Book Wise

If you grew up watching Nickelodeon in the late 2000s/early 2010s, you probably remember the smash hit iCarly, starring Jennette McCurdy.Though McCurdy appeared sunny and cheerful; her personal life was anything but.Growing up with an overbearing, emotionally abusive mom-ager — McCurdy developed several harmful coping mechanisms. However, her issues didn’t evaporate with the death of her mother. McCurdy would find herself locked in a years-long losing battle with addiction, depression, anxiety, and eating disorders.She would live to tell the tale. But the battle scars are visceral.On this episode of Book Wise, Britt Brewer aka Dr. Books explores McCurdy’ tragic upbringing through the lens of:1. Her fraught relationship with the creator of iCarly and Nickelodeon2. A tormented upbringing with her Mom slash manager3. Her continued battles with disordered eatingSo check your nostalgia at the door, ’cause things are about to get really real.Books mentioned: • “I’m Glad My Mom Died” by Jennette McCurdyUnlock unlimited learning for your team. Learn more at bookclub.com.

Alexei Navalny, the fearless Russian opposition leader who stood up to Vladimir Putin’s regime, leaves behind a legacy of courage and resilience. His posthumous memoir, “Patriot,” offers an unflinching look into his relentless fight against oppression.In this episode of Book Wise, host Britt Brewer a.k.a. Dr. Books, takes you through Navalny’s revolutionary story.Get a rare glimpse into:1. His unfiltered insights on Putin2. What he says about the war on Ukraine3. His hard-won wisdom for those standing against oppression.For anyone inspired by the fight for freedom, this episode is essential listening.Books mentioned: • “Patriot” by Alexei NavalnyUnlock unlimited learning for your team. Learn more at bookclub.com.

Are you plagued by daily ruminations such as….Why do I feel so crappy at the end of the day? Why am I crying alone in the bathroom? Is that colleague being funny… Or am I actually being bullied by them?!If so, there’s a good chance you might be the victim of workplace bullying.To explore this topic, our host Book Wise host Britt Brewer AKA Dr. Books will summarize and contextualize some of the book, Back Off! Your Kick-Ass Guide to Ending Bullying at Work by author and expert Catherine Mattice.If you suspect that you’re being bullied, we’re going to cover:1. Bullying Behaviors2. Reasons You Might Be Targeted by a Bully?3. And What You Can Do?So breathe easy. Tune in. And relax. You’re safe now.Unlock unlimited learning for your team. Learn more at bookclub.com.

In this episode of Book Wise, host Britt Brewer AKA Dr. Books tackles the modern struggle of living in the present. Are we all just too busy to notice life happening right now?With the help of Eckhart Tolle’s game-changing book “The Power of Now,” Britt dives into how staying present can lead to more joy, less stress, and even better leadership. It’s not just about “mindfulness” – it’s about making every moment count, whether you’re at work, at home, or somewhere in between.But seriously, how do you stay present when your to-do list looks like a novel? Britt’s got three no-nonsense tips to help you hit pause on the chaos and refocus on the here and now.Books mentioned: • “The Power of Now: A Guide to Spiritual Enlightenment” by Eckhart TolleUnlock unlimited learning for your team. Learn more at bookclub.com.

Are Narcissism and Narcissistic abuse major problems in society today?Unless you’ve been living under a rock for the past few years – you’ve likely heard some of the discourse around both.Never fear – we’ve got THE definitive take - It’s Not You: Identifying and Healing from Narcissistic People - from author and PHD haver: Ramani Durvasala – an expert on both narcissism and narcissistic abuse; particularly within interpersonal relationships.On this upside of Book Wise, host Britt Brewer AKA “Dr. Books” will answer these three questions:1. How do you know someone is a narcissist?2. What does narcissistic abuse feel like?3. And finally, how do you get out of it?And this one goes so in-depth, we made it a two-part barn burner!Unlock unlimited learning for your team. Learn more at bookclub.com.

