Bookworm
Episodes
139: Personal Socrates by Marc Champagne
18 Feb 2022
Contributed by Lukas
At any point, we are one question away from a different life. And today’s author gives us 100+ questions from 40+ profiles of legendary achievers to...
138: How to Change by Katy Milkman
04 Feb 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Do you know what’s standing between you and success? Today’s author promises to help us overcome common barriers to change like impulsivity, procr...
137: Atlas of the Heart by Brené Brown
21 Jan 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Today’s author condenses two decades worth of research into a comprehensive guide for mapping meaningful connections. Join Joe & Mike as they consid...
136: Thinking in Systems by Donella Meadows
07 Jan 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Systems are all around us. Many of the problems we face every day (big & small) are simply systems failures. Today’s author attempts to help us deve...
135: Four Thousand Weeks by Oliver Burkeman
24 Dec 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Nobody needs telling there isn’t enough time. Today’s author encourages us to reject the idea of getting everything done by recognizing our time o...
134: Self Control – It’s Kingship and Majesty by William George Jordan
10 Dec 2021
Contributed by Lukas
What can we learn about productivity from a book written over 100 years ago? Turns out, quite a lot. Join Joe & Mike as they examine the oldest Bookwo...
133: Soundtracks by Jon Acuff
26 Nov 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Today’s author promises to help change overthinking from a super problem into a superpower. Join Joe & Mike as they attempt to change their thoughts...
132: So Good They Can’t Ignore You by Cal Newport
12 Nov 2021
Contributed by Lukas
If you’re trying to live a remarkable life, today’s author argues that “follow your passion” is terrible advice. Join Joe & Mike as they consi...
131: A Minute to Think by Juliet Funt
29 Oct 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Do you yearn for freedom from the constant reactivity? Today’s author promises to show us how to reclaim time for thinking and make room for what tr...
130: Courage is Calling by Ryan Holiday
15 Oct 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Today’s author promises to show us how to conquer our fear and practice courage in our daily lives. Join Joe & Mike as they wrestle with what it mea...
129: The Extended Mind by Annie Murphy Paul
01 Oct 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Today’s author teaches us how to employ a host of “extra-neural” resources — the feelings and movements of our bodies, the physical spaces in ...
128: Daily Rituals by Mason Currey
17 Sep 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Today’s author takes us on a tour of daily rituals from inspired novelists, poets, playwrights, painters, philosophers, scientists, and mathematicia...
127: The Art of the Idea by John Hunt
03 Sep 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Today’s author attempts to teach us to redefine our world through the power of original thinking. Join Joe & Mike as they consider the creative proc...
126: The Mountain is You by Brianna Wiest
20 Aug 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Today’s author promises to help us act as our highest potential selves by extracting crucial insight from our most damaging habits, building emotion...
125: Willpower Doesn’t Work by Benjamin Hardy
06 Aug 2021
Contributed by Lukas
We rely on willpower to create change in our lives… but what if we’re thinking about it all wrong? Join Joe & Mike as they consider their environm...
124: Liminal Thinking by Dave Gray
23 Jul 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Our beliefs form the basis of everything we say, think, and do. Modifying them can be hard, but today’s author tries to teach us how to make it easi...
123: Procrastinate on Purpose by Rory Vaden
09 Jul 2021
Contributed by Lukas
For a long time, “procrastination” has been a four-letter in the productivity world. But today’s author attempts to turn it around by giving us ...
122: Digital Body Language by Erica Dhawan
25 Jun 2021
Contributed by Lukas
We rely on body language to connect and build trust, but that can be difficult from behind a screen. Today’s author teaches us to decode and signals...
121: Leaders Eat Last by Simon Sinek
11 Jun 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Too many workplaces are driven by cynicism, paranoia, and self-interest. But today’s author shows us how the best ones foster trust and cooperation ...
120: The Now Habit by Neil Fiore
28 May 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Procrastination is a problem we all have to deal with. But today’s author promises a comprehensive plan to help us lower our stress and increase our...
