Creating Book Summary Mind Maps

Mike Schmitz, productivity expert and host of the Bookworm podcast, shares how he uses mind mapping to capture, summarise, and internalise key ideas from books. His process focuses on distilling complex material into visual summaries that make recall and application easier. By combining mapping with personal reflection, Mike ensures that the books he reads translate into actionable insights for his work, creativity, and personal growth. Key Topics & Timestamps: [00:04:12] Background & Introduction – Mike’s role in productivity coaching, podcasting, and personal development. [00:08:34] Why Mind Map a Book – Benefits for comprehension, retention, and seeing connections between ideas. [00:12:11] Mapping Workflow – Reading, highlighting, and then translating key points into a visual structure. [00:15:06] Identifying Main Themes – Extracting high-level concepts before drilling into details. [00:21:17] Connecting Ideas Across Books – Using maps to link insights from different authors and disciplines. [00:27:52] Tools & Preferences – Digital vs paper mapping, and why tool choice matters less than clarity. [00:32:41] From Map to Action – Turning summaries into practical steps for work and personal projects. [00:36:22] Sharing & Teaching from Maps – Using completed maps as training or discussion aids. [00:41:13] Long-Term Knowledge Retention – Reviewing maps periodically to reinforce learning. [00:47:09] Example: “Deep Work” by Cal Newport – Walkthrough of a book summary map and its key takeaways. Featuring MindNode