
BookThinkers: Life-Changing Books
The World's #1 Personal Development Book Podcast!
Each week, we interview one of the world's top authors and help you discover new books, new mentors and new resources that you can use to achieve more and live better. The right book at the right time will change your life.
Nicholas Hutchison, the host of Life-Changing Books, is a founder of BookThinkers and has used these books to improve his life in every way imaginable. Behind the podcast, our team at BookThinkers is dedicated to building educational tools and social communities that you can use to fulfill your potential.
Enjoy the show!
Latest episodes

Jul 17, 2025 • 42min
250. Mike Baker | The Optimists Way
In today’s episode, we have the pleasure to interview Mike Baker, author of The Optimist’s Way: Rising With Hope Toward Purpose and Light.Mike is a CEO, artist, musician, and father of three who’s spent decades leading with empathy in community healthcare while creating art and music that amplify hope. He’s the founder of The Optimist’s Way — a movement and a message rooted in resilience, creativity, and connection.In this episode, you’ll learn why optimism isn’t blind positivity — it’s a daily, conscious choice rooted in presence and purpose; how slowing down helps you find meaning in the chaos; and how Mike’s creative use of AI has opened new doors for storytelling, healing, and expression.We hope enjoy this incredible conversation with Mike Baker.To Learn More about Mike and buy his book visit: The Book: https://a.co/d/025B2IqWebsite/Socials: https://mikebakerhq.com/https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100091396103160https://www.youtube.com/@Mike-BakerMusichttps://www.linkedin.com/in/mikebaker1398/https://tiktok.com/@mikebakerhqhttps://instagram.com/infinitecanvasai**Chapters may slightly vary depending on ad placement**Chapters: 0:00 Intro1:24 Why optimism & gratitude are important in a chaotic world2:51 Realistic optimism vs toxic positivity (“show your work!”)7:08 Stoic joy: Understanding what you control & your choices10:34 Deep meaning in Mike Baker’s book14:06 The need for the optimist’s way16:01 AI’s role in creating art with Mike20:52 Tired about life? Go the optimist’s way21:46 Your attention is a form of love25:36 Making others feel like a million bucks30:26 Slowing down & letting your brain breathe33:45 Being quicker to forgive & say sorry35:40 Where to find Mike36:24 Ironmans & Spartan Races39:02 Slow down and find the beauty around you40:09 Mike’s mentors & their influence________________________________________________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!

Jul 10, 2025 • 44min
249. Kim Butler | Busting the Scarcity Mindset: Your Guide to Becoming a Prosperity Thinker
The World’s #1 Personal Development Book Podcast! —————————————————————In today’s episode, we have the pleasure to interview Kim Butler, author of many books including Busting the Scarcity Mindset: Your Guide to Becoming a Prosperity Thinker.Kim is the founder of Prosperity Thinkers, co-founder of the Prosperity Economics Movement, and the author of eleven paradigm-shifting financial books. She’s been helping families and entrepreneurs build wealth without Wall Street for over 30 years. A former financial planner who walked away from conventional practices, Kim is now a nationally recognized expert in whole life strategies, cash flow control, and building lifelong prosperity.In this episode, you’ll learn why scarcity thinking shows up more often than you realize, how to actively retrain your mindset using the 7 Principles of Prosperity, and why gratitude—not budgeting—is the real secret to abundance.We hope you enjoy this incredible conversation with Kim Butler.To Learn More about Kim and buy her book visit: The Book: https://a.co/d/fF6sUQ5Website/Socials: prosperitythinkers.com/bookthinkershttps://prosperityparents.com/https://bustingscarcitymindset.com/https://www.linkedin.com/in/kimdhbutler/https://www.youtube.com/user/KimButlerP4Phttps://twitter.com/kimdhbutlerChapters: 0:00 Intro1:30 Learning personal finance through books and audiobooks5:47 Kim’s first book “Leave your life insurance”7:34 Publishing a book through Amazon8:54 How Kim’s wisdom helps you bust the scarcity mindset11:53 What to do about the scarcity mindset (praising & gratitude)18:42 Gratitude is the antithesis of scarcity22:49 The habit of scarcity25:27 Positive affirmations to counteract the scarcity mindset29:48 Who should read Kim’s book34:52 Prosperity Parents: Expectations, Earning, E…________________________________________________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!

