2 Pages with MBS
Discover the best bits of the best books read by people you admire. Michael Bungay Stanier hosts the podcast where brilliant people read the best two pages of a favourite book. 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.
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207. Final Pages: Michael Bungay Stanier [reads...
In this special final episode of 2 Pages with MBS, Michael bids farewell to his beloved podcast by reading from the Molly chapter of Ulysses by James Joyce—a masterpiece known for its stream-of-consciousness style and evocative conclusion.
8 min
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206. The Pursuit of Joy and Contentment: Neil P...
Neil Pasricha reads from A Fraction of the Whole by Steve Toltz, a novel celebrated for its humour and philosophical musings and sharing insights on balancing ambition with contentment.
52 min
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205. De-numbing from Tech: Greg M. Epstein [rea...
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.
46 min
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204. Climbing a Mountain: Frankie Thorogood [re...
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.
48 min
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203. Healing and Paradox: Dr. Angel Acosta [rea...
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.
43 min
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202. The Relationship Between Things: Jeremy Le...
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.
49 min
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201. Be Your Free Self: Katherine Morgan Schafl...
Katherine Morgan Schafler reads from Elizabeth Gilbert’s “Big Magic” and discusses creativity, perfectionism, and trusting yourself.
45 min
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200. Awaken to Your Calling: Raj Sisodia [reads...
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.
47 min
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199. How to be Hospitable: Will Guidara [reads]...
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.
40 min
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198. The Single Most Important Thing to Do: Kum...
Kumi Naidoo reading from “Dearest MaRiky” by Louisa Zondo.
47 min
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197. The Outsider on the Inside: Marcus Collins...
Marcus Collins reading from Dan Ariely's "Predictably Irrational."
49 min
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196. Seeking Home: Kassia St. Clair [reads] ‘Ho...
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.
40 min
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195. Seeking the Story Behind the Story: Lauren...
Lauren Crux reading from Mary Ruefle’s The Book, and discussing the concept of home, finding it in oneself, and the importance of nurturing friendships.
42 min
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194. From the Vault: The Light and the Dark of ...
W. David reading from Alfred, Lord Tennyson’s Ulysses, and discussing the anxiety of feeling like you peaked early in life and how to ensure that doesn’t become your reality.
48 min
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193. How to be Radically Generous: Vicki Saunde...
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.
39 min
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192. Learn Faster, Learn Better: Scott Young, A...
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.
47 min
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191. Obsessed (in a good way): Kaya Thomas [rea...
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.
36 min
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190. How Empathy Calms Anxiety: Marc Brackett, ...
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.
41 min
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189. Beware Your Shadow Career: Jay Papasan, au...
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.
56 min
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188. Frailty, Strength, and Leadership: Amy Eli...
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.
44 min
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187. The Hardest & Best Creative Question: Aust...
Austin Kleon reading from Lynda Barry’s “What It Is,” and discussing the unique perspective of where words and images intersect.
77 min
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186. New Year, New News, New Cow: MBS [reads] P...
With the new year, we’re doing something new with 2 Pages with MBS.
9 min
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185. The Power of Dreams and Authentic Leadersh...
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.
44 min
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184. Better Life Vault: Who do you serve?: Dave...
Dave Stachowiak reading from Dale Carnegie’s How to Win Friends and Influence People and discussing being a student, rather than a teacher.
49 min
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183. Better Life Vault: How to be *Really* Happ...
Stephanie Harrison reading from Śāntideva’s The Way of the Bodhisattva and discussing the pursuit of happiness.
43 min