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In this third annual Christmas tradition, I welcome Eric back to the show for a wide-ranging conversation about books, reading, and the lifelong pursuit of understanding. We talk about his ambitious “great books” journey—now stretching toward what may become a 40-year project—covering everything from Greek tragedies and Plato’s dialogues to Confucius, Viktor Frankl, and modern classics.

We dig into Eric’s disciplined reading habits, his yearly practice of starting January and February by reading the Bible (including his experience with the King James Version this year), and how he structures his reading year to stay motivated without burning out. We also explore big ideas like Plato’s theory of forms, the difference between philosophers and sophists, how ancient texts continue to shape modern thinking, and how AI can be used responsibly to deepen understanding—after you’ve done the hard work of reading.

Eric shares the books that stood out most to him this year, including The Picture of Dorian Gray, Man’s Search for Meaning, The Analects of Confucius, and The Idea Machine, along with the powerful concept of finding a “single thread” that ties together everything you read. We close with practical, encouraging advice for anyone who wants to read more: start with what you love, and let curiosity do the rest.

This is a thoughtful, inspiring conversation for readers, thinkers, and anyone looking to build a richer reading life—perfect for closing out the year and setting the tone for the next one.

Click here to see Erik's list of books read in 2025 https://books.booksoftitans.com/2025-reading-list/

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Resources and Links
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My contact info:
LinkedIn https://bit.ly/2ZZ4qwe
Twitter https://bit.ly/3enLDQa
Facebook https://bit.ly/2Od4ItO
Instagram https://bit.ly/2ClncWl
Send me a text: 918-397-0327

Executive Producer: Ben Townsend
Creative Consultant: Matthew Blue Townsend

Shot with a 1080P Webcam with Microphone, https://amzn.to/32gfgAu

Samson Technologies Q2U USB/XLR Dynamic Microphone Recording and Podcasting Pack
https://amzn.to/3TIbACe

Voice Actor: Britney McCullough
Logo by Angie Jordan https://blog.angiejordan.com/contact/
Theme Song by Androzguitar https://www.fiverr.com/inbox/androzguitar

Send us a text

Support the show

I ♥ my podcast host @Buzzsprout. This link will get us both a $20 credit if you upgrade! https://www.buzzsprout.com/?referrer_id=1087190

The Scott Townsend Show Merchandise https://teespring.com/stores/tsts-2

Resources and Links
--------------------------------------------
My contact info:
LinkedIn https://bit.ly/2ZZ4qwe
Twitter https://bit.ly/3enLDQa
Facebook https://bit.ly/2Od4ItO
Instagram https://bit.ly/2ClncWl
Send me a text: 918-397-0327

Executive Producer: Ben Townsend
Creative Consultant: Matthew Blue Townsend

Shot with a 1080P Webcam with Microphone, https://amzn.to/32gfgAu

Samson Technologies Q2U USB/XLR Dynamic Microphone Recording and Podcasting Pack
https://amzn.to/3TIbACe

Voice Actor: Britney McCullough
Logo by Angie Jordan https://blog.angiejordan.com/contact/
Theme Song by Androzguitar https://www.fiverr.com/inbox/androzguitar

Send us a text

Likeness isn’t luck—it’s design. On this episode, I sit down with live digital caricature artist Angie Jordan to explore how she turns a trade show aisle into a packed crowd and a stream of branded keepsakes. Angie breaks down the math behind caricature—allocating space to the biggest feature, exaggerating for clarity, and composing faces that are often more recognizable than a photo.

She shares how she teaches kids with her “30-box” method, reads silhouettes at a hundred feet, and blends drafting precision, showmanship, and portable tech—from Wacom tablets and compact rigs to fast printers and client-facing TVs. We also talk branding, style, and influence, from Hanna-Barbera to Al Hirschfeld, Steven Silver, and Tom Richmond, and why embracing quirks often beats chasing symmetry.

If you’re planning a booth, corporate event, or wedding, Angie offers practical tactics to drive dwell time, spark conversations, and create shareable art that keeps your brand in the feed.

Check out her work and book Angie at angiejordan.com
and on Instagram at @AngieJordan7. If this conversation sparks ideas for your art or event strategy, subscribe, share, and leave a review so others can find the show.

Support the show

I ♥ my podcast host @Buzzsprout. This link will get us both a $20 credit if you upgrade! https://www.buzzsprout.com/?referrer_id=1087190

The Scott Townsend Show Merchandise https://teespring.com/stores/tsts-2

Resources and Links
--------------------------------------------
My contact info:
LinkedIn https://bit.ly/2ZZ4qwe
Twitter https://bit.ly/3enLDQa
Facebook https://bit.ly/2Od4ItO
Instagram https://bit.ly/2ClncWl
Send me a text: 918-397-0327

Executive Producer: Ben Townsend
Creative Consultant: Matthew Blue Townsend

Shot with a 1080P Webcam with Microphone, https://amzn.to/32gfgAu

Samson Technologies Q2U USB/XLR Dynamic Microphone Recording and Podcasting Pack
https://amzn.to/3TIbACe

Voice Actor: Britney McCullough
Logo by Angie Jordan https://blog.angiejordan.com/contact/
Theme Song by Androzguitar https://www.fiverr.com/inbox/androzguitar