Bookworm

Mike Schmitz and Cory Hixson

Bookworm is dedicated to doing more than just reading books. Mike Schmitz & Cory Hixson read a book every two weeks and discuss ways to apply the author's lessons to their lives.

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22 episodes
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Avg 1 hr 33 min
English

Episodes 22

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Yesterday · 1 hr 31 min
256: Uncommon Sense by William Brody
Life, unlike textbooks, has no answer key. Today's author promises to help us think and live beyond the syllabus. Join Mike & Cory as they rethink what it means to be educated. Support the Show Typefully Mike's Secondary YouTube Channel Uncommon Sense by William Brody Super Thinking by Gabriel Weinberg & Lauren McCann The Great Mental Models by Shane Parrish Focused #263: Removing the Roadblocks, with Cat Mulvihill The Second Mountain by David Brooks How to Be Everything by Emilie Wapnick The Goal by Eliyahu Goldratt The Goal: A Business Graphic Novel You Can Just Do Things by Cate Hall Recommend a Book Cory's Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Mike's Rating: ⭐⭐⭐
- Chapters
August 14 · 1 hr 42 min
255: The Psychology of Money by Morgan Housel
Today's author promises to help us improve our money mindset by sharing several short stories that teach timeless lessons on wealth, greed, and happiness. Support the Show Amplify Cohort The Psychology of Money by Morgan Housel Same as Ever by Morgan Housel You Can Just Do Things by Cate Hall 30 Lessons for Living by Karl Pillemer Uncommon Sense by William Brody The Goal by Eliyahu Goldratt Mike's Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Cory's Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
- Chapters
July 31 · 1 hr 35 min
254: Inside the Box by David Epstein
Today's author argues that all of us—individuals, businesses, institutions, even societies—can benefit from narrowing our options. Join Mike & Cory as they attempt to transform themselves—and the world—by embracing constraints. Support the Show Inside the Box by David Epstein Mike's Amplify Cohort The Growth Intensive The Goal by Eli Goldratt Apple: The First 50 Years by David Pogue Creativity, Inc. by Ed Catmull Science Fictions by Stuart Ritchie Six Sigma Anatomy of a Breakthrough by Adam Alter Co-Intelligence by Ethan Mollick Four Thousand Weeks by Oliver Burkeman Dave Ramsey Debt Snowball Range by David Epstein The Psychology of Money by Morgan Housel Uncommon Sense by William Brody Cory's Rating: ⭐⭐⭐ Mike's Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
- Chapters
July 17 · 1 hr 30 min
253: How to Try Again by Steve Kamb
Some people wake up at 4 AM, run fifteen miles barefoot, and then meditate in an ice bath. Today's author promises to help the rest of us transform our lives by giving up more often, failing faster, and mastering the art of starting over. Support the Show Bookworm #252: The Book of Elon How to Try Again by Steve Kamb Nerd Fitness The Case for Delusional Confidence Museum of Failure The Growth Intensive Bookworm #219: Tiny Experiments Antifragile by Nassim Nicholas Taleb Four Thousand Weeks by Oliver Burkeman Dark Souls Inside the Box by David Epstein Range by David Epstein The Psychology of Money by Morgan Housel Bandersnatch Recommend a Book Mike's Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Cory's Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
- Chapters
July 3 · 1 hr 28 min
252: The Book of Elon by Eric Jorgenson
Today's author promises to help us bring purpose and energy to our meaningful work. Join Mike & Cory as they attempt to learn from the life of one of the Internet's most enigmatic and colorful characters. Support the Show Unreasonable Hospitality by Will Guidara The Book of Elon by Eric Jorgenson The Almanack of Naval Ravikant by Eric Jorgenson How to Live a Meaningful Life by Bill Burnett & Dave Evans Zip2 Tesla SpaceX Sid Meier's Civilization Talking to the Internet How to Try Again by Steve Kamb Inside the Box by David Epstein Alchemy by Rory Sutherland Mike's Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Cory's Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
- Chapters
June 19 · 1 hr 42 min
251: Unreasonable Hospitality by Will Guidara
