A Productive Conversation

By Mike VardyBusiness Careers Management

A Productive Conversation episodes

October 18, 2024Paul Millerd Talks About Good Work and the Pathless Path
In this Flashback Friday episode, I reconnect with Paul Millerd to discuss his new book, Good Work: Reclaiming Your Inner Ambition. Paul reflects on life changes, including becoming a parent and launching this book. Our chat touches on how personal growth, creativity, and work-life integration evolved for him since our original conversation.
Paul shares the challenges of writing and parenting simultaneously, detailing how he resisted conventional book launch strategies to focus on sustainable progress. His insights offer a refreshing take on doing meaningful work at your own pace—a theme I deeply connect with.
Key Discussion Points
Writing Good Work and navigating parenthood simultaneously
Choosing long-term sustainable work over fast-paced launches
The concept of non-competitive creativity and protecting time blocks
How parenting reshaped Paul's connection to his work
His shift toward fewer but meaningful three-hour writing blocks
The impact of not following traditional publishing playbooks
Finding fulfillment in creating without burning out
Paul’s story shows that good work isn’t about rushing to the finish line—it’s about sustainable creativity and doing what feels right. This conversation is a reminder to honour our personal journeys and resist the temptation to conform to external pressures. If you're interested in building a fulfilling career and balancing it with life’s other priorities, you’ll find plenty of value in this episode. (Originally recorded February 2023)
Links Worth Exploring
Connect with Paul: Website | Instagram | Facebook | Twitter | LinkedIn
Buy Paul's latest book: Good Work: Reclaiming Your Inner Ambition
Buy Paul’s first book: The Pathless Path
Related Conversation: Episode 334: Endless Curiosity with Derek Sivers
Related Blog Post: How To Find Your Way Forward (And Finish)

Thanks to all of the sponsors of this episode. You can find all of the sponsors you heard me mention on this episode on our Podcast Sponsors page.
Want to support the podcast? Beyond checking out our sponsors, you can subscribe to the show wherever you listen to podcasts. You can subscribe on Spotify and also on Apple Podcasts. Not using either of those to get your podcasts? Just click on this link and then paste the podcast feed into your podcast app of choice.
Thanks again for listening to A Productive Conversation. See you later.
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57 min
October 16, 2024Patrick McAndrew Talks About Human-Centered Productivity and Inner Alignment
In this episode of A Productive Conversation, I’m joined by Patrick McAndrew, founder and CEO of HARA, an exclusive membership community designed for entrepreneurs and leaders seeking to elevate their lives and align their personal and professional paths. Patrick has a unique blend of experience, from managing restaurants to advising corporate giants like Morgan Stanley, and he brings deep insight into how we can reclaim attention and cultivate intention in a tech-driven world.
Throughout our conversation, Patrick shares his personal evolution from helping people "get more done" to teaching leaders how to engage more deeply with their values and inner state. We discuss what it really means to be productive, explore the balance between routine and practice, and challenge the notion that apps or frameworks are the answer to today’s challenges.
Key Discussion Points
Patrick’s journey from teaching speed reading and memory skills to founding HARA, a community focused on alignment and inner work
The evolution of productivity from task-based to meaning-driven approaches
Why practices like journaling and meditation are essential for sustainable productivity
The tension between structure and adaptability in today’s work environments
How routines and patterns can transform into practices that align with personal values
The role of attention and intention in balancing personal growth with business success
How modern productivity frameworks can be limiting if they ignore internal development
This conversation with Patrick McAndrew will challenge you to rethink the ways we pursue productivity, shifting focus from frameworks and apps to meaningful practices that nurture both business and personal growth. Patrick's insights are a powerful reminder that productivity is more than just ticking off tasks—it’s about becoming aligned with who we are and what we truly value. I look forward to revisiting this conversation with Patrick in the future to explore how these ideas continue to evolve.
Links Worth Exploring
Connect with Patrick: Website | LinkedIn | YouTube | Substack
Check out HARA: Learn more
My Essay: The Path to Productiveness
My Appearance on the Zen Habits podcast: Check it out
What Juliet Funt shared with me: Listen here
Related Conversation: Episode 283: Well-Presented with Mike Pacchione
Related Blog Post: The Ongoing Battle Between Time and Reason

