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Amplify: How to Use the Power of Connection to Engage, Take Action, and Build a Better World
A blueprint for boosting your activism and building support for the causes you care about, featuring fan-building tactics from the music industry and the voices of today’s most passionate change-makers
“This book shines a light on a wealth of new strategies to help reach people in ways that are both authentic and resonant.”—John Kerry
From stadium acts to indie singer-songwriters, musicians have pioneered ways of sparking passion, building awareness, and catalyzing engagement. Now imagine if social movements—from the fight to protect the planet to campaigns promoting global health or LGBTQIA+ rights—had the same fervent support as your favorite artists.
Adam Met, climate advocate, educator, and member of the multiplatinum band AJR, gained firsthand experience growing an audience from the ground up as the band progressed from playing in living rooms to selling out arenas. With award-winning journalist Heather Landy, Met shows how to apply fan-building strategies to social movements in exciting, inventive ways. Amplify is a playbook for developing passionate supporters (i.e., fans) utilizing the art and science of engagement, collaboration, and authentic connection, with tactics that will inspire people to carry your message to the world and spur others to act.
Amplify’s innovative tool kit will help you find your voice and maximize your impact in the world of social progress to create the change you want to see.
This movement-building manifesto includes cutting-edge research and strategies from today’s most effective organizers, engagers, and thinkers, including extensive interviews with
Adam Grant (Wharton professor) on embracing disagreement within a movement
Christiana Figueres (Paris Climate Agreement architect) on finding a path to solutions
Andrew Yang (former U.S. presidential candidate) on becoming the front person for your ideas
David Hogg (March for Our Lives co-founder) on the challenges of building a youth-led movement
Chi Ossé (youngest-ever NYC council member) on working outside the box but within the system
Sue Doster (NYC Pride co-chair) on keeping movements nimble and relevant
Glenn Beck (conservative commentator) on finding common ground
Jim Gaffigan (comedian) on setting and achieving goals
Bill Nye (scientist and entertainer) on communication that connects with people
Ben Folds (musician) on staying in sync with your audience
Jamie Drummond (ONE Campaign co-founder) on the beauty of purposeful compromise
Enongo Lumumba-Kasongo (hip-hop scholar) on the intersection of activism and history
Wendy Laister (Duran Duran manager) on harnessing the energy of live events
Clyde Lawrence and Jordan Cohen (of the band Lawrence) on pressing your argument
MAX (musician) on the power of collaboration
Sam Hollander (songwriter) on aligning different perspectives
Astro Teller (co-founder of Alphabet’s X division) on taking moonshots
“This book shines a light on a wealth of new strategies to help reach people in ways that are both authentic and resonant.”—John Kerry
From stadium acts to indie singer-songwriters, musicians have pioneered ways of sparking passion, building awareness, and catalyzing engagement. Now imagine if social movements—from the fight to protect the planet to campaigns promoting global health or LGBTQIA+ rights—had the same fervent support as your favorite artists.
Adam Met, climate advocate, educator, and member of the multiplatinum band AJR, gained firsthand experience growing an audience from the ground up as the band progressed from playing in living rooms to selling out arenas. With award-winning journalist Heather Landy, Met shows how to apply fan-building strategies to social movements in exciting, inventive ways. Amplify is a playbook for developing passionate supporters (i.e., fans) utilizing the art and science of engagement, collaboration, and authentic connection, with tactics that will inspire people to carry your message to the world and spur others to act.
Amplify’s innovative tool kit will help you find your voice and maximize your impact in the world of social progress to create the change you want to see.
This movement-building manifesto includes cutting-edge research and strategies from today’s most effective organizers, engagers, and thinkers, including extensive interviews with
Adam Grant (Wharton professor) on embracing disagreement within a movement
Christiana Figueres (Paris Climate Agreement architect) on finding a path to solutions
Andrew Yang (former U.S. presidential candidate) on becoming the front person for your ideas
David Hogg (March for Our Lives co-founder) on the challenges of building a youth-led movement
Chi Ossé (youngest-ever NYC council member) on working outside the box but within the system
Sue Doster (NYC Pride co-chair) on keeping movements nimble and relevant
Glenn Beck (conservative commentator) on finding common ground
Jim Gaffigan (comedian) on setting and achieving goals
Bill Nye (scientist and entertainer) on communication that connects with people
Ben Folds (musician) on staying in sync with your audience
Jamie Drummond (ONE Campaign co-founder) on the beauty of purposeful compromise
Enongo Lumumba-Kasongo (hip-hop scholar) on the intersection of activism and history
Wendy Laister (Duran Duran manager) on harnessing the energy of live events
Clyde Lawrence and Jordan Cohen (of the band Lawrence) on pressing your argument
MAX (musician) on the power of collaboration
Sam Hollander (songwriter) on aligning different perspectives
Astro Teller (co-founder of Alphabet’s X division) on taking moonshots
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Published June 3, 2025
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
June 14, 2025
First of all, I'm biased, because I love Adam Met. In fact, I love AJR. (I mean, honestly, for an AJR fan, I can be somewhat critical of their sounds; there are plenty of things I wish they would do differently. Nonetheless, I love their music, and I love all three of them as people.) Keep in mind I probably wouldn't have read this book if I wasn't already a fan of Adam.
