A Productive Conversation (Mike Vardy)

On this episode of the podcast, I spend time chatting with Paula Mosher Wallace. We spoke about the emotional component that needs to get considered when you’re trying to manage your time. It’s something that Paula feels gets cast aside in a world driven by the pursuit of productivity at all costs. I met Paula at Jeff Goins’s Tribe Conference and we spent a lunch break learning more about each other, something that led to me asking her to join me on the show. We touch on several of the discussion points we brought up during that lunch break but go deeper into things than we did on that day. Talking Points Paula shares her experience with productivity in business and her personal life Why (and how) Paula challenged me on my methodology and philosophy of TimeCrafting What Paula believes the “missing piece” is to most – if not all – time management systems When and where does the emotional time management piece come into play if one’s day was mapped out We look at strategies that you can use to keep going even when emotional turmoil shows up Why does Paula think people fight off their emotions when it comes to this kind of thing? What Paula recommends people do to get started with taking emotional time management into account The importance of finding whatever you need to use to help you keep your intentions front and center What’s one thing that someone can do right to get started with emotional time management? The things you can do to help you either work through or offset the toll that emotions can have on you Does Paula journal…and what are her thoughts on journaling? Quote “It’s understanding that I have long term and meaningful – kind of what I call ‘eternal’ goals – like my relationship with my children that is not a task.” Relevant Links Bloom In The Dark Tribe Conference Episode 215: Running Down a Dream with Tim Grahl Bloom Forward Journal You’ll find that I thought we’d be wrapping up this episode at about the 30 minute mark but Paula and I kept going. This episode is definitely more of a back-and-forth conversation than I usually deliver. I was so involved in the conversation because I feel the piece Paula is bringing to light is that crucial. Honestly, the big takeaway from this episode is that taking and making time to take emotional time management into account is important. Really important. Want to discover some of the books mentioned on the podcast? Check out Scribd, my reading app of choice. If you enjoyed the episode, please leave a rating and/or review wherever you listened to the episode. Also don't forget to check out all of our podcast sponsors found on our podcast sponsors page. And if you want to have easy access to the archives of the show and ensure you don't miss the new episodes to come then subscribe to the podcast in the app you're using. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Daniel Gold of DEG Consulting pops by to talk with Mike about letting go, leaning in, and the primary thing you need to keep in mind that will help you take your work, life, and side projects to greater heights. Relevant Links http://degconsulting.net/ (DEG Consulting) http://www.degconsulting.net/bookstore/evernote (Evernote: The Unofficial Guide to Getting Things Done) http://amzn.to/1BunDF8 (Start with Why: How Great Leaders Inspire Everyone to Take Action ) http://www.ted.com/talks/simon_sinek_how_great_leaders_inspire_action (Simon's Famous TEDx Talk: How Great Leaders Inspire Action) http://twitter.com/degconsulting (Daniel Gold on Twitter) Want to send Mike an app, book, or something similar to discuss on the show? Email him at info@productivityist.com and he'll give it a look. Want to listen on Stitcher? http://www.stitcher.com/s?fid=53149&refid=stpr (Click here.) Support The Productivityist Podcast by becoming a patron! http://www.patreon.com/Productivityist (Click here) to visit The Productivityist Podcast's Patreon page and see what perks await those who pitch in a buck or more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this episode of the podcast, I am joined by Courtney Carver, the person behind Be More with Less and author of Soulful Simplicity: How Living with Less Can Lead to So Much More. A passionate and energetic speaker, Courtney shares to communities the power of simplicity in improving health, building meaningful relationships, and creating more joy in life. It goes without saying that we could all afford to be a little less stressed and more emotionally balanced. That’s why I’m sure you’ll find tons of value in this episode whatever you’ve got going on. Relevant Links: Courtney Carver Website Be More with Less Soulful Simplicity: How Living with Less Can Lead to So Much More | Amazon Project 333 Courtney Carver | Twitter Thanks for listening. If you enjoyed the show don’t forget to subscribe so you don’t miss a single episode. Until next time remember to stop guessing…and start going! Want to discover some of the books mentioned on the podcast? Check out Scribd, my reading app of choice. If you enjoyed the episode, please leave a rating and/or review wherever you listened to the episode. Also don't forget to check out all of our podcast sponsors found on our podcast sponsors page. If you enjoyed the episode, please leave a rating and/or review wherever you listened to the episode. And if you want to have easy access to the archives of the show and ensure you don't miss the new episodes to come then subscribe to the podcast in the app you're using. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

For this episode, my guest is Stacy Tuschl of She’s Building Her Empire. Stacy is a business owner, philanthropist, in-demand speaker and business coach, author, wife, and mother. Her book Is Your Business Worth Saving? is a #1 International Bestseller which helps entrepreneurs to move towards success and do so without sacrificing time away from family. She started her first business at age 18 in her parents’ backyard and was able to grow it into a 7-figure business. As an entrepreneur herself, she understands what her clients experience and struggle with – her hands-on experience and realistic approach ensures that women achieve their business goals. Rescuing businesses and building empires are just some of what we’ve discussed. Other topics we’ve chatted about are: How her journey as an entrepreneur started, how coaches and mentors helped her in her business early on and how she realized her niche in the business. How meeting people with the same mentor yet in different phases and success levels of their businesses motivated her to write her book. Her reason to niche down and focus on women entrepreneurs with She’s Building Her Empire. Lessons learned, challenges her team faced and the groundwork involved with rebranding and shifting focus. The diverse stories of the guests in her show and why she decided despite being a female-oriented brand to have male guests on her podcast. Family and parenthood’s impact on her business, how her calendar, chunking, and theming the days enables her to accomplish more, and similar productivity systems I practice. How people can start to emulate Stacy’s systems through proactive and reactive work scheduling, and having a top 3 in the to-do list. The Mompreneur money map, how it works by simplifying things and implementing ideas, and how to get a free copy of it. Her advice to people waiting to launch their business ideas but lacks the confidence to do so. Relevant Links: She’s Building Her Empire | Stacy Tuschl Is Your Business Worth Saving by Stacy Tuschl Episode 140: How to Know When It’s Time to Rebrand | Stacy Tuschl Mompreneurs Money Map She's Building Her Empire | Facebook The Power of Chunking | Tony Robbins She’s Building Her Empire Live Meet Stacy | Stacy Tuschl Stacy Tuschl (@StacyTuschl) | Twitter Thanks for listening, until next time remember to stop guessing… and start going. Want to discover some of the books mentioned on the podcast? Check out Scribd, my reading app of choice. If you enjoyed the episode, please leave a rating and/or review wherever you listened to the episode. Also don't forget to check out all of our podcast sponsors found on our podcast sponsors page. If you enjoyed the episode, please leave a rating and/or review wherever you listened to the episode. And if you want to have easy access to the archives of the show and ensure you don't miss the new episodes to come then subscribe to the podcast in the app you're using. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Brooks Duncan from DocumentSnap (a.k.a. The Paperless Guy) is this week’s guest on The Productivityist Podcast. We talked about many things, but primarily focused on the idea of backing up and going paperless. Brooks sets things straight on the concept of going paperless, which often people think means just not using paper at all. He also recounts how he fell into the paperless lifestyle, and how people can also choose to do the same with theirs. Brooks and I walk through the process of easing into the paperless life, its benefits, as well as recommended apps to help us all transition into this lifestyle. On this episode, we discussed: Brooks’ definition of ‘paperless’ and when did he decide to explore the paperless life. The best way of keeping track of the digital files upon switching to paperless. The framework / system / sample workflow to get it from paper to digital. Brooks’ thoughts the rise of digital-analog hybrid notebooks. What were the benefits of the digital space as well as its disadvantages and security. The launch of the second version of The Paperless Security Guide. Related Links DocumentSnap Evernote Scannable The Productivityist Podcast 52: Everything Evernote with Andrew Sinkov Slice Planner Rocketbook Wave Titan: The Life of John D. Rockefeller, Sr. by Ron Chernow Paperless Security Guide Brooks Duncan (@documentsnap) | Twitter If you enjoy The Productivityist Podcast I'd appreciate a rating and review in iTunes or your podcasting platform of choice. It helps people find the show easier and will help me make improvements on the show by seeing what you have to say. Want to discover some of the books mentioned on the podcast? Check out Scribd, my reading app of choice. If you enjoyed the episode, please leave a rating and/or review wherever you listened to the episode. Also don't forget to check out all of our podcast sponsors found on our podcast sponsors page. If you enjoyed the episode, please leave a rating and/or review wherever you listened to the episode. And if you want to have easy access to the archives of the show and ensure you don't miss the new episodes to come then subscribe to the podcast in the app you're using. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this special Flashback Friday episode, I’m revisiting a conversation I had with my long-time friend and the founder of Zen Habits, Leo Babauta. This episode offers timeless insights into slowing down, living intentionally, and focusing on what truly matters. In 2024, Leo and I caught up to reflect on how much – or how little – has changed since our initial conversation. His wisdom and practices remain as relevant today as they were back then. If you're not familiar with Zen Habits, it's a blog that has stood the test of time. Over the years, Leo has shifted focus from pure productivity to a more holistic and sustainable approach to living. In this episode, we explore how those philosophies have evolved and deepened, and how they continue to serve us both personally and professionally. Key Discussion Points The importance of slowing down and focusing on what truly matters in life and work How Leo manages his time with a large family and multiple projects without burning out The power of consistency versus sustainability in daily habits How Zen Habits has evolved as Leo's life has changed, but the core principles remain the same Leo’s approach to balancing digital tools and paper for organization The difference between productivity as efficiency and productivity as aligning intention and attention As always, it's a pleasure to share these insights from my conversation with Leo. I’ve found that many of the lessons we discussed back in 2011 continue to resonate, especially as the pace of life and work increases. I hope you find these reflections valuable and that they inspire you to slow down and focus on what truly matters. (Originally recorded in 2011) Links Worth Exploring Connect with Leo: Website | Instagram | X/Twitter Check out the Fearless Living Academy: Learn more Watch Leo's YouTube channel: Check it out Listen to Leo's podcast: Hear it here While you're listening: Check out Episode 299 of Cal Newport's podcast Related Conversation: Episode 229: Exploring Digital Minimalism with Cal Newport Related Blog Post: The Rushing Feeling: How to Hush it Thanks to all of the sponsors of this episode. You can find all of the sponsors you heard me mention on this episode on our Podcast Sponsors page. Want to support the podcast? Beyond checking out our sponsors, you can subscribe to the show wherever you listen to podcasts. You can subscribe on Spotify and also on Apple Podcasts. Not using either of those to get your podcasts? Just click on this link and then paste the podcast feed into your podcast app of choice. Thanks again for listening to A Productive Conversation. See you later. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, Mike talks with Dave Caolo of the podcast Home Work and the website Apple World Today about his newest hobby: tabletop gaming. They discuss the benefits of gaming in terms of helping with productivity and planning as well as offer some suggestions of games to check out. Relevant Links http://5by5.tv/homework (Home Work) http://www.appleworld.today/ (Apple World Today) https://unclutterer.com/author/david-caolo/ (Dave on Unclutterer) https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgamedesigner/9714/antoine-bauza (Antoine Bauza | Board Game Designer | BoardGameGeek) https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL7atuZxmT956cWFGxqSyRdn6GWhBxiAwE (Wil Wheaton's Tabletop on YouTube) http://amzn.to/1LfRMKD (Hey! That's My Fish!) http://amzn.to/1dgNeZi (Castle Panic) http://amzn.to/1cMiiPz (Pandemic) http://amzn.to/1JVVo3d (Forbidden Desert) http://amzn.to/1Fqey1x (Forbidden Island) http://amzn.to/1dgNuHK (Concept) https://cardsagainsthumanity.com/ (Cards Against Humanity) http://amzn.to/1EYUShq (Settlers of Catan) http://amzn.to/1cMiyOL (King of Tokyo) http://amzn.to/1FqeZJl (King of New York) http://amzn.to/1dgMWlh (Tokaido) https://www.youtube.com/user/WatchItPlayed (Watch It Played on YouTube) http://twitter.com/davidcaolo (Dave Caolo - Twitter) Want to send Mike an app, book, or something similar to discuss on the show? Email Productivityist at info@productivityist.com and we'll give it a look. Want to listen on Stitcher? http://www.stitcher.com/s?fid=53149&refid=stpr (Click here.) Really like the show and want it to flourish even more? Support The Productivityist Podcast by becoming a patron! http://patreon.com/productivityist (Click here) to visit The Productivityist Podcast's Patreon page and see what perks await those who pitch in a buck or more. (Opening tag from Wayne's World courtesy of Paramount Pictures.) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We’re much closer to success than we think we are. Today’s guest Greg Reid will help you see what’s possible. Greg Reid is a fascinating character, and he’s testament to achieving great things despite the odds. Even with dyslexia, he is the ultimate master storyteller. He has been published in over 78 books, 32 bestsellers, five motion pictures, featured in many magazines, and has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. He’s a highly sought-after keynote speaker, entrepreneur, with a strong win-win work ethic. I’m excited to catch up with Greg to learn more about his journey, and dive into his book Three Feet From Gold: Turn Your Obstacles into Opportunities!. Join us as we explore timeless authors, unexpected opportunities, and modernizing Napoleon Hill’s principles for success. Talking Points Why you need to stop planning The story behind the title Three Feet From Gold Why is Napoleon Hill synonymous with success? Greg’s CPC acronym for success Ways to stop us from getting in our own way An interesting path into filmmaking Being a dyslexic author Why you need to seek counsel, not opinion Quote “Seek counsel and not opinion.” Helpful Links The Napoleon Hill Foundation Think And Grow Rich | Amazon Episode 258: What You Can Learn from Napoleon Hill with Jeffrey Gitomer Getting Things Done | Amazon Wealth Made Easy | Amazon Think And Grow Rich ‘Stickability’ | Amazon Make-A-Wish Foundation Wish Man The Secret | Amazon You Were Born Rich | Amazon Rich Dad Poor Dad | Amazon The Millionaire Mentor | Amazon Chicken Soup For The Soul | Amazon Greg Reid’s Instagram Want to discover some of the books mentioned on the podcast? Check out Scribd, my reading app of choice. If you enjoyed the episode, please leave a rating and/or review wherever you listened to the episode. Also don't forget to check out all of our podcast sponsors found on our podcast sponsors page. And if you want to have easy access to the archives of the show and ensure you don't miss the new episodes to come then subscribe to the podcast in the app you're using. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this episode of the podcast, I spoke with Craig Kulyk. Craig writes about how to customize your morning to build better habits and be more productive. We spoke about intentionality, how routines set the tone for the day, how you can shift and adapt your rituals over time and more. Here are a few highlights from the show: The power of routines Building constraints (or you find yourself eating too many cookies) Starting points at building a routine The idea of sunk costs The role fear of missing out (FOMO) plays in our decision-making process Establishing breathing room or space into your morning routines Questions to ask that are causing challenges in your morning routine Planning your day The power of small changes Different things Craig has tried in his morning routine such as meditation, fasting, etc. Craig’s experience with the Tribe Conference Relevant Links Five Simple Strategies to Customize Your Morning Routine Start Here – Create Good Mornings What You Can Learn from Mike Vardy About Productivityist The Lesson of Sunk Costs (Applied to Morning Habits) Why You Shouldn’t Spend Time Journaling in the Morning (And What You Should Do Instead) 127 Morning Rituals – The Ultimate List to Customize Morning Routine Mike Vardy’s Morning Routine | My Morning Routine Mike Vardy’s Evening Routine | Evening Routines How Tribe Conference Can Change Your Life Craig Kulyk @craigkulyk | Twitter Thanks for listening. If you enjoyed the show don’t forget to subscribe so you don’t miss a single episode. Until next time remember to stop guessing…and start going! Want to discover some of the books mentioned on the podcast? Check out Scribd, my reading app of choice. If you enjoyed the episode, please leave a rating and/or review wherever you listened to the episode. Also don't forget to check out all of our podcast sponsors found on our podcast sponsors page. And if you want to have easy access to the archives of the show and ensure you don't miss the new episodes to come then subscribe to the podcast in the app you're using. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

My guest this week is Justin Jackson. He is a dad, husband, entrepreneur, coach, the founder of Megamaker, author of Jolt, the creator of Marketing for Developers and Tiny Marketing Wins, and overall serial maker. He aims to help people through the things they create. On this episode, we discussed the processes of making and/or modifying. We delved on his systems and approaches in the different initiatives and creations he is currently working on. Other areas we touched on includes: The story of how we met, a brief background of how he has always been involved in businesses and how he transitioned from non-profit, to consultancy, and finally – going solo with his independent projects. How getting married, having children and experiencing failure, affected his plans and initiatives. The process of starting up independently, which includes conceptualizing, case studies, exploring and being a serial maker – getting involved in different things which include his podcast, softwares, plugins, e-books, courses, and even merch. How and why he decided to zero-in on writing Jolt and finishing it in the span of a month. The concept of mind gremlins, how being less self-serving enabled him get rid of these, and other takeaways that people have from his two top products – Jolt and Marketing for Developers. Conducting a survey and how its findings gave him insights when he created Tiny Marketing Wins. His process when things must be put on the backburner or let go, and how he did this with his podcast. His hybrid approach when it comes to making, modifying and refreshing the systems, tricks, and hacks supported by continuous research and learning. A sample hack he shared in writing effective landing page copy and generating leads. Relevant Links: Justin Jackson | Make some stuff MegaMaker What has Justin made? | by @mijustin Jolt | Sell more by standing out Marketing for Developers | A guide to marketing your software, apps, and digital products Tiny Marketing Wins | Weekly marketing tactics for online businesses Watch for mind gremlins | by @mijustin Focus on your own shit | by @mijustin Learning with Justin Jackson | Productivityist We all want progress | by @mijustin Justin Jackson | YouTube Justin Jackson (@mijustin) | Twitter Thanks for listening, until next time remember to stop guessing… and start going. Want to discover some of the books mentioned on the podcast? Check out Scribd, my reading app of choice. If you enjoyed the episode, please leave a rating and/or review wherever you listened to the episode. Also don't forget to check out all of our podcast sponsors found on our podcast sponsors page. If you enjoyed the episode, please leave a rating and/or review wherever you listened to the episode. And if you want to have easy access to the archives of the show and ensure you don't miss the new episodes to come then subscribe to the podcast in the app you're using. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Josselyne Herman Saccio joins the show to discuss her work helping people transform limiting beliefs and shift from a place of reaction to creation. She is a transformative coach and course leader with more than 30 years experience and as an author, CEO, Community Activist, founder of a non -profit and coach, she has worked with all kinds of people to empower them to live the life of their dreams NOW and ultimately be "unmessablewith." She shares how she helps people develop the "muscle of creation" by getting clear on their vision and what they really want, beyond just goals. We also discuss the importance of journaling and storytelling, how to best fill out your calendar, and why Josselyne calls her work "the art" of being unmessable. Key Discussion Points The importance of creating, not just managing or reacting Developing the muscle of creation by exercising it regularly Getting clear on your vision and what you really want, beyond just goals Dismantling the stories and limiting beliefs that hold you back Shifting from feeling complete to creating being complete Distinguishing what is actually happening versus the stories you tell yourself Filling your calendar with why you're doing things and what you're creating, not just content This conversation provides insights and strategies to help you transform limiting beliefs, shift from a place of reaction to creation, and develop the "muscle of creation". By dismantling the stories that hold you back and getting clear on your true vision, you can fill your life with more meaning and fulfillment, regardless of your circumstances. Listen in to discover tools that may help you unlock your untapped potential and create the life you desire. Links Worth Exploring Connect with Josselyne: Website | Facebook | Twitter | LinkedIn Josselyne's Youtube Channel: Watch now Josselyne's Newsletter: Check it out A Blast From Josselyne's Past: "That's What Love Can Do" Related Conversation: Episode 245: What Happy Successful People Do Differently with Marc and Angel Chernoff Related Blog Post: Why Improving Your Relationship with Time is the Key to Mastering It Thanks to all of the sponsors of this episode. You can find all of the sponsors you heard me mention on this episode on our Podcast Sponsors page. Want to support the podcast? Beyond checking out our sponsors, you can subscribe to the show wherever you listen to podcasts. Click on any of the links below to make that happen. Spotify | Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Stitcher You can also click on this link to paste the podcast feed into your podcast app of choice. Thanks again for listening to A Productive Conversation. See you later. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week on the podcast, I spend time with Justin Levy. I've known Justin for a few years now (although we only first met in person last year), and the story that has unfolded for him in the past few months has been very inspiring. Justin, who works for Citrix as Head of Global Social Media, is a young and active guy. In the late summer of 2014, he suffered a seizure. Then it gets even more unreal. "Once at the hospital I had another seizure. After conducting a MRI they found that I had a brain tumor sitting near the motor skills strip and in front of the speech pathways. It would be a few days before they realized that I had dislocated and fractured shoulders." Justin's been chronicling his recovery progress at his blog, Built Unstoppable. It reveals his story and everything that has occurred during this turbulent time. After you're done listening to our conversation, you should check out the blog. Want to discover some of the books mentioned on the podcast? Check out Scribd, my reading app of choice. If you enjoyed the episode, please leave a rating and/or review wherever you listened to the episode. Also don't forget to check out all of our podcast sponsors found on our podcast sponsors page. If you enjoyed the episode, please leave a rating and/or review wherever you listened to the episode. And if you want to have easy access to the archives of the show and ensure you don't miss the new episodes to come then subscribe to the podcast in the app you're using – or you can do so on a variety of podcast platforms by clicking here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

