2 Pages with MBS

Michael Bungay Stanier
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2 Pages with MBS

Discover the best bits of the best books read by people you admire. Michael Bungay Stanier hosts the podcast where brilliant people read the best two pages of a favourite book. Listen as authors, leaders, activists, academics, celebrities, and entrepreneurs dig in with MBS to explore the insights and ideas within. Whether it’s books that inspire leadership, change, self-development and growth, power, strategy, ambition, productivity, or creativity and innovation - this is hand-curated wisdom from people who know. These are the books that change minds, shape lives, and inspire great work and worthy goals.

  1. 2 DAYS AGO

    206. The Pursuit of Joy and Contentment: Neil Pasricha [reads] “A Fraction of the Whole”

    Neil Pasricha reads from A Fraction of the Whole by Steve Toltz, a novel celebrated for its humour and philosophical musings and sharing insights on balancing ambition with contentment. He reflects on how embracing life’s uncertainties can lead to growth and joy. Neil discusses his journey from personal challenges to finding meaning in simple moments and the power of living authentically. Today's guest is Neil Pasricha, author of The Book of Awesome series and host of the 3 Books podcast, where he explores the 1,000 most formative books. Neil’s work centers on celebrating life’s small joys and finding happiness through simplicity. His reflections offer guidance on balancing ambition and cultivating contentment while navigating life's complexities. Neil’s reflections reveal the importance of stepping away from the noise, embracing vulnerability, and rediscovering what truly matters. Get book links and resources at 2pageswithmbs.com and subscribe to the 2 Pages newsletter at 2pageswithmbs.substack.com. Neil reads from A Fraction of the Whole by Steve Toltz, introducing its compelling, layered storytelling that resonated deeply with him. [Reading begins at 28:05] Hear us discuss: “Almost all problems are solved by going on a walk. Your body is soothed by something we have less of today than ever before: exposure to nature.” [13:02] | “Inside of me, there is always this wrestling match between ambition and contentment.” [17:17] | “Life is long if you know how to live it.” [23:45] | “Get more and more comfortable with feeling like if I were to lose everything, I would be okay. That’s kind of where you have to be.” [24:01] | “Keeping your thoughts as wide as possible is hard in an era of homogenization... Be wary of what you find through search and be seeking of what you find through serendipity.” [41:14]

    53 min

  2. NOV 5

    205. De-numbing from Tech: Greg M. Epstein [reads] “Once More to the Lake”

    Greg M. Epstein reads from E.B. White’s essay, Once More to the Lake, and Madeline Ostrander’s essay on the ethics of bringing children into a world facing climate uncertainty, reflecting on how nostalgia and future anxieties shape our understanding of legacy and purpose. He explores how our connections to the past and future influence not only how we experience the present but also how we find resilience in facing today’s challenges. Today’s guest is Greg M. Epstein, the Humanist Chaplain at Harvard and MIT and author of Good Without God. For two decades, Greg has built a community of secular and non-religious students and thinkers. He discusses how humanism, self-reflection, and embracing vulnerability can lead to meaning and connection, even in the face of existential challenges. Greg’s reflections offer insight into staying grounded and finding purpose amid overwhelming change. Get book links and resources at 2pageswithmbs.com and subscribe to the 2 Pages newsletter at 2pageswithmbs.substack.com. Greg reads from two essays: first, E.B. White’s Once More to the Lake, and then Madeline Ostrander’s How Do You Decide to Have a Baby When Climate Change Is Remaking Life on Earth? contemplating memory and time. [Reading begins at 14:27] Hear us discuss: “What if I could have, with the opportunities that were available to me, lived more deeply, appreciated more fully, connected more passionately, and done more to help others?” [04:27] | "I learned to feel regret at a young age... I regretted being who I was because I felt that it was incredibly important to be somebody else." [10:29] | "If we didn't grieve, if we didn't take time to feel deep sadness when we lose someone... then we wouldn't be paying them proper respect and in the sense we wouldn't be paying proper respect to the energy and time that we've invested in them. | “The pursuit of perfection is the biggest force taking us away from our ability to experience beauty and meaning.” [43:28]

