I'd Rather Be Reading

I'd Rather Be Reading
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I'd Rather Be Reading

A podcast about the best nonfiction books hitting shelves today, hosted by journalist Rachel Burchfield.

  1. HACE 2 DÍAS

    Gretchen Rubin on Secrets of Adulthood, Happiness, Habits, and Her Deep Love of Reading

    Today I am chatting with one of my absolute favorite writers, the one and only Gretchen Rubin, about her forthcoming book Secrets of Adulthood: Simple Truths for Our Complex Lives, which comes out April 1. Gretchen writes here about the lessons she’s learned to making life more meaningful and satisfying, covering areas as wide ranging as self-improvement, adventure, the challenge of love, friendship, work, creativity, procrastination, tough decisions, pain, desire, getting it wrong, and consequences. The book teaches us, or reteaches us, about aphorisms, which Gretchen explains in today’s episode; we also talk about happiness, which is one of Gretchen’s chief topics she writes about, and she writes in the book that as to there being a so-called “secret to happiness” that “there’s no one best way—we each have to figure it out for ourselves.” In addition to happiness, much of Gretchen’s work centers around human nature and habits; we talk about her latest book but also some of her past work, too, as well as her #Read25in25 challenge, which I love. In addition to being a prolific writer, Gretchen is also an avid reader, and I hope by now she’s read the book I recommended to her on the show. You are probably already deeply familiar with her work—she’s written New York Times bestsellers like The Happiness Project, The Four Tendencies, Better Than Before, Outer Order Inner Calm, and Life in Five Senses, for starters—and she’s also a podcaster, hosting the top-ranked and award-winning “Happier with Gretchen Rubin.” Gretchen is one of the most forefront thought leaders out there today, and her books have sold a whopping 3.5 million copies worldwide and have been translated to more than 30 languages. Interestingly, Gretchen started her career in law, and realized she wanted to be a writer while she was clerking for none other than Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O’Connor. I can't wait for you to hear what Gretchen has to say. Secrets of Adulthood: Simple Truths for Our Complex Lives by Gretchen Rubin

    27 min

  2. HACE 3 DÍAS

    Jennifer Jones on Making History as the First African American Radio City Music Hall Rockette

    What an absolute honor it is today to have the first ever African American Rockette, the fabulous Jennifer Jones, here with me to talk about her new book Becoming Spectacular: The Rhythm of Resilience from the First African American Rockette, which comes out February 18. What a powerhouse woman Jennifer is. The Radio City Music Hall Rockettes had been in existence for 62 years in 1987, when Jennifer broke barriers and became the first African American Rockette. She made her debut with the Rockettes on January 31, 1988—which was also Super Bowl Sunday, which was in San Diego that year. Jennifer takes us inside that moment in today’s conversation; she writes, poignantly, “Making history rarely feels like it in the moment.” Jennifer talks about the struggles she faced and her rock-bottom moments as she worked to achieve this dream; what it was like to be the first; dance and what it has meant to her life; what life as a Rockette was like—and Jennifer would know, as she was one for 15 years; her life after the Rockettes, including joining the cast of the acclaimed Broadway production of 42nd Street; her diagnosis with cancer and how she made it to the other side; and how, in her words from the book, “As I age, I feel more alive than ever.” Quick correction: I said in the episode that Jennifer was given five months to live; it was actually five years to live—but she beat the odds regardless. The Rockettes are an iconic dance troupe, but Jennifer is an iconic woman, and I know you’re going to fall in love with her as I did in this conversation. She is a Tony Award-winning dancer, a staunch advocate for equal rights in the arts, and her work has been celebrated by the Harlem School of the Arts, Radio City Music Hall, and Madison Square Garden. She is a survivor of colon cancer, and she fiercely promotes early screenings. She’s also written a children’s book called On the Line, and there exists a Limited Edition Dancing Jenn Doll, which is reflective of her dedication to the arts. I am so thankful to now know her. Becoming Spectacular: The Rhythm of Resilience from the First African-American Rockette by Jennifer Jones