I don't read a whole lot of non-fiction. When I do, I tend to worry it won't be as effective as it wants or claims to be. I worry it'll contain vague thoughts without specific, concrete advice or instructions. Basically, I worry it'll be all bark and no bite. Before reading Amplify, I felt this worry, despite the fact - or perhaps because - I like Adam. I was worried I would be disappointed.
After reading, I have one main criticism, but it actually ISN'T what I worried about. Amplify contains enough real-world examples and expert opinions to make me think Adam knows what he's saying. There are also plenty of interviews with scholars, activists, and musicians. Furthermore, the end contains a bibliography of sources used. It seems to me like Amplify is reliable and effective.
Actually, my criticism is this: it isn't especially helpful for the average person. Instead, it's more tailored to movement leaders. I believe this is intentional. I mean, one of the main goals of the book is to build a more effective "fan base" for your movement. This is inherently directed toward people who are in charge of a movement, or at least people who plan to start a movement. It isn't incredibly useful for people like me, who are happy to support the cause, but not take charge of it.
Nonetheless, it isn't useless for the typical person either. The first few chapters focus on finding what you want to change in the world, and what movement(s) you might want to join. They also include thought experiments to help you find your particular role in that movement. Furthermore, the idea of taking concepts from one field - in this case, the music industry - and applying them to another - such as movements - seems to be a useful skill, and Amplify shows ways you can do that.
Despite this idea of using the music industry as inspiration, Adam says he doesn't want to focus on musicianship. The goal isn't to imply music itself is crucial to a movement's success; it's to say the skills used in the world of music can be applied to the world of movements.
Nonetheless, some of my favorite parts of the book are the insights into Adam's music career. Almost every chapter begins with a story or fact about his role in AJR, and some of them surprised me. For example, early in the book, he says he doesn't think he's an especially good bass player. Even though I'm a fan of their music, I greatly respect the honesty in that statement. I didn't realize he felt that way about himself. He also mentions he originally wanted to pursue piano, but his brother Ryan had already taken that role. These aren't things I'd known until Amplify.
If you're a fan of Adam or AJR as a whole, you'll likely get something out of Amplify. If you want to know how to engage your audience more effectively, you'll probably get something out of it too. If you don't fit either of these categories, you probably don't need to read it.
I don't read a whole lot of non-fiction. When I do, I tend to worry it won't be as effective as it wants or claims to be. I worry it'll contain vague thoughts without specific, concrete advice or instructions. Basically, I worry it'll be all bark and no bite. Before reading Amplify, I felt this worry, despite the fact - or perhaps because - I like Adam. I was worried I would be disappointed.
After reading, I have one main criticism, but it actually ISN'T what I worried about. Amplify contains enough real-world examples and expert opinions to make me think Adam knows what he's saying. There are also plenty of interviews with scholars, activists, and musicians. Furthermore, the end contains a bibliography of sources used. It seems to me like Amplify is reliable and effective.
Actually, my criticism is this: it isn't especially helpful for the average person. Instead, it's more tailored to movement leaders. I believe this is intentional. I mean, one of the main goals of the book is to build a more effective "fan base" for your movement. This is inherently directed toward people who are in charge of a movement, or at least people who plan to start a movement. It isn't incredibly useful for people like me, who are happy to support the cause, but not take charge of it.
Nonetheless, it isn't useless for the typical person either. The first few chapters focus on finding what you want to change in the world, and what movement(s) you might want to join. They also include thought experiments to help you find your particular role in that movement. Furthermore, the idea of taking concepts from one field - in this case, the music industry - and applying them to another - such as movements - seems to be a useful skill, and Amplify shows ways you can do that.
Despite this idea of using the music industry as inspiration, Adam says he doesn't want to focus on musicianship. The goal isn't to imply music itself is crucial to a movement's success; it's to say the skills used in the world of music can be applied to the world of movements.
