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.
Today’s author has worked with U.S. Military Academy Cadets, world-class athletes, and many others needing to develop the confidence needed to succeed on the world’s largest stages. Join Cory & Mike as they learn how to build, protect, and rely on the confidence needed to perform well when it matters most. Support the Show Craft […]
Today’s author promises to help us understand how considering when can help us live richer, more engaged lives. Join Mike & Cory as they attempt to decipher the scientific secrets of perfect timing. Support the Show Mike’s Newsletter poll When by Daniel Pink Dead Wake by Erik Larson Daily Rituals by Mason Currey Fear Setting […]
This episode of Bookworm is brought to you by: Today’s author promises to help us overcome our fear by giving us the courage to go after what we really want. Join Mike & Cory as they attempt to embrace the boldest versions of themselves. Support the Show Mike’s 3 Levels of Knowledge post (+ Practical […]
Today’s author promises to help us reject the default path, define our priorities, and achieve lasting happiness. Join Mike & Cory as they attempt to design their dream lives. Support the ShowThe Ruthless Elimination of Hurry by John Mark Comer I’ve Got Time by Paul Loomans Focused #228: Time Surfing, with Paul Loomans The Library […]
Today’s author promises to help us train our minds for extraordinary performance in every aspect of our lives. Join Mike & Cory as they attempt to move beyond the pursuit of happiness and embark on a journey toward a life of purpose and fulfillment. Support the Show The Library (Mike’s community) Bookworm #219: Tiny Experiments […]
This episode dives into Tiny Experiments by Anne-Laure Le Cunff, a book that challenges traditional goal-setting and productivity. The discussion covers the author's unique framework of designing small, time-bound experiments (PACT) focused on outputs, escaping the tyranny of purpose, practicing mindful productivity (Chronos vs. Kairos), analyzing procrastination not as a moral failure but a listening one, embracing intentional imperfection, and fostering growth through community and learning in public. The hosts share their personal takeaways, including action items to implement the book's principles and a glowing five-star review, highlighting its broad applicability and refreshing approach.
Mike and Cory review "The Catalyst" by Jonah Berger, discussing its framework for reducing resistance to change, including reactance, endowment, distance, uncertainty, and corroborating evidence. They explore how to apply these principles in various contexts, from marketing to personal relationships, and share their personal takeaways and action items.
Today’s authors promise to help us sort through what works and what doesn’t when it comes to the science behind successful learning. Join Mike & Cory as they consider their own approaches to lifelong learning and self-improvement. Support the Show Cory’s YouTube channel Recommend a Book Mac Power Users #784: Exploring AI & Productivity, with […]
Mike and Cory discuss "The Courage to Be Disliked," a book structured as a Socratic dialogue exploring Adlerian psychology. They delve into key concepts like rejecting trauma's hold, the nature of interpersonal problems, the importance of separating tasks, finding worth in community contribution, and living earnestly in the present. They debate the book's sometimes challenging principles, including unconditional confidence and the idea that praise can be manipulative, sharing personal struggles and takeaways.
Today’s book is a collection of wisdom shared by one of the world’s most brilliant business minds. Join Mike & Cory as they explore Charlie Munger’s encyclopedic knowledge of business, finance, history, philosophy, physics, ethics, and (of course) mental models. Support the Show Poor Charlie’s Almanack Bookworm #214: Simple Marketing for Smart People Mike’s Mind […]
This episode of Bookworm is brought to you by: Today’s author promises to teach us a new way to craft marketing content that compels customers to act without feeling sleazy. Join Mike & Cory as they try to shun complexity and give belief-building a try. Support the Show Mike’s Practical PKM Cohort Simple Marketing for […]
Today’s author shares personal wisdom from almost 2000 years ago. Join Mike and Cory as they examine an ancient classic of wisdom literature to see if it stands the test of time. Support the Show Focused #218: Turning Down the Volume, with Stephen Hackett Writebook Bookworm #211: Anti-Time Management Bookworm #210: Free Time Meditations by […]
Today’s author promises to equip us with the tools, insights, and inspiration needed to create the life of our dreams. Join Mike & Cory as they consider what it means to live boldly and authentically. Support the Show Mike on Bluesky Cory on Bluesky Vidpros Mike’s YouTube channel Never Play it Safe Mike’s Notes from […]
Today’s author promises to help us find our motivation, prioritize our ideals, and create a flexible lifestyle — no matter how busy we are. Join Mike & Cory as they attempt to flip the traditional approach to productivity on its head. Support the Show Bookworm 210: Free Time Anti-Time Management by Richie Norton Mike’s mind […]