    46 min

  3. OCT 22

    204. Climbing a Mountain: Frankie Thorogood [reads] “Tricks of the Mind”

    Today’s guest is Frankie Thorogood, an entrepreneur who has navigated the intersections of creativity, business, and sports. Frankie shares his insights on finding fulfillment, balancing ambition with self-acceptance, and how creativity has played a pivotal role in his personal and professional life. Frankie’s reflections bring insight into the complexities of leadership, balancing ambition with fulfillment, and finding joy in the process of creation. Get book links and resources at 2pageswithmbs.com and subscribe to the 2 Pages newsletter at 2pageswithmbs.substack.com. Frankie reads from Tricks of the Mind by Derren Brown, focusing on the idea of how we can reshape our thinking to redefine our limitations. [Reading begins at 24:00] Hear us discuss: "I don’t remember a lot of the times that I didn’t win, or I shift the memory and manipulate it so that I feel like I did win, even when I didn’t." [05:00] | "The goalposts very quickly shifted. All of a sudden, I needed more." [08:00] | "One thing, very work-specific, is letting go of the need to grow at all costs. I realized that if you're happy with your business and you enjoy the work, why push for relentless growth?" [13:00] | "I’ve tried to set a principle for myself: not to say yes to things out of guilt or fear. Do I want to attend this event? The answer is no, because I just don’t want to; I’d rather be at home." [15:00]

    49 min

  4. OCT 8

    203. Healing and Paradox: Dr. Angel Acosta [reads] “The Coming Wave”

    Today's guest is Dr. Angel Acosta, a leading voice in healing-centered education and leadership development. With a doctorate from Teachers College, Columbia University, Dr. Acosta is the founder of the Acosta Institute, a Fellow at the Mind & Life Institute, and the Director of the Garrison Institute's Fellowship Program. His work bridges social justice, mindfulness, and leadership, emphasizing the importance of healing-centered approaches in education and AI. Dr. Acosta’s journey is defined by his commitment to creating healing-centered learning environments that empower individuals and communities. Through his work, he explores the balance between the promise of technology and the necessity of cultivating spaces for reflection, connection, and personal growth. Get book links and resources at http://2pageswithmbs.com and subscribe to the 2 Pages newsletter at https://2pageswithmbs.substack.com. Dr. Acosta reads from The Coming Wave by Mustafa Suleyman, highlighting the duality of technological progress: its potential to unlock new possibilities and its risk of creating unintended consequences. [Reading begins at 20:41] Hear us discuss: "Healing isn't about reaching a final state; it’s a continuous process of restoration and grounding." [04:06] | "The disorientation from unprocessed experiences becomes a source of curiosity and growth." [05:54] | "Slowing down doesn't mean stopping; it's about checking for alignment as you move." [12:01] | "The fate of humanity hangs in the balance, and our challenge is to balance the promise and the peril of AI." [22:43]

    44 min

  5. SEP 24

    202. The Relationship Between Things: Jeremy Lent [reads] “Tao Te Ching”

    Jeremy Lent reading from the Tao Te Ching and discussing the importance of interconnectedness, the essence of a life-affirming civilization, and finding meaning beyond the material world. We discuss the complexities of existence, the influence of relationships, and how we can shape a future that values harmony with the environment. Today’s guest, Jeremy Lent, is an author and speaker exploring the roots of our civilization’s existential crisis and pathways to a life-affirming future. His award-winning books, The Patterning Instinct and The Web of Meaning trace the flaws of the dominant worldview and propose an integrative approach for a flourishing future. He founded the Deep Transformation Network, a global community focused on ecological civilization and deep transformation toward a regenerated Earth. Get book links and resources at http://2pageswithmbs.com and subscribe to the 2 Pages newsletter at https://2pageswithmbs.substack.com. Jeremy Lent reads two pages from Tao Te Ching by Lao Tzu. [reading begins at 20:53] Hear us discuss: “The spiritual path is about looking at how things relate to each other rather than focusing on the things themselves.” [06:40] | “To pursue learning, one increases daily. To pursue Tao, one decreases daily.” [23:22] | “The world is a spirit vessel which cannot be acted upon. One who acts on it fails.” [23:58] | “There is no calamity like not knowing what is enough, and he who knows what is enough will always have enough.” [26:58] | “We are all part of this nonlinear complex system that is human society.” [46:20]