Thanks to all of the sponsors of this episode. You can find all of the sponsors you heard me mention on this episode on our Podcast Sponsors page.
Want to support the podcast? Beyond checking out our sponsors, you can subscribe to the show wherever you listen to podcasts. You can subscribe on Spotify and also on Apple Podcasts. Not using either of those to get your podcasts? Just click on this link and then paste the podcast feed into your podcast app of choice.
Thanks again for listening to A Productive Conversation. See you later.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
43 min
October 11, 2024Srinivas Rao Talks About Creativity, AI, and Content Evolution
In this episode of A Productive Conversation, I’m joined by Srini Rao, host of The Unmistakable Creative podcast. Srini has always been at the forefront of blending creativity with productivity, and our discussion today takes an even deeper dive into these themes. We reflect on how the creative process has evolved since we last spoke, touching on the integration of AI and the future of content creation.
Srini’s exploration of creativity doesn’t just stop at human endeavors—it extends into how AI can serve as a creative collaborator. From his development of customized children’s books to building a tool that automates eBook creation, Srini shares how the intersection of human creativity and AI execution is reshaping the way we work. Join us as we revisit insights from our conversation in 2014 and reflect on the vast changes that have taken place over the past decade.
Key Discussion Points
How Srini built a YouTube channel focused on Mem tutorials and his deep dive into AI's role in creativity.
The distinction between AI as a creative tool versus a thought partner, and how creatives can leverage AI for content repurposing.
The importance of "personal knowledge capital" in an AI-enhanced future.
Srini’s journey in using AI to generate custom children’s books and other creative projects.
The concept of "recursive creativity" and how humans guide, criticize, and curate AI output to enhance creative work.
How division of labor at scale is becoming accessible to creators, thanks to AI.
As Srini continues to push the boundaries of creativity with AI, this episode offers a unique glimpse into how technology can aid, rather than replace, the human creative process. Whether you're an entrepreneur, creator, or someone intrigued by the future of AI, this episode provides valuable insights into how to harness the power of AI to scale your creative output. (Originally recorded in 2014)
Links Worth Exploring
Connect with Srini: Website | Instagram | Twitter/X
Srini’s Books on Amazon: Check them out here
Srinivas Rao on The Blaze with Glenn Beck
Related Conversation: Episode 534: Kevin Surace Talks About AI and Maintaining Productivity
Related Blog Post: A Look at Productivity and Workflow Versioning

Thanks to all of the sponsors of this episode. You can find all of the sponsors you heard me mention on this episode on our Podcast Sponsors page.
Want to support the podcast? Beyond checking out our sponsors, you can subscribe to the show wherever you listen to podcasts. You can subscribe on Spotify and also on Apple Podcasts. Not using either of those to get your podcasts? Just click on this link and then paste the podcast feed into your podcast app of choice.
Thanks again for listening to A Productive Conversation. See you later.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
34 min
October 09, 2024PM Talks S1E10: Pacing and Cadence
In this latest episode of our monthly series, PM Talks, I sit down with my good friend Patrick Rhone to dive deep into the idea of finding the right pace in life and work. We explore how our relationship with time evolves as we age, and what it means to develop a sustainable cadence that suits our changing needs and values. Patrick and I discuss how wisdom often takes priority over productivity, and how embracing pacing can lead to a more fulfilling life.
This conversation touched on a lot of important ideas, including how age impacts our pacing and how the societal pressure to constantly accelerate can affect our well-being. We even draw connections between personal reflections and practical applications for making better choices about how we spend our time.
Key Discussion Points
How turning 50 has influenced my perspective on pacing in life and work
The role of age in shaping our relationship with time and productivity
Why "moving slow to go fast" can be more effective in both work and life
Embracing wisdom over output as we get older
The cultural shift away from valuing the wisdom of elders and its impact
Understanding personal limitations and making conscious decisions about where to put our energy
Patrick also shared insights on the importance of understanding and respecting personal limitations, and we reflected on how age affects our perceptions of time and productivity. If you want to take a deeper look at how pacing yourself might help you find the right rhythm in your own life, this episode is a must-listen.
Links Worth Exploring
Patrick's book, "For You"
Patrick’s Website
Watch Fiennes Return to the Wild on Disney+
What is The GORUCK Challenge?
Check out ALL of the PM Talks episodes

