Wednesday Wonders 5

1. Workflowy

Workflowy seems to have been around forever, but I hadn't used it for a while when I stumbled across some articles about something called the Workflowy Timeline - a way to integrate everything you're working on, thinking about and doing into one constantly moving timeline. (A video about that is HERE). That got me back into the app and I remembered how much I enjoy working with outlines and how simultaneously fluid and solid the app is on all platforms.

The "flow" part of Workflowy is not to be underestimated.

2. Architectural Watercolors of a Dreamlike Warsaw by Tytus Brzozowski

I'm a sucker for paintings that you can disappear into. These pieces by Tytus Brzozowski really fit the bill: Architectural Watercolors of a Dreamlike Warsaw by Tytus Brzozowski.

3. Human

Every now and again, a documentary series really pulls it out of the bag. So it is with Human, in which Ella Al-Shamahi traces the evolution of Homo sapiens. Al-Shamahi is a fantastic presenter and the show challenges pretty much everything I thought I knew about how we got to where we are. Beautifully shot, enthralling and mesmerising.

4. Nick Milo

I watch more YouTube videos than is healthy about how to use various apps. Most of the presenters of these videos are, to be kind, not ideally suited to the role. And then there is Nick Milo. I just love his manner. If you've ever wanted to learn any of the things he's good on (principally Obsidian), you should rush to his YouTube channel and soak up the wide-eyed enthusiasm.

5. Never Spilt The Difference - Chris Voss

Chris Voss was the FBI's lead hostage negotiator and now he teaches his skills to all comers. Voss's leading thesis is that everything is negotiation - from asking for a pay rise to getting your kid to go to bed at the right time.

Voss is clearly a tough guy, but his methodology is far from it; he's all about listening and empathy and the neuroscience of persuasion. His book is a fascinating read, and a true revelation (the first thing you want to get the other person to say is "No", because it gives them autonomy and stops them from feeling like they're being pushed around).

Never Split The Difference is one of those genuinely life-changing books. If you have a Masterclass subscription, Voss's course is also a must:

It's also worth searching his name on your podcast app of choice, because he's done a ton of really interesting interviews on the subject. (Try the Armchair Expert and High Performance podcasts for starters).