Nonetheless, some of my favorite parts of the book are the insights into Adam's music career. Almost every chapter begins with a story or fact about his role in AJR, and some of them surprised me. For example, early in the book, he says he doesn't think he's an especially good bass player. Even though I'm a fan of their music, I greatly respect the honesty in that statement. I didn't realize he felt that way about himself. He also mentions he originally wanted to pursue piano, but his brother Ryan had already taken that role. These aren't things I'd known until Amplify.
If you're a fan of Adam or AJR as a whole, you'll likely get something out of Amplify. If you want to know how to engage your audience more effectively, you'll probably get something out of it too. If you don't fit either of these categories, you probably don't need to read it.
May 28, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley for providing me an eARC in return for an honest review.
I enjoyed this book a lot, and was surprised at how many of the musicians that I recognized that were included, including Twenty One Pilots, Ben Folds, Olivia Rodrigo, and more. I will admit that I at first picked up this book mostly due to being a fan of AJR, but still had a mild interest in the contents and activism piece. I am happy to say that after the reading the book, my outlook has changed. Yes, there were new facts about pop culture artists, and the band, but the real message of the book lies in its call for action and tips on how to organize a community of changemakers.
I particularly enjoyed the community-building chapter that focused on games/riddles. I personally love them, and hadn’t thought about their capabilities for rallying teams, but it really does make sense as a tool for leaders.
I think that the most valuable insight that I gleaned from this book was a feeling of hope. Sometimes my lack of initiative to foster change comes from a place of feeling hopeless about the capability for change in the first place. This book, and particularly the interview with Glenn Beck, reignited my heart in terms of capability for change, or at least common grounds.
I would recommend both to fans of the band, but also to any future leaders, young and old. In a world of increasing change and evolving strategies for connection, it serves as a guidebook that provides the right tips and asks the right questions.
#Amplify #NetGalley
I enjoyed this book a lot, and was surprised at how many of the musicians that I recognized that were included, including Twenty One Pilots, Ben Folds, Olivia Rodrigo, and more. I will admit that I at first picked up this book mostly due to being a fan of AJR, but still had a mild interest in the contents and activism piece. I am happy to say that after the reading the book, my outlook has changed. Yes, there were new facts about pop culture artists, and the band, but the real message of the book lies in its call for action and tips on how to organize a community of changemakers.
I particularly enjoyed the community-building chapter that focused on games/riddles. I personally love them, and hadn’t thought about their capabilities for rallying teams, but it really does make sense as a tool for leaders.
I think that the most valuable insight that I gleaned from this book was a feeling of hope. Sometimes my lack of initiative to foster change comes from a place of feeling hopeless about the capability for change in the first place. This book, and particularly the interview with Glenn Beck, reignited my heart in terms of capability for change, or at least common grounds.
I would recommend both to fans of the band, but also to any future leaders, young and old. In a world of increasing change and evolving strategies for connection, it serves as a guidebook that provides the right tips and asks the right questions.
#Amplify #NetGalley
August 30, 2025
I was so excited to read this book after I heard him mention it when he was on Ologies. Even though AJR’s music isn’t for me, I’ve always admired how Adam still pursued his passions outside of music. Unfortunately, the book wasn’t as good as I had hoped.
Let’s start with what I liked.
I loved the concept of the book and how you can feel just how passionate Met is. He had a lot of unique ideas and made points that I hadn’t thought of before. I learned a lot! He mentioned several different social movements and included interviews with a plethora of people, which I thought strengthened his case. And I loved the sound bites he included in the audio book, it made it a more immersive experience. For like the first half of the book, I felt it was going to be 5 stars.
Until it dropped off for me.
He’s very smart about climate science, but whenever he talked about his own band, I felt embarrassed as a member of the music industry.
First, there was a tonal change when he would talk about AJR and the industry as a whole. He went from intellectual commentary to “ProTools is awesome! But the Beatles couldn’t use it :(“ Oh and when he mentioned that they record and save the talkback from their sessions, that’s just like such a waste of time and storage. Their sessions are already probably so massive and complex, so why add that to the mix?
I’m glad he talked about the evils of LiveNation, but why did it seem like earlier in the book he was praising Spotify and Napster. They are just as detrimental if not more to the industry.
And I hated the part when he acted like AJR were these misunderstood rebel, bad boys. Of course their manager and the label and everybody would be mad at them. They frivolously blew their tour budget and made things way more complicated than it needed to be. And then a few chapters later just to complain about not making much back from tours. Like yeah, a lot of the times is it extremely unfair to the artist. But I also know what it’s like behind of the scenes of shows, so in my opinion, the tour manager and everyone else involved deserved every penny the brothers didn’t see in this situation. The way he described it very much gave off Meredith Grey’s “pick me, choose me, love me.” Now I want to see how they spend their album advancements lol
I know I just ranted a lot about the things I hated, but the book wasn’t all around bad, so 3 stars feels just about right
Let’s start with what I liked.
