A Productive Conversation

On this episode of the podcast, I talk about the importance of planning – and why August is the month that I give planning my overarching focus.

Helpful Links

How to Make Better New Year’s Resolutions

The NOW Year Action Plan

Happy New Year! (or Why I Start My New Year on September 1st)

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On this episode I’m joined by Justin DiRose, a productivity expert and remote work consultant from northern Minnesota. He has a passion for becoming better, the distributed workforce, being a great dad and husband, and music.

Justin hosts one my favourite productivity podcasts out there: Process. Justin discusses the realities of how personal productivity, software, systems, and technology impact his life throughout each episode and those are some of the very things we touch on during our conversation on this episode.

Talking Points

What are some things that Justin has noticed evolve throughout the years in the productivity community?

Justin talks about what led him down this path

What are some tools that have helped Justin be more thoughtful about what the correct things to chase are?

What does Justin think some roadblocks that people who are trying to adopt a bigger sense of productivity have?

Justin suggests a book that everyone should read and why it impacted him so much

This is one thing Justin shares that you can do today to help with your productivity process?

Quote

“Not just focusing on the tasks, not just focusing on the projects or ideas I have there but also focusing on ‘What am I experiencing? What am I feeling?’ Because a lot of times those are things that are causing me to lose focus, lose attention.”

Helpful Links

Process

Episode 213: The Bullet Journal Method with Ryder Carroll

A More Meaningful To Do List | My OmniFocus Setup Talk

Episode 203: The Evolution of Getting Things Done with David Allen

Episode 227: Why You Need Atomic Habits with James Clear

The Order of Time | Amazon

Range: Why Generalists Triumph in a Specialized World | Amazon

Effective Remote Work

JustinDiRose.com

Want to discover some of the books mentioned on the podcast? Check out Scribd, my reading app of choice.

If you enjoyed the episode, please leave a rating and/or review wherever you listened to the episode. Also don't forget to check out all of our podcast sponsors found on our podcast sponsors page.

And if you want to have easy access to the archives of the show and ensure you don't miss the new episodes to come then subscribe to the podcast in the app you're using.

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I wanted to talk to someone who knows communication and email to talk about that subject. So Phil Simon joined me once again to talk about email – and in particular, the new kid on the block, HEY.

Relevant Links

Episode 308: Talking Slack with Phil Simon

Episode 324: Let’s Zoom with Phil Simon

HEY

‘The world’s greatest email app’ is a privacy nightmare | The Next Web

Check out Front – my main email app

Listen to Andrew Warner talk about HEY with Jason Fried

Second-Order Thinking | FS.blog

PhilSimon.com

Want to discover some of the books mentioned on the podcast? Check out Scribd, my reading app of choice.

If you enjoyed the episode, please leave a rating and/or review wherever you listened to the episode. Also don't forget to check out all of our podcast sponsors found on our podcast sponsors page.

And if you want to have easy access to the archives of the show and ensure you don't miss the new episodes to come then subscribe to the podcast in the app you're using.

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Phil Simon returns to the program to talk about a service that more people have started using in 2020… some whether they wanted to or not: Zoom.

Phil’s made a recent appearance on this podcast talking about his book Slack for Dummies. Now he’s back to share some of his knowledge and insights on another service – as well as another book he’s written Zoom for Dummies.

We spend this episode talking about the rise of Zoom use, what Phil’s first experience with Zoom was like, and some of the things Phil really likes about Zoom. If you’re new to Zoom and want to go from comfortable to confident with it, then this episode is well worth your time and attention.

Talking Points

Why does Phil think Zoom replaced Skype in many ways?

This was what Phil’s initial experience with Zoom was like

Phil talks about what Zoom brings to the table with webinars

What is a tip for people who want to get more out of Zoom?

Quote

“Zoom is focused on user experience and focused on simplicity.“

Helpful Links

Zoom for Dummies

Episode 308: Talking Slack with Phil Simon

Slack for Dummies

Gong.io

Against the Rules with Michael Lewis

PhilSimon.com

Want to discover some of the books mentioned on the podcast? Check out Scribd, my reading app of choice.

