Mike Schmitz and Cory Hixson

Bookworm

A Books and Arts podcast

About the show

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

Newest episodes

261: Co-Existence by Ethan Mollick

Nov 6, 2026 1 hr 47 min

Today's author promises to show us how to adapt as AI rapidly reshapes our world. Join Mike & Cory as they step into the next phase of the AI revolution. Support the ShowLifeTheme cohortFocused CalendarCo-Existence by Ethan MollickCo-Intelligence by Ethan MollickAtomic Habits by James ClearDraftsWisprFlowAli Abdaal's video on AI video editingThe Goal by Eliyahu GoldrattSituated by Angela DuckworthPangramTools and Weapons by Brad SmithCal Newport podcast with Emile TorresHow to Be Good at Life by Ben MeerBeyond Belief by Nir EyalRecommend a Book Mike's Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐Cory's Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

260: Situated by Angela Duckworth

Oct 23, 2026 1 hr 35 min

Today's author promises to teach us the secret to conquering temptation without willpower. Join Mike & Cory as they attempt to find the people and places that bring out their best. Support the Show21 Laws of Leadership by John MaxwellForever AgoSelf-Reliance by Ralph Waldo EmersonGrit by Angela DuckworthSituated by Angela DuckworthMan's Search for Meaning by Viktor FranklWegman'sCody Coleman's TED TalkCo-Existence by Ethan MollickCo-Intelligence by Ethan MollickHow to Be Good at Life by Ben MeerThe Knot by Seth GodinRecommend a Book Cory's Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐Mike's Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

259: The Meaning of Your Life by Arthur Brooks

Oct 9, 2026 1 hr 30 min

Today's author promises to show us how to push back against cultural changes that are rewiring our brains and find the meaning we need to live a happy, fulfilling life. Join Mike & Cory as they embark on a pilgrimage to answer the age-old question: "What is the meaning of my life?" Support the ShowThe Meaning of Your Life by Arthur BrooksFrom Strength to Strength by Arthur BrooksThe Anxious Generation by Jonathan HaidtDeep Work by Cal NewportDesign Your Life by Bill Burnett & Dave EvansMeaning of Life QuizScore AppSelf-Reliance by Ralph Waldo EmersonToastmastersAtomic Habits by James ClearYou Can Just Do Things by Cate HallGrit by Angela DuckworthSituated by Angela DuckworthCo-Existence by Ethan MollickThe YouTube Formula 2.0 by Derral EvesRecommend a Book Mike's Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐Cory's Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

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All episodes

The newest 50 of 261 episodes

261: Co-Existence by Ethan Mollick

Nov 6, 2026 1 hr 47 min

260: Situated by Angela Duckworth

Oct 23, 2026 1 hr 35 min

259: The Meaning of Your Life by Arthur Brooks

Oct 9, 2026 1 hr 30 min

258: You Can Just Do Things by Cate Hall

Sep 25, 2026 1 hr 33 min

Today's author promises to help us live with agency and take control of our future. Join Mike & Cory as they consider how to stop waiting and build the life they want. Support the ShowWoody WallsThe Goal by Eli GoldrattYou Can Just Do Things by Cate HallMillion Dollar Weekend by Noah KaganAll The Wrong Moves by Sasha ChapinLiminal Thinking by Dave GrayThe Story of You by Ian Morgan CronGrit by Angela DuckworthThe Meaning of Your Life by Arthur BrooksSituated by Angela DuckworthRecommend a Book Cory's Rating: ⭐⭐⭐Mike's Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

257: The Goal by Eliyahu Goldratt

Sep 11, 2026 1 hr 29 min

Today's author and self-proclaimed "slayer of sacred cows" promises to help us think differently about how business gets done. Join Mike & Cory as they discuss the theory of constraints in one of the most transformational business process books ever written. Support the ShowThe Goal by Eliyahu GoldrattThe Phoenix Project by Gene Kim, Kevin Behr, and George SpaffordToyota Production SystemJust-In-TimeUpWork the System by Sam CarpenterDeath by Meeting by Patrick LencioniThe Goal: A Business Graphic NovelGetting Things Done by David AllenYou Can Just Do Things by Cate HallThe Meaning of Your Life by Arthur BrooksRecommend a Book Mike's Rating: ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐Cory's Rating: ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐

256: Uncommon Sense by William Brody

Aug 28, 2026 1 hr 31 min

Life, unlike textbooks, has no answer key. Today's author promises to help us think and live beyond the syllabus. Join Mike & Cory as they rethink what it means to be educated. Support the ShowTypefullyMike's Secondary YouTube ChannelUncommon Sense by William BrodySuper Thinking by Gabriel Weinberg & Lauren McCannThe Great Mental Models by Shane ParrishFocused #263: Removing the Roadblocks, with Cat MulvihillThe Second Mountain by David BrooksHow to Be Everything by Emilie WapnickThe Goal by Eliyahu GoldrattThe Goal: A Business Graphic NovelYou Can Just Do Things by Cate HallRecommend a BookCory's Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐Mike's Rating: ⭐⭐⭐

