A Productive Conversation

A Productive Conversation

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A Productive Conversation episodes

  • Neill Williams talks about How to Unbusy Your Life

    It's always exciting having another productivity coach on the show with me and this episode definitely starts off on the right foot! This was a fun and engaging conversation that I've been eager to release!

    Neill Williams is a mom, wife, and former overworked cog in the corporate wheel. Until she decided to take control of the life she wanted and unbusy it! She is now a Master Life and Scheduling Coach who is helping overwhelmed entrepreneurs do the same with her online courses and podcast Unbusy your Life with Neill Williams

    Being busy and in constant "not enough time in the day" mode can stem from a busy mindset. Neill dives into what she calls Mind Hygiene - brain dumping your thoughts and cleaning that out so that your brain can work the way it was designed to. Her goal is to help people understand time but also their mind - how they feel and how they show up in their time.

    We discuss a variety of topics such as redefining the word productive and removing the stigma that comes with it. Bringing it back to what productive really means to you and what makes you productive in your own mind. And how unbusy'ing your life can not only bring you balance but also to your loved ones.

    You're not going to want to miss this one.

    Links Worth Exploring

    • Connect with Neill: Website | Instagram | Facebook 
    • Neill's podcast: How to Unbusy your Life with Neill Williams
    • Checkout Neill's Mastermind: 10K in 10 Days
    • Grab her free 30 Day Business Planner : Click here
    • Related Conversation: Episode 418: Joshua Becker
    • Related Blog Post: Too Busy To Think: 6 Ways To Create More Space

    • Thanks to all of the sponsors of this episode. You can find all of the sponsors you heard me mention on this episode on our Podcast Sponsors page.

      Want to support the podcast? Beyond checking out our sponsors, you can subscribe to the show wherever you listen to podcasts. Click on any of the links below to make that happen.

      Spotify | Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Stitcher

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

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

      Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

      30 min
    • Neill Williams talks about How to Unbusy Your Life
      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.
      35 min
    • Michael Clinton talks about Roar into the Second Half of your Life

      Reimagine yourself, Own who you are, Act on what's next for you, Reassess your relationships. This is a mantra that Michael Clinton lives by. And this conversation with him is one that I've been really excited to release.

      Michael is a best-selling author and former magazine publisher and president for Hearst magazine. He is a writer-at-large for Esquire as well as a regular columnist for Men's Health. When he is not writing, he is an expert and keynote speaker on life longevity. Michael began really living out his ambitions later in life and is passionate about making this the new norm. He is an avid photographer, world traveler, pilot, and marathon runner and is nowhere close to slowing down.

      In this episode, we dive into his latest book ROAR: Into the Second Half of Your Life (Before It's Too Late). While his book holds 40 life-changing stories, we only touch on a couple of these role models who reimagined their life and started a whole new chapter. We have an intriguing discussion on the importance of knowing that when you go into the second half of your life that it's not the end of it.

      Michael brings his tried and true experience on how starting a new chapter at any age is not only possible but can be the new standard using his ROAR mantra. Whether it's starting a business, traveling the world, or running a marathon after 50 - reimagine your life before someone else does it.

      This was an eye-opening conversation. I hope you found it as awakening and as meaningful as I did


      Links Worth Exploring

      • Connect with Michael: Website | Facebook | Twitter | LinkedIn
      • Michael's Book: ROAR: Into the Second Half of Your Life (Before It's Too Late)
      • Related Conversation: Episode 251: Being a Late Bloomer with Rich Karlgaard
      • Related Blog Post: Is Moving Abroad A Good Productivity Hack?

      • Thanks to all of the sponsors of this episode. You can find all of the sponsors you heard me mention on this episode on our Podcast Sponsors page.

        Want to support the podcast? Beyond checking out our sponsors, you can subscribe to the show wherever you listen to podcasts. Click on any of the links below to make that happen.

        Spotify | Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Stitcher

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

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

        Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

        34 min
      • Michael Clinton talks about Roar into the Second Half of your Life
        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.
        35 min
      • Loretta Breuning talks about Status Games

        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.

          Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

          33 min
        • Loretta Breuning talks about Status Games
          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.
          34 min
        • Marshall Goldsmith talks about The Earned Life

          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.

            Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

            31 min
          • Marshall Goldsmith talks about The Earned Life
            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.
            36 min
          • Daniel Coyle talks about The Culture Playbook

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


            38 min
          • Daniel Coyle talks about The Culture Playbook
            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.
            43 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.

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