    31 min

  3. HACE 4 DÍAS

    Dr. Steven M. Gillon on How World War II Shaped Seven U.S. Presidents

    We have a really powerful conversation today from a second time guest—Dr. Steven M. Gillon is back to talk to us about the U.S. presidents who served in World War II (there are seven of them!) and what that service meant to their lives. The last time Steven was here, we were talking about his friend JFK Jr.; today we’re talking about Eisenhower, JFK, Johnson, Nixon, Ford, Reagan, and Bush 41 and how their service in World War II impacted them not just personally, but as president. If you do the math, Eisenhower took office in 1953 and George H.W. Bush left office in 1993, so that’s 40 years of the presidency shaped by this war. Today on the show Steven talks about the long shadow of World War II; which president’s war experience most stood out to him; how the men’s experiences in war differed, from Eisenhower as a general down to a teenage Bush; the power of service, either in war or in political office; how the war shaped them as men and as leaders; how their experience in war would later affect their foreign policy when president; the bond that serving in the war brought about amongst these men, even if they were political opponents; and so much more. Steven’s book, called Presidents at War: How World War II Shaped a Generation of Presidents, from Eisenhower and JFK Through Reagan and Bush, is out February 18, just in time for President’s Day the day prior. Steven is professor emeritus at the University of Oklahoma and a senior fellow at the Miller Center for the Study of the Presidency at the University of Virginia. He spent over two decades as scholar-in-residence at The History Channel, where he hosted shows, produced primetime documentaries, and consulted on projects. He is a New York Times bestselling author who has written more than a dozen books about modern American political and cultural history, including the bestsellers America’s Reluctant Prince: The Life of John F. Kennedy Jr. and The Pact: Bill Clinton, Newt Gingrich, and the Rivalry That Defined a Generation. I am so excited to have him back with us.  Presidents at War: How World War II Shaped a Generation of Presidents, from Eisenhower and JFK Through Reagan and Bushby Dr. Steven M. Gillon

    37 min

  4. 13 FEB

    Anna Goldfarb on What We All Need to Know About Modern Friendship

    Right on the heels of my power punch conversation about love and grief with Loren Ridinger is an equally power punch conversation with friendship expert Anna Goldfarb, here, appropriately, on Galentine’s Day to talk about friendship, which you all know has been a running theme throughout season 15. I found this conversation with Anna to be so soul-enriching — I truly felt that I had met a new friend through our conversation. Anna talks to us today about what she wishes more people knew about friendship; she shares a powerful anecdote about her father and an old friend of his — sadly, like me, Anna lost her father far too soon; how society isn’t set up to support adult friendships and how we can prioritize friendship in a world where so much is competing for our attention; why friendships need an “about” and how many friends we can realistically give our time to; the difference between bathtub friends, jacuzzi friends, swimming pool friends, bonfire friends, and water park friends; what to do when a friendship feels unbalanced and when expectations between friends aren’t lining up; how we can be better friends; how desire, diligence, and delight are three keys to a happy friendship; and so much more. Anna is the author of the bookModern Friendship: How to Nurture Our Most Valued Connections, which came out last June 4, and in it she puts forth the concept of “wholehearted friendship” and teaches us so many strategies for maintaining friendships, as well as making new ones. Anna’s explanation of active friendships versus memorial friendships was such a lightbulb moment for me — we have so much to learn from her. Anna is a journalist, author, and speaker specializing in the nuances of friendships, relationships, and pop psychology. Her work has appeared inThe New York Times, The Atlantic, TIME, VICE, The Cut, The Washington Post, Vox,Real Simple, and Oprah Daily, and she has a Substack, “Friendship Explained,” that explains friendship through a pop culture lens. I can’t wait for you to hear our conversation. Modern Friendship: How to Nurture Our Most Valued Connectionsby Anna Goldfarb

    43 min

  5. 11 FEB

    Loren Ridinger on Love, Grief, and the Loss of Her Beloved Husband, JR Ridinger

    Today on the show we have the fantastic Loren Ridinger, author of the new bookScrambled or Sunny-Side Up?: Living Your Best Life After Losing Your Greatest Love,which is out today, February 11. On August 30, 2022, Loren lost her husband of nearly 26 years, JR Ridinger, while they were on vacation in Croatia. JR, who along with Loren is a successful entrepreneur behind Market America, died suddenly of a pulmonary embolism. He and Loren had been together a total of 36 years, and Loren was left to navigate her overwhelming grief while also maintaining the company they built together. This is a memoir, but it’s also a relatable read to anyone going through grief — and I know that is so many of us. In addition to being a distinguished entrepreneur and cofounder of Market America, a leading global product brokerage and internet marketing company, Loren is also extremely well-connected and has a strong circle of celebrity friends; one friend, Serena Williams, even wrote the foreword for the book. The book’s title is so rich in meaning that I don’t want to spoil it — I want you all to get the power punch I did by reading the book’s pages. At its heart,Scrambled or Sunny-Side Up? is a love story. In this episode, Loren tells us about JR and their deep love and how he still shows up for her two-and-a-half years after his passing; she shares advice for those grieving and the lessons she’s learned; the worst things you can say to someone who is grieving; and how to live your dash. In addition to founding Market America with JR in 1992, Loren is CEO of Market America Worldwide | SHOP.COM and is also the creator of the cosmetic line Motives, is a dedicated philanthropist, and a sought-after speaker. She’s got so much wisdom to share with us. Scrambled or Sunny-Side Up?: Living Your Best Life After Losing Your Greatest Loveby Loren Ridinger

    32 min

  6. 9 FEB

    Dr. Cassie Holmes on the Intersection of Time and Happiness, Time Poverty, and How to Make the Most of Our Time

