Mere Mortals Book Reviews
Mere Mortals Book Reviews

Mere Mortals Book Reviews

Kyrin Down & Juan Granados

Overview
Episodes

Details

Hey I'm Kyrin and I review books of all genres/styles but with an emphasis on those that have stood the test of time (i.e., not recent releases). Join me as I cover the basic details before diving into the themes, ideas and learnings we can take away from the fascinating realm of literature. Weekly live episode on Thurs 11am AEST (Thurs 1am UTC+0) plus bonus episodes from my cohost Juan every now and then.

Recent Episodes

Elon Musk’s Reality Distortion: 8 Lessons from a Life of Obsession
DEC 20, 2024
Elon Musk’s Reality Distortion: 8 Lessons from a Life of Obsession
<p>&nbsp;I dive into Walter Isaacson's biography of Elon Musk, highlighting eight powerful learnings about Elon’s work ethic, team structure, reality distortion, and the maniacal sense of urgency that shaped his ventures. From OpenAI’s origins to "X" continuity, the insights offer an inspiring yet extreme look into innovation and grit.<br /><br />(00:00) - Welcome &amp; Intro: Learnings from Elon Musk<br />(00:53) - Steve Jobs Comparison: Creating Reality Distortion<br />(02:26) - Elon’s Childhood: Mixed Realities &amp; Influence on Leadership<br />(04:05) - The Vision of X.com: From 1999 to Twitter’s Reinvention<br />(06:17) - Team Structuring: Why Engineers Lead at Tesla &amp; SpaceX<br />(08:10) - The Urgency Principle: Unrealistic Timelines to Achieve Big<br />(10:37) - Success Under Insane Deadlines: The 6-Week Rocket Turnaround<br />(13:02) - OpenAI Origins: Elon Musk’s Early Collaboration with Sam Altman<br />(14:03) - The Algorithm: Musk’s Five Commandments for Success<br />(17:09) - The Raptor Meetings: Midnight Work Ethic &amp; Drive to Deliver<br />(18:05) - Final Reflections: Insane Yet Motivational Work Ethic<br /><br />Value 4 Value Support:<br />Boostagram: <a href="https://www.meremortalspodcast.com/support" target="_blank">https://www.meremortalspodcast.com/support</a><br />Paypal: <a href="https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/meremortalspodcast" target="_blank">https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/meremortalspodcast</a><br /><br />Connect with Mere Mortals:<br />Website: <a href="https://www.meremortalspodcast.com/" target="_blank">https://www.meremortalspodcast.com/</a><br />Discord: <a href="https://discord.gg/jjfq9eGReU" target="_blank">https://discord.gg/jjfq9eGReU</a><br />Instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/meremortalspodcast/" target="_blank">https://www.instagram.com/meremortalspodcast/</a><br />TikTok: <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@meremortalspodcastWelcome" target="_blank">https://www.tiktok.com/@meremortalspodcastWelcome</a> back to&nbsp;</p> <br /><br />Value 4 Value Support:<br />Boostagram: <a href="https://www.meremortalspodcast.com/support" target="_blank">https://www.meremortalspodcast.com/support</a><br />Paypal: <a href="https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/meremortalspodcast" target="_blank">https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/meremortalspodcast</a><br /><br />Connect with Mere Mortals:<br />Website: <a href="https://www.meremortalspodcast.com/" target="_blank">https://www.meremortalspodcast.com/</a><br />Discord: <a href="https://discord.gg/jjfq9eGReU" target="_blank">https://discord.gg/jjfq9eGReU</a><br />Twitter/X: <a href="https://twitter.com/meremortalspod" target="_blank">https://twitter.com/meremortalspod</a><br />Instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/meremortalspodcast/" target="_blank">https://www.instagram.com/meremortalspodcast/</a><br />TikTok: <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@meremortalspodcast" target="_blank">https://www.tiktok.com/@meremortalspodcast</a>
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18 MIN
A Sacrifice For The Greater Good | Ender's Game (Orson Scott Card) BOOK REVIEW
DEC 18, 2024
A Sacrifice For The Greater Good | Ender's Game (Orson Scott Card) BOOK REVIEW
