A Productive Conversation

Charlie Gilkey Talks About Finishing What Matters Feb 28, 2025

Over the years, I've had plenty of insightful conversations on this podcast, and one that still stands out is my discussion with Charlie Gilkey about his book Start Finishing. This Flashback Friday episode brings that conversation back, but with a twist—we start with an update from Charlie on what he's been up to since then.

Charlie is someone who has spent years helping people make meaningful progress, and since our last chat, he's been busy launching Momentum, an app designed to reduce productivity friction, and shifting his Productive Flourishing platform over to Substack. In this episode, we pick up where we left off, exploring what’s changed in the way he approaches work, productivity, and team habits.

Key Discussion Points

What’s new with Charlie since Start Finishing—from launching an app to shifting his content to Substack.
How Momentum helps people with chunking and sequencing work without unnecessary friction.
Why project management in teams requires a different approach than solo work.
The evolution from Start Finishing to Team Habits—and why team productivity is a whole new challenge.
The struggle of balancing efficiency with real productivity, especially in hybrid work environments.
Why mastery comes from finishing projects, not just starting them.
How leaders need to redefine productivity outputs before demanding return-to-office mandates.

Charlie and I have been in this space for a long time, and it’s always refreshing to catch up and exchange ideas. Whether you're new to his work or have followed Productive Flourishing for years, this episode has plenty of takeaways on making progress that actually matters. (Originally released September 2019)

Links Worth Exploring

Connect With Charlie/Productive Flourishing: Website | YouTube | LinkedIn
The Book We Discussed This Time: Team Habits: How Small Actions Lead to Extraordinary Results
The Book We Discussed Last Time: Start Finishing: How to Go from Idea to Done
Another Productive Conversation With Charlie: Watch On My YouTube Channel
Related Conversation: Episode 127: A Focus on Flourishing with Charlie Gilkey
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. 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.

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Kerry Ann King Talks About Productivity, Art, and the Power of Intention Feb 26, 2025

In this episode of A Productive Conversation, I sit down with Kerry Ann King, the founder and CEO of Eluminate Labs. Kerry Ann has spent more than a decade working inside the tech industry to promote human-centered approaches to well-being. She’s now leading the charge in decolonizing tech, creating inclusive solutions that put people first.

Our conversation explores the transactional nature of productivity, the intersection of art and work, and how we can break free from extractive approaches to time management. Kerry Ann shares insights on how we can shift away from the pressure to do more and instead focus on creating real impact. We also dive into Fin, a positive productivity app from Eluminate Labs designed to help users better understand their productivity style.

Key Discussion Points

Why productivity shouldn’t be about extraction but about meaningful impact.
The difference between transactional productivity and relational productivity.
How the arts can teach us about persistence, focus, and creativity.
The tension between structure and flexibility in how we measure progress.
The role of intention in both personal and professional work.
The story behind Fin and how it helps people uncover their productivity style.
The importance of recognizing that different seasons of life require different productivity approaches.

This conversation challenges conventional productivity narratives and offers a refreshing take on how we can work with intention rather than just efficiency.

Links Worth Exploring

Connect with Kerry Ann: Website | LinkedIn
Check out Fin: Click here
Rick Rubin's book: The Creative Act: A Way of Being
Watch what John Cena's (other) watch said
Related Conversation: Episode 511: Francesco D’Alessio Talks About Innovative Productivity Apps and Methodologies
Related Blog Post: Focus On The App Within

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.

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Dan Schawbel Talks About Human Connection in the Digital Age Feb 21, 2025

In this Flashback Friday episode, I revisit my 2018 conversation with Dan Schawbel, a thought leader in workplace trends and human connection. We originally spoke about his book Back to Human: How Great Leaders Create Connection in the Age of Isolation, which explores how technology can be used as a bridge—not a barrier—to meaningful relationships.

Since then, Dan has continued to shape conversations around workplace dynamics as Managing Partner at Workplace Intelligence, conducting research with major brands like Amazon and Deloitte. His podcast, 5 Questions with Dan Schawbel, has featured leaders such as Richard Branson and Condoleezza Rice, and his LinkedIn Learning courses have reached over 220,000 students.

Key Discussion Points

The central theme of Back to Human: using technology to enhance, not replace, human connection.
Why leaders need to focus on human-first workplaces to improve engagement and productivity.
The benefits of in-person interaction—why one face-to-face conversation is worth 34 emails.
The Work Connectivity Index—a tool for assessing the strength of work relationships.
How attending events alone can be a powerful networking tool.
Strategies for leveraging technology to deepen relationships rather than create distractions.
The impact of remote work on workplace connection and long-term employee retention.

This conversation is a timely reminder that productivity isn’t just about efficiency—it’s about fostering meaningful relationships. As we navigate hybrid work environments and digital-first communication, Dan’s insights remain as relevant today as they were when we first published this episode. (Originally released November 2018)

Links Worth Exploring

Connect with Dan: Website | LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook
Get the book we discuss: Back to Human: How Great Leaders Create Connection in the Age of Isolation
Check out Dan's LinkedIn Learning classes (and check out mine too)
Listen to Dan's podcast: 5 Questions with Dan Schawbel
Read this: Law of Jante, a Scandinavian Code of Conduct
Read: The Shallows: What the Internet is Doing to Our Brains by Nicholas Carr
Read: How our 269 billion emails a day have made us miserable
Check this out: Introduction to Back to Human
Watch: The Back to Human Office Party [Comedy Sketch] |
Related Conversation: Episode 363: Meaningful Online Connections with Misha Glouberman
Related Blog Post: Five Proven Ways To Have a Better Work 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. 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.

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Scott Doorley and Carissa Carter Talk About Designing the Future and Navigating Uncertainty Feb 19, 2025

In this episode of A Productive Conversation, I sit down with Scott Doorley and Carissa Carter to explore the themes of their book, Assembling Tomorrow: A Guide for Designing a Thriving Future. As leaders at Stanford's d.school—Scott as Creative Director and Carissa as Academic Director—they've spent years shaping design education and innovation.

Our discussion goes beyond traditional design thinking and into the complexities of decision-making, efficiency, and the balance between logic and emotion. We also explore the concept of Runaway Design, how the speed of technological change is shaping our world, and why embracing imperfection is essential for building a better future.

Key Discussion Points

What Runaway Design is and why we need to "unmake" it to build a better future.
The importance of balancing emotion and logic when making decisions.
Why uncertainty is inevitable—and how to design with it rather than against it.
The role of pausing and curiosity in responding to challenges rather than reacting.
How to find harmony in work, life, and productivity instead of seeking rigid balance.
Why meaningful work should be measured by quality rather than quantity.
The impact of AI, synthetic biology, and other evolving technologies on how we design the future.

Scott and Carissa’s insights offer a thought-provoking look at how we navigate complexity, make better decisions, and create a world that is both innovative and intentional.

Links Worth Exploring

Connect with Scott: Website | LinkedIn
Connect with Carissa: Website | LinkedIn
Get the book we discussed: Assembling Tomorrow: A Guide to Designing a Thriving Future
Get Scott's book: Make Space: How to Set the Stage for Creative Collaboration
Get Carissa's book: The Secret Language of Maps: How to Tell Visual Stories with Data
Related Conversation: Episode 191: Designing Your Mindset with Andy Murphy
Related Blog Post: Designs on Life

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.

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Courtney Carver Talks About Gentle Living and Project 333 Feb 14, 2025

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.

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PM Talks S2E2: Alignment Feb 12, 2025

The latest episode of PM Talks is here, and this month, Patrick Rhone and I dive into alignment—a concept that is critical for making meaningful progress in both work and life. As we move beyond the fresh-start energy of January, February is often when things begin to fray. That’s why now is the perfect time to step back and examine whether our actions are truly aligned with our intentions.

Alignment isn’t just about getting things done—it’s about ensuring that what we do actually moves us in the right direction. In this conversation, Patrick and I explore how alignment impacts productivity, why asking "why" is just as important as asking "what’s next?", and how attunement plays a role in adapting to life’s ever-changing landscape.

Key Discussion Points

Why alignment is more than just checking things off a to-do list—it’s about meaningful action.
The missing piece in traditional productivity systems: aligning actions with deeper intentions.
The difference between alignment (structured precision) and attunement (adaptive responsiveness).
Why Making It All Work by David Allen is an underrated book on the "why" of productivity.
How regularly questioning “why” can dramatically reduce overwhelm and improve decision-making.
The tension between who we are, who we want to be, and what we actually do each day.
The role of curiosity in navigating misalignment and adjusting course when needed.

As we wrap up, we lay the groundwork for next month’s PM Talks on curiosity—a natural follow-up to this discussion. If you’ve ever felt out of sync with your goals or struggled to balance structure with flexibility, this episode will help you find clarity.

Links Worth Exploring

Patrick's book, "For You"
Patrick’s Website
An underrated David Allen book: Making It All Work
Fish: A Tap Essay
We didn't talk about this, but it does have to do with "why"
Check out ALL of the PM Talks episodes

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.

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Joshua Becker Talks About Distractions, Meaning, and What Really Matters Feb 07, 2025

In this Flashback Friday episode of A Productive Conversation, I sit down with Joshua Becker to discuss his book Things That Matter: Overcoming Distraction to Pursue a More Meaningful Life. Joshua is known for his work on minimalism, but this book goes beyond decluttering physical possessions—it’s about eliminating the distractions that keep us from focusing on what truly matters.

Our conversation explores the distractions that pull us away from meaning and purpose, including fear, technology, and the constant pursuit of more. We also discuss how intentionality and regular reflection can help us stay aligned with what matters most. If you've ever felt like you’re losing time to things that don’t truly fulfill you, this episode is for you.

Key Discussion Points

The biggest distractions that keep us from focusing on what truly matters.
Why fear is one of the most powerful distractions—and how to overcome it.
The role of technology in pulling our attention away from meaningful pursuits.
Why the pursuit of more (money, possessions, status) often leads us further from fulfillment.
How intentional reflection can keep us aligned with our values and priorities.
The importance of capturing ideas without letting them overwhelm us.
Why time feels like it moves faster as we age—and how to make the most of it.

This conversation is packed with insights that will help you cut through the noise and focus on what truly matters. (Originally released April 2022)

Links Worth Exploring

Connect with Joshua: Website | YouTube | Facebook | Instagram
Joshua’s Book: Things That Matter: Overcoming Distraction to Pursue a More Meaningful Life
Check out Simplify Magazine: Click here for 50% off (Already a subscriber? Read my essay here.)
Read Joshua's blog post: A New Day at Becoming Minimalist
Check out The Hope Effect: Click here
Related Conversation: Episode 91: The More of Less with Joshua Becker
Related Blog Post: I Think Ivy Lee Was Right

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.

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Nathan J. Murphy Talks About The Ideas That Rule Us Feb 05, 2025

Ideas shape our lives—sometimes without us even realizing it. In this episode, I sit down with Nathan J. Murphy, founder of Prepolitica and author of The Ideas That Rule Us, to explore how the ideas we inherit, adopt, and hold onto influence our decisions, beliefs, and behaviors.

Nathan brings a deep, research-driven approach to understanding the power of ideas, questioning why we cling to certain concepts while rejecting others. We discuss how ideologies form, how words and terms evolve (and sometimes get corrupted), and how to critically assess which ideas serve us—and which ones hold us back. If you've ever wondered how to break free from ingrained thought patterns or how societal narratives shape your thinking, this conversation is for you.

Key Discussion Points

The origins of ideas and why they shape our decisions more than we realize
How ideologies form—and why breaking free from them is so difficult
The emotional ties we have to ideas and how they influence our choices
How words and terms get co-opted and corrupted over time
Why abstract concepts can create deep emotional reactions
The role of cultural ideas in shaping identity, behavior, and even political systems
Practical ways to question inherited ideas and redefine personal values

Ideas don’t just exist in the abstract—they rule our lives in ways we often overlook. Nathan offers insightful strategies for identifying the ideas that no longer serve us and how to replace them with ones that align with who we want to become.

Links Worth Exploring

Connect with Nathan: Website | YouTube | Instagram
Get the book we discuss: The Ideas That Rule Us: How Others’ Ideology, Political Thought and Societal Norms Rule Our Lives… and How to Change It
Check out Prepolitica: Click here
Related Conversation: Episode 235: Big Ideas with John Lamerton
Related Blog Post: Killing Ideas

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.

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Nir Eyal Talks About Becoming Indistractable and Managing Distractions Jan 31, 2025

In this Flashback Friday episode of A Productive Conversation, I talk with Nir Eyal, the bestselling author of Indistractable: How to Control Your Attention and Choose Your Life. Nir offers actionable strategies for avoiding distractions and making time for what matters most.

We discuss the difference between traction and distraction, how internal triggers influence our actions, and the power of identity in shaping habits. Nir’s insights are as practical as they are profound, offering listeners tools to become truly indistractable.

Key Discussion Points

Why the opposite of distraction is traction—not focus.
How internal triggers are the root cause of distractions.
The importance of forethought and planning in productivity.
Why identity plays a crucial role in habit formation.
The difference between pseudo-work and meaningful work.
How to balance technology use without letting it control you.

If you’re struggling to manage distractions or want to learn how to focus better, this episode is a must-listen. (Originally released October 2019)

Links Worth Exploring

Connect with Nir: Website | X/Twitter
Get the book: Indistractable: How to Control Your Attention and Choose Your Life
Check out Nir’s podcast: Nir and Far
Nir would like you to check this out: Schedule Maker
Related Conversation: Episode 201: Willpower Doesn’t Work with Benjamin Hardy
Related Blog Post: The 106 Year Old Problem

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.

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Shawn Lemon Talks About Digital Peace and Organization Jan 29, 2025

In this episode of A Productive Conversation, I chat with Shawn Lemon, digital organizer and founder of The Digital Organizer. Shawn has helped countless individuals and organizations regain control of their digital lives, offering practical solutions to manage clutter, streamline workflows, and achieve “digital peace.”

We explore the hidden challenges of digital organization, why redundancy and backups are crucial, and how to get started on the path to a clutter-free digital life. Shawn’s approach is practical, insightful, and perfect for anyone feeling overwhelmed by their digital environment.

Key Discussion Points

What “digital peace” means and why it’s so important.
Common mistakes people make with digital organization.
How to deal with folder structures and document redundancy.
Practical strategies for creating effective backups.
When and where to start tackling digital clutter.
How AI can play a role in organizing your digital life.

This episode is ideal for anyone looking to take control of their digital world and create a more organized, peaceful workflow.

Links Worth Exploring

Connect with Shawn: Website | LinkedIn | YouTube | Instagram | Facebook
Get Shawn's guide: Click here
Take Shawn's quiz: Click here
Check out Hazel
Want to leverage Hazel in the best way possible? MacSparky has you covered.
Check out ClickUp
Check out Amplenote
Related Conversation: Episode 448: Tiago Forte talks about Building a Second Brain
Related Blog Post: The Freeing Power of Eliminating Tasks You “Ought to Do”

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.

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Robin Hills Talks About Emotional Resilience and Leadership Jan 24, 2025

In this Flashback Friday episode of A Productive Conversation, I sit down with Robin Hills, author of The Authority Guide to Emotional Resilience in Business. Robin is an expert in emotional intelligence and resilience, with over 35 years of experience in business and personal development. His work is rooted in helping individuals and organizations thrive through emotional intelligence, neuroscience, and positive psychology.

During our conversation, Robin unpacks the nuances of resilience, debunking common myths and exploring how leaders can foster resilience within their teams. We also discuss the fine line between coping and resilience, and why emotional awareness is critical in navigating adversity.

Key Discussion Points

The paradox of resilience: how adversity strengthens us.
Why "bouncing back" isn’t true resilience—and what is.
Coping versus resilience: the critical distinctions.
How leaders can foster emotional resilience in their organizations.
The role of emotional intelligence in building resilience.
Why resilience is often misunderstood and overused in business contexts.

This conversation is packed with actionable insights and strategies for anyone looking to develop a deeper understanding of resilience in the workplace and beyond. (Originally released October 2022)

Links Worth Exploring

Connect with Robin: Website | LinkedIn
Check out his book: The Authority Guide to Emotional Resilience in Business
Register for Robin’s EI4Change courses here
Related Conversation: Episode 489: Constance Dierickx Talks About Meta-Leadership Insights And Decision Mastery
Related Blog Post: Why Reading Leadership Books will Boost 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.

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Anders Indset Talks About The Viking Code and High-Performance Culture Jan 22, 2025

In this episode of A Productive Conversation, I sit down with Anders Indset, the renowned business philosopher and author of The Viking Code: The Art and Science of Norwegian Success. Known for his profound insights into leadership and technology, Anders shares a compelling exploration of how modern Vikings channel timeless values like collectivism and creativity to achieve high-performance outcomes.

We dive into what makes Norwegian success so unique, why micro-ambitions are key to long-term achievements, and how balancing timely and timeless approaches can transform both personal and professional growth. Anders’ expertise in bridging philosophy and leadership offers a refreshing take on thriving in a fast-paced, tech-driven world.

Key Discussion Points

What modern Viking culture teaches us about collectivism and creativity.
The role of micro-ambitions in achieving long-term success.
How values like "tugnad" (effort for others) are deeply embedded in Norwegian culture.
The interplay between finite and infinite games in life and business.
The dangers of prioritizing timely distractions over timeless principles.
Anders’ perspective on AI’s potential to foster depth in our lives.

Anders’ insights are both timely and timeless, offering listeners tools to rethink their approach to leadership, progress, and collective well-being. I know you'll enjoy this productive conversation.

Links Worth Exploring

Connect with Anders: Website | LinkedIn | X/Twitter | Instagram | Facebook
Get the book we discuss: The Viking Code: The Art and Science of Norwegian Success
Get Anders' other book that he mentions: The Quantum Economy - Saving the Mensch with Humanistic Capitalism
Get James P. Carse's book: Finite and Infinite Games
Get the book I mention: Time and The Art of Living by Robert Grudin
Another reading recommendation: Amusing Ourselves to Death: Public Discourse in the Age of Show Business
Check out The Singularity Paradox
Read this: Law of Jante, a Scandinavian Code of Conduct
Watch This is Pop: Click here and choose the episode "Stockholm Syndrome"
Related Conversation: Episode 420: Daniel Coyle talks about The Culture Playbook
Related Blog Post: The 3 Cs: How They Impact Your To Do List

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.

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Mridu Parikh Talks About Automation, Systems, and Alignment Jan 17, 2025

In this Flashback Friday episode of A Productive Conversation, I sit down with Mridu Parikh to discuss the power of simplicity in automation, systemization, and achieving alignment in your work and life. Mridu, a systems expert and productivity coach, shares how small steps and simple tools can free up mental space, prevent overwhelm, and help you focus on what truly matters.

We dive deep into how documenting processes can lead to clarity, efficiency, and better delegation. Whether you're looking to automate your business, improve communication, or align your actions with your goals, Mridu offers practical advice to make it all feel manageable.

Key Discussion Points

How starting with simple tools like Google Docs can kickstart your automation journey.
The importance of documenting processes to identify gaps and improve efficiency.
Why working on your business is the critical 5% that drives growth and frees up time.
The concept of two-week sprints to break down big goals into actionable steps.
How automation and alignment are intertwined for clearer communication and productivity.
Tools like Asana and simple project management strategies for better delegation.
Using constraints (like limited time) as motivation to maximize focus and efficiency.

This conversation is packed with actionable strategies that can help you shift your mindset and create systems that work for you. (Originally released January 2017)

Links Worth Exploring

Connect with Mridu: Website | Instagram | LinkedIn | YouTube
Check out Mridu's book: Accomplish It: 7 Simple Actions to Get the Right Things Done and Achieve Your Goals
What are "lighthouse" parents? Read all about it
Related Conversation: Episode 281: Accomplish It with Mridu Parikh
Related Blog Post: The Best Type of Automation

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.

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Derek Rydall Talks About Abundance, Alignment, and Meaningful Productivity Jan 15, 2025

In this thought-provoking episode of A Productive Conversation, I sit down with transformational leader Derek Rydall to explore the deeper aspects of productivity, abundance, and alignment. Derek, a bestselling author of Emergence and The Abundance Project, shares his journey from personal hardships to creating a thriving coaching platform that empowers individuals to unlock their full potential.

Our conversation dives into the importance of understanding your true self and aligning your actions with what matters most. Derek's unique perspective redefines abundance as a quality rather than a quantity, challenging conventional notions of productivity and encouraging a focus on meaning and purpose.

Key Discussion Points

Why abundance is about quality, not quantity, and how this shifts your approach to productivity.
The "Law of Emergence" and how cultivating the right conditions leads to growth.
How living in alignment with your true self creates lasting fulfillment.
The importance of understanding and embracing challenges as a pathway to growth.
Redefining productivity as organizing what matters most, not just getting more done.
How to shift from striving for external success to nurturing internal alignment.
Practical advice on where to begin when it all feels overwhelming.

Derek's insights offer a refreshing take on navigating life with purpose, balance, and a clear focus on what truly matters.

Links Worth Exploring

Connect with Derek: W ebsite | Facebook | X/Twitter | Instagram
Check out Derek's book Emergence: Get it here
Check out Derek's book The Abundance Project: Get it here
Related Conversation: Episode 569: Justin Jones-Fosu Talks About Respectful Disagreement and Finding Common Ground
Related Blog Post: The Intersection Of Purpose And Pleasure

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.

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Michael Hyatt Talks About Productivity, Focus, and the Power of Saying No Jan 10, 2025

This Flashback Friday episode of A Productive Conversation brings back an inspiring and enlightening discussion with Michael Hyatt. Michael, a bestselling author and leadership expert, shares insights from his book Free to Focus. Together, we explore what it truly means to be productive and how to focus on what really matters.

Michael emphasizes that productivity isn't about doing more—it's about doing the right things. From exploring the importance of vision to creating boundaries for better focus, this episode is packed with actionable advice for anyone seeking clarity and purpose in their work and life.

Key Discussion Points

Why productivity is about quality, not quantity—focusing on what matters most.
The Freedom Compass and how to align passion with proficiency.
The critical role of white space in your calendar and the benefits of doing nothing.
How to beat distractions by leveraging tools like screen time limits and mindful technology use.
The power of saying no and the “yes, no, yes” formula to handle requests effectively.
The importance of reflection and rejuvenation to maintain focus and avoid burnout.
Why identifying your daily “Big Three” tasks sets you up for sustainable success.

Throughout this episode, we spend time exploring the practical strategies and philosophical insights Michael has developed through years of experience as a productivity expert. If you're ready to stop spinning your wheels and start making real progress, this conversation will equip you with the tools and mindset to do just that. (Originally released April 2019)

Links Worth Exploring

Connect with Michael: Website | Facebook | X/Twitter | Instagram
Check out Michael's blog: Read it here
Pick up the book we discussed: Free to Focus: A Total Productivity System to Achieve More by Doing Less
Related Conversation: Megan
(Another) Related Conversation: Other Michael Hyatt ep
Related Blog Post:

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.

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PM Talks S2E1: Resilience Jan 08, 2025

Welcome to the first episode of Season 2 of our PM Talks monthly series!

This episode Patrick Rhone and I dive into the concept of resilience. We explore what it means to rebound and adapt in the face of adversity, unpacking its nuances and how it differs from grit. Whether you're navigating everyday challenges or overcoming significant life obstacles, resilience plays a critical role in how we show up for ourselves and others.

Resilience isn't just about enduring hardship; it's about how we recover and find stability amidst change. From personal anecdotes to broader philosophical musings, this episode offers insights into building resilience in practical and meaningful ways.

Key Discussion Points

The difference between resilience and grit, using relatable analogies like football strategy.
How resilience helps us adapt to unexpected life challenges, big or small.
Why finding your "why" is crucial for fostering resilience and purpose.
The interplay between resilience, resourcefulness, and willpower.
Examples of resilience from Patrick's family, including his daughter's circus challenges.
The impact of age and experience on understanding and cultivating resilience.
The importance of letting go to redirect energy and focus on what truly matters.

As we wrap up, we also preview our next episode — which features a topic that connects seamlessly with resilience and purpose. I hope you'll join us for that conversation.

Links Worth Exploring

Patrick's book, "For You"
Patrick’s Website
Our episode on perspective: Listen here
Curious about my OBSBOT camera? Learn more about it here.
Check out ALL of the PM Talks episodes

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.

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Paul Jarvis Talks About Staying Small in Business Jan 03, 2025

In this Flashback Friday episode, I revisit my conversation with Paul Jarvis from 2019, to discuss the release of his bestselling book, Company of One: Why Staying Small Is the Next Big Thing for Business. Paul’s insights into building a fulfilling, scalable business without unnecessary growth struck a chord with listeners and remain highly relevant today. Since this episode aired, Paul has focused on mentoring and creative projects that align with his minimalist business philosophy.

(But he's also done something else. That will be revealed in the early part of the episode.)

We explore the core principles of operating as a “company of one,” why small businesses can have a big impact, and how to balance profitability with sustainability. Paul’s approach to entrepreneurship offers a refreshing perspective, emphasizing intentionality, simplicity, and values over traditional growth metrics.

Key Discussion Points

The concept of a “company of one” and why staying small works.
Balancing profitability and sustainability in business.
How ego and societal expectations influence business decisions.
The importance of automating and scaling without unnecessary complexity.
Building a business that aligns with personal values and priorities.
Why simplifying systems upfront saves time and energy long-term.
Applying the “company of one” mindset within larger organizations.

Paul's practical advice and thought-provoking ideas make this episode a must-listen for entrepreneurs and business owners seeking a more intentional way to grow. (Originally released January 2019)

Links Worth Exploring

You can't connect with Paul. Listen to find out why.
Paul and Justin are both friends of mine. They caught up after a spell in 2024. Listen to their conversation.
Related Conversation: Paul Jarvis: Old Man Internet
Related Blog Post: Review: Everything I Know by Paul Jarvis

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.

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A Very Special Episode: Welcome to 2025 (The Annual Preview) Jan 01, 2025

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.

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Cal Newport Talks About Deep Work and Focused Success Dec 27, 2024

In this Flashback Friday episode, I revisit my enlightening conversation with Cal Newport, originally recorded in 2016. Cal, the acclaimed author of Deep Work: Rules for Focused Success in a Distracted World, shares his revolutionary ideas on the importance of cultivating focus in an increasingly distracted era. Since this conversation, Cal has continued to expand his work on digital minimalism and the importance of deliberate practice, inspiring professionals worldwide.

We discuss the principles of deep work, the economic advantages of focus, and practical strategies for eliminating distractions. Cal's insights on time blocking and the value of training the mind for sustained attention are timeless and even more relevant in today's hyper-connected world.

Key Discussion Points

The concept of deep work and its increasing value in today’s economy.
How to differentiate between deep and shallow work.
Why distractions hinder productivity and the case for quitting social media.
The connection between Deep Work and Cal’s earlier book, So Good They Can’t Ignore You.
Practical strategies to cultivate deep work habits, including time blocking.
Overcoming the fear of long, focused work sessions and training your mind for success.

As always, Cal brings profound clarity to the challenges we face in staying productive and focused. This episode is a great reminder of the value of embracing depth in your work. (Originally released January 2016)

Links Worth Exploring

Connect with Andrew: Website | YouTube
Check out The Deep Life: Click here
Check out Cal's podcast: Listen here
What is The Tao of Cal?: Read it here
Related Conversation: Episode 229: Exploring Digital Minimalism with Cal Newport
(Another) Related Conversation: Episode 360: A World Without Email with Cal Newport
Related Blog Post: Why I’m Diving Into Deep Work (and How I’m Doing 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.

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Erik Fisher Talks About Productivity A to Z (Part 2) Dec 25, 2024

In this engaging episode of A Productive Conversation, I’m joined once again by Erik Fisher, host of the Beyond the To-Do List podcast. This is the second half of our Productivity A to Z two-part crossover episode, where we explore the essential terms that shape our understanding of productivity. If you haven’t already listened to Part 1 on Erik’s podcast, I highly recommend starting there before diving into this episode.

Together, we pick up where we left off and explore letters N to Z, diving deep into words like networking, nurturing, overwhelm, and sustainability. Our conversation is packed with insights, practical takeaways, and a few surprises as we reflect on how these concepts have shaped our approaches to work and life.

Links Worth Exploring

Connect with Erik: Website | X (née Twitter)
Subscribe to Erik’s podcast: Spotify | Apple Podcasts
Check out Part 1 of this conversation: Check it out on YouTube
Grab the additional resources from this podcast: CLICK HERE
Related Conversation: Episode 552: David Allen Talks About Team Productivity and the Evolution of GTD
Related Blog Post: Why I’m Tired of the Word “Hustle” (And Use This Word Instead)

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.

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Chase Reeves Talks About Creativity, Fatherhood, and the Gray Areas Dec 20, 2024

In this special Flashback Friday episode, I reconnect with the inimitable Chase Reeves. It's been quite a journey since our last conversation back in 2020 at The BIG Ready. This time, Chase dives deep into the nuances of creativity, the evolving journey of fatherhood, and the value of embracing life's gray areas amidst polarization.

We reflect on Chase’s transformative experiences over the past few years, from shifting creative projects to navigating personal growth. His stories, insights, and musings highlight the importance of slowing down, staying authentic, and finding meaning in connections. This is a conversation packed with wisdom and plenty of thought-provoking moments.

Key Discussion Points

The impact of slowing down and embracing life’s quieter moments.
Chase’s creative journey from Fizzle to becoming a YouTube creator.
The role of fatherhood in shaping perspective and purpose.
Reflections on navigating middle ground in a polarized world.
The concept of "creative menopause" and evolving through seasons of life.
How meaningful connections, like Chase’s magnetic green light metaphor, anchor us to what matters most.
A deeper look into Arnold Bennett’s How to Live on 24 Hours a Day and its relevance today.

In this thoughtful and reflective conversation, Chase reminds us of the beauty of being present, embracing nuance, and navigating life with a mix of creativity and authenticity. (Originally released in April 2020)

Links Worth Exploring

Connect with Chase: Instagram | YouTube
How to Live on 24 Hours a Day: Read it here (or here)
Terry Crews on The Rich Roll Podcast: Watch here
Related Conversation: Episode 290: Creative Menopause with Chase Reeves [Recorded LIVE at The BIG Ready]
Related "Conversation": Episode 331: It’s Time to Slow Things Down
Related Blog Post: Take it Slow

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.

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Marshall Goldsmith Talks About AI, Triggers, and Giving Back Dec 18, 2024

In this episode of A Productive Conversation, I sit down with the legendary Marshall Goldsmith, one of the world's top leadership thinkers, to explore how he's leveraging AI to share his life's work with a global audience. Known for books like Triggers and What Got You Here Won’t Get You There, Marshall is embracing cutting-edge technology to make his insights more accessible and impactful than ever.

Our discussion dives deep into Marshall's journey with AI, the concept of triggers in productivity, and his mission to give back by helping others lead better lives. Whether you're curious about AI, leadership, or personal growth, this episode offers wisdom and practical advice.

Key Discussion Points

Marshall’s development of his AI project, MarshallGoldsmith AI, and its role in making his knowledge widely accessible.
The concept of triggers and how identifying them can enhance productivity and behavior.
Why Marshall is giving away his insights for free and his reflections on legacy and generosity.
The balance between embracing new technology and maintaining human connection.
How Marshall uses AI to improve his coaching and support his clients.
Insights on leveraging AI responsibly to aid learning and decision-making.

This conversation with Marshall Goldsmith showcases his relentless pursuit of sharing wisdom and helping others. His innovative use of AI and timeless insights on triggers and productivity make this episode a must-listen for anyone striving to grow personally and professionally.

Links Worth Exploring

Connect with Marshall: Website | Twitter | Facebook | YouTube
Check out Marshall's latest initiative: MarshallGoldsmith.AI
Explore learning from Marshall on Coaching.com: Click here
Related Conversation: Episode 505: Matt Martin Talks About AI-Enhanced Productivity and Time Management
Related Blog Post: Signals vs Triggers

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.

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Marshall Goldsmith Talks About The Earned Life and Living with Purpose Dec 13, 2024

In this Flashback Friday episode, I sit down with the legendary Marshall Goldsmith to discuss his thought-provoking book The Earned Life. Renowned for his coaching and wisdom, Marshall delves into the philosophy and actionable insights behind his work, helping listeners align their choices, risks, and efforts with a greater purpose.

During our conversation, we explore what it means to live an "earned life" and the challenges of breaking free from achievement-based validation. Marshall shares profound insights on finding satisfaction, limiting decision fatigue, and embracing accountability without judgment.

Key Discussion Points

The philosophy behind The Earned Life and why it’s essential to align actions with overarching purpose.
How the concept of "satisfaction" challenges traditional ideas of success and happiness.
The intersection of willpower, discipline, and limiting choices to combat decision fatigue.
Why accountability without judgment, as practiced in Marshall’s "Life Plan Review," is transformative.
The pitfalls of achievement addiction and the importance of enjoying the process, not just the outcomes.
How the marshmallow experiment illustrates the dangers of delayed gratification when taken to extremes.
Marshall’s advice for taking actionable steps to start living an earned life today.

This conversation with Marshall is packed with insights that will resonate deeply, whether you're striving for personal growth or seeking clarity on what success means to you. If you’ve ever felt stuck in the cycle of achievement or struggled to find purpose, this episode offers practical and profound guidance. (Originally released May 2022)

Links Worth Exploring

Connect with Marshall: Website | Twitter | Facebook | Youtube
Marshall’s Book: The Earned Life: Lose Regret, Choose Fulfillment
Recommended by Marshall: The Checklist Manifesto: How to Get Things Right
Watch this film: American Underdog
Related Conversation: Episode 203: The Evolution of Getting Things Done with David Allen
Related Blog Post: The Power of Bit by Bit 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.

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PM Talks S1E12: Reflection and Growth Dec 11, 2024

As the calendar year winds down, on the season finale of PM Talks, Patrick Rhone and I dive into the powerful intersection of reflection and growth—topics that feel particularly resonant this time of year. Patrick and I share personal insights and practical takeaways to help you reflect on the past and shape the year ahead.

Reflection and growth are central to the conversation as we explore the tools and techniques that have guided our journeys. Whether you're new to reflective practices or looking to deepen your approach, this episode has something for you.

Key Discussion Points

Why the concept of a calendar year is arbitrary and how to redefine it for personal alignment.
The importance of treating the end of the year as a milestone for reflection.
Patrick’s experience with the Year Compass and why a retreat can deepen reflective practices.
Journaling as a gateway to understanding patterns and connecting with your sense of being.
The role of curiosity versus judgment in growth and how this shifts with age.
How reflective tools like Apple’s journaling app can complement deeper practices.
Using reflection to navigate challenges and maintain a reasoned approach.

As we wrap up, Patrick and I reflect on the impact of journaling in our lives and how it shapes both personal growth and productivity. It’s been a remarkable year of PM Talks, and we’re excited for what’s to come in 2025.

Links Worth Exploring

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.

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Michelle Gielan Talks About Broadcasting Happiness and Resilience Dec 06, 2024

In this Flashback Friday episode of A Productive Conversation, I revisit a 2016 conversation with Michelle Gielan, author of Broadcasting Happiness. Michelle is a renowned happiness researcher, former CBS News anchor, and executive producer of PBS’s The Happiness Advantage. Since our original chat, Michelle has continued to make an incredible impact by focusing on resilience and the power of positivity in everyday interactions.

As we approach the end of the year, this episode is a timely reminder to think about how we can sustain happiness—not just during the holiday season but year-round. Michelle shares practical strategies to reframe negativity, foster optimism, and create ripple effects of positivity that improve productivity and relationships.

Key Discussion Points

The concept behind Michelle’s book Broadcasting Happiness and how small mindset shifts create significant change.
The story behind CBS’s “Happy Week” and how it reshaped viewers' perspectives during the recession.
Research findings on how positivity can increase resilience and enhance creativity by up to 20%.
The long-term benefits of starting your day with positivity, such as sending gratitude emails.
Simple strategies for fostering optimism and improving workplace productivity by 31%.
Why words matter: How shifting language impacts mindset and influences others.

It was wonderful to revisit this conversation with Michelle and hear her insights on broadcasting happiness and building resilience. Whether you’re looking for actionable ways to reframe negativity or small steps to boost optimism, this episode is full of practical takeaways. Let’s all strive to sustain happiness beyond fleeting moments and make it part of our daily lives. (Originally released December 2016)

Links Worth Exploring

Connect with Michelle: Website | Facebook | Twitter/X | LinkedIn
Buy Michelle's book: Broadcasting Happiness: The Science of Igniting and Sustaining Positive Change
Related Conversation: Episode 59: The Habits of a Happy Brain with Loretta Breuning
Related Blog Post: Celebrate Tonight To Boost Your Productivity Tomorrow

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.

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Justin Jones-Fosu Talks About Respectful Disagreement and Finding Common Ground Dec 04, 2024

Justin Jones-Fosu, author of I Respectfully Disagree: How to Have Difficult Conversations in a Divided World, joins me for a conversation that’s both timely and transformative. Justin is a dynamic speaker, workplace researcher, and the founder of Work Meaningful, where he helps individuals and organizations foster inclusion and meaningful relationships.

In this episode, we dive into the art of respectful disagreement. From exploring nuanced perspectives to embracing curiosity, Justin shares actionable insights that empower us to navigate divided conversations with grace and humanity. Whether at work, in communities, or at home, his pillars for disagreement will resonate deeply with anyone looking to improve communication and relationships.

Key Discussion Points

The importance of nuance and seeking common ground in conversations.
Why respectful disagreement begins with challenging your own perspective.
Practical steps for cultivating curiosity and deep listening in a distracted world.
The role of humor in diffusing tension—and how it can backfire.
Strategies for creating meaningful connections in personal and professional settings.
Justin’s Circles of Grace Challenge and its role in building empathy.
How consistency and sustainability factor into building better relationships.

Justin’s insights remind us that disagreement doesn’t have to divide us—it can bring us closer when handled with respect and intention. His practical advice and heartfelt approach offer tools to create more meaningful relationships, both at work and beyond. Be sure to check out his book, I Respectfully Disagree, for even more guidance on navigating today’s complex conversations.

Links Worth Exploring

Connect with Justin: Website | Instagram | YouTube | LinkedIn
Learn more about Justin's book: Click here
Buy Justin's latest book: I Respectfully Disagree: How to Have Difficult Conversations in a Divided World
Watch his TEDx Talk: Don't Take the Exit on People: A Diversity & Inclusion Approach
Who's the GOAT? Click here to find out
Terry Crews on Nuance: The Rich Roll Podcast
Read this book: Dialogue: The Art Of Thinking Together
Read this article: Carol Dweck: A Summary of Growth and Fixed Mindsets
Related Conversation: Episode 473: Oscar Trimboli talks about Deep Listening
Related Blog Post: “At Least He’s Consistent”

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.

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Jeff Sanders Talks About Adapting to Life’s Seasons and Free Time Nov 29, 2024

In this Flashback Friday episode of A Productive Conversation, I catch up with Jeff Sanders, author of The Free Time Formula and The 5AM Miracle. Jeff reflects on his journey since our original conversation, discussing how life has evolved for him after becoming a father and navigating the challenges of the pandemic. We revisit some of the core concepts of The Free Time Formula while diving into updates on how Jeff’s approach to productivity and intentionality has shifted in recent years.

During our conversation, Jeff shares insights on the nuanced shifts in his personal and professional life, including the role of health in productivity and how he has adjusted his routines to align with his current season of life.

Key Discussion Points

How Jeff’s life has evolved since the release of The Free Time Formula and the impact of becoming a father.
The balance between intense productivity and sustainable intentionality
Jeff’s reflections on navigating the pandemic and how it influenced his life and business.
The importance of health-first productivity and practical ways to integrate it into daily life.
Strategies for managing free time with kids and finding intentional “me” time.
Why Jeff’s wake-up routine has shifted from 5:00 AM —and how family plays a role.
His philosophy of intentionality and how it applies to crafting a rhythm for work and life.

It was fantastic to reconnect with Jeff and hear his thoughtful reflections on the seasons of life and productivity. Jeff's story is a testament to the importance of adapting our systems and priorities as life changes. Whether you’re looking for a health-first approach to productivity or strategies to manage free time with a full plate, this episode has something for everyone. (Originally released February 2018)

Links Worth Exploring

Connect with Jeff: Website | Instagram | Facebook | LinkedIn
Listen to Jeff’s Podcast
Get Jeff's Book (that we discussed): The Free-Time Formula: Finding Happiness, Focus, and Productivity No Matter How Busy You Are
Get Jeff's Book (that we didn't discuss): The 5 A.M. Miracle: Dominate Your Day Before Breakfast
Related Conversation: Episode 518: Nuance | PM Talks S1:E3
Related Blog Post: Nuanced Time Management: Embracing Complexity for 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.

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Dr. Mithu Storoni Talks About Hyper Efficiency and Rhythmic Productivity Nov 27, 2024

Dr. Mithu Storoni, author of Hyperefficient: Optimize Your Brain to Transform the Way You Work, joins me to dive into the science of productivity. Mithu’s expertise as a neuro-ophthalmologist and her work in pupillometry bring a unique perspective to productivity, blending neuroscience with actionable strategies for optimizing performance.

In this conversation, we explore the interplay between rhythms, creativity, focus, and energy. From understanding the gears of the brain to learning how to align work with natural rhythms, Mithu offers profound insights that can help anyone enhance the quality of their output without sacrificing balance or well-being.

Key Discussion Points

The concept of “gears” in the brain and how to match tasks with mental states.
Why rhythmic productivity—balancing periods of intensity with recovery—is crucial for sustainable output.
The importance of eye movements and their connection to focus and mental state.
How to use circadian rhythms to optimize creative and focused work.
The role of caffeine, rituals, and flexibility in hyper efficiency.
Why quality matters more than ever in a world increasingly influenced by AI.
Practical advice for organizing to-do lists based on energy and attention.

Dr. Mithu Storoni’s insights into productivity and efficiency offer a fresh and scientifically grounded perspective on work and life. Her approach to aligning work with natural rhythms and optimizing mental output can help us navigate an ever-changing world while maintaining focus and balance. Don’t miss this deep dive into the art and science of hyperefficiency.

Links Worth Exploring

Connect with Mithu: Website | Instagram | Facebook | Twitter/X | LinkedIn
Buy Mithu's latest book: Hyperefficient: Optimize Your Brain to Transform the Way You Work
Read: When to drink coffee (according to Andrew Huberman)
Related Conversation: Episode 211: Hyperfocus with Chris Bailey
Related Blog Post: The Role of Reason and Refinement in 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.

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Seth Godin Talks About Intent, Creativity, and Consistency Nov 22, 2024

Seth Godin, the legendary author and marketer, joined me for an insightful conversation on productivity, creativity, and intentional living. In this Flashback Friday episode, Seth delves into the concepts behind his book The Practice: Shipping Creative Work, discussing the importance of intent, the challenges of imposter syndrome, and why consistency overrides authenticity.

Throughout our conversation, Seth shares practical wisdom on building creative habits, embracing uncertainty, and eliminating decision fatigue. Whether you’re a creator, entrepreneur, or anyone seeking to lead a more intentional life, Seth’s insights will leave you inspired and equipped to tackle your next challenge.

Key Discussion Points

Why acting with intent matters and how to avoid living on autopilot.
The role of assertion in creative work and why it often feels uncomfortable.
Imposter syndrome as a sign of doing meaningful work.
Eliminating decision fatigue by setting clear boundaries and habits.
How consistency creates trust and why it’s more important than authenticity.
The value of heroes over mentors and how to draw inspiration from others.
Practical steps to start building “the practice” in your daily life.

Seth Godin’s perspective on creativity and productivity is a refreshing reminder that doing meaningful work requires intention, consistency, and a willingness to embrace discomfort. If you’re ready to take the first step toward building your own creative practice, this episode is a must-listen. Be sure to check out Seth’s other books and website for even more actionable insights. (Originally released November 2020)

Links Worth Exploring

Connect with Seth: Website | Instagram | Facebook | Twitter | LinkedIn
Watch our conversation on YouTube
Get the book we discussed: The Practice: Shipping Creative Work | Amazon
Related Conversation: Episode 334: Endless Curiosity with Derek Sivers
Read this: Hyperfocus: How to Be More Productive in a World of Distraction | Amazon
Read this: The Productivity Project: Accomplishing More by Managing Your Time, Attention, and Energy | Amazon
Watch this: ‘How To Get Your Ideas To Spread’ TED Talk
Read this: Necessary Endings| Amazon
Watch this: Ron Finley Teaches Gardening Masterclass
Learn about this: Freewrite
Read this: Inbox Zero: How to Stop Checking Email and Start Finishing It | Amazon
Glowforge
Read this: The Authentic Swing | Amazon
Check this out: TrustYourself.com

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Jeff Patterson Talks About Yielding and the Meditative Arts Nov 20, 2024

Jeff Patterson, author of The Yielding Warrior: Discovering the Secret Path to Unleashing Your True Potential, joins me for an insightful conversation about the power of yielding in all aspects of life. Jeff introduces the concept of yielding as a transformative strategy that goes beyond physicality to include mental and emotional realms. In our fast-paced world, learning to yield can help us create more intentional and harmonious relationships with ourselves and others.

During this discussion, Jeff shares how the meditative arts serve as the foundation for yielding. He breaks down the practice into three pillars—physical, mental, and emotional yielding—each offering unique insights and benefits. Jeff also provides actionable advice for anyone curious about incorporating the meditative arts into their daily lives.

Key Discussion Points

The concept of yielding and how it differs from "giving up" or being weak.
The three pillars of yielding: physical, mental, and emotional.
How meditative practices improve sensitivity, awareness, and decision-making.
The challenges of slowing down in a fast-paced world and integrating meditative practices.
The role of consistency and having a "why" in building a sustainable meditative practice.
The importance of finding a guide to personalize and deepen your meditation journey.
Active practices like taking mindful breaths throughout the day to stay present.

This conversation with Jeff Patterson reveals how the practice of yielding can enhance productivity, relationships, and overall well-being. By adopting meditative arts, we can cultivate awareness, regulate our responses, and lead more intentional lives. Be sure to check out Jeff's book, The Yielding Warrior, and explore how yielding can unlock your true potential.

Links Worth Exploring

Connect with Jeff: Website | Instagram | YouTube
Buy Jeff's latest book: The Yielding Warrior: Discovering the Secret Path to Unleashing Your True Potential
Become a TimeCrafting Trust Premium member: Click here to join
Related Conversation: Episode 557: Yemado Talks About Relaxation, Meditation, and Self-Defense Through Boabom
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.

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Laura McClellan Talks About Simplifying Productivity and Making a Life That Matters Nov 15, 2024

In this Flashback Friday episode of A Productive Conversation, I reconnect with Laura McClellan, lawyer, writer, and host of The Productive Woman podcast. Laura shares insights from her sabbatical, her evolving perspective on productivity, and how she balances her legal career, podcasting, and personal pursuits. Our conversation is both reflective and forward-looking, exploring how intentional productivity can help craft a meaningful life.

Laura discusses the journey from focusing on productivity tools and techniques to embracing a broader, more philosophical approach. Together, we revisit our original 2016 conversation and explore how the years have reshaped her understanding of productivity and her priorities.

Key Discussion Points

Laura’s decision to take a sabbatical from The Productive Woman and how it’s shaped her perspective.
Shifting focus from tools and techniques to the bigger picture of making a life that matters.
How productivity frameworks, like daily theming, can work for those with structured, client-facing schedules.
Balancing the demands of a legal career and creative projects during transitional life phases.
The importance of pre-deciding tasks to reduce decision fatigue and increase focus.
Leveraging sabbaticals for clarity and realignment in both personal and professional spheres.
Tips on handling interruptions and staying productive in unpredictable work environments.

This reflective episode with Laura McClellan showcases the power of intentional productivity and the importance of aligning daily actions with long-term values. If you’re navigating transitions, considering a sabbatical, or looking for ways to simplify your productivity systems, this episode is for you. Be sure to subscribe to The Productive Woman and revisit Laura’s archives for even more insights. (Originally released November 2015)

Links Worth Exploring

Connect with Laura: Website | Instagram
Listen to The Productive Woman
My /now page
Related Conversation: Episode 78: Annie Mueller
Related Blog Post: Why Theming My Days has Made Me a Better Dad

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.

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PM Talks S1E11: Uncertainty Nov 13, 2024

In this latest episode of our monthly series, PM Talks, Patrick Rhone and I dive into the complexities of life and work. This series offers deep discussions that explore meaningful topics from our perspectives. This month, we’re tackling uncertainty—how it shows up in our lives, how we handle it, and how to find certainty in areas where we can have control.

In this episode, we use personal examples, such as my ongoing home construction woes, to highlight how uncertainty plays out in real-life scenarios. From navigating miscommunication with contractors to controlling our reactions, we explore how clarity and control can help alleviate the anxiety of uncertainty.

Key Discussion Points

The role of clarity and control in reducing uncertainty
How communication can foster or hinder certainty in projects
Personal stories about managing household construction and expectations
The concept of “commanding” your environment without over-controlling it
How to differentiate between flexibility and rigidity in uncertain situations
Using minimalism and simplification to manage uncertainty in daily life

If you’re feeling the weight of uncertainty in your own life or work, I hope this episode offers you practical tools and perspectives to better navigate it. We’ll be back next month for our final episode of the year, where we’ll discuss reflection and growth—another topic that's sure to bring valuable insights. Don’t miss it!

Links Worth Exploring

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.

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Neil Pasricha Talks About Resilience, Happiness, and Living Intentionally Nov 08, 2024

For this Flashback Friday episode of A Productive Conversation, I’m bringing back a truly impactful discussion with Neil Pasricha, whose work centers on intentional living, resilience, and finding happiness in everyday life. Our original conversation took place in 2019, just after the release of Neil’s book You Are Awesome, which explores resilience, change, and the art of bouncing back when life gets tough.

Neil has since released Our Book of Awesome, a celebration of small joys that unite us, which feels especially timely as we approach the holiday season and prepare for a new year. In our conversation, we explore themes that are more relevant than ever: resilience, happiness, and the importance of taking small steps toward living an intentional, fulfilling life.

Key Discussion Points

Dave’s journey from co-founding Holstee to launching Reflection.app
How journaling helps process emotions, build perspective, and foster gratitude
The evolving role of AI in journaling and its potential benefits and pitfalls
Practical tips for integrating journaling into your daily routine
The value of revisiting journal entries to track growth and spot patterns
Dave’s thoughts on finding personal clarity and how journaling supports human flourishing

Neil’s insights on resilience, intentional living, and the power of gratitude offer timeless wisdom. I hope revisiting this conversation inspires you to find and celebrate the awesome moments in your life. Remember, resilience isn’t about avoiding failure but learning how to get back up... one small step at a time. (Originally released November 2019)

Links Worth Exploring

Connect with Neil: Websit e | Instagram | Facebo ok | Twitt er | L inkedIn
Get the book we discussed: You Are Awesome: How to Navigate Change, Wrestle with Failure, and Live an Intentional Life
Check out Neil's latest book: Our Book of Awesome: A Celebration of the Small Joys That Bring Us Together
Day One
What Got You Here Won’t Get You There: How Successful People Become Even More Successful
The Art of Non-Conformity: Set Your Own Rules, Live the Life You Want, and Change the World
The Pomodoro Technique
Check out 3books.co
Related Conversation: Episode 288: How to Be Awesome at Your Job with Pete Mockaitis
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.

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Dave Radparvar Talks About the Power of Journaling and Human Flourishing Nov 06, 2024

In this episode of A Productive Conversation, I sit down with entrepreneur, designer, and co-founder of Reflection.app, Dave Radparvar. Dave’s commitment to fostering human flourishing has driven his work, from his early days with Holstee to his latest endeavor, Reflection, a digital journaling platform. As someone who deeply values reflection and personal growth, Dave shares his own journaling journey and how it has shaped his life, work, and mindset.

We dive into the importance of journaling for perspective, handling challenges, and cultivating gratitude. Dave opens up about how his journaling practice has helped him navigate difficult times, appreciate good moments, and stay present. Together, we explore how digital tools, like Reflection, are transforming the journaling experience and the potential role AI plays in this space.

Key Discussion Points

Dave’s journey from co-founding Holstee to launching Reflection.app
How journaling helps process emotions, build perspective, and foster gratitude
The evolving role of AI in journaling and its potential benefits and pitfalls
Practical tips for integrating journaling into your daily routine
The value of revisiting journal entries to track growth and spot patterns
Dave’s thoughts on finding personal clarity and how journaling supports human flourishing

Whether you're new to journaling or a seasoned journaler, this episode offers deep insights into how you can use journaling as a tool for growth and reflection in your everyday life.

Links Worth Exploring

Connect with Dave: We bsite | Twitter | LinkedIn
Check out Reflection: Start here
My Reflection video: Watch it on YouTube
Want to build a journaling practice? The Journaling Course can help.
Project 333: Learn more about The Minimalist Fashion Challenge
Related Conversation: Episode 461: Personal Socrates with Marc Champagne
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. 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.

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Tiago Forte Talks About Building a Second Brain and Personal Knowledge Management Nov 01, 2024

In this Flashback Friday episode, I revisit my conversation with Tiago Forte, the visionary behind the "Building a Second Brain" methodology. With his book making waves, and after having attended the Second Brain Summit, it felt like the perfect time to re-share this impactful episode. Tiago has not only been a force in the productivity space but has pioneered a transformative approach to personal knowledge management (PKM) that resonates deeply in our digital age.

In our chat, we dive into how Tiago developed the concept of a "second brain"—a system designed to offload and organize our knowledge to enhance creativity, productivity, and clarity. This conversation explores how anyone can leverage this approach to foster a meaningful and organized way of capturing insights, ideas, and information.

Key Discussion Points

The origins of "Building a Second Brain" and Tiago’s inspiration for creating it
The role of PKM in managing our information-rich lives and its evolution since the analog era
Tiago’s "PARA" method for organization and why simplicity is powerful
The role of intuition in capturing what resonates versus capturing everything
How digital tools like Evernote and Readwise aid in building a resilient knowledge system
The pitfalls of complex systems and why a simple, personalized approach works best
The timelessness of knowledge management principles and their relevance in today’s fast-paced world

Tiago's insights help reshape how we view knowledge management, advocating for a personal, flexible, and intuitive approach. Whether you’re new to PKM or a seasoned productivity enthusiast, this episode will offer valuable perspectives on creating a system that works with, not against, your unique mind. (Originally released November 2022)

Links Worth Exploring

Connect with Tiago: Website | Instagram | Facebook | Twitter | LinkedIn
Listen to Tiago’s Podcast
Get the Second Brain Quickstart Guide
Buy Tiago’s book Building a Second Brain
Learn more about the Second Brain Summit
Join TimeCraft ing Trust Premium
Related Conversation: Episode 456: Marie Poulin talks about Notion
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. 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.

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Jason Silver Talks About Finding Happiness in Work and the Power of Reflection Oct 30, 2024

In this episode, I sit down with Jason Silver, author of Your Grass is Greener: Use What You Have. Get What You Want. At Work and In Life. Jason shares his insights on how to find more happiness in your work by using the skills you already have and how that enjoyment leads to greater productivity. We dive into the book’s structure, which is designed to help you work smarter, find enjoyment without changing jobs, and progress in your career. Jason also explains how reflection and personal experimentation can lead to better decision-making and greater fulfillment in life and work.

Throughout the episode, Jason reveals practical techniques to help you get more out of your job without adding more work, offering advice that challenges conventional wisdom. We talk about tracking productivity, dealing with imposter syndrome, and how to make better decisions by embracing clarity and using emotion as part of the decision-making process.

Key Discussion Points

How enjoyment in your work leads to higher productivity
Breaking down the three parts of Your Grass is Greener and how they relate to finding fulfillment
Practical ways to create space in your work to allow for self-reflection and growth
Why imposter syndrome can be a powerful tool for personal and professional development
The importance of reflection and tracking progress in achieving success
Using emotion in decision-making to improve clarity and outcomes

Jason also talks about his playbook and offers actionable insights for readers who want to use it to unlock their potential at work. You’ll leave this episode with a better understanding of how to approach your work with more intentionality, focus, and enjoyment.

Links Worth Exploring

Connect with Andrew: Website | LinkedIn | X/Twitter | Instagram
Check out my appearance on The Pro Guide: Watch it here
Check out Andrew's work on The Omni Show: Listen here
Related Conversation: Episode 64: Passionate About Productivity with Amber De La Garza
Related Blog Post: Why I’m Passionate About Personal 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.

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Chris Bailey Talks About Hyperfocus, Meditation, and Attention Management Oct 25, 2024

In this Flashback Friday episode, I reconnect with Chris Bailey, with a conversation centering on his book, Hyperfocus. We dive into the lessons he learned since the release of Hyperfocus and explore his approach to managing distractions and cultivating deep focus in a world full of noise. Chris also shares his thoughts on how meditation can enhance our ability to stay on track, drawing from his personal experiences and extensive research.

This conversation provides a fresh take on productivity, where slowing down and focusing deliberately is more effective than working fast and frantically. Whether you’re struggling with distractions or just looking to improve your focus, this episode has actionable insights that can help you be more intentional with your time and energy.

Key Discussion Points

Chris’s journey since releasing Hyperfocus and his latest work on mindfulness and calm
How to manage attentional space in a world full of distractions
The benefits of meditation in increasing focus and mental clarity
Practical tips for creating a distraction-free environment to foster deep work
The importance of doing the right things deliberately, rather than just doing more
How Chris fits new ideas into his current projects to maximize impact

I’m grateful to Chris for sharing his wisdom and experiences in this Flashback Friday episode. His work continues to inspire us to be more intentional with our time and attention. If you’re looking to dive deeper into focus and productivity, this episode is packed with valuable takeaways. Don’t forget to check out the links mentioned and take a look at Chris’s latest work. (Originally released October 2018)

Links Worth Exploring

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.

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Yemado Talks About Relaxation, Meditation, and Self-Defense Through Boabom Oct 23, 2024

In this episode, I’m joined by Yemado, a foremost teacher of Boabom in North America. Boabom is a Tibetan system that combines relaxation, meditation, and self-defense, offering a unique way to balance body and mind. During our conversation, Yemado shares his insights into the practice and why it’s ideal for people looking for non-competitive physical activity that also provides mental clarity.

We explore how Boabom’s progressive approach makes it accessible to anyone, regardless of their starting point, and how it fosters personal growth and resilience. Yemado also walks us through a simple breathing exercise that listeners can practice right away to experience the benefits of this ancient art.

Key Discussion Points

An introduction to Boabom: A blend of relaxation, meditation, and non-contact self-defense
The role of progression in Boabom classes, enabling students to grow step by step
How non-competition within Boabom promotes personal improvement and mental focus
The impact of movement on stress management and emotional resilience
Why people are drawn to practices like Boabom to escape the pressures of modern life
The interplay between breathing techniques and mental clarity
A live guided breathing exercise that listeners can try immediately

This conversation with Yemado offers a glimpse into the power of Boabom to help people reconnect with themselves and their surroundings. If you’re seeking a practice that brings both mental and physical benefits without the competitive stress, this episode is for you. I encourage you to try the breathing exercise Yemado shares—it's a great way to experience the calm and clarity that Boabom offers.

Links Worth Exploring

Connect with Yemado: Facebook | Instagram | YouTube
Dive into Boabom: Start here
Take a Boabom class: Check out the Boston School of Boabom
Related Conversation: Episode 547: Kurtis Lee Thomas Talks About Breathwork Detox and Thriving in the Age of Anxiety
Related Blog Post: The Power of Bit by Bit 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.

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Paul Millerd Talks About Good Work and the Pathless Path Oct 18, 2024

In this Flashback Friday episode, I reconnect with Paul Millerd to discuss his new book, Good Work: Reclaiming Your Inner Ambition. Paul reflects on life changes, including becoming a parent and launching this book. Our chat touches on how personal growth, creativity, and work-life integration evolved for him since our original conversation.

Paul shares the challenges of writing and parenting simultaneously, detailing how he resisted conventional book launch strategies to focus on sustainable progress. His insights offer a refreshing take on doing meaningful work at your own pace—a theme I deeply connect with.

Key Discussion Points

Writing Good Work and navigating parenthood simultaneously
Choosing long-term sustainable work over fast-paced launches
The concept of non-competitive creativity and protecting time blocks
How parenting reshaped Paul's connection to his work
His shift toward fewer but meaningful three-hour writing blocks
The impact of not following traditional publishing playbooks
Finding fulfillment in creating without burning out

Paul’s story shows that good work isn’t about rushing to the finish line—it’s about sustainable creativity and doing what feels right. This conversation is a reminder to honour our personal journeys and resist the temptation to conform to external pressures. If you're interested in building a fulfilling career and balancing it with life’s other priorities, you’ll find plenty of value in this episode. (Originally recorded February 2023)

Links Worth Exploring

Connect with Paul: Website | Instagram | Facebook | Twitter | LinkedIn
Buy Paul's latest book: Good Work: Reclaiming Your Inner Ambition
Buy Paul’s first book: The Pathless Path
Related Conversation: Episode 334: Endless Curiosity with Derek Sivers
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. 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.

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Patrick McAndrew Talks About Human-Centered Productivity and Inner Alignment Oct 16, 2024

In this episode of A Productive Conversation, I’m joined by Patrick McAndrew, founder and CEO of HARA, an exclusive membership community designed for entrepreneurs and leaders seeking to elevate their lives and align their personal and professional paths. Patrick has a unique blend of experience, from managing restaurants to advising corporate giants like Morgan Stanley, and he brings deep insight into how we can reclaim attention and cultivate intention in a tech-driven world.

Throughout our conversation, Patrick shares his personal evolution from helping people "get more done" to teaching leaders how to engage more deeply with their values and inner state. We discuss what it really means to be productive, explore the balance between routine and practice, and challenge the notion that apps or frameworks are the answer to today’s challenges.

Key Discussion Points

Patrick’s journey from teaching speed reading and memory skills to founding HARA, a community focused on alignment and inner work
The evolution of productivity from task-based to meaning-driven approaches
Why practices like journaling and meditation are essential for sustainable productivity
The tension between structure and adaptability in today’s work environments
How routines and patterns can transform into practices that align with personal values
The role of attention and intention in balancing personal growth with business success
How modern productivity frameworks can be limiting if they ignore internal development

This conversation with Patrick McAndrew will challenge you to rethink the ways we pursue productivity, shifting focus from frameworks and apps to meaningful practices that nurture both business and personal growth. Patrick's insights are a powerful reminder that productivity is more than just ticking off tasks—it’s about becoming aligned with who we are and what we truly value. I look forward to revisiting this conversation with Patrick in the future to explore how these ideas continue to evolve.

Links Worth Exploring

Connect with Patrick: Website | LinkedIn | YouTube | Substack
Check out HARA: Learn more
My Essay: The Path to Productiveness
My Appearance on the Zen Habits podcast: Check it out
What Juliet Funt shared with me: Listen here
Related Conversation: Episode 283: Well-Presented with Mike Pacchione
Related Blog Post: The Ongoing Battle Between Time and Reason

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.

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Srinivas Rao Talks About Creativity, AI, and Content Evolution Oct 11, 2024

In this episode of A Productive Conversation, I’m joined by Srini Rao, host of The Unmistakable Creative podcast. Srini has always been at the forefront of blending creativity with productivity, and our discussion today takes an even deeper dive into these themes. We reflect on how the creative process has evolved since we last spoke, touching on the integration of AI and the future of content creation.

Srini’s exploration of creativity doesn’t just stop at human endeavors—it extends into how AI can serve as a creative collaborator. From his development of customized children’s books to building a tool that automates eBook creation, Srini shares how the intersection of human creativity and AI execution is reshaping the way we work. Join us as we revisit insights from our conversation in 2014 and reflect on the vast changes that have taken place over the past decade.

Key Discussion Points

How Srini built a YouTube channel focused on Mem tutorials and his deep dive into AI's role in creativity.
The distinction between AI as a creative tool versus a thought partner, and how creatives can leverage AI for content repurposing.
The importance of "personal knowledge capital" in an AI-enhanced future.
Srini’s journey in using AI to generate custom children’s books and other creative projects.
The concept of "recursive creativity" and how humans guide, criticize, and curate AI output to enhance creative work.
How division of labor at scale is becoming accessible to creators, thanks to AI.

As Srini continues to push the boundaries of creativity with AI, this episode offers a unique glimpse into how technology can aid, rather than replace, the human creative process. Whether you're an entrepreneur, creator, or someone intrigued by the future of AI, this episode provides valuable insights into how to harness the power of AI to scale your creative output. (Originally recorded in 2014)

Links Worth Exploring

Connect with Srini: Website | Instagram | Twitter/X
Srini’s Books on Amazon: Check them out here
Srinivas Rao on The Blaze with Glenn Beck
Related Conversation: Episode 534: Kevin Surace Talks About AI and Maintaining Productivity
Related Blog Post: A Look at Productivity and Workflow Versioning

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.

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PM Talks S1E10: Pacing and Cadence Oct 09, 2024

In this latest episode of our monthly series, PM Talks, I sit down with my good friend Patrick Rhone to dive deep into the idea of finding the right pace in life and work. We explore how our relationship with time evolves as we age, and what it means to develop a sustainable cadence that suits our changing needs and values. Patrick and I discuss how wisdom often takes priority over productivity, and how embracing pacing can lead to a more fulfilling life.

This conversation touched on a lot of important ideas, including how age impacts our pacing and how the societal pressure to constantly accelerate can affect our well-being. We even draw connections between personal reflections and practical applications for making better choices about how we spend our time.

Key Discussion Points

How turning 50 has influenced my perspective on pacing in life and work
The role of age in shaping our relationship with time and productivity
Why "moving slow to go fast" can be more effective in both work and life
Embracing wisdom over output as we get older
The cultural shift away from valuing the wisdom of elders and its impact
Understanding personal limitations and making conscious decisions about where to put our energy

Patrick also shared insights on the importance of understanding and respecting personal limitations, and we reflected on how age affects our perceptions of time and productivity. If you want to take a deeper look at how pacing yourself might help you find the right rhythm in your own life, this episode is a must-listen.

Links Worth Exploring

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

David Allen Talks About Team Productivity and the Evolution of GTD Oct 04, 2024

In this special Flashback Friday episode, I reconnect with David Allen, the creator of the Getting Things Done (GTD) methodology, to discuss his latest book, Team: Getting Things Done with Others, co-authored with Ed Lamont. We also revisit a classic conversation where we discussed the evolution of GTD, reflecting on its past, present, and the future of productivity practices.

David has been a regular guest on the show, and this time we dive into the complexities of translating GTD principles to a team setting, and how the GTD philosophy continues to evolve. We also touch on topics such as remote work, team dynamics, and the importance of clarity, trust, and adaptability in both individual and collective productivity.

Key Discussion Points

David's new book, Team: Getting Things Done with Others, and the challenges of applying GTD to teams
The importance of standards and clarity in fostering trust within a team environment
The evolution of productivity tools and the core principles of GTD that remain unchanged
How the brain processes tasks, multitasking, and the risks of decision fatigue in modern productivity
The nuances of working by context vs. linear project management and how they support different working styles
How GTD can be a lifestyle practice, providing a path to mastery that applies to both professional and personal life

It was (as always) an insightful conversation with David Allen, offering perspectives on how GTD remains a powerful productivity framework, whether you’re working solo or as part of a team. David's new book is a must-read for anyone looking to extend GTD practices beyond personal productivity and make teamwork more effective and cohesive. (Originally released July 2015)

Links Worth Exploring

Connect with David: Website | Facebook | Twitter | LinkedIn
Get David's book: Team: Getting Things Done with Others
Revisit my fireside chat with David at Running Remote 2023: Watch it here
Related Conversation: Episode 186: What Motivates Getting Things Done with Mary Lamia
Related Blog Post: The Evolution of Contexts

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.

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Andrew J. Mason Talks About Podcasting and Productivity Oct 02, 2024

In this episode, I sit down with Andrew J. Mason, a veteran podcast producer and the host of The Pro Guide. Andrew has over 18 years of experience in producing and hosting audio and visual content for shows like the Getting Things Done podcast for the David Allen Company and The Omni Show for the makers of OmniFocus. We dive deep into his journey in the world of podcasting, the productivity tools he uses, and his perspective on balancing creativity with efficiency.

Throughout our conversation, Andrew shares valuable insights on how he approaches podcast production, how his productivity methods have evolved, and why certain routines like coffee brewing are more than just about efficiency—they’re about setting the tone for the day. We also touch on the challenges of being productive in a creative field, particularly when managing multiple projects at once.

Key Discussion Points

Andrew’s start in podcasting in 2009 and his growth into producing The Pro Guide and The Omni Show
How productivity tools like OmniFocus help him manage sequential and parallel tasks in audio production
The value of creating a dynamic template for repetitive tasks and why adaptability is key
Andrew's relationship with video games and the importance of setting boundaries
The ritual of brewing coffee: why Andrew prefers pour-over for simplicity and my take on the deeper meaning behind coffee-making routines
How to maintain flexibility while still being productive, particularly when life doesn’t go according to plan

It was an absolute pleasure to chat with Andrew J. Mason. His passion for podcasting and productivity is truly inspiring, and I hope you find his insights as impactful as I did. If you’re someone looking to better balance creativity and productivity, or if you just want a behind-the-scenes look at the world of podcast production, this episode is for you.

Links Worth Exploring

Connect with Andrew: Website | LinkedIn | X/Twitter | Instagram
Check out my appearance on The Pro Guide: Watch it here
Check out Andrew's work on The Omni Show: Listen here
Related Conversation: Episode 64: Passionate About Productivity with Amber De La Garza
Related Blog Post: Why I’m Passionate About Personal 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.

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Gretchen Rubin Talks About The Four Tendencies Sep 27, 2024

In this Flashback Friday episode, I'm excited to revisit my conversation with the insightful Gretchen Rubin, marking the 550th episode of A Productive Conversation! This conversation explores her book, The Four Tendencies. We dive into how these four personality types—Upholder, Questioner, Obliger, and Rebel—can influence our behavior, decision-making, and even how we interact with others.

Having been involved in her Four Tendencies course, I’ve always been fascinated by the insights she offers on understanding ourselves better. Whether you’re new to this concept or revisiting it like me, this episode is packed with practical takeaways to help you better understand your own tendencies and those of the people around you.

Key Discussion Points

What led Gretchen to identify and define the Four Tendencies: Upholder, Questioner, Obliger, and Rebel.
How the Four Tendencies can impact habit formation and how to leverage your tendency to make effective changes.
Examples of how each tendency interacts with expectations, both internally and externally.
The importance of creating structures that align with your tendency, such as setting boundaries for obligers or emphasizing freedom for rebels.
Real-life applications of the Four Tendencies in work and personal life, including relationships and productivity.
Insights into how Gretchen’s work has evolved, including her other books like The Happiness Project, and the role these ideas play in her daily life.

I hope this throwback episode with Gretchen Rubin gave you some new perspectives on how personality frameworks can impact your productivity, relationships, and general well-being. If you’re curious to learn more, make sure to check out Gretchen's work and take the Four Tendencies quiz to see where you fit in. Understanding your tendencies might just be the key to unlocking a more productive, and satisfying, life. (Originally released January 2018)

Links Worth Exploring

Connect with Gretchen: Website | Instagram | Facebook | LinkedIn
Get Gretchen's Book: The Four Tendencies
Take The Four Tendencies Quiz: Check it out
Take The Four Tendencies Course: Start here
Read Grechen's piece on National Novel Writing month: Read it now
Related Conversation: Episode 454: Michelle Segar Talks About Habits and The Joy Choice
Related Blog Post: Finding Your Best First Day of the Year

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.

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Tamsen Webster Talks About Lasting Change and the Power of Communication Sep 25, 2024

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.

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Leo Babauta Talks About the Power of Slowing Down and Intentional Living Sep 20, 2024

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 | Instagra m | X/Twitte r
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.

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Kurtis Lee Thomas Talks About Breathwork Detox and Thriving in the Age of Anxiety Sep 18, 2024

In this episode of A Productive Conversation, I sit down with Kurtis Lee Thomas, author of Breathwork Detox: How to Thrive in the Age of Anxiety. Kurtis shares his powerful story of overcoming crippling anxiety and how breathwork became a transformative tool for healing and thriving. His journey from stress and burnout to becoming a leading voice in breathwork is nothing short of inspiring.

We delve into the practical aspects of breathwork, the science behind it, and how it can help alleviate anxiety, stress, and even physical ailments. Kurtis also breaks down the myths surrounding breathwork and shares simple exercises that anyone can incorporate into their daily routine to start feeling immediate benefits.

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.

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Flashback Friday: John Zeratsky Talks About Designing Your Environment for Focus Sep 13, 2024

In this Flashback Friday episode of A Productive Conversation, I revisit my insightful discussion with John Zeratsky, co-author of Make Time. This conversation dives into practical tips on optimizing focus, creating a conducive environment for productivity, and the fascinating concept of caffeine naps. John’s background in design and tech shines through as we explore strategies that help you make the most of your time and attention every day.

John and I share our thoughts on everything from the evolution of productivity tools to the importance of designing your environment in a way that promotes focus. We also discuss how minor tweaks can help you take control of your day without relying solely on willpower. Whether you’re struggling with distractions or looking for new ways to optimize your energy, this episode offers actionable tips to boost your daily productivity.

Key Discussion Points

The concept of a caffeine nap and how it can boost your energy for focused work.
The importance of designing your environment to make the right actions easier.
Strategies for overcoming time craters—small decisions that end up consuming more time and energy than expected.
How reflecting on your day can lead to better focus and productivity.
The role of friction in breaking bad habits and fostering positive change.
Why breaking down your daily highlight into small, actionable steps leads to greater focus and achievement.

As always, this episode is packed with actionable advice. John’s insights into how small, intentional changes can lead to big improvements in focus and productivity are worth revisiting. (Originally Released August 2020)

Links Worth Exploring

Connect with John: Website | LinkedIn | X/Twitter
Get John's Book: Make Time: How to Focus on What Matters Every Day
Jake Knapp
Time Dorks
Google Ventures
Design Sprint Process
Design Sprint | Amazon
Getting Things Done | Amazon
Related Episode: Episode 203: The Evolution of Getting Things Done with David Allen
(Another) Related Episode: Episode 229: Exploring Digital Minimalism with Cal Newport
Sleep Cycle
43 Folders
Indistractable | Amazon
Philips Wake Up Alarm Clock
Austin Kleon’s caffeine nap
Mori App
TeuxDeux
MakeTime.blog

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.

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PM Talks S1E9: Importance Sep 11, 2024

In this latest episode of our monthly series, PM Talks, Patrick Rhone and I further explore the delicate balance between urgency and – more notably this time around – importance in our lives. We explore how navigating these two forces impacts everything from birthday parties to home renovations and even our evolving relationship with AI. The conversation is a continuation of themes we've discussed in previous episodes, with a focus on how urgency often overshadows importance—and what we can do about it.

Patrick and I share real-life examples of how urgency and importance collide and how we can use experience and foresight to manage both effectively. Whether it's deciding on the timing of a milestone event or understanding when to address home issues, the key takeaway is learning to prioritize what truly matters.

Key Discussion Points

The distinction between urgency and importance, and how unchecked importance can turn into urgency.
Why milestone events, like turning 50, often bring urgency and importance into focus.
Real-life examples of how to manage urgent and important tasks, from home repairs to birthday celebrations.
The role of communication in defining urgency and importance, both for ourselves and when dealing with others.
How AI plays a role in shaping our responses to urgent versus important tasks.
The concept of removing emergencies from your life to reduce stress and stay focused on what truly matters.

In this episode, Patrick and I aim to help you better understand how to manage the tension between urgent and important tasks in your own life. Remember, the more you can address what’s important before it becomes urgent, the smoother things will go.

Links Worth Exploring

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.

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Flashback Friday: Jon Acuff Talks About Guaranteed Goals and the Power of Potential Sep 06, 2024

In this Flashback Friday episode, I’m revisiting my conversation with the prolific and engaging Jon Acuff. When we originally spoke, Jon had just released his book All It Takes Is A Goal, which dives into the framework he uses to turn ideas into reality. This episode provides a timeless look at Jon’s insights on goal setting, mindset, and living up to your potential. His humor and practical advice make goal-setting feel attainable, even for those of us who might struggle with staying on track.

Jon shares stories from his journey, discusses his process of turning desires into achievable goals, and explains how he taps into the potential we all have. Whether you’re familiar with Jon’s work or this is your first time hearing from him, this episode offers valuable takeaways for anyone looking to reach their goals without burning out.

Key Discussion Points

How Jon’s book All It Takes Is A Goal offers practical steps to achieve your potential
The difference between easy, middle, and guaranteed goals and how to make progress on each
The importance of mindset and how it can be the difference between staying stuck or moving forward
How to avoid the pitfalls of the comfort zone and chaos zone while staying in the potential zone
Why goal setting is not a one-size-fits-all approach and how to make it work for you
The role of sustainable fuel, like joy and craft, in achieving long-term success

In this conversation, Jon breaks down how small, consistent steps can lead to significant accomplishments. His emphasis on sustainable goals and creating systems that work for you offers a refreshing take on achieving success without overwhelm. (Originally Released September 2023)

Links Worth Exploring

Connect with Jon: Website | Facebook | Instagram | X/Twitter
The Book I Mentioned: How Teens Win: The Student's Guide to Accomplishing Big Goals
The Book We Discussed: All It Takes Is A Goal: The 3-Step Plan to Ditch Regret and Tap Into Your Massive Potential
Jon’s Own Podcast: Check It Out Here
Related Conversation: Episode 162: Finish with Jon Acuff
Related Blog Post: How to Take a “Time Tour”

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.

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Pete Steinberg Talks About Leadership Shock and Overcoming Leadership Challenges Sep 04, 2024

In this episode of A Productive Conversation, I sit down with Pete Steinberg to explore a phenomenon affecting many leaders today—what Pete calls "leadership shock." Despite their best efforts, many leaders find themselves feeling confused, exhausted, and ineffective. Pete sheds light on this issue, which arises when leaders are not intentional in their leadership approach, leading to systematic problems within their organizations.

Pete, who retired from coaching in 2017, has written a thought-provoking book on leadership shock. He shares his journey of creating a book that blends a fable with real-life case studies to democratize executive coaching and offer valuable insights to a wider audience. This conversation dives deep into the importance of self-reflection, metacognition, and understanding intangible leadership qualities.

Key Discussion Points

Leadership shock: What it is, its symptoms, and how it affects leaders despite their best efforts.
Non-intentional leadership: How lack of explicit leadership intentions can lead to systematic issues and confusion.
Overcoming leadership shock: The role of self-reflection and metacognition in developing effective leadership skills.
Unique approach to writing: Pete's blend of fable and case studies to create an authentic and informative leadership book.
Leadership development: Why intangible qualities like mindset and attributes are critical for selecting and developing leaders.
Role expectations in leadership: How clear expectations can transform leadership dynamics and the importance of aligning these expectations.

Pete Steinberg offers a fresh perspective on leadership, emphasizing the need for intentional leadership and the importance of self-reflection. His insights into leadership shock provide valuable lessons for anyone in a leadership position. Be sure to check out his book, Leadership Shock, and connect with him on LinkedIn for more insights on leadership and innovation.

Links Worth Exploring

Connect with Pete: Website | LinkedIn | X/Twitter
Get Pete's Book: Leadership Shock: Using Authenticity to Navigate the Hidden Dangers of Career Success
Related Conversation: Episode 289: The Vision Driven Leader with Michael Hyatt
Related Blog Post: Why Reading Leadership Books will Boost 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.

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Carl Pullein Talks About Time Management and Productivity Strategies Aug 28, 2024

In this episode, I'm thrilled to welcome Carl Pullein back to discuss various time management and prioritization strategies. We dive into the Ivy Lee method, GTD (Getting Things Done), and the 5 AM Club, focusing on how busy professionals can effectively manage their time and prioritize tasks. Carl and I emphasize the importance of balancing work, personal projects, and administrative tasks to achieve a sustainable and productive lifestyle.

Throughout our conversation, we explore the habit of procrastination and offer practical strategies for reframing it as a valuable learning experience. Carl shares his unique "Two Plus Eight" task prioritization system and explains how he maintains an 80% success rate with his productivity system. We also discuss the significance of intentional time management and the importance of recognizing limits and prioritizing tasks strategically.

Key Discussion Points

Ivy Lee Method and Task Prioritization: Exploring the Ivy Lee method for prioritizing tasks and the importance of distinguishing between "must do" and "should do" tasks.
Two Plus Eight System: Carl's approach to completing two must-do tasks daily and flagging others for later, aiming for 100% consistency.
Time Management for Busy Professionals: Balancing work, personal projects, and administrative tasks, and managing relationships with time rather than the time itself.
Procrastination as a Learning Tool: Practical strategies for reframing procrastination as a valuable learning experience and identifying triggers through journaling.
Calendar-Led Approach: Using a calendar to organize tasks, setting limits on task completion, and managing time effectively.
Continuous Improvement: Refining processes to save time and improve efficiency, with insights from racing car mechanics and the importance of cathartic journaling.
Flexible Productivity Systems: The need for flexibility in productivity systems and the dangers of over-committing and rigid time blocking.

Carl's insights provide a wealth of knowledge for anyone looking to enhance their productivity and time management skills. His practical advice and innovative strategies offer listeners the tools to make the most of their time and achieve their goals with clarity and purpose.

Links Worth Exploring

Connect with Carl: Website | LinkedIn | Instagram | X/Twitter
Check out Carl's YouTube Channel: Watch now
Get Carl's Book: Your Time, Your Way: Time Well Managed, Life Well Lived
Carl's Previous Apperance: Episode 195: # All Things Productive with Carl Pullein
Related Conversation: Episode 512: Hal Elrod Talks About Revamping "The Miracle Morning" and Embracing Challenges
Related Blog Post: Improving Productivity Through Process Refinement

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.

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Rebecca Zung Talks About Negotiating with Narcissists Aug 21, 2024

In this episode, I'm joined by Rebecca Zung, a negotiation expert specializing in dealing with high-conflict personalities, particularly narcissists. We explore strategies for handling legal disputes involving narcissistic personalities, focusing on understanding their psyche and using advanced negotiation skills to navigate these challenging situations. Rebecca shares insights on building leverage through documentation and setting boundaries while addressing vulnerabilities, all of which are crucial in achieving a successful outcome when dealing with narcissists.

Throughout our conversation, Rebecca emphasizes the importance of understanding the narcissist's brain chemistry and how childhood trauma often leads to underdeveloped emotional centers in their brains. She introduces her "Slay Method" for dealing with difficult people, which focuses on creating a clear vision, holding leverage, and setting specific negotiation goals. This episode is packed with practical advice and strategies for anyone facing the daunting task of negotiating with narcissists.

Key Discussion Points

Narcissism and Relationships: Understanding how narcissism affects relationships and the spectrum of narcissistic personality disorder.
Brain Chemistry and Trauma: Insights into how childhood trauma impacts narcissists' emotional development and behavior.
Creating Leverage: Techniques for building leverage in negotiations with narcissists by understanding their vulnerabilities and predictable behaviors.
The Slay Method: Rebecca's approach to dealing with difficult personalities, focusing on strategy and long-term vision.
Negotiation Goals: The importance of setting specific goals in negotiations, whether in dissolving partnerships or valuing assets.
Covert vs. Grandiose Narcissists: Identifying different types of narcissists and their manipulation tactics.
Asserting Power: How to assert power authentically to make narcissists back down.

Rebecca's expertise provides a comprehensive guide to navigating negotiations with narcissists, offering listeners actionable strategies to handle these challenging situations effectively. Her insights on the importance of self-reflection, boundary-setting, and strategic planning are invaluable for anyone dealing with difficult personalities in legal disputes (or otherwise).

Links Worth Exploring

Connect with Rebecca: Website | YouTube | Instagram | X/Twitter
Get Rebecca's Free Negotiation Prep Playbook: Click here
Get Rebecca's Book: SLAY the Bully: How to Negotiate with a Narcissist and Win
Related Conversation: Episode 358: Calm Your Chaos with Nicola Taggart
Related Blog Post: Why You Need to Take 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. 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.

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PM Talks S1E8: Urgency Aug 14, 2024

In this latest episode of our monthly series, PM Talks, I sit down once again with Patrick Rhone to delve into the intriguing relationship between urgency and importance in our daily lives. This episode, titled "Urgency RAW," offers a candid exploration of how we often find ourselves caught up in urgent tasks while overlooking what truly matters. Together with Patrick, we share personal stories, valuable insights, and practical strategies to help you navigate the delicate balance between urgency and importance in both personal and professional settings.

Throughout our discussion, we tackle the idea that urgent tasks often overshadow important ones, yet recognizing the difference between the two can lead to more effective prioritization and decision-making. Patrick and I dive into how urgent situations can suddenly arise and how proactive measures can help mitigate their impact. We also share tips on maintaining a sense of urgency in writing, particularly when conveying critical messages or deadlines.

