Shelf Improvement Book Club

Hosted by Anna Fisher & Holly Osborn Jennings

Education

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Episodes

249

Latest episode

Oct 2026

Language

EN-GB

About the show

We are a Podcast book club that reads one self improvement book a month to help us and you develop your business and your mindset. Developed by Entrepreneurs & Property Investors for Entrepreneurs & Property Investors

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60 recent

October 23, 2026Episode 442 min

Big Magic - Elizabeth Gilbert - Final Episode - Trust

Hey Shelf Improver! 💙 ✨ What if the secret to finding your passion is to STOP looking so hard for it? This week on Shelf Improvement, we're wrapping up Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert, and we're diving into the final section, TRUST! Do you really have to struggle, sacrifice and suffer to achieve something amazing? Or could the answer be to relax, get curious and actually ENJOY the journey? We're exploring why putting too much pressure on ourselves can hold us back, why curiosity might be more powerful than passion, and how trusting the process can open doors you never even knew existed! As always, we're bringing plenty of our own experiences into the conversation, from career changes and business challenges to overcoming fear, trying new things and learning to let go of the things we simply can't control. We also chat about why creativity doesn't have to look the same for everyone, how a little curiosity can completely change your direction in life, and why sometimes the biggest breakthroughs happen when you stop forcing things! Plus, we have a little chat about the changing seasons, Christmas chaos and finding joy in the everyday moments! 🎄😂 And that's a wrap on Big Magic! But don't worry, we've got another brilliant book lined up for November... 📚 Becoming Supernatural by Dr Joe Dispenza! We're stepping into the fascinating world of the mind, meditation, manifestation and the connection between science and spirituality. Can changing the way we think really change our reality? We're excited to explore his ideas and find out! So grab a cuppa, get comfy and join us for another episode full of honest conversations, laughs and plenty of food for thought! ☕💙 Remember, you don't have to have everything figured out. Sometimes you just need to get curious and give it a go! 📚 Not reading along in real time? No worries! We've covered 40+ amazing books. Pick one that resonates and jump in anytime. 💛 Our community is always open, It's never too late to join. Connect with like-minded people, raise your vibes, and get inspired. Links below! 🔗 Ways you can support our show : If you have found value, enjoy our show and would like to support us please like, share and rate/review our podcast with your friends and family (its free :)) 📱 Join here to be on our email list for updates: Shelf Improvement Community 📘 Facebook: Shelf Improvement Podcast 📩 Email: info@shelfimprovementpodcast.com / ShelfImprovementPodcast@gmail.com 📸 Instagram: @shelfimprovementbookclub https://linktr.ee/shelf_improvement_podcast Enjoy the episode, and we'll catch you next week! Holly & Anna X

October 16, 2026Episode 340 min

Big Magic - Elizabeth Gilbert - Part 3 - Persistence

Hey Shelf Improver! 💙 What if the biggest thing standing between you and your dreams isn't a lack of talent, time or opportunity... but YOU? 👀 This week on Shelf Improvement, we're diving into Chapter Four, Persistence, of Elizabeth Gilbert's Big Magic, and this one has certainly got us thinking! We all love the excitement of a new idea, but what happens when the novelty wears off, things get difficult and life gets in the way? Do you push through, change direction or simply give up? We explore why everything in life comes with its own challenges, why you need to CHOOSE YOUR HARD, and how perfectionism might actually be stopping you from achieving the things you want. And we're getting personal again! Fresh from celebrating her 40th in Las Vegas, Holly shares some surprising realisations about her career, happiness and whether the grass really is greener on the other side. Meanwhile, Anna opens up about putting herself out there with a new business idea before everything was perfectly in place. We also discuss why rejection isn't always the end of the road, how persistence and consistency can change everything, and why sometimes the best thing you can do is stop overthinking and JUST START! Plus, could trying 12 completely new things in a year be the secret to rediscovering your passions? From singing and aerial classes to burlesque, we explore why you're never too old to try something new! Whether you're building a business, considering a career change, chasing a dream or simply feeling a little stuck, this episode is full of honest conversations, relatable moments and a few gentle kicks up the bum! 😂 Because the truth is, nothing worth doing is always easy. But are you choosing the hard that actually makes you happy? Grab a cuppa and join us! ☕💙 Next week, we're wrapping up Big Magic with the final section, Trust, and sharing our biggest takeaways from the book. 📚 Not reading along in real time? No worries! We've covered 40+ amazing books. Pick one that resonates and jump in anytime. 💛 Our community is always open, It's never too late to join. Connect with like-minded people, raise your vibes, and get inspired. Links below! 🔗 Ways you can support our show : If you have found value, enjoy our show and would like to support us please like, share and rate/review our podcast with your friends and family (its free :)) 📱 Join here to be on our email list for updates: Shelf Improvement Community 📘 Facebook: Shelf Improvement Podcast 📩 Email: info@shelfimprovementpodcast.com / ShelfImprovementPodcast@gmail.com 📸 Instagram: @shelfimprovementbookclub https://linktr.ee/shelf_improvement_podcast Enjoy the episode, and we'll catch you next week! Holly & Anna X

