRIVE! Book Insights on The 5 Second Rule by Mel Robbins
*Next time you’re scared of doing something, count backwards from 5 and move.
*Sometimes, courage is just acting before you can scare yourself out of doing it.
*Mel Robbins is one of the most in-demand motivational speakers today, but she’s still afraid of public speaking.
*Before each engagement, she’s racked with nervous energy, terrified of the eyes focused on her and the potential for rejection. However, she harnesses that terror, shifts her nervousness to excitement, counts down 5- 4- 3- 2- 1, and walks onto the stage.
*She feels the fear and does it anyway. You can too.
Theme 1: What is the Five Second Rule - 0:27
Theme 2: Everyday Courage - 8:54
Theme 3: The Power of You - 17:03
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 Five Second Rule: Transform your Life, Work, and Confidence with Everyday Courage
Year of Publication: 2017
Book Author: Mel Robbins
To purchase the complete edition of this book click here:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08WL9D5SQ/ref=dp-kindle-redirect?_encoding=UTF8&btkr=1
Book Insight Writer: Gabriel Mara
Editor: Morwenna Loughman
Producer: Gabriel Mara
Production Manager: Karin Richey
Curator: Tom Butler-Bowdon
Narrator: Laura Faye Smith