Thanks to all of the sponsors of this episode. You can find all of the sponsors you heard me mention on this episode on our Podcast Sponsors page.
Want to support the podcast? Beyond checking out our sponsors, you can subscribe to the show wherever you listen to podcasts. You can subscribe on Spotify and also on Apple Podcasts. Not using either of those to get your podcasts? Just click on this link and then paste the podcast feed into your podcast app of choice.
Thanks again for listening to A Productive Conversation. See you later.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
49 min
October 04, 2024David Allen Talks About Team Productivity and the Evolution of GTD
In this special Flashback Friday episode, I reconnect with David Allen, the creator of the Getting Things Done (GTD) methodology, to discuss his latest book, Team: Getting Things Done with Others, co-authored with Ed Lamont. We also revisit a classic conversation where we discussed the evolution of GTD, reflecting on its past, present, and the future of productivity practices.
David has been a regular guest on the show, and this time we dive into the complexities of translating GTD principles to a team setting, and how the GTD philosophy continues to evolve. We also touch on topics such as remote work, team dynamics, and the importance of clarity, trust, and adaptability in both individual and collective productivity.
Key Discussion Points
David's new book, Team: Getting Things Done with Others, and the challenges of applying GTD to teams
The importance of standards and clarity in fostering trust within a team environment
The evolution of productivity tools and the core principles of GTD that remain unchanged
How the brain processes tasks, multitasking, and the risks of decision fatigue in modern productivity
The nuances of working by context vs. linear project management and how they support different working styles
How GTD can be a lifestyle practice, providing a path to mastery that applies to both professional and personal life
It was (as always) an insightful conversation with David Allen, offering perspectives on how GTD remains a powerful productivity framework, whether you’re working solo or as part of a team. David's new book is a must-read for anyone looking to extend GTD practices beyond personal productivity and make teamwork more effective and cohesive. (Originally released July 2015)
Links Worth Exploring
Connect with David: Website | Facebook | Twitter | LinkedIn
Get David's book: Team: Getting Things Done with Others
Revisit my fireside chat with David at Running Remote 2023: Watch it here
Related Conversation: Episode 186: What Motivates Getting Things Done with Mary Lamia
Related Blog Post: The Evolution of Contexts

