Books I Read is a reflective podcast where chef and creator Rahul Shrivastava talks through the books that shape his thinking about work, life, food, leadership and creativity. Each episode focuses on one book and one big idea, moving from a quick overview into the stories, lines and questions that stayed with him.
This is not a summary podcast. Instead, Rahul connects each book to real decisions, habits and challenges—from building a career in food and media, to parenting, productivity and personal growth—so listeners can decide whether to read it and how to apply its ideas. Whether you are a busy professional, a student, or a curious reader looking for your next meaningful read, Books I Read gives you calm conversation, clear takeaways and a gentle push to think deeper.
Send us Fan Mail Episode Title: Leaders Eat Last – Why Some Teams Pull Together and Others Do Not Episode Description: Have you ever worked for a leader who made you feel like you would do anything for them — not because you had to, but because you genuinely wanted to? And have you worked for a leader who made you feel like you were constantly watching your back, protecting yourself, just trying to survive the day? In this episode of Books I Read, Rahul breaks down Leaders Eat Last by Simon S...
29 May 2026
10. Book | The Five Dysfunctions of a Team | Patrick Lencioni
Send us Fan Mail Episode Title: The Five Dysfunctions of a Team – Why Good People on the Same Team Still Fail Each Other Episode Description: Have you ever looked at your leadership team and wondered — we have good people, we have experience, we have the resources, so why are we not performing like one unit? In this episode of Books I Read, Rahul breaks down The Five Dysfunctions of a Team by Patrick Lencioni — one of the most important leadership books ever written on why teams break down an...
22 May 2026
9. Book | Radical Candor | Kim Scott
Send us Fan Mail Episode Title: Radical Candor – How to Be Honest Without Being Brutal Episode Description: How many times have you held back feedback because you did not want to hurt someone's feelings? Or watched a leader tear someone down in front of the whole team and call it honesty? In this episode of Books I Read, Rahul breaks down Radical Candor by Kim Scott — a framework used by leadership teams across the world to give feedback that is direct, specific, and deeply human, all at the ...
15 May 2026
8. Book | Drive | Daniel Pink
Send us Fan Mail Episode Description — Drive by Daniel Pink Episode Title: Drive – The Surprising Truth About What Actually Motivates Your Team Episode Description: Have you ever given your team a bonus, a reward, or an incentive scheme — and watched engagement go up for two weeks and then quietly drop back to exactly where it was before? Have you ever had a genuinely talented person on your team who was technically doing everything right but was clearly somewhere else in their head? In this ...
8 May 2026
7. Book | The Coaching Habit | Michael Bungay Stanier
Send us Fan Mail Episode Description The Coaching Habit by Michael Bungay Stanier — Books I Read with Rahul If you have ever felt like you are doing everyone else's thinking for them, this episode is for you. In this episode of Books I Read, Rahul breaks down The Coaching Habit by Michael Bungay Stanier — one of the most practical leadership books written for managers, team leaders, and entrepreneurs who want their teams to think, grow, and stop depending on them for every single answer. The ...
30 Apr 2026
6. Book | Never Split the Difference | Chris Voss,
Send us Fan Mail What if the same techniques used to talk armed kidnappers into releasing hostages could help you close a better vendor deal, handle a tough salary conversation, or stop a star employee from walking out the door? In this episode of Books I Read, Rahul breaks down Never Split the Difference by Chris Voss — one of the most practical and eye-opening books on negotiation ever written. Forget splitting the difference and meeting in the middle. This book throws out everything you t...
25 Apr 2026
5. Book | Atomic Habits | James Clear.
Send us Fan Mail Welcome to Atomic Habit Podcast (Books I Read) by Rahul — your go-to podcast for building powerful habits and creating meaningful change through small, consistent actions. Each episode breaks down simple strategies, real-life insights, and practical ideas to help you improve your routines, stay focused, and move closer to the life you want. Whether you want to become more productive, healthier, more disciplined, or simply more intentional with your time, this podcast gives yo...
8 Apr 2026
a) Interview | J.A. Merkel | Multiverses, Redemption & The Fourth Portal
Send us Fan Mail Episode description: In this episode, we sit down with fantasy and science fiction author J.A. Merkel, a storyteller shaped by a childhood on a farm, a deep connection to nature, and a lifelong love of adventure. We explore how those early experiences now inform stories filled with multiverses, complex anti-heroes, tragic reversals, and the idea of love as a kind of magic. We also talk about The Fourth Portal, J.A. Merkel’s featured book, and the larger themes behind ...
23 Mar 2026
4. Book | Crucial Conversations | Kerry Patterson
Send us Fan Mail In this episode, Rahul dives into the idea of Crucial Conversations—those high-stakes moments where emotions run strong, opinions differ, and the outcome truly matters. These are the conversations that can shape relationships, influence careers, and define leadership. Drawing from the core principles of the book, Rahul explores how to stay composed under pressure, communicate with honesty, and protect trust even when discussions become difficult. The focus isn’t on winning ar...
19 Jan 2026
3. Book | Influence The Phycology of Persuasion | Rober B Cialdini
Send us Fan Mail Why do some people get an effortless “yes” – from guests, teams, or even senior leadership – while others keep pushing and still hear “no”? Influence: The Psychology of Persuasion by Robert Cialdini is the modern classic that explains the hidden patterns behind every yes, and how to use them ethically in business and life. In this episode of “Book Reviews under 5 Minutes,” Rahul breaks down Cialdini’s six timeless principles of persuasion – reciprocity, commitment and consis...
11 Jan 2026
2. Book | Tata Log | Harish Bhat
Send us Fan Mail Core Themes The book emphasizes Tata’s DNA through real cases, such as navigating recessions without compromising goals and acquisitions like Tetley, while admitting imperfections like the Tata Finance scandal. Stories showcase innovation, like launching India’s first indigenous car, and community focus, underscoring ethical business tied to national prosperity. Support the show Books I Read
4 Jan 2026
1. Book | How Leaders Learn | David Novak
Send us Fan Mail How Leaders Lead with David Novak” features weekly interviews with iconic figures from business, sports, and entertainment. Novak, co-founder and former CEO of Yum! Brands (Pizza Hut, KFC, Taco Bell), draws on his experience scaling global companies to probe guests’ mindsets. Updated regularly, it has aired discussions on dynasty-building (e.g., NFL’s Clark Hunt), subscription innovation, and instinct-driven decisions. Available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTu...
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