The Read Well Podcast

The Reader’s Discipline: Choosing to Pay Attention | EP125

17 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Most people think becoming a better reader is about speed, memory, or reading more books. I’ve come to believe it starts somewhere much simpler: att...

Read Like Socrates: How to Choose Books That Actually Make You Better | EP 124

09 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

I used to think reading more books was the goal. Then I encountered a moment in Plato’s Protagoras where Socrates warns that what you learn will eit...

How I Rebuild a Reading Habit After Falling Off | EP 123

02 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

When my reading habit falls apart, I don’t try to brute-force it back into existence. I take a slower, kinder approach—and it works. In this episo...

Timothy Schaffert on The Titanic Survivors Book Club | EP 122

06 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, I sit down with novelist Timothy Schaffert to talk about The Titanic Survivors Book Club and the quiet, sustaining role books play in...

My 2026 Reading Goals + 11 Books I Loved Reading in 2025 | EP121

09 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

I've spent years setting reading goals that looked impressive on paper but left me feeling overwhelmed. This year, I’m taking a healthier path....

My #1 Trick I for Remembering Books | EP120

01 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

I’ve tried every trick in the book to remember what I read—and the one that works isn’t about highlighting or taking notes. It’s about applyin...

Design the Perfect Reading Space | EP 119

24 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, I sit down with author Thatcher Wine to talk about something most of us overlook: the space where we read. Thatcher shares practical ...

Reading Deeply Takes Practice | EP118

17 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Reading deeply takes practice. The more you wrestle with complex ideas, the more your mind learns how to sit still with them. In this episode, I talk ...

How to Retain and Process What You Read 📚 | EP 117

10 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

I’ve found that reading a book isn’t enough—you have to wrestle with it. In this episode, I’ll show you how Julia Cameron’s Morning Pages me...

Our Motto: Read Slowly - Take Notes - Apply the Ideas | EP 116

03 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, I talk about a simple motto that changed the way I read: Read slowly, take notes, apply the ideas. Most of us rush through books hopi...

Nietzsche and the Art of Living Dangerously | EP 115

27 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Nietzsche once said, “Live dangerously.” But what did he mean by that? In this episode, I explore the heart of that idea—why safety can dull the...

Too Many Books to Read, Too Little Time | EP 114

20 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

I’m behind in my reading. Does that ever happen to you? Let’s chat about why it happens, how it messes with the brain, and how to get back on trac...

Learn to Journal Like Ralph Waldo Emerson | EP 113

06 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, I close out my series on Emerson’s journals by looking at what his essay Self-Reliance can teach us about keeping a thoughtful reco...

Was John Locke's Method of Journaling a Good Idea? | EP 112

22 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode I explain how John Locke created a system for indexing journals that looks clever at first but quickly becomes a burden. I also share ...

Stay in Constant Contact with Your Journals | EP 111

08 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Ralph Waldo Emerson didn’t just write in his journals—he returned to them again and again. In this episode, I’ll share how that practice helped ...

A Journal is a Savings Bank of Ideas | EP 110

02 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, I begin a six-part series on Ralph Waldo Emerson’s journaling habits. Emerson didn’t see his journals as a place to record daily ...

Why Bookstores Matter in a Digital World | EP 109

25 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

What makes a bookstore more than four walls and shelves of paper? In this episode, I read a short essay about how bookstores can help us rediscover ou...

Meet J.D. Barker: The Author Continuing Dracula’s Legacy | EP 108

11 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

I sat down with J.D. Barker to talk about how he walked away from a career in corporate compliance and built a life as a full-time thriller writer. We...

How to Read Philosophy Without Losing Your Mind | EP 107

04 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Philosophy isn’t written like a story or a textbook—it unfolds in a completely different way. In this episode, I’ll walk you through how I appro...

Why You Forget Books—and How to Stop | EP 106

28 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

I used to read a book and forget it days later. Then I realized the problem wasn’t my memory—it was how I was approaching the text. In this episod...

20 Brutal Truths Every Reader Needs to Hear | EP 105

21 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of The Read Well Podcast, I’m cutting through the excuses lifelong learners love to tell themselves—“I don’t have time,” “...

The 53-Page Book That Consumed My Brain (So I Bought 100 Copies) | EP 104

14 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this week's episode, I’m sharing why The Death of Ivan Ilych by Leo Tolstoy is one of the most powerful things I’ve ever read. It’s only...

Reading Used to Be Magical. What Happened? | EP 103

30 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

As a kid, I used to read by flashlight under my covers—completely absorbed, completely amazed. Somewhere along the way, I traded that sense of wonde...

3 Books That Changed My Perspective | EP 102

23 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

I didn’t pick these books expecting them to shake up my perspective. But they did. In this episode, I walk through Working Days by John Steinbeck, T...