255: The Psychology of Money by Morgan Housel

Aug 14, 2026 1 hr 42 min

Today's author promises to help us improve our money mindset by sharing several short stories that teach timeless lessons on wealth, greed, and happiness. Support the ShowAmplify CohortThe Psychology of Money by Morgan HouselSame as Ever by Morgan HouselYou Can Just Do Things by Cate Hall30 Lessons for Living by Karl PillemerUncommon Sense by William BrodyThe Goal by Eliyahu Goldratt Mike's Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐Cory's Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

254: Inside the Box by David Epstein

Jul 31, 2026 1 hr 35 min

Today's author argues that all of us—individuals, businesses, institutions, even societies—can benefit from narrowing our options. Join Mike & Cory as they attempt to transform themselves—and the world—by embracing constraints. Support the ShowInside the Box by David EpsteinMike's Amplify CohortThe Growth IntensiveThe Goal by Eli GoldrattApple: The First 50 Years by David PogueCreativity, Inc. by Ed CatmullScience Fictions by Stuart RitchieSix SigmaAnatomy of a Breakthrough by Adam AlterCo-Intelligence by Ethan MollickFour Thousand Weeks by Oliver BurkemanDave Ramsey Debt SnowballRange by David EpsteinThe Psychology of Money by Morgan HouselUncommon Sense by William Brody Cory's Rating: ⭐⭐⭐Mike's Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

253: How to Try Again by Steve Kamb

Jul 17, 2026 1 hr 30 min

Some people wake up at 4 AM, run fifteen miles barefoot, and then meditate in an ice bath. Today's author promises to help the rest of us transform our lives by giving up more often, failing faster, and mastering the art of starting over. Support the ShowBookworm #252: The Book of ElonHow to Try Again by Steve KambNerd FitnessThe Case for Delusional ConfidenceMuseum of FailureThe Growth IntensiveBookworm #219: Tiny ExperimentsAntifragile by Nassim Nicholas TalebFour Thousand Weeks by Oliver BurkemanDark SoulsInside the Box by David EpsteinRange by David EpsteinThe Psychology of Money by Morgan HouselBandersnatchRecommend a Book Mike's Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐Cory's Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

252: The Book of Elon by Eric Jorgenson

Jul 3, 2026 1 hr 28 min

Today's author promises to help us bring purpose and energy to our meaningful work. Join Mike & Cory as they attempt to learn from the life of one of the Internet's most enigmatic and colorful characters. Support the ShowUnreasonable Hospitality by Will GuidaraThe Book of Elon by Eric JorgensonThe Almanack of Naval Ravikant by Eric JorgensonHow to Live a Meaningful Life by Bill Burnett & Dave EvansZip2TeslaSpaceXSid Meier's CivilizationTalking to the Internet How to Try Again by Steve KambInside the Box by David EpsteinAlchemy by Rory SutherlandMike's Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐Cory's Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

251: Unreasonable Hospitality by Will Guidara

Jun 19, 2026 1 hr 42 min

Today's author and restaurateur shares hospitality lessons learned from turning Eleven Madison Park into the #1 restaurant in the world. Join Mike & Cory as they consider how they, too, can transform ordinary transactions into extraordinary experiences. Support the ShowUnreasonable Hospitality by Will GuidaraNathan Barry Show with Will Guidara & Brian CanlisThe One Minute Manager by Ken Blanchard & Spencer JohnsonRadical Candor by Kim ScottDiary of a CEOIntelligentsiaChemex Coffee BrewerChemex OttomaticSiphon BrewingTheory11Simon Sinek | The Optimism CompanyLeaders Eat Last by Simon SinekThe Almanack of Naval Ravikant by Eric JorgensenThe Book of Elon by Eric Jorgensen Mike's Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐Cory's Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

250: Design Love In by Marcus Buckingham

Jun 5, 2026 1 hr 22 min

Today's author promises to help us unleash the most powerful force in business — love. Join Mike & Cory as they consider what it means to design love in as leaders and experience-makers. Support the Show Bookworm #249: What You’re Made For by George Raveling Design Love In by Marcus Buckingham Love + Work by Marcus Buckingham StrengthsFinder StandOut Mac Power Users with Marco Arment Overcast EOS (Entrepreneur Operating System) Ninety.io Radical Candor by Kim Scott Unreasonable Hospitality The Book of Elon The Almanack of Naval Ravikant Mike's Rating: ⭐⭐⭐Cory's Rating: ⭐⭐⭐

249: What You're Made For by George Raveling

May 22, 2026 1 hr 22 min

This episode is sponsored by: St. Louis Pen Show: Join us June 25-28. Tickets on sale now!Today's author shares incredible behind-the-scenes stories from his career working with some of the world's best athletes. Join Mike & Cory as they explore purpose, meaning, and wisdom from a legendary coaching trailblazer. Support the ShowNathan Barry episode on Unreasonable HospitalityWhat You’re Made For by George RavelingMike’s YouTube Video on How He Takes Book NotesMike’s Book Notes vaultRadical Candor by Kim ScottRapt by Winifred GallagherAirHow to Live a Meaningful Life by Bill Burnett & Dave EvansThe Second Mountain by David BrooksFrom Strength to Strength by Arthur BrooksDesign Love In by Marcus BuckinghamUnreasonable Hospitality by Will GuidaraHow to Lead Your Family by Joel BeekeMike's Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐Cory's Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

