A Productive Conversation: Recent Episodes
Mike Vardy
Hosted by productivity strategist Mike Vardy, A Productive Conversation is a podcast that discusses tips, tools, tactics, and tricks that are designed to help you take your productivity, time management, goals, to do lists, habits, and workflow to new heights - both at work and at home. If you're looking to focus your efforts on getting the right things done and start living the good life, then this weekly conversational podcast – crafted in the tradition of Slate's Working, Back to Work, and HBR IdeaCast – is for you.
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. Spotify | Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Stitcher You can also click on this link to paste the podcast feed into your podcast app of choice. Thanks again for listening to A Productive Conversation. See you later. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Welcome to 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)
Thanks to all of the sponsors of this episode. You can find all of the sponsors you heard me mention on this episode on our Podcast Sponsors page. Want to support the podcast? Beyond checking out our sponsors, you can subscribe to the show wherever you listen to podcasts. Click on any of the links below to make that happen. Spotify | Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Stitcher You can also click on this link to paste the podcast feed into your podcast app of choice. Thanks again for listening to A Productive Conversation. See you later. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
In 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. 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
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. Want to support the podcast? Beyond checking out our sponsors, you can subscribe to the show wherever you listen to podcasts. Click on any of the links below to make that happen. Spotify | Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Stitcher You can also click on this link to paste the podcast feed into your podcast app of choice. Thanks again for listening to A Productive Conversation. See you later. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
In 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
Thanks to all of the sponsors of this episode. You can find all of the sponsors you heard me mention on this episode on our Podcast Sponsors page. Want to support the podcast? Beyond checking out our sponsors, you can subscribe to the show wherever you listen to podcasts. Click on any of the links below to make that happen. Spotify | Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Stitcher You can also click on this link to paste the podcast feed into your podcast app of choice. Thanks again for listening to A Productive Conversation. See you later. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
In 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. 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
We're going back into the vault for this episode for a conversation that I had in January 2019 with the one and only James Clear. James is best known as the author of Atomic Habits: An Easy And Proven Way To Build Good Habits And Break Bad Ones. During our conversation, James discusses why he wrote Atomic Habits and how it differs from other habit books, the importance of breaking habits down into "atomic" small changes, and the "two minute rule" for making habits simple and easy to do. We also get into how seasons and social reinforcement can help with habit consistency, strategies for curtailing behaviours that you want to do in moderation, and his collaboration with Baronfig. Key Discussion Points
Start small with habits by scaling them down until they take two minutes or less. This makes them simple to automate.
Layer many small habit changes on top of each other to achieve big results over time.
Use tools and software to help with habit consistency, especially for infrequent habits.
Slow down and pay attention to your current behaviours to identify where to insert new habits.
Write things down in a central place to capture ideas and sort them later. Don't worry about organization in the moment.
I hope this very productive conversation with James Clear gives you some valuable insights into building good habits through small, sustainable changes. Atomic Habits provides a practical, science-backed approach that you can start implementing today. Don't let perfect be the enemy of good – take that first small step and build the habit from there. Links Worth Exploring
Connect with James: Website | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram
James’s Book: Atomic Habits: An Easy and Proven Way to Build Good Habits and Break Bad Ones
Baronfig x James Clear Collection: Check out this collaboration
Read James' Newsletter: Subscribe
Related Conversation: Episode 454: Michelle Segar talks about habits and The Joy Choice
Related Blog Post: 3 Steps to Building Productivity Habits That Stick
Thanks to all of the sponsors of this episode. You can find all of the sponsors you heard me mention on this episode on our Podcast Sponsors page. Want to support the podcast? Beyond checking out our sponsors, you can subscribe to the show wherever you listen to podcasts. Click on any of the links below to make that happen. Spotify | Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Stitcher You can also click on this link to paste the podcast feed into your podcast app of choice. Thanks again for listening to A Productive Conversation. See you later. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Josselyne Herman Saccio joins the show to discuss her work helping people transform limiting beliefs and shift from a place of reaction to creation. She is a transformative coach and course leader with more than 30 years experience and as an author, CEO, Community Activist, founder of a non -profit and coach, she has worked with all kinds of people to empower them to live the life of their dreams NOW and ultimately be "unmessablewith." She shares how she helps people develop the "muscle of creation" by getting clear on their vision and what they really want, beyond just goals. We also discuss the importance of journaling and storytelling, how to best fill out your calendar, and why Josselyne calls her work "the art" of being unmessable. Key Discussion Points