Key Discussion Points

Urgency vs. Importance: Understanding the distinction between urgent and important tasks and why prioritizing important tasks can lead to long-term success.
Personal Stories: I share a recent experience with a kitchen leak that required immediate attention, and Patrick shares a story about his wife saving their blind dog from a pool. Both highlight the unpredictable nature of urgent situations.
Proactive vs. Reactive: Discussing the benefits of being proactive rather than reactive in handling urgent tasks, especially in maintenance and health-related scenarios.
The Role of Urgency in Public Speaking: I discuss how procrastination can create artificial urgency and the limits of improvisation when addressing important topics.
Medical Emergencies and Costs: Patrick and I highlight the importance of addressing medical issues promptly to prevent them from becoming urgent and costly.
Prioritization in Writing: Exploring the urgency of writing a book with a message that resonates, while balancing deadlines and creative processes.
The Trolley Problem: We use this philosophical dilemma to emphasize decision-making under urgency and the importance of considering long-term consequences.

As we wrap up this episode, Patrick and I encourage you to reflect on how you handle urgency in your own life. Are you focusing on what truly matters, or are urgent tasks dictating your priorities? By taking a moment to assess and understand the root causes of urgency, you can make more informed decisions and create a balance between urgent and important tasks. Thank you for joining us in this conversation, and we hope you find the insights shared here valuable in your journey toward better time management and productivity.

Links Worth Exploring

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.

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Paul Epstein Talks About Decision-Making and Momentum Aug 07, 2024

In this episode, I sit down with Paul Epstein to explore the intricacies of decision-making and building momentum. Paul shares his unique "head, heart, hands" framework for making better decisions and emphasizes the importance of balancing both emotional and logical aspects. We also dive into personal insights and professional experiences that have shaped Paul's approach to decision-making.

Our conversation covers the significance of understanding the Green, Yellow, and Red framework in professional settings and how disrupting self-limiting beliefs can lead to success. Paul also introduces the concept of "Monday Momentum" to help listeners build confidence and achieve their goals through consistent, small actions.

Key Discussion Points

Head, Heart, Hands Framework: Paul explains how balancing emotional and logical aspects leads to effective decision-making.
Green, Yellow, Red Framework: Understanding different decision zones and how to navigate them.
Balancing Nuance: The importance of balancing head and heart, especially in nuanced situations.
Managing Workplace Relationships: Tips on managing high-performing but difficult team members using the Green, Yellow, Red framework.
Micro Actions for Momentum: How small, intentional actions can build momentum and lead to significant progress.
NBA Draft Example: Using the "head, heart, hands" framework to analyze LeBron James' decision to draft his son.
Personal Growth: Paul's journey in discovering core values and making impactful decisions beyond the sports industry.

As we wrap up, Paul's insights offer a fresh perspective on decision-making and momentum. His practical advice and personal experiences provide valuable takeaways for anyone looking to improve their decision-making skills and build unstoppable progress.

Links Worth Exploring

Connect with Paul: Website | LinkedIn | Instagram | X/Twitter
Paul's "Monday Momentum" program: Sign up here
Jerry Maguire’s Mission Statement: Read it in full here
Related Conversation: Episode 385: Adii Pienaar talks about Measuring Life Profitability
Related Blog Post: Spo t Picking

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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.

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Paul Austin Talks About Microdosing Psychedelics for Productivity and Creativity Jul 31, 2024

In this episode, I sit down with Paul Austin to dive into the intriguing world of microdosing psychedelics. We explore the potential benefits and risks, the historical and modern connections between psychedelics and technological innovation, and the broader implications for productivity and creativity in the workplace.

Microdosing has become a hot topic, and Paul provides insights into how substances like psilocybin mushrooms and LSD can enhance performance, heal trauma, and boost creativity. We also discuss the need for greater acceptance and understanding of microdosing, emphasizing safe and responsible use. This conversation sheds light on how microdosing might transform our approach to productivity and creativity.

Key Discussion Points

Microdosing for Productivity: Paul and I discuss how microdosing psychedelics can enhance focus and flow, leading to improved workplace productivity.
Historical Influence on Technology: We explore the significant impact of psychedelics on the development of technology, including computers and the internet, with examples from notable figures like Steve Jobs.
Enhancing Creativity: Paul highlights how psychedelics can enhance creativity and problem-solving skills, with applications in design thinking at leading innovation centers.
Eastern vs. Western Perspectives: Our discussion contrasts Western and Eastern approaches to productivity and personal growth, finding a middle ground through microdosing.
Shifting Societal Attitudes: Paul points out the growing acceptance of psychedelics for therapeutic use, supported by influential voices and increasing public approval.
Overcoming Fear and Stigma: We talk about the role of microdosing in overcoming fear-based limitations and the importance of education to break the taboo surrounding psychedelics.
Resources for Learning: Paul shares recommended books and resources for those interested in exploring the potential benefits of psychedelics further.

As we wrap up, it's clear that microdosing psychedelics holds great promise for enhancing productivity, creativity, and personal growth. Paul's insights offer a fresh perspective on how we can responsibly integrate these practices into our lives to achieve better outcomes.

Links Worth Exploring

Connect with Paul: Website | LinkedIn | X/Twitter | Instagram
Get Paul's Book: Mastering Microdosing: How to Use Sub-Perceptual Psychedelics to Heal Trauma, Improve Performance, and Transform Your Life
Recommended Read #1: What the Dormouse Said
Recommended Read #2: From Counterculture to Cyberculture
Check out The Third Wave: Click here
Related Conversation: Episode 347: The Transparency Wave with Paul Pagnato
Related Blog Post: How To Find Your Way Forward (And Finish)

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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.

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Khe Hy Talks About Evolving Productivity and Self-Awareness Jul 24, 2024

In this episode, I chat with Khe Hy about our personal journeys in productivity and how our mindsets and habits have evolved over time. We emphasize the importance of finding personalized systems that accommodate various tasks and projects, providing a sense of control and organization. Khe also shares his unique experiences in the music industry, highlighting the tension between pursuing fame and authenticity.

Together, we explore the need to understand one’s motivations and desires rather than chasing external validation. Our discussion delves into our approaches to productivity and leisure, including the use of Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy to rewire our productivity mindset.

Key Discussion Points

The shift from productivity to self-healing in our 40s.
How productivity systems change with different life stages and personal growth.
Balancing fame and authenticity in the music industry.
The importance of self-awareness and healing for true productivity.
Using Notion and other tools to capture and prioritize tasks effectively.
Daily routines and habits that promote work-life balance.
The impact of Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy on productivity and self-awareness.

Khe Hy’s insights into evolving productivity and self-awareness offer valuable lessons for anyone looking to balance their work and personal life. His emphasis on healing, understanding personal motivations, and setting boundaries provides a holistic approach to productivity. Be sure to check out Khe’s work on radreads.co, his podcast, and follow him on Twitter and TikTok for more inspiring content.

Links Worth Exploring

Connect with Khe: Website | YouTube | X/Twitter
Khe’s Conversation with Ali Abdaal from 202: Watch here
Cal Newport’s Deep Questions Episode: Our Love/Hate Relationship with Personal Productivity
Related Conversation: Episode 532: Laura Mae Martin Talks About Personalized Productivity Systems and Well-being
Related Blog Post: Nuanced Time Management: Embracing Complexity for 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.

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Marie-Hélène Pelletier Talks About Resilience and Sustaining Efforts Over Time Jul 17, 2024

In this episode, I’m joined by Marie-Hélène Pelletier, a renowned expert on resilience, productivity, and sustainable efforts. We dive deep into the concept of resilience, exploring how it requires sustained efforts over time and effective strategies to cope with unexpected challenges. Marie-Hélène shares insights from her latest book, which focuses on breaking the pattern of relying on resilience alone and emphasizes the importance of self-awareness and sustainability.

Together, we reflect on our personal experiences and discuss the role of resilience in our lives. Marie-Hélène provides valuable strategies for monitoring and building a strong baseline of resilience, offering actionable steps for creating a structure to check in with ourselves and avoid self-destructive thoughts.

Key Discussion Points

Resilience is not a given; it requires a strategy to cope with challenges.
External messages and internal self-talk shape our perception of being resilient.
The importance of self-awareness in measuring and building resilience.
Linking intentions with attention to avoid unhelpful thoughts affecting productivity.
The relationship between grit and resilience, with resilience offering an upgrade after challenges.
Creating a structure for self-check-ins to protect emotions and needs.
The book’s emphasis on understanding fundamentals before building a strategic approach.

Marie-Hélène Pelletier’s insights on resilience and sustaining efforts over time are invaluable for anyone looking to enhance their productivity and mental health. Her book, “The Resilience Plan,” offers a strategic approach with practical exercises and actionable steps to help readers optimize their work performance and well-being. Don’t forget to visit resilienceplan.com for free worksheets and more information.

Links Worth Exploring

Connect with Marie-Hélène: Website | LinkedIn | X/Twitter
Get Marie-Hélène’s Book: The Resilience Plan: A Strategic Approach to Optimizing Your Work Performance and Mental Health
Related Conversation: Episode 398: Juliet Funt talks about a Minute to Think
Related Blog Post: The Balance Between Urgency and Purpose

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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.

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PM Talks S1E7: Perspective Jul 10, 2024

Welcome to the latest episode in our monthly series, PM Talks. In this episode, I sit down with Patrick to discuss the importance of perspective in our daily lives. We dive into our personal experiences with escaping the daily grind, the joys and challenges of investing in vacation homes, and the unique significance of family cabins.

Patrick and I also explore how perspective shapes our understanding and interactions in various contexts, from personal experiences and storytelling to broader conversations. We touch on the challenges of navigating a fast-paced world and the benefits of giving oneself space to appreciate different viewpoints. This episode is packed with insights on how establishing a shared understanding can set the stage for successful projects and meaningful connections.

Key Discussion Points

Our experiences with quick weekend getaways to family cabins, balancing busy schedules and relaxation.
The rich history and traditions of a family cabin in Minnesota, highlighting its generational significance.
The impact of perspective on reducing friction in various contexts, using examples like a multi-handled coffee mug and a Star Wars reference.
The challenges and unique viewpoints in watching circus performances, particularly a standout 16-year-old performer.
A discussion on Cirque du Soleil’s “Love” show, its technical marvels, and the different reactions from Beatles fans and seasoned Cirque viewers.
The relevance of George Orwell's "1984" to modern society and how perspective can shift our understanding of literature and life.
The importance of empathy and perspective-taking in communication, emphasizing the need to understand the "why" behind someone's viewpoint.

As we wrap up, Patrick and I reflect on how travel and new experiences can broaden our perspectives and lead to personal growth. We share anecdotes, such as my daughter’s transformative trip to Europe, illustrating how different viewpoints can profoundly impact our understanding of the world. We also delve into how aligning projects with personal values and perspectives is key to feeling a sense of completion and fulfillment.

Links Worth Exploring

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.

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Kevin Surace Talks About AI and Maintaining Productivity Jul 03, 2024

In this episode, I have a conversation with Kevin Surace, a prolific inventor and AI expert with 94 worldwide patents. Kevin and I dive into the strategies for maintaining productivity and purpose in life, including prioritizing tasks, managing energy levels, and navigating the second phase of life. We also explore the impact of AI on society and productivity, highlighting both its benefits and challenges.

Throughout our discussion, Kevin shares his insights on the potential and limitations of AI assistants in content creation and relationship advice, emphasizing the need to use these tools responsibly and ethically. We offer practical advice and strategies for balancing various roles and responsibilities while maintaining productivity and purpose in life.

Key Discussion Points

The importance of productivity and prioritization, emphasizing real-world problem-solving and finding joy in work.
Strategies for maintaining energy and focus, including the benefits of being a night owl and the importance of exercise.
The potential impact of AI on jobs and productivity, highlighting both opportunities and challenges.
How AI tools like Otter.ai, GPT, Copilot, and Dall-E can increase productivity by automating tasks and generating ideas.
The responsible use of AI language models for refining prompts and enhancing creative processes.
The role of AI in improving critical thinking and fostering innovation in various fields.
Practical advice for entrepreneurs, especially those in the second phase of life, on identifying real problems and turning them into successful businesses.

In closing, Kevin and I reflect on the exciting possibilities that AI brings to productivity and innovation, while also stressing the importance of using these tools ethically. We hope this episode provides valuable insights and practical advice for maintaining productivity and finding purpose in your personal and professional life.

Links Worth Exploring

Connect with Kevin: Website | LinkedIn | X/Twitter
Related Conversation: Episode 513: Haris Butt Talks About AI and Productivity Enhancements
Related Blog Post: There’s Nothing Wrong with Being a Night Owl

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.

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FROM THE VAULT: Corey Poirier Talks About Finding Your Passion and Overcoming Public Speaking Fears Jun 26, 2024

In this episode of the podcast, I'm joined by Corey Poirier, a renowned speaker and author for a special double episode. We discuss the inspiration behind writing a parable-style book (like his book "The Enlightened Passenger", the importance of passion in one's work, and the unique challenges of stand-up comedy. Corey shares his journey of discovering his passion for speaking and teaching others how to find their own passion, providing listeners with practical advice and insights along the way.

We also revisit Corey's previous appearance on the show, where he shares the critical steps to overcoming public speaking fears, including Corey's 90-day program that offers weekly video trainings, a supportive social media community, and expert Q&A sessions. Corey emphasizes the significance of taking baby steps in conquering these fears and launching a successful speaking career.

As we wrap up the conversation, Corey leaves us with actionable steps to help listeners embark on their own journey of discovering and pursuing their passions. His insights and experiences serve as a valuable guide for anyone looking to overcome their fears and achieve their dreams.

Key Discussion Points

The inspiration behind Corey Poirier's parable-style book "The Enlightened Passenger" and its layered approach to personal growth and spirituality.
Corey's journey from stand-up comedy to keynote speaking, highlighting the transformative impact of following one's passion.
The role of passion in one's work and how Corey discovered his through stand-up comedy and speaking.
Practical advice for overcoming public speaking fears, including stage training programs like Toastmasters and Dale Carnegie.
The importance of taking baby steps to build confidence in public speaking and how Corey's 90-day program supports this process.
Corey shares insights on finding one's passion, starting with a pen and paper exercise to reflect on what one would do if money weren't an issue.
Tips for avoiding distractions during the passion-finding process, such as turning off notifications and moving your phone away.

This episode with Corey Poirier is packed with valuable insights and practical advice on finding and pursuing your passion, overcoming public speaking fears, and achieving personal growth. Whether you're looking to make a career change or simply want to conquer your fears, Corey's journey and expertise offer a wealth of inspiration and guidance.

Links Worth Exploring

Connect with Corey: Website | LinkedIn | X/Twitter
Get Corey’s Book: The Enlightened Passenger
Explore one of Corey's other initiatives: Learn more about bLU Talks
Learn more about Corey's speaker program: Check it out here
Related Conversation: Episode 446: How to Fight a Hydra with Josh Kaufman
Related Blog Post: Why I’m Passionate About Personal 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.

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Laura Mae Martin Talks About Personalized Productivity Systems and Well-being Jun 19, 2024

In this episode of A Productive Conversation, I sit down with Google’s productivity expert, Laura Mae Martin, to explore the nuances of personal and business productivity. With thirteen years at Google under her belt, Laura has experience in sales, product operations, event planning, and executive coaching.

During our conversation, Laura shares her journey to becoming a productivity guru and the insights that led to her latest book, "UPTIME: A Practical Guide to Personal Productivity and Wellbeing." Together, we explore how traditional definitions of productivity often miss the mark and how personalized systems can truly enhance effectiveness and well-being.

Join us as we discuss strategies for prioritizing tasks, setting boundaries, and managing time more effectively. Laura emphasizes the importance of flexibility and realism in setting boundaries and shares her preferred productivity systems and methods, including the innovative "list funnel" approach.

Key Discussion Points

Laura’s Origin Story: How Laura became a productivity expert and authored "Uptime."
Redefining Productivity: Linking intention and attention, rather than focusing solely on efficiency.
The 5 C’s of Productivity: What are they and how do they work?
Managing Urgent Tasks: The benefits of setting a daily urgent time block versus reactive management.
The List Funnel Concept: Laura’s favorite part of her book, offering a systematic approach to task management.
Balancing Work and Personal Life: Personal productivity systems and the challenges of maintaining balance.
Work Flexibility During the Pandemic: How the shift to remote work has changed productivity dynamics and management approaches.

Laura Mae Martin’s insights offer a refreshing take on productivity, emphasizing the need for personalized systems and realistic boundaries. Her practical advice and strategies provide valuable tools for anyone looking to enhance their productivity and well-being. Be sure to check out her book "Uptime" for a deeper dive into these concepts.

Links Worth Exploring

Connect with Laura: Website | LinkedIn | Instagram
Get Laura’s Book: UPTIME: A Practical Guide to Personal Productivity and Wellbeing
Related Conversation: The Evolution of Getting Things Done with David Allen
(Another) Related Conversation: Episode 360: A World Without Email with Cal Newport
Related Blog Post: How to Be Productive When You’re Sick and Tired

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.

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PM Talks S1E6: Writing Jun 12, 2024

Welcome to the latest episode of PM Talks, our monthly series on A Productive Conversation where I engage in thought-provoking conversations with my good friend Patrick Rhone.

This time around we dive deep into our unique approaches to writing, balancing productivity, and embracing creative freedom. Patrick and I share our experiences with writer's block and self-doubt, discuss curating blog content into book format, and highlight the value of writing for personal growth.

Key Discussion Points

We discuss our busy schedules, including Patrick's circus performances and my NFL Draft viewing.
I talk about the reality of multitasking, such as doing admin work while watching the NFL Draft.
Patrick prefers quiet or ambient noise for focus, avoiding music with lyrics.
We stress getting ideas out of our heads, even if they're not fully formed.
Strategies for capturing ideas include writing them down, using instrumental music, and muting distractions.
Differences between blog writing and book writing, and focusing on one or the other.

Patrick and I also reflect on the challenges and rewards of writing. We delve into the importance of intentionality and consistency in our writing practices, sharing practical strategies for overcoming creative blocks and maintaining productivity. Our conversation offers valuable insights for writers and creatives looking to enhance their craft.

Links Worth Exploring

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.

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Scott Rusnak Talks About Integrating EOS for Maximum Impact Jun 05, 2024

In this episode, I sit down with Scott Rusnak to explore the powerful integration of the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS) into both personal and professional lives. Scott and I talk about the importance of prioritizing and designing one's life intentionally, providing actionable insights and tools for personal growth and maximum impact.

We also highlight the significance of journaling for personal and professional development, emphasizing the roles of non-negotiables, reflection, and self-awareness in achieving long-term goals. Additionally, Scott shares his thoughts on gratitude and the importance of maintaining a gratitude journal to recognize and appreciate those who have helped us along our journey.

Key Discussion Points

The need to prioritize and design life rather than letting it unfold by default.
The role of journaling in personal and professional development.
Emphasizing non-negotiables and self-awareness in making progress towards goals.
The value of gratitude and keeping a gratitude journal.
Finding focus and balance through setting values and priorities.
Surrounding oneself with the right people and having an accountability plan.
The importance of taking breaks and resting to recharge.

This episode with Scott Rusnak is packed with valuable insights for anyone looking to integrate the principles of EOS into their life. From journaling and gratitude to prioritizing and designing a life of impact, Scott provides practical advice and tools to help you achieve your goals. Be sure to take action on the insights shared and continue your journey towards personal and professional growth.

Links Worth Exploring

Connect with Scott: Website | L inkedIn
Get Scott’s Book: T he Entrepreneurs Field Guide - Design Your Life Before Someone Else Does It For You!
What is EOS? Read this book: Traction: Get a Grip on Your Business
Related Conversation: A Very Special Episode: Austin Kleon Returns!
Related Blog Post: Gap Days

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.

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Scott H. Young Talks About Getting Better at Anything May 29, 2024

In this captivating episode of the podcast, I sit down with the renowned author and self-directed learning enthusiast, Scott H. Young, to dive into the intricacies of mastering new skills and the science of learning. Scott, known for his groundbreaking work on rapid skill acquisition, shares his unique insights into writing, learning, and the critical role of research in personal development.

Throughout our discussion, Scott and I explore a variety of topics from the practical to the philosophical, all centered around how we can better understand and improve our ability to learn and perform. Whether you're a student, a professional, or simply a lifelong learner, this episode is packed with valuable lessons and actionable advice.

Key Discussion Points

Research and Writing Nonfiction: How Scott structures his work and breaks down complex subjects into understandable segments.
Cultural Misunderstandings: Dealing with geographical misconceptions and the importance of accurate cultural representation.
Principles of Learning and Memory: Insights into the cognitive science that enhances our learning capabilities.
Role of AI in Education: A discussion on how artificial intelligence is reshaping learning environments and educational methods.
Importance of Repetition and Variability: Scott emphasizes how these factors influence skill improvement and adaptability.
Mental Models and Dynamic Skills: The significance of mental frameworks in mastering new skills and solving problems.
Research Depth: Balancing between extensive research and the practicality of writing.

As we wrapped up our conversation, it became clear that understanding the process of learning itself is as crucial as the knowledge we seek to gain. Scott's perspectives not only enrich our approach to learning but also challenge us to rethink how we teach and acquire new skills in an ever-evolving world. Don't forget to check out Scott’s book, "Get Better at Anything," and explore more of his profound insights on his website.

Links Worth Exploring

Connect with Scott: Web site | X/Tw itter | LinkedIn | YouTube
Get Scott’s Book: Get Better at Anything
That Jim Gaffigan Special: Learn more about it here
Why Are Humans Suddenly Getting Better at Tetris?
What is The Great Mental Models Project? Check it out.
Another book to check out: Noise: A Flaw in Human Judgment
Related Conversation: Episode 256: Understanding Ultralearning with Scott H. Young
Related Blog Post: More Better

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.

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John Diggs Talks About Unlocking Potential with Mind Mapping May 22, 2024

Welcome to this episode where we dive deep into the world of mind mapping with John Diggs, a former NFL player turned coach – but not a coach of the football variety.

John brings a unique perspective on how mind mapping has not only transformed his personal life but also how he coaches others to achieve their fullest potential. We explore the broad applications of this powerful tool, from personal development to academic and professional success.

John shares his journey from the football field to becoming a mind mapping mentor, emphasizing how this technique has helped him and many others visualize goals and navigate life's complexities. We discuss the versatility of mind maps in enhancing creativity, memory, and productivity, and how they serve as a foundational tool for successful life planning.

Key Discussion Points

Transition from NFL to Mind Mapping: John ecounts his transition from professional sports to becoming a life coach, using mind mapping to guide his and others' life choices.
Mind Mapping for College Students: We discuss the significant benefits for students, such as improved decision-making, enhanced memory, and better organization of thoughts.
Practical Applications of Mind Maps: From helping athletes prepare for games to aiding students and professionals in project management, mind maps prove to be invaluable.
Integration with Task Management Tools: Both John and I highlight the integration of mind maps with tools like MindMeister and Meistertask to streamline task execution and project management.
Vision Boards vs. Mind Maps: We compare the dynamic nature of mind maps with static vision boards, emphasizing how mind maps offer a more profound, evolving approach to goal setting.
Mind Mapping for Personal Growth: John shares his personal story of how mind mapping helped him rediscover himself and rebuild his life after significant setbacks.
Promoting Mind Mapping as a Life Skill: We advocate for the adoption of mind mapping as a routine practice for personal development and clarity in life goals.

This conversation with John Diggs has been incredibly enlightening, showcasing the transformative power of mind mapping in various aspects of life. Whether you're an athlete, student, or professional, mind mapping can be a game-changer in how you organize your thoughts, set your goals, and achieve success. Be sure to check out John's resources and start incorporating mind mapping into your daily routine for a more organized and purposeful life.

Links Worth Exploring

Connect with John: Website | X/Twitter | LinkedIn
Check out John's TEDx talk: Watch it here
What is "Big Play Power" anyway?: Find out
John's Books: Get them here
Check out the "Meister" suite of tools: MindMeister | MeisterTask
Want to go to "Mappineerville?: Visit (and join) now
Related Conversation: Episode 335: Mind Map Your Writing with Daphne Gray-Grant
Related Blog Post: How to Map Out One Year in One Hour

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.

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Steven Bertrand Talks About Overcoming Challenges and Embracing Meditation May 15, 2024

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: We bsite | 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.

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PM Talks S1E5: What Do You Want From Us? May 08, 2024

In this latest installment of our monthly series PM Talks, I had the pleasure of chatting with my good friend Patrick Rhone about the vast theme of choices and how they weave through our personal and professional lives. This episode delves into everything from the cultural impact of wrestling to the profound topics of longevity, mortality, and the essence of making the most of our time. Patrick, with his characteristic insight and depth, brings a unique perspective to these discussions, challenging us to reconsider our priorities and the legacy we aim to leave behind.

Our conversation wasn't just about the heavy stuff; we also touched on lighter yet equally significant aspects of daily life, such as job satisfaction, the fast food culture, and the evolution of meal service delivery. Patrick's reflections on identity and success, alongside our shared experiences with fast food and personal happiness, reveal the complex interplay between societal norms and individual fulfillment. It's this balance of thought-provoking and relatable content that makes our dialogue not just informative but also incredibly engaging.

Key Discussion Points

The significance of choice in our lives, from cultural preferences to professional paths.
Our shared love for professional wrestling and its evolution from regional circuits to global entertainment.
Reflecting on the longevity of both podcasting and wrestling, and what it means to sustain passion over time.
The societal emphasis on quantity over quality in life expectancy and how it shapes our approach to aging and mortality.
The importance of finding satisfaction in one's job, whether it's a high-flying tech position or a routine clock-punching job.
Navigating the convenience and challenges of fast food in the context of busy family lives and the rise of meal prep services.
Implementing productive morning and evening routines to manage time effectively and make room for what truly matters.

Closing this episode, Patrick and I contemplate the bittersweet nature of nostalgia and the inevitability of mortality, underscoring the importance of saying "yes" to life's experiences. Through our discourse, we invite listeners to reflect on the choices they make, the value of embracing the present, and the importance of crafting a life filled with meaningful moments. Whether you're contemplating a career pivot, struggling with time management, or simply looking for ways to infuse more joy into your daily routine, there's something in this conversation for you.

Links Worth Exploring

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.

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Mat Ellis Talks About Balancing Productivity and Personal Connection with AI May 01, 2024

In this engaging episode of the podcast, I sit down with Mat Ellis, a pioneer in the productivity software arena, to explore how modern tools like AI can enhance both our work efficiency and our personal lives. We delve into the evolution of productivity platforms, particularly Mat's work with Sixty, and discuss the significant impact of these tools on our daily routines.

As we navigate through the conversation, Mat provides profound insights into the delicate balance between leveraging technology and maintaining genuine human interactions. This discussion is crucial for anyone looking to optimize their time management without sacrificing personal connections.

Key Discussion Points

The Evolution of Productivity Software: We discuss the origins and growth of the productivity platform Sixty, tracing its development from the early productivity revolution.
Technology as a Burden: Reflections on how the role of computers has shifted from being supportive tools to potential burdens, impacting both productivity and work-life balance.
Managing Communication Overload: Strategies on using software to manage email and communication overload, including AI's role in prioritizing important messages.
Automating with AI: Benefits of AI in automating routine tasks and implementing systems like the daily out-of-office, which helps manage email flow outside work hours.
AI and Human Interaction: The potential and limitations of AI in productivity and time management, emphasizing the importance of human creativity and interaction.
Personalized Communication: The value of personalized communication in relationship and time management, with examples of AI's role in enhancing these interactions.
Productivity vs. Relationship Nourishment: Discussing the balance between achieving productivity goals and nurturing personal relationships, emphasizing the importance of focusing on what truly matters.

My conversation with Mat Ellis was enlightening, showing us the potential of AI to transform our work habits and personal interactions. As we continue to integrate these technologies into our lives, it's vital to remain aware of the human element that fosters genuine connections and creativity. Remember, it's not just about being productive—it's about being meaningfully engaged with our tasks and the people around us.

Links Worth Exploring

Connect with Mat: Website | X/Twitter | LinkedIn
A little bit more on Jerry Colonna: Check out the Reunion website
Terry Crews with Rich Roll on "Nuance": Watch the clip | Watch the entire episode
Related Conversation: Episode 472: The Evolution of Getting Things Done with David Allen
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. 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.

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FROM THE VAULT: Thomas Frank Talks About Elevating Creativity in Productivity Apr 24, 2024

In this episode, originally broadcast in April 2020, I'm joined by Thomas Frank, a prominent content creator who has significantly influenced the YouTube and productivity community. Thomas opens up about his journey into video creation, sharing the nuances of his creative process and how he has successfully integrated his personal interests with productivity content. From the initial inspiration to the complexities of content creation and management, Thomas provides a comprehensive look into the life of a content creator striving to deliver valuable, engaging content.

As someone eager to dive into video content creation myself, Thomas's experiences and insights come at a perfect time. His journey from starting on YouTube in 2006 to becoming a serious content creator, inspired by folks like Pat Flynn and driven by a desire to infuse creativity into productivity, is nothing short of inspiring. We delve into the challenges of balancing creative energy with time management, and how personal interests can significantly enhance the content creation process.

Key Discussion Points

Thomas's transition into serious video content creation, inspired by Pat Flynn and the desire to deliver a powerful message through video.
The integration of personal interests with productivity content, creating unique and engaging videos.
The detailed research and personal testing that go into creating each video, emphasizing quality over quantity.
Challenges in managing creative energy and time, especially when balancing long-form projects with the demands of short-form content.
The importance of authenticity in content creation, drawing from a broad range of influences beyond the productivity genre.
Struggles with deciding on video topics, last-minute content compromises, and the balance between creative work and business responsibilities.
Leveraging existing audiences for new ventures, such as transitioning into music and exploring platforms like Nebula for content monetization.

My conversation with Thomas Frank sheds light on the multifaceted world of content creation, from the inception of an idea to the execution and beyond. His approach to blending productivity with creativity, while facing the challenges of time management and audience expectations, offers invaluable lessons for aspiring creators. Thomas's journey is a testament to the power of authenticity and the importance of integrating personal passions with professional endeavors. As we wrap up, it's clear that the key to successful content creation lies in finding a balance that resonates both with the creator and their audience.

Links Worth Exploring

Connect with Thomas: Website | X/Twitter | Main YouTube Channel
Check out "Thomas Franks Explains": YouTube Channel
Thomas Interviews ME: Listen here
The original version of this episode for more links: Check it out here
Related Conversation: Episode 389: A/J Jackson talks about Music, Glasses and Color Theory
Related Blog Post: The Power of Bit by Bit 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.

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Dr. Dale Whelehan Talks About Revolutionizing Work with a Four-Day Week Apr 17, 2024

In an enlightening conversation with Dr. Dale Whelehan, CEO of Four Day Week Global, we dive into the evolving landscape of work and the compelling argument for a four-day workweek. This discussion unfolds organically, touching on the profound benefits that a shortened workweek can offer not just to individual productivity and well-being but also to the broader societal and business landscapes. Dr. Whelehan, with his extensive research and leadership in advocating for this shift, sheds light on why the century-old five-day workweek is ripe for change, especially in today's context of cognitive and emotional labor.

The COVID-19 pandemic has undeniably accelerated the reevaluation of work culture, pushing us into a realm where the tension between traditional and emerging work paradigms is more palpable than ever. Using the metaphor of a frog slowly boiling in water, we discuss how employees and employers are navigating this shift, with many seeking a balance that seems increasingly elusive. Dr. Whelehan highlights the critical dissonance at play, pointing out the pressing need for workplaces to adapt to what truly works for their people, rather than adhering to outdated modes that breed burnout and inefficiency.

Key Discussion Points

The relaxed and organic tone of productive conversations on significant shifts in work culture.
The mission of Four Day Week Global and the societal, business, and individual benefits of a four-day workweek.
Historical context and the evolution of work from physical to cognitive demands, highlighting the necessity for change.
The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on work intensity and the shift in employee-employer dynamics.
The concept of a "productivity intervention" as a sustainable approach to improving workplace output and well-being.
The significance of motivation and the science behind it in enhancing productivity within a reduced working week.
Challenges and strategies in implementing flexible work schedules across different cultures and industries.

My discussion with Dr. Whelehan offers a thought-provoking glimpse into the future of work, one that champions flexibility, well-being, and efficiency. The four-day workweek, as Dr. Whelehan articulates, is not just a fleeting trend but a pivotal movement towards redefining productivity and quality of life for employees around the globe. As we reflect on the cultural and logistical nuances of this transition, it becomes clear that the path to a more balanced, fulfilling work-life is paved with trust, collaboration, and a willingness to challenge the status quo. This conversation is a must-listen for anyone interested in the intersection of productivity, well-being, and the future of work.

Links Worth Exploring

Connect with Dr. Whelehan: Website | X/Twitter | LinkedIn
Learn more about the four day week initiative: Visit 4 Day Week Global's website
Check out Time Thieves: Find out where to watch the documentary here
Related Conversation: Episode 511: Francesco D’Alessio Talks About Innovative Productivity Apps and Methodologies
Related Blog Post: The 10 Hour Work Week

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.

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PM Talks S1E4: Failure Apr 10, 2024

In this month's installment of our PM Talks series, Patrick Rhone and yours truly (Mike Vardy) dissect the multifaceted concepts of failure, choice, and the consequent growth that can emerge from these experiences. Through a series of engaging stories and personal reflections, we delve into how our perceptions of failure and the choices we make in response to it can profoundly shape our personal and professional lives. Patrick brings a depth of insight to the conversation, prompting us to consider the power of reframing our narratives around failure and the critical role of choice in steering the course of our growth.

Our dialogue traverses various landscapes, from the humor and empathy found in college rejection letters to the daily choices that influence our habits and the monumental decisions that define our paths. We explore the importance of embracing failure as a crucial element of learning and growth, the impact of parenting on our perception of obstacles, and how personal experiences with technology and art can offer unexpected opportunities for expansion. The richness of our discussion highlights not only the inevitability of failure and choice in life but also the potential for meaningful growth that lies within these experiences.

Key Discussion Points

The perception of failure in the entrepreneurial space and its potential for reframing as growth.
The significance of choice in shaping our actions and their outcomes, underscored by personal anecdotes.
The role of parenting in teaching resilience through teenage failures and the navigation of new challenges.
The process of college admissions as a microcosm for broader life decisions and the acceptance of various outcomes.
The exploration of failure and success within the context of art and society, using Henri Toulouse-Lautrec's work as an example.
The balance between seizing opportunities and stretching beyond comfort zones, illustrated through personal contemplations on travel and financial decisions.
The concept of tolerance in decision-making and how it evolves with age, impacting our approach to risks and opportunities.

Wrapping up our conversation, Patrick and I touch on the underlying theme that binds these topics together: the intrinsic value of embracing life's uncertainties and the growth that emerges from this embrace. Whether discussing the finer points of art, the practicalities of technology and travel, or the philosophical depths of failure and success, our dialogue reaffirms the importance of stepping into the unknown with openness and curiosity.

This episode not only challenges listeners to rethink their relationship with failure but also encourages a deeper appreciation for the choices we face daily and the potential they hold for personal and professional evolution.

Links Worth Exploring

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.

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Derin "DMac" McMains Talks About Talks About Transitioning from Sports to Mental Performance Coaching Apr 03, 2024

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.

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FROM THE VAULT: Ian Morgan Cron Talks About Enneagram Self-Discovery Mar 27, 2024

In this episode of the podcast, we delve deep into the realms of self-discovery and personal growth with the insightful Ian Morgan Cron, a renowned author and Enneagram expert. Our conversation, originally released in March 2022, revolves around Ian's book, "The Story of You," which introduces a fresh perspective on understanding our personalities through the Enneagram. As someone constantly seeking ways to better understand myself and enhance my productivity, I found Ian's approach not just fascinating but deeply helpful.

Ian Morgan Cron's expertise illuminates the intricate ways our self-narratives shape our identities and behaviors. We explore how the Enneagram can act as a powerful tool for unraveling these narratives, offering a path to more authentic living. The discussion spans from the technicalities of identifying our Enneagram types to practical advice on confronting and rewriting the self-limiting stories we've clung to.

Key Discussion Points

My curiosity about the Enneagram and the journey to discover my number with Ian's guidance.
Insights from "The Story of You" on how our personal stories and Enneagram types intertwine.
The concept of negative passions and virtues in the Enneagram, and how understanding these can foster personal growth.
The importance of recognizing and moving beyond stereotypes to truly understand our core Enneagram number and subtypes.
Reflecting on the role of the Enneagram in identifying and altering self-sabotaging narratives.
Strategies for using the Enneagram to explore our shadow sides and the impact of our stories on our lives and relationships.
Personal anecdotes from both Ian and myself on how the Enneagram has facilitated our paths to self-awareness and transformation.

Understanding the Enneagram and its application in dissecting and rewriting our personal narratives holds immense power for anyone on a path to self-improvement. Ian's insights not only shed light on the complexities of human personality but also offer tangible steps towards cultivating a life of greater authenticity and fulfillment. Whether you're new to the Enneagram or looking to deepen your understanding, "The Story of You" is a resource I cannot recommend highly enough.

Links Worth Exploring

Connect with Ian: Website | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram
Ian's Book: The Story of You
Ian's Podcast: Typology
Ian's Other Book: The Road Back to You
The iEQ9 Assessment: Take It Here
Related Conversation: Episode 270: The Daily Decision with Brian Dixon
Related Blog Post: Introducing The Awareness Building Class

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.

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Lindsey Roy Talks About Overcoming Adversity with Perspective Mar 20, 2024

In this inspiring episode, I sit down with Lindsey Roy, who shares her incredible journey of overcoming adversity through a profound change in perspective. Lindsey's story of losing a leg and both lungs is nothing short of remarkable, and her insights into harnessing personal tragedy to cultivate wisdom and a new outlook on life are both enlightening and uplifting. Together, we delve into the power of perspective, the importance of vulnerability, and how these tools can significantly impact our mental well-being and productivity.

Our discussion spans a wide array of topics, each offering valuable lessons on how to navigate life's toughest moments with grace and resilience. From personal stories of transformation to practical tips on managing time and productivity, this episode is a treasure trove of wisdom for anyone looking to find purpose in pain and to leverage life's challenges for personal growth.

Key Discussion Points

Lindsey's journey of losing a leg and both lungs, leading her to write a book on perspective and wisdom.
The concept of "mental silence" and achieving focus by drowning out distractions.
Leveraging personal control over perspective for better mental well-being.
The importance of reframing negative thoughts and embracing vulnerability for personal growth.
The role of vulnerability in creating supportive environments and living in the moment.
The significance of gratitude and cherishing simple joys in life.

To wrap up, this episode serves as a powerful reminder of the strength we all possess to face adversity head-on and come out stronger on the other side. Lindsey's story is a testament to the human spirit's resilience and the transformative power of perspective. Whether you're going through a tough time or just looking for inspiration to tackle everyday challenges, there's something in this conversation for you.

Links Worth Exploring

Connect with Lindsey: Website | Instagram | Facebook | LinkedIn
Get Lindsey's book: The Gift of Perspective
This video is about perspective: Watch on YouTube
Related Conversation: Episode 152: Positively Speaking with Dan Lerner and Alan Schlechter
Related Blog Post: How To Get Better Perspective (In Just 90 Seconds)

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.

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PM Talks S1E3: Nuance Mar 13, 2024

Welcome to the latest episode of our monthly series, PM Talks, where we delve deep into the nuances of productivity, creativity, and the art of living a thoughtful life. In this episode, Patrick and I have taken an explorative dive into the realms of language evolution, the essence of creativity, and the significance of nuance in our fast-paced world. It's a conversation that spans the spectrum of art and commerce, the dynamics of personal connections, and the profound impact of creativity on society.

Key Discussion Points

The origins and evolving meanings of terms like "simpleton" and "Inbox Zero," highlighting the fluid nature of language and its impact on our understanding and communication.
The dangers of absolutism in a world that thrives on brevity, and the critical need for nuance to avoid miscommunication and misunderstandings.
The interplay between art and commerce, as discussed through personal anecdotes and experiences, emphasizing the subjective nature of art and its capacity for disruption.
Rick Rubin's influence on creativity and self-expression, with insights from his book "The Creative Act," advocating for risk-taking and evolution in the creative process.
The importance of tapping into existing energy and flow for creativity, contrasting the approaches of Steven Pressfield's "The War of Art" and Rick Rubin's "The Creative Act."
The unique ability of art and creativity to evoke personal interpretations and meanings, underscoring the diminishing presence of nuance in today's society.
The role of nuance in decision-making and productivity, highlighting the limitations of black-and-white thinking and advocating for a more nuanced, optimistic outlook.

To wrap up, this episode has been a profound exploration of how nuance plays an indispensable role in enriching our productivity, creativity, and the way we perceive the world around us. As we dissected topics from language evolution to the essence of creativity, it became clear that embracing the complexities and subtleties of life can lead to deeper understanding and fulfillment. Remember, it's in the shades of gray that the full spectrum of human experience comes to light.

As always, thank you for joining me on this journey. Until next time, keep seeking the nuance in everything you do.

Links Worth Exploring

"What we are witnessing right now is the death of nuance."
Inbox Zero (circa 2007) by Merlin Mann
Rick Rubin chats with Nick Cave
Rick Rubin chats with Steven Pressfield
Rick Rubin wrote a book that we both read. Get it here.
Check out Patrick's website.
Read some Rhoneisms here.

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.

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Chris Knudsen Talks About Unconventional Business Wisdom Mar 06, 2024

In this episode, I had the pleasure of sitting down with Chris Knudsen, author of the non-traditional business book, "Trust Me, I'm a Consultant." Chris shared insights into the unconventional approach to writing a business book, reflecting on his extensive experience in the corporate world and his successful transition to self-employment. We delved into the heart of entrepreneurial spirit, the importance of self-education, and the value of learning from failures.

Chris's journey from the corporate ladder to authoring a book during the challenging times of the COVID-19 pandemic is an inspirational one. Our conversation covered a wide range of topics, including the limitations of the university system, career development, entrepreneurship, and the pivotal moments that redefine our paths. Chris's perspective on happiness, productivity, and personal growth offers valuable lessons for anyone looking to navigate the complexities of today’s business world.

Key Discussion Points

The process and challenges of writing "Trust Me, I'm a Consultant" during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Reflections on the limitations of the university system and the advocacy for self-education.
Insights into career development and the transition to self-employment at 35.
The importance of learning from business failures and the ability to bounce back through consulting work.
The concept of choosing happiness, overcoming complacency, and finding balance in life.
Strategies for prioritizing time and productivity in a busy world, including the significance of perspective and incremental progress.
The role of personal growth in decision-making and the emphasis on empathy and problem-solving in business.

In wrapping up, Chris’s narrative is a powerful reminder that the path to success is not always linear. His story encourages us to embrace the unconventional, learn from our experiences, and always strive for personal and professional growth. Whether you’re contemplating a career shift, starting your own business, or seeking ways to enhance your productivity and happiness, Chris's insights offer valuable guidance.

Links Worth Exploring

Connect with Chris: Website | LinkedIn
Get Chris's book: "Trust Me, I'm a Consultant"
Related Conversation: Episode 508: Jim Vaselopulos Talks About Achieving Clarity in Business and Life
Related Blog Post: Balance Schmalance

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.

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FROM THE VAULT: Nir Eyal Talks About Mastering Focus By Being Indistractable Feb 28, 2024

In this episode, originally released in October 2019, I sit down with Nir Eyal. Nir is theauthor of "Indistractable: How to Control Your Attention and Choose Your Life". and is known for his groundbreaking work on habit formation and technology's impact on our lives, shares invaluable insights into the mechanisms of distraction and how we can harness them to live more fulfilling lives. As we navigate through the conversation, Nir's perspectives offer a fresh lens on productivity, self-control, and the pursuit of personal and professional growth.

Our dialogue spans a wide array of topics, from the practical strategies outlined in "Indistractable" to the philosophical underpinnings of focus and distraction. We delve into Nir's distinction between traction and distraction, the importance of understanding internal triggers, and the practical steps we can take to become indistractable. With his unique blend of research-backed insights and personal anecdotes, Nir provides listeners with the tools to take control of their attention and, by extension, their lives.

Key Discussion Points

The critical difference between traction and distraction and why mastering this distinction is key to productivity.
How to master internal triggers to enhance productivity and time management.
The role of willpower and self-control in managing both internal and external distractions.
The significance of identifying and reinforcing one's identity to combat distraction.
Strategies for effective communication, meal planning, and using productivity tools.
The concept of "effort packs" and "progressive extremism" for personal development.
The impact of technology on attention spans and the importance of digital minimalism.

My conversation with Nir Eyal not only illuminates the hidden mechanisms of distraction but also equips us with the knowledge and tools to reclaim our focus. His book "Indistractable" is not just a manual for productivity; it's a blueprint for living a more intentional and fulfilling life. Whether you're struggling with distraction in your personal life, seeking to enhance your productivity at work, or simply interested in the intersection of technology and psychology, Nir's insights are sure to resonate and inspire.

Links Worth Exploring

Connect with Nir: Website | X/Twitter
Get the book: Indistractable: How to Control Your Attention and Choose Your Life
Check out Nir's podcast: Nir and Far
Nir would like you to check this out: Schedule Maker
Related Conversation: Episode 201: Willpower Doesn’t Work with Benjamin Hardy
Related Blog Post: The 106 Year Old Problem

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.

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Haemin Sunim Talks About Zen Wisdom for Life's Challenges Feb 21, 2024

Welcome to this thought-provoking episode where I have the pleasure of speaking with Haemin Sunim, a Zen Buddhist teacher and celebrated author. Today, we delve into his latest book, When Things Don't Go Your Way: Zen Wisdom for Difficult Times, exploring the nuanced perspectives it offers on navigating the turbulent waters of life through the calming lens of Zen Buddhism. Haemin's unique writing style, which beautifully weaves together personal insights with quotes from various sources, makes the profound teachings of Zen accessible to all.

Haemin is one of the most influential Zen Buddhist teachers and writers in South Korea, where his books have sold more than three million copies and are popular as guides not only to mediation but also to overcoming the challenges of everyday life. Born in South Korea, he came to the United States to study film, only to find himself pulled into the spiritual life. Educated at UC Berkeley, Harvard, and Princeton, he received formal monastic training in Korea and taught Buddhism at Hampshire College in Amherst, Massachusetts. He lives in Seoul when not traveling to share his teachings.

Our conversation covers a wide range of topics, from the therapeutic power of journaling to the subtle differences between contentment and happiness. Haemin shares his personal journey of facing fears head-on and finding peace in the present moment. His insights are not just philosophical musings but practical advice that can be seamlessly integrated into daily life. Through our dialogue, we uncover the layers of wisdom hidden in everyday experiences and discuss how to embrace life's imperfections gracefully.

Key Discussion Points

The importance of talking to one's fears to understand and overcome them.
Differentiating contentment from happiness: finding peace in acceptance.
The therapeutic benefits of journaling for uncovering and facing fears.
Embracing the present moment to find joy in everyday experiences.
The distinction between a "doing-centered" life and a "being-centered" life.
The significance of self-worth and appreciating the inherent value of life.
Facing and accepting uncomfortable emotions for personal growth and insight.

My conversation with Haemin Sunim offers a refreshing perspective on life's challenges and the pursuit of happiness. His wisdom encourages us to slow down, appreciate the present, and find contentment in the simplicity of being. Whether you're facing difficult times or simply seeking a deeper understanding of yourself and the world around you, Haemin's insights provide a valuable guide for navigating life with grace and mindfulness.

Links Worth Exploring

Connect with Haemin: Website | X/Twitter | Instagram
Get Haemin's book: When Things Don't Go Your Way: Zen Wisdom for Difficult Times
Check out Haemin's body of work: Author Page
Related Conversation: Episode 138: Zen and The Art of Work with Kourosh Dini
Related Blog Post: How to Take a “Time Tour”

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.

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PM Talks S1:E2: Choices Feb 14, 2024

Welcome back to our monthly series, PM Talks, featuring a conversation with my good friend Patrick Rhone. In this latest episode, our conversation that spans from our shared podcasting passion and planner geekery to deeper explorations of contentment, choice, and the essence of enough. Patrick, with his unique insights and experiences, brings a fresh perspective to the familiar topics of goal setting and minimalism, while also touching on the deeply personal aspects of happiness and mental health.

Our discussion was wide-ranging, but one topic stood out prominently: Choices. This theme resonated throughout our conversation, highlighting the significant impact of intentional living and personal metrics on achieving genuine satisfaction in life.

Key Discussion Points

Setting and pursuing personal goals with a focus on minimalism and reducing unnecessary possessions.
The concept of "enough" and its relationship to happiness and contentment, drawing on insights from Daniel Kahneman on happiness.
The personal journey of writing meaningful books, both as gifts and as tools for understanding and responsibility.
The use of practical tools like a highlighter/post-it combo for organization, and how these small choices reflect deeper values and intentions.
Addressing mental health through self-care, understanding the power of choice, and managing emotions with intention.

In wrapping up, this conversation was a deeper dive into how we define and seek happiness in our lives. Patrick's approach to living intentionally, making mindful choices, and finding contentment in "enough" offers valuable lessons for all of us. Whether it's through the planners we obsess over, the goals we set, or the way we approach our mental health, the underlying message is clear: happiness is a personal journey, influenced by our choices and actions.

Links Worth Exploring

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.

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Haris Butt Talks About AI and Productivity Enhancements Feb 07, 2024

Welcome to this episode where Haris Butt, the head of product design at ClickUp, and I dive deep into the intersection of AI and productivity. In today's discussion, we explore how artificial intelligence, specifically within tools like ClickUp, is revolutionizing the way we approach tasks, manage time, and unlock creativity. Haris shares invaluable insights into the balance between technology and human input, ensuring we harness the full potential of AI without losing the essence of personal touch in productivity.

Our conversation navigates through the practical applications of AI in everyday tasks, the advancements in product design influenced by AI, and the critical role of trust and reliability in these systems. Haris's experience at ClickUp provides a unique lens on the topic, offering practical advice and thought-provoking ideas on integrating AI into our workflows to achieve efficiency and creativity.

Key Discussion Points

Benefits and drawbacks of using AI in productivity, with a focus on time-saving tasks.
The role of AI in product design, emphasizing the importance of trust in data and systems.
Distinctions between generative AI and other AI forms, exploring their impact on productivity.
Overcoming the fear of AI through understanding and trust, using AI to unlock creativity.
Practical uses of AI tools like ChatGPT for tasks ranging from academic research to meal planning.
The concept of "life hacks" with AI, streamlining workflows, and enhancing information retrieval.
The introduction of ClickUp Brain, aiming to revolutionize how new and established users engage with ClickUp for increased productivity.

In closing, my discussion with Haris not only highlights the significant benefits AI brings to productivity tools but also stresses the importance of thoughtful integration to truly augment human capabilities. As we look towards the future, the potential of AI to streamline workflows, reduce friction, and free us to focus on high-value tasks is immense. Haris's insights remind us that the journey towards integrating AI into our daily lives is one of balance, trust, and continuous learning.

Links Worth Exploring

ClickUp Brain: Check it out
Related Conversation: Episode 505: Matt Martin Talks About AI-Enhanced Productivity and Time Management
Related Blog Post: What the #%$! Happened to Lifehacker?

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.

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Hal Elrod Talks About Revamping “The Miracle Morning” and Embracing Challenges Jan 31, 2024

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.

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Francesco D’Alessio Talks About Innovative Productivity Apps and Methodologies Jan 24, 2024

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.

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Ben Kirk Talks About Productivity, Routines, and Overcoming Obstacles Jan 17, 2024

Welcome to Episode 510 of our podcast, where I had the pleasure of hosting Ben Kirk, an expert in productivity coaching. In this enlightening conversation, we delved deep into the intricacies of developing effective habits, managing time efficiently, and overcoming common productivity hurdles.

Ben shared his unique insights on the importance of self-discipline, consistency, and accountability in achieving personal and professional goals. We also explored various aspects of productivity, including weekly reviews, misconceptions in self-help, and the significance of understanding one's circadian rhythms for optimal performance.

Key Discussion Points

Ben's philosophy on productivity, focusing on self-discipline, consistency, and accountability.
Challenges posed by the constant influx of new productivity tools and apps.
Customized approaches to productivity and the importance of starting with small, manageable habits.
The role of weekly reviews in reflecting on progress and sustaining productivity.
Misconceptions in productivity and self-help, and the necessity of a consistent lifestyle approach.
Building effective routines without overengineering them, and the distinction between habits and routines.
The journey of becoming an early riser and managing circadian rhythms for improved productivity.

This episode with Ben Kirk was not just about productivity tips; it was a deep dive into rethinking how we approach our daily routines and work habits. Ben's emphasis on tailored strategies, coupled with his insights on weekly reviews and the significance of understanding our natural rhythms, provides valuable guidance for anyone looking to enhance their productivity and overall quality of life.

Links Worth Exploring

Connect with Ben: LinkedIn | Website
Check out Ben's offer to A Productive Conversation listeners: Click Here
Related Conversation: Episode 75: Steve Kamb
Related Blog Post: The Productivity Diet: Balancing Quality and Quantity for Lasting 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.

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PM Talks S1E1: (Mostly) Paper Planners Jan 10, 2024

Welcome to the inaugural episode of our monthly series, "PM Talks," where my good friend Patrick Rhone and I delve into a myriad of topics, each leading to incredibly productive and insightful conversations. This time around we're (mostly) kicking things off with a subject that's near and dear to both of us: the world of paper planners.

In this episode, Patrick and I share our love and experiences with various paper planners. We discuss everything from the classic Midori Traveler's Notebook to the Hobonichi Techo, exploring how these tools not only help us stay organized but also play a vital role in our mindfulness and productivity. Whether you're a planner enthusiast or just getting started, this conversation is packed with valuable insights and personal stories.

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.

To wrap up our first episode in this "PM Talks" series I must say that it's always a pleasure chatting with Patrick. Our conversations never fail to be enlightening and thought-provoking, making each episode a journey of discovery in productivity and beyond. So, tune in, take notes, and join us in this exciting new series where talking and listening lead to truly productive outcomes.

Links Worth Exploring

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.

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Jim Vaselopulos Talks About Achieving Clarity in Business and Life Jan 03, 2024

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.

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FROM THE VAULT: Angela Crocker Talks About Mastering Digital Decluttering Dec 27, 2023

In this enlightening episode originally broadcast in December 2017, I had the opportunity to chat with Angela Crocker, an expert in digital decluttering and organization. Angela joined me to discuss her new book and shared her valuable insights on how to manage our increasingly digital lives efficiently. This conversation is a must-listen for anyone struggling with digital clutter and seeking practical solutions.

Angela's approach to digital decluttering is both innovative and practical. From app organization to calendar management, Angela provides actionable tips that can transform the way we interact with our digital tools. Her strategies not only promote efficiency but also contribute to a stress-free digital environment.

Key Discussion Points

Angela shares strategies for purging data and creating an organized digital home.
We discuss the importance of conducting an "app diet" to simplify app usage and enhance efficiency.
Strategies for categorizing apps, decluttering calendars, and managing commitments.
Tips on reducing digital stress by consolidating various calendars into a single platform.
Approaches to dedicating devices to specific activities and the benefits of forced discipline in device selection.
Discussing the separation of personal and professional communications and managing email clutter.

My conversation with Angela Crocker on this episode was truly a deep dive into the world of digital decluttering. Her practical tips and strategies are not just theoretical but are proven ways to manage digital overload. Angela's book, "Declutter Your Data", is an essential read for anyone looking to bring order and efficiency to their digital life. Remember, in our increasingly digital world, staying organized isn't just about cleanliness; it's about sanity.

Links Worth Exploring

Connect with Angela: X | Instagram | Facebook
Get The Book: Declutter Your Data: Take Charge of Your Data and Organize Your Digital Life
Related Conversation: Episode 176: Declutter Your Data with Angela Crocker
Related Blog Post: A Simple Way to Keep Your Email Inbox Under Control

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.

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Justin Chen Talks About Harnessing Feedback for Entrepreneurial Success Dec 20, 2023

Welcome to our latest episode, where I had the pleasure of conversing with Justin Chen, co-founder of PickFu. Our discussion delved into the intricacies of consumer insights, the entrepreneurial journey, and the pivotal role of feedback in shaping business success. Justin shared his experiences and insights, offering valuable lessons for entrepreneurs and business enthusiasts alike.

In this episode, we explore the importance of seeking feedback, the challenges of cognitive biases, and the innovative ways to leverage tools like PickFu for informed decision-making. Join us as we uncover the subtle art of balancing creativity with practical consumer insights, and learn how to navigate the entrepreneurial path with a feedback-driven mindset.

Key Discussion Points

Justin talks about PickFu's role in collecting consumer feedback efficiently, avoiding biases in product development.
The criticality of seeking feedback early in the entrepreneurial journey to prevent rework and overcome emotional biases.
How PickFu caters to diverse clients globally and the significance of maintaining curiosity over judgment.
Discussing the limitations and biases of AI, and the necessity of human input for authenticity and resonance.
The benefits and challenges of a distributed workforce, focusing on productivity and cultural diversity.
Strategies for continuous improvement in remote teams, emphasizing work-life balance and organic growth.
The value of platforms like PickFu for obtaining genuine opinions, and the importance of an open-minded approach to feedback.
The necessity of continuous feedback collection for iterative improvement in business decisions.

This conversation with Justin Chen was not only enlightening but also a reminder of the power of feedback in shaping the course of our businesses. His insights on entrepreneurship, the use of AI, and the management of remote teams provide a roadmap for anyone looking to navigate these complex yet rewarding landscapes. Remember, in the journey of entrepreneurship and business, feedback isn't just helpful; it's essential.

Links Worth Exploring

Connect with Justin: LinkedIn | X
Learn more about PickFu: Check it out here
Ted Lasso's Philosophy on Curiosity: Watch it here
Related Conversation: Episode 355: Productive Conversations with Therese Huston
Related Blog Post: The Obsession With Oversharing

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.

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Matt Martin Talks About AI-Enhanced Productivity and Time Management Dec 13, 2023

In Episode 505 of our podcast, we are excited to welcome Matt Martin, a visionary in the intersection of AI, productivity, and time management. Matt and I delve into the evolving landscape of AI tools and their impact on our work lives. This episode is not just about the tools themselves but also about how we can integrate them into our daily routines to enhance our efficiency and creativity.

Matt Martin is the Co-Founder and CEO of Clockwise, the AI-powered time management calendar. Before Clockwise, Matt worked at RelateIQ, which was acquired by Salesforce for $390 million in 2016. Matt started Clockwise with fellow RelateIQ early employees Gary Lerhaupt and Mike Grinolds. Matt completed his undergraduate degree at Dartmouth College and law school at the University of Pennsylvania, where he graduated Magna Cum Laude.

From discussing the potential of generative AI in solving productivity challenges to exploring the nuances of scheduling and time management, Matt provides valuable insights into the modern professional's toolkit. Whether you're an engineering manager feeling overwhelmed or a team leader looking to streamline your group's workflow, this conversation offers practical advice and thought-provoking perspectives.

Key Discussion Points

The role of AI in improving productivity and time management, and the fears surrounding its use.
Integrating AI tools into workflows effectively, without letting them take over.
The importance of nuance in AI-automated scheduling, especially in group settings.
Combining calendars and to-do lists for effective time management and task theming.
Creating routines and using AI tools to enhance productivity and focus in work environments.
Utilizing AI tools like ChatGPT for creativity, idea generation, and marketing strategies.
The benefits of using AI-powered tools like Clockwise for efficient meeting scheduling and organizational insights.

Matt Martin's insights in this episode bring a fresh perspective to the world of AI and productivity. His emphasis on the human element in using these tools, the need for balancing automation with nuance, and the exciting possibilities for creative and efficient work practices make this episode a must-listen. For anyone looking to navigate the complexities of modern work life with the help of AI, this conversation is a treasure trove of knowledge and strategies.

Links Worth Exploring

Connect with Matt/Clockwise: X | LinkedIn | YouTube
Clockwise: Check it out here
Clockwise Raises $45M in Funds: Read the TechCrunch Article
Related Conversation: Episode 93: Beating Burnout with Ben Fanning
Related Blog Post: Why an “Overly Specific Calendar” Can Hold You Back

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.

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Russel Lolacher Talks About Relationships At Work Dec 06, 2023

In this episode of the podcast, I'm thrilled to welcome Russel Lolacher, a good friend of mine and a visionary in the realms of leadership and workplace culture. Russel joins me to delve into the nuances of creating a more human-centered and productive work environment. This episode is a deep dive into the subtleties of leadership, the dynamics of team relationships, and the strategies for nurturing a positive workplace culture.

Russel is an international speaker and the founder/host of Relationships at Work - the leadership mindset guide to creating a workplace we love, a show digging into timely and relevant topics with global experts on how to be better leaders and create healthy workplace cultures. He’s held successful leadership and communication roles for almost 25 years, retaining one team for almost 12 years, and his work and expertise in building employee and customer trust has been recognized on international stages, multiple publications, and as a 4x named Top Thought Leader by the International Customer Management Institute (ICMI). He also spoke at The BIG Ready - first in person and then virtually.

As I chat with Russel, we uncover the layers that constitute effective leadership and the pivotal role of workplace relationships in shaping an organization's success. From discussing the impact of leadership on employee engagement to exploring the intricacies of team dynamics, this episode offers a comprehensive view of modern workplace challenges and solutions.

Key Discussion Points

Insights into leadership and its influence on workplace culture.
The shift from traditional "soft skills" to more human-centered language in professional settings.
The vital role of company culture in boosting employee engagement and the gap between executive perception and actual workplace environment.
Emphasizing genuine relationship-building and long-term connections over superficial interactions in the workplace.
The importance of self-awareness and empathy in leadership for building meaningful workplace relationships.
Regular employee check-ins as a tool for better performance assessment and fostering deeper connections.
Prioritizing employee experience in leadership and the shift towards valuing employees as key organizational assets.

Russel's insights in this episode highlight the critical elements of successful leadership and the impact of thoughtful workplace culture. By focusing on empathy, self-awareness, and authentic relationships, leaders can cultivate an environment where every team member feels valued and motivated. This conversation is a must-listen for anyone interested in the transformative power of effective leadership and the creation of a vibrant, engaging workplace.

Links Worth Exploring

Connect with Russel: Website | X | LinkedIn | Instagram
Relationships At Work: Listen to the Podcast
Check Out My Appearance on Russel's Podcast: Our Relationship with Time Management at Work
Russel's Blog Post About Three Words For The Year: PLANNING THE YEAR AHEAD IN JUST 3 WORDS
Related Conversation: Episode 420: Daniel Coyle talks about The Culture Playbook
Related Blog Post: Seeing Through The Fog

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.

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FROM THE VAULT: Juliet Funt Talks About Embracing White Space for Productivity Nov 29, 2023

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: Websit e | X | LinkedI n
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.

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Dan Pontefract Talks About Redefining Work-Life Balance Nov 22, 2023

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 | Instagra m
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.

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Brian Johnson Talks About Mastering Life's Ultimate Game Nov 15, 2023

In this enlightening episode of the podcast, I had the privilege of hosting Brian Johnson, a thinker and writer who delves deep into the art of living a productive life. Brian, the author of "Areté: Activate Your Heroic Potential", shares his unique insights into how we can bridge the gap between our potential and our current selves. His ideas are not just philosophical musings; they are practical tools for transforming our daily lives.

My conversation with Brian was an exploration of the true essence of productivity, not just in terms of what we do, but more importantly, who we are. From discussing the importance of aligning our actions with our true values to mastering the fundamentals of a successful life, this episode is a treasure trove of wisdom for anyone looking to live their best life.

Key Discussion Points

Brian Johnson's interpretation of "areté" as a guide for living a great life.
The significance of closing the gap between our potential and actual selves.
Living life based on one's own terms, emphasizing virtues and excellence.
The importance of fundamentals like eating, moving, sleeping, and focusing.
The concept of "soul force" and its role in finding purpose and personal power.
Discussing productive habits and emotional resilience for a fulfilling life.
Insights on prioritization, self-awareness, and continual personal growth.

This discussion with Brian was a profound journey into understanding life's ultimate game. His insights provide a clear path for anyone looking to elevate their existence by focusing on what truly matters. If you're seeking to activate your heroic potential and live a life of purpose and excellence, this episode is an indispensable guide.

Links Worth Exploring

Connect with Brian: X | Facebook | YouTube | Instagram
Get The Book: Areté: Activate Your Heroic Potential
What is Heroic? Check out the platform here
Listen to Brian's Podcast: Heroic with Brian Johnson
John Wooden's Pyramid of Success: Get The Book
The Fundamentals with David Robinson(s): Listen here
Steven Pressfield's Latest Book: The Daily Pressfield (Note: This book is on my wish list for sure! - MV)
Related Conversation: Episode 446: How to Fight a Hydra with Josh Kaufman
Related Blog Post: The Quest for “Just Right”

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.

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David Allen Talks About Mastering Productivity in a Remote World Nov 08, 2023

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.

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Milos Belcevic Talks About Applying Product Management Principles to Life Nov 01, 2023

In this episode we delve deep with Milos Belcevic as he shares his enlightening perspective on applying product management principles to foster personal growth. Milos navigates us through a transformative conversation, exploring the boundaries of traditional product management and its profound implications in our daily lives.

We journey through Milos’ book, "Build Your Way: Applying Project Management To Life," and discuss how treating life like a product to be managed can lead to astonishing breakthroughs. The speakers emphasize the significance of interactions, value prioritization, and a robust framework of principles like Agile and Lean in both personal and professional realms.

Key Discussion Points

Why the application of business principles in personal life works
Importance of interactions in product management and maximizing value through conscious choices
Simplifying life through exploration and problem-solving to foster innovation and growth.
Utilizing Agile and Lean frameworks for optimization and improved efficiency in various life aspects
Application of KPIs in personal areas such as health, finance, work, and social life for holistic improvement
Insights into using project management tools like Kanban to prioritize tasks and foster personal development

This episode offers a novel perspective on intertwining product management principles with aspects of personal life. Milos, along with our esteemed guests, provides a compass to navigate life’s complexities with a product manager's precision and foresight.

Links Worth Exploring

Connect with Milos: Website | LinkedIn
Milos’s Digital Garden: Check It Out
Get The Book: Build Your Way: Applying Project Management To Life
Related Conversation: Episode 63: Project Management and You with Cesar Abeid
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. 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.

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FROM THE VAULT: Aaron Mahnke Talks About Crafting 'Lore', Mastering Productivity, and Navigating a Podcasting Caree Oct 25, 2023

Originally aired in March 2016, this episode features the incredibly talented Aaron Mahnke, creator of the renowned podcast, Lore, and the mastermind behind Grim & Mild Entertainment.

Aaron candidly shares his freelancing journey, highlighting the transition phases, learning curves, and the importance of setting definitive boundaries. We delve deeper into his development and adaptation of productivity habits and tools that were instrumental in his success. The conversation also illuminates the challenges encountered in podcasting and the strategic approaches adopted by Aaron to continually prioritize and manage myriad tasks and projects effectively. This episode offers a plethora of learnings and actionable insights for our listeners, especially those maneuvering through freelancing careers, podcasting, or juggling diverse projects and commitments.

Be sure to listen all the way through as Aaron shares not only the challenges he has faced but also the pivotal moments that have defined his success in the podcasting realm.

Key Discussion Points

Entrepreneurial Journey and Lore’s Creation: Aaron shares the inception and journey of Lore, from its humble beginnings to being an overnight success after years of hard work, illustrating his commitment and the meticulous process behind each episode.
Freelancing & Setting Boundaries: With nearly a decade in freelancing, Aaron delves into the evolution of his career, highlighting the growth and changes in his income sources and the necessity of setting boundaries to balance work and life effectively.
Development of Productivity Habits: Aaron reflects on his unconventional route to success and the development of productivity habits and tools essential in keeping up with client demands and contributing significantly to his endeavors, including his renowned podcast Lore.
Adapting Systems for Productivity: We discuss the importance of laying foundational knowledge before tweaking systems for optimal productivity. Learning and mastering the basics of any tool or system is essential before customizing it to fit individual needs and styles.
Podcasting Challenges & Success: Aaron offers insight into the challenging aspects of creating and maintaining a successful podcast, including decision-making processes that contribute to the podcast's ongoing success and popularity.
Prioritizing Amidst Demands: We talk about the challenges of managing various tasks and responsibilities, with Aaron sharing his strategies for effectively prioritizing projects and tasks amidst a multitude of demands, providing valuable insights for listeners juggling multiple commitments.

Reflect on Aaron’s journey and the strategies and tools he shared in managing his successful career and various projects. Consider how you might implement some of these insights into your work and life, and think about the boundaries you've set for yourself. Take this opportunity to reevaluate and possibly readjust them to better serve your personal and professional growth.

Links Worth Exploring

Connect with Aaron: Website | Threads | Instagram
Subscribe to Lore: Website
Subscribe To Aaron's Newsletter: Get Campfire Here
Related Conversation: Episode 317: The Analog Way with Jeff Sheldon
Related Blog Post: The Fight

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

You can also click on this link to paste the podcast feed into your podcast app of choice.

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Josh Fonger Talks About Adopting a Systems Mindset for Business Success Oct 18, 2023

In today’s episode, I’m thrilled to be in conversation with Josh Fonger, a distinguished consultant, coach, speaker, and the CEO of WTS Enterprises. With his expertise in Business Performance Architecture, Josh has been a beacon of transformation for stressed entrepreneurs, guiding them from working “in” their business to strategically working “on” their business. Through the use of effective systems, he’s enabled consistent profit and freedom for numerous businesses.

With Josh’s wealth of experience and actionable insights, the discussion offers a roadmap to entrepreneurs seeking not only profitability but also freedom through the power of effective systems. Whether you’re struggling with productivity, efficiency, or strategic planning, this episode promises valuable takeaways for every entrepreneur.

Key Discussion Points

From ‘Work the System’ to WTS Enterprises: We kick off by discussing Josh’s journey from being inspired by Sam Carpenter's book "Work the System" to eventually founding his own consulting company centered around the Work the System (WTS) method.
Embracing a Systems Mindset: Delving into the challenges and necessities of adopting a systems mindset in business, our conversation highlights the shift from reactive to strategic business planning and operations.
Strategic Objectives for Success: Josh and I emphasize the importance of defining strategic objectives and aligning your day-to-day operations with these goals to sculpt your ideal business and life.
Productivity Quantification: We explore the value of quantifying productivity by evaluating the worth of systems or processes, underscoring the importance of not just focusing on progress qualitatively but also appreciating the quantitative aspects.
Efficiency through Delegation: Sharing practical examples, we discuss how codifying and delegating systems can lead to significant time and financial savings while ensuring that business goals are uncompromised.
Systemizing for Efficiency: Closing the discussion points, we touch upon real-life case studies where implementing systems notably increased efficiency and profitability while reducing working hours and stress for business owners.

Reflecting on our engaging conversation, consider how a systems mindset can revolutionize the way you approach your business. How can implementing strategic, well-defined systems relieve you of stress and afford you more freedom and profitability? Ponder over these insights and practical examples shared by Josh in our dialogue, and you might find the key to transforming not only your business but also your life. Let this episode be the catalyst for a change towards a more systematic, efficient, and successful entrepreneurial journey.

Links Worth Exploring

Connect with Josh: Website | Facebook | LinkedIn
Subscribe to Josh's Podcast: Spotify | Apple Podcasts
Get The Book: Work the System: The Simple Mechanics of Making More and Working Less (4th Edition)
Get The Book Summary (for FREE): Click Here
Related Conversation: Episode 121: Beyond the E-Myth with Michael E. Gerber
Related Blog Post: The Process

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.

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James Swanwick Talks About Sleep, Productivity, and Alcohol-Free Living Oct 11, 2023

I’m excited to bring James Swanwick into our conversation for this episode of the podcast. As an Australian-American investor, entrepreneur, and former ESPN SportsCenter anchor, James has worn many hats. He’s the mind behind the Alcohol-Free Lifestyle and Project 90, initiatives that have been pivotal for individuals reassessing their relationship with alcohol. Additionally, as the creator of Swannies by Swanwick Sleep, he’s contributed significantly to improving people’s sleep.

In our enriching conversation, James and I dissect essential elements like the quality of sleep, the subtle impacts of blue light, and the intricacies of our morning routines, casting a special spotlight on caffeine consumption. Further, the dialogue ventures into the realm of conscious living, addressing societal shifts in perceptions about alcohol, the allure of non-alcoholic alternatives, and the journey towards intentional sobriety. With each topic, we aim to provide you with valuable insights and practical tips to enhance your productivity and overall well-being.

Key Discussion Points

Optimizing Sleep for Night Owls: James and I delve deep into the nuances of sleep and productivity, especially for those who find their energy spiking when the sun sets.
The Impact of Blue Light: We discuss the effects of artificial light, with James highlighting how blue light blocking glasses can be a game-changer for a good night’s sleep.
Morning Routines & Decaf Deliberations: Our conversation takes a turn towards morning routines, the benefits of sunlight, and why I’ve personally made a switch to decaf coffee.
Coffee, Sleep & Weight: James provides insights on how your morning cup of joe not only influences your sleep but also has a say in your weight management journey.
Rethinking Alcohol Consumption: We reflect on societal shifts in alcohol consumption, the increasing acceptance of non-alcoholic alternatives, and the challenge of disassociating joy with alcohol consumption.
Sobriety and Lifestyle Choices: With a spotlight on sobriety and lifestyle, we glance at the emergence of alternative choices like marijuana and the marketing narrative around them.

As you listen to our conversation, I urge you to reflect: How do your sleep patterns affect your productivity? Are your lifestyle choices supporting or hindering your sleep? Is it time to reassess your relationship with alcohol or caffeine? Contemplating these questions might just be the first step towards a more conscious, healthy, and productive life.

Links Worth Exploring

Connect with James: Website | Facebook | X (née Twitter) | YouTube
James's Project 90: Check It Out
What Are "Swannies" All About?: Find Out Here
Related Conversation: Episode 105: The One Year No Beer Challenge
Related Blog Post: Your Body Clock and You: When a Miracle Morning Should Be an Amazing Afternoon (or Excellent Evening)

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.

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You can also click on this link to paste the podcast feed into your podcast app of choice.

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Erik Fisher Talks About Navigating Productivity, Avoiding Burnout, and Podcast Evolution Oct 04, 2023

My guest for this episode, Erik Fisher, is the voice behind the "Beyond the To-Do List" – a podcast that has been going strong since 2012. Erik and I delve into the adventure of keeping a podcast rolling consistently, witnessing the shifts in productivity dialogues, and our ambitions to include topics like generative AI in our future conversations.

We talk about podcasting, productivity nuances, and finding a sweet balance between work and personal life. Whether you're a podcast lover or someone seeking productivity wisdom, this episode has something for everyone. Enjoy!

Key Discussion Points

Maintaining Podcast Consistency: Erik reflects on delivering over 500 episodes and the learning curve involved in keeping the podcast fresh and engaging for the past decade.
Beyond Productivity: We ponder on the evolving significance of "Beyond the To-Do List", transforming from a straightforward productivity show to a platform discussing broader life and work themes.
Adapting to Change: Together, we envisage widening the scope of our productivity discussions, aiming to incorporate new perspectives and insights into the ever-changing productivity landscape.
Burnout... Quality vs. Quantity: A deep-dive into the constant battle between maintaining quality and chasing quantity, and the inevitable risk of burnout when the scales tip.
Parenting and Work-Life Balance: Parenting brings its own set of challenges and rewards. We share personal anecdotes about juggling parental responsibilities while navigating through a sea of endless tasks and commitments.
Expanding Podcast Horizons: Erik shares thoughts on potential expansion plans for his podcast, considering additional features like newsletters and community engagement to enhance the listener experience.

As you reflect on our dialogue during this episode, ask yourself: How can you maintain consistency in your pursuits? Are you balancing the scales of quality and quantity effectively? And most crucially, how are you evolving in your understanding and approach towards productivity? Your journey towards a more productive and balanced life might just start with pondering these vital questions.

Links Worth Exploring

Connect with Erik: Website | X (née Twitter)
Subscribe to Erik's Podcast: Spotify | Apple Podcasts
Erik co-wrote a book: Ready Aim Fire!: A Practical Guide to Setting And Achieving Goals
Related Conversation: Episode 113: Erik Fisher Returns!
Related Blog Post: How To Keep Doing It Right (More Often Than Not)

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.

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FROM THE VAULT: David Sparks Talks About Productivity, Task Management, And The Value Of Journaling Sep 27, 2023

In this episode from September of 2014, David Sparks, fondly known as "MacSparky," joins the conversation to reminisce about the evolving landscape of task management since we last met at Macworld. Dive into the fascinating world of productivity apps, the significance of establishing efficient systems, and the therapeutic benefits of journaling – and take note of what's changed (and what hasn't in the 9 years since I first aired this productive conversation.

Key Discussion Points

The Changing Landscape of Productivity
The "Gold Rush" for Email Apps
Balancing Work-Life as a Lawyer (Note: David stopped practicing law in 2022.)
The Internet's Repetitive Nature
The Benefits of Systems and Tools
The Therapeutic Power of Journaling
Embracing Journaling in Daily Routines

David's insights underline the pivotal role of systems, tools, and journaling in navigating today's bustling professional environment. Whether you're a productivity aficionado or someone looking for balance, this episode promises actionable wisdom.

Links Worth Exploring

Connect with David: Website | Mastodon | Instagram
MacSparky Labs: Join here
My Appearance on Focused: Listen here
Our Conversation on Mac Power Users: Listen here
Related Conversation: Episode 409: Luke Burgis talks about Wanting, Journaling, and Fulfillment
Related Blog Post: Why You Need To Review (And How To Make It Easier To Do)

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.

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Mark Mears Talks About Purposeful Growth and Leadership Sep 20, 2023

In this episode I'm joined by Mark Mears, the founder and chief growth officer for L.E.A.F. Growth Ventures. A visionary business leader, he's been recognized as a #1 best-selling author, a keynote speaker, and an invaluable consultant.

During our conversation, we dive deep into the "purposeful growth revolution", understanding how one can grow from a leader into a legacy builder. Mark's insights draw from a deeply personal journey, punctuated by an epiphany involving a fig tree, giving him a fresh perspective on leadership.

Key Discussion Points

Fulfillment vs. Productivity: A deep dive into measuring fulfillment, especially when numbers typically drive understanding
Creating a Community of Belonging: The essence of true diversity, equity, and inclusion is making every individual feel a genuine sense of belonging
Leadership as the Seed: How leadership is foundational, akin to the root system of an oak tree
Productivity vs. Productiveness: Exploring the delicate balance in productivity and understanding the concept through the metaphor of a weed vs a tree
Turnkey Approach in Business: The differences between 'turnkey' and 'in and out' approaches, with real-world examples like Costco
Slowing Down to Speed Up: Embracing curiosity and the wisdom behind "Go slow to go fast"

Mark has shared a holistic perspective on leadership, driving home the importance of purposeful growth. From understanding productivity to forming genuine communities in the workplace, Mark's insights are grounded in his own experiences and learnings. Remember, the journey from leader to legacy builder isn't about authority – it's about influence, service, and purpose.

Links Worth Exploring

Connect with Mark: Website | LinkedIn
The Book We Discussed: The Purposeful Growth Revolution: 4 Ways to Grow from Leader to Legacy Builder
Take Mark's FREE Assessment: Click here to get started
My Article On Productiveness in Simplify Magazine: Check out this issue (Click here to get 50% off a lifetime subscription)
Related Conversation: Episode 394: Kristoffer Carter talks about Permission, Purpose and Fear
Related Blog Post: Move Slow and “Bake” Things

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.

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Jon Acuff Talks About Tapping Into Potential And Goal Setting Sep 13, 2023

This week's episode features the insightful and dynamic Jon Acuff. Over the years, Jon has penned numerous books, with "All It Takes Is A Goal" being his ninth venture into sharing his wisdom with readers. Throughout this episode, Jon delves deep into the secrets of unlocking one's potential, the importance of goal setting, and how his writings resonate with readers, including teenagers seeking a transformative change in their lives.

Jon's journey with his books is unique. He tackles a challenge in his life, addresses it head-on, and then documents it, aiming to assist others facing similar challenges. This episode shines a light on his approach, thoughts on comfort zones, and the essence of truly valuable goals.

Key Discussion Points

The Value of Goal Setting
The Factors Keeping Us Stuck
The Human Drive to Achieve
The Significance of Guaranteed Goals
Deliberate Goal Setting
Breaking Goals into Steps

This conversation emphasizes the power of perseverance, the magic of setting realistic goals, and the transformative effect they can have on one's life. As Jon eloquently puts it, sometimes all it takes is a goal. Whether you're looking for strategies to overcome complacency, techniques to break down grand visions into achievable steps, or just need a spark of inspiration, this episode is a treasure trove of wisdom.

Links Worth Exploring

Connect with Jon: Website | Facebook | Instagram | X/Twitter
The Book We Discussed: All It Takes Is A Goal: The 3-Step Plan to Ditch Regret and Tap Into Your Massive Potential
Jon's Own Podcast: Check It Out Here
Related Conversation: Episode 162: Finish with Jon Acuff
Related Blog Post: How to Take a “Time Tour”

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.

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Thanks again for listening to A Productive Conversation. See you later.

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Andrea S. Kramer And Alton B. Harris Talk About Combatting Workplace Bias Sep 06, 2023

In this episode of our podcast, we dive deep into the nuances of workplace bias with none other than Andrea Kramer and Alton Harris. Married to each other, Andie and Al are not just partners in life but also co-authors of the enlightening "Beyond Bias: The PATH to End Gender Inequality at Work" which was published on May 16, 2023. Their commitment to addressing gender bias doesn't stop at the written word. For several decades, through various platforms including speaking engagements, workshops, articles, blogs, podcasts, one-on-one counselling, and collaborations with national and international business and professional organizations, they have passionately tackled the omnipresent issue of gender bias in the workplace. With notable appearances in publications like The New York Times, Harvard Business Review, The Wall Street Journal, and Forbes (to name a few) they have consistently provided practical techniques for individuals and organizations to counteract the gender stereotypes and biases that threaten women's career advancements.

We delve into various topics, including the challenges of introducing oneself, the effects of bias on productivity, and practical ways to make workplaces more equitable and fair. Throughout the discussion, listeners will gain a fresh perspective on gender issues and the subtle biases that influence our day-to-day interactions.

Key Discussion Points

Introduction Dynamics: The complexity of dual introductions and a peek into the book "Beyond Bias".
Understanding Workplace Bias: Exploring the influence of bias on productivity, the presumption that an organization is not functioning efficiently, and the essence of their two prior books on gender bias.
Steps Beyond the Bias: How to eliminate exclusionary behavior, the significance of small gestures, and the role of meta-leadership.
Preventing Complacency: The importance of embedding the focus on eliminating bias within other core workplace objectives.
The Path to Change: Discussing the shortcomings of organizational efforts towards diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice, and practical methods to make personnel decisions bias-resistant.
Addressing Bias in Hiring: The necessity of bias guardrails during hiring, making hiring more equitable, and challenges surrounding remote work and its gender implications.
Home Inequality as a Workplace Issue: Recognizing gender inequality in domestic settings, the dire need for flexible time schedules, and extended support for parental leaves.

As we wrap up this enlightening episode with Andrea and Alton, it's evident that the journey to end gender inequality in the workplace requires both self-awareness and collective effort. From understanding the underlying biases to implementing actionable steps, there's a lot that we can do, both as individuals and organizations. Thanks for tuning in.

Links Worth Exploring

Connect with Andrea and Alton: Website | LinkedIn | YouTube
The Book We Discussed: Beyond Bias: The PATH to End Gender Inequality at Work
Read: How to Design Workplace Systems That Work for Everyone
Related Conversation: Episode 458: Alan Henry talks about new work rules for the marginalized

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.

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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.

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FROM THE VAULT: Charlie Gilkey Talks About Productivity, Projects, And The Process Of Writing Aug 30, 2023

Welcome to this special revisit of my conversation with Charlie Gilkey. Originally broadcast in September 2019, Charlie shares insights into the world of productivity, how to manage projects, both in work and life, and the intricate process he underwent while writing his book.

Key Discussion Points

Time Management and Seasonal Productivity: How the nature of summer, with its longest days and home-bound children, affects our productivity. The art of pacing oneself to maintain consistent work momentum.
Project Momentum: The principle of the five projects rule, maintaining focus, and the art of intentionality. The essential questions for adaptation and discernment, and a practical trick to list and complete three main tasks a day.
Life vs. Work Projects: Exploring the concept of life projects and the psychological struggles tied to initiating and completing them. The value of looking at all tasks, no matter how mundane, as projects.
The Closet of Doom: The emotional hurdles that many face when starting a project, the importance of project completion, and the mastery that comes with finishing.
Writing a Productivity Book: Insights into Charlie's writing process, collaborations with colleagues like yours truly, James Clear, Seth Godin, and others. The battle of dedication that went into the creation of the book.
Emotion and Logic Harmony: The balance between emotion and logic in storytelling and its significance. Navigating through emotional challenges to maintain story cohesion.

