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Bookworm

by Mike Schmitz and Cory Hixson

Bookworm is dedicated to doing more than just reading books. Mike Schmitz & Cory Hixson read a book every two weeks and discuss ways to apply the author's lessons to their lives.

From the show's RSS feed, refreshed Oct 23, 2026. Source feed.

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Episodes

  1. 260: Situated by Angela Duckworth

    Today's author promises to teach us the secret to conquering temptation without willpower. Join Mike & Cory as they attempt to find the people and places that bring out their best. Support the Show 21 Laws of Leadership by John Maxwell Forever Ago Self-Reliance by Ralph Waldo Emerson Grit by…

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  2. 259: The Meaning of Your Life by Arthur Brooks

    Today's author promises to show us how to push back against cultural changes that are rewiring our brains and find the meaning we need to live a happy, fulfilling life. Join Mike & Cory as they embark on a pilgrimage to answer the age-old question: "What is the meaning of my life?" Support the…

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  3. 258: You Can Just Do Things by Cate Hall

    Today's author promises to help us live with agency and take control of our future. Join Mike & Cory as they consider how to stop waiting and build the life they want. Support the Show Woody Walls The Goal by Eli Goldratt You Can Just Do Things by Cate Hall Million Dollar Weekend by Noah Kagan…

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  4. 257: The Goal by Eliyahu Goldratt

    Today's author and self-proclaimed "slayer of sacred cows" promises to help us think differently about how business gets done. Join Mike & Cory as they discuss the theory of constraints in one of the most transformational business process books ever written. Support the Show The Goal by Eliyahu...

  5. 256: Uncommon Sense by William Brody

    Life, unlike textbooks, has no answer key. Today's author promises to help us think and live beyond the syllabus. Join Mike & Cory as they rethink what it means to be educated. Support the Show Typefully Mike's Secondary YouTube Channel Uncommon Sense by William Brody Super Thinking by Gabriel...

  6. 255: The Psychology of Money by Morgan Housel

    Today's author promises to help us improve our money mindset by sharing several short stories that teach timeless lessons on wealth, greed, and happiness. Support the Show Amplify Cohort The Psychology of Money by Morgan Housel Same as Ever by Morgan Housel You Can Just Do Things by Cate Hall 30...

  7. 254: Inside the Box by David Epstein

    Today's author argues that all of us—individuals, businesses, institutions, even societies—can benefit from narrowing our options. Join Mike & Cory as they attempt to transform themselves—and the world—by embracing constraints. Support the Show Inside the Box by David Epstein Mike's Amplify…

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  8. 253: How to Try Again by Steve Kamb

    Some people wake up at 4 AM, run fifteen miles barefoot, and then meditate in an ice bath. Today's author promises to help the rest of us transform our lives by giving up more often, failing faster, and mastering the art of starting over. Support the Show Bookworm #252: The Book of Elon How to…

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  9. 252: The Book of Elon by Eric Jorgenson

    Today's author promises to help us bring purpose and energy to our meaningful work. Join Mike & Cory as they attempt to learn from the life of one of the Internet's most enigmatic and colorful characters. Support the Show Unreasonable Hospitality by Will Guidara The Book of Elon by Eric Jorgenson...

  10. 251: Unreasonable Hospitality by Will Guidara

    Today's author and restaurateur shares hospitality lessons learned from turning Eleven Madison Park into the #1 restaurant in the world. Join Mike & Cory as they consider how they, too, can transform ordinary transactions into extraordinary experiences. Support the Show Unreasonable Hospitality…

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  11. 250: Design Love In by Marcus Buckingham

    Today's author promises to help us unleash the most powerful force in business — love. Join Mike & Cory as they consider what it means to design love in as leaders and experience-makers. Support the Show Bookworm #249: What You’re Made For by George Raveling Design Love In by Marcus Buckingham…

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  12. 249: What You're Made For by George Raveling

    This episode is sponsored by: St. Louis Pen Show: Join us June 25-28. Tickets on sale now! Today's author shares incredible behind-the-scenes stories from his career working with some of the world's best athletes. Join Mike & Cory as they explore purpose, meaning, and wisdom from a legendary...

  13. 248: How to Live a Meaningful Life by Bill Burnett and Dave Evans

    Today's authors promise to help you build purpose, clarity, and connection without quitting your job, blowing up your life, or starting from scratch. Join Mike & Cory as they consider how to use design thinking to craft lives and careers they love. Support the Show Nathan Barry Show with Bill...