248: How to Live a Meaningful Life by Bill Burnett and Dave Evans

May 8, 2026 1 hr 38 min

Today's authors promise to help you build purpose, clarity, and connection without quitting your job, blowing up your life, or starting from scratch. Join Mike & Cory as they consider how to use design thinking to craft lives and careers they love. Support the ShowNathan Barry Show with Bill Burnett & Dave EvansCurrent Reader appThe LibraryHow to Live a Meaningful Life by Bill Burnett & Dave EvansDesign Your Life by Bill Burnett & Dave EvansFlow by Mihaly CsikszentmihalyiFinite & Infinite Games by James CarseMike’s Amateur Advantage NewsletterThe Second Mountain by David BrooksFalling Upward by Richard RohrFrom Strength to Strength by Arthur BrooksWhat You're Made For by George RavelingDesign Love by Marcus BuckinghamMike's Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐Cory's Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

247: The Way of Excellence by Brad Stulberg

Apr 24, 2026 1 hr 40 min

This episode is sponsored by: St Louis Pen Show: Join us June 25-28. Tickets on sale now!Today's author promises to give us a guide to creating, contributing, and actualizing our potential amid the craziness of modern life. Join Mike & Cory as they embark on a journey to rediscover excellence in their own lives. Support the ShowNathan Barry Show episode with Bill Burnett & Dave EvansBookworm #180: Master of Change by Brad StulbergDiscipline Equals Freedom by Jocko WillinkBookworm #196: Why We Sleep by Matthew WalkerDaily Rituals by Mason CurreyCraft + CommerceHow to Live a Meaningful Life by Bill Burnett & Dave EvansWhat You're Made For by George Raveling Mike's Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐Cory's Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

246: The 6 Types of Working Genius by Patrick Lencioni

Apr 10, 2026 1 hr 34 min

This episode of Bookworm is sponsored by: Vitally: Your Copilot for AI-Powered Customer Success. Get a free pair of AirPods Pro when you book a qualified meeting. Today's author promises to teach us a framework that will change the way we think about work and teams forever. Join Mike & Cory as they attempt to identify the type of work that brings them joy and energy, and avoid work that leads to frustration and burnout. Support the ShowMacSparky's Robot Assistant Field GuideThe LibraryLifeTheme CohortThe 5 Dysfunctions of a Team by Patrick LencioniSix Thinking Hats by Edward de BonoKolbe A IndexConative Connection by Kathy KolbeSuccess ProfilerThe End of Burnout by Jonathan MaleesicThe Way of Excellence by Brad StulbergHow to Live a Meaningful Life by Bill Burnett & Dave EvansMike's Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐Cory's Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

245: The Science of Storytelling by Will Storr

Mar 27, 2026 1 hr 29 min

This episode of Bookworm is sponsored by: Vitally: Your Copilot for AI-Powered Customer Success. Get a free pair of AirPods Pro when you book a qualified meeting. Today's author (and acclaimed storytelling teacher) promises to teach us how our brains create worlds by being attuned to moments of unexpected change. Join Mike & Cory as they embark on a journey to master the science of storytelling. LifeTheme Cohort Bookworm 244: The Coaching Habit by Michael Bungay Stanier The Science of Storytelling by Matthew Storr Storyworthy by Matthew Dicks The Science of Scaling by Dr. Benjamin Hardy & Blake Erickson 48 Laws of Power by Robert Greene Influence by Robert Cialdini The Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone by J.K. Rowling Ghost Town Living by Brent Underwood Red Rising by Pierce Brown WALL-E The West Wing Phineas and Ferb Ready Player One by Ernest Cline Mike's Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐Cory's Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

244: The Coaching Habit by Michael Bungay Stanier

Mar 13, 2026 1 hr 26 min

Today's author promises to transform the way we coach others by offering us seven simple questions. Join Mike & Cory as they attempt to level up their own coaching habits. New Media SummitThe LibraryThe Coaching HabitBox of CrayonsMike’s YouTube channelObsidian Starter VaultFree Time by Jenny BlakeJenny’s Free Time ToolkitEssentialism by Greg McKeownPlaying to Win by A. G. Lafley & Roger MartinThe Science of Storytelling by Will Storr6 Types of Working Genius by Patrick Lencioni5 Dysfunctions of a Team by Patrick LencioniPredictable Profits by Stu McLarenSojourners & Strangers by Michael O'BrienMike's Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐Cory's Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

