Summer Content Recommendations

Back by popular demand – my highly curated list of summer content recommendations for TR readers.

Books

Inside the Box – David Epstein

By now, you’ve read, or should have read Range, David Epstein’s previous book and his paean to generalists (my reflections here). Now, he introduces us to an intriguing paradox – the unexpected power of constraints to inspire greater creativity and productivity. It’s his most Gladwellian, for better (an intriguing read) and worse (conspicuously tidy at times), but it will absolutely keep you thinking long after you’ve finished.  Bonus feature: the audiobook is read by the author, which I always prefer and applaud.

AI for Good – Josh Tyrangiel

I reviewed this book for the WSJ, and discussed in a recent TR, but it’s worth flagging again here because of its savvy focus on implementation challenges, and the many human-related barriers aspiring AI champions need to overcome.

A Giant Leap – Robert Wachter

Same story: I also reviewed this for the WSJ, and cited in passing in several TR columns (eg here). The book deserves highlighting  because of the unusually good job Dr. Wachter does in contextualizing not only AI but technology more generally within the complex process of healthcare delivery.

The Future of Seeing – Daniel Sodickson

Dr. Daniel Sodickson, the author of this wonderful account of the history of imaging, is (disclosure) a med school classmate and friend, and his deep knowledge, visceral enthusiasm, and wry humor practically leap from every page. He delivers a fascinating look at the past, present, and possible future of extraordinary imaging technologies – as well as a warm introduction to the people responsible.

The Way of Excellence – Brad Stulberg

Brad Stulberg, a prominent executive coach and popular writer and podcast host (“Excellence, Actually”) has written an appealing guide to performance excellence, one that eschews quick fixes in favor of sustained engagement. While shading a bit aphoristic and “coachy” for my taste, the underlying substance is remarkably solid and informed by evidence; there’s a real “there” there.

Outlive – Peter Attia

This book, by Dr. Peter Attia (whose reputation was tarnished this year after his association with Jeffrey Epstein was revealed) is on the list more than a year after we discussed the book in TR.  Why? Because while many physician-authors have written knowledgably about healthy living, Attia’s book seems to have motivated – truly lit a fire under — far more people (including more physicians) than most other similar books I’ve read, including many that (in my view) are scientifically on target with their shared lifestyle message of eat thoughtfully, move joyfully, and connect with friends and community. Somehow, in Attia’s hands, the message seems more compelling. I clearly don’t share his obsession with relentless optimization, but his book, together with some lessons from (David!) Epstein on constraints, make me wonder if there’s some real value in offering at least a modicum of gratuitous specificity.

Blogs

Two recommendations here, both available without charge: the always rigorous Ground Truths, from Dr. Eric Topol, and the recently-launched Substance Over Noise, from Dr. Michael Albert. 

Podcasts

Ground Truths: Eric Topol spends quality time with science newsmakers; he’s apparently become a mandatory stop for authors who’ve just launched a book. The happy result: consistently interesting and timely discussions.

Recommended recent episode: Topol’s chat with Sebastian Mallaby author of The Infinity Machine.

The Future of Everything: Stanford’s Russ Altman speaks with leading scholars (generally from Stanford) at the cutting edge of a range of fields, making for especially thoughtful discussions. 

Recommended recent episode: Altman’s conversation with communications professor Angèle Christin on influencers.

Business History: I’ve highlighted this show before, and it’s remained one of my favorites – tight, engaging stories about (yes), the history of a particular business.

Recommended recent episode: history of Veuve Clicquot champagne.

Acquired: Also previously recommended, and also still good – very deep dives into specific businesses.

Recommended recent episode: John Bogle and Vanguard – “the most effective vehicle ever created for participating in the fruits of American capitalism.”

Approved: This is a highly recommended, relatively new podcast hosted by Alex Kesin and Matthew Pech. Essentially “Acquired” but for FDA-approved drugs, the show features deep dives into the history of how the medicine came to be.

Recommended recent episode: history of Keytruda – a captivating story I’ve discussed in detail here (also referenced by the show).

The Happiness Lab: A return appearance by a perennial favorite. Hosted by Yale professor Laurie Santos, the show features thoughtful, accessible interviews with experts around topics in positive psychology.

Recommended recent episode: interview with Shawn Achor, author (most recently) of The Power of Beliefs.

NEJM-AI Grand Rounds: A podcast hosted by Raj Manrai and Andrew Beam, featuring discussions with leaders at the intersection of AI and medicine. I’ve highlighted the show before, and it remains excellent.

Recommended recent episode: fascinating discussion w Travis Zack, the CMO of Open Evidence (my TR on Open Evidence here).

Of course, TR readers will continue to enjoy and appreciate Luke’s always captivating interviews with biotech leaders on The Long Run.

Finally: have a great summer! Savor the opportunity to move outside, connect with family and friends, enjoy late dinners in the delightfully warm air. Find a few minutes to reflect on what’s most important to you, and pursue meaningful engagement – with people, ideas, interests, communities. 

Be kind and be well.  

– David