May 6, 2024 · 36 min
TR
Arts
The Read Well Podcast
Eddy Hood
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.
- 129 episodes
- Updated June 22
Episodes129
- TRApr 29, 2024 · 24 min
Revealing the Book Club Schedule: Season 2 (2024 / 2025) | EP 47
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 'Walking' and culminating with Sapolsky's scientific 'Behave'. In between, we’ll explore the stoic wisdom, poetry, and psychological fiction. In this episode, I share with you the 10 books we’ll be reading in season 2 (2024/2025). Send Me a Text Message with Your Questions 👋📚Take Your Reading Deeper (Try my Book Club for FREE Here): https://thereadwellpodcast.com/book-club/
- TRApr 22, 2024 · 22 min
Do Book Clubs Really Help? | EP 46
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 selecting a book club that suits your reading style and introduce you to three groups that are ideal for diving into deeper discussions. Plus, don't miss our community announcements segment for local reading events! Send Me a Text Message with Your Questions 👋📚Take Your Reading Deeper (Try my Book Club for FREE Here): https://thereadwellpodcast.com/book-club/
- TRApr 15, 2024 · 43 min
Uncommon Tips for Better Reading | Interview with Dr. Martin Jacobsen | EP 45
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 linguistics can transform your reading skills. Dr. Jacobsen shares his method for diagramming important sentences and provides unconventional tips that promise to elevate your reading experience. If you're someone who enjoys unraveling the philosophy within texts and seeks to grasp challenging concepts with ease, this discussion will shed light on how syntax shapes meaning in profound ways. Learn more about Dr. Jacobsen at: https://www.wtamu.edu/academics/college-fine-arts-humanities/department-english-philosophy-modern-languages/faculty/martin-jacobsen-bio.html Send Me a Text Message with Your Questions 👋📚Take Your Reading Deeper (Try my Book Club for FREE Here): https://thereadwellpodcast.com/book-club/
- TRApr 8, 2024 · 17 min
Turning the Page on Highlightish | EP 44
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 been passionately working on. I’ll discuss the reasons behind this decision, primarily focusing on my desire to dedicate more time and resources to enriching this podcast. Expect to hear about the exciting plans I have to bring you more compelling guests and discussions. Plus, I won’t leave you without a book recommendation that has deeply moved me - Snow Falling on Cedars by David Guterson. Join me as I explain why this shift is not an end but a new beginning for our community. Send Me a Text Message with Your Questions 👋📚Take Your Reading Deeper (Try my Book Club for FREE Here): https://thereadwellpodcast.com/book-club/
- TRApr 1, 2024 · 29 min
The 4 Types of Readers (Which One Are You?) | EP 43
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 We Read, Then We Write" by Robert Richardson that have transformed my own reading habits. To cap it off, I’ll recommend a book that not only challenges your mind but also guides you in refining your reading skills. Join me to discover which reader type you embody and how you can enhance your reading experience. Send Me a Text Message with Your Questions 👋📚Take Your Reading Deeper (Try my Book Club for FREE Here): https://thereadwellpodcast.com/book-club/
- TRMar 25, 2024 · 25 min
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 Questions 👋📚Take Your Reading Deeper (Try my Book Club for FREE Here): https://thereadwellpodcast.com/book-club/
- TRMar 19, 2024 · 19 min
The Art of Remembering: How to Make Any Book Stick | EP 41
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 learning framework called D-I-R-T: Decide, Internalize, Revisit, and Teach. By the end of this episode, you'll understand not just the importance of each step but also how to apply them to any book you pick up. This is about building a system that moves you from mere reading to true understanding and retention. Send Me a Text Message with Your Questions 👋📚Take Your Reading Deeper (Try my Book Club for FREE Here): https://thereadwellpodcast.com/book-club/
- TRMar 11, 2024 · 32 min
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 Questions 👋📚Take Your Reading Deeper (Try my Book Club for FREE Here): https://thereadwellpodcast.com/book-club/
- TRMar 3, 2024 · 1 hr 8 min
Learn to Read Like an Audiobook Narrator | EP 39
In this week’s episode, I sit down with Liza Jacob, an experienced audiobook narrator, to explore why rushing through books might actually be hindering your reading experience. Liza shares invaluable insights on how adopting a narrator's approach to reading—focusing on character, setting, and mood—can profoundly enrich your understanding of both fiction and non-fiction. If you love diving into complex texts and seek to deepen your discussions on the philosophy of ideas, this conversation is for you. Send Me a Text Message with Your Questions 👋📚Take Your Reading Deeper (Try my Book Club for FREE Here): https://thereadwellpodcast.com/book-club/
- TRFeb 26, 2024 · 12 min
How to Think (And Read) For Yourself | EP 38
Welcome to another episode of The Read Well Podcast. Today, we're tackling something that's been bothering me: "How to Think (and Read) for Yourself." It's a nod to Nietzsche, who was big on the idea of ruminating on thoughts, not just inhaling them. He argued that his concepts weren’t the kind you could just breeze through; they required time, like mentally chewing on a tough piece of steak. This got me thinking about our modern dilemma. We're all about consuming info at breakneck speeds, with hardly a moment to breathe in between. I'm right there with you, filling every spare moment with some kind of content, afraid of being left alone with my thoughts. But here's the catch: Nietzsche did his best thinking in solitude, surrounded by the tranquility of the Swiss Alps, proving maybe there's something to this whole 'taking your time' business. In today’s world, we’re pushed to learn faster, digest quicker, and hop onto the next thing before we’ve even processed the last. Our feeds are endless, and our attention is pulled in a million directions. But what if we're missing the point? What if the secret to really understanding, to really knowing, is in the pause, the silence, the moments