I loved the concept of the book and how you can feel just how passionate Met is. He had a lot of unique ideas and made points that I hadn’t thought of before. I learned a lot! He mentioned several different social movements and included interviews with a plethora of people, which I thought strengthened his case. And I loved the sound bites he included in the audio book, it made it a more immersive experience. For like the first half of the book, I felt it was going to be 5 stars.
Until it dropped off for me.
He’s very smart about climate science, but whenever he talked about his own band, I felt embarrassed as a member of the music industry.
First, there was a tonal change when he would talk about AJR and the industry as a whole. He went from intellectual commentary to “ProTools is awesome! But the Beatles couldn’t use it :(“ Oh and when he mentioned that they record and save the talkback from their sessions, that’s just like such a waste of time and storage. Their sessions are already probably so massive and complex, so why add that to the mix?
I’m glad he talked about the evils of LiveNation, but why did it seem like earlier in the book he was praising Spotify and Napster. They are just as detrimental if not more to the industry.
And I hated the part when he acted like AJR were these misunderstood rebel, bad boys. Of course their manager and the label and everybody would be mad at them. They frivolously blew their tour budget and made things way more complicated than it needed to be. And then a few chapters later just to complain about not making much back from tours. Like yeah, a lot of the times is it extremely unfair to the artist. But I also know what it’s like behind of the scenes of shows, so in my opinion, the tour manager and everyone else involved deserved every penny the brothers didn’t see in this situation. The way he described it very much gave off Meredith Grey’s “pick me, choose me, love me.” Now I want to see how they spend their album advancements lol
I know I just ranted a lot about the things I hated, but the book wasn’t all around bad, so 3 stars feels just about right
July 16, 2025
I’ve been following Adam’s journey with Planet Reimagined for a few years now, and AJR for even longer. Physically reading this book, I automatically read it in his voice, one not super present when he’s on stage. And when I listened on audiobook, I got to actually hear the story in his voice, which made me feel like we were friends on a phone call, like he was talking directly to me over a cup of coffee.
Honestly I don’t read a lot of nonfiction, but I’ve been a climate change activist since I was young, and when I realized how important it was to the “quiet” member of my favorite band, I knew I was in the right place with their community.
This book gave me more insight on a lot of things. It features voices from all sides of the people who are fighting for climate change, even if they’re unlikely allies. The point of this book is to tell us that there’s a spot for the things you believe in, anywhere. It gives ideas on how to voice it, how to gain allies, how to try your solutions even if you fail, and how to look deeper within yourself for the strength to get to your goal.
I felt inspired, like a fire lit under my ass to go take part in something that I care about. To shout it from the rooftops that I care about that thing. I definitely will recall angles I’ve never considered, and new things I got to learn just because I wanted to absorb every bit of information he was giving me. I guess that was the point of the story after all.
Honestly I don’t read a lot of nonfiction, but I’ve been a climate change activist since I was young, and when I realized how important it was to the “quiet” member of my favorite band, I knew I was in the right place with their community.
This book gave me more insight on a lot of things. It features voices from all sides of the people who are fighting for climate change, even if they’re unlikely allies. The point of this book is to tell us that there’s a spot for the things you believe in, anywhere. It gives ideas on how to voice it, how to gain allies, how to try your solutions even if you fail, and how to look deeper within yourself for the strength to get to your goal.
I felt inspired, like a fire lit under my ass to go take part in something that I care about. To shout it from the rooftops that I care about that thing. I definitely will recall angles I’ve never considered, and new things I got to learn just because I wanted to absorb every bit of information he was giving me. I guess that was the point of the story after all.
June 9, 2025
The “A” in AJR stands for “Adam” but I think it also now needs to stand for “Amplify” because wow this book is so inspiring. And clever! Like the scavenger hunt within a chapter about using games as a tool for engagement… delightful!
This year I have gotten more and more involved in global health advocacy, especially as the recent cuts to US foreign aid programs have left so many of the world’s most vulnerable without life-saving care, which is deeply upsetting to me. This book has given me so many ideas on how to be more effective in my activism and I can’t wait to put them to use!
Whether you are a fan of the band or not, this is an excellent read and you will come away feeling empowered and hopeful. Messages like this are so necessary, especially in the current political climate.
Lastly, I’d like to share some lyrics from “2085,” which is one of my favorite AJR songs:
“Did I make you proud
Did I screw this up
Sing with me loud
It's all that I’ve got
To know if I did or not”
I hope Adam knows he continues to make us proud both in the band and with his many other projects, including this book. And I hope we can make him proud too 💜
This year I have gotten more and more involved in global health advocacy, especially as the recent cuts to US foreign aid programs have left so many of the world’s most vulnerable without life-saving care, which is deeply upsetting to me. This book has given me so many ideas on how to be more effective in my activism and I can’t wait to put them to use!
