In this, our final episode for the year, we wrap up season four and bid farewell to 2024 with a deep dive into one of our all-time favourite topics—reading! We’re sharing our summer reading plans, and our favourite must-read fiction and eye-opening non-fiction from this year. 

We're excited to explore the intriguing concept of the "anti-library," a space filled with books we haven't read yet, and discuss how it can inspire our future reading adventures. Plus, we'll reveal our wishlist of titles we're eager to dive into over the holiday season and share a fond farewell as we say goodbye to the Two Booked Up podcast for now.

Whether you're looking for your next great read or thoughtful gift ideas for fellow book lovers, this episode is packed with inspiration and engaging conversations. Grab a notebook, tune in, and let the bookish chat begin!

• Two Booked Up Episode 17: What’s On Our Summer Reading List?


• Two Booked Up Episode 37: Holiday Reads and Bookish Traditions


• Two Booked Up Episode 58: How are we tracking? Our reading in the 24 for 2024 Challenge

• Atomic Habits by James Clear


• Four Thousand Weeks by Oliver Burkeman


• Meditations for Mortals by Oliver Burkeman


• The Lazy Genius Way by Kendra Adachi


• The Plan: Manage Your Time Like a Lazy Genius by Kendra Adachi


• Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte


• The Four Tendencies by Gretchen Rubin

• Avoiding the Friend Zone by Rowena Mabbott 


• No More Simon Says by Rowena Mabbott 


• Funny Story

In today’s captivating episode, we dive into our very first memoir, one that continues to inspire readers worldwide: Bronnie Ware's “The Top Five Regrets of the Dying—A Life Transformed by the Dearly Departing”. This bestselling book, translated into 32 languages and read by over a million people, offers profound insights drawn from Ware’s experiences in palliative care. 

Prepare for a heartfelt exploration as we uncover the five common regrets that surfaced during her time with individuals in their final weeks. These regrets are not just for the dying; they resonate deeply with all of us, reflecting universal feelings that are often left unaddressed.

Join us as we discuss how these regrets might manifest in our own lives and, more importantly, how we can implement meaningful changes now—before it’s too late. This episode is not just a reflection but a rallying cry to embrace life fully and avoid the regrets that so many carry with them. 

Stay tuned for a thought-provoking conversation that aims to inspire action in our everyday lives!

• Two Booked Up Episode 1: The Four Tendencies by Gretchen Rubin


• Two Booked Up Episode 2: Personal Life and The Four Tendencies


• Two Booked Up Episode 3: Running your own business using The Four Tendencies


• Two Booked Up Episode 4: Take yourself on a date


• Two Booked Up Episode 6: The Lazy Genius Way by Kendra Adachi


• Two Booked Up Episode 7: How we are Lazy Geniusing our lives and how you can too


• Two Booked Up Episode 8: Our best tips to “Lazy Genius” your business


• Two Booked Up Episode 9: Naming What Matters 


• Two Booked Up Episode 25: Four Thousand Weeks: Time Management for Mortals - Overview and Top Takeaways.

This new episode is about Shelley and Rowena’s two favourite topics—reading and books! They dive into the latest update on their 24 for 2024 reading challenge. It's been a while since they last shared their reading progress, and they are excited to chat about all things reading and books! 

Quick recap: The 24 for 2024 Reading Challenge is designed to elevate our nonfiction reading experience by infusing purpose and diversity into our selections. 

There's still time to join the challenge, but our main goal remains: (1) to ignite your passion for reading and (2) to broaden your literary horizons.

Prepare for a delightful discussion as we share our non-fiction challenge reads since our last update in May and our favourite fiction reads. Stay tuned for a dose of inspiration and captivating book talk coming your way!

• Two Booked Up Episode 25: Four Thousand Weeks: Time Management for Mortals - Overview and Top Takeaways.


• Two Booked Up Episode 26: How to become a better procrastinator - inspired by Oliver Burkeman's Four Thousand Weeks.


