Archives de catégorie : Popular Science

SHAZAM de Chris Barton

Written by the co-founder and first CEO of Shazam, the music identification app, this is the inside story of how an “impossible” idea became a global phenomenon. Moneyball meets Grit, this is a story of inspiration and perseverance that we think will have wide appeal.

SHAZAM: The Quest to Bring an Impossible Idea to Life
by Chris Barton
St. Martin’s Press, Winter 2028

Today, Shazam is one of the most iconic and widely used apps in the world, with a brand name so recognizable that it has become a verb. But what few people know is that it was invented before smartphones existed. Chris dreamed up Shazam in 1999, when people were still buying CDs and carrying around portable CD players with wired headsets. There was no Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and certainly no App Store. The closest thing to streaming music was the illegal sharing of digital files on platforms like Napster. There was no Facebook, Instagram, or even Myspace. Chris’s idea, that anyone, anywhere, could use their phone to identify a song playing in the background, sounded like science fiction. More than 100 experts told him it couldn’t be done, but Chris refused to give up. Instead, he assembled a dream team of brilliant minds—engineers, scientists, and business thinkers—who shared his vision (after some persuasion). United by a shared sense of purpose and determination, they set out to build the impossible from scratch. Together, they would develop the technology that would power the world’s first AI-driven consumer tool, years before anyone had even heard the word “app.” What followed was an eighteen-year odyssey marked by near-bankruptcy, groundbreaking innovation, sabotage, fierce competition with behemoths like Google and Sony, and bitter internal battles among team members. Through every setback and betrayal, Chris never gave up on his vision, and he continued to fight to keep Shazam on course. In the end, the idea that no one thought could work became a global phenomenon. This is more than a tech success story. It’s a deeply human, often emotional narrative about vision, grit, and the power of believing in the impossible.

This story will appeal to music lovers, business book readers, or anyone who likes a narrative about overcoming odds and finding success.

Chris Barton is the original co-founder and first CEO of Shazam, which he conceived the idea of as an MBA student at U.C. Berkeley. He was also a founding member of Google’s mobile partnerships team and later joined Dropbox as one of its first 100 employees.  Barton has an active speaking platform, delivering keynote speeches to audiences all around the world. 

UNTITLED ON LIGHT AND DARKNESS by Lauren Collee

Ever since the Enlightenment we have associated light with reason. In this groundbreaking book, Lauren Collee defends darkness and argues that we need to learn to understand and appreciate it.

UNTITLED
by Lauren Collee
Text Publishing (Australia), July 2026

Our world is unnaturally bright. Over eighty percent of us live under night skies polluted with light. Scientists are concerned about the impact on nocturnal creatures; researchers worry about the effects of our screens on our circadian rhythms.

Ever since the Enlightenment we have associated light with reason. In this groundbreaking book, Lauren Collee defends darkness and argues that we need to learn to understand and appreciate it.

Throughout history, conversations about dark and light have been entangled with other binary systems, such as gender and race. Now the discussion is about excess: saturation, media overload, endless consumption, incessant speed. The search for darkness is also the search for a lost world: for the authentic self in an age of artificiality, and the search for rest in an age of overstimulation.

Through reportage, interviews and personal stories, Lauren explores what a transformative relationship with darkness and light might look like. With its profound appeal to the mystery of the human spirit, this extraordinary debut will appeal to fans of Annie Dillard, Jenny Odell and Robert Macfarlane, to everyone who cares about our relationship with technology, nature and culture.

Lauren Collee’s essays have appeared in the Los Angeles Review of Books, Real Life and the Sydney Review of Books. She lives in Tasmania.

SPIT de Staci Whitman

« Dr. Staci uncovers a game-changing truth: the mouth is not just the mirror of health, it’s the command center. This book will transform the way you think about disease prevention and longevity. » –James Nestor, bestselling author of Breath

SPIT:
How the Secrets of the Oral Microbiome Could Save Your Life
by Staci Whitman
Crown Trade, spring 2027

Dr. Staci Whitman’s SPIT explores the oral microbiome as a critical, yet often ignored, driver of whole-body health. Bringing her pioneering work in functional dentistry to the forefront, she connects oral health to major systems in the body, from the heart and hormones to digestion and immunity. With a dynamic blend of science, storytelling, and cultural insight, the book reframes the mouth as a powerful ecosystem that can influence everything from chronic disease to overall vitality.