  14. 247: The Way of Excellence by Brad Stulberg

    This episode is sponsored by: St Louis Pen Show: Join us June 25-28. Tickets on sale now! Today's author promises to give us a guide to creating, contributing, and actualizing our potential amid the craziness of modern life. Join Mike & Cory as they embark on a journey to rediscover excellence in...

  15. 246: The 6 Types of Working Genius by Patrick Lencioni

    This episode of Bookworm is sponsored by: Vitally: Your Copilot for AI-Powered Customer Success. Get a free pair of AirPods Pro when you book a qualified meeting. Today's author promises to teach us a framework that will change the way we think about work and teams forever. Join Mike & Cory as…

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  16. 245: The Science of Storytelling by Will Storr

    This episode of Bookworm is sponsored by: Vitally: Your Copilot for AI-Powered Customer Success. Get a free pair of AirPods Pro when you book a qualified meeting. Today's author (and acclaimed storytelling teacher) promises to teach us how our brains create worlds by being attuned to moments of...

  17. 244: The Coaching Habit by Michael Bungay Stanier

    Today's author promises to transform the way we coach others by offering us seven simple questions. Join Mike & Cory as they attempt to level up their own coaching habits. New Media Summit The Library The Coaching Habit Box of Crayons Mike’s YouTube channel Obsidian Starter Vault Free Time by…

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  18. 243: The End of Burnout by Jonathan Malesic

    Have you ever felt "burnt out?" Burnout has become our go-to term for talking about the pressure and dissatisfaction we experience. Today's author shares his own experience and proposes an alternative to our cultural obsession with work. Join Mike & Cory as they explore a new way to think about...

  19. 242: The Overthinker's Guide to Making Decisions by Joseph Nguyen

    Today's author promises to teach us frameworks and principles to help us stop overthinking when trying to decide. Join Mike and Cory as they attempt to escape the endless "what if" loops in their brains and make better (and more intuitive) decisions. Intentional by Chris Bailey Claude Just Game…

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  20. 241: Intentional by Chris Bailey

    Today's author promises to distill a decade of deep research on productivity to deliver a profound, practical, and counterintuitive road map to getting things done. Join Mike & Cory as they embark on a journey to live a more intentional life. Support the Show Intentional by Chris Bailey The...

  21. 240: Hacking the Human Mind by Richard Shotton & Michaelaaron Flicker

    Note: If you're only hearing Mike, delete and redownload the file. Today's authors promise to teach us the behavioral science secrets behind 17 of the world's best brands. Join Mike & Cory as they consider the marketing of the world's biggest brands. Support the Show NeuYear Focused Calendar…

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  22. 239: Proust and The Squid by Maryanne Wolf

    Today's author (and neuropsychologist) shows us how and why the human brain has adapted in order to read and write. Join Mike & Cory as they examine the past and consider the future of the reading brain. Support the show New Bookworm website Mike’s Live Practical PKM Cohort Sublime Proust and The...

  23. 238: Sketch Your Mind by Zsolt Viczian

    Today's author promises to help us build a visual-first system to capture, connect, and use our ideas like never before. Join Mike & Cory as ponder the creative power of the visual zettelkasten. Support the Show Lazy.so Sketch Your Mind by Zsolt Viczian A System for Writing by Bob Doto Excalidraw...

  24. 237: Toxic Grit by Amanda Goetz

    For years, we’ve been told the answer to burnout is better balance. Today’s author promises to show us a better way. Join Mike and Cory as they examine an alternative approach to ambition. Support the Show Recommend a Book Craft + Commerce Sponsor Games The Pathless Path Premium Hardcover Edition...

  25. 236: Wisdom Takes Work by Ryan Holiday

    Today’s author promises to teach us how to listen more than we talk, to think with nuance, to ruthlessly question our own beliefs, and to develop a method of self-education. Join Mike & Cory as they consider the virtue on which all other virtues depend. Support the Show Recommend a Book Personal...

