BookThinkers: Life-Changing Books

In today’s episode, we have the pleasure to interview Philip Portman, author of The Three Keys to Success: Define Your Version of Success and Achieve It.Phil is a serial entrepreneur, founder and CEO of TextDrip, and a proud member of the Forbes Technology Council. He’s launched multiple startups in automation and communications, he helps businesses scale with AI-driven solutions, and even owns a horse farm in Michigan focused on employee well-being.In this episode, you’ll learn how redefining success can help you break free from hustle culture, why writing down your goals isn’t just motivational—it’s transformational, and how building self-confidence might be the most underrated driver of success.We hope you enjoy this incredible conversation with Philip Portman.To Learn More about Philip and buy his book visit: The Book: https://a.co/d/6SbH8QkWebsite/Socials: https://philportman.com/https://www.instagram.com/phil.portmanhttps://www.facebook.com/philportmanhttps://twitter.com/philportmanhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/philportman/https://www.youtube.com/@successispodcastChapters: 0:00 Intro1:23 The influence of Phil’s mom raising him and his 6 siblings3:15 The pursuit of approval limits intelligent decisions12:59 Having balance, time-freedom and making a difference18:36 The reason why you work hard20:43 Slowing down to achieve more23:20 Defining & sharing your goals with a goal-partner27:06 100 Goals to tell your life where you want to go29:59 Phil’s most ambitious accomplishment33:26 Habits of high-achievers (exercise & reading)36:13 Discipline & the habit of saying “no”39:19 Building self-confidence & pursuing discomfort43:28 To slow down time, get uncomfortable45:15 Connect with Philip & get the book!46:44 Phil’s book suggestions49:16 You are far more capable than you realize________________________________________________Join the world's largest non-fiction Book community!https://www.instagram.com/bookthinkers/The purpose of this podcast is to connect you, the listener, with new books, new mentors, and new resources that will help you achieve more and live better. Each and every episode will feature one of the world's top authors so that you know each and every time you tune-in, there is something valuable to learn. If you have any recommendations for guests, please DM them to us on Instagram. (www.instagram.com/bookthinkers)If you enjoyed this show, please consider leaving a review. It takes less than 60-seconds of your time, and really makes a difference when I am trying to land new guests. For more BookThinkers content, check out our Instagram or our website. Thank you for your time!

Join us for ⁠⁠⁠BookThinkers LIVE 2025⁠⁠⁠! Happening November 9, 2025!⁠⁠⁠https://www.bookthinkers.com/book-thinkers-live-2025In today’s episode, we have the pleasure to interview Alexis Leigh, author of Pain is a Portal to Beauty: Stunning Discoveries After Loss, Psychedelics, and Feeling It All.Alexis is an investment banker turned seeker. She brings a unique blend of grounded insight and soulful storytelling to her debut memoir, where she traces her journey through grief, inner work, and spiritual awakening. With warmth, curiosity, and honesty, Alexis invites us to rethink what it means to heal, to feel, and to live more fully.In this episode, you’ll learn how slowing down and noticing your internal world can lead to profound breakthroughs, why authentic gratitude must be rooted in truth, and how facing even the subtlest discomforts can unlock deeper self-love, healing, and joy.We hope you enjoy this incredible conversation with Alexis Leigh.To Learn More about Alexis and buy her book visit: The Book: https://a.co/d/1hzQkzRWebsite/Socials: https://www.alexisleigh.com/Chapters: 0:00 Intro0:53 “If you died today, your life would have been a tragedy”3:01 Toxic gratitude and how to honor truth9:43 Being patient with yourself and your journey12:06 David Hawkins on repressed emotions13:13 Alexis’s advice on improving self-acceptance16:38 From Christianity to psychedelics20:45 Journaling as a tool to connect the outside & inside24:17 Slowing down not to default to coping mechanisms24:55 Fasting as a form of therapy26:29 Start the inner work by shutting down stimuli & noticing things31:11 Being able to be at peace with your thoughts & emotions37:33 “You can do nothing better for me than work on yourself”38:19 You can always come back to the work when you feel the need for it39:30 Nick’s & Alexis’s first experience with psychedelics43:13 Sometimes in nothingness you find your way to healing________________________________________________Join the world's largest non-fiction Book community!https://www.instagram.com/bookthinkers/The purpose of this podcast is to connect you, the listener, with new books, new mentors, and new resources that will help you achieve more and live better. Each and every episode will feature one of the world's top authors so that you know each and every time you tune-in, there is something valuable to learn. If you have any recommendations for guests, please DM them to us on Instagram. (www.instagram.com/bookthinkers)If you enjoyed this show, please consider leaving a review. It takes less than 60-seconds of your time, and really makes a difference when I am trying to land new guests. For more BookThinkers content, check out our Instagram or our website. Thank you for your time!

