Two Dudes Review Books

When we decided to read the book Essentialism by Greg McKeown (which rhymes with bone), we positioned it as part of our financial wealth readings for the season.  But Essentialism covers much more than financial management.  Essentialism is a way of thinking about the world and what we choose to do in it.  The Essentialist chooses what is essential, and that is what makes them different.  Join us as we learn what we can gain by having a more essentialist perspective about not only our financial wealth, but about all our areas of wealth.

Why We Sleep by Matthew Walker digs deep into why we sleep and what we are missing when our sleep suffers.  30-50% of Americans suffer from some sort of problem with sleep!  Whether it is sleep apnea, insomnia, or just plain not getting enough sleep, many people do not have good sleep health.  Walker unpacks the problematic and often hidden effects of poor sleep and shows us a better way.

Solving problems can often feel like a game of Whack-a-Mole. You fix an issue here, and another problem happens over there.  Think in Systems by Zoe McKey encourages us to think of all problems as the effect (intended or not) of a system.  By thinking in systems, we can more effectively solve actual problems instead of treating symptoms (aka Whack-a-Mole).  Jason and Dylan break down Think in Systems and consider some practical applications for systems thinking, from complex manufacturing to just driving to work.  Join us!

Jason and Dylan discuss parenting with Love and Logic by Cline and Fay.  Are there lessons here that can apply outside of parenting?  Do the techniques described in the book make sense for all age levels?  Jason and Dylan talk things over in this episode of Two Dudes Review Books.

Jason and Dylan review Sahil Bloom's examination of what makes a good life in the book The 5 Types of Wealth.  This book will form the backbone of the season, and future books of the season will be reviewed with a mind towards how they support (or don't!) the 5 types of wealth described in this book.  For those reading at home, the next three books of the season are below:

Parenting with Love and Logic by Fay and Cline

Why We Sleep by Walker

Essentialism: The Disciplined Pursuit of Less by McKeown

Happy reading!

Simultaneously down-to-earth and life-changing, The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People is a legendary book and a pioneer in the genre itself.  This book has tidbits and lessons that can help everyone, wherever you are in your life, to achieve your goals and also to be a happier person.  To some it may seem surprising how closely the two are linked, and not always in expected ways!  Jason and Dylan both read this book in their youth but are proud to revisit the 30th Anniversary Edition together in the final episode of Season 4.

Jason and Dylan review Haim Shapira's funny and fascinating book about "how game theory, strategy, and probability rule our lives."  The book is an interesting look at a series of scenarios, games, and humorous real-life examples that shed light on our decisions from the mundane humdrum of daily life to huge decisions and strategies that can (and have) changed the course of a person's life, and even human history.  Join Jason and Dylan as they discuss Gladiators, Pirates, and Games of Trust.

The Creative Act: A Way of Being by Rick Rubin is unlike any of the other books our hosts have reviewed on the podcast.  The focus on creativity, and the structure of the book as a series of meditations, set it apart from most of the books in the personal growth genre.  But music producer Rick Rubin has a unique perspective when it comes to creativity and decades creating and working with creators to produce epic works. This book has surprisingly broad application when it comes to creating anything, from music to sales pitches.  Join Jason and Dylan as they discuss this unique read.

Systems.  They are all around us and often taken for granted.  Your household, your family, your neighborhood, your workplace and grocery store are all systems.  When systems break down, become inefficient, or fail in some way, they need a reset, and that is what this book is all about.  Reset by Dan Heath is a step-by-step guide for identifying problems in a system, finding leverage points that will achieve big results, and deploying resources properly to support change.  Many of the ideas in the book are as applicable to businesses as they are to a family or even your own personal growth.  Join Jason and Dylan as we discuss Reset by Dan Heath.

Jason and Dylan review Happy Money: The Science of Happier Spending by Elizabeth Dunn and Dr. Michael Norton. This book contains many science-backed insights about how to spend your money to maximize happiness. Some of the results are very counter-intuitive! Many people think they want more choices or that they will be happier if they get to enjoy something right after they pay for it, but that is not what the science tells us. Join our hosts Jason and Dylan as they talk through the tips in the book and find out what success or failures our hosts have when it comes to their own Happy Money.