Whether you are a fan of the band or not, this is an excellent read and you will come away feeling empowered and hopeful. Messages like this are so necessary, especially in the current political climate.
Lastly, I’d like to share some lyrics from “2085,” which is one of my favorite AJR songs:
“Did I make you proud
Did I screw this up
Sing with me loud
It's all that I’ve got
To know if I did or not”
I hope Adam knows he continues to make us proud both in the band and with his many other projects, including this book. And I hope we can make him proud too 💜
September 1, 2025
Not only what this book inspiring, it was informative and entertaining. Adam managed to successfully reach the audience with the methods he was discussing by using use-cases that were very fascinating to read about. I’m not great with my words, but that may be one of the best books I have read of all time. Please take the time to read!!
June 7, 2025
As an AJR fan I was very surprised when I heard that Adam had a pHD and was writing a book. I immediately knew I had to read it no matter what it was about and when I saw it on NetGalley as an ARC it was an immediate request, and I am glad I did. This book opened my eyes to the world in a whole new way and made me look at how I can use my voice to create change in the world, because let's face it, our world kind of sucks, and any change no matter how big or small, can make a difference.
July 7, 2025
I am biased because I have been an AJR fan since around 2012/2013 but this book by the “A” of AJR was great! I loved hearing some of the background information about what went on the past 12/13 years with AJR and how that ties to Adam’s political activism. I also appreciate that there are different ways shared of how you can use the example of music and tie it to a cause you’re passionate about. Meaning that you can use the various music production tactics to your advantage when being an activist. As a musician, I just love this! I also appreciated listening this to an audiobook directly from Adam’s perspective, the snippets of AJR songs being played, and of course the audio interviews from the many other activists, politicians, musicians, and more. Overall, I definitely recommend!
August 24, 2025
I picked this up on a whim from the library, knowing AJR as a band I admire but not realizing Adam Met had a PhD and was deeply involved in climate advocacy. That surprise alone added an intriguing layer to the read.
The book blends personal anecdotes from AJR’s rise with broader insights into activism and movement-building. Adam draws parallels between fan engagement in music and mobilizing support for causes—especially climate action—which makes for a fresh, if occasionally scattered, perspective.
Overall, it’s an engaging read for anyone curious about how pop culture and purpose can intersect. Not quite a page-turner, but definitely worth borrowing if you're into music, social change, or discovering unexpected sides of familiar faces.
The book blends personal anecdotes from AJR’s rise with broader insights into activism and movement-building. Adam draws parallels between fan engagement in music and mobilizing support for causes—especially climate action—which makes for a fresh, if occasionally scattered, perspective.
Overall, it’s an engaging read for anyone curious about how pop culture and purpose can intersect. Not quite a page-turner, but definitely worth borrowing if you're into music, social change, or discovering unexpected sides of familiar faces.
July 24, 2025
As a longtime AJR fan, I purchased Amplify to support Adam. What I didn’t expect was how genuinely engaging it would be despite my lack of knowledge or keen interest in the topic of social advocacy.
Adam has a way of turning a topic I’d normally gloss over into a clear, compelling narrative. I especially loved the comparisons between the music industry and social movements, which made the information both accessible and surprisingly relatable.
Whether you’re here as a supportive fan or drawn to the heart of the message, Amplify is certainly worth the read.
Adam has a way of turning a topic I’d normally gloss over into a clear, compelling narrative. I especially loved the comparisons between the music industry and social movements, which made the information both accessible and surprisingly relatable.
Whether you’re here as a supportive fan or drawn to the heart of the message, Amplify is certainly worth the read.
July 3, 2025
Picked it up as a dedicated AJR fan but was so pleasantly surprised by the content of the book. I really enjoyed how he used the comparison of music industry growth strategies to explain how social movements can effectively be built and shared. Couldn’t help but think about Zohran Mamdani’s recent campaign and how so many of the strategies Adam mentioned were used so successfully. Also recommend listening to audiobook because there are some fun sound bites and all the interviews done are recorded. This dude is a true polymath!
June 21, 2025
I read a lot of non-fiction, often focused on climate change, and I listen to a lot of AJR, so I’m pretty sure this book was written specifically with me in mind. But even if you don’t do either of those things, this is still a very readable and enjoyable book full of great stories and ideas!
May 29, 2025
Thanks to the publisher, via Netgalley, for an advance e-galley for honest review.