• Two Booked Up Episode 27: How to Use Your Time with Intention: Insights from Oliver Burkeman’s Four Thousand Weeks


• Two Booked Up Episode 39: Read More in ‘24! Announcing the 2024 Reading Challenge


• Two Booked Up Episode 46: What we’ve been reading in the 24 for 2024 Challenge


• Two Booked Up Episode 47: The Power of Content: Author Interview with Mel Daniels


• Two Booked Up Episode 56: What Motivates Us? Drive by Daniel Pink (link to be added)

• Come Together by Emily Nagoski


• Bird by Bird by Anne Lamott


• The Confidence Myth: Why Women Undervalue Their Skills, and How to Get Over It by Helene Lerner

This is a special episode of the Two Booked Up podcast, where Rowena and Shelley take the conversation further, something they love to do.

In this week's ‘side-bar’ episode, they discuss whether the ideas around human behaviour and motivation presented in "Drive" by Daniel Pink can work with "The Four Tendencies" by Gretchen Rubin. 

Both books offer unique insights into what drives our actions and decisions. "Drive" emphasises the importance of intrinsic motivation and the three elements of true motivation: autonomy, mastery, and purpose. 

Conversely, "The Four Tendencies" presents a framework for understanding how individuals respond to inner and outer expectations. 

While both books share the common theme of understanding human behaviour, they offer distinct perspectives and approaches!

Join us as we consider these thought-provoking works and add our views to further the conversation! 

• Two Booked Up Episode 1: The Four Tendencies by Gretchen Rubin


• Two Booked Up Episode 2: Personal Life and The Four Tendencies


• Two Booked Up Episode 3: Running your own business using The Four Tendencies


• Two Booked Up Episode 4: Take yourself on a date


• Two Booked Up Episode 11 - Essentialism by Greg McKeown - Overview and Top Takeaways


• Two Booked Up Episode 12 - How to Live the Essentialist Life (inspired by Greg McKeown’s Essentialism)


• Two Booked Up Episode 13 - Play your own game, Essentialists! A deep dive into PLAY, inspired by Essentialism by Greg McKeown


• Two Booked Up Episode 14 - Boost your confidence and get paid to be YOU (inspired by Essentialism by Greg McKeown)


• Two Booked Up Episode 25: Four Thousand Weeks: Time Management for Mortals - Overview and Top...

Rowena and Shelley delve into the insightful book "Drive: The Surprising Truth About What Motivates Us" by Daniel Pink, one of Shelley’s favourite books!

Shelley reflects on how the book's message about motivation, centred on autonomy, mastery, and purpose, has left a lasting impact since its publication in 2009. 

Together, Rowena and Shelley then explore the relevance of these concepts in the modern world, especially in the context of our professional and personal lives. 

Join them as they uncover the profound implications of autonomy, mastery, and purpose and discover how these ideas can revitalise our respective approaches to work, parenting, relationships, and leisure activities. Tune in for a thought-provoking discussion about the true drivers of motivation!

• Two Booked Up Episode 1: The Four Tendencies by Gretchen Rubin


• Two Booked Up Episode 29: Workstyle Overview


• Two Booked Up Episode 30: Shelley and Rowena share their own Workstyle Stories


• Two Booked Up Episode 31: In conversation with Lizzie Penny and Alex Hirst about the Workstyle Revolution

• Two Booked Up Episode 36: Behind the scenes of Rowena’s novel — out now!


• Two Booked Up Episode 43: How to Run a Chill Business: Chill and Prosper by Denise Duffield-Thomas  


• Two Booked Up Episode 48: Why start with why? A discussion about Start with Why by Simon Sinek

• Drive by Daniel Pink


• The Four Tendencies by Gretchen Rubin


• Workstyle by Lizzie Penny and Alex Hirst

Rowena and Shelley are delving into a book that's likely on many of your must-read lists if you're on a quest to improve your daily life: "Better Than Before" by Gretchen Rubin. 