119: Effortless by Greg McKeown
14 May 2021
Contributed by Lukas
High-achievers have been conditioned to believe that the path to success is paved with relentless work. But today’s author challenges us to stop pus...
118: Work the System by Sam Carpenter
30 Apr 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Tired of playing Whac-a-Mole with todo lists that never seem to get any shorter? Today’s author says the real problem is our broken systems that con...
117: Think Again by Adam Grant
16 Apr 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Most of us favor the comfort of conviction and avoid the discomfort of doubt. But today’s author invites us to let go of our firmly held beliefs and...
116: The Art of Witty Banter by Patrick King
02 Apr 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Goodbye awkward silence, hello conversational agility! Today’s author promises to teach you how to think quickly on your feet, be incredibly smooth,...
115: A World Without Email by Cal Newport
19 Mar 2021
Contributed by Lukas
The modern knowledge worker is engaged in a constant battle against the hyperactive hive mind. While we’ve become so accustomed to an inbox-driven w...
114: Thinking in Bets by Annie Duke
05 Mar 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Even great decisions don’t always yield the best outcomes every time. Today’s author (and former World Series of Poker champion turned business co...
113: The Great Mental Models Volume 1 by Rhiannon Beaubien and Shane Parrish
19 Feb 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Mental models can help you make better decisions by changing how you see the world. In today’s book, Joe & Mike take a look at nine of the most vers...
112: The Organised Writer by Antony Johnston
05 Feb 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Writing is hard. But today’s author promises that if you take a weekend and set up the proper system, it can be made a lot easier. Join Joe & Mike a...
111: Discipline Equals Freedom by Jocko Willink
22 Jan 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Many books promise to help you overcome obstacles and reach your goals. But it’s still up to you to take action – which is why they often don’t ...
110: Lead Yourself First by Raymond Kethledge & Michael Erwin
08 Jan 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Throughout history, leaders have used solitude to make better decisions. Today’s book shares firsthand historical accounts in an effort to show how ...
109: Bowling Alone by Robert Putnam
25 Dec 2020
Contributed by Lukas
How we socialize has changed significantly. Today’s author has studied American social behavior over the decades, and shows how our shrinking social...
108: The Practice by Seth Godin
11 Dec 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Creating can be hard. But a consistent practice can make it easier. Today’s author insists that writer’s block is a myth, that consistency is far ...
107: The Motivation Code by Todd Henry
27 Nov 2020
Contributed by Lukas
What drives us to unleash our best work? And how do we tap into that drive to get superior results? Today’s author explains how understanding our ow...
106: Brain Wash by David & Austin Perlmutter
13 Nov 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Today’s authors argue that our modern culture is rewiring our brains and damaging our health. But today’s book promises to give us the tools we ne...
105: Shorter by Alex Soojung-Kim Pang
30 Oct 2020
Contributed by Lukas
The traditional idea of success means being always-on, never saying no, and outworking your peers. But what if there was another way? Today’s author...
104: The Minimalist Home by Joshua Becker
16 Oct 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Today’s author takes us on a decluttering tour of our own houses and apartments, showing us how to decide what to get rid of and what to keep. Join ...
103: How to Be Everything by Emilie Wapnick
02 Oct 2020
Contributed by Lukas
If you dread answering the question “what do you do?” because you have trouble picking just one thing, you could be a multipotentialite. And you’...
102: Pick Three by Randi Zuckerberg
18 Sep 2020
Contributed by Lukas
In an increasingly demanding world, we’ve been told that we can do everything—maintain friendships, devote ourselves to work, spend time with fami...
101: Never Split the Difference by Chris Voss
04 Sep 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Life is negotiation. And today’s author (& former FBI hostage negotiator) teaches us how to use tactical empathy so it can help us get more of what ...
100: Ratings Adjustments & Trivia
21 Aug 2020
Contributed by Lukas
After 100 episodes, Joe & Mike go back and fix a few of the ratings that don’t seem quite right. Mike also tests Joe knowledge recall with some impr...
99: The Motive by Patrick Lencioni
07 Aug 2020
Contributed by Lukas
It’s time for another Patrick Lencioni leadership fable! Join Joe & Mike as they consider the responsibility of leadership, take a look at the five ...