Are Narcissism and Narcissistic abuse major problems in society today?Unless you’ve been living under a rock for the past few years – you’ve likely heard some of the discourse around both.Never fear – we’ve got THE definitive take - It’s Not You: Identifying and Healing from Narcissistic People - from author and PHD haver: Ramani Durvasala – an expert on both narcissism and narcissistic abuse; particularly within interpersonal relationships.On this upside of Book Wise, host Britt Brewer AKA “Dr. Books” will answer these three questions:1. How do you know someone is a narcissist?2. What does narcissistic abuse feel like?3. And finally, how do you get out of it?And this one goes so in-depth, we made it a two-part barn burner!Unlock unlimited learning for your team. Learn more at bookclub.com.

Everybody is talking about Ozempic, Wegovy, and other weight loss drugs, but what’s the truth behind the hype?On this episode of Book Wise, host Britt Brewer AKA Dr. Books will cover everything you need to know about these weight loss drugs. How they came to be? How they work? And, what are a few of the major risks associated with them?We’ve got the definitive take from one of the most trusted voices in the field, Johann Hari from his new book: "Magic Pill: The Extraordinary Benefits and Disturbing Risks of the New Weight-Loss Drugs."Books mentioned:• “Magic Pill: The Extraordinary Benefits and Disturbing Risks of the New Weight-Loss Drugs” by Johann HariUnlock unlimited learning for your team. Learn more at bookclub.com.

On this, *errr,* rather *steamy* episode of Book Wise, host Britt Brewer AKA Dr. Books takes on the topic of intimacy in long term relationships.Citing well-researched and thoughtful insights from author and renowned sex educator Emily Nagoski’s latest book, "Come Together: The Science (and Art!) of Creating Lasting Sexual Connections," Dr. Books will reveal just what it takes to reignite the boudoir flame.So if you and your loved one have found yourselves in the ol’ “eating pants+pizza n’ ice cream DoorDash order+midAFNetflix series” rut -- you’re not alone! But never fear, there’s hope for you to turn that hashtag couch life into a sexy new wave French cinema montage. So grab a beret and a pack of Gauloises, and as Victoria Beckham once sang, “people of the world, spice up your life!”Books mentioned:• “Come Together: The Science (and Art!) of Creating Lasting Sexual Connections” by Emily NagoskiUnlock unlimited learning for your team. Learn more at bookclub.com.

What does it mean to bear witness to injustice? Never before have humans had such access to firsthand accounts of global resistance due in large part to social media and technology.But for award-winning American poet and editor Carolyn Forché — witnessing injustice first hand meant being in the fog of war herself, as it unfolded before her in real time.On this episode of Book Wise, our host Britt Brewer AKA Dr. Books explores themes of injustice, resistance, and compassion by taking us through Forché’s extraordinary, best-selling book, “What You Have Heard Is True: A Memoir of Witness and Resistance.”You’ll learn the importance of trusting your gut, self-reliance, the courage of a few brave souls, and the revolutionary act of compassion.For those who seek justice in a world of injustice — this episode is for you.Books mentioned:• “What You Have Heard Is True: A Memoir of Witness and Resistance” by Carolyn ForchéUnlock unlimited learning for your team. Learn more at bookclub.com.

Have you ever found yourself lying in bed, doom-scrolling through TikTok, wondering why the heck you’re still awake at 3 am looking at Caesar salad wrap recipes?Well, my friend, you're not alone—and it turns out there's a whole generation feeling this way. On this episode of Book Wise, Britt Brewer a.k.a. Dr. Books dives into Jonathan Haidt’s eye-opening bestseller “The Anxious Generation: How the Great Rewiring of Childhood is Causing an Epidemic of Mental Illness” to examine how social media is rewiring the young minds of today, leading to some not-so-fun stuff like mental health decline, body image issues, and (ugh) cyber bullying.But don’t worry, this isn’t a total downer of an episode! Dr. Books will also be sharing four practical steps that you can take to help combat the chaos of being “too online,” especially for young folks. So close that Insta tab for a sec, put down the phone, and get ready to dive deep into the swirling vortex of modern technology and its impact on mental health.Books mentioned:• “The Anxious Generation: How the Great Rewiring of Childhood is Causing an Epidemic of Mental Illness” by Jonathan HaidtUnlock unlimited learning for your team. Learn more at bookclub.com.

