"The Sports Gene," by David Epstein is one of the two best sports books I read in 2003. (The other was "League of Denial.") As an author I know how hard it can be to cut through all the noise and have your book noticed. So occasionally I'm going to use the podcast to help publicize books that I've really enjoyed.
If you've ever wondered how much of athleticism is genetic and how much is related to practice, Epstein's book is for you. It's completely fascinating. Breaking down the body types and genetics of great athletes and examining what makes them excel. Why does Jamaica produce so many great sprinters? Why can't baseball players hit softball pitchers? What makes Kenyan distance runners so successful? What about the particular body type that makes swimmers able to set world records? How about the guy who had never attempted the high jump until college and then became the world record holder?
You are going to love this book. (In my best Levar Burton voice). Go buy it.
I'm putting the podcasts up on Soundcloud here, but most of you are already signing up for the podcast downloads.
Hopefully they're helping to make your workouts or drives past a bit faster.