I haven’t talked to Carl Honoré for some time so it was a real treat when he joined me on this episode of The Productivityist Podcast. Carl is the author of such books as “In Praise of Slow” and “The Slow Fix”, and his TEDx Talk on slowness has been viewed 2.7 million times. His latest book “Bolder: Making the Most of our Longer Lives”, tackles aging and the stigma around it. While most of society either tries to reverse time or fears growing old, Carl and I embrace the concept of aging. On this episode, we discuss how the idea of aging is evolving, why slowing down is good, and why retirement age is the perfect time to work towards creative pursuits and self-improvement in this “Golden Age of Aging”. Talking Points A decades’ worth of catching up with Carl Carl’s hockey game epiphany about aging and the cult of youth Moving away from the life path straitjacket and towards defining one’s life via values and tastes Riding the gray wave: A take on aging, retirement, and focusing on what matters Embracing technology, continuous learning, and busting myths that come with aging Counterintuitive ways of living bolder towards happiness and well-being Watch your words: How language can impact how we live our lives The play on words on the book title Bolder and what it aims to accomplish Quote “What’s happening now culturally is we’re throwing all those pieces up in the air and they’re coming back down again in a way that gives people the freedom, permission, space, and right to define what their life is going to look like at every stage.”  Relevant Links Bolder: Making the Most of our Longer Lives | Amazon Steve Dotto | The Productivityist Podcast Carl Honoré This episode offers a refreshing take on aging and serves to make each one of us a little bit more optimistic about what it can bring. I hope you enjoyed it as much as I did. Want to discover some of the books mentioned on the podcast? Check out Scribd, my reading app of choice. If you enjoyed the episode, please leave a rating and/or review wherever you listened to the episode. Also don't forget to check out all of our podcast sponsors found on our podcast sponsors page. And if you want to have easy access to the archives of the show and ensure you don't miss the new episodes to come then subscribe to the podcast in the app you're using. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jeffrey Gitomer joins me on this episode of the program. Jeffrey is the author of 15 best-selling books. He’s a creative, on-the-edge, writer and speaker whose expertise on sales, customer loyalty, and personal development is world renowned. Known for presentations, seminars, and keynote addresses that are funny, insightful, in your face, real world, off the wall, and on the money. Given exclusive access to the archives of the Napoleon Hill Foundation, Jeffrey’s most recent book is called Truthful Living: The First Writings of Napoleon Hill. It is the very foundation of Napoleon Hill’s self-help legacy: his long-lost original notes, letters, and lectures—now compiled, edited, and annotated for the modern reader. The focus of our conversation revolves around his book and his vast knowledge and understanding of Hill’s work. Talking Points Jeffrey offers a personal example of how he gets into the right mindset through mindfulness This is what Jeffrey does that most people don’t do to tap into productivity These are the only things that Jeffrey gets notified on…and he reveals how he mitigates the distractions that notifications can occur Jeffrey shares what Napoleon Hill was spending his time on leading up to his later success Listen to a passage from the book discussing “The 5 Point Rule’ What Hill would look at instead of productivity as a measuring stick How does Jeffrey keep himself from spreading himself too thin? This is what shocked Jeffrey when he was putting Truthful Living together Who to look to for timeless personal development advice instead of the latest writings on the subject Jeffrey discusses the sales tactics that don’t work any longer – including qualifying customers How can someone escape the grip of over complicating things? We talk about the concept of work-life balance and the lessons that Hill shares regarding that concept Jeffrey shares his thoughts on the importance of communication and how he’s used communication effectively Quote “Don’t look for the shortcut. Take the ‘longcut.’ The longcut will get you there a hell of a lot faster than the shortcut.” Relevant Links Truthful Living: The First Writings of Napoleon Hill Outliers: The Story of Success Jeffrey Gitomer’s Sales Manifesto The 106 Year Old Problem Self-Help Character Ryan Holiday on Medium Gitomer.com It's clear that much - if not all - of the advice related to time management and productivity has been around for a long time. I've discussed it on my blog and Jeffrey drives that point home through sharing the insights of Napoleon Hill. You don't need to look to articles online or shared posts on Facebook to discover what you can do to better yourself in these areas. The good stuff has been out there for a while now. That stuff is timeless. Spend time looking into the work of the past and you'll find ways to better shape your future. Want to discover some of the books mentioned on the podcast? Check out Scribd, my reading app of choice. If you enjoyed the episode, please leave a rating and/or review wherever you listened to the episode. Also don't forget to check out all of our podcast sponsors found on our podcast sponsors page. And if you want to have easy access to the archives of the show and ensure you don't miss the new episodes to come then subscribe to the podcast in the app you're using. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Chaos is a constant. So what can you do to embrace life’s ebb and flow? Nicola Taggart joins the show to share her latest tips. Nicola Taggart is a life and leadership success strategist, coach, consultant, speaker, and author. Nicola helps people discover a more centered and conscious approach to life that increases their presence both in life and in their career. Through her well-being programs, Calm Your Chaos journal and cards, Nicola helps you take stock of what’s going on in your life. We discuss how we can embrace chaos. From implementing timeless habits, powerful journaling prompts, to visual triggers – this episode will help you beat overwhelm. Talking Points The concept of Calm The Chaos How Nicola structures the journal The role of Calm The Chaos Cards in Nicola’s life Grounding activities Quote “What is the experience you want to feel?” Helpful Links Calm the Chaos Journal Calm the Chaos Cards The Happiness Advantage by Shawn Achor Episode 265: Bringing Gratitude with Karl Staib Episode 123: Broadcasting Happiness with Michelle Gielan Write It All Down Freewrite NicolaTaggart.com Want to discover some of the books mentioned on the podcast? Check out Scribd, my reading app of choice. If you enjoyed the episode, please leave a rating and/or review wherever you listened to the episode. Also don't forget to check out all of our podcast sponsors found on our podcast sponsors page. If you enjoyed the episode, please leave a rating and/or review wherever you listened to the episode. And if you want to have easy access to the archives of the show and ensure you don't miss the new episodes to come then subscribe to the podcast in the app you're using – or you can do so on a variety of podcast platforms by clicking here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this insightful episode, I sat down with Jim Vaselopulos, the author of "Clarity: Business Wisdom to Work Less and Achieve More." Jim shared his profound insights on achieving clarity, focus, and productivity in both our personal and professional lives. His book offers invaluable guidance for anyone looking to streamline their decision-making and prioritize effectively in a world brimming with information. Our conversation ranged from the power of simplicity in decision-making to finding balance and clarity in the midst of life's constant changes. Jim's approach to tackling these challenges is both practical and thought-provoking, providing listeners with strategies to navigate the complexities of the modern world. Key Discussion Points Exploring the effectiveness of simplicity over complexity in achieving goals and making clear decisions. The importance of sequencing tasks and addressing critical issues first to prevent burnout. Utilizing storytelling to illustrate complex business problems and the power of productive relationships. Discussing the dynamic nature of balance and the possibility of finding fulfilling work with the right mindset. The shift in younger generations' approach to career success and the quest for personal fulfillment. Emphasizing the need for balance and a clear perspective in both life and work. This discussion with Jim Vaselopulos was not just enlightening but also deeply motivating. His insights into finding clarity and balance in our rapidly evolving world resonate with anyone striving to achieve success without sacrificing personal fulfillment. Jim's concept of 'meraki,' putting one's heart and soul into their work, is a powerful reminder of the passion and energy needed to succeed in both business and life. Links Worth Exploring Connect with Jim: X | LinkedIn | Website Get The Book: Clarity: Business Wisdom to Work Less and Achieve More Listen to Jim's Podcast: The Leadership Podcast Related Conversation: Episode 346: Fostering Clarity with Doug Fraser Related Blog Post: Why You Need A Clarity Day (And How To Make It Happen) Thanks to all of the sponsors of this episode. You can find all of the sponsors you heard me mention on this episode on our Podcast Sponsors page. Want to support the podcast? Beyond checking out our sponsors, you can subscribe to the show wherever you listen to podcasts. You can subscribe on Spotify and also on Apple Podcasts. Not using either of those to get your podcasts? Just click on this link and then paste the podcast feed into your podcast app of choice. Thanks again for listening to A Productive Conversation. See you later. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this episode of the show, I speak with New York Times best-selling author Dan Schawbel. Dan is the author of Back to Human: How Great Leaders Create Connection in the Age of Isolation and the host of the 5 Questions with Dan Schawbel podcast. He’s also Partner and Research Director at Future Workplace, and the Founder of both Millennial Branding and WorkplaceTrends.com. Dan and I have a history back when I was the Managing Editor of Lifehack and while we’ve never spoken prior to this episode, we were able to jump into a lively conversation about using technology as a bridge to more human conversations rather than making it a barrier, how technology can also help deepen relationships, the importance of getting out to events and gatherings that push your comfort zones, and more. Relevant Links Back to Human: How Great Leaders Create Connection in the Age of Isolation | Dan Schawbel The Shallows: What the Internet is Doing to Our Brains | Nicholas Carr How our 269 billion emails a day have made us miserable | Fast Company Introduction to Back to Human [FREE DOWNLOAD] The Back to Human Office Party [Comedy Sketch] | YouTube “5 Questions with Dan Schawbel” podcast Dan’s Website I had a great time chatting with Dan. There’s a lot to unpack in this episode and plenty of things that you can try to get “back to human” and I encourage you to try some of those things today. I also encourage you to share this episode and subscribe to the show. If you’re open to rating and reviewing the podcast, that’s even better. Want to discover some of the books mentioned on the podcast? Check out Scribd, my reading app of choice. If you enjoyed the episode, please leave a rating and/or review wherever you listened to the episode. Also don't forget to check out all of our podcast sponsors found on our podcast sponsors page. And if you want to have easy access to the archives of the show and ensure you don't miss the new episodes to come then subscribe to the podcast in the app you're using. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In episode 512, I had the incredible opportunity to sit down with Hal Elrod, the inspirational author and mind behind the Miracle Morning philosophy. We dived deep into the evolution of his renowned morning routine, his journey through cancer, and the impactful insights from his updated Miracle Morning routine. It's an episode that's not just about morning habits but also about resilience, adaptation, and the power of sustained effort in the face of life’s challenges. Hal shared how his practices have adapted over time, especially considering his unique needs as a night owl. We also explored the transformative power of his philosophy, not just in improving the start of one's day, but in shifting perspectives on what's truly important in life. This episode is packed with wisdom and practical advice for anyone looking to make a meaningful change in their life. Key Discussion Points Hal Elrod’s updated Miracle Morning routine and its impact. The evolution of the Miracle Morning practice, including how to tailor it for night owls. Insights from Hal's personal cancer journey and its influence on his philosophy. The importance of unwavering faith and extraordinary effort in achieving goals. Strategies for night owls to implement the Miracle Morning effectively. Hal's insights and experiences offer a fresh perspective on the Miracle Morning philosophy, making it more inclusive and adaptable for different lifestyles. His resilience and dedication to personal growth, despite significant challenges, are truly inspiring. Whether you're a seasoned fan of the Miracle Morning or new to the concept, this episode is a must-listen for anyone seeking to enhance their daily routine and overall perspective on life. Links Worth Exploring Connect with Hal: X | Facebook | Website Watch The Miracle Morning Movie: YouTube Buy the Book: Check It Out Get The Miracle Routine: Buy it on Amazon Related Conversation: Episode 196: Morning Routines with Benjamin Spall Related Blog Post: My Daily Routine Thanks to all of the sponsors of this episode. You can find all of the sponsors you heard me mention on this episode on our Podcast Sponsors page. Want to support the podcast? Beyond checking out our sponsors, you can subscribe to the show wherever you listen to podcasts. You can subscribe on Spotify and also on Apple Podcasts. Not using either of those to get your podcasts? Just click on this link and then paste the podcast feed into your podcast app of choice. Thanks again for listening to A Productive Conversation. See you later. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

If you're into email management, this conversation is for you. Prasanth Nair has helped tens of thousands of people manage their inboxes through his email, meeting and time/task transformation trainings. An expert in not only productivity, but work-life balance. We've all struggled with email management at one point in our life, including Prasanth! In this episode, we discuss the difficulties around maintaining inbox zero and how he, with much trial and error, discovered The Stack Method.  Links Worth Exploring Connect with Prasanth: Website | LinkedIn Check out Prasanth's Email Video Series here Related Conversation: The Evolution of Getting Things Done with David Allen Related Blog Post: Going Beyond Inbox Zero Thanks to all of the sponsors of this episode. You can find all of the sponsors you heard me mention on this episode on our Podcast Sponsors page. Want to support the podcast? Beyond checking out our sponsors, you can subscribe to the show wherever you listen to podcasts. Click on any of the links below to make that happen. Spotify | Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Stitcher You can also click on this link to paste the podcast feed into your podcast app of choice. Thanks again for listening to A Productive Conversation. See you later. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In today's podcast, I had an engaging conversation with Dan Pontefract, a renowned leadership strategist, about the nuanced aspects of work-life balance and productivity. Dan brings a fresh perspective to these topics, challenging the conventional understanding of work-life balance with insightful reflections from his book "Work-Life Bloom: How to Nurture a Team that Flourishes." Throughout our discussion, Dan emphasized the dynamic nature of balancing work and life, debunking the myth of a perfect equilibrium. He shared his poetic inspiration for the book and delved into how work-life balance intertwines with personal and professional growth, employee engagement, and authenticity in the workplace. Key Discussion Points Dan's poetic approach in "Work-Life Bloom" and the meaning behind it. Challenging the traditional concept of work-life balance and its limitations. The revelation that "time management" is less about quantity and more about quality. The six life factors contributing to personal and professional fulfillment. The importance of authenticity and systemic issues in the workplace. Rethinking work-life balance strategies in light of increasing work-related stress. The need for sustainable workplace wellness practices and self-management. My conversation with Dan Pontefract was a deep dive into reimagining work-life balance. His insights provide a valuable framework for anyone looking to manage their professional and personal lives more effectively. By focusing on sustainable practices and self-management, we can create a healthier, more fulfilling work environment. Links Worth Exploring Connect with Dan: Website | X | Facebook | LinkedIn | Instagram Get The Book: Work-Life Bloom: How to Nurture a Team that Flourishes Dan's Body of Work: Check it Out on Amazon Related Conversation: Episode 236: Achieving Work-Life Balance with Clayton Morris Related Blog Post: Beyond Work-Life Balance: The Pursuit of Wholeness in a Fragmented World Thanks to all of the sponsors of this episode. You can find all of the sponsors you heard me mention on this episode on our Podcast Sponsors page. Want to support the podcast? Beyond checking out our sponsors, you can subscribe to the show wherever you listen to podcasts. You can subscribe on Spotify and also on Apple Podcasts. Not using either of those to get your podcasts? Just click on this link and then paste the podcast feed into your podcast app of choice. Thanks again for listening to A Productive Conversation. See you later. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode "from the vault", originally released in November 2021, I had the pleasure of chatting with Juliet Funt, author of "A Minute to Think: Reclaim Creativity, Conquer Busyness, and Do Your Best Work". Together, we delved into how the often-overlooked concept of whitespace is crucial for creativity, productivity, and a balanced life. Juliet's insights are particularly timely in our fast-paced, performative world where busyness often masquerades as effectiveness. Our discussion ranged from tackling the misconceptions of work-life balance to the innovative concept of 'time sketching' versus traditional time management. Juliet's approach to productivity isn't just about doing more; it's about creating space for what truly matters. This conversation is a must-listen for anyone looking to revitalize their approach to work and life. Key Discussion Points The detrimental effects of "performative busyness" on well-being and productivity. Rethinking the concept of work-life balance and insatiability in the workplace. Creative strategies to boost productivity, exemplified by unconventional sales methods. The vital role of whitespace in fostering creativity and effective work habits. Juliet's unique approach to time management: "time sketching" for flexibility. Addressing the 'thieves of time' like social media, email, and meetings. The importance of integrating whitespace into daily life for focus and creativity. This episode with Juliet Funt was an enlightening journey through the realms of productivity and personal growth. Her perspective on embracing whitespace and thoughtful time management is a game-changer for anyone feeling overwhelmed by the hustle culture. Remember, it's not just about doing more; it's about creating space to do what's truly important. Links Worth Exploring Connect with Juliet: Website | X | LinkedIn Get The Book: A Minute to Think: Reclaim Creativity, Conquer Busyness, and Do Your Best Work Check Out This Book: Four Thousand Weeks: Time Management for Mortals by Oliver Burkeman My Conversations with Cal Newport: Episode 93 | Episode 229 | Episode 360 Austin Kleon's Appearance on The Podcast: Listen Here Matthew Fox's Book: The Reinvention of Work: A New Vision of Livelihood for Our Time Listen To This: Why Is My Life So Hard? (Ep. 280) – Freakonomics Related Conversation: Episode 266: Becoming Indistractable with Nir Eyal Related Blog Post: Pause and Affect Thanks to all of the sponsors of this episode. You can find all of the sponsors you heard me mention on this episode on our Podcast Sponsors page. Want to support the podcast? Beyond checking out our sponsors, you can subscribe to the show wherever you listen to podcasts. You can subscribe on Spotify and also on Apple Podcasts. Not using either of those to get your podcasts? Just click on this link and then paste the podcast feed into your podcast app of choice. Thanks again for listening to A Productive Conversation. See you later. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

You don't have to be a sports fan to take something from this episode. A globally recognized Performance Coach, Jason Goldsmith emphasizes combining the mental and physical aspects of optimal performance. As founder of Goldsmith Performance, Jason has coached multiple Major champions and top-fifty golfers. His accomplishments in golf include assisting Jason Day and Justin Rose in achieving the number-one world ranking and helping Rose win both the Gold Medal at the 2016 Olympics and the 2018 FedEx Cup Championship. In addition, he is the co-author of the book Take Charge of You: How Self Coaching Can Transform Your Life and Career Self-coaching can transform your life and career and this is what Jason and I cover in this week's episode. We get into this idea of self-coaching and how important is it for people to open themselves up to new experiences and break from the norms so that they can perform at a higher level. Take Charge of You, which is co-written with David Novak, is broken up into five elements which we briefly dive into during our discussion, as well as a few other topics such as my favourite undervalued and underappreciated tool; journaling. We talk about uncovering transformational insights and what that really means. And of course, the difference between self-coaching versus being coached by someone else. Gaining new skills and doing things that are uncomfortable is never fun. But hopefully, this conversation will give you a boost of confidence to start.   Links Worth Exploring Connect with Jason: Website | Twitter | Facebook | LinkedIn Jason & David's Book: Take Charge of You: How Self Coaching Can Transform Your Life and Career Related Conversation: Episode 241: What Sports Can Teach Us About Greatness with Don Yaeger Related Blog Post: How To Find Your Way Forward (And Finish) Thanks to all of the sponsors of this episode. You can find all of the sponsors you heard me mention on this episode on our Podcast Sponsors page. Want to support the podcast? Beyond checking out our sponsors, you can subscribe to the show wherever you listen to podcasts. Click on any of the links below to make that happen. Spotify | Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Stitcher You can also click on this link to paste the podcast feed into your podcast app of choice. Thanks again for listening to A Productive Conversation. See you later. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this episode of the podcast, I speak with Jordan Bower. We talk about the power of story, his approach to storytelling, and much more (including a mention of one of my favourite storytellers, Steven Pressfield). Jordan is a strategic storyteller now based in my hometown of Victoria. We had a chance to meet up for the first time at Social Media Camp and had a great face-to-face conversation and I was excited to carry that over to the podcast. (He also has a fascinating story to tell of his own and he shares elements of it in this episode.) Relevant Links Jordan Bower: Strategic Storytelling & Corporate Intimacy Expert About Jordan Bower Brush with death made Jordan Bower get serious about photos | Toronto Star Storytelling Approach | Jordan Bower Rolf Potts’ Vagabonding Into the Wild by Jon Krakauer | Amazon Rohdesign | Mike Rohde Stefan Sagmeister: The power of time off | TED.com Writing Wednesdays: The Hero’s Journey in Real Life | Steven Pressfield Jordan Bower (@jordan__bower) | Twitter If you enjoy The Productivityist Podcast I'd appreciate a rating and review in iTunes or your podcasting platform of choice. It helps people find the show easier and will help me make improvements on the show by seeing what you have to say. Want to discover some of the books mentioned on the podcast? Check out Scribd, my reading app of choice. If you enjoyed the episode, please leave a rating and/or review wherever you listened to the episode. Also don't forget to check out all of our podcast sponsors found on our podcast sponsors page. If you enjoyed the episode, please leave a rating and/or review wherever you listened to the episode. And if you want to have easy access to the archives of the show and ensure you don't miss the new episodes to come then subscribe to the podcast in the app you're using. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this episode, I spent time with Kris McPeak. Kris is the author of “Elevate Your 8: 21 Days to Prosperous Time Management” and the CEO of SilverPeak Development, an online career coaching community. During the day she also works at the foundation of a community college. Kris loves swimming, knitting, binge-watching TV, and learning new things. Kris McPeak is a self-appointed guru on work-life balance and finding your dream job. Kris worked successfully and happily in higher education, specifically College Housing. She came to a point in her career where the late hours and high touch students are parents started sucking the life out of her. Kris made a claim that she was going to be a housing officer who worked a 40 hour work week and stick to it. According to Kris McPeak’s book, Elevate Your 8: 21 Days to Prosperous Time Management, productivity and time management success comes down to simple math. There are 24 workable hours in every day. Work 8 hours. Sleep 8 hours. What’s left? 8 Hours. How do you be more productive and manage your time? You elevate your 8.   