243: The End of Burnout by Jonathan Malesic

Feb 27, 2026 1 hr 35 min

Have you ever felt "burnt out?" Burnout has become our go-to term for talking about the pressure and dissatisfaction we experience. Today's author shares his own experience and proposes an alternative to our cultural obsession with work. Join Mike & Cory as they explore a new way to think about work, ideals, and dignity. The End of Burnout by Jonathan MalesicBurnout by Christina MaslachIntentional by Chris BaileyMaster Your Motivation by Susan FowlerThe Coaching Habit by Michael Bungay StanierThe Science of Storytelling by Will Storr Mike's Rating: ⭐⭐Cory's Rating: ⭐⭐⭐

242: The Overthinker's Guide to Making Decisions by Joseph Nguyen

Feb 13, 2026 1 hr 28 min

Today's author promises to teach us frameworks and principles to help us stop overthinking when trying to decide. Join Mike and Cory as they attempt to escape the endless "what if" loops in their brains and make better (and more intuitive) decisions. Intentional by Chris BaileyClaude Just Game My Obsidian Journaling Workflow a HUGE UpgradeMike’s PKM QuizMike’s Obsidian Report Card FormThe Overthinker’s Guide to Making Decisions by Joseph NguyenDon’t Believe Everything You Think by Joseph NguyenTim Ferris’s Fear Setting ExerciseThe End of Burnout by Jonathan MalesicThe Coaching Habit by Michael Bungay StanierThe Great Gatsby by F. Scott FitzgeraldThe Crucified King by Jeremy Treat Mike's Rating: ⭐⭐⭐Cory's Rating: ⭐

241: Intentional by Chris Bailey

Jan 30, 2026 1 hr 22 min

Today's author promises to distill a decade of deep research on productivity to deliver a profound, practical, and counterintuitive road map to getting things done. Join Mike & Cory as they embark on a journey to live a more intentional life. Support the ShowIntentional by Chris BaileyThe Productivity Project by Chris BaileyThe Library CommunityHyper Focus by Chris BaileyHow to Calm Your Mind by Chris BaileyHow to Train Your Mind by Chris BaileyOvercoming Procrastination CourseThe Overthinker's Guide to Making Decisions by Joseph NguyenDon't Believe Everything You Think by Joseph NguyenThe End of Burnout by Jonathan MalesicRed Rising by Pierce BrownReading the Gospels Wisely by Jonathan Pennington Mike's Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐Cory's Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

240: Hacking the Human Mind by Richard Shotton & Michaelaaron Flicker

Jan 16, 2026 1 hr 29 min

Note: If you're only hearing Mike, delete and redownload the file. Today's authors promise to teach us the behavioral science secrets behind 17 of the world's best brands. Join Mike & Cory as they consider the marketing of the world's biggest brands. Support the Show NeuYear Focused Calendar Craft + Commerce Bandersnatch by Diana Pavloc Glyer Hacking the Human Mind by Richard Shotton & Michaelaaron Flicker Ruby coffee roasters Snickers Feast ad The Social Dilemma Bookworm #198: Scarcity Brain by Michael EasterIntentional by Chris BaileyThe Overthinker's Guide to Making Decision by Joseph NguyenGhost Town Living by Brent Underwood Mike's Rating: ⭐⭐Cory's Rating: ⭐⭐⭐

239: Proust and The Squid by Maryanne Wolf

Jan 2, 2026 1 hr 40 min

Today's author (and neuropsychologist) shows us how and why the human brain has adapted in order to read and write. Join Mike & Cory as they examine the past and consider the future of the reading brain. Support the show New Bookworm website Mike’s Live Practical PKM Cohort Sublime Proust and The Squid by Maryanne Wolf Reader, Come Home by Maryanne Wolf #196: Focus & The Reading Life, with Maryanne Wolf Bandersnatch by Diana Glyer How to Read a Book by Mortimer Adler The Veldt by Ray BradburyHacking the Human Mind by Richard Shotton and MichaelAaron FlickerIntentional by Chris Bailey Ready Player One by Ernest Cline Mike's Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐Cory's Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

238: Sketch Your Mind by Zsolt Viczian

Dec 19, 2025 1 hr 35 min

Today's author promises to help us build a visual-first system to capture, connect, and use our ideas like never before. Join Mike & Cory as ponder the creative power of the visual zettelkasten. Support the ShowLazy.soSketch Your Mind by Zsolt ViczianA System for Writing by Bob DotoExcalidrawExcalidraw Obsidian pluginExcalibrain Obsidian pluginGoodNotesMindNodeSublimeThe Sketchnote Workbook by Mike RohdeRory's Story CubesProuse and The Squid by Maryanne WolfHacking the Human Mind by Richard Shotton and Michaelaaron FlickerIntentional by Chris Bailey Mike's Rating: 4.0Cory's Rating: 5.0

