Better With Books

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“Great minds discuss idea; average minds discuss events; small minds discuss people.” This podcast is for ideas people. And, of course, book people. In each (short) episode I take an idea or quote from a book I’ve read and figure out how it can be applied to normal, daily life. Get ready to find n…

Rootz


    • Mar 23, 2021 LATEST EPISODE
    • monthly NEW EPISODES
    • 8m AVG DURATION
    • 28 EPISODES


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    Latest episodes from Better With Books

    Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep? - spoiler-free review

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 23, 2021 14:59


    a review and discussion of PKD's Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?

    5 Books that Changed My Life

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 12, 2021 12:42


    These are the five books that shaped who I am today.

    My Favorite BookTube Channels

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 26, 2020 3:56


    The point of BookTube, hopefully, is to get people to read more. In this episode I talk about the channels that inspire me the most.

    Mistborn 2: The Well of Ascension - spoiler(ish) review

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 12, 2020 8:26


    This is a review / gush session for The Well of Ascension. There are pretty much no spoilers, but if you haven't read the book you probably won't understand most of what I say.

    My new podcast! That Was Awkward, episode 1, Embarrassing Moments

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 27, 2018 16:32


    Here's a first episode of my new podcast, That Was Awkward: the unofficial social survival podcast. Since I won't be publishing Better With Books episodes for a while, you might as well subscribe to TWA.

    Constraints Free Us - Dictionary Stories by Jez Burrows

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 14, 2018 15:45


    We think that the fewer constraints and rules are placed on us the more free, productive and happy we'll be. That's not true. And I prove it in this episode.

    Motivation: reaching the top of the pyramid

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 31, 2018 4:10


    If you never got paid to work ever again, what would you do? What motivates you? These questions are some of the most important questions you'll ever have to answer. And knowing the answer will help you live a more productive, fulfilling life.

    Nature R Us

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 23, 2018 9:35


    Many of us aren't really interested in the lives of non-human creatures (other than our pets). This book is meant to change that. It's meant to fascinate us and remind us that animals are better than us at doing pretty much everything.

    Follow the Nobodies (to maximize your own success)

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 16, 2018 7:33


    Betting on the underdogs has its advantages. Following creators who are just starting out has similar advantages. Find out what those are in this episode of Better With Books!

    Be a Curator, Not a Critic

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 10, 2018 9:35


    There's so much stuff out there. How do we figure out which of it is worth our time and which is not? Take a listen and find out.

    90 Years Later, We Still Haven’t Gotten It Right - Virginia Woolf Teaches Minimalism

    Play Episode Listen Later May 27, 2018 7:00


    A Room of One's Own is know for its feminist theme, not it's lessons on minimalism. But it does, in fact, hold a valuable lesson about how to live a happy, contented life.

    We’ve Run Out of Excuses (also, capitalism isn’t flawless)

    Play Episode Listen Later May 19, 2018 11:59


    Individualism sounds like a good thing, right? But our society has forced us to idealize it while, at the same time, being bullied into being like everyone else, into fitting the mold. How do we live a life of true individualism? Listen to find out!

    What to Do When You’re Not Qualified (but you really, really love it)

    Play Episode Listen Later May 12, 2018 7:06


    Turns out, you don't have to be good at something to (eventually) be successful at it.

    How to Protect Yourself from the News - The 2018 News Survival Guide

    Play Episode Listen Later May 2, 2018 8:08


    How is the news making us insecure and close-minded? What's wrong with 100% of all news sources?

    Modern-Day Magic - How to tell stories

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 20, 2018 10:21


    What does it take to be a storyteller? What's the recipe for a good story? What's the secret to being successful, to being a skilled creator? Turns out, the answers are simple, if not exactly easy.

    The Future of Podcasts - interview with Ma'ayan Plaut from RadioPublic

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 21, 2018 23:52


    What is a podcast librarian and will there be more of them in the future? Is podcasting on an upward trend? What does it take to be a great podcaster? Will there ever be too many podcasts? These questions and more, answered by Ma’ayan Plaut from RadioPublic!

    If Nationality Isn't Dead, It Should Be - A Thousand Suns

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 2, 2018 7:45


    The term nationality is badly defined. It's also dangerous, so while we try and create a new definition for it, why don't we just discard it? Listen. I'll explain. I totally forgot to record an end segment for this episode, but you know what I'd say: get in touch with me on Twitter @ruthrootz and, por favor, leave me a rating on iTunes. Twitter: https://twitter.com/ruthrootz Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rootzmac/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ruthrootz/ Blog: Rootz’s Blog: https://blogbyrootz.blogspot.com Apple Podcasts: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/better-with-books/id1293449772?mt=2 Anchor: https://anchor.fm/betterwithbooks RadioPublic: https://play.radiopublic.com/better-with-books-WwDRqy Stitcher: https://www.stitcher.com/s?fid=185181 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCc-cBvKXkTgAyDLm7uYQaEQ?view_as=subscriber SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/betterwithbooks email: rootzmacbwb@gmail.com