  26. 235: Made to Stick by Chip and Dan Heath

    Today’s authors promise to help us transform the way we communicate our ideas. Join Mike & Cory as they dive into what makes an idea sticky. Support the Show Recommend a Book Mike’s Personal Retreat video NaNoWriMo The Library Sponsor Games Bookworm 234: Sponsor Magnet by Justin Moore Made to…

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  27. 234: Sponsor Magnet by Justin Moore

    Today’s author promises to give us the tools we need to turn influence into income. Join Mike & Cory as they consider building their own dream brand partnerships. Support the Show Recommend a Book FC26 The Personal Retreat Planner Sponsor Magnet by Justin Moore Signature Framework Sponsor Games...

  28. 233: Time Anxiety by Chris Guillebeau

    Today’s author promises to give us the antidote to deadline dread, time guilt, and chronic rushing. Join Mike & Cory as they attempt to redefine their relationships with the clock. Support the Show Recommend a Book Overcoming Procrastination (Chris Bailey’s course) The Personal Retreat Planner...

  29. 232: Published by Chandler Bolt

    Today’s author promises to give us a map to go from blank page to published author as fast as possible. Join Mike & Cory as they consider what it takes to actually write a book. Support the Show Recommend a Book The Personal Retreat Planner Mike’s Book Notes Overcoming Procrastination (Chris...

  30. 231: Eat That Frog by Brian Tracy

    Today’s author promises to give us tactics we can use to overcome procrastination and take action on what’s really important. Join Mike & Cory as they attempt to seize the day with decision, discipline, and determination. Support the Show Recommend a Book The Personal Retreat Planner Zapier...

  31. 230: The Science of Scaling by Dr. Benjamin Hardy & Blake Erickson

    Today’s authors promise to teach us a framework for helping us view business through a whole new lens. Join Mike & Cory as they consider what it means to set impossible goals with impossible timelines. Support the Show Recommend a Book WavePal Extra Focus by Jesse J. Anderson The Science of…

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  32. 229: From Strength to Strength by Arthur Brooks

    Today’s author promises to help us find success, happiness, and deep purpose in the second half of life. Join Mike & Cory as they attempt to navigate some of life’s toughest transitions. Support the Show Recommend a Book Ecamm Live Doc Rock | YouTube Opus Pro No Dumb Questions From Strength to...

  33. 228: AI Snake Oil by Arvid Narayanan & Sayash Kapoor

    Today’s authors (and two of Time’s 100 Most Influential People in AI) promise to help us navigate the often misleading claims about the real capabilities of Artificial Intelligence. Join Mike & Cory as they consider what AI can do, what it can’t, and how to tell the difference. Support the Show...

  34. 227: Lean Learning by Pat Flynn

    Today’s author promises to help us identify what’s essential for our growth and eliminate all the distractions that tend to bog us down. Join Mike & Cory as they attempt to navigate the chaos of information overload. Support the Show Recommend a Book Craft + Commerce CEX Newsletter Marketing…

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  35. 226: The 5 Resets by Dr. Aditi Nerurkar

    Today’s author is a Harvard stress expert who promises to help us overcome our stress using five small but mighty mindset shifts. Join Mike & Cory as they attempt to rewire their brains and achieve balance in their battle with burnout. Support the Show Recommend a Book The Let Them Theory by Mel...

  36. 225: The Let Them Theory by Mel Robbins

    Today’s author promises to teach us how to stop wasting energy on what we can’t control and start focusing on what truly matters. Join Mike & Cory as they embark on a journey to discover how much power they truly have. Support the Show Craft + Commerce The Let Them Theory by Mel Robbins The 5...

  37. 224: The Confident Mind by Dr. Nate Zinsser

    Today’s author has worked with U.S. Military Academy Cadets, world-class athletes, and many others needing to develop the confidence needed to succeed on the world’s largest stages. Join Cory & Mike as they learn how to build, protect, and rely on the confidence needed to perform well when it...

  38. 223: When by Daniel Pink

    Today’s author promises to help us understand how considering when can help us live richer, more engaged lives. Join Mike & Cory as they attempt to decipher the scientific secrets of perfect timing. Support the Show Mike’s Newsletter poll When by Daniel Pink Dead Wake by Erik Larson Daily Rituals...

  39. 222: Wild Courage by Jenny Wood

    This episode of Bookworm is brought to you by: The Saint Louis Pen Show – Join us June 26-29. Tickets on sale now! Today’s author promises to help us overcome our fear by giving us the courage to go after what we really want. Join Mike & Cory as they attempt to embrace the boldest versions of...

