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Book notes: The Happiness Files by Arthur C. Brooks

The Happiness Files by Arthur C. Brooks — a curated collection of behavioral science essays offering practical, actionable insights on work, happiness, and life. Book notes, key ideas, and my personal review.

The Happiness Files: Insights on Work and Life by Arthur C. Brooks book summary review and key ideas.

Get the audiobook on Audible 👇 (affiliate link)

The Happiness Files: Insights on Work and Life by Arthur C. Brooks

Date read / Format:

May 2026 | Audiobook

Synopsis:

“Imagine if your life were a startup. How would you lead it and shape it to be most successful? That’s the question behind The Happiness Files, a rich selection of enlightening and instructive essays by Arthur C. Brooks, known worldwide for his inspiring yet practical wisdom and advice in his weekly column for The Atlantic and in his bestselling books, From Strength to Strength and Build the Life You Want (coauthored with Oprah Winfrey).

Building on his popular Harvard Business School course “Leadership and Happiness,” Brooks begins each essay with sharp observations and behavioral science research that shed light on how happiness really works, then offers experiential wisdom and practical advice. Beautifully written, the essays range from ancient philosophy to literature, pop culture, and the contemporary world of work.

The simple answer, as Brooks wisely explains, is to manage your life in a way that leads to truly valuable rewards: love, enjoyment, satisfaction, and meaning—in other words, happiness.” —Audible

~If you enjoy my summary, please consider buying me a coffee via my Ko-Fi link (click the button below) or support this blog in one of several ways! 📖 🎓

I appreciate every donation as it goes directly to the maintenance costs of my blog and creation of new content. 😊

Book notes: The Art of Spending Money by Morgan Housel

Morgan Housel makes the case that spending money well is a deeply personal art—shaped far more by your values, identity, and expectations than by the size of your paycheck. The real goal isn’t to accumulate more, but to reach a place where nothing feels missing.

The Art of Spending Money by Morgan Housel book summary review and key ideas

Get the audiobook on Audible 👇 (affiliate link)

The Art of Spending Money: Simple Choices for a Richer Life by Morgan Housel

The Art of Spending Money by Morgan Housel

Date read / Format:

April 2026 | Audiobook

Synopsis:

“From the bestselling author of The Psychology of Money and Same as Ever, lessons on harnessing the power of money to live a happier life

Most of us don’t know how to spend money. We chase things that impress others but leave us cold. Or we save endlessly, afraid to spend on what would actually make life better. We confuse admiration with envy, comfort with excess, and utility with status.

The Art of Spending Money doesn’t provide budgets, hacks, or one-size-fits-all solutions. It gives you understanding of how your relationship with money shapes your decisions—and how to reshape it so money works for you.

Morgan Housel’s work has helped millions rethink how they earn, save, and invest. Now he turns his attention to the other side of the equation: how to spend. With insight and warmth, he shows why the most valuable return on investment is peace of mind, why expectations matter more than income, and why doing well with money has less to do with spreadsheets and more to do with self-awareness.

This book isn’t about getting rich. It’s about getting the most out of what you already have—and learning to want what’s worth wanting.” -Audible

~If you enjoy my summary, please consider buying me a coffee via my Ko-Fi link (click the button below) or support this blog in one of several ways! 📖 🎓

I appreciate every donation as it goes directly to the maintenance costs of my blog and creation of new content. 😊

OTG Podcast #85: Rediscovering Dance: A Journey of Locking, Personal Growth, and Cultural Reflections

In the podcast episode, dancer Lil B discusses his journey through dance, mentorship, personal growth, and the therapeutic aspects of movement, reflecting on community and cultural evolution.

Full Episode Page (show notes, links, transcript): #85: Brian “Lil B” Perez – Winning International Competitions, the Evolution of Locking, Podcasting as Public Therapy, and Finding Joy in Dance

Introduction to Lil B’s World

In the latest episode of “One Thousand Gurus,” J.R. Yonocruz dives into a rich, sprawling conversation with dancer and quality assurance expert, Brian Perez, known to many as Lil B. From his roots as a Dance Dance Revolution enthusiast to his journey into the dynamic world of locking, Lil B shares insights on his dance career and life, interwoven with personal stories of growth, identity, and reflections on cultural developments in the dance community.