237: Toxic Grit by Amanda Goetz

Dec 5, 2025 1 hr 47 min

For years, we’ve been told the answer to burnout is better balance. Today’s author promises to show us a better way. Join Mike and Cory as they examine an alternative approach to ambition. Support the Show Recommend a Book Craft + Commerce Sponsor Games The Pathless Path Premium Hardcover Edition Otterpine Press Bookworm #208: Good Work Toxic Grit by Amanda Goetz Practical PKM Hybrid Cohort Bookworm 232: Published Bookworm #234: Sponsor Magnet Blanc Media 8-Week Sabbaticals The Second Mountain by David Brooks Focused 243: 243: The Single Source of Truth is On the Fridge, with Thom Gibson Sketch Your Mind by Zsolt Viczian The Proust & The Squid by Maryanne Wolf Bookworm Shirts Mike's Rating: 3.0Cory's Rating: 3.0

236: Wisdom Takes Work by Ryan Holiday

Nov 21, 2025 1 hr 38 min

Today’s author promises to teach us how to listen more than we talk, to think with nuance, to ruthlessly question our own beliefs, and to develop a method of self-education. Join Mike & Cory as they consider the virtue on which all other virtues depend. Support the Show Recommend a Book Personal Retreat Planner Bookworm #235: Made to Stick Sponsor Games Wisdom Takes Work by Ryan Holiday Bookworm #213: Meditations LifeHQ Scrivener Poor Charlie’s Almanack The Deep Life #371: Is It Finally Time to Leave Social Media? Bookworm #201: Right Thing, Right Now Bookworm #158: Discipline is Destiny Bookworm #130: Courage is Calling Focused #239: How to Focus Like a Roman Emperor, with Donald J. Robertson Toxic Grit by Amanda Goetz Sketch Your Mind by Zsolt Viczian Excalidraw plugin A System for Writing by Bob Doto Bookworm Shirts Mike's Rating: 5.0Cory's Rating: 4.0

235: Made to Stick by Chip and Dan Heath

Nov 7, 2025 1 hr 39 min

Today’s authors promise to help us transform the way we communicate our ideas. Join Mike & Cory as they dive into what makes an idea sticky. Support the Show Recommend a Book Mike’s Personal Retreat video NaNoWriMo The Library Sponsor Games Bookworm 234: Sponsor Magnet by Justin Moore Made to Stick by Chip and Dan Heath Storyworth by Matthew Dicks Mike’s 20 Obsidian Quality of Life Tips video Decisive by Chip and Dan Heath Switch by Chip and Dan Heath Wisdom Takes Work by Ryan Holiday Toxic Grit by Amanda Goetz Bookworm Shirts Mike's Rating: 5.0Cory's Rating: 4.5

234: Sponsor Magnet by Justin Moore

Oct 24, 2025 1 hr 31 min

Today’s author promises to give us the tools we need to turn influence into income. Join Mike & Cory as they consider building their own dream brand partnerships. Support the Show Recommend a Book FC26 The Personal Retreat Planner Sponsor Magnet by Justin Moore Signature Framework Sponsor Games Creator Wizard Building a Second Brain book Building a Second brain course Morgen Mike’s Morgen Video Creator Flywheels course Justin Welsch Creator MBA Made to Stick by Chip & Dan Heath Wisdom Takes Work by Ryan Holiday Bookworm Shirts Mike's Rating: 5.0Cory's Rating: 5.0

233: Time Anxiety by Chris Guillebeau

Oct 10, 2025 1 hr 28 min

Today’s author promises to give us the antidote to deadline dread, time guilt, and chronic rushing. Join Mike & Cory as they attempt to redefine their relationships with the clock. Support the Show Recommend a Book Overcoming Procrastination (Chris Bailey’s course) The Personal Retreat Planner Mike’s Personal Retreat video Time Anxiety by Chris Guillebeau The Technological Society by Jacques Ellul Mike’s essay on cranking vs. creating Feel-Good Productivity by Ali Abdaal How to Read a Book by Mortimer Adler Sponsor Magnet by Justin Moore Made to Stick by Chip & Dan Heath Bookworm Shirts Mike's Rating: 4.0Cory's Rating: 3.5

232: Published by Chandler Bolt

Sep 26, 2025 1 hr 34 min

Today’s author promises to give us a map to go from blank page to published author as fast as possible. Join Mike & Cory as they consider what it takes to actually write a book. Support the Show Recommend a Book The Personal Retreat Planner Mike’s Book Notes Overcoming Procrastination (Chris Bailey’s course) The Productivity Project by Chris Bailey Hyperfocus by Chris Bailey How to Calm Your Mind by Chris Bailey Focused #238: Knitting Our Parachutes Published by Chandler Bolt Selfpublishing.com MindNode LifeHQ Senja Creator Science podcast with Jay Clouse & Justin Moore Sponsor Magnet by Justin Moore Building a Second Brain by Tiago Forte Time Anxiety by Chris Guillebeau Bookworm Shirts Mike's Rating: 4.0Cory's Rating: 5.0