The importance of creating, not just managing or reacting
Developing the muscle of creation by exercising it regularly
Getting clear on your vision and what you really want, beyond just goals
Dismantling the stories and limiting beliefs that hold you back
Shifting from feeling complete to creating being complete
Distinguishing what is actually happening versus the stories you tell yourself
Filling your calendar with why you're doing things and what you're creating, not just content
This conversation provides insights and strategies to help you transform limiting beliefs, shift from a place of reaction to creation, and develop the "muscle of creation". By dismantling the stories that hold you back and getting clear on your true vision, you can fill your life with more meaning and fulfillment, regardless of your circumstances. Listen in to discover tools that may help you unlock your untapped potential and create the life you desire. Links Worth Exploring
Connect with Josselyne: Website | Facebook | Twitter | LinkedIn
Josselyne's Youtube Channel: Watch now
Josselyne's Newsletter: Check it out
A Blast From Josselyne's Past: "That's What Love Can Do"
Related Conversation: Episode 245: What Happy Successful People Do Differently with Marc and Angel Chernoff
Related Blog Post: Why Improving Your Relationship with Time is the Key to Mastering It
Thanks to all of the sponsors of this episode. You can find all of the sponsors you heard me mention on this episode on our Podcast Sponsors page. Want to support the podcast? Beyond checking out our sponsors, you can subscribe to the show wherever you listen to podcasts. Click on any of the links below to make that happen. Spotify | Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Stitcher You can also click on this link to paste the podcast feed into your podcast app of choice. Thanks again for listening to A Productive Conversation. See you later. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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. Want to support the podcast? Beyond checking out our sponsors, you can subscribe to the show wherever you listen to podcasts. Click on any of the links below to make that happen. Spotify | Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Stitcher You can also click on this link to paste the podcast feed into your podcast app of choice. Thanks again for listening to A Productive Conversation. See you later. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
In 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. Want to support the podcast? Beyond checking out our sponsors, you can subscribe to the show wherever you listen to podcasts. Click on any of the links below to make that happen. Spotify | Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Stitcher You can also click on this link to paste the podcast feed into your podcast app of choice. Thanks again for listening to A Productive Conversation. See you later. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
In 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. Want to support the podcast? Beyond checking out our sponsors, you can subscribe to the show wherever you listen to podcasts. Click on any of the links below to make that happen. Spotify | Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Stitcher You can also click on this link to paste the podcast feed into your podcast app of choice. Thanks again for listening to A Productive Conversation. See you later. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
In 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. Spotify | Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Stitcher You can also click on this link to paste the podcast feed into your podcast app of choice. Thanks again for listening to A Productive Conversation. See you later. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
In the first part of my podcast conversation with Thanh Pham, founder of Asian Efficiency, we explored our shared experiences in the productivity space. We discussed the evolution of productivity advice and systems, emphasizing the importance of choosing one system and adapting it to your needs. Thanh highlighted the shift from being reactive to proactive, underscoring the value of planning for the next day and week to stay on top of tasks. Thanh also shared his personal journey of focusing on building deeper relationships and community, which led to increased happiness and productivity. This served as a powerful reminder that productivity isn't just about getting more done—it's also about enhancing our overall well-being. Key Discussion Points
The landscape of productivity has changed over the years, and there's no one right way to do something. The rise of the cult of getting things done has shown that there are multiple ways to approach productivity.
Small changes can lead to significant results. You don't have to make drastic changes to get the results you're looking for. A single tweak a week can lead to major improvements.
Sustainability is a challenging aspect of learning. Trying to get everything done in a single day can lead to burnout. It's important to recognize that you have more time than you think.
Reflective practice, such as journaling, can help improve productivity. It's important to take time to reflect on what you're doing and why.
The importance of a weekly review and being aware of the cadence and pace of life can help manage productivity.
