The Mel Robbins Podcast: "4 Books That Will Change Your Life"
Host: Mel Robbins
Release Date: March 31, 2025
Episode Overview:
In this inspiring episode, Mel Robbins delves into four transformative books that have significantly impacted her life. Drawing from personal experiences and deep reflections, she shares why these books resonate with her and how they can similarly influence listeners. This episode serves as a heartfelt guide for anyone seeking personal growth, creativity, and a renewed sense of purpose through literature.
1. Introduction
Mel Robbins opens the episode by expressing her excitement to share four books that have profoundly changed her life. She highlights the significance of reading as a tool for personal transformation and connection with others. Mel emphasizes the joy of discovering books that not only entertain but also provide meaningful insights during pivotal moments.
Notable Quote:
"Books are just so magical because as you're sitting there reading or listening, you can get lost in a different world. It opens up your perspective."
— Mel Robbins [00:00]
2. The Book of Awakening by Mark Nepo
Overview:
Mel recommends "The Book of Awakening," a 20th-anniversary edition by Mark Nepo. This book comprises short, daily meditations designed to inspire and guide readers through life's challenges.
Why It’s Impactful:
- Daily Meditations: The book's structure allows readers to engage with it daily, offering flexibility and consistency in personal growth practices.
- Emotional Support: Mel shares how this book provided her with hope and encouragement during difficult times, particularly when her husband, Chris, struggled with depression.
- Gift of Comfort: She frequently gifts this book to others, likening it to a surrogate companion that offers support and connection.
Personal Story:
Mel recounts how the book helped her and her husband rebuild their lives from debt and despair, providing the necessary encouragement to move forward.
Notable Quote:
"Too often, we struggle stubbornly in an attempt to protect ourselves from the friction of being alive, when it is precisely that friction that works our spirit into a seeable gem."
— Mark Nepo, The Book of Awakening [12:30]
Timestamped Insight:
"When you're in that position in your life, it's easy to beat yourself up and convince yourself that your life is never going to feel different. This book just gave me so much hope."
— Mel Robbins [16:45]
3. The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho
Overview:
"The Alchemist" by Paulo Coelho is Mel’s second recommendation. It tells the story of Santiago, a shepherd boy on a quest to find treasure, embodying themes of self-discovery and destiny.
Why It’s Impactful:
- Universal Theme: The book emphasizes that the true treasure lies within oneself, encouraging readers to pursue their dreams with faith.
- Inspirational Backstory: Mel shares Paulo Coelho’s journey of perseverance despite initial failure and rejection, paralleling her own experiences with her books.
- Personal Connection: She connects deeply with the book's message of trusting oneself and the universe's role in aiding one's journey.
Personal Story:
Mel relates how reading this book during her first book inspired her to write "The Five Second Rule," reinforcing the idea that belief and persistence lead to success.
Notable Quote:
"When you want something, all the universe conspires in helping you to achieve it."
— Paulo Coelho, The Alchemist [27:15]
Timestamped Insight:
"I felt like I had made the world's biggest mistake. I hated law school the second I got there. This book opened up my eyes to a whole different possibility."
— Mel Robbins [35:10]
4. A Court of Thorns and Roses Series by Sarah J. Maas
Overview:
The third book recommendation is the "A Court of Thorns and Roses" series by Sarah J. Maas. This fantasy series captivated Mel, especially through its dramatic audiobook format.
Why It’s Impactful:
- Creative Escape: The series provides a thrilling escape into a richly constructed fantasy world, enhancing creativity and emotional intelligence.
- Engaging Format: Mel highlights the dramatic audiobook version, which offers an immersive, cinematic listening experience.
- Family Connection: Listening to this series with her daughters fostered a deeper bond and sparked her own creative ambitions.
Personal Story:
Mel describes how listening to this series with her daughters not only entertained them but also inspired her to consider writing her own fantasy book, demonstrating the power of shared literary experiences.
Notable Quote:
"It's like a completely transformative experience. There are actors, there are sound effects. It’s a movie in your ear."
— Mel Robbins [38:50]
Timestamped Insight:
"I became so invested in the characters. The sound makes you want to escape to the world. It awakens something as you're picturing what they're describing."
— Mel Robbins [40:10]
5. The Firm by John Grisham
Overview:
"The Firm" by John Grisham is Mel’s fourth and final recommendation. This legal thriller played a pivotal role in her realization that she wasn’t confined to a single career path.
Why It’s Impactful:
- Career Epiphany: Reading "The Firm" during her first year of law school illuminated the possibility of transitioning from law to writing, much like John Grisham did.
- Inspirational Author Backstory: Mel shares John Grisham’s journey from aspiring athlete to a bestselling author, emphasizing resilience and adaptability.
- Empowerment: The book reinforced her belief that one is not stuck in their current profession and can forge new paths aligned with their passions.
Personal Story:
Feeling trapped in law school, Mel found solace and inspiration in "The Firm," which showcased how a legal career could lead to creative endeavors, ultimately guiding her toward her own writing journey.
Notable Quote:
"Writing is still the most difficult job I've ever had, but it's worth it."
— John Grisham [52:30]
Timestamped Insight:
"Just because you've studied to do one thing or you dropped out of college and didn't study to do anything, doesn't mean you can't write a book."
— Mel Robbins [55:20]
6. Conclusion
Mel Robbins wraps up the episode by reiterating the profound influence these four books have had on her life. She encourages listeners to explore these recommendations, emphasizing that literature can be a powerful catalyst for personal growth and transformation. Mel underscores the importance of embracing one's internal treasures and trusting the journey that each person is on.
Notable Quote:
"There is a treasure inside of you, something uniquely yours, that can only be discovered by you. That is when the journey to go find it will actually begin."
— Mel Robbins [62:15]
Final Thoughts: Mel expresses her gratitude to her listeners for being part of her journey and hopes that these book recommendations will help them achieve their personal goals and create better lives for themselves.
Key Takeaways
- Personal Growth Through Reading: Engaging with diverse genres can foster personal development, creativity, and emotional resilience.
- The Power of Storytelling: Both personal and fictional narratives inspire individuals to pursue their dreams and overcome challenges.
- Shared Experiences Enhance Connections: Reading and discussing books with loved ones strengthens relationships and creates lasting bonds.
- Resilience and Adaptability: Embracing change and exploring new paths can lead to unexpected and fulfilling careers.
Resources Mentioned
- The Book of Awakening by Mark Nepo
- The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho
- A Court of Thorns and Roses series by Sarah J. Maas
- The Firm by John Grisham
Stay Connected:
For more empowering discussions and life-changing recommendations, subscribe to The Mel Robbins Podcast and follow Mel on Twitter @melrobbins.