Join us for ⁠⁠BookThinkers LIVE 2025⁠⁠! Happening November 9, 2025!⁠⁠https://www.bookthinkers.com/book-thinkers-live-2025In today’s episode, we have the pleasure to interview Emily Mendenhall, author of Unmasked: COVID, Community, and the Case of Okoboji. Emily is a medical anthropologist, professor at Georgetown University, and award-winning author whose research explores the intersections of health, culture, and politics. Her work has taken her from the hospital wards of Chicago to the villages of South Africa—and ultimately back to her hometown of Okoboji, Iowa during the height of the pandemic.In this episode, you’ll learn how to approach polarizing topics with curiosity instead of judgment, what the COVID pandemic revealed about collective identity and shame, and why public health isn’t just about protocols—it’s about people, empathy, and community trust.We hope you enjoy this incredible conversation with Emily Mendenhall.To Learn More about Emily and buy her book visit: The Book: https://a.co/d/h3uou4JWebsite/Socials: https://www.emilymendenhall.com/https://www.linkedin.com/in/emily-mendenhall-268b255https://www.youtube.com/@mendenhall_emhttps://twitter.com/mendenhall_emChapters: 0:00 Intro1:23  Anthropology & using it to study COVID5:53  Experiencing the pandemic in different cities9:09  Understanding the complex layers of events like the 2020 pandemic12:50 Shame and subconscious survival mechanisms14:42 Contrast between local culture & different communities17:02 Social consequences vs Business consequences22:48 An anthropologist’s view on the effects of social media25:25 How to deal with opposing perspectives and opinions35:12 Leadership in schools & the education system39:02 Emily’s future work40:09 How your decisions affect people around you in the long‑run41:10 The effects of virtual learning & education during the pandemic43:11 Emily’s perspective shifts after publishing the book47:52 The importance of long‑form content for deep understanding________________________________________________Join the world's largest non-fiction Book community!https://www.instagram.com/bookthinkers/The purpose of this podcast is to connect you, the listener, with new books, new mentors, and new resources that will help you achieve more and live better. Each and every episode will feature one of the world's top authors so that you know each and every time you tune-in, there is something valuable to learn. If you have any recommendations for guests, please DM them to us on Instagram. (www.instagram.com/bookthinkers)If you enjoyed this show, please consider leaving a review. It takes less than 60-seconds of your time, and really makes a difference when I am trying to land new guests. For more BookThinkers content, check out our Instagram or our website. Thank you for your time!