Talking Points What are the “8”?  What can be done with hours after the “8”?  On measuring time spent on doing things  Things that needs to be done now vs. Things that can be done later  Scheduling the weekend  The concept of pairing activities and journaling things  What can one do to help them elevate their 8?  Quote “If we are only working 8 hours a day and we are getting a full 8 hours of sleep at night, what remains is 8 hours. So when I say elevate your 8, that is where you are taking the time to prioritize and utilize those other 8 hours to really ramp up your time management and productivity.”  Relevant Links: Website Instagram LinkedIn Twitter Pinterest Book: Elevate Your 8: 21 Days to Prosperous Time Management The key takeaway from this episode is that if one works only 8 hours a day and sleeps 8 hours a day, then time management boils down to that “Other 8” and that’s usually where people get tripped up. People should think of time as money and prioritize their “spending” because there truly are only 24 usable hours every day. Want to discover some of the books mentioned on the podcast? Check out Scribd, my reading app of choice. If you enjoyed the episode, please leave a rating and/or review wherever you listened to the episode. Also don't forget to check out all of our podcast sponsors found on our podcast sponsors page. And if you want to have easy access to the archives of the show and ensure you don't miss the new episodes to come then subscribe to the podcast in the app you're using. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As a specialist in delivering presentations and workshops to empower leaders, I’m excited to share with you today’s guest Dave Delaney – an expert on being nice. Today Dave Delaney joins the show, creator of the NICE Method™. He’s a keynote speaker, corporate trainer, and the author of the acclaimed book, New Business Networking. He’s worked with the likes of Google, LinkedIn and UPS. I’m excited to speak with the fellow Canadian and comedy fan, to learn more about his approach to simply being… well, nice. We know the world could do with more of that! Tune in as we discuss practising empathy, the “Yes, and…” mindset, being open-minded – and my love for Ted Lasso on Apple TV. Talking Points Leaning into ‘niceness’ Dealing with jerks The link between happiness and niceness How to not treat it as a throwaway word Being authentically nice The skill in considering other people’s opinions and beliefs The NICE Method™ framework The impact of music Quote “First and foremost, be nice to yourself.” Helpful Links Ted Lasso Brené with Jason Sudeikis & Brendan Hunt on Ted Lasso How to Fend Off a Jerk The Master Communicator’s Secret Weapon Episode 274: Humor That Works with Andrew Tarvin Nice Maker Newsletter DaveDelaney.me Want to discover some of the books mentioned on the podcast? Check out Scribd, my reading app of choice. If you enjoyed the episode, please leave a rating and/or review wherever you listened to the episode. Also don't forget to check out all of our podcast sponsors found on our podcast sponsors page. If you enjoyed the episode, please leave a rating and/or review wherever you listened to the episode. And if you want to have easy access to the archives of the show and ensure you don't miss the new episodes to come then subscribe to the podcast in the app you're using – or you can do so on a variety of podcast platforms by clicking here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week on the podcast I speak with the founder and CEO of Doist (the makers of Todoist), Amir Salihefendic. We discuss what prompted him to create Todoist, what system he uses to complete his tasks, and dive deeper into what it’s like to work on developing a task management application in today’s age. Relevant Links Todoist Systemist: A modern productivity workflow | Todoist Blog How to create sub-tasks? | Todoist Todoist Business Amir Salihefendic (@amix3k) | Twitter As a special bonus, the promo code "Productivityist" can now be redeemed at todoist.com/redeem for 3 months of free premium. Want to discover some of the books mentioned on the podcast? Check out Scribd, my reading app of choice. If you enjoyed the episode, please leave a rating and/or review wherever you listened to the episode. Also, don't forget to check out all of our podcast sponsors found on our podcast sponsors page. If you enjoyed the episode, please leave a rating and/or review wherever you listened to the episode. And if you want to have easy access to the archives of the show and ensure you don't miss the new episodes to come then subscribe to the podcast in the app you're using. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this episode of The Productivityist Podcast, I speak with Dai Manuel. Dai is the author of The Whole Life Fitness Manifesto and during this episode we talk about the relationship between health, wellness, and productivity and what his book and work does to promote making the most of this relationship. Relevant Links Going One Year No Beer with Andy Ramage and Ruari Fairbairns | The Productivityist Podcast The Whole Life Fitness Manifesto 10% Happier by Dan Harris | Amazon How to Use The Tough Mudder Pledge to Succeed in Everyday Life | Productivityist Dai Manuel’s Blog about How to Live a Functionally Fit Life The Moose is Loose Weekly Digest | Dai Manuel Dai Manuel (@daimanuel) | Twitter If you enjoy The Productivityist Podcast I'd appreciate a rating and review in iTunes or your podcasting platform of choice. It helps people find the show easier and will help me make improvements on the show by seeing what you have to say. Want to discover some of the books mentioned on the podcast? Check out Scribd, my reading app of choice. If you enjoyed the episode, please leave a rating and/or review wherever you listened to the episode. Also don't forget to check out all of our podcast sponsors found on our podcast sponsors page. If you enjoyed the episode, please leave a rating and/or review wherever you listened to the episode. And if you want to have easy access to the archives of the show and ensure you don't miss the new episodes to come then subscribe to the podcast in the app you're using. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week on the podcast, Chris Ducker joins me for another value-packed episode! Chris is a serial entrepreneur, author, keynote speaker, and the founder of Youpreneur.com. He just released a new book titled Rise of The Youpreneur which I truly believe will be a bestseller. We had a fantastic conversation. Here are a few specific topics we covered: The rise of the Youpreneur and what that means What it takes to be a Youpreneur The role of hard work or hustle How to course correct The importance of self-awareness What Chris is focusing on right now Why you should wear your heart on your sleeve Relevant Links: Rise of the Youpreneur | Amazon Purchase Rise of the Youpreneur here to get special bonus ChrisDucker.com | Helping Entrepreneurs Become More Productive and Profitable Youpreneur: The Entrepreneurial Community Where Nobody Gets Left Behind How to Launch a Book Guerilla-Style | Page Two Strategies Youpreneur Mike Vardy | Google Search The Productivityist Podcast: Fostering Your Inner Youpreneur with Chris Ducker | Productivityist Supercharging Your Entrepreneurial Productivity with Mike Vardy | ChristDucker.com Reshaping, Rebuilding and Rebranding Your Business with Mike Vardy | ChrisDucker.com Thanks for listening. If you enjoyed the show don’t forget to subscribe so you don’t miss a single episode. Until next time remember to stop guessing…and start going! Want to discover some of the books mentioned on the podcast? Check out Scribd, my reading app of choice. If you enjoyed the episode, please leave a rating and/or review wherever you listened to the episode. Also don't forget to check out all of our podcast sponsors found on our podcast sponsors page. If you enjoyed the episode, please leave a rating and/or review wherever you listened to the episode. And if you want to have easy access to the archives of the show and ensure you don't miss the new episodes to come then subscribe to the podcast in the app you're using. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week on the show I'm joined by Ari Meisel of Leverage. We talk about what task management app Ari uses (the answer will surprise you), the art of optimization, automation, and outsourcing, and more tips and tricks you can use to help you make more great things happen by doing less. Relevant Links Leverage | Ari Meisel Evernote FollowUp.cc Slack IFTTT Zapier Blue Blocking Sunglasses | Amazon A Complimentary Less Doing Coaching Call Cylon Compendium Want to discover some of the books mentioned on the podcast? Check out Scribd, my reading app of choice. If you enjoyed the episode, please leave a rating and/or review wherever you listened to the episode. Also don't forget to check out all of our podcast sponsors found on our podcast sponsors page. If you enjoyed the episode, please leave a rating and/or review wherever you listened to the episode. And if you want to have easy access to the archives of the show and ensure you don't miss the new episodes to come then subscribe to the podcast in the app you're using. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Pieter Geldenhuys – also known as PG Geldenhuys – facilitates hikes and retreats in South Africa and abroad to help you turn your focus inward, through his business Shoshin Walks. He’s also learnt that big shifts come from having a beginner’s mindset.  PG’s adventurous spirit is infectious. He shares his travel tales and his philosophy with hiking and being in nature. In this productive conversation, we also discuss meditative walks, writing novels, cliches – and observing ducks.  Talking Points What is Shoshin? The power of meditative walks Navigating uncertainty  How writing badly helped PG write a novel Lessons learnt from completing the Camino de Santiago PG’s group tours that include the Inca trail and Kilimanjaro Quote "Structure will set you free." Helpful Links ‘Offsides’ by PG Geldenhuys The Way (2010) ‘Four Thousand Weeks’ by Oliver Burkeman Multiplicity (1996) About Time (2013) PG’s LinkedIn Shoshin Walks Facebook Want to discover some of the books mentioned on the podcast? Check out Scribd, my reading app of choice.  If you enjoyed the episode, please leave a rating and/or review wherever you listened to the episode. Also don't forget to check out all of our podcast sponsors found on our podcast sponsors page. If you enjoyed the episode, please leave a rating and/or review wherever you listened to the episode. And if you want to have easy access to the archives of the show and ensure you don't miss the new episodes to come then subscribe to the podcast in the app you're using. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today’s episode, I spent time with Owen Video. Owen creates livestream and YouTube strategies for brands including show concept, talent, and marketing strategy. His clients’ shows have been recognized as best in class – and with Owen they continue to push the limit in discovering what’s possible with online video. Owen started the Video Marketing School so that business owners could learn how to generate sales with video. It all started going door-to-door. In 2010, the business community hadn’t even heard of YouTube and the opportunity to reach a marketplace through social media. This is where Owen’s online education began – knocking on doors to offer business video marketing for $20. In one day, he had done 17 videos and he knew he was on to something.  Before long, many of these companies were asking for help with websites, social media, and lead generation. So Owen took the money he was making and invested heavily into online marketing courses, coaching, books, events, and trainings, that would grow his skills and turn him into the masterful marketing machine that he is today.  This was also the time that Owen was creating viral videos. He wrote and produced a series of short films for use in Christian media. Specifically, sermon illustrations, home study videos, and apologetic resources. Many of those videos went viral and some have been purchased for use all over the US. Owen still earn royalties on those films to this day.    Talking Points What propelled Owen Video to dive into the video space?  The journey of producing YouTube videos before as compared to now  Getting the process in place for someone who wants to create a video  How does one get away from the allure of doing a podcast, blog, video, etc. all at the same time?  What did facing cancer teach Owen?  On scheduling using a calendar and time management How to get started making or creating videos Quote “We believe in the market leader approach. Video is just video unless you are trying to be a market leader and that is what we want.” Relevant Links: Website Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Instagram YouTube The key takeaway from this episode that productivity, like in many aspects of our work and lives, really does play a role in making videos. Owen knows this and has developed a way to make sure productivity is part of the production process. Want to discover some of the books mentioned on the podcast? Check out Scribd, my reading app of choice. If you enjoyed the episode, please leave a rating and/or review wherever you listened to the episode. Also don't forget to check out all of our podcast sponsors found on our podcast sponsors page. And if you want to have easy access to the archives of the show and ensure you don't miss the new episodes to come then subscribe to the podcast in the app you're using. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today’s guest is Dr. Mary Lamia – a clinical psychologist, psychoanalyst and the author of the new book What Motivates Getting Things Done. We spoke about why it is important to have ways to create absolute deadlines, the role emotions have in personal productivity, the nature of distraction and more. Some of the topics we discuss include: How specific deadlines combined with accountability can help Task driven people vs. procrastinators Why emotions are what really motivate us A fear of failure is significantly present among those who are successful Why shame anxiety is a powerful motivation too Why distractions are not a bad thing The importance of focusing your stress Relevant Links: Mary Lamia | Website What Motivates Getting Things Done Flow: The Psychology of Optimal Experience by Mihaly Csiksszentmihalyi | Amazon How Procrastinators Get Things Done | Psychology Today Mary Lamia @drlamia | Twitter Thanks for listening. If you enjoyed the show don’t forget to subscribe so you don’t miss a single episode. Until next time remember to stop guessing…and start going! Want to discover some of the books mentioned on the podcast? Check out Scribd, my reading app of choice. If you enjoyed the episode, please leave a rating and/or review wherever you listened to the episode. Also don't forget to check out all of our podcast sponsors found on our podcast sponsors page. And if you want to have easy access to the archives of the show and ensure you don't miss the new episodes to come then subscribe to the podcast in the app you're using. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It's always exciting having another productivity coach on the show with me and this episode definitely starts off on the right foot! This was a fun and engaging conversation that I've been eager to release! Neill Williams is a mom, wife, and former overworked cog in the corporate wheel. Until she decided to take control of the life she wanted and unbusy it! She is now a Master Life and Scheduling Coach who is helping overwhelmed entrepreneurs do the same with her online courses and podcast Unbusy your Life with Neill Williams Being busy and in constant "not enough time in the day" mode can stem from a busy mindset. Neill dives into what she calls Mind Hygiene - brain dumping your thoughts and cleaning that out so that your brain can work the way it was designed to. Her goal is to help people understand time but also their mind - how they feel and how they show up in their time. We discuss a variety of topics such as redefining the word productive and removing the stigma that comes with it. Bringing it back to what productive really means to you and what makes you productive in your own mind. And how unbusy'ing your life can not only bring you balance but also to your loved ones. You're not going to want to miss this one. Links Worth Exploring Connect with Neill: Website | Instagram | Facebook  Neill's podcast: How to Unbusy your Life with Neill Williams Checkout Neill's Mastermind: 10K in 10 Days Grab her free 30 Day Business Planner : Click here Related Conversation: Episode 418: Joshua Becker Related Blog Post: Too Busy To Think: 6 Ways To Create More Space Thanks to all of the sponsors of this episode. You can find all of the sponsors you heard me mention on this episode on our Podcast Sponsors page. Want to support the podcast? Beyond checking out our sponsors, you can subscribe to the show wherever you listen to podcasts. Click on any of the links below to make that happen. Spotify | Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Stitcher You can also click on this link to paste the podcast feed into your podcast app of choice. Thanks again for listening to A Productive Conversation. See you later. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Alan Henry is a service journalist and editor who writes and commissions stories that help readers make better use of their technology and embrace a healthier relationship with it in their lives. Previously, the Smarter Living editor at The New York Times, the editor-in-chief of the productivity and lifestyle blog Lifehacker, the author of SEEN, HEARD, AND PAID, and is currently senior editor at Wired. In this episode, we chat about how the book came to be, healthy boundaries in the workplace, the new work rules for the marginalized, and so much more! Links Worth Exploring Connect with Alan: Website | Instagram | Facebook | Twitter  Buy Alan's book: SEEN, HEARD, AND PAID Related Conversation: Perrine Farque talks about Inclusion Related Blog Post: Getting Things Done in Tough Places Thanks to all of the sponsors of this episode. You can find all of the sponsors you heard me mention on this episode on our Podcast Sponsors page. Want to support the podcast? Beyond checking out our sponsors, you can subscribe to the show wherever you listen to podcasts. Click on any of the links below to make that happen. Spotify | Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Stitcher You can also click on this link to paste the podcast feed into your podcast app of choice. Thanks again for listening to A Productive Conversation. See you later. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome to another episode of A Productive Conversation with Mike Vardy! I'm excited to have Mike Rucker joining me today, who's a fellow World Domination Summit attendee. It's funny how we haven't met in person yet, but that's just how life goes sometimes. Mike is a behavioral scientist, organizational psychologist, and a charter member of the International Positive Psychology Association. He's also been published in prestigious academic journals like the International Journal of Workplace Health Management and Nutrition Research. Mike's work has been featured in many well-known publications like The Wall Street Journal, The Washington Post, Psychology Today, and Fast Company. He currently serves as a senior leader at Active Wellness. Today, we'll be discussing his latest book, The Fun Habit, which is a wonderful read. I love the two words in the title: fun and habit. In our conversation, we explore how pursuing joy and wonder can change your life, and how these words are interchangeable. The book's message is powerful: find delight, fix unhappy. I hope you feel the same about this episode. Links Worth Exploring Connect with Mike: Website | Instagram | Facebook | Twitter | LinkedIn Buy Mike's book The Fun Habit Related Conversation: Off the Clock with Laura Vanderkam Related Blog Post: How to Blog Funny Thanks to all of the sponsors of this episode. You can find all of the sponsors you heard me mention on this episode on our Podcast Sponsors page. Want to support the podcast? Beyond checking out our sponsors, you can subscribe to the show wherever you listen to podcasts. Click on any of the links below to make that happen. Spotify | Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Stitcher You can also click on this link to paste the podcast feed into your podcast app of choice. Thanks again for listening to A Productive Conversation. See you later. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today’s episode, I spent time again with Marc and Angel Chernoff. Marc and Angel Chernoff are New York Times bestselling authors, professional coaches, full-time students of life, admirers of the human spirit, and have been recognized by Forbes as having “one of the most popular personal development blogs.” Through their blog, books, course and coaching, they’ve spent the past decade writing about and teaching proven strategies for finding lasting happiness, success, love, and peace. Lauren and I talked about introspection, fears, making and keeping promises (and Hugh Jackman!). She practically gave me a coaching session on this episode and this conversation ought to prepare you the next time you have a setback. Talking Points Getting on our own way: An anecdote on taking on too much Overcoming the new human experience filled with what’s wrong and fear The relativity of success Working on spiritual, emotional, and physical integrity Beginning at the end and small things that bring macro results I am doing the right thing: Stop asking and start doing and being Setting up consequences to keep promises and be productive Making your dark side work for the good guys Keeping your promises as a way of challenging fear Quote “When you have a big enough dream and you pick the five most important things for you to accomplish but you believe in the whole, there’s magic that will happen so other things happen while you are doing the five things.” Relevant Links Maybe It’s You: Cut the Crap. Face Your Fears. Love Your Life. | Amazon Laughing Man Coffee InnerU Lauren Zander Website Lauren Zander Facebook Lauren Zander Twitter Lauren Zander Instagram This episode will help you face your fears, get through the setbacks, and set your goals. A lot of what we touched on just scratches the surface and if you want more from Lauren, check out her website and her book.  Want to discover some of the books mentioned on the podcast? Check out Scribd, my reading app of choice. If you enjoyed the episode, please leave a rating and/or review wherever you listened to the episode. Also don't forget to check out all of our podcast sponsors found on our podcast sponsors page. And if you want to have easy access to the archives of the show and ensure you don't miss the new episodes to come then subscribe to the podcast in the app you're using. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this episode, I’m joined once again by Laura Vanderkam, a fellow productivity specialist. Laura is the author of several books, including The New Corner Office: How the Most Successful People Work from Home. I wanted to talk about productivity with someone who speaks my language, and Laura certainly fits that bill. She’s penned a book that is designed to help people not only survive working from home… it’s a book that will help people thrive while working from home. We talk about what it’s like to be thrust into a “work from home” situation, why right now might just be the best time to take on that monumental project, and much more. This episode is well worth your time… I know you’ll enjoy our conversation!   Talking Points Laura explains why she chose to write this book right now What led Laura to writing this book? Why does Laura advise you manage by task rather than time? How important does Laura thinks self-care in the work environment is during times like these? Laura shares insights on how she thinks people can embrace their own needs more while working from home Laura talks about her chapter that touches on “thinking big” How does Laura think people can continue to track their time while working from home? How can one work from home and parent from home and still bring their best selves to both? Laura gives one action you can take to start building your own “at home” work life Quote “Working from home is a skill.” Helpful Links The New Corner Office: How the Most Successful People Work from Home Episode 202: Off the Clock with Laura Vanderkam Curious with Josh Peck: James Clear We have a lot more time now. So why can’t we get anything done? | The Washington Post lauravanderkam.com Want to discover some of the books mentioned on the podcast? Check out Scribd, my reading app of choice. If you enjoyed the episode, please leave a rating and/or review wherever you listened to the episode. Also don't forget to check out all of our podcast sponsors found on our podcast sponsors page. And if you want to have easy access to the archives of the show and ensure you don't miss the new episodes to come then subscribe to the podcast in the app you're using. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mike sits down with Patrick Rhone to talk about Rick Rubin, his Dash/Plus system, and a bunch of other cool stuff in the first of the regular "Free Time with Patrick Rhone" series on the podcast. Relevant Links http://boingboing.net/2014/10/22/rick-rubin-looks-back-at-the-b.html (Boing Boing: Rick Rubin looks back at the birth of hip-hop) https://twitter.com/patrickrhone/status/524947562894094336 (Twitter: Patrick on Rick Rubin) http://patrickrhone.com/2014/10/26/a-successful-plan/ (Patrick Rhone: A Successful Plan) http://patrickrhone.com/dashplus/ (The Dash/Plus System) http://www.thecramped.com/the-baron-fig-apprentice-a-brief-review/ (Review: The Baron Fig Apprentice) http://patrickrhone.com/ (Patrick's Website) http://twitter.com/patrickrhone/ (Patrick on Twitter) Want to send Mike an app, book, or something similar to discuss on the show? Email him at podcast@productivityist.com and he'll give it a look. Want to listen on Stitcher? http://www.stitcher.com/s?fid=53149&refid=stpr (Click here.) Support The Productivityist Podcast by becoming a patron! http://www.patreon.com/Productivityist (Click here) to visit The Productivityist Podcast's Patreon page and see what perks await those who pitch in a buck or more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