Have you recently found yourself at a company offsite thinking …. Am I about to be indoctrinated into some freaky cult as soon as we circle back from this deep dive thought shower slash mandatory team yoga?The answer, to quote the title of a super mid rom com starring Ryan Reynolds, is…. Definitely Maybe.On this episode of Book Wise, host Britt Brewer AKA Dr. Books sheds a light on the cult-like attributes of modern society through the lens of Amanda Montell’s thoroughly enjoyable book, “Cultish: The Language of Fanaticism.” Dr. Books will highlight a few cult-y red flags planted throughout regular, everyday life, such as work, self-help/wellness, and online communities.Don’t be scared! But do get educated! And remember, if a poor man’s Steve Carrell invites you to a weird upstate compound and simply insists you play volleyball with him at 10pm — just say no!Books mentioned:• “Cultish: The Language of Fanaticism” by Amanda MontellUnlock unlimited learning for your team. Learn more at bookclub.com.

On this episode of Book Wise, host Britt AKA Dr. Books delves into the shelves of Taylor Swift’s bookcase, to discuss T Swi’s fave 3 books based on the real lives of real people.Part armchair therapist, part soothsayer, part pop culture historian — Dr. Books entertains a few working theories around just WHY Taylor might love these books.We’re talkin’ tabloid marketing, bucking societal norms, rock star myth making, Jake Gyllenhaal, Maggie Gyllenhaal, and an online movement known as “Gaylor Swift.”Yup, much like Degrassi, the Canadian soap starring a young Drake, it goes there. Books mentioned:• “Furious Love: Elizabeth Taylor, Richard Burton, and the Marriage of the Century” by Sam Kashner & Nancy Schoenberger• “Wonderful Tonight: George Harrison, Eric Clapton, and Me” by Pattie Boyd and Penny Junor• “Eat, Pray, Love: One Woman's Search for Everything Across Italy, India and Indonesia” by Elizabeth GilbertUnlock unlimited learning for your team. Learn more at bookclub.com.

On this episode of Book Wise, our host Britt Brewer AKA “Dr. Books” reviews Nancy Pelosi’s new book, The Art of Power.But fear not dear listeners, this is NO snooze fest book report. Dr. Books will explore the title through 3 of the biggest, boldest, most bada$$ power broker trade secrets as shared by Nancy Pelosi — one of the greatest power brokers of American political history.We’ll learn how Madame Speaker wielded power for DECADES, and how YOU can ascribe to some the same core tenets of leadership and influence — even outside of a career in politics.So hear ye, hear ye (see what I did there? Audio comedy!) order, order, order, and queue the (figurative) gavel pounding. This podcast is IN session!Books mentioned:• “The Art of Power” by Nancy PelosiUnlock unlimited learning for your team. Learn more at bookclub.com.

On this episode of Book Wise, Britt opens up her third eye, dusts off her heart chakras, and delves into the meaning of life with radio veteran Gary Scott, currently a producer of the hit true crime series Small Town Dicks, and former longtime Program Director at KCRW — LA’s iconic public radio station. This cat knows his stuff.And Britt and Gary don’t shy away from heady topics — like the prose of Joan Didion, or the secret machinations of power in America.This one’s for the tru heads, ’cause tru heads know best. Can ya dig it mannnnnnn?Books mentioned:• “Light in August” by William Faulkner• “Slouching Towards Bethlehem” by Joan Didion• “One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest” by Ken Kesey• “Wildland” by Evan Osnos• “Tractatus Logico-Philosophicus” by Ludwig WittgensteinUnlock unlimited learning for your team. Learn more at bookclub.com.

On this episode of Book Wise, Jonathan Munk talks to Britt Brewer about a book that made a huge impact on both his life and career, “How Will You Measure Your Life?” by Clayton Christensen.As always, our Book Wise hosts dig into the weeds — from death bed confessions, to what truly matters in life, and how the U.S. presidential race between Obama and McCain had a level of civility, and well, not-weirdness, that’s increasingly harder to come by these days.Oh, and Britt even treats Munk to an impromptu Broadway audition he definitely did NOT see coming, or even ask for at all. Ever.So go ’head and lock the gate, ’cause things are about to get…. Not exactly weird, per se, maybe more entertaining? Thought-provoking? Sporadically humorous, and…? You know what, just listen, okay, it’s good, we swear.Unlock unlimited learning for your team. Learn more at bookclub.com.