Thanks to all of the sponsors of this episode. You can find all of the sponsors you heard me mention on this episode on our Podcast Sponsors page.
Want to support the podcast? Beyond checking out our sponsors, you can subscribe to the show wherever you listen to podcasts. You can subscribe on Spotify and also on Apple Podcasts. Not using either of those to get your podcasts? Just click on this link and then paste the podcast feed into your podcast app of choice.
Thanks again for listening to A Productive Conversation. See you later.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
48 min
October 02, 2024Andrew J. Mason Talks About Podcasting and Productivity
In this episode, I sit down with Andrew J. Mason, a veteran podcast producer and the host of The Pro Guide. Andrew has over 18 years of experience in producing and hosting audio and visual content for shows like the Getting Things Done podcast for the David Allen Company and The Omni Show for the makers of OmniFocus. We dive deep into his journey in the world of podcasting, the productivity tools he uses, and his perspective on balancing creativity with efficiency.
Throughout our conversation, Andrew shares valuable insights on how he approaches podcast production, how his productivity methods have evolved, and why certain routines like coffee brewing are more than just about efficiency—they’re about setting the tone for the day. We also touch on the challenges of being productive in a creative field, particularly when managing multiple projects at once.
Key Discussion Points
Andrew’s start in podcasting in 2009 and his growth into producing The Pro Guide and The Omni Show
How productivity tools like OmniFocus help him manage sequential and parallel tasks in audio production
The value of creating a dynamic template for repetitive tasks and why adaptability is key
Andrew's relationship with video games and the importance of setting boundaries
The ritual of brewing coffee: why Andrew prefers pour-over for simplicity and my take on the deeper meaning behind coffee-making routines
How to maintain flexibility while still being productive, particularly when life doesn’t go according to plan
It was an absolute pleasure to chat with Andrew J. Mason. His passion for podcasting and productivity is truly inspiring, and I hope you find his insights as impactful as I did. If you’re someone looking to better balance creativity and productivity, or if you just want a behind-the-scenes look at the world of podcast production, this episode is for you.
Links Worth Exploring
Connect with Andrew: Website | LinkedIn | X/Twitter | Instagram
Check out my appearance on The Pro Guide: Watch it here
Check out Andrew's work on The Omni Show: Listen here
Related Conversation: Episode 64: Passionate About Productivity with Amber De La Garza
Related Blog Post: Why I’m Passionate About Personal Productivity

Thanks to all of the sponsors of this episode. You can find all of the sponsors you heard me mention on this episode on our Podcast Sponsors page.
Want to support the podcast? Beyond checking out our sponsors, you can subscribe to the show wherever you listen to podcasts. You can subscribe on Spotify and also on Apple Podcasts. Not using either of those to get your podcasts? Just click on this link and then paste the podcast feed into your podcast app of choice.
Thanks again for listening to A Productive Conversation. See you later.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
49 min
September 27, 2024Gretchen Rubin Talks About The Four Tendencies
In this Flashback Friday episode, I'm excited to revisit my conversation with the insightful Gretchen Rubin, marking the 550th episode of A Productive Conversation! This conversation explores her book, The Four Tendencies. We dive into how these four personality types—Upholder, Questioner, Obliger, and Rebel—can influence our behavior, decision-making, and even how we interact with others.
Having been involved in her Four Tendencies course, I’ve always been fascinated by the insights she offers on understanding ourselves better. Whether you’re new to this concept or revisiting it like me, this episode is packed with practical takeaways to help you better understand your own tendencies and those of the people around you.
Key Discussion Points
What led Gretchen to identify and define the Four Tendencies: Upholder, Questioner, Obliger, and Rebel.
How the Four Tendencies can impact habit formation and how to leverage your tendency to make effective changes.
Examples of how each tendency interacts with expectations, both internally and externally.
The importance of creating structures that align with your tendency, such as setting boundaries for obligers or emphasizing freedom for rebels.
Real-life applications of the Four Tendencies in work and personal life, including relationships and productivity.
Insights into how Gretchen’s work has evolved, including her other books like The Happiness Project, and the role these ideas play in her daily life.
I hope this throwback episode with Gretchen Rubin gave you some new perspectives on how personality frameworks can impact your productivity, relationships, and general well-being. If you’re curious to learn more, make sure to check out Gretchen's work and take the Four Tendencies quiz to see where you fit in. Understanding your tendencies might just be the key to unlocking a more productive, and satisfying, life. (Originally released January 2018)
Links Worth Exploring
Connect with Gretchen: Website | Instagram | Facebook | LinkedIn
Get Gretchen's Book: The Four Tendencies
Take The Four Tendencies Quiz: Check it out
Take The Four Tendencies Course: Start here
Read Grechen's piece on National Novel Writing month: Read it now
Related Conversation: Episode 454: Michelle Segar Talks About Habits and The Joy Choice
Related Blog Post: Finding Your Best First Day of the Year

