[1] Delivering Good Taste
Why read this? Seth Godin reminds us to serve what people want to eat.
[2] Why Tipping is Everywhere
Why read this? The trend isn't going to stop, but maybe we can understand why.
[3] The Friendship Recession
Why watch this? Research reveals that we need to hang out more.
[4] This Food Does Not Exist
Why read this? This isn't an article, just an important reminder that AI generation will continue to change everything.
[5] Book Recommendation: Setting the Table
Why read this? Danny Meyer understands the importance of restaurant hospitality. From high-society fare to Shake Shack, his lessons apply across industries. Before you buy, click here for some of my highlights from the book.
[6] When Boldness Won a Gold Medal and Changed a Sport
Why read this? Dick Fosbury died last month. I love his story.
[7] From Me: A Broader Understanding of Stewardship
Why read this? I've been studying the ways in which we handle our resources. This post in a series on generosity provides a biblical framework for understanding it.
Thought Thread: Stop
[1] Stop Fighting. Make Friends
Why read this? Abandoning the adversary approach will better resolve our conflicts.
[2] Not a Morning Person? That's OK
Why read this? We shouldn't force ourselves into someone else's rhythm.
[3] The Perfect Organizational One-Liner
Why read this? My friend Kenny urges us to communicate with clarity.
[4] Stop Worrying and Embrace Lists
Why read this? Our writing can improve if we admit the wisdom of Buzzfeed.
[5] Book Recommendation: Quit
Why read this? Annie Duke is a retired poker player with a unique perspective. Before you buy, click here for some of my highlights from the book.
[6] Phrases You're Using Wrong
Why read this? The favorite rant of an old professor of mine was "begs the question."
[7] From Me: We Were Young
Why read this? The passing of a close friend forced me to consider missed opportunities.
Thought Thread: Local
[1] The Importance of Location in a Digital Age
Why read this? While brick and mortar may seem to be dying, it still has sway.
[2] The Declining State of Friendship
Why read this? People are feeling lonelier. They need spaces for connection.
[3] Use Suffering to Get Stronger
Why watch this? Video of a secular view of suffering that, in some ways, sounds biblical.
[4] Neighborhoods with More Dogs are Safer
Why read this? When you find that late-night barking annoying, see the upside.
[5] Book Recommendation: A Church of House Churches
Why read this? I met Jason last year and appreciated his unique perspective on church structure. Before you buy, click here for some of my highlights from the book.
[6] Why Does Everything Look the Same?
Why read this? The possibility of a bland future looms large on the horizon.
[7] Lost Wallets With Cash Are More Likely to be Returned
Why read this? Apparently feeling like a thief makes more people feel bad
Thought Thread: Messy
This Thread: Messy
Thanks for reading my links this year. Merry Christmas!
[1] Creativity Without Chaos
Why read this? How can you explore new ideas without losing the script?
[2] The Genius of Messi Just Walking Around
Why read this? If you enjoyed the World Cup, this explains the tactic of its best player.
[3] The Art of Imperfection
Why read this? It's OK if things don't work out the way we wished it had.
[4] Why Our Brains Get Depressed in the Winter
Why read this? Admit the reality of seasonal affective disorder and combat it.
[5] Book Recommendation: A Divine Language
Why read this? The structure of math brings an old student closer to God. Before you buy, click here for some of my highlights from the book.
[6] The Fall of FTX and Effective Altruism
Why read this? Understand the philosophy foundational to this generation's Enron.
[7] From Me: Christmas Time in the City
Why read this? The Christian Standard asked that I share a holiday memory.
Thought Thread: Digital
[1] Understand the Newest Version of Artificial Intelligence
Why read this? Last week, OpenAI released ChatGPT. These acronyms mean little to many but leaders need to wrap their minds around the rapidly transforming digital landscape and how it will impact the way we live. It's so new that there's not a lot of good content about ChatGPT but this article is a decent primer.
[2] The Age of Social Media is Ending
Why read this? Something I've been saying a lot lately: the issue is bigger than Elon.
[3] An Email From Bill Gates
Why read this? I came across this article from 1993 recently and was intrigued at how the Microsoft founder envisioned the future.
[4] E-books Wear Out Before Physical Books
Why read this? I still prefer digital but I'll admit to its flaws.
[5] Book Recommendation: So You've Been Publicly Shamed
Why read this? In a digital area, it's incredibly easy to kill someone's reputation. Before you buy, click here for some of my highlights from the book.
[6] Electric Cars vs. AM Radio
Why read this? Despite a US Senator's efforts, the AM dial's days are numbered.