231: Eat That Frog by Brian Tracy

Sep 12, 2025 1 hr 42 min

Today’s author promises to give us tactics we can use to overcome procrastination and take action on what’s really important. Join Mike & Cory as they attempt to seize the day with decision, discipline, and determination. Support the Show Recommend a Book The Personal Retreat Planner Zapier Numerics Eat That Frog! Fourth Edition by Brian Tracy Focused podcast Atomic Habits by James Clear LifeHQ Getting Things Done by David Allen Published by Chandler Bolt Time Anxiety by Chris Guillebeau Delighting in the Trinity by Michael Reeves How to Think Like a Roman Emperor Bookworm Shirts Mike's Rating: 5.0Cory's Rating: 5.0

230: The Science of Scaling by Dr. Benjamin Hardy & Blake Erickson

Aug 29, 2025 1 hr 38 min

Today’s authors promise to teach us a framework for helping us view business through a whole new lens. Join Mike & Cory as they consider what it means to set impossible goals with impossible timelines. Support the Show Recommend a Book WavePal Extra Focus by Jesse J. Anderson The Science of Scaling by Dr. Benjamin Hardy & Blake Erickson The Gap & The Gain by Dan Sullivan & Dr. Benjamin Hardy Scaling.com 10x Is Easier Than 2x by Dan Sullivan & Dr. Benjamin Hardy Scrum by Jeff & J.J. Sutherland LifeHQ Nathan Barry’s Skyscraper vs. Strip Mall Idea Cal Newport’s podcast The 5 Types of Wealth by Sahil Bloom Tiny Experiments by Anne-Laure Le Cunff Eat That Frog! Fourth Edition by Brian Tracy Published by Chandler Bolt Sprint by Jake Knapp & John Zeratsky The Call to Climb by James Robbins Bookworm Shirts Mike's Rating: 3.0Cory's Rating: 3.0

229: From Strength to Strength by Arthur Brooks

Aug 15, 2025 1 hr 32 min

Today’s author promises to help us find success, happiness, and deep purpose in the second half of life. Join Mike & Cory as they attempt to navigate some of life’s toughest transitions. Support the Show Recommend a Book Ecamm Live Doc Rock | YouTube Opus Pro No Dumb Questions From Strength to Strength by Arthur Brooks The Second Mountain by David Brooks Four Thousand Weeks by Oliver Burkeman How Will You Measure Your Life? by Clayton Christensen Mike’s Personal Retreat Livestream Personal Retreat Planner Waitlist F3 Nation The Way The Secrets of Happy Families by Bruce Feiler Agile Programming for Your Family | TED The Productivity Project by Chris Bailey Extra Focus by Jesse J. Anderson WavePal The Science of Scaling by Dr. Benjamin Hardy & Blake Erickson Eat That Frog! Fourth Edition by Brian Tracy Write Useful Books by Rob Fitzpatrick Scrolling Ourselves to Death Bookworm Shirts Mike's Rating: 5.0Cory's Rating: 5.0

228: AI Snake Oil by Arvid Narayanan & Sayash Kapoor

Aug 1, 2025 1 hr 36 min

Today’s authors (and two of Time’s 100 Most Influential People in AI) promise to help us navigate the often misleading claims about the real capabilities of Artificial Intelligence. Join Mike & Cory as they consider what AI can do, what it can’t, and how to tell the difference. Support the Show Recommend a Book The Library Typefully Lean Learning companion course AI Snake Oil by Arvid Narayanan & Sayash Kapoor Delphi AI & I podcast Co-Intelligence by Ethan Mollick Tools & Weapons by Brad Smith TitletownTech The Social Dilemma From Strength to Strength by Arthur Brooks The Science of Scaling by Dr. Benjamin Hardy & Blake Erickson Serve to Sell by John Meese Scrolling Ourselves to Death Bookworm Shirts Mike's Rating: 3.0Cory's Rating: 3.0

227: Lean Learning by Pat Flynn

Jul 18, 2025 1 hr 54 min

Today’s author promises to help us identify what’s essential for our growth and eliminate all the distractions that tend to bog us down. Join Mike & Cory as they attempt to navigate the chaos of information overload. Support the Show Recommend a Book Craft + Commerce CEX Newsletter Marketing Summit The Library Macstock Lean Learning by Pat Flynn Smart Passive Income Deep Pocket Monster The $100 MBA DEVONthink Focused podcast Read Between the Lynes AI Snake Oil by Arvid Narayanan & Sayash Kapoor From Strength to Strength by Arthur Brooks The Second Mountain by David Brooks Scrolling Ourselves to Death Moonshot by Mike Massimino Bookworm Shirts Mike's Rating: 4.0Cory's Rating: 4.5

226: The 5 Resets by Dr. Aditi Nerurkar

Jul 4, 2025 1 hr 29 min

Today’s author is a Harvard stress expert who promises to help us overcome our stress using five small but mighty mindset shifts. Join Mike & Cory as they attempt to rewire their brains and achieve balance in their battle with burnout. Support the Show Recommend a Book The Let Them Theory by Mel Robbins The 5 Resets by Dr. Aditi Nerurkar Extra Focus by Jesse J. Anderson Don’t Eat the Frog First July 2025 Ship30 Cohort Link (Save $100) The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt Lean Learning by Pat Flynn AI Snake Oil by Arvid Narayanan & Sayash Kapoor Useful Not True by Derek Sivers Focused with Derek Sivers Bookworm Shirts Mike's Rating: 4.0Cory's Rating: 5.0

