[Member Name], welcome to the Life Lab
The Life Lab is here to enrich your everyday. Think of it as your go-to spot for honest reviews, recommendations, and the kind of inspiration that actually sticks.
Take what you need, share what you love, and know you’re always welcome back
by strivers for strivers
Shona Reflections 2026 by Noah Devereux
10 ways journaling can improve your life by Alex Ikonn
Unequal Breathing (Visama Vritti) with Rob Rea: Eight Minutes
Physiological Sigh with Rob Rea: Two Minutes
Shona Reflections 2026 by Mark Green
Equal Breathing with Rob Rea: Eight Minutes
My Virgin Strive Experience by Gayatri Jolly Aggarwal
Shona Reset Reflections 2026 by Freddie Hooper-Grant
Two powerful lessons hidden in that uphill climb by Kristy Petrillo
Box Breathing with Rob Rea: Five Minute to Reset
Surya Namaskar Breathwork with Rob Rea
How to press pause without the world falling apart
When the Group chat won’t let go (and you don’t want it to) by Brian Meehan
Shona Reset 2026 Playlist by Rob Rea
Strivers’ Top RECO's
At 15, proud Striver Susie started Tropic with her Grandma’s scrub recipe and a few jam jars to help her mum. Today, she leads one of the UK’s top natural beauty brands—proof that Striver spirit starts young.
Recommendation by Noah
I’ve been using Susie’s Anti-blemish face mask for three days straight, and no joke nothing in my (very extensive) anti-ageing experiments has made a bigger difference to my skin. If you’re curious, here’s the magic: New Horizons Blemish Clearing Mask. Laugh if you must, but my face is grateful!
If you fancy giving it a go, Strivers get 25% - Visit our Perks page
Ezra Klein is the editor-at-large and cofounder of Vox, the award-winning explanatory news organization. Launched in 2014, Vox reaches more than 50 million people across its platforms each month. Klein is also the host of the podcast the Ezra Klein Show, cohost of the Weeds podcast, and an executive producer on Vox's Netflix show, Explained. Previously, Klein was a columnist and editor at The Washington Post, a policy analyst at MSNBC, and a contributor to Bloomberg.
Recommended by Elijah
I’m still working my way through this one, but it’s already got me thinking about what real change in society could look like. It’s challenging, hopeful, and makes you want to be part of the solution.
The first in a bestselling thriller series, “Red Queen” introduces Antonia Scott - a brilliant, reclusive crime-solver drawn back into the world to face new challenges. Praised as a “Spanish spin on The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo,” it’s full of energy and originality.
Recommended by Lara Milward
“Love this trilogy - for fans of Dragon Tattoo books #badass”
James Timpson shares his “upside-down” management approach, putting employee happiness at the heart of business success. Drawing on his experience leading the Timpson family business, he offers practical ideas for people-first leadership - like birthday leave and inclusive hiring.
Recommended by Lara Milward
Gabrielle Zevin’s novel follows Sam and Sadie, childhood friends who reunite in college and create a video game studio together. Spanning decades, it explores identity, failure, friendship, and the redemptive power of play - told with warmth and insight.
Recommended by Ben Vesten
"My book list became hauntingly long, so Tomorrow, Tomorrow and Tomorrow is the short & sweet version 😂"
A journey into self-discovery and healing, Mandy’s book blends personal story with practical wisdom. For anyone looking to reconnect with themselves.
Recommended by Iona Stephen
"One of my favourite books I’ve read recently. Annoyingly it’s not available anymore other than in audio or Kindle."
Rob’s playlist became the heartbeat of our Shona Reset 2026 - soundtracking breathwork, reflection, and those quietly powerful moments together.
There’s something about music that sneaks past the thinking mind and lands straight in the heart. Rob’s playlist carried us through breathwork, meditation, and those golden-hour moments when words fell away and all that was left was feeling.
Whether you’re journaling, walking, or just needing a reminder of the energy we shared.