If GUT opened the door and BREATH ushered readers into an entirely new understanding of the body, then SPIT delivers the next big idea in wellness. This is a surprising and essential book about one of the most overlooked yet powerful ecosystems in the human body.

Dr. Staci Whitman is a powerhouse. A trailblazer in functional dentistry, a board-certified pediatric dentist, and one of only a handful of IFM-certified practitioners in her field, she is an entrepreneur, innovator, and educator with a vision to make the world cavity-free. She has founded the first pediatric functional dental practice in the United States, launched two health-focused product lines, and is leading the development of the first certification program that trains dentists to treat oral health through a systemic lens. She is also earning a master’s degree in functional medicine and nutrition while treating patients and building a national education platform. Her energy is remarkable. Her clarity and purpose are inspiring.

Dr. Staci is also a savvy, strategic, and ambitious partner. With over 200K followers across platforms and a robust email list, she’s intentionally investing in growing her audience further and is hiring a dedicated social growth strategist in advance of publication. She’s already appeared on Andrew Huberman’s podcast and is receiving interest from the biggest names in the podcasting world—from the Joe Rogan Experience to Mel Robbins, Dr. Mark Hyman, Liz Moody, and Max Lugavere.

What is most exciting, though, is the quality and originality of the work. SPIT is a beautifully written, deeply researched, and wildly entertaining journey into a realm of science most people have never considered. This is not just a book about brushing your teeth better. It is about how the oral microbiome connects to inflammation, heart disease, hormonal balance, the brain, digestion, sleep, immunity, and even fertility. With a warm, witty, and thoroughly accessible voice, Dr. Staci blends cutting-edge science, patient stories, and cultural history to show readers how their mouths can be the key to their health and vitality. It is timely, important, and full of potential.

Dr. Staci Whitman is the co-founder of The Institute for Functional Dentistry, an allied partner of The Institute for Functional Medicine. She’s pioneering the first certification program that trains dentists in the oral-systemic connection. She founded Bloom Kids Dentistry in Portland, Oregon, the first functional pediatric dental practice in the U.S., with national expansion underway. This practice takes a whole-body, holistic approach to dentistry, grounded in science and driven by compassion. Dr. Staci is also an entrepreneur, creating Happi Floss (the world’s first truly sustainable floss pick) and co-creating Fygg (Feed You Good Guys), an oral healthcare line dedicated to protecting and supporting the oral microbiome. She earned her DMD from Tufts University School of Dental Medicine and later completed a pediatric dentistry certification at Oregon Health and Science University, where her research focused on improving airway assessments in children. A Diplomate of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry since 2012, she’s a Board-Certified Pediatric Dentist and a Fellow of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry.

WALK: YOUR LIFE DEPENDS ON IT de Courtney Conley & Milica McDowell

Step into a world where walking isn’t just a leisurely activity or a form of personal transportation, but a vital component of human existence. In WALK: YOUR LIFE DEPENDS ON IT we dive deep into the undeniable truth that walking is as essential to our well-being as breathing and sleeping.

WALK: YOUR LIFE DEPENDS ON IT
by Dr. Courtney Conley, DC & Dr. Milica McDowell, DPT
Balance/Hachette, 2026
(via Mendel Media Group)

With a blend of scientific rigor and accessible language, we shatter the misconception that walking is merely exercise or an optional pastime. Instead, we present a compelling case for walking as a physiological necessity, crucial for both thriving and surviving in the modern world.

Despite its myriad benefits for physical and mental health, walking remains one of society’s most under-prescribed medicines. We confront the paradox: if walking is so beneficial, why are participation rates plummeting? The 10,000-step mantra, once hailed as the gold standard for health, has inadvertently deterred many from even attempting to step out. We dissect this myth and unveil the numerous barriers—pain, time constraints, inappropriate footwear—that hinder widespread adoption of walking.

Our book is a beacon of clarity amidst the complexity of scientific discourse. We distill intricate concepts into actionable strategies, empowering readers to embrace walking confidently and safely.