With advice that is both practical and profound, Charlie's insights can serve as guidance for anyone navigating their projects, be it in life or work. Don't forget to pick up his book, "Start Finishing: How to Go From Idea to Done", available from any bookseller.

Links Worth Exploring

Connect With Charlie/Productive Flourishing: Website | YouTube | X (née Twitter) | LinkedIn
The Book We Discussed: Start Finishing: How to Go from Idea to Done
Another Productive Conversation With Charlie: Watch On My YouTube Channel
Related Conversation: Episode 127: A Focus on Flourishing with Charlie Gilkey
Related Blog Post: How To Find Your Way Forward (And Finish)

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Constance Dierickx Talks About Meta-Leadership Insights And Decision Mastery Aug 23, 2023

In this episode I have the privilege of conversing with Constance Dierickx, Ph.D., famously known as The Decision Doctor®.

A trusted advisor to boards and senior executives, Constance has lent her expertise to leaders across dozens of industries on five continents. With a proven track record of aiding leaders in increasing revenue, mastering top-level transitions, enabling strategic pivots, and ensuring M&A successes at a rate 400% above the average, she is undeniably at the top of her field.

During our discussion we dive deep into the insights from her latest book, "Meta-Leadership: How to See What Others Don't and Make Great Decisions." This book introduces the concept of Meta-Leadership, a groundbreaking paradigm designed to reshape how leaders think, harness emotions effectively, and take wise actions.

Key Discussion Points

Dichotomous Thinking and Recognizing Mistakes: Dive into the complexities of black and white thinking and its constraints. Explore why leaders possess an exceptional ability to synthesize and perceive beyond the apparent. Delve into the distinction between being a leader and a manager.
The Three Dimensions of Leadership: Discover the core elements of leadership: thinking, emotion, and behavior, all grounded in science. Understand the reasons behind the selection of these dimensions and their influence on leadership potential.
Shortcuts, Uncertainty, and Decision-making: Unpack how our inherent desire to alleviate uncertainty drives us to develop mental shortcuts. Explore their advantages and potential pitfalls, supplemented by insights from Daniel Kahneman's "Thinking Fast and Slow."
The Ice Cream Factor and the Power of Novelty: Discuss the merits and downsides of routine vs novelty in our daily choices. Emphasize the importance of adaptability and flexibility, and revisit revolutionary historical predictions.
Emotional Component of Leadership: Delve into the significance of emotional intelligence in leadership and how emotions can both empower and, if unchecked, limit a leader's vision and actions.
Returning to the Office Post-Pandemic: Reflect on the rapid changes induced by the pandemic and their implications for meta-leadership. Explore the nuances of leading teams back to physical workplaces in the new normal.
The Power of Reflective Practices: Highlight the underestimated importance of journaling and reflection for leaders, illustrating how retrospection can be a guide to future strategies and decisions.
Distinguishing Good from Not-Good: Learn how to discern quality, especially within the finance sector, and utilize the 80/20 rule as a valuable tool for account managers.

Dive into this episode as Constance shares her profound knowledge and experience, guiding us through the maze of leadership complexities. Whether you aim to polish your leadership techniques, seek innovative problem-solving strategies, or simply wish to grasp the psychology behind decisive actions, this episode promises invaluable insights.

Links Worth Exploring

Connect With Constance: Website | Facebook | X (née Twitter) | LinkedIn
Constance's Book We Discussed: Meta-Leadership: How To See What Others Don't And Make Great Decisions
Read This: The Magical Move Leaders Can Make To Create Seismic Change
Related Conversation: Episode 354: How To Decide with Annie Duke
Related Blog Post: Why Reading Leadership Books will Boost 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.

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Stephanie Chandler Talks About Non-Fiction Publishing And Community Building Aug 16, 2023

I'm admittedly taking a bit of a selfish turn in this episode as I get to chat with the renowned Stephanie Chandler.

Stephanie, an acclaimed author of "The Nonfiction Book Publishing Plan," is the force behind the Nonfiction Authors Association and the unique Nonfiction Writers Conference - an online event that's been changing the game since 2010. As someone who's graced platforms like Entrepreneur, BusinessWeek, and Wired magazine, she's an embodiment of expertise and passion. Stick around as we delve into topics like the art of 'chunking' your writing, the intriguing world of hybrid publishing, and so much more.

Key Discussion Points

Stephanie's transition from corporate life in 2003 to a bookstore owner in Sacramento and eventually to being a renowned author and community builder.
Crafting a Thriving Community: How Stephanie enriches her community with valuable content, battling the wave of misinformation.
"Chunking" the Writing Process: A look at daily manageable writing targets and the echoing effects of consistent book releases.
Target Audience's Power: The art and science of niching down and addressing audience-specific challenges.
Deciphering Bookstores: The ongoing battle between traditional bookstores and the rise of audiobooks.
The Publishing Dilemma: A discussion on the allure of big publishers vs. the liberty of alternative routes.
Navigating Hybrid Publishing: A glance at its role in the current market and its pros and cons.

This conversation with Stephanie Chandler was both productive and enlightening. From the nuanced intricacies of non-fiction publishing to the evolving landscape of bookstores and publishing routes, Stephanie's insights were invaluable. If you're a budding author or simply interested in the world behind the books you read, this is an episode you wouldn't want to miss.

Links Worth Exploring

Connect with Stephanie: Website | Facebook | X (néeTwitter) | LinkedIn
The Nonfiction Authors Association: Visit The Website
The Nonfiction Writers Conference: Learn More Here
The Productivity Diet Campaign Page: Check It Out
Related Conversation: Episode 335: Mind Map Your Writing with Daphne Gray-Grant
Related Blog Post: On Not Writing

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.

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Vinay Pitankar Talks About Process Management Aug 09, 2023

In the latest episode of "A Productive Conversation", yours truly (Mike Vardy) and guest Vinay Patankar delve into the intricacies of process versus project management. Vinay Patankar is the CEO of Process Street. Manage employee onboarding, workflow automation, checklists, the team’s handbook & more with Process Street’s AI powered process platform.

Vinay underscores the value of specialized tools, suggesting a blend of both for optimal business operations. They also explore the nuances of repeatable work, emphasizing that every business has inherent processes. Vinay shares insights on leveraging project management experiences for future tasks, using Uber's market entry as an example of a project evolving into a process. And that's just for starters.

Key Discussion Points

Process vs. Project: Dive into the nuanced differences. Which is right for your business?
Tool Synergy: The magic of combining tools. Why might HR, finance, and real estate need a special touch?
Repeatable Work: Everyone has processes, but are they optimized? Discover the "productivity diet."
Project Management Insights: How can Uber's strategy teach us about turning projects into processes?
Projects Birth Processes: Uber's new venture hints at how projects evolve. What's the secret?
Scaling Challenges: Beyond starting a project—what does it truly take to scale? Uncover the "unsexy" side of business.
AI in Business: AI is revolutionizing processes. How might GPT change employee onboarding?

Thank you for tuning into this enlightening episode of 'A Productive Conversation.' As always, our goal is to equip you with actionable insights to elevate your business endeavors. Until next time, remember to stop "doing" productive and start being productive.

Links Worth Exploring

Connect with Vinay: Website | Facebook | X (née Twitter) | LinkedIn
Process Street + AI: Read The Story
Vinay's Writing: Check it out
Related Conversation: Episode 121 : Beyond The E-Myth With Michael E. Gerber
Related Blog Post: The Process

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Marc Lesser Talks About Finding Clarity Aug 02, 2023

In this enlightening episode, I engage in a meaningful (and productive) conversation with Marc Lesser. Marc is a multifaceted leader with roles as a CEO, executive coach, and Zen teacher. With an MBA from New York University, he has founded three companies and authored five books, notably "Finding Clarity". His passion for integrating mindfulness into leadership culminated in the "Search Inside Yourself" program at Google, an influential initiative that married emotional intelligence with mindfulness. Marc also brings unique insights from his ten-year residency at the San Francisco Zen Center and his stint as the director of Tassajara, the first Zen monastery in the Western world. His distinct blend of business expertise and Zen principles positions him as an exceptional figure in the spheres of mindful leadership and business strategy.

The episode moves forward with a fascinating discussion about the concept of clarity. Contrary to common belief, Marc proposes that clarity is not just a state of complete understanding or transparency but also includes elements of mystery and the unknown. This ties into what he refers to as the "fifth discipline of leadership", emphasizing the practice of finding clarity within these nuances. Furthermore, Marc shares unconventional "anchors" or strategies that can assist individuals in finding clarity, including his unique 'no festering' rule.

Key Discussion Points

The importance of understanding clarity as a concept that incorporates mystery and not just a state of perfect lucidity.
Unconventional strategies for finding clarity, including the 'no festering' rule.
An exploration into the role of ego in compassion and accountability, demonstrating how curiosity can replace judgement and anger.
The trap of ego and the role of confidence and deep listening in avoiding this trap.
Lesser's views on the role of will in meditation, distinguishing between will and willpower.
The transformative power of turning breakdowns into breakthroughs, accepting change and discomfort.

There's also a mention of Ted Lasso that makes its way into our discussion – a discussion that is well worth your time. Enjoy.

Links Worth Exploring

Connect With Marc: Website | Facebook | X (née Twitter) | LinkedIn | Instagram
The Book We Discussed: Finding Clarity: How Compassionate Accountability Builds Vibrant Relationships, Thriving Workplaces, and Meaningful Lives
Marc's Other Books: Check them out here
An Article That Channels A Touch Of Ted Lasso: Read It Here
Related Conversation: Episode 473: Oscar Trimboli talks about Deep Listening
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.

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FROM THE VAULT: James Clear Talks About Atomic Habits Jul 26, 2023

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.

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Josselyne Herman Saccio Talks About The Art of Being Unmissable With Jul 19, 2023

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.

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Peter Ivanov Talks About Powering Up Virtual Teams Jul 12, 2023

In this episode of "A Productive Conversation," I'm joined by Peter Ivanov. Peter is an inspiring keynote speaker, renowned for his expertise in virtual teams and future-oriented leadership. With 20 years of experience as a Senior Manager leading international virtual teams across Europe, Africa, and Asia, Peter's teams have achieved remarkable success, including winning the prestigious "Global IT Connect Award" in 2012. As the author of the acclaimed book "Virtual Power Teams," translated into six languages and ranked as an "Amazon Top 3" in international management, Peter's mission is to unite global talent in tackling humanity's toughest challenges.

During our discussion, Peter unravels the secrets to building trust and fostering collaboration. Discover strategies to navigate conflicts and ensure knowledge flow in virtual and hybrid teams. Explore the emerging role of the Chief Remote Officer and learn how to enhance team productivity beyond mere metrics. Peter also reveals a simple action you can take right now to elevate your team's performance. Get ready for an enlightening conversation filled with practical tips to unlock the full potential of your remote work setup.

Key Discussion Points

Building trust is essential in remote teams.
Handling conflicts and pre-emptive responses to maintain team harmony.
The importance of knowledge flow in virtual and hybrid teams.
The rise of Chief Remote Officers and the concept of equal opportunities in remote work.
Balancing quantified productivity with other tools and mechanisms for managing distributed teams.

Listeners can expect a thought-provoking conversation filled with practical insights to improve remote team dynamics and productivity. By implementing Peter's strategies and leveraging the suggested tools, leaders and team members alike can enhance their remote work experiences and achieve greater success.

Links Worth Exploring

Connect with Peter: Website | Facebook | LinkedIn | YouTube
Peter’s Book: Virtual Power Teams: How to Deliver Products Faster, Reduce Costs, and Develop Your Organization for the Future!
Running Remote: Website
Mike Vardy + David Allen at Running Remote 2023: Watch on YouTube
Related Conversation: Episode 420: Daniel Coyle talks about The Culture Playbook
Related Blog Post: How to Be Prudent and Productive

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.

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Terry Cralle Talks About The Relationship Between Sleep And Productivity Jul 05, 2023

In this episode, I chat with Terry Cralle, a registered nurse based in Washington DC, and the conversation dives into the topic of sleep and its impact on productivity and well-being. Terry is certified in clinical sleep health and has co-authored two books on sleep; Snoozby and the Great Big Bedtime Battle (Rowe Publishing, 2015), the first nonfiction book directly messaging the benefits of sufficient sleep to young children and Sleeping Your Way to the Top (Sterling Publishing, 2016), the ultimate guide to success through sufficient sleep. She also serves on the Start School Later Board of Directors and works with a variety of organizations throughout the U.S. and Canada to promote sleep health and wellness.

Terry kicks off the conversation by emphasizing the importance of having a healthy relationship with sleep and seeing it as a natural need rather than a battle to conquer. She shares down-to-earth strategies to improve sleep, like setting up a cozy sleep environment, soaking in some morning sunlight, and establishing a soothing bedtime routine. Together, we explore the signs of sleep deprivation and unmanaged sleep disorders that we should watch out for.

Key Discussion Points

The importance of establishing a good relationship with sleep
Understanding sleep as a biological need, not a battle
Simple strategies to improve sleep, including exposure to natural light and establishing a bedtime routine
The significance of sleep for mental well-being and productivity
Sleep as a foundational pillar of health and wellness, alongside diet and exercise
The benefits of setting aside sufficient time for sleep and the value of napping
Challenges faced by shift workers and the need for healthier hours
Advocacy for later school start times for teenagers

Get ready to be inspired and equipped with practical advice to transform your sleep habits in this down-to-earth conversation. With Terry Cralle's expert insights, you'll gain valuable tips to ensure a good night's sleep, boost your productivity, and enhance your overall quality of life. So, grab your cozy blanket, sit back, and prepare to unlock the secrets of better sleep for a more productive and fulfilling life.

Links Worth Exploring

Connect with Terry: Website | Twitter | LinkedIn | Instagram
Terry’s Book: Sleeping Your Way to the Top: How to Get the Sleep You Need
The Better Sleep Council: Website
Medium Post Worth Reading: The Story of "Yesterday"
Related Conversation: Episode 401: Dr. Michael Breus talks about Energy Management, Movement and Sleep
Related Blog Post: Begin Before Bed

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.

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FROM THE VAULT: Keith Ferrazzi talks about Leading Without Authority Jun 28, 2023

In this episode from the vault, I revisit my conversation with Keith Ferrazzi from May 2020. The discussion centers around leading without authority, breaking down silos, and transforming teams through collaboration. Keith explains the concept of leading without authority, highlighting the need for an agile and adaptable operating model within organizations. He shares insights into co-elevation and the two philosophies of leadership.

The conversation also explores the challenges people face in shifting mindsets and adopting new ways of thinking, emphasizing the importance of self-awareness and personal growth. The attributes of a high-performing team and strategies for coaching co-ed teams are discussed.

Key Discussion Points

Leading without authority involves breaking down silos and reinventing collaboration
The importance of adopting an agile and adaptable operating model
Understanding the challenges of mindset shifting and its impact on success
The attributes of a high-performing team and strategies for coaching co-ed teams
Transforming a company through leadership without authority and redefining teams
Overcoming self-limiting beliefs and taking responsibility for success
The significance of having a framework to measure success and unleashing growth through empathy
Balancing humility and ego for effective leadership
Advice for those who prefer working alone and a simple action to start leading without authority

During our discussion, Keith provides practical advice on how to lead without authority and redefine teams, emphasizing the role of responsibility and eliminating self-imposed limitations. The episode also delves into the importance of having a framework to measure success and the power of empathy in unleashing growth and development and addresses the concerns of individuals who feel they work better alone, offering advice on the importance of patience and taking small steps to start leading without authority. I'm glad I revisited this conversation "from the vault" and trust you'll enjoy it. Thanks for listening!

Links Worth Exploring

Connect with Keith: Website | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram
Keith’s Book: Leading Without Authority: How the New Power of Co-Elevation Can Break Down Silos, Transform Teams, and Reinvent Collaboration
Keith's Training: Ferrazzi Learning
Check out this opportunity: Virtual Teams Win
Related Conversation: A Very Special Episode: Liam Martin talks about Running Remote
Related Blog Post: Why Reading Leadership Books will Boost 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.

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Thanh Pham talks about His Productivity Journey (Part 2) Jun 21, 2023

In the second part of my podcast conversation with Asian Efficiency's Thanh Pham, we explore various aspects of productivity, time management, and the impact of AI. The conversation covers breaking past time barriers, the utility value of money at different life stages, prioritization and trade-offs, the challenges with to-do lists, and the potential of AI to enhance productivity. Additionally, the importance of clarity in writing, understanding human behaviour, preferred mediums for content creation, and staying updated with industry trends are also discussed.

We also share insights into their preferred mediums for content creation and offer advice on how to stay updated with industry trends. There was a lot of ground to cover in our first conversation for this podcast, so dividing it up into two parts was a wise move. I trust you'll get a lot out of it.

Key Discussion Points

Breaking past the barrier of time is crucial for productivity
The utility value of money at different stages of life is explored
Prioritization is a practice that requires trade-offs
The challenges people face with their to-do lists are addressed
The potential of AI to make more valuable things is highlighted
Clarity of thought is emphasized for good writing
Understanding human behaviour remains significant despite technological advancements
Insights into preferred mediums for content creation and staying updated with trends are shared

You can expect an engaging and informative discussion on productivity, time management, and the role of AI. The episode provides valuable insights and practical tips that can help you enhance your productivity and make better use of your time. From understanding the value of money to mastering prioritization and embracing AI's potential, this conversation offers a wealth of knowledge to apply in daily life. Enjoy this finale to a very productive conversation!

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 479: Thanh Pham talks about His Productivity Journey (Part 1)
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. Click on any of the links below to make that happen.

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Thanh Pham talks about His Productivity Journey (Part 1) Jun 14, 2023

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.

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FROM THE VAULT: Marshall Goldsmith talks about The Earned Life Jun 07, 2023

In this episode, I dive into an enriching conversation with the renowned Marshall Goldsmith, a giant in the field of productivity and leadership. It was only a little over a year ago that I first engaged with Marshall, but his words were so inspiring and informative that I felt compelled to revisit the conversation. Marshall's groundbreaking book, "Triggers: Creating Behavior That Lasts -- Becoming the Person You Want to Be," has been profoundly influential in shaping my understanding of productivity.

Marshall's stature in the field is simply unparalleled. As a two-time winner of the Thinkers 50 Award for the #1 Leadership Thinker in the World, the #1 Executive Coach, and a Top Ten Business Thinker for eight years running, his insights carry incredible weight. Marshall's books, including "The Earned Life: Lose Regret, Choose Fulfillment," are highly esteemed in the leadership space. His work has been translated into 32 languages, sold over 2.5 million copies, and recognized by Amazon as among the Top 100 Leadership & Success Books Ever Written.

Key Discussion Points

Our identity is largely shaped by our daily habits and rituals.
Rituals act as the foundation for mindfulness and personal growth.
Journaling is a powerful tool for self-inquiry, especially during stressful experiences.
The stories we tell ourselves influence our perception of reality.
98% of the time, the problem we think we're facing is not the actual problem; it's something deeper.
Recording and reviewing our thoughts can bring clarity and awareness.
Visual reminders and an accountability system are practical strategies to implement these principles.
Self-accountability can be enhanced by formulating questions about our experiences and having someone read them back to us.

During our conversation, Marshall shared his insights on what it means to live an "earned life" and the concept of the "satisfied" mind. We delved into the role willpower plays in our lives and how it contributes to achieving this coveted "earned life". As always, speaking with Marshall was an absolute delight, his words resonating with profound wisdom and practical advice. I trust you'll enjoy and benefit from this conversation just as much as I did.

Links Worth Exploring

Connect with Marshall: Website | Twitter | Facebook | Youtube
Marshall’s Book: The Earned Life: Lose Regret, Choose Fulfillment
Recommended by Marshall: The Checklist Manifesto: How to Get Things Right
Watch this film: American Underdog
Related Conversation: Episode 203: The Evolution of Getting Things Done with David Allen
Related Blog Post: The Power of Bit by Bit Productivity

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FROM THE VAULT: Getting Back to Happy with Marc and Angel Chernoff May 31, 2023

On this episode of the podcast originally released in May 2018, I spoke with Marc and Angel Chernoff. Marc and Angel are the authors of the book Getting Back To Happy: Change Your Thoughts, Change Your Reality and Turn Your Trials Into Triumphs and this episode is being re-released to celebrate their latest effort, The Good Morning Journal: Powerful Prompts and Reflections to Start Every Day.

In this insightful episode, we delve into the importance of daily habits and rituals in shaping our identity and driving personal growth. "We are what we do on a daily basis," emphasizes the importance of daily practices and their cumulative effect on our lives.

A central theme throughout our discussion is the narrative we create with our thoughts. According to Marc and Angel, these stories we tell ourselves significantly influence our perception of reality. A striking revelation from the discussion is that "98% of the time, the problem is not the problem, it's something deeper."

Key Discussion Points

Our identity is largely shaped by our daily habits and rituals.
Rituals act as the foundation for mindfulness and personal growth.
Journaling is a powerful tool for self-inquiry, especially during stressful experiences.
The stories we tell ourselves influence our perception of reality.
98% of the time, the problem we think we're facing is not the actual problem; it's something deeper.
Recording and reviewing our thoughts can bring clarity and awareness.
Visual reminders and an accountability system are practical strategies to implement these principles.
Self-accountability can be enhanced by formulating questions about our experiences and having someone read them back to us.

Links Worth Exploring

Connect with Marc and Angel: Website | Facebook | Instagram
Marc and Angel's Latest Book: The Good Morning Journal: Powerful Prompts and Reflections to Start Every Day
Check out the book discussed on this episode: Getting Back To Happy: Change Your Thoughts, Change Your Reality and Turn Your Trials Into Triumphs
Related Conversation: Episode 245: What Happy Successful People Do Differently with Marc and Angel Chernoff
Related Blog Post: Why You Shouldn’t Spend Time Journaling In The Morning (And What You Should Do Instead)

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Shannon McLay talks about Why Money Matters May 24, 2023

On this episode, I'm joined by an exceptional guest, Shannon McClay. Shannon is the CEO and founder of the Financial Gym, a revolutionary financial services company breaking barriers in the realm of financial wellness. Throughout our conversation, we deep-dive into the motivating factors behind the inception of her company, exploring the challenges, prejudices, and anxieties that individuals often grapple with when handling their personal finances.

We also take a journey through the origin story of the Financial Gym and uncover the secrets behind its success. Prepare for an insightful discussion filled with stories, wisdom, and actionable advice.

Key Discussion Points

We discuss the aphorism "time is money" and what holds true from that concept (and what doesn't)
My own personal and somewhat rocky relationship with money.
How someone can break through some of their biases associated with money
The approach that Shannon takes people through when trying to help them become more financially fit
Shannon shares her thoughts and insights on conventional financial advice/theory that doesn't really fly with her

Shannon’s wisdom, drawn from her extensive experience as the founder of the Financial Gym, truly emphasizes the importance of financial literacy and its impact on all areas of our lives. As we conclude this podcast, remember Shannon's key message: managing your money should be empowering, not intimidating.

Links Worth Exploring

Connect with Shannon: Twitter | LinkedIn | Instagram
Check out: The Financial Gym
Listen to Shannon's podcast: Martinis and Your Money
Related Conversation: Episode 374: How to Be Time Smart with Ashley Whillans
Related Blog Post: Money and Time

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Megan Hyatt Miller talks about Minding Your Mindset May 17, 2023

In this episode, I'm joined by special guest Megan Hyatt Miller, co-author of "Mind Your Mindset: The Science that Shows Success Starts with Your Thinking." Megan is the President and CEO of Full Focus and co-host of the popular Business Accelerator podcast. With a wealth of experience and knowledge, Megan shares her insights on how to improve our relationship with time, cultivate productivity, and achieve balance in our lives.

Key Discussion Points

Megan Hyatt Miller's background, her role at Full Focus, and her experience as a co-host on Lead to Win
An introduction to "Mind Your Mindset" and the importance of mindset in personal and professional success
The three "I's" and their impact on our mindset and approach to life
Exploring the West Wing and its relevance to our conversation on mindset
The role of reason and intuition in shaping our mindset and decision-making process

Join me for this fascinating conversation with Megan Hyatt Miller as we delve into the concept of minding our mindset and discuss practical strategies to improve balance and productivity in our lives. From the three "I's" to reason and intuition, you'll find valuable insights and inspiration to help you succeed in both work and life.

Links Worth Exploring

Connect with Megan: Website | LinkedIn | Instagram
Buy Megan's book: Mind Your Mindset: The Science That Shows Success Starts with Your Thinking
Listen to Michael Hyatt's appearances on the show: Episode 239 | Episode 289
Related Conversation: Episode 220: The Serving Mindset with Farnoosh Brock
Related Blog Post: When (And How) The “Time Theming” Mindset Doesn’t Work

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Donna McGeorge talks about The 1-Day Refund May 10, 2023

In this episode, I'm thrilled to have Donna McGeorge, author of "The 1-Day Refund" and a renowned productivity coach, join me for an insightful conversation about making the most of our time and working smarter. With her innovative approach, Donna challenges traditional thinking around leadership, productivity, and workplace efficacy.

Key Discussion Points

Donna McGeorge's background and her journey to becoming a productivity coach
The concept behind "The 1-Day Refund" and how it can transform our approach to time management
The importance of capacity and energy in achieving productivity and work-life balance
The power of stopping and making time for things that truly matter
Mutual admiration: how our views on time management and productivity align

Don't miss this engaging conversation with Donna McGeorge as we dive deep into the elements of her book, discuss our shared perspectives on productivity, and explore ways to make your work work for you. Tune in to learn how to take back time and spend it wisely, so you can maximize your potential and enjoy a more balanced life.

Links Worth Exploring

Connect with Donna: Website | LinkedIn | Instagram
Buy Donna's book: The 1 Day Refund: Take Back Time, Spend it Wisely
Related Conversation: Episode 374: How to Be Time Smart with Ashley Whillans
Related Blog Post: The Power of Bit by Bit Productivity

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Oscar Trimboli talks about Deep Listening May 03, 2023

In this episode we dive into an engaging discussion with Oscar Trimboli.

Oscar is an author, the host of the award-winning podcast Deep Listening, and a keynote speaker dedicated to promoting positive change through listening. As a marketing and technology veteran, he has worked with major organizations, including Microsoft, Google, and HSBC, to transform leadership through effective listening.

We cover topics such as the importance of eye contact, the nuances of communication, and even touch on my own "hometown" messaging. Oscar provides valuable insights throughout, and we're excited for you to learn from this enriching conversation. Enjoy the episode!

Links Worth Exploring

Connect with Oscar: Website | Twitter | LinkedIn | YouTube
Buy Oscar's book: How to Listen: Discover the Hidden Key to Better Communication
Related Conversation: Crafting Conscious Communications with Mary Shores
Related Blog Post: 2 Quotes That Will Help You Be (Truly) Productive

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.

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FROM THE VAULT: The Evolution of Getting Things Done with David Allen Apr 26, 2023

Welcome back to another vault episode! This week I am excited to feature my conversation with David Allen, the creator of the Getting Things Done methodology.

David joins us to delve deeper into the GTD methodology and how it has evolved since its inception in 2001. While there were some technical difficulties during our conversation, this episode is still a must-listen for anyone looking to streamline their productivity.

Throughout the episode, David shares some insightful thoughts on GTD, including his involvement in writing the new book, Getting Things Done for Teens, and why he believes teenagers need GTD more now than ever before. We also discussed the challenges of adapting the GTD methodology for teens and how he's changed his approach when teaching GTD over the years. David even revealed his thoughts on the most challenging aspect of GTD, which surprisingly hasn't changed since its introduction.

One of the most interesting parts of our conversation was when we discussed the renaissance of analog tools and why they've made a comeback. David's insights on this topic were thought-provoking and added a new perspective on the benefits of analog tools in today's digital age. Overall, this episode provided a wealth of knowledge on the evolution of the GTD methodology and why it continues to be relevant today.

Thanks for listening and be sure to tune in next time for more great conversations!

Links Worth Exploring

Connect with David: Website | Facebook | Twitter | LinkedIn
Read David's book Getting Things Done for Teens
Getting Things Done | The David Allen Company
Related Conversation: Getting Things Done for Teens with Mike Williams
Related Blog Post: The Evolution of Contexts

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Richard Medcalf talks about XQuadrant Apr 19, 2023

In this episode, I had a fantastic conversation with Richard Medcalf, the author of the book "Making Time for Strategy". He's a unique blend of a McKinsey consultant, an unorthodox pastor, and an entrepreneur, and he's the founder of X Quadrant. Richard is also a trusted advisor to exceptional CEOs and entrepreneurs, and their leadership teams.

During our chat, we talked about his book, where we covered a lot of interesting topics. We started by exploring the idea of firefighting, and how it can prevent us from making time for strategy. We also delved into the phrasing we use when trying to free ourselves from obligations and the difference between obligations and commitments. It's a paradoxical situation that many of us can find ourselves in, and we had an enlightening discussion on how to navigate it.

Richard's book is packed with essential insights and strategies that can help you make time for what's truly important in your life, whether that's personal or professional. We only scratched the surface during our conversation, but I encourage you to read the book for more in-depth advice.

Overall, it was a great conversation, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. I could have talked to Richard for hours, but we distilled the essential elements from the book for our listeners. However, don't just take my word for it; listen to the episode!

Links Worth Exploring

Connect with Richard: Website | Twitter | LinkedIn
Buy Richard's book Making Time for Strategy
Visit XQuadrant.com for more resources
Related Conversation: The Bullet Journal Method with Ryder Carroll
Related Blog Post: Yes Before No

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Mike Rucker talks about The Fun Habit Apr 12, 2023

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

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Erik Qualman talks about The Focus Project Apr 05, 2023

On this episode of A Productive Conversation, we had the pleasure of speaking with Erik Qualman, a best-selling author and keynote speaker who has reached over 50 million people in over 55 countries! We dive into his latest book, The Focus Project, and explore the topic of focus and how it can impact your life.

We discuss the importance of focus, what you can do if you lose focus, and how fear and focus are interconnected. Did you know that Erik was voted the second most likable author in the world, just behind Harry Potter's JK Rowling? We explore the idea of likability and how it can impact your success.

And that's not all, folks! We'll even get into the nitty-gritty details of Erik's iconic green glasses, the power of willpower, and even touch on the topic of Green Lantern. So, sit back, relax, and join us for an exciting conversation with Erik Qualman!

Links Worth Exploring

Connect with Erik: Website | Instagram | Facebook | Twitter | LinkedIn
Buy Erik's latest book The Focus Project
Related Conversation: The Four Tendencies with Gretchen Rubin
Related Blog Post: Being Green

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.

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FROM THE VAULT: The Four Tendencies with Gretchen Rubin Mar 29, 2023

In this vault episode, I chat with Gretchen Rubin, a renowned author of multiple bestsellers including The Four Tendencies, Better Than Before, and The Happiness Project. Her books have been widely read and translated into over thirty languages, selling almost three million copies worldwide. Gretchen co-hosts the award-winning podcast Happier with Gretchen Rubin alongside her sister Elizabeth Craft, where they discuss happiness and good habits. She has been recognized as one of the Most Creative People in Business by Fast Company and is a member of Oprah's SuperSoul 100.

Our conversation centers around The Four Tendencies, delving into which tendency I may align with (and even my wife's), how to fully embrace your own tendency to thrive, and more. I hope you enjoy listening to our discussion as much as I did!

Links Worth Exploring

Connect with Gretchen: Website | Instagram | Facebook | Twitter | LinkedIn
Buy Gretchen's latest book: Life in Five Senses: How Exploring the Senses Got Me Out of My Head and Into the World
The Surprising Truth About Why Your To-Do List May Be Failing You | Gretchen Rubin
The 4 Tendencies That Explain Why You Struggle To Get Stuff Done (and What to Do About It) | Inc.
Signing Up for “NaNoWriMo” – National Novel Writing Month? Here’s Why It Works | Gretchen Rubin
Exciting: Scientific Research and Experiments Underway to Understand the Four Tendencies Better | Gretchen Rubin
Take Gretchen Rubin’s Quiz: The Four Tendencies
Related Conversation: The Evolution of Getting Things Done with David Allen
Related Blog Post: 3 Steps to Building Productivity Habits That Stick

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Zack Arnold talks about Optimizing Yourself Mar 22, 2023

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

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Hamza Khan talks about Leadership, Reinvented Mar 15, 2023

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

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Amber Hawley talks about The Easily Distracted Entrepreneur Mar 08, 2023

Amber Hawley is a licensed therapist and lifestyle strategist who works with entrepreneurial individuals and couples with the emotional side of business. She is the owner of a therapy practice in Silicon Valley, host of The Easily Distracted Entrepreneur and Couples Fix podcasts, wife, mom of three kids, and Marvel movie super fan.

Amber's journey from working in the tech industry to becoming a therapist is truly inspiring. Her passion for people and building meaningful relationships was at the center of every decision she made. We delved into topics such as work-life balance, mental health, and personal growth. It's amazing to see how her passion has translated into not just one, but two successful podcasts that are focused on helping others. Our discussion on work-life balance and mental health was also very relevant, especially given the current pandemic situation.

This episode was an insightful and engaging conversation that I'm sure you'll enjoy just as much as I did.

Links Worth Exploring

Connect with Amber: Website | Instagram | Facebook | LinkedIn
Listen to the The Easily Distracted Entrepreneur
Sign up and receive the The Shiny Object downloadable
Related Conversation: Alan Henry talks about new work rules for the marginalized
Related Blog Post: Braving Burnout: How to Go on When it Feels Like There’s Nowhere to Go

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Growing Old and Staying Rad with Steven Kotler Mar 01, 2023

If you're interested in human performance and personal growth, I highly recommend checking out this episode with Steven Kotler.

He has been studying human performance for over 30 years and has taught hundreds of thousands of people how to achieve peak performance evolved around Steven's latest book, Gnar Country, which addresses how to stay "rad" as you grow older. As someone who's pushing 50, I found Steven's insights on aging and how to maintain a sense of vitality fascinating, and I'm sure many listeners will find them useful as well.

Steven shares his own experiences and struggles as we dive into Gnar Country, which is filled with valuable insights and practical advice for anyone looking to maintain their edge as they grow older. This conversation was a great reminder that it's never too late to pursue your passions and stay "rad" as you age. I hope you find it as engaging and thought-provoking as I did.

Links Worth Exploring

Connect with Steven: Website | Instagram | Facebook | LinkedIn
Buy Steven's book Gnar Country: Growing Old, Staying Rad
Related Conversation: Episode 367: Peak Performing Flow with Steven Kotler
Related Blog Post: Why it’s Important to Find Joy in Your Work

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.

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The Bullet Journal Method with Ryder Carroll Feb 22, 2023

I was so happy to have Ryder Carroll back on show. It's always great to hear from the creator of the Bullet Journal, especially as the approach continues to evolve and gain in popularity.

In this episode, we cover a lot of ground, diving into the history of Bullet Journaling and exploring how it has developed over the years. It's always fascinating to hear about the origins of the method and how Ryder's approach has changed over time. Whether you're a seasoned Bullet Journal'er or new to the approach, there's something here for everyone.

We touch on a wide range of topics, from intention setting and goal planning to the role of AI in productivity. Whether you're looking for tips on how to get more done or simply want to reflect on what really matters in life, this episode is definitely worth a listen. So grab a cup of coffee, sit back, and enjoy the conversation - you won't be disappointed.

Links Worth Exploring

Connect with Ryder: Website | Instagram | Twitter | LinkedIn
Read The Bullet Journal Method
Read Ryder's article: The Imagination Economy
Visit the Bullet Journal website
Related Conversation: The Evolution of Getting Things Done with David Allen
Related Blog Post: 3 Ways You Can Create An Effective Journaling Habit

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.

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Inbox Done with Yaro Starak Feb 15, 2023

In this episode of A Productive Conversation with Mike Vardy - we have special guest Yaro Starak.

Yaro is the co-founder of Inbox Done. He shares his insights on why email management and delegation can be a challenge for some people and how to overcome these obstacles and we delve into the various types of clients that Inbox Done serves.

We both share our thoughts on how Inbox Done has helped our clients streamline their email and become more productive. This discussion is very informative about the ins and outs of email management and the importance of delegation. It is both educational and entertaining, making it a must-listen for anyone interested in the world of email management!

Links Worth Exploring

Connect with Yaro: Website | Instagram | Facebook | Twitter | LinkedIn
Check out what Inbox Done has to offer
Legendary Comedian Bill Burr — Fear{less} with Tim Ferriss
Related Conversation: Episode 360: A World Without Email with Cal Newport
Related Blog Post: 3 Ways to Power Through Your Email Inbox

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Personal Socrates with Marc Champagne Feb 08, 2023

In this episode, I had the opportunity to speak with fellow Canadian, Marc Champagne. Marc is the author of the book "Personal Socrates". We had a great conversation about how the book was created through Baron Fig's new book imprint, and the various mental fitness practices and reflective questions that are shaping the lives of some of the most successful and brilliant thinkers in the world, both past, and present. Marc's book is a best-seller and explores the pointed questions that stimulate our mental fitness and teach us how to direct our internal narrative to work for us, instead of against us.

During this conversation, we delved into the process of journaling, and the reasons why questioning is an essential aspect of mental fitness. It was a pleasure to have him on the program, and I'm sure listeners will enjoy the insights and wisdom he shared.

Overall, it was a productive and engaging conversation and I hope you enjoy!

Links Worth Exploring

Connect with Marc: Website | Instagram | LinkedIn
Buy Marc's book: Personal Socrates
Listen to the Behind the Human with Marc Champagne Podcast
Related Conversation: Tailoring Tools for Thinkers with Joey Cofone
Related Blog Post: The Power of Intention is Fleeting

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Paul Millerd talks about The Pathless Path Feb 01, 2023

I'm really excited to have this conversation with Paul Millerd because I had the chance to meet him back in June of 2022 at the World Domination Summit. We had a fantastic time connecting and discussing our shared interests in productivity and our modern relationship with work. Paul is an independent writer, creator, and sometimes freelancer, and he writes about these topics in a way that I find truly inspiring.

During this conversation, we dive into his book "The Pathless Path" which is all about how people are imagining new paths beyond the default path that many of us grew up with. We talk about his own path and how he's found success as a writer, as well as discuss my own journey and the paths that we're each currently on. It's a really fascinating conversation and I think anyone who's interested in productivity and finding their own path in life will really enjoy it.

Links Worth Exploring

Connect with Paul: Website | Instagram | Facebook | Twitter | LinkedIn
Buy Paul's book: The Pathless Path
Related Conversation: Alan Henry talks about new work rules for the marginalized
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.

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Cameron Herold talks about Unleashing the Power of your COO Jan 25, 2023

In this episode of A Productive Conversation, I sit down with Canadian business growth guru Cameron Herold to discuss the concept of the "second in command."

Cameron is the mastermind behind hundreds of companies' exponential growth and has earned his reputation as the business growth guru. He is the author of six books - including The Second in Command - an international speaker, and the founder of the COO Alliance, the World's Leading Network for Seconds in Command.

He's the host of the "Second in Command: The Chief Behind the Chief" podcast where he interviews COO's and other "second in command" to share their insights. During this conversation, Cameron and I delve into the importance of having a strong second in command and how it relates to the growth of a company, and I also talk about my own journey toward finding my second in command.

I hope you find this episode as valuable as I did.

Links Worth Exploring

Connect with Cameron: Website | Instagram | Facebook | LinkedIn
Buy Cameron's book - The Second in Command: Unleash the Power of Your COO
Listen to Second in Command: The Chief Behind the Chief podcast
Related Conversation: Cameron Herold talks about being The Second in Command
Related Blog Post: 9 Traits of a Successful Manager that Increases Productivity

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Alan Henry talks about new work rules for the marginalized Jan 18, 2023

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, theauthor 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

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Chris Bailey talks about How to Calm Your Mind Jan 11, 2023

I am joined yet again by productivity expert and international bestselling author - Chris Bailey.

Chris has been on the show a handful of times and this one is a rather candid and comfortable conversation where we dive into his latest book, How to Calm your Mind.

This episode was originally released as a live stream for Premium members of TimeCrafting Trust. Want to take partake in future live streams and much more? Sign up here!

Links Worth Exploring

Connect with Chris: Website | Instagram | Twitter | LinkedIn
Buy Chris's book How to Calm Your Mind
Listen to The Time & Attention Podcast
Related Conversation: Chris Bailey talks about Hyperfocus
Related Blog Post: 3 Things You Can Do To Find Happiness Every Day

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Marie Poulin talks about Notion Jan 04, 2023

Marie Poulin is the creator of Notion Mastery and co-founder of Oki Doki. Diagnosed with ADHD, she believes that Notion is especially powerful for neurodivergent folks who have long struggled to adhere to traditional or rigid project management processes, and may need a little extra customization and flexibility. Because of this, she is passionate about helping others customize their workflows and workspaces to meet their unique needs and preferences.

In this episode, Marie suggests how to use Notion to its best potential. We discuss the idea of journaling, the importance of systems, tracking your habits, and so much more. I can't believe it took me this long to get Marie to be on the show and it was a delightful conversation with a fellow Canadian!

Links Worth Exploring

Connect with Marie: Website | Twitter
Visit the Notion Mastery website
Listen to Why You Need Atomic Habits with James Clear
Related Conversation: Tiago Forte talks about Building a Second Brain
Related Blog Post: Taking Journaling to Another Level

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FROM THE VAULT: Body Talk with James Hamblin Dec 28, 2022

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

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Michelle Segar talks about habits and The Joy Choice Dec 21, 2022

Michelle Segar is the author of No Sweat, she is a lifestyle coach and an award-winning NIH-funded sustainable behavior change researcher at the University of Michigan. She's got nearly three decades under her belt, and she's pioneered methods to create sustainable, healthy behavior changes, those changes are being used to boost patient health, employee well-being and gym member retention.

In this episode, we talk about behaviour change and habits, we talk about the concept of P.O.P., and of course, her latest book, The Joy Choice. I really think that this is a book worth your time and attention - and so is this episode!

Links Worth Exploring

Connect with Michelle: Website | Twitter | LinkedIn
What Are Your Hidden Eating and Exercise TRAPs? Take the Quiz here!
Buy Michelle's book: The Joy Choice
Buy Michelle's book: No Sweat
Related Conversation: The Four Tendencies with Gretchen Rubin
Related Blog Post: A Productive Life: Integrating Habits

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.

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Matthew Dicks talks about actionable ways to propel your creative life Dec 14, 2022

"Only put off until tomorrow what you are willing to die having left undone".

That quote from Pablo Picasso are the first words I read in Matthew Dicks book Someday is Today: 22 Simple, Actionable Ways to Propel your Creative Life.

He is the author of nine other books beyond the one I just mentioned. He's a best-selling novelist, nationally recognized storyteller, and award-winning elementary school teacher. Matthew teaches storytelling and communications at universities, corporate workplaces, and community organizations.

He's won multiple math Grand Slam story competitions, and together with his wife, they created the organization Speak Up to help others share their stories. They also co-host the Speak Up Storytelling Podcasts.

I really enjoyed this conversation. We dive into the person who inspired me to do the work that I do now and quit my job. We also dig into this idea of perfectionism, we talk about performative productivity. And we talk about what he calls his 100-year-old plan, and lastly - we talk about oatmeal.

Links Worth Exploring

Connect with Matthew: Website | Instagram | Facebook | Twitter
Buy Matthew's book: Someday is Today: 22 Simple, Actionable Ways to Propel your Creative Life.
Listen to the Speak Up Storytelling Podcast
Related Conversation: Strategic Storytelling with Jordan Bower
Related Blog Post: JoCo: A Thank You Letter to Jonathan Coulton

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.

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Jennifer Smith talks about why process matters Dec 07, 2022

If Jennifer Smith is right, the way anyone shares how-to knowledge is about to change forever. A former VC and McKinsey consultant turned accidental CEO, she interviewed more than 1,200 business leaders on a quest to understand everything there is to know about processes, best practices, and productivity. Now with her startup Scribe, she’s empowering people to own their processes by building the world’s first operating system for know-how.

In this episode, we talk about all things Scribe. I mentioned how I discovered it, we chat about inbox zero, we geek out about quantitative and qualitative productivity, and so much more!

Links Worth Exploring

Connect with Jennifer: Website | Twitter | LinkedIn
Get Scribe for FREE
Mike talks about the Great Overwhelm
Scott Friesen shows you how to use Scribe to create professional step-by-step guides
Related Conversation: Overcoming Overwhelm with Dr. Samantha Brody
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.

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Mike Rohde talks about the 10th Anniversary of “The Sketchnote Handbook Nov 30, 2022

He's been a frequent guest not only on this podcast, but every podcast I've done in the past. This one is extra special because it's the 10th anniversary of the Sketchnote Handbook!

Mike Rohde is a designer, teacher, and author of The Sketchnote Handbook and The Sketchnote Workbook, co-creator of The Sketchnote Ideabook, founder of Sketchnote Army, and Illustrator of REWORK, REMOTE, and The $100 Startup.

In this episode, we have a delightful conversation talking about everything Sketchnote and allude to some of Mike's other successes over the past decade. We chat about where the Sketchnoting community has gone, what's happened with him, what he expected, what surprised him, and all things in between.

This episode was originally released as a live stream for Premium members of TimeCrafting Trust. Want to take partake in future live streams and much more? Sign up here!

Links Worth Exploring

Connect with Mike: Website | Instagram | Twitter | LinkedIn | Flickr
Get The Sketchnote Handbook
Get half-off two books with the code: HAPPY10
The Daily Plan Bar
See all of Mike’s Sketchnote products
Check out Sketchnote Workshops here
Related Conversation: The Bullet Journal Method with Ryder Carroll
Related Blog Post: Why Paper Works

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.

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Mike Williams talks about Doing to Done Nov 23, 2022

There's a better way to be the best.

That's what Mike Williams shares in his book, Doing to Done: Productivity Made Simple and what we talk about in this episode of A Productive Conversation with Mike Vardy.

He is a speaker, author, executive, and coach who helps leaders obtain small wins with a big impact on their lives and businesses. Today, Mike assists clients using an effective coaching methodology that’s far from complicated. He also used what works to create Doing to Done.

He's not the only one that's involved in this book, because it's illustrated for busy people like us! We talk about why he decided to put illustrations in this book, we dive into things like small wins the power of verbs, reflection, and its important clarity maps, as well as how to get email out of the way, so that you can make the work beats that you want to have last as short (or as long) as you want without having to worry about the external pings that are going on in your life.

This episode was originally released as a live stream for Premium members of TimeCrafting Trust. Want to take partake in future live streams and much more? Sign up here!

Links Worth Exploring

Connect with Mike: Website | LinkedIn
Register for Mike's FREE webinar here
Buy Mike's book: Doing to Done: Productivity Made Simple
Visit Rick Beato's YouTube channel
Related Conversation: Episode 204: Getting Things Done for Teens with Mike Williams
Related Blog Post: Getting Things Done in Tough Places

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Anna Tsui talks about Shadow Magic Nov 16, 2022

Anna Tsui, is the creator of The Genius Method. She is a genius coach, international writer, speaker, and serial entrepreneur. Her bestselling book, “Shadow Magic: Turn your Fear Into Fuel and Create a Prosperous Coaching Business” shows readers how to overcome their personal self-sabotage and build a thriving career and business.

In this episode, I tell the story about my shadow self that infiltrated my world not too long ago. We talk about some other elements of Anna's work, a bit of parenting, and there may be a few Star Wars references, too.

There's a lot of great stuff in this episode, we had what we like to call a "badass" conversation, but it was productive!

Links Worth Exploring

Connect with Anna: Website | Instagram | Facebook | LinkedIn
Download half of Anna's bestselling book for free
Buy Shadow Magic: Turn your Fear Into Fuel and Create a Prosperous Coaching Business
Sign up for The Procrastination Course
Related Conversation: Episode 332: Getting Productive With Astrology with Jill Blumenstock
Related Blog Post: 6 Reasons Why You Fail to Reach Your Goals

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Tiago Forte talks about Building a Second Brain Nov 09, 2022

On this episode, I'm joined by Tiago Forte.

He is the author of Building a Second Brain, a Proven Method to Organize your Digital Life and Unlock your Creative Potential. He is one of the world's foremost experts on productivity and has taught thousands of people around the world how timeless principles and the latest technology can revolutionize their productivity, creativity, and personal effectiveness.

We get into the depths of PKM productivity and what it really means to build a second brain.

This conversation was truly productive and we could have covered so much more!

This episode was originally released as a live stream for Premium Members of TimeCrafting Trust. Want to take partake in future live streams and much more? Sign up here!

Links Worth Exploring

Connect with Tiago: Website | Instagram | Facebook | Twitter | LinkedIn
Listen to Tiago's Podcast
Get the Second Brain Quickstart Guide
Buy Tiago's book Building a Second Brain
Join the TimeCrafting Trust Membership
Related Conversation: The Evolution of Getting Things Done with David Allen
Related Blog Post: Everything in Evernote

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.

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John Baird & Edward Sullivan talk about Leading with Heart Nov 02, 2022

This week I am delighted to not bring you just one guest this week, but two!

I am joined by John Baird and Edward Sullivan to discuss their new book Leading with Heart: 5 Conversations that Unlock Creativity, Purpose, and Results.

This episode feels like a couple of friends having a conversation over coffee. We chat about the idea of the "lights on, lights off experiment", how fear and Maslow's hierarchy of needs play a part in why they constructed the book the way they did, and we go over how to read it!

John Baird has been considered one of the premier executive coaches in Silicon Valley for over 25 years. He built his career coaching in the C-Suite at companies ranging from Apple and Nike to start-ups like DoorDash and MasterClass. He earned a PhD in Organizational Leadership from Purdue University. He is currently Founder & Chairman of the renowned executive coaching consultancy Velocity.

Edward Sullivan has been coaching and advising start-up founders, Fortune 10 executives, and heads of state for over 15 years. His clients include executives from Google, Salesforce, Slack, and dozens of other fast-growth companies. He holds an MBA from Wharton and an MPA from the Harvard Kennedy School. Edward is CEO & President of the renowned executive coaching consultancy Velocity.

Links Worth Exploring

Connect with John: Twitter | LinkedIn
Connect with Edward: Twitter | LinkedIn
Pre-order Leading with Heart: 5 Conversations that Unlock Creativity, Purpose, and Results.
Visit their Velocity Coaching website
Related Conversation: Episode 413: Mohammad Anwar and Chris Pitre talk about Love as a Business Strategy
Related Blog Post: Failing Forward: A 5 Step Process to Fight the Fear of Failure

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.

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BONUS EPISODE: Dominic Zijlstra talks about Traverse App Oct 30, 2022

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.

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FROM THE VAULT: How to Fight a Hydra with Josh Kaufman Oct 26, 2022

This week we are bringing this excellent episode with Josh Kaufman out of the vault. He is the author of three bestselling books – including How to Fight a Hydra: Face Your Fears, Pursue Your Ambitions, and Become the Hero You Are Destined to Be. Josh’s research focuses on business, entrepreneurship, skill acquisition, productivity, creativity, applied psychology, and practical wisdom and he’s someone I’ve wanted to have on the show for a long time.

Josh and I carry on a conversation that revolves around the differences between How to Fight a Hydra and his previous books, the power of story (particularly fables and parables), why I never thought of Josh as a productivity expert yet he describes himself as such, and much more.

I had a fantastic time chatting with Josh and I enjoyed revisiting this conversation. I hope you do, too.

Links Worth Exploring

Connect with Josh: Website | Twitter
Buy Josh's book How to Fight a Hydra: Face Your Fears, Pursue Your Ambitions, and Become the Hero You Are Destined to Be
See what Josh is doing now
Check out The Legend of Bagger Vance by Steven Pressfield
Related Conversation: Episode 238: How to Keep Going with Austin Kleon
Related Blog Post: “No, Fear.”

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.

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Moah talks about Boomerang Oct 19, 2022

Aye Moah, who goes by Moah (pronounced Moe), is taking over the helm as CEO of Boomerang which 2 million savvy active users rely on to spend less time on email and more time on what matters to them. Their loyal user base has saved over 500 years of their lives since 2011 that would otherwise have been spent in email hell.

Ironic (or should we say iconic) for someone who arrived at MIT and announced they were going to major in Computer Science without ever having an email address. Yes, this 5’ tall woman who, literally dodged bullets growing up in Burma, clandestinely applied to go to MIT, got a full ride, and took the first airplane flight of her life to start school. And she has never stopped punching above her weight since.

Listen to us chat about the Boomerang app, email, and geek out about productivity!

Links Worth Exploring

Connect with Moah: Twitter | LinkedIn
Learn more about the Boomerang app
Related Conversation: Episode 360: A World Without Email with Cal Newport
Related Blog Post: The One Email Trick That Keeps My Inbox In Shape

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.

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Laura Vanderkam talks about Tranquility by Tuesday Oct 12, 2022

Join Laura Vanderkam and I having an easy and interesting conversation about Time Management.

If you haven't heard our previous conversations, Laura’s work has appeared in various publications and media outlets including The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, The Today Show, and Fox & Friends among many others. She co-hosts the Best of Both Worlds podcast and has delivered a TED talk with more than 5 million views.

We talk about her latest book, Tranquillity by Tuesday: Nine Ways to Calm the Chaos and Make Time for What Matters. We cover the most challenging way that people found to calm the chaos and make time for what matters. She offers a simple and familiar way to future-proof something that you've scheduled. And most importantly, how the 9 rules came to be and how to work through them.

Links Worth Exploring

Connect with Laura: Website | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | LinkedIn
Buy Laura's Book: Tranquillity by Tuesday: Nine Ways to Calm the Chaos and Make Time for What Matters
Listen to Laura's Podcasts:
Best of Both Worlds Podcast
Before Breakfast with Laura Vanderkam
The New Corner Office Podcast
Read Laura's Blog Posts
Related Conversation: Off the Clock with Laura Vanderkam
Related Blog Post: Hit The Snooze Button To Be More Productive

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Robin Hills talks about Resilience Oct 05, 2022

This week I had Robin Hills on the show to talk about resilience.

He's the author of the Authority Guide to Emotional Resilience in Business Strategies to Manage Stress and Weather Storms in the Workplace. He's the director of EI4Change, a company specializing in training, coaching, and personal development focused on emotional intelligence, positive psychology, and neuroscience. He has over 35 years of business and commercial experience, as well as spoken keynotes.

We dive deep into what it really means to be resilient, what it isn't, where the confusion may lie and how confusion can rear its ugly head. Robin busts some old myths and how emotions are an important factor.

Links Worth Exploring

Connect with Robin: Website | LinkedIn
Check out his book Emotional Resilience in Business Strategies to Manage Stress and Weather Storms in the Workplace
Register for Robin's EI4Change courses here
Related Conversation: The Year of Fear with Kendra Wright
Related Blog Post: Book Review: The Obstacle is The Way

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FROM THE VAULT: Jon Acuff talks about Finish Sep 28, 2022

From the vault this week, we have Jon Acuff – a New York Times bestselling author of multiple books. In this episode, we discussed Finish: Give Yourself the Gift of Done. John's delivered some other great stuff since this discussion, including a book called Soundtracks that I highly recommend you check out after listening to this conversation.

Jon helps some of the world’s biggest brands tell their story and has appeared on CNN, Fox News, Good Day LA, and other major media outlets.

We discussed a sampling of the topics in his book, Finish, which includes planning, prioritizing, and reaching the state of finished no matter what you’re working on.

Links Worth Exploring

Connect with Jon: Website | Instagram | Twitter | Facebook | LinkedIn
BuyFinish: Give Yourself the Gift of Done
Check out his latest book Soundtracks: The Surprising Solution to Overthinking
Listen to All it Takes is a Goal with Jon Acuff
Join Jon's Weekly Idea Experiment
Related Conversation: Overlap with Sean McCabe
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.

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Todd Henry talks about The Daily Creative Sep 21, 2022

Todd Henry is returning for another productive conversation.

He's the author of several books, and an international speaker on creativity, productivity, and passion for work, as well as a coach for people and teams to help them generate brilliant ideas.

This week, we are discussing his latest book, The Daily Creative.

We talk about what it was like to put this book together, how you should go through the book, and then we take certain passages of the book and discuss them.. and it's very likely that the Cincinnati Bengals come up.

It's a fun and productive conversation that you don't want to miss.

Links Worth Exploring

Connect with Todd: Website | Instagram | Twitter | Facebook
Buy Todd's latest book: Daily Creative: A Practical Guide for Staying Prolific, Brilliant, and Healthy
Listen to the Accidental Creative Podcast
Check out The Daily Creative
Join Mike's TimeCrafting Trust community
Watch this Quentin Tarantino video
Related Conversation: Episode 340: Your Motivation Code with Todd Henry
Related Blog Post: On Doing What Really Needs Doing

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.

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Joey Cofone talks about The Laws of Creativity Sep 14, 2022

This week I am joined by the founder and CEO of Baronfig, Joey Cofone.

Joey is an award-winning designer and entrepreneur living and working in NYC who has designed and art-directed over 100 products from zero to launch.

With over a decade of ideas, notes, and journaling - Joey has published his book The Laws of Creativity: Unlock your Originality and Awaken your Creative Genius. A book that he hopes will serve the purpose of enlightening people on creativity; how it works and how they can harness it.

During our conversation we dive into the different laws, discuss the way the book has been constructed, and we ultimately get to the idea of how creativity and productivity are related.

Links Worth Exploring

Connect with Joey: Website | Instagram | Twitter
Buy Joey's book: The Laws of Creativity: Unlock your Originality and Awaken your Creative Genius
Check out what Baronfig has to offer
Related Conversation: Episode 228: Tailoring Tools for Thinkers with Joey Cofone
Related Blog Post: Taking Journaling to Another Level

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.

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Katie Stoddart talks about The Focus Bee Sep 07, 2022

In this episode, I am joined by Katie Stoddard.

Katie is an award-winning international coach whose mission is to support entrepreneurs, founders and executives world-wide to reach higher levels of performance.

She is the person behind The Focus Bee. She hosts a super informative podcast, The Focus Bee Show and is the writer behind The Focus Bee Blog. During this conversation, primarily around focus, we talk about precision, resilience, and the fascinating idea of equanimity.

I enjoyed talking to someone who has a passion for productivity, and especially an element of productivity and its focus.

Links Worth Exploring

Connect with Katie: Website | Instagram | Facebook | LinkedIn | Twitter
Grab Katie's FREE e-book here
Listen to Katie's podcast: The Focus Bee Show
Related Conversation: What Goes Into a Task App with Amir Salihefendic
Related Blog Post: The Thing About Focus

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.

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FROM THE VAULT: Getting Productive With Astrology with Jill Blumenstock Aug 30, 2022

This week's featured vault episode is with guest, Jill Blumenstock!

Jill is a certified Yoga Teacher and Vedic Astrologer, and has seen firsthand the impact of tuning into your own natural rhythms. It’s a time guide that’s beyond just your horoscope; you learn how to best manage your time. In this episode, we uncover how to chart your astrological patterns, how to apply it to your daily life – and hear Jill’s live reading of me!

Links Worth Exploring

Connect with Jill: Website | Instagram | Facebook
Click here to schedule a Vedic Reading with Jill
Buy Eviatar's book: The Seven Day Circle: The History and Meaning of the Week
Related Conversation: Episode 331: It’s Time to Slow Things Down (Mike Vardy solo episode!)
Related Blog Post: The Speed of Right

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Britt Frank talks about The Science of Stuck Aug 24, 2022

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

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FROM THE VAULT: A Mindful Conversation with Patrick Rhone Aug 17, 2022

On this vault episode of the podcast, I bring back Patrick Rhone. He is an author and speaker who helps guide people to the balance and peace that comes through mindfulness, introspection, and truth. Patrick and I have lots of great conversations, and not all of them are recorded - so this was a treat to revisit.

This time around we focus on reading more (and better), mindfulness (and Patrick’s book “Mindfulness for Mere Mortals), and much more.

I always have a blast talking with Patrick. I hope you enjoy the show as much as I enjoyed putting it together.

Links Worth Exploring

Connect with Patrick: Website | Instagram | Twitter | LinkedIn
Buy Patrick's book: Mindfulness for Mere Mortals
Listen to David Wallace speech: This is Water
Related Conversation: Intentions, Time, and Saying No with Patrick Rhone
Related Blog Post: Doing Productive vs. Being Productive

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.

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Jake Kahana talks about Caveday Aug 10, 2022

The more specific we get about something, the more we pay attention to it - and that's what we did with this episode.

Jake Kahana is a designer and entrepreneur. He is a co-founder of Caveday, a company founded to maximize focus for individuals and corporations through facilitated focus sessions training. Their global community has participated in over 50,000 hours of deep work “In The Cave.” As a US faculty member with The School of Life, Jake teaches workshops in emotional intelligence for corporate teams.

In this episode, Jake tells us how Caveday came to be with a couple of like-minded friends who wanted to focus on their tasks and build a community - together. We talk about the power of asking the right questions and how being open and vulnerable as an entrepreneur can be life-changing.

Links Worth Exploring

Connect with Jake: Website | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | LinkedIn
Get a 1-month FREE trial of Caveday
Watch Jimmy Kimmel & Jimmy Fallon's April Fool's prank
Related Conversation: Episode 420: Daniel Coyle talks about The Culture Playbook
Related Blog Post: The Value of Imperfect Focus

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.

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FROM THE VAULT: What Goes Into a Task App with Amir Salihefendic Aug 03, 2022

Mike is back once again with an episode from the vault. If you're a Todoist user or you just love To-do list apps, then you're going to love this episode.

Amir Salihefendic is the founder and CEO of Doist (the makers of Todoist). 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.

Links Worth Exploring

Connect with Amir: Website | Twitter | LinkedIn
Check out Todoist
Systemist: A modern productivity workflow | Todoist Blog
How to create sub-tasks? | Todoist
Todoist Business
Related Conversation: All Things Productive with Carl Pullein
Related Blog Post: Why I Switched To Todoist

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.

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Prasanth Nair talks about The Stack Method Jul 27, 2022

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.

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FROM THE VAULT: The Daily Plan Bar with Mike Rohde Jul 20, 2022

For this vault episode, I'm bringing back Sketchnote creator, Mike Rohde. Mike is not just a friend. He is a sketchnoter, designer, illustrator, self-professed techy, author and speaker who is fond of simple yet impactful design solutions. A sample of such is the Daily Plan Bar which he created to make task management more manageable.

Our discussion involves the origins of the Daily Plan Bar, how he came up with it, and the other systems he uses to manage his work tasks and his home life. He has been a huge inspiration to me in helping me bridge the gap between written and visual productivity.

This is a really fun conversation and I am excited to bring it back to you as a refresher or maybe you'll be listening to it for the first time. Either way, I hope you enjoy!

Links Worth Exploring

Connect with Mike: Website | Instagram | Twitter | LinkedIn | Flickr
Get the The Sketchnote Handbook
The Daily Plan Bar
See all of Mike's Sketchnote products
Check out Sketchnote Workshops here
Related Conversation: The Productivityist Podcast: The Staying Power of Sketchnotes with Deborah LeFrank
Related Blog Post: Why Paper Works

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.

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Jake Kelfer talks about The Elevated Entrepreneur Jul 13, 2022

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.

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FROM THE VAULT: Behind the Scenes with Dexter Guff and Peter Oldring Jul 06, 2022

On this vault episode of the show, I am delighted to have two guests join me. First up is fellow Canadian, thought leader, and podcast host Dexter Guff, host of Dexter Guff is Smarter Than You (And You Can Be Too) and following his appearance, I speak with his alter ego, comedic performer Peter Oldring.

While Dexter and I discuss a lot of the usual lifehackery stuff, Peter and I dive deeper into what makes Dexter tick. We talk about how he and his colleagues Pat Kelly and Chris Kelly (no relation) came up with the idea of doing Dexter’s reaction the show has received so far, how the show is crafted every week, and where the show is headed.

This is a different kind of episode – and a little longer than usual – but it’s a fun one.

Links Worth Exploring

Connect with Dexter: Twitter | Instagram
Connect with Peter: Twitter | Wikipedia
Listen to Dexter's Podcast: Dexter Guff is Smarter Than You (And You Can Be Too)
Hear Peter Oldring on his podcast Dexter is Smarter Than You
The Truth About Fake News | Peter Oldring | TEDxYYC | Youtube
This is That with Pat Kelly and Peter Oldring | CBC Radio
Related Conversation: Episode 274: Humor That Works with Andrew Tarvin
Related Blog Post: How To Stop The Urgent Stuff From Overwhelming You

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.

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Penelope Przekop talks about 5-Star career: Define and Build Yours Using the Science of Quality Management Jun 29, 2022

Penelope Przekop is a corporate quality management expert, entrepreneur, and author of 5-Star Career: Define and Build Yours Using the Science of Quality Management. She has worked with numerous Fortune 100 pharma companies where she has held many leadership positions and is the founder and CEO of PDC Pharma Strategy, where she also serves as the Chief Compliance Officer for Engrail Therapeutics. If you aren't already impressed, Penelope also earned a BS in Biology from Louisiana State University and an MS in Quality Systems Engineering from Kennesaw State University. She is a graduate of the Smith College Program for Women’s Leadership and the Rutgers University Senior Leadership Program for Professional Women. As well as, co-founded Bra in a Box with her daughter in 2018!

We dive into her latest book, the science behind quality management, and how to clean your systems so they work for you. Systems don't have to be as scary as they seem and she breaks it all down for us in this episode of A Productive Conversation.

Links Worth Exploring

Connect with Penelope: Website | Instagram | Facebook | Twitter
See Penelope's Linktree for quick access to all her articles and interviews
Penelope's Book: 5-Star Career: Define and Build Yours Using the Science of Quality Management
Related Conversation: Alignment and Automation with Mridu Parikh
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.

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FROM THE VAULT: Create Good Mornings with Craig Kulyk Jun 22, 2022

This conversation is a special one. Not just because it is from the vault, but because this guest is no longer with us.

Craig Kulyk and I met at the World Domination Summit and it was an absolute pleasure to have called him my friend. I am attending the WDS while this episode airs, and what better way to honour his memory than to release this great conversation from the vault.

Craig was known for his morning routines and his ideas on how to customize your morning to build better habits and be more productive. In this episode, we spoke about intentionality, how routines set the tone for the day, how you can shift and adapt your rituals over time, and more.

Links Worth Exploring

Hear Craig talk more about his routines on these podcasts
Mike Vardy’s Morning Routine | My Morning Routine
Mike Vardy’s Evening Routine | Evening Routines
Related Blog Post: Why You Shouldn’t Spend Time Journaling in the Morning (And What You Should Do Instead)
Related podcast episode: Episode 5: World Domination, Inspiration & Chris Guillebeau

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.

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Shaahin Cheyene talks about Billions: How I Became The King Of The Thrill Pill Cult Jun 15, 2022

Not only is Shaahin Cheyene the author ofBillion: How I Became King of the Thrill Pill Cultbut he is also the creator of herbal ecstasy, the nootropic pill that sparked the 100% legal smart drug movement. He's further established himself as an award-winning entrepreneur, Amazon expert, inventor, author, and filmmaker. He's known as the “Willy Wonka of Generation X” and the world’s leading Amazon industry expert.

In this episode, Shaahin and I touch on many topics. It's a wild ride, so prepare! We dive into why delegation, discipline, and patience are all integral cogs when running any successful business, what red flags to look out for when hiring in a management position, and the real secret behind making billions. He even provides a sneak-peek into his Amazon Mastery course that has been empowering people to create wealth through Amazon companies around the world.

Shaahin is a successful serial entrepreneur, has lived a colourful life, and has some really invigorating insights on leadership. Hear what he has to say on this episode of A Productive Conversation.

Links Worth Exploring

Connect with Shaahin: Website | Instagram | Facebook | Twitter
Checkout Shaahin's Amazon Mastery Course: Click here
Shaahin's Book: Billion: How I Became King of the Thrill Pill Cult
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.

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Brad Stulberg talks about The Practice of Groundedness Jun 08, 2022

This episode has been highly anticipated. Great guest. Great book. And a great conversation.

Brad Stulberg is a coach and speaker on sustainable performance and well-being. You may have read one of his many articles in The New York Times, Time Magazine, The Wall Street Journal, and many others!He has been helping people reach their full potential as an author and coach, and in this episode, we dive into one of his latest books - The Practice of Groundedness: A Transformative Path to Success that Feeds—Not Crushes—Your Soul

With rates of burnout and workplace resignations at an all-time high - Brad and I discuss why sustainable performance, building strong fundamentals, and practicing groundedness are as crucial as ever - and how patience ties it all together.

Brad even opens up about why he is never fully grounded. Want to know why? Listen and find out.

Links Worth Exploring

Connect with Brad: Website | Twitter
Brad's latest book: The Practice of Groundedness: A Transformative Path to Success that Feeds—Not Crushes—Your Soul
Listen to Brad on the Rich Roll podcast here
Checkout The Fundamentals with David Robinson(s)
Related Conversation: Episode 367: Peak Performing Flow with Steven Kotler
Related Blog Post: The Power of Bit by Bit 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.

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Jason Goldsmith talks about Take Charge of You: How Self Coaching Can Transform Your Life and Career Jun 01, 2022

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.

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Neill Williams talks about How to Unbusy Your Life May 25, 2022

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.

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Michael Clinton talks about Roar into the Second Half of your Life May 18, 2022

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.

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Thanks again for listening to A Productive Conversation. See you later.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Loretta Breuning talks about Status Games May 11, 2022

It’s been nearly 6 years since I first had the pleasure of speaking with Loretta Breuning. This episode has been months in the making and I’m happy to have her back to chat about her book Status Games: Why We Play and How to Stop.

Loretta is a Professor Emerita of Management at California State University and the author of many personal development books including Habits of a Happy Brain: Retrain Your Brain to Boost Your Serotonin, Dopamine, Oxytocin, and Endorphin Levels and the aforementioned Status Games: Why We Play and How to Stop. She's the founder of the Inner Mammal Institute and has helped thousands of people make peace with their inner mammal.

During our conversation, Loretta and I talked about the role happy brain chemicals play in your status and the biology behind it. We discussed the importance of stimulating your serotonin to achieve your highest productivity levels in life and in the workplace and about wiring in new choices towards your best step confidently and navigating a healthy serotonin mindset.

Loretta brings an interesting comparison of human and animal behaviour and how we can train our brains to boost these happy chemicals.

It is a pleasure having her on the show once again. I hope you enjoy our latest conversation. I know I did.

Links Worth Exploring

Connect with Loretta: Website | Twitter | Facebook | LinkedIn | Instagram
Loretta's Book: Status Games: Why We Play and How to Stop
Related Conversation: Episode 59: The Habits of a Happy Brain with Loretta Breuning
Related Blog Post: Generally Helpful Tips

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.

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Marshall Goldsmith talks about The Earned Life May 04, 2022

This is a conversation I've been wanting to have for years.

Marshall Goldsmith is someone I've been following ever since I got into the productivity space. His book "Triggers: Creating Behavior That Lasts - Becoming the Person You Want to Be" was especially formative for me and my work. So when I was asked if I'd like to speak with Marshall about his book "The Earned Life: Lose Regret, Choose Fulfillment" I jumped at the opportunity.

He is the only two-time winner of the Thinkers 50 Award for #1 Leadership Thinker in the World. He has been ranked as the #1 Executive Coach in the World, a Top Ten Business Thinker for the past eight years, and the inaugural winner of the Lifetime Award for Leadership by the Harvard Institute of Coaching. Dr. Goldsmith is the author or editor of 43 books, including many New York Times bestsellers (one that hit at #1), that have sold over 2.5 million copies, translated into 32 languages, and been listed bestsellers in 12 countries.

(Oh... and his books, "What Got You Here Won’t Get You There" and the aforementioned "Triggers" have been recognized by Amazon as two of the Top 100 Leadership & Success Books Ever Written.)

Marshall and I talked about what it mens to have a life that is earned, what he means when discussing the "satisfied" mind, the role willpower plays in your life, and how you can live "the earned life" starting today.

I had an absolute blast speaking with Marshall and I trust you'll hear my enthusiasm throughout our conversation. I trust you'll get a lot out of the conversation, too.

Links Worth Exploring

Connect with Marshall: Website | Twitter | Facebook | Youtube
Marshall's Book: The Earned Life: Lose Regret, Choose Fulfillment
Recommended by Marshall: The Checklist Manifesto: How to Get Things Right
Watch this film: American Underdog
Related Conversation: Episode 203: The Evolution of Getting Things Done with David Allen
Related Blog Post: The Power of Bit by Bit 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.

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Daniel Coyle talks about The Culture Playbook Apr 27, 2022

When I was given the opportunity to speak with Daniel Coyle for A Productive Conversation, I jumped at the opportunity.

He is the New York Times bestselling author of The Culture Code, The Talent Code, The Little Book of Talent, The Secret Race, Lance Armstrong’s War, and Hardball: A Season in the Projects. Coyle, who works as an advisor to the Cleveland Guardians, lives in Cleveland, Ohio, during the school year and in Homer, Alaska, during the summer with his wife, Jen, and their four children.

During our conversation we talk about where culture comes from, the idea of "belonging cues", the best way for someone to go through The Culture Playbook, and the magic behind the sustainable success of my favourite NBA team.

There are certain fundamentals that go into building a strong and cohesive culture. You'll find those within Daniel's work, including The Culture Playbook. And you'll also find some discussed during this conversation I had with him.

Links Worth Exploring

Connect with Daniel: Website | Twitter | Facebook | LinkedIn
Daniel's Book: The Culture Playbook: 60 Highly Effective Actions to Help Your Group Succeed
The Power of Moments: Why Certain Experiences Have Extraordinary Impact: Get it on Amazon
Winning Time: The Rise of the Lakers Dynasty: Watch it on HBO
Related Conversation: Episode 360: A World Without Email with Cal Newport
Related Blog Post: You Can’t Get Around the Need for a Process

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.

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Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Adrienne Smith talks about playing football, giving her all, and giving back to the game Apr 20, 2022

I've always wanted to interview a football player for the podcast.

Thanks to Adrienne Smith, I got my chance.

As an athlete, Adrienne has won two gold medals and four national championships in the sport of women’s tackle football. Adrienne has also represented the U.S. in the sport of flag football, having won three silver medals in international competition. Whether on the field or off, Adrienne’s personal mission is to “empire” (empower+inspire) others – a concept she strives to incorporate into all of her endeavors.

As an entrepreneur, Adrienne, an MBA graduate of Columbia Business School, is the co-founder of Harlem Hip-Hop Tours (a company dedicated to edutainment field trips for schools and youth groups), the founder of Gridiron Queendom (an enterprise dedicated to women and girls around the world who play or are fans of American football), and the creator of Blitz Champz (a super fun, football card game that reinforces math skills for children in grades 3-8).

When it comes to media, Adrienne is a multi-hyphenate (writer, actress, and producer) with experience that runs the gamut from producing and hosting a television show in Japan to developing film and television properties for the U.S. market.

During our conversation, Adrienne talks about how she fell in love with football, what a typical day for the very productive Adrienne Smith looks like, how precise she gets with allocating time for her tasks and projects, and how Adrienne keeps her intentions illuminated – including inventing a game that helped her give back to the game of football, Blitz Champz.

There are some great takeaways from our conversation. I hope you enjoy it.

Links Worth Exploring

Connect with Adrienne: Website | Twitter | Instagram
Get Blitz Champz: Click here to get them from Amazon
Listen to Lebron: Right here on Calm
Related Conversation: Episode 241: What Sports Can Teach Us About Greatness with Don Yaeger
Related Blog Post: The Long Game

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.

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Thanks again for listening to A Productive Conversation. See you later.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Joshua Becker talks about Things That Matter Apr 13, 2022

Joshua Becker isn't just one of my favourite people to have a conversation with, he's one of my favourite writers. And his book, Things That Matter: Overcoming Distraction to Pursue a More Meaningful Life, is a book that I needed to read.

I believe it's a book that you need to read as well.

Joshua is The Wall Street Journal best-selling author of The More of Less and The Minimalist Home. He's also behind the site Becoming Minimalist and, as mentioned, is one of my favourite people to hang out with.

We talked about why writing this book was a big deal for Joshua, falling into the trap of chasing the wrong things, and – wait for it – atychiphobia.

Whenever I speak with Joshua, ideas really come to front of mind. You'll hear this coming from me throughout this conversation. Maybe it's that those things matter to me... or maybe I'm auditioning them for that role. Either way, I'm happy that we had a chance to make this conversation happen because it mattered a lot to me to make it happen.

I trust after listening to this episode that you'll understand why.

Show Notes

Connect with Joshua: Website | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram
Joshua's Book: Things That Matter: Overcoming Distraction to Pursue a More Meaningful Life
Check out The Hope Effect: Click here
Related Conversation: Episode 91: The More of Less with Joshua Becker
Related Blog Post: I Think Ivy Lee Was Right

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.

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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

Cameron Herold talks about being The Second in Command Apr 06, 2022

Meetings suck, don't they?

Fellow Canadian Cameron Herold wrote a book with that title. But he knows that they don't have to suck.

During our discussion, Cameron shares with me why meetings don't have to suck and how to keep them becoming something that sucks. We also talked about a variety of other things during our conversation because Cameron has covered a lot through his body of work.

He is the Founder of COO Alliance, a Coach to CEOs and COOs, Keynote Speaker, and author of 5 books. He has coached hundreds of companies in 28 countries, built two 100MM companies, and his Vivid Vision tool is being used globally by thousands of companies.

There's a lot to unpack from our conversation – including the concepts of priority management and situational leadership. I trust you'll enjoy this episode and learn a lot from Cameron. I know I did.

Show Notes

Connect with Cameron: Website | Instagram | Facebook | LinkedIn
Cameron's Books: Visit his Amazon Author Page
Cameron's podcast: The Second in Command Podcast
Cameron's course: Invest in Your Leaders
Visit The COO Alliance: Click here
Related Conversation: Episode 106: Brian Scudamore
Related Blog Post: A Look at Productivity and Workflow “Versioning”

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

A Very Special Episode: Liam Martin talks about Running Remote Apr 04, 2022

The way the world works has been changed forever over the past few years. There's no going back to the way things were. It's all about adapting to the evolved world of work – one that involves remote work no matter which way you slice it.

That's why I'm glad to finally have Liam Martin join me on the podcast.

Liam is an avid proponent of remote work and has been published in Forbes, Inc, Mashable, TechCrunch, Fast Company, Wired, and The Wall Street Journal (among many other publications) specifically targeting the expansion of remote work. Liam's products and services are defined by the concept of giving workers the flexibility to work wherever they want, whenever they want.

That's why I believe he's one of the best people in the world to talk about the future of work and the role remote work will play in it.

We talk about many facets of remote work throughout our conversation, including his book on remote work. This is a conversation that is definitely another productive one. I hope you learn a lot from what we discuss... and I hope you're able to join me and Liam at Running Remote (either in person or remotely) in May 2022!

Show Notes

Connect with Liam: Website | Twitter | Facebook | LinkedIn
Liam's Book: Running Remote: Master the Lessons from the World’s Most Successful Remote-Work Pioneers
Join us at Running Remote: Click here (Use code productivityist for 20% off any ticket price)
Related Conversation: Episode 326: The Power of Process with Justin DiRose
Related Blog Post: How to Be Prudent and Productive

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.

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FROM THE VAULT: Chris Bailey talks about Hyperfocus Mar 30, 2022

I've been friends with Chris Bailey for years, dating back to our lunch at a diner in Ottawa when I was in his neck of the woods for a speaking engagement. We've had plenty of chats over the years and they've only become more frequent as the years have progressed. (After all, there aren't many Canadians who have dedicated their life's work to the realm of productivity and time management.)

Chris is the international bestselling author of The Productivity Project and Hyperfocus: How to Be More Productive in a World of Distraction. Chris writes about productivity at alifeofproductivity.com, and speaks to organizations around the globe on how they can become more productive without hating the process.

During this conversation we talk about focus and its effects on productivity, the different types of focus that he has written about, how to get around distraction, and much more.

Over time, our stance on productivity and time management has evolved as well. And while I look forward to having Chris on the podcast again to discuss that in greater detail, this episode offers you a look back into the past to see what we were both thinking about back in August 2019.

Links Worth Exploring

Connect with Chris: Website | Twitter | Instagram
Chris's Book #1: The Productivity Project
Chris's Book #2: Hyperfocus
Chris's Audible Thing: How to Train Your Mind: Exploring the Productivity Benefits of Meditation
Chris's Podcast: Time and Attention
Related Conversation: Related Conversation: Episode 266: Becoming Indistractable with Nir Eyal
Related Blog Post: Focus On The App Within

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.

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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.

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Ian Morgan Cron talks about The Story of You Mar 23, 2022

I've been interested in the Enneagram for a few years now, mainly because of my fascination with frameworks. And while I've had conversations with a lot of people who know about the Enneagram I had long wanted to talk to someone who knew a lot about it.

That's why I'm delighted to have had this conversation with Ian Morgan Cron.

Ian is a bestselling author, psychotherapist, Enneagram teacher, Episcopal priest, and the host of the wildly popular podcast, "Typology," which has over 17 million downloads. His books include the Enneagram primer The Road Back to You and The Story of You: An Enneagram Journey to Becoming Your True Self.

We talked about how the Enneagram views the concept of passion, how to break free of your "broken" story, and much more in such a short timeframe. Ian also helps me figure out my own Enneagram number – a number that I figured I was but through our conversation was confirmed.

Now that I know how to fix my own broken story, I can avoid getting in my own way when it comes to giving attention to my intentions... and bringing them to life. I believe that after listening to this conversation you will find there's value in using the Enneagram to help you do the same.

Links Worth Exploring

Connect with Ian: Website | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram
Ian's Book: The Story of You
Ian's Podcast: Typology
Ian's Other Book: The Road Back to You
The iEQ9 Assessment: Take It Here
Related Conversation: Episode 190: Reading People with Anne Bogel
Related Blog Post: The Hard Stuff

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.

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You can also click on this link to paste the podcast feed into your podcast app of choice.

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A Very Special Episode: Austin Kleon Returns! Mar 18, 2022

"I should have picked up Steal Like an Artist a long time ago."

That was the thought that ran through my mind as I read the 10th anniversary edition of this work by Austin Kleon from cover to cover to prepare for this very special bonus episode of A Productive Conversation.

Austin Kleon is the New York Times bestselling author of Steal Like an Artist, Show Your Work!, The Steal Like an Artist Journal: A Notebook for Creative Kleptomaniacs, and Keep Going. His work has been translated into over twenty languages and featured on NPR’s Morning Edition, PBS NewsHour, and in the New York Times and the Wall Street Journal. New York magazine called his work “brilliant,” the Atlantic called him “positively one of the most interesting people on the Internet,” and the New Yorker said his poems “resurrect the newspaper when everybody else is declaring it dead.” He speaks about creativity in the digital age for organizations such as Pixar, Google, SXSW, TEDx, and the Economist.

I only had a short time to speak with Austin this time around, but we made the most of it. I think you'll agree.

Links Worth Exploring

Connect with Austin: Website | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram
Get the book: Steal Like an Artist (10th Anniversary Edition)
THAT scene in "Get Back": Watch it here
My Last Chat with Austin: Episode 238: How to Keep Going with Austin Kleon
Related Conversation: Episode 407: Rob Walker talks about The Art of Noticing
Related Blog Post: The Smart Ones

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.

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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.

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Joe Chura talks about being Not Almost There Mar 16, 2022

Joe Chura is an entrepreneur, inventor, and investor philanthropist. He founded and bootstrapped two companies, Launch Digital Marketing and Dealer Inspire, that both became two of the fastest growing companies in America, earning the #39 spot on the Inc. 500 and #5 ranking on Crain’s Chicago Fast 50. In 2018, Joe sold both businesses to Cars.com in Chicago’s largest acquisition of the year, and he continues to lead their growth and innovation today as CEO. Joe’s passion is using his leadership and health and fitness experiences to help others achieve their goals, which led him to start his podcast, Not Almost There, in January of 2021.

I find out during our conversation what Almost Not There means and how he got started with it. Then we discuss Joe's unique meditation ritual, what you can learn from people (good and not-so good), the importance of small moments, and a whole lot more.

Show Notes

Connect with Joe: Website | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram
Joe's Podcast: Subscribe Here
Listen to me on Joe's Podcast: Apple Podcasts | Spotify
Ryan Holiday on The Rich Roll Podcast: Watch/Listen Here
Joe talks with Rich Roll: Check it out
The event Joe started: REFUEL
Joe's newest venture: Here it is!
Related Conversation: Episode 407: Rob Walker talks about The Art of Noticing
Related Blog Post: Almost

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.

