

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

53 snips
May 24, 2019 • 1h 31min
68: How to Take Smart Notes by Sönke Ahrens
Discover how to conquer the blank page with effective note-taking techniques! The discussion dives into the Zettelkasten method, emphasizing simplicity and personal adaptation. Explore the significance of developing interconnected ideas and creating a personal knowledge base. Personal anecdotes highlight the struggle with writer's block and the balance between creativity and structure. Plus, learn about practical digital tools like Notion and Hook for enhancing productivity while developing a writing habit. It's a treasure trove for aspiring writers!

May 10, 2019 • 1h 51min
67: Quiet by Susan Cain
Delve into the world of introversion and its often-overlooked strengths. The hosts discuss how societal norms favor extroverts, critiquing this ideal while sharing personal reflections on personality types. They explore the balance of collaboration and creativity, especially how introverts can thrive in group settings. The conversation also highlights the intersection of sensitivity and market dynamics, revealing interesting dynamics between introverts and risk. Join them as they champion the value of individuality and emotional intelligence in navigating an extroverted world.

Apr 26, 2019 • 1h 29min
66: Extreme Ownership by Jocko Willink & Leif Babin
Explore the transformative concept of extreme ownership and how it shapes leadership and personal accountability. The hosts delve into powerful military anecdotes that illustrate the importance of taking responsibility for one's actions. They discuss decentralized command, empowering team members, and effective communication within families and organizations. Listeners also get insights on upcoming book selections, including personal reflections, and tips for navigating the complexities of leadership while fostering collaboration.

Apr 12, 2019 • 1h 49min
65: Drunk Tank Pink by Adam Alter
Explore how subtle environmental cues shape our thoughts and behaviors, from colors impacting performance to the power of labels in shaping identity. Discover the complexities of individualism versus collectivism and how these cultural frameworks inform our social interactions. Delve into the influence of digital decluttering on meaningful connections, and examine the intriguing dynamics between male behavior and attraction. This discussion uncovers the fascinating interplay between context, emotion, and societal patterns.

51 snips
Mar 29, 2019 • 1h 45min
64: Digital Minimalism by Cal Newport
Smartphones have reshaped our lives, leading to discussions about digital addiction and the search for solutions. The hosts dive into Cal Newport's concept of digital minimalism, initially skeptical but ultimately intrigued by its fresh take on technology use. They explore balancing tech with meaningful interactions and highlight the need for leisure in improving well-being. By reflecting on Amish tech adoption and advocating for deeper connections over superficial online interactions, they promote a more intentional use of our digital space.

58 snips
Feb 28, 2019 • 1h 37min
63: Atomic Habits by James Clear
Can small habits really transform your life and deliver amazing results? Author James Clear believes they can. In today’s episode, Joe and Mike revisit a familiar topic to tackle one of Bookworm’s most requested books and see if it lives up to the hype.
Links – Bookworm sweatshirt – 10% Happier w/ Gary Vaynerchuk – Bookworm #62: The Four Tendencies by Gretchen Rubin – Procourse – Atomic Habits by James Clear – Leadershift by John Maxwell – Will it Fly by Pat Flynn (Audible) – Bookworm #52: The Power of Habit by Charles Duhigg – Bookworm #16: The Checklist Manifesto by Atul Gawande – Deep Work by Cal Newport – The One Thing by Gary Keller & Jay Papasan – Bookworm Club – Productivity in Tech interview – Yamaha Method – Streaks – Bookworm #43: Flow by Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi – Personal Retreat Handbook – Bookworm #49: Peak by Anders Ericsson – Personality Test – Faith-Based Productivity – Digital Minimalism by Cal Newport – Drunk Tank Pink by Adam Atler – It Doesn’t Have Be Crazy at Work by Jason Fried & David Heinemeier Hansson – Recommend a Book – Book List – Leave a Review
Mike's Rating: 5.0Cory's Rating: 5.0

15 snips
Feb 13, 2019 • 1h 40min
62: The Four Tendencies by Gretchen Rubin
Have you ever struggled to achieve a goal, even though you were fully committed to and believed in it? Today’s book gives you a simple framework to help you understand why. Join Joe & Mike as they try to understand themselves a little bit better.
Links
– Oak meditation app
– Bookworm 56: Hyperfocus by (and with) Chris Bailey
– Headspace
– Bookworm Club conversation on Blink
– Bookworm 61: Blink my Malcolm Gladwell
– Atomic Habits by James Clear
– The Four Tendencies by Gretchen Rubin
– Gretchen Rubin’s podcast
– The Four Tendencies Quiz
– Person Retreat Handbook
– Conative Connection by Kathy Kolbe
– Kolbe Type A assessment
– StrengthsFinder
– Leadershift by John Maxwell
– Digital Minimalism by Cal Newport
– Hurry Slowly with Cal Newport
– Bookworm Club
– Book List
– Leave a RatingMike's Rating: 3.5Cory's Rating: 4.0