98: The Crossroads of Should and Must by Elle Luna
24 Jul 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Do you view your work as a job, a career, or a calling? Today’s author argues that the most life-affirming thing you can do is to honor the voice in...
97: Reclaiming Conversation by Sherry Turkle
10 Jul 2020
Contributed by Lukas
In our digital age, it’s easy to stay connected. Emails, text messages, and social media allow us to share snippets of our lives with others- withou...
96: Triggers by Marshall Goldsmith
26 Jun 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Do you ever find yourself reacting to something, then immediately saying something like, “I can’t believe I just did that?” It may not be your f...
95: Stillness is the Key by Ryan Holiday
12 Jun 2020
Contributed by Lukas
More than ever, people are overwhelmed. Today’s author argues that what we really need is stillness – the ability to be steady while the world spi...
94: Tiny Habits by BJ Fogg
29 May 2020
Contributed by Lukas
When it comes to change, tiny is mighty. Today’s author (who also happens to be the world’s leading expert on habit formation) shows us how we can...
93: Nudge by Richard Thaler
15 May 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Whether it’s deciding what to eat for dinner or which investments to pick for our 401k, we humans have a track record of making poor choices. But is...
92: The Bullet Journal Method by Ryder Carroll
01 May 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Can pen & paper really cut it as a task manager in today’s fast-paced world? Today’s author makes a compelling argument that it can. Join Joe & Mi...
91: The Antidote by Oliver Burkeman
17 Apr 2020
Contributed by Lukas
If you find yourself repulsed by the blatant optimism espoused by most self-help gurus, then today’s book may just be a breath of fresh air for you....
90: Good to Great by Jim Collins
03 Apr 2020
Contributed by Lukas
What makes a successful business tick? Today’s author shares the results from a five-year study that “fly in the face of our modern business cultu...
89: Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance by Robert Pirsig
20 Mar 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Today’s author takes us on a 17-day motorcycle ride from Minnesota to California. Join Joe and Mike on their journey to discover quality, truth, and...
88: It Doesn’t Have to Be Crazy at Work
06 Mar 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Long hours, an excessive workload, and a lack of sleep have become a badge of honor for modern professionals. But the authors of today’s book argue ...
Author’s Corner: Nir Eyal
28 Feb 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Nir Eyal joins us for our first author’s corner episode to talk about his book Indistractable, turning values into time, and building better relatio...
87: Thinking, Fast and Slow by Daniel Kahneman
21 Feb 2020
Contributed by Lukas
What causes us to act the way we do? Today’s book offers a comprehensive look into the depths of behavioral science. Join Joe & Mike as they exam...
86: The Art of Gathering by Priya Parker
07 Feb 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Today’s author argues that the lackluster and unproductive gatherings in our lives don’t have to be that way. Join Joe & Mike as they consider how...
85: Making It All Work by David Allen
24 Jan 2020
Contributed by Lukas
In today’s episode, Joe & Mike revisit the topic of Getting Things Done (GTD). Join them as they take a closer look at the mother of all productivit...
84: Indistractable by Nir Eyal
10 Jan 2020
Contributed by Lukas
In a world of distraction, focus is a superpower. In today’s book, Joe and Mike look at how to channel their attention in a quest to become indistra...
83: The Infinite Game by Simon Sinek
27 Dec 2019
Contributed by Lukas
How do we win a game that has no end? In today’s book, author Simon Sinek explains how an infinite mindset helps overcome the letdown that typically...
82: Margin by Richard Swenson
13 Dec 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Do you ever feel overhwelmed? Today’s book by Dr. Richard Swenson has the prescription for anyone who yearns for relief from the pressures of overlo...
81: You Are Awesome by Neil Pasricha
29 Nov 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Bad things happen, but they don’t have to keep you realizing your dreams. Today’s author shares 9 secrets from his own experience of overcoming ne...
80: Principles by Ray Dalio
15 Nov 2019
Contributed by Lukas
What does radical truth and radical transparency have to do with personal and professional success? Everything, argues today’s author. Join Joe & Mi...
