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.
Episodes
87 episodes
How to Read More Books Without Feeling Overwhelmed | EP86
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, how to handle a book when it gets boring, and how to find books that match your goals and interests. Let...
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Season 2
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Episode 86
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12:33
Plato's Euthyphro Rocks. Here's Why! | EP 85
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 them because they are good? Reflecting on my time as a Mormon, I apply this question to one...
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Season 2
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Episode 85
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42:34
Do I Read Multiple Books at the Same Time? | EP 84
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 question about balancing books for study, enjoyment, and discussion. Learn how to follow your c...
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Season 2
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Episode 84
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12:47
Why Flowers for Algernon Was My Favorite Book of 2024 | EP 83
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 read of 2024. With Dr. Martin Jacobsen’s help, we examine the ethical and emotional q...
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Season 2
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Episode 83
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1:00:24
How I'm Using Books to Learn a Foreign Language | EP 82
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 Charlie and the Chocolate Factory to learn French. I’ll explain why stories are such a pow...
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Season 2
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Episode 82
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16:46
My Morning Reading Routine | EP 81
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 for you. I’ll walk you through why morning routines are so powerful, what I do each morning, and h...
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Season 2
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Episode 81
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17:27
5 Lessons I Learned Reading Four Thousand Weeks: Time Management for Mortals | EP 80
I used to think time management was about fitting more into my day, but reading Four Thousand Weeks by Oliver Burkeman completely shifted my perspective. In this episode, I share five key lessons I took from the book, explain why it’s ...
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Season 2
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Episode 80
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28:53
Philosopher’s Guide to Better Thinking: A Conversation with Dr. Michael Huemer | EP 79
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. We discuss his latest book, Progressive Myths, and what it reveals about common mis...
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Season 2
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Episode 79
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1:18:48
Every Book I Read in 2024 (With a Review) | EP 78
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, deep philosophy, or just a great story, I’ve got recommendations for you.
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Season 2
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Episode 78
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36:31
How to ACTUALLY Learn from Audiobooks | EP 77
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 truly learning from a book, and how to build on that initial listen to get a full grasp of comp...
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Season 2
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Episode 77
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17:29
What to Do When Reading Feels Like a Chore | EP 76
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 three practical tools that keep me reading even when I don’t feel like it. Plus, I’ll recommend a ...
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Season 2
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Episode 76
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20:38
How to Take Great Notes (For Fiction Readers) | EP 75
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 episode, I’ll share why I sometimes take notes on fiction, how I set up a dedicated notebook for it...
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Season 2
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Episode 75
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23:11
The Art of Mastery (For Book Lovers) | EP 74
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 look for readers without mentors. Greene emphasizes learning through apprenticeship—but if you don’t ha...
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Season 2
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Episode 74
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22:51
Books Make You a Better Thinker | EP 73
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 makes us better thinkers, not by giving us all the answers, but by making us work for them. I’ll also...
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Season 2
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Episode 73
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27:24
Is Reading A Book A Week a Good Idea? | EP 72
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 in the numbers and how it affected the quality of his reading. We explore why slowing down can...
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Season 2
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Episode 72
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1:02:18
5 ODD Ideas That Improve Your Reading | EP 71
In this episode, I’m sharing five unconventional but highly effective ideas that will help you become a better reader. These aren't your typical tips, but they’ve transformed the way I approach books and deepened my understanding. If you’re loo...
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Season 2
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Episode 71
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24:42
5 Books I HATED But Now Can’t Stop Reading | EP 70
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. But now? I can't get enough of them. Why the change? Over the years, I've grown as a reader, gaine...
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Season 2
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Episode 70
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22:51
The Science of Reading: What You Need to Know with Maryanne Wolf | EP 69
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 differently to paper and digital formats. We'll also cover practical strategies for reclaimin...
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Season 2
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Episode 69
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53:19
Unlock the Secret to 5 Hours of Focused Reading | EP 68
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. Discover practical tips for reading longer with focus and enjoyment, plus an exciting community up...
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Season 2
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Episode 68
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19:52
Struggling with Headaches While Reading? Here's What You Can Do | EP 67
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 reading above your level, I’ll walk you through the simple ways to fix these issues and get more...
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Season 2
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Episode 67
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14:23
13 Chilling Books for Halloween Reading | EP 66
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 something deeper—whether it’s a philosophical exploration, a psychological thriller, or a classic ...
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Season 2
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Episode 66
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23:29
The 9 Goblins Ruining Your Books | EP 65
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 of doubt, these goblins can turn a simple reading session into a struggle. I’ll share strategies t...
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Season 2
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Episode 65
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20:59
The 2 Benefits of Reading Slowly | EP 64
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 lead to greater insight and enjoyment of complex texts. I’ll walk you through how slowing down can help you not j...
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Season 2
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Episode 64
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11:34
The Adult’s Guide to Slowing Down and Reading Well | EP 63
As adults, we’re constantly pulled in different directions—work, family, and responsibilities. But what if reading could be your way of reclaiming your attention? In this episode, I’ll talk about why reading as an adult is both challenging and ...
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Season 2
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Episode 63
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26:32
Conquer Your Journal Anxiety | EP 62
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 anxiety and share practical tips on how to overcome it. By the end, you'll see that this feeling is perfect...
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Season 2
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Episode 62
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18:03