In this Mere Mortals book review, I tackle Right Thing, Right Now by Ryan Holiday, the third in his Stoic Virtue series. It’s a slower, deeper, more reflective book centred on justice, the virtue that’s hardest to sell and hardest to live by. I share why this wasn’t my favourite read, but why it might be the most meaningful one for the long game of life.00:00 – Intro & Context on the Stoic Virtue Series 00:30 – Book Stats: Length, Release Date, Structure 01:13 – Theme of Justice & Ryan’s Intentions 02:00 – Why Justice Isn’t a Popular Topic 02:56 – How This Book Differs from Others in the Series 04:04 – Tone, Chapter Layout & Personal Reflections 04:39 – Breakdown of the 3 Sections: Me, We, All 05:18 – A Slower, More Reflective Reading Experience 06:24 – Ryan’s Personal Notes & Writing it for His Kids 07:12 – Why Justice Becomes More Important with Age 07:55 – Final Thoughts & Rating (7.5/10) 08:13 – Who This Book is For (and Not For) 09:01 – Recommendations & Legacy Focus 09:19 – Political Themes & Why Some Might Not Enjoy It 10:00 – Closing Comments & Call to Action Connect with Mere Mortals:Website: https://www.meremortalspodcast.com/Discord: https://discord.gg/jjfq9eGReUTwitter/X: https://twitter.com/meremortalspodsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/meremortalspodcasts/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@meremortalspodcast Connect with Mere Mortals:Website: https://www.meremortalspodcasts.com/Discord: https://discord.gg/jjfq9eGReUTwitter/X: https://twitter.com/meremortalspodsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/meremortalspodcasts/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@meremortalspodcastsValue 4 Value Support:Boostagram: https://www.meremortalspodcasts.com/supportPaypal: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/meremortalspodcast
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10:42
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10:42
Adapt or Die: The Youth Spy Who Sparked a Passion for Discipline | Stormbreaker BOOK REVIEW
A 14-year-old is thrust into the shadow world of espionage, where every move is a fight to survive—and grow up fast.My book review on an oldie but a goodie, Stormbreaker by Anthony Horrowitz(00:00) – You're Never Too Young to Die(00:47) – First Encounter at 14(02:15) – Spy Fantasy Meets Realism(03:38) – Plot Recap & Absurd Action(05:41) – Philosophy: Adapt to Survive(07:18) – Final ReflectionsConnect with Mere Mortals:Website: https://www.meremortalspodcasts.com/Discord: https://discord.gg/jjfq9eGReUInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/meremortalspodcasts/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@meremortalspodcast Connect with Mere Mortals:Website: https://www.meremortalspodcasts.com/Discord: https://discord.gg/jjfq9eGReUTwitter/X: https://twitter.com/meremortalspodsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/meremortalspodcasts/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@meremortalspodcastsValue 4 Value Support:Boostagram: https://www.meremortalspodcasts.com/supportPaypal: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/meremortalspodcast
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8:25
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8:25
You Can’t Pour From an Empty Bucket: Real-World Laws for Life & Leadership
In this episode, I explore the concrete takeaways from The Diary of a CEO by Steven Bartlett. These aren’t abstract ideals—they're raw, lived-in lessons. From why your mind and body are your first foundation, to how meaningful questions shape behaviour, this reflection dives deep into the book’s most impactful ideas and challenges conventional wisdom around leadership, communication, and culture.