

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

Aug 15, 2023 • 31min
This Book is DREADFUL! How to Make Difficult Books Interesting | EP 11
This book was hard for me to read the first time around. Difficult books struggle to keep our attention. They’re usually on topics we don’t care about, or they’re written so dryly that, despite our best efforts, our eyes roll into the backs of our heads. Life is too short to read bad books, but sometimes you have to do it. Maybe the book was prescribed by your college professor, or perhaps your boss is making everyone in the company read the thing. Either way, sometimes life expects you to read difficult books, and this video will help you not only get through them, but perhaps even enjoy the process.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

Aug 8, 2023 • 26min
Do We Really Need to Read Books in 2023? | EP 10
Why do we need to read books in 2023 if we have instant access to information and entertainment through the internet and online services like YouTube or Netflix? I’m seeing more and more people return to the humble book in their spare time. Why is this? In today’s episode, I’ll share four theories and a few books that will change your life.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

Aug 1, 2023 • 22min
This One Idea is Helping Me Understand the Philosophy of Nietzsche | EP 9
Explore the genius of Friedrich Nietzsche, as we delve into his challenging yet fascinating philosophy. Discover why his writing demands careful analysis and a deeper engagement. Uncover the power of aphorisms and the benefits of slow, thoughtful reading. Learn a practical tool for dissecting Nietzsche's essays with three-by-five cards, enabling better understanding and personal interpretation. Eddie also emphasizes creating vocabulary cards to deepen comprehension. This method transforms notes into meaningful essays, enriching your philosophical journey.

Jul 25, 2023 • 26min
Thoughts on Narrative of The Life of Frederick Douglass | EP 8
Delve into the powerful narrative of Frederick Douglass, exploring its significance beyond mere history. The discussion reveals how the book resonates with contemporary issues of oppression and time poverty. Eddie highlights Douglass's journey to literacy as a path to liberation and self-improvement. The emphasis on emotional manipulation by slaveholders draws parallels to unhealthy modern relationships. With both personal reflections and deep analyses, the conversation showcases why Douglass's story is still relevant today.

Jul 18, 2023 • 29min
Keep Your Second Brain Clutter-Free | EP 7
Discover how to turn your second brain from a cluttered collection of notes into an effective personal knowledge management system. Learn about the challenges these systems face, including entropy and over-engineering. Hear a vivid hoarding story that illustrates the consequences of unchecked note-taking. Find out why writing essays is the key to making your notes meaningful and how to design your system for actual use rather than mere collection. Gain practical tips on maintaining clarity and purpose in your research.

Jul 11, 2023 • 32min
Grow Your Second Brain Intelligently | EP 6
Explore a revolutionary note-taking system that enhances reading and writing by promoting deeper reflection. Discover the dangers of hasty reading, especially with complex texts like Nietzsche's, and the importance of truly engaging with literature. Learn about a practical four-card method designed to cultivate deep learning and critical thinking. Uncover the benefits of daily reflection and consistency in personal growth, and how small, incremental efforts can lead to significant achievements.

Jul 4, 2023 • 40min
Atomic Reading Habits | EP 5
Explore how habits can transform your reading journey, drawing from insights in a popular book. Discover practical strategies to identify as a reader and create strong habits. Learn about effective environmental cues to motivate reading in a cozy nook or a dedicated workshop. Understand how community support can enhance your reading experience, making it more enjoyable and consistent. Get ready to elevate your reading sessions to new heights!

14 snips
Jun 27, 2023 • 41min
Build The Ultimate Reading Kit | EP 4
Discover how to revolutionize your reading experience with a customized reading kit! Explore essential components like notecards, highlighters, and the perfect bag. Learn the difference between just reading and truly engaging with texts through deep comprehension. Dive into personal anecdotes that inspire you to assess your own reading habits. Plus, get ready to create your very own kit and enhance your enjoyment of books—with tips on how to combine analog and digital tools for a more productive reading journey!

10 snips
Jun 19, 2023 • 25min
The 7 Biggest Lies Readers Tell Themselves | EP 3
Discover how seven common lies about reading might be holding you back from true enjoyment. The discussion tackles 'book guilt' and liberates readers from the pressure to love every book or fully comprehend tough reads. Strategies like the '50-page rule' empower you to read on your own terms. Learn to embrace a daily reading routine, starting with just 15 minutes a day, and redefine what 'real' reading means by prioritizing personal joy over outside expectations.

4 snips
Jun 19, 2023 • 39min
Overcome the Anxiety of Choosing Your Next Book | EP 2
In this podcast, Eddie Hood discusses the anxiety of choosing the next book to read. He emphasizes the importance of reading well over accumulating titles and shares tips on selecting a book that excites you. The episode also explores the themes of courage, meaningful work, and productivity, with book recommendations including 'Animal Farm' and '12 Rules for Life'.