But WALK: YOUR LIFE DEPENDS ON IT is more than a guide to walking—it’s a journey through human evolution, exploring how our bodies were designed for movement. We uncover the stark realities of modern walking deficits and the alarming impact of footwear on our sedentary lifestyles.

Armed with evidence from global scientific studies, we reveal the transformative power of walking to combat common physical and mental health conditions and enhance overall well-being. From reducing depression to increasing longevity, each step contributes to a healthier, happier life

As readers walk through each chapter, they’ll find themselves increasingly inspired to lace up their shoes and hit the pavement. We provide practical “Movement Snacks,” micro-actions that make walking more accessible and enjoyable. Our goal is simple: to ignite a global movement towards personalized walking practices, unlocking the boundless benefits for mind, body, and community.

WALK: YOUR LIFE DEPENDS ON IT isn’t just a book—it’s a rallying cry for a healthier, more active world.

Dr. Courtney Conley is a distinguished figure in the field of foot and gait specialization. She holds a Doctorate in Chiropractic Medicine as well as two bachelor’s degrees in Kinesiology and Human Biology. She has worked with many professional athletic teams in the US. In addition to being featured on numerous websites, interviews, providing consultation work to private clients and organizations, Dr. Conley was the featured guest on Dr. Peter Attia’s podcast The Drive on April 1, 2024. She is widely published digitally, with content spanning walking, gait, footwear, and foot mechanics. She is the founder of Gait Happens, a global enterprise that is leading a paradigm shift in digital foot health education, offering innovative solutions to reclaim optimized foot function and economical gait mechanics.

Dr. Milica McDowell, a Doctor of Physical Therapy, has held various professional roles in adult and medical education throughout her career. She served as a university faculty member in Human Performance for nearly a decade, has developed numerous medical education curricula and has been an invited speaker on many national stages, including the American Physical Therapy Association and American College of Sports Medicine’s conventions. She has been an invited presenter for numerous professional organizations, and she has delivered over 300 educational lectures at state, regional, and national levels. She is currently a product spokesperson for a $50MM health and fitness product company alongside retired NFL Quarterback Drew Brees.

HOW TO AI de Christopher Mims

A frank, hands-on guide to harnessing AI and leveling up your business, revealing the tools that companies of every size are relying on and how they can dramatically alter your bottom line and free up your time—from a Wall Street Journal tech columnist.

HOW TO AI
by Christopher Mims
Crown Currency, January 2026

Imagine a freelancer suddenly having access to a sophisticated legal team for red-lining contracts; a data analyst on a small team who can suddenly transform spreadsheets full of numbers into sophisticated, bulleted insight; a mini-business consultant to help them adapt in the face of changing market conditions. Artificial intelligence has the potential to revolutionize our workplaces, our day-to-day realities, and our lives. But you can’t just ask AI to do these things for you—in fact, you can’t even know what it’s capable of. Most of the abilities of AI have been discovered through trial and error. Users may be surprised by how improbably, magically good today’s best AIs can be at some things—and how terrible they can be at others.

Christopher Mims argues that it is this tension between the power and inscrutability of today’s AI tools that is at the heart of people’s awe and befuddlement at just how to incorporate AI into their work. HOW TO AI resolves that tension: it’s an accessible, narrative guide to how regular people are getting the most out of these systems, from the flashiest forms of generative AI to the dozens of other flavors that are often overshadowed. Brought to life by hundreds of interviews with people who rely on AI in their work, as well as Mims’ in-depth case studies of a trio of handpicked businesses, readers will see how everyone from construction companies to independent lawyers to healthcare startups are using AI tools to transform their businesses.

Animated by the humor and brilliant explanatory power that have earned Mims’ columns a devoted following, HOW TO AI will arm readers to become a part of the AI revolution—and, more importantly, give them the tools to make it work for them.

Christopher Mims writes Keywords, a weekly technology column, for the Wall Street Journal. Before joining the Journal in 2014, he was the lead technology reporter for Quartz, and has written on science and tech for MIT Technology Review, Smithsonian, Wired, Atlantic, and Scientific American, among other outlets. He is the author of Arriving Today (Harper Business, 2021).