October 9, 2026Episode 228 min

Big Magic - Elizabeth Gilbert - Part 2 - Permission

Hey Shelf Improver! 💙 Are you waiting for someone to tell you it's OK to follow your dreams? 👀 This week on Shelf Improvement, we're continuing our journey through Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert, and Chapter 3, Permission, has certainly got us questioning a few things! Why do we wait for approval before starting a business, pursuing a passion, spending money on an experience we've always dreamed of or simply doing something that makes us happy? We get personal this week as Anna shares a surprising discovery about why she's been holding herself back, while Holly reveals how a conversation with a friend finally gave her the push she needed to book a once-in-a-lifetime Grand Canyon helicopter experience for her 40th birthday. 🚁 We explore the difference between seeking advice and seeking permission, how our upbringing can influence the decisions we make as adults, and why someone else's opinion shouldn't automatically determine what we do with our lives. But it doesn't stop there! We also discuss why you don't need qualifications to be creative, why your ideas don't have to be completely original, and why doing something purely for YOURSELF is a perfectly good reason to do it. Plus, we reflect on the dreams we've put on hold, the opportunities we've nearly missed and why waiting for the perfect moment might mean waiting forever. Whether you've been thinking about starting a business, changing careers, trying a new hobby or finally booking that experience you've always wanted, this episode might just give you the nudge you've been waiting for. Because sometimes the only person standing in your way is YOU. Grab a cuppa and join us for another honest, inspiring and occasionally sweary conversation about finding your own Big Magic! ☕💙 Next week, we continue exploring Elizabeth Gilbert's ideas on creativity and living a life beyond fear. 📚 Not reading along in real time? No worries! We've covered 40+ amazing books. Pick one that resonates and jump in anytime. 💛 Our community is always open, It's never too late to join. Connect with like-minded people, raise your vibes, and get inspired. Links below! 🔗 Ways you can support our show : If you have found value, enjoy our show and would like to support us please like, share and rate/review our podcast with your friends and family (its free :)) You can also if you would like to support us even further you can support us by buying us a coffee via Ko-fi - https://ko-fi.com/shelfimprovementbookclubpodcast 📱 Join here to be on our email list for updates: Shelf Improvement Community 📘 Facebook: Shelf Improvement Podcast 📩 Email: info@shelfimprovementpodcast.com / ShelfImprovementPodcast@gmail.com 📸 Instagram: @shelfimprovementbookclub https://linktr.ee/shelf_improvement_podcast Enjoy the episode, and we'll catch you next week! Holly & Anna X

