Bookworm

97
Books #155

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.

Recent Episodes
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Recent Reviews
  • be767
    Yet another podcast with too much filler
    I’ll use the last episode (194) as an example. It took 20 min. for the two hosts to finally get on with the book review. If you enjoy people droning on and on about their personal hustles and “workshops” they are selling, then this podcast is for you! Simply too much self reflection and me, me, me, examples on the topics they cover.
  • Elizabeth Gdr
    Dr. Julie Smith
    I was interested in this episode because I’m interested in Dr. Smith m’s book, which has been a best seller for weeks. These guys seem to have high opinions of themselves and not of her. I beg to differ, but they’re not worthy of any more of my time.
  • dougitect
    Enjoyable to listen in
    I don’t actually read most of these books (though I like the ones on habits) but I like learning about them and hearing Mike and Joe think them through.
  • Mymn
    👍🏻
    The last episode about “I didn’t do the thing to day” was my favorite! I will write a summary of it, that’s how much I like it. I think the coming book about creativity one of you were alluding to is “keep going”?
  • ColoradoKC
    Authentic and Engaging
    I found this podcast after listening to Mike on the older Asian Efficiency podcasts, which I also loved. Mike and Joe are just so real - I feel like I’ve been invited to come have coffee with them to have real discussions about stuff we all struggle with, and positive, growth-oriented ways to overcome that “stuff.” I sampled some of the newer episodes, dipping on here and there, and then I realized I wanted to hear the whole story about the follow-up items. That necessitated going back to the beginning to listen to the podcasts in order, and I’m glad I have. It’s comforting to know that even the productivity experts who spend their life working in the productivity space can sometimes struggle with which task management system works best for them, and sometimes need to trick themselves into getting things done, too. Makes me feel better about my journey. Oh - and the discussions about the books are really great, too! Lol Listen. You won’t be disappointed.
  • malfoxley
    Great show!
    Joe and Mike, hosts of the Bookworm podcast, highlight all aspects of applying a book’s lessons and more in this can’t miss podcast! The hosts and expert guests offer insightful advice and information that is helpful to anyone that listens!
  • Christin White
    Really Helpful Discussions
    I just listened to Bookworm from start to finish over the last couple of weeks and have learned a ton, found 100 or so books to add to my reading list and been thoroughly entertained along the way. I find their commentary really insightful and most of their book choices are superb, Joe in particular seems to think the way I do and I relate to a lot of what he says. It’s been one of the most influential, educational and helpful podcasts I’ve ever listened to. That said, the Christianity *is* pretty pervasive and no review would be complete without mentioning it. I was going to say it’s all fine, a bit more than I’d prefer but by no means bad and give them five stars regardless. I felt that way until I got to the episode about The Antidote. In that episode the book apparently included some information about Buddhism and while Joe’s point of view was neutral Mike’s total disregard for it as uninteresting, despite saying he doesn’t know much about it and his comment “I just wish it wasn’t attached to an eastern religion, I feel like that’s going to alienate a lot of people” really disappointed me. This was an opportunity for them to bring in a little much needed diversity to the conversation and to model the behavior they ask listeners with different worldviews — like myself — to take with their beliefs. It would have been nice to see Mike look for something in another belief system that had value or related to his faith in spite of not being open to adopting it. At very least, treat it with the same respect with which he would like his faith be treated, not complain that some people believe something different than he does. Talking about their faith is just fine and hey, if you don’t like it don’t listen, right? Follow that logic and maybe Mike shouldn’t have read that book. In dissing on an eastern religion because it will “alienate a lot of people” for the first time as a listener and an atheist I felt alienated by this podcast. That’s regrettable and listeners of all faiths deserved better.
  • Maydays03
    Drunk tank pink
    One of the two was extremely pessimistic. No matter what part of that book was being covered, he had something negative to say about it. It was more about him and his feelings, than the book itself. It’s more of a bashing on the book than anything informative. I had to stop listening.