    Knowledge Is Power: Use It, Don't Abuse It - To Kill A Mockingbird

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 29, 2017 3:16


    This is a micro-episode around a quote by Calpurnia from To Kill A Mockingbird: "It’s not necessary to tell all you know." Twitter: https://twitter.com/ruthrootz Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ruthrootz/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ruthrootz/ Blog: Rootz’s Blog: https://blogbyrootz.blogspot.com Apple Podcasts: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/better-with-books/id1293449772?mt=2 Anchor: https://anchor.fm/betterwithbooks RadioPublic: https://play.radiopublic.com/better-with-books-WwDRqy Stitcher: https://www.stitcher.com/s?fid=185181 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCc-cBvKXkTgAyDLm7uYQaEQ?view_as=subscriber SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/betterwithbooks email: rootzmacbwb@gmail.com

    How to argue, and the problem with today's politics. - The Unbearable Lightness of Being

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 30, 2017 5:28


    The Unbearable Lightness of Being, by Milan Kundera, can teach us a lot about how to break through the stalemate of today's political landscape. They key is to listen. Simple, yet not. Twitter: https://twitter.com/ruthrootz Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ruthrootz/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ruthrootz/ Blog: Rootz’s Blog: https://blogbyrootz.blogspot.com Apple Podcasts: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/better-with-books/id1293449772?mt=2 Anchor: https://anchor.fm/betterwithbooks RadioPublic: https://play.radiopublic.com/better-with-books-WwDRqy Stitcher: https://www.stitcher.com/s?fid=185181 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCc-cBvKXkTgAyDLm7uYQaEQ?view_as=subscriber SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/betterwithbooks email: rootzmacbwb@gmail.com

    What happens when we're afraid to do what we love - The Great Santini

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 16, 2017 10:30


    When we're too concerned with what others think of us, we trap ourselves into a prison of our making. . . My favorite podcasts - https://mindthinkbyrootz.blogspot.com/2017/11/top-10-best-podcasts-in-no-particular.html The Great Santini by Pat Conroy - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B003Y3BCRU/ref=dp-kindle-redirect?_encoding=UTF8&btkr=1 Twitter: https://twitter.com/ruthrootz Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ruthrootz/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ruthrootz/ Blog: Rootz’s Blog: https://blogbyrootz.blogspot.com Apple Podcasts: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/better-with-books/id1293449772?mt=2 Anchor: https://anchor.fm/betterwithbooks RadioPublic: https://play.radiopublic.com/better-with-books-WwDRqy Stitcher: https://www.stitcher.com/s?fid=185181 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCc-cBvKXkTgAyDLm7uYQaEQ?view_as=subscriber SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/betterwithbooks email: rootzmacbwb@gmail.com

    The timelessness of Flatland, the cure for racism and sexism

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 9, 2017 5:25


    Edwin A. Abbott’s timeless (and timely) novella should strike a chord. Here's what Flatland can do for our society today. . . Twitter: https://twitter.com/ruthrootz Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ruthrootz/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ruthrootz/ Blog: Rootz’s Blog: https://blogbyrootz.blogspot.com Apple Podcasts: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/better-with-books/id1293449772?mt=2 Anchor: https://anchor.fm/betterwithbooks RadioPublic: https://play.radiopublic.com/better-with-books-WwDRqy Stitcher: https://www.stitcher.com/s?fid=185181 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCc-cBvKXkTgAyDLm7uYQaEQ?view_as=subscriber SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/betterwithbooks email: rootzmacbwb@gmail.com

    SPECIAL - What makes for good dialogue? What makes for good stories?

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 26, 2017 7:34


    Special Episode! No specific book talked about in this one. Instead, I talk about what makes for good dialogue, both in books and movies. Pacing and Character: The Social Network - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IlXwTxpC6u0 No adverbs: Toni Morrison, #7 - https://litreactor.com/columns/top-10-authors-who-write-great-dialogue Authentic: Steinbeck, #9 - https://litreactor.com/columns/top-10-authors-who-write-great-dialogue Concise: Hemmingway quote near bottom - https://www.theguardian.com/books/booksblog/2010/mar/18/unreal-art-realistic-dialogue Preachy (in my opinion, though I love the movie): Interstellar - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MiEJjx4YCZU A monologue, but not preachy at all: Good Will Hunting - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hIdsjNGCGz4 Twitter: https://twitter.com/ruthrootz Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ruthrootz/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ruthrootz/ Blog: Rootz’s Blog: https://blogbyrootz.blogspot.com Apple Podcasts: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/better-with-books/id1293449772?mt=2 Anchor: https://anchor.fm/betterwithbooks RadioPublic: https://play.radiopublic.com/better-with-books-WwDRqy Stitcher: https://www.stitcher.com/s?fid=185181 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCc-cBvKXkTgAyDLm7uYQaEQ?view_as=subscriber SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/betterwithbooks email: rootzmacbwb@gmail.com

    Your only obligation is to yourself. Pursue your dreams, and the rest really will follow.