Happiness and productivity are linked. Happy people tend to be more productive.
The concept of productivity has evolved over the last decade. It's not just about time and money, but also about health.
Our conversation concluded with a discussion on the changing perception of productivity, shifting from efficiency to optimizing for happiness. This perspective has been a game-changer for Thanh, and he believes it can be for others as well. Stay tuned for the second part of our conversation next week, where we'll delve deeper into these themes and more. Links Worth Exploring
Connect with Thanh: Website | Twitter | Facebook | Youtube
Thanh's podcast: The Productivity Show
Recommended by Thanh: Die With Zero: Getting All You Can from Your Money and Your Life
Recommended by Thanh (and me): Four Thousand Weeks: Time Management for Mortals
Related Conversation: Episode 83: Overnight Success with Aaron Mahnke
Related Blog Post: Why You Need To Take Personal Productivity Personally
Thanks to all of the sponsors of this episode. You can find all of the sponsors you heard me mention on this episode on our Podcast Sponsors page. Want to support the podcast? Beyond checking out our sponsors, you can subscribe to the show wherever you listen to podcasts. Click on any of the links below to make that happen. Spotify | Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Stitcher You can also click on this link to paste the podcast feed into your podcast app of choice. Thanks again for listening to A Productive Conversation. See you later. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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
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
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. 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.
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
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.
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
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.
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. 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.
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. 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.
Here is an extra special bonus episode with Dominic Zijlstra - the creator of the learning app Traverse.link. He's an ed-tech entrepreneur and polyglot. He helps professionals learn faster and remember more using science-based learning methods. Dominic built traverse to have an app where you have all the tools that you need specifically for learning and have them in a way that makes sure that what you need to learn is in your brain rather than just being a tool. We talk about learning and retention, we dissect traverse.link and why it really works, and we dive into where his obsession with learning began. He's been working on this app for a while and it's showing a lot of promise - I am excited to shine a spotlight on him in this episode of A Productive Conversation with Mike Vardy Links Worth Exploring
Connect with Dominic: Website | Instagram | Twitter | LinkedIn
Join Dominic's Super Learning Mini Course & Newsletter
View and copy Mike Vardy's Traverse Mind Map here
Related Conversation: Episode 397: Jesse Mecham talks about YNAB, Money Management and Future You
Related Blog Post: How to Trick Yourself into Learning Faster
Thanks to all of the sponsors of this episode. You can find all of the sponsors you heard me mention on this episode on our Podcast Sponsors page. Want to support the podcast? Beyond checking out our sponsors, you can subscribe to the show wherever you listen to podcasts. Click on any of the links below to make that happen. Spotify | Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Stitcher You can also click on this link to paste the podcast feed into your podcast app of choice. Thanks again for listening to A Productive Conversation. See you later.
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. 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.
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. 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.
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
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.
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
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.
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
Buy Finish: 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. 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.
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. 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.
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. 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.
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. 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.
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 Britt: 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
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.
It's never fun to feel as if you're stuck. But there might be some advantages to getting stuck that you may not see, especially when you're actually in that state. That's where Britt Frank comes in. Britt Frank is the author of The Science of Stuck. She is a therapist, teacher, speaker, and trauma specialist who is committed to dismantling the mental health myths that keep us feeling STUCK and SICK. On this episode, she joined me for a discussion about dealing with "stuckness". We also chat about the hidden benefits of staying stuck, Energy Management, and more about her work focusing on empowering people to understand the inner mechanisms of their brains and bodies. Links Worth Exploring
Connect with Britt: Website | Instagram
Buy Britt's Book: The Science of Stuck
Check out Daniel Coyle's book: The Culture Playbook: 60 Highly Effective Actions to Help Your Group Succeed
Related Conversation: Episode 420: Daniel Coyle talks about The Culture Playbook
Related Blog Post: How to Get Unstuck: The Big Paper Exercise
Thanks to all of the sponsors of this episode. You can find all of the sponsors you heard me mention on this episode on our Podcast Sponsors page. Want to support the podcast? Beyond checking out our sponsors, you can subscribe to the show wherever you listen to podcasts. Click on any of the links below to make that happen. Spotify | Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Stitcher You can also click on this link to paste the podcast feed into your podcast app of choice. Thanks again for listening to A Productive Conversation. See you later.
