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.
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.
Frankie Thorogood reads from Derren Brown’s Tricks of the Mind, reflecting on the power of reshaping our self-image and the limitations we place on ourselves through our thoughts.
Dr. Angel Acosta reads from Mustafa Suleyman’s "The Coming Wave," reflecting on the profound impact of advanced AI and biotechnology on society, the paradox between innovation and caution, and the pursuit of healing in a rapidly evolving technological landscape.
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.
Katherine Morgan Schafler reads from Elizabeth Gilbert’s “Big Magic” and discusses creativity, perfectionism, and trusting yourself.
Raj Sisodia reading from Louis Fischer’s “Gandhi: His Life and Message for the World,” and discussing the principles of nonviolence and truth in leadership, the balance between profit and purpose, and the constant challenge of integrating humanity into business.
Will Guidara reading from Danny Meyer’s “Setting the Table,” and discussing the balance between maintaining high standards and empowering those around you, and the constant tension between hospitality and excellence.
Kumi Naidoo reading from “Dearest MaRiky” by Louisa Zondo.
Marcus Collins reading from Dan Ariely's "Predictably Irrational."
Kassia St. Clair reading from John Day’s “Homing: On Pigeons, Dwellings and Why We Return,” and discussing the tension between putting down roots and being tied down and the fundamental dance between freedom and commitment.