Creating Book and Video Summary Mind Maps

In this rich and reflective session, Billy Waters walks through his highly personal approach to summarizing books and videos using mind mapping, AI tools, and visual systems. Sharing decades of experience with tools like iThoughts, Notion, Freeform, and Snagit, Billy offers a compelling framework for extracting, organizing, and reusing insights from nonfiction content. He also explores the evolving role of AI in supporting—but not replacing—human thinking in the learning process. Timestamped Themes & Topics [00:00:00] – Technical Issues & Introduction Extended troubleshooting at the beginning; session begins in earnest around [00:14:34]. [00:15:29] – Billy’s Background & Nomadic Life Based in Budapest; business in Estonia; past experience living in China, Russia, Hungary. [00:17:08] – Longtime Biggerplate Contributor First uploads in 2007; now has over 500 maps personally, with ~70 shared on Biggerplate. [00:18:41] – Mapping Software Used Longtime user of iThoughtsX; reflections on developer Craig Scott ending the project. Moved partially to MindNode. [00:21:58] – Views on Microsoft & Tool Preferences Frustration with Microsoft; preference for Mac-based tools and independence from subscription models. Mapping Process & Techniques [00:24:19] – Use of Mind Mapping for Summarizing Books Goal is to condense books into reusable summaries; blends AI support with human judgment. [00:25:10] – Mapping Workflow Overview Presentation structured in seven parts: background, software, process, tools, examples, AI use, and future trends. [00:25:53] – AI's Role in Mapping Uses Google Gemini (and ChatGPT occasionally) to extract structure or themes, then edits for clarity. [00:28:18] – Language Learning & Cultural Contexts English teaching in China and Russia; mind mapping adapted for language learning (esp. Chinese tones). [00:29:12] – Mapping Intensity Varies by Reading Habits Spikes of activity depending on reading volume; maps often created in response to specific learning needs. [00:30:53] – Notion & Mapping Integration Uses Notion as a backup and database for maps; limited integration with mind mapping software. Detailed Mapping Process [00:31:44] – Prompts & Consistency Always starts maps at 3 or 4 o'clock; uses repeated prompts to extract structure; consistent formats aid comprehension. [00:33:31] – Cleaning AI Output AI summary provides structure, but he edits and rebuilds in iThoughts manually; likens it to riding an e-bike—still pedaling, just assisted. [00:34:22] – Active Engagement with Text Reads, refines, and reorganizes AI-generated summaries; treats maps like annotated highlights in a digital book. [00:35:07] – Early Mapping Practice Created enormous maps in the 1990s; mapped entire business subjects on giant paper sheets. Examples of Favorite Maps [00:41:21] – Four-Hour Work Week One of his most downloaded maps; clear structure and polished format; used color coding for visual cues. [00:43:06] – Four Tones of Mandarin Chinese Visual aid for learning tone distinctions; demonstrates mapping applied to language acquisition. [00:45:11] – Mapping Books vs. Mapping Videos Book example: Million Dollar Weekend; builds maps from video summaries, podcasts, or transcripts first, then refines with reading. Using AI in the Mapping Process [00:46:58] – Gemini + YouTube Summary Tools Combines Gemini and websites like Summarize.tech to process transcripts and extract key themes. [01:01:07] – Prompt Map Example Shares a mind map of general AI prompts to guide extraction from AI tools—e.g., “central theme,” “audience,” “structure,” etc. [01:02:56] – Fiction vs. Nonfiction Mapping Doesn’t map fiction but recognizes value for students; nonfiction is his primary domain. Mapping Protocols & Visual Standards [01:06:19] – Color Codes for Editing Status Brown = unedited; consistent fonts and structure across all maps; same protocol as organizing travel items. [01:08:04] – Protocol Mindset Mapping style is standardized and habit-driven; clarity and recall are enhanced by consistent visual systems. Final Reflections [01:10:29] – Other Tools Used Snagit for screen capture/video; Freeform for unstructured idea dumping; Notion for organizing and storage. [01:18:38] – Future Trends & AI in Mapping Concern about AI-generated maps without thinking; sees AI as a tool for summarization, not original thought. [01:20:38] – Collaboration Challenges Skeptical about collaborative mapping; prefers individual reflection. [01:22:34] – Future Integration Ideas Hopes for better integration between mapping and apps like Notion; current workflow is cut-and-paste heavy. [01:23:20] – No "Right Way" to Map Advocates for personal approaches; values output and utility over rules or tools.