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A Productive Conversation
A Productive Conversation episodes
- Jesse Mecham talks about YNAB, Money Management and Future You
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
Want to discover some of the books mentioned on the podcast? Check out Scribd, my reading app of choice.
If you enjoyed the episode, please leave a rating and/or review wherever you listened to the episode. Also don't forget to check out all of our podcast sponsors found on our podcast sponsors page.
If you enjoyed the episode, please leave a rating and/or review wherever you listened to the episode. And if you want to have easy access to the archives of 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 - Jesse Mecham talks about YNAB, Money Management and Future YouPersonal 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 PointsLaunching YouNeedABudget.com as a spreadsheet businessHow to start budgeting your financesEmbracing your true expensesIdentifying what is urgentSetting intention versus attentionThe parallels between time and money managementBudgeting with your partnerHow YNAB worksQuote"Consider the future within the constraint of current resources."Helpful Links‘You Need a Budget’ by Jesse Mecham‘Four Thousand Weeks’ by Oliver BurkemanYNABEpisode 388: Mike Michalowicz talks about Getting DifferentWant to discover some of the books mentioned on the podcast? Check out Scribd, my reading app of choice.If you enjoyed the episode, please leave a rating and/or review wherever you listened to the episode. Also don't forget to check out all of our podcast sponsors found on our podcast sponsors page.If you enjoyed the episode, please leave a rating and/or review wherever you listened to the episode. And if you want to have easy access to the archives of 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
- Pieter Geldenhuys talks about Shoshin Walks, Exploring and Nature
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)
- 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.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
35 min - Pieter Geldenhuys talks about Shoshin Walks, Exploring and NaturePieter 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 PointsWhat is Shoshin?The power of meditative walksNavigating uncertaintyHow writing badly helped PG write a novelLessons learnt from completing the Camino de SantiagoPG’s group tours that include the Inca trail and KilimanjaroQuote"Structure will set you free."Helpful Links‘Offsides’ by PG GeldenhuysThe Way (2010)‘Four Thousand Weeks’ by Oliver BurkemanMultiplicity (1996)About Time (2013)Shoshin WalksPG’s LinkedInShoshin Walks FacebookWant to discover some of the books mentioned on the podcast? Check out Scribd, my reading app of choice.If you enjoyed the episode, please leave a rating and/or review wherever you listened to the episode. Also don't forget to check out all of our podcast sponsors found on our podcast sponsors page.If you enjoyed the episode, please leave a rating and/or review wherever you listened to the episode. And if you want to have easy access to the archives of the show and ensure you don't miss the new episodes to come then subscribe to the podcast in the app you're using.36 min
- Jeff Harry talks about Play, Flow and Curiosity
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.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
34 min - Jeff Harry talks about Play, Flow and CuriosityJeff 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 PointsJeff’s definition of playBuilding a psychologically safe place for your companyMeasuring quality over quantityBuilding trust with your staffHow certain environments unlock play and flowIdentifying your play valueQuote"Play is the joyful act when you forget about time."Helpful LinksRediscover Your PlayEpisode 365: Purposeful Play with Gary WareEpisode 90: Productivity & Play with Dr. Kirsten Milliken‘Four Thousand Weeks’ by Oliver Burkeman‘Bullshit Jobs’ by David GraeberEpisode 379: Erin Meyer talks about No Rules RulesDig to FlyEpisode 266: Becoming Indistractable with Nir Eyal@JeffHarryPlaysWant to discover some of the books mentioned on the podcast? Check out Scribd, my reading app of choice.If you enjoyed the episode, please leave a rating and/or review wherever you listened to the episode. Also don't forget to check out all of our podcast sponsors found on our podcast sponsors page.If you enjoyed the episode, please leave a rating and/or review wherever you listened to the episode. And if you want to have easy access to the archives of 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
- Kristoffer Carter talks about Permission, Purpose and Fear
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.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
25 min - Kristoffer Carter talks about Permission, Purpose and FearKristoffer 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 PointsWhy we need to give ourselves more permissionThe four types of permissionLessons learnt from wrestlersLeaning in to your big scary dreamWorking with coaches and the power of practisingQuote"Learn to dance with the ever-presence of fear."Helpful LinksThis Epic Life‘Permission to Glow’ by Kristoffer Carter‘A Minute to Think’ by Juliet FuntPeter 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.30 min
- Eric Partaker talks about The 3 Alarms
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.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
41 min - Eric Partaker talks about The 3 AlarmsEric 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 PointsWhat Eric discovered from his near-death experienceThe IPA triggersWhat we mean by ‘antifragile’The power of the words we use and how identity drives behaviorWhat the superhero version of you looks likeEric’s Three AlarmsQuote"In some shape or form, you’re already doing ‘The Thing’."Helpful Links‘The Three Alarms’ by Eric Partaker‘Antifragile’ by Nassim Nicholas TalebBlack Swan (2010)Episode 266: Becoming Indistractable with Nir EyalEric Partaker on Identity, Purpose and Change - Beyond the To-Do List‘Atomic Habits’ by James ClearEpisode 227: Why You Need Atomic Habits with James ClearEricPartaker.comWant to discover some of the books mentioned on the podcast? Check out Scribd, my reading app of choice.If you enjoyed the episode, please leave a rating and/or review wherever you listened to the episode. Also don't forget to check out all of our podcast sponsors found on our podcast sponsors page.If you enjoyed the episode, please leave a rating and/or review wherever you listened to the episode. And if you want to have easy access to the archives of 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
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.
Subscribe and join the conversation—because a productive life is more than just getting things done.
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