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. 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.
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. 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.
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. 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.
If you're into email management, this conversation is for you. Prasanth Nair has helped tens of thousands of people manage their inboxes through his email, meeting and time/task transformation trainings. An expert in not only productivity, but work-life balance. We've all struggled with email management at one point in our life, including Prasanth! In this episode, we discuss the difficulties around maintaining inbox zero and how he, with much trial and error, discovered The Stack Method. Links Worth Exploring
Connect with Prasanth: Website | LinkedIn
Check out Prasanth's Email Video Series here
Related Conversation: The Evolution of Getting Things Done with David Allen
Related Blog Post: Going Beyond Inbox Zero
Thanks to all of the sponsors of this episode. You can find all of the sponsors you heard me mention on this episode on our Podcast Sponsors page. Want to support the podcast? Beyond checking out our sponsors, you can subscribe to the show wherever you listen to podcasts. Click on any of the links below to make that happen. Spotify | Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Stitcher You can also click on this link to paste the podcast feed into your podcast app of choice. Thanks again for listening to A Productive Conversation. See you later.
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. 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.
Jake Kelfer is a lifestyle entrepreneur, a life elevator, and a coach to ambitious entrepreneurs, and freedom seekers helping people create incredibly impactful and profitable businesses. Jake is a three-time best-selling author, a high-energy motivational speaker, and the founder of the professional basketball combine that's helped over 70+ NBA Draft prospects turn their dreams of playing pro basketball into reality. He and his work have been featured in Forbes, Sports Illustrated, ESPN, and many other major media outlets. In this episode, Jake gives us the inside scoop on his latest book The Elevated Entrepreneur: Unlocking the Secrets of the World's Greatest Coaches, Performers, and Entrepreneurs. He talks about some of his more memorable interviews and the reasoning behind the structuring of the book. And I throw some curve ball questions to really get him thinking. This is a really productive conversation and I think you will get a lot out of it. I'm really happy that I can bring this conversation to you today. Enjoy! Links Worth Exploring
Connect with Jake: Website | Instagram | Facebook | Twitter | LinkedIn
Buy Jake's Book: The Elevated Entrepreneur: Unlocking the Secrets of the World's Greatest Coaches, Performers, and Entrepreneurs
Related Conversation: Episode 359: The Common Path to Uncommon Success with John Lee Dumas
Related Blog Post: How to Build an Achievement Structure: Getting the Front End Work Done
Thanks to all of the sponsors of this episode. You can find all of the sponsors you heard me mention on this episode on our Podcast Sponsors page. Want to support the podcast? Beyond checking out our sponsors, you can subscribe to the show wherever you listen to podcasts. Click on any of the links below to make that happen. Spotify | Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Stitcher You can also click on this link to paste the podcast feed into your podcast app of choice. Thanks again for listening to A Productive Conversation. See you later.
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. 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.
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. 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.
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. 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.
Not only is Shaahin Cheyene the author of Billion: How I Became King of the Thrill Pill Cult but 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. 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.
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. 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.