And for when you want to drop back in, here are the words we breathed together: little anchors for the days ahead:
Alive. Live. Action. Fearless. Determination. Stepping across the line. Engage. Less. Balance. Energy. Apple. Self-Forgiveness. Surrender. Bravery. Contentment. Actualisation. Freedom. Healing. Time. Nature. Reflect. Generosity. Love.
Let’s keep the soundtrack (and the spirit) close as we go about our days.
In this episode, best-selling author and longevity expert Dan Buettner, explores what decades of studying the people who live the longest reveal about health and lifespan.
Had to share this, it’s been on my mind ever since I listened a week or so back…
I know there’s some debate around the veracity of ‘blue zones’, but putting that to one side, I reckon there must at least be something to it. Anyway, I am a fan of Zoe and their commitment to robust, research-backed insights - it gives me a decent level of trust in them, in a field where silver-bullets are too often pedalled. Actually, it was the section on exactly that - the non-existence of silver bullets - that really resonated with me, and what we are building in The Strive Collective, especially this bit:
”People are constantly looking for the silver bullet and there’s no silver bullet… There’s essentially five mutually supporting interconnected features to blue zone life. They’re eating mostly a whole food, plant-based diet. They’re moving naturally… Their life is underpinned with purpose. They know why they wake up in the morning… They surround themselves with the right people. They’re around people who care about them on a bad day, and they tend to share values… And finally, they live in places where the healthy choice is the easy choice”
so, in short… we are all going to live forever 😄🤩♾️
A modern classic, Atwood’s dystopian tale is a chilling look at a world where rights are stripped away—but also a call to action for anyone who believes in freedom and agency.
Recommended by Freddie
Equal parts frightening and galvanising. A timely reminder to stay alive to our rights and become stronger agents for positive change.
A laugh-out-loud, honest look at life’s messier moments, this book is for anyone who’s ever felt a bit behind or out of place. Think Bridget Jones, but with more wisdom and less self-pity.
Recommended by Mel Jones
I love a bit of escapism in a book and have just finished reading this fun one which brought home some valuable life lessons.
Small changes, big results. Clear lays out a practical, no-nonsense approach to building habits that stick—without making you feel like you need to overhaul your life overnight.
Recommended by Luke H
This one’s a classic.
Rosling uses data and stories to show that the world isn’t as bad as we think—and that progress is possible, even if it’s not always headline news.
Recommended by Charlie Carroll
Very big fan of this one. Proof that big change is possible and that while there is a lot still to do, things may be heading in the right direction.
Bregman flips the script on human nature, arguing that most people are good, and it’s our kindness—not our ruthlessness—that’s shaped history. A much-needed antidote to cynicism.
Recommended by Sam Branson
One of my fav books ever. A thoroughly well-researched book, which shows humans are inherently kind and that it’s friendliness that has enabled our species to thrive.
Harari tackles the big questions of our time—technology, politics, meaning, and more—in bite-sized, thought-provoking essays. Perfect for anyone who likes their philosophy with a side of current events and a dash of hope.
Recommended by Sam Branson
Just finished this too. Loved it. Fascinating!
A quirky, heartwarming tale about a failed bank robbery, a group of strangers, and the messiness of being human. Expect laughter, empathy, and a few surprises.
Recommended by Gaytri
Great for when you want a good laugh and a great piece of storytelling at the same time.
A sweeping look at the UAE’s rapid rise, this book explores the vision, ambition, and sometimes eyebrow-raising stories behind the country’s transformation. For anyone curious about how a desert became a global hub - or just in need of a sturdy doorstop.
Recommended by Tom Hudson
Best book to cure insomnia if you’re having trouble sleeping. A few paragraphs always does the trick. The hardback is quite weighty if you need to prop open a door. The paper is also highly absorbent. A great all-around read.
