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Every book Brie Wolfson recommended on podcasts
Brie Wolfson appears on the How I Write podcast to discuss writing-first companies, workplace culture, and her experience helping to launch Stripe Press. Throughout the conversation, Wolfson references several foundational books that formed the early publishing lineup of Stripe Press. She highlights Elad Gil's High Growth Handbook as the very first book published by the press, followed closely by Tyler Cowen's Stubborn Attachments. Wolfson also notes other early additions to the catalog, including Will Larson's An Elegant Puzzle, M. Mitchell Waldrop's The Dream Machine, and Kat Vellos's We Should Get Together. Among these publications, she expresses a particular fondness for Martin Gurri's The Revolt of the Public and the Crisis of Authority in the New Millennium, noting that its cover design features her favorite color and is her absolute favorite overall. In addition to discussing corporate publishing and non-fiction works, Wolfson shares insights on the writing process itself. She mentions Anne Lamott's writing guide Bird by Bird, specifically recalling a beloved anecdote about the author keeping index cards of real-world observations in her back pocket. Through these discussions, Wolfson highlights books that bridge operational excellence, public trust, and the fundamental mechanics of creative writing.
Books recommended by Brie Wolfson
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An Elegant Puzzle
Discussed“Then I want to say it was some combination of Elegant Puzzle, Dream Machine and Get Together.”
Where to get it
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Bird by Bird
Bird by Bird by Anne Lamott is a well-known, practical guide to writing and creativity that offers gentle wisdom and humorous advice on navigating the writing life.
Discussed“This is an anecdote I love from Bird by Bird where Anne Lamott will just, she sort of is absorbing her world and she keeps an index card of observations in her back pocket”
Where to get it
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High Growth Handbook
Discussed“this was for what became the first Stripe Press book, Elad's High Growth Handbook.”
Where to get it
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Stubborn Attachments
Stubborn Attachments by Tyler Cowen is a philosophical and economic work that advocates for continuous economic growth due to its stupendous long-term returns for human well-being.
Discussed“So first was High Growth handbook, Stubborn Attachments.”
Where to get it
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The Dream Machine
Discussed“Then I want to say it was some combination of Elegant Puzzle, Dream Machine and Get Together.”
Where to get it
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The Revolt of the Public and the Crisis of Authority in the New Millennium
The Revolt of the Public and the Crisis of Authority in the New Millennium by Martin Gurri is an influential analysis of how digital media, the internet, and the flow of information have systematically undermined traditional institutional authority and transformed modern politics.
Discussed“Revolt of the Public. Oh, Martin Gurri. Yes, that one's great. That one's actually my favorite color and is my favorite cover too.”
Where to get it
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We Should Get Together
Discussed“Then I want to say it was some combination of Elegant Puzzle, Dream Machine and Get Together.”
Where to get it
Appearances
| Episode | Podcast | Date | Books |
|---|---|---|---|
| Writing-First Companies Are Superior (Here’s why) | Brie Wolfson | How I Write Podcast | How I Write | 2024-04-03 | 7 |