After reading a comment on YouTube about how to earn a good income without a boring job, today’s guest Joe Barnes made it his mission to find a framework that enables this. Hint: there are three ways. When I left my full-time job at Costco, it felt like a giant leap. So I was excited to have Joe Barnes on the show to hear more about his Three Paths to pursuing your dream job. He set up Escape The System – a resource for entrepreneurs, dreamers, and world-changers. He’s also the author of Do The Work You Love. By freeing your mind from society’s conditioning and finding a passion, you’re on track to living the life you want. Tune in as we learn how to escape boring jobs, how he strategically became an author – his dream job – and what he learnt from two ridiculous tennis matches. Talking Points The boring job Joe did What do we actually mean by “choosing your passion”? The Three Paths Advice to the adventurous who go ‘all-in’ with a change How to stop your passions from fizzling away Dealing with fear when making the career change Advice to people who think it’s ‘past their time’ Lessons learnt from being a tennis coach Joe’s relationship with time Quote “There’s something inside of you that needs expression.” Helpful Links Do The Work You Love | Amazon Episode 229: Exploring Digital Minimalism with Cal Newport Episode 73: Deep Work with Cal Newport So Good They Can’t Ignore You | Amazon ‘Follow Your Passion’ Is Bad Advice Beau Carnes’ blog post Episode 251: Being a Late Bloomer with Rich Karlgaard Episode 234: Bolder with Carl Honoré What 2 Ridiculous Tennis Matches Taught Me About Mental Toughness And Life The Inner Game of Tennis | Amazon The Score Takes Care of Itself | Amazon EscapeTheSystemNow.com  Screw The System YouTube Channel Joe’s Instagram Want to discover some of the books mentioned on the podcast? Check out Scribd, my reading app of choice. If you enjoyed the episode, please leave a rating and/or review wherever you listened to the episode. Also don't forget to check out all of our podcast sponsors found on our podcast sponsors page. And if you want to have easy access to the archives of the show and ensure you don't miss the new episodes to come then subscribe to the podcast in the app you're using. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In the first part of my podcast conversation with Thanh Pham, founder of Asian Efficiency, we explored our shared experiences in the productivity space. We discussed the evolution of productivity advice and systems, emphasizing the importance of choosing one system and adapting it to your needs. Thanh highlighted the shift from being reactive to proactive, underscoring the value of planning for the next day and week to stay on top of tasks. Thanh also shared his personal journey of focusing on building deeper relationships and community, which led to increased happiness and productivity. This served as a powerful reminder that productivity isn't just about getting more done—it's also about enhancing our overall well-being. Key Discussion Points The landscape of productivity has changed over the years, and there's no one right way to do something. The rise of the cult of getting things done has shown that there are multiple ways to approach productivity. Small changes can lead to significant results. You don't have to make drastic changes to get the results you're looking for. A single tweak a week can lead to major improvements. Sustainability is a challenging aspect of learning. Trying to get everything done in a single day can lead to burnout. It's important to recognize that you have more time than you think. Reflective practice, such as journaling, can help improve productivity. It's important to take time to reflect on what you're doing and why. The importance of a weekly review and being aware of the cadence and pace of life can help manage productivity. Happiness and productivity are linked. Happy people tend to be more productive. The concept of productivity has evolved over the last decade. It's not just about time and money, but also about health. Our conversation concluded with a discussion on the changing perception of productivity, shifting from efficiency to optimizing for happiness. This perspective has been a game-changer for Thanh, and he believes it can be for others as well. Stay tuned for the second part of our conversation next week, where we'll delve deeper into these themes and more. Links Worth Exploring Connect with Thanh: Website | Twitter | Facebook | Youtube Thanh's podcast: The Productivity Show Recommended by Thanh: Die With Zero: Getting All You Can from Your Money and Your Life Recommended by Thanh (and me): Four Thousand Weeks: Time Management for Mortals Related Conversation: Episode 83: Overnight Success with Aaron Mahnke Related Blog Post: Why You Need To Take Personal Productivity Personally Thanks to all of the sponsors of this episode. You can find all of the sponsors you heard me mention on this episode on our Podcast Sponsors page. Want to support the podcast? Beyond checking out our sponsors, you can subscribe to the show wherever you listen to podcasts. Click on any of the links below to make that happen. Spotify | Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Stitcher You can also click on this link to paste the podcast feed into your podcast app of choice. Thanks again for listening to A Productive Conversation. See you later. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this episode of The Productivityist Podcast, I speak with my friend Kendra Wright. We talk about how we each treat fear, our to do lists, our calendars, and a whole lot more. One of the biggest takeaways from this discussion was how I look at fear and treat as the enemy and how Kendra treats it as if it is her friend. Neither way is wrong or right, but you’ll hear how our approaches differ and why they work for us. Relevant Links Hey Kendra | Kendra’s Website “No, Fear.” -|Productivityist What I Learned About Fear From 700+ Comfort Zone Challenges | Hey Kendra How Colour Can Help You Get the Right Things Done | Productivityist Think Better, Live Better The 106 Year Old Problem | Productivityist Kendra W. (@freehighfives) | Twitter Take The Comfort Zone Challenge If you enjoy The Productivityist Podcast I'd appreciate a rating and review in iTunes or your podcasting platform of choice. It helps people find the show easier and will help me make improvements on the show by seeing what you have to say. Want to discover some of the books mentioned on the podcast? Check out Scribd, my reading app of choice. If you enjoyed the episode, please leave a rating and/or review wherever you listened to the episode. Also don't forget to check out all of our podcast sponsors found on our podcast sponsors page. If you enjoyed the episode, please leave a rating and/or review wherever you listened to the episode. And if you want to have easy access to the archives of the show and ensure you don't miss the new episodes to come then subscribe to the podcast in the app you're using. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Reimagine yourself, Own who you are, Act on what's next for you, Reassess your relationships. This is a mantra that Michael Clinton lives by. And this conversation with him is one that I've been really excited to release. Michael is a best-selling author and former magazine publisher and president for Hearst magazine. He is a writer-at-large for Esquire as well as a regular columnist for Men's Health. When he is not writing, he is an expert and keynote speaker on life longevity. Michael began really living out his ambitions later in life and is passionate about making this the new norm. He is an avid photographer, world traveler, pilot, and marathon runner and is nowhere close to slowing down. In this episode, we dive into his latest book ROAR: Into the Second Half of Your Life (Before It's Too Late). While his book holds 40 life-changing stories, we only touch on a couple of these role models who reimagined their life and started a whole new chapter. We have an intriguing discussion on the importance of knowing that when you go into the second half of your life that it's not the end of it. Michael brings his tried and true experience on how starting a new chapter at any age is not only possible but can be the new standard using his ROAR mantra. Whether it's starting a business, traveling the world, or running a marathon after 50 - reimagine your life before someone else does it. This was an eye-opening conversation. I hope you found it as awakening and as meaningful as I did Links Worth Exploring Connect with Michael: Website | Facebook | Twitter | LinkedIn Michael's Book: ROAR: Into the Second Half of Your Life (Before It's Too Late) Related Conversation: Episode 251: Being a Late Bloomer with Rich Karlgaard Related Blog Post: Is Moving Abroad A Good Productivity Hack? Thanks to all of the sponsors of this episode. You can find all of the sponsors you heard me mention on this episode on our Podcast Sponsors page. Want to support the podcast? Beyond checking out our sponsors, you can subscribe to the show wherever you listen to podcasts. Click on any of the links below to make that happen. Spotify | Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Stitcher You can also click on this link to paste the podcast feed into your podcast app of choice. Thanks again for listening to A Productive Conversation. See you later. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Do you want to live in an apartment with a jacuzzi in Manhattan – for free? Jen Mazer did that for 10 years (and so much more) – all through the power of manifestation. Jen Mazer (a.k.a. the Queen of Manifestation) is a transformational speaker and coach, teaching people how to manifest their dreams and goals while making an impact on the world. She is the creator of the board game Sparked, and is also the author of the book Manifesting Made Easy: How to Harness the Law of Attraction to Get What You Really Want. Manifesting gave Jen the chance to experience some of the most outrageous adventures – like attending a cocktail party hosted by Martin Scorsese, getting published in the New York Times, and even paying off debt. Jen's the guest on this episode and she’ll share the power of manifestation in her life and how it can do the same for you. We chatted about her background, the law of attraction, resistance, and even touched a bit on quantum physics. Here’s a rundown of what we covered during our conversation: How she started in this niche and how her friends came up with the moniker "Queen of Manifestation". The skepticism and misconception that manifesting is solely about visualization and meditation, how productivity and action factors in, and why she isn’t a proponent of working too hard. Her metaphor on how placing an order of the food you want in a restaurant is what manifesting is like to your life. The importance of trusting your dreams as it could be foreshadowing what the universe wants for you, despite the limitations like not having time, experience, money. The idea of seeing resistance as proof of movement and change, and obstacles as opportunities to experience new things. The law of polarity, fostering awareness through what you want and don’t want, and reframing your intentions by positioning them so that they are positive and open to possibilities. Reframing task management from “have to”, to “need to” to “get to” to make each task more impactful. How her book breaks down manifesting concepts and techniques allowing anyone employ them, and the power of positivity and feeling positive inside before it even manifests. What sparked the creation of the board game she co-created with her friend and how it is able to promote happiness, gratitude, inspiration and love Simple and easy ways to start manifesting, and a story of how an affirmation she wrote years ago manifested in her life. Relevant Links Queen of Manifestation Manifesting Made Easy Strategies for Getting Clear on Your Vision | Queen of Manifestation How to Deal with Resistance | Queen of Manifestation Manifesting Made Easy by Jane Mazer | Amazon Sparked: The game with inspiration, heart & hilarity Queen of Manifestation | Facebook Jen Mazer (@JenMazer) | Twitter Jen Mazer (@jenmazer) | Instagram Thanks for tuning in! Until next time, remember to stop guessing...and start going. Want to discover some of the books mentioned on the podcast? Check out Scribd, my reading app of choice. If you enjoyed the episode, please leave a rating and/or review wherever you listened to the episode. Also don't forget to check out all of our podcast sponsors found on our podcast sponsors page. If you enjoyed the episode, please leave a rating and/or review wherever you listened to the episode. And if you want to have easy access to the archives of the show and ensure you don't miss the new episodes to come then subscribe to the podcast in the app you're using. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Clarity Coach Jenna Britton is here to help you find more clarity, so you can take action with more purpose and intention. As a self-proclaimed “soulful storyteller”, Jenna Britton is a writer, coach and speaker. Finding Human Design was integral to helping Jenna find — and begin truly living — her life with clarity and ease. So in 2020, she began offering coaching sessions designed and aligned to help people like you understand how parts of your Human Design chart can clarify your purpose — what you’re here to do (and how you’re here to do it). As a fellow writer, I enjoyed discussing with Jenna about the writing process. Tune in to this episode as we unpack internal processing, looking back through old journals, the comedian’s mind, and goosebump moments. And this conversation is by no means just for writers – it will help give you direction if you feel stuck in any area. Talking Points What you get through clarity coaching Finding harmony with clarity and communication The value of journaling Writing creative non-fiction Having a clear intention How to lift the fog of resistance Quote “Clarity comes from action.” Helpful Links Episode 361: Being a Multipotentialite with Vanessa Tharp ‘Wild’ by Cheryl Strayed Baron Fig Jerry Seinfeld: Comedian BraveEnoughToBe.com JennaBritton.com Jenna’s Instagram Brave Enough To Be’s Instagram The BIG Ready 2022 Want to discover some of the books mentioned on the podcast? Check out Scribd, my reading app of choice. If you enjoyed the episode, please leave a rating and/or review wherever you listened to the episode. Also don't forget to check out all of our podcast sponsors found on our podcast sponsors page. If you enjoyed the episode, please leave a rating and/or review wherever you listened to the episode. And if you want to have easy access to the archives of the show and ensure you don't miss the new episodes to come then subscribe to the podcast in the app you're using – or you can do so on a variety of podcast platforms by clicking here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, Mike talks about why he still loves and uses paper. He also talks about several paper-based approaches worth exploring, including Ryder Carroll's Bullet Journal and his own creation: The Strikethrough System. Relevant Links http://patrickrhone.com/dashplus/ (The Dash/Plus System by Patrick Rhone) http://www.neuyear.net/products/pre-sales-beta-week-dominator (The Week Dominator by NeuYear) http://bulletjournal.com/ (Bullet Journal by Ryder Carroll) https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1562027630/bullet-journal-journaling-at-the-speed-of-life (Bullet Journal — Kickstarter) http://www.eisenhower.me/ (EISENHOWER.me) http://www.1101.com/store/techo/2015/planner/detail_cover/c_hpr.html (Hobonichi Planner Book) http://davidseah.com/node/the-emergent-task-planner/ (The Emergent Task Planner by Dave Seah) http://www.productiveflourishing.com/free-planners/ (Free Planners from Productive Flourishing) http://relay.fm/penaddict (The Pen Addict) http://www.productivityist.com/blog/the-strikethrough-system (The Strikethrough System by Productivityist) Want to send Mike an app, book, or something similar to discuss on the show? Email him at podcast@productivityist.com and he'll give it a look. Want to listen on Stitcher? http://www.stitcher.com/s?fid=53149&refid=stpr (Click here.) Support The Productivityist Podcast by becoming a patron! http://www.patreon.com/Productivityist (Click here) to visit The Productivityist Podcast's Patreon page and see what perks await those who pitch in a buck or more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this episode of the podcast, I talk about the importance of planning – and why August is the month that I give planning my overarching focus. Helpful Links How to Make Better New Year’s Resolutions The NOW Year Action Plan Happy New Year! (or Why I Start My New Year on September 1st) Want to discover some of the books mentioned on the podcast? Check out Scribd, my reading app of choice. If you enjoyed the episode, please leave a rating and/or review wherever you listened to the episode. Also don't forget to check out all of our podcast sponsors found on our podcast sponsors page. And if you want to have easy access to the archives of the show and ensure you don't miss the new episodes to come then subscribe to the podcast in the app you're using. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

After a lengthy thread on Twitter that debated what contexts were (and weren't), Mike invites some of the participants to discuss their thoughts on contexts in more detail in the second of two episodes on the subject. This episode's guests are Mike's old podcasting partner Michael Schechter and Lee Garrett. Relevant Links https://productivityist.simplecast.fm/13 (The Contexts Conversations: Part One) http://bettermess.com/ (A Better Mess) http://twitter.com/mschechter (Michael Schechter on Twitter) http://bit.ly/PNcontexts (What Keeps Me Highly Productive: A Productivityist Newsletter on Contexts) http://soliamsays.com/ (SoliamSays) http://twitter.com/soliamsays (Lee Garrett on Twitter) Want to send Mike an app, book, or something similar to discuss on the show? Email him at podcast@productivityist.com and he'll give it a look. Want to listen on Stitcher? http://www.stitcher.com/s?fid=53149&refid=stpr (Click here.) Support The Productivityist Podcast by becoming a patron! http://www.patreon.com/Productivityist (Click here) to visit The Productivityist Podcast's Patreon page and see what perks await those who pitch in a buck or more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Smartsheet has been a player in the task management and project management space for a long time, and on this episode of the podcast Mike speaks with Brent Frei, the founder and VP of Marketing at Smartsheet. They talk about the present (and future) state of productivity, the subject of email, and why a smarter spreadsheet may very well be the best tool you can use to help you get things done. Related Links Brent Frei | Smartsheet Corwin Hiebert | Managing Creative People + Creative Projects Smartsheet Wins First Place for “Best Microsoft Office 365 App” Smartsheet.com Brent Frei (@B_Frei) | Twitter Brent Frei | LinkedIn Want to discover some of the books mentioned on the podcast? Check out Scribd, my reading app of choice. If you enjoyed the episode, please leave a rating and/or review wherever you listened to the episode. Also don't forget to check out all of our podcast sponsors found on our podcast sponsors page. If you enjoyed the episode, please leave a rating and/or review wherever you listened to the episode. And if you want to have easy access to the archives of the show and ensure you don't miss the new episodes to come then subscribe to the podcast in the app you're using. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, I had the pleasure of chatting with Zack Arnold, an award-winning editor, director, and founder of Optimize Yourself. He's also a father of two and a two-time American Ninja Warrior, which is pretty cool if you ask me. We had a productive conversation about how to pursue fulfilling careers without sacrificing our health, relationships, or sanity. Zack's work has been featured in various publications, and he's known for his expertise in productivity and entrepreneurship. One thing that stood out to me was how Zack optimized his podcast process, which he shared with us. He also talked about how he's learned to prioritize his health and relationships while pursuing his career goals.  Overall, it was a fantastic conversation, and I highly recommend giving it a listen. If you're new to the podcast, this is a great episode to start with. I feel like I found a kindred spirit in Zack, and I hope you will too. Links Worth Exploring Connect with Zack: Website | Instagram | Facebook | Twitter | LinkedIn Listen to Optimize Yourself with Mike Vardy Laura Vanderkam talks about Tranquility by Tuesday Are you Productive or Just Busy? Take the quiz! Related Conversation: Off the Clock with Laura Vanderkam Related Blog Post: 4 Tips to Make the Most of Your Working Day Thanks to all of the sponsors of this episode. You can find all of the sponsors you heard me mention on this episode on our Podcast Sponsors page. Want to support the podcast? Beyond checking out our sponsors, you can subscribe to the show wherever you listen to podcasts. Click on any of the links below to make that happen. Spotify | Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Stitcher You can also click on this link to paste the podcast feed into your podcast app of choice. Thanks again for listening to A Productive Conversation. See you later. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Deep work can easily feel overwhelming, so we put it off. In this episode we dissect how you can make it meaningful to you, and apply it to any area of your life. We’re only human – we can’t achieve everything on one single day. Instead, it takes steady increments that lead us to the desired results. Today’s guest Cristina Roman has taught her clients this very philosophy. She’s a Certified Life Coach, deep work extraordinaire, and coaches clients on overcoming procrastination.  By small actions, and focusing on results, we get deep into the good stuff, and less of the procrastinating tasks. Tune in as we unpick her favourite books, second order thinking, and why ‘prudence’ is my word. Talking Points Getting into a deep work state within 15 minutes Stand out learning from Cal Newport’s book ‘Deep Work’ Overcome deep work overwhelm Apply deep work to your personal life Deep work for group tasks Using evidence to beat procrastination How our language impacts our beliefs and behaviours How much procrastination can you “afford”? The fear of making the “right or wrong” decision Actionable steps to move away from procrastination Quote “Slow down to speed up.” Helpful Links PiqueCoaching.co/DeepWork  Deep Work | Amazon The Life Coach School  Atomic Habits | Amazon Episode 227: Why You Need Atomic Habits with James Clear Episode 266: Becoming Indistractable with Nir Eyal Second-Order Thinking: What Smart People Use to Outperform Ziva Meditation Muse Meditation Stress Less, Accomplish More | Amazon Want to discover some of the books mentioned on the podcast? Check out Scribd, my reading app of choice. If you enjoyed the episode, please leave a rating and/or review wherever you listened to the episode. Also don't forget to check out all of our podcast sponsors found on our podcast sponsors page. And if you want to have easy access to the archives of the show and ensure you don't miss the new episodes to come then subscribe to the podcast in the app you're using. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What if our bodies could talk? What if they could tell us that what we're doing to them and for them is either good or bad? On this vault episode, Dr. James Hamblin, Senior Editor at The Atlantic and the host of "If Our Bodies Could Talk" joins me on the show to talk about the things we can do to help ourselves and our bodies be more effective and efficient and the things we sometimes do that make them function at less than optimum levels. He's a funny guy. He's insightful. He's smart. We have a little bit in common. I'm no doctor. But I'm glad I got to speak to one here on this vault episode of A Productive Conversation with Mike Vardy. Links Worth Exploring Connect with James: Website | Instagram | Facebook | Twitter | LinkedIn Check out The Atlantic: If Our Bodies Could Talk Learn more about James Hamblin's work here Sad Desk Lunch: Is This How You Want to Die? - The Atlantic Single-Tasking Is the New Multitasking - The Atlantic Email Is Ruining Us: A Brilliant Solution - The Atlantic Related Conversation: The Free-Time Formula with Jeff Sanders Related Blog Post: Good Health and Productivity Go Together Thanks to all of the sponsors of this episode. You can find all of the sponsors you heard me mention on this episode on our Podcast Sponsors page. Want to support the podcast? Beyond checking out our sponsors, you can subscribe to the show wherever you listen to podcasts. Click on any of the links below to make that happen. Spotify | Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Stitcher You can also click on this link to paste the podcast feed into your podcast app of choice. Thanks again for listening to A Productive Conversation. See you later. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week on the show I welcome my friend Shawn Blanc, creator of The Focus Course. We have a deep discussion about intentionality, being attentive, the creative process, productivity, and – fittingly – focus. Relevant Links The Awareness Building Class The Focus Course Tools and Toys Delight is in the Details 2 Experts Share Exactly How to Use a Productivity Journal (& Increase Productivity by 23%) | The Fizzle Show 99 Shawn Blanc (@shawnblanc) | Twitter Want to discover some of the books mentioned on the podcast? Check out Scribd, my reading app of choice. If you enjoyed the episode, please leave a rating and/or review wherever you listened to the episode. Also don't forget to check out all of our podcast sponsors found on our podcast sponsors page. If you enjoyed the episode, please leave a rating and/or review wherever you listened to the episode. And if you want to have easy access to the archives of the show and ensure you don't miss the new episodes to come then subscribe to the podcast in the app you're using. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Fifteen years into her journey of simplicity, Courtney Carver continues to inspire people to do more with less. In this special Flashback Friday episode of A Productive Conversation, we revisit a past conversation from March 2020 about Project 333, her minimalist fashion challenge that has helped thousands streamline their wardrobes and their lives. But before that, we catch up on her latest book, Gentle: Rest More, Stress Less, and Live the Life You Actually Want. Courtney and I discuss the natural evolution of her work, moving from simplifying physical spaces to creating mental and emotional spaciousness. She shares the origin story of Gentle, which began with a 3 AM epiphany, and why she believes we need to rethink our relationship with time and space. Then, we dive into the practicalities of Project 333, its impact beyond decluttering closets, and how it can lead to greater peace and clarity in everyday life. Key Discussion Points How Gentle came to life and why simplicity isn’t just about stuff—it’s about creating space. The evolution of Courtney’s work from Soulful Simplicity to Project 333 to Gentle. The hidden emotional weight of clutter and how removing physical items can lighten mental loads. Why spaciousness—physical, mental, and emotional—is something we rarely talk about but deeply need. The common misconception that Project 333 is only for women and how anyone can benefit from a curated wardrobe. Decision fatigue, the power of limiting choices, and how a minimalist wardrobe can reduce daily stress. Practical tips for starting Project 333, dealing with sentimental items, and handling gifts that don’t align with a simpler lifestyle. Courtney's approach to simplicity is thoughtful, actionable, and, above all, gentle. If you've been feeling overwhelmed by too much—whether it’s in your schedule, your home, or your mind—this conversation will give you both practical steps and fresh perspectives on what truly matters. (Originally released March 2020) Links Worth Exploring Connect with Courtney: Website | Instagram | Facebook | Pinterest Get Courtney's book: Gentle: Rest More, Stress Less, and Live the Life You Actually Want Get Courtney's book: Project 333: The Minimalist Fashion Challenge That Proves Less Really is So Much More Weed Out the Clothes You Don’t Wear with a Simple Hanger Trick Everything You Need to Know About Project 333 Related Conversation: Episode 75: Soulful Simplicity with Courtney Carver Related Blog Post: Do You Want Fast Or Do You Want Forever? Thanks to all of the sponsors of this episode. You can find all of the sponsors you heard me mention on this episode on our Podcast Sponsors page. Want to support the podcast? Beyond checking out our sponsors, you can subscribe to the show wherever you listen to podcasts. You can subscribe on Spotify and also on Apple Podcasts. Not using either of those to get your podcasts? Just click on this link and then paste the podcast feed into your podcast app of choice. Thanks again for listening to A Productive Conversation. See you later. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jeff Goins is out to prove that real artists don't have to starve. In fact, he is out to prove that they can thrive in his latest book Real Artists Don't Starve: Timeless Strategies for Thriving in the New Creative Age. My wife and I had the chance to spend time with Jeff at Tropical Think Tank in early 2017 and we had some fantastic conversations surrounding artistry, writing, business, family, and more. While I've hung out with Jeff at other events (including Chris Guillebeau's World Domination Summit), getting to know him better in Cebu was one of the highlights of my time there. Some of the things we discussed in this episode include the idea of how he is able to be so prolific and deliver quality at the same time, why stealing can be something an artist can do, why collaboration can be a good thing – or even the best thing – for the thriving artist, what role mindset and money have in the life of an artist, and more. Relevant Links Real Artists Don't Starve | DontStarve.com     Jeff Goins's Website | GoinsWriter.com   Why You Need to Take Personal Productivity Personally | Productivityist  @JeffGoins | Twitter  Thanks for tuning in! Until next time, remember to stop guessing...and start going. Want to discover some of the books mentioned on the podcast? Check out Scribd, my reading app of choice. If you enjoyed the episode, please leave a rating and/or review wherever you listened to the episode. Also don't forget to check out all of our podcast sponsors found on our podcast sponsors page. If you enjoyed the episode, please leave a rating and/or review wherever you listened to the episode. And if you want to have easy access to the archives of the show and ensure you don't miss the new episodes to come then subscribe to the podcast in the app you're using. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week on the program I’m joined by a guest I’ve been looking to chat with for a long time. Francesco D’Alessio runs Keep Productive, a YouTube show dedicated to helping people find the most suitable productivity software for their work and life needs. From helping decision making to curbing switching, Keep Productive is passionate about helping you make long-term decisions about your software. I remember the days of keeping up with all the latest and greatest productivity news and app updates. There came a time when I decided that wasn’t going to be in my long-term plans, so I moved away from that kind of content (for the most part). Francesco, however, is another story. He loves doing exactly that: sharing all the productivity news and app-related content as possible, as evidenced by his extremely popular YouTube channel. During our discussion we get into why he enjoys producing content around apps and productivity news, how he maps out his content plan, and so much more. Talking Points Francesco shares his “productivity origin” story This is what Francesco looks for in an app that he showcases on his YouTube channel What does Francesco define as productivity news? How does he decide what to share? These are the tools that Francesco actually uses We talk about the way forward with transitioning between apps that avoid friction and promote flow This is what Francesco has used in the past and he shares why he moved away from them What about paper? We discuss Francesco’s content workflow How does Francesco deal with content that can become dated? Francesco shares THE productivity app that you should keep your eye on Quote “Tools are going to change you marginally… but it’s really the approach and the methodology that matter.” Helpful Links Keep Productive on YouTube Notion Made Simple Notion Office Hours with Mike Vardy Thomas Frank’s Notion Video Matt Ragland on YouTube Beyond The To Do List #290 – Distractions: Nir Eyal on Becoming Indestractable The Productivityist Podcast #266: Becoming Indistractable with Nir Eyal Francesco on Twitter The Productivityist Podcast Pick of The Week: The Freenoter It’s always gratifying to talk with someone as enthusiastic about productivity as me, and it’s not very often that I get to “geek out” about apps since I’ve largely moved away from creating that kind of content. That’s why I really enjoyed this conversation with Francesco. He knows his stuff and he’s a rising star in the productivity space. I can’t wait to see how the rest of his journey unfolds. Want to discover some of the books mentioned on the podcast? Check out Scribd, my reading app of choice. If you enjoyed the episode, please leave a rating and/or review wherever you listened to the episode. Also don't forget to check out all of our podcast sponsors found on our podcast sponsors page. And if you want to have easy access to the archives of the show and ensure you don't miss the new episodes to come then subscribe to the podcast in the app you're using. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this episode of the podcast, I’m joined by my friend Angela Crocker. Angela is the author of The Content Planner and Declutter Your Data. We spend the majority of our conversation diving deep into digital decluttering strategies. Some of the specifics of our discussion include the way you can declutter Your apps (which may not mean deleting them), how to streamline your digital calendar, redundancy and intention, dedicated devices, and more tactics. (We even share our thoughts on the role Inbox Zero plays in this.) Relevant Links Declutter Your Data by Angela Crocker | Amazon  The Content Planner by Angela Crocker | Amazon The More or Less with Joshua Becker | The Productivityist Podcast Weed Out the Clothes You Don’t Wear with a Simple Hanger Trick | Lifehacker The NOW Year Wall Calendar Declutter Your Data | Angela Crocker  Declutter Your Data with Angela Crocker | Facebook Angela Crocker | Twitter @angelacrocker Angela Crocker | Instagram @angelacrocker Thanks for listening. If you enjoyed the show don’t forget to subscribe so you don’t miss a single episode. Until next time remember to stop guessing…and start going! Want to discover some of the books mentioned on the podcast? Check out Scribd, my reading app of choice. If you enjoyed the episode, please leave a rating and/or review wherever you listened to the episode. Also don't forget to check out all of our podcast sponsors found on our podcast sponsors page. If you enjoyed the episode, please leave a rating and/or review wherever you listened to the episode. And if you want to have easy access to the archives of the show and ensure you don't miss the new episodes to come then subscribe to the podcast in the app you're using. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode I sit down with Derin McMains, affectionately known as DMac, a former professional baseball player turned mental performance coach. DMac shares the journey behind his nickname and how it has followed him from high school baseball to the major leagues. Our conversation delves into the critical transition from sports to life after, highlighting the mental challenges and breakthroughs that come with changing career paths. As someone who has always been intrigued by the pivot points in athletes' careers, I found DMac's insights into mental performance and identity beyond sports truly enlightening. DMac's transition to a mental performance coach stemmed from a profound realization about the importance of mental health in sports. Over the last 12 years, he has dedicated himself to helping athletes navigate their own transitions, focusing on the power of mindset and the fundamental skills that underpin peak performance. Our dialogue uncovers the layers of athlete identity, the struggles with self-doubt, and the path to mastering fundamentals that define a successful transition from sports to any next chapter in life. Key Discussion Points The origin of Darren's nickname, "DMac," and its significance throughout his career. Transitioning from a professional athlete to a mental performance coach and the realization that led to this career shift. The role of athlete identity in performance and retirement, including the challenge of seeing oneself beyond an athletic career. The universal struggle with self-doubt among professional athletes and strategies to overcome it. Emphasizing the mastery of fundamentals in sports and their importance for long-term success. The concept of balance through presence in various aspects of life, rather than striving for a traditional work-life balance. Practical advice on cultivating mindfulness and presence in daily activities, from enjoying a meal to setting intentional goals in both professional and personal spheres. My conversation with DMac sheds light on the intricate journey from the baseball diamond to the field of mental performance coaching. His personal anecdotes, coupled with his professional insights, offer a roadmap for anyone facing a significant career transition or identity shift. His emphasis on mastering the fundamentals, whether in sports or life, alongside the need for presence and mindfulness, resonates beyond the athletic world. This episode is a reminder that the skills we cultivate in one arena can powerfully impact every other aspect of our lives, offering a foundation for growth, resilience, and fulfillment. Links Worth Exploring Connect with DMac: ReliaQuest Website | X/Twitter | Instagram | LinkedIn Check out DMac's podcast: Listen here A "Swift" story that aligns with DMac's story shared during our conversation: Read it here Kobe Bryant's commitment to fundamentals and 4am workouts: Watch the story here Related Conversation: Episode 241: What Sports Can Teach Us About Greatness with Don Yaeger Related Blog Post: Why Small Wins Can Make Or Break Your Productivity Thanks to all of the sponsors of this episode. You can find all of the sponsors you heard me mention on this episode on our Podcast Sponsors page. Want to support the podcast? Beyond checking out our sponsors, you can subscribe to the show wherever you listen to podcasts. You can subscribe on Spotify and also on Apple Podcasts. Not using either of those to get your podcasts? Just click on this link and then paste the podcast feed into your podcast app of choice. Thanks again for listening to A Productive Conversation. See you later. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this episode, I’m joined by my good friend Mike Pacchione. Mike is a speaking expert who helps presenters find their voice on stage. (Hint: putting yourself in your speech, while scary, is a bit of a secret weapon for making your speech memorable.) Mike has worked with more than 10,000 speakers from companies all over the world, including giants like Google, Nike, Microsoft, Starbucks and the NSA. I’ve known make for several years now and I look to him whenever I’m putting a talk or presentation together. I wanted to bring him to the program to not only share with you some of his best tactics and tips that will help you present your ideas and insights well, but also to remind me of what I need to do in order to do the same. After listening to this episode you’ll be able to take Mike’s knowledge and experience and apply it to your presentations so you’ll be able to confidently deliver them in a way that leaves your audience wanting more. Talking Points Why is making the assumption that because you have improvisational skills that you can nail a talk a really bad idea? How much time should someone take into consideration while making a presentation? This is what made Mike decide that he wanted to give talks and help other people with their talks full-time How do you balance knowing your stuff but not coming off too prepared or monotone – or looking like you dont know your stuff and are all just “show”? Is there such a thing as too many talks? This is how Mike is constructing his time, now that he’s running his own business and has a child What does a typical day look like for Mike? Some thoughtful tools and tips that Mike shares for presenters to use to their advantage Does Mike recommend eating before going on stage? What advice do you give people when they know they have a talk at a time during the day that isn’t ideal? We talk about being the talk that wraps up an event or conference and what you should do if you find yourself in that slot Here’s the one piece of advice Mike would give someone who is giving a presentation Quote “I always tell people they should feel like the presenter is a friend.“ Helpful Links The Productivityist Podcast #197: Getting Back to Happy with Marc and Angel Chernoff Time Management Ninja: 21 Rules for More Time and Less Stress in Your Life | Craig Jarrow Pre-order my new book TimeCrafting: A Better Way to Get the Right Things Done Amy Porterfield’s Podcast: A Week in the Life (7 Days Behind-the-Scenes with Amy) Help for Your Upcoming Presentation (I Know You’re Nervous) | Pat Flynn World’s Most Popular TED Speaker, Ken Robinson, Shares 5 Secrets Of Giving A Great Speech | BI The Grinder is the year’s funniest new show | Vox (from 2015, show was cancelled far too soon) Subscribe to TimeCraftingTV When: The Scientific Secrets of Perfect Timing | Daniel Pink Sterling K. Brown Explains His “No Gym” Workout | Men’s Health StoryBrand | Donald Miller Aqua Notes Water Proof Note Pad The Productivityist Podcast #161: Overlap with Sean McCabe Voxer My CreativeLive Course from 2014: Time Management 101 Breakthrough Play | Gary Ware Your Job is to Make Art – Seth Godin at ConvertKit Craft & Commerce 2017 MikeTalks.co The Productivityist Podcast Pick of the Week: The Rework Podcast The Productivityist Podcast theme song is Nothing at All by Fictions (courtesy of Epidemic Sound) Want to discover some of the books mentioned on the podcast? Check out Scribd, my reading app of choice. If you enjoyed the episode, please leave a rating and/or review wherever you listened to the episode. Also don't forget to check out all of our podcast sponsors found on our podcast sponsors page. And if you want to have easy access to the archives of the show and ensure you don't miss the new episodes to come then subscribe to the podcast in the app you're using. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It's the final bonus episode of the podcast to celebrate The BIG Ready Week! This episode features a new friend and a fellow scribe, Jenna Britton. Jenna Britton is also one of the speakers for The BIG Ready, joining us for the Communication panel. In this final bonus podcast episode leading up to The BIG Ready, Jenna shares more about clarity, delimiting yourself, and communication. Episode Highlights: Why clarity gives focus  How dismissing something limits yourself Why clarity comes from action How clarity and communication are both linked to each other This virtual event features 29+ presenters delivering keynote talks, actionable workshops, and engaging panel discussions around the elements of personal and professional growth. Presented by Productivityist. The BIG Ready is a must-attend for anyone who is trying to take the months ahead and be ready to make them have a BIG impact on their lives. The main stage portion of The BIG Ready takes place on February 2nd, 2021 and includes access to the Opening Party on February 1st, the Closing Party featuring the perfect sendoff to the day's festivities, and the opportunity to attend a Midnight Momentum focused work period as the day draws to a close with yours truly! You can also grab a VIP ticket, which gives you everything I just mentioned PLUS an exclusive 4-hour workshop on February 6th that I'll be facilitating personally. Oh, and every keynote, workshop, and panel will be recorded so you'll be able to revisit and review them anytime you want in the future! Podcast Theme Song: Nothing at All by Fictions (courtesy of Epidemic Sound)  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It’s time to take a pause. Athlete, author, podcaster and mentor Vernon Foster II shares his steps to mindful living. What’s clear from my conversation with Vernon Foster II is that living a fulfilling life is a lifelong journey. There is no silver bullet or magic pill. Through Vernon’s own personal hardship, and working closely with others, he’s put together all that he has learnt in ‘The 7 Laws of Mindful Living: A Soul Manual’.  I first met Vernon a few years ago at the Podcast Movement, so I couldn’t wait to learn more about this latest book. Join our reflective discussion as we spoke about Vernon’s ‘laws’ of mindful living, the power of taking a break, overcoming limiting beliefs, how to not get caught up in the doing – and a potential 8th Law... Talking Points The Law of Letting Go Limiting identities The art of embracing experiences Removing judgment The Law of Abundance The impact of releasing ‘The 7 Laws of Mindful Living: A Soul Manual’ Overcoming overwhelm with where to start Quote "Craft the narrative that supports who you want to become." Helpful Links VeronTFoster.com The 7 Laws of Mindful Living (Book Website) The 7 Laws of Mindful Living (Amazon / Audible) Podcast Movement ‘The One Thing’ by Gary Keller ‘Greenlights’ by Matthew McConaughey Put Up A Pretty Light (w/ Matthew McConaughey) ‘Eat That Frog’ Brian Tracy Episode 351: Eating Frogs with Brian Tracy Want to discover some of the books mentioned on the podcast? Check out Scribd, my reading app of choice. If you enjoyed the episode, please leave a rating and/or review wherever you listened to the episode. Also don't forget to check out all of our podcast sponsors found on our podcast sponsors page. If you enjoyed the episode, please leave a rating and/or review wherever you listened to the episode. And if you want to have easy access to the archives of the show and ensure you don't miss the new episodes to come then subscribe to the podcast in the app you're using – or you can do so on a variety of podcast platforms by clicking here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

After a lengthy thread on Twitter that debated what contexts were (and weren't), Mike invites some of the participants to discuss their thoughts on contexts in more detail. For this first part in the two-part series, the guests are Sven Fechner and Kevin Rothermel. This episode is sponsored by Sanebox. Go to Sanebox using http://sanebox.com/productivityist (this link) and when you sign up for a free trial, you'll get a $15 credit towards your SaneBox subscription! Start making email work for you with http://sanebox.com/productivityist (Sanebox). Relevant Links http://www.productivityist.com/blog/contexts-evolution (The Evolution of Contexts) http://simplicitybliss.com/ (SimplicityBliss) http://simplicitybliss.com/a-fresh-take-on-context-the-omnifocus-setup-talk/ (Video: A Fresh Take on Context) http://www.derubercast.com/ (Sven's German Podcast: Der Übercast) http://twitter.com/simplicitybliss (Sven on Twitter) http://www.kevinrothermel.com/ (Kevin Rothermel) http://twitter.com/kevinrothermel (Kevin on Twitter) Want to send Mike an app, book, or something similar to discuss on the show? Email him at podcast@productivityist.com and he'll give it a look. Want to listen on Stitcher? http://www.stitcher.com/s?fid=53149&refid=stpr (Click here.) Support The Productivityist Podcast by becoming a patron! http://www.patreon.com/Productivityist (Click here) to visit The Productivityist Podcast's Patreon page and see what perks await those who pitch in a buck or more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jake Kelfer is a lifestyle entrepreneur, a life elevator, and a coach to ambitious entrepreneurs, and freedom seekers helping people create incredibly impactful and profitable businesses. Jake is a three-time best-selling author, a high-energy motivational speaker, and the founder of the professional basketball combine that's helped over 70+ NBA Draft prospects turn their dreams of playing pro basketball into reality. He and his work have been featured in Forbes, Sports Illustrated, ESPN, and many other major media outlets. In this episode, Jake gives us the inside scoop on his latest book The Elevated Entrepreneur: Unlocking the Secrets of the World's Greatest Coaches, Performers, and Entrepreneurs. He talks about some of his more memorable interviews and the reasoning behind the structuring of the book. And I throw some curve ball questions to really get him thinking. This is a really productive conversation and I think you will get a lot out of it. I'm really happy that I can bring this conversation to you today. Enjoy! Links Worth Exploring Connect with Jake: Website | Instagram | Facebook | Twitter | LinkedIn Buy Jake's Book: The Elevated Entrepreneur: Unlocking the Secrets of the World's Greatest Coaches, Performers, and Entrepreneurs Related Conversation: Episode 359: The Common Path to Uncommon Success with John Lee Dumas Related Blog Post: How to Build an Achievement Structure: Getting the Front End Work Done Thanks to all of the sponsors of this episode. You can find all of the sponsors you heard me mention on this episode on our Podcast Sponsors page. Want to support the podcast? Beyond checking out our sponsors, you can subscribe to the show wherever you listen to podcasts. Click on any of the links below to make that happen. Spotify | Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Stitcher You can also click on this link to paste the podcast feed into your podcast app of choice. Thanks again for listening to A Productive Conversation. See you later. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In episode 511, I'm thrilled to welcome Francesco D’Alessio, a trailblazer in the productivity app space. Our conversation revolved around his Bento methodology, the evolution of productivity software, and the future role of AI in managing our daily tasks. Francesco shared his journey in creating the Bento app, a method that has proven immensely beneficial for individuals that he didn't expect. We also delved into the critical aspects of choosing and sticking with the right productivity tools, and how these decisions can profoundly impact our efficiency and effectiveness. Key Discussion Points The development of the Bento productivity app and its unique methodology. How frameworks influence the longevity of app usage and user retention. The evolving trends in software and AI's emerging role in productivity apps. Utilizing AI tools like ChatGPT for breaking down complex tasks. The evolution of Evernote and the search for reliable productivity alternatives. Challenges in balancing app maintenance with personal responsibilities. Francesco’s insights into the world of productivity apps offer a fresh perspective on how we approach task management and efficiency. His emphasis on the right methodology, coupled with an open-minded approach to emerging tools like AI, provides invaluable guidance for anyone navigating the complex landscape of productivity software. Links Worth Exploring Connect with Francesco: X | LinkedIn | Website Check Out Keep Productive: X | YouTube The Bento Method: Check It Out The Unedited Version of This Episode: Watch on YouTube Related Conversation: Episode 278: Keeping Productive with Francesco D’Alessio Related Blog Post: What to Look for in Your First Task Management App Thanks to all of the sponsors of this episode. You can find all of the sponsors you heard me mention on this episode on our Podcast Sponsors page. Want to support the podcast? Beyond checking out our sponsors, you can subscribe to the show wherever you listen to podcasts. You can subscribe on Spotify and also on Apple Podcasts. Not using either of those to get your podcasts? Just click on this link and then paste the podcast feed into your podcast app of choice. Thanks again for listening to A Productive Conversation. See you later. