In this episode, I explore the concrete takeaways from The Diary of a CEO by Steven Bartlett. These aren’t abstract ideals—they're raw, lived-in lessons. From why your mind and body are your first foundation, to how meaningful questions shape behaviour, this reflection dives deep into the book’s most impactful ideas and challenges conventional wisdom around leadership, communication, and culture.

(00:00) - Introduction to Learnings
(00:35) - Core Values from the Introduction
(01:18) - Less is More: Precision in Conversation
(02:02) - Law 1: Fill Your Buckets in the Right Order
(03:00) - Behavioural Psychology: The Power of the Right Question
(04:33) - Law 9: Warren Buffett’s “Last Car” Analogy
(06:05) - Law 10: Normality is Ignored, Absurdity Sells
(07:22) - Law 11: Semantic Satiation Explained
(08:23) - Law 14: Friction Creates Value
(09:47) - Law 29: Building Company Culture with Intention
(11:29) - Law 32: Treat People Differently, Not Equally
(12:40) - Final Reflections & Send-Off

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In this Mere Mortals book review, we dive into The Diary of a CEO by Steven Bartlett—an energetic, story-driven guide to business and life. This isn’t your typical theory-heavy read; it’s a tactical, quote-filled journey through 33 digestible laws forged from real experience. From mastering your skill set to navigating reputation and network, this book distils lessons from one of the most influential digital entrepreneurs of our time. Plus, a cheeky twist at Law 33 that'll make you rethink modern marketing.

(00:00) - Intro & First Impressions
(00:16) - The 5 Buckets: A Framework for Personal Growth
(00:42) - Who is Steven Bartlett?
(01:14) - The Book's Origins & Tone
(01:41) - Structure of the 33 Laws
(02:04) - Practical Design & Reading Flow
(02:48) - A Look Inside: Quotes, Stories & Strategies
(03:30) - Law 33: The Marketing Twist
(04:45) - Comparing with Robert Greene's 48 Laws
(05:53) - Tactical Takeaways & Effective Philosophies
(07:08) - Which Laws Are Actually Useful?
(07:45) - Who Should Read This Book?
(08:21) - Honest Critiques & Closing Reflections
(09:00) - Final Score & Send-Off

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The best example of human madness is found across the ages.

'Extraordinary Popular Delusions & The Madness Of Crowds' by Charles Mackay is a mammoth examination of the most ridiculous crazes across history, whether they be funny, bad or horrendous. Charles details some of the more well known financial bubbles (South Sea, Mississippi, Tulip Mania) but also catalogues well known alchemists/magnetisers & mob activities (The Crusades, Witch Hunts, etc). The book is split into 15 chapters and I consider it a historical document of sorts.

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Timeline:
(00:00:00) Intro
(00:02:32) Themes/Questions
(00:28:09) Author & Extras
(00:35:36) Summary
(00:38:31) Value 4 Value
(00:39:26) What's Coming Up

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Why don't I read recently published books?

Today is a special episode where I am going over how I find new books, ways I actively try to avoid wasting my time & some little tricks & tips to get the most out of your reading.

Would love to hear your feedback and appreciate any support you wish to give :)

Timeline:
(00:00:00) Intro
(00:01:11) Finding New Books
(00:14:05) Pre-Filtering
(00:23:20) Tips/Tricks
(00:34:09) Value 4 Value
(00:34:39) Join Live!

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What was I reviewing again?

'A Primer For Forgetting' by Lewis Hyde is a collection of intimate thoughts, stories, poems, mythological tales & quips. The primary theme is around forgetting & how this can be beneficial for an individual or groups, particularly when it relates to trauma. It's split into 4 parts (that he calls notebooks) about myth, self, nation & creation.

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Timeline:
(00:00:00) Intro
(00:01:40) Themes/Questions
(00:14:04) Author & Extras
(00:17:08) Summary
(00:20:11) Value 4 Value
(00:21:21) Join Live!

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Boy are cockroaches gross!

'Metamorphosis & Other Stories' by Franz Kafka is a collection of prose poems, short stories, sketches, allegories, and novelettes.  The longest is of Gregor Samsa, the travelling salesman who wakes up in his bed as a cockroach. You'll find others about conflict on a ship, dealing with annoying people on the street, etc. All are told in the surreal style he is known for, along with his dry humour.

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Timeline:
(00:00:00) Intro
(00:02:51) Themes/Questions
(00:15:30) Author & Extras
(00:21:49) Summary
(00:24:34) Value 4 Value
(00:26:01) Join Live!

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I'm jacking into cyberspace for some pain and pleasure.

'Neuromancer' by William Gibson is a sci-fi classic that was right at the beginning of the cyberpunk genre. We follow Case in a futuristic techno world where he is hired to hack into a wealthy family's lair. He is part of a motley crew each with their own specialty, hired by an AI to free itself from it's restrictions. Think of Japan, robots, drugs, implants, space, fashion, tech, culture, violence and sex to get a good idea of the new world.

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Timeline:
(00:00:00) Intro
(00:03:02) Themes/Questions
(00:17:30) Author & Extras
(00:23:05) Summary
(00:25:42) Value 4 Value
(00:26:07) Join Live!

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We've got it all wrong, there's no good guys & bad guys .... they're all bad!

'Peter Pan' by J.M. Barrie is a classic story of a child who never grows up. Peter lives in Neverland, a mystical island where pirates, Indians and wild beasts roam. He commands a gang of Lost Boys and takes them on adventures along with Wendy, Tinkerbell, John & Michael.

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Timeline:
(00:00:00) Intro
(00:02:58) Themes/Questions
(00:12:44) Author & Extras
(00:18:50) Summary
(00:21:51) Value 4 Value
(00:22:43) Join Live!

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Strategies to accept your suffering & heal yourself with compassion.

'Radical Acceptance' by Tara Brach is a guide of various meditation & framing practices to recognise the root cause of emotional distress. These are derived from Buddhist principles and serve to help accept the current pain & suffering. There are 13 chapters that begin with a story followed by an explanation of the intent before a final guided meditation.

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Timeline:
(00:00:00) Intro
(00:02:35) Themes/Questions
(00:15:33) Author & Extras
(00:24:26) Summary
(00:27:20) Value 4 Value
(00:28:40) Join Live!

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You are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think.

'The Tao Of Pooh & The Te Of Piglet' by Benjamin Hoff is a light read interpreting Taoism through the lens of A. A. Milne's 'Winnie The Pooh' characters. Core concepts such as The Way & Wu Wei are explored and why certain characters embody various aspects of the religion. It's told via the author interacting with the characters & recounting passages both from the original Pooh stories but also the 3 main Taoist teachers.

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Timeline:
(00:00:00) Intro
(00:02:35) Themes/Questions
(00:18:56) Author & Extras
(00:25:06) Summary
(00:27:20) Value 4 Value
(00:29:00) Join Live!

Connect with Mere Mortals:
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