October 2, 2026Episode 138 min

Big Magic Elizabeth Gilbert - Part 1 - Courage & Enchantment

Hey Shelf Improver! 💙 New month, new book, and a little BIG MAGIC! ✨📚 Have you ever had an amazing idea, done absolutely nothing with it, and then watched someone else bring it to life? What if that idea was never really yours to begin with? 👀 This October, we're diving into Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear by Elizabeth Gilbert, and this book has already got us questioning everything we thought we knew about creativity, fear and following our passions! In our first episode, we explore why creativity isn't just for artists, writers or musicians. It's about living a life driven by curiosity rather than fear, saying YES to the things that light you up and giving yourself permission to do something simply because you love it. We discuss why fear can come along for the ride but absolutely CANNOT be in the driver's seat, why it's never too late to rediscover something you loved as a child, and why not everything you do needs to make you money or lead to some big achievement. But then things get a little magical... ✨ Elizabeth introduces the fascinating idea that inspiration has a life of its own. Ideas come looking for people willing to bring them into the world, and if you don't act on yours, they might just find somebody else! We share some of our own experiences of ideas we've had, opportunities we've let slip away and those moments when somebody else has gone on to do exactly what we were thinking about doing. Plus, we get into the incredible story of Elizabeth Gilbert and fellow author Ann Patchett, who discovered they'd been inspired to write remarkably similar stories. Coincidence, creativity or something a little more magical? Whether you're dreaming of starting a business, writing a book, trying something new or simply finding more joy in everyday life, this episode might just inspire you to stop waiting for the perfect moment and start following your curiosity. Grab a cuppa and join us for a brand-new month of Shelf Improvement! ☕💙 Next week, we'll be exploring why you don't need anyone else's permission to live a more creative life. 📚 Not reading along in real time? No worries! We've covered 40+ amazing books. Pick one that resonates and jump in anytime. 💛 Our community is always open, It's never too late to join. Connect with like-minded people, raise your vibes, and get inspired. Links below! 🔗 Ways you can support our show : If you have found value, enjoy our show and would like to support us please like, share and rate/review our podcast with your friends and family (its free :)) You can also if you would like to support us even further you can support us by buying us a coffee via Ko-fi - https://ko-fi.com/shelfimprovementbookclubpodcast 📱 Join here to be on our email list for updates: Shelf Improvement Community 📘 Facebook: Shelf Improvement Podcast 📩 Email: info@shelfimprovementpodcast.com / ShelfImprovementPodcast@gmail.com 📸 Instagram: @shelfimprovementbookclub https://linktr.ee/shelf_improvement_podcast Enjoy the episode, and we'll catch you next week! Holly & Anna X

September 25, 2026Episode 432 min

Key Person Of Influence - Final Chapters - Make It Happen

Hey Shelf Improver! 💙 This week, we're wrapping up Daniel Priestley's Key Person of Influence, and after a month of brilliant ideas, practical advice and a VERY long to-do list, it's time to ask ourselves: are we actually going to put any of it into action? In this final episode, we dive into the chapter Making It Happen Now, exploring why we get distracted by new opportunities, how to stop comparing ourselves to the competition and why the right people, partnerships and questions could help us achieve more than trying to do everything alone. We also get a little personal as always! We talk about changing direction after years of building a successful business, the fear of starting again, finding time for new ideas and knowing when to double down on what you've already created or explore something completely different. Plus, we share some real-life examples of how networking can open unexpected doors, why you don't need to have all the answers before you begin and how to turn those ideas you've been sitting on into something real. If you've been waiting for the perfect time, the perfect opportunity or the perfect plan to finally do that thing you've been dreaming about, this episode is for you! Grab a cuppa and join us as we share our final thoughts, biggest takeaways and the changes we're inspired to make after reading Key Person of Influence. 💙 Coming up next month: We're diving into Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert, the author of Eat, Pray, Love. We'll be exploring creativity, inspiration, mindset and the ideas that keep calling us, even when we're not quite sure what to do with them. Get your copy or download it on Audible and join us for a brand-new month of Shelf Improvement! 📚 Not reading along in real time? No worries! We've covered 40+ amazing books. Pick one that resonates and jump in anytime. 💛 Our community is always open, It's never too late to join. Connect with like-minded people, raise your vibes, and get inspired. Links below! 🔗 Ways you can support our show : If you have found value, enjoy our show and would like to support us please like, share and rate/review our podcast with your friends and family (its free :)) You can also if you would like to support us even further you can support us by buying us a coffee via Ko-fi - https://ko-fi.com/shelfimprovementbookclubpodcast 📱 Join here to be on our email list for updates: Shelf Improvement Community 📘 Facebook: Shelf Improvement Podcast 📩 Email: info@shelfimprovementpodcast.com / ShelfImprovementPodcast@gmail.com 📸 Instagram: @shelfimprovementbookclub https://linktr.ee/shelf_improvement_podcast Enjoy the episode, and we'll catch you next week! Holly & Anna X

September 18, 2026Episode 349 min

Key Person Of Influence - Part 3 - You might already have the expertise, but does anybody know about it?

