Best Ben Percival Podcasts (2024)

1
Episode 22 - A Little Bit of Everything with Leah @DishingonBooks 1:02:10

2d ago1:02:10

1:02:10

On this episode, Leah, @Dishingonbooks on Instagram, and I discuss our shared love of intense reads, how to find more books that open up the world, and her love for the Women’s Prize. We also give a lot of recommendations for books that are not for everyone but hit both of us in just the right spot. Books mentioned in this episode: What Betsy’s rea…

1
Episode 21 - The Story Sits in Your Bones with Sam Luchsinger 59:37

9d ago59:37

59:37

On this episode, Sam Luchsinger, an eclectic reader and artist, talks about their love of picking up whatever strikes their interest, beautiful book covers, and the joy of reading children’s books into adulthood. They also discuss their love of graphic novels and some tips on how to get into the format that might feel a little overwhelming. Books m…

1
Episode 20 - Based in Reality with Jordan Cross 49:05

16d ago49:05

49:05

On this episode, Jordan Cross, a resource librarian for a large interior design firm, discusses her love of audiobooks, books that are based on something true, and how memoirs about hard topics are important and meaningful. She also brings a topic to the show that I hadn’t thought to ask about! The big list of books from NPR - best of the year sinc…

1
Episode 19 - I Can't Put it Down with Kathy Donofrio 56:58

23d ago56:58

56:58

On this episode, Kathy Donofrio, an artist from the Chicagoland area, discusses how she came to enjoy reading later in life. She provides some amazing, fun book recommendations, including an impressive laundry list of favorite authors. Also, I finally get to hear the Pope Book story that my mom has been telling me about! Books mentioned in this epi…

1
Episode 18 - I'm a Terrible Reader with Stacy Jeziorowski 55:16

1M ago55:16

55:16

On this episode, Stacy Jeziorowski, who is not a terrible reader, discusses her resurgence as a reader after grad school and how thrillers that have kept her on the edge of her seat motivate her to read more. We also discuss our shared favorite, which we both collect, and how amazing the library is as a resource for our lives. The AI generated holi…

1
Episode 17 - Book Clubs will Save the World with Allison Yates and Fernanda Wetzel 1:05:36

1M ago1:05:36

1:05:36

On this episode, Allison Yates and Fernanda Wetzel come on to talk about their organization, Read and Run Chicago, a book and run club that features specific books with coordinated runs in Chicago. They describe how accessible their organization is, open to anyone who might be interested in participating, and we get to talk about some incredible bo…

1
Episode 16 - Library Superuser with Emily McClanathan 58:46

2M ago58:46

58:46

On this episode, Emily McClanathan, a Chicago Public Library superuser, discusses her love of character-driven stories and excellent prose. She also talks about how reading has helped her become a better writer, as she writes both book reviews and theater reviews in Chicago. We get into some shared loves and Emily gets to share a hot take about a b…

1
Episode 15 - Percival Everett Fan Club with Ben Ustick 1:00:02

2M ago1:00:02

1:00:02

On this episode, Ben Ustick, the taproom manager at Off Color Mousetrap and I discuss some of our shared favorite books, the excellence of contemporary fiction, and his goal to read Percival Everett’s entire oeuvre this year. Get ready to be shocked yourself when you hear the book that shocked Ben. If you want to visit us at Off Color Book Club, ch…

1
Episode 14 - Information is Meant to be Shared with Mawuli Grant Agbefe 43:02

2M ago43:02

43:02

On this episode, Mawuli Grant Agbefe and I discuss his love for fascinating non-fiction, including one of my absolute favorite books ever that he recommended to me in January! We also discuss our shared love of being readers in Chicago, based on the gorgeous places to read and the incredible resource the Chicago Public Library is. Books mentioned i…

1
Episode 13 - Book Hunting with Tanima Kazi 1:00:21

2M ago1:00:21

1:00:21

On this episode, Tanima Kazi, a writer (get her novel here!) who loves language, shares her love of romance novels, favorite parts of her favorite books, and how her day job helps her build ideas for her own writing. She describes how books speak to her and even shares excerpts from her favorite books. Books mentioned in this episode: What Betsy’s …

