Feature Friday with David Temple & Sean O’Rourke

June 18, 2021

“So many books, so little time.” Frank Zappa

2021:20

This might just be me, but I’ve often thought, the best reason to integrate a computer with my brain is so I could read 100 books a day.  But then I think, that would defeat the whole purpose of the experience.  While I don’t read as many physical books as I used to (Kindle & audio predominate), turning pages is still a joyful accomplishment.

David Temple and I met in 1996.  Our friendship grew over talks about books, movies, TV, music, writing, etc., etc., etc.  So there’s no one I wanted to kick off the Top 10 List of Did You Know That? episodes than him.  David, being the author of many a novel, gets books.

Our lists are below (the episode highlights why we chose these).  Let us know if any these would make your list or put your own list in the comments.

You can learn all about David and his works via the various channels below.  His latest novel, “The Impostor,” will be released on July 1, 2021.

Podcast: https://davidtemplebooks.com/podcasts/naked-monday (or wherever you get your podcasts)

Twitter: @davetemple

Instagram: davidtempleauthor

Music: “Easy Money” by Rex Banner via Artlist

David’s List:

1. The Four Agreements (Don Miguel Ruiz & Janet Mills)

2. The Force (Don Winslow)

3. Into the Black Nowhere (Meg Gardiner)

4. On Writing (Stephen King)

5. The War of Art (Steven Pressfield)

6. The Silence of the Lambs (Thomas Harris)

7. The Power of Now (Eckhart Tolle)

8. Savage Son (Jack Carr)

9. The Chain (Adrian McKinty)

10. Falling (T. J. Newman)

Sean’s List:

1. The Bourne Identity (Robert Ludlum)

2. The Road (Cormac McCarthy)

3. Alexander Hamilton (Ron Chernow)

4. Muhammed Ali (Thomas Hauser)

5. Days of Grace (Arthur Ashe)

6. Jurassic Park (Michael Crichton)

7. Arkham Asylum: A Serious House on Serious Earth (Grant Morrison & Dave McKean)

8. Man’s Search for Meaning (Viktor Frankel)

9. Into Thin Air (Jon Krakauer)

10. The Fountainhead (Ayn Rand)

CEO & FOUNDER

Susan L. Combs

Susan L. Combs, founder and CEO of Combs & Company, is a visionary leader transforming the insurance industry with innovation, integrity, and a commitment to educating and empowering every client.

Let's Connect

We’re Ready to Assist!

Please provide your details, and we'll reach out to you as soon as possible.

Blog - Website Form

Search an article

Take the First Step

Confidence Starts with the Right Coverage

Every great plan begins with understanding your needs. Our experts will guide you through the process, ensuring your coverage provides protection, clarity, and peace of mind.

CONTACT US NOW!

Call us now:

SHARE THIS POST:

Recent Post

The Syrup – Small Moments That Make Life Meaningful

By combsandco • March 24, 2025
The Pancakes for Roger campaign honors Major General Roger E. Combs through shared stories and memories rather than monetary success. In 2025, it raised over $13,000 for veterans' legal support and collected over 1,100 photos from participants globally, reinforcing community connection and gratitude. The campaign continues as a non-profit, expanding its impact on veterans' lives.

The Syrup –  The power of being teachable

By combsandco • June 14, 2024
The Syrup – The power of being teachable. "Be teachable. You're not always right." – Anonymous This quote got me thinking about all the people I look up to, both inside and outside of our industry.

The Syrup – Permission to Soar

By combsandco • May 30, 2024
Harrison Butker's recent controversial commencement speech got me thinking about what I would say to graduates who are embarking on their next journey and reminiscing about some things that were said to me along the way.

The Syrup – Setting Boundaries

By combsandco • February 1, 2024
In a recent reflection on the challenging 4th Quarter, professionals nationwide are grappling with abusive clients, overworked staff, and the pressure for instant response. The importance of setting boundaries, such as scheduling phone calls and limiting email checks, is emphasized as a means of improving efficiency and reducing stress. Plans for 2024 involve enforcing stricter deadlines and managing client expectations.

The Syrup – Cringeworthy Sales Tactics

By combsandco • December 7, 2023
During the 4th quarter or open enrollment period, professional women shared stories of negative sales approaches from vendors. The common experiences include unwanted gift giving, decoy techniques, unsolicited an non-targeted spam, badmouthing of competitors, dishonesty, nagging follow-ups, unapproved meeting requests, and not knowing the audience. These behaviors have led these women to blacklist certain vendors, emphasizing the need for respect and understanding in sales approaches.

The Syrup – the loneliness epidemic and coping during the holidays

By combsandco • November 21, 2023
The 2023 BenefitsPRO Broker of the Year, Nancy Giacolone, discusses the phenomenon of loneliness during the holiday season. While festive celebrations heighten cheer, they also emphasize isolation for some. This "loneliness epidemic" affects particularly those aged 19-20 and is linked with various health issues. Steps to combat loneliness include frequenting social gathering spots, volunteering, attending community events, visiting fellow lonely individuals, and utilizing technology for connectivity. The holiday season should extend compassionate inclusivity with the gift of connection.

Let’s Talk About Your Goals

Our team listens, understands your priorities, and creates insurance strategies for your growth and peace of mind.

GET STARTED