A Mug of Insights

Robin Waldun
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Nov 19, 2025 • 17min

031: A Two-Step Plan To Make A Reading Routine STICK

Struggling to maintain a reading habit? Discover a two-step plan that emphasizes joy over pressure. Learn how negative experiences can block enjoyment and why choosing pleasurable books is crucial. Small daily goals are highlighted as more effective than grand plans. Find out how pairing reading with daily activities can seamlessly integrate it into your life. Plus, explore the long-term benefits of consistent reading routines that naturally grow your skills and volume.
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11 snips
Nov 12, 2025 • 45min

030: Why Reading Intimidates Us, Fiction vs. Non-Fiction, and How To Start A Book Club

Explore the reasons why fiction can feel more daunting than nonfiction and how it fosters empathy. Get tips on starting a book club that everyone values, ensuring steadfast commitment. Learn strategies to avoid reading fatigue by matching book difficulty with ability and savoring your reading time. Discover the benefits of sampling books like fine whiskey and the importance of connecting with diverse reading communities. Plus, find out how to read efficiently and effectively while keeping the joy alive!
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10 snips
Nov 5, 2025 • 11min

029: Stop Wasting Time On Note-Taking

Discover the transformative idea that taking fewer notes can enhance your learning experience. Explore the concepts of field notes, capturing insights instead of drowning in transcription. Learn how succinct personal notes can trigger joyful recall of revelations and improve retention. The discussion emphasizes the balance between capturing key ideas and allowing for deeper understanding, making studying more engaging. Dive into practical strategies for using anchors and rereading to deepen your comprehension across various mediums.
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15 snips
Oct 29, 2025 • 29min

028: The Power of A Digital Declutter

Discover how to reclaim your life from social media through a transformative three-step plan. Explore the importance of intentionality in defining hobbies beyond screens. Learn about Cal Newport's 30-day digital declutter and personal rules for cutting digital clutter from your life. Hear practical advice on exchanging digital addictions for analog activities, like learning an instrument or practicing martial arts. Finally, join the movement of attention resistance to use technology mindfully and reshape your focus.
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38 snips
Oct 22, 2025 • 21min

027: How Great Readers See Books Differently

Explore the fascinating world of exceptional readers and their unique habits. Discover how a mindset shift from extractive to appreciative reading can enhance your experience. Learn why many struggle with reading and how a simple change can restore joy. Robin shares insights from Maslow's work and highlights the impact of educational systems on reading habits. Dive into the contrast between quick online reading and enjoying a well-crafted book, unlocking a new rhythm for a fulfilling reading life.
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10 snips
Oct 15, 2025 • 30min

026: How To Stay Informed Without Going Insane

In this engaging discussion, the host tackles the challenge of staying informed without getting overwhelmed. They explore how modern news can create echo chambers and emotional overload, urging listeners to seek out long-form journalism for deeper understanding. Recommendations include curating a small set of reliable news sources and creating a dedicated reading device to enhance focus. The host also suggests adopting a weekly reading ritual to savor articles, helping to counter bias and promote dialectical thinking. It's a refreshing take on mindful news consumption!
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29 snips
Oct 8, 2025 • 23min

025: How To Read 6 Books A Month

Discover how to supercharge your reading habits with five vital lessons that make devouring six books a month achievable! Learn to shift focus from book counts to enjoying the journey, and turn reading into a default habit rather than a chore. Explore the importance of auditing your tech to reclaim precious reading time, and find joyful engagement by embracing eclectic content. Lastly, discover how to curate distractions intentionally and sustain your excitement for reading like never before!
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Oct 1, 2025 • 22min

024: Do You Need An English Degree To Read Well?

Is an English degree necessary to enjoy reading? Explore the surprising history of literature's amateur roots versus today's academic approaches. Discover how specialization may diminish the joy of reading for pleasure, creating divides between casual and trained readers. Reflect on the passion that drives reading outside formal training. Learn ways to keep the love of literature alive while borrowing useful insights from academia. Embrace the joy of reading like a child and approach texts with curiosity!
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10 snips
Sep 24, 2025 • 29min

023: A Defence of Long-Form Reading In Our Distracted Age

Explore the changing landscape of long-form reading in an age dominated by smartphones. Discover the paradox of reading more words but retaining less knowledge. Delve into the advantages of sustained attention and how it transforms scattered information into coherent narratives. Learn about the cognitive benefits and how to train your focus through a digital diet. The conversation highlights practical steps to reclaim your attention and make long-form reading the new norm.
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16 snips
Sep 17, 2025 • 23min

022: Reclaiming The Joy of Reading From Our Productivity Culture

Explore how productivity systems can stifle the joy of reading in our fast-paced world. Discover the paradox of methods like 'Getting Things Done,' which may hinder rather than help personal engagement. Embrace the idea of creating a reading experience tailored to your unique interests. Learn about the power of resonance journals as tools for deepening literary connections. Finally, the importance of introspection shines through as a way to build a fulfilling and personal reading approach.

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