1
Episode 12 - Establishing Empathy with Mike Finucane 1:09:52

3M ago1:09:52

1:09:52

On this episode, Mike Finucane, a campus minister at a high-school in St. Louis, and I discuss how books can help develop empathy. He also gives a great tip from his dad about how to tackle a large non-fiction text. We also confirm that collecting books shouldn’t be considered a bad habit if you love it. We talk about a lot of really intense books …

1
Episode 11 - A Series of Series with Rachel Kilthorne 51:17

3M ago51:17

51:17

On this episode, Rachel Kilthorne, a self-processed nerd’s nerd, discusses her love of both fantasy novels and going deep on a subject in non-fiction. She names many series and discusses how she determines when to re-read or when to let go of a series. I also get to go on a soapbox rant about reading diversely, especially in genre fiction. Books me…

1
Episode 10 - Weird Does Not Translate to Screen with Rachel Rolland 47:45

3M ago47:45

47:45

On this episode, Rachel Rolland, a hobby-enthusiast, discusses her love for weird books, including two authors with a decently large backlist that I’ve never heard of. We discuss how a book about accounting can help investigate the way we see the world, how some books just shouldn’t be adapted to screen, and her love for the bookstores where she wo…

1
Episode 9 - I'm Already Traveling Somewhere with Monika Janas 54:41

3M ago54:41

54:41

On this episode, Monika and I discuss her love of fantasy, she mentions so many series, some longer than others, and we share the joy of staff picks in an indie bookstore. We also talk about the magic of airplane reading and how amazing Libby can be. If you are interested in the Reddit thread Monika mentions, you can find that here. Books mentioned…

1
Episode 8 - Poetry that Blows the Door off your Brain with Anna Deem 45:52

3M ago45:52

45:52

In this episode, Anna Deem, a high school English teacher in Chicago, and I discuss how seasons of life change our reading habits, her love of poetry, and our definitive shared overrated book. We also discuss the influence of the Beat generation on her writing and end with some excellent recommendations for books she enjoys with her 4-year-old daug…

1
Episode 7 - Speed Reading with Nuns with Mo Smith 49:23

4M ago49:23

49:23

On this episode, Mo Smith, the person I know who reads the most, and we discuss her experiences as a very early reader in school, a book habit that stuns me a little, and she gets to gush about her amazing backyard pool at her home in Las Vegas. Books mentioned in this episode: What Betsy’s reading: Dune by Frank Herbert The Only One Left by Riley …

1
Episode 6 - The Lynn Painter Book Club with Sarah Sabet 52:57

4M ago52:57

52:57

On this episode, Sarah Sabet and I discuss Scandi-Crime, how her book club fell in love with Lynn Painter, and we have an extended conversation about a fantastic organization that, unfortunately, neither of us have had a chance to connect with: @readandrunchicago on Instagram! Books mentioned in this episode: What Betsy’s reading: Iron Flame by Reb…

1
Episode 5 - Yummy Trash with Francesca Musumeci 59:32

4M ago59:32

59:32

On this episode, Francesca Musumeci and I discuss the wealth of indie bookstores we have in Chicago, how school can make reading less fun, and why it’s important to read what you like. She also tells some pretty great stories about her years working at Half-Price Books, including a hilarious mystery request from a customer that she manages to solve…

1
Episode 4 - Cuckoo Bananas Thrillers with Erin Jacobo 45:09

4M ago45:09

45:09

On this episode, Erin Jacobo and I discuss a lot of really juicy thrillers, her love of a heart wrenching story, and why romance just doesn’t work for us. She also tells some great stories about her family and their connection with reading, and we learn how much she has influenced my reading life! Books mentioned in this episode: What Betsy’s readi…