[7] From Us: Be the Difference
Why listen to this? I was thankful that Back2Back asked my wife and I to discuss our ministry journey. Still reflecting on where the Lord has brought us.
Thought Thread: Horizon
[1] Social Media Isn't Dying: It's Changing
Why read this? Elon Musk's acquisition of Twitter affirms this shift.
[2] Your Favorite Restaurant Closes Earlier Now
Why read this? It hasn't bothered me. I like an early dinner.
[3] Why Are Pop Songs Getting Sadder?
Why read this? Taylor Swift's latest album merely follows a trend in music.
[4] Don't Seek Feedback
Why read this? I'm always intrigued by provocative content. Not sure I buy this.
[5] Book Recommendation: A Beautiful Constraint
Why read this? There are times we need to embrace limits placed upon us. Before you buy, click here for some of my highlights from the book.
[6] Productivity is Trending Downward
Why read this? We're less productive but assessing white-collar output is challenging.
[7] From Me: A Change is Gonna Come
Why read this? We need to admit that the times, they are a'changing.
Thought Thread: Adversary
[1] Embrace Adversarial Collaboration
Why read this? You need to. Daniel Kahneman won a Nobel prize for this kind of cognitive research. Leaders engaging our rapidly changing culture must understand how to make challenging decisions while accepting that opposition isn't always bad. This is a long read but applying this to your work could be transformational.
[2] Science vs. God: A False Choice
Why read this? A secular perspective of why science doesn't need to deny a Creator.
[3] The Fight over "THE"
Why read this? Why did Ohio State University try to trademark a common word?
[4] When Leaders Avoid Conflict
Why read this? Learning to fight well is an important soft skill.
[5] Book Recommendation: Weapons of Math Destruction
Why read this? Just because "the data proves it" doesn't mean it's right. Before you buy, click here for some of my highlights from the book.
[6] The Rise of Lonely, Single Men
Why read this? I've been asking leaders about this in recent weeks.
[7] Best Year End Ever
Why read this? For church leaders: my friends Kenny and Rich are collaborating with Carey Nieuwhof to help your end-of-year giving push.
Thought Thread: Beneath
[1] Four Habits of People Always Learning
Why read this? I'm a huge proponent of self-improvement. This tells you how it's done.
[2] The Great Regression
Why read this? Dissecting the trend of adults who prefer to act like children.
[3] Paul McCartney's Freakish Memory
Why read this? As a Beatles fan, this background on the songwriter is a great read.
[4] Listening through Headphones Increases Connection
Why read this? If you need to retain information, put in your AirPods.
[5] Book Recommendation: The Thing Beneath the Thing
Why read this? My friend Steve helps us see that understanding the roots of our struggles can set us free. Before you buy, click here for some of my highlights from the book.
[6] Chess is Just Checkers Now
Why read this? Computers have ruined what was once the most cerebral game.
[7] Tiny Stories, Massive Impact
Why read this? I appreciate a view of how the little things make all the difference.
Thought Thread: Regret
[1] From the Great Resignation to the Great Regret
Why read this? Apparently the outcome of job swaps was a net loss.
[2] How Smart People Sabotage Their Own Success
Why read this? Sometimes we're the ones we should be regretting.
[3] Spouses Know Us Best
Why read this? Our partners make a fairly accurate assessment of who we are.
[4] More People Get Their News From Social Media
Why read this? Research reveals that digital is becoming the source for news.
[5] Book Recommendation: The Power of Regret
Why read this? I'll read anything Pink writes. This is another great one. Before you buy, click here for some of my highlights from the book.
[6] Anxiety? Go to a Museum
Why read this? An unexpected way to help ourselves through tough times.
[7] From Me: COVID, Broadway and the Future of the Church
Why read this? Lessons learned from the troubles of the theater industry.
Thought Thread: Withstand
[1] What Kind of Procrastinator Are You?
Why read this? Knowing why you don't get tasks accomplished is important.
[2] How to Build Your Resilience
Why read this? Fifteen ways to prepare yourself for tough times.
[3] Leaders Should Read More Fiction
Why read this? I prefer non-fiction, but I'm trying to push myself to try new things.
[4] How the Next Gen Uses the Web
Why read this? Young folk are using social apps more than Google to search for stuff.
[5] The Elephant in the Room
Why read this? My friends Pete and Shara are staring down cancer. I'm thankful that they're journaling this online so we all can learn through their journey.
[6] Book Recommendation: Survival of the City
Why read this? Edward Glaeser considers how the pandemic will impact the future of urban areas. Before you buy, click here for some of my highlights from the book.
[7] Do We Even Need Business Cards Anymore?
Why read this? Raised lettering? Pale nimbus? Is this the end of an era?