Join us for ⁠BookThinkers LIVE 2025⁠! Happening November 9, 2025!⁠https://www.bookthinkers.com/book-thinkers-live-2025In today’s episode, we have the pleasure to interview Angela Jamieson, author of Using No. 2 to Get to No. 1: The Shockingly Insightful, Full-of-Crap Self-Help Book.This is a fun one! Angela is a retired petroleum engineer turned unapologetic poop philosopher. She’s a speaker, writer, and cofounder of the School of Human Kind, known for blending science, humor, and heart to help people live more joyful, relaxed, and purpose-driven lives.In this episode, you’ll learn how to release emotional constipation and find clarity, why relaxed productivity beats burnout every time, and how to stop comparing your life to others and finally enjoy your own path.We hope you enjoy this fun conversation with Angela Jamieson.To Learn More about Angela and buy her book visit: The Book: https://a.co/d/6fcSWoRFREEBIE: https://www.angelajamieson.com/5regretsfreeWebsite: https://www.angelajamieson.comLinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/angejamiesonInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/angelajamiesonfungFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=615604697740110:00 Intro1:26 Experiences from Angela’s youth that led to her book  5:33 Angela’s personal development influences  6:51 Learning to care for each other and to see the human side  11:16 Only you know what is going on in your life & digestive system  13:51 Abraham Hicks, Infinite Intelligence & Inner Engineering  20:36 Angela’s unique experience in Somalia  23:01 The small things are the big things  24:31 Tips on avoiding mental & emotional constipation  28:06 The joy of life is in the contrast, embrace it  33:21 Compassion & acceptance  35:20 Final flush: celebrate who you are  ________________________________________________Join the world's largest non-fiction Book community!https://www.instagram.com/bookthinkers/The purpose of this podcast is to connect you, the listener, with new books, new mentors, and new resources that will help you achieve more and live better. Each and every episode will feature one of the world's top authors so that you know each and every time you tune-in, there is something valuable to learn. If you have any recommendations for guests, please DM them to us on Instagram. (www.instagram.com/bookthinkers)If you enjoyed this show, please consider leaving a review. It takes less than 60-seconds of your time, and really makes a difference when I am trying to land new guests. For more BookThinkers content, check out our Instagram or our website. Thank you for your time!

Join Rick Walker, the author and high-impact founder, as he shares insights from his journey of building a life of meaning. He discusses how to escape the comfort zone that hinders potential and emphasizes the importance of choosing a worthy enemy to ignite purpose. Rick dives into the value of embracing discomfort for long-term gains and navigating regrets tied to societal expectations. Plus, discover the power of early mornings and timeless wisdom drawn from ancient texts to improve personal development and foster authentic living.

Join us for ⁠BookThinkers LIVE 2025⁠! Happening November 9, 2025!⁠https://www.bookthinkers.com/book-thinkers-live-2025In today’s episode, we have the pleasure to interview Jason Su, author of The Joy of Poker: Win More With Less Stress And No Regrets.Jason is a longtime cash game pro, performance coach, and the founder of Poker With Presence. Over the last two decades, he’s coached high-level poker players, athletes, and entrepreneurs—helping them master the mental game, stay grounded under pressure, and rediscover the joy in peak performance.Whether you’re a poker enthusiast or a business professional, this conversation is packed with powerful insights that transcend the felt. You’ll learn how to cultivate emotional intelligence in high-stakes environments, the role of presence and acceptance in long-term success, and why true performance isn’t about grinding harder—it’s about being fully here.We hope you enjoy this incredible conversation with Jason Su.To Learn More about Jason and buy his book visit: The Book: https://a.co/d/2zL5DkMWebsite/Socials: https://www.pokerwithpresence.com/https://x.com/jasonbsuhttps://www.youtube.com/@pokerwithpresence Chapters: 0:00 Intro1:33   Jason’s story with poker and tennis  8:10   Being present, playful & energized  14:19  Learning to delegate  16:34  Why thinking doesn’t solve emotional problems  23:04  Improving your performance through inner work  28:52  Jason’s profits & losses in poker  30:05  Emotions are neutral  31:44  Presence is a skill & you can cultivate it  35:26  Stoicism, meditation and the delusion of control  40:21  The path of acceptance  47:34  Achievements that are sustainable and enjoyable  53:59  The importance of celebration  57:40  How clarity impacts confidence  ________________________________________________Join the world's largest non-fiction Book community!https://www.instagram.com/bookthinkers/The purpose of this podcast is to connect you, the listener, with new books, new mentors, and new resources that will help you achieve more and live better. Each and every episode will feature one of the world's top authors so that you know each and every time you tune-in, there is something valuable to learn. If you have any recommendations for guests, please DM them to us on Instagram. (www.instagram.com/bookthinkers)If you enjoyed this show, please consider leaving a review. It takes less than 60-seconds of your time, and really makes a difference when I am trying to land new guests. For more BookThinkers content, check out our Instagram or our website. Thank you for your time!