1
Episode 3 - A Safe Place to Have Bad Feelings with Tim Mueller 1:03:24

5M ago1:03:24

1:03:24

A Safe Place to Have Bad Feelings with Tim Mueller Episode 3 On this episode, Tim Mueller and I discuss his passion for collecting books, comics, and other physical media; the magic and abundance of a used bookstore; and how the darkest kinds of books can develop the most empathy. Also, Tim recommends a host of underlooked books that you probably h…

1
The Beauty of Escaping into a Book with Carolyn Latshaw 53:59

5M ago53:59

53:59

The Beauty of Escaping into a Book with Carolyn Latshaw Episode 2 On this episode, Carolyn Latshaw and I discuss her love of classics, select ones at least, the joy and difficulty of getting absolutely swept up into a book, and a slew of great book recommendations that are a little unusual! Listen for a huge revelation on Carolyn’s part about one o…

1
Bathing in Darkness with Sam Wilmes 47:11

5M ago47:11

47:11

Bathing in Darkness with Sam Wilmes Episode 1 On this episode, Sam Wilmes and I discuss reading dark books including Stephen King, horror, and dark literary fiction. We find her book ick, a new-to-me source of books, and books that connect anxiety and depression and humor. Books mentioned in this episode: What Betsy’s reading: Station Eleven by Emi…

1
Handling Pressure 13:10

2+ y ago13:10

13:10

In today's podcast the hosts talk about dealing with pressure in the workplace and as an entrepreneur.By Ben Percival & Mathew Wainwright

1
Creating Opportunities and Incentivising Star Employees 20:09

2+ y ago20:09

20:09

In today's podcast we discuss how to create opportunities for Star employees at the company and how to make sure that you give these employees a chance to show their worth and grow with the company.By Ben Percival & Mathew Wainwright

1
Mistakes Entrepreneurs Make 23:11

2+ y ago23:11

23:11

Today the hosts talk about their own business mistakes and the mistakes a lot of entrepreneurs make in business. There was a lot to talk about, so stay tuned for part 2.By Ben Percival & Mathew Wainwright

1
Being a Good Manager 36:04

2+ y ago36:04

36:04

In today's podcast the hosts talk about management and what it takes to be a good manager at all levels. Management can be seen as synonymous with leadership, but can you develop leadership skills or are people born with them?By Ben Percival & Mathew Wainwright

1
The Fear of Delegation 19:54

2+ y ago19:54

19:54

In today's podcast the hosts talk about delegation in business and when you should start to hire more people to grow your business and take some responsibility away from yourself as the business owner.By Ben Percival & Mathew Wainwright

1
Managing Stress 19:23

2+ y ago19:23

19:23

In today's episode we talk about managing stress in business and life and which tools you can use to help.By Ben Percival & Mathew Wainwright

1
Ambition vs Happiness 12:54

2+ y ago12:54

12:54

In today's podcast we talk about the fine line between happiness and ambition. Can you be happy and still progress in business at the same time or is it something else that drives an entrepreneur?By Ben Percival & Mathew Wainwright

1
How To Emulate Successful People 21:36

2+ y ago21:36

21:36

In today's podcast we talk about how to emulate the success of successful people and how you don't need to reinvent the wheel to become a successful in life, just find someone that's doing what you want to do and emulate them.By Ben Percival & Mathew Wainwright

1
What Business Should You Start 29:40

2+ y ago29:40

29:40

In todays podcast the two hosts talk about what businesses you should start if you're just starting out in business and how to manage the first few months expectations of how the business will perform.By Ben Percival & Mathew Wainwright

1
Confidence not overconfidence 29:42

2+ y ago29:42

29:42

In today's podcast we talk about confidence in life and business and why it's so important. There's a fine line between confidence and arrogance, and the two hosts talk about when you shouldn't cross that line.By Ben Percival & Mathew Wainwright

1
Smashing your next interview 30:44

2+ y ago30:44

30:44

In today's podcast the hosts talk about interviewing, both interviewing as an employee and as an employer. Both hosts have been through both processes substantially and interviewed for some of the largest organisations on the planet and some of the most competitive roles in the world.By Ben Percival & Mathew Wainwright

