The Read Well Podcast

May 20 2024 41
The Read Well Podcast artwork

Welcome to The Read Well Podcast, a weekly show dedicated to building a strong reading habit, improving research strategies, and learning intellectual ideas from the books you love. Your passion may be the wisdom of Plato, how to cook a curry, or the complex ideas hidden in Dostoevsky’s fiction. Whatever you’re researching today, this show is about helping you master the topic. You’ll find practical advice on how to take effective book notes, develop your annotation skills, and benefit from tools like a Zettelkasten or a second brain. So grab your favorite book, and let's get started.

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The Framework of Fiction: A Guide to Understanding Plot | EP 50

May 20 2024 22 mins  
Join me as I break down the five pivotal plot points that structure every compelling story—from exposition to resolution. Learn how these elements craft the narrative arc and enhance your reading experience. This episode not only deepens your appreciation for literature but also recommends a masterpiece, 'The Grapes of Wrath', to see theory in action.IMPORTANT LINKS:📝 - Join m

Why Read Literature? A Deeper Look at the Benefits | EP 49

May 13 2024 26 mins  
Why invest time in reading literature? This episode answers just that, highlighting how stories enrich our lives, teach us empathy, and offer experiences that facts alone cannot. I'll discuss the dynamic relationship between reader and text, and how this interaction brings new meanings each time. Featuring Ralph Ellison's 'King of the Bingo Game,' I explore the transformative power

Mastering the Basics of Russian Literature: An English Reader’s Companion | EP 48

May 06 2024 36 mins  
Today, I dive into a comparative analysis of two of Russia’s literary titans: Leo Tolstoy and Fyodor Dostoyevsky. I'll explore their unique styles, themes, and contributions to literature and philosophy. This discussion will not only highlight their differences but also their shared insights into the human condition, making it a must-listen for those who wish to deepen their unde

Revealing the Book Club Schedule: Season 2 (2024 / 2025) | EP 47

Apr 29 2024 24 mins  
Welcome to season 2 of The Read Well Book Club! I’ve carefully selected a series of powerful works, starting with Thoreau's inspiring essay 'Walking' and culminating with Sapolsky's scientific 'Behave'. In between, we’ll explore the stoic wisdom, poetry, and psychological fiction. In this episode, I share with you the 10 books we’ll be reading in season 2 (2024/2025).Want to

Do Book Clubs Really Help? | EP 46

Apr 22 2024 22 mins  
In this episode, I dive into how the right book club can transform your reading habits and keep you intellectually engaged. I’ll guide you through selecting a book club that suits your reading style and introduce you to three groups that are ideal for diving into deeper discussions. Plus, don't miss our community announcements segment for local reading events!IMPORTANT LINKS:📝

Uncommon Tips for Better Reading | Interview with Dr. Martin Jacobsen | EP 45

Apr 15 2024 43 mins  
In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Martin Jacobsen, Associate Professor of English at West Texas A&M, to explore how a deeper understanding of linguistics can transform your reading skills. Dr. Jacobsen shares his method for diagramming important sentences and provides unconventional tips that promise to elevate your reading experience. If you're someone who enjoys unraveling

Turning the Page on Highlightish | EP 44

Apr 08 2024 17 mins  
In today’s episode, I’m sharing a significant update about a tough decision I’ve made: to shut down Highlightish, the book note software I’ve been passionately working on. I’ll discuss the reasons behind this decision, primarily focusing on my desire to dedicate more time and resources to enriching this podcast. Expect to hear about the exciting plans I have to bring you

The 4 Types of Readers (Which One Are You?) | EP 43

Apr 01 2024 29 mins  
In this episode, I explore Samuel Coleridge's breakdown of the four types of readers. I then share some of my favorite takeaways from "First We Read, Then We Write" by Robert Richardson that have transformed my own reading habits. To cap it off, I’ll recommend a book that not only challenges your mind but also guides you in refining your reading skills. Join me to discover which

Overcoming the Dreaded Reading Slump: 7 Ideas to Jumpstart Your Reading | EP 42

Mar 25 2024 25 mins  
In today's episode, I'm tackling a challenge every passionate reader faces at some point: the reading slump. It's that frustrating period where every book seems to lack luster, and your once beloved hobby feels like a chore. I'll explore 7 common reasons why you might find yourself in this predicament and, more importantly, how you can break free. Whether it's a lack of variety, fe

The Art of Remembering: How to Make Any Book Stick | EP 41

Mar 19 2024 19 mins  
In this episode, I explore why so many of us struggle to retain the valuable information we read every day. I introduce a simple yet effective learning framework called D-I-R-T: Decide, Internalize, Revisit, and Teach. By the end of this episode, you'll understand not just the importance of each step but also how to apply them to any book you pick up. This is about building a syste