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OTG Podcast #84: Navigating Life and Sales: A Conversation with Richard Hardy

Richard Hardy shares his journey of personal growth, fitness, and sales insights, emphasizing discipline, community support, and recognizing personality types for effective communication.

Full Episode Page (show notes, links, transcript): #84: Richard Hardy – Finding Faith, Exploring Fitness, and Seeking Feedback for Success

Introduction

Welcome back to One Thousand Gurus! In our latest episode, we host Richard Hardy for a delightful second conversation. Richard, a vibrant personality in solar door-to-door sales, shares his journey and insights with our host, J.R. Yonocruz. Let’s dive into the highlights of their inspiring dialogue.

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Book notes: Star Wars: Tempest Runner (The High Republic) by Cavan Scott

Star Wars: Tempest Runner (The High Republic) by Cavan Scott — book summary, review and key ideas.

Get the audiobook on Audible 👇 (affiliate link)

Star Wars: Tempest Runner (The High Republic) by Cavan Scott

Date read / Format:

April 2026 | Audiobook

Synopsis:

“After the Battle of Kur, Lourna Dee — Tempest Runner of the Nihil — has escaped capture by faking her own death. But she doesn’t stay free for long. Taken aboard the Republic prison ship Restitution under an assumed identity, Lourna must keep her true nature hidden while navigating a world of prisoners, guards, and ghosts from her past.

But the Nihil haven’t forgotten her — and neither have her enemies. When the past catches up, Lourna must decide once and for all who she really is.” -Amazon

Note: This is a full-cast audio drama/audio original, not a traditional audiobook narration.

~If you enjoy my summary, please consider buying me a coffee via my Ko-Fi link (click the button below) or support this blog in one of several ways! 📖 🎓

I appreciate every donation as it goes directly to the maintenance costs of my blog and creation of new content. 😊

OTG Podcast #83: How to Make Time for What Truly Matters: Lessons from Jake Knapp and John Zeratsky

Full Episode Page (show notes, links, transcript): #83: Book Highlights – Make Time by Jake Knapp & John Zeratsky

Introduction

Welcome to One Thousand Gurus, where I explore stories and lessons from diverse experiences to enrich our lives. In today’s episode, I highlight a transformative book, “Make Time” by Jake Knapp and John Zeratsky. This guide refines our approach to productivity by focusing on what genuinely matters, rather than merely expanding our to-do lists.

OTG Podcast #82: Navigating the Future: Embracing the AI Revolution in the Workplace

Full Episode Page (show notes, links, transcript): #82: Alex Hung – AI Tools, Leading Productive Teams, and Navigating the Changing Workforce

Introduction

Artificial Intelligence is steadily reshaping the workforce, sparking excitement and anxiety in equal measure. In a recent episode of One Thousand Gurus, host J.R. Yonocruz chatted with Alex Hung about how AI is transforming our jobs and lives. This conversation uncovers insights on integrating AI into businesses, its impact on the workforce, and practical advice for navigating this rapidly changing landscape.

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OTG Podcast #81: The Art of Relaxation and Intentional Living: A Conversation with Aeden Pham

In the latest “One Thousand Gurus” episode, Aeden Pham discusses self-care vs. indulgence, relationship management, and mindful spending. The conversation emphasizes intentional living and personal growth through relaxation and honesty.

Full Episode Page (show notes, links, transcript): #81: Random Show with Aeden Pham – Self-Care vs. Indulgence, Speaking with Integrity, and Spending Habits

Introduction

In the latest episode of “One Thousand Gurus,” hosted by J.R. Yonocruz, we are joined by the returning guest Aeden Pham for a delightfully introspective conversation about life’s updates and the art of balancing relaxation with intentional living. This fourth episode with Aeden is filled with casual yet profound discussions.

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