    Today is an extra special episode — it’s officially our 300th episode of the show! I am so proud of this. In an appropriate nod to reaching the milestone of 300 episodes, we’re talking today about how to make the most of our days, weeks, months, years — how to savor our time. We’re chatting with Dr. Cassie Holmes about her 2022 bookHappier Hour: How to Beat Distraction, Expand Your Time, and Focus on What Matters Most. In the book, Cassie puts forth that time is our most precious resource; in this conversation, we talk about time poverty and how it impacts a life; how she got started in this work; if having too much time on our hands is also a negative; effective time-crafting exercises like time tracking; how we are less happy when we’re distracted; treating our weekends like vacations; hedonic adaptation and what that means; and how her work is not necessarily about being time rich or making more time, but making the time that wedo have more rich. It’s not about how much time you have, necessarily, but how it’s spent. We also talk about why women feel more time poor than men, and how Cassie’s work helps us look back on our lives without regret, knowing we made the most of the time we have.Happier Hourhas become a massive hit since it came out, and I’m really excited to share it with you today. Cassie Holmes is a professor at UCLA’s Anderson School of Management, where she’s an award-winning teacher and researcher. Her work on the intersection of time and happiness has been featured everywhere fromThe New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, The Economist, NPR,The Washington Post, The Atlantic, and more, and she is a graduate of both Columbia and Stanford’s Graduate School of Business. Happier Hour: How to Beat Distraction, Expand Your Time, and Focus on What Matters Most by Dr. Cassie Holmes

    30 min

  7. 8 FEB

    Dr. Aditi Nerurkar on the Five Resets to Lessen Stress and Burnout in Your Life

    Stress and burnout are common and pervasive problems in our society. As today’s guest Dr. Aditi Nerurkar writes in her new bookThe 5 Resets: Rewire Your Brain and Body for Less Stress and More Resilience — which came out January 16 — “Stress and burnout aren’t the exception anymore, they’re the rule.” It turns out that we’re all trapped in the stress paradox, where we are completely isolated in our togetherness with stress. Today on the show we talk about that, as well as the five resets she outlines in her book: No. 1, Get Clear on What Matters Most; No. 2: Find Quiet in a Noisy World; No. 3: Sync Your Brain and Your Body; No. 4: Come Up for Air; and No. 5: Bring Your Best Self Forward. We pack so much in today’s episode, including explaining both the multitasking myth and the resilience myth; how not all stress is bad stress, necessarily; how critical digital boundaries are, as being hyperconnected is actually being disconnected; what popcorn brain is; and so much more. It’s a really interesting conversation, and we leave it with hope that no one’s stress is too far gone to be fixed. That’s right — no one! Dr. Nerurkar is a Harvard stress expert, nationally sought after speaker, and television correspondent, and writes that these five small but mighty mindset shifts can help us all overcome our stress. She is an expert in stress, burnout, resilience, and mental health, and her work has been featured inThe New York Times, The Washington Post, The Atlantic, Good Morning America, The Today Show, and NPR. She found that, even though stress plays a role in nearly 80 percent of doctor visits, only 3 percent of doctors actually offer stress management tips; her work closes that gap. If you’re ready to get rid of stress and burnout for good, this episode is for you.  The 5 Resets: Rewire Your Brain and Body for Less Stress and More Resilienceby Dr. Aditi Nerurkar

    24 min

  8. 7 FEB

    Lynne Peeples on How Paying Attention to Our Circadian Rhythm Can Improve Our Quality of Life

    I’m excited to have on the show today Lynne Peeples to discuss her bookThe Inner Clock: Living in Sync with Our Circadian Rhythms,which came out last September 24. This book examines how the science of circadian rhythms can help us all sleep better, feel happier, and improve our overall health, and how modernization like artificial light, time zones, and eating late at night can really disrupt our internal clocks. Today we chat with science journalist Lynne Peeples — who even spent time in a Cold War-era bunker to research for this book — about what circadian rhythm is, anyway; how timing is everything, and what feeling in sync with our inner clock feels like — as well as what feeling out of sync feels like; how too little light during the day and too much light at night (think blue light) can impact us; how we can align our sleep to our inner clock rhythm and what we can do if, say, our work schedule makes that impossible; our chronotypes and why alarm clocks really contribute to us working against our internal time; social jet lag and its impact on a life; and why time-restricted eating is really beneficial. There are so many small shifts we can make in our lives by paying attention to circadian science, and they can really help improve our overall quality of life. Here to walk us through it is Lynne, a former staff reporter atThe Huffington Post whose writing has appeared inThe Guardian, Scientific American, Nature,The Atlantic, and other publications. Before she became a writer, she was a biostatistician for HIV clinical trials and environmental health studies, and she holds master’s degrees in biostatistics from the Harvard School of Public Health and in science journalism from New York University.  The Inner Clock: Living in Sync with Our Circadian Rhythms by Lynne Peeples

    28 min
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A podcast about the best nonfiction books hitting shelves today, hosted by journalist Rachel Burchfield.

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  • Creador
    I'd Rather Be Reading
  • Años de actividad
    2021 - 2025
  • Episodios
    305
  • Clasificación
    Apto
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    © I'd Rather Be Reading
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    I'd Rather Be Reading

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