How to Actually Remember the Books You Read | EP 101

16 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, I talk about why so many people forget what they read—and how I’ve changed my habits to remember the books that matter. It’s no...

11 Books for a Year of Deep Reading | EP 100

19 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

This is episode 100 of The Read Well Podcast, and to mark the moment, I’m sharing the 11 books we’ll be reading together from June 2025 to June 20...

Why I Quit Some Books (and You Should Too) | EP 99

12 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

I read to spend time with people—fictional or not—that make me think, make me laugh, or just feel like good company. In this episode, I talk about...

Want to Read Philosophy? Start with These 9 Easier Books | EP 98

05 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Philosophy can feel like a foreign language at first. I used to struggle with it too—until I found the right books. In this episode, I walk through ...

How Books Help Us Make Sense of Real Life | EP 97

21 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, I sit down with Binnie Kirshenbaum to talk about her new novel, Counting Backwards—a story about love, aging, and the slow disappea...

How to Read Like a Novelist: An Interview with Best Selling Authors L.R. Lam, Andrea Stewart, and Piers Torday | EP 96

14 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Writing a novel is a long road, and no one knows that better than Piers Torday, Andrea Stewart, and L.R. Lam. In this live interview, they share what ...

Writing a Novel is Hard Work. Here's What I'm Learning | EP 95

07 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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 wit...

I Fixed My Handwriting—and My Reading Improved | EP 94

31 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

I tried to improve my handwriting because I couldn’t read my own notes. What I didn’t expect was that it would change how I read books. In this ep...

The Difference Between Reading and Learning | EP 93

24 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Reading isn’t enough. People love to say that books make you smarter, but that’s only true if you do something with what you read. In this episode...

Is Classic Literature Worth Reading? | EP 92

10 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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 re...

6 Books That Helped Me Build a Daily Reading Habit | EP 91

03 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Most people want to read more but struggle to stay consistent. I’ve been there. Over the years, I’ve learned a few simple ways to make reading par...

Read, Highlight, Apply: A Simple Strategy | EP 90

24 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

I’ve highlighted hundreds of passages in books I’ve read over the years, and for a long time, most of them just sat there. I never looked at them ...

What Shakespeare’s Henry V Teaches About Reading Deeply | EP 89

17 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Shakespeare’s Henry V opens with an unusual request: The Chorus begs the audience to use their imagination because the play can’t capture the full...

Do You Forget Books? Try This When You Read | EP 88

10 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

If you feel like you forget books as soon as you finish them, you're not alone. Most people never move beyond basic comprehension when they read....

When Reading FEELS Overwhelming | EP 87

03 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Sometimes, reading feels overwhelming. It’s normal to have feelings of self-doubt and overwhelm when it comes to reading books. Today I’m sharing ...

How to Read Books Without Feeling Overwhelmed | EP 86

27 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Reading more books isn’t just about time—it’s about making better choices. I’ll explain why it’s okay to stop reading books you don’t love...

Plato's Euthyphro Rocks. Here's Why! | EP 85

20 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this video, I dive into Plato's Euthyphro and explore its famous dilemma: Are moral laws good because God commands them, or does God command t...

Do I Read Multiple Books at the Same Time? | EP 84

13 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Ever wondered if you can read multiple books at once without losing focus? In this video, I share my personal reading routine and answer a community q...

Why Flowers for Algernon Was My Favorite Book of 2024 | EP 83

06 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Flowers for Algernon is a book I believe everyone should read. In this episode, I discuss the major themes of the novel and why it became my favorite ...

How I'm Using Books to Learn a Foreign Language | EP 82

30 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Books aren’t just a way to escape—they can be tools for real transformation. In this episode, I’ll share how I’m using Harry Potter and Charli...

My Morning Reading Routine | EP 81

23 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

I’ve spent years refining a simple, intentional morning reading routine, and in this episode, I’m sharing what works for me and why it might work ...

5 Lessons I Learned Reading Four Thousand Weeks: Time Management for Mortals | EP 80

16 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

I used to think time management was about fitting more into my day, but reading Four Thousand Weeks by Oliver Burkeman completely shifted my perspecti...

Philosopher’s Guide to Better Thinking: A Conversation with Dr. Michael Huemer | EP 79

09 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, I sit down with philosopher Dr. Michael Huemer to talk about the importance of thinking critically in a world full of competing ideas...

Every Book I Read in 2024 (With a Review) | EP 78

02 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

I’m sharing every book I read in 2024, giving quick reviews to help you decide what to pick up next year. If you’re looking for challenging ideas,...

How to ACTUALLY Learn from Audiobooks | EP 77

25 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Audiobooks are powerful, but too many of us rely on them alone to absorb knowledge. In this video, I share how audiobooks are just the first step in t...