    50 min

  6. SEP 10

    201. Be Your Free Self: Katherine Morgan Schafler [reads] “Big Magic”

    Katherine Morgan Schafler reads from Elizabeth Gilbert’s “Big Magic” and discusses creativity, perfectionism, and trusting yourself. We explore how we can balance striving for excellence while also letting go of control, and why we should show up for the work even when inspiration seems far off. Today’s guest, Katherine Morgan Schafler, is a psychotherapist, writer, and former on-site therapist at Google. She holds degrees from UC Berkeley and Columbia University and is certified by the Association for Spirituality and Psychotherapy in New York City. Get book links and resources at http://2pageswithmbs.com and subscribe to the 2 Pages newsletter at https://2pageswithmbs.substack.com. Katherine Morgan Schafler reads two pages from Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert. [reading begins at 23:48] Hear us discuss: “All people really want is a connection—to be seen, to see others, and connect.” [04:16] | “We don't understand the difference between self-worth and self-esteem.” [15:26] | “Progress is not linear; it’s two steps forward, seventeen steps back.” [38:07] | “There are many right ways to do something.” [19:47] | “If we can just keep showing up day after day after day, something will bloom.” [30:04]

    46 min

  7. AUG 27

    200. Awaken to Your Calling: Raj Sisodia [reads] “Gandhi: His Life and Message for the World.”

    Today’s guest, Raj Sisodia is the FEMSA Distinguished University Professor of Conscious Enterprise at Tecnológico de Monterrey and Co-Founder and Chairman Emeritus of Conscious Capitalism Inc. He is a renowned author and thought leader on the role of business in society. Get book links and resources at http://2pageswithmbs.com and subscribe to the 2 Pages newsletter at https://2pageswithmbs.substack.com. Raj Sisodia reads two pages from Gandhi: His Life and Message for the World. [reading begins at 16:39] Hear us discuss: “There’s always a better way. It doesn’t matter how good things already are.” [12:23] | “If you do the right thing, you don’t need to worry about the outcome.” [22:12] | “We must connect with the spirit and the heart, in addition to the mind and the wallet.” [38:20] | “To bring about a better world for all, we must heal ourselves first.” [40:48] | “The decade of determination: We have to make these changes and really pivot.” [35:16]

    48 min

  8. AUG 13

    199. How to be Hospitable: Will Guidara [reads] ‘Setting the Table.’

    Today’s guest is Will Guidara, author of the national bestseller Unreasonable Hospitality. Known for transforming Eleven Madison Park into the number one restaurant in the world, Will shares insights from his journey in the restaurant industry and beyond. Will embodies the delicate balance between two seemingly opposing forces: perfectionism and empowerment. As a former restaurateur and co-owner of Eleven Madison Park, he has always been passionate about creating memorable experiences through exceptional service. His book, Unreasonable Hospitality, is a testament to his belief in being as relentless in pursuing people as other restaurants are in pursuing product quality. Will reads two pages from Setting the Table by Danny Meyer, his first boss and a mentor who profoundly influenced his career. These pages capture the essence of Will’s leadership philosophy—what he calls "constant gentle pressure"—a method of maintaining excellence without sacrificing the dignity of those around him.  [reading begins at 17:54] Get book links and resources at http://2pageswithmbs.com and subscribe to the 2 Pages newsletter at https://2pageswithmbs.substack.com. Hear us discuss: "I made the choice to be as unreasonable in pursuit of people as the other restaurants on that list were solely in pursuit of product." [02:05] | "Hospitality and excellence are not friends. But if you pursue them both with persistence, you can achieve something truly remarkable." [09:29] | "Every superpower, if left unchecked, can be your villain story." [10:06] | "I pray the things that we are being forced to do today are things we choose to do tomorrow." [32:19] | "Ask yourself what right looks like and do that." [37:11]

    41 min
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4.9
out of 5
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About

Discover the best bits of the best books read by people you admire. Michael Bungay Stanier hosts the podcast where brilliant people read the best two pages of a favourite book. Listen as authors, leaders, activists, academics, celebrities, and entrepreneurs dig in with MBS to explore the insights and ideas within. Whether it’s books that inspire leadership, change, self-development and growth, power, strategy, ambition, productivity, or creativity and innovation - this is hand-curated wisdom from people who know. These are the books that change minds, shape lives, and inspire great work and worthy goals.

Information

  • Creator
    Michael Bungay Stanier
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2024
  • Episodes
    207
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2021

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