

The Read Well Podcast
Eddy Hood
Welcome to The Read Well Podcast, a weekly show dedicated to building a strong reading habit, improving research strategies, and learning intellectual ideas from the books you love. Your passion may be the wisdom of Plato, how to cook a curry, or the complex ideas hidden in Dostoevsky’s fiction. Whatever you’re researching today, this show is about helping you master the topic. You’ll find practical advice on how to take effective book notes, develop your annotation skills, and benefit from tools like a Zettelkasten or a second brain. So grab your favorite book, and let's get started.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Nov 17, 2025 • 14min
Reading Deeply Takes Practice | EP118
Deep reading is more than just a habit; it's a skill that develops over time. The host dives into how wrestling with complex ideas enhances understanding and connection between texts. A humorous book recommendation offers levity during tough times, while reflections on a failed bookstore purchase reveal the costs associated with personal growth. There’s an emphasis on intentional reading practices, including note-taking and scheduling time, making reading a deliberate activity. The journey of learning and growth in reading is both challenging and rewarding.

8 snips
Nov 10, 2025 • 11min
How to Retain and Process What You Read 📚 | EP 117
Discover how to transform reading into personal growth by engaging with your books. Explore Julia Cameron's Morning Pages method for processing insights and deepening understanding. Uncover practical steps for effective writing after reading, linking themes to personal experiences. Dive into Tayari Jones' compelling tale, Leaving Atlanta, through the eyes of children amid historical events. Learn to distinguish between casual reading and life-changing texts, and establish a routine that enhances your reflective reading practice.

Nov 3, 2025 • 18min
Our Motto: Read Slowly - Take Notes - Apply the Ideas | EP 116
Discover how embracing a motto of reading slowly transforms your learning experience. Delve into the pitfalls of speed-reading and its impact on retention. Learn practical note-taking methods and the benefits of taking a week off between books to reflect and distill insights. Hear how slowing down can alleviate anxiety and enhance understanding, connecting sensory engagement to deeper retention. Plus, get recommendations for thought-provoking books that encourage applying ideas to real life.

Oct 27, 2025 • 16min
Nietzsche and the Art of Living Dangerously | EP 115
Dive into Nietzsche's provocative idea of 'living dangerously' and discover how safety can stifle the human spirit. Explore the tension between individuality and societal conformity, and hear a personal story about opening a bookstore as an act of authenticity. Learn the importance of questioning beliefs to uncover genuine meaning in life. Recommended readings provide further insights into philosophy and self-discovery. Most importantly, understand that embracing risk is key to living a fulfilling life.

Oct 20, 2025 • 43min
Too Many Books to Read, Too Little Time | EP 114
Feeling overwhelmed by a towering reading pile? Discover why we often fall behind and the mental toll it takes. Learn effective tips to get back on track without guilt. Explore how bookstores and book clubs add to our reading burdens. Dive into the value of reflection and understanding your reading habits. Embrace the idea of a permanent to-be-read list and find joy in reading at your own pace. Plus, get inspired by a recommended book that reshapes your reading experience.

Oct 6, 2025 • 30min
Learn to Journal Like Ralph Waldo Emerson | EP 113
In this episode, I close out my series on Emerson’s journals by looking at what his essay Self-Reliance can teach us about keeping a thoughtful record of our lives. I also share a book recommendation—Agnes Callard’s Open Socrates: The Case for a Philosophical Life—and give a quick update on my bookstore and the growing Edgewater community.👋📚 Join our book club at https://thereadwellpodcast.com/book-club/Send Me a Text Message with Your QuestionsYou've Got to Be Critting MeMagic, mayhem, and moral dilemmas, an actual play with heart and hilarity!Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify👋📚Take Your Reading Deeper (Join my Book Club Here): https://community.thereadwellpodcast.com/deep-reading-community?el=podcast

Sep 22, 2025 • 22min
Was John Locke's Method of Journaling a Good Idea? | EP 112
In this episode I explain how John Locke created a system for indexing journals that looks clever at first but quickly becomes a burden. I also share why Ralph Waldo Emerson abandoned the method and point you to his essay Self-Reliance. The larger point is simple: if a journaling system is too complicated, you won’t use it.Send Me a Text Message with Your Questions👋📚Take Your Reading Deeper (Join my Book Club Here): https://community.thereadwellpodcast.com/deep-reading-community?el=podcast

Sep 8, 2025 • 14min
Stay in Constant Contact with Your Journals | EP 111
Discover how Ralph Waldo Emerson's journaling transformed his thoughts and fostered personal growth. Learn about the importance of revisiting your writings to uncover deeper insights. A recommended read, 'Ethics in a Nutshell,' provides a clear look at essential ethical theories, making philosophy accessible. Plus, get the latest updates on a community bookstore project, including progress on funding and future plans for its establishment.

Sep 2, 2025 • 11min
A Journal is a Savings Bank of Ideas | EP 110
Diving into the fascinating world of Ralph Waldo Emerson, the discussion reveals his unique perspective on journaling. Rather than just recording daily events, Emerson viewed journals as a treasure trove for ideas. The host emphasizes transforming your journal into a powerful tool for reflection and creative thinking. Listeners are encouraged to rethink their journaling habits and explore the benefits of selective thinking. Plus, a helpful book recommendation is shared to guide the choice of the perfect notebook for this enriching practice.

Aug 25, 2025 • 10min
Why Bookstores Matter in a Digital World | EP 109
Explore the heart of local bookstores and their power to foster community and personal growth. Discover how they can help you rediscover yourself in this digital age. Enjoy a compelling book recommendation that will inspire your literary journey. Get excited about the crowdfunding campaign for a new bookstore, complete with unique donor rewards. Dive into the art of journaling as a means of self-discovery, blending the wisdom of transcendentalist ideals with practical writing tips.


