Best Bestbooks Podcasts (2024)

1
63: The Social Good Book Series: The Long Now Interview with Zander Rose (Part 4) 23:03

2+ y ago23:03

23:03

In this episode I talk with Zander Rose (Director of the Long Now Foundation) on long-term thinking, and building something that lasts longer than ourselves. This is the fourth episode in the series, but feel free to listen to them in any order you like. Books notes available at: http://www.on-books.com…

1
62: Love Hurts: Buddhist Advice for the Heartbroken by Lordo Rinzler 24:15

2+ y ago24:15

24:15

Buddhism has a lot to say about suffering—and there are likely few times we suffer more intensely than when we break up with a romantic partner. It feels like you may never recover sometimes. But Lodro Rinzler has wonderfully good news for those suffering heartbreak: the 2,500-year-old teachings of the Buddha are the ultimate antidote for emotional…

1
Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind by Yuval Noah Harari [Rebroadcast] 35:47

2+ y ago35:47

35:47

From a renowned historian comes a groundbreaking narrative of humanity’s creation and evolution—a #1 international bestseller—that explores the ways in which biology and history have defined us and enhanced our understanding of what it means to be “human.” One hundred thousand years ago, at least six different species of humans inhabited Earth. Yet…

1
Buy the Change You Want to See 42:40

2+ y ago42:40

42:40

Buy the Change You Want to See is a new book that just came out, by Jane Mosbacher Morris. It's promoting the idea to “Vote with your dollar,” a concept that I love, and to the best of my extent, try to live by everyday. Vote with your dollar is more or less the idea that you, as the consumer, you have the power to change the world by influencing i…

1
Educated by Tara Westover 27:01

2+ y ago27:01

27:01

Educated is the memoir about a girl who went from being homeschooled in rural Idaho, to receive her Ph.D. from Cambridge University. Along the way she confronts poverty, ignorance, violence, and a host of other challenges. It's the remarkable, true story of Westover's journey to find an education. Educated was on the top of Bill Gate's Book list of…

1
How Not To Die 27:54

2+ y ago27:54

27:54

In How Not to Die, Dr. Michael Greger, the internationally-renowned nutrition expert, physician, and founder of NutritionFacts.org, examines the fifteen top causes of premature death in America--heart disease, various cancers, diabetes, Parkinson's, high blood pressure, and more--and explains how nutritional and lifestyle interventions can sometime…

1
Conscious Capitalism with Corey Blake 49:27

2+ y ago49:27

49:27

Conscious Capitalism is a way of thinking about capitalism and business that better reflects where we are in the human journey, the state of our world today, and the innate potential of business to make a positive impact on the world. Started by Whole Foods co-founder John Mackey and professor Raj Sisodia, "conscious businesses" are galvanized by h…

1
How Buildings Learn by Stewart Brand 12:42

2+ y ago12:42

12:42

I love this book because while the subject of is "buildings," it's really about time. What happens to the objects we create over time? Buildings inevitably change with time, but what makes some get better, while others get worse? To answer that question, Stewart Brand has organized hundreds of photos, and written a poetic narrative linking together…

1
Between the World and Me by Ta-Nehisi Coates 23:55

2+ y ago23:55

23:55

In a profound work that pivots from the biggest questions about American history and ideals to the most intimate concerns of a father for his son, Ta-Nehisi Coates offers a powerful new framework for understanding our nation’s history and current crisis. Americans have built an empire on the idea of “race,” a falsehood that damages us all but falls…

1
50 Ways to Get a Job with Dev Aujla 42:17

2+ y ago42:17

42:17

50 Ways to Get a Job is a career book with fifty proven exercises you can use to find meaningful work. Last week I met with Dev Aujla to discuss his favorite takeaways from the book. One thing I have concluded after my chat with Dev: Resumes alone don’t work. How do most people apply for a job? Most people make a resume, apply to job boards, and th…