You don't have to be a sports fan to take something from this episode. A globally recognized Performance Coach, Jason Goldsmith emphasizes combining the mental and physical aspects of optimal performance. As founder of Goldsmith Performance, Jason has coached multiple Major champions and top-fifty golfers. His accomplishments in golf include assisting Jason Day and Justin Rose in achieving the number-one world ranking and helping Rose win both the Gold Medal at the 2016 Olympics and the 2018 FedEx Cup Championship. In addition, he is the co-author of the book Take Charge of You: How Self Coaching Can Transform Your Life and Career Self-coaching can transform your life and career and this is what Jason and I cover in this week's episode. We get into this idea of self-coaching and how important is it for people to open themselves up to new experiences and break from the norms so that they can perform at a higher level. Take Charge of You, which is co-written with David Novak, is broken up into five elements which we briefly dive into during our discussion, as well as a few other topics such as my favourite undervalued and underappreciated tool; journaling. We talk about uncovering transformational insights and what that really means. And of course, the difference between self-coaching versus being coached by someone else. Gaining new skills and doing things that are uncomfortable is never fun. But hopefully, this conversation will give you a boost of confidence to start. Links Worth Exploring
Connect with Jason: Website | Twitter | Facebook | LinkedIn
Jason & David's Book: Take Charge of You: How Self Coaching Can Transform Your Life and Career
Related Conversation: Episode 241: What Sports Can Teach Us About Greatness with Don Yaeger
Related Blog Post: How To Find Your Way Forward (And Finish)
Thanks to all of the sponsors of this episode. You can find all of the sponsors you heard me mention on this episode on our Podcast Sponsors page. Want to support the podcast? Beyond checking out our sponsors, you can subscribe to the show wherever you listen to podcasts. Click on any of the links below to make that happen. Spotify | Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Stitcher You can also click on this link to paste the podcast feed into your podcast app of choice. Thanks again for listening to A Productive Conversation. See you later.
It's always exciting having another productivity coach on the show with me and this episode definitely starts off on the right foot! This was a fun and engaging conversation that I've been eager to release! Neill Williams is a mom, wife, and former overworked cog in the corporate wheel. Until she decided to take control of the life she wanted and unbusy it! She is now a Master Life and Scheduling Coach who is helping overwhelmed entrepreneurs do the same with her online courses and podcast Unbusy your Life with Neill Williams Being busy and in constant "not enough time in the day" mode can stem from a busy mindset. Neill dives into what she calls Mind Hygiene - brain dumping your thoughts and cleaning that out so that your brain can work the way it was designed to. Her goal is to help people understand time but also their mind - how they feel and how they show up in their time. We discuss a variety of topics such as redefining the word productive and removing the stigma that comes with it. Bringing it back to what productive really means to you and what makes you productive in your own mind. And how unbusy'ing your life can not only bring you balance but also to your loved ones. You're not going to want to miss this one. Links Worth Exploring
Connect with Neill: Website | Instagram | Facebook
Neill's podcast: How to Unbusy your Life with Neill Williams
Checkout Neill's Mastermind: 10K in 10 Days
Grab her free 30 Day Business Planner : Click here
Related Conversation: Episode 418: Joshua Becker
Related Blog Post: Too Busy To Think: 6 Ways To Create More Space
Thanks to all of the sponsors of this episode. You can find all of the sponsors you heard me mention on this episode on our Podcast Sponsors page. Want to support the podcast? Beyond checking out our sponsors, you can subscribe to the show wherever you listen to podcasts. Click on any of the links below to make that happen. Spotify | Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Stitcher You can also click on this link to paste the podcast feed into your podcast app of choice. Thanks again for listening to A Productive Conversation. See you later.
Reimagine yourself, Own who you are, Act on what's next for you, Reassess your relationships. This is a mantra that Michael Clinton lives by. And this conversation with him is one that I've been really excited to release. Michael is a best-selling author and former magazine publisher and president for Hearst magazine. He is a writer-at-large for Esquire as well as a regular columnist for Men's Health. When he is not writing, he is an expert and keynote speaker on life longevity. Michael began really living out his ambitions later in life and is passionate about making this the new norm. He is an avid photographer, world traveler, pilot, and marathon runner and is nowhere close to slowing down. In this episode, we dive into his latest book ROAR: Into the Second Half of Your Life (Before It's Too Late). While his book holds 40 life-changing stories, we only touch on a couple of these role models who reimagined their life and started a whole new chapter. We have an intriguing discussion on the importance of knowing that when you go into the second half of your life that it's not the end of it. Michael brings his tried and true experience on how starting a new chapter at any age is not only possible but can be the new standard using his ROAR mantra. Whether it's starting a business, traveling the world, or running a marathon after 50 - reimagine your life before someone else does it. This was an eye-opening conversation. I hope you found it as awakening and as meaningful as I did
Links Worth Exploring
Connect with Michael: Website | Facebook | Twitter | LinkedIn
Michael's Book: ROAR: Into the Second Half of Your Life (Before It's Too Late)
Related Conversation: Episode 251: Being a Late Bloomer with Rich Karlgaard
Related Blog Post: Is Moving Abroad A Good Productivity Hack?
Thanks to all of the sponsors of this episode. You can find all of the sponsors you heard me mention on this episode on our Podcast Sponsors page. Want to support the podcast? Beyond checking out our sponsors, you can subscribe to the show wherever you listen to podcasts. Click on any of the links below to make that happen. Spotify | Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Stitcher You can also click on this link to paste the podcast feed into your podcast app of choice. Thanks again for listening to A Productive Conversation. See you later.
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. 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.
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. 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.
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. 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.
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. 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.
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. 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.
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.
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. 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.
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. 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.
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. 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.
"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. 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.
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. 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.
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.
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.
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. 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.
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. 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
Episode 336: Visibility Bias with John Meese
Episode 239: Free to Focus with Michael Hyatt
Episode 289: The Vision Driven Leader with Michael Hyatt
Episode 388: Mike Michalowicz talks about Getting Different
How WeWork Became WeBroke – John Meese
Get Your ThriveScore
SurviveAndThriveBook.com
John Meese’s LinkedIn
Thrive School with John Meese
Want to discover some of the books mentioned on the podcast? Check out Scribd, my reading app of choice. If you enjoyed the episode, please leave a rating and/or review 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.
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
AltMBA
Episode 343: Consistency Over Authenticity with Seth Godin
Wes Kao’s website
Wes Kao’s Twitter
Maven’s Twitter
Maven
Want to discover some of the books mentioned on the podcast? Check out Scribd, my reading app of choice. If you enjoyed the episode, please leave a rating and/or review 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.
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
The Power of When with Dr Michael Breus
EnergizeMyself.com
TheSleepDoctor.com
ChronoQuiz.com
Dr Michael Breus’ TikTok
Want to discover some of the books mentioned on the podcast? Check out Scribd, my reading app of choice. If you enjoyed the episode, please leave a rating and/or review 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.
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
David Bennett Piano
Brain.fm/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. 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.
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
‘Decoding Greatness’ by Ron Friedman
‘Four Thousand Weeks’ by Oliver Burkeman
Cal Newport – ‘Take Control of Your Time’
DecodingGreatnessBook.com
Ignite80.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.
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
‘A Minute To Think’ by Juliet Funt
‘Four Thousand Weeks’ by Oliver Burkeman
‘Indistractable’ by Nir Eyal
‘The Reinvention of Work’ by Matthew Fox
Episode 360: A World Without Email with Cal Newport
Episode 229: Exploring Digital Minimalism with Cal Newport
Episode 93: Deep Work with Cal Newport
Episode 238: How to Keep Going with Austin Kleon
Why Is My Life So Hard? (Ep. 280) - Freakonomics
The Busyness Test
JulietFunt.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.
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
‘You Need a Budget’ by Jesse Mecham
‘Four Thousand Weeks’ by Oliver Burkeman
YNAB
Episode 388: Mike Michalowicz talks about Getting Different
jesse@ynab.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.
Pieter Geldenhuys – also known as PG Geldenhuys – facilitates hikes and retreats in South Africa and abroad to help you turn your focus inward, through his business Shoshin Walks. He’s also learnt that big shifts come from having a beginner’s mindset. PG’s adventurous spirit is infectious. He shares his travel tales and his philosophy with hiking and being in nature. In this productive conversation, we also discuss meditative walks, writing novels, cliches – and observing ducks. Talking Points
What is Shoshin?
The power of meditative walks
Navigating uncertainty
How writing badly helped PG write a novel
Lessons learnt from completing the Camino de Santiago
PG’s group tours that include the Inca trail and Kilimanjaro
Quote "Structure will set you free."
Helpful Links
‘Offsides’ by PG Geldenhuys
The Way (2010)
‘Four Thousand Weeks’ by Oliver Burkeman
Multiplicity (1996)
About Time (2013)
Shoshin Walks
PG’s LinkedIn
Shoshin Walks Facebook
Want to discover some of the books mentioned on the podcast? Check out Scribd, my reading app of choice. If you enjoyed the episode, please leave a rating and/or review wherever you listened to the episode. Also don't forget to check out all of our podcast sponsors found on our podcast sponsors page. If you enjoyed the episode, please leave a rating and/or review wherever you listened to the episode. And if you want to have easy access to the archives of the show and ensure you don't miss the new episodes to come then subscribe to the podcast in the app you're using.
