
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

Aug 22, 2023 • 32min
Should You Read The Brothers Karamazov? | EP 12
If you’re on the fence about tackling the 800+ page Russian novel called The Brothers Karamazov, let me give you a little push. Read it.At its core, this book addresses several philosophical and psychological ideas that will target everything you thought you understood about your own life. It’s impossible to read it without holding a mirror up to your own deeds and beliefs. That is why it's considered a classic and one of the greatest works of literature today. A good book should do more than entertain you - it should challenge your views, however stubborn they may be.In this week’s podcast, I review my thoughts on The Brothers Karamazov without dabbling in spoilers. Don’t worry, I want you to experience the book for yourself. However, I cover five ways in which Dostoyevsky helps you learn more about yourself and the world around you. All I can say is this, “Hold on! It’s going to be an interesting ride.” 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/

Aug 15, 2023 • 32min
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 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/

Aug 8, 2023 • 27min
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 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/

Aug 1, 2023 • 22min
This One Idea is Helping Me Understand the Philosophy of Nietzsche | EP 9
Discover the brilliance of Friedrich Nietzsche in my latest podcast episode. As a groundbreaking philosopher, he explored concepts like Nihilism and the reevaluation of values, exposing ideas that are both interesting and challenging to get through. Thankfully, Nietzsche left us a valuable clue to decoding his essays, which I'll unravel in this week’s show. If you're seeking a way into Nietzsche's complex universe, this one study tip will get you there.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/

Jul 25, 2023 • 26min
Thoughts on Narrative of The Life of Frederick Douglass | EP 8
The Narrative of The Life of Frederick Douglass is supposed to be one of the most influential books on abolitionism, the value of a man’s life, and the rights we enjoy as American citizens. Here are my thoughts on this work which should be helpful to anyone preparing to read this work.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/

Jul 18, 2023 • 30min
Keep Your Second Brain Clutter-Free | EP 7
A second brain refers to a method used to organize your reading and research materials. While this concept seems excellent in theory, it often devolves into a messy collection of highlighted excerpts, book notes, and annotations. I've noticed that within a period of three to six months, many people find their note-taking system has become so cluttered that it's practically useless. In this week's show, I'll guide you on how to clean up your second brain, streamline your research, and enhance your note-taking skills.If you liked this episode, don't forget to join The Read Well Community at https://www.thereadwellpodcast.com/ Links to make your own reading kit:Reading Kit BagHighlighters3x5 Oxford CardsZebra PensPocket DictionaryBinder ClipsPost-It Flags----------------------------------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/

Jul 11, 2023 • 33min
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!

13 snips
Jun 27, 2023 • 42min
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!

Jun 19, 2023 • 26min
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.