Recharge - by David Ko (Hardcover)

About the Book

Recharge offers a unique blend of personal stories and expert advice on mental wellness. David Ko, CEO of mental health and mindfulness company Calm, explores the impact of stress on our daily lives through candid conversations with rebels, rappers, and innovators, through which you'll discover practical techniques to manage anxiety, improve work-life balance, and build emotional resilience.

Book Synopsis

2025 Business Book Awards Shortlist for Smart Thinking

Recharge: Boosting Your Mental Battery One Conversation at a Time is a transformative guide to mental wellness by David Ko, CEO of Calm. Through revealing conversations with a diverse array of figures, including actor and comedian Randall Park, radio personality Delilah, rapper Macklemore, former Apple CEO John Sculley, and former NFL player Carl Nassib, this book delves into the profound effects of stress on our lives. Ko offers practical techniques to manage anxiety, enhance work-life balance, and build emotional resilience. By utilizing the metaphor of a battery, he provides readers with a straightforward yet impactful tool to assess and recharge their mental energy.

For example, Randall Park shares his experiences with panic attacks and how mindfulness techniques helped him regain control. Delilah discusses the role of faith and community in overcoming personal challenges. Macklemore opens up about his struggles with addiction and the importance of mental health support in his recovery. These stories, along with Ko's own journey, highlight the importance of having open conversations about mental health and breaking down the stigma associated with it.

The book also features a foreword by Jack Rowe, former CEO of Aetna and a professor at Harvard Medical School, who underscores the significance of mental health in our lives. Whether you are a professional facing high-pressure environments, a parent juggling multiple responsibilities, or someone seeking better mental health strategies, Recharge offers valuable insights and actionable advice. Ko's unique approach, combining personal anecdotes with expert guidance, makes this book an essential read for anyone looking to improve their mental well-being. Embrace the opportunity to recharge your mind and transform your life with the wisdom and strategies presented in Recharge.

Review Quotes

"Through thought-provoking and relatable conversations with actors, business leaders, cancer survivors, and more, Ko delves into the shifts occurring behind our willingness to speak openly about mental health... Ko's call to action will motivate readers to invest time and energy in their well-being outside of the daily grind."

- BookLife by Publishers Weekly

"Recharge is an illustrative, conversational self-help book that encourages people to rethink their home and work lives in the name of mental health... Both gentle and firm, the self-help book Recharge makes mental health care feel approachable, achievable, and necessary."

- Foreword Clarion

"Ko's expertise as Calm's CEO shines through in his ability to distill complex mental health concepts into digestible, actionable insights. Recharge is both a practical guide and a reminder that mental wellness is universal, making it an essential read for anyone seeking to better understand and manage their mental energy in today's demanding world."

- Readers' Favorite

About the Author

DAVID KO is the CEO of Calm, a leading company in mental health and mindfulness. His extensive background in healthcare and technology has equipped him with a unique perspective on mental wellness. David's personal experiences with panic attacks and his professional journey from Wall Street to Silicon Valley have shaped his understanding of mental health challenges. At Calm, he leads a team dedicated to helping individuals improve their mental well-being. The book features a foreword by Jack Rowe, former CEO of Aetna and a professor at Harvard Medical School. In his book, Recharge: Boosting Your Mental Battery One Conversation at a Time, David shares insights from his own life and from conversations with notable figures, providing practical advice for managing stress and enhancing mental clarity.