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
Dec 9, 2025 • 17min
My 2026 Reading Goals + 11 Books I Loved Reading in 2025 | EP121
This discussion dives into the overwhelming nature of traditional reading goals and advocates for a kinder approach. There's a focus on self-compassion and the importance of only reading books you truly love. Highlights include passionate reflections on classic literature, such as the transformative power of Whitman's 'Song of Myself' and Tolstoy's poignant 'The Death of Ivan Ilyich.' Eddie also emphasizes extracting actionable insights from every book read, encouraging listeners to nurture their reading experiences without the pressure of quantity.
Dec 1, 2025 • 16min
My #1 Trick I for Remembering Books | EP120
Discover the secret to remembering what you read! It’s not all about highlighting; it’s applying ideas to life. Learn to treat books like new friends on the first read, highlight selectively on the second, and let them cool before reviewing. Eddie shares personal examples like how walks with his dog can reinforce storytelling lessons. His mantra emphasizes that action, not just reading, leads to lasting change. Plus, he recommends some thought-provoking Ray Bradbury stories to enhance your literary journey!
Nov 24, 2025 • 49min
Design the Perfect Reading Space | EP 119
Thatcher Wine, the founder of Juniper Books and author of For the Love of Books, dives into the art of designing the perfect reading space. He emphasizes creating an inviting room that fosters focus and engagement with text. Discussing his book The 12 Monotasks, Thatcher highlights the importance of slowing down and monotasking, which can transform reading habits. He also shares practical advice on organizing bookshelves, dealing with limited space, and the impact of distractions like AI on the literary world.
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 • 42min
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 Questions👋📚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