1
Chuck Klosterman, "Thinking About the Present As If It Were the Past" 22:51

2+ y ago22:51

22:51

New York Times bestselling author Chuck Klosterman asks questions that are profound in their simplicity: How certain are we about our understanding of gravity? How certain are we about our understanding of time? What will be the defining memory of rock music, five hundred years from today? How seriously should we view the content of our dreams? How…

1
The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck by Mark Manson 27:28

2+ y ago27:28

27:28

For decades, we’ve been told that positive thinking is the key to a happy, rich life. "F**k positivity," Mark Manson says. "Let’s be honest, shit is f**ked and we have to live with it." In his wildly popular Internet blog, Manson doesn’t sugarcoat or equivocate. He tells it like it is—a dose of raw, refreshing, honest truth that is sorely lacking t…

1
Bird by Bird by Anne Lamott 15:18

2+ y ago15:18

15:18

Bird by Bird is one of my favorite books on writing, and life. In this episode I'll read from the book, and give you some key takeaways. For more info visit www.castig.org Excerpt: "Thirty years ago my older brother, who was ten years old at the time, was trying to get a report on birds written that he'd had three months to write. It was due the ne…

1
Mastering Bitcoin & The Internet of Money by Andreas M. Antonopoulos 27:21

2+ y ago27:21

27:21

While many books explain the how of bitcoin, The Internet of Money delves into the why of bitcoin. Acclaimed information-security expert and author of Mastering Bitcoin, Andreas M. Antonopoulos examines and contextualizes the significance of bitcoin through a series of essays spanning the exhilarating maturation of this technology. In this episode …

1
Ego Is The Enemy by Ryan Holiday 24:16

3y ago24:16

24:16

Many of us insist the main impediment to a full, successful life is the outside world. In fact, the most common enemy lies within: our ego. Early in our careers, it impedes learning and the cultivation of talent. With success, it can blind us to our faults and sow future problems. In failure, it magnifies each blow and makes recovery more difficult…

1
Sam Arbesman on The Half-Life of Facts 38:05

3y ago38:05

38:05

Facts change all the time. Smoking has gone from doctor recommended to deadly. We used to think the Earth was the center of the universe and that the brontosaurus was a real dinosaur. In short, what we know about the world is constantly changing. Samuel Arbesman is on the show today to help us understand how this evolution of facts unfolds in a fas…

1
Interview: Bea Johnson on Zero Waste Home, Rapidfire Q&A, and inventing sustainable business models (Part 2) [The Social Good Book Series] 52:51

3y ago52:51

52:51

In Zero Waste Home, Bea Johnson shares the story of how she simplified her life by reducing her waste. The book is a how-to guide for reducing as much waste as possible from your life. In this episode of On Books, I interview Bea and discuss about how to reduce waste.

1
Book Summary: Zero Waste Home by Bea Johnson (Part 1) [The Social Good Book Series] 12:54

3y ago12:54

12:54

In Zero Waste Home, Bea Johnson shares the story of how she simplified her life by reducing her waste. The book is a how-to guide for reducing as much waste as possible from your life. In this episode of On Books I share my favorite tips from Bea's book for reducing waste, as well as a reading from the chapter "The 5 Rs: Refuse" - which is the fund…

1
On Reading Haruki Murakami: What does it mean to follow an author’s canon of work? 49:47

3y ago49:47

49:47

Haruki Murakami’s books are a blend of modern culture, and fantasy. Arguably, Murakami is Japan’s most famous author, his writing resonates on a frequency that is distinctly “Murakami.” Over the past 30 years, Murakami has written 13 novels including: Norwegian Wood (1987), Sputnik Sweetheart (1999), Kafka on the Shore (2002), 1Q84 (2009), and his …

1
Peter Singer on doing "The most good you can do", Rapidfire Q&A, and Social Good Startups 34:22

3y ago34:22

34:22

Peter Singer is a well known Australian philosopher and author. In 2005 Time magazine named Singer one of the top 100 most influential people of the year. His latest two books The Life You Can Save (2009), and The Most Good You Can Do (2015) explore how you can be a vehicle for change in the world - right now, and without giving up much. Both of wh…

