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
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: 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: 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.
Aug 11, 2025 • 39min
Meet J.D. Barker: The Author Continuing Dracula’s Legacy | EP 108
Join J.D. Barker, a thriller writer chosen by Bram Stoker's family to continue the Dracula legacy, as he shares his fascinating journey from corporate compliance to full-time author. He discusses the art of deep reading and why slowing down enhances stories. J.D. dives into the unique experiences behind his novels, including a haunted house tale featuring a teenage protagonist. He balances writing with family life and offers insights on maintaining creativity in a digital world, all while hinting at upcoming projects that bridge literature and film.
Aug 4, 2025 • 20min
How to Read Philosophy Without Losing Your Mind | EP 107
Dive into the unique challenges of reading philosophy, from the complex terminology of thinkers like Plato and Heidegger to the tricky use of pronouns that can leave readers puzzled. Discover practical tips for navigating dense texts and the importance of precise language for understanding. The conversation highlights the value of a recommended read, 'Art & Fear,' which encourages creatives to confront their fears and embrace their individuality. Plus, don't miss a suggested channel that adds a fresh perspective to philosophical discussions!
4 snips
Jul 28, 2025 • 6min
Why You Forget Books—and How to Stop | EP 106
Discover why forgetting books isn't about your memory but how you engage with them. Learn to treat ideas like friends you want to get to know better, significantly boosting retention. Explore a unique memory technique that emphasizes personal attraction to make information stick. Plus, delve into 'The Myth of Sisyphus' by Albert Camus, which beautifully examines life's absurdity and our search for meaning.