Hey Shelf Improver! 💙 You could have 20 years of experience and be brilliant at what you do... but if nobody knows about it, does it actually matter? 👀 This week we're continuing our dive into Daniel Priestley's Key Person of Influence, and this episode definitely left us with a VERY long to-do list! We're moving beyond your pitch and getting stuck into the next four steps: PUBLISH, PRODUCT, PROFILE and PARTNERSHIPS. We explore why someone with far less experience than you can become the recognised expert simply because they're putting themselves out there, and why sharing what you know for FREE might actually bring you more business, not less. Could the advice you give every day become content? Could the process you've used hundreds of times become a product? Could you write a book without actually being "an author"? And could the right collaboration completely change the speed at which your business grows? We also talk honestly about imposter syndrome, giving away too much, being copied, creating digital products, making yourself Google-able and why 500 of the RIGHT people knowing who you are could be far more valuable than 20,000 random followers. Plus, we share plenty of real examples from our own businesses of what's worked, what hasn't and the opportunities we're now realising we've been sitting on all along. 😬 One thing really stood out to us this week: You don't necessarily need to create something completely new. You might already have the knowledge, processes, experience and ideas people would happily pay for. You just need to package them, publish them and let people know they exist. If you're building a business, growing a personal brand, thinking about creating a product or wondering why people with less experience seem to be getting more opportunities, this episode is definitely worth a listen. Grab a cuppa and join the conversation. ☕💙 Next week we're wrapping up Key Person of Influence and sharing our final thoughts and biggest takeaways from the book. 📚 Not reading along in real time? No worries! We've covered 40+ amazing books. Pick one that resonates and jump in anytime. 💛 Our community is always open, It's never too late to join. Connect with like-minded people, raise your vibes, and get inspired. Links below! 🔗 Ways you can support our show : If you have found value, enjoy our show and would like to support us please like, share and rate/review our podcast with your friends and family (its free :)) You can also if you would like to support us even further you can support us by buying us a coffee via Ko-fi - https://ko-fi.com/shelfimprovementbookclubpodcast 📱 Join here to be on our email list for updates: Shelf Improvement Community 📘 Facebook: Shelf Improvement Podcast 📩 Email: info@shelfimprovementpodcast.com / ShelfImprovementPodcast@gmail.com 📸 Instagram: @shelfimprovementbookclub https://linktr.ee/shelf_improvement_podcast Enjoy the episode, and we'll catch you next week! Holly & Anna X