The book focuses on habits—how we form them, why we break them, and how we can use them to create a more fulfilling life. As busy working parents and business owners, finding ways to make our lives smoother and more efficient is always a priority, making this book particularly intriguing to us. 

We'll also share personal stories of how we've applied (or struggled to apply) Gretchen’s insights in our own lives. 

Plus, as always, we'll provide you with a couple of easy, actionable steps to apply to your own life. Having previously discussed "The Four Tendencies" and "Life in Five Senses," we're excited to tackle the topic of habits. 

• Two Booked Up Episode 1: The Four Tendencies by Gretchen Rubin


• Two Booked Up Episode 2: Personal Life and The Four Tendencies


• Two Booked Up Episode 3: Running your own business using The Four Tendencies


• Two Booked Up Episode 4: Take yourself on a date


• Two Booked Up Episode 10: How to find the time to read


• Two Booked Up Episode 23: What’s the big deal about Atomic Habits?


• Two Booked Up Episode 42: Embrace Your Five Senses… a chat about Life in Five Senses by Gretchen Rubin.


• Two Booked Up Episode 45: Can Good Feelings = Good Productivity?


• Two Booked Up Episode 54: Defining success in the second phase of life, From Strength to Strength by Arthur C Brooks

• Better than Before by Gretchen Rubin


• Life In Five Senses

In this new episode of Two Booked Up, Rowena and Shelley discuss Arthur C. Brooks's bestseller, "From Strength to Strength: Finding Success, Happiness and Deep Purpose in the Second Half of Life." 

Once again, Shelley dons the interviewer’s hat, and Rowena is in the hot seat. Together, they discuss the book's focus on finding true happiness and satisfaction as we navigate the second half of life, emphasising the importance of shifting our focus from the relentless pursuit of success to building a life rich in relationships, meaning, and contentment. 

While the book is primarily aimed at those in the second half of life, Rowena and Shelley are convinced that its wisdom is relevant to listeners of all ages.

Stay tuned to gain valuable insights into making the most of the second stage of your career and living a successful, fulfilling, and happier life, as Rowena and Shelley discuss the book From Strength to Strength.

• Two Booked Up Episode 25: Four Thousand Weeks: Time Management for Mortals - Overview and Top Takeaways


• Two Booked Up Episode 45: Can Good Feelings = Good Productivity?


• Two Booked Up Episode 48: Why start with why? A discussion about Start with Why by Simon Sinek


• Two Booked Up Episode 50: Fan Fave Revisited: Essentialism by Greg McKeown


• Two Booked Up Episode 52: Organising Your Books (with Lazy Genius Kitchen inspiration)


• Two Booked Up Episode 53: Organising your Kid's books (with Lazy Genius Kitchen inspiration)

• From Strength to Strength by Arthur C Brooks


• Feel Good Productivity by Ali Abdaal

• Start with...

In this new Two Booked Up podcast episode, Rowena and Shelley discuss the challenging task of organizing kids' books. Shelley, a homeschooling mom and our resident expert in this field shares her insights into managing a home filled with books.

They introduce the Lazy Genius Process from The Lazy Genius Kitchen, focusing on five key steps: prioritise, essentialize, organize, personalize, and systemize. This practical process is applicable not only to parents but also to anyone looking to tackle a project.

Despite their different locations (Sydney, Australia, and Joburg, South Africa) and their children being in different age groups, Rowena's high school-aged boys and Shelley's primary-school-aged boys, both find common ground in applying this process to their respective contexts.

Tune in to gain valuable inspiration on how to personalize the organization of your kids' books, as Rowena and Shelley share their unique perspectives and approaches. Whether you're a parent or simply aiming to create a system for your home library, this episode offers practical insights tailored to your individual needs. 

Stay tuned for a wealth of ideas on perfecting the organization of your kids' books!