I was really impressed with how engaging this was (should not have been surprised based on the entire premise of the book). It's smart and informed without being didactic, and I think both young activists and community builders who are interested in how to take action, and "older" readers who are seeking to understand how to engage any audience will find a lot in this one. Met draws on his own expertise as well as from a huge range of experts on different topics and walks of life, and this furthers his points in really interesting ways.
I was really impressed with how engaging this was (should not have been surprised based on the entire premise of the book). It's smart and informed without being didactic, and I think both young activists and community builders who are interested in how to take action, and "older" readers who are seeking to understand how to engage any audience will find a lot in this one. Met draws on his own expertise as well as from a huge range of experts on different topics and walks of life, and this furthers his points in really interesting ways.
July 2, 2025
Very interesting! It reminded me of Malcolm Gladwell’s The Tipping Point. I enjoyed the anecdotes and references to multiple artists as well as AJR’s own story. Overall, I would recommend if you enjoy AJR and activism, this book is for you!
June 1, 2025
Thanks to the publisher NetGalley for providing me a copy of this book for return of an honest review. This book was excellent! So many great takeaways. Would definitely reread at times of need.
August 29, 2025
Reading through other reviews, it is evident I am not alone in picking up this book due to being an AJR fan. I went in with low expectations but a decent amount of interest and was surprised by the enjoyment I got out of it. The book was interesting and engaging and got me thinking in ways I never would have before. Adam, like his brothers, has an engaging presence and an ability to hook a listener with his tone and delivery of information. A natural born storyteller and educator. I imagine the classes he teaches are very popular. I listened to the audiobook because non fiction is really hard for me to sit and read. I also had a feeling I would enjoy hearing this from Adam himself. What I got was an entire cast of people along with him. Instead of simply quoting the folks he spoke with, a cast of voices helped breathe more life into the narration. It builds this sense of an actual conversation at some points instead of simply a report.
When going to an ARJ concert, one of the parts I look forward to is when Ryan breaks down one of their popular songs and shows a “behind the curtain” explanation of how it became what we know and love. He does it in a way that is exciting yet simple. Anyone in the audience can see how we got from a to b. Adam does the same with connecting the themes in this book. There is of course language I know nothing about but the context in which it is used makes it palatable and easier to comprehend.
Closer to the end of the book, a theme of mixed company comes in to the foreground and Adam speaks on having an unexpected fan of AJRs music. One that had wholly different views than the band. The reasons for his favoring the group were a mix of their production quality, their kind and relatable messaging, and his ability to understand his son more through AJRs music. It prompted a bipartisan conversation that was amenable due to starting from a place of common ground. It’s a good example of how even with opposing views, we have more in common than we think. As well as showing we can be civil even if we don’t agree.
This book is tailored to the person wanting to be a vessel for change but doesn’t really know how to get their efforts to take off. While it focuses on the reader who’s either already got their hands in activism or is eager to start, it also is an eye opener for folks who maybe haven’t had a desire to be a moving cog in the wheel of change.
I’ve always felt the power of music. When I go to a show I live in a state of euphoria and with a sense of collectiveness so hard to describe. Adam describes this collective experience so well and how it can be used for something good. AJR have always been vocal about their stances, as well as open with their experiences and using them to connect to fans across the world. They’re a great example of how using one’s platform can inspire and invoke change.
This book is not about AJR but Adam draws several points back to the group whether it be song lyrics, stage presence, or simply how his journey has been a very unique path. For someone like me, that has a hard time engaging in serious discussions about activism, this book creates a bridge to those topics in a less intimidating way.
When going to an ARJ concert, one of the parts I look forward to is when Ryan breaks down one of their popular songs and shows a “behind the curtain” explanation of how it became what we know and love. He does it in a way that is exciting yet simple. Anyone in the audience can see how we got from a to b. Adam does the same with connecting the themes in this book. There is of course language I know nothing about but the context in which it is used makes it palatable and easier to comprehend.
Closer to the end of the book, a theme of mixed company comes in to the foreground and Adam speaks on having an unexpected fan of AJRs music. One that had wholly different views than the band. The reasons for his favoring the group were a mix of their production quality, their kind and relatable messaging, and his ability to understand his son more through AJRs music. It prompted a bipartisan conversation that was amenable due to starting from a place of common ground. It’s a good example of how even with opposing views, we have more in common than we think. As well as showing we can be civil even if we don’t agree.
This book is tailored to the person wanting to be a vessel for change but doesn’t really know how to get their efforts to take off. While it focuses on the reader who’s either already got their hands in activism or is eager to start, it also is an eye opener for folks who maybe haven’t had a desire to be a moving cog in the wheel of change.