Dalio, legendary investor, shares the guiding principles that shaped his life and business. Think of it as a manual for making better decisions—at work and beyond.
Recommended by Gaytri
Straight up wisdom and practical application of business learnings on every page.
Dr Michael Greger dives into the science of longevity, breaking down the latest research on how to slow the ageing process—without making you feel like you need a PhD to keep up. Expect practical tips, myth-busting, and a few surprises about what really matters for a long, healthy life.
Recommended by Noah
“I read this last January and it changed my life pretty quickly. Surprisingly easy and quick read, given how thick it is 🙂 Fits perfectly into the Wellbeing pillar of Strive.”
At 15, proud Striver Susie started Tropic with her Grandma’s scrub recipe and a few jam jars to help her mum. Today, she leads one of the UK’s top natural beauty brands—proof that Striver spirit starts young.
Recommendation by Noah
I’ve been using Susie’s Anti-blemish face mask for three days straight, and no joke nothing in my (very extensive) anti-ageing experiments has made a bigger difference to my skin. If you’re curious, here’s the magic: New Horizons Blemish Clearing Mask. Laugh if you must, but my face is grateful!
If you fancy giving it a go, Strivers get 25% - Visit our Perks page
Small changes, big results. Clear lays out a practical, no-nonsense approach to building habits that stick—without making you feel like you need to overhaul your life overnight.
Recommended by Luke H
This one’s a classic.
Bregman flips the script on human nature, arguing that most people are good, and it’s our kindness—not our ruthlessness—that’s shaped history. A much-needed antidote to cynicism.
Recommended by Sam Branson
One of my fav books ever. A thoroughly well-researched book, which shows humans are inherently kind and that it’s friendliness that has enabled our species to thrive.
Dr Michael Greger dives into the science of longevity, breaking down the latest research on how to slow the ageing process—without making you feel like you need a PhD to keep up. Expect practical tips, myth-busting, and a few surprises about what really matters for a long, healthy life.
Recommended by Noah
“I read this last January and it changed my life pretty quickly. Surprisingly easy and quick read, given how thick it is 🙂 Fits perfectly into the Wellbeing pillar of Strive.”
Harari tackles the big questions of our time—technology, politics, meaning, and more—in bite-sized, thought-provoking essays. Perfect for anyone who likes their philosophy with a side of current events and a dash of hope.
Recommended by Sam Branson
Just finished this too. Loved it. Fascinating!
A journey into self-discovery and healing, Mandy’s book blends personal story with practical wisdom. For anyone looking to reconnect with themselves.
Recommended by Iona Stephen
"One of my favourite books I’ve read recently. Annoyingly it’s not available anymore other than in audio or Kindle."
The first in a bestselling thriller series, “Red Queen” introduces Antonia Scott - a brilliant, reclusive crime-solver drawn back into the world to face new challenges. Praised as a “Spanish spin on The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo,” it’s full of energy and originality.
Recommended by Lara Milward
“Love this trilogy - for fans of Dragon Tattoo books #badass”
A modern classic, Atwood’s dystopian tale is a chilling look at a world where rights are stripped away—but also a call to action for anyone who believes in freedom and agency.
Recommended by Freddie
Equal parts frightening and galvanising. A timely reminder to stay alive to our rights and become stronger agents for positive change.
James Timpson shares his “upside-down” management approach, putting employee happiness at the heart of business success. Drawing on his experience leading the Timpson family business, he offers practical ideas for people-first leadership - like birthday leave and inclusive hiring.
Recommended by Lara Milward
Rob’s playlist became the heartbeat of our Shona Reset 2026 - soundtracking breathwork, reflection, and those quietly powerful moments together.
There’s something about music that sneaks past the thinking mind and lands straight in the heart. Rob’s playlist carried us through breathwork, meditation, and those golden-hour moments when words fell away and all that was left was feeling.
Whether you’re journaling, walking, or just needing a reminder of the energy we shared.
