Quick Reads

No Ego by Cy Wakeman is a practical and eye-opening book about eliminating emotional drama and ego-driven thinking at work and in life. The book explains how ego shows up as blame, excuses, denial, and emotional reactions that reduce productivity and happiness. Wakeman introduces the concept of personal accountability and teaches readers how to separate facts from stories, take ownership of outcomes, and respond rather than react. Using real workplace examples and actionable tools, the book helps individuals and leaders build clarity, responsibility, and emotional intelligence. No Ego shows that dropping ego leads to better decisions, stronger leadership, and a healthier, more effective work culture.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/quick-reads--6471107/support.

nner Excellence by Jim Murphy focuses on mastering the inner game to achieve peak performance and lasting success. The book teaches that true excellence comes from inner calm, self-awareness, and emotional control rather than external pressure or constant hustle. Murphy explains how fear, ego, and distractions limit performance, and how letting go of them unlocks clarity and confidence. Drawing from sports psychology, mindfulness, and high-performance coaching, the book provides practical tools to stay present under pressure and perform at your best consistently. Inner Excellence shows that when the mind is disciplined and centered, excellence becomes natural in work, sports, and life.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/quick-reads--6471107/support.

The Science of Revenge by James Kimmel explores why humans feel such a powerful urge to seek revenge and why acting on it rarely brings peace. Drawing on neuroscience, psychology, and real-life cases, the book explains how revenge activates the brain’s reward system, creating a temporary emotional high that often leads to long-term harm. Kimmel shows how resentment, rumination, and anger trap people in cycles of suffering. He also offers healthier alternatives to revenge, such as forgiveness, justice, and emotional regulation. The book provides deep insight into human behavior and teaches how letting go of revenge can restore clarity, control, and inner freedom.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/quick-reads--6471107/support.

The Slight Edge by Jeff Olson explains how small, simple daily choices create massive success or failure over time. The book emphasizes that success is not built through dramatic breakthroughs, but through consistent actions that seem insignificant in the moment. Olson shows how habits, attitude, discipline, and mindset compound just like interest. Whether in health, career, relationships, or finances, repeating positive behaviors daily leads to extraordinary results. The book also highlights how easy it is to drift into failure by neglecting small good actions. The Slight Edge teaches patience, consistency, and long-term thinking as the true secrets of success.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/quick-reads--6471107/support.

The Ego Trick by Julian Baggini challenges the idea that there is a solid, permanent “self” inside us. Drawing from philosophy, neuroscience, psychology, and Buddhism, the book explains that the ego is not a fixed entity but a collection of experiences, memories, and narratives. Baggini shows how our sense of identity is constructed moment by moment and why clinging to a rigid self causes suffering, fear, and confusion. By understanding the illusion of the ego, we gain freedom, humility, and compassion. The book invites readers to rethink who they are and offers a calmer, wiser way to relate to life and the world.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/quick-reads--6471107/support.

Shatterproof by Tasha Eurich is a powerful guide to building emotional resilience in a world full of stress, failure, and uncertainty. The book explains why traditional advice like “just be positive” often doesn’t work when life becomes difficult. Instead, Eurich introduces practical tools to manage emotions, reframe negative experiences, and recover quickly from setbacks. Through research, psychology, and real-life stories, she teaches how to strengthen mental toughness, protect self-worth, and grow through adversity. The book shows that resilience is not about avoiding pain, but about learning how to bend without breaking — and becoming stronger after every challenge.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/quick-reads--6471107/support.

The Beginning of Infinity by David Deutsch is a profound exploration of human knowledge, progress, and the limitless potential of ideas. The book argues that all problems are solvable with the right explanations and that human creativity has no fundamental limits. Drawing from physics, philosophy, evolution, and epistemology, Deutsch explains how good explanations drive progress and why optimism is a rational worldview. He challenges pessimism, relativism, and traditional thinking, showing that growth comes from questioning, experimenting, and improving ideas. The core message is inspiring: the future is open-ended, and through knowledge and reason, humanity is only at the beginning of an infinite journey of discovery.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/quick-reads--6471107/support.

Essentialism by Greg McKeown teaches that success is not about doing more, but about doing the right things. The book argues that when we try to do everything, we lose focus, energy, and impact. Instead, McKeown shows how to identify what truly matters, eliminate the nonessential, and design a life centered on clarity and purpose. Through practical strategies and real-world examples, he explains how to say no gracefully, set boundaries, and make deliberate choices. The book promotes a disciplined, intentional approach to work and life, helping readers achieve more by doing less — with less stress and greater satisfaction.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/quick-reads--6471107/support.

Blink by Malcolm Gladwell explores the power of rapid decision-making and the unconscious mind. The book explains how we often make our best judgments in a split second, using intuition and thin-slicing rather than long analysis. Through engaging stories from psychology, sports, medicine, and business, Gladwell shows when quick thinking works brilliantly and when it leads us into error because of bias and prejudice. He teaches that intuition is a skill that can be trained and refined. Blink reveals that understanding how we think in moments of pressure can help us make faster, smarter, and more accurate decisions in everyday life.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/quick-reads--6471107/support.

Irrationality by Dan Ariely explores why humans often make illogical and biased decisions without realizing it. The book shows that our choices about money, work, relationships, and health are shaped by hidden psychological forces rather than pure logic. Through fascinating experiments and real-life examples, Ariely explains how emotions, expectations, social influence, and habits distort our judgment. He proves that irrational behavior is not random — it is predictable. By understanding these patterns, readers can make smarter decisions, avoid common mistakes, and better control their behavior. The book is an eye-opening guide to the science of decision-making and the limits of human rationality.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/quick-reads--6471107/support.