I’ve always felt the power of music. When I go to a show I live in a state of euphoria and with a sense of collectiveness so hard to describe. Adam describes this collective experience so well and how it can be used for something good. AJR have always been vocal about their stances, as well as open with their experiences and using them to connect to fans across the world. They’re a great example of how using one’s platform can inspire and invoke change.
This book is not about AJR but Adam draws several points back to the group whether it be song lyrics, stage presence, or simply how his journey has been a very unique path. For someone like me, that has a hard time engaging in serious discussions about activism, this book creates a bridge to those topics in a less intimidating way.
July 27, 2025
This book explores how meaningful change begins with conversations. It combines insights from social science, storytelling, and interviews with activists and thought leaders from various industries. Whether addressing climate action, political engagement, or grassroots organizing, the authors provide a framework for how ordinary people can harness the power of connection to inspire action. They break down the anatomy of influence—how people listen, respond, and get involved—offering readers not just motivation but also practical tools to build momentum around causes they care about.
What sets "Amplify" apart is its emphasis on empathy as a strategy. The authors demonstrate that movements grow through relationships by earning trust, identifying shared values, and creating inclusive spaces. The tone is energetic and hopeful while acknowledging the complexities of activism. This book doesn’t just tell you to “do something” – it provides a practical blueprint for how to "do it" more effectively.
To listen to my interview with the author, go to my podcast at:
https://shows.acast.com/moms-dont-hav...
What sets "Amplify" apart is its emphasis on empathy as a strategy. The authors demonstrate that movements grow through relationships by earning trust, identifying shared values, and creating inclusive spaces. The tone is energetic and hopeful while acknowledging the complexities of activism. This book doesn’t just tell you to “do something” – it provides a practical blueprint for how to "do it" more effectively.
To listen to my interview with the author, go to my podcast at:
https://shows.acast.com/moms-dont-hav...
June 13, 2025
This was definitely one of my most highly anticipated books for 2025. Those who know me know I am a huge fan of AJR and have been since 2013. So it's safe to say I was really excited when one of the band members decided to write a book. This definitely exceeded my expectations, and while I read this, I was constantly recommending it to everyone I knew. This book delves into what makes a social movement not only successful but also how it connects us as a community and human beings. I loved how Adam wove different stories into lessons by also using interviews from some other spectacular people and musicians. I plan to buy a few copies of this book when it releases in 24 hrs. I thankfully get to go to one of the book tour spots and get a signed one, but I also plan to buy another copy where I can highlight and take notes. I can see this book being used in classrooms and as a guide for future social justice majors or even just someone like me who is currently working on a social action project for my final class.
Seriously, go buy this book.
Seriously, go buy this book.
June 4, 2025
Amplify is phenomenal. Adam Met and Heather Landy have written a really smart book about how you can create change. Adam, a member of the amazing band AJR, and a climate activist realized that musicians have figured out how to build fan bases and then activate their fans—a perfect path for activists to follow. In the book, Adam and Heather start by helping you define what you are passionate about, explore the kinds of advocacy you can do, and then offer strategies for making that advocacy effective and fun. And the book is so interesting and full of sticky ideas and great stories—about musicians, past and present, about incredible activist, and about ordinary people who achieve amazing things.
At a time when the world feels overwhelming and it can be hard to feel hopeful, Amplify offers optimism and strategic know-how. It is inspiring, uplifting, and essential.
At a time when the world feels overwhelming and it can be hard to feel hopeful, Amplify offers optimism and strategic know-how. It is inspiring, uplifting, and essential.
October 10, 2025
I bought this book because I love AJR’s music. My neighbor’s kid turned me on to them during COVID on a carpool ride. It was an immediate deep dive for me into their music. When I saw that Adam had written a book, I preordered it. It was a shorter book than I typically read so I figured I would read two nonfiction back to back, which I don’t typically do. It took me longer to read because I just couldn’t get into in a real way. I’m not sure if it was me or the writing, but just something about it. I deducted only one star for it though bc I really enjoyed the book overall and it gave me a new perspective on my approach at work and home.
It feels a little held back, almost as though the authored was trying to fit things neatly into a box. I think it could have been better served to setting him free. After all, the world isn’t full of academics.
It feels a little held back, almost as though the authored was trying to fit things neatly into a box. I think it could have been better served to setting him free. After all, the world isn’t full of academics.
June 19, 2025
Fantastic. I’m a casual AJR fan and did not know this book had anything to do with AJR when I picked it up. Adam Met, AJR’s bassist, has a PhD in Human Rights Law and uses his platform for social and environmental change. In Amplify, he walks us through practical tips and copious slices of wisdom, teaching readers how to think both flexibly and long-term.