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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

Mohammad Anwar and Chris Pitre talk about Love as a Business Strategy Mar 09, 2022

Sometimes I get so caught up in the conversation that I make a mistake.... But considering the guests I have this time around I couldn't have picked a better time for that to happen.

You see, I mispronounced one guest's last name in the intro.

That said, these two guests – Mohammad Anwar and Chris Pitre – had a hand in writing the book "Love as a Business Strategy: Resilience, Belonging, and Success" so I'm sure Chris will show me the side of love that exudes compassion and forgiveness.

Mohammad started Softway at the age of 20 where he still serves as the President and CEO. Chris is the Vice President of Softway and he has a B.A. in Business Administration from The George Washington University in Washington, D.C.

We talk about why they wrote the book, how they were able to write the book with two additional authors, what businesses need to read this book, and how love can be measured in business to help quantify it more... if that's even possible.

Show Notes

Connect with Mohammed: LinkedIn
Connect with Chris: LinkedIn
Their Book: Love as a Business Strategy: Resilience, Belonging, and Success
Check out their Podcast: Love as a Business Strategy
Softway's Website: Check it out here
Their new initiative: Culture+
Related Conversation: Episode 401: Dr. Michael Breus talks about Energy Management, Movement and Sleep
Related Blog Post: How to Do More of the Things You Love

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

Brittany Wagner talks about not giving up, taking a chance, and vulnerability Mar 02, 2022

When Brittany Wagner reached out to be on the program, I honestly didn't know that she was on a dock-series that I'd added to my Netflix queue called "Last Chance U."

I started to go through some of the episodes and found Brittany to be, indeed, the breakout star of the show.

We spoke about the honest and vulnerability she put into her book, "Next Chance You: Tools, Tips, and Tough Love for Bringing Your A-Game to Life" along with elements that she and those she mentors face time and time again – things like the importance of choice and dealing with overwhelm.

I didn't know quite what to expect going into this conversation. But once I was in it, I really enjoyed it. I trust you will, too.

Show Notes

Connect with Brittany: Website | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram
Brittany's Book: Next Chance You: Tools, Tips, and Tough Love for Bringing Your A-Game to Life
Watch Last Chance U: Right here on Netflix
Related Conversation: Episode 408: Thomas Anderson talks about Vulnerability
Related Blog Post: The Potential of a Fresh Start

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.

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FROM THE VAULT: Justin Jackson talks about Making and Modifying Feb 23, 2022

My guest on this episode is my friend Justin Jackson. I wanted to revisit this conversation from April 2017, so I pulled it from the vault to share it with you once again.

Justin is a ton of things. He's a dad, a husband, an entrepreneur, and a coach. He's the founder of Megamaker, cofounder of Transistor.fm, and cofounder of Meeps. He's also the author of Jolt, the creator of Marketing for Developers and Tiny Marketing Wins, and an overall serial maker.

He aims to help people through the things they create. And he does a great job at that.

On this episode, we discussed the processes of making and/or modifying. We spent time going over his systems and approaches in the different initiatives and creations he is working on.

Relevant Links:

Connect with Justin: Website | Twitter | YouTube | Instagram
Looking for a podcast hosting solution? Check out Transistor.fm
Justin's Email Newsletter: (It's Self-Titled)
Justin is also on Twitch: Right Here
Related Conversation: Episode 290: Creative Menopause with Chase Reeves
Related Blog Post: The Hard Stuff

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.

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Michael Diettrich-Chastain talks about CHANGES Feb 16, 2022

Change is never easy. And it's constant.

It's one of the things that we can rely on... even if we can't rely on what it might hold for us.

That's why you're seeing the phrase "change management" so much more than ever before. You can't really lead change; you can only manage it.

Or can you lead it?

That's what Michael Diettrich-Chastain and I talk about during this episode of A Productive Conversation.

Michael is a bestselling author, leadership coach, facilitator and professional speaker. Michael and his team are passionate about helping organizations, leaders and teams become experts on change management, communication and emotional intelligence. So he knows a thing or to about not just managing change... but leading it to where you get the best outcome possible.

We talked about certainty and uncertainty and how the acronym he uses (CHANGES) can help organizations and their personnel deal with both. There's a lot more that we get into surrounding the concept of change and I believe after listening to this conversation, you might just change your mind about how change can be handled to work for you more often than not.

Show Notes

Connect with Michael: Website | Twitter | Instagram | LinkedIn
Michael's Book: CHANGES
The CHANGES Cards: Get a deck here
Related Conversation: Episode 232 of A Productive Conversation
Related Blog Post: Change for Change's Sake

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.

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Thanks again for listening to A Productive Conversation. See you later.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Luke Burgis talks about Wanting, Journaling, and Fulfillment Feb 09, 2022

As the author of "Wanting: The Power of Mimetic Desire in Everyday Life," Luke has spent plenty of time and energy researching the power of desire. I absolutely loved getting into the book and wanted to spend some time getting into the nuts and bolts with Luke about why "wanting" has so much power... and what to do with that power.

We unpacked a lot during our discussion – from impostor syndrome to needs and wants becoming one and the same (or appearing to be) to attempting to avoid choosing the wrong things to desire. I learned a lot from this conversation, making it incredibly productive.

I trust you'll learn a lot, too.

Show Notes

Connect with Luke: Website | Twitter | Instagram | Facebook | LinkedIn
Luke's Book: Wanting: The Power of Mimetic Desire in Everyday Life
Luke and I both use the Monk Manual: Get 10% off one here with the code TIMECRAFTING
I also use this journaling app: Reflection
Luke chatting with Ryan Holiday: The Daily Stoic Podcast
Related Conversation: Episode 189 of A Productive Conversation
Related Blog Post: The Priority

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

Thomas Anderson talks about Being Vulnerable Feb 02, 2022

Who is Thomas Anderson?

Better still, who is Thomas Anderson to write a book on vulnerability?

I ask this question during my conversation with him on this episode of the podcast.

Do vulnerability and productivity go hand-in-hand? I think so.

Setting boundaries, sharing limitations, dealing with overwhelm, are all part of them both. I know that once you're done listening to our conversation that you'll see the relationship between productivity and vulnerability.

And you might just be closer to the aim of being productive rather than "doing" productive, too.

Show Notes

Connect with Thomas: Website | Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn
Thomas's Book: The Vulnerable Man
Vulnerability + Ted Lasso: The art of vulnerability with Ted Lasso
Another book I loved spawned from journaling: Greenlights by Matthew McConaughey
Related Conversation: Episode 146 of A Productive Conversation
Related Blog Post: Why I Journal (and Why You Should Too)

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

BONUS EPISODE: Charlie Gilkey talks about Momentum Feb 01, 2022

On this bonus (and sponsor-free) episode of A Productive Conversation with Mike Vardy, Mike is joined by his good friend Charlie Gilkey of Productive Flourishing to talk about Momentum, the productivity app that he and his team are developing.

Mike asks him why in the world we need another productivity app, what Charlie is hoping to see happen with the Kickstarter campaign for Momentum, and much more. This audio is from a livestream that Mike had with Charlie on his YouTube channel so it'll sound different than our regular episodes. (Not bad... just different.)

You can check out the Momentum app Kickstarter campaign here.

Want to watch the recorded livestream? Here you go.

Want to support the podcast? 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

FROM THE VAULT: Rob Walker Jan 26, 2022

Over the past 7+ years of hosting this podcast, I noticed something: I've never gone back into previous conversations and revisited them with you. So I decided to make that more of a thing going forward.

The first episode of this podcast that I felt deserved to get pulled out from the vault was the one where noticing was the topic of conversation. Rob Walker knows a thing or two about noticing.

I've gone back to his book a few times since I was first sent a copy to read for our discussion back in May 2019. Considering that I focus on the importance of both intention and attention when it comes to time management and productivity, noticing is a natural thing for me to explore further. Noticing is a habit that I need to nurture. As Rob so aptly put during our conversation:

"It is not about your skill at noticing, more on the habit of noticing that sort of forces you to see differently and to see things that you weren’t looking for.”

I'm getting better at noticing. I trust after you listen to this conversation – and pick up Rob's book – that you will too.

Show Notes

Connect with Rob: Website | Tumblr | Facebook | Twitter
Rob's Book: The Art of Noticing
Rob's Email Newsletter: The Art of Noticing Newsletter
Another Rob Walker Thing I Think You'd Like: Workologist
Related Conversation: Episode 238 of A Productive Conversation
Related Blog Post: What Noticing Does

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

Perrine Farque talks about Inclusion Jan 19, 2022

Perrine Farque and I had a conversation that revolved largely around her area of expertise: inclusion. That's also the title of her book, which came up quite a bit during our chat... and for good reason. You see, within its pages lies the ultimate secret for an organization's success.

We get into acronyms (we're both fans of them) and Perrine explores one of them with me in greater depth. Other things we get into include a way to think of yourself than can help promote inclusivity, the ever-present problem of "impostor syndrome", and how to break through beliefs that integrating an inclusive culture into the workspace isn't as overwhelming as some make it out to be.

Perrine drove the strategy at companies such as Facebook and is on a mission to make the workplace more inclusive and diverse. After listening to this conversation, I think you'll see that she is well on her way to accomplishing that mission.

Show Notes

Connect with Perrine: Website | Instagram | Facebook | Twitter
Perrine's Book: Inclusion: The Ultimate Secret for an Organization's Success
Perrine's TEDx Talk: Inclusion is the key to success
Quiz: What's Your Leadership Type?
Related Conversation: Episode 234 of A Productive Conversation
Related Blog Post: There's Nothing Wrong with Being a Night Owl

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

Becca Ribbing talks about Clarity, Getting Unstuck, and Journaling Jan 12, 2022

Becca Ribbing knows a thing of two about, well... giving things thought.

She's the author of The Clarity Journal, so clarity is something she givers a lot of attention to. The change to the way I kick off each episode was the result of me getting clear about what I wanted to achieve at the start of the show, so I wanted to talk with Becca about the importance of clarity and mindful productivity.

Becca has been a coach for over a decade, helping women going back and forth with the big, seemingly endless question of what to do next. They also may not be entirely aware of what they're getting into. As she says during our discussion:

"When people area ready to jump to a new level, they don't always take stock of everything that's going into it."

When Becca steps in, anyone she works with can stop going around in circles and finally figure out what they truly want... and create the clarity and momentum they crave.

During our discussion, Becca goes into how she came up with the concept for The Clarity Journal. She also reveals the thing that a friend told her that she absolutely needed to hear and whether or not she was someone who journaled elsewhere before she created her own journal.

I hope you enjoy this conversation. It's been in the works for a while and I'm glad I can deliver it to you now.

Show Notes

Connect with Becca: Website | Instagram | Facebook | Twitter
Becca's Book: The Implementation Code: Unlocking The Secret To Getting It All Done
Becca's FREE Download: Get Unstuck Journaling Pages
Related Conversation: Episode 243 of A Productive Conversation with Mike Vardy
Related Blog Post: Choosing What to Chase

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

Stacy Tuschl talks about The Implementation Code Jan 05, 2022

Productivity makes Stacy Tuschl tick.

In addition to being a Small Business Growth Coach, Stacy is a bestselling author, and founder of the Foot Traffic Formula - helping small businesses around the world get more customers in the door, more profit in their pocket and more happiness in their homes. Stacy's started a bunch of prosperous ventures – including turning a company she started in her parents' backyard at the age of 18 into a multi-million dollar enterprise that she still runs today.

As I went through her new book, I found myself "dog-earing" it relentlessly. The book is titled The Implementation Code: Unlocking The Secret To Getting It All Done and when I was able to secure another conversation with Stacy – she's been on he podcast before as you'll see in the show notes – I knew we'd have plenty to discuss.

Stacy and I talk about the things people don't want to do but that we all need to do. Then we discuss the importance of maintenance, as illustrated in these words from Stacy:

"Without maintenance things have a way of reverting to the previous state."

(And she explains what maintenance isn't about during our discussion as well.)

As I went through Stacy's book, I took notice of how vulnerable she was willing to be in her writing. That comes across in the words she's written and the words she shares in this episode.

I hope you enjoy this conversation... and take away some things that you can implement today.

Show Notes

Connect with Stacy: Website | Instagram | Facebook | YouTube
Stacy's Book: The Implementation Code: Unlocking The Secret To Getting It All Done
Stacy's Podcast: The Foot Traffic Podcast
Related Conversation: Episode 140 of A Productive Conversation with Mike Vardy
Podcast: Mindset Hacks for Rapid Transformation with Sheri Salata
Video: 5 Things That Should Be On Your To Do List Every Week

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

John Meese talks about Profit, Growth and Thriving Dec 29, 2021

Find out how to move from survival to thriving with your business with economist-turned-entrepreneur John Meese.

John is on a personal mission to eradicate generational poverty by helping entrepreneurs create thriving businesses which is why he wrote ‘Survive and Thrive: How to Build a Profitable Business in Any Economy (Including This One)’. John is CEO of Cowork.Inc, Co-founder of Notable, and host of the Thrive School podcast.

It was great having John back on the show to discuss his latest book. We discussed how to embrace problems, strategies of growing a business, being around like-minded people, and the power of coworking spaces.

Talking Points

His process of writing the book
The profit-first mindset
The theme of service throughout his research
The five ways of growing a business
Having the right people around you
John’s coworking space
Moving from the survival to the thriving state of your business

Quote

"As an entrepreneur, the world is counting on you to solve problems."

Helpful Links

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

Wes Kao talks about Maven, Cohort-based Learning and Seth Godin Dec 22, 2021

As co-founder of the altMBA, Wes Kao helped create the modern cohort-based education movement with Seth Godin.

Wes has led over 150 launches for Fortune 500 brands and startups, and is recognized as a leading expert in B2C marketing. Now she’s taking the category she helped create to the next level with her new startup Maven, the world’s first digital platform for cohort-based courses.

I learned heaps from this conversation as Wes unpacked all things cohort-based learning. Tune in to find out more about creating an engaging course, how the best courses evolve, growing your community, and the power of beta-testing.

Talking Points

The rising trend of learning cohorts
Some common mistakes made by first-time course creators
Why it’s never too late to start a cohort-based learning course
The impact of people working from home
How to make the most out of online learning
Repurposing evergreen content into cohort-based course

Quote

"The less tools you have, the less things will break."

Helpful Links

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

Dr. Michael Breus talks about Energy Management, Movement and Sleep Dec 15, 2021

Dr. Michael Breus, Ph.D., is a Clinical Psychologist and both a Diplomate of the American Board of Sleep Medicine and a Fellow of The American Academy of Sleep Medicine. He is one of only 168 psychologists in the world to have passed the Sleep Medical Speciality board without going to Medical School. Dr. Michael Breus was recently named the Top Sleep Specialist in California by Reader’s Digest, and one of the 10 most influential people in sleep.

Michael is also ‘The Power of When’, ‘The Sleep Doctor’s Diet Plan: Lose Weight Through Better Sleep’ and ‘GOOD NIGHT: The Sleep Doctor’s 4-Week Program to Better Sleep and Better Health’. In this episode, we explore his most recent book, co-authored with Stacey Griffith, ‘Energize!: Go from Dragging Ass to Kicking It in 30 Days’.

Tune in also to learn more about energy management techniques, knowing your body type, morning stretches, his unbelievably simple sleep program – and being a wolf.

Talking Points

How your body type and type of exercise affects your sleep
Learn how to manage your energy levels
Being a ‘fast wolf’
The correlation between melatonin production and age
Learning from how animals wake up
Emotional energizers and vampires
Identifying your definition of energy

Quote

"I focus more on energy management, not time."

Helpful Links

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

Dan Clark talks about Brain.fm, Functional Music and Mental States Dec 08, 2021

Brain.fm creates music that sounds different – and affects your brain differently – than any other music. Their science-first approach helps steer you into a desired mental state. How Dan joined the company is an interesting story, which you’ll find out in this interview. Fast forward to today, he is now the CEO.

It was fascinating to learn about how music affects our mental state and productivity. Join us as we discuss the scientific effects of function music, how Brain.fm works, finding your ‘power song’, and what he’s learnt from practising martial arts.

Talking Points

How what you listen to has an impact on your productivity
Their science-first approach to functional music
How Brain.fm compliments other productivity ‘hacks’
Active working and planning
The difference between binaural beats and Brain.fm
Power songs

Quote

"The better tools you have, the better you can dive into a task."

Helpful Links

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

Ron Friedman talks about Reverse Engineering Success Dec 01, 2021

Ron Friedman is an award-winning social psychologist who specializes in human motivation. He is a frequent contributor to HBR, CNN, Fast Company, and Psychology Today, as well as the author of multiple books including ‘Decoding Greatness: How the Best in the World Reverse Engineer Success’.

Find out how athletes, artists and entrepreneurs succeed so you can create your own breakthrough formula. Ron is on the show to discuss keeping score of success, how to creatively copy, finding your meaningful metrics – and Macklemore’s ‘Ten Thousand Hours’.

Talking Points

How to reverse engineer greatness
The stigma of copying
The curse of creativity and the confusion with originality
The Scoreboard Principle
Setting desirable and undesirable metrics
Why reverse engineering extends to all areas of society

Quote

"Make an established idea different."

Helpful Links

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

Juliet Funt talks about a Minute to Think Nov 24, 2021

Juliet Funt is a renowned keynote speaker and tough-love advisor to the Fortune 500 who is regularly featured in top global media outlets, including Forbes and Fast Company. She is a white-space warrior as the founder and CEO of The Juliet Funt Group, helping business leaders and organizations to unleash their full potential by unburdening talent from busywork. Juliet has earned one of the highest ratings in the largest speaking event in the world, and she has worked with brands such as Spotify, National Geographic, Vans, Costco, Pepsi, Nike, Wells Fargo and ESPN.

Juliet shares some key insights from her book ‘A Minute to Think: Reclaim Creativity, Conquer Busyness, and Do Your Best Work’. We also discuss finding your spark, making time for mental space, why we fill time, the humane element of productivity – and increasing the sales of salmon tips.

Talking Points

Performative busyness
The curse of insatiability
How to not confuse activity with productivity
What is white space?
Time sketching
Taking one minute to think
Establishing your non-negotiable white spaces

Quote

"Interlace space throughout the day."

Helpful Links

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

Jesse Mecham talks about YNAB, Money Management and Future You Nov 17, 2021

Personal finance expert, speaker, and business leader, Jesse Mecham is the Founder of You Need A Budget (or YNAB if you are very busy and important). He is also a podcast host and best-selling author of ‘You Need A Budget’. He is deeply passionate about teaching individuals, families, and business owners to help them gain total control of their money. Jesse first developed the YNAB method and original spreadsheet as a broke, newly married college student who really needed a budget. Now, YNAB has a growing team living and working all around the world, and has built a thriving remote culture that earned recognition as Fortune’s #1 best small company to work for.

Jesse shares YNAB’s Four Rules, and how we can all master money management. I’m such a huge fan of the tool, so I also explore with Jesse the power of simple tools, building a community, being clear with your expenses, and Alexa requests.

Talking Points

Launching YouNeedABudget.com as a spreadsheet business
How to start budgeting your finances
Embracing your true expenses
Identifying what is urgent
Setting intention versus attention
The parallels between time and money management
Budgeting with your partner
How YNAB works

Quote

"Consider the future within the constraint of current resources."

Helpful Links

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 talks about Shoshin Walks, Exploring and Nature Nov 10, 2021

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

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

Jeff Harry talks about Play, Flow and Curiosity Nov 03, 2021

Jeff Harry combines positive psychology and play to help teams and organizations navigate difficult conversations and assist individuals in addressing their biggest challenges through embracing a play-oriented approach to work.

For his work, Jeff was selected by BambooHR & Engagedly as one of the Top 100 HR Influencers of 2020 and has been featured in the NY Times, Mashable, Upworthy, & Shondaland. Jeff has worked with Google, Microsoft, Southwest Airlines, Adobe, the NFL, Amazon, and Facebook, helping their staff to infuse more play into the day-to-day.

I had a really fun time catching up with Jeff. In this episode we explore rethinking how people work, historical innovators, the power of curiosity and long-term thinking – and John Steinbeck quotes.

Talking Points

Jeff’s definition of play
Building a psychologically safe place for your company
Measuring quality over quantity
Building trust with your staff
How certain environments unlock play and flow
Identifying your play value

Quote

"Play is the joyful act when you forget about time."

Helpful Links

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

Kristoffer Carter talks about Permission, Purpose and Fear Oct 27, 2021

Kristoffer Carter is a spiritual teacher at the intersection of consciousness and business. He is the founder of This Epic Life, a website and podcast devoted to conscious living, which has created a daily meditation practice for thousands. He is also an author, international speaker and executive coach. In his latest book ‘Permission to Glow: A Spiritual Guide to Epic Leadership’, he reveals how to lean in to what makes us all ‘glow’.

I had a great time catching up with Kristoffer, and hearing about his relationship with fear. We also spoke about the four types of permission such as feeling ‘the feels’, the power of compounding effects, how to overcome ‘work for work’s sake’ – and some interesting parallels with WrestleMania.

Talking Points

Why we need to give ourselves more permission
The four types of permission
Lessons learnt from wrestlers
Leaning in to your big scary dream
Working with coaches and the power of practising

Quote

"Learn to dance with the ever-presence of fear."

Helpful Links

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.

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Eric Partaker talks about The 3 Alarms Oct 20, 2021

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

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.

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Pamela Slim talks about the Widest Net Oct 13, 2021

Pamela Slim is an author, community builder, consultant and former corporate director of training and development at Barclays Global Investors. Since 2005, Pam has advised thousands of entrepreneurs as well as companies serving the small business market such as Infusionsoft, Progressive Insurance and Prezi.

In her latest book, The Widest Net, Pam explains how to build strong diverse relationships, identify and connect with new partners, expand markets and find new customers in places you may never have considered. It’s been a long time coming having Pam join the show. Join us as we discuss stress-testing a framework, the always/ never list, books tours – and unintended puns.

Talking Points

Putting together the Widest Net framework
Pam’s variation of the customer avatar exercise
Understanding your ecosystem
The Accordion principle and setting boundaries
Beginning a business with a mission statement
Fostering the right business relationships
Finding your ‘Peanut Butter and Jelly’ partners

Quote

"Running a business is always a team sport."

Helpful Links

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.

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Lisa Erickson talks about the Art and Science of Meditation Oct 06, 2021

Lisa Erickson is an energy worker, writer, and meditation teacher specializing in women’s energetics and sexual trauma healing. She has trained in multiple contemplative traditions and energy healing modalities, and is certified in mindfulness meditation instruction, kundalini activation, and trauma sensitivity.

I found Lisa's new book ‘The Art and Science of Meditation’ as such a powerful resource. It guides you through ways to overcome common obstacles, easy-to-understand explanations of classic spiritual texts, guidance on choosing meditation teachers and retreats, and much more. In our conversation we explore how to build a sustainable meditation practice, how to find a style that suits you, the health benefits, walking habits – and doing nothing for 60 seconds.

Talking Points

Why meditation is such a valuable practice
Setting realistic goals and the power of micro-meditation
The parallels with diet and nutrition
The role of consistency when building new habits
Mixing up your meditation styles
Overcoming the myth of ‘conquering’ meditation
Why chakra meditation is Lisa’s go-to practice
Guided meditations and apps
The role of supplements

Quote

"Trust that change is happening."

Helpful Links

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.

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Perry Marshall talks about Detox, Declutter, Dominate Sep 29, 2021

Endorsed in FORBES and INC Magazine and has authored eight books, Perry Marshall is one of the most expensive business strategists in the world. At London’s Royal Society he announced the world’s largest science research challenge: the $10 million Evolution 2.0 Prize. His reinvention of the Pareto Principle is published in Harvard Business Review, and his Google book laid the foundations for the $100 billion Pay Per Click industry. He has a degree in Engineering and lives with his family in Chicago.

I found Perry’s latest book ‘Detox, Declutter, Dominate: How to Excel by Elimination’ truly fascinating (it reveals a lot in just 36 pages), so it was great to unpack some of his key insights. In this productive conversation we discuss the elimination mindset, freewriting, email response times, morning walks and written down bucket lists.

Talking Points

The breaking point that lead Perry to write his book ‘Detox, Declutter, Dominate’
The key to Renaissance Time
How to get past “I don’t have time for XYZ”
The two types of work: instructional and creative
Finding out what creates your creative juices
The principle of the $2700 espresso machine
Perry’s morning journal routine

Quote

"Space in your life starts here."

Helpful Links

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.

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A/J Jackson talks about Music, Glasses and Color Theory Sep 22, 2021

A/J Jackson is an American filmmaker, musician, songwriter, record producer, and the lead singer for the band Saint Motel. From feeling too limited to one color choice with his own eyewear – A/J Jackson took the leap and created interchangeable tinted lenses. He’s now the founder of AVIEW, which helps you experience a new way of wearing glasses where you can swap out colors whenever you feel like it. Colors can affect your mood, productivity, and general sense of well being.

I really enjoyed speaking with A/J Jackson and learning how he maintains his ‘creative muse’. In this episode we discuss how it went from making music to glasses, finding a team of experts to work with, color theory – and the 3D printer at his local library.

Talking Points

Taking on new creative projects
Color theory and its impact on mood and productivity
The meaning behind ‘rose-tinted glasses’
The power of changing your working environment
Experimenting with hyper-scheduling
On being a disciplined artist

Quote

"By chunking your time, you’re starting afresh each time."

Helpful Links

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.

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Mike Michalowicz talks about Getting Different Sep 15, 2021

Mike Michalowicz is an American author, entrepreneur, and lecturer. He is currently an author of seven business books published by Penguin Random House, including ‘Profit First’ and ‘Clockwork’, and is the former host of the "Business Rescue" segment for MSNBC's Your Business. It’s an honor and a privilege to have Mike on the show as we get to explore how to truly succeed through marketing your business.

We explore how to be in control of your leads, Mike’s ‘DAD’ methodology, being different ‘enough’, plain text emails – and fun houses.

Talking Points

What inspired Mike to write ‘Get Different’
The attitude of experimenting vs planning
How to specify your audience
Being ‘different enough’
Seeking inspiration from other industries
Learn how to instantly analyze your marketing campaigns

Quote

"The creation of new is an improvement of old."

Helpful Links

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.

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Stephen Warley talks about Self-Awareness, Reflecting and Life Skills Sep 08, 2021

I’m excited to finally have my good friend Stephen Warley on the show today. He founded Life Skills That Matter in 2016, a platform that teaches individuals how to create a business that is in alignment with their values, needs and abilities. He is also the host of the Life Skills That Matter Podcast, where he has interviewed 500+ people who have made the transition from employment to working for themselves... and all the different ways they’ve done it.

Tune in to this productive conversation as we discuss scheduling time for reflection, journaling, creating healthy habits, what Stephen does to slow down – and learning how to ski.

Talking Points

How to cultivate self-awareness
Stephen’s workshop at the BIG Ready 2021
Scheduling time for reflection and meditation
Finding activities to stimulate mindfulness
Building habits before tools
Creating a retreat for yourself

Quote

"Are your habits taking you where you want to go?"

Helpful Links

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.

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Jeff Brown talks about Reading To Lead Sep 01, 2021

Jeff Brown was a reluctant reader at school, but he fell in love with it when he had to learn more about marketing in his career. Jeff is a podcaster, mentor, and speaker, with a mission to help people like you bridge the gap between intention and implementation. He does this primarily through public speaking, mastermind groups, membership platforms, courses, coaching, and consulting.

I’m excited to learn more about his latest book, which co-authored with Jesse Wisnewski, ‘Read to Lead: The Simple Habit That Expands Your Influence and Boosts Your Career’. In this productive conversation we explore book clubs, speed reading, being a co-author, the free library movement – and why there will always be a place for books. Be sure to check out the links for all the books we mentioned in this interview!

Talking Points

Jeff’s relationship with reading
The co-authoring experience
Reading books digitally versus physically
When to keep or let go of books
The books Jeff re-reads the most
Interesting findings from writing the book
A process for skim reading
The benefits of having a book club

Quote

"We are all lifelong learners."

Helpful Links

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.

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Adii Pienaar talks about Measuring Life Profitability Aug 25, 2021

Today’s guest, Adii Pienaar, is not a fan of labels, but he’s a true life-first entrepreneur and avid writer. He also co-founded WooThemes in 2007, founded Conversio in 2014. His latest book, Life Profitability: The New Measure of Entrepreneurial Success distills a new perspective for becoming self-aware, recognising your values, and understanding your impact. I found it really impactful, so I couldn’t wait to bring Adii on to the show.

Listen to this conversation as we take a step back and review how to live an enriched life AND run a successful business. We discuss the power of language, journaling, what ‘harmony’ means to Adii – and cultivating ‘breadcrumbs’ of writing.

Talking Points

Being a seeker
The pros and cons of ambition
Why we shouldn’t strive for ‘work-life balance
Measuring qualitative goals
How to maintain and sustain your life profitability
How journaling has helped Adii
Breaking old patterns

Quote

"Seek the newer versions of your truths."

Helpful Links

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.

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Yvonne Heimann talks about ClickUp, Project Management and Patience Aug 18, 2021

It’s personal building the right process for your business. ClickUp expert and business coach Yvonne Heimann shares how choosing the right tool will shift your business. From having been a German pub owner to now being a Californian business coach, Yvonne Heimann “sees systems everywhere”. I discovered her work on YouTube when I wanted to move over from Asana to ClickUp – and she massively helped me with this transition. Yvonne helps digital entrepreneurs increase profits and reclaim lost time by teaching how to implement proven processes, systems, using project management tools like ClickUp. As you can tell from our conversation, Yvonne knows her stuff when it comes to simplifying systems and building processes. Listen to find out more about her ‘Daily Method of Operation’, building a successful YouTube channel, why ClickUp is her favorite tool, using visual flow charts – and what it was like being brought up near the Berlin wall. Talking Points Be clear on your ‘Why’ and ‘What’ Being a woman in the productivity industry How to find common values within your workflow Having patience with setting up your process Defining productivity across the US vs European culture Journaling and daily routines Tips on moving to a different project management tool Having a bigger picture with your process Quote "Look at the bigger picture, then drill down." Helpful Links Ask Yvi YouTube Ask Yvi Facebook Group AskVi.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.

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Vernon Foster II talks about the Soul Manual Aug 11, 2021

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.

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Marli Williams talks about Retreats, Transformation and Epic Events Aug 04, 2021

Master facilitator Marli Williams shares what you can get out of a retreat – and the real-life transformations you can expect from connecting with the right people. Marli is a master facilitator of transformation who creates magic in beautiful epic places. She’s the founder and director of Camp YES! – a summer camp for women entrepreneurs, leaders and change-makers. She is also a wilderness guide, educator and mentor. Her mission is to create epic, transformational experiences. Join our productive conversation as we discuss the power of taking a retreat, how to stay energized as a facilitator, being creative with virtual retreats, having informal hangout time – and sharing bourbon with Neal Pollack. Talking Points The tipping point for taking a retreat Retreats vs conferences What makes a retreat stand out from the rest Co-creating experiences Manufacturing transformational experiences online Quote "Pay attention to what captures your attention." Helpful Links Camp YES! Episode 187: More Fun in Done with Marli Williams Episode 361: Being a Multipotentialite with Vanessa Tharp The BIG Ready World Domination MaxFunCon Think Better, Live Better ‘Jewball’ by Neal Pollack Marli’s Instagram Marli’s Facebook MarliWilliams.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.

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Mike Sturm talks about the Wabi-sabi Way Jul 28, 2021

Buddhism and Taoism expert Mike Sturm joins the show to uncover how to develop a deep personal relationship with yourself – the Wabi-Sabi way. Mike Sturm has taught philosophy at college level for several years and researched Buddhism and Taoism extensively. He writes about self-improvement and productivity from the perspective of spirituality and first principles. In this reflective conversation, we focus in particular on ‘Wabi-Sabi’, an ancient Japanese philosophy that centres on appreciating the beauty in imperfection and accepting the more natural cycle of life. Join us as we explore some of the key insights from his book The Wabi-sabi Way: Simple Principles to Bring Calm, Meaning & Authenticity to Your Daily Life. We discuss personal authenticity, reviewing habits, the power of validation and embracing imperfection – and Captain America. Talking Points What is Wabi-sabi? The Western challenges with meditation and stillness The notion of time Ease vs. easy Where to get started with the Wabi-sabi mindset The practice of impermanence Simple steps to live the Wabi-sabi way Quote "Accepting where you’ve been is the only way of getting to where you want to go." Helpful Links ‘The Wabi-sabi Way’ by Mike Sturm Muse Headband “The Dexterous Butcher” by Chuang Tzu ‘The Seven Day Circle’ by Eviatar Zerubavel Episode 354: How To Decide with Annie Duke ‘How to Decide: Simple Tools for Making Better Choices’ by Annie Duke Episode 243: The Art of Noticing with Rob Walker Episode 203: The Evolution of Getting Things Done with David Allen Episode 360: A World Without Email with Cal Newport Episode 286: Doing Project 333 with Courtney Carver Captain America video essay ‘The Autobiography of Malcolm X’ by Alex Haley and Malcolm X Mike’s Medium Mike’s Twitter MikeSturm.net 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.

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Jeffrey Shaw talks about The Self-Employed Life Jul 21, 2021

Small business expert and former photographer Jeffrey Shaw unpacks how live the best self-employed life. Jeffrey Shaw became one of the most preeminent portrait photographers in the United States. He decided to share his knowledge of business, branding, and marketing to support self-employed and small business owners as well as progressive-minded companies. I had a great time learning more about his strategies that have helped small businesses scale their big dreams. We unpack the insights from his latest book The Self-Employed Life: Business and Personal Development Strategies. We also explore personal development, redefining what we mean by ‘niche’, owning your area of expertise, and lessons from sea kayaking. Talking Points What’s needed to be successfully self-employed The ecosystem analogy The business model of multiples Daily habits for small business owners ‘The What’s Going Right’ journal Being clear with your meaning and marketability Quote “Set up your business for the capacity that is to come, not for it currently is.” Helpful Links The Self-Employed Life Podcast The Membership Guys Self-Employed Ecosystem Coaching ‘LINGO’ by Jeffrey Shaw Episode 227: Why You Need Atomic Habits with James Clear Clear Habit Journal SelfEmployedAssessment.com TheSelfEmployedLife.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.

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Erin Meyer talks about No Rules Rules Jul 14, 2021

From virtually no spending controls to ‘just take some’ vacation, Netflix’s innovation has stemmed from a simple set of rules. Erin Meyer uncovers how you can foster a culture of freedom and innovation. Erin Meyer is an author and professor at INSEAD Business School, based in Paris. She is most known for writing the book, The Culture Map: Breaking Through the Invisible Boundaries of Global Business. Her work focuses on how the world’s most successful leaders navigate the complexities of cultural differences in a multicultural environment. Erin joins the show to share how we can all lead with a culture of innovation. In this conversation, I go through her latest book that she co-authored with Netflix CEO Reed Hastings, No Rules Rules: Netflix and the Culture of Reinvention. Tune in to learn more about what frameworks foster freedom, how a workplace can operate with no policies, and what you can learn from the ‘Keeper Test’. Talking Points The kind of ‘no rules ethos’ Netflix follows The impact of freedom and how it fosters high-density talent Having thick skin Building a culture of candor and feedback The ‘take some’ vacation policy How to build a culture similar to Netflix Quote “Feedback is rarely comfortable but it helps us in incredible ways.” Helpful Links ‘No Rules Rules’ by Erin Meyer and Reed Hastings ‘The Culture Map’ by Erin Meyer ErinMeyer.com Erin’s 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 – or you can do so on a variety of podcast platforms by clicking here.

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Mike Kim Talks About You Are the Brand Jul 07, 2021

Mike Kim joins the show as I rebrand the podcast into ‘A Productive Conversation with Mike Vardy’. Find out how and why your brand evolves over time. I’m super excited to announce the rebrand of the Productivityist Podcast as ‘A Productive Conversation With Mike Vardy’, and in the spirit of this change I bring on brand and marketing strategist Mike Kim. Mike specializes in personal branding, product launch strategies, and copywriting. In his latest book, You Are The Brand, Mike shares his proven 8-step blueprint that has helped build the brands for some of today’s most influential thought leaders — as well as his own personal brand. I set out to find out from Mike how to best approach changing your brand. We discuss finding ways to express yourself, logging your progress, his successful (and failed) business pivots, and campfire moments. Enjoy my productive conversation with Mike Kim! Talking Point Losing control vs influence of your brand Why you should not rebrand at all once The PB3 framework to get business clarity Being a how-to-preneur vs idea-preneur How to build meaningful relationships through your marketing Quote “Attention is not owed, it’s earned.” Helpful Links YouAreTheBrandBook.com ‘The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up’ by Marie Kondo The Five Minute Journal Brand You podcast 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.

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The Athlete’s Mindset with Dre Baldwin Jun 30, 2021

Former professional basketball player Dre Baldwin shares how you can build repeatable success through systems he learnt from his athletic career. After having played basketball professionally for nine years in eight different countries, Dre Baldwin is now a full-time entrepreneur, author of 27 books, and has done four TEDxTalks on topics ranging from mental toughness to discipline. I catch up with Dre to learn more about his work ethic and his latest book The Mirror of Motivation: the Self-Guide to Self-Discipline. In this interview we explore Dre’s mental tools, why he chronicles his journey, documenting your systems, what non-athletes can learn from professional basketball – and what I have in common with Dre’s dad. Talking Points The athlete’s mindset for non-athletes Journaling and chronicling your journey Systemizing success Establishing your foundations to be working from Building mental toughness and resilience The power of documentation Quote “Who do I need to be?” Helpful Links MirrorOfMotivation.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.

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Create Your Clean Home Nirvana with Becky Rapinchuk Jun 16, 2021

Approach your home with some mindfulness and find out how some simple cleaning routines can go a long way with cleaning expert Becky Rapinchuk. From a messy kitchen to ‘junk’ drawers – ever find your home is not the nirvana that you would like it to be? Today I’m joined by Becky Rapinchuk, aka the Clean Mama, who is a cleaning expert, a wife and mom, a successful entrepreneur, and a former art teacher. I find out what it takes to create a home that’s effortlessly peaceful. We dive into her book Clean Mama’s Guide to a Peaceful Home: Effortless Systems and Joyful Rituals for a Calm, Cozy Home, and unpack some of her key insights. We explore the power of rituals, keeping your home clean alongside a busy family, and her seven peaceful home guidelines we all need to follow. Talking Points Why creating a peaceful home needs to be effortless Identify your pain point and happy tasks Maintaining a peaceful home as a family The Clean Home Reset Checklist The Seven Peaceful Home Guidelines Quote “I’d rather do a task well than do it half-way.” Helpful Links CleanMama.com ‘Clean Mama’s Guide To A Peaceful Home’ by Becky Rapinchuk 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.

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How to Be Time Smart with Ashley Whillans Jun 09, 2021

Ashley Whillans spends a lot of her time studying happiness, so she joins the show to share how you can best spend your time to boost your life satisfaction. Once again, I’m joined by a fellow Canadian! Today’s guest is Ashley Whillans, a Behavioral Scientist and Assistant Professor at Harvard Business School in Negotiations, Organizations, and Markets. She’s the author of ‘Time Smart: How to Reclaim Your Time and Live a Happier Life’, which I can’t wait to unpack in this interview. In this conversation, Ashley provides a very holistic view on how to value our time. Find out more about the Day Reconstruction Method, qualitative time tracking, rough scheduling, and why so many of us avoid being (or feeling) idle. Talking Points What is ‘being time smart’? Our relationship with time tracking The idea of rough scheduling How to slow down more How Happiness Dollars can help you become more time smart The simple first step to becoming time smart Quote “You can make changes on an everyday basis to help you take control of your time.” Helpful Links ‘Time Smart’ by Ashley Whillans Ashley’s LinkedIn Ashley’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. 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.

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Finding Clarity with Jenna Britton Jun 02, 2021

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.

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Your Energy Level Formula with Michelle Cederberg May 26, 2021

Everything is done so much better when we manage our energy levels. Through the Success-Energy Equation, Michelle Cederberg shares her tactics to help you fuel every area of your life. Certified Speaking Professional Michelle Cederberg has captivated audiences across the world with her messages about how to set worthwhile goals and get energized for success. As a coach, consultant and professional speaker, Michelle educates busy, driven professionals about purpose, productivity – and the pursuit of better. Tune in to this candid conversation as we uncover some key insights from Michelle’s book The Success-Energy Equation: How to Regain your Focus, Recharge your Life and Really Get Sh!t Done. We also discuss how to recognize when your thoughts are becoming unproductive, the “How might I…?” question, the power of repetition, and making plans (weather permitting). Talking Points Factor in energy into your equation Understanding your energy levels The Motivation Matrix The 4 Rs for managing negative self-talk What we can learn from will power Why you need to be more hydrated Quote “Everything we do that drives our success is better when we manage our energy.” Helpful Links ‘The Success-Energy Equation’ by Michelle Cederberg History of Swear Words Episode 340: Your Motivation Code with Todd Henry 3 PM, Weather Permitting ‘The Power of Full Engagement’ by Jim Loehr and Tony Schwartz The Daily Driver ‘Do The Work’ by Steven Pressfield www.SuccessEnergyBook.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.

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Find Your ONE Thing with Geoff Woods May 19, 2021

With a simple, powerful concept to focus on what matters most in your personal and work lives, Geoff Woods joins the show to share how you can find your One Thing. Geoff Woods is the Co-Founder & President of ProduKtive®, the training company behind The ONE Thing and the host of The ONE Thing podcast. He’s an advisor to executives ranging from small businesses to the Fortune 500, helping them design the future of work, and create cultures where people are clear on what matters most so they achieve extraordinary results. I loved geeking out with Geoff in this episode, as we muse over the ultimate currency: time. Tune in as we explore having clarity, how to invest more in our time, disabling notifications, when it’s time to switch priorities – and goal-setting for couples. Talking Points The ONE Thing in the nutshell Master the 3 C’s to invest more in your time Why productivity is beyond just efficiency and effectiveness Our relationship with email Getting on the same page with people around you How tools can (and can’t) support your productivity Quote “Don’t confuse busyness with business.” Helpful Links ‘The ONE Thing’ by Gary Keller and Jay Papasan Why time management is ruining our lives Keep Productive Channel The ONE Thing Podcast The1Thing.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.

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Scale Your Services with Shawn Dill and Lacey Book May 12, 2021

The business side of things can get messy if you’re a service professional. You need help along the way to truly scale so you can do more of what you love. Shawn Dill and Lacey Book unpack where to start. With a background in chiropractic steeped in neurology, Shawn Dill and Lacey Book help support service professionals grow their business. Through their principles of success in marketing, sales and mindset, I had to bring them on to the show to learn more about how they help small businesses run productively. Join our conversation as we explore neuroplasticity, midday routines, our shared love for simplicity, practical insights from their book ‘None of Your Business: A Winning Approach to Turn Service Providers into Entrepreneurs’ – and what it’s like working with your partner. Talking Points Mastering a midday routine How to not lose track from your routines Finding the harmony between work and home life when you work with your partner The impact of investing in great people Why we need to step back in order to move forward Quote “Implement infrastructure before growth.” Helpful Links ‘None of Your Business’ by Shawn Dill and Lacey Book Episode 121: Beyond the E-Myth with Michael E. Gerber ShawnAndLacey.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.

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The Patreon Process with Steve Dotto May 10, 2021

Steve Dotto is an expert in helping people master tech to live the life they want. For over 20 years, as host and executive producer of Dotto Tech, a nationally syndicated TV show, Steve has entertained and educated millions of Canadians on all aspects of technology. A big revenue stream to his business is from his supporters on Patreon. He currently generates over $6,000 per month from his Patreon fans, and he’s generated over $400,000 in revenue to date. I had to have my good friend Steve back on the show to learn more about his success, and his Patreon Boot Camp that I’ve signed up to. Join us as we discuss the 80/20 rule with email subscribers, why relationships are so unique on Patreon, the lessons learnt from my first Patreon launch – and exit strategies. Talking Points Patreon’s origin story serving the musician community How to build a dialogue with your podcast community Steve’s success on Patreon Leverage your email subscribers What kind of perks to offer to your Patreons What you’ll get from Patreon Boot Camp A special assignment to do after this episode Quote “Customers aren’t vested in your success – they’re vested in purchasing the value it gives them.” Helpful Links Steve’s Patreon Boot Camp Steve’s Patreon page Episode 115: Protechtivity with Steve Dotto Saidthewhale 1000 True Fans Episode 238: How to Keep Going with Austin Kleon 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.

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Big Picture Planning with Janet Murray May 05, 2021

Beat content marketing overwhelm by simply planning on a piece of A4 paper. Tune in as Janet Murray shares her framework that you can work on today. Through a fascinating career journey in teaching and journalism, Janet Murray made the big switch to run her own business that helps business owners build and engage their online audience. Janet and I go way back, and we’ve met through various places around the world, so I’m excited to finally have her on the show to learn more about how content planning plays such an important role to business success. Tune in as we explore embracing bigger picture thinking. We discuss daily emails, visual planning, writing with ‘the hook’, learning from journalists, and how Janet time crafts. Talking Points How to plan the bigger picture How our personality types and planning work together Setting structures so you can be flexible Creativity that comes from consistency Finding patterns for your content Quote “The wider your view, the more patterns you see.” Helpful Links 2021 Social Media Diary & Planner ‘Your Press Release Is Breaking My Heart’ by Janet Murray The Janet Murray Show Sorted Event The Daily Driver Systems Saved Me podcast Episode 354: How To Decide with Annie Duke Episode 343: Consistency Over Authenticity with Seth Godin The Next Web The BIG Ready Jordan Gill on The Janet Murray Show Jordan Gill on Life Skills That Matter The BIG Ready Week: Stephen Warley JanetMurray.co.uk Janet’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. 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.

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Being Time Rich with Steve Glaveski Apr 28, 2021

So many organizations are trapped in a culture of meetings, task-switching and analysis paralysis. Steve shares how you can break this cycle and finally take control of your time. Steve Glaveski joins the show again to talk about his latest findings from his book ‘Time Rich: Do your best work, live your best life’. Steve is the CEO of Collective Campus, an innovation accelerator based in Melbourne and Singapore, that works with large organizations around the globe. As an entrepreneur, author and podcast host, his mission is to unlock the latent potential of people so that they can create more impact for humanity and lead more fulfilling lives. Where “just working” is a socially validated activity, it’s time to switch things up. In this thoughtful conversation we explore time lessons from stoicism, delegating tasks, and how to experiment with shorter workdays. Talking Points Companies that run like C.R.A.P Defining ‘Time Rich’ Automating versus outsourcing The shorter workday experiment Setting metrics for shorter workdays Quote “We are predisposed to follow the path of least effort.” Helpful Links Episode 225: Going from Employee to Entrepreneur with Steve Glaveski ‘Time Rich’ by Steve Glaveski The Case for the 6-Hour Workday – Harvard Business Review ‘Deep Work’ by Cal Newport ‘On The Shortness of Life’ by Seneca ‘Top Five Regrets of the Dying’ by Bronnie Ware Woven No Filter TimeRichBook.com SteveGlaveski.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.

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Peak Performing Flow with Steven Kotler Apr 21, 2021

If you want results, you need to play the long game. Flow expert Steven Kotler shares what peak performers do to achieve their goals – and what you can do. Steven Kotler is a New York Times bestselling author, an award-winning journalist and the founder and executive director of the Flow Research Collective. He is the author of thirteen books, including The Art of Impossible and The Future is Faster Than You Think. His work has been nominated for two Pulitzer Prizes, translated into over 40 languages, and has appeared in over 100 publications, including the New York Times Magazine, Wired, Wall Street Journal, TIME and the Harvard Business Review. In this conversation, we explore his latest book, The Art of Impossible: A Peak Performance Primer. We talk about outcome versus process goals, what is the flow state and why it’s trainable, running towards yourself – and Steven being an old-school punk rocker. Talking Points Why you need to be more specific with your goals Stepping away from ‘hacks’ The habit of ferocity Work schedules and autonomy Gmail frustrations Embrace your creativity in all situations What is a flow state and its primary activities? Quote “People can’t make work for you before you do your work first.” Helpful Links ‘The Art of Impossible’ by Steven Kotler ‘Flow in Sports’ by Susan Jackson and Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi Derek DelGaudio’s In & Of Itself (2020) Andrew D. Huberman Front ‘The Rise of Superman’ by Steven Kotler FlowResearchCollective.com StevenKotler.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.

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Be Productive with Uncertainty with David Neagle Apr 14, 2021

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.

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Purposeful Play with Gary Ware Apr 07, 2021

Play around more when you work to boost productivity. Founder of Breakthrough Play, Gary Ware, shares what you can do today. I’ve known Gary Ware for over 10 years now. He’s a true expert when it comes to play – it’s not just associated with kids. In this conversation, I pick his brains to find out how play can help boost productivity. Day-to-day, Gary helps professionals level-up their confidence, creativity, and happiness using play. He is the Founder of Breakthrough Play, a corporate facilitator and keynote speaker with a decade of experience as a performer in improv theatre. In this interview, we explore how so many of us have been conditioned to play after we work, purposeful play activities, cliffhangers, and the hustle culture. Talking Points The productive power of play The different forms of play Some distracting play ‘traps’ The infinite versus the finite mindset Practical applications of play you can do today Quote “Play is an advantage.” Helpful Links Episode 90: Productivity & Play with Dr. Kirsten Milliken ‘Playdhd’ by Dr. Kirsten Milliken ‘Finite and Infinite Games’ by James Carse ‘The Infinite Game’ by Simon Sinek ‘Unmistakable’ by Sriniva Rao ‘SuperBetter’ by Jane McGonigal The BIG Ready World Domination Summit BreakthroughPlay.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.

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Collaborating with Nature with Darren Virassammy Mar 31, 2021

Podcast host and entrepreneur Darren Virassammy shares how connecting with nature will cultivate your excellence. Collaborating with nature has been a catalyst for the success of Darren Virassammy. He’s the Co-Founder of 34 Strong, an organization which provides expert team development resources and leadership coaching. He’s also the host of the Nature Advantage Podcast, where he interviews living legends to explore how they collaborate with nature to cultivate excellence in their work, life and organizations. It’s undeniable that pausing and being in nature helps boost our productivity, creativity and ability to problem solve better. Darren is a real opportunist and I loved hearing how nature has really impacted his life. We deep dive into the impact of walking meetings, simple exercises to be more present with nature, some insights from his podcast – and how to pronounce his last name. Talking Points The essence of his new podcast The Nature Advantage Being in ‘attunement’ with nature How to start your collaboration with nature today What a maple tree can teach us Journaling with your eyes closed Quote “What can you do with what you have?” Helpful Links Leading Strong Podcast The Nature Advantage Podcast ‘How to Live a Good Life’ by Jonathan Fields ‘The Art of Noticing’ by Rob Walker Episode 243: The Art of Noticing with Rob Walker ‘Fix This Next’ by Mike Michalowicz ‘The Pumpkin Plan’ by Mike Michalowicz Episode 166: Standing Up with Rob Jacobs Minimum Time Dose in Nature to Positively Impact the Mental Health of College-Aged Students, and How to Measure It: A Scoping Review DarrenVirassammy.com 34strong.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.

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Meaningful Online Connections with Misha Glouberman Mar 24, 2021

Misha Glouberman, communication expert, teaches you how to build meaningful online connections without the Zoom fatigue. Misha Glouberman helps people communicate better. He teaches communication skills, runs meetings and conferences for organizations, hosts live events, and speaks at conferences. He is the author, with Sheila Heti, of the book ‘The Chairs Are Where the People Go’ – which the New Yorker named as one of its top nonfiction books of 2011. He relays everything he knows about communication, conferences, relationships, making friends, monogamy, playing charades and more. 10 years on from writing the book, I catch up with Misha to find out what has been going on in his life. In this episode, we discuss what 99% of conferences aren’t doing, how to make meaningful online connections and the social and technological design considerations for good online networking. Talking Points Misha’s focus on building connections during the pandemic Dissecting the problem with remote events Why so many conferences fail to deliver a true experience Lessons from improv Innovation from uncertainty The power of vulnerability and reconsidering your social networks Quote “There are things that are really important to us as humans, so why do we make them hard to say?” Helpful Links ‘The Chairs Are Where the People Go’ by Misha Glouberman Steven Pressfield World Domination Summit Episode 227: Why You Need Atomic Habits with James Clear The BIG Ready MishaGlouberman.com Misha’s Twitter Misha’s 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 – or you can do so on a variety of podcast platforms by clicking here.

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Writing at Middle School with Kristina Naydonova Mar 17, 2021

I catch up with the very thoughtful 13-year-old novelist Kristina Naydonova to learn how to carve out our own paths. Kristina Naydonova is hands down the youngest guest I’ve had on the show. Aged 13, she’s already published a novel, The Black Sisterhood Files, and writes for Arianna Huffington’s Thrive Global. She’s also a Sunday Times bestselling mystery author, regular podcast speaker, and occasional contributor for Buzzfeed-Books – all while she’s at middle school. I’ve always had a passion for reading and writing from a young age, so it was great to connect with this kindred spirit and fellow night owl. Join our conversation as we explore bullet journaling, handling peer pressure, and how she’s achieved so much success from such a young age. Talking Points Setting time aside to write whilst still being a kid Handling peer pressure Simple ways to practice mindfulness Navigating social media and leveraging its strengths Mastering TikTok Kristina’s daily routines that balance her education and writing Kristina’s long-term to-do lists Her favorite book genres Seeking inspiration from the likes of Stephen King and Greta Thunberg Quote “Take time to experiment and figure out what you really want in life.” Helpful Links Thrive Global ‘The Black Sisterhood Files’ by Kristina Naydonova 5 Easy Ways to Implement Mindfulness Into Your Daily Life Kristina’s Twitter Kristina’s Instagram #bookstagram Episode 213: The Bullet Journal Method with Ryder Carroll Kristina.co 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.

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Being a Multipotentialite with Vanessa Tharp Mar 10, 2021

When you run a business, you can’t do it alone. The Productivityist’s Chief of Staff, Vanessa Tharp, jumps on to explain how she supports my journey. Vanessa Tharp has over 15 years of education, leadership, community building and event planning. She collaborates with people to help create epic events, conferences, retreats, business strategies and product launches. And I would know – she works with me. As Chief of Staff, she’s assisted the growth of The Productivityist in numerous ways, including the BIG Ready. I found this interview really energizing as we uncovered how to build actionable roadmaps and why she’s not one to niche down. Join us as we discuss being a multipotentialite, leveraging relationships, how she plays an integral part in the business – as well as cupcakes and quicksand training. Talking Points Vanessa’s involvement with the development of The Productivityist How to scale without getting stuck Vanessa’s approach to taking action with big business tasks How to leverage relationships Why we need to be more ourselves and embrace the ugly parts Quote “Through your failures you get data points to work from.” Helpful Links Episode 250: 5 Days with John Poelstra Efficient Writing with Jim Woods The BIG Ready The West Wing Express VPN The Two Day Soirée ‘Ego Is The Enemy’ by Ryan Holiday Episode 354: How To Decide with Annie Duke ‘Can’t Hurt Me’ by David Goggins ‘Greenlights’ by Matthew McConaughey VanessaTharp.com Vanessa’s Facebook Vanessa’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. 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.

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A World Without Email with Cal Newport Mar 03, 2021

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.

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The Common Path to Uncommon Success with John Lee Dumas Feb 24, 2021

This candid conversation reveals what John Lee Dumas has learnt throughout his life – which includes interviewing thousands of entrepreneurs on his show – and steps you can take on a common (yet simple) path that can lead to uncommon success. John Lee Dumas is the founder and host of the award-winning podcast, Entrepreneurs on Fire. He’s interviewed thousands of entrepreneurs, including Tony Robbins, Seth Godin, Gary Vaynerchuk, Barbara Corcoran, Tim Ferriss, and many more. So I’m excited to find out more about what he’s learnt through these interviews. In the run up to the launch of his new book, The Common Path to Uncommon Success: A Roadmap to Financial Freedom and Fulfillment, I wanted to find out what you can do to stay ahead of the game. Listen to find out more about producing a daily podcast, how JLD themes his days, keeping the money you make – and butchering Jim Carrey’s commencement speech. Talking Points How to follow a path without being constrained by it Understanding the difference between simple and easy Implementing practical exercises in JLD’s new book The podcasts that inspired JLD to launch his own show Having a mentor for any area of life JLD’s tactics to help you avoid burnout After Action Reviews and backwards planning The FOCUS acronym Quote “Choose your hard” Helpful Links UncommonSuccessBook.com (GET PRE-ORDER BONUSES NOW!) Episode 343: Consistency Over Authenticity with Seth Godin Jim Carrey’s Commencement Address at the 2014 MUM Graduation Jedidiah Jenkins on the Rich Roll Podcast John Lee Dumas on the Solopreneur Hour Smart Passive Income Podcast Mixergy Rise To The Top Planet Money Freakonomics Episode 351: Eating Frogs with Brian Tracy Episode 264: How to Build Yourself More Time with Jaime Masters Episode 15: Jaime Tardy Episode 289: The Vision Driven Leader with Michael Hyatt Episode 239: Free to Focus with Michael Hyatt 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.

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Calm Your Chaos with Nicola Taggart Feb 17, 2021

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.

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Your Data-Driven Diet with Angelo Poli Feb 10, 2021

International expert in the field of body transformations, Angelo Poli shares the practical diet strategy that will give you the results you want. Angelo Poli is the Founder of MetPro, the world’s first algorithm-based weight-loss engine, which is fueled by the data you feed into it every day. He’s worked with the likes of NFL MVP Aaron Rodgers, among other elite athletes, celebrities, to physique models, entrepreneurs, and politicians. He’s also a speaker and a serial entrepreneur. When I did MetPro’s program, I got the best results. What really stood out to me was the impact of keeping things simple. Tune in as we discuss how to be consistent, why our metabolism is so misunderstood, letting go of any resistance to exercise, and why I keep an old soda can in my room. Talking Points The psychology behind advanced food preparation Being strategic with your diet and fitness Understanding what’s right for your body The power of having faith in yourself results MetPro’s new methodology to track, analyze and perform Quote “Progress is the greatest human motivator.” Helpful Links Episode 249: The Magic of Metabolic Profiling with Angelo Poli Episode 116: The Power of When with Dr Michael Breus Episode 354: How To Decide with Annie Duke Episode 266: Becoming Indistractable with Nir Eyal MetPro.co/timecrafting 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.

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Get Out of Your Head with Ian Reed Kesler Feb 03, 2021

With so many moving pieces as a creative freelancer, learn what actor Ian Reed Kesler does to keep focused on his projects. Today’s guest, Ian Reed Kesler, is an actor and director best known for Sydney to the Max, Suits and 500 Days of Summer. From a serendipitous conversation on Twitter, I managed to get Ian on the show so I’m super excited to learn how he stays productive as a creative. What’s clear from this interview is that having a creative mind requires you to be able to turn on and off quickly. And that’s not always easy if you’re on set for 16 hours straight. Join our conversation as we discuss easy wins, systems for lazy people, and keeping organized so you can do more of what you love – as well as my IDMb profile. Whether you’re in the creative field or not, there’s something in this for everyone. Talking Points The role of productivity for actors The two kinds of creative freelancers Running a creative company How productivity is evolving Analogue vs digital for ideas and tasks Ian’s go-to morning and evening routines Quote “Putting everything in its place is what enables me to do what I love.” Helpful Links Literally! With Rob Lowe Todoist The Antidote | Amazon Atomic Habits | Amazon Tiny Habits | Amazon Roam Craft Muse Sydney to the Max 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.

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The BIG Ready Week: Jenna Britton Feb 02, 2021

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)

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The BIG Ready Week: Marli Williams Feb 01, 2021

It's a bonus episode of the podcast to celebrate The BIG Ready Week! This episode features the EPIC Marli Williams. Marli Williams is going to be part of the "Retreats" panel discussion at The BIG Ready. In this EPIC episode, Marli shares how to create an EPIC retreat for your tribe. Episode Highlights: Ingredients for a group retreat - making it go from good to epic The key difference between a retreat and a convention Emphasizing the connection of people in the room and crafting the participants' experience How an EPIC retreat can deliver the value of meaningful connections 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)

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The BIG Ready Week: Gary Ware Jan 31, 2021

It's a bonus episode of the podcast to celebrate The BIG Ready Week! This episode features one of the "funniest" guys I know, Gary Ware. Gary Ware will be delivering a workshop called "The Productive Power of Play" at The BIG Ready. Gary is here to chat with me about the different forms of play that will make you more creative and more efficient. Episode Highlights: Breaking the pattern of conditionality – unpacking it and realizing there are different forms of play Purposeful play: Priming the brain so that we can be more creative Before burnout, calling a "time out" and doing something that will rejuvenate the self before going back to work Instead of scrolling on social media during breaks, why not do something that is engaging that would help in keeping ideas and creativity flowing? 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)

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The BIG Ready Week: Stephen Warley Jan 30, 2021

It's a bonus episode of the podcast to celebrate The BIG Ready Week! This episode features someone that, despite being unrelated by blood, I consider to be my American cousin – and he considers me to be his Canadian one – Stephen Warley. Stephen Warley isn't just my good friend... he'll be facilitating the first workshop for The BIG Ready). In this bonus podcast episode, Stephen talks about being a solopreneur and the three components of reflection. Episode Highlights: As a solopreneur "YOU" are the nexus of the business, the primary resource, and the biggest obstacle. To start as a solopreneur, you need to manage yourself and to do that you need self-awareness. Why it's all about being honest with yourself. An action that needs to be done – but only a few take – is stopping and reflecting. Reflecting has three components: Self-awareness, Reflection (ideally scheduled), and settling the mind. 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 mainstage 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)

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The BIG Ready Week: Janet Murray Jan 29, 2021

It's a bonus episode of the podcast to celebrate The BIG Ready Week! This episode features my friend, content queen and big picture planner, Janet Murray. Janet Murray will be delivering the opening keynote for The BIG Ready – which is exciting on its own. But I'm also excited that she agreed to chat with me on the podcast about certainty, consistency, and commitment. Episode Highlights: People love certainty... but they need uncertainty too. People often have trouble with crafting consistent content. When there is a commitment to doing the creative plan, content gets created. 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 mainstage 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)

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The BIG Ready Week: Vanessa Tharp Jan 28, 2021

It's a bonus episode of the podcast to celebrate The BIG Ready Week! This episode features change-maker and action-taker Vanessa Tharp. Vanessa Tharp, Chief of Staff at Productivityist and one of the organizers of The BIG Ready, shares how she helped create clarity for Productivityist as a company and how she leveled it up by creating a safe space with the right boundaries and limitations. Episode Highlights: My idea of "I did it wrong" How Productivityist lost its soul when I changed it from "I" into "We" How to help people recognize that they are "in quicksand" How to level up by creating a safe space... but at the same time keeping in check on what is happening, to know boundaries and limitations 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 mainstage 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)

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Productive Conversations with Therese Huston Jan 27, 2021

Feedback is essential for us to move forward. But how do we use it effectively? Today’s guest, Therese Huston, gives you the practical tools that you can use today. Therese Huston’s mission is to help conscientious, growth-minded professionals bring out their best at work. She’s a cognitive scientist at Seattle University, as well as a speaker and author of Let’s Talk: Make Effective Feedback Your Superpower. Her expertise lies in helping you say what needs to be said, and – even more importantly – say it in a way that can be heard. Tune in as we discuss the three different types of feedback, the common biases to watch out for, and you can best coach yourself. Enjoy this episode packed with Therese’s strategies! Talking Points How effective feedback boosts your productivity Three different types of feedback Ways to avoid falling into your biases Setting clear intentions Having constructive feedback with yourself Quote “Unconscious bias is leaning towards some people and away from others.” Helpful Links ThereseHuston.com Let’s Talk | Amazon Thanks for the Feedback | Amazon Pocket Biases Growth Mindset | 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. 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.

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How To Decide with Annie Duke Jan 20, 2021

I’m joined by decision-making expert Annie Duke to unpack what you can do to achieve your long-term goals. Annie Duke is an American former professional poker player and author in behavioral decision science and decision education. She holds a World Series of Poker gold bracelet from 2004 and used to be the leading money winner among women in WSOP history. Annie is also the co-founder of The Alliance for Decision Education, a non-profit whose mission is to improve lives by empowering students through decision skills education. Join the conversation as dive into her latest book How to Decide: Simple Tools for Making Better Choices. We also discuss ‘resulting’, reflecting on your own biases, information warfare– and the most beautiful play in super bowl history. Talking Points Her experience of writing a How-To book The fundamentals of ‘resulting’ Learning from real-life examples, chunking and mental models Availability bias and process influencing What happens when you hear things for third time Quote “Get on the right time horizon.” Helpful Links How to Decide: Simple Tools for Making Better Choices | Amazon Being Tony Robbins Lynn Hasher Daniel Dale AnnieDuke.com Annie’s 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 – or you can do so on a variety of podcast platforms by clicking here.

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Thinking Time with Natalie Sisson Jan 13, 2021

Four years since I last spoke with entrepreneur Natalie Sisson, a lot has changed. Join me as we explore her growth journey. Natalie is a New Zealand entrepreneur, author, speaker, lover of handstands and triathlete. It’s taken a lot of incremental micro-steps for Natalie to pivot from her Suitcase Entrepreneur identity to the Natalie Sisson she is today. Since late 2018 she has been focused on helping everyday people in jobs, freelance careers and with their own business to monetize their sweet spot and get paid to be them. Join today’s conversation as we talk about vision planning, audiobooks, and when it’s time to unlearn systems, tools and habits that aren’t serving you anymore. I was fascinated by Natalie’s investment in her personal growth and how she embraces the beginner’s mindset. Talking Points Natalie’s process of changing her business identity How to get unstuck from the fear of growth What Natalie has let go The creative challenge from her latest writing project What productivity means to Natalie today Advice to entrepreneurs to do more of what they love Quote “Unlearning and relearning leads to growth.” Helpful Links FinCon Episode 91: The More of Less with Joshua Becker The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People | Amazon Masterclass: Gardening The Suitcase Entrepreneur | Amazon The Freedom Plan | Amazon The $10k Club Untapped Podcast NatalieSisson.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.

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A Catalyst For Hope with Thane Marcus Ringler Jan 06, 2021

Thane Marcus Ringler takes the professional athlete’s mindset to everyday people in everyday life. Today’s guest is Thane Marcus Ringler, the former professional golfer turned speaker, writer, development coach and podcast host of The Up & Comers Show. It’s his mission to help people get unstuck and overcome the self-limiting beliefs we all tend to carry. In this episode, we explore the four perspective shifts from his book Catalysts For Hope: Unlocking Energy, Optimism, And Your Full Potential. Thane’s idealism is infectious, and this will help frame your mind as we begin 2021. Join this conversation as we discuss the art of leaning in, the process of writing his book, critical thinking – and dragonflies. Talking Points The 4 Catalysts that will shift your perspective Focus on the process, no the destination Identifying your baby steps A hope-filled life is more practical than you think Why we regularly overlook our purpose A case for Idealism The power of pause Quote “Purpose is active. We don’t default our way into it.” Helpful Links Catalysts For Hope | Amazon The Practice | Amazon Episode 343: Consistency Over Authenticity with Seth Godin Episode 238: How to Keep Going with Austin Kleon 21 Lessons for the 21st Century | Amazon ThaneMarcus.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.

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Eating Frogs with Brian Tracy Dec 30, 2020

Brian Tracy’s goal is to help you achieve your personal and business goals faster and easier – by eating your frogs first. What I love about my podcast is that I get to speak with true mentors in this space – and Brian Tracy has been on my list to speak with for a long time. As a keynote speaker and seminar leader, Brian has consulted for more than 1,000 companies and addressed more than 5 million people through talks and seminars worldwide. He has also published over 90 books, most notably the best-selling Psychology of Achievement. His most recent book, Eat That Frog! for Students: 22 Ways to Stop Procrastinating and Excel in School serves students to improve their time management skills and achieve their dream goals. In light of the latest edition of this book Eat That Frog!, I’m fascinated by how time management bleeds into everything. Join our conversation as we discuss writing goals in the present tense, the role of self-esteem, his magic wand exercise, and educating the student market. Now go eat your frog today! Talking Points Why students need to learn more about time management What stops students from exploring better time management? Handwritten vs digital notes The timeless problems and solutions we all face Quote “Success in life is about task completion – not task working on.” Helpful Links Eat That Frog! for Students | Amazon Eat That Frog! | Amazon Franklin Covey Planner How to Live on Twenty-Four Hours a Day | Amazon Understanding Human Nature | Amazon BrianTracy.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.

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Being Nice with Dave Delaney Dec 23, 2020

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.

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Virtual Event Conversions with Liam Austin Dec 16, 2020

Since hosting his first virtual event in 2015, Liam Austin knows the formula to making a success of it. I learnt heaps from today’s interview with virtual events expert Liam Austin. As the world has gone radically digital for so many businesses this year, find out in today’s episode why a virtual event is a great way to grow your business and community. Liam is the co-founder of Entrepreneurs HQ and Virtual Summit Academy, which organizes many virtual summits and publishes marketing tactics of top entrepreneurs. When he had over 15,000 people register to attend his first virtual event in 2015 – Liam knew he had to share what he did to the wider business community. In this interview we explore producing live versus pre-recorded events, building tight funnels, how to stand out from other events, and how to make sure you attendees get the most out of the session. Talking Points What you can leverage from hosting virtual events How to stand out amongst the virtual noise The rough timeline needed when creating an event How can attendees get the most out of online events Optimizing what to do post-event Quote “Reverse engineer from your end goal.” Helpful Links Episode 308: Talking Slack with Phil Simon Zoom For Dummies | Amazon EntrepreneursHQ.com Virtual Summit Academy 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.

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Questions To Ask Yourself with Tripp Lanier Dec 09, 2020

With over 15 years of coaching busy, high-achievers, Tripp Lanier shows how to stay present and be guided by your internal direction. Tripp Lanier is a professional coach, author of This Book Will Make You Dangerous: The Irreverent Guide for Men Who Refuse to Settle, and host of The New Man Podcast. I loved interviewing Tripp as he’s an honest guy who asks thought-provoking questions. Since 2005, Tripp has spent thousands of hours coaching people all around the world to get out of the rat race, become an authority in their field, and make a great living doing the work they were put on this earth to do. As entrepreneurs, it’s easy to get trapped in the hustle cycle. This episode will help release you from this trap and focus on what really matters to give you that ‘aliveness’. Tune in as we discuss issues with saying ‘no’, setting dangerous missions, unfulfilling vision boards, and reading old journal entries. Talking Points The correlation between being dangerous and being productive Managing uncertainty The comparison game How to identify what really matters to you Dealing with resistance The relationship between finality and productivity Creating missions as experiments Four questions to ask yourself at the beginning of your day Quote “A high-performing sheep is still a sheep.” Helpful Links This Book Will Make You Dangerous | Amazon Conscience | Amazon Gary Vaynerchuck The War of Art | Amazon My Shot – Hamilton Episode 227: Why You Need Atomic Habits with James Clear Atomic Habits | Amazon Clear Habit Journal The New Man Podcast TrippLanier.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.

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The Transparency Wave with Paul Pagnato Dec 02, 2020

After analyzing companies for almost 30 years, Paul Pagnato, shows how we’re in an exponential era. Find out how transparency is the key to growth. We can feel pretty vulnerable when being transparent. But real change happens when we start to be more honest with ourselves and those around us. This is why I’m so excited to have Paul Pagnato on the show today to deep dive into how we can adopt the transparency mindset. Paul has spent much of his career managing capital as a wealth advisor. From studying so many companies, he came to the realization that society has grown through massive waves of transformation over the last 500 years. And we’re going through one now – The Transparency Wave. His latest book Transparency Wave: Exponential Changes That Will Transform Our World is an impactful read that dissects how an increasingly connected and technologically-advanced world presents exponential opportunities. Join us as we discuss his 6Ts of Exponential Transparency™, embracing fear, genomics – and yogis. Talking Points What the Transparency Wave is The exponential element of transparency The 6Ts of Exponential Transparency™ The challenges when adopting a transparency mindset How we can apply this mindset to our personal lives The challenges with accountability The role of longevity How we can embrace failure Quote “Transparency changes everything.” Helpful Links Transparency Wave | Amazon The Compound Effect | Amazon Atomic Habits | Amazon Growing Young | Amazon Episode 318: Growing Young with Marta Zaraska TransparencyWave.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.

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Fostering Clarity with Doug Fraser Nov 25, 2020

As host of NPR’s What We Do, Doug Fraser is not afraid to dive deep and follow his curiosity. Today we learn about the craft of clarity. My guest this time round is Doug Fraser, a creator, producer, and host of NPR’s What We Do. He’s a true expert when it comes to storytelling… be it the history of rats to kitchens. He’s not afraid to ask questions, which makes him a very exciting guest to have on the show. After years in the ad agency world, Doug now follows his own path to provide a valuable one-on-one marketing experience for businesses of all sizes. From pizza joints to multi-billion-dollar car dealerships, he’s helped brands achieve copywriting, social marketing, and videography success. Doug and I spend time talking about being present and seeking clarity through simplicity. Join us as we explore taking on new hobbies, capturing ideas, and knowing when it’s the right time to quit. Talking Points The impact curiosity has across all aspects of Doug’s life Energy from learning new things Balancing the time between learning and working Everyday tactics to help stay present His 4-step process for success Overcoming the sunk cost fallacy What simplicity shows us Process to note new ideas during a podcast interview Doug’s most invaluable tools Journaling and useful frameworks Quote “Everything that we’re learning is adding up in us.” Helpful Links What We Do Podcast What We Do: The College Curiosity Crisis What We Do: Becoming the Voice of Porky Pig What We Do: Creating National Geographic’s Photo Ark Photo Ark Ron Finley Teaches Gardening Headspace Brené Brown Episode 238: How to Keep Going with Austin Kleon The Dip | Amazon Episode 343: Consistency Over Authenticity with Seth Godin Episode 203: The Evolution of Getting Things Done with David Allen Getting Things Done | Amazon Baron Fig Deep Work | Amazon Episode 229: Exploring Digital Minimalism with Cal Newport The Five Minute Journal Day One DougFraserDigital.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.

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Frame Your Week with Racheal Cook Nov 18, 2020

Today’s guest works 25 hours per week since she had kids 10 years ago. Tune in to find out about her impactful approach to productivity. Racheal Cook is a business strategist and business development consultant. Through her signature online mastermind The CEO Collective, Racheal helps women entrepreneurs start and scale businesses without the hustle or burnout. Being a mother herself, I was fascinated by her approach to being a productive CEO. As a sought-after speaker on entrepreneurship, marketing, and productivity, Racheal’s work has been featured on US Chamber of Commerce, Entrepreneur on Fire, Female Entrepreneur Association, Inc, Fast Company, Forbes, and more. She’s the author of Fired Up & Focused and Your Business Sweet Spot. Tune in as we discuss ways to structure the week, results-based outcomes, making personal and family time a priority – and what we can learn from meal planning. Talking Points Motherhood forcing clarity on productivity The Model Calendar Approach Being a morning person Setting aside “buffer” time The evolutionary nature of the Model Calendar Identifying your high-value tasks Niching down and serving women The CEO Date Quote “Productivity is about protecting myself from myself.“ Helpful Links The CEO Collective The CEO Planner Episode 334: Endless Curiosity with Derek Sivers Fired Up & Focused | Amazon Your Business Sweet Spot | Amazon The 4-Hour Work Week | Amazon ‘Most Likely to Succeed’ Documentary RachealCook.com/TheProductivityist 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.

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Stop Planning with Greg Reid Nov 11, 2020

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.

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Consistency Over Authenticity with Seth Godin Nov 04, 2020

Seth Godin is a consistent player in the entrepreneurial space, influencing millions to embrace their inner-creative and best serve their audience. In today’s episode, we uncover how you can make that impact. Seth Godin has had a huge influence over my career, so I’m excited to bring him on (again) to hear about his latest projects and new book ‘The Practice: Shipping Creative Work’. As my first guest on the podcast I did as a productivity parodist, there’s lots to catch up on. This interview is full of countless gems, but what really stands out is being consistent with whatever it is that you want to achieve. In his own words, the toughest part is that “you have to show up, even if you don’t feel like it”. Seth blogs daily. He’s been doing it for years now. He’s built a huge following with over a million readers, and is the author of over 19 books, including Purple Cow, Linchpin, and This Is Marketing. He’s also the founder of the altMBA and The Akimbo Workshops, which runs online seminars that have transformed the work of thousands of people. Join our conversation as we explore indispensable tools, inbox zero, working with intent – and his 16ft cedar strip canoe. Talking Points Applying assertion to our work Why Imposter Syndrome doesn’t go away You don’t even need to meet your mentors Seth’s daily boundaries Impact of 2020 on his blogging Seth’s attitude towards uncertainty Defining good taste What we actually mean by ‘hacking’ Seth’s relationship with ‘trap’ emails The trap people fall into when chasing authenticity Quote “Know what your audience wants ten minutes before they do.” Helpful Links The Practice: Shipping Creative Work | Amazon Episode 334: Endless Curiosity with Derek Sivers Hyperfocus: How to Be More Productive in a World of Distraction | Amazon The Productivity Project: Accomplishing More by Managing Your Time, Attention, and Energy | Amazon ‘How To Get Your Ideas To Spread’ TED Talk Necessary Endings| Amazon Ron Finley Teaches Gardening Masterclass Freewrite Inbox Zero: How to Stop Checking Email and Start Finishing It | Amazon Glowforge The Authentic Swing | Amazon TrustYourself.com Seths.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. 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.

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Master Delegation with Barbara Turley Oct 29, 2020

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.

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Undaunted Doers with Kara Goldin Oct 22, 2020

We face many hurdles as entrepreneurs which is why today’s guest, Kara Goldin, has a mission to help people get unstuck in order to move forward. As Founder & CEO, entrepreneur, keynote speaker, author and mother, today’s guest Kara Goldin wears many hats. Kara founded the flavored water brand Hint in 2005, and has seen it grow exponentially over the years. She’s also worked at Time Inc., AOL and CNN. With her insatiable drive, how does she do it all? As we find out, it’s curiosity. In light of her new book ‘Undaunted: Overcoming Doubts and Doubters’, Kara has learnt a lot along her entrepreneurial journey. Join our conversation as we explore hockey stick growths, natural curiosity, losing 24 pounds in 2.5 weeks – and Wild Cherry Pepsi addictions. Talking Points How Kara handles her priorities Advice on staying true to your values amidst the noise The power of asking questions The memorable moment of the first Hint sale Practicing patience Quote “The people that call things an overnight success don’t know the true definition.” Helpful Links Undaunted | Amazon DrinkHint.com KaraGoldin.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.

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Your Motivation Code with Todd Henry Oct 15, 2020

What is it that ultimately drives you? It’s key to know this across all areas of your life, so I’m excited to speak with Todd Henry again on the show as we uncover the Motivation Code. Today’s guest Todd Henry has helped identify the unique ways that we are motivated. It’s fascinating: there are 27 potential ways and it’s different for all of us. Todd is a self-proclaimed “arms dealer for the creative revolution”, who is a writer, speaker, and helps facilitate people and teams generate brilliant ideas. He’s written four books and has recently released his fifth book, The Motivation Code: Discover The Hidden Forces That Drive Your Best Work, co-authored with Rod Penner, Todd Hall and Joshua Miller. It’s not about waiting for work to motivate us; once we identify our true motivations, we’re in flow. In this conversation, we explore MCODE™ assessment, experiencing flow, how knowing our motivation benefits both our work and personal lives. Talking Points Compiling the new books after decades of research How the opportunity came up to write the book The six values of themes Results from the assessment and what they mean Why we need to dig deep with assessment results Trigger, process and outcome motivation Experiencing flow when their motivation code is activated How and when our motivation shifts over time Long-term benefits of knowing your motivational traits Quote “We create enemies when we don’t need to.” Helpful Links Episode 54: Voice Lessons with Todd Henry The Motivation Code | Amazon MCODE™ Assessment Herding Tigers | 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.

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Focused Writing with Adam Leeb Oct 08, 2020

Distraction-free writing: a process that all writers seek. Find out how today’s guest, Adam Leeb, has made it that much easier for you. As a writer myself, getting into the ‘flow state’ isn’t always attainable. But when I came across the distraction-free writing tool Freewrite Traveler, I had to bring on Adam Leeb, the co-founder, to the podcast. Freewrite is a portable tool with no copy/paste or other advanced editing functionality to promote maximum writing productivity. Pure magic. Adam is an award-winning product designer and mechanical engineer who is obsessed with product design especially in relation to user experience and user interaction. Join us as we explore mechanical keyboards, removing distractions, failed crowdfunding campaigns, and 3D printing over quarantine. Talking Points What attracted Adam to design and Astrohaus Developing a tool to help writers stay focused with the creative writing process Their design philosophy Specialized vs multi-use products Adam’s desire to design products Taking more risks Being ahead of the curve Running crowdfunding campaigns Why crowdfund if you have the clout or finances? A reversal approach to productivity Quote “It takes energy to resist.” Helpful Links Freewrite Traveler Astrohaus Punisher Yo-Yo Video Confessional Booth Wayne Gretzky Kara Goldin Baron Fig Episode 317: The Analog Way with Jeff Sheldon BestSelf Creality Clapboss Sprinter 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.

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Escape From Boring with Joe Barnes Oct 01, 2020

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.

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Working Deeply with Cristina Roman Sep 24, 2020

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.

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Visibility Bias with John Meese Sep 17, 2020

We’ve all experienced social media overwhelm – what would it be like if you removed it from your marketing strategy? John Meese joins the show to share what he’s learnt from having no social media. Today’s guest John Meese has found something liberating: removing social media from his marketing equation. When done well, social media works, but it’s easy to get distracted by vanity metrics. After a social media detox, John discovered the best places to serve his audience online. I’m a huge fan of John’s entrepreneurship, so I was excited to learn more about his work with Michael Hyatt. He is the Dean of Platform University, cofounder of Notable Themes and CEO of Cowork Columbia. He is also the author of Survive and Thrive: How to Build a Profitable Business in Any Economy (Including This One) which will be available this fall. Join us as we discuss the power of email, visibility bias, how to focus on the ‘who’ – and what his priest taught him about productivity. Talking Points Why John doesn’t use social media Should you claim your brand name across all social media channels? What kind of platform is YouTube? How to start weaning off from social media? Why email has stood the test of time His work at Platform University John’s relationship with time and productivity Quote “Macro-dream and micro-execute” Helpful Links Digital Minimalism | Amazon Productivityist’s TikTok Episode 239: Free to Focus with Michael Hyatt Episode 289: The Vision Driven Leader with Michael Hyatt Platform University Platform | Amazon Cowork Columbia The Roosevelt Rule PlatformUniversity.com/Productivityist 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.

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Mind Map Your Writing with Daphne Gray-Grant Sep 10, 2020

We all need to write more crappy first drafts – that’s the way to truly get unstuck from writing. In this episode I learn from Daphne Gray-Grant about her inspiring writing process. From my experience of writing a book, I know the process can easily get overwhelming. Which is why I was refreshed to hear about the need to write “crappy first drafts” from today’s guest, Daphne Gray-Grant. Aside from being a prolific writer, Daphne is also a coach to many writers who want to learn to write faster, better. She started her career in the newspaper business and quickly learnt that 80% of your writing is the process you have set up – 20% is the actual writing. Tune in as we explore the lessons she’s taught to hundreds of her clients. We discuss mind mapping techniques, the joy of paper, and her love for treadmill desks. Talking Points On treadmill desks and Daphne’s love of walking The draw to editing Daphne’s writing mindset and routine Is there a good timeline for writing a book? Ways to beat mind map overwhelm The impact of writing by keyboard vs by hand Who can benefit from dictations? The most common mistakes people make when mind mapping Quote “A mind map is not an outline nor an organizational tool – it’s an inspirational tool” Helpful Links Episode 288: How to Be Awesome at Your Job with Pete Mockaitis Daphne Gray-Grant’s interview on ‘How To Be Awesome At Your Job’ Gabriele Rico’s Clustering Writing the Natural Way | Amazon Episode 238: How to Keep Going with Austin Kleon GoodNotes iThoughts Scapple Scrivener Drafts PublicationCoach.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.