(00:00) - Introduction to Learnings(00:35) - Core Values from the Introduction(01:18) - Less is More: Precision in Conversation(02:02) - Law 1: Fill Your Buckets in the Right Order(03:00) - Behavioural Psychology: The Power of the Right Question(04:33) - Law 9: Warren Buffett’s “Last Car” Analogy(06:05) - Law 10: Normality is Ignored, Absurdity Sells(07:22) - Law 11: Semantic Satiation Explained(08:23) - Law 14: Friction Creates Value(09:47) - Law 29: Building Company Culture with Intention(11:29) - Law 32: Treat People Differently, Not Equally(12:40) - Final Reflections & Send-OffConnect with Mere Mortals:Website: https://www.meremortalspodcasts.com/Discord: https://discord.gg/jjfq9eGReUInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/meremortalspodcasts/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@meremortalspodcast Connect with Mere Mortals:Website: https://www.meremortalspodcasts.com/Discord: https://discord.gg/jjfq9eGReUTwitter/X: https://twitter.com/meremortalspodsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/meremortalspodcasts/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@meremortalspodcastsValue 4 Value Support:Boostagram: https://www.meremortalspodcasts.com/supportPaypal: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/meremortalspodcast
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12:52
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12:52
33 Laws For Life & Business: A Tactical Review of Steven Bartlett's Philosophy
In this Mere Mortals book review, we dive into The Diary of a CEO by Steven Bartlett—an energetic, story-driven guide to business and life. This isn’t your typical theory-heavy read; it’s a tactical, quote-filled journey through 33 digestible laws forged from real experience. From mastering your skill set to navigating reputation and network, this book distils lessons from one of the most influential digital entrepreneurs of our time. Plus, a cheeky twist at Law 33 that'll make you rethink modern marketing.(00:00) - Intro & First Impressions(00:16) - The 5 Buckets: A Framework for Personal Growth(00:42) - Who is Steven Bartlett?(01:14) - The Book's Origins & Tone(01:41) - Structure of the 33 Laws(02:04) - Practical Design & Reading Flow(02:48) - A Look Inside: Quotes, Stories & Strategies(03:30) - Law 33: The Marketing Twist(04:45) - Comparing with Robert Greene's 48 Laws(05:53) - Tactical Takeaways & Effective Philosophies(07:08) - Which Laws Are Actually Useful?(07:45) - Who Should Read This Book?(08:21) - Honest Critiques & Closing Reflections(09:00) - Final Score & Send-OffConnect with Mere Mortals:Website: https://www.meremortalspodcasts.com/Discord: https://discord.gg/jjfq9eGReUInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/meremortalspodcasts Connect with Mere Mortals:Website: https://www.meremortalspodcasts.com/Discord: https://discord.gg/jjfq9eGReUTwitter/X: https://twitter.com/meremortalspodsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/meremortalspodcasts/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@meremortalspodcastsValue 4 Value Support:Boostagram: https://www.meremortalspodcasts.com/supportPaypal: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/meremortalspodcast
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9:33
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9:33
Mobs & Crazes | Extraordinary Popular Delusions & The Madness Of Crowds (Charles Mackay) BOOK REVIEW
The best example of human madness is found across the ages.'Extraordinary Popular Delusions & The Madness Of Crowds' by Charles Mackay is a mammoth examination of the most ridiculous crazes across history, whether they be funny, bad or horrendous. Charles details some of the more well known financial bubbles (South Sea, Mississippi, Tulip Mania) but also catalogues well known alchemists/magnetisers & mob activities (The Crusades, Witch Hunts, etc). The book is split into 15 chapters and I consider it a historical document of sorts.If you got value from the podcast please provide support back in any way you best see fit!Timeline:(00:00:00) Intro(00:02:32) Themes/Questions(00:28:09) Author & Extras(00:35:36) Summary(00:38:31) Value 4 Value(00:39:26) What's Coming Up Connect with Mere Mortals:Website: https://www.meremortalspodcasts.com/Discord: https://discord.gg/jjfq9eGReUTwitter/X: https://twitter.com/meremortalspodsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/meremortalspodcasts/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@meremortalspodcastsValue 4 Value Support:Boostagram: https://www.meremortalspodcasts.com/supportPaypal: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/meremortalspodcast
Hey we are the Mere Mortals and we review books of all genres/styles but with an emphasis on those that have stood the test of time (the 'classics' if you will). Join us on Weekly live episode on Thurs 11am AEST (Thurs 1am UTC+0) plus bonus episodes from my cohost Juan.
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