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ever want a do-over with your career? Well, the guest on this episode can help you with that. Jon Acuff is a celebrated (and New York Times best-selling) author whose latest effort, Do Over, can help you figure out how to rescue Mondays, reinvent your work, and avoid getting stuck. In this lively (and efficient) discussion, Jon talks with Mike about Do Over...and they occasionally crack jokes while doing so. Relevant Links http://acuff.me/ (Acuff.me) http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1591847613/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=1591847613&linkCode=as2&tag=vardyme-20&linkId=ORS33IW6MXOMYERY (Do Over: Rescue Monday, Reinvent Your Work, and Never Get Stuck) http://www.neuyear.net/products/2015-do-over-year (NeuYear.net — 2015 DO OVER YEAR) http://www.neuyear.net/products/the-now-year (NeuYear.net — 2015 - THE NOW YEAR) http://acuff.me/career-savings-account/ (The Awesome Career Audit) http://acuff.me/do-over/ (DoOver.me) http://worlddominationsummit.com/schedule (World Domination Summit) https://twitter.com/jonacuff (Jon Acuff (@JonAcuff) on Twitter) Want to send us an app, book, or something similar to discuss on the show? Email us at info@productivityist.com and we'll give it a look. Want to listen on Stitcher? http://www.stitcher.com/s?fid=53149&refid=stpr (Click here.) Support The Productivityist Podcast by becoming a patron! http://patreon.com/productivityist (Click here) to visit The Productivityist Podcast's Patreon page and see what perks await those who pitch in a buck or more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We're going back into the vault for this episode for a conversation that I had in January 2019 with the one and only James Clear. James is best known as the author of Atomic Habits: An Easy And Proven Way To Build Good Habits And Break Bad Ones. During our conversation, James discusses why he wrote Atomic Habits and how it differs from other habit books, the importance of breaking habits down into "atomic" small changes, and the "two minute rule" for making habits simple and easy to do. We also get into how seasons and social reinforcement can help with habit consistency, strategies for curtailing behaviours that you want to do in moderation, and his collaboration with Baronfig. Key Discussion Points Start small with habits by scaling them down until they take two minutes or less. This makes them simple to automate. Layer many small habit changes on top of each other to achieve big results over time. Use tools and software to help with habit consistency, especially for infrequent habits. Slow down and pay attention to your current behaviours to identify where to insert new habits. Write things down in a central place to capture ideas and sort them later. Don't worry about organization in the moment. I hope this very productive conversation with James Clear gives you some valuable insights into building good habits through small, sustainable changes. Atomic Habits provides a practical, science-backed approach that you can start implementing today. Don't let perfect be the enemy of good – take that first small step and build the habit from there. Links Worth Exploring Connect with James: Website | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram James’s Book: Atomic Habits: An Easy and Proven Way to Build Good Habits and Break Bad Ones Baronfig x James Clear Collection: Check out this collaboration Read James' Newsletter: Subscribe Related Conversation: Episode 454: Michelle Segar talks about habits and The Joy Choice Related Blog Post: 3 Steps to Building Productivity Habits That Stick Thanks to all of the sponsors of this episode. You can find all of the sponsors you heard me mention on this episode on our Podcast Sponsors page. Want to support the podcast? Beyond checking out our sponsors, you can subscribe to the show wherever you listen to podcasts. Click on any of the links below to make that happen. Spotify | Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Stitcher You can also click on this link to paste the podcast feed into your podcast app of choice. Thanks again for listening to A Productive Conversation. See you later. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today’s episode, I spent time with Humble the Poet. Kanwer Singh aka Humble The Poet is a Toronto-bred MC/Spoken word artist with an aura that embodies the diversity and resiliency of one of the world’s most unique cities. With tattoos, beard, head wrap, and a silly smile, Humble commands attention. He stimulates audiences with ideas that challenge conventional wisdom and go against the grain, with dynamic live sets that shake conventions and minds at the same time. Humble sees life with unique clarity. In his book, Unlearn: 101 Simple Truths for a Better Life, he opens our eyes to our own lives, helping us to recognize the possibilities that await us and the challenges that prevent us from realizing our dreams. With his characteristic honesty and forthrightness, he helps us shed the problematic lessons we’ve learned throughout our lives that limit us, from sabotaging habits, to fixed mindsets, to past regrets, and relearn new, unconventional ways of moving through life. Profound in its simplicity, Unlearn is the perfect invitation to a new beginning and to pursue a life of fulfillment. Talking Points A little bit more about Humble the Poet What does “Unlearn” the book mean for Humble the Poet How important is the virtue of patience On process vs. progress Main lessons that people talk about from the book, Unlearn On the idea of journaling On his daily routine – morning or night person On his next plan and goal What is the takeaway from his book, Unlearn Where can people get stuff from Humble the Poet? Quote “Give a damn about yourself then give a damn about those you care about and then see if there are any more damns left to give.” Relevant Links Website Facebook Twitter Instagram Snapchat YouTube Book: Unlearn This episode made us realize that the hurdles or challenges that we experience is part of life and there are ways that we can follow to improve ourselves and our lives. Want to discover some of the books mentioned on the podcast? Check out Scribd, my reading app of choice. If you enjoyed the episode, please leave a rating and/or review wherever you listened to the episode. Also don't forget to check out all of our podcast sponsors found on our podcast sponsors page. And if you want to have easy access to the archives of the show and ensure you don't miss the new episodes to come then subscribe to the podcast in the app you're using. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this episode of the podcast, I am joined by James Eder, the founder of a new social app called Causr. James shares insights about connecting with others and the role social interaction plays in our lives. Some of the takeaways from our conversation include: We're social beings. If we can give people context and understand who is nearby, connection--and even community--can form. The importance of face-to-face conversations--especially at conferences. There's an energy in real-life interaction; that’s why people still attend conferences. You could probably access all the information online, but interacting in-person takes relationships to a deeper level. Make use of your travel time. Between 30% to 60% of your time traveling is actually used for work and the rest is downtime. Instead of interacting only online, you can use time in an airport to connect with others around you. The idea of net giving versus networking. Ask "How can I help other people?" instead of “What’s in this for me?” when attending networking events. Relevant Links Causr - Connect with people near you now Q&A with Causr founder and CEO James Eder | SmartBrief James Eder | Twitter Thanks for tuning in! Until next time, remember to stop guessing...and start going. Want to discover some of the books mentioned on the podcast? Check out Scribd, my reading app of choice. If you enjoyed the episode, please leave a rating and/or review wherever you listened to the episode. Also don't forget to check out all of our podcast sponsors found on our podcast sponsors page. If you enjoyed the episode, please leave a rating and/or review wherever you listened to the episode. And if you want to have easy access to the archives of the show and ensure you don't miss the new episodes to come then subscribe to the podcast in the app you're using. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

I’m not a fan of the term “have to" do. When someone tells me that I have to do something, I get my back up. I know there’s no maliciousness attached to the term “have to” but the phrase repels me all the same. Now if you were to say that I “need to” do something, that’s different. There is something about the way that term resonates with me that adds some level of connection that “have to” doesn’t. In fact, “have to” disconnects me from the task far more than “need to” does. “Need to" indicates to me that it’s something that will benefit me by doing. “Have to” indicates to me that it’s something that will not benefit me by doing (at least on the surface) but still needs doing. This week on the podcast Michael Schechter joins me and four-time guest Patrick Rhone to have a candid discussion about the things you have to do versus the things that you want to do, among other things. Want to discover some of the books mentioned on the podcast? Check out Scribd, my reading app of choice. If you enjoyed the episode, please leave a rating and/or review wherever you listened to the episode. Also don't forget to check out all of our podcast sponsors found on our podcast sponsors page. If you enjoyed the episode, please leave a rating and/or review wherever you listened to the episode. And if you want to have easy access to the archives of the show and ensure you don't miss the new episodes to come then subscribe to the podcast in the app you're using. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Vicki McLeod joins me on this episode of the program. Vicki McLeod is a writer, author, coach, consultant and an award-winning entrepreneur. She is an advocate for mindful business, everyday happiness and living a life rich with meaning. She’s here to talk about her book You and The Internet of Things. Vicki is the author of several books beyond You and the Internet of Things, A practical guide to understanding and integrating the IoT into your daily life (Self-Counsel Press 2020). She’s also penned #Untrending, A Field Guide to Social Media That Matters, How to Post, Tweet, and Like Your Way to a More Meaningful Life (First Choice 2016) and coauthor of Digital Legacy Plan, A Guide to the Personal and Practical Elements of Your Digital Life Before You Die (Self-Counsel Press 2019) and writes a biweekly newspaper column on the intersection of digital and analog life. I’ve been friends with Vick for years and wanted to have her share with you some of the concepts around IoT (The Internet of Things), how IoT can work for you, the importance of getting comfortable with technology, and more. I hope you learn a lot from this discussion… I know I did! Talking Points What is The Internet of Things? Where did Vicki start with buying smart items… and where would she suggest others start? How far does Vicki believe is too far when introducing yourself to The Internet of Things and how can you reign it in if you feel like you’re starting to lose control? How important is it for people to get used to technology being everywhere? Is a fitness tracker a good way to ease into using smart technology? Quote “You need learn how to use it and to develop at least some rudimentary degree of comfort with it.“ Helpful Links You and the Internet of Things: A Practical Guide to Understanding and Integrating the IoT into Your Daily Life vickimcleod.com Hey Alexa, Subscribe to That Podcast: You and the Internet of Things Want to discover some of the books mentioned on the podcast? Check out Scribd, my reading app of choice. If you enjoyed the episode, please leave a rating and/or review wherever you listened to the episode. Also don't forget to check out all of our podcast sponsors found on our podcast sponsors page. And if you want to have easy access to the archives of the show and ensure you don't miss the new episodes to come then subscribe to the podcast in the app you're using. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Here is an extra special bonus episode with Dominic Zijlstra - the creator of the learning app Traverse.link. He's an ed-tech entrepreneur and polyglot. He helps professionals learn faster and remember more using science-based learning methods. Dominic built traverse to have an app where you have all the tools that you need specifically for learning and have them in a way that makes sure that what you need to learn is in your brain rather than just being a tool. We talk about learning and retention, we dissect traverse.link and why it really works, and we dive into where his obsession with learning began. He's been working on this app for a while and it's showing a lot of promise - I am excited to shine a spotlight on him in this episode of A Productive Conversation with Mike Vardy Links Worth Exploring Connect with Dominic: Website | Instagram | Twitter | LinkedIn Join Dominic's Super Learning Mini Course & Newsletter View and copy Mike Vardy's Traverse Mind Map here Related Conversation: Episode 397: Jesse Mecham talks about YNAB, Money Management and Future You Related Blog Post: How to Trick Yourself into Learning Faster Thanks to all of the sponsors of this episode. You can find all of the sponsors you heard me mention on this episode on our Podcast Sponsors page. Want to support the podcast? Beyond checking out our sponsors, you can subscribe to the show wherever you listen to podcasts. Click on any of the links below to make that happen. Spotify | Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Stitcher You can also click on this link to paste the podcast feed into your podcast app of choice. Thanks again for listening to A Productive Conversation. See you later. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mike just returned from a whirlwind travel schedule, and on this episode of The Productivityist Podcast he discusses how (and why) he went iOS only on this trip. He also offers up his presentation app of choice and sings the praises of SimpleREV. Relevant Links http://ipadonlybook.com/ (iPad Only by Augusto Pinaud and Michael Sliwinski) http://unstuckable.co/ (Stephen Warley - Unstuckable) https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/presentations/id890727601?mt=11&uo=4&at=10l66s (Presentations by David Sparks) https://productivityist.simplecast.fm/4 (The Productivityist Podcast: Tasking, Tracking, and Tactics with David Sparks) https://www.haikudeck.com/ (Haiku Deck) http://patrickrhone.net/ (Patrick Rhone) http://valueofsimple.com/ (Joel Zaslovsky - Value of Simple) http://simplelifetogether.com/ (Daniel and Vanessa Hayes - Simple Life Together) http://simplerev.com/ (SimpleREV) https://gumroad.com/l/beyondtrying (Beyond Trying: The new eBook by Mike Vardy) Want to send Mike an app, book, or something similar to discuss on the show? Email him at podcast@productivityist.com and he'll give it a look. Want to listen on Stitcher? http://www.stitcher.com/s?fid=53149&refid=stpr (Click here.) Support The Productivityist Podcast by becoming a patron! http://www.patreon.com/Productivityist (Click here) to visit The Productivityist Podcast's Patreon page and see what perks await those who pitch in a buck or more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Social media and productivity seem to be strange bedfellows. But in the right hands, they can coexist better than you might think. On this episode of the program, I talk about how social media use CAN be productive, how to make that happen, and share the story of my current social media platform experiment with one I never thought I’d use: TikTok. Helpful Links Want to follow me on social? Here’s where I hang out (most of the time productively): Me on TikTok Me on Instagram Me on Twitter | @mikevardy Productivityist on Twitter | @productivityist Me on Facebook Productivityist on Facebook Me on LinkedIn (Sorry, no Snapchat. Yet.) Want to discover some of the books mentioned on the podcast? Check out Scribd, my reading app of choice. If you enjoyed the episode, please leave a rating and/or review wherever you listened to the episode. Also don't forget to check out all of our podcast sponsors found on our podcast sponsors page. And if you want to have easy access to the archives of the show and ensure you don't miss the new episodes to come then subscribe to the podcast in the app you're using. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

My guest for this episode is Philip McKernan. He is an inspirational speaker, philosopher, writer, and filmmaker who works with entrepreneurs and leaders to live a life that benefits all aspects of their lives. This is one of the most impactful episodes I’ve ever had. We had a very refreshing conversation that covered so much it can get you to see things in a different light. He talked about letting go, alignment, consumption of information, and authenticity. And that’s just the tip of the iceberg! Some highlights of this episode are: The mindset that puts money on a pedestal, the freedom people think it provides, and how that doesn’t equate to peace of mind, sense of fulfillment and purpose. How long it took him to realize that what he was chasing was out of alignment with who he really was. How "busy-ness" and chaos indicates an underlying pain, how staying busy is just a rationalization of the feeling of disconnection, and how society evolved such that busy became socially acceptable. Indicators and manifestations of a life that is not aligned. The problem with people consuming so many how-to-guides and information instead of trusting their internal wisdom, gut, and intuition. His insights on retreats and conferences, and finding those that actually resonate with an individual in a way that can serve them emotionally and intellectually. The film he put together titled Give & Grow, his definition of what gifts are vs. talents, what drove him to create a film, and why he used this specific medium. The two core things human beings want to do. Strategies to let go on an emotional level and what things that we carry deep down end up sabotaging ourselves. How being aligned is a human possibility that creates fluency making things easier, instead of thinking that life must be hard and hard work is necessary. His thoughts on minimalism as not merely letting go of material things but is deeply rooted in alignment and emotions. The overwhelming expectation for perfection, productivity, and success people are subjected upon – which may not necessarily be their personal truth but a reflection of their family’s, friend’s, or society’s expectations. His thoughts on consumption of information – whether online or offline and how to move from mere information to knowledge, wisdom, and awareness. How he spent a huge chunk of his life suppressing his real self. His advice on how everyone should deal with life. Relevant Links Philip McKernan (@PhilipMcKernan) | Twitter PhilipMcKernan.com | Are you destined for more? Uncover Your Gift | GIVE & GROW A 5 Minute Plea to Do by Gary Vaynerchuck - YouTube Stoicism 101: A Practical Guide for Entrepreneurs | The Blog of Author Tim Ferriss Stoic Optimism: Ryan Holiday at TEDxUChicago 2014 Thanks for listening. See you next time! Want to discover some of the books mentioned on the podcast? Check out Scribd, my reading app of choice. If you enjoyed the episode, please leave a rating and/or review wherever you listened to the episode. Also don't forget to check out all of our podcast sponsors found on our podcast sponsors page. If you enjoyed the episode, please leave a rating and/or review wherever you listened to the episode. And if you want to have easy access to the archives of the show and ensure you don't miss the new episodes to come then subscribe to the podcast in the app you're using. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, Mike talks with Taylor Pearson, the author of "The End of Jobs" (due out in late June 2015). They discuss the process Taylor used to write the book – including drawing inspiration from Paul Graham's work – as well as what "the end of jobs" can mean for you...if you're willing to shift your mindset. Relevant Links http://taylorpearson.me/the-end-of-jobs (The End of Jobs | Taylor Pearson) http://www.paulgraham.com/makersschedule.html (Maker's Schedule, Manager's Schedule | Paul Graham) https://productivityist.simplecast.fm/36 (Efficient Writing with Jim Woods | The Productivityist Podcast) http://fourhourworkweek.com/2011/03/15/copyeditors/ (So, You Want to Be a Writer? Read This First. | The Blog of Author Tim Ferriss) http://lcmike.jarono.hop.clickbank.net/?tid=podcast43/ (Learn Scrivener Fast | Joseph Michael) https://productivityist.simplecast.fm/33 (How to Deliver a "Do Over" with Jon Acuff | The Productivityist Podcast) https://rollercoasterbook.success.com/ (The Entrepreneur Roller Coaster | Darren Hardy) http://www.softwarebyrob.com/ (Lessons Learned by a Solo Entrepreneur | Software by Rob) http://productivityist.com/balance-schmalance/ (Balance Schmalance | Productivityist) http://danariely.com/ (The Website of Dan Ariely) http://taylorpearson.me/winbooks (The End of Jobs Preorder Offer | Taylor Pearson) https://twitter.com/ctaylormpearson (Taylor Pearson (@CTaylorMPearson) | Twitter) Want to send Mike an app, book, or something similar to discuss on the show? Email Productivityist at info@productivityist.com and we'll give it a look. Want to listen on Stitcher? http://www.stitcher.com/s?fid=53149&refid=stpr (Click here.) Really like the show and want it to flourish even more? Support The Productivityist Podcast by becoming a patron! http://patreon.com/productivityist (Click here) to visit The Productivityist Podcast's Patreon page and see what perks await those who pitch in a buck or more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this episode, I chat with Erin Acton, someone that I’ve known for a few years since we’re both based in Victoria, BC. Erin spends her time providing coaching in groups and in one-on-one settings, which allows her to nurture her passion – supporting business owners and leaders to improve their soft skills, which often have the power to create massive shifts both personally and financially. Erin and I discussed the idea of helping people with hard and soft skills – how you can take the temperature of your own hard skills and soft skills sets so that you can figure out where you’re at with them, how she helps people balance qualitative and quantitative results in their business, and how a sick day with her daughter changed everything for her. Relevant Links Erin Acton | Website Erin’s Work/Life Balance Assessment Erin Acton | Twitter This was a fun conversation and I hope you enjoy it as much as I did! Want to discover some of the books mentioned on the podcast? Check out Scribd, my reading app of choice. If you enjoyed the episode, please leave a rating and/or review wherever you listened to the episode. Also don't forget to check out all of our podcast sponsors found on our podcast sponsors page. And if you want to have easy access to the archives of the show and ensure you don't miss the new episodes to come then subscribe to the podcast in the app you're using. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In episode 500 of our podcast, I had the pleasure of sitting down with the productivity guru David Allen in Lisbon at Running Remote. We dove deep into the evolution of Allen's revolutionary Getting Things Done (GTD) methodology and its profound impact on the ever-changing landscape of work culture. From the foundations laid down in its early days to the current dynamics of remote work, we unpack how the principles of GTD have stood the test of time and technology. This special episode peels back the layers on not just productivity techniques but also the human aspects of working remotely. David Allen's insights into self-management, coupled with the challenges and opportunities presented by a digital world, provided a robust discourse on staying productive amidst a sea of distractions. Key Discussion Points The origins and evolution of David Allen's GTD methodology and its widespread influence since its inception Transitioning to remote work: how David Allen's company adapted by scaling down and partnering with Vital Learning. The critical role of self-management over time management in a remote work setting. Strategies for enhancing team productivity and communication in a remote environment, including the concept of "channel creep." The development of work culture and productivity norms within remote teams, emphasizing the need for clear communication protocols. The intersection of AI technology and productivity practices, discussing the potential and limits of AI in implementing GTD. Practical advice on implementing productivity and self-management practices in non-traditional work structures, such as holacracy. Wrapping up, this milestone episode with David Allen has been nothing short of enlightening. His time-tested advice, from clearing your head to modeling self-management, resonates profoundly in our modern, flexible work environments. For anyone looking to navigate the complexities of productivity in the remote work era, this conversation is a goldmine. Remember, it's not just about managing time; it's about managing yourself. Links Worth Exploring Learn More About GTD: Website Running Remote: Explore The Conference Get The Book: Getting Things Done: The Art of Stress-Free Productivity Check Out The Video Of Our Chat: Watch Now Explore Vital Learning: Website Holacracy: Learn More Related Conversation: Episode 290: Creative Menopause with Chase Reeves [Recorded LIVE at The BIG Ready] Related Blog Post: The Concept of “Efforting” Thanks to all of the sponsors of this episode. You can find all of the sponsors you heard me mention on this episode on our Podcast Sponsors page. Want to support the podcast? Beyond checking out our sponsors, you can subscribe to the show wherever you listen to podcasts. You can subscribe on Spotify and also on Apple Podcasts. Not using either of those to get your podcasts? Just click on this link and then paste the podcast feed into your podcast app of choice. Thanks again for listening to A Productive Conversation. See you later. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As the host of the Beyond The To Do List podcast, Erik Fisher has interviewed many of the top names in productivity, task, and time management, and now Mike is putting him on the other side of the mic. They talk about habits, productivity approaches, and a lot more. Relevant Links http://beyondthetodolist.com/ (Beyond The To Do List) http://www.socialmediaexaminer.com/smmworld/ (Social Media Marketing World) http://bit.ly/productivityistweekly/ (The Productivityist Weekly Newsletter) http://www.amazon.com/Getting-Things-Done-Stress-Free-Productivity/dp/0143126563/ref=dp_ob_title_bk (Getting Things Done: The Art of Stress-Free Productivity by David Allen) http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0385348614/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0385348614&linkCode=as2&tag=vardyme-20&linkId=XORYHAHA7LGVSL3X (Better Than Before: Mastering the Habits of Our Everyday Lives by Gretchen Rubin) http://minutehack.com/opinions/its-okay-to-be-a-night-owl (Minutehack: How To Hack The Day As A Night Owl) http://pages.cognitea.com/productivityist/ (CogniTea) http://productivityist.com/podcast-read-more-read-better/ (How to Read More (and Read Better)) http://productivityist.com/triggers-how-to-start-moving/ (Triggers: How to Start Moving) http://jimwoodswrites.com/apple-watch/ (Jim Woods: Why I don't Want An Apple Watch And You Shouldn't Either) http://productivityist.com/groundhog-day/ (Why I Start My New Year On Groundhog Day) http://beyondthetodolist.com/procrastinate-on-porpose-roryvaden-on-discipline-procrastination-priority-dilution-bttdl087/ (Beyond The to Do List 87: RoryVaden on discipline, procrastination and priority dilution) https://productivityist.simplecast.fm/32 (Rory Vaden on The Productivityist Podcast) http://twitter.com/erikjfisher (Erik Fisher on Twitter) https://medium.com/@mikevardy (Mike Vardy on Medium) Want to send Mike an app, book, or something similar to discuss on the show? Email Productivityist at info@productivityist.com and we'll give it a look. Want to listen on Stitcher? http://www.stitcher.com/s?fid=53149&refid=stpr (Click here.) Really like the show and want it to flourish even more? Support The Productivityist Podcast by becoming a patron! http://patreon.com/productivityist (Click here) to visit The Productivityist Podcast's Patreon page and see what perks await those who pitch in a buck or more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this episode, I’m joined by Brian Dixon, the author of Start with Your People: The Daily Decision that Changes Everything. As a podcaster, conference speaker, and business coach, Brian is passionate about helping high potential leaders and teams thrive in a world of overwhelming options. Some of the things we discuss during our conversation include what people can do to make sure they are starting on the right foot with others, why putting people first plays a role in your productivity, and the things you can do so that you can start with people first. Talking Points Brian speaks about the idea of “deciding” and the concept of the daily decision The nuanced approach to creating harmony between the needs of your people and your own needs This is The One Hour Exchange… and how you make it happen in a way that works for you What steps should someone take if they want to start off on the right foot when “starting with their people” Brian loves personality tests. Here are the four he likes the best. Brian challenges you to pick one day to do this What does it mean to adopt a mentality of abundance? I learned this about Mr. Rogers What can you do to start starting with people today? Quote “The pebble rarely sees the ripple…my job is to make an impact on the people in my life and I will never necessarily know the impact that they make as a result of me impacting them. But I can hold my head up high or put my head on the pillow at night and say ‘job well done.'” Helpful Links Start with Your People: The Daily Decision that Changes Everything Episode 203: The Evolution of Getting Things Done with David Allen The Clarity Sessions The Road Back to You: An Enneagram Journey to Self-Discovery The Wisdom of the Enneagram: The Complete Guide to Psychological and Spiritual Growth for the Nine Personality Types 5 AM Miracle: The Daily Decision that Changes Everything with Brian Dixon Episode 265: Bringing Gratitude with Karl Staib Brian’s Website The Productivityist Podcast Pick of the Week: Typology I like this particular take on “people-powered productivity.” Why? Because it’s personal. Brian’s got some great ideas throughout the pages of his book and he shared quite a few during our conversation. I hope you get a lot out of it. I know that I did. Want to discover some of the books mentioned on the podcast? Check out Scribd, my reading app of choice. If you enjoyed the episode, please leave a rating and/or review wherever you listened to the episode. Also don't forget to check out all of our podcast sponsors found on our podcast sponsors page. And if you want to have easy access to the archives of the show and ensure you don't miss the new episodes to come then subscribe to the podcast in the app you're using. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today’s episode, I spend time with John Poelstra on a different kind of episode. I actually walk through the elements of adding elements of TimeCrafting to his productivity workflow through a series of conversations over the course of a five day period. Essentially, you’re getting a behind-the-scenes look at what it is like working with me through one of my Productivityist Coaching experiences. Here’s a little about today’s guest (and producer of The Productivityist Podcast) John Poelstra…  John helps people take complete ownership of their lives and live in ways that are most meaningful to them–even when they think it’s impossible. This is the crux of his beliefs. John would say that he’s in the “personal development” and “human potential” business and that he help end unnecessary suffering. John loves clarifying confusing ideas and complicated situations that thwart progress and distract people from what’s most important. He helps people get clear on what they want and own their path to it. John helped executives, managers, small business owners, engineers, marketers, and people who are done having life happen to them and want to create something better.   Talking Points Monday: How John’s doing on Monday morning and how he’s lining up his day Monday: John’s normal Monday theme Monday: How important is it for John to start the week right?  Monday: Mike’s homework for John Tuesday: On how John usually set up his Mondays  Tuesday: Setting up Planning Day  Tuesday: What is John going to learn today?  Wednesday: What did John learn yesterday?  Wednesday: Focusing on what things to do  Wednesday: John’s theme for the day  Wednesday: Mike’s challenge for John  Thursday: How was John’s Wednesday? Thursday: Lessons on focusing  Thursday: Things to talk about on Friday  Friday: How John feels about keeping a consistent theme throughout the week and weeks beyond?  Friday: Setting up the theme for the day Friday: Mike reveals the recommended number of weeks where people should practice adopting their theme days  Friday: John’s takeaway from his themed 5 days  Quote “I cannot say enough about the power of focus and just having these boundaries around what you are supposed to be working on.”  Relevant Links Website Twitter LinkedIn Podcast: Theme Your Way to Greater Productivity with Mike Vardy (46) The key takeaway from this episode is that having an outside perspective and accountability can help you see the “blind spots” in your workflow and enhance your personal productivity in the short and long term. Want to discover some of the books mentioned on the podcast? Check out Scribd, my reading app of choice. If you enjoyed the episode, please leave a rating and/or review wherever you listened to the episode. Also don't forget to check out all of our podcast sponsors found on our podcast sponsors page. And if you want to have easy access to the archives of the show and ensure you don't miss the new episodes to come then subscribe to the podcast in the app you're using. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This episode features a discussion with Jared Brown of Hubstaff. Jared and I talk about what you need to do in order to make bringing people on to work with you a more beneficial experience for everyone involved. As someone who is growing a team (slowly, but surely) I wanted to get some solid advice from an expert, and Jared certainly fits the bill. Besides offering his own insights, he also discusses some ideas that come from other sources that you can use to build a better team. Relevant Links The Productivityist Podcast 53 | Making Teamwork Work with Sebastian Klein of Blinkist Jing by TechSmith Asian Efficiency Zoom.us ChrisDucker.com Best Advice I Ever Got: Run Like It’s a Sprint But Pace Yourself for a Marathon | Inc.com The Right Way to Fire Someone | Entrepreneur Eventual Millionaire | Jaime Masters The Hubstaff Blog Remote.co Journey to $500k a Month | Groove Blog How to organize the daily chaos of running a startup | Baremetrics Due | iOS Hubstaff Jared Brown (@jaredbrown) | Twitter Note: This episode was published out of order, so some references mentioned during the podcast aren’t as recent as I’d usually want. I apologize for any confusion this may cause. Want to discover some of the books mentioned on the podcast? Check out Scribd, my reading app of choice. If you enjoyed the episode, please leave a rating and/or review wherever you listened to the episode. Also don't forget to check out all of our podcast sponsors found on our podcast sponsors page. If you enjoyed the episode, please leave a rating and/or review wherever you listened to the episode. And if you want to have easy access to the archives of the show and ensure you don't miss the new episodes to come then subscribe to the podcast in the app you're using. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week on the podcast, I speak with James Clear, the author of Atomic Habits: An Easy and Proven Way to Build Good Habits and Break Bad Ones. James is an expert on habit formation who offers not only theories backed by science, but also practical strategies that will help you achieve powerful, atomic-level results. On this episode, James and I had a really productive discussion on a range of topics from the journey of putting the book together, how alarm clocks fail me (or I fail alarm clocks), turning off the internet router at 10 PM to keeping the beer at the back of the fridge and Crossfit. Talking Points Designing and Defining Atomic Habits: Two main lenses to look the book through  The two-minute rule in scaling down a habit and actually making it stick Importance of slowing down and awareness for effective behavioral change  Having a variety of small things organized toward the same goal  Solutions for setting up efficient timing  Strategies for building good seasonal habits  Tools to make habits stick and break through biases  The three reasons/meanings behind the use of the term “atomic”  Creating a journal that makes it easier to build habits that is useful but not fixed  Quote “Many of our behaviors are socially reinforced… When the social reinforcement is so strong, we overcome the obstacles in our environment. The key insight there is you want to join a tribe, a group where your desired behavior is the normal behavior. Because if it’s normal in that group, then it’s going to seem attractive to you to do it even if it’s not convenient.” Relevant Links Atomic Habits: An Easy and Proven Way to Build Good Habits and Break Bad Ones by James Clear: Escape 9-5, Live Anywhere, and Join the New Rich | Amazon The 4-Hour Work Week by Tim Ferris | Amazon Baron Fig’s Clear Habit Journal Use Freedom to Block Websites, Apps, & the Internet Facebook Newsfeed Eradicator Distraction-free YouTube (Chrome extension) Trello.com James Clear @jamesclear on Twitter @james_clear on Instagram James Clear on Facebook I learned a lot from reading Atomic Habits and through my conversations with James and I’m sure you will too. And make sure to catch the next episode where I have Joey Cofone as my guest for a back-to-back habit tracking and intentionality goodness. Want to discover some of the books mentioned on the podcast? Check out Scribd, my reading app of choice. If you enjoyed the episode, please leave a rating and/or review wherever you listened to the episode. Also don't forget to check out all of our podcast sponsors found on our podcast sponsors page. And if you want to have easy access to the archives of the show and ensure you don't miss the new episodes to come then subscribe to the podcast in the app you're using. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

I’m pleased to welcome to Chris O’Neill on this episode of the podcast. Chris is the CEO of Evernote and I spoke with him over the course of the show about the past, present, and future of Evernote. I’m really happy with how this conversation went down. Whether you’re new to Evernote, have been a long-time user, or have dabbled in it from time to time over the years, there’s plenty of food for thought that you’ll find in this conversation. Relevant Links Evernote Evernote’s CEO Reveals The 5 Keys To The Ultra-Productive Team Of The Future | Forbes Chris O’Neill | Twitter I hope you liked this episode. You can always keep up with episodes through subscribing to the show in your podcast platform of choice (Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, etc.). And feel free to share this episode with anyone and everyone you think would be interested in hearing about all things Evernote! Want to discover some of the books mentioned on the podcast? Check out Scribd, my reading app of choice. If you enjoyed the episode, please leave a rating and/or review wherever you listened to the episode. Also don't forget to check out all of our podcast sponsors found on our podcast sponsors page. And if you want to have easy access to the archives of the show and ensure you don't miss the new episodes to come then subscribe to the podcast in the app you're using. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It’s been a whirlwind of uncertainty lately. David Neagle shares his practical insights to help you step out of the blame game and embrace uncertainty. David Neagle is the best selling author of The Millions Within, and is one of the architects of the coaching and personal growth industry, having worked alongside well-known mentors like Bob Proctor, Marianne Morrisey and Tony Robbins for decades. I brought David on to learn how we can all thrive alongside uncertainty. We explore understanding people’s agendas, the power of stepping away, morning reflections and verbal journaling. Tune in so you can step back and review your thoughts and beliefs that help (or hinder) you as you navigate through uncertainty. Talking Points How to avoid being caught up by uncertainty Why we seek certainty How to leverage your mornings to best set yourself up for the day End-of-day reflection exercises The uncertainties David deals with How to accept more responsibility Quote “How certain we feel inside ourselves determines our productivity.” Helpful Links ‘The Millions Within’ by David Neagle The Successful Mind Podcast DavidNeagle.com Want to discover some of the books mentioned on the podcast? Check out Scribd, my reading app of choice. If you enjoyed the episode, please leave a rating and/or review wherever you listened to the episode. Also don't forget to check out all of our podcast sponsors found on our podcast sponsors page. If you enjoyed the episode, please leave a rating and/or review wherever you listened to the episode. And if you want to have easy access to the archives of the show and ensure you don't miss the new episodes to come then subscribe to the podcast in the app you're using – or you can do so on a variety of podcast platforms by clicking here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of A Productive Conversation, I sit down with Tamsen Webster, renowned messaging strategist, keynote speaker, and author of the upcoming book, Say What They Can’t Unhear: The Nine Principles of Lasting Change. We dive deep into the principles behind lasting change, communication strategies, and how these concepts align with her broader body of work. Tamsen shares insights from her latest book, exploring what makes change stick and how messaging plays a crucial role in influencing others. We talk about her experiences crafting communication strategies, the challenges of writing a book, and how persuasion without manipulation is possible. Key Discussion Points Kurtis’ personal story of overcoming anxiety and discovering the power of breathwork. The concept of unconscious breath holding and how it signals the body’s stress response. A breakdown of different breathwork techniques for calming anxiety, boosting energy, and detoxifying the body. How breathwork helps release emotional and physical tension, leading to profound cathartic experiences. The connection between breathwork and DMT production, and how it can create mystical and transformative experiences. Simple, actionable breathwork exercises, like the sigh technique and straw breathing, to improve focus and well-being. Kurtis offers a fresh perspective on how something as simple as breathing can have a powerful impact on your physical, mental, and emotional health. Whether you’re new to breathwork or looking to deepen your practice, this conversation is packed with insights and practical tips. Links Worth Exploring Connect with Kurtis: Website | LinkedIn | Instagram | X/Twitter Get Kurtis's Book: Breathwork Detox: How to Thrive in the Age of Anxiety Check out Breathwork Detox: Website (Use discount code Mike50 for Breathwork Events) Related Conversation: Episode 67: A Doer Who Likes To Be with Michael Townsend Williams Related Blog Post: How to Start Pacing Your Productivity Thanks to all of the sponsors of this episode. You can find all of the sponsors you heard me mention on this episode on our Podcast Sponsors page. Want to support the podcast? Beyond checking out our sponsors, you can subscribe to the show wherever you listen to podcasts. You can subscribe on Spotify and also on Apple Podcasts. Not using either of those to get your podcasts? Just click on this link and then paste the podcast feed into your podcast app of choice. Thanks again for listening to A Productive Conversation. See you later. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This time around I’m joined by Michael Ventura. Michael is the founder & CEO of Sub Rosa – a strategy and design practice – and the author of Applied Empathy. Michael and I talk about why it’s important to know the distinction between sympathy and empathy, what you can do if you want start applying empathy, and why knowing the differences between the types of empathy is important. I really enjoyed my conversation with Michael and I hope you do as well. Talking Points Michael suggests that finding empathy, let alone applying it, is as elusive as I think it is Michael digs into what empathy is but more importantly… what it isn’t Michael talks about the different types of empathy I ask Michael how someone who is trying to help or advise someone when you’re not able to completely empathize with them because their circumstances are so foreign to you Michael discusses the importance of asking questions and why follow up questions are so critical What is a virtue you need have in your toolkit to help you in applying empathy? When did Michael realize that empathy was something he needed to explore? How important is it for people to learn the language of empathy and apply it regularly? We talk about an easy way to understand the difference between sympathy and empathy How does Michael go about helping organizations foster empathy? How can someone take what Michael teaches and apply it on a personal level? What is a simple step that someone can take to start applying empathy today? Quote “If you go to a doctor and tell them ‘My knee hurts’ they don’t jump into ‘Well, there’s five different surgeries we could do to fix your knee.’ They’re going to do some x-rays, they’re going to some CAT scans, and what they might find is that you’ve got a bum ankle. And your ankle is going to throw off your knee a lot. So the root cause isn’t going to be the knee. The knee’s just where it’s showing up.” Helpful Links Applied Empathy Your Lack of Patience is Killing You Brené Brown: The Call to Courage While understanding and applying empathy may not seem helpful to your personal productivity, once you have a better grasp of empathy it can save you time when looking inward and dealing with others. Understanding and applying empathy can help you stay in touch with your humanity in a world that is driven by getting things done. I’m going to try to more on applying empathy to my work and my life and I encourage you to do the same. And Michael’s book is a great place to start. Want to discover some of the books mentioned on the podcast? Check out Scribd, my reading app of choice. If you enjoyed the episode, please leave a rating and/or review wherever you listened to the episode. Also don't forget to check out all of our podcast sponsors found on our podcast sponsors page. And if you want to have easy access to the archives of the show and ensure you don't miss the new episodes to come then subscribe to the podcast in the app you're using. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this week's episode of the podcast, I chat with Todd Henry, author of the new book Louder Than Words: Harness The Power of Your Authentic Voice. We discuss the importance of delivering your work and how your voice plays a huge role in that and also talk about our favourite football team, the Cincinnati Bengals. Links Discussed Louder than Words: Harness the Power of Your Authentic Voice by Todd Henry | Amazon Inside The Jungle Podcast | Patreon Die Empty: Unleash Your Best Work Every Day by Todd Henry | Amazon Workflowing #86: Will You Die Empty with Todd Henry The Accidental Creative: How to Be Brilliant at a Moment's Notice by Todd Henry | Amazon DJ ZTrip's Twitter Exchange About Die Empty Study Hacks - Decoding Patterns of Success | Cal Newport How to Deliver a "Do Over" with Jon Acuff | The Productivityist Podcast In 1967, Jimi Hendrix Opened for The Monkees | Mental Floss Todd Henry.com Want to discover some of the books mentioned on the podcast? Check out Scribd, my reading app of choice. If you enjoyed the episode, please leave a rating and/or review wherever you listened to the episode. Also don't forget to check out all of our podcast sponsors found on our podcast sponsors page. If you enjoyed the episode, please leave a rating and/or review wherever you listened to the episode. And if you want to have easy access to the archives of the show and ensure you don't miss the new episodes to come then subscribe to the podcast in the app you're using. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It's never fun to feel as if you're stuck. But there might be some advantages to getting stuck that you may not see, especially when you're actually in that state. That's where Britt Frank comes in. Britt Frank is the author of The Science of Stuck. She is a therapist, teacher, speaker, and trauma specialist who is committed to dismantling the mental health myths that keep us feeling STUCK and SICK. On this episode, she joined me for a discussion about dealing with "stuckness". We also chat about the hidden benefits of staying stuck, Energy Management, and more about her work focusing on empowering people to understand the inner mechanisms of their brains and bodies. Links Worth Exploring Connect with Britt: Website | Instagram Buy Britt's Book: The Science of Stuck Check out Daniel Coyle's book: The Culture Playbook: 60 Highly Effective Actions to Help Your Group Succeed Related Conversation: Episode 420: Daniel Coyle talks about The Culture Playbook Related Blog Post: How to Get Unstuck: The Big Paper Exercise Thanks to all of the sponsors of this episode. You can find all of the sponsors you heard me mention on this episode on our Podcast Sponsors page. Want to support the podcast? Beyond checking out our sponsors, you can subscribe to the show wherever you listen to podcasts. Click on any of the links below to make that happen. Spotify | Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Stitcher You can also click on this link to paste the podcast feed into your podcast app of choice. Thanks again for listening to A Productive Conversation. See you later. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Delegation is overwhelming. But it’s an essential part to any business, so expert Barbara Turley joins the show to explain where to begin. How often do you get caught up with small business overwhelm? Today’s guest Barbara Turley, CEO of the Virtual Hub, is a true expert when it comes to hiring and onboarding staff for small businesses. Barbara is an investor and entrepreneur with a keen interest in scalable business models, systems, processes and automation, content marketing and the power of inspired and empowered teams.  