in between? Nietzsche’s idea of the Übermensch was all about breaking away from the herd, ditching the distractions, and finding depth in thought and action. He’d probably tell us to put down the phone, step away from the screen, and just be with our thoughts for a while. So, this episode is about rediscovering the value of slow thinking, of giving ourselves the permission to dive deep into ideas and let them simmer. It’s about finding freedom in the act of reflection, in the deliberate engagement with our minds and the world around us. I'll share why it's vital to carve out space for this kind of thinking and how it can change the way we see ourselves and the world. It's not about shunning technology or going off-grid; it's about balance, about choosing when to consume and when to simply be. Join me as we explore how to reclaim our mental space and find clarity in the chaos. It's time to read slowly, think deeply, and perhaps discover what we've been missing in the rush to know everything now. Let's get into it. Send Me a Text Message with Your Questions 👋📚Take Your Reading Deeper (Try my Book Club for FREE Here): https://thereadwellpodcast.com/book-club/
- TRFeb 19, 2024 · 26 min
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 Questions 👋📚Take Your Reading Deeper (Try my Book Club for FREE Here): https://thereadwellpodcast.com/book-club/
- TRFeb 11, 2024 · 23 min
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 Review Thanks 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 Recommendation The 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 Questions 👋📚Take Your Reading Deeper (Try my Book Club for FREE Here): https://thereadwellpodcast.com/book-club/
- TRFeb 5, 2024 · 13 min
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 Review Thanks 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 Questions 👋📚Take Your Reading Deeper (Try my Book Club for FREE Here): https://thereadwellpodcast.com/book-club/
- TRJan 31, 2024 · 20 min
3 Books Helping Me Find Happiness Post-Mormonism | EP 34
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 books offering a philosophical perspective on dealing with internal conflicts and the pursuit of truth. Join me as I navigate these waters and share exciting updates like the launch of my local bookstore page and a special reading challenge for our community. Send Me a Text Message with Your Questions 👋📚Take Your Reading Deeper (Try my Book Club for FREE Here): https://thereadwellpodcast.com/book-club/
- TRJan 23, 2024 · 20 min
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 Questions 👋📚Take Your Reading Deeper (Try my Book Club for FREE Here): https://thereadwellpodcast.com/book-club/
- TRJan 19, 2024 · 19 min
The Trolly Dilemma: Would You Push a Man onto the Train Tracks? | EP 32
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 poses and examine how it continues to influence contemporary moral philosophy. This episode is not just about hypotheticals; it's a deep dive into how we make decisions, the value we place on human life, and the reasoning behind our moral judgments. Send Me a Text Message with Your Questions 👋📚Take Your Reading Deeper (Try my Book Club for FREE Here): https://thereadwellpodcast.com/book-club/
- TR
Jan 10, 2024 · 38 minFocused Reading: Learning from 'Essentialism’ | EP 31
In this episode, I discuss Greg McKeown's 'Essentialism', a book that challenges the status quo of busyness by advocating for a more deliberate way of living. I'll explore how its principles can be applied to reading and learning, offering strategies for those looking to deepen their intellectual pursuits. By focusing on what is truly essential, I aim to enrich our understanding and enjoyment of reading. Join me for a thoughtful discussion on making space for the books and ideas that matter most. Send Me a Text Message with Your Questions 👋📚Take Your Reading Deeper (Try my Book Club for FREE Here): https://thereadwellpodcast.com/book-club/
- TR
Jan 3, 2024 · 13 minWhat I Learned in Yale’s Philosophy Course | EP 30
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. While I feel a wave of several emotions, I’m mainly excited for the rest of my life and the opportunity I have to question things for myself. I’m starting with this course because I hope that it will give me a chance to look outside of the bubble. The course can be accessed for free at: https://oyc.yale.edu/NODE/201 About the Course (From Yale University’s Site) Philosophy and the Science of Human Nature pairs central texts from Western philosophical tradition (including works by Plato, Aristotle, Epictetus, Hobbes, Kant, Mill, Rawls, and Nozick) with recent findings in cognitive science and related fields. The course is structured around three intertwined sets of topics: Happiness and Flourishing; Morality and Justice; and Political Legitimacy and Social Structures. For the next 26-weeks, I’ll do my best to provide you with a quick snapshot of how it’s going. However, if you want to see the full experience, please consider subscribing to my YouTube channel at https://www.youtube.com/@thereadwellpodcast Send Me a Text Message with Your Questions 👋📚Take Your Reading Deeper (Try my Book Club for FREE Here): https://thereadwellpodcast.com/book-club/
- TR
Dec 19, 2023 · 16 minI Read 10,000,000 Books This Year (And Learned This!) | EP 29
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 showcasing that they read large quantities of books. While I love this idea, and I love that booktube is promoting the art of reading, I am worried about how this makes you view your own reading habits. Have you ever gone to social media to see an image of that super fit person which only makes you look at your own body in disgust? I have. Booktube can have a similar effect. When you compare yourself to these people who are reading hundreds of books (supposedly), it can make you feel like garbage because you only read one book last month. Well, guess what?! I only read one book last month as well. And it’s just fine! In this video, I open up a reading wound and address some real concerns. Let’s chat about speed reading vs reading for empathy or learning. Let the battle of comments begin… Send Me a Text Message with Your Questions 👋📚Take Your Reading Deeper (Try my Book Club for FREE Here): https://thereadwellpodcast.com/book-club/