July 2025 Edition
This month’s list has some fire in it. Stories of endurance, reinvention, clarity, and how to keep showing up when everything feels hard. A few of these books carried me through long hours, early workouts, and times I really wanted to quit. Others helped me slow down and check back in with myself. If you’re walking through a busy season or rebuilding one habit at a time — this one’s for you.
1. Undeniable by Cameron Hanes
This one is part mindset guide, part masterclass in discipline—and it’s packed with lessons from some of the most driven people on the planet. In Undeniable, Cam doesn’t just talk about chasing your goals—he goes deeper. What happens after you’ve reached them? How do you stay on top when the fire starts to fade?
Through his own story and interviews with high performers like neuroscientist Andrew Huberman, ultrarunner Courtney Dauwalter, elite Marines, MMA fighters, Super Bowl champions, and more, Cam explores what makes someone truly undeniable. It’s not about being liked—it’s about showing up, doing the work, and letting the results speak for themselves.
If you’re building something big—or trying to hang on to a hard-won victory—this book delivers the fuel and mindset to keep going.
2. Can’t Hurt Me by David Goggins
I listened to this during school and clinicals, and it absolutely helped me stay motivated. Goggins doesn’t hold back—his language is intense (he drops the F-bomb like it’s punctuation). But if you can get past that, the message is powerful. It’s not about being like him or running ultras—it’s about building mental toughness to push through your own hard things. For me, it helped during the long days, endless to-do lists, workouts, and walks. The challenges at the end of each chapter were some of the most practical, no-nonsense tools I’ve found. They kept me grounded in action when I needed it most.
3. Finding Ultra by Rich Roll
I found Rich Roll through his podcast, and while I don’t catch every episode, I always enjoy listening when I do. He has this calm, thoughtful way of talking to people that makes you want to lean in—and that same tone runs through his book. Finding Ultra tells the story of how he turned his life around in his 40s—going from addiction and burnout to becoming an ultra-endurance athlete. But it’s not just about athleticism. It’s about identity, discipline, and rebuilding your life from the inside out. It’s honest, reflective, and surprisingly relatable. If you’ve ever felt stuck in an old version of yourself, this one’s a solid reminder that it’s never too late to change.
4. My Effin’ Life by Geddy Lee
Rush has been Tom’s favorite band since he was a kid, so this one was at the top of our list—and we actually listened to it on a road trip together. It felt like getting a backstage pass—not just to the music, but to Geddy’s life, creativity, and the lessons he’s picked up over the years. It’s full of humor, heart, and that quirky, thoughtful voice he’s known for. Even if you’re not a lifelong fan, it’s a great reminder of what it means to stay passionate about your work—and keep growing and evolving as a person.
5. The UltraMind Solution by Dr. Mark Hyman
This one really stuck with me. A lot of what Dr. Hyman talks about has been making the rounds in the media—but what makes this book so useful is how clearly he connects the dots between brain health, mood, energy, and what we feed our bodies. It’s not hype—it’s science. Everything really does come back to chemistry and how your body responds to it. If you’ve ever felt foggy, off, or just not quite yourself, this book lays out a clear, practical path forward.
Also—his Instagram is worth following. He shares a lot of quick, helpful tips that make the info easier to apply in real life.
6. Everything All at Once by Stephanie Catudal
I first found Stephanie through following her husband, Tommy Rivers Puzey—his story of illness, recovery, and raw strength really stayed with me. When I found out this book was her story, I knew I had to read it. And wow… it’s stunning. Raw, honest, poetic. She doesn’t gloss over the pain—she walks right through it. This book is about grief and hope, presence and surrender, and holding space for your family and yourself through the unknown. I read it slowly, with tears more than once. It’s the kind of book that gently breaks you open—and leaves you better for it.
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7. The Happiness of Pursuit by Chris Guillebeau
This book really spoke to the part of me that’s always chasing the next goal or idea. It’s all about how pursuing something meaningful—no matter how big or small—can give your life more direction and depth. Chris shares stories of people from all over the world who set out on personal quests, and it made me think differently about purpose. You don’t have to climb Everest or visit every country. Sometimes the simple act of choosing a challenge and following through is what brings joy and clarity. If you’re in a season of searching or wanting to feel more grounded in your direction, this one’s worth a read.
8. The Art of Resilience: Strategies for an Unbreakable Mind and Body by Ross Edgley
This book is intense—in the best way. I mean, swimming around the entire coast of Great Britain? Who even does that?! But it’s not just about physical strength—it’s about mindset. Ross digs into mental endurance, grit, recovery, and how we train ourselves to keep going when most people would stop. I really liked how he weaves together story and strategy. It made me think differently about what it means to be tough—not just in workouts or on the trail, but in everyday life. This one’s definitely fuel if you’re pushing through something hard.
9. Wanderers: A History of Women Walking by Kerri Andrews
This one is quiet but powerful. It weaves together stories of women throughout history who used walking not just as exercise, but as a way to think, grieve, create, and claim space in a world that often overlooked them. It made me pause and appreciate how something as simple as a walk can be an act of strength, healing, and independence. If walking is part of your routine—or something you turn to when you need clarity—this book is a beautiful reminder of why it matters more than we often realize.
10. A Walk in the Woods by Bill Bryson
This was such a fun read. It’s the story of Bryson’s attempt to hike the Appalachian Trail—with zero backcountry experience and a completely unprepared friend in tow. It’s part comedy, part travelogue, and unexpectedly full of heart. I laughed out loud more than once, but I also found myself appreciating the quiet beauty of the trail through his eyes. It’s a reminder that adventure doesn’t have to be perfect to be meaningful—and that stepping into the unknown, even awkwardly, can still lead to something worthwhile. If you’re craving a lighter, inspiring travel read that makes you want to lace up your boots (or at least plan a walk in the woods), this one’s a great pick.
Want to Go Deeper?
If one of these books sparked something in you — maybe a craving to journal, plan, or take the next step — I’ve created a few guided tools to help:
- Life Reinvention Planner & Workbook – Clarify what’s next and build a life that fits.
- Awaken Your Potential – Self-discovery in simple, powerful steps.
- Gratitude: A 90-Day Guided Journal – Anchor your days with intentional reflection.
You can grab them as printables or get them shipped to your door.