  40. 221: The 5 Types of Wealth by Sahil Bloom

    Today’s author promises to help us reject the default path, define our priorities, and achieve lasting happiness. Join Mike & Cory as they attempt to design their dream lives. Support the Show The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry by John Mark Comer I’ve Got Time by Paul Loomans Focused #228: Time...

  41. 220: Inner Excellence by Jim Murphy

    Today’s author promises to help us train our minds for extraordinary performance in every aspect of our lives. Join Mike & Cory as they attempt to move beyond the pursuit of happiness and embark on a journey toward a life of purpose and fulfillment. Support the Show The Library (Mike’s community)...

  42. 219: Tiny Experiments by Anne-Laure Le Cunff

    Today’s author promises to help us live freely in a goal-obsessed world. Join Mike & Cory as they embark on a journey to turn challenges into self-discovery and doubt into opportunity. Support the Show Focused #225: Tiny Experiments, with Anne-laure Le Cunff Tiny Experiments by Anne-Laure Le…

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  43. 218: The Catalyst by Jonah Berger

    Today’s author promises to help us identify the key barriers to change and show us how to mitigate them. Join Mike & Cory as they explore how to catalyze change. Support the Show Mike’s newsletter from the Newsletter Marketing Summit The Catalyst by Jonah Berger Recommend a Book Liminal Thinking…

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  44. 217: Make It Stick by Peter Brown, Henry Roediger, and Mark McDaniel

    Today’s authors promise to help us sort through what works and what doesn’t when it comes to the science behind successful learning. Join Mike & Cory as they consider their own approaches to lifelong learning and self-improvement. Support the Show Cory’s YouTube channel Recommend a Book Mac Power...

  45. 216: The Courage to Be Disliked by Ichiro Kishimi & Fumitake Koga

    Today’s authors promise to help us unlock our full potential and free ourselves from the shackles of past traumas and societal expectations to find true personal happiness using principles from Adlerian psychology. Join Mike & Cory as they embark on a journey toward lasting happiness and personal...

  46. 215: Poor Charlie’s Almanack

    Today’s book is a collection of wisdom shared by one of the world’s most brilliant business minds. Join Mike & Cory as they explore Charlie Munger’s encyclopedic knowledge of business, finance, history, philosophy, physics, ethics, and (of course) mental models. Support the Show Poor Charlie’s...

  47. 214: Simple Marketing for Smart People by Billy Broas

    This episode of Bookworm is brought to you by: Morgen: Turn your to-dos into daily action plans. Today’s author promises to teach us a new way to craft marketing content that compels customers to act without feeling sleazy. Join Mike & Cory as they try to shun complexity and give belief-building…

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  48. 213: Meditations by Marcus Aurelius

    Today’s author shares personal wisdom from almost 2000 years ago. Join Mike and Cory as they examine an ancient classic of wisdom literature to see if it stands the test of time. Support the Show Focused #218: Turning Down the Volume, with Stephen Hackett Writebook Bookworm #211: Anti-Time...

  49. 212: Never Play It Safe by Chase Jarvis

    Today’s author promises to equip us with the tools, insights, and inspiration needed to create the life of our dreams. Join Mike & Cory as they consider what it means to live boldly and authentically. Support the Show Mike on Bluesky Cory on Bluesky Vidpros Mike’s YouTube channel Never Play it…

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  50. 211: Anti-Time Management by Richie Norton

    Today’s author promises to help us find our motivation, prioritize our ideals, and create a flexible lifestyle — no matter how busy we are. Join Mike & Cory as they attempt to flip the traditional approach to productivity on its head. Support the Show Bookworm 210: Free Time Anti-Time Management…

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About this show

Bookworm is dedicated to doing more than just reading books. Mike Schmitz & Cory Hixson read a book every two weeks and discuss ways to apply the author's lessons to their lives.

Hosted by

Mike Schmitz and Cory Hixson

Produced by Mike Schmitz

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Frequently asked questions

How many episodes does Bookworm have?

Bookworm has 260 episodes on PodParley. The most recent episode was published on October 23, 2026.

What is Bookworm about?

Bookworm is dedicated to doing more than just reading books. Mike Schmitz & Cory Hixson read a book every two weeks and discuss ways to apply the author's lessons to their lives.

How often does Bookworm release new episodes?

Bookworm publishes every two weeks, based on its 260 episodes since July 2016.

Who hosts Bookworm?

Bookworm is created and hosted by Mike Schmitz and Cory Hixson.
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