The mission of the Virtual Hub is to eradicate small business overwhelm by simplifying the offshore outsourcing process and facilitating cost-effective business scalability. Hiring support is not easy, so I’m excited to hear what Barbara has learnt from hiring some of the best VAs. Join our conversation as we explore setting expectations, the “huddle” concept, and learning from the mistakes we’ve made. It’s time to get out of the loop of being stuck in the busy work trenches, and start thinking about the bigger picture. Talking Points The simple steps to overcoming overwhelm The story behind The Virtual Hub A long-term thinking mindset Busting the common myths behind ‘I can’t delegate’ Procrastinating behind busywork The most effective way to recruit and onboard a VA Providing structures through tools The first step of delegation Quote “Delegation percolates and evolves.” Helpful Links The 4-Hour Workweek | Amazon The E-Myth Revisited | Amazon  Scaling Up | Amazon  Asana TheVirtualHub.com/Productivityist  The Virtual Success Show Want to discover some of the books mentioned on the podcast? Check out Scribd, my reading app of choice. If you enjoyed the episode, please leave a rating and/or review wherever you listened to the episode. Also don't forget to check out all of our podcast sponsors found on our podcast sponsors page. And if you want to have easy access to the archives of the show and ensure you don't miss the new episodes to come then subscribe to the podcast in the app you're using. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Eric Partaker coaches and mentors entrepreneurs and leaders throughout the world, helping them reach peak levels of performance, in both their businesses and lives. He draws from his world-class work experiences at McKinsey, Skype, and Chilango, cutting-edge research and behavioral science from Stanford University, and the approaches and techniques used in the worlds of elite sports and the military – areas where peak performance is key. In this conversation, we uncover some key insights from his latest book ‘The 3 Alarms: A Simple System to Transform Your Health, Wealth, and Relationships Forever’. We also discuss peak performance traps, visual reminders, Maslow’s hierarchy of needs – and the cost of a plane landing in an emergency.  Talking Points What Eric discovered from his near-death experience The IPA triggers What we mean by ‘antifragile’ The power of the words we use and how identity drives behavior What the superhero version of you looks like Eric’s Three Alarms Quote "In some shape or form, you’re already doing ‘The Thing’." Helpful Links ‘The Three Alarms’ by Eric Partaker ‘Antifragile’ by Nassim Nicholas Taleb Black Swan (2010) Episode 266: Becoming Indistractable with Nir Eyal Eric Partaker on Identity, Purpose and Change - Beyond the To-Do List ‘Atomic Habits’ by James Clear Episode 227: Why You Need Atomic Habits with James Clear EricPartaker.com Want to discover some of the books mentioned on the podcast? Check out Scribd, my reading app of choice.   If you enjoyed the episode, please leave a rating and/or review wherever you listened to the episode. Also don't forget to check out all of our podcast sponsors found on our podcast sponsors page.   If you enjoyed the episode, please leave a rating and/or review wherever you listened to the episode. And if you want to have easy access to the archives of the show and ensure you don't miss the new episodes to come then subscribe to the podcast in the app you're using. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this episode, I’m joined by KC Procter of Fit Dad Life. KC is a good friend and since he’s a dad like me (albeit with a few more kids) I wanted to talk to him about fitness and health and how they relate to personal productivity. We talked about eating habits, why it’s important to make time for fitness in your life no matter how “busy” you are, and why he decided to start Fit Dad Life in the first place. It’s an enlightening and engaging conversation between two dads (and friends) that have known each other for quite some time. Relevant Links Fit Dad Life World Domination Summit Special stuff for listeners of THIS podcast | Fit Dad Life KC Procter | Twitter Thanks for listening to this episode. If you liked it, please share it with someone that could benefit from it. If you don’t want to miss another episode then be sure to hit that subscribe button in your podcast listening platform of choice. Want to discover some of the books mentioned on the podcast? Check out Scribd, my reading app of choice. If you enjoyed the episode, please leave a rating and/or review wherever you listened to the episode. Also don't forget to check out all of our podcast sponsors found on our podcast sponsors page. And if you want to have easy access to the archives of the show and ensure you don't miss the new episodes to come then subscribe to the podcast in the app you're using. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Cal Newport is back on the show to uncover his magnum opus on why we work the way we work today, and why we need to change our relationship with email. Email simply doesn’t scale – its back and forth nature is what drove Cal Newport down the rabbit hole of finding a better way to work. This includes all methods of communication, be it Slack, WhatsApp, or Facebook DMs and so on. These tools should just be used as shorthand, and not become your work. In his latest book, A World Without Email: Reimagining Work in an Age of Communication Overload, I had to unpick my good friend’s insights. Join us today as we uncover why we need to change our relationship with email. In this brave new world, we touch on how email came about accidentally, finding solutions as a team, context switching, and the fascinating research path that led Cal to writing the book. Talking Points The main elements of email that we need to move away from Why email has taken over our work On Merlin Mann and Inbox Zero The Attention Capital Principle Changing our view on email in all parts of the business, from managerial to admin and customer support How you can stop relying on email today Quote “Don’t explain to people what you’re doing, just do it.” Helpful Links ‘A World Without Email’ by Cal Newport Episode 73 with Cal Newport Episode 229: Exploring Digital Minimalism with Cal Newport ‘Digital Minimalism’ by Cal Newport ‘Deep Work’ by Cal Newport The New Yorker articles by Cal Newport The New Yorker: The Rise and Fall of Getting Things Done by Cal Newport Episode 203: The Evolution of Getting Things Done with David Allen Woven Deep Questions Podcast CalNewport.com Want to discover some of the books mentioned on the podcast? Check out Scribd, my reading app of choice. If you enjoyed the episode, please leave a rating and/or review wherever you listened to the episode. Also don't forget to check out all of our podcast sponsors found on our podcast sponsors page. If you enjoyed the episode, please leave a rating and/or review wherever you listened to the episode. And if you want to have easy access to the archives of the show and ensure you don't miss the new episodes to come then subscribe to the podcast in the app you're using – or you can do so on a variety of podcast platforms by clicking here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This episode features a conversation with Aaron Mahnke, accomplished author and the man behind the award-winning podcast Lore. The road to Lore wasn’t a straight one for Aaron, so we talk about the journey he had to overnight success and how he used to work versus how he works today. Relevant Links Lore Why I Created Lore | Aaron Mahnke Frictionless Wet Frog Studios Home Work Aaron Mahnke’s Now Page Aaron Mahnke (@amahnke) | Twitter Lore Podcast (@lorepodcast) | Twitter Thanks again for listening to the show – and if you have any feedback you can leave a comment below and/or rate and review the podcast in iTunes or whatever service you’re using to subscribe to the show. Not a subscriber yet? Click here to make that happen in iTunes and click here to grab the RSS feed! Want to discover some of the books mentioned on the podcast? Check out Scribd, my reading app of choice. If you enjoyed the episode, please leave a rating and/or review wherever you listened to the episode. Also don't forget to check out all of our podcast sponsors found on our podcast sponsors page. If you enjoyed the episode, please leave a rating and/or review wherever you listened to the episode. And if you want to have easy access to the archives of the show and ensure you don't miss the new episodes to come then subscribe to the podcast in the app you're using. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Hamza Khan is a best-selling author, global keynote speaker, and respected thought leader whose TEDx talk "Stop Managing, Start Leading" has garnered nearly two million views. He is trusted by prominent organizations such as Microsoft, LinkedIn, and Salesforce to optimize performance and enhance human potential, and has been featured in notable media outlets like VICE and Business Insider. As the Co-Founder of SkillsCamp, Hamza aims to empower organizations to thrive in the future of work through soft skills training, and regularly shares actionable insights on leadership, resilience, and productivity. In this episode, we cover a wide range of topics, including ego, productivity, and journaling. We also dive into Hamza's latest book, "Leadership, Reinvented," which focuses on fostering empathy, servitude, diversity, and innovation in the workplace. As a co-founder of a leading soft skills training company, Hamza brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to this discussion, making it both practical and engaging. This conversation will leave you feeling motivated and inspired to take your own leadership skills to the next level. Enjoy! Links Worth Exploring Connect with Hamza : Website | Instagram | Facebook | Twitter | LinkedIn Buy Hamza's book Leadership, Reinvented: How to Foster Empathy, Servitude, Diversity, and Innovation in the Workplace Watch Matthew McConaughey Dude's Journal Related Conversation: What Great Leaders Possess with Kevin Kruse Related Blog Post: The Benefits of Journaling for Time Management and Productivity Thanks to all of the sponsors of this episode. You can find all of the sponsors you heard me mention on this episode on our Podcast Sponsors page. Want to support the podcast? Beyond checking out our sponsors, you can subscribe to the show wherever you listen to podcasts. Click on any of the links below to make that happen. Spotify | Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Stitcher You can also click on this link to paste the podcast feed into your podcast app of choice. Thanks again for listening to A Productive Conversation. See you later. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this episode of the podcast, I talk with Moe Carrick. She is the founder of Moementum Inc., and she loves to help leaders transform themselves and their companies. Her book, Fit Matters: How to Love Your Job, with Maven House Press, was released May 2017. During our discussion we touched on what she calls The Six Elements of Work Fit, what “flexing” is and how it can help you with getting the right fit in your work, workforce trends that impact fit (and dive into the ones I’ve struggled with myself), what to do when not all of the elements align at work, and more. If you’re trying to figure out whether or not your work is suitable for you, then this episode is going to be a great…fit. Relevant Links: Moementum Fitmatters.biz So Good They Can’t Ignore You | Cal Newport Amy Wrzesniewski | Yale School of Management Moe Carrick | Website Thanks for listening. If you enjoyed the show don’t forget to subscribe so you don’t miss a single episode. Until next time remember to stop guessing…and start going! Want to discover some of the books mentioned on the podcast? Check out Scribd, my reading app of choice. If you enjoyed the episode, please leave a rating and/or review wherever you listened to the episode. Also don't forget to check out all of our podcast sponsors found on our podcast sponsors page. If you enjoyed the episode, please leave a rating and/or review wherever you listened to the episode. And if you want to have easy access to the archives of the show and ensure you don't miss the new episodes to come then subscribe to the podcast in the app you're using. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As we step into a new year, I wanted to dedicate this episode to setting the stage for 2025. In this special solo episode, originally recorded as a livestream, I share thoughts on how to start your year (or any time) with intention and focus. Whether you’re tuning in on January 1st or any other day of the year, the concepts discussed are timeless and actionable. In this episode, I explore the idea that you can begin your "new year" whenever you choose. January, often seen as a time for new beginnings, can also be a month for reflection and recalibration. From journaling practices to forgoing an annual review for an annual "preview" instead, I cover strategies to help you create a roadmap that aligns with your values and goals. Key Discussion Points Why you don’t need to start your year on January 1st (and when I prefer to begin mine). Viewing January as a month for reflection and attunement rather than action. The power of journaling and how it helps uncover patterns and set intentions. Breaking free from recency bias with tools like annual previews. The concept of letting go: projects, habits, or goals that no longer serve you. Using theming and attention paths to simplify focus for your year ahead. Introducing 25 in 25 – a year-long challenge that you can be part of for FREE. As you embark on a new year, remember that being productive is about aligning your actions with your intentions. It’s not about doing more but about being deliberate with your time. Links Worth Exploring Join the FREE 25 in 25 challenge Sign up for The READY Retreat (Use code 24225 to get access for just $25 until January 3rd, 2025) Get the TimeCrafting Calendar Listen to my conversation with James Clear Listen to my conversation with Dave Radparvar of Reflection.app David Seah's Groundhog Day Resolutions (thanks, Jackie!) Here's the Groundhog Day reports David's made over the years (somewhat updated) Listen to my conversation with Dr. Michael Breus What Is "Spoon Theory"? And Why Is It Important? Thanks to all of the sponsors of this episode. You can find all of the sponsors you heard me mention on this episode on our Podcast Sponsors page. Want to support the podcast? Beyond checking out our sponsors, you can subscribe to the show wherever you listen to podcasts. You can subscribe on Spotify and also on Apple Podcasts. Not using either of those to get your podcasts? Just click on this link and then paste the podcast feed into your podcast app of choice. Thanks again for listening to A Productive Conversation. See you later. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, Mike Vardy sits down with Phil Simon, author of "Message Not Received." They talk about the problem with email, why clarity is often lost in communication, and what we can do to make sure we have a far better chance of being heard when we send out messages to colleagues and cohorts. Relevant Links http://amzn.to/1FPu30f (Message Not Received by Phil Simon) http://www.philsimon.com/tag/message-not-received/ (Phil Simon's Website) http://www.informationdiet.com/ (The Information Diet by Clay Johnson) http://www.hipchat.com/ (HipChat) http://www.smartsheet.com/ (Smartsheet) http://blog.todoist.com/2015/03/02/interview-phil-simon-message-not-received/ (An Interview with Phil Simon, Author of Message Not Received | Todoist Blog) https://twitter.com/philsimon (Phil Simon (@philsimon) | Twitter) Want to send us an app, book, or something similar to discuss on the show? Email us at [info@productivityist.com][8] and we'll give it a look. Want to listen on Stitcher? http://www.stitcher.com/s?fid=53149&refid=stpr (Click here.) Support The Productivityist Podcast by becoming a patron! http://patreon.com/productivityist (Click here) to visit The Productivityist Podcast's Patreon page and see what perks await those who pitch in a buck or more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Despite the two of us being based in Victoria, and within the same circle, I have only been able to touch base with Adam Quiney pretty recently. He is the kind of guy that I can talk to for hours, no beer needed. In his words, he is an “obsessive perfectionist and high performer” who used to work as a project manager and lawyer. He is currently working as an executive coach where he teaches people how to live a life without compromise while creating the impact they want to. On this episode, we talked about the problem with productivity, fostering relationships, books, among others. Some of the areas we also touched on includes: How personal transformations involve self-awareness, feelings of disconnection or a pain point as the trigger. The idea of the noble sacrifice brought about by caring too much or wanting to make a difference which can create disappointment, anxiety or heartbreak. The 'narrative' we were made to believe that building relationships take time contradicting the concept of efficiency, and how to practice deepening intimacy congruent to productivity. How the pursuit of productivity becomes a hindrance to our lives through too much dependence, and an anecdote on how this fixation can even ruin our relationships. Steps on fixing this challenge by slowing down, gaining awareness on what efficiency is costing us, and facing the fear of what will happen if we’re not efficient. A story highlighting the importance of taking ownership, and the role the ego plays in this conundrum. His top picks when it comes to books which helped him understand human nature, and in turn help others. The importance of balancing one’s boundaries and why he likened traversing life to riding a bike. His insights on the work-life balance vs. work-life integration debacle, and what he thinks is a more plausible concept to aim for.   Relevant Links: Evergrowth Coaching Adam Quiney (@evergrowthadam) | Twitter Ego is the Enemy by Ryan Holiday | Amazon Shambala: The Sacred Path of the Warrior by Chogyam Trungpa The Way of the Superior Man by David Deida | Amazon Books by Neal Stephenson | Amazon Books by Michael Singer | Amazon Thanks for tuning in! Until next time, remember to stop guessing...and start going. Want to discover some of the books mentioned on the podcast? Check out Scribd, my reading app of choice. If you enjoyed the episode, please leave a rating and/or review wherever you listened to the episode. Also don't forget to check out all of our podcast sponsors found on our podcast sponsors page. If you enjoyed the episode, please leave a rating and/or review wherever you listened to the episode. And if you want to have easy access to the archives of the show and ensure you don't miss the new episodes to come then subscribe to the podcast in the app you're using. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Phil Simon returns to the program to talk about a service that more people have started using in 2020… some whether they wanted to or not: Zoom. Phil’s made a recent appearance on this podcast talking about his book Slack for Dummies. Now he’s back to share some of his knowledge and insights on another service – as well as another book he’s written Zoom for Dummies. We spend this episode talking about the rise of Zoom use, what Phil’s first experience with Zoom was like, and some of the things Phil really likes about Zoom. If you’re new to Zoom and want to go from comfortable to confident with it, then this episode is well worth your time and attention. Talking Points Why does Phil think Zoom replaced Skype in many ways? This was what Phil’s initial experience with Zoom was like Phil talks about what Zoom brings to the table with webinars What is a tip for people who want to get more out of Zoom? Quote “Zoom is focused on user experience and focused on simplicity.“ Helpful Links Zoom for Dummies Episode 308: Talking Slack with Phil Simon Slack for Dummies Gong.io Against the Rules with Michael Lewis PhilSimon.com Want to discover some of the books mentioned on the podcast? Check out Scribd, my reading app of choice. If you enjoyed the episode, please leave a rating and/or review wherever you listened to the episode. Also don't forget to check out all of our podcast sponsors found on our podcast sponsors page. And if you want to have easy access to the archives of the show and ensure you don't miss the new episodes to come then subscribe to the podcast in the app you're using. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, I'm joined by Steven Bertrand, who shares his inspiring transition from blogging and web design to becoming a public speaker and a meditation advocate. In this episode, we explore how Steven has overcome significant personal challenges and how meditation has played a pivotal role in his life From tackling physical disabilities to changing career paths, Steven's story is a testament to the power of resilience and the importance of mindfulness in achieving balance and inner peace. Key Discussion Points Journey from Blogging to Public Speaking: Steven reflects on his evolution from a blogger to a sought-after public speaker, emphasizing the role of meditation in gaining deeper insights and confidence. Overcoming Disability: Steven discusses the challenges he faced due to his disability and how meditation helped him overcome these obstacles and pursue his passions. Importance of Accessibility: A significant part of our conversation was dedicated to the necessity for accessibility in business and public spaces, with Steven sharing personal experiences and actionable advice for organizations. The Impact of Meditation: Both guests discuss how meditation has been instrumental in reducing their anxiety and enhancing their mental health, with yours truly highlighting its benefits in improving my focus and productivity. Mindfulness for Everyday Life: The conversation also touches on how meditation is not just a practice but a lifestyle that enhances the quality of everyday life, helping individuals stay grounded in stressful situations. Encouraging Meditation Practice: Both of us advocate for making meditation a priority, sharing tips and strategies for integrating it into busy schedules. This episode has been an enlightening journey through the life of someone who has used meditation not just as a tool for personal growth but as a way to face life's challenges head-on. Whether you are dealing with personal hurdles or looking to improve your productivity and mental health, the insights offered valuable lessons on the benefits of embracing mindfulness. Remember to check out Steve's meditation classes and more resources to start your own journey in meditation. Links Worth Exploring Connect with Steven: Website | X/Twitter | Facebook | YouTube Steven's Zoom meditation classes: Check them out Related Conversation: Episode 515: Haemin Sunim Talks About Zen Wisdom for Life’s Challenges Related Blog Post: How to Wake Up a Sleepwalking Mind Thanks to all of the sponsors of this episode. You can find all of the sponsors you heard me mention on this episode on our Podcast Sponsors page. Want to support the podcast? Beyond checking out our sponsors, you can subscribe to the show wherever you listen to podcasts. You can subscribe on Spotify and also on Apple Podcasts. Not using either of those to get your podcasts? Just click on this link and then paste the podcast feed into your podcast app of choice. Thanks again for listening to A Productive Conversation. See you later. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

I’m excited to welcome Thomas Frank to this episode of the podcast. Thomas is an author, YouTuber, musician, and podcaster who is passionate about helping people become more capable and productive. Thomas does most of his work at College Info Geek, one of the world’s largest and best-loved resources for students. College Info Geek includes a blog, podcast, and a YouTube channel with over 1.7 million subscribers. I’ve been looking forward to releasing this episode for a long time. As a matter of fact, it’s bizarre that I haven’t had Thomas on the show until now. (That’s probably why this episode clocks in as my longest to date, both in terms of length and amount of links in the show notes.) There’s so much we talk about during this episode – as you can see and soon will hear. I hope you enjoy this lengthy and deep discussion that I’m thrilled to send your way. Talking Points When did Thomas decide that video was the route he was going to take? Thomas talks about his inspiration to “do video” a little differently When Thomas researches these videos, what does that look like? Thomas shares how many videos he has in the making process at once This is what his framework looks like What does a typical day look like for Thomas? Who inspires Thomas to make films? Quote “If you’re the kind of person who’s only ever reading productivity books and reading self help books you’re getting a pretty narrow world view.“ Helpful Links Thomas’s Office Tour Productivity Hacks with My Friend Mike Vardy of Productivityist (College Info Geek Ep. 39) The Fizzle Show #356 How Thomas Frank grew his YouTube channel to 1.6 million subscribers and 91 million views SPI 324: From College Nerd to Wildly Successful Personal Brand with Thomas Frank Episode 290: Creative Menopause with Chase Reeves [Recorded LIVE at The BIG Ready] Habitica Episode 75: Level Up Your Life with Steve Kamb Notion The Good Place: The Podcast Process The Money Lab Podcast: Building A YouTube Engine with Thomas Frank This is How Matt D’Avella Works Jet Parker: Action Hero Should You Add This To Your Workspace? I tracked every minute of my life for 3 months. The Best Book I Read in 2019 10 Great Gifts for the Productive Person in Your Life The One Hour Morning Routine Icicle Swords (Live Looping) So Good They Can’t Ignore You: Why Skills Trump Passion in the Quest for Work You Love The Ultimate Study Music Playlist Nebula Baby Driver, by Edgar Wright (2017) – Opening credits Potato Jet on YouTube BEING Potato Jet // Working 70 hours a week to be a Youtuber Deep Work: Rules for Focused Success in a Distracted World Thomas Frank’s Website The Productivityist Podcast Pick of the Week: College Info Geek Want to discover some of the books mentioned on the podcast? Check out Scribd, my reading app of choice. If you enjoyed the episode, please leave a rating and/or review wherever you listened to the episode. Also don't forget to check out all of our podcast sponsors found on our podcast sponsors page. And if you want to have easy access to the archives of the show and ensure you don't miss the new episodes to come then subscribe to the podcast in the app you're using. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices