Learn Grant Writing co-founders Meredith and Alex are talking about favorite books from 2021! There’s a very good reason for being late to record this podcast episode…ahem, a house explosion caused by a gas leak. 🤯 But, better than never, right?! We are sharing six of the most meaningful books we read in 2021. These books helped inspire much of the growth and business practices of Learn Grant Writing. Plus, a bonus book at the end! 😏
A gas leak explosion in a tiny house derailed the original schedule to get this podcast episode posted, but it’s finally here! 🎊
📚 “The Art of Gathering: How We Meet and Why it Matters” by Priya Parker
Alex loves gathering. "We spend all this time thinking about the beginning of events and we don’t spend time thinking about the end. This book talks about how we intentionally gather…including the beginning and the closing." Parker has encouraged us to think more deeply about how our Collective members can feel connected! ✨
📚 “Breath: The New Science of a Lost Art” by James Nestor
We have Alex’s husband to thank for this! Stand out stat: you get 18% more oxygen into your body when you breathe through your nose versus your mouth. #gains 💪
Alex always opens up our coaching calls in the Collective with a breathing meditation. Breathing in shorter on the inhale and longer on the exhale allows you to get out of fight or flight and into a space where you can be present.
📚 “Decolonizing Wealth: Indigenous Wisdom to Heal Divides and Restore Balance” by Edgar Villanueva
For Meredith, this book was eye opening to the colonial, saviorism type narrative that is very common in foundation funding. This is a very important trend for modern grant writers to be tracking as the most progressive and interesting foundations are going in this direction. 🧭
Curious how you could get into grant writing and build a career in it? Here is a free training on how to do that without volunteering or having prior experience: https://www.learngrantwriting.org/webinar-videos/discover-grant-writing
📚 “Crazy Brave” by Joy Harjo
One of Alex’s picks: “The writing is gorgeous!” Joy’s autobiography, but written through time and space as if it’s not linear.
📚 “We Should All Be Millionaires: A Woman’s Guide to Earning More, Building Wealth, and Gaining Economic Power” by Rachel Rodgers
A book that arrived to us through the Unicorn led Book Club in the Collective. Meredith goes to money church 💰 every Wednesday morning because of this book!
Rodgers talks a lot about the time buy back principle and how that can apply in multiple areas of your life. Alex’s time buy back: paying someone to handle snow ❄️ removal. Meredith’s time buy back: hiring a local woman to prepare healthy lunches!
📚 “Pussy Pedia: A Comprehensive Guide” by Zoe Mendelson
Don’t freak out about the title! This book is packed with fascinating research and beautiful graphics.
📚 “How to Write a Grant: Become a Grant Writing Unicorn” by Meredith Noble
This book is a distillation of the most important information you need to know about grant writing. There’s now a hardcover available! Alex also wrote two chapters in this edition. 🪄 If you read it, would you please leave a review?
Like audiobooks and podcasts? Listen to Meredith’s book, “How to Write a Grant: Become a Grant Writing Unicorn” for free here: https://www.learngrantwriting.org/free-audiobook
Books next up on the list include:
🔸 “Me and White Supremacy” by Layla Saad
🔸 “All Over Creation: A Novel” by Ruth Ozeki
🔸 “You Are a Badass” by Jen Sincero
🔸 “Coming Into the Country” by John McPhee
Resources and links:
Want to learn more about the Grant Writing Unicorn Collective? DM us on Instagram! https://www.instagram.com/learngrantwriting/
While you’re at it, let us know what books you’re reading!
Timestamps
00:00 Intro An Insanely Delayed Recap of Our Favorite Books From 2021
01:22 Book #1: “The Art of Gathering” by Priya Parker
02:37 Book #2: “Breath” by James Nestor
04:07 Book #3: “Decolonizing Wealth” by Edgar Villanueva
05:19 Book #4: “Crazy Brave” by Joy Harjo
06:00 Book #5: “We Should All Be Millionaires” by Rachel Rodgers
08:38 Book #6: “Pussy Pedia” by Zoe Mendelson
09:40 Book #7: “How to Write a Grant: Become a Grant Writing Unicorn” by Meredith Noble
10:13 Books We’re Excited About Reading
11:54 What Are You Reading?