Join us for ⁠BookThinkers LIVE 2025⁠! Happening November 9, 2025!⁠https://www.bookthinkers.com/book-thinkers-live-2025In today’s episode, we have the pleasure to interview Chef Aaron Young, author of ChefauChef: Feed the Dream: A Caterer’s Guide to Purpose, Profit, and People.Aaron is a personal chef, entrepreneur, and the founder of ChefauChef LLC — a catering company built on faith, family values, and heartfelt hospitality. Since 2012, he’s transformed his side hustle into a Midwest staple, serving weddings, Greek houses, corporate events, and everyday families with purpose-driven food and an unshakable belief that meals create moments.In this episode, you’ll learn how to turn your personal story into a thriving business, why fun and empathy are the secret ingredients of great leadership, and what it really takes to serve others with excellence — in food, in business, and in life.We hope you enjoy this incredible conversation with Chef Aaron Young.To Learn More about Chef Aaron and buy his book visit: The Book: https://a.co/d/fwbtqcMWebsite/Socials: https://www.chefauchef.com/https://www.instagram.com/chefauchef/https://www.facebook.com/chefauchefLLChttp://youtube.com/@WhamBamLNK0:00 Intro1:32  The story & meaning behind “ChefauChef”4:05  Becoming hard working because of his parents8:23  Valuing your parents & family13:34  Sharing joy and having fun15:11  Aaron’s value of fun and its impact on his business18:16  A.Y.’s first stages as a chef20:11  Lessons from a business coach22:41  Empathy, service and hospitality28:03  Creating his own catering company33:55  Natural momentum and looking for opportunities34:41  EOS & the unsexy part of running a business39:56  Where to find Aaron’s book40:46  Book Suggestion: “Fans First” & some last questions

Join us for ⁠BookThinkers LIVE 2025⁠! Happening November 9, 2025!⁠https://www.bookthinkers.com/book-thinkers-live-2025In today’s episode, we have the pleasure to interview Paul Musson, author of Capital Offense: Why Some Benefit At Your Expense.Paul is a veteran investment expert and the founder of Paddington Capital Management. With over 30 years in the financial industry—most notably as the lead portfolio manager for the Ivy Funds at Mackenzie Investments—he brings a deep, insider understanding of how our economic system truly works. Through his blog, Paulitical Economy, Paul breaks down complex economic issues into clear, actionable insights for everyday people.In this episode, you’ll learn why inflation is a hidden form of wealth transfer, how central bank policies distort real value, and what every citizen needs to understand about the money system before it's too late. Paul also shares why he believes education—not conspiracy—is the key to systemic change.Now get ready to learn and enjoy this incredible conversation with Paul Musson.To Learn More about Paul and buy his book visit: The Book: https://a.co/d/dn2UPLVWebsite/Socials: https://paddingtoncapitalmgmt.com/https://x.com/paddingtoncap Chapters: 0:00 Intro1:34 Problems for investors bad policies makers and short-term views8:09 Understanding motivations of key financial agents11:23 Becoming aware of what is going on17:28 How to communicate relevant information with simplicity21:40 What is money and capital creation?28:46 Benefits from inflation for the government30:54 The problem with the housing market and redistribution of wealth without capital creation39:31 Consequences of current economic policies for young adults47:31 “Be free & do no harm”________________________________________________Join the world's largest non-fiction Book community!https://www.instagram.com/bookthinkers/The purpose of this podcast is to connect you, the listener, with new books, new mentors, and new resources that will help you achieve more and live better. Each and every episode will feature one of the world's top authors so that you know each and every time you tune-in, there is something valuable to learn. If you have any recommendations for guests, please DM them to us on Instagram. (www.instagram.com/bookthinkers)If you enjoyed this show, please consider leaving a review. It takes less than 60-seconds of your time, and really makes a difference when I am trying to land new guests. For more BookThinkers content, check out our Instagram or our website. Thank you for your time!