Today’s author promises to give us a playbook to free our minds, time, and team for our best work. Join Mike & Cory as they consider what it looks like to run a heart-based business. Support the Show Mike’s Black Friday deal details Ugmonk pen Free Time by Jenny Blake Mike’s notes for Free Time […]
Today’s author promises to give us a map for a liberating journey toward a more meaningful life. Join Mike & Cory as they attempt to embrace their non-negotiable limitations. Support the Show Bookworm #208: Good Work LifeTheme Cohort LifeHQ Meditations for Mortals by Oliver Burkeman Mike’s Notes from Meditations for Mortals Bookworm #135: Four Thousand […]
What if work wasn’t just something you did but was a portal to a life where you felt fully alive? Today’s author challenges us to think differently about our profession. Join Mike & Cory as they embark on a mission to find their own “good work.” Support the Show Good Work by Paul Millerd Mike’s […]
Whether we realize it or not, we are always telling stories. Today’s author and storyteller extraordinaire promises to help us tell them better. Support the Show LifeHQ Storyworthy by Matthew Dicks Bookworm #169: The Pathless Path Storyworthy YouTube Channel Aaron Beverley’s speech Bookworm #40: The Artist’s Way Building a StoryBrand by Donald Miller Good Work […]
Today’s author promises to change the way we think with a collection of essays about why we should pursue purpose over passion, embrace negative thinking, see the wisdom in daily routine, and become aware of the cognitive biases that are creating the way we see our lives. Support the Show LifeHQ Drafts Write of Passage […]
Today’s author shares an unconventional approach to help writers and aspiring creatives capture their ideas, think wildly, and write constantly. Join Mike & Cory as they enter the labyrinth of the zettelkasten. Support the Show LifeHQ Mike’s Journaling Shortcut video Mike’s Daily Questions video A System for Writing by Bob Doto Mike’s Notes from A […]
Today’s author promises to help us create surprising satisfaction and enjoyment from the intention-filled acts that drive human behavior. Join Mike & Cory as they attempt to inject meaning and magic into their daily routines. Support the Show LifeHQ Conduit The Ritual Effect by Michael Norton Bookworm #195: Supercommunicators Hario V60 Kalita Wave Chemex Blue […]
Today’s author has studied thousands of the most interesting people in the world and promises to teach us the frameworks they use to be successful. Join Mike & Cory as they attempt to upgrade their mental toolbox. Support the Show Mike’s Pro Vault Hidden Genius by Polina Marinova Pompliano Mike’s notes from Hidden Genius Good […]
Virtually every problem can be traced back to one root cause: leadership. Today’s author and seasoned business leader promises to help us transform our leadership from ordinary to extraordinary. Join Cory & Mike as they embark on a journey to unlock their full potential. Support the Show Three-Body Problem by Cixin Liu Uncommon Greatness by […]
Today’s author presents the stoic case for living a life of self-discipline. Join Mike & Cory as they consider what it means to do what’s right – even when it isn’t easy. Support the Show Spiral.computer Hypefury Mike’s Starter Vault Mike’s Bible Study video Mike’s newsletter Mike’s notes for Right Thing, Right Now Raycast Mike’s […]
With great power comes great responsibility. Today’s author promises to help us harness the power and promise of the era of AI without losing our identity. Support the Show Arc Browser Macstock Use coupon code MIKESCHMITZ to save $30 Co-Intelligence by Ethan Mollick Mike’s notes from Co-Intelligence Bookworm #192: The Inevitable The Deep Life #306: […]
This episode of Bookworm is brought to you by: Today’s author promises to teach us how to improve our leadership ability by caring about others personally and challenging others directly. Join Cory & Mike as they attempt to step up their radical candor. Support the Show Mike’s notes from Craft + Commerce Radical Candor by […]
The world is overloaded with everything we’re built to crave. Today’s author promises to help us overcome the scarcity mindset we inherited from our ancient ancestors to live a more satisfying life. Support the Show Rocket Macstock (use coupon code MIKESCHMITZ to save $30) Groundhog Day Read Between the Lynes Scarcity Brain by Michael Easter […]
This episode of Bookworm is sponsored by: The world’s best problem-solvers, forecasters, and decision-makers all use mental models that help them cut through complexity and separate good ideas from bad ones. Today’s authors promise to teach us how to use these frameworks and shortcuts to help make sense of the world around us and make […]
Sleep is one of the most important but least understood aspects of our life, wellness, and longevity. Today’s author promises us a revolutionary exploration of sleep, examining how it affects every aspect of our physical and mental well-being. Join Mike & Cory as they attempt to sleep (and live) better. Support the Show Greater Good […]
The right conversation at the right moment can change everything. Today’s author promises to teach us how to identify and leverage the hidden layers that lurk beneath every conversation. Support the Show Mike’s LifeTheme cohort Mike’s Reading Masterclass Supercommunicators by Charles Duhigg Bookworm #52: The Power of Habit Bookworm #63: Atomic Habits Bookworm #94: Tiny […]