Invisible Rivals by Jonathan Goodman explains how success is often blocked not by obvious competitors, but by hidden distractions, bad habits, fear, and internal resistance. The book focuses on identifying these unseen forces that steal focus, confidence, and momentum in both business and life. Goodman teaches how to eliminate excuses, sharpen discipline, and build mental toughness to stay consistent when motivation fades. Through practical advice and real-life examples, the book shows how to win the internal battle before trying to win externally. The core message is clear: once you defeat your invisible rivals, progress becomes faster, clearer, and unstoppable.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/quick-reads--6471107/support.

The Antidote by Oliver Burkeman is a refreshing and honest exploration of happiness that challenges the culture of forced positivity. Instead of telling readers to think happy thoughts, the book argues that accepting uncertainty, fear, and failure is the real path to peace. Burkeman draws from philosophy, psychology, Buddhism, and stoicism to show that trying too hard to be positive often backfires. By embracing limitations, letting go of control, and making space for discomfort, we become calmer, more resilient, and more fulfilled. The book offers a powerful alternative to motivational hype and teaches that real happiness comes from facing reality, not escaping it.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/quick-reads--6471107/support.

How to Work with (Almost) Anyone is a practical guide to understanding personalities and building better professional relationships. The book explains why people behave differently at work and how miscommunication often creates unnecessary conflict. Using simple frameworks and real-world examples, Ryan Levesque shows how to identify work styles, communicate more effectively, and reduce friction in teams. The book teaches empathy, adaptability, and emotional intelligence as key tools for success. Instead of trying to change people, it helps you adjust your approach to collaborate smoothly, handle difficult personalities, and create a more productive, respectful, and stress-free work environment.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/quick-reads--6471107/support.

Hyperfocus by Chris Bailey explores how controlling your attention is the key to extraordinary productivity and clarity. The book explains that focus is not about working more, but about working on the right things with full presence. Bailey introduces two modes of attention — hyperfocus for deep, concentrated work and scatterfocus for creativity and idea generation. Through science-backed insights and practical techniques, he teaches how to eliminate distractions, manage energy, and design your environment for peak performance. The book shows that by mastering attention, you can achieve more in less time, think more clearly, and create meaningful impact in both work and life.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/quick-reads--6471107/support.

Be Fearless by Jean Case is a powerful guide to turning bold ideas into meaningful impact. Drawing from her experience as a business leader and philanthropist, Case introduces the concept of the fearless mindset — taking smart risks, embracing failure, and acting with purpose. The book highlights principles such as making big bets, learning from setbacks, and using curiosity as fuel for growth. Through real-world stories of innovators and changemakers, Be Fearless shows that courage is not the absence of fear but the willingness to move forward despite it. The book inspires readers to lead, innovate, and create positive change with confidence and conviction.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/quick-reads--6471107/support.

The Power of Habit by Charles Duhigg explains how habits shape our lives, businesses, and societies more than we realize. The book introduces the habit loop — cue, routine, and reward — and shows how understanding this loop allows us to change behavior effectively. Through engaging stories from neuroscience, psychology, and real-life case studies, Duhigg demonstrates how small habit changes can lead to extraordinary personal and professional transformation. The book emphasizes that habits are not destiny; once identified and reshaped, they become powerful tools for success. It is a practical guide to building good habits, breaking bad ones, and mastering self-discipline.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/quick-reads--6471107/support.

Steal Like an Artist by Austin Kleon is a creative manifesto that redefines originality. The book teaches that nothing is created from scratch — all creative work builds on existing ideas. Kleon encourages artists, writers, entrepreneurs, and creators to study what inspires them, borrow wisely, and transform ideas into something uniquely their own. Through simple principles and practical advice, the book promotes curiosity, consistency, sharing work, and embracing influence without guilt. It removes the fear of copying and replaces it with confidence in learning, remixing, and creating authentically. The core message is empowering: creativity is for everyone, and great ideas come from thoughtful inspiration, not isolation.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/quick-reads--6471107/support.

Smile or Die by Barbara Ehrenreich is a sharp and thought-provoking critique of toxic positivity and blind optimism. The book argues that constant pressure to “think positive” can be harmful, especially during illness, job loss, or economic hardship. Ehrenreich explains how forced optimism discourages critical thinking, ignores real problems, and often blames individuals for systemic failures. Through personal experience and social analysis, she shows how positivity culture has influenced workplaces, healthcare, and society at large. The book encourages realism, awareness, and honest thinking over fake happiness, reminding readers that facing reality is far more empowering than smiling through suffering.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/quick-reads--6471107/support.

A Minute to Think by Juliet Funt is a powerful reminder that constant busyness is not productivity. The book explains how our minds stay overloaded with emails, tasks, meetings, and distractions, leaving no space for creativity, clarity, or smart decision-making. Funt introduces the idea of “white space” — intentional pauses that give the brain room to breathe, plan, and innovate. Through practical techniques and real workplace examples, she teaches how stepping back helps us work more efficiently and live with more focus and calm. The core message is simple: to do our best work, we must first give ourselves a moment to think.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/quick-reads--6471107/support.

The Art of Non-Conformity by Chris Guillebeau is a bold guide for people who want to live life on their own terms instead of following society’s traditional expectations. The book encourages readers to question norms, build a lifestyle of freedom, and pursue meaningful work rather than settling for the ordinary path. With practical strategies and real stories, Guillebeau shows how to create independence through travel, unconventional careers, and purposeful risk-taking. The message is clear: you don’t need permission to live a remarkable life. Success becomes possible when you design your own rules and align your life with your values, passion, and purpose.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/quick-reads--6471107/support.