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Endless Curiosity with Derek Sivers Sep 03, 2020

After decades of following his own interests, today’s guest Derek Sivers has gone down many interesting rabbit holes. With an ambitious title for his new book, ‘How To Live’, we explore what makes a good life. Derek Sivers is best known as a writer, musician, programmer and the founder of CD Baby, an online CD store for independent musicians. For the past 12 years, he’s been living a nomadic lifestyle and pondered a lot about what makes a good life. In this episode, we explore his new book he’s currently writing ‘How To Live’ – and how there is no one ‘right’ way to live. Derek’s life philosophy of being curious is infectious, and I enjoy going down a few rabbit holes with him in this interview. Join us as we explore how time is personal, setting creative constraints, and the surprising conclusion from his book. Get ready for a few Star Wars references too. Talking Points The reason why he wrote his new book ‘How To Live’ The role curiosity plays in his life How setting constraints gives your freedom Thinking beyond New Year’s Eve: how time is personal The big phases throughout Derek’s life Is Derek always having fun? His relationship with email Quote “Constraints free you from the daunting prospect of infinite possibility” Helpful Links How To Live American History X The Listening Book | Amazon Quiet | Amazon The 4-Hour Workweek | Amazon Akimbo podcast by Seth Godin Conversations with Tyler John McWhorter The Art of Noticing | Amazon The Good Place Comedian Hugo Jacomet’s YouTube channel Salt | Amazon Cod | Amazon Curious with Josh Peck Monthly Self-Expansion Project Chris Guillebeau Sivers.org 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.

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Happy Now Year! Aug 31, 2020

On this solo episode of the podcast, I talked about I’m ending one year and starting another – as well as everything that comes along with that. very September I kick off a new year. It’s a practice I’ve had for several years, but I’ve not used January 1st to start my year for even longer than that. I don’t believe things – like a fresh start – need to be attached to a milestone date or event. I talk about that, Sean D’Souza’s unconventional time management tips, Richard Feynman’s trip to Brazil, and more on this episode of the show. Helpful Links This is my $5 guarantee Three Month Vacation: Unusual Time Management Ideas TextExpander A Slave to Fewer Things | The Daily Stoic The Front Nine: How to Start the Year You Want Anytime You Want 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.

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Getting Productive With Astrology with Jill Blumenstock Aug 27, 2020

It’s a topic so rarely discussed, but as you’ll learn on the show, tuning into your own daily and monthly astrological rhythms gives you permission for when you need to rest, work, and grow. As you know, I’m fascinated by time and new ways of viewing it. It’s such a precious resource and a man-made construct. And this episode takes an interesting turn: astrological readings. How do the planets around us affect the way we feel? Today’s guest, Jill Blumenstock, is a certified Yoga Teacher and Vedic Astrologer, and has seen firsthand the impact of tuning into your own natural rhythms. It’s a time guide that’s beyond just your horoscope; you learn how to best manage your time. In this episode, we uncover how to chart your astrological patterns, how to apply it to your daily life – and hear Jill’s live reading of me… I look forward to my upcoming ‘rest’ months! Talking Points How Jill first discovered astrology What is Vedic Astrology? How Jill practically applied her astrological readings to her life Identify your cycles based on when you’re born What is the Fourth House, and why it’s the time for rest and organising Using the Ninth House to connect with your vision Quote “Astrology helps me identify what I’m feeling, so I know what to use it for” Helpful Links The 7 Day Circle | Amazon Jill’s Instagram Jill’s Facebook JillBlumenstock.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.

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It's Time to Slow Things Down Aug 24, 2020

On this solo episode of the podcast, I talk about the importance of slowing things down and how that can make your productivity even better than before. (Make sure you take part in the short experiment I start at the 8:06 mark of the episode, okay?) Helpful Links Carl Honoré: The Power of Slow The Speed of Right Why You Need to Slow Down 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.

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Making Time For What Matters with John Zeratsky Aug 20, 2020

Since the early 00s boom in productivity optimization, today’s guest John Zeratsky has seen how much our relationship with time has evolved. As a writer and speaker, John is on a mission to help people make time for what matters. How do you manage your time? There’s no one-size-fits-all tactic, but John Zeratsky‘s latest book ‘Make Time’ runs through tried and tested approaches for us to cherry-pick, so I was super excited to catch up with him and run through some of these exercises. Tune in as we discuss reflection time, the power of default settings and breaking bad habits with friction. John’s quest for mastering time management was born from his career in design, web development and copywriting. He’s worked with numerous startups including Netflix, Slack, Airbnb, Uber, 23andMe and Medium, and his writing has appeared in publications like Wall Street Journal, Wired and Fast Company. Talking Points How he formed his partnership with Jake Knapp and where their fascination of time came from Making everything in the book simple and doable Approaching work as a designer Distinction between simple and easy The role of friction and how it breaks habits What ground hogging means to John What is a time crater and what are the time craters John struggles with? Taking caffeine naps to boost energy The first productivity app John ever used Quote “When it comes to our own time, this finite precious resource that we have, we don’t often look back and say, what did I really do today?“ Helpful Links Make Time | Amazon Jake Knapp Time Dorks Google Ventures Design Sprint Process Design Sprint | Amazon Getting Things Done | Amazon Episode 203: The Evolution of Getting Things Done with David Allen Episode 229: Exploring Digital Minimalism with Cal Newport Sleep Cycle 43 Folders Indistractable | Amazon Philips Wake Up Alarm Clock Austin Kleon’s caffeine nap Mori App TeuxDeux MakeTime.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. 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.

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This Amazing Adventure Called Life with Lex Latkovski Aug 17, 2020

I usually alternate between interviews and solo episodes, but I decided to mix things up a bit this time around. Why? Because this conversation with Lex Latkovski is one I’ve wanted to get out into the world for a while now. And I felt that there was no better time than now to do so. Lex’s mission is to have you to laugh and see the world and your life as an endless source of adventure and opportunity. He wants you to live a fulfilled life with no regrets – and to chase your dreams while you can. Lex’s work is featured over at The Lexpedition and he’s the author of Passport Forward: Moving from Regrets and Routine to Freedom, Passion, and Adventure. He’s also a serial traveler and adventure seeker – something that isn’t as easy to make happen in 2020. Nonetheless, Lex’s message and sense of vitality were on full display during our conversation. I hope you enjoy it and it helps you – even in some small way – get more out of this amazing adventure called life! Talking Points Lex shares a bit about himself, our common acquaintances, and what drives him Lex talks about what it took (and what kept him going) during his time as a zen monk What happened when Lex was at that retreat that made him realize he wanted to do this full time? Lex shares his thoughts on routines Did Lex have people by his side supporting him through this process? How does Lex deal with people who are negative in his life? Lex talks about the experience of writing his book Who are some of the authors that Lex has read that inspire him? What is one thing someone can do to start this whole process? And what is one thing Lex did that he found surprisingly beneficial? Quote “Put it out there, instead of keeping it a secret.“ Helpful Links The Lexpedition Andy Traub Episode 148: Real Artists Don’t Starve with Jeff Goins Passport Forward: Moving from Regrets and Routine to Freedom, Passion, and Adventure 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.

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Being Brutally Honest with Peter Kozodoy Aug 13, 2020

Today’s guest, Peter Kozodoy, has seen time and again how much transparency and honesty in our work and personal lives lead to lasting results. Peter is an Inc. 5000 entrepreneur, keynote speaker, and author of Honest to Greatness. Honesty is a soft skill we need to master and bring to the forefront if we want to make impactful change. Peter has worked closely with many successful leaders from Fortune 500s, startups to Warren Buffett. So I was really excited to have Peter on the show to unpick some true gems from his new book Honest to Greatness. Tune in as we uncover what happens when we lie to ourselves, how to overcome limiting beliefs, achieve ‘honest alignment’ – and what we can learn from the ancient Egyptians. Talking Points How dishonesty has been a fundamental problem for most organizations Why we getting “stuck” with our own lies, and how to get unstuck ‘The Hall of Two Truths’ – learning from the ancient Egyptian mythology The relationship between fear and dishonesty Understanding Warren Buffett’s ‘institutional imperative’ about leaders getting stuck Peter’s central framework: the Hourglass of Honesty The two questions to ask yourself to start benign more honest Quote “Honesty is an act of omission” Helpful Links Fear Is A Dishonest Act Peter’s Monthly Mastermind Episode 306: Leading Without Authority with Keith Ferrazzi PeterKozodoy.com 21-question Honesty Quiz Honest To Greatness | 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.

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August: The Methodical Month Aug 10, 2020

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.

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The Power of Process with Justin DiRose Aug 06, 2020

On this episode I’m joined by Justin DiRose, a productivity expert and remote work consultant from northern Minnesota. He has a passion for becoming better, the distributed workforce, being a great dad and husband, and music. Justin hosts one my favourite productivity podcasts out there: Process. Justin discusses the realities of how personal productivity, software, systems, and technology impact his life throughout each episode and those are some of the very things we touch on during our conversation on this episode. Talking Points What are some things that Justin has noticed evolve throughout the years in the productivity community? Justin talks about what led him down this path What are some tools that have helped Justin be more thoughtful about what the correct things to chase are? What does Justin think some roadblocks that people who are trying to adopt a bigger sense of productivity have? Justin suggests a book that everyone should read and why it impacted him so much This is one thing Justin shares that you can do today to help with your productivity process? Quote “Not just focusing on the tasks, not just focusing on the projects or ideas I have there but also focusing on ‘What am I experiencing? What am I feeling?’ Because a lot of times those are things that are causing me to lose focus, lose attention.” Helpful Links Process Episode 213: The Bullet Journal Method with Ryder Carroll A More Meaningful To Do List | My OmniFocus Setup Talk Episode 203: The Evolution of Getting Things Done with David Allen Episode 227: Why You Need Atomic Habits with James Clear The Order of Time | Amazon Range: Why Generalists Triumph in a Specialized World | Amazon Effective Remote Work JustinDiRose.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.

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HEY! I'm Talking Email with Phil Simon Aug 03, 2020

I wanted to talk to someone who knows communication and email to talk about that subject. So Phil Simon joined me once again to talk about email – and in particular, the new kid on the block, HEY. Relevant Links Episode 308: Talking Slack with Phil Simon Episode 324: Let’s Zoom with Phil Simon HEY ‘The world’s greatest email app’ is a privacy nightmare | The Next Web Check out Front – my main email app Listen to Andrew Warner talk about HEY with Jason Fried Second-Order Thinking | FS.blog 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.

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Let's Zoom with Phil Simon Jul 30, 2020

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.

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3 More Things with Benjamin Spall Jul 27, 2020

Benjamin Spall returns to the podcast to share three more things. Check out his original appearance on Episode 196 of the podcast. 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.

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The New Corner Office with Laura Vanderkam Jul 23, 2020

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.

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An Appetite for Apps Jul 20, 2020

I’ve had an “on again, off again” relationship with apps during my career as a productivity strategist. Right now, it’s back on again. I share some of my insights on apps during this episode. You’ll hear what apps I’m currently using (and why I’m using them), what I look for in an app of any sort, and why going “”all in” with an app can be a recipe for productivity problems. I’ve got several relevant links to apps below so as you’re listening feel free to check out what I’m using and start to sate your appetite for apps starting today! Relevant Links Focus on The App Within Todoist TimeHero Drafts Woven Day One 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.

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You and The Internet of Things with Vicki McLeod Jul 16, 2020

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.

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The Quest for Simplicity Jul 13, 2020

Henry Wadsworth Longfellow said, "In character, in manner, in style, in all things, the supreme excellence is simplicity." I couldn’t agree more. So I decided to share my thoughts on my quest for it on this episode. Relevant Links Simplicity Day | DaysOfTheYear.com Simplicity is Subjective | Me @ Medium Episode 317: The Analog Way with Jeff Sheldon Analog Joe Episode 175: Soulful Simplicity with Courtney Carver 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.

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Growing Young with Marta Zaraska Jul 09, 2020

My guest for this episode is Marta Zaraska. Marta is a Polish-Canadian science journalist published in the Washington Post, Scientific American, New Scientist, the Atlantic, Discover, and more. She’s the author of the book Growing Young: How Friendship, Optimism, and Kindness Can Help You Live to 100. Marta reached out to me just before Growing Young‘s release date and after having a chance to check out what the book was all about I knew I wanted to talk to her about it for this program. And talk about the book we did! We talked about why she wrote the book, how challenging it was to write, some of the surprises she came across during the writing process, and more. I had a wonderful time chatting with Marta and I know you’ll get a lot out of listening to our conversation. Talking Points What inspired Marta to write this book? Marta explains why she thinks people focus more on their health when trying to live longer This is something that Marta tried and noticed it was helping her a lot as she worked towards “growing young” What are some things that people can do when they feel like they are stuck in a sense of loneliness? Marta talks about how helping others can boost your happiness What does Marta think are some benefits of meditating and why does she think people are so stubborn to try it? Did Marta find it challenging to write a book that tries to convince people that there is a science-backed way to live longer and happier? Does where one live play a role in “growing young”? Marta suggests one action you can take to start this journey Quote “Spend more time with your friends.“ Helpful Links Growing Young: The Book The Blue Zones of Happiness: Lessons From the World’s Happiest People Zaraska.com The Productivityist Podcast Pick of The Week: The Tim Ferriss 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.

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The Analog Way with Jeff Sheldon Jul 06, 2020

On this solo episode of the podcast, I’m doing something a little different: I’m hosting a guest. Jeff Sheldon joins me on the program to talk about simplicity, productivity, and the story behind Analog. Jeff Sheldon is the founder and designer of Ugmonk, a brand focused on creating and curating thoughtfully designed products. Jeff launched Ugmonk in 2008 as a creative outlet to design products that he wanted to wear and use. Now over a decade later, Ugmonk continues to expand its collection of well-designed objects and clothing and attract a passionate following from around the globe. Jeff and I spend a lot of time talking about his Analog venture – which is something I’ve been experimenting with for several weeks as of this recording. We also talk about design, simplicity, the importance of flexibility, and much more. I’ve been a big fan of Jeff’s work for some time and I’m glad I am able to share our conversation with you on this episode. Talking Points Jeff explains what he does… and what Ugmonk is Did Jeff expect the Kickstarter campaign for Analog to blow up like this? What made Jeff think that this product was useful for you… and that he should share it with the world? Jeff talks about the Analog “card signals” Jeff talks about his design study background and process Quote “It makes you prioritize… okay, I no longer can keep adding to my list because the hours in the day will run out before you can get to all them.” Helpful Links Analog Lore Episode 83: Overnight Success with Aaron Mahnke Episode 213: The Bullet Journal Method with Ryder Carroll Episode 203: The Evolution of Getting Things Done with David Allen Episode 73: Deep Work with Cal Newport Dropbox Paper Dieter Rams’ 10 Principles of Good Design Ugmonk Jeff Sheldon on Twitter | @ugmonk 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.

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It's Go Time with Jill McAbe Jul 02, 2020

My guest this time around is Jill McAbe. Jill is a business coach, high-performance expert and Amazon best-selling author of It’s Go Time: The ALL-IN System For Unstoppable Success in Business and Life. After seven gruelling years as celebrated restaurateur, 10+ years as a growth consultant to entrepreneurs, and a car accident that nearly took her life, Jill realized she couldn’t spend another minute on a business that wasn’t perfect for her in every way. At 48, Jill turned her business development skills on herself to build a business aligned with her purpose and that fits her life. She now teaches people like herself (misfits who sell their talent and crave lifestyle freedom) how they can do the same. Jill is a Top Teacher on the global career-skills platform, Skillshare. Her official residence is in Toronto, Canada; however, her dream business allows her to work from anywhere. Jill and I spend time talking about what “go time” is, her insights on willpower (and whether or not they align with mine), and much more. It’s always a pleasure to talk with a fellow Canadian, and speaking with Jill was no exception. I hope you enjoy our conversation as much as we did. Talking Points What led Jill to think that this book needed to be out in the world? Jill shares some tips to help you go from feeling uncertainty to feeling unstoppable These are Jill’s thoughts on willpower What is something someone can do either mentally or systematically to prepare themselves for challenges and uncharted terrain? Quote “Your subconscious loves repetition.“ Helpful Links JillMcAbe.com Episode 201: Willpower Doesn’t Work with Benjamin Hardy It’s Go Time: The All-In System for Unstoppable Success in Business and Life 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.

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I Took a Clarity Day Jun 29, 2020

I took a Clarity Day this week. Not sure what a Clarity Day is? I explain its value on this episode… as well as how I know it’s going to help me with my productivity and prioritization moving forward. Want to take a Clarity Day for yourself? Here’s how. 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.

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The Only Skill That Matters with Jonathan Levi Jun 25, 2020

On this episode, I’m joined by Jonathan Levi. Jonathan is a serial entrepreneur, published author, and podcaster born and raised in Silicon Valley. Jonathan is the face of such products and brands as the award-winning SuperHuman Academy Podcast; the bestselling “Become a SuperLearner” series; and, most recently, his new venture, SuperHuman Academy. Jonathan’s media products have been enjoyed by over 250,000 people in 205 countries and territories. During our conversation, we talk about the perils of overdoing optimization, how to avoid information overload, why planning matters, and Jonathan’s exploits into speed reading. There’s a lot to unpack in this episode… I hope you enjoy it. Talking Points Jonathan tells us a bit about himself and his origin story. How does Jonathan turn off the desire to want to optimize everything all the time? Jonathan talks about the filtration aspect of information overload This is what Jonathan thinks about planning and plans Jonathan and I talk about “speed reading” Quote “I really look to things that have sustained the test of time.” Helpful Links Episode 256: Understanding Ultralearning with Scott H. Young The Science of Speed Reading The Only Skill that Matters: The Proven Methodology to Read Faster, Remember More, and Become a SuperLearner 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.

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Three Big Days Jun 22, 2020

Three big days that happen over a three-week period are incredibly meaningful to me: World Productivity Day, Father’s Day, and my birthday. I share my thoughts on all of them in this episode. Relevant Links World Productivity Day How to Be Productive in These Strange Times with Mike Vardy How to Fix Your 2020 Vision Board Why You Need A Clarity Day (And How To Make It Happen) 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.

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Curating Your Life with Gail Golden Jun 18, 2020

This episode of the podcast delves into the concept of curation with the author of Curating Your Life, guest Gail Golden. Gail Golden, MBA, Ph.D., is the Principal of Gail Golden Consulting, LLC. As a psychologist and consultant for over twenty-five years, she has developed deep expertise in helping businesses to build better leaders. Her experience as an entrepreneur, business owner, and consultant to senior leaders of both Fortune 1000 and non-profit organizations informs her approach to executive selection and development. We focus on the idea of curation – something we are both keen on – and also discuss mediocrity, her thoughts on managing time, her views on comfort, and more. Talking Points How does curating your life allow you to have more balance? Gail offers her take on mediocrity How do you know when it is time to re-evaluate and change what your priority is? Gail talks about her views on wanting to escape the comfort zone What is one simple action someone can take to start this process after they pick up the book? Quote “Don’t manage your time, manage your energy.“ Helpful Links Gail Golden Consulting Curating Your Life 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.

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3 More Things with KC Procter Jun 15, 2020

KC Procter returns to the podcast to share three more things. Check out his original appearance on Episode 206 of the podcast. 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.

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Trying Times with Bosco Anthony Jun 11, 2020

My guest for this episode of the program is digital strategist, renowned speaker, and good friend Bosco Anthony. When we decided to have this conversation initially, we had a different set of topics in mind. But based on the current climate of the world when we recorded this episode – early June 2020 – the discussion went in a different direction. Bosco Anthony is an International Speaker, Storyteller and Digital Strategist with a background in corporate leadership and business operations. His experience in the corporate sector provides wisdom on operational maturity, business growth, digital strategy, performance efficiencies, and design thinking ideology. Bosco spends much time on research trends and is an idea rebel at heart. Bosco is recognized for his executive mentorship, entrepreneurial spirit and passion for operational maturity. Bosco thrives in a collaborative playground and is known for being an influence to the business and digital community having spoken at TEDx Stanley Park on fuelling life with purpose and alignment. Having roots in Tanzania, East Africa Bosco spent much of his adult life in Vancouver, Canada. He now calls Brisbane, Australia home. I’ve known Bosco for years and have seen him speak on many occasions. He knows his stuff and having him on the podcast has been a long time coming. But there’s more to Bosco than I’d known before having this discussion with him. During our discussion, Bosco and I went beyond the topic of productivity. We focused primarily on the subject of racism and uncertainty. We also spent some time talking about being a night owl, whether or not the return of sports will serve as a distraction from both the minutia and the important issues of the day, and how to deal with uncertainty in a time filled with it. I’m glad we took the time to shift gears and take our conversation down this path. I hope you enjoy it, too. Talking Points Bosco speaks on how he feels about today's on going events and protests I ask Bosco if he thinks that when sports come back that it will create a distraction that shifts attention away from the Black Lives Matter movement How does uncertainty and unfolding uncertain elements in the world affect Bosco’s productivity? Bosco offers some simple steps you can take when you are in trying times and don’t feel like you can keep moving forward Quote “When you’re not biased to one perspective it allows you to absorb more information at a quicker, rapid pace.“ Helpful Links BoscoAnthony.com Why Time Flies: A Mostly Scientific Investigation The 5 AM Club: Own Your Morning. Elevate Your Life. High Performance Habits: How Extraordinary People Become That Way The Sleep Revolution: Transforming Your Life, One Night at a Time 1619 | The NY Times Podcast Series The Blue Zones: 9 Lessons for Living Longer From the People Who’ve Lived the Longest The Productivityist Podcast Pick of The Week: Unlocking Us with Brené Brown 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.

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3 More Things with Judy Machado-Duque Jun 08, 2020

Judy Machado-Duque returns to the podcast to share three more things. Check out his original appearance on Episode 205 of the podcast. 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.

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Talking Slack with Phil Simon Jun 04, 2020

Phil Simon joins me on this episode to talk about his book, Slack for Dummies. If you’ve ever wanted to get more out of Slack then you’ll get a lot out of this conversation. Phil is a sought-after speaker and recognized authority on technology, trends, communication, and management. He advises companies on how to optimize their use of technology has written nine books, most recently Slack For Dummies. His contributions have appeared in Harvard Business Review, CNN,& Inc., The New York Times, Wired, NBC, CNBC, Wired, The Huffington Post, FoxNews, abcnews.com, forbes.com, BusinessWeek, and many other high-profile media outlets. Whenever Phil and I have the opportunity to connect, we have a great discussion. This episode is no exception. We spend plenty of time “talking Slack,” including why Phil decided to write an entire book about it, the most creative use cases he discovered while writing the book, and more. If you’ve been dipping your toe into Slack, then this episode will help you warm up to the idea of not only using Slack… but really making it sing for you. Talking Points What was Phil’s reasoning for diving into Slack? These are some of the good things to know when first Getting into Slack Phil talks about how he makes sure Slack doesn’t go off the rails and become something it wasn’t made for What was it like when Phil realized how useful Slack is? Phil explains one of the most creative ways he has seen Slack used If you’re familiar with Slack and you want to take things to the next level, this is one action you can take Quote “Once you go Slack, you don’t go back.“ Helpful Links PhilSimon.com Asana Gary Gulman How I Built This with Guy Raz | Slack & Flickr: Stewart Butterfield Slack for Dummies The Productivityist Podcast Pick of The Week: How I Built This with Guy Raz 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.

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This is The Most Productive Thing I've Done Today Jun 03, 2020

On this episode of the podcast, I’ve decided to share with you the most productive thing I’ve done today. And it’s been a long time coming. I’m taking imperfect action with this episode. I know that I’ve got plenty to learn and a lot of listening to do. But I wanted to start somewhere. This episode is that. There are no show notes for this episode. I’d like for you to give all 22 minutes a listen and then if you’d like to email me to talk about this episode, I’m at askmike@productivityist.com. Feel free to reach out. Thanks. 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.

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Leading Without Authority with Keith Ferrazzi May 28, 2020

I’m beyond thrilled to bring you this episode of the podcast featuring guest Keith Ferrazzi. Keith is the author of the best-selling book Never Eat Alone and our conversation centers around his latest book – a book I had the pleasure of devouring in advance – Leading Without Authority: How the New Power of Co-Elevation Can Break Down Silos, Transform Teams, and Reinvent Collaboration. Keith’s mission is simple: transform teams to help them transform the world. (I said simple.. not easy.) Beyond his work as an author of #1 New York Times bestselling author of Who’s Got Your Back and Never Eat Alone, Keith is the founder and CEO of Ferrazzi Greenlight, a management consulting and team coaching company that works with many of the world’s biggest corporations. A graduate of Harvard Business School, Keith rose to become the youngest CMO of a Fortune 500 company during his career at Deloitte, and later became CMO of Starwood Hotels. He is a frequent contributor to Harvard Business Review, Forbes, and Fortune and I am delighted he decided to join me in conversation on The Productivityist Podcast. Keith and I talk about what he means by “co-elevation” and why it’s so vital in today’s world – even beyond the workplace environment. We also spend time discussing the role of ego. in leading without authority, why believing that you work better on your own is not at all true, and much more. I had a great time having Keith as my guest on the program and I know you’ll get plenty out of our conversation. Talking Points Keith explains what he means by leading without authority What is an example of how co-elevation can help you operate beyond your work life? Why can a shift in mindset be such a struggle for people? Keith touches on what it is like to have to change how you work to adapt for someone else How important was it for Keith to include the proof that this can work for people – and lead people in the right direction? How can ego affect the process and the co-elevation way of thinking and living? This is what Keith has to say to people who think they work best on their own Keith shares his thoughts on patience and if patience is required for adopting the elements of co-elevation If someone picked up Leading Without Authority today, what is ONE action that they should start with? Quote “The ability to truly transform, not just you, not just your companies but the people around you.“ Helpful Links Leading Without Authority: How the New Power of Co-Elevation Can Break Down Silos, Transform Teams, and Reinvent Collaboration Ferrazzi Learning Virtual Teams Win 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.

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3 More Things with Matt Bodnar May 25, 2020

Matt Bodnar returns to the podcast to share three more things. Check out his original appearance on Episode 207 of the podcast. 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.

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How to 10X Your Content with Amy Woods May 21, 2020

On this episode of the program, I’m joined by Amy Woods. Amy has become known as a leading expert and true visionary when it comes to content repurposing, and is the author of Content 10x: More Content, Less Time, Maximum Results. I had the pleasure of meeting Amy a few years ago at a conference and I’ve always wanted to bring her on this program to talk about what she does and how she does it. I’m pleased that I was able to do that with this episode. Amy and I spent time talking about why repurposing your content is one of the most productive things you can do, the importance of planning, Amy’s own productive practices, and more. So sit back, relax, and learn how to 10X your content with Amy Woods – a true expert in the field! Talking Points Amy reveals whether she’s a night owl or an early riser Amy shares her thoughts on people who constantly want to be creating more rather than repurposing Amy shares some of the simply practical things in her book that people can do now She shares the process of deciding to take her expertise on content repurposing and distilling it into a book You’ll find out what Amy believes is the best platform to use as a jumping off point (or primary place) for repurposing content How important is planning in this process for Amy? We discuss the importance of patience in this process as well Quote “You have to plan in advance and you have to know that quality is going to win overall.“ Helpful Links Content 10X (The Website) Content 10x: More Content, Less Time, Maximum Results Pat Flynn’s Smart Passive Income Amy Porterfield Seth Godin 10 Great Gifts for the Productive Person in Your Life 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.

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3 More Things with Erin Acton May 18, 2020

Erin Acton returns to the podcast to share three more things. Check out her original appearance on Episode 209 of the podcast. 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.

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Think Do Say with Ron Tite May 14, 2020

My guest for this episode of the program is Ron Tite, the author of Think Do Say: How to Seize Attention and Build Trust in a Busy Busy World. A best-selling author, speaker, producer, and entrepreneur, Ron Tite has always blurred the lines between art and commerce. He has been an award-winning advertising writer and creative director for some of the world’s most respected brands including Air France, Evian, Fidelity, Hershey, Johnson & Johnson, Kraft, Intel, Microsoft, Volvo and many others. Ron and I both have a background in comedy, so there’s a natural connection there. We talk about how that background has helped him in his work, how companies can enact his “think, do, say” philosophy, and much more. Talking Points This is how Ron got to Dexter Guff to “blurb” his book. Why does Ron encourage the order as “think, do, say” and not “think, say, do”? Ron talks about how his book will help organizations think beyond the bottom line Why does Ron think organizations get caught up in making money while the iron is hot? This is the first step Ron thinks you should take when following through with the message in his book Quote “What are you currently doing and how can you do that way more efficiently to carve out time at the end of the day where you have dedicated to personal development.“ Helpful Links Episode 169: Behind the Scenes with Dexter Guff and Peter Oldring Episode 289: The Vision Driven Leader with Michael Hyatt Episode 290: Creative Menopause with Chase Reeves [Recorded LIVE at The BIG Ready] Ron’s Website Think Do 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. 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.

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Happy Days May 11, 2020

Garry Marshall created many television programs and directed plenty of movies, but one of his most popular contributions to the creative world was the show Happy Days. I used to watch his shows – particularly that one – growing up and have enjoyed the movies he made after he moved on from television. Garry passed away in 2016 but the lessons and laughs he shared in his work live on. Many of them are timeless. I hope that the main lesson I share in this episode is timely… and perhaps a little bit timeless, too. 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.

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Get Your Head Out of Your Apps with Matt Ragland May 07, 2020

This week I’m joined by fellow productivity enthusiast/specialist/strategist, Matt Ragland. This is a conversation I’ve wanted to have for some time and I’m glad I’m able to deliver it as my 300th episode of The Productivityist Podcast. Matt is a YouTuber and productivity coach who shows you how to get your head out of your apps and focus on what matters. His ACE method has helped thousands of people create awareness, clarity, and execution on their goals and habits. He lives in Nashville, TN with his wife and two sons. We spend time talking about habits, the tools he uses, journaling, and much more. If you’re really into productivity practices or simply want to hear two people really “nerd out” about that sort of stuff, then this episode of the podcast is for you. Talking Points What led Matt to that moment of realization that he needed to “get his head out of his apps?” This is how Matt got past the feeling of the idea that you must use online tools and apps Matt talks about his views on New Year’s resolutions and annual events How does Matt keep the flow of his day moving in a paper planner? This is what journaling looks like for Matt Matt shares whether or not he uses a paper wall calendar Quote “If I see something that matters to me and I know it improves my life, my only goal is really just to be as consistent as I can with it.“ Helpful Links “Get Your Head Out of Your Apps” – Why the Bullet Journal Method means so much to me Episode 213: The Bullet Journal Method with Ryder Carroll Baronfig (Affiliate Link) ConvertKit (Affiliate Link) Sleep Cycle (Affiliate Link) Philips SmartSleep HF3500/60 Wake-Up Light Therapy Alarm Clock (Amazon Affiliate Link) 5 DAY TIME TRACKING CHALLENGE Episode 238: How to Keep Going with Austin Kleon START JOURNALING Episode 227: Why You Need Atomic Habits with James Clear Podia (Affiliate Link) Matt Ragland’s Website Matt’s YouTube Channel 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.

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The Social Media-Productivity Balancing Act May 04, 2020

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.

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Connect First with Dr. Melanie Katzman Apr 30, 2020

On this episode of the program, I’m joined by Dr. Melanie Katzman, the author of Connect First: 52 Simple Ways to Ignite Success, Meaning, and Joy at Work. Dr. Katzman is a business psychologist and consultant to the world’s top public and private companies, government agencies and nonprofits. She is the founder of Katzman Consulting and a founding partner of the social enterprise Leaders’ Quest. During our conversation we dive into how her work can help people start connecting first, the role connection plays in how much you can impact someone, the word both of us like to use rather than the word “enough” and much more. Talking Points How does Melanie help someone break through the bias of connecting first? Melanie talks about the idea of “Got it.” How important was it for Melanie to make sure that the 52 simple ways were all simple? This is what Melanie would say about whether or not engaging your senses has to do with connecting with yourself first Melanie talks about the biases she has noticed beyond the book about what people find in their way to connect and how to solve that This is the word Melanie used instead of enough and follows up discussing the meaning behind both of those words. Why is the idea of apologizing such a key thing to keep in mind? Melanie touches on the difference between “complex” and “complicated” How can you keep fear at bay so you can continue to connect? How does connection play a role in how much you can impact someone? Which was the first of the 52 simple ways that Melanie wrote? Quote “We are naturally wired to connect and when we do biology works for us.“ Helpful Links Connect First: 52 Simple Ways to Ignite Success, Meaning, and Joy at Work Episode 246: How to Be Great at Your Job with Justin Kerr Melanie’s Website The Productivityist Podcast Pick of the Week: Curious with Josh Peck 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.

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TimeCrafting Tactics: The MVP Day Apr 27, 2020

This was not the episode I had planned. I’ve shelved that planned episode for now but while sitting with the dilemma of what episode to deliver to you this time around, I believe I’ve come up with something will do the trick. A series called TimeCrafting Tactics. Now this series won’t happen in consecutive weeks or in any sort of sequential order. After all, that’s not how most people listen to podcasts. Instead, I’ll drop an episode in this series every once in a while, taking into account the season that we may be in and any other factors that would make the subject both timely and timeless. This installment showcases the concept of The MVP Day. It’s a shorter episode and fits both the season and the series well. The only helpful links you’ll need are below. Helpful Links You Could Use An MVP Day Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs 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.

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A Productive Conversation with Thomas Frank Apr 23, 2020

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.

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The 3 Minutes of TimeCrafting Series: April 2019 Apr 20, 2020

On this episode of The Productivityist Podcast I’m sharing with you insights from my inactive daily podcast “3 Minutes of TimeCrafting”, which concluded after this run of episodes in April 2019. Some of the insights I share on this episode include: The importance of flexible frameworks The concept of “necessary endings” The focus pulling of push notifications What noticing does for your productivity The problem with hidden tasks (And that’s just scratching the surface.) This episode is loaded with three-minute bits of productivity and time management tips that you can adopt and adapt as you see fit. I hope you like what I offer in this slightly longer-than-usual episode. 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.

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Leadership is Language with David Marquet Apr 15, 2020

On this episode of the program I’m joined by David Marquet, best-selling author, student of leadership and organizational design, former nuclear submarine Commander, and named one of the Top 100 Leadership Speakers by Inc. Magazine. David’s new book, Leadership is Language, is a re-engineering of the language we use at work and a new playbook for leaders. “It’s time to ditch the Industrial Age playbook of leadership.” This book provides insights on how choosing your words can dramatically improve decision-making and execution skills for teams. We talk about the concept that David explores in this book (that leadership is language), why this is as much a playbook as anything else, what leaders need to work on in order to take their leadership skills to the next level, and much more. I enjoyed our conversation and I’m certain you’ll get plenty out of it. Talking Points What lead you to writing this book and why is it so important? David explains the terms “red work” and “blue work” Why do you consider this book to be a playbook? What does David mean by the “be good self“ and the “get better self“? What can someone do to start applying leadership as language today Quote “Start your question with the word ‘how’.“ Helpful Links Leadership Is Language: The Hidden Power of What You Say and What You Don’t Turn the Ship Around!: A True Story of Turning Followers into Leaders Intent-Based Leadership David on Twitter: @ldavidmarquet Leadership Nudges The Productivityist Podcast Pick of the Week: Help Me Pick Future Ones by emailing me at podcast at productivityist dot 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.

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The Fitness Challenge Apr 12, 2020

I’ve tried my fair share of fitness programs and plans over the years and have always found them to be more of a challenge than I’ve been willing to deal with. But the time has come for me to face the challenge that fitness presents and conquer it once and for all. So on this episode I share with you the things I need to overcome this challenge on an ongoing basis, what I’ve tried before, and what I’m doing that I’m committing to for the foreseeable future. Helpful Links P90X Body for Life Ikigai: The Japanese Secret to a Long and Happy Life Episode 249: The Magic of Metabolic Profiling with Angelo Poli Future Episode 109: Whole Life Fitness with Dai Manuel Episode 265: Bringing Gratitude with Karl Staib Episode 286: Doing Project 333 with Courtney Carver The Whole30 Program Episode 116: The Power of When with Dr. Michael Breus Centr Derek Sivers: Keep your goals to yourself How I’m Challenging Fitness Couch 2 10K DDPY The Spotify Playlist I Use When I’m Running 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.

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Why Values Thinking Works with David Allison Apr 08, 2020

I’m joined by David Allison on this episode of the program. David Allison is the founder of The Valuegraphics Database, the world’s first database that can predict and influence behaviour for anything on earth. He is a pioneer of ‘Values Thinking’ as the new best practice for organizational decision-making. I’m thrilled to have met David recently and once we had a conversation about what we were working on, I knew I wanted to have him on this podcast. David has coined the term, and become a champion of, Values Thinking, the new best practice for organizational decision-making in a post-demographic world. I find the practice fascinating and definitely worth your attention. We talk about why values thinking works, the difference between virtues and values, what led David to pursue this practice, and much more. David and I are aligned in our thinking in plenty of ways and I’m sure you’ll enjoy this conversation. Talking Points David explains what he does, how he got into it, and what “Valuegraphics” actually are How valuable can data be in times of uncertainty? This is what led David down this specific path David explains why it’s important to get your values in check to be productive and take productive actions Does David believe there’s a difference between values and virtues? How validating does it feel for David when he sees something that is proof of his concept? Quote “We have these giant stereotypical ideas in our head of what people are like based on what they are and not who they are.“ Helpful Links Valuegraphics How Our Values Unite Us In Times Of Uncertainty We Are All the Same Age Now Who We Are is Very Important. What We Are is Not. Episode 251: Being a Late Bloomer with Rich Karlgaard Episode 234: Bolder with Carl Honoré 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.

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How I Built My Business Apr 05, 2020

On this episode of the podcast I fly solo! I talk about why I’ve added a second episode to the podcast each week and present (nearly) all of the story of how I’ve built my business as per a request from a podcast listener. While I’ve shared my story in bits in pieces both on this podcast and elsewhere, listener Jeffrey Fate wanted me to try to share how I’ve built my business in one fell swoop somewhere. I asked him if he’d like that somewhere to be a single episode of The Productivityist Podcast, and he loved the idea! So I share my long and winding journey from Costco to today, with all (or most of) of the “built my business” highlights and waypoints along the way. I also discuss why I’ve decided to double the amount of episodes I produce per week and what that means for the future of this podcast. Helpful Links Jeffrey Fate and Me: The Twitter Thread that Led to This Episode’s Topic Effing The Dog: The Podcast | Episode 3 from 2008 (Effing is short for Efforting) The posts I’ve written for GTD Times My posts at WorkAwesome Articles I’ve authored for Cult of Mac My posts at The Next Web Check out what I’ve written for Lifehack My posts at Lifehacker What The — Happened to Lifehacker? Time to Say Goodbye | My Lifehack Farewell Post System.ly (from Greg Hickman) The Daily Driver: Get my FREE daily paper planning tool 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.

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Creative Menopause with Chase Reeves [Recorded LIVE at The BIG Ready] Apr 01, 2020

On this special episode I’m joined by Chase Reeves LIVE at The BIG Ready to talk about many things, including something Chase calls “creative menopause.” Chase co-founded Fizzle.co — the first education platform designed for modern indie entrepreneurship — as well as the Chase Reeves YouTube channel, where he makes 60 minute reviews of backpacks that somehow people love watching. When I asked Chase to join us at The BIG Ready I knew that having him record a live edition of this podcast was the way I wanted him to present. Chase has a natural gregariousness that simply fit this model, especially in front of a live studio audience (of sorts). We talked about productivity, his journey from Fizzle to creating a YouTube channel where he shares his insights and ideas on bags of all shapes and sizes, creativity, and much more. It’s an engaging, entertaining, and endearing conversation that I’m certain you’ll get a kick out of. You may even learn a thing or two! Talking Points Why did you choose the word Fizzle for your business? Chase talks about if he taps into or uses willpower at all in his life and work What was so promising to Chase about switching to do YouTube and bag reviews? How important is sitting with questions for Chase? Chase touches on letting go of things and how that can lead to moving on and making new things This is what the word BIG means to Chase How important is patience when it comes to work and knowing when to stop? Quote “We’re constantly stepping in without certainty.“ Helpful Links Corbett Barr Fizzle.co The Fizzle Show #338: The Best Productivity Routines with Mike Vardy and Chase Reeves The Productivityist Podcast #164: Faster Than Normal with Peter Shankman The Diagram of Success Twyla Tharp Alan Watts The Productivityist Podcast #54: Voice Lessons with Todd Henry Seth Godin Chase’s YouTube Channel The Productivityist Podcast Pick of The Week: The Knowledge Project 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.

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BONUS EPISODE: The 3 Minutes of TimeCrafting Series (March 2019) Mar 29, 2020

As we head towards the end of March, I wanted to share another bonus episode of the podcast featuring every episode from March 2019 of my inactive daily podcast 3 Minutes of TimeCrafting. On this bonus episode you'll hear me discuss the following: How your to do list can be deceptive The concept of "overchoice" and how it can derail your productivity Why just getting through today is plenty productive Insights on wasting time The reason your to do list is a story ...and much more! This stretch of episodes also includes a mini-series called "Work By Mode" that deals with one of the primary elements of my TimeCrafting method and philosophy: Mode-Based Work. http://productivityist.com/fivedollars/ (Take my 30 Days of TimeCrafting fundamentals course) Want to discover some of the books mentioned in this episode on Scribd, my reading app of choice?https://www.scribd.com/g/9a8d8 (Click here.) 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 https://productivityist.transistor.fm/subscribe (here).

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The Vision Driven Leader with Michael Hyatt Mar 25, 2020

Michael Hyatt returns to the show for this excellent episode of the program. Michael is the Chief Executive Officer and founder of Michael Hyatt & Company. He is also the author of several New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA Today bestselling books, including Platform, Living Forward, Your Best Year Ever, Free to Focus, and his newest book The Vision-Driven Leader. Michael has scaled multiple companies over the years, including a $250M publishing company with 700+ employees and his own leadership development company that has grown over 60% year over year for the past 4 years. Under his leadership, Michael Hyatt & Company has been featured in the Inc. 5000 list of the fastest-growing companies in America for three years in a row. He enjoys The Double Win with his wife of 40+ years, five daughters, and nine grandchildren. I spoke with Michael about the journey he took to get to this book, what it takes to become a vision driven leader, the importance of having a vision, and much more. As always, it’s fantastic to speak with Michael about his work – he’s someone who truly embodies everything that he delivers to the world – and I know you’ll get plenty out of this discussion. Talking Points Michael talks about why he wrote this book now and if it was a progression of his past books or if now was just the right time What does vision mean to Michael? We discuss the difference between a manager and leader Michael shares whether or not you must use the steps to become a vision driven leader in order… or if that is not all that important What can you do to help a leader who has so many ideas and visions execute those ideas and visions? Michael talks about what he would do if someone isn’t really understanding (or interested) in “The Vision Script” that a vision driven leader attempts to bring to life This is the person that Michael considers to be a vision driven leader that he looks up to We talk further about the term “vision zag” What are some things people can take away from the book that they can use if they are not running a company but simply want to run their lives better? This is the first step to becoming a vision driven leader Quote “Leadership by its very definition means that you’re heading towards a destination and if you’re not clear on the destination you really aren’t gonna be leading people anywhere.“ Helpful Links The Productivityist Podcast #239: Free to Focus with Michael Hyatt Living Forward: A Proven Plan to Stop Drifting and Get the Life You Want A Special Offer from Michael Hyatt for You (Bonuses available until 2020/04/04) The Productivityist Podcast Pick of the Week: That Creative Life 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.

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BONUS EPISODE: The 3 Minutes of TimeCrafting Series (February 2019) Mar 22, 2020

After stopping the short-lived first edition of 3 Minutes of TimeCrafting, I decided to get back into the idea of producing a daily podcast in February 2019. I began producing shows in earnest following Groundhog Day 2019 (February 2nd) and kept it going for several months. In this lengthy episode, you'll hear me offer insights and ideas on the following: Why you need to make time to sit with feedback Making self-care a part of your productivity practice Embracing the concept of "mise en place" How to get your week to behave better Why theming your days saves time with your kids And that's just for starters. There are 26(!) episodes combined in this lengthy episode, so take your time with it. There's a lot that I offer so spread out your listening as you see fit. And if you like what you hear, let me know. Email me at podcast@productivityist.com to tell me directly or leave this podcast a rating/review wherever you're listening to podcasts these days. Thanks for listening. See you later.

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How to Be Awesome at Your Job with Pete Mockaitis Mar 18, 2020

On this episode I’m joined by Pete Mockaitis. Pete is, among plenty of other things, the founder of How to Be Awesome at Your Job and he hosts the popular podcast of the same name. Pete is an award-winning trainer who has served clients in over 50 countries. His work has enhanced Fortune 100 corporations, high-growth startups, and major nonprofits. He’s conducted one-on-one critical thinking coaching sessions for over 700 thinkers from every Ivy League university and numerous world-class organizations such as Apple, Goldman Sachs, Google, McKinsey & Company, and the United Nations. There’s a lot to unpack in this episode – and it’s one that could have gone on much longer than it did. Pete and I talk about prioritization, effectiveness and how to measure it, experimenting with different tactics and tools, and more. I’m sure you’ll get a lot out of this conversation. I know I did! Talking Points Pete shares the reasons for starting his podcast This is how Pete makes it a priority to get his podcast episodes ready for production What are some of the tactics that Pete has put in place to make sure that stays a priority? Pete offers up a tool that he’s found that helps him prioritize – a tool that he didn’t think would work When it comes to The ONE Thing, Pete shares how you can break the bias of giving a credible answer to what your “one thing” is Here is one of the things that Pete has tried that didn’t work for him as well as he’d imagined What is The Effectiveness Ratio? How important is it to let go of things? Pete and I discuss why the thinks people are drawn to certain words, along with the expectations that come with those words and terms Quote “The critical stuff isn’t just a smidge more important but it has sixteen times the impact.“ Helpful Links How to Be Awesome at Your Job #80: Finding and Doing the One Thing with Jay Papasan The ONE Thing Pocket Biases Why I Stopped Doing GTD: Part 1 Why I Stopped Doing GTD: Part 2 Why I Stopped Doing GTD: Part 3 Episode 203: The Evolution of Getting Things Done with David Allen Understanding the Pareto Principle (The 80/20 Rule) Breakthrough Advertising Warren Buffett’s “2 List” Strategy: How to Maximize Your Focus and Master Your Priorities I Will Teach You to Be Rich Pete’s Website Getting started with the How to Be Awesome at Your Job podcast The Productivityist Podcast Pick of the Week: Imaginary Worlds 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.

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BONUS EPISODE: The 3 Minutes of TimeCrafting Series (March 2018) Mar 15, 2020

In the following bonus episode, I've combined all of the episodes from the March 2018 run of my now-concluded 3 Minutes of TimeCrafting podcast. The topics I discuss include: Using small but effective boundaries The leap forward to Daylight Savings Time and how to ward off its effects on your productivity Why Mondays might not be the best day to kick off your week Why one question I get asked a lot is a very challenging one to answer I hope you enjoy this bonus episode of the podcast. I'm going to be publishing the archives of 30 Days of TimeCrafting as bonus content over the next several weeks here as well as a bit of an experiment. If you like this episode, please consider leaving a rating and/or review in Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you are listening to the show. Thanks for listening. See you later.

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Where The Action Is with J. Elise Keith Mar 11, 2020

On this episode of the podcast I’m joined by J. Elise Keith, co-founder of Lucid Meetings and author of Where The Action Is: The Meetings That Make or Break Your Organization. We dive into an area of our work lives that can have a direct impact on our overall productivity both individually and organizationally. That area is… meetings. Meetings can be a real productivity killer. But they don’t need to be. I was grateful to have the opportunity to talk with Elise about her comprehensive book – which is a “must read” if you’re looking to make better meetings happen. We talked about designing meetings that matter, how to break the bias that meetings aren’t productive, and much more. Meetings are going to happen, so why not make them happen in a way that works? This discussion is just the thing to help you turn your meetings from interruptions to productivity to instrumental for purposeful productivity. Enjoy! Talking Points This is what Elise has to say to people who are hesitant when going into meetings because of their aversion to them We talk about words or phrases you can use instead of the word “meeting” What are the 16 different types of meetings and how did they make their way into the book? How does someone get started using these different types of meetings without being overwhelmed with such a drastic change in culture? Elise shares with me her thoughts on “holacracy” and whether or not she’s explored that in conjunction with her work We discuss the five focus areas that Elise brings up in the book that will help you make your meetings better This is one of the key takeaways Elise would love for you to have when reading her book What’s one thing someone can takeaway from this podcast to make their meetings more productive? Quote “Every time we put a meeting on the calendar in this company or in this team, we’re going to include in the calendar why we’re meeting and what we expect to get out of it at the end.“ Helpful Links Where The Action Is Lucid Meetings Resources for Having Great Meetings Holacracy 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.

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Doing Project 333 with Courtney Carver Mar 04, 2020

I’m excited that my friend Courtney Carver returns for this episode of the program. We focus our conversation around her book Project 333: The Minimalist Fashion Challenge That Proves Less Really is So Much More, which is a project I’ve undertaken and am still committed to several years later! Courtney is always a delight to chat with and this episode is no exception. We delve into the core elements of Project 333, some of the things that can hold people back from taking on this challenge, how the challenge affects more than just what’s taking up space in your closet, and more. I hope after listening to this episode that you’ll pick up Courtney’s book and give Project 333 a try. It’s been working for me and I know it can work for you. Talking Points What is Project 333? While it appears geared towards women, is this something men can do as well? These are some of the benefits that Project 333 offers beyond having just a clean closet Courtney talks about decision fatigue What are some of the ways you can “hack” Project 333, if any? Courtney shares an unexpected Project 333 success story What do you do when you’ve added something new and have gone above the limit? We discuss how receiving gifts plays a role in this project How can someone keep the momentum of Project 333 going? What factors does the weather play in Project 333? Courtney discusses what to do when you’re sentimental about certain clothing items These are some tips that Courtney uses to help someone break through the bias that they can’t do Project 333 Quote “We’re spending our resources, our time, attention, and energy on things that we don’t care about.“ Helpful Links Be More With Less The Productivityist Podcast #91: The More of Less with Joshua Becker Weed Out the Clothes You Don’t Wear with a Simple Hanger Trick Everything You Need to Know About Project 333 Check out Courtney’s Instagram! The Productivityist Podcast Pick of the Week: Naval 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.

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How to Start Ugly with Chris Krimitsos Feb 26, 2020

I’m happy to welcome to Chris Krimitsos as the guest for this episode. Chris is a father, husband, community builder and ever-evolving innovator. He loves people and their stories and has leveraged his gifts of connecting others to build communities around entrepreneurship, podcasting, and multimedia. Chris was profoundly affected at 16 years of age when he watched his father lose a restaurant he had bought with sweat equity and eventually put the keys in for the last time giving it back to the bank. He vowed then that he would make it his mission to help business owners the world over to avoid that terrible fate. His book, Start Ugly: A Timeless Tale About Innovation & Change is an extension of that promise and a story that can be understood by all who read it. Talking Points Chris shares the premise of Start Ugly and why it’s been such a powerful thing for him Why did Chris decide to write the book as a parable of sorts? Does starting ugly help with the ability to deal with change? If so, how? This is the single step of the seven Chris shares in the book that he believes is a barrier for most people Chris and I discuss the role that comfort plays when starting something ugly What does Chris have to say to people who are worried about the risk factor and forging a path that seems uncertain? How has Chris taken his family and personal obligations in mind when starting something ugly? This is what Chris sees down the line for the podcasting community Chris and I talk about how he is able to handle all of his obligations… of which there are plenty! We talk about the importance of being nimble What are some of the other biases that Chris has come across and realized that the book may have helped break? Quote “The way you’re going to start is never going to be as perfect as where you’re going to end up, so it’s always going to be an ugly start.“ Helpful Links Chris Krimitsos The One Minute Manager The Go-Giver: A Little Story About a Powerful Business Idea The Productivityist Podcast #222: How to Fight a Hydra with Josh Kaufman Who Moved My Cheese?: An A-Mazing Way to Deal with Change in Your Work and in Your Life PodFest Adam Curry RODECaster Pro Podcast Production Studio Start Ugly: A Timeless Tale About Innovation & Change The Productivityist Podcast Pick of the Week: The Good Life Project 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.

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How to Be a Successful Speaker with Grant Baldwin Feb 19, 2020

On this episode of the program I’m joined by Grant Baldwin. Grant is the founder of The Speaker Lab, a training company that helps public speakers learn how to find and book speaking gigs. He’s also the author of the book The Successful Speaker: Five Steps for Booking Gigs, Getting Paid, and Building Your Platform. Through his popular podcast The Speaker Lab and flagship coaching program Booked and Paid to Speak, Grant has coached and worked with thousands of speakers. As a keynote speaker, Grant has delivered nearly one thousand presentations to over 500,000 people in 47 states and has keynoted events for audiences as large as 13,000. Grant has also been featured in national media including Forbes, Inc., Entrepreneur, and Huffington Post. He now lives near Nashville, Tennessee, with his wife, Sheila, and their three daughters. I’m happy to have Grant return to the podcast to share some of the ideas and insights he presents in his new book. I look to Grant as someone who knows his stuff about being a successful speaker and there’s plenty you can learn from what he shares during our discussion. Talking Points What made Grant decide to take all his lessons and work from his speaking gigs and put them into a book? This is the step that Grant thinks is overlooked too often How does a budding speaker still come off as authentic but not too polished or over-rehearsed? How do you keep in mind while speaking that people want you to relate to them and don’t necessarily care about your thoughts on something? How does Grant suggest dealing with the patience aspect of getting good at speaking… and everything that comes along with that? This is Grant’s views on slides as a tool for speaking gigs How has Grant balanced the travelling life of a speaker with his family life? These are the steps Grant takes when he’s building a talk Quote “It’s not an overnight thing… and so one of the things we tell speakers all the time is this is simple but it’s not easy.” Helpful Links The Successful Speaker: Five Steps for Booking Gigs, Getting Paid, and Building Your Platform Comedian thespeakerlab.com/book The Productivityist Podcast Pick of the Week: The Three Month Vacation 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.

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Well-Presented with Mike Pacchione Feb 12, 2020

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.

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The Responsibility Ethic with Adam Kreek Feb 05, 2020

On this episode, I’m joined “in studio” by Adam Kreek. A two-time Olympian, Adam holds 60 international medals, including Olympic Gold, and multiple hall of fame inductions. Adam’s new book, The Responsibility Ethic, teaches us the how of self-leadership, driving personal and professional results in individuals and organizations. Adam has a slew of additional accolades to his name, one of which is that in 2013, Adam made the first ever attempt to row unsupported across the Atlantic Ocean from Africa to America, the subject of the NBC Dateline Documentary, Capsized. It was great to have Adam in the studio to talk about his new book, the idea of providence and patience, what he believes the evolution of SMART goals is, and much more. Talking Points How does failure and Adam’s knowledge on that play into his book? What does Adam think responsibility means? Adam shares with me the idea of providence This is what Adam uses instead of SMART goals How important is it to truly understand your values and how that ties into ethics Adam and I talk about deciding where to spend your time and how to come to those decisions We (finally) get to talk about patience and its role when you know that you have plenty you want to accomplish in a short timespan… like an athletic career Quote “You visualize the end point and you want the end point to be there now because you can see it, yet you have to put in the work.” Helpful Links KreekSpeak Free Solo Matt D’Avella | YouTube The Responsibility Ethic | Amazon The Productivityist Podcast Pick of the Week: Focused 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.

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Accomplish It with Mridu Parikh Jan 29, 2020

On this episode I chat with Mridu Parikh, founder of Life Is Organized and author of Accomplish It: 7 Simple Actions to Get the Right Things Done and Achieve Your Goals. Mridu helps ambitious people get control of their time, energy, and habits, even when they are overwhelmed by demands and distractions. As a productivity coach, keynote speaker, and best-selling author she teaches people how to focus, overcome procrastination, and squash anxiety. I had a great time talking with Mridu about her journaling habits (that is, if she has them), her thoughts on capturing ideas and thoughts and how she does that, and we specifically dive into the seven simple actions that she describers in her book. Talking Points Mridu and I talk about why people stay in a “state of stuckness”? Does Mridu journal? If so, how does she journal? How does Mridu get people to take their energy levels into account when making to do lists and accomplishing goals? We discuss how to balance recurring simple tasks with bigger, harder tasks What are The Seven Simple Actions? How do you figure out when to ask for help and for what? This is something Mridu said no to after realizing it would be too much How does Mridu help people with the idea of writing things down consistently? Quote “Every time you think ‘I’ll remember that later,’ switch that and think ‘I won’t remember that later’.” Helpful Links Life is Organized Episode 203: The Evolution of Getting Things Done with David Allen Accomplish It: 7 Simple Actions to Get the Right Things Done and Achieve Your Goals The Productivityist Podcast Pick of the Week: The Joe Rogan Experience Remember that simple isn’t the same as easy. So while Mridu revealed 7 simple actions you can take to accomplish what you need and want to do, that doesn’t mean it will be easy to do them. My advice is to start small and build from there. Layer more and more of your ambitions using this formula Mridu shared over time rather than all at once and you’ll have a better chance of accomplishing “it” going forward. 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.

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All You Have to Do is Ask with Dr. Wayne Baker Jan 22, 2020

On this episode of the podcast, I welcome Dr. Wayne Baker as my guest. Focusing on social capital, social networks, generosity, and positive organizations, Dr. Baker has published six books and contributed to such outlets as Harvard Business Review, Chief Executive Magazine, and Sloan Management Review. A frequent guest speaker and management consultant, Dr. Baker is a cofounder and board member of Give and Take Inc., developers of the collaboration technologies based on principles in his book All You Have to Do Is Ask. Asking for help can be a real challenge – and it keep us from reaching our full potential. The conversation we have on this episode should help you get better at asking. Dr. Baker and I discuss why we need help from others to be more productive, why generosity within a company isn’t the issue when it comes to developing a culture where asking is fostered, and how leaders can use certain techniques and tools to build a habit of asking in themselves and their colleagues. Talking Points This is how Dr. Baker looks at the idea of asking in reference to his work How can company leaders help cultivate a culture of generosity and nurturing the idea of asking Dr. Baker talks about the importance of asking and its relationship to your goals This is Dr. Baker’s definition of SMART is when it comes to goal How can someone go through Dr. Baker’s criteria in a fairly quick manner and less onerous? If you struggle asking for help for any typical reason, this is what you can do to break that habit Can this kind of process be applied internally as well? What is The Law of Giving and Receiving? What techniques can leaders use to promote and foster the habit of asking in their organization? This is what The Reciprocity Ring is… and what it does Dr. Baker shares some ideas for rewards that can be put in place to help promote asking in the workplace This is what you can do to start right now to get better at identifying where you need help and how to ask for it Quote “The leader needs to be a role model of the behaviour that they want” Helpful Links All You Have to Do Is Ask: How to Master the Most Important Skill for Success The Art of Asking: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Let People Help allyouhavetodoisask.com Todoist Karma The Productivityist Podcast Pick of the Week: Productivity Paradox I’ve always said that frameworks foster freedom. That idea definitely applies to what Dr. Baker shares in his work. The ideas of The Law of Giving and Receiving, The Reciprocity Ring, and much more allows individuals and organizations to forge and foster a culture of asking. And that’s a big win for everyone. Check out Dr. Baker’s book because it’s definitely got some great tactics and tools you can use to make asking a more integral part of your productivity 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.

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Finding Success in Your Sphere with Zvi Band Jan 15, 2020

On this episode of the program I’m joined by Zvi Band. Zvi is the cofounder and CEO of Contactually, a leading CRM platform for relationship-oriented businesses, and author of “Success is in Your Sphere.” An engineer, developer, entrepreneur, and startup advisor, Zvi has been named a Washingtonian Tech Titan four times. Zvi and I talk about the acronym he uses as his CAPITAL strategy, why you need to aggregate all of your relationships (both personal and professional) in a database, and the need for purpose and process when forging and fostering relationships. Considering that my Monthly Theme for February is Relationships this was the perfect conversation to prime me for the month ahead. I trust you’ll get a lot of value out of it as well. Talking Points Zvi shares his origin story We talk about the role of consistency when it comes to achieving success in your sphere – and the role of the calendar in that This is one of the things Zvi did to execute consistently to help himself over both the short and long term Where does someone begin aggregating their relationships? And why aggregate at all? Zvi breaks this aggregation down into manageable chunks This is why Zvi has many separate email accounts Zvi explains how to ensure you are going beyond organizing your relationships… and prioritizing them What nuances do you need to watch out for as you gain intelligence around your relationships? What does this intelligence-gathering look like? You need to keep this in mind as you forge and foster relationships How do you handle the person that connects with you with no real purpose? We talk about the importance of boundaries Why adding value is of the utmost importance in relationships and why you need to ask how you can do that on an ongoing basis How can you make all of this easier to do? This is how we can get in our own way during this process If you want to start doing what Zvi suggests today, here’s the one small action you can do starting now Quote “The important thing is that just because these are different people…doesn’t mean that the people differ or change in importance.” Helpful Links Success Is in Your Sphere: Leverage the Power of Relationships to Achieve Your Business Goals Contactually Episode 266: Becoming Indistractable with Nir Eyal Your Money or Your Life: 9 Steps to Transforming Your Relationship with Money and Achieving Financial Independence Dunbar’s number: Why we can only maintain 150 relationships The Pomodoro Technique Derek Sivers’s Contact Page TextExpander TimeCraftingTV successisinyoursphere.com The Productivityist Podcast Pick of the Week: Routines & Ruts I had a great time listening to and learning from Zvi. He’s someone who has a deep understanding of relationships and knows what it takes to organize, prioritize, and add value to them. From there, he can leverage them – and they can leverage him in return. That’s a pretty productive way to keep connected. 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.

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Keeping Productive with Francesco D'Alessio Jan 08, 2020

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.

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Overcoming Overwhelm with Dr. Samantha Brody Jan 01, 2020

On this episode of the podcast, I’m joined by Dr. Samantha Brody. Dr. Samantha is a licensed naturopathic physician and acupuncturist, and the founder of Evergreen Natural Health Center in Portland, Oregon. For decades in her private practice and virtual consulting business Dr. Samantha has helped thousands of people transform their lives with her innovative, personalized approach. She is the author of Overcoming Overwhelm: Dismantle Your Stress from the Inside Out. I had the pleasure of meeting Dr. Samantha when we both spoke at Marc and Angel Chernoff’s event Think Better, Live Better. After seeing her speak, I found that there was plenty of alignment with our work and asked her to come on the show. During this conversation we talk about her book, what she means by overwhelm, the steps she believes can help you overcome overwhelm, and the idea of resolutions. There is a lot that we cover in our discussion and I’m pleased to be able to finally bring it to you after many months of trying to make it happen. Enjoy! Talking Points This is how Dr. Samantha looks at overwhelm Does Dr. Samantha believe in New Year’s Resolutions? We start to dig into the steps Dr. Samantha reveals in her book This the first step Dr. Samantha shares her current values… along with the second step How can someone stay on target with their values and the other elements Dr. Samantha shares in her work? The third step is revealed… I share a fitting story with Dr. Samantha about an obstacle that turned out to be a source of overwhelm Dr. Samantha offers feedback after hearing the story of my stressor What is “beauty way?” Does Dr. Samantha journal? Does she believe the practice is helpful? If someone was to start using what’s found in Dr. Samantha’s book, what’s the simplest first step to take? Quote “Life throws curveballs at you. That’s just… life.” Helpful Links Think Better, Live Better Overcoming Overwhelm Episode 177: The Four Tendencies with Gretchen Rubin Pocket Biases Two Weeks Notice: My First 20 Hours with The Bullet Journal Method TAKE: The Values Exercise DrSamantha.com @drsamantha on Twitter @drsamantha on Instagram The Productivityist Podcast Pick of The Week: Life Skills That Matter This episode has been in the works for some time and I’m glad I was able to deliver it to you at the start of a new calendar year – and a new decade. While resolutions can be a bit of a trap at this time of year, Dr. Samantha offers alternatives… sound strategies that won’t just help you in the year that’s just begun. They will help you for many years to come. 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.

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Freeing The Dream with Cliff Ravenscraft Dec 25, 2019

On this episode of the podcast, I’m joined by Cliff Ravenscraft. For more than a decade, Cliff had been known as the Podcast Answer Man. He’s trained tens of thousands of individuals how to successfully launch an audio podcast. Today, Cliff is a business and life coach. He mentors coaches, consultants and thought leaders through the transition from their unfulfilling day job to their own responsible and profitable online business so that they can live the life of their dreams and do the work they feel most called to do in this world. This is a longer episode than usual but it is jam-packed with inspiration – which is the perfect way to wrap up one decade and starting another. Cliff’s energy is palpable throughout as he shares with me his online business story, what the transition from one business brand to another has been like, and his evolving views on productivity over the course of the years. There’s a lot to unpack and you’ll want to just sit back and absorb everything Cliff dishes out over the hour-long conversation. Talking Points What has the journey been like for Cliff in the many years he’s been an entrepreneur This is Cliff’s advice to anyone who is thinking about jumping into the online business world but wants to play it safe What did Year One of Cliff’s online business story look like? Cliff shares his burnout stories and why he experiences burnout during those times This is what happened in Cliff’s world in September 2017… and it changed EVERYTHING We talk about the transition from Podcast Answer Man to what Cliff is doing today What the people in Cliff’s life thought about him abandoning his lucrative business This is Cliff’s “mission statement” What about Cliff’s health? What changes has he made there? Cliff shares the workout routine that he committed to so that he could get his health in order We start to spend time talking about… Cliff’s views on time This is who Cliff learned from as he built his new business What does Cliff think of the idea of the “overnight success story” today? After Cliff recommended this book, I picked it up Cliff takes notes on something I said here… and runs with it! Here’s an alarming productivity tip… We start talking about planning – especially regarding Cliff’s “Free The Dream” event I share with Cliff the idea of the task-based mindset vs the time-based mindset When it all boils down to it, this is really all Cliff cares about Does Cliff have a team to help him out on an ongoing basis? We end on what Cliff did and what he would recommend you do if you’re just starting out on your entrepreneurial journey Quote “Every day is today.” Helpful Links Cliff Ravenscraft Think and Grow Rich Episode 239: Free to Focus with Michael Hyatt Social Media Marketing World SPI 256: Productivity and Frameworks with Mike Vardy from Productivityist The Prosperous Coach The Big Leap Free The Dream BradyMade Events This Changes EVERYTHING mindsetanswerman.com/free The Productivityist Podcast Pick fo the Week: Think Better, Live Better After speaking with Cliff, he sent me a quick email that let me know there were things he shared on this episode that he had never expressed before. He said he “verbally processed a few new experiences” that he had never fully processed until our conversation. The big thing he shared was the idea that he’d been experiencing a flow state pretty consistently as of our conversation but hadn’t really been able to identify it as such until that point. I hope that our conversation helps you either process some new experiences or identify some of the blind spots in your life (hopefully it helps you with both of those 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.

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Starting Something Stupid with Richie Norton Dec 18, 2019

On this episode of the podcast, I chat with Richie Norton. Riche is the award-winning, bestselling author of the book The Power of Starting Something Stupid (in 10+ languages) and Résumés Are Dead & What to Do About It. In 2019, Richie was ranked one of the world’s top 100 business coaches by Dr. Marshall Goldsmith. He is an international speaker (including TEDx & Google Startup Grind) and serial entrepreneur. I didn’t know what to expect when speaking with Richie but I can tell you that I didn’t expect the conversation to be so personal. We talk about why he loves bringing products to life, the axiom he uses as a guiding principle for his life, and solid advice when it comes starting something stupid. Talking Points We talk about the origins of his company name What led Richie to want to bring products that they are proud of to life Richie explains the origins and the meaning behind Gavin’s Law This is far more powerful than any New Year’s Resolution These are the two songs I have on nearly every monthly playlist I assemble Richie and I start talking about whether or not it is stupid for me to make a planner These are the people that will try to keep you from doing something stupid even though you feel compelled to do it What about finishing? These are the two questions Richie asks when evaluating ideas that he may want to bring to life What’s the first thing you can do to start something stupid now? Quote “Live to Start. Start to live.“ Helpful Links Prouduct SwitchPod The Freedom Journal The Power of Starting Something Stupid How to Keep a Library of (Physical) Books The Road to Character Richie on EOFire I Got a Name by Jim Croce Beautiful Ride by John C. Reilly How to Live on 24 Hours a Day Pocket Biases Start Finishing The Messy Middle RichieNorton.com The Productivityist Podcast Pick of the Week: Soul and Wit Ask yourself this question if you’re afraid of starting something stupid: Will I regret it when I’m 80? If the answer is yes, then forge ahead. If not, then back away. But both Richie and I bet that more often than not you’ll want to forge ahead. You need to get out of your own way. You need to fight back against the biases that show up. You need to start something stupid a little more often. (And maybe start by looking at all of those web domains you bought.) 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.

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Humor That Works with Andrew Tarvin Dec 11, 2019

On this episode of The Productivityist Podcast, I’m joined by Andrew (Drew) Tarvin. Drew is the world’s first Humor Engineer teaching people how to get better results while having more fun. He has worked with 35,000+ people at 250+ organizations, including Microsoft, the FBI, and the International Association of Canine Professionals. He is a best-selling author, has been featured in The Wall Street Journal, Forbes, and FastCompany, and his TEDx talk has been viewed over 4 million times. Drew and I talk about his book Humor That Works: The Missing Skill for Success and Happiness at Work. We discuss the ways you. can infuse humour into the workplace, why it’s important to bring hummer into the workplace, how you can overcome those who think adding humour to the mix is a waste of time, and more. As someone who has been immersed in humour in my previous life I was happy to have Drew on the program to talk have a comedic conversation that can take productivity to greater heights. Talking Points Drew shares why introducing humor is important at work and why fostering it is as well Is Drew’s primary interest performing comedy or is it something else? This is how Drew got started with improv What is the goal of using humour in the workplace? This is the definition of “humour that works” How to deal with a “Beatrice” at work as opposed to a “Bill” at work What is a “humour map”? How can humour be used to diffuse conflict in the workplace? What can leaders learn from stand-up comics? These are Drew’s thoughts on authenticity in the workplace This is one of the most important attribute you need in the workplace What would Drew say to the person that thinks adding humour to the mix is a waste of time 31% of people leave their workplace because of this Drew and I spend time talking about commitment Why was it important for Drew to contract the book the way he did? Drew talks about the “conversations” that he had with his editor throughout the book Quote “Many of you are likeable people… at home.“ Helpful Links Humor That Works: The Missing Skill for Success and Happiness at Work Bill Burr| Paper Tiger HumorThatWorks.com @DrewTarvin on Twitter @DrewTarvin on Instagram The Productivityist Podcast Pick of The Week: How Did This Get Made? I’ve always believed that infusing humor in the workplace – and in life overall – is healthy and important. Being able to speak to someone who feels the same way and has taken the time to write an entire book on the subject was a real treat. I hope you enjoyed our conversation as much as I did (and, better still, I hope you had a few laughs along the way). 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.

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How to Win the Day with Kris Ward Dec 04, 2019

On this episode I speak with Kris Ward. Kris is the director of a marketing and branding company and it was through her work there that she learned a great deal about productivity versus being busy. Her work with other small business professionals lead to the creation of Win The Hour Win The Day. Kris Ward helps entrepreneurs grow their business so they can get more work done faster and focus on what’s really important in life – and we touch on that throughout our conversation. We discuss the aspects of what she calls the “Freedom Formula” and a slew of other productivity-related topics. There’s a lot to absorb in this episode and I’m glad that us two Canadians finally had a chance to connect in podcast form. Talking Points What does productivity mean to Kris? Kris has had several moments that have incited change in Kris’s life. Here’s one of them. Here’s another one of those moments – a very different moment at that Why winning the hour is vital to winning the day We dive deeper into the idea of the calendar being your “time bank account” This is how Kris likes to work The biases that rear their ugly heads when we try to take on some of what Kris speaks of show up. Here’s how Kris helps people deal with that Kris starts to break down the “Freedom Formula” in greater detail Kris understands the resistance towards building systems We start talking about tools Is Kris more of a morning person or a night owl? And how can she help people listen to their body clocks with her work? Kris believes this is something that we don’t talk about enough that affects our productivity This is one thing that you can do now to start winning the hour and – as a result – win the day Quote “A business is not run on memory.” Helpful Links Win The Hour Win The Day! The Checklist Manifesto: How to Get Things Right Kris Ward on Instagram Kris Ward on LinkedIn WinTheHourWinTheDay.com The Productivityist Podcast Pick of The Week: SW945: A Walk in Japan It’s always a pleasure to speak with fellow time management experts. I’ve been following Kris on Instagram for a while now and there’s a lot of crossover in our work. I trust that you’ve heard that through our conversation on this episode. I think we brought a lot to the table and hope that you’ve garnered some solid takeaways from our discussion. 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.

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Crowdsourcing Paris with J.H. Bunting Nov 27, 2019

On this episode of the program I speak with J.H. Bunting about the life of a writer and the making of his ambitious new book, Crowdsourcing Paris: Memoirs of a Travel Adventure. J.H. Bunting (or “Joe” as I know him) is a bestselling writer, novelist, and a dad. He leads The Write Practice community, an award-winning community of creative writers. He lives in Atlanta, Georgia with his wife Talia and three kids and enjoys coffee and corpse reviver no. 2s. Joe and I talk about the evolution of his book, the challenge of doing something different or outside of the usual path, how panic and desperation can fuel productivity, and much more. I had a great time learning about Joe’s process when building this book and I am happy to be able share our conversation with you. Talking Points Who is J.H. (Joe) Bunting? This is how he got his start What Joe discovered about the book while in Paris How important was it for Joe to take on this book – something that was different than what he’d done before Mark Twain played a role in the crafting of Joe’s book We talk about the power of patience Did every suggested challenge that Joe was asked to do while in Paris make the cut? I circle back to the idea of panic and desperation and how it can spur on productivity Does Joe believe in willpower? Joe explains how beneficial it was for his productivity while away from his usual environment Joe offers advice regarding traveling with a young family Quote “The important thing is that you’re doing the work and putting it out into the world.” Helpful Links Crowdsourcing Paris: Memoirs of a Travel Adventure World Domination Summit The Write Practice Ryan McRae’s Burn The Tavern Down The Innocents Abroad by Mark Twain Episode 201: Willpower Doesn’t Work with Benjamin Hardy Episode 266: Becoming Indistractable with Nir Eyal Joe’s FREE Workation Adventure Worksheet Daddy-Daughter Day: A Workday Vlog on TimeCraftingTV The Productivityist Podcast Pick of the Week: The Good Place (The Podcast) Writing a book is hard. Writing a book that falls outside of the scope of what you initially intended to write can be even harder. Joe took that on with passion and pride and the results show it. If you haven’t already picked up Joe’s book, do so now. It’s a fantastic read. 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.

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The Seven Longest Yards with Chris Norton Nov 20, 2019

On this episode I have the pleasure of speaking with Chris Norton. Chris is a speaker, author, adoptive & foster parent. He suffered a severe spinal cord injury playing college football. However, seven years later joyfully conquered the challenge of walking his wife, Emily, down the aisle of his wedding. Chris spoke about his journey, chronicled in The Seven Longest Yards, a book he co-wrote with his wife. We also talked about being fathers, what productivity means to him, and so much more. Chris has overcome a lot and yet is incredibly productive and has an inspiring story to share. I’m pleased to be able to bring it to you on this episode of the program. Talking Points Chris shares a bit about who he is and why he no longer plays football What did it take for Chris to show resilience in the face of tragedy? This is the one thing that helps Chris stay so positive Chris tells the story of the first time he tried to take steps since the accident What primary lesson does Chris take from his football days that he applies to this day? You need to learn how to do this – something that athletes know all too well We talk about fatherhood and parenting – something Chris is incredibly passionate about Chris shares why it was key for Emily and him to write this book together What does productivity mean to Chris? Chris has a challenge for you We close out the show talking about the idea of regret… and how Chris fights back against the power of regret Chris predicts the winner of Super Bowl LIV Quote “Who needs you to keep going so that they can keep going?“ Helpful Links The Seven Longest Yards Episode 245: What Happy Successful People Do Differently with Marc and Angel Chernoff Chris on The Good Life Project with Jonathan Fields Episode 269: You Are Awesome with Neil Pasricha Episode 241: What Sports Can Teach Us About Greatness with Don Yaeger The Front Nine: How to Start the Year You Want Anytime You Want ChrisNorton.org Chris on Instagram The Productivityist Podcast Pick of the Week: Read to Lead Chris’s story is inspiring to say the least. I’m so honoured that he took the time to come on the show and share his story with me… and with you. There are plenty of lessons to be learned from his experience and how he faced it. I hope you can take any number of them and apply them to your own life. 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.

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The Daily Decision with Brian Dixon Nov 13, 2019

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.

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You Are Awesome with Neil Pasricha Nov 06, 2019

On this episode of the podcast, I have the pleasure of being joined by the author of The Book of Awesome Series, Neil Pasricha. Neil thinks, writes, and speaks about intentional living and on this episode he’s going to share with me some of his insights from the book You Are Awesome: How to Navigate Change, Wrestle with Failure, and Live an Intentional Life. Neil is a New York Times best-selling author of 5(!) books, selling well over a million copies of his books in the process. He also hosts the award-winning podcast – and foamier Productivityist Podcast Pick of the Week – 3 Books. He’s an in-demand international speaker and, like me, is a Canadian. Unlike me, he lives in Toronto with his wife and three sons. We spend time during our discussion talking about his latest book and a wide variety of productivity-related topics for just over an hour, making this one of the longer episodes I’ve ever produced. So sit back, relax, and enjoy this conversation I have with Neil on the program. It’s, in a word… awesome. Talking Points Neil shares with me what You Are Awesome is really about He shares why he started his blog This is the difference between resilience and grit We talk about the use of ellipses or the dot-dot-dot These are the steps that you need to take to be awesome We explore an all-too-common feeling: the feeling of not being good enough Neil and I discuss the importance of failure Does Neil journal? Neil turns the tables and asks me about my journaling practice When I share with Neil my TimeCrafting methodology he asks if I feel any sort of constraints surrounding it I turn the tables back and ask Neil if he has any sort of daily theming practice that he uses We close out the conversation by slowing things down a bit Quote “We have never been more productive – ever – than now.” Helpful Links You Are Awesome: How to Navigate Change, Wrestle with Failure, and Live an Intentional Life Day One What Got You Here Won’t Get You There: How Successful People Become Even More Successful The Art of Non-Conformity: Set Your Own Rules, Live the Life You Want, and Change the World The Pomodoro Technique Neil.blog 3books.co The Productivityist Podcast Pick of the Week: Akimbo There’s a lot to unpack in this episode and so many great takeaways. It was refreshing to have the tables turned on me with a few questions and I know we could have spoken to each other for much longer. I encourage to give this episode a repeat listen – there are insights a-plenty to be found! 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.

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Metamorphosis with Steven L. Blue Oct 30, 2019

On this episode I speak with Steven L. Blue. Steven is the best-selling author of five critically acclaimed books that target executives, leaders, entrepreneurs, and anyone seeking to learn the secrets of success in the corporate world.Steven’s latest book, Metamorphosis: From Rust-Belt to High-Tech in a 21st Century World, is a detailed blueprint for CEOs and senior leaders to transform their businesses from failing rust-belt companies with small margins into high-tech leaders with superior profits. I spoke with Steven about the shift from rust-belt to high-tech products, the patience involved when making a change, and the process of metamorphosis as a whole. There’s a lot to unpack in this episode and plenty of lessons that Steven offers that you should heed when undergoing organizational – or even individual – metamorphosis. Talking Points What metamorphosis means to Steven – and what Steven wanted to title the book in the first place Steven discusses the idea of “innovational potential” The surprising model that Steven believes you should follow when going through a metamorphosis We talk about disruptive thinking and how important it is to adopt it Would Steven hire a Chief Innovation Officer? This is what Steven had his staff trained in years ago that has helped the company out in incredible ways The impact Steven feels change has on productivity – and how he suggests a company combat any fears that arise from an initial loss in productivity when instituting change We talk about the many forms that innovation can show up in your business and where he has it show up in Steven’s company When and how does scale play a role in the metamorphosis of a company? This is one of the toughest aspects of making change… no matter the size of your business How much time does Steven spend in the planning phase? Outsourcing is key – but there’s an important piece when you’re outsourcing to external contractors that Steven believes is a must This is the biggest piece of advice that Steven says will help you get a decent start when you decide to undergo a metamorphosis Quote “Innovation should be everybody’s job.” Helpful Links Metamorphosis by Steven L. Blue Steven’s Website Steven on Twitter The Productivityist Podcast Pick of the Week: Get Yourself Optimized Even though you may not be running a manufacturing company like Steven does, there are still great takeaways regarding change that you can use in your own business – and life. Change is never easy but if you stand still then others will pass you by along the way… and you’ll spend time playing catch-up instead of investing it in what you need and want to be investing it in. If your intention is to make change that matters, then you need to plan for it so that you can be as ready as possible for whatever that new route will throw your way. 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.

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Revisiting and Reframing Automation with Wade Foster Oct 23, 2019

On this episode, I speak with Wade Foster. Wade is the CEO and co-founder of Zapier, a workflow automation tool used by over three million people to connect the work apps they use every day. Prior to Zapier, Wade worked as a customer development lead for The Idea Works, Inc. in Missouri. He is an alumnus of Y Combinator and has degrees in industrial engineering and business administration from the University of Missouri-Columbia. I wanted to have Wade back on the show to explore the genesis of Zapier as well as how automation has worked for him over the years. We talked about his own to do list, who inspires and motivates him through their work and so much more during our conversation. I’m pleased to have him return as a guest on the show and hope you enjoy this revisited and reframed discussion. Talking Points Wade shares a bit about Zapier Where has Zapier gone since its inception? How has it evolved? Is there such a thing as “too much automation”? What trips people up when they are trying to automate? Here’s what Wade thinks Zapier – and automation – is helping people focus on to help out with their productivity Wade shares how you can make time to automate – and why you should Here’s one thing that you can’t automate on the whole… but can automate in parts How Wade started automating – and how he keeps at it What automation has freed Wade up to do more of Does Wade keeps a to do list? Here’s how he structures his weeks How Wade breaks down big things – like projects What about home or personal automation? What does Wade do on that front? Where does Wade draw inspiration from? These are the particular pieces of writing and content that Wade refers to consistently to stay on track We talk about scale and how Zapier plans to scale How does Jeff Bezos’s quote “Focus on the things that don’t change” play a role in Wade’s company and his own life Quote “The reality is that innovation and technology move so quickly that you always have to be looking for the next angle for yourself or you might find that your company is… innovated out of business.” Helpful Links A Closer Look at Automation with Wade Foster | The Productivityist Podcast Thinking Fast and Slow IFTTT Signal v. Noise | Basecamp The Hard Things About Hard Things I Ran the Full Text of Jeff Bezos’s 23 Amazon Shareholder Letters Through a Word Cloud Generator, and the Insights Were Astonishing | Inc.com 1,000 True Fans | The Technium The Innovator’s Dilemma Zapier The Productivityist Podcast Pick of the Week: Process The thing about automation is that you need to think about not only what you want to automate but why you want to automate in the first place. Don’t just automate for automation’s sake. Software can help once you’ve made that call, but without making a smart and wise choice beforehand you may be setting yourself up for more work than you bargained for. 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.

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Becoming Indistractable with Nir Eyal Oct 16, 2019

On this episode, I’m joined by Nir Eyal, the author of what I consider to be the best productivity book I’ve read in a long time, Indistractable: How to Control Your Attention and Choose Your Life. Without question I feel that Nir’s book Indistractable is the best book on the topic of productivity that I’ve read in a long time. We dig into the book throughout our lengthy discussion, discuss the concept of willpower (and my misinterpretation of how he feels about it), and so much more. There’s plenty to unpack in this episode and I’m pleased to be able to bring it to you. Talking Points Why I feel that Indistractable is one of the best productivity books out there Nir shares why the book covers for both Hooked and Indistractable are yellow The distinction between traction, time management, and becoming indistractable What is pseudowork? Nir Starts to reveal the four strategies that you’ll need to become indistractable This is what time management actually is We talk about willpower – and this is where I misinterpret Nir’s belief on the subject As a follow up to our willpower back-and-forth, Nir says that this is what we DO have available to us I share my external triggers with Nir and that leads to a discussion of the idea of identity Nir spends time discussing the other types of “pacts” you can put in place on your indistractable journey Nir gets personal as he discusses the power of “effort packs” I share my own examples of “effort packs” Nir talks about “progressive extremism” and its role in becoming indistractable Nir talks about to do lists Here’s what Nir says what you shouldn’t – and should – put on your calendar We chat about misinformation around the use of tech This is Nir’s definition of productivity… and his advice to live up to that definition Quote “The body gets what the body needs.” Helpful Links Good Life Project | Nir Eyal Ryan Holiday’s Recommended Reading The Productivityist Podcast: Willpower Doesn’t Work with Benjamin Hardy Schedule Maker The 106 Year Old Problem Indistractable.com Nir and Far [Podcast] The Productivityist Podcast Pick of the Week: Remote Work Friends This episode is longer than usual but it’s worth every second. Nir’s perspective on productivity is attuned to my own in many ways. Hearing him agree with me on the concept of theming your time and using the calendar as a directory for your day and a to do list for the details of your day made… well, my day. I hope that this discussion we had made your day too. 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.

