
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

Mar 25, 2024 • 27min
Overcoming the Dreaded Reading Slump: 7 Ideas to Jumpstart Your Reading | EP 42
In today's episode, I'm tackling a challenge every passionate reader faces at some point: the reading slump. It's that frustrating period where every book seems to lack luster, and your once beloved hobby feels like a chore. I'll explore 7 common reasons why you might find yourself in this predicament and, more importantly, how you can break free. Whether it's a lack of variety, feeling overwhelmed by choices, or simply life's usual distractions, there's a way out. Plus, I'll share a book recommendation that promises to not only pull you out of your slump but also enrich your reading journey. Tune in to rediscover the joy of reading.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/

23 snips
Mar 19, 2024 • 20min
The Art of Remembering: How to Make Any Book Stick | EP 41
Discover how to improve memory retention while reading books by using the DIRT framework: Decide, Internalize, Revisit, Teach. Explore deep learning benefits, effective note-taking, and the significance of deciding to remember. Learn practical tips for better remembering and a book recommendation, along with encouragement for leaving podcast reviews and engaging in the host's website.

Mar 11, 2024 • 33min
Is Poetry Worth Reading? | EP 40
In this episode, I explore how poetry, especially Walt Whitman's 'Song of Myself,' can make us feel more alive by connecting us with the universal human experience. I delve into Emily Dickinson's 'Tell All the Truth' to demonstrate how poetry not only makes us think but also enables us to see the world in new ways. Plus, I share a personal poem to show how poetry can be a powerful tool for processing our emotions. Join me as I reveal why poetry is not just for reading, but for living.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/

Mar 3, 2024 • 1h 9min
Learn to Read Like an Audiobook Narrator | EP 39
In this engaging conversation, audiobook narrator Liza Jacob shares her passion for enriching the reading experience. She highlights how slowing down while reading enhances comprehension and emotional engagement. Liza discusses mastering nonfiction with a mindful approach, encouraging deeper connections with the material. The duo explores the significance of storytelling and how nuances in word choice affect understanding. They even delve into Aristotle's concept of virtue, linking it to the art of narration and personal growth.

Feb 26, 2024 • 13min
How to Think (And Read) For Yourself | EP 38
Dive into a thought-provoking discussion on the importance of deep reflection and individual thought. Inspired by Nietzsche, the conversation critiques our rapid information consumption and encourages slowing down to truly engage with ideas. Explore how solitude can foster deeper understanding and the concept of the Übermensch, which advocates breaking free from distractions to find clarity in thought. It's a call to embrace the pause and truly process what we consume.

Feb 19, 2024 • 27min
You Are What You Read (The 5 Authors Test) | EP 37
In this episode, I explore the connection between the authors we love and the way we view the world. I'll share a personal anecdote about a moment of insight from my child's principal, revealing a powerful message through a simple sticker: 'Show me your five closest friends, and I'll show you your future.' This episode will unveil how this principle extends beyond our social circles to the books on our shelves, influencing our beliefs, actions, and ultimately, our lives. Join me as I reflect on the importance of choosing our literary company wisely and the profound impact it has on shaping our perspectives.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/

Feb 11, 2024 • 24min
How Philosophy Books Make You Better | EP 36
Philosophy is hard to grasp, especially in the beginning. The ideas feel heavy in your brain and there are words like Martin Heidegger’s Dasien that will mean nothing to you. Hannah Arendt’s take on totalitarianism requires real work on your part to understand. But as you mentally push against this giant and cumbersome wheel, it begins to turn. Each philosophical idea builds on the next, creating intellectual momentum that generates fantastical power.In this week’s episode, I talk about how pushing against the flywheel of philosophy is hard in the beginning, but worth the effort.New ReviewThanks to Obi-norm for the kind 5-star review on Apple Podcasts:“I just discovered this podcast and am already hooked after the first two episodes. Love the premise of reading well versus being well read.”This Week’s Book RecommendationThe Obstacle is the Way by Ryan Holiday. This book is an easy introduction to the world of philosophy through a stoic lens.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/

Feb 5, 2024 • 13min
A Useful Trick to Read Everyday | EP 35
I have a friend who wants to be a reader. He’s a great father, and he maintains a career. But at the end of the day, after all the paperwork is filed and the piggybacks are done, he has just enough energy to sleep. That’s why I think his reading system is brilliant.In this week’s episode, we’re going to look at what he’s doing to make sure he gets his reading time in. This plan is simple, but it works.New ReviewThanks to ChemaHdz for the kind Apple Podcast review.“Listened to the latest episode in this podcast and definitely will listen to more. I love reading, I love philosophy, and this podcast is easy to listen to.”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/

Jan 31, 2024 • 21min
3 Books Helping Me Find Happiness Post-Mormonism | EP 34
The speaker shares their transformative journey after leaving the Mormon church, revealing the tension of redefining their beliefs. Three impactful books are discussed, offering philosophical insights on happiness and internal conflict. The power of reading as a tool for independent thought and personal growth is emphasized, inviting listeners to engage in a new online community. Exciting community updates include a membership program and a unique 30-day reading challenge designed to foster connection and enhance focus among book lovers.

Jan 23, 2024 • 21min
Why Are You Trying So Hard to Impress Everyone? (Let’s Ask Plato) | EP 33
In this week's episode of The Read Well Podcast, titled "Why Are You Trying So Hard to Impress Everyone? (Let’s Ask Plato)", I'm excited to take you on a philosophical journey back to ancient Greece, exploring Plato's "The Republic." Our main focus is on the compelling concept of moral motivation, as vividly illustrated through the story of the Ring of Gyges. This tale not only delves into the essence of morality and justice but also echoes our contemporary struggles between authenticity and the desire to impress.But that's not all for this episode! I have some exciting community updates to share. I've recently revamped [thereadwellpodcast.com](http://thereadwellpodcast.com/), transforming it into a vibrant community hub for book lovers. Here, you can connect with fellow reading enthusiasts, join in my live book club sessions, and enjoy exclusive benefits tailored for our community members.Whether you're deeply into philosophy, curious about human behavior, or simply seeking a meaningful connection with like-minded readers, this episode is crafted for you. Tune in for a thought-provoking exploration of moral motivation with a side of engaging community news. Your journey towards deeper understanding and connection starts here, on The Read Well Podcast.********************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/