I went for a more catchy title for this post. It’s not a hundred percent accurate, but maybe it will generate some clicks. It’s actually four good blogs, e-courses, and podcasts that I’ve discovered. I hope you like them too!
Tim Ferriss: (Blog & Podcast) Ferriss has a list of questions that he relies on for each of his guests. His book, “Tribe of Mentors,” uses this list, but what makes that book so great is just how many people answered his request to pick some and reply for the book. The questions are intriguing. One example is, “How has a failure, or apparent failure, set you up for later success? Do you have a ‘favorite failure’ of yours?” The answers are revealing because A) can everyone answer the questions (from personal reflection), but B) the celebrities, athletes, and successful people he talks to give honest answers (we are learning from others’ mistakes). The book is a wealth of valuable advice and insight. There are dozens of people represented, and I enjoyed not only the answers, but also meeting and hearing from the lengthy list of achievers from different backgrounds.
American History Tellers (Podcast – iTunes, Spotify): Insightful history of America told with detail and embellished with stories that are sometimes from real-life, and sometimes made up, to help listeners understand what was happening at particular moments in history. Minimal advertising. Enlightening and a fun listen.
How to Listen to and Understand Great Music, 3rd Edition: (Audio Book/Class) This is a fascinating class/lecture series about what most people refer to as “classical music.” However, the professor/teacher clarifies the various periods of history so we can understand the differences in the music he plays for us. The professor has a very dry sense of humor, and I find myself laughing at his comments and descriptions often. Educational and fun.
Ryan Holiday: (Blog, Books) I’ve only recently discovered the writings of Ryan Holiday, but they have already made a big impact on me. My introduction to the Stoic philosophy was through his book “The Obstacle Is The Way,” which is a concise, easy, read that will leave you wanting more. I absolutely soaked up his lessons with gusto, and started reading other books by not only Holiday, but also the Stoic philosophers like, “Meditations” of Marcus Aurelius, “The Manual: A Philosopher’s Guide To Life,” and “The Art Of Living,” both by Epictetus. I’m trying to become better at living, at being a good person, and achieving goals I’m just learning to set for myself, and Holiday and the Stoics are a tremendous support system. I highly encourage everyone to read his books. You will not be disappointed if you enter into the relationship with an open mind.