If you enjoyed the episode, please leave a rating and/or review wherever you listened to the episode. Also don't forget to check out all of our podcast sponsors found on our podcast sponsors page.

And if you want to have easy access to the archives of the show and ensure you don't miss the new episodes to come then subscribe to the podcast in the app you're using.

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Benjamin Spall returns to the podcast to share three more things. Check out his original appearance on Episode 196 of the podcast.

Want to discover some of the books mentioned on the podcast? Check out Scribd, my reading app of choice.

If you enjoyed the episode, please leave a rating and/or review wherever you listened to the episode. Also don't forget to check out all of our podcast sponsors found on our podcast sponsors page.

And if you want to have easy access to the archives of the show and ensure you don't miss the new episodes to come then subscribe to the podcast in the app you're using.

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On this episode, I’m joined once again by Laura Vanderkam, a fellow productivity specialist. Laura is the author of several books, including The New Corner Office: How the Most Successful People Work from Home.

I wanted to talk about productivity with someone who speaks my language, and Laura certainly fits that bill. She’s penned a book that is designed to help people not only survive working from home… it’s a book that will help people thrive while working from home. We talk about what it’s like to be thrust into a “work from home” situation, why right now might just be the best time to take on that monumental project, and much more. This episode is well worth your time… I know you’ll enjoy our conversation!  

Talking Points

Laura explains why she chose to write this book right now

What led Laura to writing this book?

Why does Laura advise you manage by task rather than time?

How important does Laura thinks self-care in the work environment is during times like these?

Laura shares insights on how she thinks people can embrace their own needs more while working from home

Laura talks about her chapter that touches on “thinking big”

How does Laura think people can continue to track their time while working from home?

How can one work from home and parent from home and still bring their best selves to both?

Laura gives one action you can take to start building your own “at home” work life

Quote

“Working from home is a skill.”

Helpful Links

The New Corner Office: How the Most Successful People Work from Home

Episode 202: Off the Clock with Laura Vanderkam

Curious with Josh Peck: James Clear

We have a lot more time now. So why can’t we get anything done? | The Washington Post

lauravanderkam.com

Want to discover some of the books mentioned on the podcast? Check out Scribd, my reading app of choice.

If you enjoyed the episode, please leave a rating and/or review wherever you listened to the episode. Also don't forget to check out all of our podcast sponsors found on our podcast sponsors page.

And if you want to have easy access to the archives of the show and ensure you don't miss the new episodes to come then subscribe to the podcast in the app you're using.

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

I’ve had an “on again, off again” relationship with apps during my career as a productivity strategist. Right now, it’s back on again. I share some of my insights on apps during this episode.

You’ll hear what apps I’m currently using (and why I’m using them), what I look for in an app of any sort, and why going “”all in” with an app can be a recipe for productivity problems. I’ve got several relevant links to apps below so as you’re listening feel free to check out what I’m using and start to sate your appetite for apps starting today!

Relevant Links

Focus on The App Within

Todoist

TimeHero

Drafts

Woven

Day One

Want to discover some of the books mentioned on the podcast? Check out Scribd, my reading app of choice.

If you enjoyed the episode, please leave a rating and/or review wherever you listened to the episode. Also don't forget to check out all of our podcast sponsors found on our podcast sponsors page.

And if you want to have easy access to the archives of the show and ensure you don't miss the new episodes to come then subscribe to the podcast in the app you're using.

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Vicki McLeod joins me on this episode of the program. Vicki McLeod is a writer, author, coach, consultant and an award-winning entrepreneur. She is an advocate for mindful business, everyday happiness and living a life rich with meaning. She’s here to talk about her book You and The Internet of Things.

Vicki is the author of several books beyond You and the Internet of Things, A practical guide to understanding and integrating the IoT into your daily life (Self-Counsel Press 2020). She’s also penned #Untrending, A Field Guide to Social Media That Matters, How to Post, Tweet, and Like Your Way to a More Meaningful Life (First Choice 2016) and coauthor of Digital Legacy Plan, A Guide to the Personal and Practical Elements of Your Digital Life Before You Die (Self-Counsel Press 2019) and writes a biweekly newspaper column on the intersection of digital and analog life.

