Bookworm

By Mike Schmitz and Cory Hixson

What's Bookworm about?

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

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Bookworm episodes:

04.12.2024
194: Mastery by Robert Greene
Today’s author believes each one of us has within us the potential to be a Master and promises to teach us how to unlock it. Join Mike & Cory as they embark on the path to greatness. Support the Show Mike’s Reading...
03.29.2024
193: Slow Productivity by Cal Newport
Our current definition of “productivity” is broken. Today’s author promises to give us a roadmap for escaping overload without sacrificing accomplishment. Join Mike & Cory as they dive into Cal Newport’s latest book and attempt to fight back against busyness...
03.15.2024
192: The Inevitable by Kevin Kelly
Today’s author shares twelve technological imperatives that will shape the next thirty years. Join Cory and Mike as they consider the role of AI and other trends and the impact they will have on our lives. Mike’s notes for The Inevitable Lateral...
03.01.2024
191: Six Thinking Hats by Edward de Bono
Today’s author promises to teach us a practical and uniquely positive approach to making decisions and exploring new ideas. Join Cory & Mike as they embark on a journey for clearer thinking, improved communication, and greater creativity. Mike’s notes for Six...
02.16.2024
190: Learn Like a Pro by Barbara Oakley & Olav Schewe
Do you have trouble learning new things? Today’s authors promise to help us improve our ability to learn based on neuroscience and cognitive psychology. Join Mike & new co-host Cory Hixson as they attempt to make the best use of...
02.02.2024
189: Designing Your Life by Bill Burnett & Dave Evans
Today’s authors (and Stanford Life Design Lab co-founders) promise to help us use design thinking to create a life that is both meaningful and fulfilling. Join Mike and new co-host Cory Hixson as they attempt to build their version of...
01.19.2024
188: Feel Good Productivity by Ali Abdaal
This episode of Bookworm is sponsored by: * HelloFresh: America’s #1 Meal Kit. Get one free breakfast item per box for the length of your subscription with the code bookwormfree. Productivity isn’t just hard work and efficiency. Today’s author promises to teach...
01.05.2024
187: Difficult Conversations by Douglas Stone, Bruce Patton, & Sheila Heen
As humans, we tend to avoid conversations that can cause us to feel anxious or frustrated. But today’s authors make the case for leaning into these difficult conversations and give us advice for doing so with confidence and skill. Talking to...
12.22.2023
186: Same as Ever by Morgan Housel
We tend to focus on the things that are new and different. But today’s author argues that we should really be looking at the things that stay the same. Join Joe & Mike as they attempt to navigate uncertainty by...
12.08.2023
185: Who Not How by Dan Sullivan & Dr. Benjamin Hardy
Today’s author(s) promise to teach us a perspective shift that will help us achieve incredible personal freedom. Join Joe & Mike as they consider who can help them get where they want to go. Adam Grant’s Hidden Potential Quiz Bookworm #184: Hidden...
11.24.2023
184: Hidden Potential by Adam Grant
Today’s author offers us a new framework for raising aspirations and exceeding expectations. Join Joe & Mike as they attempt to reach their full potential. Canvas Candy for Obsidian Mike’s YouTube video on Canvas Candy Mike’s Obsidian 101 Black Friday Deal – Save...
11.10.2023
183: Build by Tony Fadell
Today’s author (and leader of the product teams behind the iPod, iPhone, and Nest thermostat) shares about leadership, design, startups, Apple, Google, decision-making, mentorship, devastating failure, and unbelievable success. Join Joe & Mike as they consider what it means to...
10.27.2023
182: Clear Thinking by Shane Parrish
Today’s author promises to give us the tools to navigate the critical space between stimulus and response. Join Joe & Mike as they embark on a journey to optimize their decision-making and live more intentional lives. Bookworm #181: On Quality Bookworm #89:...
10.13.2023
181: On Quality by Robert Pirsig
After disliking Zen & The Art of Motorcycle Maintenance, Mike decides to give a Robert Pirsig book another go. Join Mike and special guest David Sparks as they consider the metaphysics of quality. Bookworm #180: Master of Change Bookworm #89: Zen and...
09.29.2023
180: Master of Change by Brad Stulberg
This episode of Bookworm is sponsored by: * Factor Meals: America’s #1 Ready-To-Eat Meal Kit. Get 50% off with the code bookworm50. Change is all around us, but most of us resist it. Today’s author argues that we should flip this script...
09.15.2023
179: The E-Myth Revisited by Michael Gerber
There are a lot of myths about starting and running a small business. Today’s author and small business consultant promises to dispel them with insights learned from years of experience. Join Mike and special guest Shawn Blanc as they consider...
09.01.2023
178: The Good Life by Robert Waldinger and Marc Schulz