Today's author and restaurateur shares hospitality lessons learned from turning Eleven Madison Park into the #1 restaurant in the world. Join Mike & Cory as they consider how they, too, can transform ordinary transactions into extraordinary experiences. Support the Show Unreasonable Hospitality by Will Guidara Nathan Barry Show with Will Guidara & Brian Canlis The One Minute Manager by Ken Blanchard & Spencer Johnson Radical Candor by Kim Scott Diary of a CEO Intelligentsia Chemex Coffee Brewer Chemex Ottomatic Siphon Brewing Theory11 Simon Sinek | The Optimism Company Leaders Eat Last by Simon Sinek The Almanack of Naval Ravikant by Eric Jorgensen The Book of Elon by Eric Jorgensen Mike's Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Cory's Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
- Chapters
June 5 · 1 hr 22 min
250: Design Love In by Marcus Buckingham
Today's author promises to help us unleash the most powerful force in business — love. Join Mike & Cory as they consider what it means to design love in as leaders and experience-makers. Support the Show Bookworm #249: What You’re Made For by George Raveling Design Love In by Marcus Buckingham Love + Work by Marcus Buckingham StrengthsFinder StandOut Mac Power Users with Marco Arment Overcast EOS (Entrepreneur Operating System) Ninety.io Radical Candor by Kim Scott Unreasonable Hospitality The Book of Elon The Almanack of Naval Ravikant Mike's Rating: ⭐⭐⭐ Cory's Rating: ⭐⭐⭐
- Chapters
May 22 · 1 hr 22 min
249: What You're Made For by George Raveling
This episode is sponsored by: St. Louis Pen Show: Join us June 25-28. Tickets on sale now! Today's author shares incredible behind-the-scenes stories from his career working with some of the world's best athletes. Join Mike & Cory as they explore purpose, meaning, and wisdom from a legendary coaching trailblazer. Support the Show Nathan Barry episode on Unreasonable Hospitality What You’re Made For by George Raveling Mike’s YouTube Video on How He Takes Book Notes Mike’s Book Notes vault Radical Candor by Kim Scott Rapt by Winifred Gallagher Air How to Live a Meaningful Life by Bill Burnett & Dave Evans The Second Mountain by David Brooks From Strength to Strength by Arthur Brooks Design Love In by Marcus Buckingham Unreasonable Hospitality by Will Guidara How to Lead Your Family by Joel Beeke Mike's Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Cory's Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
- Chapters
May 8 · 1 hr 38 min
248: How to Live a Meaningful Life by Bill Burnett and Dave Evans
Today's authors promise to help you build purpose, clarity, and connection without quitting your job, blowing up your life, or starting from scratch. Join Mike & Cory as they consider how to use design thinking to craft lives and careers they love. Support the Show Nathan Barry Show with Bill Burnett & Dave Evans Current Reader app The Library How to Live a Meaningful Life by Bill Burnett & Dave Evans Design Your Life by Bill Burnett & Dave Evans Flow by Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi Finite & Infinite Games by James Carse Mike’s Amateur Advantage Newsletter The Second Mountain by David Brooks Falling Upward by Richard Rohr From Strength to Strength by Arthur Brooks What You're Made For by George Raveling Design Love by Marcus Buckingham Mike's Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Cory's Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
- Chapters
April 24 · 1 hr 40 min
247: The Way of Excellence by Brad Stulberg
This episode is sponsored by: St Louis Pen Show: Join us June 25-28. Tickets on sale now! Today's author promises to give us a guide to creating, contributing, and actualizing our potential amid the craziness of modern life. Join Mike & Cory as they embark on a journey to rediscover excellence in their own lives. Support the Show Nathan Barry Show episode with Bill Burnett & Dave Evans Bookworm #180: Master of Change by Brad Stulberg Discipline Equals Freedom by Jocko Willink Bookworm #196: Why We Sleep by Matthew Walker Daily Rituals by Mason Currey Craft + Commerce How to Live a Meaningful Life by Bill Burnett & Dave Evans What You're Made For by George Raveling Mike's Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Cory's Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