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
Rediscover Your Play
Episode 365: Purposeful Play with Gary Ware
Episode 90: Productivity & Play with Dr. Kirsten Milliken
‘Four Thousand Weeks’ by Oliver Burkeman
‘Bullshit Jobs’ by David Graeber
Episode 379: Erin Meyer talks about No Rules Rules
Dig to Fly
Episode 266: Becoming Indistractable with Nir Eyal
@JeffHarryPlays
Want to discover some of the books mentioned on the podcast? Check out Scribd, my reading app of choice. If you enjoyed the episode, please leave a rating and/or review 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.
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
This Epic Life
‘Permission to Glow’ by Kristoffer Carter
‘A Minute to Think’ by Juliet Funt
Peter Gabriel - Don't Give Up (ft. Kate Bush)
Want to discover some of the books mentioned on the podcast? Check out Scribd, my reading app of choice. If you enjoyed the episode, please leave a rating and/or review 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.
Eric Partaker coaches and mentors entrepreneurs and leaders throughout the world, helping them reach peak levels of performance, in both their businesses and lives. He draws from his world-class work experiences at McKinsey, Skype, and Chilango, cutting-edge research and behavioral science from Stanford University, and the approaches and techniques used in the worlds of elite sports and the military – areas where peak performance is key.
In this conversation, we uncover some key insights from his latest book ‘The 3 Alarms: A Simple System to Transform Your Health, Wealth, and Relationships Forever’. We also discuss peak performance traps, visual reminders, Maslow’s hierarchy of needs – and the cost of a plane landing in an emergency.
Talking Points
What Eric discovered from his near-death experience
The IPA triggers
What we mean by ‘antifragile’
The power of the words we use and how identity drives behavior
What the superhero version of you looks like
Eric’s Three Alarms
Quote "In some shape or form, you’re already doing ‘The Thing’."
Helpful Links
‘The Three Alarms’ by Eric Partaker
‘Antifragile’ by Nassim Nicholas Taleb
Black Swan (2010)
Episode 266: Becoming Indistractable with Nir Eyal
Eric Partaker on Identity, Purpose and Change - Beyond the To-Do List
‘Atomic Habits’ by James Clear
Episode 227: Why You Need Atomic Habits with James Clear
EricPartaker.com
Want to discover some of the books mentioned on the podcast? Check out Scribd, my reading app of choice. If you enjoyed the episode, please leave a rating and/or review wherever you listened to the episode. Also don't forget to check out all of our podcast sponsors found on our podcast sponsors page. If you enjoyed the episode, please leave a rating and/or review wherever you listened to the episode. And if you want to have easy access to the archives of the show and ensure you don't miss the new episodes to come then subscribe to the podcast in the app you're using.
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
‘Widest Net’ by Pamela Slim
K’é Main Street Learning Lab
Episode 103: The Unmistakable Srinivas Rao
Episode 388: Mike Michalowicz talks about Getting Different
You Need A Budget
‘Quiet’ by Susan Cain
PamelaSlim.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.
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
‘Creative Quest’ by Questlove
The Muse headband
‘The Art & Science of Meditation’ by Lisa Erickson
Want to discover some of the books mentioned on the podcast? Check out Scribd, my reading app of choice. If you enjoyed the episode, please leave a rating and/or review 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.
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
‘Detox, Declutter, Dominate’ by Perry Marshall
Episode 351: Eating Frogs with Brian Tracy
‘Hemingway’ documentary
‘The Art of Impossible’ by Steven Kotler
Understanding the Job – Clayton Christensen talk
‘The 80/20 Principle’ by Richard Koch
Episode 385: Adii Pienaar talks about Measuring Life Profitability
‘Life Profitability’ by Adii Pienaar
42: the wildly improbable ideas of Douglas Adams – Kickstarter
PerryMarshall.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.