He covers how to build and nurture a fandom, but this book is not only for entertainers. It’s for anyone who wants to understand how to effectively make change in the world, no matter how much power you feel you already have.
Get your notes app ready, because you’re going to want to pocket much of his advice to come back to read again and again. ✍️
He covers how to build and nurture a fandom, but this book is not only for entertainers. It’s for anyone who wants to understand how to effectively make change in the world, no matter how much power you feel you already have.
Get your notes app ready, because you’re going to want to pocket much of his advice to come back to read again and again. ✍️
July 16, 2025
This book was so interesting!
It’s wild to think about how we see Adam as the “A” in AJR, but there is SO MUCH MORE to him. While I’ve followed the band for 6-7 years, I only started to follow the brothers individually a year or two ago. It’s been pretty cool to see how different they are, outside of the band.
I loved how much you learn about the band, and growing their fan base as well as so many different artists in this book. They were so many different tie-ins with economics and American politics, I can see me going back to listening to this, just how I constantly go back to AJR’s music.
It’s wild to think about how we see Adam as the “A” in AJR, but there is SO MUCH MORE to him. While I’ve followed the band for 6-7 years, I only started to follow the brothers individually a year or two ago. It’s been pretty cool to see how different they are, outside of the band.
I loved how much you learn about the band, and growing their fan base as well as so many different artists in this book. They were so many different tie-ins with economics and American politics, I can see me going back to listening to this, just how I constantly go back to AJR’s music.
August 13, 2025
Amplify: How to Use the Power of Connection to Engage, Take Action, and Build a Better World by Adam Met, PhD (book cover is in image) takes common practices used in the business world, and describes how to apply them in the music industry to enable change. This would be a great book for those without a business background to learn how to initiate and enable change on a large scale.
Thank you, @harmonyrodaleconvergent, @randomhouse, and @netgalley for the opportunity to read this ARC. All opinions are my own.
Rating: 4 Stars
Pub Date: Jun 03 2025
#RodaleInc
#Harmony
#RandomHouse
#Amplify
#AdamMet
#Leadership
#Politics
#YarisBookNook
#NetGalley
Thank you, @harmonyrodaleconvergent, @randomhouse, and @netgalley for the opportunity to read this ARC. All opinions are my own.
Rating: 4 Stars
Pub Date: Jun 03 2025
#RodaleInc
#Harmony
#RandomHouse
#Amplify
#AdamMet
#Leadership
#Politics
#YarisBookNook
#NetGalley
June 12, 2025
Adam did a phenomenal job compiling his research and perspectives throughout the book! It is easy to feel overwhelmed or discouraged when thinking about advocacy. Instead of focusing on burnout and barriers, "Amplify" offers readers tangible ways to get involved and, more importantly, stay involved. This book blends inspiration, honesty, and practicality to make advocacy work applicable to everyone! It's the kind of book that leaves you feeling informed, empowered, and ready to persevere! If you want to cultivate change, this is the book for you!!
October 7, 2025
This book was a perfect combination for me—I absolutely love AJR (and Adam) and I’m currently studying sustainability and leadership in college. The combination of all of Adam’s passions in this book provided a refreshing, unique look at building successful social movements. I particularly enjoyed Chapter 5 (Hammers and Strings) and Chapter 7 (Alive Nation) where powerful concepts of giving a behind the scenes look and collective effervescence were shared. Such an awesome book that I recommend for anyone who wants to create positive change in this world!
October 18, 2025
This book was very out of my comfort zone. I picked up this book for the same reason as many: I love the band Ajr. I saw them this summer and I have loved them for a while now. I wanted to read Adam’s book and I’m glad I did. His thoughts on climate change really made me think about my own opinions on the topic. Overall a very good book that also gave me some behind the scenes on Adam’s band’s albums. I would love to reread it sometime.
July 2, 2025
Knowing nothing about AJR or a single song, I found this to be a thoroughly engaging read, and an introduction to their music which I may now listen to. I appreciated the insights into the music industry, sections of vignettes from other well known artist and industry folk, and of course the layout and framework provided for calls to action.
June 4, 2025
An inspiring and innovative guide, Amplify brilliantly fuses music-industry insights with social activism strategies to empower changemakers to build passionate, lasting movements that resonate and drive real impact.
June 10, 2025
Huge AJR fan and super proud of Adam for the efforts he is doing to get more people more aware of climate issues! This book was awesome and eye opening. I love that there are so many people trying to make this world a better place and I love the stories of both sides working together!
June 12, 2025
Being a big AJR fan made this book such a treat! Adam is so well spoken & I loved the variety of topics that he touched on. If you are going to read this, I would highly suggest picking up the audio!
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