225: The Let Them Theory by Mel Robbins

Jun 20, 2025 1 hr 31 min

Today’s author promises to teach us how to stop wasting energy on what we can’t control and start focusing on what truly matters. Join Mike & Cory as they embark on a journey to discover how much power they truly have. Support the Show Craft + Commerce The Let Them Theory by Mel Robbins The 5 Second Rule by Mel Robbins Mel Robbins Podcast The 5 Resets by Dr. Aditi Nerurkar Lean Learning by Pat Flynn Recommend a Book Bookworm Shirts Mike's Rating: 5.0Cory's Rating: 4.0

224: The Confident Mind by Dr. Nate Zinsser

Jun 6, 2025 1 hr 41 min

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 + Commerce City of Trees Marathon The Confident Mind by Nate Zinser Inner Excellence by Jim Murphy Mike’s Cycle Diagrams Mike’s Plus Minus Next video The War of Art by Steven Pressfield The Road Less Stupid by Keith Cunningham The Let Them Theory by Mel Robbins The Elements of Eloquence by Mark Forsyth A Praying Church by Paul Miller Bookworm Shirts Mike's Rating: 3.0Cory's Rating: 4.0

223: When by Daniel Pink

May 23, 2025 1 hr 23 min

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 Poor Charlie’s Almanack Thinking, Fast and Slow by Daniel Kahneman Door County Half Marathon The Confident Mind by Nate Zinser Inner Excellence by Jim Murphy The Let Them Theory by Mel Robbins A Praying Church by Paul Miller You Can Just Do Things by Jay Yang Bookworm Shirts Mike's Rating: 4.0Cory's Rating: 4.0

222: Wild Courage by Jenny Wood

May 9, 2025 1 hr 38 min

This episode of Bookworm is brought to you by: The Saint Louis Pen Show – Join us June 26-29. Tickets on sale now! 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 PKM podcast) Transistor.fm Practical PKM Hybrid Cohort Mike’s LifeTheme Live Event The 5 Types of Wealth Quiz Wild Courage by Jenny Wood Wild Courage Resources Toastmasters Bookworm #221: The 5 Types of Wealth Smart Brevity Mike’s newsletter When by Daniel Pink The Confident Mind by Nate Zinser You Need a Manifesto by Charlotte Burgess-Auburn Bookworm Shirts Mike's Rating: 4.0Cory's Rating: 3.0

221: The 5 Types of Wealth by Sahil Bloom

Apr 25, 2025 1 hr 29 min

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 (Mike’s community) Mike’s Plus Minus Next YouTube video Micro.blog Cory’s website MarsEdit The 5 Types of Wealth by Sahil Bloom Sahil’s newsletter The 5 Types of Wealth Quiz Our World in Data – Time Use Recommend a Book Wild Courage by Jenny Wood When by Daniel Pink Bookworm Shirts Mike's Rating: 5.0Cory's Rating: 5.0

220: Inner Excellence by Jim Murphy

Apr 11, 2025 1 hr 54 min

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 Mike’s Plus Minus Next Shortcut (requires Actions for Obsidian) Actions for Obsidian Micro.blog Cory’s website Inner Excellence by Jim Murphy Chop Wood Carry Water by Joshua Medcalf Focused #165: On the River, with Chris Upchurch The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry by John Mark Comer Focused #216: Wholehearted Transformation, with Amy Wicks The Best Possible Life by Jim Murphy The 5 Types of Wealth by Sahil Bloom Wild Courage by Jenny Wood Bookworm Shirts Mike's Rating: 5.0Cory's Rating: 5.0

219: Tiny Experiments by Anne-Laure Le Cunff

Mar 28, 2025 1 hr 33 min

Today’s author promises to help us live freely in a goal-obsessed world. Join Mike & Cory as they embark on a journey to turn challenges into self-discovery and doubt into opportunity. Support the Show Focused #225: Tiny Experiments, with Anne-laure Le Cunff Tiny Experiments by Anne-Laure Le Cunff Ness Labs Atomic Habits by James Clear Cortex #162: 2025 Yearly Themes Ship 30 for 30 75 Hard Ness Labs post on PACT Your Life in Weeks Mike’s Memento Mori video Mike’s People Note video Actions for Obsidian Inner Excellence by Jim Murphy The 5 Types of Wealth by Sahil Bloom Bookworm Shirts Mike's Rating: 5.0Cory's Rating: 5.0

218: The Catalyst by Jonah Berger

Mar 14, 2025 1 hr 33 min

Today’s author promises to help us identify the key barriers to change and show us how to mitigate them. Join Mike & Cory as they explore how to catalyze change. Support the Show Mike’s newsletter from the Newsletter Marketing Summit The Catalyst by Jonah Berger Recommend a Book Liminal Thinking by Dave Gray Good to Great by Jim Collins Simple Marketing for Smart People by Billy Broas Time Timer Shawn Blanc’s Clear Action Planner Diffusion of Innovations by Everett Rogers Inner Excellence by Jim Murphy Tiny Experiments by Anne-Laure Le Cunff Million Dollar Weekend by Noah Kagan Bookworm Shirts Mike's Rating: 4.0Cory's Rating: 3.0

