
The Read Well Podcast
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.
Latest episodes

Jun 3, 2024 • 28min
The Power of Memoirs: Lessons from Real Lives | EP 52
Exploring the power of memoirs in shaping personal growth and resilience, discussing the impact of selective reading and note-taking. Delving into book club discussions and empowering women to speak out against oppression through memoirs.

May 28, 2024 • 24min
Allegory and Magical Realism | EP 51
In this episode, I explore the concept of allegory in literature, revealing how authors embed deeper meanings within their stories. I also dive into magical realism, a fascinating literary tool that blends reality with fantasy. I'll recommend a book that beautifully illustrates these techniques, showing how they enhance our reading experience.Send Me a Text Message with Your QuestionsThe Write NoteExploring the craft of writing and its impact on pop culture.Listen on: SpotifyIMPORTANT LINKS:🛍️ - Visit my Bookstore Online - https://edgewaterbookstore.com/ 📝 - Join my Newsletter Letter for weekly tips on reading deeply - https://www.thereadwellpodcast.com/newsletter 📚 - Join The Read Well Book Club: https://thereadwellpodcast.com/book-club/

May 20, 2024 • 22min
The Framework of Fiction: A Guide to Understanding Plot | EP 50
Join me as I break down the five pivotal plot points that structure every compelling story—from exposition to resolution. Learn how these elements craft the narrative arc and enhance your reading experience. This episode not only deepens your appreciation for literature but also recommends a masterpiece, 'The Grapes of Wrath', to see theory in action.Send Me a Text Message with Your QuestionsIMPORTANT LINKS:🛍️ - Visit my Bookstore Online - https://edgewaterbookstore.com/ 📝 - Join my Newsletter Letter for weekly tips on reading deeply - https://www.thereadwellpodcast.com/newsletter 📚 - Join The Read Well Book Club: https://thereadwellpodcast.com/book-club/

May 13, 2024 • 27min
Why Read Literature? A Deeper Look at the Benefits | EP 49
Why invest time in reading literature? This episode answers just that, highlighting how stories enrich our lives, teach us empathy, and offer experiences that facts alone cannot. I'll discuss the dynamic relationship between reader and text, and how this interaction brings new meanings each time. Featuring Ralph Ellison's 'King of the Bingo Game,' I explore the transformative power of engaging with literature.Send Me a Text Message with Your QuestionsThe Write NoteExploring the craft of writing and its impact on pop culture.Listen on: SpotifyIMPORTANT LINKS:🛍️ - Visit my Bookstore Online - https://edgewaterbookstore.com/ 📝 - Join my Newsletter Letter for weekly tips on reading deeply - https://www.thereadwellpodcast.com/newsletter 📚 - Join The Read Well Book Club: https://thereadwellpodcast.com/book-club/

May 6, 2024 • 37min
Mastering the Basics of Russian Literature: An English Reader’s Companion | EP 48
Comparative analysis of Tolstoy and Dostoyevsky, exploring unique styles and themes. Insights into human condition, complexities of Russian literature, character names, and writing styles. Examining inner turmoil, existential questions, and philosophical themes. Influence of personal experiences on writing, analysis of Prince Mishkin in The Idiot. Encouraging reviews, sharing podcast, leaving feedback, and enhancing reading skills.

Apr 29, 2024 • 25min
Revealing the Book Club Schedule: Season 2 (2024 / 2025) | EP 47
Welcome to season 2 of The Read Well Book Club! I’ve carefully selected a series of powerful works, starting with Thoreau's inspiring essay 'Walking' and culminating with Sapolsky's scientific 'Behave'. In between, we’ll explore the stoic wisdom, poetry, and psychological fiction. In this episode, I share with you the 10 books we’ll be reading in season 2 (2024/2025).Send Me a Text Message with Your QuestionsThe Write NoteExploring the craft of writing and its impact on pop culture.Listen on: SpotifyIMPORTANT LINKS:🛍️ - Visit my Bookstore Online - https://edgewaterbookstore.com/ 📝 - Join my Newsletter Letter for weekly tips on reading deeply - https://www.thereadwellpodcast.com/newsletter 📚 - Join The Read Well Book Club: https://thereadwellpodcast.com/book-club/

Apr 22, 2024 • 23min
Do Book Clubs Really Help? | EP 46
In this episode, I dive into how the right book club can transform your reading habits and keep you intellectually engaged. I’ll guide you through selecting a book club that suits your reading style and introduce you to three groups that are ideal for diving into deeper discussions. Plus, don't miss our community announcements segment for local reading events!Send Me a Text Message with Your QuestionsIMPORTANT LINKS:🛍️ - Visit my Bookstore Online - https://edgewaterbookstore.com/ 📝 - Join my Newsletter Letter for weekly tips on reading deeply - https://www.thereadwellpodcast.com/newsletter 📚 - Join The Read Well Book Club: https://thereadwellpodcast.com/book-club/

Apr 15, 2024 • 45min
Uncommon Tips for Better Reading | Interview with Dr. Martin Jacobsen | EP 45
Dr. Martin Jacobsen, an Associate Professor of English specializing in linguistics, offers remarkable insights into enhancing reading skills. He discusses how diagramming sentences can invigorate comprehension and shares his unique methods for mastering complex texts. The link between syntax and meaning is explored, shedding light on how sentence structures influence understanding. Jacobsen encourages readers to embrace creativity in language and revive their reading habits, asserting that reading, much like any skill, flourishes with practice and patience.

Apr 8, 2024 • 17min
Turning the Page on Highlightish | EP 44
In today’s episode, I’m sharing a significant update about a tough decision I’ve made: to shut down Highlightish, the book note software I’ve been passionately working on. I’ll discuss the reasons behind this decision, primarily focusing on my desire to dedicate more time and resources to enriching this podcast. Expect to hear about the exciting plans I have to bring you more compelling guests and discussions. Plus, I won’t leave you without a book recommendation that has deeply moved me - Snow Falling on Cedars by David Guterson. Join me as I explain why this shift is not an end but a new beginning for our community.Send Me a Text Message with Your QuestionsIMPORTANT LINKS:🛍️ - Visit my Bookstore Online - https://edgewaterbookstore.com/ 📝 - Join my Newsletter Letter for weekly tips on reading deeply - https://www.thereadwellpodcast.com/newsletter 📚 - Join The Read Well Book Club: https://thereadwellpodcast.com/book-club/

Apr 1, 2024 • 30min
The 4 Types of Readers (Which One Are You?) | EP 43
In this episode, I explore Samuel Coleridge's breakdown of the four types of readers. I then share some of my favorite takeaways from "First We Read, Then We Write" by Robert Richardson that have transformed my own reading habits. To cap it off, I’ll recommend a book that not only challenges your mind but also guides you in refining your reading skills. Join me to discover which reader type you embody and how you can enhance your reading experience.Send Me a Text Message with Your QuestionsThe Write NoteExploring the craft of writing and its impact on pop culture.Listen on: SpotifyIMPORTANT LINKS:🛍️ - Visit my Bookstore Online - https://edgewaterbookstore.com/ 📝 - Join my Newsletter Letter for weekly tips on reading deeply - https://www.thereadwellpodcast.com/newsletter 📚 - Join The Read Well Book Club: https://thereadwellpodcast.com/book-club/