1
Book Summary: The Inevitable by Kevin Kelly 24:15

3y ago24:15

24:15

In this episode of On Books, I discuss The Inevitable: Understanding the 12 Technological Forces That Will Shape Our Future, by Kevin Kelly. The Inevitable is driven by the idea that the technological trends of the next 30 years can be predicted. Over 336 pages the book breaks down the Top 12 technological forces at work such as: "Becoming, Cognify…

1
Kevin Kelly on The Inevitable, 60s Counterculture, and How to Read Better 1:20:56

3y ago1:20:56

1:20:56

This week I was lucky enough to interview one of my favorite people of all time: Kevin Kelly. Tim Ferriss refers to Kevin as the real-life “Most Interesting Man In The World." He is one of the co-founders of Wired Magazine, co-founder of the Quantified Self Movement, and serves on the board of The Long Now foundation. He's a prescient writer, inspi…

1
The Social Good Book Series: The Life You Can Save by Peter Singer 26:34

3y ago26:34

26:34

In this episode of On Books, we discuss The Life You Can Save, by Peter Singer. Books notes available at: http://www.on-books.com

1
The Social Good Books Series: The Most Good You Can Do by Peter Singer 23:17

3y ago23:17

23:17

In this episode of On Books, we discuss The Most Good You Can Do: How Effective Altruism Is Changing Ideas About Living Ethically, by Peter Singer. Books notes available at: http://www.on-books.com

1
21 Lessons for the 21st Century by Yuval Noah Harari 35:19

3y ago35:19

35:19

Personally, I feel burdened by the daily overproduction of knowledge. My eyes are always bigger than my stomach: I consume countless articles and podcasts, but I can never fully digest it all. Can someone please just tell me what to pay attention to? Enter Yuval Noah Harari's 21 Lessons for the 21st Century. I love the opening line of the book, “In…

1
The Social Good Books Series: The Long Now (Part 3) 16:11

3y ago16:11

16:11

How do you build something that will last 10,000 years? In this episode of On Books, we discuss The Clock of the Long Now by Stewart Brand. This is the third episode in the series, but feel free to listen to them in any order you like. Books notes available at: http://www.on-books.com

1
Kurt Vonnegut's A Man Without A Country (Part 2) 17:51

3y ago17:51

17:51

In this episode of On Books, we discuss Part 2 of Kurt Vonnegut's A Man Without A Country. Books notes available at: http://www.on-books.com Subscribe on iTunes! And follow On Books: Twitter: @onbooksshow (http://www.twitter.com/onbooksshow) Facebook: /onbooksshow (http://www.facebook.com/onbooksshow) Instagram: @castig (https://www.instagram.com/c…

1
The Social Good Books Series: The Long Now (Part 2) 31:34

3y ago31:34

31:34

How does social change happen over time? What is more powerful nature or commerce? In this episode of On Books, we discuss The Clock of the Long Now by Stewart Brand. This is the second episode in the series, but feel free to listen to them in any order you like. Books notes available at: http://www.on-books.com…

1
The Social Good Books Series: The Long Now (Part 1) 16:41

3+ y ago16:41

16:41

In this episode of On Books, we discuss The Clock of the Long Now by Stewart Brand. Books notes available at:http://www.on-books.com

1
Leave The World Better Than How You Found It 20:42

3+ y ago20:42

20:42

In this episode of On Books, we discuss an idea I've been consumed by. This discussion will help set the stage for the next series of books coming up. This episode is called, "To Leave the World a Better Place Than How I Found it." Books notes available at: http://www.on-books.com Subscribe on iTunes! And follow On Books: Twitter: @onbooksshow (htt…