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
AVIEW.com
‘Hemingway’ documentary
‘The Authentic Swing’ by Steven Pressfield
‘The War of Art’ by Steven Pressfield
Jerry Seinfeld: Comedian
A/J Jackon’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.
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
GoGetDifferent.com
‘Clockwork’ by Mike Michalowicz
Clickup
Want to discover some of the books mentioned on the podcast? Check out Scribd, my reading app of choice. If you enjoyed the episode, please leave a rating and/or review 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.
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
Life Skills That Matter Podcast
The BIG Ready
LifeSkillsThatMatter.com/GetStarted
Want to discover some of the books mentioned on the podcast? Check out Scribd, my reading app of choice. If you enjoyed the episode, please leave a rating and/or review 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.
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
‘Read To Lead’ by Jeff Brown and Jesse Wisnewski
Episode 343: Consistency Over Authenticity with Seth Godin
‘Purple Cow’ by Seth Godin
How to Be a Better Reader - YouTube
Episode 360: A World Without Email with Cal Newport
Episode 229: Exploring Digital Minimalism with Cal Newport
Episode 73: Deep Work with Cal Newport
‘Digital Minimalism’ by Cal Newport
‘Punch Failure in the Face’ by David Knapp-Fisher
‘Anything You Want’ by Derek Sivers
‘The Five Dysfunctions of a Team’ by Patrick M. Lencioni
‘Die Empty: Unleash Your Best Work Every Day’ by Todd Henry
Episode 340: Your Motivation Code with Todd Henry
Episode 54: Voice Lessons with Todd Henry
‘Multipliers: How the Best Leaders Make Everyone Smart’ by Liz Wiseman
‘How to Take Smart Notes’ by Sönke Ahrens
‘Getting Things Done’ by David Allen
Episode 203: The Evolution of Getting Things Done with David Allen
‘Greenlights’ by Matthew McConaughey
‘The Greatest Salesman in the World’ by Og Mandino
ReadToLeadBook.com
Read To Lead 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.
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
‘Life Profitability’ by Adii Pienaar
‘Motion’ by Adii Pienaar
The Toxicity of Relentless Ambition
‘When Breath Becomes Air’ by Paul Kalanithi
Episode 226: How to Build a Company of One with Paul Jarvis
‘Siddhartha’ by Hermann Hesse
‘The Values Factor’ by Dr. John DeMartini
13 Questions with Dr John Demartini
Adii.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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Hypnosis is a powerful way to reprogram how we think and feel. Erika Flint uncovers how being in the present moment boosts productivity. Erika Flint is an award-winning hypnotist, best-selling author, speaker, and a co-host of the popular podcast series Hypnosis, Etc. She is the founder of Cascade Hypnosis Center in Bellingham, WA, and the creator of the Reprogram Your Weight system. I can’t wait to speak with Erika to learn more about how hypnosis can help you with your productivity. Join our conversation as we discuss micro-meditations, being in a flow state, her new book ‘Academy of Eternity: Unlock the Full Potential of Your Heart-Mind, Now and Forever’, and learning from a kid’s perspective.
Talking Points
The common misconceptions with hypnosis
Being productive by managing your inner state
The ‘Heaven State’
The power of incremental success
The difference between hypnosis and meditation
Where to start with hypnosis
On neuro-linguistic programming
Quote “Our internal state is our internal operating system.”
Helpful Links
pisode 351: Eating Frogs with Brian Tracy
Episode 203: The Evolution of Getting Things Done with David Allen
Episode 332: Getting Productive With Astrology with Jill Blumenstock
‘Creative Quest’ by Questlove
Muse
Episode 356: Get Out of Your Head with Ian Reed Kesler
‘The Prophet’ by Kahlil Gibran
‘Academy of Eternity’ by Erika Flint
CascadeHypnosisTraining.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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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).
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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
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.
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
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.
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
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.
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
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.
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
YouTube
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.
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
YouTube
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.
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
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.
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
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.
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
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.
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
YouTube
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.
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
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.
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
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.
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
YouTube
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.
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
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.
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
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.)
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.)
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.