Join us for ⁠BookThinkers LIVE 2025⁠! Happening November 9, 2025!⁠https://www.bookthinkers.com/book-thinkers-live-2025In today’s episode, we have the pleasure to interview Erin Krueger, author of Capture the Culture: The Proven Plan to Rise Above the Challenges, Build a Powerhouse Team, & Take Your Business to the Next Level.Erin is a nationally recognized real estate expert, bestselling author, and CEO of The Erin Krueger Team at Compass. After starting her career in corporate marketing, she became the #1 realtor in Tennessee and built one of the top-ranked real estate teams in the U.S., earning recognition from The Wall Street Journal and REAL Trends.In this episode, you’ll learn how to build a winning culture that scales, the 4-step hiring system Erin uses to find and keep top talent, and how her unconventional entrepreneurial journey—from vending machines to $2 billion in real estate sales—can help you rise above the challenges in your own business.We hope you enjoy this incredible conversation with Erin Krueger.To Learn More about Erin and buy her book visit: The Book: https://a.co/d/gi9jCrCWebsite: https://erinkrueger.com/https://www.instagram.com/theerinkruegerteamhttps://www.tiktok.com/@theerinkruegerteamhttps://www.youtube.com/channel/UCCEJ8OPlohyNVvLYor_dovQhttps://www.facebook.com/TheErinKruegerTeamChapters:0:00 Intro1:32 The unexpected impact of Erin’s book3:14 Standing up for what is right7:18 Tips on hiring, getting hired & company culture15:58 Hiring slowly and growing an elite team19:09 How to implement this as a small business22:57 Encouraging team involvement through openness25:52 Erin’s grind to launch a vending machine business31:19 Book suggestions: “The Energy Bus” & “Who Not How”36:37 Difficulties don’t define you: fall forward________________________________________________Join the world's largest non-fiction Book community!https://www.instagram.com/bookthinkers/The purpose of this podcast is to connect you, the listener, with new books, new mentors, and new resources that will help you achieve more and live better. Each and every episode will feature one of the world's top authors so that you know each and every time you tune-in, there is something valuable to learn. If you have any recommendations for guests, please DM them to us on Instagram. (www.instagram.com/bookthinkers)If you enjoyed this show, please consider leaving a review. It takes less than 60-seconds of your time, and really makes a difference when I am trying to land new guests. For more BookThinkers content, check out our Instagram or our website. Thank you for your time!

Join us for ⁠BookThinkers LIVE 2025⁠! Happening November 9, 2025!⁠https://www.bookthinkers.com/book-thinkers-live-2025In today’s episode, we have the pleasure to interview Leslie Venetz, author of Profit Generating Pipeline: A Proven Formula to Earn Trust and Drive Revenue.Leslie is a globally recognized B2B sales expert, corporate trainer, and founder of The Sales-Led GTM Agency. With nearly two decades of experience, she’s personally made over 250,000 cold calls, trained thousands of sellers, and delivered hundreds of keynotes and workshops across four continents. Her insights have reached over 100 million people worldwide and earned her honors like the 2024 Sales Innovator of the Year.In this episode, you’ll learn how to reframe objections with gratitude, simplify outreach without sacrificing personalization, and build a sales process rooted in trust—not tricks. Leslie also opens up about what it really takes to write a sales book that actually works in today’s market.We hope you enjoy this incredible conversation with Leslie Venetz.To Learn More about Leslie and buy her book visit: The Book: https://a.co/d/8GEB8A1Website/Socials: https://www.salesledgtm.com/http://www.youtube.com/@b2bsalescoachhttps://www.tiktok.com/@salestipstokhttps://www.instagram.com/b2bsalescoach/Chapters: 0:00 Intro1:36 Alison’s book marketing journey to get her book to the right readers  7:55 Sometimes writing is about healing the broken parts inside of us  10:30 Writing to say “this is my truth”  17:35 Having a greater meaning in life  21:31 What part of your story matters to whom?  24:34 Impact vs Virality  25:46 Helping women find their identity  31:55 Substance & depth in good books  38:15 Writing a book with feedback from your audience  42:47 Where to connect with Alison________________________________________________Join the world's largest non-fiction Book community!https://www.instagram.com/bookthinkers/The purpose of this podcast is to connect you, the listener, with new books, new mentors, and new resources that will help you achieve more and live better. Each and every episode will feature one of the world's top authors so that you know each and every time you tune-in, there is something valuable to learn. If you have any recommendations for guests, please DM them to us on Instagram. (www.instagram.com/bookthinkers)If you enjoyed this show, please consider leaving a review. It takes less than 60-seconds of your time, and really makes a difference when I am trying to land new guests. For more BookThinkers content, check out our Instagram or our website. Thank you for your time!