I’ve been friends with Vick for years and wanted to have her share with you some of the concepts around IoT (The Internet of Things), how IoT can work for you, the importance of getting comfortable with technology, and more. I hope you learn a lot from this discussion… I know I did!

Talking Points

What is The Internet of Things?

Where did Vicki start with buying smart items… and where would she suggest others start?

How far does Vicki believe is too far when introducing yourself to The Internet of Things and how can you reign it in if you feel like you’re starting to lose control?

How important is it for people to get used to technology being everywhere?

Is a fitness tracker a good way to ease into using smart technology?

Quote

“You need learn how to use it and to develop at least some rudimentary degree of comfort with it.“

Helpful Links

You and the Internet of Things: A Practical Guide to Understanding and Integrating the IoT into Your Daily Life

vickimcleod.com

Hey Alexa, Subscribe to That Podcast: You and the Internet of Things

Want to discover some of the books mentioned on the podcast? Check out Scribd, my reading app of choice.

If you enjoyed the episode, please leave a rating and/or review wherever you listened to the episode. Also don't forget to check out all of our podcast sponsors found on our podcast sponsors page.

And if you want to have easy access to the archives of the show and ensure you don't miss the new episodes to come then subscribe to the podcast in the app you're using.

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

Henry Wadsworth Longfellow said, "In character, in manner, in style, in all things, the supreme excellence is simplicity."

I couldn’t agree more. So I decided to share my thoughts on my quest for it on this episode.

Relevant Links

Simplicity Day | DaysOfTheYear.com

Simplicity is Subjective | Me @ Medium

Episode 317: The Analog Way with Jeff Sheldon

Analog Joe

Episode 175: Soulful Simplicity with Courtney Carver

Want to discover some of the books mentioned on the podcast? Check out Scribd, my reading app of choice.

If you enjoyed the episode, please leave a rating and/or review wherever you listened to the episode. Also don't forget to check out all of our podcast sponsors found on our podcast sponsors page.

And if you want to have easy access to the archives of the show and ensure you don't miss the new episodes to come then subscribe to the podcast in the app you're using.

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

My guest for this episode is Marta Zaraska. Marta is a Polish-Canadian science journalist published in the Washington Post, Scientific American, New Scientist, the Atlantic, Discover, and more. She’s the author of the book Growing Young: How Friendship, Optimism, and Kindness Can Help You Live to 100.

Marta reached out to me just before Growing Young‘s release date and after having a chance to check out what the book was all about I knew I wanted to talk to her about it for this program.

And talk about the book we did! We talked about why she wrote the book, how challenging it was to write, some of the surprises she came across during the writing process, and more. I had a wonderful time chatting with Marta and I know you’ll get a lot out of listening to our conversation.

Talking Points

What inspired Marta to write this book?

Marta explains why she thinks people focus more on their health when trying to live longer

This is something that Marta tried and noticed it was helping her a lot as she worked towards “growing young”

What are some things that people can do when they feel like they are stuck in a sense of loneliness?

Marta talks about how helping others can boost your happiness

What does Marta think are some benefits of meditating and why does she think people are so stubborn to try it?

Did Marta find it challenging to write a book that tries to convince people that there is a science-backed way to live longer and happier?

Does where one live play a role in “growing young”?

Marta suggests one action you can take to start this journey

Quote

“Spend more time with your friends.“

Helpful Links

Growing Young: The Book

The Blue Zones of Happiness: Lessons From the World’s Happiest People

Zaraska.com

The Productivityist Podcast Pick of The Week: The Tim Ferriss Show

Want to discover some of the books mentioned on the podcast? Check out Scribd, my reading app of choice.

If you enjoyed the episode, please leave a rating and/or review wherever you listened to the episode. Also don't forget to check out all of our podcast sponsors found on our podcast sponsors page.

And if you want to have easy access to the archives of the show and ensure you don't miss the new episodes to come then subscribe to the podcast in the app you're using.

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