And for when you want to drop back in, here are the words we breathed together: little anchors for the days ahead:
Alive. Live. Action. Fearless. Determination. Stepping across the line. Engage. Less. Balance. Energy. Apple. Self-Forgiveness. Surrender. Bravery. Contentment. Actualisation. Freedom. Healing. Time. Nature. Reflect. Generosity. Love.
Let’s keep the soundtrack (and the spirit) close as we go about our days.
In this episode, best-selling author and longevity expert Dan Buettner, explores what decades of studying the people who live the longest reveal about health and lifespan.
Had to share this, it’s been on my mind ever since I listened a week or so back…
I know there’s some debate around the veracity of ‘blue zones’, but putting that to one side, I reckon there must at least be something to it. Anyway, I am a fan of Zoe and their commitment to robust, research-backed insights - it gives me a decent level of trust in them, in a field where silver-bullets are too often pedalled. Actually, it was the section on exactly that - the non-existence of silver bullets - that really resonated with me, and what we are building in The Strive Collective, especially this bit:
”People are constantly looking for the silver bullet and there’s no silver bullet… There’s essentially five mutually supporting interconnected features to blue zone life. They’re eating mostly a whole food, plant-based diet. They’re moving naturally… Their life is underpinned with purpose. They know why they wake up in the morning… They surround themselves with the right people. They’re around people who care about them on a bad day, and they tend to share values… And finally, they live in places where the healthy choice is the easy choice”
so, in short… we are all going to live forever 😄🤩♾️
A laugh-out-loud, honest look at life’s messier moments, this book is for anyone who’s ever felt a bit behind or out of place. Think Bridget Jones, but with more wisdom and less self-pity.
Recommended by Mel Jones
I love a bit of escapism in a book and have just finished reading this fun one which brought home some valuable life lessons.
A quirky, heartwarming tale about a failed bank robbery, a group of strangers, and the messiness of being human. Expect laughter, empathy, and a few surprises.
Recommended by Gaytri
Great for when you want a good laugh and a great piece of storytelling at the same time.
A sweeping look at the UAE’s rapid rise, this book explores the vision, ambition, and sometimes eyebrow-raising stories behind the country’s transformation. For anyone curious about how a desert became a global hub - or just in need of a sturdy doorstop.
Recommended by Tom Hudson
Best book to cure insomnia if you’re having trouble sleeping. A few paragraphs always does the trick. The hardback is quite weighty if you need to prop open a door. The paper is also highly absorbent. A great all-around read.
Ezra Klein is the editor-at-large and cofounder of Vox, the award-winning explanatory news organization. Launched in 2014, Vox reaches more than 50 million people across its platforms each month. Klein is also the host of the podcast the Ezra Klein Show, cohost of the Weeds podcast, and an executive producer on Vox's Netflix show, Explained. Previously, Klein was a columnist and editor at The Washington Post, a policy analyst at MSNBC, and a contributor to Bloomberg.
Recommended by Elijah
I’m still working my way through this one, but it’s already got me thinking about what real change in society could look like. It’s challenging, hopeful, and makes you want to be part of the solution.
Dalio, legendary investor, shares the guiding principles that shaped his life and business. Think of it as a manual for making better decisions—at work and beyond.
Recommended by Gaytri
Straight up wisdom and practical application of business learnings on every page.
Rosling uses data and stories to show that the world isn’t as bad as we think—and that progress is possible, even if it’s not always headline news.
Recommended by Charlie Carroll
Very big fan of this one. Proof that big change is possible and that while there is a lot still to do, things may be heading in the right direction.
Gabrielle Zevin’s novel follows Sam and Sadie, childhood friends who reunite in college and create a video game studio together. Spanning decades, it explores identity, failure, friendship, and the redemptive power of play - told with warmth and insight.
Recommended by Ben Vesten
"My book list became hauntingly long, so Tomorrow, Tomorrow and Tomorrow is the short & sweet version 😂"
