A world changing industry that kind of happened by coincidence.

'Chip War' by Chris Miller is a detailed history of the semiconductor industry from its origins in the 1950's to the present day. Important individuals/companies rise and fall as it goes from a new emerging technology created by theorists/tinkers to the global powerhouse companies influenced by countries. It's split into 8 parts with 52 chapters in total.

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Timeline:
(00:00:00) Intro
(00:02:38) Themes/Questions
(00:21:57) Author & Extras
(00:26:10) Summary
(00:28:18) Value 4 Value
(00:29:28) Coming Up/Join Live!

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In this Mere Mortals book review, we revisit Skeleton Key, the third Alex Rider novel, blending teenage espionage with lessons on stoicism, discipline, and composure. Beyond the action-packed spy drama, I explore how the book’s villain, the General, embodies a powerful, minimalistic strength that shaped my early understanding of discipline and quiet resilience. This isn’t just about the plot, it’s about the philosophy hidden between the lines.

(00:00) – Welcome & New Studio Setup
(00:19) – Introducing Skeleton Key by Anthony Horowitz
(00:42) – Why Revisit Alex Rider as an Adult
(01:15) – Plot Setup: From Wimbledon to the World of Spies
(02:09) – CIA Involvement & Dangerous Missions
(02:28) – Enter the Villain: The General and His Henchman
(03:16) – High-Stakes Action: Submarines & Survival
(04:13) – The Real Focus: A Villain Worth Admiring
(05:16) – Strength Without Noise: The General’s Philosophy
(06:16) – Stoicism Before I Knew What It Was
(07:22) – Composure in a World That Sees It as Weakness
(08:35) – Final Thoughts & Recommendation
(09:14) – Closing & Future Book Reviews

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Not only is history written by the victors, but it's altered by the academics!

'The Lessons Of History' by Will & Ariel Durant is a small book that attempts to sum-up the history of humanity across several categories of human activity. They use examples from ancient civilisations but also add their own personal opinions into the mix. 13 chapters on Biology, Race, Character, Morals, Religion, Economics, Socialism, Government, War and a few others.

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Timeline:
(00:00:00) Intro
(00:01:47) Themes/Questions
(00:08:39) Authors & Extras
(00:12:43) Summary
(00:15:06) Value 4 Value
(00:16:40) Coming Up/Join Live!

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Move aside Sparta, there's a new power in town!

'Lords of the Sea: The Epic Story of the Athenian Navy and the Birth of Democracy' by John R. Hale is a historical book that recounts the period from 483-322 BC of Ancient Greece and in particular the navy armada of Athens. We witness the rise and fall of Athenian power via not only sea battles with other empires but the decisions made by it's democratic governments as well as influential politicians, generals, philosophers & artists. 

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Timeline:
(00:00:00) Intro
(00:02:48) Themes/Questions
(00:19:29) Author & Extras
(00:25:12) Summary
(00:27:33) Value 4 Value
(00:28:58) Coming Up/Join Live!

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In this Mere Mortals book review, we dive into Point Blanc by Anthony Horowitz, a fast-paced youth fiction novel that sparks deeper questions about cloning, perfectionism and identity. Using the wild plot as a springboard, the episode unpacks modern obsessions with filtered personas and asks: what do we lose when we trade uniqueness for conformity?

(00:00) - Intro & Series Overview
(00:30) - What is Point Blank? A Quick Recap
(01:10) - Crazy Plot Devices: Chimneys, Clones & Ironing Boards
(02:40) - The Core Theme: Cloning and Control
(04:00) - The Perfection Paradox in Parenting
(06:00) - Modern Filters: From Fiction to Instagram
(08:00) - Uniqueness vs Assimilation
(09:30) - What Today’s Influencers Reveal About Us
(10:45) - Are We Becoming Clones of Each Other?
(12:00) - The Real Cost of Perfectionism
(13:10) - Who Are You… Really?
(14:00) - If Point Blanc Was Written Today…
(14:45) - Final Thoughts on the Book & Concept

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Be wary of association with the Wizard Of Wall St .... unless you are family or friends!