This episode of Bookworm is sponsored by: * Factor Meals: America’s #1 Ready-To-Eat Meal Kit. Get 50% off with the code bookworm50. What makes for a happy, fulfilling life? In a word: relationships. Today’s authors (and Harvard Study of Adult Development directors)...
08.18.2023
177: Life Worth Living by Miroslav Volf, Matthew Croasmun, and Ryan McAnnally-Linz
This episode of Bookworm is sponsored by: * Factor Meals: America’s #1 Ready-To-Eat Meal Kit. Get 50% off with the code bookworm50. What makes a good life? Today’s authors attempt to deliver us a guide to defining and then creating a flourishing...
08.04.2023
176: The Art of Clear Thinking by Hasard Lee
Based on his career of making high-stakes, split-second decisions as a U.S. fighter pilot, today’s author promises to teach us combat-tested techniques for making better decisions. Links Support the Show Obsidian University Weekend Wednesday | CGP Grey The Art of Clear Thinking by Hasard...
07.21.2023
175: Excellent Advice for Living by Kevin Kelly
Today’s author shares his best advice written to be passed down to his adult children on his 68th birthday. Join Joe & Mike as they eavesdrop on the technology writer’s personal wisdom in an attempt to navigate life with grace...
07.07.2023
174: Quit by Annie Duke
In a world where sticking with things is a virtue, today’s author makes the argument for knowing when to walk away. Join Joe & Mike as they attempt to get better at knowing when to hold ’em and when to...
06.23.2023
173: Decoding Greatness by Ron Friedman
For generations, we’ve been taught there are two ways to succeed—either from talent or practice. Today’s author promises to show us a better way through reverse engineering. Links Support the Show The Creative Momentum Masterclass ConvertKit Documentary Wander Decoding Greatness by Ron Friedman Bookworm #144: Steal...
06.09.2023
172: The Things You Can See Only When You Slow Down by Haemin Sunim
The world moves fast, but that doesn’t mean we have to. Today’s author promises to illuminate a path to inner peace and balance amid the overwhelming demands of everyday life. Links Support the Show Obsidian University (Mike’s Obsidian cohort) Farnam Street...
05.26.2023
171: The Gap and The Gain by Dan Sullivan & Dr. Benjamin Hardy
Today’s authors argue that many highly ambitious people are unhappy because of how they measure their progress. Join Joe and Mike as they attempt to focus on progress, not perfection. Links Support the Show Obsidian University (Mike’s Obsidian cohort) Farnam Street membership The Gap...
05.12.2023
170: The Almanack of Naval Ravikant by Eric Jorgensen
This episode of Bookworm is sponsored by: * Headspace: Meditation and sleep made simple. Get access to all of Headspace free for 60 days with code BOOKWORM60. Today’s author promises to deliver us a guide to wealth and happiness by sharing wisdom...
04.28.2023
169: The Pathless Path by Paul Millerd
This episode of Bookworm is sponsored by: * Headspace: Meditation and sleep made simple. Get access to all of Headspace free for 30 days. Today’s author shares a personal journey that led him to leave a prestigious consulting firm and find his...
04.14.2023
168: 12 Rules for Life by Jordan B. Peterson
This episode of Bookworm is sponsored by: * Headspace: Meditation and sleep made simple. Get access to all of Headspace free for 30 days. Today’s author (and clinical psychologist) promises to help us combine the hard-won truths of ancient tradition with the...
03.31.2023
167: Master Your Motivation by Susan Fowler
Relying on willpower isn’t enough for us to reliably achieve our goals. But what are we supposed to use instead? Today’s author argues that motivation is energy, and what matters is the quality, not the quantity. Join Joe & Mike...
03.17.2023
166: The Future is Analog by David Sax
Today’s author argues that the pandemic taught us that the future we were promised wasn’t all it was cracked up to be. Join Joe & Mike as they consider the role of analog in today’s digital world. Links Support the Show Acorn...
03.03.2023
165: The Creative Act by Rick Rubin
Today’s author argues that creativity has a place in everyone’s life and that we all have the potential to make that place larger. Join Joe & Mike as they endeavor to live a little more creatively. Links Support the Show Maslach Burnout...
02.17.2023
164: Why Has Nobody Told Me This Before? by Dr. Julie Smith
Today’s author (and clinical psychologist) promises to help us fortify and maintain our mental health, even in the most trying of times. Join Joe & Mike as they explore the depths of the human mind and consider their own mental...
02.03.2023
163: How to Calm Your Mind by Chris Bailey
Today’s author promises to help us find the missing piece to the productivity puzzle that leads our efforts to become sustainable over time. Join Joe & Mike as they embark to find presence and productivity in these anxious times. Links Support...
01.20.2023
162: Ikigai by Héctor García & Francesc Miralles
According to the Japanese, everyone has an ikigai — a reason for living. Join Joe & Mike as they embark on a journey to find theirs. Links Support the Show Onyx Boox Tab Ultra 2023 Focused Calendar Mike’s Journaling Bootcamp video course...
01.06.2023