79: SuperBetter by Jane McGonigal
01 Nov 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Reality is broken. In today’s book, author Jane McGonigal attempts a fix by applying a gameful approach to personal growth. Join Mike & Joe as they ...
78: Ultralearning by Scott Young
11 Oct 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Lifelong learning is a noble goal – but is ultralearning really the best approach? Today’s book aims to help you achieve your goals faster, future...
77: Creativity, Inc. by Ed Catmull
27 Sep 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Pixar has inspired the creative world for over 20 years with iconic films like Toy Story, The Incredibles, and WALL-E, just to name a few. Today’s b...
76: Range by David Epstein
13 Sep 2019
Contributed by Lukas
We’ve all heard stories of famous people who knew what they were born to do from a young age. But should we really be trying to follow in their narr...
75: Getting Results the Agile Way by J.D. Meier
30 Aug 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Lots of books teach systems to help you achieve more, but the problem is that they are usually very strict and rigid. Today’s book promises to deliv...
74: The Second Mountain by David Brooks
16 Aug 2019
Contributed by Lukas
In today’s book, Joe and Mike embark on a journey from self-centered individualism to others-centered relationalism in pursuit of discovering just w...
73: The 4-Hour Workweek by Tim Ferriss
02 Aug 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Today’s book promises to help you escape the 9-5, live anywhere, and join the new rich. But is it really that simple? Join Joe & Mike as they examin...
72: Make Time by Jake Knapp & John Zeratsky
19 Jul 2019
Contributed by Lukas
True productivity is not about crushing your to-do list or optimizing every hour – it’s about intentionalliy focusing on what really matters. Join...
71: Bird by Bird by Anne Lamott
05 Jul 2019
Contributed by Lukas
For many writers, few things are as intimidating as staring at a blank page – but it doesn’t have to be this way. If you’re looking for some sol...
70: Free to Focus by Michael Hyatt
21 Jun 2019
Contributed by Lukas
A system to help you achieve more *and* do less? It may sound too good to be true, but that’s exactly what today’s book promises to deliver. Join ...
69: Emotional Intelligence by Daniel Goleman
07 Jun 2019
Contributed by Lukas
It can be difficult to measure, but the topic of emotional intelligence is a worthwhile study for anyone with a desire to reach their full potential. ...
68: How to Take Smart Notes by Sönke Ahrens
24 May 2019
Contributed by Lukas
It’s been said that for a writer, nothing is as intimidating as a blank page. But the author of today’s book says that doesn’t have to be the ca...
67: Quiet by Susan Cain
10 May 2019
Contributed by Lukas
The rise of the Extroverted Ideal has led to a world that can’t stop talking. But where does that leave you if you find groups exhausting or prefer ...
66: Extreme Ownership by Jocko Willink & Leif Babin
26 Apr 2019
Contributed by Lukas
We can’t control everything that happens to us, but how might our lives look different if we assumed ownership for them anyway? That’s the topic J...
65: Drunk Tank Pink by Adam Alter
12 Apr 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Our environment shapes our thoughts and actions in myriad ways, without our permission or even our knowledge. In today’s episode, Joe & Mike discove...
64: Digital Minimalism by Cal Newport
29 Mar 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Few things have impacted our everyday lives as much as the smartphone. In today’s episode, Joe & Mike discuss the fallout from our digital addiction...
63: Atomic Habits by James Clear
28 Feb 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Can small habits really transform your life and deliver amazing results? Author James Clear believes they can. In today’s episode, Joe and Mike revi...
62: The Four Tendencies by Gretchen Rubin
13 Feb 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Have you ever struggled to achieve a goal, even though you were fully committed to and believed in it? Today’s book gives you a simple framework to ...
61: Blink by Malcolm Gladwell
29 Jan 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Your brain is an incredibly powerful computer, rapidly processing information to help you make better decisions – except when it doesn’t. Should y...
60: The One Thing by Gary Keller & Jay Papasan
15 Jan 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Is it true that less is more? When it comes to goal achievement, Gary Keller & Jay Papasan say, “Aboslutely!” In today’s episode, Joe & Mike div...
