π Worldwide Markets Ep. 649 β Building a Second Brain π§ β¨
Recorded on 24 September 2025 (from the beach!) β Hosted by Simon Brown
This week, Simon takes a break from market talk ππ to explore something equally powerful: how to manage the flood of data and information we face every day. Instead of focusing on stocks, currencies, or central banks, he dives into the idea of creating a “second brain” β a system to capture, organize, and use knowledge effectively.
π Episode Highlights
- π§ Brains are great at decisions β quick choices like what to eat or which route to take. But storing and retrieving data? Not so much.
- βοΈ Handwritten notes win β research shows writing helps memory more than typing. Simon shares how digital handwritten notes improve recall.
- π Calendars as to-do lists β forget endless apps. Simonβs hack: putting everything (from work deadlines to buying milk π₯ & whiskey π₯) in his calendar for one central source of truth.
- π Building a Second Brain (by Tiago Forte) β the PARA + CODE framework that inspired Simonβs system.
ποΈ PARA Framework
- P β Projects π―: Active tasks (e.g. upcoming presentations, podcast prep).
- A β Areas π: Broader ongoing themes (like camping ποΈ or tech gadgets πΈ).
- R β Resources π: Interesting but general material worth saving.
- A β Archive π¦: Where used or finished items end up.
π CODE Method
- C β Capture πΈ: Snap photos, clip articles, jot notes into Evernote.
- O β Organize ποΈ: Sort into PARA a few times a week.
- D β Distill π‘: Pull out the key ideas & insights.
- E β Express π£οΈ: Use the information for podcasts, presentations, articles, or even shopping lists π.
π οΈ Tools Simon Uses
- Evernote π±π»: Clunky but everywhere (phone, laptop, e-reader, iPad). Paid version makes it work seamlessly.
- Tried but moved on: Obsidian (too complex), Notion (powerful but not his fit), Raindrop.io (good for bookmarking but limited).
π― Why it Works
βοΈ Frees up mental space β no more stressing about remembering.
βοΈ Keeps data accessible & actionable.
βοΈ Turns chaos (screenshots, random notes, cluttered camera rolls) into a system.
βοΈ Supports Simonβs creative and teaching work.
π Your Turn
Simon invites listeners to share their hacks:
π How do you manage the constant stream of info?
π Do you have your own βsecond brainβ system?
Send us your thoughts, tools, and strategies π¬.
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π‘ Worldwide Markets is powered by Standard Bank Global Markets and Shyft β the global money app for travel, shopping, payments, and investments with the best forex rates anytime, anywhere. ππ³
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JSE β The JSE is a registered trademark of the JSE Limited.
JSE Direct is an independent broadcast and is not endorsed or affiliated with, nor has it been authorised, or otherwise approved by JSE Limited. The views expressed in this programme are solely those of the presenter, and do not necessarily reflect the views of JSE Limited.
Wednesdays are all about hard-core investing and trading with Simon Brownβs famous JSE Direct podcast. JSE Direct started life on ClassicFM in July 2008 and became a podcast in 2011. Every week Simon shares his views on the state of global economies, individual shares and events moving markets.
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JSE β The JSE is a registered trademark of the JSE Limited.
JSE Direct is an independent broadcast and is not endorsed or affiliated with, nor has it been authorised, or otherwise approved by JSE Limited. The views expressed in this programme are solely those of the presenter, and do not necessarily reflect the views of JSE Limited.