- Chapters
April 10 · 1 hr 34 min
246: The 6 Types of Working Genius by Patrick Lencioni
This episode of Bookworm is sponsored by: Vitally: Your Copilot for AI-Powered Customer Success. Get a free pair of AirPods Pro when you book a qualified meeting. Today's author promises to teach us a framework that will change the way we think about work and teams forever. Join Mike & Cory as they attempt to identify the type of work that brings them joy and energy, and avoid work that leads to frustration and burnout. Support the Show MacSparky's Robot Assistant Field Guide The Library LifeTheme Cohort The 5 Dysfunctions of a Team by Patrick Lencioni Six Thinking Hats by Edward de Bono Kolbe A Index Conative Connection by Kathy Kolbe Success Profiler The End of Burnout by Jonathan Maleesic The Way of Excellence by Brad Stulberg How to Live a Meaningful Life by Bill Burnett & Dave Evans Mike's Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Cory's Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
- Chapters
March 27 · 1 hr 29 min
245: The Science of Storytelling by Will Storr
This episode of Bookworm is sponsored by: Vitally: Your Copilot for AI-Powered Customer Success. Get a free pair of AirPods Pro when you book a qualified meeting. Today's author (and acclaimed storytelling teacher) promises to teach us how our brains create worlds by being attuned to moments of unexpected change. Join Mike & Cory as they embark on a journey to master the science of storytelling. LifeTheme Cohort Bookworm 244: The Coaching Habit by Michael Bungay Stanier The Science of Storytelling by Matthew Storr Storyworthy by Matthew Dicks The Science of Scaling by Dr. Benjamin Hardy & Blake Erickson 48 Laws of Power by Robert Greene Influence by Robert Cialdini The Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone by J.K. Rowling Ghost Town Living by Brent Underwood Red Rising by Pierce Brown WALL-E The West Wing Phineas and Ferb Ready Player One by Ernest Cline Mike's Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Cory's Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
- Chapters
March 13 · 1 hr 26 min
244: The Coaching Habit by Michael Bungay Stanier
Today's author promises to transform the way we coach others by offering us seven simple questions. Join Mike & Cory as they attempt to level up their own coaching habits. New Media Summit The Library The Coaching Habit Box of Crayons Mike’s YouTube channel Obsidian Starter Vault Free Time by Jenny Blake Jenny’s Free Time Toolkit Essentialism by Greg McKeown Playing to Win by A. G. Lafley & Roger Martin The Science of Storytelling by Will Storr 6 Types of Working Genius by Patrick Lencioni 5 Dysfunctions of a Team by Patrick Lencioni Predictable Profits by Stu McLaren Sojourners & Strangers by Michael O'Brien Mike's Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Cory's Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
- Chapters
February 27 · 1 hr 35 min
243: The End of Burnout by Jonathan Malesic
Have you ever felt "burnt out?" Burnout has become our go-to term for talking about the pressure and dissatisfaction we experience. Today's author shares his own experience and proposes an alternative to our cultural obsession with work. Join Mike & Cory as they explore a new way to think about work, ideals, and dignity. The End of Burnout by Jonathan Malesic Burnout by Christina Maslach Intentional by Chris Bailey Master Your Motivation by Susan Fowler The Coaching Habit by Michael Bungay Stanier The Science of Storytelling by Will Storr Mike's Rating: ⭐⭐ Cory's Rating: ⭐⭐⭐
- Chapters
February 13 · 1 hr 28 min
242: The Overthinker's Guide to Making Decisions by Joseph Nguyen
Today's author promises to teach us frameworks and principles to help us stop overthinking when trying to decide. Join Mike and Cory as they attempt to escape the endless "what if" loops in their brains and make better (and more intuitive) decisions. Intentional by Chris Bailey Claude Just Game My Obsidian Journaling Workflow a HUGE Upgrade Mike’s PKM Quiz Mike’s Obsidian Report Card Form The Overthinker’s Guide to Making Decisions by Joseph Nguyen Don’t Believe Everything You Think by Joseph Nguyen Tim Ferris’s Fear Setting Exercise The End of Burnout by Jonathan Malesic The Coaching Habit by Michael Bungay Stanier The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald The Crucified King by Jeremy Treat Mike's Rating: ⭐⭐⭐ Cory's Rating: ⭐
