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
Apr 7, 2025 • 16min
Writing a Novel is Hard Work. Here's What I'm Learning | EP 95
I’ve started writing a novel—and it’s been draining in a way I didn’t expect. In this episode, I talk about the strange fatigue that comes with creative work and how I’ve learned to notice when I’m running low. I share what helps me recharge, including the kinds of books I turn to when I need my mind to come back to life.☕️ Speaking of coffee, check out my life of incredible flavors at: https://edgewaterbookstore.com/collections/cafe Send Me a Text Message with Your Questions👋📚Take Your Reading Deeper: https://community.thereadwellpodcast.com/deep-reading-community?el=podcast
Mar 31, 2025 • 23min
I Fixed My Handwriting—and My Reading Improved | EP 94
The host shares a personal journey of improving handwriting, which surprisingly led to enhanced reading skills. Discover how slowing down your writing can deepen your comprehension. The discussion includes insights on the connection between emotional baggage and learning. Reflect on how life experiences shape literary appreciation and understanding. Delve into the importance of mindful reading and writing, emphasizing that struggles with complex texts do not equate to a lack of intelligence. A refreshing take on navigating literature awaits!
Mar 24, 2025 • 14min
The Difference Between Reading and Learning | EP 93
Reading alone won't make you smarter—it's about applying what you read. Discover the difference between superficial reading and true learning. Engage meaningfully with literature and make connections that enhance understanding. Learn about developing a personalized note-taking system to sharpen your thinking. Plus, delve into insights from 'Macbeth' and explore how these themes can inspire your creativity. Joining a book club can also elevate your experience, allowing for deeper discussions and communal learning.
Mar 10, 2025 • 16min
Is Classic Literature Worth Reading? | EP 92
In this episode, I talk about why classic literature is still worth reading, even in our busy lives. These books have lasted the test of time for a reason. They offer rich insights into the human experience, and I’ll show you how reading a novel like Jane Eyre can help you see life from new perspectives. You’ll find that classic literature is not just for scholars—it’s for anyone who wants to understand themselves and the world better.Send Me a Text Message with Your Questions👋📚Take Your Reading Deeper: https://community.thereadwellpodcast.com/deep-reading-community?el=podcast
8 snips
Mar 3, 2025 • 17min
6 Books That Helped Me Build a Daily Reading Habit | EP 91
Struggling to read more consistently? Discover practical strategies to integrate reading into your daily life effortlessly. The discussion highlights classic literature's power, featuring impactful works like 'Jane Eyre' and 'Animal Farm.' Delve into influential nonfiction, including Marcus Aurelius' 'Meditations,' which introduces philosophy. Learn about productivity insights from 'Flow' and 'Deep Work.' Finally, grapple with the dangers of complacency through a thought-provoking look at '1984' while celebrating personal reading milestones.
24 snips
Feb 24, 2025 • 18min
Read, Highlight, Apply: A Simple Strategy | EP 90
Discover how to breathe life into highlighted passages that often gather dust on your pages. Learn the art of reflective reading, focusing on purposeful engagement and effective note-taking. Uncover strategies to maximize the value of your books by revisiting highlights and translating insights into actionable steps for personal growth. Perfect for anyone eager to make their reading experiences more impactful!
5 snips
Feb 17, 2025 • 15min
What Shakespeare’s Henry V Teaches About Reading Deeply | EP 89
Shakespeare’s Henry V opens with a plea for imagination, showcasing the importance of engaging with text beyond the words. The role of the chorus enriches the narrative, bringing historical events to life. Highlighting the power of slow reading, the conversation emphasizes how imaginative engagement elevates the reading experience. Exploring notable literary works, the discussion illustrates how filling in gaps fosters deeper understanding and appreciation for stories.
11 snips
Feb 10, 2025 • 30min
Do You Forget Books? Try This When You Read | EP 88
Many struggle to retain knowledge from books after reading. The discussion delves into the four levels of reading comprehension, revealing techniques to engage more effectively with texts. Using mountain climbing as a metaphor, the speaker highlights the mental effort needed for understanding complex literature. Active learning through note-taking is emphasized, transforming books into personal growth tools. Ultimately, reflection and personal application are essential for deeper insights and lasting impact from what we read.
Feb 3, 2025 • 15min
When Reading FEELS Overwhelming | EP 87
Feeling overwhelmed by reading is common, but self-doubt shouldn't derail your journey. Embrace your unique path and focus on personal growth instead of comparing yourself to others online. Discover a new monthly reading approach, starting with 'How to Live or A Life of Montaigne.' Dive deep into literature and engage with its transformative power. Each book can serve as a stepping stone to understanding yourself better.
7 snips
Jan 27, 2025 • 13min
How to Read Books Without Feeling Overwhelmed | EP 86
Discover the keys to enjoying reading more without feeling overwhelmed. Learn why it's perfectly fine to abandon books that don’t spark joy. Find strategies to seamlessly integrate reading into your life while taking care of your mental well-being. Embrace challenging literature for personal growth and understand how to balance popular reads with intellectually stimulating ones. Plus, tips on how a supportive community and reflective practices can enhance your reading experience!
