Michael Bungay Stanier hosts the podcast where brilliant people read the best two pages of a favourite book. Discover the best bits of the best books read by people you admire. 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.
Vicki Saunders reads from "Astonishing the Gods" by Ben Okri, and discusses the importance of radical generosity, building new systems, and the power of dreaming and intention in creating a better world.
Scott Young reads from "The Principles of Teaching Based on Psychology" by Edward Thorndike, and discusses what it is to learn, how our understanding of the process has changed over the years, and how you can learn more deeply, faster.
Kaya Thomas reads from Octavia Butler's essay "Positive Obsession" and discusses sustaining passion projects, staying true to your purpose, and the power of positive obsession.
Marc Brackett reads from Lisa Feldman Barrett’s “7 ½ Lessons about the Brain,” and discusses the importance of recognizing and understanding emotions, as well as the role of emotional intelligence in navigating feelings and interactions with others.
Jay Papasan reading from Steven Pressfield’s “Turning Pro,” and discussing the concept of transitioning from an amateur to a professional in one's craft, the sacrifices and mindset shifts required, and the importance of being deeply committed to one's true calling.
Amy Elizabeth Fox reading from "Attuned: Practicing Interdependence to Heal Our Trauma and Our World" by Thomas Hübl and discussing how to address trauma, both personal and collective, in leadership development.
Austin Kleon reading from Lynda Barry’s “What It Is,” and discussing the unique perspective of where words and images intersect.
With the new year, we’re doing something new with 2 Pages with MBS.
Modupe Akinola reading Genesis, Chapter 37, of the Bible, and discussing the importance of bringing your full self to work, embracing vulnerability, and building authentic relationships.
Dave Stachowiak reading from Dale Carnegie’s How to Win Friends and Influence People and discussing being a student, rather than a teacher.