'The Wizard Of Wall Street & His Wealth' by Trumbull White is a biography detailing the life of Jay Gould, at one point one of the wealthiest individuals in the world. It starts from his childhood and shows how he rose from poverty in the 1800's to become one of the robber barons of the Gilded Age. Plenty of stories showcasing his ruthless underhanded dealing in business yet a calm and generous personality outside of it.

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Timeline:
(00:00:00) Intro
(00:02:26) Themes/Questions
(00:19:03) Author & Extras
(00:22:34) Summary
(00:25:18) Value 4 Value
(00:26:55) Coming Up/Join Live!

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In this episode, we dive into The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien, the timeless tale that launched the modern fantasy genre. You'll hear why Bilbo Baggins’ unlikely hero’s journey still resonates today, what Tolkien nailed in his storytelling, and how this short adventure carries deep philosophical punch. From dragons to dwarves to life-changing quotes, this one is pure gold.

(00:00) - Fog Over the Misty Mountains
(00:09) - Welcome & Why The Hobbit Still Matters
(00:43) - Historical Facts: 1937 Legacy & First Draft Trivia
(01:50) - Written for His Kids: Origins of the Story
(02:26) - How Short It Really Is & Reading Experience
(02:51) - Influence on Modern Fantasy Fiction
(03:35) - Plot Breakdown: Bilbo’s Unexpected Journey
(04:23) - Themes: Hidden Leadership & Simplicity
(05:08) - A Classic Hero's Journey
(06:43) - Final Rating & Europe Reading Story
(07:19) - The Structure & Flow of the Book
(07:55) - Key Takeaway: Good Stories Come From Struggle
(10:45) - Final Thoughts & A Call to Read It Now

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The fun side of rather questionable behaviour.

'Reminiscences Of A Stock Operator' by Edwin Lefevre is a fictional 1st person account of a Wall St trader in the early 1900's, but largely based on the real life operator of Jesse Lauriston Livermore. He describes his early life trading in bucket shops before moving into more high leverage trading and ultimately market manipulation. Within you'll find amusing stories of trading hijinks, unbelievable trades, emotional discipline & bankruptcies galore.

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Timeline:
(00:00:00) Intro
(00:02:31) Themes/Questions
(00:20:48) Author & Extras
(00:29:08) Summary
(00:32:18) Value 4 Value
(00:33:38) Coming Up/Join Live!

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In this Mere Mortals Learnings episode, I unpack the raw insights from Right Thing, Right Now by Ryan Holiday. This book, focused on the Stoic virtue of justice, might not be his most thrilling but it’s undoubtedly the one that digs the deepest. From power and personal responsibility to kindness and selfishness, these lessons challenge you to live with purpose and integrity, especially when no one is watching.

00:00 – Intro: What This Episode Covers
00:34 – Ryan’s Style: Stories Over Theory
01:33 – Take Responsibility (and Ask Better Questions)
03:18 – It's Your Turn to Make the Fire
04:22 – Be an Open Book: Secrets, Shame, & Integrity
05:23 – Treat People Right When It’s Hard
06:26 – Realise Your Potential: Do Your Best, Become Who You Should Be
07:48 – See Every Person as an Opportunity for Kindness
08:16 – Power: What You Do When You Can Do Anything
09:18 – Gandhi’s 7 Blunders of Humanity
10:05 – Afterword Reflections: Wisdom Comes With Age
11:12 – The Hidden Cost of Success
12:10 – Final Reflections & Justice in the Real World

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We're back from travelling, wiser & thankfully not sad about it.

In this special episode we are covering 3 books of essays/philosophical investigations by written by 3 authors in the 20th century. The books themselves are 'What Does It All Mean?' by Thomas Nagel, 'What Is Man & Other Essays' by Mark Twain & 'The Foundation Pit' by Andrey Platonov. All 3 books question meaning and have a tendency towards indulging in nihilism.

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Timeline:
(00:00:00) Intro
(00:02:53) What Does It All Mean? - Thomas Nagel
(00:07:52) What Is Man & Other Essays - Mark Twain
(00:19:55) The Foundation Pit - Andrey Platonov
(00:34:00) Value 4 Value
(00:35:49) Coming Up

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