• Two Booked Up Episode 6: The Lazy Genius Way by Kendra Adachi


• Two Booked Up Episode 7: How we are Lazy Geniusing our lives and how you can too


• Two Booked Up Episode 8: Our best tips to “Lazy Genius” your business


• Two Booked Up Episode 9: Naming What Matters 


• Two Booked Up Episode 37: Holiday Reads and Bookish Traditions

• The Lazy Genius Kitchen: Have What You Need, Use What You Have, and Enjoy It Like Never Before by Kendra Adachi


• 
  Julia Donaldson
  


• Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix by JK Rowling


• Diary of a Wimpy Kid Series by Jeff Kinney


• Lonely Planet Kids books


• ...

In this episode of Two Booked Up, Shelley and Rowena tackle the challenging task of organizing your book collection. If you're tired of having books scattered around your home, this episode is for you! They take a break from their usual book discussions to delve into practical strategies for reining in those unruly bookshelves.

Using Kendra Adachi's The Lazy Genius Kitchen as a guide, Shelley and Rowena discuss prioritizing, essentializing, organizing, personalizing, and systemizing book organization. They emphasize the importance of individual choice, tailored to what best suits each person's needs and preferences.

Tune in to discover how Shelley and Rowena each approach the Lazy Genius process to transform their book organization. Whether you're a book lover looking to streamline your collection or just seeking inspiration for a more enjoyable reading experience, this episode is packed with valuable tips and ideas. Don't miss out on making your book storage and reading habits a whole lot more fun!

• Two Booked Up Episode 6: The Lazy Genius Way by Kendra Adachi


• Two Booked Up Episode 7: How we are Lazy Geniusing our lives and how you can too


• Two Booked Up Episode 8: Our best tips to “Lazy Genius” your business


• Two Booked Up Episode 9: Naming What Matters 


• Two Booked Up Episode 37: Holiday Reads and Bookish Traditions

• The Lazy Genius Kitchen: Have What You Need, Use What You Have, and Enjoy It Like Never Before by Kendra Adachi


• Managing Humans by Michael Lopp 


• 
  

  Sweep: The Story of a Girl and Her Monster by Jonathan Auxier

  
  

• Library Thing App


• Book Apps - Audible, Kindle, Libby

In this episode, Shelley and Rowena celebrate the launch of Season 4 of the Two Booked Up podcast and two years of literary love, laughter, and friendship! 

Shelley and Rowena are thrilled to have reached this incredible milestone and want to take you behind the scenes of their journey over the past year. From the ups to the downs, they’re sharing all the insights and reflections gathered from their time hosting the Two Booked Up podcast.

Whether you're a fellow podcaster, an avid reader, or an honorary member of their Two Booked Up book club, they can't wait to share this celebratory moment with you. So, grab a refreshing drink, settle in, and join us as they raise a glass to the past two years of Two Booked Up!

Thank you for being a part of our incredible community. Here's to many more seasons of literary adventures and meaningful conversations. Cheers!

• Two Booked Up Episode 36: Behind the scenes of Rowena’s novel — out now!


• Two Booked Up Episode 37: Holiday Reads and Bookish Traditions


• Two Booked Up Episode 38: Resolution Overwhelm? Try a Guiding Word Instead


• Two Booked Up Episode 39: Read More in ‘24! Announcing the 2024 Reading Challenge


• Two Booked Up Episode 40: How to Find Tranquility in the Turbulence


• Two Booked Up Episode 41: How to Become Indistractable


• Two Booked Up Episode 42: Embrace Your Five Senses… a chat about Life in Five Senses by Gretchen Rubin


• Two Booked Up Episode 43: How to Run a Chill Business: Chill and Prosper by Denise Duffield-Thomas  


• Two Booked Up Episode 44: Could Harnessing Your Regrets Change Your Life? 


• Two Booked Up Episode 45: Can Good Feelings = Good Productivity?<...