In this episode, Mo and Marc are joined by special guest and OrthoJoe listener Josh Blomberg, MD (trauma surgeon at ThedaCare Hospital in Neenah, WI) in a discussion on the benefits of outside reading and its impact on broadening knowledge, enriching life, reducing stress, increasing enjoyment, fostering personal growth and creativity, and stimulating interesting conversations.

Subspecialties:

• Orthopaedic Essentials

Links to Josh’s Recommendations:

• Shadow Divers by Robert Kurson

An unbelievable gripping story about a group of recreational divers off the NE coast of the US who stumble upon a WWII wreck in the late 1990s. I don't want to ruin the end of the book, but I challenge you to find a more engaging and fascinating non-fiction read on the planet. You will not be able to put it down. His second book Rocketmen, about the Apollo 8 mission, is just as good. 

• The Algebra of Happiness and The Algebra of Wealth by Scott Galloway

These two books should be required reading for every single resident/fellow who is about to step out into the real world and start their careers and families. These books serve as a primer for what challenges we all face but no one warns us about. There is a reason that the most miserable period of one’s life is from age 30-50....because life gets real. The Algebra of Wealth is a follow up book about money and personal finance. It is a pragmatic view of how we should look at money, save money, and its importance in our everyday life and long term happiness. We learn nothing about money in training, but it is absolutely critical to our success and happiness in life whether or not we want to admit it. Also, these books are incredibly fun to read, full of comedic interludes, and overall very well written. 

• Red Notice by Bill Browder

This is a story of Bill Browder, the first American to start an investment firm in Russia. An absolutely fascinating story about finance, and the Russian oligarchy. I listened to this book twice in a row. It completely opened my eyes to a part of the world I knew very little about, and taught me so much about communism and how their economies (don't) work. Nothing to Envy  by Barbara Demick is similar (no finance component) but is about growing up in and escaping from North Korea. You won't believe, or ever forget, that story if you chose to read it. 

• One Day by Gene Weingarten

I don't know how to describe this book except to say you have never read anything like it, and you never will. Gene randomly picks a date out of a hat...not an ancient date, a more recent one. And then he provides a list of RIVETING stories about things that happened on that day in America. You will not believe these stories, and it will provide you so much perspective. I cannot recommend it highly enough. 

• The Stranger in the Woods by Michael Finkel

This is the TRUE story about a man named Christopher Knight who lived in a tent in the woods of Maine for 23 years. This is not some ancient story....he was just discovered in 2013. You won't believe this story when you read it. Amazing. 

• The Laws of Human Nature by Robert Greene

If I had a large leadership role, chairman of a department etc, I would read every single one of Robert Greene's books and learn every lesson I could. He is an absolute master on writing about how humans work, think, and succeed. Leadership is 80% managing human behavior, and this book highlights all aspects of it in amazing clarity. A true literary masterpiece.

• Ego is the Enemy and The Obstacle is the Way by Ryan Holiday

We can learn so much from stoicism, and Ryan Holiday is the world's current leading expert on this philosophy. Its teachings are timeless and invaluable. These are, in my opinion, the two best books by Ryan Holiday and offer incredible stories and life lessons framed in the teaching of the stoic philosophers. Terrific life-changing reads.

• Shoe Dog  by Phil Knight

The story of Nike, from its founding to modern times. Incredible read. I have gifted this book to many people and no one has been able to put it down...some claiming it's the best book they have ever read. It shows you just how much work, sacrifice, pain, risk, and luck it takes to build an uber successful company in America. 

• Greenlights  by Matthew McConaughey

This is Matthew McConaughey's autobiography. You might ask yourself, how could this be any good? It’s terrific. He is such an engaging writer, his life story is fascinating, and he offers so many life lessons. Best autobiography I have ever read. 

• The Comfort Crisis  by Michael Easter