<p>Is it moral to trick a willing participant in a deadly game?<br /><br />'Ender's Game' by Orson Scott Card is a sci-fi war scenario between humanity and hive mind insect aliens. Humanity survived two space battles but must prepare for the all important third. They recruit gifted children &amp; train them mercilessly to be strategic commanders in the International Fleet. Ender Wiggin is the most talented of the bunch and must do brutal things to save those he loves. It consists of 15 chapters mostly titled for an important person in the book.<br /><br />Huge thanks to Deezlaughs for supporting the show, it is very much appreciated!<br /><br />Timeline:<br />(00:00:00) Intro<br />(00:03:17) Themes/Questions<br />(00:16:18) Author &amp; Extras<br />(00:17:18) Summary<br />(00:21:00) Value 4 Value<br />(00:22:15) Join Live!</p> <br /><br />Value 4 Value Support:<br />Boostagram: <a href="https://www.meremortalspodcast.com/support" target="_blank">https://www.meremortalspodcast.com/support</a><br />Paypal: <a href="https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/meremortalspodcast" target="_blank">https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/meremortalspodcast</a><br /><br />Connect with Mere Mortals:<br />Website: <a href="https://www.meremortalspodcast.com/" target="_blank">https://www.meremortalspodcast.com/</a><br />Discord: <a href="https://discord.gg/jjfq9eGReU" target="_blank">https://discord.gg/jjfq9eGReU</a><br />Twitter/X: <a href="https://twitter.com/meremortalspod" target="_blank">https://twitter.com/meremortalspod</a><br />Instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/meremortalspodcast/" target="_blank">https://www.instagram.com/meremortalspodcast/</a><br />TikTok: <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@meremortalspodcast" target="_blank">https://www.tiktok.com/@meremortalspodcast</a>
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23 MIN
Inside the Mind of Elon Musk | Elon Musk BOOK REVIEW
DEC 13, 2024
Inside the Mind of Elon Musk | Elon Musk BOOK REVIEW
<p>&nbsp;Dive into Walter Isaacson's latest biography, Elon Musk, an in-depth exploration of the visionary entrepreneur's life, challenges, and unrelenting drive for innovation. This detailed review highlights the meticulous research and storytelling that captures Musk's complexity, motivations, and impact on industries ranging from space exploration to social media.<br /><br />(00:00) - Welcome &amp; Book Introduction<br />(00:30) - Comparing Isaacson's &amp; Vance's Biographies<br />(01:10) - Walter Isaacson: The Biographer's Credentials<br />(02:15) - Book Structure: A Deep Dive into 95 Chapters<br />(03:50) - The Early Years: Childhood and PayPal Mafia<br />(04:40) - SpaceX Beginnings: Overcoming Challenges<br />(06:20) - The Second Half: A Day-to-Day View of Musk<br />(08:00) - "Demon Mode": Musk's Work Ethic Explored<br />(09:15) - Relationships &amp; Personal Life: A Brief Look<br />(10:10) - Comparing Isaacson's Work to Others<br />(10:40) - Final Thoughts &amp; Personal Takeaways<br /><br />Value 4 Value Support:<br />Boostagram: <a href="https://www.meremortalspodcast.com/support" target="_blank">https://www.meremortalspodcast.com/support</a><br />Paypal: <a href="https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/meremortalspodcast" target="_blank">https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/meremortalspodcast</a><br /><br />Connect with Mere Mortals:<br />Website: <a href="https://www.meremortalspodcast.com/" target="_blank">https://www.meremortalspodcast.com/</a><br />Discord: <a href="https://discord.gg/jjfq9eGReU" target="_blank">https://discord.gg/jjfq9eGReU</a><br />Instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/meremortalspodcast/" target="_blank">https://www.instagram.com/meremortalspodcast/</a><br />TikTok: <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@meremortalspodcastWelcome" target="_blank">https://www.tiktok.com/@meremortalspodcastWelcome</a> back to&nbsp;</p> <br /><br />Value 4 Value Support:<br />Boostagram: <a href="https://www.meremortalspodcast.com/support" target="_blank">https://www.meremortalspodcast.com/support</a><br />Paypal: <a href="https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/meremortalspodcast" target="_blank">https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/meremortalspodcast</a><br /><br />Connect with Mere Mortals:<br />Website: <a href="https://www.meremortalspodcast.com/" target="_blank">https://www.meremortalspodcast.com/</a><br />Discord: <a href="https://discord.gg/jjfq9eGReU" target="_blank">https://discord.gg/jjfq9eGReU</a><br />Twitter/X: <a href="https://twitter.com/meremortalspod" target="_blank">https://twitter.com/meremortalspod</a><br />Instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/meremortalspodcast/" target="_blank">https://www.instagram.com/meremortalspodcast/</a><br />TikTok: <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@meremortalspodcast" target="_blank">https://www.tiktok.com/@meremortalspodcast</a>
