For busy PR and marketing professionals, finding time to read—whether for professional development or pleasure—can be a challenge. In this episode, hosts Karen Swim and Michelle Kane open up their own "to-be-read" piles to share the books currently on their stacks. They discuss a fascinating mix of titles covering everything from the impact of AI on customer behavior and social media's effect on our minds to the art of writing a funny speech and the power of mindset. This episode is packed with recommendations that will inspire you to think more deeply, understand your audience better, and even find humor in the everyday. If you're a book lover looking for your next great read or need some motivation to start that book you bought months ago, this conversation is for you.
Episode Highlights- (01:05) - Why PR pros often have a stack of books they intend to read but struggle to find the time.
- (02:26) - Michelle's first pick: Belonging: The Key to Transforming and Maintaining Your Success by Mark Schaefer, which explores how AI is changing customer behavior.
- (03:52) - Karen shares her first book, Stolen Focus: Why You Can't Pay Attention—and How to Think Deeply Again by Johann Hari, and discusses the importance of deep work.
- (06:47) - For a dose of humor, Michelle recommends How to Write a Funny Speech by Carol Leifer and Rick Mitchell, highlighting the intelligence behind good comedy writing.
- (08:27) - Karen’s second recommendation, The Chaos Machine: The Inside Story of How Social Media Rewired Our Minds and Our World by Max Fisher, and its relevance for communicators.
- (10:27) - Michelle discusses Inner Excellence: The Proven System for Empowering Your Habits, Overcoming Your Mental Blocks, and Raising Your Lasting Level of Performance by Jim Murphy, a book made famous by Philadelphia Eagles player AJ Brown.
- (12:22) - Karen's final book is Do the New You: 6 Mindsets to Become Who You Were Created to Be by Steven Furtick, a faith-based guide to personal transformation.
- (14:00) - The hosts reflect on the common theme of mindset in their book choices and its importance for solo professionals.
Books Mentioned in This Episode:
- How AI Changes Your Customers - Mark W. Schaefer
- Stolen Focus: Why You Can't Pay Attention—and How to Think Deeply Again - Johann Hari
- How to Write a Funny Speech... - Carol Leifer and Rick Mitchell
- The Chaos Machine - Max Fisher
- Do the New You: 6 Mindsets to Become Who You Were Created to Be - Steven Furtick
- Inner Excellence - Jim Murphy
- Kami Huyse - Follow Kami Huyse on LinkedIn for more great insights and recommendations.
That Solo Life is a podcast created for public relations, communication, and marketing professionals who work as independent and small practitioners. Hosted by Karen Swim, APR, founder of Words For Hire and President of Solo PR Pro, and Michelle Kane, Principal of Voice Matters, the show delivers expert insights, encouragement, and advice for solo PR pros navigating today’s dynamic professional landscape.
What book are you currently reading or what’s at the top of your stack? We want to hear from you! Visit SoloPRPro.com to share your recommendations. A
Popular Podcasts
Stuff You Should Know
If you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, then look no further. Josh and Chuck have you covered.
Ruthie's Table 4
For more than 30 years The River Cafe in London, has been the home-from-home of artists, architects, designers, actors, collectors, writers, activists, and politicians. Michael Caine, Glenn Close, JJ Abrams, Steve McQueen, Victoria and David Beckham, and Lily Allen, are just some of the people who love to call The River Cafe home. On River Cafe Table 4, Rogers sits down with her customers—who have become friends—to talk about food memories. Table 4 explores how food impacts every aspect of our lives. “Foods is politics, food is cultural, food is how you express love, food is about your heritage, it defines who you and who you want to be,” says Rogers. Each week, Rogers invites her guest to reminisce about family suppers and first dates, what they cook, how they eat when performing, the restaurants they choose, and what food they seek when they need comfort. And to punctuate each episode of Table 4, guests such as Ralph Fiennes, Emily Blunt, and Alfonso Cuarón, read their favourite recipe from one of the best-selling River Cafe cookbooks. Table 4 itself, is situated near The River Cafe’s open kitchen, close to the bright pink wood-fired oven and next to the glossy yellow pass, where Ruthie oversees the restaurant. You are invited to take a seat at this intimate table and join the conversation. For more information, recipes, and ingredients, go to https://shoptherivercafe.co.uk/ Web: https://rivercafe.co.uk/ Instagram: www.instagram.com/therivercafelondon/ Facebook: https://en-gb.facebook.com/therivercafelondon/ For more podcasts from iHeartRadio, visit the iheartradio app, apple podcasts, or wherever you listen to your favorite shows. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com
Dateline NBC
Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations. Follow now to get the latest episodes of Dateline NBC completely free, or subscribe to Dateline Premium for ad-free listening and exclusive bonus content: DatelinePremium.com