161: The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership by John Maxwell
Leadership is complex, but the need for it has never been greater. Join Joe & Mike as they embark on a journey to reach their full potential by helping others reach theirs. Links Support the Show Bookworm #160: 48 Laws of Power The...
12.23.2022
160: 48 Laws of Power by Robert Greene
Today’s author promises to distill three thousand years of human history into a single definitive manual for anyone interested in gaining, observing, or defending against ultimate control. Join Joe & Mike as they venture into the amoral topic of power...
12.09.2022
159: Mind Management, Not Time Management by David Kadavy
Do you ever feel like the more time you save, the less time you have? Today’s author promises to help us stop struggling to get more out of our time and start effortlessly getting more out of our minds. Join...
11.25.2022
158: Discipline is Destiny by Ryan Holiday
To master anything, we must first learn to master ourselves. Today’s author promises to teach us the power of self-discipline and balance and cautions us against the perils of extravagance and hedonism. Join Joe & Mike as they embark on...
11.11.2022
157: The Laws of Creativity by Joey Cofone
Today’s author attempts to help demystify the creative process by uncovering the thinking and science behind it. Join Joe & Mike as they attempt to unlock their creative potential. Links Support the Show Apple Watch Series 8 Raycast Paste app Focused #163: The Laws of...
10.28.2022
156: Ritual by Dimitris Xygalatas
Have you ever paused to think about why we participate in communal ceremonies? Today’s author attempts to explain the subtle mechanics that bind us together. Join Joe & Mike as they consider the role of rituals in human life. Links Support the...
10.14.2022
155: Where Good Ideas Come From by Stephen Johnson
Ever wonder what sparks a flash of brilliance or what kind of environment creates eureka moments? Today’s author dissects the science of breakthroughs and identifies seven key patterns behind genuine innovation. Join Joe & Mike as they consider the question:...
09.30.2022
154: The Great Mental Models Volume 2 by Rhiannon Beaubien and Shane Parrish
Today’s book revisits the topic of mental models by examining cognitive tools from the domains of chemistry, biology, and physics. Join Joe & Mike as they continue to develop their mental toolboxes. Links Support the Show The Great Mental Models, Volume...
09.16.2022
153: I Didn’t Do the Thing Today by Madeline Dore
If you’ve ever been frustrated with the endless pursuit of productivity perfection, today’s episode is for you. Join Joe & Mike as they embrace the joyful messiness and unpredictability of life. Links Support the Show Bookworm iPhone cases Intentional Family #64:...
09.02.2022
152: Mind Map Mastery by Tony Buzan
Can using mind maps really help you get more organized, improve your memory, or plan your business strategy? Today’s author (and self-professed mind map inventor) promises to help us take our thinking to the next level. Join Joe & Mike...
08.19.2022
151: The Story of You by Ian Morgan Cron
Today’s author (and licensed psychotherapist) promises to help us break free from our self-defeating patterns of behavior and write a new story for ourselves. Join Joe & Mike as they examine the Enneagram in an effort to become who they...
08.05.2022
150: Do the Hard Things First by Scott Allan
Today’s author promises to help us end self-sabotage and rewire our habits for doing difficult work now. Join Joe & Mike as they attempt to beat procrastination once and for all. Links Support the Show StandOut assessment Bookworm #149: Work + Love Unique Ability 2.0 Kolbe...
07.22.2022
149: Love + Work by Marcus Buckingham
Today’s author promises to help us break free from conformity to discover what engages us and makes us thrive. Join Joe & Mike as they consider the role of love through creativity, collaboration, and excellence in the workplace and beyond. Links Support...
07.08.2022
148: Building a Second Brain by Tiago Forte
We live in the information age, but it often leaves us feeling overwhelmed. Today’s author promises to help us develop a system for personal knowledge management that enables us to make sense of it all. Join Joe & Mike as...
06.24.2022
147: Hero on a Mission by Donald Miller
Do you know your life purpose? Today’s author promises to help us find it and bring fulfillment through our life and work. Join Joe & Mike as they embark on a journey to live more meaningful lives. Links Support the Show Bookworm Stats Hero...
06.10.2022
146: Bittersweet by Susan Cain
Today’s author argues that a melancholic outlook on life can be the key to creativity, connection, and transcendence. Join Joe & Mike as they explore what bittersweetness can teach us about compassion, leadership, spirituality, mortality, and love. Links Support the Show...
05.27.2022
145: Things That Matter by Joshua Becker
Everyone wants to live a meaningful life. Today’s author promises to help us identify the obstacles that keep us from living with intention so we can focus on what matters most. Join Joe & Mike as they embark on a...