1
Should you listen to your parents? 21:31

2+ y ago21:31

21:31

In today's podcast we discuss whether you should listen to you parents. How valid is their opinion? Do they always know what's best for you or maybe do you know better? We both talk about our experiences with our parents and what we did in different situations.By Ben Percival & Mathew Wainwright

1
Patience 15:34

2+ y ago15:34

15:34

In today's episode we talk about patience and the importance of patience in business and life. Millenials especially suffer from a lack of patience in life, social media and the internet has allowed people to get what they want quickly. But things differ in business and in life, nothing comes quickly.…

1
Salary vs Equity 26:04

2+ y ago26:04

26:04

In today's podcast Mathew and Ben talk about the differences between equity and salary and which one to pitch for. There are certainly pros and cons to each of salary and equity, and your personal circumstances usually dictate which one you should go for.By Ben Percival & Mathew Wainwright

1
Business Stories 31:06

2+ y ago31:06

31:06

In this episode we talk about our experiences in business and what we've had to deal with throughout our careersBy Ben Percival & Mathew Wainwright

1
Making New Friends & Networking 19:44

2+ y ago19:44

19:44

Ben and Mathew discuss making new friends that will lift you up instead of bring you down, and what people you should be surrounding yourself with if you want to be successful. They also talk about their own friendship experiences and where to go if you want to find new friends and networks.By Ben Percival & Mathew Wainwright

1
Key Habits for Success 17:06

2+ y ago17:06

17:06

In today's podcast Ben and Matthew discuss the key habits which make entrepreneurs and business people successful and how you can work on developing those habits. There's some great business insights that both hosts have used very effectively to get into the position they're currently in.By Ben Percival & Mathew Wainwright

1
Elon Musk 31:04

2+ y ago31:04

31:04

In today's podcast Ben and Mathew discuss the current worlds richest man, Elon Musk. The worlds most inventive entrepreneur and someone who has single handedly changed the world with all of his companies.By Ben Percival & Mathew Wainwright

1
Relationships & Business 33:02

2+ y ago33:02

33:02

In this episode Mathew and Ben discuss romantic relationships, dating and friendships. What positives and benefits do your friends and partners bring to your business mindset or are they just a distraction. Both of the hosts have different personal situations and have been in various relationships throughout their business life, some have been more…

1
Empathy 33:52

2+ y ago33:52

33:52

In todays podcast we talk about empathy and how important empathy is in business and in life. We find that a lot of successful entrepreneurs have strong empathy traits and those who struggle in positions on leadership tend to struggle because of a lack of empathy. This could relating to employees, other management and customers. Can you work on the…

1
Entrepreneur Mindsets Around The World 28:00

2+ y ago28:00

28:00

In this podcast we talk about the different entrepreneurial mindsets in each country. How success and wealth is viewed by the people of different countries and what effect that has on the country as a whole. Ben describes his experience as an entrepreneur in the UK and Mathew describes his experience as an entrepreneur in Spain. Have you felt like …

1
Who we are 56:56

2+ y ago56:56

56:56

In Episode 3, Ben and Mathew talk about their entrepreneurial journey, how they started their current business and what life lessons they learned along the way.By Ben Percival & Mathew Wainwright

1
What is success and how can you achieve it? 27:50

2+ y ago27:50

27:50

In the second podcast Ben and Mathew talk about success and what it means to be successful. Success is very different to different people, for some people it's monetary gain for others it's all emotional. They talk about how to be successful in all aspects and what you learn on your journey.By Ben Percival & Mathew Wainwright

1
Finding a Mentor 34:02

2+ y ago34:02

34:02

In our first episode we discuss finding a mentor in business and in life and how to distinguish between good and bad mentors. We talk through our experiences with mentors and where we've gone wrong and right. Finding a mentor is not essential for business success but it certainly does help, they can help fast track your success or help you to reali…

Podcasts Worth a Listen

Ben Percival Podcasts

Podcasts Worth a Listen

Quick Reference Guide