The term sociopath has long been considered a label given only to those living in the shadows of society — typically hardened, violent criminals. But those are the sociopaths who acted on their disorder. What about the sociopaths who don’t? The ones who perform surgery? Or get elected to office? Or hover a wee bit too close to you in line at Sweetgreen, just insistent upon extra arugula?On this episode of Book Wise, Britt Brewer AKA Dr. Books recommends a buzzy new memoir, "Sociopath," to a caller who’s worried they might just be one.Throughout the book, author, PhD, and self-identified sociopath Patric Gagne traces her early life into adulthood; from a nascent murmur of anti-social thoughts, to a slew of petty crimes, to a startling diagnosis, and yes, even to love.And Dr. Books doesn’t just review the book — she answers some very big questions about the nature of sociopathy, and even shares a few jaw-dropping statistics.So pull up a chair, pop that corn, and In the eternal words of Eve, “let me blow ya mind.”Unlock unlimited learning for your team. Learn more at bookclub.com.

Before J.D. Vance catapulted into the spotlight, he was a bestselling author. On this episode, we’ll give you the scoop on his 2016 book, “Hillbilly Elegy: A Memoir of a Family and Culture in Crisis.”Britt Brewer is joined by BookClub CEO Jonathan Munk, who sets the scene for Vance’s upbringing in a small Ohio town hit hard by the decline of American manufacturing. How does Vance rise against so many odds to become Trump’s running mate? What does his story tell us about the hardships that so many Americans face? And what role do housing policy and privilege play in all of this?For a quick download on Vance and a deeper understanding of life in the Rust Belt, this Book Wise episode is for you.Unlock unlimited learning for your team. Learn more at bookclub.com.

On this episode of Book Wise, host Britt Brewer, A.K.A. “Dr. Books,” takes a call from a listener debating one of the timeless questions: is success more about talent or hard work?Dr. Books’ top recommendation to settle the debate is Outliers by Malcolm Gladwell. We break down success stories and answer questions like: What led to Fleetwood Mac's record-breaking success? Could Mozart rely solely on his prodigious talent? And in the end, was all that hard work worth the brain injury for Rocky?If you're intrigued by what truly drives success, you won't want to miss this episode!Books mentioned:• “Outliers: The Story of Success" by Malcolm Gladwell• “The Tipping Point: How Little Things Can Make a Big Difference" by Malcolm Gladwell• “Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance" by Angela Duckworth• "Drive: The Surprising Truth About What Motivates Us" by Daniel H. PinkUnlock unlimited learning for your team. Learn more at bookclub.com.

On this episode of Book Wise, our host Britt Brewer A.K.A. “Dr. Books” takes a caller from the request line in search of an aspirational, hardscrabble, up-from-the-boot-straps type of book.Dr. Books’ ultimate suggestion is “Educated” by Tara Westover. But the good doctor pairs her final pick with some outstanding, aspirational memoir genre-type runner-ups.So, if you’re a reader who’s heart swells when reading about the triumph of the human spirit, then this episode of Book Wise is most definitely for you!Books mentioned:• “Educated” by Tara Westover• “The Glass Castle” by Jeannette Walls• “The Other Wes Moore: One Name, Two Fates” by Wes MooreUnlock unlimited learning for your team. Learn more at bookclub.com.

On this episode, Britt Brewer welcomes popular BookTok influencer John-Paul Kunrunmi (@jpreads6) to discuss groundbreaking titles on queerness by some of the most thought-provoking BIPOC authors of our time.What did bell hooks have to say about queerness? Is being queer really a revolutionary act? And what does sex have to do with politics? Britt and John-Paul open up about their own experiences, contemplate climbing Mount Everest, and even summon the voice of wisdom from none other than James Baldwin.Tune in for some vulnerable real talk that will bring you a new perspective on queerness that you can bring to your work and community at large.Books mentioned:• “Revolutionary Acts: Love & Brotherhood in Black Gay Britain” by Jason Okundaye• “Punch Me Up to the Gods” by Brian Broome• “The Sex Lives of African Women” by Nana Darkoa Sekyiamah• “In the Shadow of the Mountain” by Silvia Vasquez-Lavado• “Giovanni’s Room” by James BaldwinUnlock unlimited learning for your team. Learn more at bookclub.com.