553: The Notebook: A History of Thinking on Paper with Roland Allen

I’ve been waiting for over a year to bring you today’s conversation and episode. That’s right. It was in the fall of last year that I got word on X about a new book coming out, all about the history of The Notebook.

roland allen

It indeed came out last fall…but only in the UK. It wasn’t slated to come out in the US until today, November 12th.

Turns out, it actually ended up releasing in the US a couple of months ago, an update that I missed. But no matter. I’m still “on schedule” as far as I’m concerned. 😉

And I’m thrilled and geeking out about an historical look at the journey the notebook has taken these last 800 years.

The author of The Notebook: A History of Thinking on Paper, Roland Allen, reveals the notebook’s surprising and profound influence. Our powerful connection with our notebooks matters, he says. In an age of AI and digital overload, the simple act of moving a pen across a blank pae can boost our creativity and mood—and continues to transform our ideas.

I hope you’ll click the play button below to learn more about Roland and his work. For a summary, just keep scrolling.

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552: Escape the 9-5, Create a Life You Love, and Still Pay the Bills with Marianne Cantwell (an Encore Presentation of Episode 286)

You know when you go outside on a pleasant day and there’s that perfect breeze in combination with just the right amount of warmth from the sun on your face?

That’s pretty much the same feeling you’ll get from hanging out with my guest today.

podcast artwork

Delightful, effervescent, fun, and cool (yes, cool) are all words I would use to describe her.

Her name is Marianne Cantwell and her book is called Be a Free Range Human: Escape the 9-5, Create a Life You Love, and Still Pay the Bills.

Marianne’s book is about much more than quitting your job and becoming your own boss. It’s about life on your own terms, working when, where; and how you want – so you don’t have to fit yourself into someone else’s box to make a great income.

Be a Free Range Human won’t just inspire you, it will give you unconventional and practical steps you need to discover what you really want to do with your life.

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551: How to Control Your Attention and Choose Your Life with Nir Eyal (an Encore Presentation of Episode 284)

Every so often, someone reaches out to me and says, “You’ve gotta talk to so-and-so.”

Sometimes I’m skeptical, but when it’s a good friend that is doing the talking, my ears perk up. That was the case when it was suggested I chat with today’s guest.

nir eyal

His name is Nir Eyal and he did not disappoint.

His new book is called Indistractable: How to Control Your Attention and Choose Your Life.

In it, he lays bare the secret of finally doing what you say you will do with a four-step, research-backed model.

Indistractable reveals the key to getting the best out of technology, without letting it get the best of us.

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550: This Is Strategy with Seth Godin

Today, we’re tackling a topic that’s often shrouded in mystery and perceived as exclusive to the corporate elite or military strategists: strategy. But as my guest argues, strategy is for everyone who desires to create positive change in the world.

Seth Godin’s latest book, This Is Strategy, is a thought-provoking manifesto that breaks down this seemingly complex subject into digestible concepts, revealing the power of time, games, empathy, and systems in shaping our world.

Through insightful answers and compelling examples, Seth encourages us to think differently about how we approach our work, our relationships, and the changes we seek to make.

Unfamiliar with Seth Godin? Where have you been?

He’s a renowned author, entrepreneur, and speaker, widely recognized for his insights on marketing, leadership, and the way ideas spread. He’s written over 20 bestselling books, including “This Is Marketing,” “Linchpin”, and “Purple Cow,” and his blog is a daily source of wisdom for millions worldwide.

Seth has a unique ability to cut through the noise and offer practical advice that empowers individuals and organizations to make a meaningful impact.

So, get ready to explore the fascinating world of strategy with Seth Godin.

I hope you’ll click the play button below to learn more about Seth and his work. For a summary, just keep scrolling.

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549: Unlocking Creativity: The Science of Brainstorming and Generating New Ideas

In this episode of Read to Lead, I dive deep into the fascinating world of creativity and innovation.

Challenging common myths about creativity being an innate gift reserved for a select few, this episode empowers listeners with scientific insights and practical strategies to unlock their creative potential.

For more on this topic, and for a summary of the episode, simply scroll down. To listen, just click the play button below.

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