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Bringing Gratitude with Karl Staib Oct 09, 2019

I’m joined by my good friend and author of Bring Gratitude: Feel Joyful with Bite-Sized Mindset Practices, Karl Staib on this episode. We spend time speaking about the effects that gratitude can have on your productivity when you simply “bring it” into your life as much as possible. Karl is also the creator of free 30-Day Bring Gratitude Challenge, an initiative that helps people strengthen their mindset through practicing gratitude. The challenge is presented in a private Facebook Group (linked below) and his goal is to get the smartest and most caring people together to create an amazing community so they can help each other learn from our mistakes and build a life that they all love. Talking Points Why Karl is a recovering “complainer” What Karl means when he encourages you to “bring” gratitude The story of the meeting that began Karl’s mindset shift towards gratitude What Karl does when he catches himself veering away from gratitude The question Karl asks himself that helps him tap into gratitude when he’s “just not feeling it” Karl explains how to leverage both willpower and way power to help you practice gratitude Karl gets into some of the scientific studies that have been made around the effects of gratitude These are the 3 levels of gratitude… The important thing Karl does at the end of the day What finally made the journaling habit stick for Karl This is what you can do start building the habit of bringing gratitude more consistently today Quote “If you can be grateful for who you are and know that you are good enough in what you bring to every day, then it makes everything else easier.” Helpful Links Bring Gratitude: Feel Joyful with Bite-Sized Mindset Practices Mindset First Club on Facebook Bring Gratitude Cards Bring Gratitude While gratitude may not have an immediate ROI when it comes to your productivity, the long-term benefits are massive. Like with meditation, simply practicing gratitude a little bit every day strengthens your resolve and builds momentum. Keeping a journal and asking yourself what you were grateful for over the course of your day can be a huge help… and you can also start your day off by simply telling yourself what you’re grateful for. 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.

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How to Build Yourself More Time with Jaime Masters Oct 02, 2019

I’m excited to welcome Jaime Masters as a guest on his episode of the podcast. Jaime is the host of Eventual Millionaire. She’s interviewed almost 500 self-made millionaires and billionaires. She’s been a business coaching for over 10 years and has taught six and seven-figure CEOs, entrepreneurs and business owners how to double and triple their revenue. She has been featured in Yahoo Online, Inc.com, SUCCESS Magazine, Entrepreneur, Women’s Health Magazine, Business Insider, and more. I’ve been friends with Jaime for years and have had the pleasure of hanging out with her at events in cities all over the world. She loves business and all things geeky. She’s the mother of two amazing kids that are already making money in business as stilt walkers and contortionists. (I need to get my two kids on this whole “making money” thing!) I wanted to talk to Jaime about her latest venture: Ownerbox. It’s Jaime’s new brand that delivers business owners the dream they signed up for when they started their business. We talked about what her plan is for Ownerbox, why systems are important, and much more she does to help people build themselves more time. Talking Points What is Ownerbox? Why Ownerbox was created Why the “CEObox” and the “Ownerbox” are NOT the same Jaime tells The Story of Joey We discuss the idea of patience and how it translates into Jaime’s latest venture What Jaime’s intent was when she started her Eventual Millionaire brand Why Jaime thinks systemizing is important to success The discussion Jaime had with her kids when she told them that she was going to have someone else other than herself pick them up every once in a while Why Ownerbox helps owners “pick their spots” when it comes to where they spend their time and energy This is what Jaime recommends you do that will help you build yourself more time Quote “Knowing that systems work better is one thing. Doing them is totally another.“ Helpful Links Ownerbox The Productivityist Podcast: Michael Gerber The Productivityist Podcast: Paul Jarvis Eventual Millionaire: Michael Gerber Eventual Millionaire: Paul Jarvis Dave Ramsey’s Debt Snowball Method The Speed of Implementation: An Exclusive Offer for The Productivityist Podcast Jaime knows how to help business owners feel like they own their businesses instead of the other way around. That’s why it’s no wonder that she created Ownerbox; it’s a vehicle to help her do that. The big lesson here is that putting a system in place is not only a smart move…it’s the only move you can make if you want to run a successful business (and, really… a successful life). It reminds me of something that I’ve said time and time again: Frameworks foster freedom. 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.

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BONUS EPISODE: It's International Podcast Day with Michael Schechter Sep 30, 2019

This bonus episode celebrating International Podcast Day features a long-awaited return of the productivity banter between yours truly and my good friend and former co-host of Mikes in Mics, Michael Schechter. We talked about the Whole30 program and what Schechter is drinking during the episode because of it, what he means by "setting his combination," and what it's like to attend the annual Berkshire Hathaway meetings. You can check out Michael's guest post that I published in conjunction with this episode here. Happy International Podcast 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. 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.

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Own Your Weird with Jason Zook Sep 25, 2019

On this episode, I speak with my friend Jason Zook. Jason is the author of several books, including Own Your Weird: An Oddly Effective Way for Finding Happiness in Work, Life, and Love. Jason Zook is an unconventional entrepreneur. Tired of living a life that felt prescribed to him by society, Jason used his out-of-the-box thinking and ingenuity to create multiple profitable Internet-based businesses. From making $1m wearing sponsored t-shirts for a living with his IWearYourShirt business, to selling his last name twice and eventually even selling his future, Jason is all about owning his weird! Talking Points Why this book needed to come out now Jason and I discuss the resonance of the word “weird” over “different” What’s difficult about adopting the mindset that being weird isn’t just okay but how it can help you thrive What (and who) is this book really about? How do you pay attention to your “weird” above all of the other noise that’s out there? We talk about testing assumptions and how Jason does that Why Jason can’t work with a personal trainer to help him reach his fitness goals I reveal this episode’s Productivityist Podcast Pick of The Week Why in the world did Jason decide to “sell his future” and how did it work out for him? Does Jason look for weirdness when deciding to pursue projects? This is what Jason said in his book that you can do right now to make your life better Does every aspect of an initiative Jason pursues have to hit all three of his values? Jason explains how challenging it was to write the “how to” aspect of the book Quote “You cannot just go from 0 to 100 percent and be successful and have sustainability with it.” Helpful Links Get Own Your Weird The Productivityist Podcast #258: What You Can Learn from Napoleon Hill with Jeffrey Gitomer Wandering Aimfully @jasondoesstuff The big thing that you need to think about around “owning your weird” is that you should absolutely OWN IT. I’ve found that when I embrace my weirdness that it hasn’t led me astray – and has actually helped me forge a path that works even better for me. It’s definitely worked for Jason and I’m certain it will do the same for you. (You’ve also got a book out there now that can help you out if you need it!) 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.

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Start Finishing with Charlie Gilkey Sep 18, 2019

On this episode, I chat with my good friend Charlie Gilkey. He’s the author of the book Start Finishing: How to Go from Idea to Done and is the founder of Productive Flourishing, a company that helps professional creatives, leaders, and changemakers take meaningful action on work that matters. Charlie and I have been friends for years and we see eye to eye and a lot in the world of personal productivity. This book has been a long time coming and we spend time discussing the building of the book, the role of pacing in productivity, the idea of the “thrash” and how it impacts finishing, and much more. There’s a lot to unpack in this episode and I’m really happy to bring to you. Enjoy! Talking Points We talk about the relationship between starting and finishing to the calendar How important is pacing when it comes to productivity? Charlie explains where folks like him and I can get in trouble How does someone keep themselves from getting run over by other projects when they are focusing on other ones? This is something that didn’t make the cut during the editing process of Charlie’s book Charlie says that this is one of the pillars of productivity What is thrashing? What does Charlie think about making all projects…well, projects? How did Charlie deal with thrashing during the writing of his book? Charlie talks about getting past the “hard side of things” Quote “A project in motion stays in motion. A project at rest stays at rest.” Helpful Links Start Finishing Productive Flourishing The Productivityist Podcast: Jon Acuff The Productivityist Podcast: Cal Newport The Productivityist Podcast: James Clear The Productivityist Podcast: Josh Kaufman The Productivityist Podcast: Austin Kleon Finishing is hard. But it can be done as long as you know that you’re going to face this idea of “thrashing” along the way, especially for things that really matter to you. I know I’m going to face that thrashing as I write my book (among other things) and knowing that is going to be there is the first step in seeing it through to the finish. The next step you could (and should) take is picking up Charlie’s book because it will help you with every other step thereafter. 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.

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Empathy Everywhere with Michael Ventura Sep 11, 2019

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.

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10 Years of Sketchnotes with Mike Rohde Sep 04, 2019

On this episode I speak with my friend and returning guest, Mike Rohde. Mike is the author of two bestselling books: The Sketchnote Handbook and The Sketchnote Workbook – and co-creator of the new Kickstarter project, The Sketchnote Ideabook. He presents workshops around the world that encourage people to use visual thinking skills to generate, capture and share ideas more effectively. Mike is also the illustrator of bestselling books REWORK, REMOTE, The $100 Startup, and The Little Book of Talent. He has been commissioned to create live sketchnotes for conferences and events, including SXSW Interactive, An Event Apart, Summit Series, and the World Domination Summit. We touched on a variety of topics during our conversation, including an industry that he is elated to see embracing sketchnotes, his usage (and the evolution) of The Daily Plan Bar, and all about his latest project: The Sketchnote Ideabook. Talking Points Why did Mike decide to create a notebook when there are so many out there now? What does Mike look for in a notebook? What has excited Mike most about the rise in popularity in sketchnoting? Mike talks about the intersection between digital and analog What’s happened with The Daily Plan Bar since the last time we spoke Where does Mike keep the long-term things he needs to work on at some point? Does Mike have plans for more products beyond The Sketchnote Ideabook? These are the things that surprised Mike the most as sketchnoting has spread over the years This is the one language that Mike is surprised that his books has not been translated into Quote “If you looked at everything then you wouldn’t have enough lifetime to look at it all.” Helpful Links The Sketchnote Ideabook The Revenge of Analog The Daily Plan Bar The Sketchnote Font The Sketchnote Mini-Workshop rohdesign The Sketchnote Army Analog isn’t going anywhere. It has evolved and will continue to evolve as it finds new ways to take hold in various aspects of our lives. Sketchnoting is an example of this; it’s been around for a decade and it keeps growing in popularity. I’m getting back into it myself and you’ll be seeing more and more of my work showing that in the weeks and months to come. I encourage you to check out the helpful links to see if sketchnoting will work for you. As far as I’m concerned, the sky is the limit for what Mike has crafted – and continues to craft. 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.

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Being a Rare Breed with Ashleigh Hansberger Aug 28, 2019

Ashleigh Hansberger is an award winning brand and business innovator. She was named by Inc Magazine as one of the “Top 30 Under 30” coolest entrepreneurs in America. She is the Co-founder and Chief of Strategy at Motto, a leading branding and digital agency that builds brands for emerging challengers and global brands who want to change the game in their industry. Ashleigh and I spend much of this episode talking about her first book, Rare Breed: A Guide to Success for the Defiant, Dangerous, and Different, which is described as “an unorthodox business book for the rebels, outsiders, and provocateurs — anyone with the ambition to lead, create, inspire and provoke change on your own terms by owning who you are.” Are you a “rare breed” or not? Give this episode a listen and find out the answer to that question…and many more! Talking Points How Ashleigh encourages people to embrace being a rare breed We talk about impostor syndrome Ashleigh mentions one of the things that holds people back How Ashleigh helps companies leverage the rare breeds within their organization What can a “rare breed” do to get into a situation that works better for them? Do support systems exist for the rare breed? How do you find them? When one person who’s a rare breed steps up in an organization, do others that are usually follow suit? I talk about – oddly enough – pro wrestling and how it relates to the concept of being a rare breed and sharing vision We dig into why focusing on purpose, values, and vision is not something that we spend enough time on Do people who embrace their “rare breed-ness” do they have an easier time saying no or yes to certain things? Why do rare breeds have difficulty turning intentions into action? Does Ashleigh think that rare breeds act differently at work than when they are off the clock? Ashleigh reveals if she journals and her thoughts on journaling for rare breeds What’s one thing that Ashleigh feels that rare breeds could use to help them take action and thrive Quote “I call that self-care. To be able to define your vision…and to give yourself time to think ‘Why am I doing this in the first place?’, ‘Why is this important to me?’, ‘What is my purpose?’, ‘What are the values that we have?’ – that’s caring for your business or caring for yourself and your own path.” Relevant Links Rare Breed: A Guide to Success for the Defiant, Dangerous, and Different The Greatest Showman The 5 Second Rule Episode 243: The Art of Noticing with Rob Walker This is Rare Breed Motto Being a rare breed can be tough. But you can make it work. There are support systems – albeit small – that can help. You don’t need to go it alone. If you’re willing to take risks and can find a way to deal with being a rare breed (or even embrace it) then you’ll be able to do great things consciously and consistently. Oh, and Ashleigh’s book can help you with that 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.

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What You Can Learn from Napoleon Hill with Jeffrey Gitomer Aug 21, 2019

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.

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Emotional Time Management with Paula Mosher Wallace Aug 14, 2019

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.

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Understanding Ultralearning with Scott H. Young Aug 07, 2019

On this episode of the podcast, I’m joined by fellow Canadian and author of the book Ultralearning: Master Hard Skills, Outsmart the Competition and Accelerate Your Career, Scott H. Young. Scott is a writer, programmer, traveler and avid reader of interesting things. His blog is one of my personal “must reads” and over its lifespan it has asked the compelling question: What’s the best way to learn? On this episode of the podcast, I wanted to talk to Scott about the answers to that question his blog (and writing) has been pondering since its beginnings. I also wanted to explore the idea of “ultra learning,” why striving to be an “ultralearner” is a worthwhile pursuit, and plenty of other productivity-related questions that I’ve wanted to ask him ever since I started following his work years ago. Talking Points What is ultralearning? The differences between “just in time learning” and ultralearning and how they can work together What the first thing Scott “ultralearned” was and how it went for him What you can do to get past the misconception that you don’t have time to spend on ultralearning These are the principles of ultralearning that people tend to “mess up” the most Why Scott had to explain the principles of ultra learning and offer tactics that may work in conjunction with those principles The best principle that offers a springboard to ultralearning The role that focus plays in ultralearning Is there a point when you tend to find it’s time to abandon ultralearning a particular subject or area? How spending time ultralearning can lead towards a pivot Why does this book matter now? Quote “The ultralearner is the person who is going to do that hard thing even if it’s a little bit more uncomfortable and get that result rather than someone who is going to do that easy thing that isn’t going to make much progress.” Relevant Links Get Ultralearning by Scott H. Young Episode 226: How to Build a Company of One with Paul Jarvis The MIT Challenge Episode 211: Hyperfocus with Chris Bailey Willpower: Rediscovering the Greatest Human Strength Episode 201: Willpower Doesn’t Work with Benjamin Hardy Scott Young’s Blog By the time you’re done listening to this episode you’ll have a sense not only what ultra learning is and how it can work for you, but that it’s something you can certainly do if you decide it’s important enough to make happen. That’s the key. (FYI: Scott’s book will help you with that decision.) 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.

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Productivity in Motion with Joel Heath Jul 31, 2019

On this episode of the podcast, I am joined by Joel Heath. Joel is founder & CEO of FluidStance, the world’s first work platform that elicits subtle movement where you are stuck working. His personal purpose is to move the world and FluidStance’s purpose is to help set the world in motion. Talking Points How I’ve been using my FluidStance deck What FluidStance is and why Joel started FluidStance How the FluidStance fits into my office “productivity zones” Joel describes what he calls “The 70-20-10 Model” How Joel approaches the concept of moderation in various areas of his life Joel’s thoughts on walking meetings and recognizing his true role in his company How someone can adopt healthier habits and forge a healthier lifestyle How the words we use can really shift perspective and choice What Joel thinks about the term “work-life balance” We talk a bit about comfort and complacency How important it is the element of beauty and craft in what Joel does Quote “A thousand changes in a positive direction can have a huge impact.” Relevant Links FluidStance Episode 227: Why You Need Atomic Habits with James Clear How I Built This: Michael Rubin Episode 229: Exploring Digital Minimalism with Cal Newport Here’s One Thing You Can Do to Make Your To Do List Better I had a great time chatting with Joel and I’ve been using my FluidStance deck off and on ever since our conversation. I could stand to use it more often (see what I did there?) and revisiting this episode when putting together these notes have inspired me to do so. Why? Because I have been working on my health over the past several months and I know that my FluidStance deck can have a positive impact on that project. And as Joel said…every little bit helps. 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.

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Breaking the Time Barrier with Mike McDerment Jul 24, 2019

On this episode, I speak with Mike McDerment, the co-founder and CEO of FreshBooks. FreshBooks is the world’s #1 cloud accounting software for self-employed professionals. Built in 2003 after he accidentally saved over an invoice, Mike spent 3.5 years growing FreshBooks from his parents’ basement. Since then, over 24 million people have used FreshBooks to save time billing, and collect billions of dollars. A lover of the outdoors, Mike has been bitten so many times it’s rumoured he’s the first human to have developed an immunity to mosquitoes. Mike McDerment is also the author of Breaking the Time Barrier – How to Unlock Your True Earning Potential, a book that lets most freelancers and small businesses discover their billing blind spots and determine if they are charging what they are really worth. Small business owners sometimes struggle to assert their worth in a competitive market place. Sometimes, they suffer from imposter syndrome. Other times, they just feel grateful to have clients who pay on time, so they undercharge. And, over time, some simply don’t increase their rates, afraid of having awkward money conversations. But, rest assured, they are not alone. If you run a small business, knowing and charging your worth can be a difficult thing so Mike McDerment and Donald Cowper wrote this book as a guide to value-based pricing and unlocking your true earning potential. Talking Points The history and background of FreshBooks What has FreshBooks become and where is it at right now? The equation between time and money and what a “time barrier” is Quantitative productivity versus qualitative productivity Billing by the hour versus billing by value Why did Mike start a secret company to compete with his existing one? The value of the secret company experiment and the time spent doing the experiment Spending time with exploration and experimentation Approaching life on a complementary lens How does Mike McDerment approach his work? Quote “With the time barrier in the book, the premise is around called value based billing. So instead of charging how much time you spent on something instead charge the value you bring. The two don’t always go together. I think that’s the thing that people don’t understand.” Relevant Links: Website Twitter LinkedIn Book: Breaking the Time Barrier – How to Unlock Your True Earning Potential The key takeaway from this episode is that the ability to work so little and produce so much income had a lot to do with how one priced and positioned his or her services, something most small business owners struggle with. 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.

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Elevate Your Eight with Kris McPeak Jul 17, 2019

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.

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Getting Video Done with Owen Video Jul 10, 2019

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.

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Being a Late Bloomer with Rich Karlgaard Jul 03, 2019

On today’s episode, I spent time with Rich Karlgaard. Rich Karlgaard, author of Late Bloomers: The Power of Patience in a World Obsessed with Early Achievement, is the publisher of Forbes magazine and is based in Silicon Valley. He is a lecturer, pilot, and the author of four acclaimed previous books. A self-proclaimed late bloomer, he had a mediocre academic career at Stanford (which he got into by a fluke), and after graduating, worked as a dishwasher, night watchman, and typing temp before finally finding the inner motivation and drive that ultimately led him to his current career trajectory. After a mediocre academic career at Stanford (which he got into on a fluke), Rich couldn’t hold a job beyond dishwasher, night watchman, and typing temp throughout the majority of his twenties. It wasn’t until his late twenties that his brain “woke up” and he finally found the inner motivation and drive that set him on his current career trajectory. Now, he’s an award-winning entrepreneur-turned-publisher, columnist, author, television commentator, private investor and board director and he’s on a mission to show why we and our employers need to redefine our expectations for the timeline for achievement. In Late Bloomers, which has already received early praise from Adam Grant, Arianna Huffington, and Dan Pink, Rich argues that our society’s growing obsession with wunderkinds has led many of us to buy into a distorted and vastly limiting narrative that if we’re not prodigies, we’ve failed. And yet, a growing body of research in psychology and neuroscience shows that many of us just aren’t wired for such early success: the executive function of our brains, which enables us to see ahead and plan effectively, doesn’t mature until age 25 or later, and different types of our intelligence peak at different stages of our lives, with creative insight improving into middle age. Talking Points Why is it important for Rich to write the book Late Bloomers: The Power of Patience in a World Obsessed with Early Achievement? The role of the media in forcing people to achieve early in life How important is it for young people or late bloomers to be patient? How does one navigate to maturity? Traits that late bloomers have that younger people don’t have The perception of productivity between young people and late bloomers The role of social media for the young people and the late bloomers What can be done with the educational system to fix the false sense of what it can bring Quote “The pressure that we are putting on kids to achieve spectacularly and early so they can get into elite colleges so that they can get first jobs at Google or Goldman Sachs is unwarranted because it rewards kids who are really good at taking tests. It rewards those with determined focus and not all kids are built like that. And you see rising raise of anxiety, depression and we even had an epidemic of suicide.” RELEVANT LINKS Website Twitter LinkedIn Book: Late Bloomers: The Power of Patience in a World Obsessed with Early Achievement The key takeaway from this episode is echoes the popular fable The tortoise and The Hare – with the hare being admired more than the tortoise. The idea of slow and steady winning the race still has real power in a world that praises speed and hustle above all else. 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.

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5 Days with John Poelstra Jun 26, 2019

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.

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The Magic of Metabolic Profiling with Angelo Poli Jun 19, 2019

On today’s episode, I spent time with Angelo Poli. Angelo Poli is an internationally recognized expert in fitness and nutrition. He’s the Founder of MetPro, the world’s first algorithm based transformation engine. Using a process called “Metabolic Profiling”, MetPro analyzes your metabolism and provides an individualized approach to obtaining your health goals. Angelo has been featured for his specialty in Neuromuscular Re-education (Posture and Alignment) and weight loss sciences in major media outlets such as Men’s Health, Sports Illustrated, The Wall Street Journal, and he is a regular contributor for The Huffington Post. Angelo has spoken at conferences such as TEDx and continues to be a Wellness Consultant for multiple universities and hospitals around the country. Angelo Poli has spent much of his career as a motivational speaker, speaking regularly at universities, and hospitals around the country. Angelo was a featured speaker at TEDxChico where he discussed his own achievement in overcoming obstacles. After recovering from a crippling injury himself, Angelo brought to light a whole new way of thinking about health, fitness, and weight loss. His high-profile clientele range in scope from Olympic Athletes, NFL MVPs to physique models, and business leaders. Those who have been fortunate enough to gain coaching from Angelo have consistently achieved exceptional results regardless of their demanding schedules, significant injuries, and crippled metabolisms. Angelo has been featured for his specialty in Neuromuscular Re-education (Posture and Alignment) and weight loss sciences in major media outlets such as Men’s Health, Sports Illustrated, The Wall Street Journal, and The Hungton Post. In his 20 years of educating the masses and challenging generalized health guidance, Angelo has become one of the most celebrated and desired body transformation experts in the world. Talking Points Who is Angelo Poli and what got him interested in fitness, nutrition, and strength? Where does one begin with his/her fitness journey? The five areas to look at when developing a strategy The accountability and flexibility of MetPro The framework using the MetPro process On hitting a plateau while using MetPro The importance of the MetPro data Nutrition and identifying the levers that will help achieve ones goal On prepping and planning meals On how time management is a big part of MetPro Quote “I do sometimes retreats and seminars and things like that. People would come to this and say, Mr. Poli I know the names that you worked with or the athletes and this and that… What’s your secret? What is the best food to eat? What is the best exercise to do? And I explain to them, you are asking the wrong questions. That is not the secret to my success! If you want to know the secret to our success with our clients – time management. It’s all about time management and getting the most out of your strategy.” Relevant Links Website Facebook Twitter LinkedIn YouTube Instagram The key takeaways from this episode is that weight loss is not merely about eating well or eating poorly. Weight loss is an adaptive response and is unique to ones body. (And you have to walk the talk when it comes to your health and fitness.) 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.

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Productive Fundraising with Chad Barger Jun 12, 2019

On today’s episode, I spent time with Chad Barger. Chad Barger is a fundraising coach, productivity guru and vlogger. Chad teaches charities how to optimize their fundraising, so they can focus on changing the world. He is the founder and managing director of the firm Productive Fundraising which focuses on implementing simple, effective fundraising systems as well as strategies to strengthen nonprofit boards of directors. Chad Barger [BAR-jur] teaches small charities to fundraise more effectively. He is better known to many as @fundraiserchad, a trusted guide to the fundraising tactics and tools that are working today. He is a sought after nonprofit fundraising consultant, trainer and coach. Chad has spent his entire career as a fundraiser. He has worked in large shops and small in a variety of sectors (higher education, social services and the arts). He has built fundraising programs from the ground up, rebuilt fundraising programs back to their former glory and taken stagnant organizations to the next level. The campaigns that he has worked on have raised in excess of $40 million dollars for the charities that he’s had the honor of serving. Talking Points What Chad brings to the table when it comes to productive fundraising and the area he focuses in particular How to help an organization that has a small team What led Chad to the path of fundraising and how did he apply his productivity tactics Chad’s thoughts on money and expectations How attuned is Chad on finding gaps in processes that people have in place How does Chad structure his time to allow him to put his best foot forward with his work and family What to do when something doesn’t go right or doesn’t work What’s next for Chad Barger? How to get people on board to do the “small things” Quote “I’m a big fan of harmony over balance. That is the key. How do you maintain that harmony? It’s okay if one thing needs more time now and the other ones need more time later.” Relevant Links Website Facebook Twitter YouTube LinkedIn Instagram The key takeaways from this episode is that personal productivity is (at least) half of the problem when doing fundraising. You have to pivot fix that first to create a strong foundation for their new fundraising system. 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.

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The Power of Virtual Accountability with Jeff McMahon Jun 05, 2019

On today’s episode, I spent time with Jeff McMahon. Jeff is a virtual trainer turned online entrepreneurs like Amy Porterfield, Pat Flynn, John Lee Dumas, and many more. Jeff work to help business owners feel more confident, strong, and healthy so they can dominate in their business and have more energy throughout their day. His degree is pre-med/pre-pharm with dual certifications in injury rehab and sports medicine. He has been a fitness expert for over a decade now working with 1,000’s of people throughout the world. How did Jeff McMahon got into Virtual Training? Jeff’s mom has had health issues since he was born. He originally wanted to be a surgeon to help take care of her, but being colorblind made that dream impossible. She had a major stroke when he was a freshman in college and lost the use of the left side of her body. Then came breast cancer [twice], brain deterioration, a heart attack. One day she suggested to Jeff that he should train people online that have suffered strokes and can’t get out of their home. Jeff thought about it, they tried it with his mom’s stroke support group, and then he took that format to the online entrepreneur world. Basically, his mom’s handicap has transformed the fitness world and started a whole new revolution. Talking Points How Jeff helped people live a better life through fitness and wellness How does virtual training work? How did virtual training get started? What made Jeff choose that kind of program? The benefits of accountability The challenges Jeff faced when building his business Jeff’s take on peloton workout The importance of giving a personal touch Having “new year’s resolutions” and the role that accountability plays with them Why personalization is becoming a critical part of the business The thing(s) that can get people from zero to step one when trying to get fit Having patience and accountability when it comes to doing things Quote “Nothing is permanent. Once you stop working out you will not have the same body that you had when you were working out so the key is just to workout for the rest of your life.” Relevant Links Website Twitter The key takeaways from this episode include: Don’t miss out on taking care of yourself so you can take care of your to-do list, your obligations, and all the other things that you have to take care of on a daily basis. 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.

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How to Be Great at Your Job with Justin Kerr May 29, 2019

On today’s episode, I spent time with Justin Kerr. Justin is a self-described efficiency monster, He is the author of the rogue corporate playbooks How to Write an Email and How to Be a Boss. He is also the mouthpiece of the MR CORPO podcast and has been the youngest senior executive at some of the world’s biggest apparel companies (Gap, Old Navy, Levi’s, UNIQLO) running billion-dollar businesses while finding time to write 14 books, tour the country with his rock band and keep 100,000 bees on his roof. He is currently president of Imprint Projects in New York City. Justin Kerr climbed to the top of the corporate ladder before reaching age 40. His book, entitled How to Be Great at Your Job takes the guesswork out of career success and breaks down what it takes to excel at your job. It covers the basics, like the universal requirements of every workplace—working with other people, making stellar presentations, communicating effectively over email. And it also goes into how to get promoted sooner, impress the people high up on the corporate ladder, and do it all while maintaining your personal life and without working crazy hours. With helpful tips and simple advice, this professional guidebook is just right for someone new to the workplace or for a mid-life career changer. Talking Points Background on who Justin Kerr and how the book, How to Be Great at Your Job came to be On the term “efficiency monster” On being caught with the email trap The processes put in place to allow a person to be more efficient On how to over-communicate that works best for a company On building credibility over time On doing work by breaking them into smaller components On giving updates On getting so far ahead and in return getting more work thrust upon you How does Justin manages his time The best thing about the book Quote “Always be giving the updates because keep in mind the people you worked with are human beings and a lot of us can lose the side of that. We get titles and VPs and assistants but they are human beings – they get nervous, they have their own concerns, they are worried about their own boss – all of these different things. So telling people what is going on is just gonna lower the temperature a little bit.” Relevant Links Website Instagram Twitter Podcast Google+ Book: How to Be Great at Your Job The key takeaways from this episode include: how to work with other human beings, how to balance life and work, what to do if someone at work hates you, and (of course) the critical skill of how to win an “email fight”. 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.

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What Happy Successful People Do Differently with Marc and Angel Chernoff May 22, 2019

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. Millions of readers turn to Marc and Angel Chernoff as they wrote 1000+ Little Things Happy Successful People Do Differently for fresh, intimate insights for a fulfilled life. In this pithy and empowering guide, they collect the very best advice they’ve discovered, on topics that include overcoming setbacks, letting go of what’s holding us back, nurturing relationships, finding time for self-care, and cultivating passion in order to achieve our wildest dreams. Talking Points On their new book: 1000+ Little Things Happy Successful People Do Differently On the idea of the list in the book Revisiting the content of the book and choosing which applies to them now On writing the book as new parents The writer vs. the reader perspective On the process of editing the book The idea of the “little things” On the adding triggers to the “to-do list” Quote “Keep doing what you are doing and you will keep getting what you are getting. That is how it works! You have to make a shift. You have to make changes. And the changes need to be small and consistent.” Relevant Links Website Facebook Twitter Instagram Pinterest Book: 1000+ Little Things Happy Successful People Do Differently This episode teaches us that millions of people live their entire lives on default settings, never realizing they can customize everything and we should not be one of those millions of people. We should not settle for the default settings in life. 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.

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Living a Conscious Life with Bob Rosen May 15, 2019

On today’s episode, I spent time with Bob Rosen. Bob is the founder and CEO of Healthy Companies and is a trusted global CEO advisor, organizational psychologist, keynote speaker, and New York Times bestselling author of eight books. His latest book entitled CONSCIOUS: The Power of Awareness in Business and Life was published by Wiley in July 2018. Bob Rosen discussed how our world is changing faster than our ability to adapt. Ambushed by speed, complexity, and uncertainty, many of us are unprepared for this acceleration. We act on autopilot as new challenges confront us. We are too reactive to problems and miss out on opportunities. We get hijacked by conflicting values and polarizing relationships. We face uncertainty with fear and mistrust. Stress and burnout are pervasive as many of us do not perform up to our potential. Talking Points On the term “conscious leaders” and what happens when you found those leaders The commonality of people who are consciously aware The four reasons why people aren’t changing fast enough On the idea of reflection How do people get past cognitive biases? Where can people start to “go deep”? On what is next after the book CONSCIOUS: The Power of Awareness in Business and Life On the book Grounded: How Leaders Stay Rooted in an Uncertain World Quote “Organizations are healthy only when the leaders are healthy. The very best leaders were a combination of self-aware and deeply committed to their own development.” Relevant Links Website Facebook Twitter YouTube LinkedIn Book: CONSCIOUS: The Power of Awareness in Business and Life Book: Grounded: How Leaders Stay Rooted in an Uncertain World This episode teaches us to be aware, awake, and accountable. Nothing is more important than understanding ourselves, our relationships, and our surroundings. Conscious is the new smart. 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.

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The Art of Noticing with Rob Walker May 08, 2019

On today’s episode, I spent time with Rob Walker. Rob Walker is a journalist covering design, technology, business, the arts, and other subjects. He writes the Human Resource column for Lifehacker, and has contributed to The New York Times, Bloomberg Businessweek, The Atlantic, TheNewYorker.Com, Design Observer, The Organist, and many others. His book The Art of Noticing (Knopf) comes out in May 2019. He is on the faculty of the Products of Design MFA program at the School of Visual Arts. Rob Walker wrote the book, The Art of Noticing. This gorgeously illustrated volume will spark your creativity and most importantly, help you see the world anew. Through a series of simple and playful exercises with 131 of them, Rob maps ways for you to become a clearer thinker, a better listener, a more creative workplace colleague and finally, to rediscover your sense of passion and to notice what really matters to you. Talking Points How do you define “noticing” and how does that play a role in how we craft our lives? On the notion of productivity and efficiency On “noticing” as the backbone of curiosity What is being productive? What led Rob to spend time on the topic of noticing? Is Rob the Jerry Maguire of noticing? On “noticing” when it comes to comedy On the idea of attunement vs. alignment On the idea of time management Why is the book, The Art of Noticing, important right now? How many ways did not make it into the book? Which of the 131 exercises stood out and which is the most unconventional? Does Rob journal and if so how? Quote “It is not about your skill at noticing, more on the habit of noticing that sort of forces you to see differently and to see things that you weren’t looking for.” Relevant Links Website Facebook Twitter Tumbler Book: The Art of Noticing This episode welcomed us to the era of white noise. Our lives are in constant tether to phones, to email, and to social media. In this age of distraction, the ability to experience and be present is often lost: to think and to see and to listen. 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.

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Exploring The Productivity Paradox with Tonya Dalton May 01, 2019

On today’s episode, I spent time with Tonya Dalton. Tonya Dalton started her first business in 20019 working out of her home juggling two small kids. By 2011, she had grown the business to the point where her husband could leave corporate America. The company continued to flourish, but something was missing. In 2014, she closed up shop to follow her true passion, inkWELL Press ®—a company centered around productivity tools, training and education. Tonya’s messages about business management, productivity, and the pursuit of passion have impacted thousands and inspired her to launch her podcast, Productivity Paradox, and her online productivity course, The liveWELL Method™ Tonya Dalton is a productivity expert who believes that too many people feel overwhelmed with all that they have to do each day. She owns inkWELL Press, a business focused on helping others use productivity to pursue big goals and end each day feeling satisfied and successful. Her messages about productivity, goals, and purpose have impacted thousands and inspired her to launch her podcast, Productivity Paradox. Talking Points On how Tonya get it to productivity The idea of the “north star” On how to help people who get sidetracked from their productivity goals On productivity framework or system On women being productivity experts On productivity apps On people trying to do things all at once Things that Tonya still struggles with when it comes to productivity On productivity being a lifestyle, a journey and an ongoing thing Quotes “I’ve talked to people about following their north star and for me your north star is made out of three things. It is really what you are doing so your mission statement, what you are dreaming so your vision statement or where you want to go and the defining things so the core value and things that are going to get you there.” Relevant Links Website Facebook Twitter Pinterest Instagram YouTube This episode I’m reminded how overwhelming it can be to feel like you have a million things to do each day but if you have a mission, a dream and a core value plus factoring in productivity will really help your life. 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.

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What Sports Can Teach Us About Greatness with Don Yaeger Apr 24, 2019

On today’s episode, I spent time with Don Yaeger. Don is an award-winning keynote speaker, business leadership coach, eleven-time New York Times best-selling author, and longtime Associate Editor for Sports Illustrated. He has fashioned a career as one of America’s most provocative thought leaders. As a speaker, he has worked with audiences as diverse as Fortune 500 companies and cancer survivor groups, where he shares his personal story. Don Yaeger is primarily sought to discuss lessons on achieving greatness, learned from first-hand experiences with some of the greatest sports legends in the world. He is also often retained by companies and organizations to coach their leaders, management teams, and employees on building a culture of greatness by studying great teams in sports and discerning the business lessons we can learn from them. Additionally, as an Executive Coach, Don has worked with a range of leaders from the president of the largest bank in the Caribbean to CEOs of financial services companies to technology executives. His coaching model is based on years of experience and study with those who have inspired championship-level teams. Throughout his writing career, he has developed a reputation as a world-class storyteller and has been invited as a guest to almost every major talk show – from The Oprah Winfrey Show to Nightline, from CNN to Good Morning America. Talking Points On areas that Don wanted to dive more into with his work On projects where Don had the “Aha!” moment On sports in general How to handle adversities The importance of having structures and framework On Don’s process when crafting a book The people that Don look up to On Don’s daily routine Lessons that Don wanted to pass on to his kids On establishing good habits and breaking bad habits On sport metaphors or sports analogies Three books that Don would recommend people Quote “Most of us do our jobs and we don’t think about how the access or the opportunity created for us could be part of our own personal development and I made it part of mine early. And I started asking that question. And the question I choose is ‘If you could name for me one habit, one thing you’ve done consistently, that allowed you to go places your competitors couldn’t go, what would that habit be?’ and I just kept a list of the answers these great winners has given me.” Relevant Links Website Facebook Twitter LinkedIn YouTube Instagram Book: A Game Plan for Life: The Power of Mentoring This episode lets us know how to achieve success without sacrificing principles and how to build one of the most productive and rewarding relationships available to any athlete, businessperson, teacher, or parent-that of mentor and protégé. 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.

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How to UnLearn with Humble The Poet Apr 17, 2019

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.

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Free to Focus with Michael Hyatt Apr 10, 2019

On today’s episode, I spent time with Michael Hyatt. Michael Hyatt is the founder and CEO of Michael Hyatt & Company, a leadership development firm specializing in transformative live events, workshops, and digital and physical planning tools. In his newest book, Free to Focus, Michael reveals to readers nine proven ways to win at work so they are finally free to succeed at the rest of life. Michael has been married to his wife, Gail, for forty years. They have five daughters, three sons-in-law, and eight grandchildren. They live just outside Nashville, Tennessee. Michael Hyatt focus on how everyone gets 168 hours a week, but it never feels like enough. Work gobbles up the lion’s share. Most people think productivity is about finding or saving time. But it’s not. It’s about making our time work for us. In his book, Free to Focus, it reveals to readers nine proven ways to win at work so they are finally free to succeed at the rest of life–their health, relationships, hobbies, and more. He helps readers redefine their goals, evaluate what’s working, cut out the nonessentials, focus on the most important tasks, manage their time and energy, and build momentum for a lifetime of success. Talking Points On Michael’s new book, Free to Focus On Michael’s definition and background on productivity On the idea of hitting the reset button Scheduling every hour of the day vs. leaving white space in your calendar On making time for others On how to not forget things The idea of the intersection between passion and proficiency How to say “no” with grace Tips for delegation, scaling yourself and getting an assistant How the book Free to Focus came to be On planning and mapping your week What is a backstage and frontstage work Ideas on how to beat distractions On productivity being a personal thing How does it feel to be Michael Hyatt the leader? What does journaling look like for a Michael Hyatt? Parting advice to the listeners Quote “We have got to ask ourselves, what is it that we are trying to achieve through productivity? The first part of the book is all under the umbrella of STOP. We have got to stop and ask ourselves why are we on this hamster wheel? What is it that we are trying to accomplish? And where is it leading?” Relevant Links Website Twitter Facebook Instagram Blog Book: Free to Focus This episode made us realize that many professionals are working as much as 70 hours a week thinking that they are productive but productivity is about making our time work for us. Just imagine having free time again. It’s not a pipe dream. I hope you will learn 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.

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Keep Going with Austin Kleon Apr 03, 2019

On today’s podcast episode, I spend time with Austin Kleon. Austin is the New York Times bestselling author of three illustrated books: Steal Like An Artist, Newspaper Blackout, and Show Your Work! His next book is Keep Going: 10 Ways to Stay Creative in Good Times and Bad. His books have over a million copies in print and has been translated into over two dozen languages. He speaks about creativity in the digital age for organizations such as Pixar, Google, SXSW, TEDx, and The Economist. In previous lives, he worked as a librarian, a web designer, and an advertising copywriter. Austin Kleon knows that the creative life is not a linear journey to a finish line, it’s a loop so one needs to find a daily routine, because today is the only day that matters. In his book, Keep Going: 10 Ways to Stay Creative in Good Times and Bad, Austin celebrates getting outdoors and taking a walk. Pay attention, and especially pay attention to what you pay attention to. Worry less about getting things done, and more about the worth of what you’re doing. Instead of focusing on making your mark, work to leave things better than you found them. Talking Points About Austin’s book: Keep Going: 10 Ways to Stay Creative in Good Times and Bad On the importance of having a daily routine On the idea of having a place to do creative work How to combat the speed of life On the idea of having boundaries Building flexibility on your creative side The idea of paying attention more than the passage of time On the importance of having a journal On using materials for his books that is not on the “modern moment” How do you fool around with time? Quote “Time is the thing you get and you don’t know how much time you get. I think time is exactly what we are up against and it is exactly the real currency that we get to spend in this life. To not waste it and if your gonna waste it, to waste it deliciously. To waste it in the best way you can is the best thing you can do.” Relevant Links Austin Kleon Facebook Twitter Instagram Tumbler Book: Keep Going Book: Show Your Work! Book: Steal Like An Artist Journal: Steal Like An Artist Book: Newspaper Blackout This episode teaches us that creative work is hard and how hard it is to keep going. We just need encouragement whether we are burned out, starting out, starting over, or wildly successful in the creative side. I hope you will learn 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.

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What Great Leaders Possess with Kevin Kruse Mar 27, 2019

On today’s podcast episode, I spend time with Kevin Kruse once again. Kevin is the Founder and CEO of LEADx (leadx.org), an AI startup that created “Coach Amanda”, the world’s first executive coach built with IBM Watson. LEADx has the mission to spark the next 100 million leaders around the world. Kruse is also a New York Times bestselling author, host of the LEADx Leadership Podcast, and previous winner of Inc 500 awards for fast growth and Best Place to Work awards for company culture. Kevin Kruse knows two things about leadership that most people do not believe. First, leadership is a superpower. Second, almost everything we’ve been taught about leadership is wrong. In Great Leaders Have No Rules, New York Times bestselling author and successful entrepreneur Kevin Kruse debunks popular wisdom with ten contrarian principles for better, faster, easier leadership. Talking Points On great leaders having no rules Leading your time vs. managing your time On the “open door policy” as a productivity killer How to open up your calendar Instead of putting rules, what should a leader do instead? Defining extreme productivity On the 15-secrets mentioned on the last book On the idea of slowing down and adopting what successful leaders do Quote “We all have the same 1,440 minutes a day. You are not gonna make more time. So, it is really leading your energy, leading your schedule, and leading your minutes.” Relevant Links Kevin Kruse – Website Kevin Kruse – Twitter Kevin Kruse – Facebook Kevin Kruse – LinkedIn Kevin Kruse – YouTube Kevin Kruse – Blog Great Leaders Have No Rules by Kevin Kruse This episode teaches us the lesson that we are in charge of our time. How we spend our time will makes us great leaders. I hope you will learn 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.

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Achieving Work-Life Balance with Clayton Morris Mar 20, 2019

On today’s podcast episode, I spend time with Clayton Morris. Clayton Morris is a former FOX News Anchor who left the #1 cable news show in the world after achieving financial freedom through his real estate company, Morris Invest. He now devotes himself to helping others buy their first rental property, build passive income, and achieve financial freedom. Anything, both good and bad can happen to anyone at anytime. In this episode, Clayton and I discussed the importance of building passive income and achieving financial freedom. From being a FOX News Anchor and after some epic failures he’s learned how to build a meaningful life with work-life balance. Talking Points How to be a bulldog with your productivity? On work environment On books and reading Ryan Holiday’s “one shelf idea” On creating or finding things to remind you of why you are doing what you are doing Making a shift from being an anchorman On creating a financial parachute or soft landing spot On 401K and retirement Diving in the world of real estate investing On fame, fortune and freedom On prioritization The 3 steps: be, do and have Quote “If I’m going after a big goal, I like to strike while the iron is hot. And that means for me (is) becoming a bulldog. Removing all the excess. All of the things that are not in alinement with hitting that goal.” Relevant LInks Clayton Morris – Website Clayton Morris – Twitter Clayton Morris – YouTube This episode reminds us yet again of the importance of creating financial freedom for yourself and for your family. I hope you will learn 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.

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Big Ideas with John Lamerton Mar 13, 2019

This time around on the podcast, I spend time with John Lamerton. John is a self-described “lazy entrepreneur” and investor. He balances running an ambitious lifestyle business with raising two young children. A former “hustler”, he now earns more money “working” 20 to 25 hours a week than he used to pulling all nighters and “grinding” for 100+ hours per week. Most of us have this notion that working hard means working long hours. On this episode, we discussed John’s book which is For Small Businesses: Simple, Practical Tools and Tactics to Help Your Small Business Grow. We also discussed how to work smart by only working 20-25 hours a week and achieving success for your business instead of “hustling” for 100 hours work week. John now mentors his fellow ambitious business owners and teaching them how to design their businesses around his style. Talking Points Introducing John Lamerton’s For Small Businesses: Simple, Practical Tools and Tactics to Help Your Small Business Grow book What is the definition of a small business? On copying Richard Branson Funnelling your business to thrive Light-bulb moment for the business The five magic ingredients for success On high intensity interval training – HIIT How the essay, 1,000 True Fans by Kevin Kelly helped in the business Quote “The final magic ingredient is action and that is the key thing that I see most people are failing to do. A lot of people they are not taking enough action. But on the flip-side, there are many many people who take lots of action but it’s the wrong action and they are going 100 miles per hour in the wrong direction.” Relevant Links Big Ideas… For Small Businesses: Simple, Practical Tools and Tactics to Help Your Small Business Grow John Lamerton – LinkedIn John Lambert – Facebook This episode reminds us yet again the power of working smart instead of working hard. It is quality over quantity. I hope you will learn 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.

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Bolder with Carl Honoré Mar 06, 2019

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.

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Consider This: Maybe It’s You with Lauren Zander Feb 27, 2019

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.

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Being Called to Change with Dale Halaway Feb 20, 2019

Dale Halaway is the guest on this episode of the podcast. He has been influencing the lives and careers of thousands for almost forty years and is a leader in the movement for awakening and change. Dale and I talked about a whole bunch of topics that can really help with our personal development: ego, resistance, change, letting go of things that no longer serve us, and this thing called “transcovery” – to be honest, I wish we had more time to talk! Talking Points Dale’s beginnings, his career fast track, and the opportunities that followed Overcoming his speech impediment and the role of ego in letting go and change The Transcovery Process: Its spontaneous development and his eureka moment Recognizing and handling change when it comes knocking on our door Unconscious Resistance: Its roots and manifestations How our body can reveal our fears and resistance Slowing down to open up the greater version of ourselves and get what we deserve Deep-seated control issues that hinder productivity The benefits of adopting the practice of daily journaling Exclusive freebies and bonus materials for Productivityist listeners Quote “When change comes knocking on your door, the first thing you want to do is that you want to be able to break that down to what does that ultimately mean… There’s going to be a process that could go on for days, weeks, even months, before you complete that process and come out of the other side where not only have you changed something within yourself but others around you will notice the change.” Relevant Links Being Called to Change: Let Go of All That No Longer Serves You and Grow Into Your Full Potential | Amazon Being Called To Change Dale Halaway Dale Halaway on Facebook Dale Halaway on Linkedin @dalehalaway on Instagram This episode largely deals with one question: How can you get comfortable with this ever-accelerating pace of change? Big thanks to Dale for chatting with me and if you want to learn more about him, check out his book Being Called to Change: Let Go of All That No Longer Serves You and Grow Into Your Full Potential. 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.

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Crafting Conscious Communications with Mary Shores Feb 14, 2019

I’m excited to be joined by Mary Shores this week, the bestselling author of Conscious Communications: Your Step-by-Step Guide to Harnessing the Power of Your Words to Change Your Mind, Your Choices, and Your Life. Mary is an author, speaker, and entrepreneur. Through her work, she provides pragmatic solutions for people who are “freaking out”. With an extensive knowledge of neuroscience and human behaviour added to her repertoire, she guides businesses and individuals to defeat the “freak out” and create their ideal life. The topics Mary and I discussed had a ton of significance regarding our choices and perception and how they shape our current situations. Talking Points How Tony Robbins impacted Mary’s work and changed her life Developing communications strategies for debt collection calls Reframing: Changing perspectives after personal tragedy and trauma A serendipitous encounter with Chazz Palminteri back in 1993 for the movie A Bronx Tale The Power of Words: How your words help shape your life and manifest your intentions Mary’s daily practice of gratitude and journaling to harness the power of words Motivation then Action: Writing a one page action plan that becomes the blueprint to integrate the plan into your life Quote “The most beautiful part of your story, even when these terrible things happen, the more empowering part and the more impactful part is in how did you move on. And so when you look at your circumstances in this way that creates you to be a victim, then you make choices that a victim makes… Whereas when you look at yourself as someone who’s overcome something, then you can look at yourself through a perception of empowerment and then you’re making choices that an empowered person makes.” Relevant Links Conscious Communications: Your Step-by-Step Guide to Harnessing the Power of Your Words to Change Your Mind, Your Choices, and Your Life | Amazon Tony Robbins A Bronx Tale Mary Shores Mary Shores on Instagram Mary Shores on Twitter Mary Shores on LinkedIn The Daily Desires Diary Bundle Fearless Ambition – Facebook Community I encourage you to check out everything that we spoke about and to also pick up Mary’s book. This session’s message with Mary is powerful and I’m delighted to have had a very productive conscious communication with you through this podcast. 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.

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Exploring Digital Minimalism with Cal Newport Feb 06, 2019

On this episode, Cal Newport joins me to talk about his latest book, Digital Minimalism: Choosing a Focused Life in a Noisy World. He is a computer science professor at Georgetown University and is a self-professed blogging nerd. He is also the author of six books, focusing on topics related to professional productivity, personal satisfaction and the intersection of technology and society. My guest this time around is Cal Newport. Cal is a friend of mine and I’ve always loved chatting with him. This episode is no exception. We dived into a lot, talking about how I tend to share cool things on Facebook, the concept of “keeping things in boxes”, and being more intentional with birthday notifications – all in the name of what Cal has dubbed “Digital Minimalism.” Talking Points More of less is more: The rise of minimalism in the physical and digital world Gaining meaning back into your life through less digital presence Lifestyle philosophy over lifehacks, tips and tricks Keeping boxes packed and installing only apps you miss Clutter is costly: The negative cost that offsets the ‘benefits’ of clutter Optimization is important: Make digital platforms work for you instead of you working for them Intentionality trumps convenience: Reorienting your life to the things that provide most value Quality analog friendships: Our lives pre-2007 and why Facebook birthday notifications is a giant Ponzi scheme Mindset shifts to make minimalism sustainable Quote “Digital minimalism is a movement. There’s a lot of people out there doing this. These are the people you see who are not looking at their phone when they’re waiting in line, they’re enjoying something outside and not documenting it, they have long conversations with friends where they don’t have a phone with them, they’re the guys building a canoe in their woodshed and haven’t seen their phone in three hours. They have so much more meaning and satisfaction they’re getting out of their lives.” Relevant Links Digital Minimalism: Choosing a Focused Life in a Noisy World Deep Work with Cal Newport | The Productivityis Podcast Leo Babauta | Zen Habits Joshua Becke | Becoming Minimalist Courtney Carver | Be More with Less Ryan & Joshua | The Minimalists Packing Party: Unpack a Simpler Life Sensible Defaults | Patrick Rhone Facebook Newsfeed Eradicator for Chrome and Mozilla Instapaper Buffer Cal Newport I’m pleased to bring you this insightful conversation between me and Cal. The two of us can just talk for hours and cover so many things; I look forward to having him on again soon. I hope you’ll find this episode packed with tidbits to help you deal with your digital (and life) clutter. 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.

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Tailoring Tools for Thinkers with Joey Cofone Jan 30, 2019

On this episode of The Productivityist Podcast, Joey Cofone, the co-founder and CEO of Baron Fig, joins the show. Baron Fig is a company that started as a Kickstarter project which has evolved into a brand that designs and offers inspiring products to thinkers such as writers, illustrators, and entrepreneurs around the world. I just talked with James Clear on the previous episode, and now Joey Cofone is here! I’ve been wanting to chat with Joey for a while and on this episode, I finally got the chance. I had a great time discussing a range of topics from my well-documented affinity for Baron Fig, their collaboration with James Clear, what it’s like to create physical products, and how he builds a team that’s crafting these products. Talking Points Point, don’t plan: How to set goals, let them go, and keeping impostor syndrome and comparison at bay The Beginnings of Baron Fig: From a notebook idea at a Thai restaurant to selling nearly 10,000 notebooks in 30 days and now taking over my life Creating a design-oriented notebook and building a thinker company Digital vs Analog: What is the best tool for the job and why is a notebook still the best tool for thinking The freedom and restriction that apps tend to bring Rooting for digital tools and integrating new styles in paper products Guided editions including James Clear’s The Clear Habit Journal: the next evolutionary step for people intimidated by the blank page Balancing digital and analog tools in developing ideas simultaneously Why Joey supplanted the Nomad sticky notes with the Strategist note cards Good ideas come from anywhere: Talking to 500 thinkers around the world for feedback Quote “Design is integrated into everything that I do and how I look at the world. And I don’t think it was something that I chose, it’s how I grew up, being very nitpicky and detail-oriented. And in design, it just seem that that is what I should do with this. So, when we started Baron Fig, we’re very much design-oriented.” Relevant Links Baron Fig Horizontal Themes: Maintaining Time, Making Time, and Musing Time Notion App Patrick Rhone’s Sensible Defaults James Clear’s Clear Habit Journal Why You Need Atomic Habits with James Clear How Did This Get Made? Eureka Michael Hyatt Adam Kornfield How I Built This with Guy Raz SCOTTeVEST Nomad Sticky Notes Strategist Dot Grid Index Cards Joey Cofone’s Website @joeycofone on Twitter @joeycofone on Instagram Joey Cofone on Facebook I had a (fittingly) productive discussion with Joey and I trust you’ll enjoy our chat 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.

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Why You Need Atomic Habits with James Clear Jan 23, 2019

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.

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How to Build a Company of One with Paul Jarvis Jan 16, 2019

On this episode, I speak with my good friend and author of Company of One, Paul Jarvis. I’ve known Paul for years and am elated to finally have him appear on the show to talk about staying small and how to build a company of one. My discussion with Paul nearly mimics the kind of thing we do every few weeks when we get together for coffee. I’ve admired how Paul goes about his work and we explore those elements during our conversation. Some of the things we talk about are how ego plays a role in building a business, how the “company of one” that Paul built happened accidentally at first, how you can implement the “company of one” mindset in business that are larger, and how to scale through automation in a way that doesn’t overwhelm you in the process. Relevant Links Company of One by Paul Jarvis | Amazon How talking to Seth Godin on the phone changed my life and business by Jeff Goins | Ladders Ego is the Enemy by Ryan Holiday | Amazon Beyond The E-Myth with Michael Gerber | The Productivityist Podcast The 4 Hour Work Week by Tim Ferriss | Amazon Do Things You Can Sustain | James Clear I Don’t Actually Care About Growth | Paul Jarvis The Sunday Dispatches | Paul Jarvis I learned a lot through this discussion (and by reading Paul’s book) and I trust that you will as well. If you do get value out of our conversation and enjoy the process along the way. 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.

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Going from Employee to Entrepreneur with Steve Glaveski Jan 09, 2019

On this episode of the show, my guest is Steve Glaveski. Steve is an entrepreneur, author, and podcast host whose mission is to unlock the latent potential of organizations and their people so that they can create more impact for humanity and ultimately to lead more fulfilling lives. Our conversation focuses primarily on his book Employee to Entrepreneur: How to Earn Your Freedom and Do Work That Matters, as we explore the ideas and insights he peppered throughout its pages. We spoke about what one needs to have in mind before leaping from employee to entrepreneur, the importance of keeping a level head throughout an entrepreneurial journey (especially when you have a big spike in sales or performance that might not be sustainable), how to deal with the tough questions you need to ask and the answers that may come with those questions, and much more. Relevant Links Employee to Entrepreneur: How to Earn Your Freedom and Do Work That Matters by Steve Glaveski | Amazon The 4-Hour Workweek: Escape 9-5, Live Anywhere, and Join the New Rich by Tim Ferriss | Amazon Episode 222: How to Fight a Hydra with Josh Kaufman | The Productivityist Podcast Episode 296: Jason Fried on Why It Doesn’t Have to Be Crazy at Work | Future Squared Episode 60: Less Doing with Ari Meisel | The Productivityist Podcast Repurpose.io The Organized Mind: Thinking Straight in the Age of Information Overload by Daniel J. Levitin | Amazon The Odyssey by Homer | Amazon Employee to Entrepreneur I had a great time chatting with Steve this week and I hope you enjoyed our conversation. If so, please let me know by giving the show a rating and review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Play, or wherever you listen to podcasts. I’d also love it if you subscribed to the show. You can do that when you visit the podcast website or by doing so on a variety of popular podcast platforms and apps. 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.using.

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How to #CHILL with Bryan E. Robinson Jan 02, 2019

My guest for this episode is Dr. Bryan E. Robinson, author of the book #CHILL: Turn Off Your Job and Turn on Your Life. He is a licensed psychotherapist and Professor Emeritus at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. He currently has a blog on Psychology Today called “The Right Mindset.” He has been interviewed by Forbes, The New York Times, and The Wall Street Journal, among countless other magazines. During our discussion I asked Bryan about why this was the book that he needed to write now. He also reveals an easy to remember acronym that can help you slow down in a deliberate fashion and what the concept of #CHILL means. Beyond that we talk about the specific structure of the book, how he suggests readers approach the book, why being curious is so important, and more. Relevant Links #CHILL: Turn Off Your Job and Turn on Your Life by Bryan E. Robinson | Amazon Creative Quest by Questlove | Amazon Elizabeth Gilbert | The TED Interview Bryan E. Robinson | Website Dr. Bryan E. Robinson – @brtherapist | Twitter I hope you were about to #chill while listening to this episode and found valuable insights along the way. If you enjoyed this episode and don’t want to miss another, make sure to subscribe to the podcast in Apple Podcasts or visit the podcast page to subscribe on one of several podcast listening mediums. Feedback is always helpful so if you can find time to rate and review the show, I’d appreciate it. 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.

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The One Percent Better Project with Joe Ferraro Dec 26, 2018

On this episode of the show, I speak with Joe Ferraro. Joe is the man behind The One Percent Better Project and is a teacher and podcast host who helps to dissect the mindset, language, and behavior of daily improvement across the worlds of business, communication, and education. During our conversation, we talk about the power of working towards getting one percent better, how making one change in your world can lead to so much more change that you’d never expect, where Joe starts with people when trying to help make a change, why embracing change that is unconventional can lead to great success, and much more. Relevant Links The One Percent Better Project One Percent Better: The Podcast TimeCraftingTV VidIQ The NOW Year Calendar | NeuYear & Productivityist (SAVE 20% with promo code FRESHSTART) Green Lantern and Philosophy: No Evil Shall Escape This Book | Amazon Creative Quest by Questlove | Amazon Tuesdays with Morrie: An Old Man, A Young Man, and Life’s Greatest Lesson by Mitch Albom | Amazon The Go-Giver: A Little Story About a Powerful Business Idea by Bob Burg | Amazon Way of the Peaceful Warrior: A Book That Changes Lives by Dan Millman | Amazon Episode 222: How to Fight a Hydra | The Productivityist Podcast Outliers: The Story of Success by Malcolm Gladwell | Amazon Wine Library TV from Gary Vaynerchuk The Five Minute Journal: A Happier You in Five Minutes a Day | Amazon Comedian | Amazon Joe Ferraro | Twitter I had such a great time talking with Joe – so much so that we ran longer than I usually would. If you’re looking to get one percent better then I encourage you to check out Joe’s work and podcast. If you liked this episode, then I also encourage you to share it far and wide and subscribe to the show here. You can also rate and review the show in Apple Podcasts or wherever you’re listening to The Productivityist Podcast. 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.

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How to Fight a Hydra with Josh Kaufman Dec 19, 2018

I’m joined this time around by Josh Kaufman, the author of three bestselling books – including his latest effort How to Fight a Hydra: Face Your Fears, Pursue Your Ambitions, and Become the Hero You Are Destined to Be. Josh’s research focuses on business, entrepreneurship, skill acquisition, productivity, creativity, applied psychology, and practical wisdom and he’s someone I’ve wanted to have on the show for a long time. Josh and I carry on a conversation that revolves around the differences between How to Fight a Hydra and his previous books, the power of story (particularly fables and parables), why I never thought of Josh as a productivity expert yet he describes himself as such, and much more. Relevant Links How to Fight a Hydra: Face Your Fears, Pursue Your Ambitions, and Become the Hero You Are Destined to Be | Amazon The Legend of Bagger Vance by Steven Pressfield | Amazon Josh Kaufman’s Website I had a fantastic time chatting with Josh and I hope you enjoyed our conversation as well. If you did, I encourage you to share this episode and subscribe to the show. You can do that right from wherever you’re listening to this episode or by visiting the podcast website. And 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.

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The Serving Mindset with Farnoosh Brock Dec 13, 2018

On this episode, after years of crossing paths both online and offline, I speak with Farnoosh Brock. Farnoosh went from electrical engineer and rising leader at corporate to business coach and entrepreneur. She shows businesses the mindset of serving over selling to build deep trust and sustainable profit. She is the author of several books, including the one we focus on during our conversation, The Serving Mindset. Farnoosh and I have a lively discussion around changing your mindset when it comes to selling your services – something that I offer through my coaching practices. We dive into a variety of elements of this, but the core of our conversation revolves around how The Serving Mindset is helpful in making one not just more successful but also more efficient in one’s business. Relevant Links Prolific Living | Farnoosh Brock The Serving Mindset: Stop Selling and Grow Your Business by Farnoosh Brock | Amazon The Coaching Habit with Michael Bungay Stanier | The Productivityist Podcast The NOW Year Calendar | NeuYear & Productivityist (SAVE 20% with promo code FRESHSTART) Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can’t Stop Talking by Susan Cain | Amazon The Simple Way to Develop a Pricing Strategy | Chris Ducker Ego is The Enemy by Ryan Holiday | Amazon I had a great time chatting with Farnoosh and I hope it also served you well. If it did, please let me know by giving the show a rating and review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Play, or wherever you listen to podcasts. I’d also love it if you subscribed to the show, something you can do when you visit the podcast website or by doing so on a variety of popular podcast platforms. 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.

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Becoming Better Everyday with Brett Pinegar Dec 05, 2018

On this episode of the podcast, I’m joined by Brett Pinegar. Brett is the founder of the X Group, where he helps individuals and teams multiply their effectiveness by adopting the techniques and mindsets great leaders use. Brett is a three-time tech CEO, a trail runner, and most importantly, a dad to five great kids. During our conversation, Brett and I spoke about how to lead with excellence daily, how an aspect of our mind can sabotage our pursuit of excellence, and how to adopt a mindset of excellence. We also discussed the power of routines and reveal a condition that Brett struggles with that could have hindered his mindset – but he refused to let it define him. (And that’s just for starters.) Relevant Links Brett Pinegar’s Website Avoid Perfection – Embrace Excellence by Brett Pinegar X Notes – Living and Leading with Excellence by Brett Pinegar Brett Pinegar on Twitter I enjoyed my time chatting with Brett and I hope you did as well. If so, do me a favour and leave a rating and review wherever you subscribed to the podcast (Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, etc.). Not a subscriber yet? Make sure you don’t miss a single episode by subscribing to the show wherever you listen to podcasts. 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.

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How to STRIVE with Scott Amyx Nov 28, 2018

Scott Amyx joins me on this episode of the podcast. Scott is the author of Strive: How Doing the Things Most Uncomfortable Leads to Success, which has been endorsed by Tony Robbins, Forbes, Singularity University, Tribeca Film Festival and other influencers. Relevant Links About Scott Amyx Books by Scott Amyx Scott Amyx Redefines The Roadmap To Success With Six Simple Steps | Forbes Bitcoiners Take New York, but Wall Street Resists The Lure | MoneyBeat @ Wall Street Journal STRIVE: How Doing the Things Most Uncomfortable Leads to Success | Amazon Scott’s Website Scott Amyx | Twitter I haven’t explored this area so much in the past – perhaps because I’ve found it uncomfortable – so having this conversation with Scott was quite refreshing. I hope you enjoyed it. If you did, please share this episode and make sure you don’t miss future episodes by subscribing to the 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.

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Building The Best Planner Ever with Jennifer Dawn Nov 21, 2018

I welcome Jennifer Dawn, creator of the Best Planner Ever, to the podcast this time around. Jennifer is a serial entrepreneur who has grown two multi-million dollar businesses and serves high-achieving entrepreneurs through private business coaching helping to take their companies further, faster. Since I’ve got a “mild” obsession with paper planners I wanted to talk with Jennifer about what went into building the Best Planner Ever. We discuss how it got its name, the elements that are unique to the planner, and why she thinks it’s important to bring what’s important to you into the planner that you use and how you can do that. Best Planner Ever Jennifer Dawn Coaching Jennifer and I could have kept going for much longer but there’ll (hopefully) be another time for that. Right now it’s time for you to check out her planner (linked above) and check out The Productivityist Playbook as well. You can get The Productivityist Podcast at a discounted price by clicking here. 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.

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Back to Human with Dan Schawbel Nov 14, 2018

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.

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Running Down a Dream with Tim Grahl Nov 07, 2018

Tim Grahl joins me on this episode of the podcast to talk about his latest book (and most personal one to date), Running Down a Dream: Your Road Map To Winning Creative Battles. Tim and I have had several conversations before and we make every effort to get together whenever we’re in the same city. This time I speak to him over Skype (with some microphone issues on my end to start off the show) as we dive into why he wrote this book, how tough it was to write it, the productivity practices he has put in place to aid him in running down his dream, his thoughts on social media, and much more. Relevant Links Running Down a Dream | Amazon The War of Art by Steven Pressfield | Amazon Story Grid Podcast with Shawn Coyne and Tim Grahl Free Time is the Enemy of Progress | Medium The Autofocus System | Mark Forster World Domination Summit How to Build a Capsule Wardrobe | Be More with Less Tim Grahl’s Website Tim Grahl on Twitter Thanks for listening to the show and if you enjoy the podcast, please subscribe and rate/review the show. See you next episode! 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.

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The Role of Tech in Productivity with Jay Miller Oct 31, 2018

On this episode of The Productivityist Podcast, I speak with Jay Miller of Productivity in Tech. I’ve known Jay for a few years now and it was a pleasure to have him in my studio to talk about productivity, technology, and the intersection between them. We cover a wide range of topics during our conversation so prepare to dig in for a lot of productivity neediness for this episode (more than usual). Relevant Links Productivity in Tech Blog Productivity in Tech Podcast An Interview with Jay Miller | Joe Buhlig Jay Miller on Twitter Thanks for popping by to give the show a listen. If you enjoyed the show, I encourage you to subscribe to the podcast in Apple Podcasts or whatever you use to listen to podcasts. Better still, rate and review the show to help more people find it (and help us make the show even better). Take care and keep moving things forward! 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.

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The Bullet Journal Method with Ryder Carroll Oct 24, 2018

Have you ever wanted to hear the story of how one of the most popular productivity methodologies came to be? Then you’ll enjoy this episode as I’m joined by the creator of the incredibly popular Bullet Journal, Ryder Carroll. Ryder is also the author of the book – his first – The Bullet Journal Method: Track the Past, Order the Present, Design the Future which goes deeper into the Bullet Journal phenomenon (as do we during our discussion). Ryder and I speak about how his creation took off, the importance of patience, how to deal with one’s own expectations, and more. It’s a fascinating conversation that will go beyond the “how” of The Bullet Journal Method and into the “why.” Relevant Links The Bullet Journal Method The Bullet Journal Method Collector’s Set The Productivityist Podcast: The Best Kind of Paper Pushing BulletJournal.com Ryder Carroll on Twitter I had an absolute blast chatting with Ryder and am excited to share this episode with you. I hope you enjoy it! 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.

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Stepping Outside Your Comfort Zone with Andy Molinsky Oct 17, 2018

On this episode of the show, I speak with Andy Molinksy. Andy is a professor of International Management and Organizational Behavior at Brandeis University, an author of two business books – Global Dexterity and Reach and a columnist at HBR, Psychology Today, and Inc.com. He lectures, teaches, and consults on helping people step outside their personal, professional, and cultural comfort zones. Talking Points How Andy helps people get past the mindset shift it takes to reach beyond their comfort zone. The pain points that keep us in our comfort zone, preventing us from stepping outside of it (and what ones are what Andy calls “The Big Three”). What Andy learned during a “ride along” that has helped him with his work. You’ll find out if (and how far) Andy went outside of his comfort zone when writing Reach. What the 3 Cs approach is and how it helps you reach outside of your comfort zone How both of us use avatars and triggers to help us do things that are uncomfortable…or things that we may feel as if we’re not ready to challenge. Relevant Links Reach: A New Strategy to Help You Step Outside Your Comfort Zone, Rise to the Challenge and Build Confidence Why You Need a Clarity Day Boost Your Productivity with Themes Couch to 5k Andy Molinksy’s Website I hope you enjoy this episode…and if you’re looking for an example of something you can do to step outside of your comfort zone then perhaps sharing this episode might fit the bill. (Better yet – subscribe to the show so you don’t miss a single episode.) 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.

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Hyperfocus with Chris Bailey Oct 11, 2018

On this episode I speak with fellow Canadian and productivity expert Chris Bailey. Chris Bailey is the international bestselling author of The Productivity Project and Hyperfocus: How to Be More Productive in a World of Distraction. Chris writes about productivity at Alifeofproductivity.com, and speaks to organizations around the globe on how they can become more productive, without hating the process. It’s always fun to chat with Chris and in this particular discussion we talk about focus and its effects on productivity, the different types of focus that he has written about, how to get around distraction, and much more. There is so much productivity goodness in this episode! Relevant Links Hyperfocus: How to Be More Productive in a World of Distraction The Productivity Project The Productivityist Podcast Episode 77: The Productivity Project with Chris Bailey A Lesson from “About a Boy” on Hyper-Scheduling The Hyper-Scheduling Experiment | MacSparky Flow by Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi Essentialism by Greg McKeown The Productivityist Podcast Episode 201: Willpower Doesn’t Work with Benjamin Hardy The Productivityist Podcast Episode 73: Deep Work with Cal Newport A Life of Productivity I really liked putting this episode together and I hope you got value out of it. If so, please share this episode far and wide – scatter it, if you will. And if you got a lot of value – or “hypervalue” from several episodes of the podcast then please subscribe so you don’t miss a single episode. 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.

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Beating Back Burnout with Clark Gaither Oct 03, 2018

If you’ve ever faced burnout, then this discussion I have with Dr. Clark Gaither is definitely for you. Dr. Gaither is a family physician, author, speaker, blogger, corporate consultant, personal life coach, and an expert on Job Related Burnout. His latest book on this topic, *Reignite*, was released in March 2018. Talking Points Why he is so fascinated with job-related burnout. How burnout nearly led him to leave his thriving medicine practice. What steps he took to take on his burnout…and beat it back. What “presenteeism” is and how it can impact burnout. How to recognize the signs of burnout – even those that are a little more subtle than others. The relationship between stress and burnout and what the 3 principle hallmarks of burnout are and how to face them so you can reignite your work (and more). Relevant Links REIGNITE Designing Your Mindset with Andy Murphy | The Productivityist Podcast The REIGNITE Workbook The 8 Steps to Recognize and Eliminate the Burned Out Mindset ClarkGaither.com Dr. Clark Gaither | Twitter Hopefully, this conversation will help you start down the path of avoiding burnout (or reigniting yourself after burning out). If you found this discussion helpful then I’d love it if you’d share this podcast as well as giving the show a rating and/or review. And if you want to reignite your personal productivity every week then subscribe to this podcast in Apple Podcasts or your podcast app 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.

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Act On It with Erin Acton Sep 27, 2018

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.

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Beyond Evernote with Chris O'Neill Aug 08, 2018

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.

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The Art of Decision-Making with Matt Bodnar Aug 01, 2018

Matt Bodnar joins me on this episode of the podcast to discuss what goes into the art of making decisions. Failing to decide or having too much to decide upon can be a pain point in personal productivity so I am happy to have Matt on the show to dig into that (and more). Matt hosts The Science of Success podcast and clearly getting clear on decision-making is a component of one’s success. So I wanted to dig deeper into that…and we did. I hope you enjoy our discussion. Relevant Links Matt Bodnar | Website The Science of Success Podcast Matt Bodnar | Twitter This was a fun episode to do. If you liked it and don’t want to miss a single episode of the podcast (or simply want to cherry pick those episodes you do want to listen to without skipping a beat) then you can subscribe to The Productivityist Podcast in Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts. 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.

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Vices and Virtues with KC Procter Jul 25, 2018

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.

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Filling Your Cup with Judy Machado-Duque Jul 19, 2018

Judy Machado-Duque joins me on this episode of the podcast. Judy is known as the “Productivity Goddess” and is a fellow Canadian so we had plenty to talk about during our time together, including her planner the Life Purpose Playbook. While we focus a lot on the playbook she’s created, we also dive into her productivity processes and practices that go outside and beyond the planner. It’s a fun conversation that I struggled to keep at our usual podcast time limit. Relevant Links Productivity Goddess Life Purpose Playbook Judy Machado-Duque | Instagram I hope you liked this episode of the podcast. If you did, make sure you don’t miss another episode by subscribing in Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen to podcasts. 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.

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Getting Things Done for Teens with Mike Williams Jul 12, 2018

On this episode of the show, I speak with Mike Williams. Mike is the co-author of the book Getting Things Done for Teens and the former CEO of The David Allen Company. I actually had my teenage daughter help me out with this episode, so if you’ve got a teenager that want to get things done then this show is one that you both should listen to! During the show I asked questions that came up during my daughter Grace’s reading of the book, why this book was needed now more than ever, and what Mike wants to accomplish with this book. Relevant Links Buy Getting Things Done for Teens | Amazon Mike Williams | Twitter I hope you enjoyed this episode. If so, tell your friends by sharing it. You could also subscribe to the podcast as well and never miss another episode. 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.

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The Evolution of Getting Things Done with David Allen Jul 04, 2018

David Allen joins me on this episode of the podcast to dive deeper into the Getting Things Done methodology. The meat of our conversation gets into how it has evolved over the years since it first was introduced in 2001. There’s a bit of noise at parts during our discussion, but even still this episode is a winner. Some of the highlights of this episode include: How much of a role he had in writing the new book, Getting Things Done for Teens Why he believes teens need GTD more now than ever before A discussion about the reframing of GTD that needed to happen when adapting the methodology for teens How he has changed his approach when teaching GTD over the years David reveals his thoughts on the most challenging aspect of GTD (Hint: It hasn’t changed since the introduction of GTD) A conversation surrounding the renaissance of analog tools and his thoughts on why they’ve made a comeback Relevant Links Getting Things Done with David Allen | The Productivityist Podcast Getting Things Done for Teens | Amazon Getting Things Done | The David Allen Company David Allen (@gtdguy) | Twitter It’s always a treat to get to chat with the creator of GTD. I had a great time speaking with David and I hope you have a great time listening to our conversation. 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.

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Off the Clock with Laura Vanderkam Jun 28, 2018

This week on The Productivityist Podcast, I am joined by speaker and author Laura Vanderkam. Her latest book is Off the Clock: Feel Less Busy While Getting More Things Done. Laura’s work has appeared in various publications and media outlets including The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, The Today Show and Fox & Friends among many others. She co-hosts the Best of Both Worlds podcast and has delivered a TED talk with more than 5 million views. Tune in as we discuss why we always feel there’s not enough time and some mindset shifts we need to break that. We talk about people’s different perception of time, prioritizing, setting the right habits and managing your energy among other things. If you are always stressed out and can’t seem to accomplish your goals, then this episode is for you. Relevant Links Laura Vanderkam’s website Off the Clock: Feel Less Busy While Getting More Things Done | Amazon How to Gain Control of Your Free Time | TED Best of Both Worlds Podcast Laura Vanderkam (@lvanderkam) | 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.

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Willpower Doesn't Work with Benjamin Hardy Jun 20, 2018

This week on the Productivityist Podcast, I am joined by Benjamin Hardy. Benjamin has been the #1 writer on Medium.com since 2016 and has organically grown his email list from 0-300,000+ subscribers in 2 years through his writings about self-improvement. His new book, Willpower Doesn’t Work came out this March. In this episode, we dived deep into the psychology of willpower. Some topics we discussed include the dangers of relying on willpower, why it seldom works, and a better approach to productivity. We also discussed journaling as a tool for improving yourself and achieving your goals, among many other things. Relevant Links Benjamin P. Hardy | Medium Willpower Doesn’t Work by Benjamin Hardy | Medium What You Need to Know About Willpower: Here’s What Actually Works You Can Never Change Your Life Through Willpower: Here’s What Actually Works Willpower Doesn’t Work: Here’s How to Actually Change Your Life Willpower is a Myth, and Believing in it Can Make Things Worse | CBC Radio Top Change Management Consulting Firm: Employee Engagement Solutions Johann Hari: Everything You Think You Know About Addiction is Wrong Home – Joe Polish How to Write in Your Journal to Improve Yourself and Achieve Your Goals Genius Network Events 2018 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.

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The Direct Line Between Happiness and Productivity with Will Henshall Jun 13, 2018

On the 200th(!) episode of The Productivityist Podcast my guest is Will Henshall. Will is the CEO and founder of Focus@Will, a tech music platform that helps 1.5m professionals be up to four times more productive at work. He has had a 30 year notable career as a startup entrepreneur, tech inventor and musician. He founded the platinum-selling 90s British pop soul band Londonbeat (he wrote Billboard #1 hit songs ‘I’ve Been Thinking About You’ and ‘Come Back’). In 1996 he started up San Francisco based Rocket Network, and invented the pro audio media transfer tool ProTools DigiDelivery, used extensively in movie post-production, sold to Avid in 2003. During our nearly hour-long conversation, we talked about the evolution of his entrepreneurial journey, attention and what distractibility has done to our productivity (and what he is doing to help combat that), the relationship between happiness and productivity, and so much more. Relevant Links Focus@Will I’ve Been Thinking About You by London Beat | YouTube The Big 5 Personality Types | Business Insider Can This “Neuroscience-Based” Music App Really Boost Your Brain Power by 400% | WIRED Dr. Ned Hallowell Driven to Distraction: Recognizing and Coping with Attention Deficit Disorder | Amazon Ikigai The Japanese Secret to a Long and Happy Life | Amazon Flow: The Psychology of Optimal Experience | Amazon How to Transform A Single Daily Theme Into an Everyday Focus | Productivityist The Power of When with Dr. Michael Breus | The Productivityist Podcast I’ve Been Thinking About You by Good Luck | YouTube Focus@Will (@focusatwill) | 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.

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Create Good Mornings with Craig Kulyk Jun 06, 2018

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.

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The Competitive Advantage with Austin Church May 30, 2018

On this episode of the podcast, I spoke with Austin L Church. Austin is the author of children’s books and a consultant who loves helping people build businesses around the work that doesn’t feel like work to them. We spoke about theming, using physical tools to stay on track, keeping things simple and more. It was a great conversation that I think you’ll enjoy. Here are a few highlights from the show: Why it’s a great idea to give credit to others (a funny story) Using notecards How simplicity is a serious advantage Focusing on the right things at the right time Proactively ignoring certain things Managing complexity The importance of focusing and finishing Omission vs. elimination Why we overestimate what we can do in a day Overestimating urgency Abstractions and exceptions Creating durable plans Assigning weight to specific tasks based on the day and bigger goals Relevant Links Austin’s Website Deep Work: Rules for Focused Success in a Distracted World Eat that Frog: 21 Great Ways to Stop Procrastinating and Get Things Done in Less Time FOFI Cards 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.

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Getting Back to Happy with Marc and Angel Chernoff May 23, 2018

On this episode of the podcast, I spoke with Marc and Angel Chernoff. Marc and Angel are the authors of the new book Getting Back To Happy: Change Your Thoughts, Change Your Reality and Turn Your Trials Into Triumphs. We spoke about happiness, overcoming adversity and the role rituals play in our happiness. We also did a self-inquiry session which I found very insightful. It was a great conversation, I hope you enjoy it too. Here are a few highlights from the show: We are what we do on a daily basis The importance of rituals as a way to move forward Why rituals are a solid foundation for mindfulness and other tools How Marc and Angel work together The power of self-inquiry by journaling on the most stressful experiences Our thoughts and the way we think are the stories we tell ourselves 98% of the time, the problem is not the problem, it is something deeper Recording your thoughts, then reviewing them to bring awareness Whatever you’re seeing is an interpretation of what you’re thinking Ways to have lasting benefits such as visual reminders and accountability Accountability using your own questions and having someone read them to you Relevant Links Marc and Angel’s Blog Getting Back to Happy: Change Your Thoughts, Change Your Reality, and Turn Your Trials into Triumphs 6 Tiny Daily Rituals That Will Change Your Life 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.

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Morning Routines with Benjamin Spall May 16, 2018

On this episode of The Productivityist Podcast, I speak with Benjamin Spall. Benjamin is the co-author of My Morning Routine: How Successful People Start Every Day Inspired, and the founding editor of the blog of the same name. During our discussion we touch on how morning routines are important to both early risers and night owls alike, what was discovered about routines during the research for the book, what he has taken from some of the routines that are in the book (and from the website as well), and more. The book reads like a solid reference book – a lot like Tim Ferriss’s Tools of Titans – and it’s a worthy addition to any bookshelf. Whether you use it to establish a solid routine or use it to find things to add or subtract to your own routines. Relevant Links Benjamin Spall’s Website My Morning Routine: How Successful People Start Every Day Inspired | Amazon Mike Vardy’s Morning Routine | My Morning Routine My Morning Routine on Facebook My Morning Routine on 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.

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All Things Productive with Carl Pullein May 09, 2018

On this episode of the podcast, I spoke with Carl Pullein. Carl is a personal productivity specialist, presenter and author of Your Digital Life and Working With Todoist: The Book. We spoke about the term “productivity,” how to get the most out of applications and more. Here are a few highlights from the show: What productivity means Why it’s so important to capture quickly How culture affects perspective and productivity What “hard edges” are and why it’s so important to productivity Using tools for their designed purpose The problem with having too many choices Why it can be great to stick with one app that has a specific purpose Why approach is more important than application We tend to overcomplicate applications Relevant Links Carl Pulein Your Digital Life & Working with Todoist How to Turbo-Charge Your Productivity by Using Hard Edges and Single Apps You Have a Choice and That’s the Problem Why the Front End Work is Essential if You Want to be Productive 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.

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Purpose Mapping with Craig Filek May 02, 2018

On this episode of the podcast, I spoke with Craig Filek. Craig is Executive Director of the Purpose Genome Institute and the creator of Purpose Mapping. He helps high-achievers realize their full potential by clarifying their purpose, aligning with their flow state, and making a meaningful contribution every day. We spoke about Purpose Mapping, how it provides users with valuable insights, and how it aligns with personal productivity. Here are a few highlights from the show: We spoke about the concept of “flow” How boundaries reinforce flow Why it’s important to double down on the things you really do well How Craig’s personal journey lead to the creation of Purpose Mapping How your purpose and mission relates with your day-to-day life Moving past the “Golden Hamster Wheel” Why the areas you struggle with are important to your breakthrough Relevant Links Purpose Mapping: The Dirty Little Secret of Every High-Achiever The Productivityist Podcast: Beyond the E-Myth with Michael E. Gerber | Productivityist Craig Filek | 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.

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The Workcation Weekend with Holly Worton Apr 25, 2018

On this episode of the podcast, I spoke with Holly Worton. Holly helps entrepreneurs dissolve their blocks and limiting beliefs around money and success. We discussed how Holly has a “Workcation Weekend” at a hotel once per month and uses this time to write books, rebrand her website and more. Here are a few highlights from the show: How Holly uses what she calls “hyperfocus” by freeing herself from distraction Why she goes to the same hotel for Workcation Weekends and has the same food How to take a Workcation Weekend with kids How Holly prepares for her time away Why it’s helpful to plan ahead for your bookends of the workweek The approach Holly uses to avoid burnout How to set aside time to have your own Workcation Weekend Relevant Links: Holly Worton | Business Mindset Alchemist The Definitive Guide to the Workcation Weekend | Business Mindset Alchemist Books by Holly Worton | Business Mindset Alchemist How I Write | Business Mindset Alchemist Resources | Business Mindset Alchemist 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.

