For busy PR and marketing professionals, finding time to read—whether for professional development or pleasure—can be a challenge. In this episode, hosts Karen Swim and Michelle Kane open up their own "to-be-read" piles to share the books currently on their stacks.

Episode Highlights
(01:05) - Why PR pros often have a stack of books they intend to read but struggle to find the time.
(02:26) - Michelle's first pick: Belonging: The Key to Transforming and Maintaining Your Success by Mark Schaefer, which explores how AI is changing customer behavior.
(03:52) - Karen shares her first book, Stolen Focus: Why You Can't Pay Attention—and How to Think Deeply Again by Johann Hari, and discusses the importance of deep work.
(06:47) - For a dose of humor, Michelle recommends How to Write a Funny Speech by Carol Leifer and Rick Mitchell, highlighting the intelligence behind good comedy writing.
(08:27) - Karen’s second recommendation, The Chaos Machine: The Inside Story of How Social Media Rewired Our Minds and Our World by Max Fisher, and its relevance for communicators.
(10:27) - Michelle discusses Inner Excellence: The Proven System for Empowering Your Habits, Overcoming Your Mental Blocks, and Raising Your Lasting Level of Performance by Jim Murphy, a book made famous by Philadelphia Eagles player AJ Brown.
(12:22) - Karen's final book is Do the New You: 6 Mindsets to Become Who You Were Created to Be by Steven Furtick, a faith-based guide to personal transformation.
(14:00) - The hosts reflect on the common theme of mindset in their book choices and its importance for solo professionals.

Books Mentioned in This Episode:
-How AI Changes Your Customers - Mark W. Schaefer, https://businessesgrow.com/how-ai-changes-your-customers/
-Stolen Focus: Why You Can't Pay Attention—and How to Think Deeply Again - Johann Hari, https://bookshop.org/p/books/stolen-focus-why-you-can-t-pay-attention-and-how-to-think-deeply-again-johann-hari/c21aefe97b768a19?ean=9780593138533&next=t
-How to Write a Funny Speech... - Carol Leifer and Rick Mitchell, https://bookshop.org/p/books/how-to-write-a-funny-speech-for-a-wedding-bar-mitzvah-graduation-every-other-event-you-didn-t-want-to-go-to-in-the-first-place-carol-leifer/7aa9085ed1048f95?ean=9781797232232&next=t
-The Chaos Machine - Max Fisher, https://bookshop.org/p/books/the-chaos-machine-the-inside-story-of-how-social-media-rewired-our-minds-and-our-world-max-fisher/7c6c3912ae7e0b14?ean=9780316703307&next=t
-Do the New You: 6 Mindsets to Become Who You Were Created to Be - Steven Furtick, https://bookshop.org/p/books/do-the-new-you-study-guide-6-mindsets-to-become-who-you-were-created-to-be-steven-furtick/c18486e5ae5643b1?ean=9781546006893&next=t
-Inner Excellence - Jim Murphy, https://bookshop.org/p/books/inner-excellence-train-your-mind-for-extraordinary-performance-and-the-best-possible-life-jim-murphy/e5af744b09444983?ean=9781538777800&next=t