1
The Overstory by Richard Powers 1:14:19

3+ y ago1:14:19

1:14:19

In this episode, I'm reading the entire first chapter of The Overstory (2018), the Pulitzer Prize-winning novel by Richard Powers. The Overstory is a book about man's relationship to nature, as seen through the eyes of trees. In this reading, you'll hear the story of the Jorgen Hoel, who in the mid-1800s moves from Brooklyn to Iowa; starts a family…

1
Kurt Vonnegut's A Man Without A Country (Part 1) 16:57

3+ y ago16:57

16:57

This episode of On Books brings you a reading from A Man Without A Country by Kurt Vonnegut. This is part 1 of a 2 part episode on this book. Books notes available at: http://www.on-books.com Subscribe on iTunes! And follow On Books: Twitter: @onbooksshow (http://www.twitter.com/onbooksshow) Facebook: /onbooksshow (http://www.facebook.com/onbookssh…

1
So Good They Can't Ignore You by Cal Newport 26:51

3+ y ago26:51

26:51

In this episode of On Books, Chris brings you So Good They Can't Ignore You by Cal Newport Books notes available at: http://www.on-books.com Subscribe on iTunes! And follow On Books: Twitter: @onbooksshow (http://www.twitter.com/onbooksshow) Facebook: /onbooksshow (http://www.facebook.com/onbooksshow) Instagram: @castig (https://www.instagram.com/c…

1
Aziz Ansari: On Modern Romance and Increasing Creative Output 28:44

3+ y ago28:44

28:44

In this episode of On Books, I take on Aziz Ansari's Modern Romance. It's a book about online dating, love, psychology and the cultural impacts of texting as a medium. It's going to be a great episode! So get ready, and I'll share with you stories of how Aziz's book (and standup) inspired me to take some action in my life. Enjoy! -Chris Visit www.o…

1
Writing Tools (50 Essential Strategies) by Roy Peter Clark 21:23

3+ y ago21:23

21:23

In this episode of On Books Chris brings you 50 Writing Tools by Roy Peter Clark. Books notes available at: http://www.on-books.com Subscribe on iTunes! And follow On Books: Twitter: @onbooksshow (http://www.twitter.com/onbooksshow) Facebook: /onbooksshow (http://www.facebook.com/onbooksshow) Instagram: @castig (https://www.instagram.com/castig)…

1
When do you quit? When do you stick? 5 Lessons from Seth Godin in The Dip 16:32

3+ y ago16:32

16:32

In this episode of On Books, Chris Castiglione shares lessons learned about quitting from The Dip by Seth Godin. You can find the complete interview, and show notes available @ http://www.on-books.com Subscribe on iTunes! And follow On Books: Twitter: @onbooksshow (http://www.twitter.com/onbooksshow) Facebook: /onbooksshow (http://www.facebook.com/…

1
Say Hello to On Books! 5:15

3+ y ago5:15

5:15

Email me: chris@on-books.com! Let me know: On a scale of 1 to 10 would you recommend the On Books podcast to a friend? Put the number 1-10 (in the subject), and WHY you gave that number (in the body). Thanks for listening! Subscribe on iTunes! And follow On Books: Website: http://www..on-books.com Twitter: @onbooksshow (http://www.twitter.com/onboo…

1
10 Life-Changing Spring Cleaning Tips from The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up 24:41

3+ y ago24:41

24:41

In this episode of On Books, I bring you The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying by Marie Kondo. Visit www.on-books.com for book notes! Subscribe on iTunes! Twitter: @onbooksshow (http://www.twitter.com/onbooksshow) Facebook: /onbooksshow (http://www.facebook.com/onbooksshow) Instagram: @castig (https://www.instagram.com/castig)…

1
Bringing up Bebe: Paris vs. New York City, on Raising Children, and Education 17:47

3+ y ago17:47

17:47

In this episode of On Books, Chris Castiglione chat about Bringing Up Bebe by Pamela Druckerman. Books notes are online @ http://www.on-books.com Subscribe on iTunes! And follow On Books: Twitter: @onbooksshow (http://www.twitter.com/onbooksshow) Facebook: /onbooksshow (http://www.facebook.com/onbooksshow) Instagram: @castig (https://www.instagram.…