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The Link Between Personal and Professional Productivity with Mark Lavercombe Apr 18, 2018

On this episode of the podcast, I spoke with Dr. Mark Lavercombe. Mark is a specialist physician and medical educator, who writes on productivity, clinical education and leadership at The Productive Physician. We spoke about how he defines productivity, how he became passionate about productivity, how he sets boundaries and more. Here are a few highlights from the show: Why misdiagnoses are common Know why you are doing something is essential How good assumptions can actually lead to bad habits (such as leaving email open) The balance between being reactive and proactive Identifying what you want to achieve as well as why you want to achieve it Linking motivation with the emotional and intellectual basis for goals helps clarify thinking Making time for yourself Setting boundaries according to rules that you establish Relevant Links: The Productive Physician Why Productivity for Physicians Create a Personal Mission Statement for the LIFE YOU want Do You Want an Extraordinary Life? Choose Deep Work Living Like an Academic Athlete with Drs Eric Benchimol & Richard Keijzer @ProductivePhys | 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.

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Designing Your Mindset with Andy Murphy Apr 11, 2018

On this episode of the podcast, I spoke with Andy Murphy, the founder of Mindset by Design. Andy has helped world champion athletes, multi-millionaire entrepreneurs, Hollywood producers and actors, and even royalty design their mindsets. We discussed what changing and designing your mindset can do for you, how NLP can help you when it is used for good, why it matters who is in your network, and more. Here are a few highlights from the show: Where most people get stuck regarding mindset What neuro-linguistic programming is Removing confirmation bias Why it is important to train ourselves to in each area of our life Our default setting is whatever is safe When we grow, our network changes as well Relevant Links: Mindset by Design Andy Murphy | 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.

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Reading People with Anne Bogel Apr 04, 2018

Today’s guest is Anne Bogel. Anne is a podcaster, blogger, and author. She is also known as a tastemaker through her popular book lists and reading guides. Recently, Anne wrote a new book titled Reading People: How Seeing The World Through The Lens of Personality Changes Everything. We spoke about the power of reading, personality frameworks, and why it is important to be self-aware. Here are some highlights of the show: The different kinds of personality tests: Enneagram, Myers Briggs, DISC Why the same activity can be healthy for some people but stressful for others Knowing your motives so you can be really productive Why many introverts can look like extroverts Why circumstances can affect how introverted or extroverted we are in different situations The importance of taking time to step back and reflect Relevant Links: Anne Bogel’s website Reading People: How Seeing the World Through Lens of Personality Changes Everything | Amazon The Power of Moments | Amazon The Road Back to You: An Enneagram Journey to Self-Discovery | Amazon Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can’t Stop Talking Enneagram Test Myers Briggs Test 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.

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Possess Your Success with Andrew McDonald Mar 28, 2018

It’s time for another episode of the Productivityist Podcast! Our guest this week is Andrew McDonald. Andrew is a self-made speaker, author, and coach whose passion is to leave the world better than he found it. Tune in as we spoke about imposter syndrome, navigating through negative situations, getting unstuck, and the power of a morning routine. Here are some of the highlights of the show: One simple thing you can do to get unstuck The power of journaling Things that hamper your productivity Boundaries and opportunities cost Making reminders through rules to avoid information overload Using feedback to reflect, learn and grow Handling big life changes Relevant Links: Possess Your Success Stop Worrying About What Other People Think New Opportunity – 3 Considerations Before Saying Yes or No Set Reminders to Elevate Your Productivity Self-Reflection: 7 Questions to Ask Yourself to Keep Moving Forward 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.

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Declutter Your Way to Success with Terri Savelle Foy Mar 21, 2018

Today’s guest is Terri Savelle Foy. Terri is a motivational speaker, Youtuber and cheerleader of dreams. Terri is also the author of a new book called Declutter Your Way to Success: the Keys to Organize Your Life. We spoke about how your environment affects your mindset, why it is important to define your definition of organization and how you can maintain a standard of excellence in your life. Here are some highlights of the show: Our homes reflect our inner state Why unfinished tasks can stall deep work The “laundry basket of success” Why changing the world starts with making your bed Building a momentum by using a timer Using the “Don’t Break the Chain” method with a calendar Relevant Links: Terri Savelle Foy Declutter Your Way to Success | Amazon Declutter Your Way to Success Kit Make Your Bed First Terri Savelle Foy | 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.

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More Fun in Done with Marli Williams Mar 14, 2018

Today’s guest is Marli Williams. Marli is a speaker, activation coach, purpose finder and inspiration generator. Her mission in life is to inspire and empower people to go from stuck to STOKED! In this episode, we spoke about the power of live, in-person events, courage, growth and living a life of fun. Here are some highlights of the show: What made her decide to quit a day job she enjoyed The power of quotes in providing inspiration The value of in-person experiences in a comfortable setting We are more connected than ever before but still long for meaningful connections Doing things whenever you want during the year Making tasks more fun and enjoyable Enjoying the process of creation as well as the goal Asking questions like “How can I make this more fun?” Knowing your strengths and getting help in other areas Relevant Links: Marli Williams Website Marli Williams @marli_williams | 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.

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What Motivates Getting Things Done with Mary Lamia Mar 07, 2018

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.

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The Free-Time Formula with Jeff Sanders Feb 28, 2018

Our guest this week is Jeff Sanders: a keynote speaker, founder of the Rocking Productivity Academy and the author of the new book The Free Time Formula. In this episode, we spoke about health-centered productivity, being intentional with your time, and much more. Here are a few more topics we covered: Waking up with a plan and jumpstarting your day with intention How the Free-Time Formula Works How free-time is often already set with habits The connection between health and productivity Things Jeff has discovered in having health-first productivity approach Focusing on quick wins over the short-term instead of the long-term Finding a healthy rhythm with pausing Jeff’s new productivity system Relevant Links: JeffSanders.com – Keynote Speaker and Author of the 5 AM Miracle The Free-Time Formula Book by Jeff Sanders The 5 AM Miracle Podcast 7 Essential Elements of Productivity | Jeff Sanders Jeff Sanders @jeffsanderstv | 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.

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Rise of the Youpreneur with Chris Ducker Feb 21, 2018

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.

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Riskology with Tyler Tervooren Feb 14, 2018

Tyler Tervooren joins me for a new episode at the Productivityist Podcast! Tyler is a serial entrepreneur, the founder of Riskology, former co-producer of the World Domination Summit – an annual event for free-thinkers and non-conformists, and has completed a marathon on every continent. Join us on this episode as we spoke about being an introvert leader, how culture is shifting, and more. Here are a few highlights from our conversation: Why introverts can, in fact, be leaders How being an introvert is actually an advantage Why you should be introspective about before looking for resources Learning to rely more on your intuition Eliminating self-doubts through small actions Growth mindset and how it applies to the learning process Relevant Links: Riskology The Top 5 Leadership Challenges of Introverts (and How to Beat Them) | Riskology Growth Mindset: The Science of Achieving Your Potential| Riskology Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance | Amazon Tyler Tervooren | 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.

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Magnetic Memorization with Dr. Anthony Metivier Feb 07, 2018

This week’s episode is with Anthony Metivier, founder of the Magnetic Memory Method, a systematic, 21st Century approach to memorizing foreign language vocabulary, dreams, names, music, poetry and much more in ways that are easy, effective and fun. We spoke about how your memory can affect your personal productivity as well as how to optimize your memory. Here are a few highlights from this episode: Memorizing your entire to-do list vs. memorizing certain items Learning memory techniques for vocabulary, numbers, names, facts, and details about others When you strengthen your memory like a muscle, it also strengthens your mind. The power found in memorizing a deck of cards Using visuals as memory tools and turning numbers into words The Magnetic Memory method and how it works Why intentionality is essential for memorization Memory and information overload Why you should know focus on how you learn Relevant Links: Magnetic Memory Method The Free Memory Improvement Kit What’s Your Learning Style Anthony Metivier | Twitter Anthony Metivier | Youtube 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.

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The View from the Top with Aaron Walker Jan 31, 2018

In this week’s episode, I spoke with life and business coach Aaron Walker. He spends the majority of his time helping men grow in success and significance as President and Founder of View From The Top, a premier life, and business coaching resource. We spoke about ambition, clarity, living a life of success and more. It was a great conversation that I’m sure you’ll get a lot out of. Some of the topics we talked about are: The myth of work-life balance On being ambitious about the right things Why it’s important to focus both outward and inward Designing a proactive life through journaling Deep diving instead of doing as much as possible Why there is no power in wisdom–there is power in the execution of wisdom Relevant Links: Aaron Walker – View from the Top What Do I Want Sheet Aaron Walker | Facebook Aaron Walker | Twitter Procrastinate on Purpose: 5 Permissions to Multiply Your Time Never Split the Difference: Negotiating as if Your Life Depended on it Big Leap: Conquer Your Hidden Fear and Take Life to the Next Level Mindset: The New Psychology of Success Essentialism: The Disciplined Pursuit of Less The Go-Giver: A Little Story About a Powerful Business Idea 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.

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Undoing Things with Alison Stratten Jan 24, 2018

On this episode of the podcast, I’m joined by Alison Stratten of Unmarketing. Alison is a writer, marketer, podcaster, parent and also a fellow Canadian. I had a great time talking with her. Here are a few highlights from the show: The line between personal information and business marketing The roles of work and family Alison’s story How the Stratten’s work behind the scenes Relevant Links: Unmarketing: Stop Marketing, Start Engaging Unmarketing | Facebook Unpodcast – The Business Show for the Fed Up | Youtube Alison Stratten | 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.

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Goat-ing Things Done with PJ Jonas Jan 17, 2018

On this episode of the podcast, I’m joined by PJ Jonas of Goat Milk Stuff. PJ is a wife, homeschooling parent, farmer and also a business owner. She accomplishes a lot of things, so I was very excited to talk with her. Some of the specifics of our discussion include: The importance of structure in both family and business Work-life balance and how PJ feels about it Mentoring and teaching future leaders Why you should get your product in front of people and ask for feedback Relevant Links: PJ Jonas Website Goat Milk Stuff Goat Milk Stuff on Instagram Goat Milk Stuff on Facebook 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.

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The Year of Less with Cait Flanders Jan 10, 2018

On this episode of the podcast, I’m joined by PJ Jonas of Goat Milk Stuff. PJ is a wife, homeschooling parent, farmer and also a business owner. She accomplishes a lot of things, so I was very excited to talk with her. Some of the specifics of our discussion include: The importance of structure in both family and business Work-life balance and how PJ feels about it Mentoring and teaching future leaders Why you should get your product in front of people and ask for feedback Relevant Links: PJ Jonas Website Goat Milk Stuff Goat Milk Stuff on Instagram Goat Milk Stuff on Facebook 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.

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The Four Tendencies with Gretchen Rubin Jan 03, 2018

On this episode of the podcast, I speak with Gretchen Rubin, the author of several books, including the blockbuster New York Times bestsellers, The Four Tendencies, Better Than Before, and The Happiness Project. She has an enormous readership, both in print and online, and her books have sold almost three million copies worldwide, in more than thirty languages. On her top-ranked, award-winning podcast Happier with Gretchen Rubin, she discusses good habits and happiness with her sister Elizabeth Craft. Fast Company named Gretchen Rubin to its list of Most Creative People in Business, and she’s a member of Oprah’s SuperSoul 100. During the discussion we dive specifically into The Four Tendencies, looking into what tendency I am most likely aligned with (as well what my wife’s might be), how to embrace whichever of the tendencies you are so you can thrive, and so much more. I hope you enjoy our conversation – I sure did! Relevant Links Gretchen Rubin Website The Surprising Truth About Why Your To-Do List May Be Failing You | Gretchen Rubin The 4 Tendencies That Explain Why You Struggle To Get Stuff Done (and What to Do About It) | Inc. Signing Up for “NaNoWriMo” – National Novel Writing Month? Here’s Why It Works | Gretchen Rubin Exciting: Scientific Research and Experiments Underway to Understand the Four Tendencies Better | Gretchen Rubin Gretchen Rubin’s Quiz: The Four Tendencies Gretchen Rubin (@gretchenrubin) | Instagram 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.

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Declutter Your Data with Angela Crocker Dec 27, 2017

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.

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Soulful Simplicity with Courtney Carver Dec 20, 2017

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.

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The Pursuit of Time and Money with Dr. Sharon Spano Dec 13, 2017

Joining me this week on the podcast is Sharon Spano, radio host of WorkSmart Live and author of The Pursuit of Time and Money: Step Into Radical Abundance and Discover the Secret to a Meaningful Prosperous Life. A Certified Professional Integral Coach, Sharon empowers entrepreneurs to maximize their performance, improve employee engagement, and increase their bottom-line results. Our discussion is packed with useful info about wisdom, adult development, and leadership so you don’t want to miss this one! Relevant Links: Sharon Spano – Maximizing Human Potential in Business and in Life The Pursuit of Time and Money: Step into Radical Abundance and Discover the Secret to a Meaningful Prosperous Life | Amazon Sharon Spano | LinkedIn Sharon Spano | 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.

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Staying Simple with Justin Shelby Dec 06, 2017

On this episode of the podcast I speak with Justin Shelby, founder of Artichoke. Justin has held leadership positions in Fortune 500, growth stage, and startup companies in addition to have launched over 100 products in 16 countries. He has also previously founded 3 previous businesses, included two subscription-based operating businesses. Justin and I talk about, why you need to foster awareness every step of the journey, the role of simplicity in his life (both at work and at home) and why it is crucial for group work, and his thoughts on automation and how it can work for and against you and larger groups. Then we dive into artificial intelligence and analog work methods - both of which can be a real rabbit hole! Relevant Links: Artichoke - All-in-One Business Tools for Solo Entrepreneurs How We Use Slack | Productivityist You can't do it all no matter what you think | Artichoke Artichoke (@getartichoke) | 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.

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Man Up with Bedros Keuilian Nov 29, 2017

On this episode of the podcast, I chat with Bedros Keullian. An immigrant from a communist country turned hugely successful entrepreneur. Bedros uses the stage, TV and social media platforms to share his personal Immigrant Edge and American Dream story to help inspire audiences worldwide to reach their fullest potential. Some of the things we dive into during our discussion include how habits led to the rapid growth of his his journey to becoming a more effective leader, the difference between “employees” and “team members” and why that distinction matters, and what he means by the term “man up” (it’s not quite what you think). Relevant Links About Bedros Keuilian Fit Body Boot Camp The One Word Responsible for My -- and Your -- Success | Early to Rise Bedros Keuilian's Morning Routine | My Morning Routine Mike Vardy's Morning Routine | My Morning Routine Bedros Keuilian's The Big B Doc | Early to Rise The Productivityist Podcast: Craig Ballantyne | Productivityist How to Take a Clarity Day | Productivityist Man Up - Bedros Keuilian Bedros Keullian @BedrosKeuilian | 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.

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Break the Twitch with Anthony Ongaro Nov 22, 2017

Joining me this week on the podcast is Anthony Ongaro, creator of Break the Twitch and author of the book Break The Twitch: A Practical Guide to Minimalism and Intentional Living. We talk about what he defines as the “twitch,” the three things Anthony focuses on what can help you break the twitch, impulsiveness and its effect on personal productivity, and why “it’s not about the couch.” Relevant Links: Minimalism: A Documentary About the Important Things | The Minimalists The More of Less with Joshua Becker | The Productivityist Podcast No couch, one car: How These Minnesotans are Living with Less | StarTribune SimpleREV 2014 | How to Stop Doing Productive and Start Being Productive SimpleREV 2014 | Anthony Ongaro’s Story Break the Twitch | Website The Break the Twitch Newsletter Break the Twitch | Youtube 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.

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Being Adaptive with Karim Bishay Nov 15, 2017

Karim Bishay helps companies become insanely efficient. His purpose at Living Orgs is to empower organizations towards a clear, agile structure and stronger purpose. He is an industry leading consultant in the areas of Holacracy and building Adaptive Organizations. During this episode we talk about why he started Living Orgs, what drew him to Holacracy, how he works with organizations to make them more adaptive, and how he deals with the challenges that aligning teams can bring when change is needed. It’s always great when I can chat with someone who is well-steeped in the world of productivity, so this episode is filled with plenty of personal productivity goodness. Relevant Links: Living Orgs Making Teamwork Work with Sebastian Klein of Blinklist | The Productivityist Podcast Meetings and Momentum with Mamie Kanfer Stewart | The Productivityist Podcast Crafting Coaches with Tony Stubblebine | The Productivityist Podcast Holacracy 101 Do Better with Asana 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.

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Behind the Scenes with Dexter Guff and Peter Oldring Nov 08, 2017

On this episode of the show, I am delighted to have two guests join me. First up is thought leader and podcast host Dexter Guff, host of Dexter Guff is Smarter Than You (And You Can Be Too) and following his appearance I speak with his alter ego, comedic performer Peter Oldring. While Dexter and I discuss a lot of the usual lifehackery stuff, Peter and I dive deeper into what makes Dexter tick. We talk about how he and his colleagues Pat Kelly and Chris Kelly (no relation) came up with the idea of doing Dexter’s reaction the show has received so far, how the show is crafted every week, and where the show is headed. This is a different kind of episode – and a little longer than usual – but it’s a fun one. Relevant Links: Dexter Guff is Smarter Than You (And You Can Be Too) by Panopaly | iTunes Peter Oldring on his podcast Dexter is Smarter Than You The Truth About Fake News | Peter Oldring | TEDxYYC | Youtube This is That with Pat Kelly and Peter Oldring | CBC Radio Dexter Guff | Twitter Peter Oldring | Twitter Peter Oldring | Wikipedia 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.

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Fit Matters with Moe Carrick Nov 01, 2017

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.

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Meetings and Momentum with Mamie Kanfer Stewart Oct 25, 2017

I welcome Mamie Kanfer Stewart to the show on this episode. She is CEO and founder of Meeteor, a venture that helps teams build their capabilities for effective collaboration and productive meetings. Mamie is driven to help others optimize their time and cultivate their team to achieve results. On this episode we talk about meeting strategies and pitfalls to avoid, such as how to avoid back-to-back meetings, going into a meeting with not enough information, dealing with late meetings attendees, and whether or not status meetings are useful when done right (or useless no matter what). If you want to get more out of your meetings – whether you love them or don't – then this episode is for you. Relevant Links: Momentum: Creating Effective, Engaging and Enjoyable Meetings Meeteor Why a 'No-Meeting Day' Doesn't Get at the Real Problem How Do I Get My Team to Prepare for a Meeting Mamie Kanfer Stewart | Website Mamie Kanfer Stewart | Twitter Meeteor | 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.

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Standing Up with Rob Jacobs Oct 18, 2017

On this episode of the show, I speak with Rob Jacobs. Rob is a leader in the walking for health movement and the co-founder of Unsit - a company that created the first ever treadmill you can use under your standing desk at work. We talk about why standing simply works when it comes to boosting personal productivity, why sitting too long has similar effects as smoking, why walking is a great way to problem solve, and more. As someone who works standing up a good deal of time (I actually record most of my podcast interviews while standing), I really enjoyed diving deeper into this topic. I hope you'll enjoy it as well. Relevant Links: Unsit Get Up: Why Your Chair is Killing You and What to Do About It Dr. Michael Breus | The Productivityist Podcast Rob Jacobs | LinkedIn 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… 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.

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The Art of Taking Action with Gregg Krech Oct 11, 2017

On this episode of the podcast, I welcome Gregg Krech to the program. Gregg is one of the leading experts on Japanese Psychology in the U.S. He is the author of 5 books including The Art of Taking Action: Lessons from Japanese Psychology, which has become an Amazon bestseller and offer practical strategies for integrating ideas from Eastern philosophy with contemporary Western living. Gregg and I spend time discussing how he got into Japanese psychology, why Eastern ways are appealing to Western cultures, perfectionism and being obsessed with the unfinished, and even look deeper into Kaizen. I had an incredible time chatting with Gregg and I trust you'll find this to be a rather compelling conversation. Relevant Links The ToDo Institute Facing the Demons of Inaction: Morita Therapy as a Resource for Moving Forward Jon Acuff episode of The Productivityist Podcast Art of Taking Action ToDo Institute Courses ToDo Institute | Facebook 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… 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.

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Faster Than Normal with Peter Shankman Oct 04, 2017

Peter Shankman joins me on this episode of the podcast. Peter is the founder of Help A Reporter Out and the author of the new book Faster Than Normal. During our conversation, we dive into why he considers ADHD to be a gift, how he leverages dopamine to boost his productivity, and what people without ADHD can do to tap into some of the productivity benefits they have at their disposal. Relevant Links Faster Than Normal Bill Burr | The Tim Ferriss Show Rich Roll OmmWriter The Mode That Helps Your Productivity Take Flight | Productivityist Peter Shankman | 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.

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Finding Focus with Shawn Blanc Sep 25, 2017

On this episode of the podcast I speak with my good friend, productivity expert, and creator of The Focus Course, Shawn Blanc. We dive into the idea of getting out of our own way, as well as discuss our takeaways from Jeff Goins’s Tribe Conference and why showing up every day matters so much. Relevant Links Tribe Conference Ryan Holiday | Website Anthony Ongaro | Website Overlap with Sean McCabe | The Productivityist Podcast YesYesMarsha.com Getting Results the Agile Way by J.D. Meier Finish with Jon Acuff | The Productivityist Podcast Grant Snider | Perfect Benjamin Hardy | Medium Tsh Oxenreider | Website Leo Babauta | Website Jeff Goins | Website The Focus Course As always, I had a great time chatting with Shawn. I hope you enjoy this conversation as much as I did. Thanks for listening! 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.

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Finish with Jon Acuff Sep 18, 2017

My guest this week is Jon Acuff - a New York Times bestselling author of six books with his most recent, Finish: Give Yourself the Gift of Done. Jon helps some of the world's biggest brands tell their story and has appeared on CNN, Fox News, Good Day LA, and other major media outlets. We discussed a sampling of the topics in his latest book which includes planning, prioritizing and reaching the state of finished no matter what you're working on. Relevant Links: Jon Acuff | Website Finish: Give Yourself the Gift of Done | Amazon Jon Acuff | 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.

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Overlap with Sean McCabe Sep 11, 2017

On this episode of the podcast, I am joined by Sean McCabe of the Seanwes.com. Sean is an entrepreneur, a hand lettering artist, and the guy behind the Seanwes community which connects hundreds of like-minded creatives all over the world. We talked about starting a business and scaling it up while working a full-time job. Some of the things we discussed include how to find your passion, develop your skills as a creative, get out of the scarcity mindset and create a thriving business among many others. Relevant Links: Seanwes Seanwes Community Overlap Book Sean McCabe | 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… 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.

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Relative Productivity with Joanne Ling & Tracey Fry Sep 04, 2017

I welcome Joanne Ling and Tracey Fry from Sister Mixin' to the show this time around. I met these two sisters at Chris Drucker's Tropical Think Tank in March 2017 and we had a great time learning and spending time with a ton of like-minded people over the course of the event. We discussed a variety of topics during this episode including decision-making, delegation, planning, elimination of tasks and things that aren't working for you, and what it's like for two siblings to run a business together across the miles. Relevant Links: Sister Mixin Listen to my appearance on the Sister Mixin' podcast! Anne Vardy on The Whole Circle podcast The Art and Science of Trusting Your Gut | Inc Ego is the Enemy by Ryan Holiday | Amazon Youpreneur Summit Additive Free Made Easy 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.

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Szen Zone with Gary Szenderski Aug 28, 2017

On this episode of the podcast, I speak with Gary Szenderski. Gary is the author of the book Szen Zone: Reaching a State of Positive Change and I wanted to dive into the idea of what “Szen” is why he is so fascinated with change. Other areas we explored during our conversation include his thoughts on getting stuck and how to escape a state of “stuckness,” the idea of negative change and how it can affect us in the short and long term, tapping into awareness, and – one of my favorite discussion points – boundaries. Related Links Szen Book | The Szen Zone Szen.US: Marketing Solutions for a Changing World Gary Szenderski (@GarySzenderski) | Twitter I had a great time chatting with Gary. Thanks for listening! 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.

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Worth It with Amanda Steinberg Aug 21, 2017

On this episode of the podcast, I speak with Amanda Steinberg. Amanda launched DailyWorth in 2009 to bring a fresh voice and an outsider’s perspective to personal finance and the Daily Worth website has made Forbes’ 100 Best Websites for Women three years running. Amanda has appeared on Good Morning America, Today, CNN, and MSNBC, among others. Forbes named her one of the twenty-one New American Money Masters, Oprah Winfrey chose Steinberg for her inaugural SuperSoul 100 list, and Fast Company calls Steinberg one of 2017's "Most Creative People in Business.” We not only dive into the correlation between time and money but also discuss the relationship that people can have with the finances – particularly the relationships that women can have with money. In fact, that idea is explored in her book, Worth It: Your Life, Your Money, Your Terms. Automation and delegation come into the conversation as well, how to teach kids about the value of money early on, and other great tactics and tips that you can use to improve your relationship with money. Relevant Links Daily Worth Worth It: Your Life, Your Money, Your Terms Your Money Type Online Assessment Money Clarity Amanda Steinberg | Facebook @AmandaSteinberg | Twitter After taking the Money Type assessment I found I was an Epicure with my finances. I’m not surprised. But now I have a means to be more productive with my money thanks to some of what Amanda shared in this episode. I encourage you to take the test and see where you land in the spectrum. 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… 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.

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Get That Job with Angela Copeland Aug 14, 2017

On this episode of The Productivityist Podcast, I welcome guest Angela Copeland. Angela is a career coach and CEO at her firm, Copeland Coaching. She is the host of the Copeland Coaching Podcast, columnist for the Career Corner newspaper column, and author of career book Breaking The Rules & Getting The Job. Angela’s personal career background gives her the breadth to help job seekers with a variety of different needs, including finding the right job, interviewing, and offer negotiation. The primary goal of the conversation was to dive into how to make career changes as productive as possible. The whole process is something we touch on (the search for the new career, the frequency you should look for new career opportunities) and how to go about breaking the rules along the way. Relevant Links: Copeland Coaching Breaking The Rules and Getting The Job | Amazon Angela Copeland | 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.

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OmniFocus and Other Things with Joe Buhlig Aug 07, 2017

Joe Buhlig and I sit down this week to talk about an app that he uses extensively: OmniFocus. But we don't stop there. We talk about a ton of other things, including: Paper-based productivity and where it fits into his workflow The new version of Things by Cultured Code Why you should consider paying for task management apps Joe's a productivity powerhouse (as you would have noticed if you listened to his earlier appearance on one of the show's bonus episodes – search back through the archives and you'll find that episode) and I really enjoyed diving deeper into the technical and app-oriented stuff this time around. I hope you did too. Relevant Links OmniFocus Working with OmniFocus Things | Cultured Code Joe Buhlig | 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.

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Cause and Connection with James Eder Jul 24, 2017

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.

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Farsighted Focus with Eliot Wagonheim Jul 17, 2017

On this episode of the podcast, I am joined by Eliot Wagonheim, a lawyer and the author of Fire, Aim...Ready: Management. We talk about partnerships, setting boundaries, and even touch on how improvisation can help you in your business. Some of the takeaways from our conversation include: The four key questions you need to ask before entering into a partnership or agreement. How to make contracts that really work through storytelling. Why saying “no” is extremely valuable, and it is extremely positive for a business to be able to say it. The importance of stepping back. I believe it’s incredibly valuable and sometimes I’ve been guilty of overlooking it, particularly when things get frantic. But I think you have to have a number of devices to do that. Relevant Links: Home - Farsighted Business Farsighted Business Podcast Fire, Aim...Ready: Management: The Start at the End Approach to Crushing Competition, Crafting Culture, and Cementing Relationships by Eliot Wagonheim | Amazon Eliot Wagonheim (@Wagonheim) | 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.

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Fearless and Free with Wendy Sachs Jul 10, 2017

This week Emmy-award winning TV news producer, speaker, and author of the book Fearless and Free, Wendy Sachs joins me at the Productivityist Podcast. Wendy has also worked as a Capitol Hill press secretary, public relations executive, CNN contributor, content strategist, and editor-in-chief of Care.com. Tune in as we talk about careers, career change and ways you can move forward in your own career. Some of the takeaways from our conversation include: Thoughts on the role fear plays in career change. The importance of finding the right environment for you to thrive. How you can take action and move forward today. Relevant Links Wendy Sachs | Website Fearless and Free: How Smart Women Pivot--and Relaunch Their Careers by Wendy Sachs | Amazon How She Really Does It: Secrets of Successful Stay-at-Work Moms by Wendy Sachs | Amazon Wendy Sachs (@wsachs) | Instagram Wendy Sachs (@wsachs) | 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.

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Positively Speaking with Dan Lerner and Alan Schlechter Jul 03, 2017

On this episode of the podcast, I am joined by Daniel Lerner and Alan Schlechter. Daniel Lerner is a clinical instructor at NYU and has a Masters in Applied Positive Psychology from the University of Pennsylvania, where he serves on the teaching staff. He works with musicians, athletes, and executives to improve their performance through developing a healthy psychological state. Alan Schlechter, MD, is a Clinical Assistant Professor at NYU Langone Medical Center and the Director of the Child Psychiatry Clinic at Bellevue Hospital. He seeks to provide the best possible mental health care to the most vulnerable children and families in NYC. Wherever you are right now, I think this discussion about learning will offer you some helpful advice and practical tips you can use today. Some of the takeaways from our conversation include: Setting a good example for your kids with how you respond to situations. An airport delay can be negative or you can turn it into a chance to have a great time playing a game. The importance of play. It comes naturally for children but as adults, we have to be told to exercise. Following the right role models and learning. Students who studied Thomas Edison and Helen Keller were more likely to ask for help and to find a tutor. Framing things into perspective. If you play a short game for20 minutes, winning and losing is really like a micro-second. Would you rather have a great time for 20 minutes or hate the whole game if you lose once? The five components of happiness with the acronym PERMA. P stands for Positive emotions, E is for Engagement, the R is for Relationships, the M is for Meaning, and the A is for Achievement. What makes up willpower? Sleep can be a very important component. Relevant Links: How to Succeed in College (and Life) Science Of Happiness Professor Dr. Alan Schlechter On Getting By Speaker, Author, & Consultant - Daniel Lerner Dan Lerner: The Science of Happiness, Performance, and Well Being 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.

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Abundant Productivity with Damion Lupo Jun 26, 2017

On this episode of the podcast, I am joined by Damion Lupo, a financial mentor and co-author of Reinvented Life. Wherever you are right now, I think this discussion will offer you some helpful advice and practical tips you can use today. Some of the takeaways from our conversation include: The importance of triggers The questions to ask to find blind spots How frameworks and structure foster creativity Why we have a need for stillness and simplicity Relevant Links: Total Financial Control Reinvented Life by Damion Lupo Damion Lupo's Website | DamionLupo.com Damion Lupo | 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.

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Sleep Smarter with Shawn Stevenson Jun 19, 2017

I met Shawn Stevenson at Tropical Think Tank in February of 2017 and his talk was phenomenal. We had a few exchanges while we were there but I wanted to have him on the show to dive deeper into some of his work. Shawn is the author Sleep Smarter: 21 Essential Strategies to Sleep Your Way to a Better Body, Better Health, and Bigger Success and if you’ve been listening to my show for a while you know that I’m definitely into the idea of how sleep can affect your personal productivity. Some of the highlights from our conversation include: Why sleep is such a hot topic these days and what goes on during sleep that has such an impact on us The controversy that surrounds some of the newer research surrounding sleep (and health in general) Why getting sun and daylight on your skin is one of the most important things you can do - and why it’s harmful if you’re not taking time to do it I had a great time speaking with Shawn on this episode. I hope you enjoy it as well. RELEVANT LINKS: Sleep Smarter by Shawn Stevenson The Power of When with Dr. Michael Breus | The Productivityist Podcast The Model Health Show Shawn Stevenson | Twitter Shawn Stevenson | 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.

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Tackling Transition with Shawn Razek Jun 12, 2017

On this episode of the podcast, I am joined by engineer by day, aspiring productivity hacker, and co-founder of to-do list app Vista List, Shawn Razek. Here’s the crux of Shawn’s mission: “Time is something we are all trying to make the most of and I want to do my part to help others accomplish that through coaching and creating great tools.” Some of the takeaways from our conversation include: The transition from high school to college (and then to the workforce) is often a big change. Working longer can be a sign that you're not being productive at work. Small 3-minute and 4-minute tasks add up during the course of a day. Shawn does a short workout every day during his lunch hour. Establish your precedents and boundaries with co-workers. We often overestimate the amount of time left for projects and tasks. Relevant Links Vista List Vista List (@Vista_List) | Twitter Shawn Razek | Medium Shawn Razek | LinkedIn 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.

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Real Artists Don't Starve with Jeff Goins Jun 05, 2017

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.

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The Daily Plan Bar with Mike Rohde May 29, 2017

For this episode, I went out and pursued hard so I can chat with Sketchnote creator, Mike Rohde. Mike is a sketchnoter, designer, illustrator, self-professed techy, author and speaker who is fond of simple yet impactful design solutions. A sample of such is the Daily Plan Bar which he created to make task management more manageable. Our discussion involves the origins of the Daily Plan Bar, how he came up with it and the other systems he uses to manage his work tasks and his home life. Specific points we’ve chatted about are: How his intention to get the most of his day, avoid distractions and just get away from the computer prompted him to maximize analog tools and create the Daily Plan bar. Whose systems influenced and were integrated to create Mike’s Daily Plan Bar. How he incorporates digital with analog, with his outlook calendar playing the master role from which he extracts the details of his daily plan bar. Dealing with too many tasks, prioritizing which ones to do in the day, how Mike reminds himself of what needs to be done or focus on. How to make a Weekly Plan Bar that integrated with the Daily Plan Bar, and how this allowed him to prioritize his tasks and see the week at a glance. Situations when a weekly plan may not be as helpful nor practical to maintain. How Bruce Lee’s principles based on martial arts may be applied to productivity and life. The length of testing Mike has done before he released the Daily Plan Bar for public consumption. What products Mike uses and how he recommends to do and utilize the Daily Plan Bar effectively. Mike’s simpler task-management and journaling practices for home and personal purposes. His stand on the analog-digital debate, the apps he uses, and how he prefers to do his task management. The World Sketchnote Day and how to be a part of it. Relevant Links The Sketchnote Handbook by Mike Rohde | Amazon The Sketchnote Workbook by Mike Rohde | Amazon Everyday Sketchnoting with Mike Rohde | The Mikes on Mic The Daily Plan Bar by Rohdesign | Medium Planner Hack The Dash/Plus System | Patrick Rhone The Best Kind of Paper Pushing | The Productivityist Podcast The Staying Power of Sketchnotes with Deborah LeFrank |The Productivityist Podcast Weekly Plan Bars | Matthew Lang Tools for Thinkers | Baron Fig Hobonichi Techo 2017 Mike Rohde's Books on Sketchnoting | Designer Mike Rohde Mike Rohde (@rohdesign) | Twitter Mike Rohde (@rohdesign) | Instagram A Showcase of Sketchnotes | Sketchnote Army 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.

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Being with Toku McCree May 22, 2017

It was a real treat chatting with this episode's guest Toku McCree. Toku is a coach, teacher and the guy behind Unexecutive.com and Samurai Coaching Dojo. His background working with rock stars and living in a Zen monastery certainly gives off a vibe that he’s less traditional than the usual, and he uses these experience to teach entrepreneurs and leaders an out-of-the-box mindset to redefine success not as the destination but as a part of the journey to an amazing life. Our conversation focused on the the idea that obsessing over tactics could actually be ruining your business, and even your life. Some of the points Toku and I covered in our discussion includes: An obsession with productivity and strategy that he's noticed working with entrepreneurs, leaders, and CEOs. The point in an individual's growth when the focus shifts from what you’re doing to what you’re being, and how this can change everything in your life, thus creating a kind of efficiency with less friction. How he had 30 jobs before he was 30 years old, and how a cycle of getting hired, learning, getting bored and leaving a job led to a realization that he remains dissatisfied. Meeting someone in a party which eventually led him to live in a monastery for two and a half years, where he learned about happiness and fulfillment. Questions to ask yourself to enable you to run your business, or life, with greater efficiency, and without being tied to a rigid process, system, tactic or tool. How vulnerability is actually a strength than can create possibilities, and enable one to be more effective in dealing with relationships, teams, and business. Why is it important for a successful person who may be so used to relating to the world in a place of strength to show and experience vulnerability. How putting tactics in place with perfection as the goal is likened to running a tank with no weaknesses, and why this is not an ideal mentality. The significance of practicing presence by stepping back and relaxing to generate insights towards improving your business and life. Relevant Links: Unexective.com Samurai Coaching Dojo | An accelerator to practice the art of deep coaching. Picking role models that matter | Toku McCree | TEDxZurichWomen - YouTube Toku McCree (@unexecutive) | 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.

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Speaking with Passion with Corey Poirier May 15, 2017

My guest on this episode is fellow Canadian Corey Poirier. Corey is a keynote speaker, sales professional, entrepreneur, and the host of Conversations with Passion Radio Show where he has interviewed over 4,000 "super-achievers." A passionate speaker who wants to share with people his craft, Corey is behind the Passion Cure and The Speaking Program. It is through these avenues that he reaches out to people, coach those who are interested in developing their communication skills, and feature those who have been successful in their life’s passions. Corey and I had a similar path in our lives that took us to what we’re doing now, and that is just one of the things we chatted about in this episode. Other areas we touched on are: His journey starting with a career in sales, then shifting to stand-up comedy before finally transitioning into his passion for public speaking. Our similar background in performance arts, and things that we didn’t enjoy as much in that field. How people’s feedback propelled him into diving into passion as a speaker. What people fear when it comes to communicating and public speaking, and how to get comfortable on stage. The importance of tackling tasks and goals in small chunks that are easily achievable – whether in public speaking or productivity – until you’re ready to take on the big one. How having a buddy to practice whatever it is that you’re passionate about or want to conquer gives you higher chances of success. The structure of The Speaking Program. Questions to ask oneself to help find your true passion, and how to take that first ‘baby step’ towards living that passion. A productivity reminder to ensure that pursuing your passion is not interrupted – and becomes successful. Relevant Links: That Speaker Guy | Corey Poirier ‎Corey Poirier How People Crush Fears and Expand Comfort Zones | Corey Poirier | TEDxCanmore - YouTube Toastmasters International The Speaking Program The Passion Cure brings you the Conversations With PASSION! Radio Show Corey Poirier (@thatspeakerguy) | Twitter Weeding Your Life with Corey Poirier | Productivityist 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.

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The Magic of Manifestation with Jen Mazer May 08, 2017

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.

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The Problem with Productivity with Adam Quiney May 01, 2017

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.

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The Power of Pursuit with Kelsey Humphreys Apr 24, 2017

This episode’s guest is an amazing woman that I've been "pursuing" to get into the podcast for a while. She’s the host and producer of The Pursuit, a talk show and podcast where she interviews influencers and the who’s who of business. Kelsey Humphreys is a media entrepreneur, success coach and consultant, a motivational journalist who’s written for Entrepreneur Magazine and The Huffington Post (among others), and the author of the book Go Solo: How to Quit the Job You Hate and Start a Small Business You Love. After finding that the content available on success and entrepreneurship was not very "beginner-friendly", she made it her mission to break it down for those still doing the grind, helping people not to give up in the crucial first few years of their pursuits. (Kelsey also has a background in performance arts which could be another reason I gravitated toward her content.) Our conversation revolved around what happens on her show and her plans for it. Some of the things we talked about include: The behind-the-scenes action in producing her show, the technical issues, choosing between production quality and valuable content, and learning that perfection can hold one back from productivity. Her vision of hosting a traveling talk show and how she planned to set it apart from other podcasts and YouTube shows. The show’s humble beginnings - shooting with an action cam, getting help from volunteers, family, and friends, investing on equipment, and building Kelsey’s team. What Kelsey perceives as the "value-added experience" by interviewing people live, and why she prefers to go to the where the guests are. Her interesting experience interviewing Kathy Griffin. Pre-game rituals, her staple questions, why she prefers not to bring her notes with her during the interview, and self-reminders to keep her in control of the interviews and provide quality content for her audience. Giving up on college dreams, ticking off goals one by one, and her vision to become the “Ellen of entrepreneurship and success”. Wanting to offer something new to the audience in the area of success and entrepreneurship through the book she’s currently writing. The surreal experiences of landing interviews with Tony Robbins and Larry King. The advice Kelsey imparts for people who have been pushing down their hopes and dreams. Relevant Links: Kelsey Humphreys | Kelsey Humphreys | Success for the Rest of Us! Full Episodes Archive | The Pursuit with Kelsey Humphreys Go Solo: How to Quit the Job You Hate and Start a Small Business You Love by Kelsey Humphreys | Amazon Donald Miller | The Pursuit with Kelsey Humphreys Jeremy Cowart | The Pursuit with Kelsey Humphreys I’m Possible. | Jeremy Cowart Kathy Griffin | The Pursuit with Kelsey Humphreys Tony Robbins | The Pursuit with Kelsey Humphreys Kelsey Humphreys | Facebook Kelsey Humphreys (@KelseyHumphreys) | 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.

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Making and Modifying with Justin Jackson Apr 17, 2017

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.

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Building an Empire with Stacy Tuschl Apr 10, 2017

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.

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The Staying Power of Sketchnotes with Deborah LeFrank Apr 03, 2017

A landscape architect, entrepreneur, graphic journalist and memory collector, Deborah LeFrank uses pens and paper to capture stories from daily life by creating sketch notes or visual stories which help her remember things and memories. I've known her for quite some time and I'm a big fan of her work, and she's my guest for this episode. She uses bullet journaling and incorporates visuals to it as a key tool for productivity in all aspects of her life. Her company Visual Life Stories helps people to collect their memories through visual stories. There's so much that Deborah shared, some of the things discussed are: How we met at Social Media Camp and the story behind the business cards she handed that really impressed me. The scope of her work that allows for remarkable presentations and excellent ways to recall and capture the essence of the presentations for the audience. People's innate attraction to visual learning and story-telling, and her technique to do the process of note-taking and sketching effectively. How she started interest in her craft, honing it through practice as needed in her career, and finding out about the concept of sketch-notes. Integrating analog and digital methods in sketch-noting to create projects and serve clients. How bullet journaling allows her to combine artistry and productivity, and how its convenience and flexibility helps her greatly. Features she’s added into the newest version of her bullet journal like habit tracking template, daily theming and focus words. Relevant Links: Visual Life Stories | Deborah LeFrank Mike Rohde’s Books on Sketchnoting | Designer Mike Rohde Eva-Lotta Lamm | User Experience Designer My 3 Words for 2017 | Chris Brogan 3words | C.C. Chapman Graphic Recording and Meeting Facilitation with Sunni Brown Deborah LeFrank (@DeborahLeFrank) | Twitter Visual Life Stories (@visuallifestory) | Twitter Visual Life Stories | Facebook 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.

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Zen and The Art of Work with Kourosh Dini Mar 27, 2017

My guest for this episode is Kourosh Dini - a psychiatrist, writer, musician, and author. Some of his works include Zen & The Art of Work, Creating Flow with OmniFocus, and Workflow Mastery. I’ve met Kourosh a couple of years ago when we worked together for the OmniFocus set-up. I love his work and have always seen him as a thoughtful productivity strategist who knows his stuff. Some of the things we talked about this week are: How meditation shifts our mindset which ultimately makes us more mindful and productive. The importance of pausing and practical tips on how to apply it in your life. Personalization and why it's important in your daily interactions. Why play time is a necessary ingredient in performance, productivity, and happiness at work. How music can boost your productivity, creativity, and overall sense of well-being. Kourosh's thoughts on ambient sound apps and how he uses them in his own workflow. The five elements of good health, according to Kourosh. Kourosh's take on meditation and his recommendations for those who want to start meditating. Relevant Links: Kourosh Dini | Mind, Music, and Technology Zen & the Art of Work | Find Calm in Work and Play OmniFocus | Task management for Mac, iPad, and iPhone Review: Zen and The art of Work | Productivityist Productivity & Play with Dr. Kirsten Milliken | Productivityist Focus at Will | Get 4x increase in productivity with this concentration music for working smarter. So Good They Can’t Ignore You: Why Skills Trump Passion in the Quest for Work You Love by Cal Newport| Amazon How to Meditate: A Guide to Self-Discovery by Lawrence LeShan| Amazon What’s the Best Music to Listen to While Working? | The Atlantic Kourosh Dini (@kouroshdini) | 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.

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The Inner Game of Productivity with Alan Brown Mar 20, 2017

My guest this week is Alan Brown – a productivity coach, best-selling author of the book Zen and the Art of Productivity, and the host of Crusher TV. Alan helps people get more things done in less time and with less stress through smart productivity and brain hacks. We chatted about his experience in overcoming a learning disability and addiction, how he catapulted himself from an average ad executive to a successful entrepreneur, and how brain hacks played an important part in all these. This week, he shares some techniques to get you from planning to execution. Join us as we discuss: Alan's interesting background which involved dealing with ADHD and turning it into an advantage that accelerated his career. What motivated him to create the ADD Crusher and eventually the Crusher TV community. What a brain hack is according to Alan and his thoughts about it. Alan's thoughts on different coaching approaches and what works. What an inner game is and the role it plays in one's own productivity. Alan's views on setting boundaries, awareness, deep work, and how these all affect one's inner game. The importance of well-being to fuel the body and brain. Alan’s low-bandwidth but high-impact sampling of brain hacks that will help you maximize your productivity. Relevant Links: Crusher TV The Inner Game of Tennis: The Classic Guide to the Mental Side of Peak Performance by W. Timothy Gallwey | Amazon The Seven Spiritual Laws of Success: A Pocketbook Guide to Fulfilling Your by Deepak Chopra | Amazon Mind Hacking: How to Change Your Mind for Good in 21 Days Hardcover by John Hargrave | Amazon Deep Work: Rules for Focused Success in a Distracted World Hardcover by Cal Newport | Amazon Crusher TV (@realcrusherTV) | 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.

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The Productive Kitchen with Allison Schaaf Mar 13, 2017

In this week's episode, my guest is Allison Schaaf - a food, nutrition and culinary expert, and founder of meal-planning website PrepDish. It offers gluten-free, dairy-free and paleo meal plans to help people save time preparing healthy, homecooked meals. Allison was a guest on a previous bonus episode where we chatted about her approach in productivity which got its roots from the kitchen. She’s back this week and talked about something that's off the beaten path for me: cooking! If you’re interested in having a more productive kitchen, I highly suggest paying attention to this episode as we discussed: Her background in culinary arts and nutrition, her stint as a personal chef, and a personal pain point that led her to create a meal plan system which is now known as Prep Dish. The importance of nourishment and well-being, and why people should invest time planning their meals instead of going for the convenience of fast, commerically-prepared food. How to create meal plans that cater to people with different diet preferences and restrictions. How the PrepDish meal plan works – what's in it, how tos, and the strategies that will help you master food preparation and healthy cooking. Allison’s food preparation hacks like prioritization, doing double-duty tasks, grouping and batching, and how it's parallel to my own productivity system. How learning the PrepDish system can help you enjoy the reward of healthy cooking in your family. Allison’s kitchen essentials and why you shouldn't skimp on the right tools. Allison's advice that will make a difference in your life. Relevant Links: PrepDish.com Three Must Have Knives for Your Kitchen | PrepDish.com Three Essential Cutting Boards You Need in Your Kitchen | PrepDish.com Prepping Ahead & Storing | PrepDish.com Food Processor vs. Blender? My Recommendation. | PrepDish.com Prep Dish (@PrepDish) | Twitter Anova Culinary PCB-120US-K1 Bluetooth Precision Cooker | Amazon Instant Pot IP-DUO60 7-in-1 Multi-Functional Pressure Cooker | Amazon 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.

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Automating, Growing, and Selling with Joshua Latimer Mar 06, 2017

In this week's podcast episode, my guest is Joshua Latimer – the man behind Send Jim and Automate Grow Sell, which help small businesses tap the power of relationship marketing. A few years back, Joshua left his job as a banker at JP Morgan Chase and decided to open a cleaning business in Michigan, which he eventually sold in 2015. He is now based with his family in Costa Rica managing a company that creates more freedom for businesses through automation and systems. Joshua and I chatted about planning, systemizing, theming, and automation among many others. Topics we’ve discussed are: Joshua’s business background, the different business models that inspired him, his motivation to create Send Jim, and it’s 4-year run as a business. The importance of relationship marketing in businesses and how Send Jim can help entrepreneurs harness its power. How he applies theming in his personal life and even created themed days for each of his family member. Joshua’s task management approach to the multiple projects he is running. His fascination with different beliefs, points of view, and economic and business principles across cultures. Books that captivated his interest and shaped the core paradigms he is currently applying in his business and life. Why he turned down an offer to co-author a book and a lesson about saying no. This resonated with me a lot. Other methods he has put into place like breaking his days into sprints, delegating, and turning things off. What Send Jim does, its market, and why it's called Send Jim instead of Send Josh. Relevant Links: Features | Sendjim.io Send Jim | App Store Automate Grow Sell | Joshua Latimer Beyond the E-Myth with Michael E. Gerber | Productivityist Automate Grow Sell | Joshua Latimer Productivity Planner: Get More Done and Beat Procrastination by Intelligent Change | Kickstarter The ONE Thing: The Surprisingly Simple Truth Behind Extraordinary Results by Gary Keller and Jay Papasan | Amazon Essentialism: The Disciplined Pursuit of Less by Greg McKeown | Amazon 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.

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Say Hello to David Knapp-Fisher Feb 27, 2017

My guest on this episode is one of my good friends, David Knapp-Fisher. We met at the World Domination Summit where we found out that we live 4 blocks apart, and have been constantly connecting ever since. David is a father, speaker, and writer who loves connecting with people – especially the passionate and inspiring ones who lead remarkable lives. He describes himself as a guy who bumbled through school but always knew that he was smart outside of the standard school setting. He worked as a chef for some time until he realized that his passion is connecting with people. We chatted (with David right in my home office) about keeping connections alive, his routine, and the power of saying hello. Some specific topics we talked about are: How we met and first said hello to each other at the World Domination Summit. The importance of having the right knowledge to be productive. And in cases when you don’t how you can tap into gaining more knowledge by finding and saying hello to someone who does have it. David’s method to foster and maintain authentic connections through priority, productivity, and doing the right things, and a morning coffee-and-email-routine he’s been doing to ensure that this aspect is covered in the first hour of his day. Why it is important to always ask ‘How can I help you?’ which according to him may even be more important than saying hello. My takeaway on his point of view translated into productivity practice - such as going into his email app with missions rather than questions, and being deliberate in maintaining connections. The idea that by going into "self-serving mode" that we can wind up serving others. On that note, David shared the story of how merely introducing two people served a larger purpose. People’s tendency to perceive arrogance due to systems we put in place. An example of which is illustrated in my story involving scheduling podcast interviews via Acuity, and David’s experience managing Inspired Victoria and how he was able to resolve this through fairness and honesty. The process he uses if he wants to reach out to people or include people more closely in his life. An interesting rule he enforces in the Inspired Victoria community so people get to connect based on their passions, and a related story during my theater days about connecting through passions, and how we often miss opportunities like these when we only see things at face value. A story of saying hello that took so long to happen – maybe brought by fear of rejection – that ultimately led to a friendship. David's take on processing rejection, and his final words of advice. Relevant Links: Inspiration for Awesome Lifestyles | David Knapp-Fisher Discipline or Regret - A Father's Decision | David Knapp-Fisher | TEDxStanleyPark | YouTube Inspired Victoria World Domination Summit Acuity Scheduling Rejection Proof: How I Beat Fear and Became Invincible Through 100 Days of Rejection by Jia Jiang | Amazon The Four Agreements: A Practical Guide to Personal Freedom (A Toltec Wisdom Book) by Don Miguel Ruiz | Amazon This episode was definitely special because we were actually sitting face-to-face, and our conversation was more insightful as we fed off each other's energy. Thanks for listening! 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.

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Controlling the Clutter with Claire Tompkins Feb 20, 2017

This episode's guest is Claire Tompkins (a.k.a. the Clutter Coach). Claire works with clients to organize and declutter their homes and offices, to manage their time, and get things done better. She works with artists, writers, entrepreneurs, and more as a professional organizer by creating simple, practical systems for real people. If you’ve been following the podcast and my other work, you’d know how big a fan of simple I am. That's something that Claire also promotes. Claire and I chatted on this episode about clutter - from physical to digital, workflows, apps, clients, books, and influencers. Some of the specific areas we discussed were: Her perception of what clutter is – from the physical ones occupying our spaces, those hidden behind drawers and cupboards, to the ones that occupy our minds and our devices. An epiphany that motivated her to start decluttering her. How she starts the process of decluttering, and dealing with clients who identify and define clutter very differently. One of the methods she uses in task management – to make your tasks into a card game. Books she is interested in that deal with resistance, willpower, habit-creation, and procrastination. The process of she uses when working with her clients, including identifying pain points and urgency, sorting clutter and items, and dealing with resistance and the return of clutter. Getting people to step back and recognize the need to re-organize and declutter, and a very interesting story of how one client did not recognize their own living space immediately after taking a photo of it. Her preference for paper to-do lists, and the influencers that have inspired her to fit her to-do list within the larger context of how she intends her life to be. How she observes her clients’ productivity and organization techniques, asking them the logic behind their habits and practices to help them personalize their workflow so they can create a sense of ownership and accountability. The reason for her shift from productivity to zero in on clutter, the lack of women working in productivity and why she thinks that is the case. We also discussed how we want to introduce workflows so it becomes easier for people to absorb the importance of productivity practices, the problems we’ve experienced with systems and clients, and the integration of online and offline task management. Relevant Links Clutter Coach | Less Overwhelm = More Joy Podcast 029: Make your tasks into a card game | Clutter Coach The War of Art: Break Through the Blocks and Win Your Inner Creative Battles by Steven Pressfield | Amazon The Willpower Instinct: How Self-Control Works, Why It Matters, and What You Can Do to Get More of It by Kelly McGonigal | Amazon The Power of Habit: Why We Do What We Do in Life and Business by Charles Duhigg | Amazon It's About Time!: The Six Styles of Procrastination and How to Overcome Them by Linda Sapadin and Jack Maguire | Amazon 43 Folders zen habits Getting Things Done with David Allen | The Productivityist Podcast The Ivy Lee Method: The Daily Routine Experts Recommend for Peak Productivity | James Clear The Emergent Task Planner™ | Dave Seah 52 Simple Ways to Get Organized (download) | Clutter Coach Clutter Coach Claire Tompkins (@ClaireTompkins) | Twitter Clutter Coach Claire | Facebook Thank you for joining me today- and 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.

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Giving and Growing with Philip McKernan Feb 13, 2017

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.

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The Mikes on Mics 5 Year Anniversary Show with Michael Schechter Feb 06, 2017

It’s been 5 YEARS since my very first podcast recording with Michael Schechter. I thought it would be fitting to bring him back this week. We caught up on what has happened since we stopped recording podcasts together roughly 2 years ago. This episode at its core is just the two of us being nostalgic. I even injected in some clips of our podcasts together. Here’s what we did talk about on this episode: We reminisced during a very "professional" segment we did on Mikes on Mics called "What Are You Drinking?" I caught up with what he has been up to lately, and how his work on A Better Mess and in the productivity scene is being applied to what he is doing now. We discussed what motivated us to get into productivity, the backstory of our podcast’s Episode 0, and what the trajectory of his career and life has looked like since then. He specified habits and things rooted from his productivity days that he still finds helpful to this day, some things he's missed, and memories that stuck with us. He also recalled the things that he doesn’t quite miss, his tendency to be a bad friend, and my suggestion on how he can improve in this area. Relevant Links Workflowing/Mikes on Mics | Podcast Chart Workflowing/Mikes on Mics Thanks for listening. This was a fun one. 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.

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Alignment and Automation with Mridu Parikh Jan 30, 2017

Joining me this week as my guest is Mridu Parikh, the woman behind Life is Organized. She is a productivity coach, business strategist, speaker and trainer. She made it her goal to help individuals get clear on their priorities through effective time management, efficient processes, systems and life-changing habits – to do more in less time. A big fan of simplicity, we talked about introducing and learning productivity processes and systems, the methods she employs to make sure that these become habits, and how doing these alleviate stress and results in clarity and growth for individuals and teams. Here are just a few of the things you’ll learn about in this episode: How she reveres simplicity as the easiest way to introduce a process, and the importance of writing things down. Working with other people, how to get them motivated to do a task or enforce a process into their life and be consistent about it. The concept of the learning curve, and how to speed up this often-tedious phase through research and by reaching out to people. Her insights on alignment as a product of goals, action plans and prioritization, how to make these happen through the concept of ‘two-week sprints’, and samples to explain how it works. The importance of improving communication and technology, and intertwining the two to enhance processes for an individual and/or a team. The tool that she’s been using which allows for transparency and easy collaboration, and the how and why she chose this specific tool. We also delved into a blog post she’s written that made her look at limitations and excuses from a different angle and reframe these into motivation to maximize potential. Relevant Links Home - Life Is Organized Do This and Get Results - Life Is Organized How to Avoid the Dreaded Learning Curve (Of Anything New!) - Life Is Organized What Got Me From "Amateur" To "Pro" - Life Is Organized How to Write the Perfect To-Do List - Life Is Organized Why Thinking Like Legos Will Change Your Business - Life Is Organized Mridu Parikh (@LifeIsOrganized) | Twitter Productivity Freebie - The Productivityist - Life Is Organized The Productivityist Podcast: Beyond the E-Myth with Michael E. Gerber The Productivityist Podcast: A Closer Look at Automation with Wade Foster Use Asana to track your team’s work & manage projects | Asana Thanks for spending time with me this week. Enjoy the 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. 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.

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Fostering Your Inner Youpreneur with Chris Ducker Jan 23, 2017

The guest on this episode of The Productivityist Podcast is my good friend Chris Ducker, whom I will be joining at the Tropical Think Tank event happening this coming March. Chris is a Virtual CEO, as he manages a BPO Call Center company and a Virtual Assistance business. But it hadn’t always been this way for Chris, who has also gone through long days and nights working IN his business before realizing that it wasn’t the way to live a truly productive life. In this episode we’ll discuss his life and business principles, Youpreneur and his other businesses, and the upcoming Tropical Think Tank. Here are some subjects we talked about: Chris discussed the evolution and intentional changes in his businesses. Why people prefer to work with people instead of businesses or big brands, and Chris's insights on how to set up businesses around the P2P philosophy. How Chris decided on making his name his own brand, and his mantra when it comes to marketing your brand. We also discussed how productivity isn’t always about speed, an anecdote on what made him decide to slow down, start delegating and making an intention to flip the switch, get away from work and just have fun. We talked about deleting certain tasks and projects that are no longer serving him, and why saying no to certain things, opportunities and engagements free him up to intentionally do things that he really wants to do. Chris dives into how to be everywhere, the behind-the-scenes process to do this, and choosing which platforms - based on your brand and personality to create a regular presence in. He also provided update on the Youpreneur community and what it currently offers to its members. Relevant Links ChrisDucker.com - Helping Entrepreneurs Become More Productive & Profitable Why You Need to Slow Down to Achieve More Fun with Joel Comm by Joel Comm on iTunes Why Focusing On ‘Being Everywhere’ is STILL Important, with Pat Flynn Youpreneur.com – The Entrepreneurial Community Where Nobody Gets Left Behind Chris Ducker (@ChrisDucker) | Twitter Tropical Think Tank - Where Business IS Pleasure! Thanks for listening! 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.

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The Sunday Basket with Lisa Woodruff Jan 16, 2017

My guest on this episode is Lisa Woodruff, a professional organizer, productivity specialist and author of the book The Mindset of Organization: Take Back Your House One Phase at a Time. She coaches people to organize their households and their lives through systems she designed specifically for whichever part of your life or house that needs help tidying up and organizing. Lisa and I tackle one of the most popular systems she has created: The Sunday Basket. We also discuss her experience working with people as a professional organizer and how sometimes admitting that we need help is really all that’s needed to be more organized and productive. Here are some of the things we talked about on this episode: The three phases of life, and how her experience working with lots of clients made her efficient in identifying which phase they’re in and systems to put in place for their specific needs and hang-ups. The concept of the Sunday Basket as an organization and productivity tool, not just for women, but for anyone who needs help dealing with mail, paper, tasks, and other projects. How does The Sunday Basket system work in a dynamic household...and how does her family do it. A story that led her to conceptualize The Sunday Basket – which involved an 18-inch paper pile and staying up till midnight. The importance of realism and acknowledging when we need help to juggle work, home, and other facets of life as a step towards organization and productivity. How she advocates going paperless, and how The Sunday Basket is designed to handle more than just paper. The evolution of her business and the vision she has for it in the future. Relevant Links Welcome to Organize 365 | Organize 365 - Resources For Getting Organized | Organize 365 - The Mindset of Organization: Take Back Your House One Phase at a Time by Lisa Woodruff | Amazon Productivity | Organize 365 - Organization 101 - Organize 365 - Start Here - Organize365 - Lisa Woodruff (@organize365) | 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.

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A Focus on Flourishing with Charlie Gilkey Jan 09, 2017

This episode's guest is a long-time friend whom I met at the World Domination Summit. He is the founder of Productive Flourishing, a best-selling author, the host of the Creative Giant podcast, and a productivity expert: Charlie Gilkey. Charlie helps creative people to start finishing stuff that matters. This involves weeding out through the noise of various tasks, priorities, and projects through Project Cagematch, and other productivity concepts up his sleeve. Half an hour is never enough for the two of us as we geeked out and chatted on various subjects. In this week’s episode, we discussed: Charlie’s views on starting the year and how (like me) he decides on starting it in a different month than January. What got him – or necessitated him – to get into productivity, and how being a person of multiple interests had him realize the lack of conversation on productivity in the academe. A brief background/history of the productivity movement and resource people, and how the productivity scene is much more competitive and challenging to break into currently. His tips on what people can do to wade through opportunities amidst ongoing projects. How to apply the Project Cagematch (a concept that originated from wrestling) in planning and prioritizing, which starts with self-compassion and how the process reveals our true values and goals. The one word to remove from our mental dialogues. Priorities and aspirations: The difference between the two and our tendency to confuse these ideas. How the starts and finishes of projects are more "hyped" concepts, leaving behind the middle part – and how to deal with messy middles and thrashing. His thoughts on letting go – which involves reviewing stuff periodically, updating awareness, recognizing changes, and the idea of sustainable mediocrity. Relevant Links Productive Flourishing How to Referee Your Project Cagematch (and Unveil Your Values & Priorities) Think Better, Live Better Fat and Lazy by CaseyNeistat | YouTube Twitter | Charley Gilkey 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.

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The Well Life with Briana Borten Jan 02, 2017

Anytime is a good time to establish a "well life", and it just so happened that we’re starting 2017 with a means to help you do just that. On this episode of The Productivityist Podcast, my guest is Briana Borten. She is a peace engineer and wellness entrepreneur who owns The Dragontree Spa and co-wrote The Well Life. Backed up with their experiences in alternative healing and a genuine yearning to help their clients to live a more fulfilling life, Briana and her husband Dr. Peter Borten wrote the book The Well Life: How to Use Sweetness, Structure, and Space to Create Balance, Happiness, and Peace, which Briana and I talk about throughout the show. Here's just some of what you'll learn: How Briana and Peter's wellness advocacy started 13 years ago, as they established the Dragontree with their background in acupuncture and Ayurvedic medicine, and what motivated them to write this book. The concept of "sweetness", and how and why it should be constantly present in our lives. The tools, techniques, and habits that they shared in the book that they found to have greatly impacted and improved their lives. How important a healthy foundation is, and how it involves seemingly mundane activities that allow us to nourish our minds and body. The connection between thoughts and feelings as well as intentions, and the body’s reaction to these intentions. The human data stream flowing into our lives all day long, the element of space, and the need to have space where we're not connected to anything or anyone but ourselves. What’s up with the current fascination and attraction of people to nature-based, alternative philosophies and healing? How space plays out vis-à-vis with her concept of scheduling - which ought to give us a greater understanding of our capabilities and limits. Briana’s journaling and meditation habit, and how this integrates into her life. The concept of "The Baggage List" and how accomplishing it can help individuals feel freer. Relevant Links The Well Life The Well Life: How to Use Structure, Sweetness, and Space to Create Balance, Happiness, and Peace: Briana Borten, Dr. Peter Borten | Amazon The Productivityist Podcast: Dr. Michael Breus The Dragontree Briana Borten 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.

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Demystifying Evernote with Charles Byrd Dec 26, 2016

This week on The Productivityist Podcast I zero in on Evernote with a guest who knows the ins and outs of the app. Charles Byrd will be talking Evernote with me with the goal of helping anyone get started and familiarize themselves with Evernote. He'll be giving insights, sharing tips, and offering hacks along the way. Charles lives in Northern California and worked in the Silicon Valley for tech companies for a significant time. He is now the founder of Byrd Word and hosts a 3-hour training course on productivity – specifically the uses of Evernote – and how this can save people time and, in effect, impact our lives. We talk about: How long Charles has been using Evernote, his initial reaction to the app, and how it has helped him in his career and, ultimately, his business. Where people should start when trying to adopt Evernote to help them with their productivity practices, and what the three concepts Charles teaches people when they are starting out with Evernote. Charles’s thoughts on the changes made recently by Evernote in its pricing structure, and on paying for the premium versions of apps and software. An anecdote of how useful Evernote has been in Charles’s life and how that story convinced a man to take Charles’s Evernote course. Evernote features that are not as heralded as they should be but have proven to be very useful for Charles. An overview of Charles’s Zero-to-60 with Evernote course to get people to do more in less time, and help them get up and running with the basics of Evernote quickly. Relevant Links Zero-to-60 with Evernote Byrd Word | Website Byrd Word | LinkedIn Charles Byrd | Facebook Charles Byrd | Twitter Thank you 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.

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A Closer Look at Automation with Wade Foster Dec 19, 2016

On this week’s episode of The Productivityist Podcast, I will be chatting with Wade Foster. Wade is the co-founder and CEO of the automation platform Zapier, which helps people automate their work by allowing connections between various apps. Wade and I will talk about how to get started with automation, and how to work your way through it. Listen up on this episode as we discuss: The correct pronunciation of Zapier, and the mission envisioned by Wade and his co-founder Bryan that pushed them to create Zapier. Instances where automation is more harmful than useful to productivity. How people start with simple tasks when integrating automation into their routines, and whether it starts from the workplace or at home. Keeping your automation efforts aligned amidst trial and errors by revisiting the original intent of doing so, and dealing with noise brought about by automation through Zapier. Wade’s thoughts on automation, or replication and delegation to another individual, to simplify tasks. The process from manual to automation or delegation, and how Wade tracks these to remind himself that it needs checking and paying attention to. How the Zapier team remains on top of updates, changes, and even systems issues with the numerous apps they integrate. Account security and privacy and how the Zapier team communicate these effectively to their clients/users. What people need to think about and do when considering automation. Plus, an XKDC comic that can serve as a good guide. Relevant Links The best apps. Better together. - Zapier - Zapier The Best Type of Automation - Productivityist 3 Lists to Freedom | Chris Ducker Case Study: Paul Jarvis - How to Build Your Email List as an Author | Zapier The Productivityist Podcast 60: Less Doing with Ari Meisel - Productivityist Workflow | Powerful automation made simple. xkcd: Is It Worth the Time? Wade Foster (@wadefoster) | 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.

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Broadcasting Happiness with Michelle Gielan Dec 12, 2016

We’re "broadcasting happiness" on this episode of The Productivityist Podcast with my guest Michelle Gielan, the bestselling author of Broadcasting Happiness. Michelle was a national CBS news anchor turned happiness researcher, founder of the Institute for Applied Positive Research and has a new special airing on PBS called Inspire Happiness with her husband, fellow happiness researcher Shawn Achor. On this episode she talks with me about how our attitudes affect our lives and productivity, and learn about: What the idea was and what happened for "Happy Week" when she was still working as an anchor in CBS. Her insights on the influence of the news on the brain based on research she conducted with Shawn Achor and Ariana Huffington. Transforming your relationship to email, our brains’ negativity bias, and how emailing positivity can change your day – and even make you see the world differently. The problem with Happy Monday emails. How important it is to focus on behaviour instead of the person and what are the predictors of long-term success. What things you can do to promote change with people you’re interacting with daily. The importance of words to help people get on a positive track and an experiment that shows how words affect people’s behaviour. How to create a more positive relationship with your to-do list by "recrafting" it to fuel your brain. Relevant Links michellegielan.com | Michelle Gielan Broadcasting Happiness | Website PBS Special | Inspire Happiness Broadcasting Happiness | Amazon Shawn Achor | Good Think Inc The Happy Secret to Better Work | TED talk with Shawn Achor Wake Up & Inspire Happiness Video Workshop | Website Michelle Gielan | Twitter Michelle Gielan | Facebook 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.

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Fostering Creative Focus with Shawn Blanc Dec 05, 2016

Shawn Blanc is back on The Productivityist Podcast and on this episode we dive into the subject of creative focus. A father of three, Shawn has a passion for creative focus and productivity, regularly writing about these topics on his blog since 2007. In this episode, Shawn and I talk about his upcoming summit, the systems and tools he’s employed in both work and life, his core values, and books that he’s bought but might not have necessarily read. Some other specific subjects we tackled in this episode are: The Systems vs Tools Debate and how Shawn uses both to traverse his life. How his work values and practices relate to his family life. The concept of personal integrity and the future self, plus a simple exercise he does on The Focus Course to establish these concepts. The Blanc Media Core Values, the guidance given to him by Barrett Brooks to articulate these values, and how it ties up with his business direction. The concept of traction and how to apply this in real life...and towards reaching your goal. An article he wrote titled Learning Not to Think About It, what it meant for him, and how he does it. His reading practices, how he expounded on this in his article I Buy More Books Than I Read, and one book that has really impacted him in making choices, changes, and spending his time for the coming year. Finally, he talks about the Creative Focus Online Summit, The Focus Course and how these can help us to manage our time and other areas of our lives. Relevant Links shawnblanc.net | Shawn Blanc Blanc Media Core Values | Shawn Blanc Barrett Brooks | Website The Power of a Focused Life | The Focus Course How to Get Time For Your Projects | Shawn Blanc Learning Not to Think About It | Shawn Blanc 2 Experts Share Exactly How to Use a Productivity Journal (& Increase Productivity by 23%) | The Fizzle Show I Buy More Books Than I Read | Shawn Blanc Goodreads | 2016 Reading Challenge The 10X Rule: The Only Difference Between Success and Failure by Grant Cardone | Amazon Shawn Blanc (@shawnblanc) | 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.

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Beyond the E-Myth with Michael E. Gerber Nov 28, 2016

Michael E. Gerber, founder of Michael E. Gerber Companies and author of The E-Myth Book Series is my featured guest this week. He discusses the main concepts of his new book, Beyond the E-Myth. Michael is a pillar of business development and coaching going as far back as the 1970s, and his insights on systems, startups and scaling up businesses into enterprises will be central in this episode. You'll hear about decades worth of business acumen and you'll learn about: What is a company of one, and how to build and scale it up? How he started his business, his experience creating the first business development / coaching firm, and how he positioned it. The E-Myth series and its promise to fix broken businesses (which is a difficult thing to do), and how did that play a part on his decision to create Beyond the E-Myth. The concept of Old Co and New Co, the difference and transition between the two. The mindset that Michael wants entrepreneurs to have when conceptualizing their businesses. The definition and the four components of an entrepreneur, and the concept of The Dreaming Room™ to awaken the entrepreneur out of anyone. How to employ a business development program that even novices can operate. Relevant Links: Michael Gerber Companies Beyond the E-Myth Michael E. Gerber on Amazon Michael Gerber on Twitter, and Facebook 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.

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Picking the Low Hanging Fruit with James Sudakow Nov 21, 2016

James Sudakow, author of the book Picking the Low Hanging Fruit, is this episode’s guest and we talk about the language people use in the corporate world. Every organization or group got acronyms, buzzwords, or phrases that is used on a daily basis. On this episode, James and I discuss how these can benefit organizations – but sometimes cause disconnect in communication. James also reveals some buzzwords that he thinks people should stop using by the end of the year, and how an individual can shift away from the habit of using such words. Let’s "open the kimono" on this episode and learn about: People’s intentions when they choose to use big words. How to stop this practice in organizations firmly entrenched into such kind of language. James’ list of buzzwords that people should retire from use by the end of 2016, and the most obscure phrases he’s heard. An open letter James wrote on his blog tackling the ridiculous lingo being used in the corporate world. The probability of grandiose language masking larger organizational problems. How acronyms initially intended for efficiency can quickly spiral out of control. One small thing an individual can do that can result in a shift from the practice of using these kind of words and phrases. Relevant Links: Home | James Sudakow Picking the Low Hanging Fruit: And Other Stupid Stuff We Say in the Corporate World: James Sudakow, Todd Kale: | Amazon “Re-invented” is the new corporate buzzword that gives me a headache | James Sudakow A new approach to ridding us of stupid corporate lingo | James Sudakow CH Consulting | James Sudakow Why do corporate types love acronyms so much? James Sudakow's articles | Inc.com James Sudakow (@JamesSudakow) | 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.

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The Power of Journaling with Zachary Sexton Nov 15, 2016

The guest for this week's podcast episode is my friend Zachary Sexton, formerly of Asian Efficiency. We speak about the science and art of journaling as a productivity practice. He shares his insights on journaling, and expounds on the medium and apps he uses, the structure of his journal, and the purpose it serves him to reflect on his past and plan for the future. This episode includes narratives about: The idea that journaling is a teenage girl thing, the reason why both Zack and Mike are doing this now, and how long has Zack been journaling. How Facebook is basically public journaling and how to translate this into a private and personal log for systems improvement, habit building, and daily planning. The structure Zack and Mike follow with their respective journals. Why Zack decided on using the digital medium for journaling and his hacks to make it faster and more efficient. The practice of reviewing journals by the end of the year, and how Zack maintains accountability to ensure he is moving towards the direction and objectives he has set. Zack's tips for people contemplating to start journaling and the benefits of the practice in terms of archiving, reflecting, planning, and decision-making. Zack's journaling exercise together with his fiancée, who has always been interested in journaling but hasn’t just gotten around to doing it. Related Links 2 Experts Share Exactly How to Use a Productivity Journal (& Increase Productivity by 23%) | The Fizzle Show 099 The Simple 10-Minute Daily Activity (Backed by Science) That Could Make You More Productive Forever | Fizzle The Productivityist Small Wins Journaling Challenge | Productivityist How to Start (and Keep) a Journal that Works for You | Productivityist The Way I Journal: Sven Fechner | Day One Using Drafts to journal in Day One | Jeff Taekman's WiPPP Five Minute Journal TextExpander Snippets | Chuck Grimmett Asian Efficiency The Productivity Show | A Podcast by Asian Efficiency The Simple Guide To Managing Your Email More Effectively | Asian Efficiency Bookworm | Podcast Book Club Productive Journaling: Writing Your Way to Success With Evernote | Zachary Sexton Home | Zachary Sexton Newsletter | Zachary Sexton Zachary Sexton (@zwsexton) | Twitter Zach Sexton (@z.w.sexton) | Instagram 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.

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Paperless Productivity with Brooks Duncan Nov 07, 2016

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.

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Sound Speaking with Grant Baldwin Oct 31, 2016

On this episode, my guest is Grant Baldwin, who returns to The Productivityist Podcast. Grant is a speaker, blogger, podcaster, and founder of The Speaker Lab – where he helps people (specifically speakers) become more effective in their craft. We spoke about the processes in planning and delivering an effective talk. Grant expounded on the logistical needs prior to a speaking event, the mental process of writing a manuscript, and the importance of rehearsing. This is not just a podcast meant for professional speakers as we discuss points and ideas that may also be used by anyone who might have fear of speaking, or is preparing for a presentation or public speaking of any kind. In this podcast episode, you’ll learn about: The process of building talks as Grant sees it; from logistical preparation, marketing, selling, sourcing speakers, to the talk itself. How Grant constructs a talk and how having a polished template that can be tweaked with slight nuances based on the audience demographic is the most efficient way to go through this. The difference in speaking for keynotes vs. a workshop. The two questions the audience have in mind, that as a speaker, one must accomplish to answer. How rehearsing well is the key to give you liberty to go off the planned manuscript. Relevant Links: How to be a Productive Speaker with Grant Baldwin The Speaker Lab Grant Baldwin on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube 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.

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The Power of When with Dr. Michael Breus Oct 24, 2016

On this episode of the podcast, I speak with "The Sleep Doctor" and author of The Power of When, Dr. Michael Breus. We discuss the ties between chronotypes and productivity, what his chronotype is, how leveraging when you do something can impact how well you do it, and much more. I've long said that fighting your body clock is a bad idea, but I'm no scientist. Dr. Michael Breus is and this is his specialty. (And he seems to agree with me about the whole body clock thing.) I'm excited to bring this episode to you and I hope you enjoy the show! Relevant Links The Sleep Doctor | Michael J. Breus, PhD The Night Owl Action Plan | Productivityist What’s Your Chronotype? (Quiz) The Way of The Productivityist: A Manifesto |Productivityist Dr. Michael Breus (@thesleepdoctor) | 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.

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ProTECHtivity with Steve Dotto Oct 19, 2016

On this episode of The Productivityist Podcast I welcome my good friend Steve Dotto to the show. Steve's made a name for himself on two separate occasions – first as a nationally-recognized television personality in Canada and now as a globally-recognized Internet personality worldwide. Steve and I talk about his early years and how he got into what he is doing now. We talk about what the "old Steve" would have done if the tools and technology we have now were available to him back then. And it wouldn't be a conversation without Steve Dotto if we didn't dive into a little tool talk. Relevant Links Dottotech Dotto Techrospective Dotto's Data Cafe 10-1 (2001) | YouTube Social Media Camp Mari Smith dottotech - YouTube 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.

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The Making of The Productivityist Playbook Oct 10, 2016

Note: This episode was recorded before the problems I had with the soft launch of The Productivityist Playbook. In this episode of the podcast I talk about the making of The Productivityist Playbook, diving into the creative and tactical processes I used – as well as mistakes made – during the creation of this product. I dive into the nuts and bolts of my schedule during the creation of The Productivityist Playbook, what mistakes I made along the way, and what you can do to avoid some of those mistakes I made. Relevant Links The Productivityist Playbook Why You Need To Take Personal Productivity Personally | Productivityist Meeting Makeover: Make Better Meetings Today | Productivityist Keep Moving: And Other Tips and Truths About Living Well Longer by Dick Van Dyke | Amazon Duolingo 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.

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Progress with Erik Fisher Oct 03, 2016

On this episode of The Productivityist Podcast, I speak with my good friend Erik Fisher in the second part of a cross-podcast conversation started on his podcast Beyond the To-Do List. We talk about overwhelm, prioritization, what productivity (and other related terms) means to us, and much more. (Note: The mention of talking to “nobody last week” during the introduction is misplaced as this episode was scheduled to be published after next week’s episode – an episode that has no guest. Last week’s episode featured Marina Darlow and you can listen to it here.) This episode is – at its core – all about process, so sit back and enjoy! Relevant Links Progress: Mike Vardy on Competition, Overwhelm and Priorities | BTTDL153 - Beyond the To Do List Beyond Productivity with Erik Fisher | The Productivityist Podcast Priorities with Erik Fisher and Steve Dotto | The Productivityist Podcast Seasons: Jeff Sieh on Seasons, Rhythms and Change | BTTDL152 - Beyond the To Do List Social Media Success Summit 2016: Largest Online Event The Sleep Doctor | Michael J. Breus, PhD Erik Fisher (@ErikJFisher) | 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.

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Crafting Clear Systems with Marina Darlow Sep 27, 2016

On this episode of the podcast, I speak with Marina Darlow. Marina is a systems’ expert, and a productivity geek. She sees her job as helping impact-driven entrepreneurs get 10–20 more productive hours a week, stop leaking money, and prevent stress-fuel breakdowns. We talk about her view and definition of a “system”, effective ways you can master your to do list, how to get out of a creative rut, and much more. (And as a Patreon supporter you’re getting even more content!) Relevant Links Vision Framework About | Vision Framework Goals vs. Systems | Scott Adams’ Blog An excruciating day, or How to wrench yourself out of a Creative Pit of Despair | Vision Framework Four effective ways to master to-do lists and what to do if you don’t like any of them | Vision Framework Marina’s App Guide Marina Darlow (@VisionFramework) | 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.

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The Coaching Habit with Michael Bungay Stanier Sep 20, 2016

On this episode of The Productivityist Podcast I speak with the author of The Coaching Habit, Michael Bungay Stanier. We talk about deep work, simplicity, elegance, the questions you can ask to help you get more out coaching, and much more. Relevant Links The World Domination Summit Experience | Productivityist Box of Crayons Box of Crayons Blog | Inspiration for Teams, Leaders and Organizations Michael Bungay Stanier | Box of Crayons Interview with Matt May, In Pursuit of Elegance | Box of Crayons 9 ways to “Do More Great Work” With Michael Bungay Stanier Do More Great Work: Stop the Busywork. Start the Work That Matters by Michael Bungay Stanier | Amazon Seven questions to condition your inner coach | The Globe and Mail The Coaching Habit: Say Less, Ask More & Change the Way You Lead Forever by Michael Bungay Stanier | Amazon Get Unstuck & Get Going…on the stuff that matters by Michael Bungay Stanie | Amazon The Creative Process: Michael Bungay Stanier End Malaria by Michael Bungay Stanier | Amazon The Coaching Habit Book 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.

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The Perfect Day with Craig Ballantyne Sep 12, 2016

This episode I'm joined by Craig Ballantyne of Early to Rise. Craig is the creator of The Perfect Day Formula and during our discussion we chat about his thoughts on Stoicism, how the mind is the real gateway (or barrier) to establishing better days, how he handles email, and the rule he crafted that has gotten shared all over the web (and received its share of praise and criticism in the process). I had an absolute blast chatting with Craig on this episode as we dive deep into our thoughts on being an early riser vs. being a night owl. Relevant Links Early to Rise - Health, Wealth, and a Life Well Lived BrettTerpstra.com The Obstacle Is the Way: The Timeless Art of Turning Trials into Triumph by Ryan Holiday | Amazon The 3 C’s of the Perfect Day | Early To Rise Art of Living: The Classical Manual on Virtue, Happiness, and Effectiveness by Sharon Lebell | Amazon Is the 10–3–2–1–0 method REALLY the secret to a good night’s sleep? | Daily Mail Online Craig Ballantyne’s Morning Routine | My Morning Routine The Productivityist Podcast: The One Year No Beer Challenge The Miracle Morning: The Not-So-Obvious Secret Guaranteed to Transform Your Life (Before 8AM) by Hal Elrod | Amazon Ralph E. Wolf and Sam Sheepdog - A Sheep In The Deep | YouTube Daily Rituals: How Artists Work by Mason Currey | Amazon Your NOT to do List | Early To Rise 10 big ideas | Early To Rise The Perfect Day Formula Early to Rise (@EarlytoRiseHQ) | Twitter craigballantyne (@craigballantyne) | 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.

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Whole Life Fitness with Dai Manuel Sep 07, 2016

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.

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Framing Your Mind with Kim Ades Aug 30, 2016

On this episode of the podcast, I speak with Kim Ades. Kim is the founder of Frame of Mind Coaching and we spend time talking about coaching – her philosophy behind the practice, what she focuses on with her clients, and more. We also dive into mindfulness and focus along the way, as those are aspects of her work that I spends time on in my own work. (Kim is also from Toronto – and it's always a treat for me to chat with a fellow Canadian!) There are plenty of takeaways in this episode so sit back, capture notes along the way, and enjoy! Relevant Links Frame of Mind Kim’s Frame of Mind JournalEngine Kim Ades, M.B.A. « Frame of Mind Kim Ades - Part 1 - PEP 181 | Performance Enhancing Podcast Kim Ades - Part 2 - PEP 182 | Performance Enhancing Podcast Kim Ades (@kimades) | 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.

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Managing Millennials (and More) with Lee Caraher Aug 22, 2016

On this episode of the podcast, I speak with Lee Caraher. Lee’s a CEO, an author, and an acclaimed communication strategist known for her practical solutions to big problems. We talk about the difference between millennials and other generations in terms of work habits and how to manage them. We also dive into other productivity practices such as handling email after hours and one of my favourite topics..setting boundaries. Relevant Links Blog | Lee Caraher Books | Lee Caraher 5 Tips for Handling After-hours Email | Lee Caraher Productivity Tools | Lee Caraher LeeCaraher (@LeeCaraher) | 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.

