Alchemy: The Surprising Power of Ideas That Don't Make Sense

Alchemy: The Surprising Power of Ideas That Don't Make Sense

Author: Airwave Literature December 8, 2020 Duration: 9:38:32
by Rory Sutherland—‘A breakthrough book. Wonderfully applicable to everything in life, and funny as hell.’ Nassim Nicholas TalebTo be brilliant, you have to be irrationalWhy is Red Bull so popular – even though everyone hates the taste? Why do countdown boards on platforms take away the pain of train delays? And why do we prefer stripy toothpaste?We think we are rational creatures. Economics and business rely on the assumption that we make logical decisions based on evidence.But we aren’t, and we don’t.In many crucial areas of our lives, reason plays a vanishingly small part. Instead we are driven by unconscious desires, which is why placebos are so powerful. We are drawn to the beautiful, the extravagant and the absurd – from lavish wedding invitations to tiny bottles of the latest fragrance. So if you want to influence people’s choices you have to bypass reason. The best ideas don’t make rational sense: they make you feel more than they make you think.Rory Sutherland is the Ogilvy advertising legend whose TED Talks have been viewed nearly 7 million times. In his first book he blends cutting-edge behavioural science, jaw-dropping stories and a touch of branding magic, on his mission to turn us all into idea alchemists. The big problems we face every day, whether as an individual or in society, could very well be solved by letting go of logic and embracing the irrational.

Warren Buffett’s idea that reading is the ultimate level playing field is where this conversation begins. The Bookshelf: Business & Self-Improvement, from Airwave Literature, isn’t about quick tips or hype. Instead, it’s a quiet, thoughtful space dedicated to the books that shape how we think about work, leadership, and personal growth. Each episode takes a single title-whether a timeless classic or a contemporary analysis-and unpacks its core ideas, not just summarizing but exploring how its lessons apply to real decisions and challenges. You’ll hear the host reflect on key passages, connect themes across different authors, and consider the practical implications of what’s on the page. The tone is more like a guided reading session than a lecture, designed for anyone who believes that deep understanding comes from engaging seriously with good writing. This podcast operates on the belief that the right book, properly considered, can change a mindset or a method. It’s for listeners who want to move beyond the headlines and dig into the substance that fuels lasting improvement, making your reading time more focused and impactful. Tune in to fill your own shelf with ideas that matter.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

The Bookshelf: Business & Self-Improvement
Podcast Episodes
The Drunkard's Walk: How Randomness Rules Our Lives [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 9:21:32
by Leonard Mlodinow—With the born storyteller's command of narrative and imaginative approach, Leonard Mlodinow vividly demonstrates how our lives are profoundly informed by chance and randomness and how everything from…
Learned Optimism: How to Change Your Mind and Your Life [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:23:18
by Martin E.P. Seligman—Known as the father of the new science of positive psychology, Martin E.P. Seligman draws on more than twenty years of clinical research to demonstrate how optimism enchances the quality of life,…
The Magic of Thinking Big [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 9:31:31
by David J. Schwartz—The Magic of Thinking Big gives you useful methods, not empty promises. Dr. Schwartz presents a carefully designed program for getting the most out of your job, your marriage and family life, and you…
The Power of Now: A Guide to Spiritual Enlightenment [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 7:37:57
by Eckhart Tolle—Eckhart Tolle's message is simple: living in the now is the truest path to happiness and enlightenment. And while this message may not seem stunningly original or fresh, Tolle's clear writing, supportive…
The Four Agreements: A Practical Guide to Personal Freedom [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 2:31:01
by Miguel Ruiz—In The Four Agreements, don Miguel Ruiz reveals the source of self-limiting beliefs that rob us of joy and create needless suffering. Based on ancient Toltec wisdom, the Four Agreements offer a powerful co…
Stumbling on Happiness [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 7:24:38
by Daniel Todd Gilbert—Why are lovers quicker to forgive their partners for infidelity than for leaving dirty dishes in the sink? • Why will sighted people pay more to avoid going blind than blind people will pay to rega…
Dare: The New Way to End Anxiety and Stop Panic Attacks Fast [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 6:19:02
by Barry McDonagh—There’s a new and faster way for anxiety relief, but few have ever heard it. Most people are advised to either just “manage” their anxiety or medicate it away.If you’re tired of just managing your anxie…