  • BBerg10
    Wish they’d read something on bias
    I’ve listened to this podcast for awhile and at first was willing to overlook their clear gender and religious biases, but it’s starting to get too tiring. The mocking of Randi Zuckerberg and mansplaining might’ve been the last straw for me. I feel like they always find books written by women to be too long or have fluff, but don’t often say the same of books by men that were just as overly wordy when I’ve read them on recommendation. The discussions can also veer into getting far too morally judgmental. As a woman and a religious person in a faith other than Christianity, it’s clear I’m not their target audience.
  • Tonkgo
    Bookworm
    For a busy homeschooling mom to have someone literally review books I have on my eternal “books I would like to read before I’m dead” list is a God-send!!!! Totally enjoy listening!!!! 5 star for sure!!!
  • Terrillb
    Love their reviews
    I’ve been a fan of theirs for a long time. I loved Mike on Asian Efficiency and hated to see him go. Definitely their loss.
  • ddamas007
    Its like a book club for professionals on the go
    I love to read but many of my friends and family don’t like the same kind of booms that I enjoy. I prefer books on productivity, self improvement, and other non-foction topics of success and leadership. This podcast is like having some buddies to read along with and discuss and critique some of the most popular books around. Start at episode number one, I promise you will not regret it.
  • Bennett0415
    Best Podcast hands down
    I love what you guys are doing. I value your expertise so much. I wish I was a better reader. My comprehension is terrible and has always been a struggle. You inspire me to never give up even when I’m going on 60. Thanks guys
  • themomster8
    So glad I found this!
    I enjoyed listening to Mike on AE. There is a void on AE now. I love reading and appreciate the depth in which Mike and Joe discusses the books. I've read many of the books and sometimes, I don't always finish the book or will gloss over things. However, listening to the podcast has helped me to go deeper and appreciate the books even more. Thank you for your service to the reading commenty.
  • Eric Programmer
    Two of my favorite podcasters
    Two of my favorite podcasters reviewing productivity books. Awesome.
  • WebGuy9402
    Please add chapter bookmarks
    Great podcast, but I would like to be able to skip all the follow-ups and jumped straight into the book discussion. Even moving through the book discussion with tractors will be very helpful.
  • taparks
    Insightful
    I have listened to this podcast throughout the summer. It's offered insights and perspectives into my daily habits as well as offered me some wisdom to share with others. Great work!
  • DoItBestfortheTest
    Casual, fun, informative, and actionable
    Joe and Mike have a good rapport and comfortable style with this podast. They read popular books and offer good insight , thorough analysis, and even actionable commitments in their personal lives. If you are just getting to this podcast, start at the first one and progress with them sequencially--you will see them grow in depth and quality of analysis and in making connections among books read. This podcast can be used as a synopsis to get the essence of the books without reading them, or better, as a guide to help you decide how best to invest your valuable reading time.
  • web1032
    A wonderful and inspiring podcast
    I recently discovered Bookworm, and have been cathing up on past episodes all week long. Whether you read each book or not, Mike and Joe's takeaways are often full of wisdom, and their approach to reading this genre is great to learn from. I never thought to actually write down action items from a book and review my progress on them. Keep up the great work Mike and Joe!
  • Amozarte
    My Virtual Book Club
    Bookworm is a fantastic way to do two things: 1) Discover new personal productivity books to read and/or 2) Get the “Cliff’s Notes” version of a book you like to read but don’t have time.
  • Jesse geek
    Religious overtones ruin an otherwise great podcast.
    So close to being a great podcast, but both of the hosts can't seem to make it a single episode without discussing their religion. This would be appropriate for a religious podcast, but for a podcast about non-fiction books, this completely undermines the host's credibility.
