Booked in this episode:

1. "Unreasonable Hospitality" by Will Guidara - Discussed for its exemplary depiction of hospitality in the restaurant industry, including insights from the operation of Eleven Madison Park and the founding of Shake Shack. - https://amzn.to/3RUtCyh
2. "Extreme Ownership" by Jocko Willink - Highlighted for its valuable leadership lessons derived from Navy SEAL experiences, emphasizing total accountability in leadership. - https://amzn.to/4dzvoPK
3. "Poor Charlie's Almanack" by Charlie Munger - Recommended for its deep dives into business and investment wisdom, reflecting Charlie Munger's extensive career and philosophy. - https://amzn.to/3TDeCHE
4. "Show Your Work" by Austin Kleon - Praised for its approach to creativity and sharing one's creative process, this book encourages artists to expose the behind-the-scenes of their work to organically build an audience. - https://amzn.to/4acncSR
5. "Toxic Prey" by John Sandford - Noted for its engaging narrative in the thriller genre, offering a dual perspective between the criminal and the law. - https://amzn.to/4acmGnT
6. "Million Dollar Weekend" by the founder of AppSumo - Outlined as a guide for entrepreneurs to rapidly test and validate business ideas over a single weekend. - https://amzn.to/3y7PAIh
7. "Wild" by Cheryl Strayed - Shared as an inspiring memoir about personal discovery and resilience, chronicled through the author’s solo hike across the Pacific Crest Trail. - https://amzn.to/4b5PHmz
8. "The Light We Carry" by Michelle Obama - Recommended for its hopeful messages amidst contemporary social and political challenges, delivered through a series of personal stories and insights. - https://amzn.to/44wLdma
9. "Slow Productivity" by Cal Newport - Currently being read; discusses the pitfalls of traditional productivity metrics for knowledge work and advocates for a more sustainable, thoughtful approach. - https://amzn.to/3JQuwsH
10. "The Fish That Ate the Whale" by Rich Cohen - Currently being read; explores the intriguing and tumultuous history of the banana industry through the life of Sam Zemurray. - https://amzn.to/4btJIrt

Hosts: Jeff Hilimire and Adam Walker

Episode Title: Why We Read and Why We Podcast About It

Duration: Approximately 8 minutes

Overview:

In this inaugural episode, Adam and Jeff introduce their new podcast centered on their love for reading. They delve into the personal reasons behind their reading habits and discuss the transformative impact of reading on their lives as entrepreneurs, family men, and individuals. The episode sets the stage for future discussions about book recommendations, learning through literature, and maintaining reading discipline.

Key Points Discussed:

1. Purpose of the Podcast:

• To share books that have significantly impacted the hosts' lives.
• To help listeners identify valuable books and advise which ones might not be worth their time.

2. Personal Reading Insights:

• Jeff reads primarily to learn from others' experiences, finding solace and education in autobiographies and biographies which help him grow as a leader and entrepreneur.
• Adam’s journey to reading more consistently started from a challenge to read daily, leading to substantial personal growth and a broader reading spectrum.

3. Reading as a Discipline:

• Both hosts discuss the discipline involved in regular reading. Adam mentions his method of tracking reading time daily, which helps him maintain consistency.
• Jeff shares his struggle with maintaining a similar pace, emphasizing the variability in reading habits.

4. Future Podcast Goals:

• The podcast aims to be a resource for quality book recommendations.
• It seeks to foster a community of readers who are keen on personal and professional growth.
• The hosts plan to hold each other accountable to high reading standards and consistent content delivery.

Conclusion:

This episode effectively sets the tone for a thoughtful and engaging podcast series that explores the profound effects of reading on personal growth and entrepreneurial success. Future episodes are anticipated to provide valuable insights into book selections and foster a community of like-minded readers.