I’ve always had a love-hate relationship with reading. As a kid, you couldn’t pay me to pick up a book. I’ve just never been the kind of person who reads for the sake of it, there has to be something that sparks the want. But when I do find that spark, I get hooked. The hard part has always been finding the thing that inspires me in the first place.
In my early 20s, when I was finally living on my own, I got into the world of “self-help” books. I wanted to better myself, to take away something practical from each chapter that I could actually apply. That’s when I found The Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle, like a lot of people do. Somehow, that book tends to find you. It was the one that really got me thinking about presence and how important it is to make that a priority.
I remember Naval Ravikant saying in a podcast that he never reads just one book at a time, he reads 10, 20, sometimes more, jumping between them depending on how he feels that day. That stuck with me. Given my attention span, it felt like a good approach. And honestly, I enjoy it. Some books I want to have a physical copy of, others I’m good with on audio or Kindle. It just depends what I’m looking for.
So, for this Weekly Provisions, I’m sharing a few of my favorite books. Some I’ve finished, others I’m still flipping through or listening to whenever I can stay awake long enough to crack one open at night. Also, for the golfers out there, im giving you guys a first look at the new RLX collection by Polo Ralph Lauren. Seeing RL dip their toes into the golf world is long past due in my opinion. The gear is incredible.
Polo Ralph Lauren RLX Golf Collection
Who doesn’t love Ralph Lauren? Not many. They recently asked me to capture the new RLX Golf Collection which honestly feels like a long-overdue move for them. Ralph Lauren and Golf just makes sense. I’m excited to share a few thoughts and what we made.
The images above are from an afternoon at Calabasas Country Club, where we shot some photos and put together an Instagram Reel I’d love for you to check out. The gear itself is solid, classic Ralph Lauren heritage in every piece. Timeless and clean. They’ve got proper on-course looks and some more laid-back options for before or after your round. The pants are my favorite piece from the collection.
Check out the full collection HERE.
Books
Click the title of the book for link to the book
The Daily Stoic
I picked this book up in 2018 and it has been a daily staple in my routine ever since. I usually keep it next to my coffee machine so in the morning I can read a piece from it. if you aren’t familiar with it, its super simple, just one short page a day with a quote from a Stoic philosopher and a little reflection on it. It’s not preachy or overwhelming, just small reminders to slow down, keep perspective, and not freak out about stuff you can’t control. I like reading it in the morning, it kind of sets the tone for the day
The King and Queen of Malibu
The King and Queen of Malibu is this wild true story about the couple who basically owned all of Malibu before it was Malibu. It’s part old-school love story, part California history—with crazy land battles and the whole transformation from rugged coastline to what it is now. Super readable. I finished it in two days, which is rare for me—I couldn’t put it down. Probably because it all takes place where I live.
Shoe Dog
Shoe Dog is Phil Knight’s memoir about how he built Nike from scratch, and it’s way more intense and personal than I expected. It’s not some polished business book—it’s messy, honest, and kind of chaotic in the best way. You really feel the stress, the near-bankrupt moments, and how scrappy the whole thing was in the early days. I flew through it. It reads more like a novel than a business story.
Meditations
Meditations by Marcus Aurelius is basically this personal journal he never meant for anyone to read, just notes to himself about how to stay grounded, handle stress, and be a decent human. It’s wild how something written almost 2,000 years ago still feels super relevant. I’ll just flip to a random page sometimes and always find something that hits. It’s heavy, but in a good way.
The War of Art
The War of Art is this kick-in-the-ass kind of book for anyone who’s trying to create something but keeps getting stuck. It’s all about pushing through resistance and the inner voice that makes you procrastinate or doubt yourself. It’s short and super direct, like a tough-love pep talk from someone who gets it. I go back to it anytime I feel stuck or uninspired.
The Creative Act
The Creative Act by Rick Rubin is more like a philosophy book than a how-to. It’s super meditative and stripped down, all about tuning into your creativity without forcing it. It doesn’t give you step-by-step instructions, but it kind of shifts how you think about making anything. It’s one of those books you don’t rush through, you just pick it up, read a few pages, and let it sit with you. it feels like talking to a wise uncle or something.
The Psychology of Money
The Psychology of Money is one of those books that totally changes how you think about money. It’s not about spreadsheets or investing tips, it’s about behavior. Super readable, really grounded, and it makes you realize that how you handle money has more to do with emotion and mindset than anything else. I kept nodding while reading it, like, “Yep… I’ve definitely done that.”
Ikigai
Ikigai is this gentle little book that explores the Japanese concept of finding purpose, like the reason you get up in the morning. It’s part philosophy, part lifestyle advice, with a big focus on longevity and doing things with intention. It’s a calm read, not preachy at all, and it kind of makes you rethink what a meaningful life actually looks like. Definitely one of those books that stays with you.
The Four Agreements
The Four Agreements is a short, simple book with four rules for living that actually stick. Stuff like don’t take things personally and be honest with your words. It’s easy to read but kind of changes how you see things. I pick it up again anytime I need a reset.
On the Road by Jack Kerouac
On the Road is a book about hitting the highway with no real plan, just chasing freedom and whatever comes next. It’s raw, fast-paced, and feels like a snapshot of being young. Not everything makes perfect sense, but that’s kind of what makes it great.
Kitchen Confidential
Kitchen Confidential is Anthony Bourdain’s no-filter look into the wild world of restaurant kitchens. It’s gritty, hilarious, and full of stories you’d never expect, from insane late nights to brutal honesty about the industry. It reads like you’re hearing it straight from him over a drink. And the audio book is him reading it which I highly recommend.
Medium Raw
Medium Raw is Bourdain looking back after Kitchen Confidential. Still honest and sharp, but more grown up. He talks about how things changed, what he’s learned, and what still matters to him. It feels like catching up with an old friend who’s been through a lot but still tells it like it is. Audio book is also done by him which is great.
Weekly Dozen
Enjoy!
As a CFP professional I couldn’t recommend the Psychology of Money enough. Great list.
Awesome!
Thank you for the books reco 🙌