
239: Proust and The Squid by Maryanne Wolf
From Bookworm by Mike Schmitz and Cory Hixson
January 2, 2026 · 1h 40m
About this episode
The episode explores how the human brain has adapted for reading and writing, featuring insights from neuropsychologist Maryanne Wolf.
Today's author (and neuropsychologist) shows us how and why the human brain has adapted in order to read and write. Join Mike & Cory as they examine the past and consider the future of the reading brain. Support the show New Bookworm website Mike’s Live Practical PKM Cohort Sublime Proust and The Squid by Maryanne Wolf Reader, Come Home by Maryanne Wolf #196: Focus & The Reading Life, with Maryanne Wolf Bandersnatch by Diana Glyer How to Read a Book by Mortimer Adler The Veldt by Ray Bradbury Hacking the Human Mind by Richard Shotton and MichaelAaron Flicker Intentional by Chris Bailey Ready Player One by Ernest Cline Mike's Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Cory's Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
People in this episode
Hosts: Mike Schmitz, Cory Hixson
Guest: Maryanne Wolf
Topics covered
- neuropsychology
- reading
- writing
- human brain
- literature
- adaptation
Keywords
- Proust and The Squid
- reading brain
- neuropsychology
- Maryanne Wolf
- literature
- adaptation
- writing
- Focus & The Reading Life
- Hacking the Human Mind
Mentioned in this episode
Books & works: Proust and The Squid, Reader, Come Home, Focus & The Reading Life, Bandersnatch, How to Read a Book, The Veldt, Hacking the Human Mind
More episodes of Bookworm
- 250: Design Love In by Marcus Buckingham · June 5, 2026 · 1h 23m
- 249: What You're Made For by George Raveling · May 22, 2026 · 1h 22m
- 248: How to Live a Meaningful Life by Bill Burnett and Dave Evans · May 8, 2026 · 1h 38m
- 247: The Way of Excellence by Brad Stulberg · April 24, 2026 · 1h 40m
- 246: The 6 Types of Working Genius by Patrick Lencioni · April 10, 2026 · 1h 34m
- 245: The Science of Storytelling by Will Storr · March 27, 2026 · 1h 29m
Explore listener stats, chart rankings, contacts and more on the Bookworm podcast page.