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
69 episodes
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
Become a Better Reader: Tips from Pulitzer Prize Author Junot Díaz | EP 61
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 how to navigate complex texts and discusses why literature is crucial in our lives. We also ta...
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Season 2
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Episode 61
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58:18
I’m Starting a Bookstore | EP 60
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. Edgewater Bookstore is more than just a place to buy books—it's a curated experience for discerning rea...
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Season 2
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Episode 60
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16:50
Sure Signs You’re a Book Nerd | EP 59
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 thoughtful and classic works like Dostoyevsky, Thoreau, and other profound authors, this episode is for you. ...
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Season 2
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Episode 59
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21:53
How to Read and Understand “Difficult” Books | EP. 58
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 a challenging read.#ReadingTips #DifficultBooks #PhilosophyReading #BookLovers #IntellectualGr...
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Season 2
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Episode 58
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33:16
The Shocking Truth of Her Terrifying Memoir! (Author of “Unveiled” - Yasmine Mohammed) | EP 57
Join me as I sit down with Yasmine Mohammed, author of 'Unveiled,' to learn about her incredible journey and her efforts to support Islamic women. We'll explore how to discern truth in the media and the impact of her work. Discover why 'Unveile...
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Season 2
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Episode 57
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1:15:29
Why I Read: The Six Reasons Behind Every Book | EP 56
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 reading can optimize your life, make you more educated, expand your horizons, introduce you to ...
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Season 2
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Episode 56
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24:14
How Wordsworth's Poem Will Transform Your Life | EP 55
In this episode, I’ll explore William Wordsworth's poem, "Nuns Fret Not at Their Convent's Narrow Room," and uncover how his choice of the sonnet form teaches us about the power of constraints. We'll see how applying limits in your work can lea...
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Season 2
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Episode 55
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24:52
Fix Your Reading Brain: A 14-Day Challenge | EP 54
In this episode, I'll introduce you to Maryanne Wolf's insightful book, "Reader Come Home," which is a fantastic resource for anyone looking to improve their reading skills. I'll also share a simple yet effective two-week exercise to help you f...
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Season 2
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Episode 54
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26:46
Good Books vs. Great Books: A Conversation with Dr. Martin Jacobsen | EP 53
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 infuse every sentence with purpose beyond mere entertainment, aiming to provoke thought and convey deepe...
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Season 2
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Episode 53
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1:13:06
The Power of Memoirs: Lessons from Real Lives | EP 52
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 insights into personal experiences and can provide profound lessons on life. I also recommend my favor...
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Season 1
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Episode 52
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27:12
Allegory and Magical Realism | EP 51
In this episode, I explore the concept of allegory in literature, revealing how authors embed deeper meanings within their stories. I also dive into magical realism, a fascinating literary tool that blends reality with fantasy. I'll recommend a...
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Season 1
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Episode 50
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23:27
The Framework of Fiction: A Guide to Understanding Plot | EP 50
Join me as I break down the five pivotal plot points that structure every compelling story—from exposition to resolution. Learn how these elements craft the narrative arc and enhance your reading experience. This episode not only deepens your a...
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Season 1
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Episode 50
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22:00
Why Read Literature? A Deeper Look at the Benefits | EP 49
Why invest time in reading literature? This episode answers just that, highlighting how stories enrich our lives, teach us empathy, and offer experiences that facts alone cannot. I'll discuss the dynamic relationship between reader and text, an...
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Season 1
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Episode 49
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26:37
Mastering the Basics of Russian Literature: An English Reader’s Companion | EP 48
Today, I dive into a comparative analysis of two of Russia’s literary titans: Leo Tolstoy and Fyodor Dostoyevsky. I'll explore their unique styles, themes, and contributions to literature and philosophy. This discussion will not only highlight ...
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Season 1
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Episode 48
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36:00
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 wisdo...
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Season 1
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Episode 47
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24:12
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 id...
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Season 1
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Episode 46
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22:37
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 i...
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Season 1
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Episode 45
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43:46
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 ...
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Season 1
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Episode 44
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17:26