September 11, 2026Episode 244 min

Stop Trying to Be Everything to Everyone | Key Person of Influence Part 2

Hey Shelf Improver! 💙 Do people actually know what you do... or are you giving them so much information that they're left completely confused? 👀 This week we're continuing our dive into Daniel Priestley's Key Person of Influence, and it's certainly got our brains whirring! We explore the five things Daniel believes you need to become a Key Person of Influence, before getting stuck into the first one: your PITCH. And this sparked a very honest conversation for both of us. What happens when you have multiple businesses, passions and interests? Do you really have to niche down? How do you talk about everything you've achieved without simply listing job titles? And are you actually communicating the difference you make to people... or just telling them what you do? We talk about building a reputation, being known for something, finding the thing that genuinely lights you up, creating a message people remember and why being liked by everyone might actually be a sign that you're playing it too safe. We also turn the lens on ourselves, looking at our own businesses, careers and pitches and realising there are definitely a few things we need to change! 😬 One of our favourite lessons from this week's discussion? Clarity creates opportunity. If people don't clearly understand who you are, what you stand for and how you can help them, how can they know when you're the person they need? Whether you're building a business, developing a personal brand, changing careers or wondering why you're not getting the opportunities you want, this episode might make you completely rethink how you introduce yourself. Grab a cuppa and join the conversation. ☕💙 Next week we're continuing through the Key Person of Influence method, looking at publishing content, products, profile and partnerships. 📚 Not reading along in real time? No worries! We've covered 40+ amazing books. Pick one that resonates and jump in anytime. 💛 Our community is always open, It's never too late to join. Connect with like-minded people, raise your vibes, and get inspired. Links below! 🔗 Ways you can support our show : If you have found value, enjoy our show and would like to support us please like, share and rate our podcast with your friends and family (its free :)) You can also if you would like to support us even further you can support us by buying us a coffee via Ko-fi - https://ko-fi.com/shelfimprovementbookclubpodcast 📱 Join here to be on our email list for updates: Shelf Improvement Community 📘 Facebook: Shelf Improvement Podcast 📩 Email: info@shelfimprovementpodcast.com / ShelfImprovementPodcast@gmail.com 📸 Instagram: @shelfimprovementbookclub https://linktr.ee/shelf_improvement_podcast Enjoy the episode, and we'll catch you next week! Holly & Anna X

September 4, 2026Episode 129 min

Book 48 - Key Person Of Influence By Daniel Priestly

Hey Shelf Improver! 💙 New month, new book! 📚 This September we're diving into Key Person of Influence by Daniel Priestley, and this one has already got us looking at our own careers and businesses VERY differently. Do you really need to work harder, gain more qualifications and have years of experience to become successful? Or is it more about becoming known for something? In this first episode, we explore why being great at what you do isn't always enough, the power of finding your niche (or even your micro-niche!), why passion and authenticity matter, and how your own experiences might already hold the clues to what you should be known for. We also put some of Daniel's exercises into practice and look back over our own careers to spot the themes that have followed us throughout our working lives. And there were definitely a few lightbulb moments! 💡 Whether you run a business, are building a personal brand, want to change direction or simply feel like you're working far too hard without getting the recognition you deserve, there's plenty to take away from this one. Grab a cuppa and join the conversation. ☕💙 And next week, we'll be getting further into the nitty-gritty of becoming a Key Person of Influence. 📚 Not reading along in real time? No worries! We've covered 40+ amazing books. Pick one that resonates and jump in anytime. 💛 Our community is always open, It's never too late to join. Connect with like-minded people, raise your vibes, and get inspired. Links below! 🔗 Ways you can support our show : If you have found value, enjoy our show and would like to support us please like, share and rate our podcast with your friends and family (its free :)) You can also if you would like to support us even further you can support us by buying us a coffee via Ko-fi - https://ko-fi.com/shelfimprovementbookclubpodcast 📱 Join here to be on our email list for updates: Shelf Improvement Community 📘 Facebook: Shelf Improvement Podcast 📩 Email: info@shelfimprovementpodcast.com / ShelfImprovementPodcast@gmail.com 📸 Instagram: @shelfimprovementbookclub https://linktr.ee/shelf_improvement_podcast Enjoy the episode, and we'll catch you next week! Holly & Anna X