Thought Thread: Subtract
[1] Vacations Aren't Enough
Why read this? Came across this article from last summer and it's still relevant. If you're feeling burnt out, time off isn’t the magical solution.
[2] The "Quiet Quitting" Trend
Why read this? The next generations have decided to set up stronger work boundaries.
[3] How to Decrease Collaboration on Purpose
Why read this? Not sure if I subscribe to this hot take but it's thought provoking.
[4] Midwesterners are the best tippers
Why read this? Insights surrounding post-COVID dining habits.
[5] Book Recommendation: Subtract
Why read this? We should consider if we'd be better off with a little less. Before you buy, click here for some of my highlights from the book.
[6] Burnout, Perfectionism, and Identity [Unseminary Podcast]
Why listen to this? Two of my friends have a vulnerable conversation about stepping back, reevaluating self, and moving forward in grace.
[7] The Golden Age of the Aging Actor
Why read this? I still haven't seen the new Top Gun but this writer sees a trend.
Thought Thread: Purpose
[1] The Difference Between Happiness and Meaning
Why read this? I recently found this older Scientific American article. The author tackles what's typically a "faith-based" topic from a purely secular position.
[2] Why Gen Z Loves Subtitles
Why read this? I now know why my teen insists we close-caption our Disney+ shows.
[3] How Do I Motivate My Team?
Why read this? Purpose and productivity start with emotional connections.
[4] Are You A Naïve Realist?
Why read this? A long read on our cognitive biases from a research perspective.
[5] Book Recommendation: Deep Purpose
Why read this? Every organization needs to grapple with why they exist. Before you buy, click here for some of my highlights from the book.
[6] The Sound of Colleagues
Why read this? Do you work from home? Here's some ambient office noise for you.
[7] From Me: The Story of Three
Why read this? Why I'm a fan of grouping things into triads.
Thought Thread: Invention
[1] Entrepreneurs Won't Tell the Truth
Why read this? Why do inventors struggle with lying?
[2] Has Yellowstone Created a Housing Crisis?
Why read this? Who knew a television show could be so influential.
[3] Unglamorous American Inventions
Why read this? The humidifier, glue, and eyelash enhancers display American ingenuity.
[4] Why Emotional Leaders are the Future
Why read this? Reinventing your leadership? Be more sensitive.
[5] Book Recommendation: The Greatest Invention
Why read this? Consider the importance of writing. Before you buy, click here for some of my highlights from the book.
[6] The World is Made of Math
Why read this? As a Christian, I'm continually fascinated by God's most amazing creation for which he gets little credit: math.
[7] Why it Pays to Play Around
Why read this? This scientific article suggests you goof off more.
Thought Thread: Build
[1] The Myth of the Overnight Success
Why read this? Constructing brilliant ideas takes time.
[2] Leading vs. Participating
Why read this? A tech veteran clarifies the need for leaders to spur results.
[3] Are Teens Changing the Movie Business?
Why read this? The Gentle-minions movement could be a sign of things to come.
[4] Rituals, not Routines
Why read this? A secular plea for creating structures and patterns in our life.
[5] Book Recommendation: Build
Why read this? The lead designer of the iPod/iPhone dispenses his wisdom on making stuff. Before you buy, click here for some of my highlights from the book.
[6] Do National Parks Have a Squirrel Problem?
Why read this? If you're traveling this summer, beware of these cute rodents.
[7] From High School Dropout to Poet to Math Genius
Why read this? This is a long and complicated read but it's my favorite story this month. The Field Medal is basically the Nobel Prize/Olympics in the field of mathematics. One of this year's winners had an unusual path to the honor. His journey is a reminder of our capacity to become someone we never envisioned.
Thought Thread: Analog
[1] Write One Sentence Per Line
Why read this? This digital advice might just help you write better.
[2] Set the Conditions to be Creative
Why read this? Environment plays a significant role in cultivating creativity.
[3] The End of the Office
Why read this? Seth Godin thinks collaboration no longer requires cubicles.
[4] What's the Perfect Office Temp?
Why read this? If the office does survive, you’ll want to be comfortable.
[5] Book Recommendation: Analog Church
Why read this? Published in March 2020, a prophetic perspective of the post-pandemic world. Before you buy, click here for some of my highlights from the book.
[6] Price VS. Cost-per-use
Why read this? As inflation grips us, here's a different view of frugality.
[7] From Me: Finding a Good Coffee Shop
Why read this? Life's too short to drink bad coffee.
Thought Thread: Thoughts
[1] Success Won't Make You Happy
Why read this? Many of us want to be achievers, but is it an unattainable goal?