59: Being Mortal by Atul Gawande
27 Dec 2018
Contributed by Lukas
No matter how careful we are or how healthy our habits, one day we will all die. In this episode, Joe & Mike tackle their most uncomfortable topic yet...
58: Scrum by Jeff & J.J. Sutherland
15 Dec 2018
Contributed by Lukas
Is Scrum really the magical project finishing formula that author Jeff Sutherland says it is? Joe & Mike share their own Scrum stories and point out t...
57: Predictably Irrational by Dan Ariely
21 Nov 2018
Contributed by Lukas
When it comes to making decisions, we like to think we’re capable of making smart, rational choices. But are we? Tune in to find out why Dan Ariely ...
56: Hyperfocus by (and with) Chris Bailey
06 Nov 2018
Contributed by Lukas
Focus is a hot topic, but there’s more to it then just turning off Twitter and blocking out distractions. Today’s book shows us how to manage our ...
55: The Happiness Advantage by Shawn Achor
18 Oct 2018
Contributed by Lukas
Happy people are productive people, but can you really choose to be happy? Things may not always happen for the best, but in today’s episode Mike & ...
54: Work Clean by Dan Charnas
04 Oct 2018
Contributed by Lukas
Can the world of professional chefs teach us anything about productivity? Joe and Mike seem to agree with Dan Charnas and say, yes. Mis-en-place! MPU ...
53: Boundaries by Henry Cloud
05 Sep 2018
Contributed by Lukas
Should you set limits on what you’ll do with and for other people? And if so, what should those lines be? And do those limits have a place in the ch...
52: The Power of Habit by Charles Duhigg
24 Aug 2018
Contributed by Lukas
Up to 40% of our daily actions are influenced by our habits, but how do you actually influence them? In this episode, Joe & Mike dive into The Power o...
51: Great at Work by Morten Hansen
18 Jul 2018
Contributed by Lukas
There is a myth in the workplace that says we need to work longer hours to achieve more and do so with higher quality. But this is purely a myth and t...
50: 2018 Bookworm Draft
05 Jul 2018
Contributed by Lukas
If you listen to Bookworm as a way to filter your book list, then this episode will blow your mind. Joe and Mike pick their top ten books draft-style....
49: Peak by Anders Ericsson
24 Jun 2018
Contributed by Lukas
What does it take to become the best? And what do the world’s greatest do that puts them at the top? And how does that translate into our day to day...
48: How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie
30 May 2018
Contributed by Lukas
It’s time for another classic that both Mike and Joe are a bit embarrassed they haven’t read previously. And it turns out to be a book where the t...
47: The Three Big Questions for a Frantic Family by Patrick Lencioni
09 May 2018
Contributed by Lukas
Should you think about your family in the same way you think about an organization? And what are the ramifications of the answer to that question? Boo...
46: Busy by Tony Crabbe
18 Apr 2018
Contributed by Lukas
Don’t have time to read books? Then listen to this! Joe and Mike jump into the topic of a busy culture and what we can do about it. Discuss on the B...
45: What’s Best Next by Matt Perman
04 Apr 2018
Contributed by Lukas
What does the Bible say about productivity? And how does this book compare to other productivity books? Mike’s Office – Couch Mike’s Office – ...
44: Man’s Search for Meaning by Victor Frankl
17 Mar 2018
Contributed by Lukas
Knowing your purpose and finding meaning in life can save your life. This episode covers the challenging topic of World War II and escaping concentrat...
43: Flow by Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi
22 Feb 2018
Contributed by Lukas
Mike and Joe have mentioned Mihaly way too often. So it’s about time they covered his book and discussed it directly. Think and Grow Rich by Napoleo...
42: How to Read a Book by Mortimer Adler
31 Jan 2018
Contributed by Lukas
It’s finally here. An episode about how to read a book. And what better way to cover the topic than to read a book about it. 168 hours by Laura Vand...
41: 168 Hours by Laura Vanderkam
16 Jan 2018
Contributed by Lukas
Where does your time go? And do you actually spend it where you think you do? These are tough questions when you dive into it, which is exactly what M...