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11 MIN
Cautionary Tales For Youngsters | The Fables Of Aesop (Aesop) BOOK REVIEW
DEC 11, 2024
Cautionary Tales For Youngsters | The Fables Of Aesop (Aesop) BOOK REVIEW
<p>Why do poor wolves and foxes get picked on?<br /><br />'The Fables Of Aesop' by Aesop are a series of extremely small stories (aka fables) with usually a proverb to sum them up. They are mostly told via animals interacting in various contexts, with certain animal species used to highlight human traits. Often times they are contradictory and require nuance to perceive the difference in similar situations. Highly enjoyable and perfect for kids with the illustrations as well.<br /><br />Huge thanks to Vratislav Karpisek for supporting the show, it is very much appreciated!<br /><br />Timeline:<br />(00:00:00) Intro<br />(00:02:42) Themes/Questions<br />(00:11:39) Author &amp; Extras<br />(00:15:58) Summary<br />(00:18:20) Value 4 Value<br />(00:20:59) Join Live!</p> <br /><br />Value 4 Value Support:<br />Boostagram: <a href="https://www.meremortalspodcast.com/support" target="_blank">https://www.meremortalspodcast.com/support</a><br />Paypal: <a href="https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/meremortalspodcast" target="_blank">https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/meremortalspodcast</a><br /><br />Connect with Mere Mortals:<br />Website: <a href="https://www.meremortalspodcast.com/" target="_blank">https://www.meremortalspodcast.com/</a><br />Discord: <a href="https://discord.gg/jjfq9eGReU" target="_blank">https://discord.gg/jjfq9eGReU</a><br />Twitter/X: <a href="https://twitter.com/meremortalspod" target="_blank">https://twitter.com/meremortalspod</a><br />Instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/meremortalspodcast/" target="_blank">https://www.instagram.com/meremortalspodcast/</a><br />TikTok: <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@meremortalspodcast" target="_blank">https://www.tiktok.com/@meremortalspodcast</a>
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23 MIN
Networks Of Secret Societies | The Square & The Tower (Niall Ferguson) BOOK REVIEW
DEC 4, 2024
Networks Of Secret Societies | The Square & The Tower (Niall Ferguson) BOOK REVIEW
<p>Can hierarchies exist in a world of networks?<br /><br />'The Square &amp; The Tower' by Niall Ferguson examines a selection of networks across history. In particular it focuses upon hierarchies &amp; how they operate compared to decentralised/distributed collections of people. You'll learn about nodes &amp; hubs, geopolitics of WW1/2, secret societies of Freemasons &amp; Illuminati, the connectedness of Kissinger &amp; James Watt, the East India shipping companies &amp; modern technological advances in communication.<br /><br />Would love to hear your feedback and appreciate any support you wish to give :)<br /><br />Timeline:<br />(00:00:00) Intro<br />(00:02:24) Themes/Questions<br />(00:17:02) Author &amp; Extras<br />(00:22:02) Summary<br />(00:24:47) Value 4 Value<br />(00:26:08) Join Live!</p> <br /><br />Value 4 Value Support:<br />Boostagram: <a href="https://www.meremortalspodcast.com/support" target="_blank">https://www.meremortalspodcast.com/support</a><br />Paypal: <a href="https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/meremortalspodcast" target="_blank">https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/meremortalspodcast</a><br /><br />Connect with Mere Mortals:<br />Website: <a href="https://www.meremortalspodcast.com/" target="_blank">https://www.meremortalspodcast.com/</a><br />Discord: <a href="https://discord.gg/jjfq9eGReU" target="_blank">https://discord.gg/jjfq9eGReU</a><br />Twitter/X: <a href="https://twitter.com/meremortalspod" target="_blank">https://twitter.com/meremortalspod</a><br />Instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/meremortalspodcast/" target="_blank">https://www.instagram.com/meremortalspodcast/</a><br />TikTok: <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@meremortalspodcast" target="_blank">https://www.tiktok.com/@meremortalspodcast</a>
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27 MIN