What's Bookworm about?

Download our free app to listen on your phone

Bookworm episodes:

194: Mastery by Robert Greene

193: Slow Productivity by Cal Newport

192: The Inevitable by Kevin Kelly

191: Six Thinking Hats by Edward de Bono

190: Learn Like a Pro by Barbara Oakley & Olav Schewe

189: Designing Your Life by Bill Burnett & Dave Evans

188: Feel Good Productivity by Ali Abdaal

187: Difficult Conversations by Douglas Stone, Bruce Patton, & Sheila Heen

186: Same as Ever by Morgan Housel

185: Who Not How by Dan Sullivan & Dr. Benjamin Hardy

184: Hidden Potential by Adam Grant

183: Build by Tony Fadell

182: Clear Thinking by Shane Parrish

181: On Quality by Robert Pirsig

180: Master of Change by Brad Stulberg

179: The E-Myth Revisited by Michael Gerber

178: The Good Life by Robert Waldinger and Marc Schulz

177: Life Worth Living by Miroslav Volf, Matthew Croasmun, and Ryan McAnnally-Linz

176: The Art of Clear Thinking by Hasard Lee

175: Excellent Advice for Living by Kevin Kelly

174: Quit by Annie Duke

173: Decoding Greatness by Ron Friedman

172: The Things You Can See Only When You Slow Down by Haemin Sunim

171: The Gap and The Gain by Dan Sullivan & Dr. Benjamin Hardy

170: The Almanack of Naval Ravikant by Eric Jorgensen

169: The Pathless Path by Paul Millerd

168: 12 Rules for Life by Jordan B. Peterson

167: Master Your Motivation by Susan Fowler

166: The Future is Analog by David Sax

165: The Creative Act by Rick Rubin

164: Why Has Nobody Told Me This Before? by Dr. Julie Smith

163: How to Calm Your Mind by Chris Bailey

162: Ikigai by Héctor García & Francesc Miralles

161: The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership by John Maxwell

160: 48 Laws of Power by Robert Greene

159: Mind Management, Not Time Management by David Kadavy

158: Discipline is Destiny by Ryan Holiday

157: The Laws of Creativity by Joey Cofone

156: Ritual by Dimitris Xygalatas

155: Where Good Ideas Come From by Stephen Johnson

154: The Great Mental Models Volume 2 by Rhiannon Beaubien and Shane Parrish

153: I Didn’t Do the Thing Today by Madeline Dore

152: Mind Map Mastery by Tony Buzan

151: The Story of You by Ian Morgan Cron

150: Do the Hard Things First by Scott Allan

149: Love + Work by Marcus Buckingham

148: Building a Second Brain by Tiago Forte

147: Hero on a Mission by Donald Miller

146: Bittersweet by Susan Cain

145: Things That Matter by Joshua Becker