8 snips
Jan 29, 2019 • 1h 32min
61: Blink by Malcolm Gladwell
Your brain is an incredibly powerful computer, rapidly processing information to help you make better decisions – except when it doesn’t. Should you really trust your first impressions? Join Joe & Mike as they dive into the world of rapid cognition and thinking without thinking.
Links
– Bookworm shirts
– Prodcon
– GoodNotes
– The Focus Course
– Faith-Based Productivity
– Blink by Malcolm Gladwell
– Bookworm #52: The Power of Habit by Charles Duhigg
– Implicit Association Tests
– Bookworm #16: The Checklist Manifesto by Atul Gawande
– Herman Miller Aeron chair
– Pepsi Challenge (YouTube)
– SCAA Coffee Taster’s Flavor Wheel
– Coffee Grading criteria
– The Best Grocery Store Coffees, Ranked by a Barista
– Bookworm #56: Hyperfocus by (and with) Chris Bailey
– The Four Tendencies by Gretchen Rubin
– Atomic Habits by James Clear
– Everyday Millionaires by Chris Hogan
– Bookworm Club
– Book List
– Leave a Rating
Mike's Rating: 3.0Cory's Rating: 3.5

99 snips
Jan 15, 2019 • 2h 17min
60: The One Thing by Gary Keller & Jay Papasan
Is it true that less is more? When it comes to goal achievement, Gary Keller & Jay Papasan say, “Aboslutely!” In today’s episode, Joe & Mike dive into the surprisingly simple truth behind extraordinary results to see if the answer really is that profound or if Mike is just remembering one of his favorite books through sentimental, rose-colored glasses.
Links
– Das Keyboard Model S Professional
– Mike’s Mac Mini
– Synology DS418
– OWC 32GB RAM upgrade for Mac Mini
– Bookworm #59: Being Mortal by Atul Gawande
– Free Agents #63: Lessons Learned
– Bookworm #1: Getting Things Done by David Allen
– Mac Power Users
– Bookworm #50: 2018 Bookworm Draft
– Domino Chain Reaction (YouTube)
– Goal Setting Workshop (Replay)
– Bookworm #56: Hyperfocus by (and with) Chris Bailey
– Atomic Habits by James Clear
– Bookworm #14: 12 Week Year by Brian Moran & Michael Lennington
– Faith-Based Productivity
– Bookworm #38: Mindset by Carol Dweck
– Personal Retreat Handbook
– Bookworm #49: Peak by Anders Ericsson
– The Miracle Morning by Hal Elrod
– 30 Lessons for Living by Karl Pillemer
– Blink by Malcolm Gladwell
– The Four Tendencies by Gretchen Rubin
– The Magic of Thinking Big by David Schwartz
– Bookworm Club
– Book List
– Leave a Rating
Mike's Rating: 5.0Cory's Rating: 4.0

Dec 27, 2018 • 1h 45min
59: Being Mortal by Atul Gawande
No matter how careful we are or how healthy our habits, one day we will all die. In this episode, Joe & Mike tackle their most uncomfortable topic yet as they consider how to bring meaning and purpose to end of life care.
Links
– Free Agents #63: Lessons Learned
– Personal Retreat Course (coupon code BOOKWORM to save 50% before 1/1/2019)
– Free Agents #58: A Better Path, with Joe Buhlig
– Mac Power Users Forum
– Productivity Guild
– Mike’s Goal Setting Workshop on 1/5/2019
– Mike’s Newsletter + Book Notes
– Michael Diamond’s Great Books List
– Michael Diamond in the news
– Bookworm #16: The Checklist Manifesto by Atul Gawande
– Asylums by Erving Goffman
– 30 Lessons for Living by Karl Pillemer
– Patch Adams
– Bookworm #57: Predictably Irrational by Dan Ariely
– Bookworm #32: Art of Thinking Clearly by Ralf Dobelli
– Bookworm #44: Man’s Search for Meaning b y Victor Frankl
– Bookworm #56: Hyperfocus by (and with) Chris Bailey
– Bookworm #43: Flow by Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi
– The One Thing by Gary Keller and Jay Papasan
– Blink by Malcolm Gladwell
– Faith-Based Productivity
– Do More Better by Tim Challies
– MindNode
– SetApp
– Knowledge Without College #15: Mike Schmitz
– Bookworm Club
– Book List
– Leave a Rating
Mike's Rating: 4.0Cory's Rating: 5.0