- Chapters
January 30 · 1 hr 22 min
241: Intentional by Chris Bailey
Today's author promises to distill a decade of deep research on productivity to deliver a profound, practical, and counterintuitive road map to getting things done. Join Mike & Cory as they embark on a journey to live a more intentional life. Support the Show Intentional by Chris Bailey The Productivity Project by Chris Bailey The Library Community Hyper Focus by Chris Bailey How to Calm Your Mind by Chris Bailey How to Train Your Mind by Chris Bailey Overcoming Procrastination Course The Overthinker's Guide to Making Decisions by Joseph Nguyen Don't Believe Everything You Think by Joseph Nguyen The End of Burnout by Jonathan Malesic Red Rising by Pierce Brown Reading the Gospels Wisely by Jonathan Pennington Mike's Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Cory's Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
- Chapters
January 16 · 1 hr 29 min
240: Hacking the Human Mind by Richard Shotton & Michaelaaron Flicker
Note: If you're only hearing Mike, delete and redownload the file. Today's authors promise to teach us the behavioral science secrets behind 17 of the world's best brands. Join Mike & Cory as they consider the marketing of the world's biggest brands. Support the Show NeuYear Focused Calendar Craft + Commerce Bandersnatch by Diana Pavloc Glyer Hacking the Human Mind by Richard Shotton & Michaelaaron Flicker Ruby coffee roasters Snickers Feast ad The Social Dilemma Bookworm #198: Scarcity Brain by Michael Easter Intentional by Chris Bailey The Overthinker's Guide to Making Decision by Joseph Nguyen Ghost Town Living by Brent Underwood Mike's Rating: ⭐⭐ Cory's Rating: ⭐⭐⭐
- Chapters
January 2 · 1 hr 40 min
239: Proust and The Squid by Maryanne Wolf
Today's author (and neuropsychologist) shows us how and why the human brain has adapted in order to read and write. Join Mike & Cory as they examine the past and consider the future of the reading brain. Support the show New Bookworm website Mike’s Live Practical PKM Cohort Sublime Proust and The Squid by Maryanne Wolf Reader, Come Home by Maryanne Wolf #196: Focus & The Reading Life, with Maryanne Wolf Bandersnatch by Diana Glyer How to Read a Book by Mortimer Adler The Veldt by Ray Bradbury Hacking the Human Mind by Richard Shotton and MichaelAaron Flicker Intentional by Chris Bailey Ready Player One by Ernest Cline Mike's Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Cory's Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
- Chapters
Dec 19, 2025 · 1 hr 35 min
238: Sketch Your Mind by Zsolt Viczian
Today's author promises to help us build a visual-first system to capture, connect, and use our ideas like never before. Join Mike & Cory as ponder the creative power of the visual zettelkasten. Support the Show Lazy.so Sketch Your Mind by Zsolt Viczian A System for Writing by Bob Doto Excalidraw Excalidraw Obsidian plugin Excalibrain Obsidian plugin GoodNotes MindNode Sublime The Sketchnote Workbook by Mike Rohde Rory's Story Cubes Prouse and The Squid by Maryanne Wolf Hacking the Human Mind by Richard Shotton and Michaelaaron Flicker Intentional by Chris Bailey Mike's Rating: 4.0 Cory's Rating: 5.0
- Chapters
Dec 5, 2025 · 1 hr 47 min
237: Toxic Grit by Amanda Goetz
For years, we’ve been told the answer to burnout is better balance. Today’s author promises to show us a better way. Join Mike and Cory as they examine an alternative approach to ambition. Support the Show Recommend a Book Craft + Commerce Sponsor Games The Pathless Path Premium Hardcover Edition Otterpine Press Bookworm #208: Good Work Toxic Grit by Amanda Goetz Practical PKM Hybrid Cohort Bookworm 232: Published Bookworm #234: Sponsor Magnet Blanc Media 8-Week Sabbaticals The Second Mountain by David Brooks Focused 243: 243: The Single Source of Truth is On the Fridge, with Thom Gibson Sketch Your Mind by Zsolt Viczian The Proust & The Squid by Maryanne Wolf Bookworm Shirts Mike's Rating: 3.0 Cory's Rating: 3.0
- Chapters

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