Jul 3, 2025 • 45min
248. Marco Pasqua | From Potential to Purpose: Your Guide to Authentic Connections.
The World’s #1 Personal Development Book Podcast! In today’s episode, we have the pleasure to interview Marco Pasqua, author of From Potential to Purpose: Your Guide to Authentic Connections.Marco is an award-winning entrepreneur, accessibility consultant, and inspirational speaker. Born with cerebral palsy, he’s spent over a decade helping global brands and organizations create more inclusive environments — all while showing others how to turn life’s obstacles into fuel for growth. He’s delivered TEDx talks, advised governments, and created a framework that’s changing lives.In this episode, you’ll learn how Marco’s CUBE Principle can help you creatively utilize your best energy to overcome challenges, how to reframe limitations into launchpads for purpose, and why authentic connection — to people, passions, and yourself — is the key to lasting success.We hope you enjoy this incredible conversation with Marco Pasqua.To Learn More about Marco and buy his book visit: The Book: https://a.co/d/cx8355ZWebsite/Socials: https://www.marcopasqua.com/https://www.instagram.com/marcogpasqua/https://www.facebook.com/RealMarcoPasquahttps://www.youtube.com/@MarcoPasquahttps://twitter.com/Marco_PasquaChapters: 0:00 Intro1:30 “Back to the Future”’s impact on Marco’s life and on how he sees life2:48 The importance of entertainment and action4:11 Identifying signs that you are on the right track in your life6:42 A story Nick has never shared before about the number 429:08 The importance of gratitude and acknowledging serendipity12:30 Why Marco didn’t define himself with the word “disability”15:58 Marco’s experience using NLP to influence someone18:56 Bradley Cooper’s “Limitless” & NLP21:39 Creatively utilizing your best energy & connecting25:18 Finding your tribe28:47 Setting boundaries is as important as showing love (Parenting)30:49 Cultivating emotional intelligence as a parent32:58 Bringing an older version of yourself to give you wisdom34:51 The butterfly effect and being aware of your choices36:44 Nick’s story with a member of the BookThinkers family in Croatia42:18 Where to find Marco’s book and work43:56 Marco’s one message to the world________________________________________________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!

Jun 26, 2025 • 38min
247. Bill Zujewsk | What's Your Life Score?
In today’s episode, we have the pleasure to interview Bill Zujewski, author of What’s Your Life Score: A Playbook for Designing Your Best Life.Bill is a tech executive turned founder, author, and the creator of the GoodLiife Score — a personal balanced life scorecard that helps people design lives full of purpose, health, and happiness. After decades leading high-growth companies and raising a family, he’s now dedicated to helping others measure what really matters and live more intentionally.In this episode, you’ll learn how to identify the most important areas of your life and actually track your progress, why measuring your “Zen Score” might be the wake-up call you didn’t know you needed, and how designing a good life starts with one powerful habit: self-reflection.We hope you enjoy this incredible conversation with Bill Zujewski.To Learn More about Bill and buy his book visit: The Book: https://a.co/d/jjLu0t4Website/Socials: https://www.goodliife.com/https://www.facebook.com/goodliifeLLC/https://www.instagram.com/goodliifellc/https://twitter.com/GoodLiifeLLChttps://www.linkedin.com/company/goodliife/Chapters: 0:00 Intro1:27 Life advice for Bill’s kids and building strong relationships5:42 Reflecting on life and how you’d feel if it ended today11:53 Dreaming, daily goals, and stacking small wins14:39 Using reflection questions to plan and take action17:22 Exploring income options while pursuing your purpose24:48 How coaching and accountability can drive progress30:23 What balance really means and how it evolves33:32 Thoughts on relationships, partnerships, and family35:43 How CEOs influenced Bill’s perspective________________________________________________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!