1
Eric Fromm on The Art of Loving, Is Love an Art? Is your love Passive or Active? 29:13

3+ y ago29:13

29:13

In this episode of On Books, I'll ask, "Is Love an Art?". You learn about the book: The Art of Loving by Eric Fromm, and much more. Subscribe on iTunes! And follow On Books: Website: www.on-books.com Twitter: @onbooksshow (http://www.twitter.com/onbooksshow) Facebook: /onbooksshow (http://www.facebook.com/onbooksshow) Instagram: @castig (https://ww…

1
The Artist's Way, 2 big takeaways, and how to be creative 750 words at a time 21:14

3+ y ago21:14

21:14

In this episode of On Books, Chris Castiglione brings you his take on The Artist's Way by Julia Cameron. You can find his complete notes and thoughts over at http://www..on-books.com Subscribe on iTunes! And follow On Books: Twitter: @onbooksshow (http://www.twitter.com/onbooksshow) Facebook: /onbooksshow (http://www.facebook.com/onbooksshow) Insta…

1
Episode 20 - David Bowie's Top 100 Books 14:49

4y ago14:49

14:49

This episode of On Books is dedicated to David Bowie. I'll read a piece from Sara Benincasa called "Thank You, David Bowie, From The Weird Kid", as well as share some highlights from David Bowie's Top 100 Books.

1
The Neil Strauss Interview: on The Truth, and alternatives to monogamy 54:46

4y ago54:46

54:46

In this episode of On Books, Chris Castiglione chats with Neil Strauss about his latest book The Truth. You can find the complete interview, and show notes available @ www.on-books.com Subscribe on iTunes! And follow On Books: Twitter: @onbooksshow Facebook: www.facebook.com/onbooksshow Instagram: @castig…

1
Deep Work by Cal Newport 33:11

4y ago33:11

33:11

Deep work is the ability to focus without distraction on a cognitively demanding task. It's a skill that allows you to quickly master complicated information and produce better results in less time. Deep work will make you better at what you do and provide the sense of true fulfillment that comes from craftsmanship. In short, deep work is like a su…

1
Episode 19 - On Creating Big Hairy Audacious Life Goals, and the NPR Interview 27:59

4y ago27:59

27:59

In this episode of On Books, we’ll chat about creating goals and resolutions. We discuss my recent article on resolutions in the Huffington Post, and the details of the NPR interview. Read the book notes @ www.on-books.com

1
Episode 18 – New Year's Resolutions, Growth Mindset vs. Fixed Mindset, How to Reframe Failure 16:37

4y ago16:37

16:37

In this episode of On Books, we’ll chat about New Year's Resolutions, and the concept of Growth vs. Fixed mindset from the book Mindset by Carol Dweck. Read the book notes @ www.on-books.com

1
Episode 17 - John Keegan on the art of connection, dating in New York City and The Power of Now 38:35

4y ago38:35

38:35

In this episode of On Books, I chat with John Keegan (NYC Dating Coach) about the art of connection, dating in New York City, and The Power of Now. Find the book notes @ www.on-books.com

1
Episode 16 - The Power of Now (Book Highlights! Ego at Burningman! and on "being alone") 23:17

4y ago23:17

23:17

In this episode of On Books, we’ll chat about The Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle. Read the book notes @ www.on-books.com

1
Episode 15 - How to Learn Anything Fast 27:02

4y ago27:02

27:02

In this episode of On Books, we’ll chat about The First 20 Hours by Josh Kaufman. Read the book notes @ www.on-books.com

1
Episode 14 - Sex at Dawn by Christopher Ryan 34:34

4y ago34:34

34:34

The main idea of Sex at Dawn in less than 20 words: Humans beings were not always monogamous creatures. In this episode of On books we cover three of the main ideas in Sex at Dawn, as well as listen to excerpts from Christopher Ryan's TED Talk Read the book notes @ www.on-books.com

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