What to Do When Reading Feels Like a Chore | EP 76

18 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

We all have days when reading feels like a struggle. In this video, I’m sharing my go-to strategies for those low-motivation days and introducing th...

How to Take Great Notes (For Fiction Readers) | EP 75

11 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Not all fiction needs note-taking, but when you find a book with something to say, jotting down your thoughts can deepen the experience. In this episo...

The Art of Mastery (For Book Lovers) | EP 74

04 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this video, I’m breaking down key lessons from Robert Greene’s “Mastery” and exploring how the path to true skill and understanding might l...

Books Make You a Better Thinker | EP 73

28 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

I’ve always found that reading helps me slow down enough to actually think. In this episode, I’ll share why I believe that reading tough books mak...

Is Reading A Book A Week a Good Idea? | EP 72

21 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

I sit down with Dr. Martin Jacobsen to discuss the downsides of aiming to read a book a week. Dr. Jacobsen shares his experience of getting caught up ...

5 ODD Ideas That Improve Your Reading | EP 71

14 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, I’m sharing five unconventional but highly effective ideas that will help you become a better reader. These aren't your typica...

5 Books I HATED But Now Can’t Stop Reading | EP 70

07 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

I didn't always love the books I discuss on this show. In fact, this week I’m revisiting five books I couldn't stand when I was younger. B...

The Science of Reading: What You Need to Know with Maryanne Wolf | EP 69

30 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Join me for a discussion with Maryanne Wolf, author of ”Reader, Come Home,” as we dive into the science of reading and how our brains respond diff...

Unlock the Secret to 5 Hours of Focused Reading | EP 68

25 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Ever wonder how to stay completely absorbed in a book for hours? Last week, a guy on a plane asked me just that—and today, I’m sharing my answer. ...

Struggling with Headaches While Reading? Here's What You Can Do | EP 67

16 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Reading should be a joy, not a headache. In this episode, I talk about common problems we face during difficult reading sessions. From headaches to re...

13 Chilling Books for Halloween Reading | EP 66

09 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, I’m sharing 13 books that are perfect for Halloween, but these aren’t your typical horror stories. Each book on this list offers ...

The 9 Goblins Ruining Your Books | EP 65

03 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this Halloween-themed episode, I’m talking about the 9 goblins that haunt every reader. Whether it’s the voice of self-criticism or the shadow ...

The 2 Benefits of Reading Slowly | EP 64

26 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Today, I’m diving into the benefits of slow reading. We’ll look at Walt Whitman’s 'Song of Myself' to see how taking your time can lea...

The Adult’s Guide to Slowing Down and Reading Well | EP 63

19 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

As adults, we’re constantly pulled in different directions—work, family, and responsibilities. But what if reading could be your way of reclaiming...

Conquer Your Journal Anxiety | EP 62

12 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, I'll explore why so many of us feel anxious when faced with a new journal. We'll discuss the common reasons behind this anx...

Become a Better Reader: Tips from Pulitzer Prize Author Junot Díaz | EP 61

05 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of The Read Well Podcast, I sit down with acclaimed author Junot Diaz to explore the art of reading. Junot offers practical advice on ...

I’m Starting a Bookstore | EP 60

29 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Welcome to Edgewater Bookstore! I'm Eddy Hood, host of The Read Well Podcast, and I'm thrilled to announce the launch of my dream bookstore....

Sure Signs You’re a Book Nerd | EP 59

22 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this week’s show, we’re diving into the world of book nerds—those of us who live and breathe literature. If you’re passionate about thought...

How to Read and Understand “Difficult” Books | EP. 58

15 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Let’s have a chat about “difficult” books. What are they and why should you read them? Also, let’s get into a few tips for getting the most of...

The Shocking Truth of Her Terrifying Memoir! (Author of “Unveiled” - Yasmine Mohammed) | EP 57

08 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Join me as I sit down with Yasmine Mohammed, author of 'Unveiled,' to learn about her incredible journey and her efforts to support Islamic ...

Why I Read: The Six Reasons Behind Every Book | EP 56

01 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, I explore the six fundamental reasons why we read books. Reading goes beyond mere entertainment or passing the time. I’ll share how...

How Wordsworth's Poem Will Transform Your Life | EP 55

24 Jun 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, I’ll explore William Wordsworth's poem, "Nuns Fret Not at Their Convent's Narrow Room," and uncover how his cho...

Fix Your Reading Brain: A 14-Day Challenge | EP 54

17 Jun 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, I'll introduce you to Maryanne Wolf's insightful book, "Reader Come Home," which is a fantastic resource for anyo...

Good Books vs. Great Books: A Conversation with Dr. Martin Jacobsen | EP 53

10 Jun 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In today's episode, I sit down with Dr. Martin Jacobsen to explore what elevates a book from good to great. We discuss how the best authors infus...