Jun 19, 2025 • 37min
246. Ryan Leak | How to Work with Complicated People
The World’s #1 Personal Development Book Podcast! In today’s episode, we have the pleasure to interview Ryan Leak, author of How to Work with Complicated People: Strategies for Effective Collaboration with (Nearly) Anyone.Ryan is a New York Times bestselling author, executive coach, and speaker who delivers over 100 keynote talks a year to Fortune 100 companies, pro sports teams, and world-class organizations. He’s also the author of Leveling Up and Chasing Failure, and his mission is to help people lead better, collaborate better, and live better—even when it’s complicated.In this episode, you’ll learn why the people around you matter more than the job title on your résumé, how to improve your own emotional intelligence before expecting it from others, and practical ways to transform tension into teamwork, especially when working with difficult personalities.We hope you enjoy this incredible conversation with Ryan Leak.To Learn More about Ryan and buy his book visit: The Book: https://a.co/d/cMUREncWebsite/Socials: https://www.ryanleak.com/https://www.instagram.com/ryanleakhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/ryanleak/https://www.facebook.com/theryanleak/https://www.youtube.com/c/ryanleakChapters: 0:00 Intro1:26 Being seen as difficult and becoming easier to work with6:01 Bringing self-awareness into your work dynamics10:22 Respecting others’ pace and using assessment tools13:39 Encouraging open disagreement and honest conversations20:27 Preparing talks by asking what the audience needs23:34 Starting with small public content to test bigger ideas30:00 How the book improves understanding in relationships32:45 Ways to reach Ryan33:10 A personal story and summary of key ideas________________________________________________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!

Jun 12, 2025 • 45min
245. Dr. Emily Anhalt | Flex Your Feelings
The World’s #1 Personal Development Book Podcast! ————————————————————————————————In today’s episode, we have the pleasure to interview Dr. Emily Anhalt, author of Flex Your Feelings: Train Your Brain to Develop the 7 Traits of Emotional Fitness.Dr. Emily is a clinical psychologist, executive coach, and cofounder of COA — the gym for mental health. Over the past two decades, she has worked with hundreds of leaders and high performers, conducted original research with top psychologists and entrepreneurs, and collaborated with companies like Google, Salesforce, and the NBA to promote emotional fitness at scale.In this episode, you’ll learn why discomfort is the gateway to everything meaningful in life, how to build emotional fitness through seven powerful traits, and what it really looks like to “train your brain” for success in business, leadership, and relationships.We hope you enjoy this incredible conversation with Dr. Emily Anhalt.To Learn More about Dr. Emily and buy her book visit: The Book: https://a.co/d/gWQWNoGWebsite/Socials: https://www.dremilyanhalt.com/https://www.instagram.com/dremilyanhalt/https://x.com/dremilyanhalthttps://www.linkedin.com/in/dremilyanhalt/01:26 Elmo, emotional intelligence, and how the pandemic raised awareness of mental health 03:11 Discomfort as a necessary part of growth 07:04 Cultural attitudes toward mental fitness vs. physical fitness 12:36 Why co-founder conflicts are a leading cause of startup failure 14:43 Intergenerational trauma and healing 17:34 Emotional literacy in schools and society 19:46 The 7 traits of emotionally healthy individuals 22:13 Practical examples of emotional fitness habits 24:23 Using mindfulness to handle discomfort 27:10 Curiosity as a tool for self-reflection 27:52 Self-awareness and mindfulness for emotional regulation 29:33 Building resilience through experience and philosophy 32:28 Understanding and applying empathy 33:46 What effective communication involves 35:17 The role of playfulness in emotional well-being 36:37 Emotional growth through consistent practice 40:13 Using physical practices to develop emotional strengthJoin 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!

Jun 5, 2025 • 40min
244. Dr. Sylvia Rohde-Liebenau | Who's In Charge?
The World’s #1 Personal Development Book Podcast! In today’s episode, we have the pleasure to interview Dr. Sylvia Rohde-Liebenau, author of Who’s In Charge? Lead with Real Power and Create an Impact in a Chaotic World.Dr. Sylvia is an executive coach to leaders and changemakers, she has a PhD in international relations, and is the founder of the SMART Power Method. She spent over two decades developing leaders inside major institutions like the European Investment Bank, and now helps top performers lead with more purpose, energy, and impact.In this episode, you’ll learn how to shift from outdated leadership rooted in fear and control to a new model based on authenticity and collaboration, how managing your energy — not just your time — is the key to powerful leadership, and why building a legacy you’re proud of starts long before retirement.We hope you enjoy this incredible conversation with Dr. Sylvia Rohde-LiebenauTo Learn More about Sylvia and Buy her book visit: The Book: https://a.co/d/3wuz8WFWebsite/Socials: https://www.smartpowermethod.com/https://www.linkedin.com/in/sylvia-rohde-liebenau-phd-b51b0328/Chapters: 0:00 Intro1:30 Why Sylvia wrote the book & her view on purpose-driven leadership4:59 Why old-school, power-based leadership no longer works9:42 Nick on corporate friction: too many layers, slow decisions11:12 Modern leadership: collaboration over transactions13:02 Energy as a key to effective leadership15:18 The 4 layers of energy: physical, emotional, mental, spiritual20:10 Emotional energy drains & how to manage them25:08 Using AI to enhance leadership and collaboration28:49 Why leaders need interdisciplinary thinking32:23 Bonus principle: systemic thinking35:19 Legacy and leading with purpose37:50 Final lesson: lead with love, not fearJoin 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!

