A Productive Conversation

A Productive Conversation

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A Productive Conversation episodes

  • Wes Kao talks about Maven, Cohort-based Learning and Seth Godin

    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.

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

        41 min
      • Wes Kao talks about Maven, Cohort-based Learning and Seth Godin
        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.
        47 min
      • Dr. Michael Breus talks about Energy Management, Movement and Sleep

        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.

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

            37 min
          • Dr. Michael Breus talks about Energy Management, Movement and Sleep
            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.
            38 min
          • Dan Clark talks about Brain.fm, Functional Music and Mental States

            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.

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

                37 min
              • Dan Clark talks about Brain.fm, Functional Music and Mental States
                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.
                38 min
              • Ron Friedman talks about Reverse Engineering Success

                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.

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

                    34 min
                  • Ron Friedman talks about Reverse Engineering Success
                    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.
                    35 min
                  • Juliet Funt talks about a Minute to Think

                    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

                    If you enjoyed the episode, please leave a rating and/or review wherever you listened to the episode. And if you want to have easy access to the archives of the show and ensure you don't miss the new episodes to come then subscribe to the podcast in the app you're using.

                    43 min
                  • Juliet Funt talks about a Minute to Think
                    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.
                    49 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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