Revisionist History Podcast by Malcolm Gladwell

Written by Leigh Martinuzzi 

Malcolm Gladwell is the author of Five New York Times bestsellers. He is a journalist for the New Yorker and prior to that the Washington Post. He writes and speaks about the research and science in sociology, psychology and social psychology.

Within his works, he often examines the past – the history of ideas, events, people, and cultures and how they have been misunderstood and how they impact our lives today. The Revisionist History is a podcast series dedicated to this curiosity.

Since reading Outliers: The Story of Success, which I thoroughly enjoyed, I’ve become a follower of his work. His other books include The Tipping Point: How Little Things Can Make a Big Difference, Blink: The Power of Thinking Without Thinking, What the Dog Saw: And Other Adventures, and David and Goliath: Underdogs, Misfits, and the Art of Battling Giants which is a collection of his journalism.

Enjoy my book reflection of Outliers here.

I appreciate his curious mind, exploring ideas and topics that fascinate and make you think again about how you already think. Thoughts that can shift perspectives. Even if you are unfamiliar with the topics he presents or slightly disinterested I find the historic insight combined with popular theories and science entertaining.

I am particularly interested in human behaviour and how thoughts, feelings, emotions, beliefs, and the power of our conscious and unconscious minds interact with culture and society. I enjoy the implications they have for success, performance, social relationships and one’s overall happiness. It’s a two-way street – human behaviour influencing society and culture and society and culture influencing human behaviour.

What we think we know can always be challenged. These are some of the key reasons why I appreciate Gladwell’s work and this podcast. I suppose his work touches on many areas that I too have a particular interest – psychology, productivity, history, business, and even happiness.

I don’t believe he always gets it right but who does? I have heard and read several articles of people who criticise his work. His interpretation and assessment of the 10,000-hour rule, delivered in his book Outliers, in reference to the works of Andres Ericson, is one such example.

He simplified Ericson’s findings on his research around how 10,000 hours of dedicated practice can assist skill mastery. Gladwell classed this as a “rule” and while fascinating and in part correct it creates a misunderstanding as to what truly creates success without delivering the full research by Ericson. There is not one hard and fast rule for success and to merely suggest that 10,000 hours of practice is all it takes is insufficient.

Is it a case that Gladwell’s interpretation is incorrect or that people who read it takes too much of what he says as absolute truth without doing their own research & investigating? I’d like to think like anything it is one’s ability to form their own opinions that leads to wisdom, not just believing in everything at face value. I for one cannot find fault in Gladwell’s work.

The podcasts are delivered as a series with ten episodes per season. He has just completed Season three. There is plenty to enjoy at your leisure. If you are interested in expanding your perspectives and even developing and inquisitive approach to assessing those things in life that you may be curious about, Gladwell’s podcast I feel is of great value.

You can tune in to the Revisionist History Podcast here. 

Please leave your thoughts, comments & questions below.

Peace, passion and purpose…

Books by Malcolm Gladwell

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Further Reading and Resources 

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Elite Daily: The Voice of Generation Y

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The Minimalists: How to pursue a minimalist lifestyle and be happier.

Mind Hacks: Tips and Tricks for Using Your Brain

Rich Roll: Plantpowered Wellness Advocate

The Art of Charm: Build confidence, feel comfortable and networking differently.

American Psychological Association: The largest scientific and professional organization of psychologists in the United State

The Art of Manliness: Encouraging men to be better husbands, fathers, brothers, citizens.

Tiny Buddha: Simple wisdom for complex lives.

Brain Pickings: An inventory of cross-disciplinary interestingness, spanning art, science, design, history, philosophy, and more.

Mind Body Green: Lifestyle media brand dedicated to inspiring you to live your best life.

Zen Habits: Find simplicity and mindfulness in life.

Creative NonFiction: “true stories well told.” 

Addicted 2 Success: Motivation & Inspiration Website full of quotes and inspiring articles for entrepreneurs.

Barking Up the Wrong Tree: science-based answers and expert insight on how to be awesome at life.

The Positivity Blog: Practical articles on happiness, self-esteem, productivity and social skills.