

Bookworm
Mike Schmitz and Cory Hixson
Bookworm is dedicated to doing more than just reading books. Mike Schmitz and Cory Hixson read a book every two weeks and discuss ways to apply the authors lessons to their lives.
Episodes
Mentioned books

13 snips
Apr 3, 2020 • 1h 34min
90: Good to Great by Jim Collins
What drives some companies to thrive while others stagnate? The discussion dives into Jim Collins' transformative research, revealing key traits of successful organizations. Emphasis is placed on the concept of level five leadership and the value of nurturing talent. Personal resilience is also highlighted through the story of Admiral Jim Stockdale, showcasing how hope can prevail in adversity. Finally, practical insights are offered on fostering a disciplined culture and navigating the pitfalls of modern business myths.

Mar 20, 2020 • 1h 17min
89: Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance by Robert Pirsig
Join a journey that blends motorcycle adventure with deep philosophy. The hosts explore the contrasts between classical and romantic perspectives, reflecting on how these views shape our understanding of quality. Insights on overcoming creativity blocks and appreciating life's details emerge through their discussion. They share heartfelt reflections on personal connections and the tension between logic and emotion. The narrative's complexities lead to lively debates about self-discovery and the subjective nature of philosophy. Discover how a slower pace can lead to richer experiences.

Mar 6, 2020 • 1h 36min
88: It Doesn’t Have to Be Crazy at Work
This discussion highlights the detrimental effects of long hours and excessive workloads, promoting a calmer work culture instead. Insights delve into the 'anti-goal mindset,' challenging traditional work practices. The speakers advocate for meaningful communication and defined boundaries to enhance productivity and employee well-being. They explore the emotional impacts of idea imitation and the importance of resilience. Emphasizing thoughtful decision-making, they discuss strategies to foster supportive relationships both at work and at home.

Feb 28, 2020 • 50min
Author’s Corner: Nir Eyal
Nir Eyal, author of 'Indistractable,' dives into the psychology of distraction and offers strategies to enhance focus and productivity. He emphasizes turning values into actionable time management practices and discusses the importance of cultivating connections through scheduled gatherings. Nir also shares insights on the significance of constructive feedback and how time boxing can improve household dynamics. The conversation flows into the balance between fiction and nonfiction in understanding human behavior, highlighting the path to overcoming distractions.

39 snips
Feb 21, 2020 • 1h 32min
87: Thinking, Fast and Slow by Daniel Kahneman
Dive into the fascinating world of cognitive biases and behavioral science as the speakers unravel the reasons behind our often irrational decisions. They discuss the 'thorn and rose' exercise for family conversations, showcasing the importance of gratitude. The illusion of the 'hot hand' in basketball is examined, along with the tension between intuition and algorithms in investing. They reflect on the concepts of the 'remembering self' versus the 'experiencing self,' encouraging listeners to embrace failure and personal growth.

Feb 7, 2020 • 1h 29min
86: The Art of Gathering by Priya Parker
Discover how gatherings can transform into meaningful experiences with a human-centered approach. The hosts share insights on the power of intentionality, from crafting engaging openings to fostering deep connections. Explore unique setups like intergenerational living that bridge age gaps and generate mutual understanding. Dive into sensitive topics that arise during events and the importance of authenticity in hosting. Each discussion is packed with strategies to enhance communication and make gatherings memorable.

17 snips
Jan 24, 2020 • 1h 25min
85: Making It All Work by David Allen
The hosts dive into the evolution of productivity systems, particularly the famed Getting Things Done methodology. They explore how personal experiences shape planning habits and the need for a flexible approach to task management. The conversation also critiques traditional ideas of work-life balance, offering the concept of 'intentional imbalance'. Additionally, insights on website optimization and the roles of visionary versus implementer in business frameworks are discussed, prompting listeners to reflect on their productivity strategies.

26 snips
Jan 10, 2020 • 1h 44min
84: Indistractable by Nir Eyal
In a world rife with distractions, the power of focus emerges as a crucial theme. The discussion emphasizes understanding internal and external triggers that fuel distractions. Personal anecdotes are shared about fostering meaningful connections amidst technology. Strategies like time blocking and creating pre-commitments are highlighted for boosting productivity. The conversation also explores raising indistractable kids, blending technology use with creative activities. Ultimately, listeners are encouraged to transform insights into actionable steps for better focus.

40 snips
Dec 27, 2019 • 1h 38min
83: The Infinite Game by Simon Sinek
Explore the idea of an infinite mindset and how it fosters lasting personal and professional growth. Discover the complexities of defining a 'just cause' and its power in aligning values with missions. Dive into the significance of leadership integrity and the concept of ethical fading, using real-life examples like the Wells Fargo scandal. Learn about 'worthy rivals' and how viewing competitors as growth opportunities can shape a more successful approach. Plus, insights on establishing personal purpose and fostering trust in families.

9 snips
Dec 13, 2019 • 1h 37min
82: Margin by Richard Swenson
Feeling overwhelmed? Discover the concept of 'margin' and its vital role in achieving balance and well-being. The hosts discuss prioritizing what really matters, share personal stories about vulnerability, and explore practical strategies for reducing stress. A transformative mission trip insight juxtaposed with everyday life demonstrates the disparity in urgency and patience. They also dive into actionable steps for managing tasks, resisting consumerism, and the importance of simplicity to enhance fulfillment. Grab a notepad for those life-changing insights!