Books We Have Been Reading, Sunday, August 2, 2026

Hello there The Moosa Slobodian Network friends,

Ali and I had a fantastic time discussing what we’ve been reading on this afternoon’s show. Have a listen at the following link: https://open.spotify.com/episode/7l6jh9TPV0Vbj4Rgsy5K2O

Show Notes

Podcast Platform Strategy: The hosts discuss the best ways to reach listeners, with Aliasgar Moosa noting that, based on advice from Matt Cundill, listeners already have preferred platforms (00:00:40). Consequently, the network’s primary strategy is to direct traffic to the website, which helps bypass algorithm-heavy platforms and fosters better engagement (00:02:00).
Podcast Application Features: Aliasgar Moosa details their preference for the iCatcher” app over standard options like Spotify or the Apple Podcast app, citing better features for search, navigation, and playlist management (00:08:14). They also discuss the technical utility of OPML files, which allow users to export and import their podcast subscription lists when switching between applications (00:12:45).
Optimization of Podcast Sharing Workflow: Aliasgar Moosa discusses using the app “Overcast” solely for sharing links to episodes, despite preferring “Eye Catcher” for listening. Macara Slobodian suggests that maintaining “Overcast” as a “resource hog” solely for link sharing is inefficient (00:17:50). They conclude that it is more practical to share direct YouTube links or browser links, opting to discontinue the use of “Overcast” for this purpose (00:19:20).

Reading Habits and Progress: Aliasgar Moosa reports having focused on a “Find Work-Life Balance” course rather than “Philosopher’s Stone” this week (00:33:49). They discuss their strategy when falling asleep during audiobooks, noting that they generally prefer to continue forward rather than rewind, unless the book is particularly engaging, such as works by Carney or Kadri. Macara Slobodian acknowledges this preference but notes that they sometimes revisit material depending on the book (00:35:28).

Approaches to Reading: The hosts compare their reading styles, discussing the concept of “dissection” as a way of analyzing books. Aliasgar Moosa explains that they prefer reading for pleasure and find the academic dissection approach challenging, a skill they attribute to others like Paul Daniel and Lynn Kennedy (00:40:00). Macara Slobodian clarifies that for some, the process of dissection is a form of pleasure, even if it differs from Aliasgar Moosa’s method (00:42:45).
Book Updates: Macara Slobodian shares their recent experience reading “Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone,” highlighting their enjoyment of the train and platform scenes (00:43:56). Macara Slobodian also mentions reading “Living Disability” for its diverse perspectives and finishing “The Outsiders” by SE Hinton, which they found to be an engaging and relevant classic (00:45:06).
Reading Metrics and Schedules: Both hosts express a desire to reach their reading goals but share a dislike for looking at reading trackers that indicate when they are falling behind, as it detracts from the experience (00:47:58). They also pause to offer a belated birthday shoutout to former guest Jason Reynolds (00:49:13).
Upcoming Show Schedule: Aliasgar Moosa outlines the schedule for The Ali Moosa Show for the week of August 4, 2026. This includes Rogers and Chorus cuts with Becky Coles on August 4, 2026, at 3:30 p.m. ET, and a sports discussion with Rod Mawhood covering the Blue Jays, Leafs, and Raptors on August 6, 2026. Additionally, Lynda Steele is scheduled to join on August 13 at 3:30 p.m. ET to discuss broadcasting (00:50:06). Listeners are encouraged to book slots via themoosaslobodiannetwork.ca website (00:51:44).
Techstravaganza and Future Workshops: Macara Slobodian details the upcoming Techstravaganza workshops, starting with an iPhone setup tutorial with Siena on Wednesday, August 5, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. ET, and a Google Meet tutorial on Friday, August 7, 2026, at 7:00 p.m. ET (00:53:09). A future Books Panel is scheduled for August 28, 2026, at 7:30 p.m. ET, focusing on “In the Key of Genius: The Extraordinary Life of Derek Paravicini” by Adam Ockelford. Furthermore, Carrie Morales will join The Ali and Macara Show on August 10, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. ET to discuss AI in the workplace (00:54:28).
Network Promotion and Engagement: The hosts emphasize the importance of subscribing to the network’s YouTube channels and newsletters, as well as joining the WhatsApp group, all of which are accessible through the network website. Listeners are invited to send book recommendations and feedback to feedback@themoosaslobodiannetwork.ca. (00:55:52) (00:56:51).

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