May 29, 2025 • 41min
243. Devin Sizemore | Connection Expansion
The World’s #1 Personal Development Book Podcast! In today’s episode, we have the pleasure to interview Devin Sizemore, author of Connection Expansion: You Are One Connection Away From Massive Success in Your Life and Business.Devin is a connector, consultant, and best-selling author who has spent his career helping professionals and entrepreneurs build purpose-driven networks. With a background in launching companies from a marketing agency to a cat café, Devin brings real-world experience and a proven system for generating consistent, high-value referrals.In this episode, you’ll learn how to move beyond one-to-one networking and start building scalable and strategic connections, how to fix the most common referral mistake most people make, and how to create a follow-up system that drives massive business growth without feeling transactional.We hope you enjoy this incredible conversation with Devin Sizemore.To Learn More about Devin and buy his book visit: The Book: https://a.co/d/0I6enfmWebsite/Socials:https://devinsizemore.com/https://www.instagram.com/dpsizemorehttps://www.facebook.com/dpsizemorehttps://www.linkedin.com/in/dpsizemore/Chapters:1:28 – Devin’s $1M loss and business journey4:34 – One connection can change your life7:03 – How curiosity leads to powerful relationships8:42 – Be a super connector (and stop asking the wrong way)12:51 – Focus on giving and building real relationships14:48 – How to give value at networking events16:52 – Master follow-ups with CRMs21:52 – Devin on collaboration and co-creation25:30 – Always be learning — put yourself in new rooms31:02 – Devin’s most impactful book recommendations 34:02 – How to connect with Devin online34:34 – Giving back to the world through A.C.E.S. 35:25 – Spotting valuable connections + using contact tags38:18 – What legacy do you want to leave?-------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!

May 22, 2025 • 40min
242. Dr. Joe Vitale | Zero Limits Living
In today’s episode, we have the pleasure to interview Dr. Joe Vitale, author of Zero Limits Living: The Three Essential Pillars to Achieving All Your Life’s Goals.Dr. Joe is a globally recognized spiritual teacher, bestselling author, speaker, and a star in the movie The Secret. He’s published over 90 books, created 15 music albums, and is known for his deep work in personal transformation and the Law of Attraction.In this episode, you’ll learn why most of us unknowingly live with limiting beliefs, how Dr. Joe discovered and embraced the powerful Hawaiian method called Ho’oponopono, and how you can use simple daily “cleaning” to experience more freedom, clarity, and peace.We hope you enjoy this incredible conversation with Dr. Joe Vitale.The Book: https://a.co/d/gWvfuNAWebsites/Socials: https://zerolimitsmovie.com/https://open.spotify.com/artist/5eqwssEcOs43l1OYA6ptnl?si=91UdAt8cQdSenimAeJjsnAhttps://www.instagram.com/drjoevitale/?hl=eshttps://miraclescoaching.com/Chapters: 1:21 – Ho‘oponopono Heals Hawaii Prisoners3:13 – Dr Joe’s Quest for Human Limits4:27 – Cultural Causes of Limiting Beliefs7:05 – Feeding Freedom vs. Feeding Limitations10:01 – Brian Tracy’s Law of Accumulation10:40 – Filmmaking His Message14:09 – Ho‘oponopono and the Hawaiian Therapist19:50 – Ho‘oponopono’s Four Essential Phrases22:12 – Problems Lie Within25:36 – Cleansing Your Life’s Path28:15 – Music & Action: Dr Joe’s Process32:43 – Martial Arts & Strength ExplorationJoin 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)

20 snips
May 20, 2025 • 38min
241. Milan Kordestani | Moonshot Moments
In this engaging discussion, Milan Kordestani, a Gen Z tech founder and bestselling author, dives into the transformative potentials of psychedelics and AI for mental health. He explores how these concepts tie into human flourishing and innovation. Milan highlights the significance of cultivating curiosity as a vital skill and shares insights on organizing digital knowledge for personal growth. His reflections on neuroplasticity reveal how embracing mortality can inspire meaningful experiences, blending personal development with cutting-edge technology.