The Reading Room

Books That Feed Your Inner Playfulness in a Healthy Way

Humor, Seriously

Why Humor is a Secret Weapon in Business and Life

by Jennifer Aaker & Naomi Bagdonas

There exists a mistaken belief in today’s corporate world: that we have to be serious all the time in order to be taken seriously. But the research tells a different story: that humor can be one of the most powerful tools we have for accomplishing serious things. Studies show that humor makes us appear more competent and confident, strengthens relationships, unlocks creativity, and boosts our resilience during difficult times. Plus, it fends off a permanent and unsightly frown known as “resting boss face.”

Top executives are in on the secret: 98 percent prefer employees with a sense of humor, and 84 percent believe that these employees do better work. But even for those who intuitively understand humor’s power, few know how to wield it with intention. That’s why Jennifer Aaker and Naomi Bagdonas teach the popular course Humor: Serious Business at the Stanford Graduate School of Business, where they help some of the world’s most harddriving, blazer-wearing business minds build levity into their organizations and lives.

Metabolic:

The Lure and the Lies of Processed Food, Nutrition, and Modern Medicine

by Robert H. Lustig, MD, MSL

You can’t solve a problem if you don’t know what the problem is. One of Lustig’s singular gifts as a communicator is his ability to “connect the dots” for the general reader, in order to unpack the scientific data and concepts behind his arguments, as he tells the “real story of food” and “the story of real food.”

Metabolical weaves the interconnected strands of nutrition, health/disease, medicine, environment, and society into a completely new fabric by proving on a scientific basis a series of iconoclastic revelations.

Making the case that food is the only lever we have to effect biochemical change to improve our health, Lustig explains what to eat based on two novel criteria: protect the liver, and feed the gut. He insists that if we do not fix our food and change the way we eat, we will continue to court chronic disease, bankrupt healthcare, and threaten the planet. But there is hope: this book explains what’s needed to fix all three.

Art & Soul Reloaded,

A Yearlong Apprenticeship for Summoning the Muses and Reclaiming Your Bold Audacious, Creative Self

by Pam Grout

With her trademark humor, enthusiasm, and no-nonsense guidance, #1 New York Times bestselling author of E-Squared Pam Grout invites you on a yearlong “apprenticeship” to recognize and unleash your innate creativity.

Making art does not necessarily mean painting a gallery-worthy still life or belting out a Grammy-winning song. It simply means finding a way to give your inner muse a voice in this world. Sure, there’s drawing, dancing, singing, and writing. But there’s also art to be made from creating your own pair of angel wings or inventing a new toy or curating your own at-home film festival.

Each week features a project of selfexamination, an inspirational message, a real-world example of a celebrity who has addressed similar obstacles, and three zany activities to awaken your infinite creativity.

It’s time to declare the beat of your own drum.

Join hosts Karen Calcenian and Sherri Richards for their weekly Podcast where they have inspiring and provocative conversations with their guests around all things supporting a Good Fat Life.

Thursdays at 11:00am EDT

“Living the Good Fat Life. With hosts Karen and Sherri. They’ll help everything align with your body soul and mind. The Good Fat Life, where change comes slow or dramatically. The Good Fat Life will help you sort things out organically...”