217: Make It Stick by Peter Brown, Henry Roediger, and Mark McDaniel

Feb 28, 2025 1 hr 36 min

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 Michael Hyatt Bookworm #216: The Courage to Be Disliked Make It Stick by Peter Brown, Henry Roediger, and Mark McDaniel Mindset by Carol Dweck Remnote Peak by Anders Ericsson Bookworm #207: Storyworthy The Catalyst by Jonah Berger Tiny Experiments by Anne-Laure Le Cunff Deep Simplicity by John Gribbin Bookworm Shirts Mike's Rating: 4.0Cory's Rating: 4.0

216: The Courage to Be Disliked by Ichiro Kishimi & Fumitake Koga

Feb 14, 2025 1 hr 27 min

Today’s authors promise to help us unlock our full potential and free ourselves from the shackles of past traumas and societal expectations to find true personal happiness using principles from Adlerian psychology. Join Mike & Cory as they embark on a journey toward lasting happiness and personal fulfillment. Support the Show The Courage to Be Disliked by Ichiro Kishimi & Fumitake Koga Mike’s Mind Map Notes for The Courage to Be Disliked Adlerian Psychology Newsies 5 Dysfunctions of a Team by Patrick Lencioni How to Win Friends & Influence People by Dale Carnegie How to Stop Worrying and Start Living by Dale Carnegie The Second Mountain by David Brooks Mindset by Carol Dweck Make It Stick by Peter Brown, Henry Roediger, and Mark McDaniel The Catalyst by Jonah Berger Falling Upward by Richard Rohr The Scaredness of Secular Work by Jordan Raynor Bookworm Shirts Mike's Rating: 3.0Cory's Rating: 3.0

215: Poor Charlie’s Almanack

Jan 31, 2025 1 hr 47 min

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 Map Notes for Poor Charlie’s Almanack The Great Mental Models Series by Shane Parrish Super Thinking by Gabriel Weinberg & Lauren McCann Lollapalooza Influence by Robert Cialdini 48 Laws of Power by Robert Greene The Courage to Be Disliked by Ichiro Kishimi & Fumitake Koga Cory’s Bluesky Poll for Mike’s Next Book Bookworm Shirts Mike's Rating: 4.0Cory's Rating: 4.0

214: Simple Marketing for Smart People by Billy Broas

Jan 17, 2025 1 hr 51 min

This episode of Bookworm is brought to you by: Morgen: Turn your to-dos into daily action plans. Save 10% off any subscription with the code LifeHQ10. 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 Smart People by Billy Broas Building a Second Brain The 5 Lightbulbs Creator Science #225 with Johnny Miller Mike’s YouTube video on The 8 Best Books of 2024 RightMessage This is Personal by Brennan Dunn HypeFury Poor Charlie’s Almanack Stripe.press Online version of Poor Charlie’s Almanack The Courage to Be Disliked by Ichiro Kishimi & Fumitake Koga Bookworm Shirts Mike's Rating: 4.0Cory's Rating: 5.0

213: Meditations by Marcus Aurelius

Jan 3, 2025 1 hr 42 min

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 Marcus Aurelius Bookworm #201: Right Thing, Right Now Ryan Holiday’s Fancy-Pants Version of Meditations Lives of the Stoics by Ryan Holiday Codex Forster (Leonardo da Vinci’s Notebooks) Amor Fati Medallion Bookworm #184: Hidden Potential Bookworm #35: The Art of Asking Bookworm #89: Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance Bookworm #206: 101 Essays That Will Change the Way You Think Simple Marketing for Smart People by Billy Broas Poor Charlie’s Almanack Bookworm Shirts Mike's Rating: 3.0Cory's Rating: 1.0

212: Never Play It Safe by Chase Jarvis

Dec 20, 2024 1 hr 39 min

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 Never Play It Safe Clay Hebert’s TED talk Clay Hebert on The Nathan Barry Show Extreme Ownership by Jocko Willink & Leif Babin Peak by Anders Ericsson Atomic Habits by James Clear Meditations by Marcus Aurelius Simple Marketing for Smart People by Billy Broas Tiny Experiments by Anne-Laure Le Cunff Praying Like Monks, Living Like Fools by Tyler Staton Bookworm Shirts Mike's Rating: 4.0Cory's Rating: 4.0

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261: Co-Existence by Ethan Mollick

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Podcast details

Created by: Mike Schmitz and Cory Hixson
Status: Active
Latest episode: Nov 6, 2026
Episodes: 261
Release period: Every two weeks
Avg. episode length: 1 hr 37 min
Explicit: No
Language: English

Links

Official website ↗ Apple Podcasts ↗ RSS feed ↗

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