Thanks to all of the sponsors of this episode. You can find all of the sponsors you heard me mention on this episode on our Podcast Sponsors page.
Want to support the podcast? Beyond checking out our sponsors, you can subscribe to the show wherever you listen to podcasts. You can subscribe on Spotify and also on Apple Podcasts. Not using either of those to get your podcasts? Just click on this link and then paste the podcast feed into your podcast app of choice.
Thanks again for listening to A Productive Conversation. See you later.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
36 min
September 25, 2024Tamsen Webster Talks About Lasting Change and the Power of Communication
In this episode of A Productive Conversation, I sit down with Tamsen Webster, renowned messaging strategist, keynote speaker, and author of the upcoming book, Say What They Can’t Unhear: The Nine Principles of Lasting Change. We dive deep into the principles behind lasting change, communication strategies, and how these concepts align with her broader body of work.
Tamsen shares insights from her latest book, exploring what makes change stick and how messaging plays a crucial role in influencing others. We talk about her experiences crafting communication strategies, the challenges of writing a book, and how persuasion without manipulation is possible.
Key Discussion Points
Kurtis’ personal story of overcoming anxiety and discovering the power of breathwork.
The concept of unconscious breath holding and how it signals the body’s stress response.
A breakdown of different breathwork techniques for calming anxiety, boosting energy, and detoxifying the body.
How breathwork helps release emotional and physical tension, leading to profound cathartic experiences.
The connection between breathwork and DMT production, and how it can create mystical and transformative experiences.
Simple, actionable breathwork exercises, like the sigh technique and straw breathing, to improve focus and well-being.
Kurtis offers a fresh perspective on how something as simple as breathing can have a powerful impact on your physical, mental, and emotional health. Whether you’re new to breathwork or looking to deepen your practice, this conversation is packed with insights and practical tips.
Links Worth Exploring
Connect with Kurtis: Website | LinkedIn | Instagram | X/Twitter
Get Kurtis's Book: Breathwork Detox: How to Thrive in the Age of Anxiety
Check out Breathwork Detox: Website (Use discount code Mike50 for Breathwork Events)
Related Conversation: Episode 67: A Doer Who Likes To Be with Michael Townsend Williams
Related Blog Post: How to Start Pacing Your Productivity

Thanks to all of the sponsors of this episode. You can find all of the sponsors you heard me mention on this episode on our Podcast Sponsors page.
Want to support the podcast? Beyond checking out our sponsors, you can subscribe to the show wherever you listen to podcasts. You can subscribe on Spotify and also on Apple Podcasts. Not using either of those to get your podcasts? Just click on this link and then paste the podcast feed into your podcast app of choice.
Thanks again for listening to A Productive Conversation. See you later.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
36 min
September 20, 2024Leo Babauta Talks About the Power of Slowing Down and Intentional Living
In this special Flashback Friday episode, I’m revisiting a conversation I had with my long-time friend and the founder of Zen Habits, Leo Babauta. This episode offers timeless insights into slowing down, living intentionally, and focusing on what truly matters. In 2024, Leo and I caught up to reflect on how much – or how little – has changed since our initial conversation. His wisdom and practices remain as relevant today as they were back then.
If you're not familiar with Zen Habits, it's a blog that has stood the test of time. Over the years, Leo has shifted focus from pure productivity to a more holistic and sustainable approach to living. In this episode, we explore how those philosophies have evolved and deepened, and how they continue to serve us both personally and professionally.
Key Discussion Points
The importance of slowing down and focusing on what truly matters in life and work
How Leo manages his time with a large family and multiple projects without burning out
The power of consistency versus sustainability in daily habits
How Zen Habits has evolved as Leo's life has changed, but the core principles remain the same
Leo’s approach to balancing digital tools and paper for organization
The difference between productivity as efficiency and productivity as aligning intention and attention
As always, it's a pleasure to share these insights from my conversation with Leo. I’ve found that many of the lessons we discussed back in 2011 continue to resonate, especially as the pace of life and work increases. I hope you find these reflections valuable and that they inspire you to slow down and focus on what truly matters. (Originally recorded in 2011)
Links Worth Exploring
Connect with Leo: Website | Instagram | X/Twitter
Check out the Fearless Living Academy: Learn more
Watch Leo's YouTube channel: Check it out
Listen to Leo's podcast: Hear it here
While you're listening: Check out Episode 299 of Cal Newport's podcast
Related Conversation: Episode 229: Exploring Digital Minimalism with Cal Newport
Related Blog Post: The Rushing Feeling: How to Hush it