August 28, 2026Episode 455 min

The Courage To Be Disliked Final Chapters Discussed

Hey Shelf Improver! *]:pointer-events-auto [content-visibility:auto] supports-[content-visibility:auto]:[contain-intrinsic-size:auto_100lvh] scroll-mt-[calc(var(--header-height)+min(200px,max(70px,20svh)))]" dir="auto" tabindex="-1" data-turn-id= "c6baffbb-92a7-408c-8b60-ef0a0e527d6f" data-testid= "conversation-turn-2" data-scroll-anchor="true" data-turn= "assistant"> Another month, another book finished! 📚💙 This week we're wrapping up The Courage to Be Disliked with the Fifth Night and our biggest takeaways from the book as a whole. And what a book it's been! There were ideas we loved, ideas that really made us think... and a few that had us wanting to argue back at the audiobook. 😂 We explore what it really means to live in the here and now, happiness, purpose, letting go of other people's expectations and why your past doesn't have to decide who you become next. So, did The Courage to Be Disliked actually give us the courage to be disliked? 👀 PLUS... we're revealing September's book! 🥳 Next month we're diving into Daniel Priestley's Key Person of Influence, exploring how to become more influential and recognised in your industry and turn what you know into greater opportunities. New month. New book. New conversations. 💛💙 🎧 Grab a cuppa, pop your headphones in and join us for another very real Shelf Improvement conversation. 📚 Not reading along in real time? No worries! We've covered 40+ amazing books. Pick one that resonates and jump in anytime. 💛 Our community is always open, It's never too late to join. Connect with like-minded people, raise your vibes, and get inspired. Links below! 🔗 Ways you can support our show : If you have found value, enjoy our show and would like to support us please like, share and rate our podcast with your friends and family (its free :)) You can also if you would like to support us even further you can support us by buying us a coffee via Ko-fi - https://ko-fi.com/shelfimprovementbookclubpodcast 📱 Join here to be on our email list for updates: Shelf Improvement Community 📘 Facebook: Shelf Improvement Podcast 📩 Email: info@shelfimprovementpodcast.com / ShelfImprovementPodcast@gmail.com 📸 Instagram: @shelfimprovementbookclub https://linktr.ee/shelf_improvement_podcast Enjoy the episode, and we'll catch you next week! Holly & Anna X

August 21, 2026Episode 31 hr 15 min

🎙️ The Courage to Be Disliked: Whose Life Are You Actually Living? | Nights 3 & 4

Hey Shelf Improver! How much of your life is shaped by what YOU want… and how much is shaped by what other people might think? 👀 *]:pointer-events-auto [content-visibility:auto] supports-[content-visibility:auto]:[contain-intrinsic-size:auto_100lvh] scroll-mt-[calc(var(--header-height)+min(200px,max(70px,20svh)))]" dir="auto" tabindex="-1" data-turn-id= "c6baffbb-92a7-408c-8b60-ef0a0e527d6f" data-testid= "conversation-turn-2" data-scroll-anchor="true" data-turn= "assistant"> This week we dive into Nights 3 & 4 of The Courage to Be Disliked , and these chapters definitely got us talking! We explore the idea of separating tasks : knowing what's actually your responsibility and what belongs to somebody else. From parenting and relationships to work, friendships and even making your husband's lunch 😂, we ask whether stepping back from other people's choices could actually give us more freedom. Then we get into the BIG one: the courage to let people dislike you. Not deliberately upsetting people, but letting go of the need for praise, approval and recognition so you can stop shrinking yourself to fit other people's expectations. Night 4 takes us even further into community, connection, contribution and purpose , and why being part of something bigger than ourselves might matter more than being recognised for what we do. As always, we don't agree with everything in the book, and there are definitely a few moments where we question whether the philosopher is contradicting himself! 🤯 So ask yourself… Whose life are you actually living? 🎧 Grab a cuppa, pop your headphones in and join us for another very real Shelf Improvement conversation. 📚 Not reading along in real time? No worries! We've covered 40+ amazing books. Pick one that resonates and jump in anytime. 💛 Our community is always open, It's never too late to join. Connect with like-minded people, raise your vibes, and get inspired. Links below! 🔗 Ways you can support our show : If you have found value, enjoy our show and would like to support us please like, share and rate our podcast with your friends and family (its free :)) You can also if you would like to support us even further you can support us by buying us a coffee via Ko-fi - https://ko-fi.com/shelfimprovementbookclubpodcast 📱 Join here to be on our email list for updates: Shelf Improvement Community 📘 Facebook: Shelf Improvement Podcast 📩 Email: info@shelfimprovementpodcast.com / ShelfImprovementPodcast@gmail.com 📸 Instagram: @shelfimprovementbookclub https://linktr.ee/shelf_improvement_podcast Enjoy the episode, and we'll catch you next week! Holly & Anna X

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