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 20, 2017 6:47


    In this episode I show you how The Alchemist, by Paulo Coelho, is a book that does the impossible mission of giving all the advice any of us will ever need, all within a small novel. Twitter: https://twitter.com/ruthrootz Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ruthrootz/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ruthrootz/ Blog: Rootz’s Blog: https://blogbyrootz.blogspot.com Apple Podcasts: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/better-with-books/id1293449772?mt=2 Anchor: https://anchor.fm/betterwithbooks RadioPublic: https://play.radiopublic.com/better-with-books-WwDRqy Stitcher: https://www.stitcher.com/s?fid=185181 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCc-cBvKXkTgAyDLm7uYQaEQ?view_as=subscriber SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/betterwithbooks email: rootzmacbwb@gmail.com

    OCD Vs. OCPD, personal identity and Ferris wheels - Turtles All The Way Down

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 13, 2017 6:54


    Here I talk about Turtles All the Way Down, by John Green. I discuss the difference between OCD and OCPD and what it's like to live with OCPD, which I do. Twitter: https://twitter.com/ruthrootz Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ruthrootz/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ruthrootz/ Blog: Rootz’s Blog: https://blogbyrootz.blogspot.com Apple Podcasts: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/better-with-books/id1293449772?mt=2 Anchor: https://anchor.fm/betterwithbooks RadioPublic: https://play.radiopublic.com/better-with-books-WwDRqy Stitcher: https://www.stitcher.com/s?fid=185181 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCc-cBvKXkTgAyDLm7uYQaEQ?view_as=subscriber SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/betterwithbooks email: rootzmacbwb@gmail.com

    What is real beauty? What do we all have in common? - Behind The Beautiful Forevers

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 11, 2017 14:10


    In this episode my sister, Sharon, and I discuss the book Behind the Beautiful Forevers by Katherine Boo. Twitter: https://twitter.com/ruthrootz Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ruthrootz/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ruthrootz/ Blog: Rootz’s Blog: https://blogbyrootz.blogspot.com Apple Podcasts: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/better-with-books/id1293449772?mt=2 Anchor: https://anchor.fm/betterwithbooks RadioPublic: https://play.radiopublic.com/better-with-books-WwDRqy Stitcher: https://www.stitcher.com/s?fid=185181 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCc-cBvKXkTgAyDLm7uYQaEQ?view_as=subscriber SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/betterwithbooks email: rootzmacbwb@gmail.com

    WHAT IF YOU DON'T HAVE A PASSION?! - So Good They Can't Ignore You, Cal Newport

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 7, 2017 4:39


    What if you're like me and you don't have a passion-with-a-capital-p to follow? Then this message, and the book I talk about (So Good They Can't Ignore You, by Cal Newport), is for you. Twitter: https://twitter.com/ruthrootz Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ruthrootz/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ruthrootz/ Blog: Rootz’s Blog: https://blogbyrootz.blogspot.com Apple Podcasts: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/better-with-books/id1293449772?mt=2 Anchor: https://anchor.fm/betterwithbooks RadioPublic: https://play.radiopublic.com/better-with-books-WwDRqy Stitcher: https://www.stitcher.com/s?fid=185181 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCc-cBvKXkTgAyDLm7uYQaEQ?view_as=subscriber SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/betterwithbooks email: rootzmacbwb@gmail.com

    Becoming A Writer

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 5, 2017 4:14


    In this first episode I talk about the book that made me the student and thinker I am today: Becoming a Writer, by Dorthea Brande. I describe how Brande's ideas can make us more productive in all areas of our lives. Twitter: https://twitter.com/ruthrootz Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ruthrootz/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ruthrootz/ Blog: Rootz’s Blog: https://blogbyrootz.blogspot.com Apple Podcasts: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/better-with-books/id1293449772?mt=2 Anchor: https://anchor.fm/betterwithbooks RadioPublic: https://play.radiopublic.com/better-with-books-WwDRqy Stitcher: https://www.stitcher.com/s?fid=185181 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCc-cBvKXkTgAyDLm7uYQaEQ?view_as=subscriber SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/betterwithbooks email: rootzmacbwb@gmail.com

    Introduction

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 5, 2017 2:03


    Introducing my new podcast, Better With Books, where I and my occasional guests discuss books, the ideas inside of them and the way we can apply those ideas to our lives. Twitter: https://twitter.com/ruthrootz Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ruthrootz/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ruthrootz/ Blog: Rootz’s Blog: https://blogbyrootz.blogspot.com Apple Podcasts: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/better-with-books/id1293449772?mt=2 Anchor: https://anchor.fm/betterwithbooks RadioPublic: https://play.radiopublic.com/better-with-books-WwDRqy Stitcher: https://www.stitcher.com/s?fid=185181 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCc-cBvKXkTgAyDLm7uYQaEQ?view_as=subscriber SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/betterwithbooks email: rootzmacbwb@gmail.com

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