Thanks to all of the sponsors of this episode. You can find all of the sponsors you heard me mention on this episode on our Podcast Sponsors page.
Want to support the podcast? Beyond checking out our sponsors, you can subscribe to the show wherever you listen to podcasts. You can subscribe on Spotify and also on Apple Podcasts. Not using either of those to get your podcasts? Just click on this link and then paste the podcast feed into your podcast app of choice.
Thanks again for listening to A Productive Conversation. See you later.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
31 min
September 18, 2024Kurtis Lee Thomas Talks About Breathwork Detox and Thriving in the Age of Anxiety
In this episode of A Productive Conversation, I sit down with Kurtis Lee Thomas, author of Breathwork Detox: How to Thrive in the Age of Anxiety. Kurtis shares his powerful story of overcoming crippling anxiety and how breathwork became a transformative tool for healing and thriving. His journey from stress and burnout to becoming a leading voice in breathwork is nothing short of inspiring.
We delve into the practical aspects of breathwork, the science behind it, and how it can help alleviate anxiety, stress, and even physical ailments. Kurtis also breaks down the myths surrounding breathwork and shares simple exercises that anyone can incorporate into their daily routine to start feeling immediate benefits.
Key Discussion Points
Kurtis’ personal story of overcoming anxiety and discovering the power of breathwork.
The concept of unconscious breath holding and how it signals the body’s stress response.
A breakdown of different breathwork techniques for calming anxiety, boosting energy, and detoxifying the body.
How breathwork helps release emotional and physical tension, leading to profound cathartic experiences.
The connection between breathwork and DMT production, and how it can create mystical and transformative experiences.
Simple, actionable breathwork exercises, like the sigh technique and straw breathing, to improve focus and well-being.
Kurtis offers a fresh perspective on how something as simple as breathing can have a powerful impact on your physical, mental, and emotional health. Whether you’re new to breathwork or looking to deepen your practice, this conversation is packed with insights and practical tips.
Links Worth Exploring
Connect with Kurtis: Website | LinkedIn | Instagram | X/Twitter
Get Kurtis's Book: Breathwork Detox: How to Thrive in the Age of Anxiety
Check out Breathwork Detox: Website (Use discount code Mike50 for Breathwork Events)
Related Conversation: Episode 67: A Doer Who Likes To Be with Michael Townsend Williams
Related Blog Post: How to Start Pacing Your Productivity

Thanks to all of the sponsors of this episode. You can find all of the sponsors you heard me mention on this episode on our Podcast Sponsors page.
Want to support the podcast? Beyond checking out our sponsors, you can subscribe to the show wherever you listen to podcasts. You can subscribe on Spotify and also on Apple Podcasts. Not using either of those to get your podcasts? Just click on this link and then paste the podcast feed into your podcast app of choice.
Thanks again for listening to A Productive Conversation. See you later.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
37 min

About A Productive Conversation

From the publisher's feed

Hosted by productivity strategist Mike Vardy, A Productive Conversation offers insightful discussions on how to craft a life that aligns with your intentions. Each episode dives into the art of time devotion, productiveness, and refining your approach to daily living. Mike invites guests who are thinkers, doers, and creators to share their strategies for working smarter and living more intentionally. From practical tips to deep dives on mindset shifts, this podcast will help you reframe your relationship with time and find balance in a busy world.