The Read Well Podcast: Episode 93 - "The Difference Between Reading and Learning"

Host: Eddy Hood
Release Date: March 24, 2025

Introduction

In Episode 93 of The Read Well Podcast, host Eddy Hood delves into a thought-provoking discussion titled "The Difference Between Reading and Learning." The episode challenges the conventional notion that merely reading books inherently makes us smarter. Instead, Eddy posits that true intellectual growth stems from how we engage with and utilize the knowledge gained from our reading endeavors.

Reading for Quantity vs. Quality

Eddy begins by addressing a prevalent mindset shaped by societal influences such as social media and popular culture:

Eddy Hood [02:30]: "We have been programmed by... we need to read a lot of books in order to equate to being a good human, an effective human, a successful human."

He critiques the obsession with the quantity of books consumed, highlighting that chasing numbers can often lead to superficial engagement with the material. Eddy shares a personal anecdote about reading James Baldwin's "Go Tell it on the Mountain" multiple times without fully internalizing its profound themes due to the pressure of meeting reading goals.

Eddy Hood [05:15]: "The moment I get to, like, I don't know, 90% through the book, my brain is already thinking, hmm, what book am I going to read next?"

This approach, according to Eddy, results in cognitive overcrowding, where the brain fails to adequately process and retain the essence of each book.

Making the Text Your Own

Transitioning from the pitfalls of quantity-driven reading, Eddy introduces the concept of "making the text your own." He emphasizes that true learning occurs when readers deeply engage with a book, allowing its ideas to resonate and integrate into their personal and intellectual frameworks.

Using "Go Tell it on the Mountain" as an example, Eddy explains how the book's exploration of identity, sexuality, and familial dynamics can offer profound insights when given the space to be thoroughly contemplated.

Eddy Hood [12:40]: "To make something my own means to sit with it like you would a friend."

He further illustrates this by recounting his experience with Shakespeare's "Macbeth." Unlike his previous superficial readings, Eddy undertook a deep dive into the play, dedicating extensive time to research, annotation, and analysis. This immersive approach enabled him to internalize the themes and character dynamics, transforming "Macbeth" from a mere story into a valuable source of inspiration for his own creative endeavors.

Eddy Hood [19:05]: "The deeper I got into that hole and I began researching... the text slowly started to become my own."

Practical Strategies for Effective Reading

Eddy offers actionable strategies for listeners to transition from passive reading to active learning:

1. Choose Thoughtfully: Select books that resonate deeply and are meaningful, rather than solely aiming to check titles off a list.

2. Allocate Sufficient Time: Just as a cake requires precise baking time, books need adequate time for ideas to "simmer" and for concepts to be fully absorbed.

   Eddy Hood [25:30]: "If you put all the ingredients in a bowl and you whip it up and you set the oven to 350... you really need to sort of sit in that text."

3. Engage with the Material: Use tools like note-taking and annotation to capture insights and reflections. Eddy encourages listeners to develop a personalized note-taking system that evolves with their reading habits.

   Eddy Hood [28:45]: "Your note-taking system is going to grow with you as a reader and as a thinker."

4. Apply the Knowledge: Beyond acquiring information, it's crucial to utilize it in practical ways. Whether through creative projects, personal development, or professional application, integrating learned concepts ensures that reading leads to tangible growth.

   Eddy Hood [33:20]: "Whatever you're reading, there's something in that book that you can use in your own life to make things better."

Balanced Approach to Reading

Eddy cautions against extreme approaches to reading, whether it's rushing through books at high speeds or over-analyzing to the point of burnout. He advocates for a balanced approach where readers commit to giving each book the attention it deserves without neglecting other valuable texts.

Eddy Hood [26:50]: "There is no fast forward button. And if you're thinking to yourself, I'm just going to rent my book on Audible and I'm going to listen to it at 4x speed... that's not the way to do this."

Community and Continued Learning

Towards the end of the episode, Eddy highlights the importance of community in fostering a deeper reading habit. He promotes the upcoming live release of Episode 100, complete with giveaways from his bookstore, and invites listeners to join his book club—a platform for collaborative learning and discussion.

Eddy Hood [41:00]: "If you're looking for a good group of friends to hang out with right now, the cost is just $9 a month, and it's a great time."

Additionally, he directs listeners to his website, thereadwellpodcast.com, where they can access daily posts, book notes, and tools designed to enhance their reading experience.

Key Takeaways

1. Quality Over Quantity: Prioritize deep engagement with each book over merely increasing the number of books read.
2. Make It Personal: Transform texts into personal knowledge by thoroughly understanding and internalizing their content.
3. Active Note-Taking: Develop a dynamic note-taking system to capture and reflect on key insights.
4. Apply What You Learn: Integrate the knowledge gained from reading into various aspects of your life for meaningful growth.
5. Engage with Community: Join reading groups and communities to enhance learning and share perspectives.

Memorable Quotes

• Eddy Hood [03:45]: "Do these books actually make us smarter or are we just reading for our egos?"
• Eddy Hood [12:00]: "You can make some studying... make it your own and... it's like ingrained in my brain, much like the English language."
• Eddy Hood [33:50]: "Whatever you're reading, there's something in that book that you can use in your own life to make things better."

Conclusion

In this insightful episode, Eddy Hood challenges listeners to rethink their reading habits by emphasizing the importance of active engagement and application over sheer volume. By adopting a mindful approach to reading, individuals can transform their interactions with books from passive consumption to active learning, thereby truly harnessing the power of literature to foster personal and intellectual growth.

For those looking to elevate their reading journey, The Read Well Podcast offers valuable strategies and a supportive community to guide them every step of the way.

Stay Connected:

• Website: thereadwellpodcast.com
• Book Club: Join for $9/month to participate in collective reading and discussions.
• Follow the Podcast: Available on all major platforms. Don't forget to like, subscribe, and rate to support the community!

Thank you for reading this summary of Episode 93. To dive deeper into cultivating a robust reading habit and transforming your learning experience, tune in to The Read Well Podcast with Eddy Hood.