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1-800-GOT-PRODUCTIVITY with Brian Scudamore Aug 18, 2016

On this episode of the podcast I speak with Brian Scudamore, the founder and CEO of O2E Brands. O2E Brands is the banner company for 1–800-GOT-JUNK?, WOW 1 DAY PAINTING, You Move Me, and Shack Shine. Starting with one truck and a great idea, Brian grew 1–800-GOT-JUNK? into one of North America’s most successful companies and he’s poised to do the same with his three newest ventures. We talk about how he built his brand, do a deeper dive into a tactic he calls “going dark” that boosts his productivity, how he works at keeping things uncluttered (fitting considering the company he founded), and other strategies he employs to stay on top his game. Relevant Links O2E Brands 1–800-GOT-JUNK? Smarter Faster Better by Charles Duhigg You Move Me Wow 1 Day Painting Shack Shine Brian Scudamore | LinkedIn Brian Scudamore (@BrianScudamore) | 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. You can also fill out this survey to help me make the show 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. 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.

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Going One Year No Beer with Andy Ramage and Ruari Fairbairns Aug 08, 2016

In this episode of the podcast, I not only talk with Andy Ramage and Ruari Fairbairns of One Year No Beer but I also take on one of their challenges. That's right. As of recording this episode I went alcohol-free for 90 days. I dive into that challenge a bit more in an upcoming bonus episode (exclusive to Patreon supporters) but also a little bit in this one. Other than me taking on one of the challenges offered through One Year No Beer I talk to the founders of the movement about why they started it, what the future holds for it, when to start a alcohol-free challenge, and how going alcohol-free can impact your productivity. This is definitely an interesting episode of the podcast as I've not gone down this path before, so I hope you enjoy it! Relevant Links OneYearNoBeer // The Ultimate Social Challenge | OYNB Don’t give up alcohol tomorrow - make it happen today | OYNB Why Dry Jan could be bad for you | OYNB Your Guide to Start Meditating - OYNB How To Stop Drinking – A Little Taster | OYNB Booze Free Summer Toolkit | OYNB Limitless: The infinite possibilities of a life free from alcohol | OYNB Seedlip OneYearNoBeer (@oynbuk) | 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. You can also fill out this survey to help me make the show 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. 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.

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Order and Organization with Rashelle Isip Aug 01, 2016

On this episode of the podcast I’m joined by Rashelle Isip of The Order Expert. Rashelle is a consultant, author, and founder of TheOrderExpert.com, a blog featuring organization, time management and productivity tips, ideas and inspiration to help people lead more balanced lives. She is author of “The Order Expert’s Guide to Time Management” and “How to Plan a Great Event in 60 Days.” We talk about a wide variety of topics relating to order and productivity, including the importance of saying no, the idea of journaling, simple ways you can stay on track, and more. For Patreon supporters, we even dive into Rashelle’s thoughts on focus. Relevant Links The Order Expert - Organizing Blog & Organizing Tips About | The Order Expert Why Saying ‘No’ is Important | The Order Expert Books | The Order Expert How to Organize a Notebook or Journal | The Order Expert Blog – Baron Fig 5 Smart Ways to Stay on Schedule | Time Management Ninja The Order Expert’s Guide to Time Management | The Order Expert How to Get More Done in a Day | The Order Expert Rashelle Isip (@theorderexpert) | 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. You can also fill out this survey to help me make the show 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. 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.

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Being Unmistakable (Again) with Srinivas Rao Jul 26, 2016

On this episode of the podcast, I chat with my friend Srinivas Rao. Srini is the author of the book Unmistakable: Why Only is Better Than Best and the founder and CEO of Unmistakable Creative. We talk about his book (which I’ve dog-eared to death) and going down the path of becoming unmistakable. We discuss mastery, habits, systems, goals, in depth. I really enjoyed this discussion and know there are pearls of wisdom strewn throughout that won’t just help you with your productivity. They will also help you forge your own path to unmistakability. Relevant Links Unmistakable Creative Being Unmistakable with Srinivas Rao | The Productivityist Podcast Mastery by Robert Greene | Amazon Todd Herman Mars Dorian Paul Jarvis Chris Milk | TED.com The Art of Non-Conformity by Chris Guillebeau | Amazon If Everyone Becomes a Non-Conformist, Won’t We All Be Conforming? : The Art of Non-Conformity Baron Fig | Notebooks for Thinkers Pre-Order Unmistakable | Bonuses Srinivas Rao (@UnmistakableCEO) | 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. You can also fill out this survey to help me make the show 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. 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.

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Getting Optimized with Stephan Spencer Jul 19, 2016

On this episode of The Productivityist Podcast, I speak with Stephan Spencer. Stephan is a man of many talents and projects, including hosting The Optimized Geek and writing the book The Art of SEO. The focus of our conversation is on optimization. And I’m not just talking about search engine optimization (although as a Patreon supporter you will hear about his fascination with that subject matter). We dive into optimizing oneself, deliberate practice, Tony Robbins, the power of automation, and balancing learning with execution. (Stephan also offers something special for listeners of the podcast, so listen for that!) Relevant Links SEO Expert, Author, Professional Speaker | Stephan Spencer Optimized Geek | About Platinum Partnership | Tony Robbins Deep Work: Rules for Focused Success in a Distracted World | Cal Newport Optimized Geek | Podcast Unleash The Power Within | Tony Robbins Marketing Speak | Podcast Stephan Spencer (@sspencer) | 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. You can also fill out this survey to help me make the show 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. 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.

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Learning to Commit with Avrum Nadigel Jul 12, 2016

On this episode of the podcast, I chat with Avrum Nadigel. He is an author and relationship therapist. He co-produces "It’s the anxiety, stupid!” - a podcast about relationship angst, and draws a comic about intimacy called “Ball and Change”. His new book, Learning to Commit (The Workbook): Becoming Your Best Self to Find Your Best Match, will be published by Self-Counsel Press in November 2016. We talk about his move away from GTD (Getting Things Done) and back to a higher level of thinking and workflow (a la Stephen Covey), the things that drive him nuts that productivity authors and users, and dive into his biggest fear. Relevant Links Avrum Nadigel | Official Website Why I’ve Left GTD Behind: Part One | Productivityis Why I’ve Left GTD Behind: Part Two | Productivityist Why I’ve Left GTD Behind: Part Three | Productivityist Stephen Covey’s 7 Habits The 8th Habit by Stephen Covey Getting Things Done | Official Website Back to Work 261: The Illusion of Ease The Covey Community Daylite by Marketcircle WISHCRAFT by Barbara Sher Autofocus: a closer look at “dismissal” | Mark Forster What is a “no list” system? | Mark Forster Deep Work | Cal Newport The Human Search for Meaning | Farnam Street Learning to Commit Avrum Nadigel on 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. You can also fill out this survey to help me make the show 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. 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.

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The Big 100 Jul 05, 2016

On this, the 100th episode of The Productivityist Podcast, I chat with producer John Poelstra about the evolution of the podcast since it started nearly two years ago. We talk about the changes that we have made (and the big change that we didn’t make), the process we use to make each episode happen and why it has worked so well for us, and reveal some of our favourite episodes and thoughts about the journey we’ve had over the past 100 episodes. Relevant Links Roman Mars | Makes Radio Be More Successful: The Top 10 Productivity Podcasts for 2016 | Inc.com Greetings and Salutations (The First Episode of The Productivityist Podcast) Unmistakable: Why Only Is Better Than Best by Srinivas Rao | Amazon TabLinks - BrettTerpstra.com Trello Hacking corporate with Nick Snapp | The Productivityist Podcast: Patreon Edition MeisterTask Deep Work with Cal Newport | The Productivityist Podcast Relentless Sales Success with Chris Johnson | The Productivityist Podcast The Art of the Side Hustle with Nick Loper | The Productivityist Podcast SPECIAL EPISODE: Laura McClellan Returns! | The Productivityist Podcast Everything Evernote with Andrew Sinkov | The Productivityist Podcast Everything Is A To Do with Michael Schechter & Patrick Rhone | The Productivityist Podcast Getting Things Done with David Allen | The Productivityist Podcast Body Talk with James Hamblin | The Productivityist Podcast Making Better Meetings with John Poelstra | The Productivityist Podcast The Productivityist Podcast | Patreon Podcast Production | John Poelstra My /Now Page | MikeVardy.com 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. You can also fill out this survey to help me make the show 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. 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.

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Being Truly Productive with Michael Dolan Jun 27, 2016

On this episode of the podcast, I speak with Michael Dolan. Michael is an executive coach who helps leaders get out of their own way by enabling them to develop and maintain higher levels of productivity, self-awareness and effectiveness so that they can create a bigger impact and experience greater satisfaction in their work and life. Based on his 15-years of management experience, Michael understands the intense personal and organizational demands that successful executives must meet on a daily basis. We talk about his journey as an executive coach, his views on David Allen’s Getting Things Done (GTD) methodology, how he uses the Enneagram in his work, and more. Relevant Links Truly Productive Leadership What is the Enneagram? Getting Things Done by David Allen | Amazon Headspace Muse: The Brain Sensing Headband | Amazon The Productivityist Podcast 73: Cal Newport The Productivityist Podcast 66: A Doer Who Likes To Be with Michael Townsend Williams Truly Productive | Facebook Michael Dolan, PCC (@MichaelPDolan) | 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.

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Distractions & Disruptions with Dave Nevogt Jun 21, 2016

On this episode, I speak with Dave Nevogt. Dave is the co-founder of Hubstaff and we chat about what it’s like to pivot from one entrepreneurial venture to another and how he is especially adept at eliminating distractions and dealing with disruptions. Priority plays a role in how Dave handles his tasks and he shares how he keeps himself moving on the right path along the way. We also dive into what he does to help infuse some of his own strategic way of dealing with distractions and disruptions within Hubstaff. Dave also shares his thoughts on striking a balance between quantitative and qualitative productivity. Relevant Links DaveNevogt.com Hubstaff The Definitive Guide to Building a Remote Team | Hubstaff Everything we’ve learned to grow our time tracking startup | Hubstaff Hubstaff (@hubstaff) | Twitter Dave Nevogt (@dnevogt) | 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.

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Hacking Corporate with Nick Snapp Jun 13, 2016

On this episode, I speak with Nick Snapp, the host of The Make It Snappy Productivity Show and a productivity strategist who specializes on helping people “hack” Corporate. Nick’s story is rooted in finding creative ways to “hack” Corporate, escape the office, and still achieve exceptional performance ratings. We talk about the challenges he (and I) have faced translating Corporate skills to personal productivity as entrepreneurs. We also dive into what can help you drive long-term successful outcomes, how we focus on family through our processes, setting boundaries, and more. Relevant Links The Make it Snappy Productivity Show Episode 73: Cal Newport | The Productivityist Podcast Start with Why by Simon Sinek | Amazon The 12 Week Year by Brian P. Moran and Michael Lennington | Amazon The One Email You Must Send Before You Go on Vacation | Productivityist RescueTime ‎Steve Chandler Audio Programs Nick Snapp (@thesnappyshow) | Twitter Productivity on Purpose (P.O.P.) Facebook Group 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.

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Strategic Storytelling with Jordan Bower Jun 06, 2016

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.

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Good to Greatist with Derek Flanzraich May 31, 2016

In this episode, I speak with Derek Flanzraich, the founder/CEO of Greatist. We talk about the idea of planning, time chunking, and many other things that allow us to push our intentions forward (and allow him to embody the term “greatist”). This is definitely more of a conversation than an interview, as Derek and I exchange ideas and thoughts on making choices, being productive, and how we make sure we allocate attention to push our intentions forward. So if you’re looking for a straight up interview, you won’t find it here. I’m looking forward to having Derek back on again in the not-too-distant future as we have a lot more to talk about! Relevant Links Greatist I Got Six-Pack Abs in Six Weeks. Here’s How I Feel One Year Later | Greatist How Long Does it Take to Get Six Pack Abs? | Guy Standard More Than Marketing, Millennials Are the Economic Future | Inc.com How to Fail at Almost Everything and Still Win Big: Kind of the Story of My Life by Scott Adams | Amazon The More of Less with Joshua Becker | The Productivityist Podcast What is Greatist? Time Chunking | Productivityist The Rock Clock | Project Rock My Three Words for 2016 | Productivityist What is a Pensieve? | Pottermore The Hacked-Together Productivity Tool I Can’t Live Without: My Master Planner How a Themed Schedule Can Help You Stay on Task | Workshifting Think Productive with Graham Allcott | The Productivityist Podcast Body Talk with James Hamblin | The Productivityist Podcast Derek Flanzraich (@thederek) | 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.

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Priorities with Erik Fisher and Steve Dotto May 24, 2016

On this episode of The Productivityist Podcast, I'm featuring the Productivity Powerhouse Panel Blab that Steve Dotto (DottoTech) and Erik Fisher (Beyond The To Do List) did with me on the topic of priorities. This episode is a little longer than usual – these panel discussions last an hour – and the audio quality will be different because it is ripped from the Blab we did. You’ll hear Steve challenge me about how I use time theming and the three of us dive deep into how we deal with prioritization every day. 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.

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Beating Burnout with Ben Fanning May 16, 2016

On this episode of the podcast, I speak with Ben Fanning. Ben is a “burnout specialist,” the author of The Quit Alternative, and someone I’ve had the pleasure of seeing regularly at the World Domination Summit in Portland. Ben and I spend time discussing how to create to-do lists that work and really dive into how he helps people stave off overwhelm and burnout. Relevant Links Ben Fanning | The Burnout Specialist Three Steps to Create a To-Do List that Actually Works | The Burnout Specialist The QUIT Alternative by Ben Fanning | Amazon The Time We Have | Productivityist World Domination Summit Ben Fanning (@BenFanning1) | 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.

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Finding Your Signature Strengths with Scott Barlow May 10, 2016

On this episode of the podcast I speak with the founder of Happen To Your Career, Scott Barlow. We dive into how you can go about finding you strengths – specifically your “signature strengths” and how tapping into those strengths can be a real boon to your productivity. Relevant Links About Scott Barlow Happen to Your Career Strengths Finder 2.0 – What is this Witchcraft? | Happen to Your Career Resources at Happen to Your Career Scott Anthony Barlow (@scottabarlow) | 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.

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The More of Less with Joshua Becker May 03, 2016

This episode features my conversation with Joshua Becker. Joshua is the man behind Becoming Minimalist and the author of The More of Less: Finding the Life You Want Under Everything You Own. I enjoyed chatting with Joshua about the meaning of minimalism, his new initiative The Hope Effect, and finding out if he is okay with my wanting a Tesla as my next car. I enjoyed The More of Less immensely – it’s been a real game-changer in my life. After you’re done listening to this episode, I highly suggest you pick up a copy for yourself (and those who you think could benefit from it too). Relevant Links Becoming Minimalist | Joshua Becker The More of Less: Finding the Life You Want Under Everything You Own by Joshua Becker | Amazon Project 333 | Be More with Less The Hope Effect Uncluttered | A Course from Becoming Minimalist by Joshua Becker Joshua Becker (@joshua_becker) | 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.

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Productivity and Play with Kirsten Milliken Apr 26, 2016

On this episode of the podcast, I speak with clinical psychologist and certified ADHD Coach, Dr. Kirsten Milliken. She’s the author of PlayDHD, a book that not only gives adults with ADHD permission to play – it encourages it! We talk about a wide variety of topics, including how she tackles her tasks, what role avatars and colour play into her workflow, and why tapping into (and leveraging) your personality type can help you personalize your workflow and help you reach your full potential. Relevant Links plAyDHD Playdhd: Permission to Play…..a Prescription for Adults With ADHD by Kirsten Milliken | Amazon Time Timer How To Write a Book When You Have ADHD | TotallyADD.com 4–4 Play! The Secret Ingredient to ADHD Motivation | NAPO 2016 Kirsten Milliken (@ADHDexecutive) | 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.

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Focusing on Memory with Brad Zupp Apr 18, 2016

In this episode of The Productivityist Podcast, I speak with Brad Zupp. Brad is an entertaining motivational speaker and memory improvement expert from New York. Brad shows people how to supercharge their memories to improve many aspects of their lives (including productivity) and to have a better memory at any age. And that’s exactly why I wanted to talk to him. I trust my memory…to a point. And for good reason. I believe that your mind was meant to be a factory and not a warehouse so I was interested to hear Brad’s take on that. I wanted to dive into how we can reconcile what we should try to memorize versus what we shouldn’t, what you can do to keep your memory from fading, how a calendar and other tools can help enhance your memory, and loads more. Relevant Links Brad Zupp Smarter Faster Better by Charles Duhigg | Amazon How to Theme Your Day for Maximum Productivity | 1 Simple Thing Podcast Most Productive People: David Robinson | Fast Company Developing a “Superhuman” Memory | Brad Zupp The Night Owl Action Plan by Mike Vardy Memory Can Be Improved At Any Age | Brad Zupp Stumbling on Happiness by Daniel Gilbert | Amazon The Year of Fear with Kendra Wright | The Productivityist Podcast Unlock Your Amazing Memory: The Fun Guide That Shows Grades 5 to 8 How to Remember Better and Make School Easier by Brad Zupp | Amazon Brad Zupp (@BradZupp) | Twitter Get Your FREE Report from Brad 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.

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Productivity for Dummies with Ciara Conlon Apr 11, 2016

On this episode of The Productivityist Podcast, I speak with fellow productivity strategist Ciara Conlon. Ciara is the author of Chaos to Control: A Practical Guide to Getting Things Done and Productivity for Dummies. We talk about the things she learned while writing Productivity for Dummies, the methods she returned to while writing the book (and kept using even after the book was completed), and more. Relevant Links CiaraConlon.com Productivity For Dummies by Ciara Conlon | Amazon EISENHOWER.me The Pomodoro Technique® Brain.fm focus@will Chaos to Control: A Practical Guide to Getting Things Done by Ciara Conlon | Amazon Ciara Conlon (@CiaraConlon) | 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.

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Making Better Meetings with John Poelstra Apr 05, 2016

On this episode of The Productivityist Podcast, I speak with podcast producer and meeting facilitation expert John Poelstra about how we can go about making better meetings. We dive into the “MAP” you need to make your meetings better, how to improve your meeting facilitation skills, how to deal with latecomers and attendees who take over meetings, and much more. Relevant Links Webinar Ninja The True Cost of Meetings | ReadyTalk The Upsell Podcast Listen to #QOTD What would you do to make meetings better? | Anchor.fm Kick The Chair: How Standing Cut Our Meeting Times By 25% | Forbes Get The 2PR Meeting Attendee Tool The Productivityist Podcast | Patreon Meeting Makeover | A Productivityist Podcast Exclusive Offer (Note: The above link takes you to a direct purchase page so you can get the bonus offer described in the podcast. Want to know more about Meeting Makeover before buying? Click here.) John Poelstra’s Website John Poelstra (@johnpoelstra) | 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.

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Getting Momentum with Jason and Jodi Womack Mar 29, 2016

On this episode of The Productivityist Podcast, I speak with Jodi and Jason Womack. They are the wife and husband team behind Get Momentum, a coaching program designed to help people realize their full potential. They are also the co-authors of the book of the same name. During our conversation, we talk about what it takes to get and maintain momentum, what questions you should ask yourself in order to become a better version of yourself, and much more. Relevant Links Get Momentum Get Momentum: How to Start When You’re Stuck by Jason W. Womack & Jodi Womack | Amazon Jason W. Womack (@JasonWomack) | Twitter Jodi Womack (@JodiWomack) | Twitter A Special Get Momentum Bonus Offer Be More Successful: The Top 10 Productivity Podcasts for 2016 | Inc.com 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.

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What Goes Into a Task App with Amir Salihefendic Mar 21, 2016

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.

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The Year of Fear with Kendra Wright Mar 14, 2016

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.

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Overnight Success with Aaron Mahnke Mar 07, 2016

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.

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Getting Reading Done with Mike Dariano Mar 01, 2016

On this episode of the show, I’m joined by Productivityist’s resident book reviewer and fellow avid reader Mike Dariano. We talk about how we go about reading and what we do differently to keep our reading workflow…flowing. The goal of this episode is to inspire you to find a way to read more without overwhelming you in the process. I hope it does the trick! Relevant Links Mike Dariano at Productivityist A Mindful Conversation with Patrick Rhone | The Productivityist Podcast Antifragile: Things That Gain from Disorder (Incerto) by Nassim Nicholas Taleb | Amazon Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can’t Stop Talking by Susan Cain | Amazon Audible.com Blinkist Thinking, Fast and Slow by Daniel Kahneman | Amazon The Score Takes Care of Itself: My Philosophy of Leadership by Bill Walsh, Steve Jamison, Craig Walsh | Amazon Originals: How Non-Conformists Move the World by Adam Grant | Amazon The Practicing Mind: Developing Focus and Discipline in Your Life — Master Any Skill or Challenge by Learning to Love the Process by Thomas M. Sterner | Amazon Give and Take: Why Helping Others Drives Our Success by Adam Grant | Amazon Patrick O’Shaughnessy | Book Club Foolproof: Why Safety Can Be Dangerous and How Danger Makes Us Safe by Greg Ip | Amazon The Millionaire Messenger: Make a Difference and a Fortune Sharing Your Advice by Brendon Burchard | Amazon Born for This: How to Find the Work You Were Meant to Do by Chris Guillebeau | Amazon The 106 Year Old Problem | Productivityist John Allen Paulos | Amazon mikedariano (@mikedariano) | 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.

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A Mindful Conversation with Patrick Rhone Feb 23, 2016

On this episode of the podcast, Patrick Rhone returns so that we can have another great conversation. This time around we focus on reading more (and better), mindfulness (and Patrick's new book "Mindfulness for Mere Mortals), and much more. I always have a blast talking with Patrick. I hope you enjoy the show as much as I enjoyed putting it together (with help from producer John Poelstra). Relevant Links PatrickRhone.com 2015 in review — 1 year after I quit blogging | Nathan Barry Ethan Waldman at Flavors.me 10 Simple Rules for a Successful Whole30 (or any diet change) | Courtney Carver Austin Kleon Think Clearly. Garrick van Buren – 612 325 9110 James Shelley · Knowledge Translation Originals: How Non-Conformists Move the World by Adam Grant How to Read More (and Read Better) | Productivityist This is Water | Vimeo Mindfulness for Mere Mortals | PatrickRhone.com 137 Books in One Year: How to Fall in Love With Reading by Kevin D. Hendricks | Amazon The Productivityist Podcast 73: Cal Newport | Productivityist PatrickRhone.net patrickrhone (@patrickrhone) | 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.

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ADHD Productivity with Ryan McRae Feb 16, 2016

This week I speak with Ryan McRae, better known as The ADHD Nerd. We talk about how ADHD has affected his productivity, what time management tips he recommends to those who have ADHD, and how anyone should combat the perils of procrastination. Relevant Links The ADHD NERD World Domination Summit Workflowing #11: An Unfocused Look at Focus | 5by5 You’ve Just Been Diagnosed With ADHD. Now what? | The ADHD NERD The Ultimate ADHD Guide to Time Management | Medium The Productivityist Podcast 73: Cal Newport | Productivityist The Ultimate ADHD Guide to Procrastination. | The ADHD NERD Productivity Powerhouse Panel | January 27, 2016 2 Experts Share Exactly How to Use a Productivity Journal (& Increase Productivity by 23%) | The Fizzle Show Snapchat FYI | C.C. Chapman IFTTT Ryan McRae on Gumroad Ryan McRae (@TheRyanMcRae) | Twitter A special offer from Ryan exclusive to listeners of The Productivityist Podcast 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.

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Think Productive with Graham Allcott Feb 08, 2016

On this edition of the podcast, I speak with founder of Think Productive and productivity ninja Graham Allcott. We focus on the nine characteristics you need to have to become a true productivity ninja and dive into a myriad of other offshoot topics as a result. I had a lot of fun chatting with Graham and I’ll be having him back on in short order to dive deeper into even more! Relevant Links Think Productive UK How to be a Productivity Ninja by Graham Allcott | Amazon The Productivityist Podcast 77: Chris Bailey Plagiarists’ Corner | Stewart Lee 9 Characteristics of a Productivity Ninja | Think Productive Nozbe Headspace Think Productive (@thinkproductive) | Twitter Graham Allcott (@grahamallcott) | 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.

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Freakishly Productive with Annie Mueller Feb 01, 2016

In this episode, I chat with Annie Mueller from Freakishly Productive about tactical time management tips. We discuss how Annie is able to be productive while homeschooling four kids and running a business, and a whole lot more. Some of the highlights include: Women in productivity: Where are they and why Annie thinks there is a stigma Categorizing by energy levels: Energy fluctuations and working with them Homeschooling: How to use things like Minecraft and how it can help with productivity To Do Lists: Short or long, should you include routine tasks or not Capturing ideas and thoughts Can you apply her method to a 9–5? Why not being afraid to change the narrative will help your productivity Relevant Links Freakishly Productive The Productivityist Podcast 55: The Productive Woman with Laura McClellan | Productivityist Bullet Journal Categorize your work into energy levels | Freakishly Productive Simple to complex, complex to simple | Freakishly Productive The two worst enemies of good time management | Freakishly Productive Try to capture all the ideas | Freakishly Productive Annie Mueller (@AnnieMueller) | 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.

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The Productivity Project with Chris Bailey Jan 25, 2016

In this episode of the podcast, I chat with the author of The Productivity Project, Chris Bailey. We talk about Chris’s new book, the process of writing the book, why quantitative and qualitative data are both needed to measure productivity, and whether or not Chris identifies as an early riser or a night owl. Relevant Links The Productivity Project: Accomplishing More by Managing Your Time, Attention, and Energy by Chris Bailey | Amazon A Life of Productivity Work the System: The Simple Mechanics of Making More and Working Less by Sam Carpenter | Amazon ALifeofProductivity (@ALOProductivity) | Twitter Chris Bailey (@wigglechicken) | 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.

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Better Email Habits with Andy Mitchell Jan 19, 2016

In this episode, I speak with the founder of ActiveInbox, Andy Mitchell. We talk about email and how you can (if you want) use it as a task manager. (It’s not something I do (or advocate) but for those of you who want to hear why you may want to give this a go…then this episode is for you.) We also talk about the “snoozing” feature that some email apps have, the shifting from app to app and how it can affect productivity, and the different roles people have and how that can impact how productive they can be. Relevant Links ActiveInbox Inbox Zero: Processing to zero | 43 Folders How We Use Slack | Productivityist Hit The Snooze Button To Be More Productive | Productivityist Workflowing #55: Checking The Mailbox with Gentry Underwood Andy Mitchell (@andymitchell) | 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.

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Level Up Your Life with Steve Kamb Jan 12, 2016

In this episode, I speak with the founder of Nerd Fitness and the author of the book Level Up Your Life, Steve Kamb. We talk about what it takes to take your life to the next level in a variety of ways and go over what’s happened in both of our journeys since the very first interview we ever had over 7 years ago. (Note: I said 9 years ago on the podcast, but that was because I got caught on the fact we spoke in 2009. My bad…sorry!) Relevant Links Nerd Fitness Level Up Your Life: How to Unlock Adventure and Happiness by Becoming the Hero of Your Own Story by Steve Kamb | Amazon Camp Nerd Fitness | September 21–25, 2016 Level Up Your Life | Steve Kamb Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi: Flow, the secret to happiness | TED Talk | TED.com Chris Hardwick | Nerdist The Rise: Creativity, the Gift of Failure, and the Search for Mastery by Sarah Lewis | Amazon Steve Kamb (@SteveKamb) | 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.

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The Real Inbox Zero with Dmitri Leonov Jan 05, 2016

This week on the show I speak with Dmitri Leonov, co-founder of SaneBox. We talk about why it isn’t always a good idea to use every aspect of a tool (SaneBox naturally gets mentioned here) and a ton of other thoughts surrounding a productivity pain point for many: email. I always enjoy when I speak with someone who makes a tool to help with productivity saying that the tool is not the entire solution to the problem. We dive into that during our discussion, what role automation plays in productivity (and where it can be put in place far too much), and what Dmitri’s definition of Inbox Zero is. Relevant Links SaneBox Forget ‘Inbox Zero’: Your empty email account means nothing The Ultimate Way to get to Inbox Zero The One Email Trick That Keeps My Inbox In Shape | Productivityist Talking Inbox Zero and Email Overload Inbox Zero vs. Inbox 5,000: A Unified Theory | The Atlantic The MacSparky Email Field Guide Dmitri Leonov (@dmitri) | Twitter How do you deal with email? Do you strive for Inbox Zero every day or do you have another mission in mind? Share your thoughts and ideas in the comments below. 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.

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Deep Work with Cal Newport Jan 02, 2016

To ring in 2016, on this episode of the show I speak with my friend Cal Newport, the author of So Good They Can’t Ignore You and his latest effort, Deep Work: Rules for Focused Success in a Distracted World. We talk about the difference between deep and shallow work, why focusing on doing more deep work may not be for everyone, and how you can start to create more time to do deep work. Relevant Links Excerpt from DEEP WORK by Cal Newport | Medium Resolve to Live a Deep Life | Cal Newport I Want to Show You Exactly How I Prioritize Deep Work in My Busy Life | Cal Newport Adam Grant | Give and Take Deep Work: Rules for Focused Success in a Distracted World by Cal Newport 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.

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Simplicity and Impact with Simon Tyler Dec 26, 2015

In this edition of The Productivityist Podcast I speak with Simon Tyler, author of The Impact Code and The Simple Way. We talk about raising your impact level in business, simple ways to be more productive, and much more. Relevant Links Simon Tyler | Website The Impact Code by Simon Tyler The Simple Way by Simon Tyler Simple Notes | Simon Tyler Effortless Gent Simon Tyler (@simplysimont) | Twitter Thanks again for listening...and happy holidays! 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.

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Relentless Sales Success with Chris Johnson Dec 18, 2015

In this installment of the podcast, I’m joined by my friend and principal owner of Simplifilm Chris Johnson. We dive into a lot of things but really focus on how to work on sales technique and how being relentless in the sales arena – and in life – can go a long way. Relevant Links Simplifilm World Domination Summit 5 Steps to Land Your Dream Clients: The 10–10–10 Strategy | Fizzle Specialist or Jack-of-All-Trades? The Answer’s Obvious to Me | Gary Vaynerchuk Close.io No more yes. It’s either HELL YEAH! or no. | Derek Sivers Experimenting with A.J. Jacobs | Workflowing #64 Chris Johnson’s Website & Blog Chris Johnson (@genuinechris) | 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.

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The Art of the Side Hustle with Nick Loper Dec 11, 2015

On this episode of the podcast, I speak with the founder of Side Hustle Nation, Nick Loper. We talk about some of the unconventional productivity tactics he uses and dive into some of the equally unconventional side hustle experiments he’s undertaken. Relevant Links Nick Loper (@nloper) | Twitter The 3 Laws of Side Hustle Physics | Side Hustle Nation How I Got on the Homepage of Fiverr and Earned $920 in 10 Days | Side Hustle Nation My Time Tracking Results: My Decidedly Un–4-Hour Workweek and Passive vs. Active Income Time | Side Hustle Nation The Definitive Guide to Rat Race Math | Side Hustle Nation The 5 Step System to Quit Your Job In the Next 12 Months | Side Hustle Nation Confidence Power Plus Motorized Electric Treadmill | Amazon FitDesk v2.0 Desk Exercise Bike with Massage Bar | Amazon Herman Miller Envelop Desk | Amazon Cold Shower Therapy™ | Joel Runyon Ice Face: Hack To Get the Benefits of Cold Thermogenesis | The Bulletproof Executive Tony Robbins on Morning Routines, Peak Performance, and Mastering Money | The Blog of Author Tim Ferriss 5 Morning Rituals That Help Me Win The Day | The Blog of Author Tim Ferriss Deliberately Experimenting with Deliberate Practice — Looking for Subjects to Test My Advice | Study Hacks by Cal Newport RescueTime Toggl 79 Side Hustle Business Ideas You Can Start Today | Side Hustle Nation 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.

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Boosting The Brain with Dr. Andrew Hill Dec 05, 2015

I had an absolute blast spending time with the Lead Neuroscientist of truBrain, Dr. Andrew Hill, on this episode of the podcast. We talk about a ton of “brain stuff”, including the importance of getting things out of your head, how decision fatigue works, and more. Relevant Links truBrain | (re)Designing Focus The Pomodoro Technique® The Productivityist Podcast 66: A Doer Who Likes To Be with Michael Townsend Williams | Productivityist Morning Pages | Julia Cameron Comedian | Official Site Pavlok | Break Bad Habits in Five Days Andrew Hill, PhD (@AndrewHillPhD) | Twitter Peak Brain Institute Note: Apologies for the sound on this episode. For some reason Skype defaulted back to the laptop microphone port which I had my iPhone headphones plugged into. I’m not sure why this happened – and I didn’t catch it during the recording. There was also noise and the guest's side my producer John Poelstra did the best he could with, but is still present. That said, I think the quality of the conversation still holds up. Thanks again for your support and enjoy the episode! 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.

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Military Time with Julie Sheranosher Nov 27, 2015

On this episode, I chat with military veteran and fellow productivity professional Julie Sheranosher. We talk about the story behind her developing a passion for productivity, the lessons she learned in the military that she uses today in her new profession, and the various other time and task management tactics that she explores…and employs. Relevant Links I’m Julie | Julie Sheranosher Tony Robbins explains how he stays energetic | Business Insider 3 Things You Should Put On Your Calendar | Productivityist TPP #9: Modes, Themes, MAPS & Late Nights with Mike Vardy | Paul Minors Time Savings Toold | I’m Julie Energy, Time, Priority, Work/Life: 4 New Ways To Organize Your To-Do List | 99u Julie Sheranosher (@ImJulieTweets) | 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.

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A Doer Who Likes To Be with Michael Townsend Williams Nov 20, 2015

This episode of the podcast features a conversation with Michael Townsend Williams, who is known as “A doer who likes to be.” He’s the founder of Breathe Sync™ and the author of the book Do Breathe…and he’s a big believer in mindful productivity. We talk about that very subject, yoga, and a lot more. Enjoy! Relevant Links Stillworks Getting Things Done with David Allen | The Productivityist Podcast The DO Lectures | Michael Townsend Williams Do Breathe by Michael Townsend Williams Breathe Sync™ How I Organize Evernote: A Peek Inside My Personal System | Michael Hyatt Things by Cultured Code Clear by Realmac Software Michael T Williams (@mtownsendw) | 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.

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SPECIAL EPISODE: Laura McClellan Returns! Nov 16, 2015

In this podcast episode, I've decided to make the first of our bonus episodes available to everyone - even those not currently patrons. This episode marks the return of Laura McClellan to discuss the idea of theming further - along with much more! If you'd like to support The Productivityist Podcast and receive additional bonus episodes every week (4 to be exact) along with other great perks, then I'd love to have you join us. Just http://patreon.com/productivityist (go to my Patreon page) and pledge any dollar amount per month. Then you'll join a growing number of supporters starting today! Enjoy this special bonus episode - and thanks for listening!

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Money and Minimalism with Cait Flanders Nov 13, 2015

In this episode, I speak with the woman behind Blonde on a Budget, Cait Flanders. We talk about managing money wisely, why she imposed a one year shopping ban on herself, how minimalism plays an important role in her life, and much more. Relevant Links Blonde on a Budget The Mindful Budgeting Program Why I Budget Monthly, Semi-Monthly and Weekly | Blonde on a Budget The Year I Embraced Minimalism and Completed a Yearlong Shopping Ban | Blonde on a Budget What We Appreciate Appreciates Why I Focus on Simplicity (and How You Can Simplify Your Life in 2016) | Blonde on a Budget 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.

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Passionate About Productivity with Amber De La Garza Nov 06, 2015

On this episode, I chat with fellow productivity specialist Amber De La Garza. We talk about the reason you want to be productive, how multiple screens can help (or hinder) your productivity, messy desks, and why the apps out there aren’t enough to make you more productive. Relevant Links Amber De La Garza, The Productivity Specialist #ProductivityPowerHourParty Tips From The Best On Personal Productivity! | Blab Why You DON’T Want to Improve Your Productivity | Amber De La Garza Productivity: There’s No App For That! | Amber De La Garza Can You Boost Your Productivity With Multiple Screens? | Amber De La Garza Thanks for listening...and your support! 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.

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Project Management for You with Cesar Abeid Oct 29, 2015

This week’s episode features a discussion with fellow Canadian and project management professional Cesar Abeid. Cesar is the author of the new book Project Management and You, and we talk about why he wrote the book, the struggles he discovered that people have with project management during his research for the book, and how to apply project management beyond the workplace and into your home life. Relevant Links Project Management for You Amazon Launch Promotion | Cesar Abeid Is a Projects List Necessary? | David Allen Cesar Abeid on what projects really are, and how to manage them | Beyond the To Do List Project Management for the Masses My Jets Game Is Your Netflix | Gary Vaynerchuk Cesar Abeid (@cesarabeid) | Twitter Cesar Abeid, PMP (@PM4TM) | 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.

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15 Time Secrets with Kevin Kruse Oct 22, 2015

Joining me this week on the podcast is the author of 15 Secrets Successful People Know About Time Management. We talk about why Kevin wrote this book, how to wrap up your work day responsibly, the idea of awareness and how it relates to productivity, the importance of routines, and more. Relevant Links Get Kevin's "15 Time Secrets" book for FREE (only pay for shipping) Peter Tunney | Artist, Philanthropist, Entrepreneur High Output Management by Andrew S. Grove | Amazon The ONE Thing by Gary Keller & Jay Papasan | Amazon The Website of Kevin Kruse The Awareness Building Class by Mike Vardy & Shawn Blanc Thanks for listening...and your support! 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.

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The Power of Focus with Shawn Blanc Oct 15, 2015

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.

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Less Doing with Ari Meisel Oct 08, 2015

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.

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The Habits of a Happy Brain with Loretta Breuning Oct 01, 2015

In this episode of The Productivityist Podcast, I speak with Dr. Loretta Breuning from the Inner Mammal Institute. We talk about how you can retrain your brain, including some tactics and tips so that you can start building a happier and healthier brain. We dive into how to build new neural circuits, discuss the four chemicals that affect our behaviour, and how to tap into the animal inside of you so that you can embrace your “inner mammal” and craft more positive experiences. Relevant Links: Blinkist Habits Of A Happy Brain: Retrain Your Brain to Boost Your Serotonin, Dopamine, Oxytocin, & Endorphin Levels by Loretta Graziano Breuning PhD | Amazon The Happiness Advantage: The Seven Principles of Positive Psychology That Fuel Success and Performance at Work by Shawn Achor | Amazon The Happiness Project: Or, Why I Spent a Year Trying to Sing in the Morning, Clean My Closets, Fight Right, Read Aristotle, and Generally Have More Fun by Gretchen Rubin | Amazon The Power of Habit: Why We Do What We Do in Life and Business by Charles Duhigg | Amazon David Attenborough | Wikipedia Inner Mammal Institute: making peace with the animal inside Inner Mammal Inst (@innermammal) | 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.

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Building Better Teams with Jared Brown Sep 24, 2015

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.

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Crafting Coaches with Tony Stubblebine Sep 17, 2015

On this episode of the podcast, I talk with Tony Stubblebine of Coach.me. We talk about the power of coaching, what it takes to be a coach, and several areas that people could really use coaching in so that they can take their work (and their lives) to the next level. Relevant Links Coach.me | Instant Coaching for Any Goal Workflowing #129: Get A Lift with Tony Stubblebine Balance Schmalance | Productivityist The Priority |Productivityist Crucial Conversations Tools for Talking When Stakes Are High | Amazon Coach.me for Business Tony Stubblebine (@tonystubblebine) | 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.

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Getting Into Smartsheet with Brent Frei Sep 10, 2015

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.

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The Productive Woman with Laura McClellan Sep 03, 2015

This episode features a lengthy discussion with the host of The Productive Woman – and a productive woman in her own right – Laura McClellan. We chat about the possible differences that women and men approach productivity as well, productivity tactics to explore, and how she manages to deal with everything in her life. (And there's a lot for her to manage!) Related Links The Productive Woman | A Podcast About Productivity for Busy Women Laura Vanderkam (@lvanderkam) | Twitter Gina Trapani | The Official Web Site Business & Babies: A Chat with Izabela Russell | TPW051 - The Productive Woman Choices for Productive Women, with Allison Sheridan | TPW029 - The Productive Woman Nozbe How To Use Multiple Task Managers | Productivityist Book Review: Essentialism | Productivityist I Must Say: My Life As a Humble Comedy Legend by Martin Short | Amazon Making Space to Think | TPW055 - The Productive Woman My Custom Home Office Tour and Setup | Pat Flynn on SPI TV Ep. 2 2 Experts Share Exactly How to Use a Productivity Journal (& Increase Productivity by 23%) | Fizzle Show 099 Laura McClellan (@LauraMcMom) | 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.

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Voice Lessons with Todd Henry Aug 27, 2015

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.

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Making Teamwork Work with Sebastian Klein Aug 20, 2015

Being productive on your own can be a challenge with everything we face today but being productive as a team can be even more daunting – especially when they are spread out across the globe. On this episode of the podcast, I chat with Sebastian Klein of Blinkist about how his team has adopted (and adapted) Holacracy as a productivity approach to make teamwork, well, work. Links Sebastian Klein (@kl1eb) | Twitter Holacracy – A complete system for self-organization Free e-Book on Holacracy: Blinkracy A Look At Meetings | The Productivityist Podcast 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.

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Everything Evernote with Andrew Sinkov Aug 13, 2015

Want to learn more about what makes Evernote tick? In this episode of The Productivityist Podcast, I have an in-depth conversation with Andrew Sinkov, Vice President of Marketing and Brand at Evernote. We talk about where Evernote has been, where it’s headed, and we even dive into some of the decisions the company has made (and the markets it has entered) over the years. Links How Tim Ferriss used Evernote to write The 4-Hour Body | Evernote Blog How I Use Evernote for Beer Cellaring | Productivityist The Night Owl Action Plan | Mike Vardy Evernote And The 100 Year Business Plan: Why Users Love It And Funders Hated It | Forbes andrew sinkov (@sinkov) | 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.

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The Productive People of Podcast Movement 2015 Aug 07, 2015

In this episode of the podcast, producer John Poelstra and host Mike Vardy continue to talk to those attending Podcast Movement 2015 in Fort Worth, Texas. They speak with Srinivas Rao (The Unmistakable Creative), Erik Fisher (Beyond The To Do List), Vickie Velasquez (Productivity Power Up Podcast), Julia Tunstall (A Bar Above & Effortless Workflow), and more. Relevant Links https://unmistakablecreative.com/ (Unmistakable Creative | Candid Conversation with Creative Entrepreneurs) https://twitter.com/unmistakableceo (Srinivas Rao (@UnmistakableCEO) | Twitter) http://www.abarabove.com/ (A Bar Above) http://effortlessworkflow.com/ (Effortless Workflow) https://twitter.com/jctunstall (Julia Tunstall (@jctunstall) | Twitter) http://beyondthetodolist.com/ (Beyond the To Do List) https://twitter.com/erikjfisher (Erik Fisher (@ErikJFisher) | Twitter) http://www.productivitypowerup.com/ (Productivity Power Up | Taking Your Productivity to the Next Level) https://twitter.com/vickstreme (Vickie Velasquez (@vickstreme) | Twitter) http://info.relaythat.com/ (Relay | Unify your visual content) https://twitter.com/CraigCarpenter (Craig Carpenter (@CraigCarpenter) | Twitter) http://yearofpurpose.podbean.com/ (The Year Of Purpose Podcast: Entrepreneurship | Travel | Happiness) https://twitter.com/zephanmoses (Zephan Blaxberg (@ZephanMoses) | 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.

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Podcast Movement 2015: Making Conferences Productive Aug 05, 2015

This bonus episode of the podcast features a discussion between myself and newly-minted producer John Poelstra as he asks me about what I do to make my time at conferences productive. Then I spend some time with Jaime Tardy of Eventual Millionaire and Russel Lolacher from The Upsell to talk about workflows and how they leverage their time in order to make the most of events like the one we were at...Podcast Movement 2015. Relevant Links http://podcastmovement.com/ (Podcast Movement 2015) http://romanmars.com/ (Roman Mars | Makes Radio) https://twitter.com/johnpoelstra (John Poelstra (@johnpoelstra) | Twitter) http://www.miramax.com/movie/comedian/ (Comedian | Official Site) http://mymorningroutine.com/mike-vardy/ (Mike Vardy’s Morning Routine | My Morning Routine) http://productivityist.com/theres-nothing-wrong-with-being-a-night-owl/ (There's Nothing Wrong with Being a Night Owl | Productivityist) http://www.neuyear.net/products/the-now-year (NeuYear.net | THE NOW YEAR CALENDAR from Productivityist) http://productivityist.com/gap-days/ (Gap Days | Productivityist) http://www.memobottle.com/ (memobottle | Slim premium reusable water bottles) http://eventualmillionaire.com/ (Eventual Millionaire | Jaime Tardy) http://www.theupsell.com/ (The Upsell | Russel Lolacher) 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.

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Internationally Intentional with Jared Brock Jul 28, 2015

In this episode, Mike chats with Jared Brock, a gentleman who has lived a multi-faceted, intentional, and international life. Jared runs a charity to fight human trafficking with his wife, completed a 37,000-mile pilgrimage around the world - where he even gained an audience with Pope Francis. He and his wife also took the 100 Things challenge and now they live carbon neutral in a 1975 Airstream trailer in a forest, they don't own cell phones, and get by on just the essentials. Jared is an interesting guy and I'm sure you'll enjoy the conversation he had with Mike on this episode. Relevant Links http://amzn.to/1Io70Ol (A Year of Living Prayerfully by Jared Brock) http://hopeforthesold.com/ (Hope for the Sold –) http://redlightgreenlightfilm.com/ (Red Light Green Light) http://jaredbrock.com/start/ (Welcome to Living Prayerfully!) 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.

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The World Domination Summit Experience Jul 21, 2015

In this episode, Mike and podcast editor John Poelstra chat with those who were gearing up for The World Domination Summit while at The Productivityist Enthusiasts' Meetup in Portland, Oregon. A bevy of guests pop by on this longer-than-usual episode, and they talk productivity and much more! (Note: Fair warning...by the time Mike asked the questions, he had imbibed a little bit. So he was in "Social Mode".) Relevant Links http://worlddominationsummit.com/ (World Domination Summit) http://www.asianefficiency.com/ (Asian Efficiency) http://heykendra.com/about/ (Hey Kendra) http://pdxgreendragon.com/ (Green Dragon Bistro & Pub) http://johnpoelstra.com/ (John Poelstra | Making sense of things and making them better) http://www.digitalphotomentor.com/ (Darlene Hildebrandt | Digital Photo Mentor) http://simplifilm.com/ (Simplifilm) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q-ghGzIAuhw (Did It In Minutes: The Art of Documenting Meeting Notes | YouTube) https://twitter.com/stephenwarley (Stephen Warley (@stephenwarley) | Twitter) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qLUgmLqdIaE (Andy Dick Floating Head | YouTube) http://www.coffeebaconbooks.com/ (Coffee, Bacon & Books - the art of intentional wandering. ) https://mightygoods.com/category/nomadic-life/ (MightyGoods - Nomadic Life) http://www.holocene.io/ (Holocene - The Travelers) http://zerototravel.com/ (Zero To Travel - How To Travel The World On Your Terms) http://mattgiovanisci.com/about/ (Matt Giovanisci) http://www.drivenshow.co/ (Driven | A Podcast For Driven Entrepreneurs and More) http://www.swimuniversity.com/ (Swim University | The Ultimate Guide to Pool & Hot Tub Care) 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.

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Defending Against Distractions with Tim Metz Jul 14, 2015

In this episode Mike tackles distractions. He discusses what he believes is the difference between distractions, disruptions, and diversion (and how to defend yourself against them through awareness and measurable prevention). He also talks with Saent co-founder Tim Metz about the new device that he and his team are building that is designed to help you win the battle against distractions. Relevant Links http://www.loopinsight.com/2015/06/16/apple-watch-my-most-personal-review-ever/ (Apple Watch: My most personal review ever | The Loop) http://kaptureaudio.com/ (Kapture | The Audio Recording Wristband Device) https://fizzle.co/sparkline/2-experts-share-exactly-how-to-use-a-productivity-journal-increase-productivity-by-23-fs099 (2 Experts Share Exactly How to Use a Productivity Journal (& Increase Productivity by 23%) | The Fizzle Show 099) https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/saent-be-less-distracted#/story (Saent - Be less distracted | Indiegogo) https://productivityist.simplecast.fm/30 (Getting Things Done with David Allen | The Productivityist Podcast) http://theenergyproject.com/blog/90-minute-solution-why-less-truly-more (The 90-Minute Solution: Why Less is Truly More | The Energy Project) http://saentproductivity.com/blog/ (The Saent Blog-) https://twitter.com/getsaent (Saent (@getsaent) | 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.

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The Productive Pastor with Jonathan Pearson Jul 07, 2015

In this episode, Mike spends some time this episode chatting with Jonathan Pearson, who aptly describes himself as "a millennial determined to leave the world in better shape than he found it". They talk about different productivity methods both of them use (and have used), the tools of the trade, his book The Productive Pastor Handbook, and much more. Relevant Links http://productivityist.com/need-take-personal-productivity-personally/ (Why You Need To Take Personal Productivity Personally | Productivityist) http://productivityist.com/category/blog/todoist-collection/ (The Todoist Collection | Productivityist) https://blog.evernote.com/blog/2015/02/15/use-email-reminders-power-productivity/ (How to Use Email and Reminders to Power Productivity | Evernote Blog) http://jonathanpearson.net/2014/02/26/4-things-ive-learned-from-t25-workouts/ (4 Things I’ve Learned From T25 Workouts | Jonathan Pearson) http://fitstar.com/ (FitStar) https://ifttt.com/recipes/299921-calendar-to-todoist (Calendar to ToDoist Recipe by Jonathan Pearson | IFTTT) http://time.com/3914538/notebook-writing-life-better/ (This One Simple Thing Can Make Your Life Much Better | TIME) http://www.newyorker.com/business/currency/why-startups-love-moleskines (Why Startups Love Moleskines | The New Yorker) http://jonathanpearson.net/ (Jonathan Pearson | Pastor. Communicator. Millennial.) http://jonathanpearson.net/productivepastor/ (The Productive Pastor Handbook | Jonathan Pearson) https://twitter.com/jonathanpearson (Jonathan Pearson (@JonathanPearson) | 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.

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How to be a Productive Speaker with Grant Baldwin Jun 30, 2015

This episode features a discussion between Mike and Grant Baldwin. Grant is an accomplished speaker (so much so that he teaches others to become better speakers) and many of his weeks are more dynamic than what most people experience. Mike asks Grant how he organizes his week, how he deals with a hectic travel schedule, and how each speaking gig brings something different (read: challenging) to the table. Relevant Links http://www.grantbaldwin.com/ (Giving You Confidence To Find Work You Love | Grant Baldwin) http://www.grantbaldwin.com/podcasts/ (HOW DID YOU GET INTO THAT | Grant Baldwin) http://www.grantbaldwin.com/how-i-organize-my-week/ (How I Organize My Week To Get A Lot Done | Grant Baldwin) http://productivityist.com/gap-days/ (Gap Days | Productivityist) http://greghickman.me/be-productive-airplane-mode/ (Want to be productive? Get on a plane | Greg Hickman) http://www.lifehack.org/articles/productivity/start-your-week-on-sunday.html (Get the Most Out of Your Week by Starting it on Sunday | Lifehack) http://chrisbowler.com/journal/explosive-growth-can-hurt (When explosive growth hurts a product | Chris Bowler) https://twitter.com/grantbaldwin (Grant Baldwin (@grantbaldwin) | 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.

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The Productivity Habits with Ben Elijah Jun 23, 2015

This episode features an invigorating discussion between Mike and Ben Elijah. Ben is the author of "The Productivity Habits" and blogs over at Ink and Ben. They talk about how they look at productivity in general. But they didn't stop there. They also spent time conversing about importance, mode-based work, and even John Cleese's famous talk on creativity. Relevant Links http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1907794832/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=1907794832&linkCode=as2&tag=vardyme-20&linkId=TKGIYGDRQPA3JBPP (The Productivity Habits: A Simple Framework to Become More Productive | Ben Elijah) http://www.inkandben.com/#about (Ink and Ben | Ben Elijah) http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0804137382/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0804137382&linkCode=as2&tag=vardyme-20&linkId=A676FJ6TC7HDKBBA (Essentialism: The Disciplined Pursuit of Less | Greg McKeown) https://gumroad.com/l/beyondproductivityworkshop (Beyond Productivity: A Virtual Workshop | Productivityist) http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/081298160X/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=081298160X&linkCode=as2&tag=vardyme-20&linkId=ZJY2AGCPTTSZFOSD (The Power of Habit: Why We Do What We Do in Life and Business | Charles Duhigg) https://productivityist.simplecast.fm/30 (Getting Things Done with David Allen | The Productivityist Podcast) https://productivityist.simplecast.fm/13 (The Contexts Conversation: Part One | The Productivityist Podcast) https://productivityist.simplecast.fm/14 (The Contexts Conversation: Part Two | The Productivityist Podcast) http://scottberkun.com/2012/cleese-on-creativity/ (John Cleese on Creativity | Scott Berkun) https://productivityist.simplecast.fm/40 (An Introduction To The NOW Year Formula | The Productivityist Podcast) http://simplicitybliss.com/blog/a-fresh-take-on-contexts (A Fresh Take on Contexts | SimplicityBliss) https://twitter.com/inkandben (Ben Elijah (@inkandben) | 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.

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The End of Jobs with Taylor Pearson Jun 16, 2015

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.

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Mind Hacking with Sir John Hargrave Jun 09, 2015

In this discussion, Mike Vardy and Sir Joh Hargrave (author of the forthcoming book "Mind Hacking") talk about how to "hack the mind" in order to optimize productivity and what approaches you can take to start changing the way you operate today. Sir John Hargrave and Mike Vardy have a lot in common. They both like to inject humour into their work and are both fascinated with how they can change the way they operate in order to improve productivity (and their lives in the process). Relevant Links http://www.mindhacki.ng/ (Mind Hacking by Sir John Hargrave | Ebook) http://www.amazon.com/Mind-Hacking-Change-Your-Good/dp/1501105655 (Mind Hacking by Sir John Hargrave | Amazon) https://www.coach.me/plans/403192-mind-hacking-21-day-plan (Mind Hacking 21-Day Plan - Coach.me) https://twitter.com/sirjohnhargrave (Sir John Hargrave (@sirjohnhargrave) - 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.

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The Art of Iteration with Omar Zenholm Jun 02, 2015

Omar Zenhom is one half of the team that created The $100 MBA Show and Webinar Ninja. He's spent a lot of time defining and refining what he delivers and recently rebooted what Webinar Ninja was and created a vastly different iteration as a result. In this episode, Mike and Omar speak on the art of iteration, and how evolution and awareness are two of the biggest keys to reaching your potential. (And they also talk about they use the calendar.) Relevant Links http://100mba.net/show/ (The $100 MBA Show) http://100mba.net/mba234/ (The $100 MBA Show: How to Manage Your Calendar) http://100mba.net/mba241/ (The $100 MBA Show: Traditional Book Publishing VS Self-Publishing. Which One is Best?) http://webinarninja.co/ (Webinar Ninja- The Ultimate Webinar Software) http://100mba.net/ (The $100 MBA Website) https://twitter.com/bizrepublic (Omar Zenhom (@BizRepublic) on 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.

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An Introduction To The NOW Year Formula May 22, 2015

This episode is being released earlier than usual because it's a special one. Why? Because Mike talks about his "big work" - the thing he's been actively working on for well over a year (and likely subconsciously for five or so). It's called The NOW Year Formula, and he talks about what it is, how it works, and how by adopting it as your productivity approach can help you have more of what you want in life. Relevant Links http://beyondproductivity.com/ (Beyond Productivity - A Live Streaming Workshop) Use PRODPODCAST to get $10 off a Virtual Ticket (that includes a replay of the workshop to view at your leisure) http://friends.creativelive.com/aff_c?offer_id=24&aff_id=71&url_id=227 (Time Management 101 - creativeLIVE) http://productivityist.com/need-take-personal-productivity-personally/ (Why You Need To Take Productivity Personally - Productivityist) https://gumroad.com/l/Productivityistworkbook (The Productivityist Workbook) http://eepurl.com/bhvbqb (Productivity Zones (And How I Built Them Into My New Workspace) - The Productivityist Weekly Newsletter) http://www.thoughttop.com/ (ThoughtTop - Stick-On Whiteboards) http://simplerev.com/ (SimpleREV) http://productivityist.com/nyfreport (The NOW Year Formula Report Newsletter) http://tedxtalks.ted.com/video/How-to-Stop-Time-Mike-Vardy-at (How To Stop Time - Mike's TEDxVictoria Talk) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fdadZ_KrZVw (In Time) 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.)

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It’s All Fun and Games with Dave Caolo May 19, 2015

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.)

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Flying Solo: A Solo Parenting Productivity Adventure May 12, 2015

In this episode, Mike discusses how he dealt with a major workflow change over the past 10 days as a result of his wife going on holiday and him acting as the lone parent during that time. He'll share my successes, his failures, and what you can do to help make any kind of irregularity in your workflow feel less taxing on you. Relevant Links https://blog.todoist.com/2015/04/30/5-powerful-techniques-achieve-work-life-balance/ (Can You Have It All? 5 Powerful Techniques to Achieve Work-Life Balance - Todoist Blog) http://productivityist.com/3-things-children-teach/ (3 Things That Children Can't Help But Teach You - Productivityist) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hDrtfsfdg8k (Don't Fight Your Body Clock in the Name of Productivity - Mike Vardy on YouTube) http://productivityist.com/triggers-how-to-start-moving/ (Triggers: How to Start Moving - Productivityist) http://www.workshifting.com/2014/08/themed-schedule-can-help-stay-task.html (How a Themed Schedule Can Help You Stay on Task - Workshifting) http://productivityist.com/how-i-work-on-several-big-projects-at-once/ (How I Work On Several Big Projects At Once - Productivityist) https://blog.evernote.com/blog/2015/02/15/use-email-reminders-power-productivity/ (How to Use Email and Reminders to Power Productivity - Evernote Blog) http://productivityist.com/jigsaw-puzzle-edges/ (Start From The Edges - Productivityist) https://app.convertkit.com/landing_pages/2077 (The NOW Year Formula (featuring the free Weekly Theming Guide)) http://twitter.com/mikevardy (Mike Vardy - 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.

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Beyond Productivity with Erik Fisher May 05, 2015

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.

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Efficient Writing with Jim Woods Apr 28, 2015

On this episode of the podcast, Mike speaks with Jim Woods, author, and creator of the "Write Publish Share" course. They talk about the writing process, habits, and the relationship between productivity and getting writing done. Relevant Links https://www.e-junkie.com/ecom/gb.php?ii=1423259&c=ib&aff=106414&cl=264063 (Write Publish Share | Jim Woods) http://jimwoodswrites.com/ (Jim Woods' Website) http://literatureandlatte.com/ (Scrivener Writing Software | Mac OS X & Windows) http://lcmike.jarono.hop.clickbank.net/?tid=podcast36/ (Learn Scrivener Fast Course | Joe Michael) http://www.stevenpressfield.com/2013/07/the-foolscap-method-2/ (The Foolscap Method | Steven Pressfield) http://www.smartpassiveincome.com/how-to-write-a-book-fast-first-draft/ (How to Write a Book – The Secret to a Super Fast First Draft | Smart Passive Income TV with Pat Flynn) https://productivityist.simplecast.fm/33 (How to Deliver a "Do Over" with Jon Acuff | The Productivityist Podcast) http://productivityist.com/pomodoro-power/ (Get Some Pomodoro Power | Productivityist) http://www.amazon.com/Jim-Woods/e/B00EYDA7OS/ref=ntt_athr_dp_pel_2 (Jim Woods | Amazon) https://twitter.com/jimwoodswrites (Jim Woods (@jimwoodswrites) | Twitter) As a special bonus to listeners of The Productivityist Podcast, Jim is offering a discount. To get $50 off Jim's "Write Publish Share" course, use the code PRODUCTIVITYIST upon checkout. Don't forget to take advantage of the special Blinkist offer as well. Get 50% off a Blinkist Plus or Blinkist Premium subscription by visiting http://productivityist.com/blinkist/ (productivityist.com/blinkist). (Need more coaxing? I've been using Blinkist as part of my reading workflow for a long time, and you can listen back to the episode where I discuss that http://productivityist.simplecast.fm/24 (here).) 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.

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Closing Chapters with Michael Schechter Apr 21, 2015

Michael Schechter, Mike's good friend, and former podcasting partner drops by the show for the first time on his own. The two of them talk about old times, what Schechter has been up to since they stopped producing Workflowing at 5by5, and the challenges behind closing one chapter in your life so you can make greater strides going forward. Relevant Links https://productivityist.simplecast.fm/26 (The Productivityist Podcast: Everything Is A To Do with Michael Schechter & Patrick Rhone) http://5by5.tv/workflowing (Workflowing at 5by5) http://bettermess.com/ (A Better Mess with Michael Schechter) http://bettermess.com/omnilaunch/ (Speeding Up OmniFocus on iOS with Launch Center Pro) http://us1.campaign-archive1.com/?u=df5920e236c7d03f1dd49fa78&id=87b0fb3919 (The Productivityist Newsletter: Why Reminders Apps Can Level Up Your Productivity) https://twitter.com/mschechter (Michael Schechter (@MSchechter) 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.

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The Power of SCALE with Travis Collier Apr 14, 2015

In this edition of The Productivityist Podcast Mike and Travis Collier have a friendly - and short - conversation. Travis is the author of "SCALE: Refuse to Settle, Recognize what Matters, Redefine Success" and the two friends talk about how they met (and how it caught both of them and Mike's former podcast colleague Michael Schechter off guard), and what the power of SCALE can do for you. Relevant Links http://productivityist.com/a-look-back-at-the-2013-world-domination-summit/ (A Look Back at The 2013 World Domination Summit (How Mike & Travis Met For The First Time)) http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00VREX0EQ/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00VREX0EQ&linkCode=as2&tag=vardyme-20&linkId=TNDQW66GWR4IYOWT (SCALE: Refuse to Settle Recognize What Matters Redefine Success by Travis Collier) http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0062315005/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0062315005&linkCode=as2&tag=vardyme-20&linkId=VIYT6OKN24SJAC6N (The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho) http://bit-thinking.com/ (Bit Thinking: A Journal About Performance) https://twitter.com/tscollier21 (Travis Collier (@TSCollier21) 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.

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How to Deliver a "Do Over" with Jon Acuff Apr 07, 2015

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.

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Procrastinating on Purpose with Rory Vaden Mar 31, 2015

The guest on this episode is someone who looks at time management a lot like the podcast host, Mike Vardy does. Rory Vaden is the author of "Take The Stairs: 7 Steps To Achieving True Success" and "Procrastinate on Purpose: 5 Permissions to Multiply Your Time." He is an accomplished speaker and entrepreneur and consults individuals and businesses on productivity. In this discussion, Mike and Rory talk about results management, the calendar, and a slew of other productivity-related subjects. Relevant Links http://roryvaden.com/ (Rory Vaden's Website) http://beyondthetodolist.com/procrastinate-on-porpose-roryvaden-on-discipline-procrastination-priority-dilution-bttdl087/ (Beyond the To Do List 87 - Rory Vaden) http://procrastinateonpurpose.com/ (Sign up for Procrastinate on Purpose training) https://twitter.com/rory_vaden (Rory Vaden (@rory_vaden) 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.

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Body Talk with James Hamblin Mar 24, 2015

Dr. James Hamblin, Senior Editor at The Atlantic and the host of "If Our Bodies Could Talk" joins Mike in the show as they 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. Relevant Links http://www.jameshamblin.com/ (James Hamblin's Website) http://www.theatlantic.com/video/series/if-our-bodies-could-talk/ (If Our Bodies Could Talk - The Atlantic) http://www.theatlantic.com/video/index/373027/singletasking-is-the-new-multitasking/ (Single-Tasking Is the New Multitasking - The Atlantic) http://www.theatlantic.com/video/index/360855/sad-desk-lunch/ (Sad Desk Lunch: Is This How You Want to Die? - The Atlantic) http://www.theatlantic.com/video/index/375660/email-is-ruining-us-a-simple-solution/ (Email Is Ruining Us: A Brilliant Solution - The Atlantic) http://www.putsomecoolinyouremail.com/ (Put Some Cool In Your Email) http://www.theatlantic.com/james-hamblin/ (James Hamblin — The Atlantic) https://twitter.com/jameshamblin (James Hamblin (@jameshamblin) 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.

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Getting Things Done with David Allen Mar 18, 2015

In this episode, Mike Vardy talks with David Allen, author of Getting Things Done. They discuss the pull of email, how to wrap your head around working by context, and what's different in the 2015 edition of Getting Things Done. Relevant Links https://gettingthingsdone.com/store/product.php?productid=17035 (Getting Things Done, Revised Edition for 2015) http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/9082205807/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=9082205807&linkCode=as2&tag=vardyme-20&linkId=JQNKDQ2MV6363HC2 (BrainChains by Dr Theo Compernolle MD.PhD) https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/brain-wise/201209/why-were-all-addicted-texts-twitter-and-google (Why We're All Addicted to Texts, Twitter and Google | Psychology Today) http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0143122231/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0143122231&linkCode=as2&tag=vardyme-20&linkId=J6ESEMNB2WNWJN3D (Willpower: Rediscovering the Greatest Human Strength by Roy F. Baumeister & John Tierney) http://www.amazon.com/Getting-Things-Done-Stress-Free-Productivity-ebook/dp/B00KWG9M2E/ref=la_B001ILIG4C_1_1_title_1_kin?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1426618021&sr=1-1 (Getting Things Done: The Art of Stress-Free Productivity by David Allen - Kindle Edition) https://twitter.com/gtdguy (David Allen 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.

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Message Not Received with Phil Simon Mar 10, 2015

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.

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A Look At Meetings Mar 03, 2015

On this episode of the podcast, Mike Vardy and Lee Garrett take a look at one of the biggest productivity drains on the planet: meetings. They discuss why they don't usually work as currently designed and what you can do to make them more effective and more productive. (The way this episode was assembled was inspired by the work of Myke Hurley over at Relay.fm. We simply fell in love with his http://www.relay.fm/inquisitive/27 ("Behind The App" series on Inquisitive) and decided to try to take things to the next level with our show. Thanks, Myke. Great work.) This episode of the podcast is sponsored by http://worklife.com/ (WorkLife). Formerly known as Meeting Hero, WorkLife is an online tool that helps teams have more productive meetings. By providing teams one shared system for all their meetings, WorkLife helps ensure everyone stays on the same page and nothing slips through the cracks. You can put WorkLife through the paces by visiting http://worklife.com/ (WorkLife.com). Relevant Links http://business.financialpost.com/2012/04/18/how-meetings-kill-productivity/ (How meetings kill productivity | Financial Post) http://www.ted.com/talks/jason_fried_why_work_doesn_t_happen_at_work#t-41552 (Jason Fried's TEDx Talk: Why Work Doesn't Happen At Work) https://evernote.com/partner/moleskine/ (Evernote & Moleskine) http://www.businessinsider.com/jeff-bezos-two-pizza-rule-for-productive-meetings-2013-10 (Jeff Bezos' 'Two Pizza Rule' For Productive Meetings | Business Insider) http://doodle.com/ (Doodle) http://www.inc.com/aviv-grill/playbook-effective-meetings.html (Aviv Grill on Effective Meetings | Inc.com) http://www.scheduleonce.com/ (ScheduleOnce) https://calendly.com/ (Calendly) http://productivityist.com/the-one-meeting/ (The One Productive Weekly Meeting You're Not Having (But Should) | Productivityist) http://productivityist.com/author/lee-garrett/ (Lee Garrett, Author at Productivityist) http://www.soliamsays.com/ (SoliamSays.com) https://twitter.com/soliamsays (Lee Garrett (@soliamsays) | 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.

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Moods and Modes with Brett Terpstra Feb 25, 2015

Brett Terpstra is one of the smartest guys on the Internet, and in this episode, Mike and Brett talk about work habits, workflows, and how moods and modes each help them deliver their work on a consistent basis. Relevant Links http://brettterpstra.com/ (Brett's Website: BrettTerpstra.com) http://www.paulgraham.com/makersschedule.html (Maker's Schedule, Manager's Schedule | Paul Graham) http://amzn.to/1EWP4ck (Making Ideas Happen by Scott Belsky) https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/77516971/the-week-dominator-a-beautiful-canvas-to-tackle-go (The Week Dominator | NeuYear) http://www.relay.fm/penaddict/140 (The Pen Addict #140: All Follow Up Extravaganza) http://twitter.com/ttscoff (Brett Terpstra on Twitter) Want to send Mike an app, book, or something similar to discuss on the show? Email him at [info@productivityist.com][8] 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! [Click here][9] to visit The Productivityist Podcast's Patreon page and see what perks await those who pitch in a buck or more.

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Everything Is A To Do with Michael Schechter & Patrick Rhone Feb 18, 2015

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.

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Building a Better Podcast with Joel Boggess & Dr. Pei Feb 11, 2015

This week on The Productivityist Podcast, I spent some time chatting with (and learning from) Joel Boggess and Dr. Pei, the creators of a slew of podcasts including their latest, the ReLaunch Show. I decided to have some bonafide podcast experts on the program as my own podcast has just hit the six month mark of its existence and I wanted to find out what I could do to take things to the next level. Joel and Dr. Pei did not disappoint. You can listen to this week’s episode, where we talk about podcasting strategies, podcasting productivity, and whether or not we sit or we stand while we record our podcast episodes below. As I mentioned, having Joel and Dr. Pei on the show wasn’t just so I could have guests to interview. I really want to take The Productivityist Podcast to greater heights going forward, and I’ve started to map out what looks like. If you’re a Patreon supporter of the podcast, then you’ll hear all about my plans for the program starting this weekend as patrons receive weekly content that falls outside of the regular podcasting schedule. They also get other goodies, with perks such as exclusive monthly 20 minute Productivityist Coaching calls with yours truly and access to the Task Apps Made Easy course I co-created with Steve Dotto of DottoTech fame. Want to support the podcast as a patron? Head over to the Patreon page and we’ll all welcome you with open arms! If you want to support the show in another form, leaving a review and rating in iTunes can help more people find the program. I’d love it if you took a few moments to leave your thoughts on that forum, and you can do so by clicking here. Thanks again for listening to this week’s show. You can subscribe and get the latest episodes every Wednesday by clicking here for iTunes, here for Stitcher, and here for RSS. I’ve got some great guests and topics lined up over the next few weeks (and beyond), so I hope you’ll join 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.

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How To Read More (and Read Better) Feb 04, 2015

I’ve been spending a lot more time reading over the past few years. I’m enjoying it a lot more that I’m making an effort as well. I actually found reading a lot like exercise for a long time, struggling to get going with it and adopting it as a habit. Fiction was especially difficult to get back into because my brain seemed to fight it off more. Why? Probably because it felt that I wouldn’t learn from fiction nearly as much as non-fiction. That’s not true, either. Some of the fiction books I’ve read I’ve learned a lot from. Peaceful Warrior would be one of those and I’m now diving into The Alchemist for the first time to see if it can teach me anything as well. I’m making time to read more and finding ways to create more time for reading as well. With Blinkist leading the charge (allowing me to digest a book in a single session on the FitDesk) and Audible providing me with another way to “read” more, I know that I’m not going to be able to read more – I’m going to be able to read better. I talk about my reading workflow and ideas surrounding reading better on this week’s episode of The Productivityist Podcast. If you’re interested in learning about how I manage to read blogs, RSS feeds, and books effectively and efficiently, then give this episode a listen. 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.

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An Intentional Discussion with Patrick Rhone Jan 28, 2015

This week Patrick Rhone makes his third appearances on The Productivityist Podcast. I always enjoy chatting with Patrick because even when we don't see eye to eye on a topic, we always manage to find common ground on several others. This time around we talk about our disinterest in new year's resolutions and what we prefer to focus on instead. We also touch on how time and money can be treated in ways that are eerily similar and we finally get around to what we wanted to discuss – the importance of saying 'no' even when you're people pleasers like we are. There's lots of great stuff in this week's episode of The Productivityist Podcast, so give it a listen in the player below. You can also subscribe to the podcast on iTunes, Stitcher, or RSS. And if you want to offer some form of monetary support to the show, head over to The Productivityist Podcast Patreon page to see what perks await those who offer patronage. I've recently made some changes to the way the podcast looks in iTunes which should help with discoverability, but getting more ratings and reviews would be even better. If you've got a moment, head over to iTunes and let the world know what you think of The Productivityist Podcast. Thanks! 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.

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Built Unstoppable with Justin Levy Jan 21, 2015

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.

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Managing Time Demands with Francis Wade Jan 14, 2015

Francis Wade is the guest on this week’s episode of The Productivityist Podcast. I worked with Francis back in my Lifehack days (he was a regular contributor) and I love how passionate he is about helping others get more out of the time that they have. His new book, Perfect Time-Based Productivity, is a great read. During this episode, we talk about the difference between time management and time demands, the importance of looking inward when trying to improve your productivity, and what to do when you fall off the wagon with your resolutions for the year. If you want to get more out of your time - and get a special offer from Francis - then take the time to listen to the episode below. Or you can subscribe via iTunes here or RSS here. 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.

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A Look at Calendar Apps Jan 07, 2015

In this episode Mike explores several calendar apps, offering his thoughts on each of them along with some tips and tricks that he uses when dealing with his calendar. (Note: This won't be the last time he looks at calendar apps, as they are under constant development.) Relevant Links http://neuyearnet.refr.cc/2VFNZ66 (NeuYear.net) http://www.neuyear.net/products/the-now-year (The NOW Year Calendar) http://www.timeful.com/ (Timeful) https://productivityist.simplecast.fm/9 (The Productivityist Podcast: Being Unmistakable with Srinivas Rao) http://www.busymac.com/busycal/ (BusyCal) https://flexibits.com/fantastical (Fantastical) http://whetstoneapps.com/ (DayMap) http://upto.com/ (UpTo) https://www.tempo.ai/ (Tempo AI) https://calendar.sunrise.am/ (Sunrise) 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.

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Shaping a Great Year with David Delp Dec 31, 2014

The calendar year is coming to a close and it’s time for many of us to think about the year to come. This week I invited David Delp of Pilot Fire to join me on The Productivityist Podcast so that we could talk about what it takes to make a great year not just a pipe dream, but a reality. David and I have a very good rapport, and we really connected when we met at the inaugural SimpleREV event. This episode is well worth your time and attention. 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.

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The Disconnection Discussion with Patrick Rhone Dec 24, 2014

This week on the podcast, Patrick Rhone makes a return. These episodes with him may appear to be the least related to productivity, but that’s the beauty of our conversations. They head in that direction somehow because of the lenses that we look through in our everyday lives. I always enjoy chatting with Patrick because each of our conversations have a great deal of meaning. They stick with me. Whether we’re talking about our different philosophies of calendar management and task management (you’ll have to listen to his appearance on the retired Workflowing podcast for a good deal of time, I remember kernels of each chat fondly. 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.

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The Procrastination Conversation with Dr. Tim Pychyl Dec 17, 2014

In this episode, Mike has a candid conversation with Dr. Tim Pychyl about procrastination, strategic delaying, and what can get in the way of our productivity no matter what technology or approach we use. Relevant Links http://amzn.to/1zQHlHm (Me, Myself, and Us: The Science of Personality and the Art of Well-Being by Brain R. Little) http://amzn.to/1umQZO6 (Made to Stick by Dan & Chip Heath) Want to read this book efficiently and effectively? Get this book in "Cliff's Notes" format with http://jump.blinkist.com/aff_c?offer_id=2&aff_id=1189 (Blinkist) http://amzn.to/1yR6wuU (Solving the Procrastination Puzzle by Dr. Tim Pychyl) http://http-server.carleton.ca/~tpychyl/ (Procrastination Research Group) https://itunes.apple.com/ca/podcast/iprocrastinate-podcast/id129144284?mt=2 (iProcrastinate podcast) http://twitter.com/procrastwitate (Dr. Tim Pychyl 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.

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Let Go and Lean In with Daniel Gold Dec 10, 2014

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.

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Leveling Up with Jaime Masters Dec 02, 2014

This week on the podcast, Patrick Rhone makes a return. These episodes with him may appear to be the least related to productivity, but that’s the beauty of our conversations. They head in that direction somehow because of the lenses that we look through in our everyday lives. I always enjoy chatting with Patrick because each of our conversations have a great deal of meaning. They stick with me. Whether we’re talking about our different philosophies of calendar management and task management (you’ll have to listen to his appearance on the retired Workflowing podcast for a good deal of time, I remember kernels of each chat fondly. 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.

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The Contexts Conversation: Part Two Nov 25, 2014

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.

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The Contexts Conversation: Part One Nov 18, 2014

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.

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Voices for Vets with Gary Miller Jr. and Daniel & Vanessa Hayes Nov 12, 2014

This special episode of the podcast features interviews that Mike conducted with veterans of the military service, Gary Miller Jr. of GaryMillerJr.com and Daniel & Vanessa Hayes of Simple Life Together as part of the Voices For Vets campaign. These discussions focus on what aspects of the military that they've been able to translate into making their civilian lives fulfilling, and how they prepared for the transitions to their new lives beforehand. Relevant Links http://voicesforvets.co/ (VoicesForVets.co) http://garymillerjr.com/ (GaryMillerJr.com) http://www.abetterguy.com/project-killing-how-and-why-to-let-go-even-when-it-hurts-with-special-guest-mike-vardy/ (A Better Guy Podcast - How To Quit Even When It Hurts) http://www.abetterguy.com/mike-vardy-talks-the-business-of-writing-and-why-working-from-home-isnt-always-sexy/ (A Better Guy Podcast - The Business Of Writing and Why Working At Home Isn’t Sexy) http://facebook.com/meetGaryMillerJr (Gary Miller Jr. on Facebook) http://simplelifetogether.com/ (Dan & Vanessa Hayes: Simple Life Together) 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.

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Paul Jarvis: Old Man Internet Nov 04, 2014

This episode features a great conversation with the incredibly creative and productive Paul Jarvis. The discussion revolves around future-proofing your work and your business (which also does the same for your productivity...in a manner of speaking). Relevant Links http://pjrvs.com/ (Paul Jarvis - Website) http://pjrvs.com/creative (The Good Creative) http://thecreativeclass.io/ (The Creative Class) http://invisibleofficehours.com/ (Invisible Office Hours with Paul Jarvis & Jason SurfrApp) http://pjrvs.com/signup (Paul's Weekly Newsletter) http://twitter.com/pjrvs/ (Paul 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.

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Free Time with Patrick Rhone Oct 28, 2014

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.

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Being Unmistakable with Srinivas Rao Oct 21, 2014

Mike speaks with the "unmistakably creative" Srinivas Rao, author of The Art of Being Unmistakable and founder of The Unmistakable Creative. They dive into the art and craft of taking things to the next level, adjusting your goals, and what it's like to get support - and not just from those in your corner, but also from the most unlikeliest of places. Relevant Links http://unmistakablecreative.com/ (The Unmistakable Creative) http://amzn.to/1vyzOgc (The Art of Being Unmistakable) http://www.theinstigatorexperience.com/ (The Instigator Experience) http://www.glennbeck.com/2013/10/30/glenn-talks-to-author-srinivas-rao-about-the-art-of-being-unmistakable/ (Srinivas Rao on The Blaze with Glenn Beck) http://www.productivityist.com/blog/versioning (A Look at Productivity and Workflow Versioning) http://www.theblaze.com/stories/2014/09/09/hear-why-glenn-beck-thinks-rocker-and-joy-boy-andrew-w-k-is-one-of-the-more-important-voices-to-unite-america/ (Glenn Beck Praises Andrew WK) http://www.timeful.com/ (Timeful: Srini's Calendar App of Choice) 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.

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Productivity on the Road Oct 14, 2014

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.

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Living Productively with Chris Bailey Oct 08, 2014

In this episode, Mike chats with fellow Canadian Chris Bailey of A Life of Productivity about experimenting with workflow and productivity, as well as looking deeper at time, task, reading habits, and living a more productive (and meaningful) life. Relevant Links http://alifeofproductivity.com/experiments/ (Experiments from A Life of Productivity) http://amzn.to/1vRwJ8E (The Checklist Manifesto) http://jump.blinkist.com/aff_c?offer_id=2&aff_id=1189 (Blinkist) http://www.ryanholiday.net/the-notecard-system-the-key-for-remembering-organizing-and-using-everything-you-read/ (The Notecard System - Ryan Holiday) http://www.ryanholiday.net/how-to-keep-a-library-of-physical-books/ (How to Keep a Paper Library - Ryan Holiday) http://twitter.com/ALOProductivity (A Life of Productivity 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.

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Simply Executing with Josh Long Sep 30, 2014

Mike is in conversation with Josh Long, an incredibly prolific and productive writer, builder, and designer. The thing about Josh is that he focuses on quality over quantity, and that's just one of the things discussed during this episode. (Seth Godin's name comes up as well.) Relevant Links http://joshlong.cc/about/ (About Josh Long) http://executebook.com/ (Execute - A book by Drew Wilson & Josh Long) http://patterns.co/ (Patterns) https://cheddarapp.com/ (Cheddar) https://simplecast.fm/ (Simplecast) http://twitter.com/joshlong (Josh Long 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.

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The Best Kind of Paper Pushing Sep 23, 2014

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.

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Tasking, Tracking, and Tactics with David Sparks Sep 16, 2014

Mike and guest David Sparks (better known as MacSparky) talk about task management, habit tracking, and plenty of other tactical stuff - all in a shade under 30 minutes! Relevant Links http://www.macpowerusers.com/2014/08/24/210-task-management/ (Mac Power Users #210: Task Management) https://www.omnigroup.com/video/omnifocus-setup-panel-and-qa (OmniFocus Setup Panel and Q&A) https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/napkin-concise-image-annotation/id581789185?mt=12&uo=4&at=10l66s (Napkin: Concise Visual Communication) http://lift.com/ (Lift) https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/day-one/id422304217?mt=12&uo=4&at=10l66s (Day One) http://macpsarky.com/ (MacSparky) http://twitter.com/macsparky/ (@macsparky 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.

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A Hard Habit App to Break Sep 10, 2014

Mike dives into the world of "habit tracking" apps, which also encompasses routines, rituals, and goals that we want to develop and foster. Relevant Links http://www.productivityist.com/blog/how-to-score-productivity-touchdowns (How to Score Productivity Touchdowns During Football Season) http://www.macpowerusers.com/2014/08/24/210-task-management/ (MacPowerUsers: Task Management) http://inoveryourhead.net/flossing-more-important-than-brushing-dentists-say/ (Flossing Your Teeth More Important Than Brushing, Dentists Say) http://www.productivityist.com/blog/the-3-things-seinfeld-does-that-ive-built-into-my-own-workflow (The 3 Things Seinfeld Does That I’ve Built Into My Own Workflow) https://www.lift.do/ (Lift) http://5by5.tv/mikesonmics/129 (Tony Stubblebine on Workflowing #129) http://habitlist.com/ (HabitList) http://thinklegend.com/commit/ (Commit) http://lifehacker.com/281626/jerry-seinfelds-productivity-secret (Jerry Seinfeld’s productivity secret) 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.

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Talking TaskClone with Troy Christmas Sep 03, 2014

On the first official episode of the podcast, Mike talks about Meeting Hero, Checkmark 2.1, and Dave Ursillo's new book. He also has a conversation with Troy Christmas of TaskClone. Relevant Links http://www.meetinghero.com/ (MeetingHero) http://www.productivityist.com/blog/look-less-meeting (A Look at LessMeeting) http://www.productivityist.com/blog/the-one-meeting (The One Productive Weekly Meeting You're Not Having (But Should)) http://blog.builtbysnowman.com/post/96004041192/checkmark-2-1-with-snoozing-and-improved-recurring (Checkmark 2.1) http://www.productivityist.com/blog/review-checkmark-2-for-ios (Review: Checkmark 2.0) http://amzn.to/1Cnj2nh (Big Apple, Black Sand and The Midnight Sun by Dave Ursillo) http://www.taskclone.com/ (TaskClone) Want to send Mike an app, book, or something similar to discuss on the show? Email me at podcast@productivityist.com and I'll see what I can do. 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.

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Greetings and Salutations Aug 28, 2014

In this "unofficial" first episode, Mike discusses what to expect from his new solo podcast effort. He also brings up what ideas he has for the podcast and how you can help make those ideas happen. Want to send me an app, book, or something similar to discuss on the show? Email me at podcast@productivityist.com and I'll see what I can do. 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.

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