The Power of Memoirs: Lessons from Real Lives | EP 52

03 Jun 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, I explore what a memoir is and why it's a valuable genre to include in your reading list. I discuss how memoirs offer unique ins...

Allegory and Magical Realism | EP 51

28 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, I explore the concept of allegory in literature, revealing how authors embed deeper meanings within their stories. I also dive into m...

The Framework of Fiction: A Guide to Understanding Plot | EP 50

20 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Join me as I break down the five pivotal plot points that structure every compelling story—from exposition to resolution. Learn how these elements c...

Why Read Literature? A Deeper Look at the Benefits | EP 49

13 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Why invest time in reading literature? This episode answers just that, highlighting how stories enrich our lives, teach us empathy, and offer experien...

Mastering the Basics of Russian Literature: An English Reader’s Companion | EP 48

06 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Today, I dive into a comparative analysis of two of Russia’s literary titans: Leo Tolstoy and Fyodor Dostoyevsky. I'll explore their unique sty...

Revealing the Book Club Schedule: Season 2 (2024 / 2025) | EP 47

29 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

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 &ap...

Do Book Clubs Really Help? | EP 46

22 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

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 s...

Uncommon Tips for Better Reading | Interview with Dr. Martin Jacobsen | EP 45

15 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Martin Jacobsen, Associate Professor of English at West Texas A&M, to explore how a deeper understanding of l...

Turning the Page on Highlightish | EP 44

08 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

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 ...

The 4 Types of Readers (Which One Are You?) | EP 43

01 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

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...

Overcoming the Dreaded Reading Slump: 7 Ideas to Jumpstart Your Reading | EP 42

25 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In today's episode, I'm tackling a challenge every passionate reader faces at some point: the reading slump. It's that frustrating peri...

The Art of Remembering: How to Make Any Book Stick | EP 41

19 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, I explore why so many of us struggle to retain the valuable information we read every day. I introduce a simple yet effective learnin...

Is Poetry Worth Reading? | EP 40

11 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, I explore how poetry, especially Walt Whitman's 'Song of Myself,' can make us feel more alive by connecting us with th...

Learn to Read Like an Audiobook Narrator  | EP 39

03 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this week’s episode, I sit down with Liza Jacob, an experienced audiobook narrator, to explore why rushing through books might actually be hinder...

How to Think (And Read) For Yourself | EP 38

26 Feb 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Welcome to another episode of The Read Well Podcast. Today, we're tackling something that's been bothering me: "How to Think (and Read)...

You Are What You Read (The 5 Authors Test) | EP 37

19 Feb 2024

Contributed by Lukas

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 momen...

How Philosophy Books Make You Better | EP 36

11 Feb 2024

Contributed by Lukas

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...

A Useful Trick to Read Everyday | EP 35

05 Feb 2024

Contributed by Lukas

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 file...

3 Books Helping Me Find Happiness Post-Mormonism | EP 34

31 Jan 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, I share my recent experience of leaving the Mormon church and the ensuing quest to redefine my own beliefs. I explore 3 different boo...

Why Are You Trying So Hard to Impress Everyone? (Let’s Ask Plato) | EP 33

23 Jan 2024

Contributed by Lukas

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...

The Trolly Dilemma: Would You Push a Man onto the Train Tracks? | EP 32

19 Jan 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Tune in to this week's episode of The Read Well Podcast where I dissect the famous trolley problem. I'll explore the ethical quandaries it p...

Focused Reading: Learning from 'Essentialism’ | EP 31

10 Jan 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, I discuss Greg McKeown's 'Essentialism', a book that challenges the status quo of busyness by advocating for a more de...

What I Learned in Yale’s Philosophy Course | EP 30

03 Jan 2024

Contributed by Lukas

I’ve recently experienced some major changes in my life, notably the fact that I’ve stepped away from a high-demand religion (Mormonism) recently....

I Read 10,000,000 Books This Year (And Learned This!) | EP 29

19 Dec 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Booktube has gotten itself into a bit of a jam. In order to stay relevant (and clickable), booktube creators feel like they have to make videos showca...

Ultimate Stocking Stuffer Ideas for Book Lovers - The Perfect Gifts for Bookworms! | EP 28

12 Dec 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Searching for the perfect stocking stuffer ideas for the bookworm in your life? Look no further! In this video, I've compiled the ultimate list o...

Absorb Any Book with Atomic Notes | EP 27

05 Dec 2023

Contributed by Lukas

In this comprehensive guide, I dive deep into the art of atomic note-taking, providing you with a step-by-step tutorial on how to master this powerful...

I Changed 3 Reading Habits and Now Philosophy is More Understandable I EP 26

28 Nov 2023

Contributed by Lukas

I’ve been reading more philosophy lately. It’s great, but it’s complicated. I don’t have a degree in this stuff, although I am considering a f...