How to read with a learning mindset

How to read with a learning mindset

From Squiggly Careers by The Squiggly Career

April 6, 2026 · 35 min · Episode 549

About this episode

This episode explores how to enhance learning through reading techniques and strategies.

What if the way you read could transform how much you actually learn, remember and use? In this episode, Helen and Sarah borrow brilliance from Ryan Holiday's video How to Read Like a Pro — and add a few rules of their own. From building an anti-library (the books you'd never normally pick up) to treating your books like they're meant to be used, not preserved, this is a practical and personal exploration of how to get more from your reading. Helen also unveils her new Post-it® Note system, and there's a genuine debate about whether folding a page corner is an act of ownership or an act of disrespect. This episode is brought to you in partnership with Post-it® Brand. If today's episode sparked an idea, stick it down — find out where to buy Post-it® products at go.3M.com/squiggly 🎯 What You'll Learn – What an anti-library is and why reading outside your comfort zone changes how you think – How to read with a pen and Post-it® Notes in a way that actually sticks – Why rereading a book you love can be more valuable than picking up a new one – The five rules for reading nonfiction more intentionally — plus Helen and Sarah's personal additions – Books Helen and Sarah would both reread…

People in this episode

Hosts: Helen, Sarah

Topics covered

  • reading strategies
  • learning mindset
  • nonfiction reading
  • personal development
  • book recommendations

Keywords

  • reading
  • learning
  • anti-library
  • nonfiction
  • book recommendations
  • Post-it Notes
  • reading strategies

Sponsors

Post-it® Brand

Mentioned in this episode

Products: Post-it® Note

Books & works: How to Read Like a Pro, Unreasonable Hospitality, Right Kind Wrong, Uncharted, The Wonder Box, Mash-Up, How to Have a Go

More episodes of Squiggly Careers

Explore listener stats, chart rankings, contacts and more on the Squiggly Careers podcast page.