A new year often heralds the promise of renewal—a chance to reset, realign, and embrace fresh perspectives. It’s a time to make resolutions, reassess habits, and rekindle the desire for change. Sometimes, all we need is new information, or a new lens on familiar ideas. This curated list of audiobooks offers inspiration, and thought-provoking ideas to guide your journey into the new year. You'll find practical strategies for reflection, introspection, self-awareness, and meaningful action. Whether you’re seeking a new vision, striving to bring a vision to life, or seeking the motivation to begin, this collection has something to inspire you to take your next step forward with confidence.
VAN GOGH HAS A BROKEN HEART
by Russ Ramsey, read by Kaleo Griffith
Zondervan
These stories delve into the lives of great artists and the experiences that inspired their profound art. They reveal that beauty is everywhere, and transformative art is often inspired by terrible events. With a thoughtful mix of solemnity and curiosity, narrator Kaleo Griffith delivers an insightful and moving discussion of the enduring power of creativity, and the beauty born of sorrow. Included in this audiobook are the history of the tumultuous relationship between Paul Gaugin and Vincent Van Gogh, and how a murder in Mississippi in 1964 inspired Norman Rockwell's painting Murder in Mississippi (also known as Southern Justice).
DEATH BY COMFORT
Written and read by Paul Taylor
Bolinda Audio
Health expert Paul Taylor explores the double-edged sword of today’s modern conveniences. Narrating with relaxed pacing and an alluring British accent, he warns that processed foods and sedentary lifestyles reduce our quality of life and weaken our resistance to stress, illness, and physical injury. He further argues that our near-constant connection with our computers and smartphones deprives us of the comfort and shared purpose we are biologically wired to enjoy. Taylor’s down-to-earth performance, backed by extensive research and practical recommendations, reminds us to manage our relationships with modern conveniences. A balanced lifestyle, he argues, builds our resilience to handle any situation that may come our way.
THE ART OF THE INTERESTING
by Lorraine Besser, read by Lauren Ezzo
Hachette Audio
Philosopher and college professor Lorraine Besser’s tools help listeners stop the perpetual pursuit of elusive happiness so they can instead focus more on "the interesting" in life. Lauren Ezzo’s energetic, intuitive performance reflects Besser's philosophy about discovering and pursuing personal passions and interests that create a more meaningful life.
THE AGE OF MAGICAL OVERTHINKING
Written and read by Amanda Montell
Simon & Schuster Audio
Author and podcaster Amanda Montell narrates with sensitivity and chatty energy as she explains how emotions and attachments can distort how we see our power to manage ourselves in the world. Energetic and sensitive, Montell offers suggestions on how to overcome the lack of control one feels over daily life, work, politics, and relationships, with strategies to shift mindsets. Filled with timely and sharp-witted advice on how to establish a peaceful, reasonable sense of agency in one's life, this audiobook is perfect for anyone overloaded with today’s volatile culture.
THE ATOMIC HUMAN
Written and read by Neil D. Lawrence
Hachette Audio
Neil Lawrence argues that despite the rise of technology, human intellect and creativity are vital and irreplaceable. A professor of machine learning at the University of Cambridge, and former Director of Machine Learning at Amazon, Lawrence provides a dynamic history of how humans have engaged with technology, and how the most effective designs enhance, not replace, the human experience. Lawrence is engaging, if imperfect—which is entirely fitting for this fascinating audiobook about the importance of human intellect and creativity.
THINK REMARKABLE
by Guy Kawasaki, Madisun Nuismer, read by Perry Daniels, Guy Kawasaki, Madisun Nuismer
Ascent Audio
Using insights gathered from more than 200 extraordinary people, authors Kawasaki and Nuismer identify the core character traits that fuel many of our most satisfying and useful achievements: openness, courage, determination, and grace. While Kawasaki performs the introduction and a closing segment of this audiobook, and his co-author narrates a charming two-minute afterword, the bulk of the title is delivered by Perry Daniels. There’s clarity in their voices and respect for all the stories collected that support their advice. Information overload and how to overcome obstacles and frustrations and develop perseverance are just a few of the subjects covered in this self-improvement guide.
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