[2] Dimensions of Curiosity and Curious People
Why read this? Be curious, not judgmental.
[3] Hidden Forces of Radical Hope
Why read this? A long form secular piece advocating for our reliance on hope.
[4] The Art of Noticing
Why read this? My attention span is often too short. I needed this reminder.
[5] Book Recommendation: Halftime: From Success to Significance
Why read this? I read this almost two decades ago, long before it applied to me. How do you strategize the second part of your career? Before you buy, click here for some of my highlights from the book.
[6] Brain-washing During Sleep
Why read this? If you pride yourself on minimal hours of sleep, you may be missing out.
[7] From Me: Is Napoleon Dynamite a Brilliant Movie?
Why read this? Sometimes I tackle the truly challenging topics.
Thought Thread: 2022
[1] The Bigger, Better Boom
Why read this? A futurist predicts that the next twenty-five years will be prosperous.
[2] Before You Join the Great Resignation . . .
Why read this? Some things to consider if you're discontent with work.
[3] The Five "Whys" of Productivity
Why read this? Need motivation to get stuff done this year? Ask why.
[4] The Top Ten Books of the 1920's
Why read this? Since my social media is filled with people's book list from the past year, we might as well look back at what Americans were reading a century ago.
[5] Book Recommendation: On the Road with St Augustine
Why read this? I've always appreciated Augustine so this was one of my better reads from 2021. Before you buy, click here for some of my highlights from the book.
[6] You Don't Need a Mentor: Find a Nemesis
While the premise is obviously provocative, the long-read has interesting illustrations.
[7] Using your Notes App as a Productivity File?
Why read this? I use a hybrid of this with the Captio app. If you've tried everything else, maybe this is an option for you?
[8] Exercise to Become More Creative
Why read this? If you can't access the NY Times article linked above, click to take a look at the study synopsis to learn that going for a walk might help your work.
[9] Why Can't We Throw All Our Trash Into a Volcano?
Why read this? Admit it: you thought about it.
[10] From Me: Pen to Paper
Why read this? Tim Ferris makes good points about this, but I'm trying to write more this year.
Thought Thread: Glimpse
*I was unable to record a podcast for this Thread.
[1] Going Solo Goes Against Our Better Nature
Why read this? Seeing the importance of collaboration is the subject of this deeper read.
[2] What You Should Ask Your Job Interviewer
Why read this? Job-hunting is at an all-time high. How can you control the interview?
[3] How To Blur Your Home In Google Street View
Why read this? Should people be able to see your house online?
[4] What is the Milk Crate Challenge?
Why read this? If you don't know this latest craze . . . sorry for introducing it to you.
[5] Book Recommendation: Identity
Why read this? Understanding how people perceive human dignity helps us meet their needs. Before you buy, click here for some of my highlights from the book.
[6] Bible Teaching/Sermon: Leviticus 6&7
Where did you glimpse God this week?
[7] Is it a School or a Prison?
Why read this? Can you tell which is which from a simple glance?
Thought Thread: Divide
[1] How to Know Who's Trustworthy
Why read this? Knowing the difference between sheep and wolves is critical.
[2] Why the Bronze Medal Feels Better Than Silver
Why read this? Facial recognition software makes a strong scientific case.
[3] What if I'm Bored?
Why read this? The distance between boredom and productivity is miniscule.
[4] Build a Better Personal Network
Why read this? People hate "networking" but connecting folk benefits everyone.
[5] Book Recommendation: The End of Big
Why read this? Old institutions are dying. What does it mean for our future? Before you buy, click here for some of my highlights from the book.
[6] Bible Teaching/Sermon: Leviticus 4-6
Two types of Levitical offerings will help us bridge the divide.
[7] From Me: Managing Non-Profit Reserves
Why read this? I was recently interviewed on a podcast about post-pandemic finance strategy. Listen or check out an article where I summed up my thoughts.
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Thought Thread: Holiness
[1] When Did Fasting Become Popular?
Why read this? In case you haven't noticed, the rest of the world picked it up.
[2] The Importance of Knowing You May Be Wrong
Why read this? A longer read, here's a secular plea for intellectual humility.
[3] Are Shopping Carts a Test of Character?
Why read this? You'll never look at them the same way again.
[4] The Church Has a PR Problem
Why read this? My friend, Derek, offers strong thoughts about our present culture.
[5] Book Recommendation: New Power
Why read this? How has the internet shifted the world's power structures? Before you buy, click here for some of my highlights from the book.
[6] Bible Teaching/Sermon: Leviticus 1
For the rest of 2021, I'll offer messages from a study of an obscure Old Testament book.
[7] Eyeing the Team
Why read this? I explore if the great players are really that great.
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