  • Kuks142002
    Enjoyable and full of information
    I love learning new things. I have a long list of books to read and can’t read them fast enough. A lot of those books I want to read (or have already read) are reviewed in great detail by these two people. Joe and Mike dissect productivity books in detail in an entertaining way, and after listening to each episode, I feel like I get almost as much out of it as if I were to read the book in the first place. I add a book every now and then to my reading list but am happy just learning what I can just listening to Joe and Mike in many cases. From listening to this, I think the best thing I’ve gotten out of it is the “action list” the hosts create each week based on the books they read. How to apply what they learn each week to real life. I have started doing that myself and get more out of every book I read this way. This has become my favorite podcast.
  • rswanky
    The best crib notes
    If you want a great source of how to be more productive happier, start here. The book reviews are explored from the view of the author, the reader, and tire kicker. You will spend and hour of your time and receive life leasons.
  • Kobe1023
    Reviews are awesome
    I love these two! Awesome books, commentary and reviews!
  • pstanoch
    Love this podcast
    This podcast has completely changed the way that I take notes when I read books with ideas I am trying to master. I also try to come up with at least three action items from each book. I have added numerous books to my "To Read" list after listening to this podcast, and I have gone back to read some books over again with a new perspective. If you enjoy reading books on productivity and personal development, I strongly recommend this podcast.
  • sandyjjr
    Amazing podcast
    Absolutely love this show! Great material and amazing tips to take with you in your daily life!
  • GWBHappy
    Worth your time
    dicovered this podcast when David Sparks mentioned it on Mac Power Users. I have run across Joe's Omni Focus work, and Mikes AE work, so I decided to check it out and glad I did. Thank you Joe and Mike - your courage to commit to consistently reading the books, sharing your personal perspective, sharing your personal commitments and take aways, and being open to recommendations is refreshing and inspiring.4 stars only because its are long winded and I can't get through one in my 45 min commute. I wish you both all the luck in all your endeavors and many blessings upon your families.
  • mspieker
    It's Great!
    I enjoy their authentic approach to the material. They also try to implement what they read and give feedback on whether it worked for them or not. Great format.
  • Wife of Mr. Efficiency
    Podcast Bookclub
    From the first episode on Getting Things Done, I'v really enjoyed the podcast. I've tried to read Getting Things Done in the past, but never seem to be able become engaged enough in the content to continue. I love productivity and am a person of action, but get I bogged down easily by techical details. I enjoyed receiving the "cliff notes" on a book that contains a great strategy for getting the things done that I need to do to reach my goals. I'm looking forward to future episodes as I am a reader and hope to gain insight on books I've either read or will read in the future. Mike and Joe's candid discussion is enjoyable to listen to and inspiring as well. I highly recommend this podcast!
  • TheMadjotter
    Strong Love
    Hey, These guys are the truth. Just like how they explain the book and how it impacts their lifes and their view on how the book should be viewed. They just have a good conversation on books that help you and them. Had to give oyu guys a review. Please continue I'm going to binge listen.
  • shouit
    Great show, Joe needs to see Star Wars.
    Joe needs to see Star Wars but besides that this is a great podcast. I enjoy their conversations and how they talk about the major points of the books.
  • westshore ER
    Love it
    Book club without having to go to book club with a great book selection list.
  • Zach likes this app
    Great recaps with actionable steps
    After listening the first episode about GTD I'm hooked!
  • Wil Ng
    Beyond GTD
    This podcast is a great way to explore productivity outside of the typical GTD arena. I've grown weary of the typical GTD study and found this podcast as a great way to discover new areas and even get a nice little summary of books that I might want to add to my library.
  • zack0816
    Fun, easy and actionable
    Mike and Joe have an earnest rapport that makes listening to their discussions fun. I also like getting two smart opinons on books I've read before. I hope they continue to nerd out on the air. I'm a fan.
  • ccschmitz
    Excellent
    Thorough reviews and actionable insights. Looking forward to joining along in the Bookworm book club!
  • Thegianthobbit
    Fun and productive
    To my fellow productivity geeks, you need to check out this podcast! Great way to the get the core items from the books they review and decide if you want to dive deeper.
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