Josh Wilcox

Sometimes reading should be hard. Sometimes a book should feel like homework. Sometimes the effort you put in will increase the value you take away. Here are some not-easy books that changed the way I think about reading and life.

Let's face it, the “self-improvement” section of the bookstore is its own wall nowadays. So many options. So many dazzling covers. I've read my fair share from this shelf. Many have been somewhere between good and incredible. Here are the books that genuinely helped me, and can help you too.

Ever find yourself pondering something you read a long time ago? Whether timely, imaginative, or mind-bending, some books just stay with you, like an intense dream. Here are a few of mine.

The mark of a book that was worth your time? When the mental imagery blurs with your lived memories. When your fingers recall the texture of the pages. When the cover art feels like an old friend. When you wish you could forget the story and read it all over again. Check out some of my favorite memories and form some for yourself.

Ever stop and stare at the wall after finishing a book? Or just close your eyes? Or cry? If you strive to read the best the world has to offer, sometimes you just need to take a minute to process and move on. Look below and find your next excuse to take five.

Years of consistent reading changes you, especially when reading broadly. Better yet, reflecting on your literary adventures reminds you of how you've changed. I like my reading journey and I hope these books find a place in yours.

Let's face it—not every series is worth pushing past the first book. I've done this many times and have some examples where the second book is just as good. Happy reading.

I've read a fair amount of science fiction over the years. The genre is a personal favorite and never fails to inspire me. Here, I bring you the greatest hits from my brain. 25 books from 25 authors, each a worthy pick. So, whether you're an experienced sci-fi reader or venturing into this aisle for the first time, I welcome you. Find your next novel below.

It seems a shame to let these recommendations go unsaid just because I didn't reach the end. Life happens and priorities shift. Unfinished doesn't mean unfit. Some books introduce the wonder right away. Take a chance on one of these and tell me how it ends.

Looking for practical, non-boring reads that will help your performance in the workplace? I've saved you some time by putting together my top recommendations for improving how you think, communicate, set goals, persevere, and lead. Investing in your professional mind is a simple way to set yourself apart from the herd.

If you're like me, nonfiction is often second fiddle to a great novel. The good news is there are incredible books out there on history, psychology, and life that aren't boring. In fact, they can be more invigorating than that latest fantasy read. Check out some nonfiction I've read over the last few years.

Looking for your next self-published read? Check out these hidden gems. Yes, I'm biased because I know the authors, but we should all do more “local shopping” to find truly unique books and stories.

This collection is all about improving and mastering your “inner game.” By tackling heady topics like perception, meaning, and resilience, the mind becomes a sharper tool rather than a hinderance. Some of these authors I've read before. Most I haven't. But I've seen all these books mentioned via socials, podcasts, and even other books. Can't wait to read them. Hope you will give them a try as well.

Ideas are fundamental. Communication is critical. Conversation is enlightening. Podcasts pull these things together beautifully for 21st century humans. If you thrive on sampling the world's buffet of audible entertainment, here are 20 podcasts which have literally changed my life.

Looking for a truly unique podcast recommendation? You'll find one here. Like anyone else, I have my favorite shows, but I try to branch out from time to time. It's important to escape your echo chambers. It's important to enrich the texture of your mind by putting quality stuff in.

Never listened to Lex? Don't worry, I've got you covered. His podcast covers an immense landscape of topics, so I've pulled together some of my favorite episodes to get you started. Podcast tagline: “Conversations about science, technology, history, philosophy and the nature of intelligence, consciousness, love, and power.”

This list is all about FPS (first-person shooters). Late 90s and the 2000s. That was the golden age of gaming for me. Whether you want to revisit some of the greats or explore some you’ve never heard of, I encourage you to dive in. Video games are for everyone, no matter your age, so why not play something retro?

This list is all about racing, sports, and music. Late 90s and the 2000s. That was the golden age of gaming for me. Whether you want to revisit some of the greats or explore some you’ve never heard of, I encourage you to dive in. Video games are for everyone, no matter your age, so why not play something retro?

This list is all about open-world and role-playing games. Late 90s and the 2000s. That was the golden age of gaming for me. Whether you want to revisit some of the greats or explore some you’ve never heard of, I encourage you to dive in. Video games are for everyone, no matter your age, so why not play something retro?

You don't need to be a professional contractor to get everyday things done around the house. Sometimes you'd be surprised as what you can do if you have the right tools on hand. As an average guy with an average budget, here are the things I consistently reach for to do things like assemble furniture, hang pictures, and change batteries in kid toys.

It's crazy expensive to pay someone else to maintain your yard (and do a good job). It's also pretty expensive to buy the needed tools and gear from your local home improvement store. If you're like me, you're looking for the middle ground, so here are the relatively cheap things I use to get the work done.

If you haven't checked, professional painters are crazy expensive. Interior painting is a classic DIY job and, in a way, a rite of passage for many of us. Once you've made the decision to paint your room and you've bought the paint, you'll need to have the right gear to make sure the work is done well. Learn from me and start with these items.

Soccer season can sneak up. In many places, it's a Spring and Fall option. Especially if it's your kid's first time playing, it can be confusing to know what to buy (and what not to buy). As someone who played youth soccer for many years and who now has kids in soccer, I know which items you absolutely need and which items you probably need to get through the week.

There are many reasons why you can't go to the gym, but there are fewer reasons why you can't work out at home. Exercise equipment gets more affordable and accessible by the year. Whether you're in an apartment, a living room, or a corner of the garage, you can get active using this gear.

Edgy topic, but many of us think about it. Few of us try to learn more. My interest in the UFO phenomenon began in 2020. After many documentaries and docuseries, I've learned that this topic is deep, wide, and nebulous. Confusing. Captivating. There are no answers, only more questions. If you're up for crazy imaginative, inspiring, and, at times, infuriating reporting on possibly the biggest mystery of all time, check out my favorites below.

Remote work is so prevalent these days and it's more important than ever make sure your gear enables you to be productive. Whether you've been working from home for many years or a few days, there's always a way to improve your set-up without breaking the bank. As someone who has been doing this for 5 years, I want to share some of my favorite hardware.

Water. It's everywhere. It's what keeps us going. It's so critical and obvious that sometimes we take it for granted. If you're trying to improve your hydration (which affects how you feel overall), take a moment to explore some of the things I've tried and found success in.