In this Flashback Friday episode of A Productive Conversation, I catch up with Jeff Sanders, author of The Free Time Formula and The 5AM Miracle. Jeff reflects on his journey since our original conversation, discussing how life has evolved for him after becoming a father and navigating the challenges of the pandemic. We revisit some of the core concepts of The Free Time Formula while diving into updates on how Jeff’s approach to productivity and intentionality has shifted in recent years.

During our conversation, Jeff shares insights on the nuanced shifts in his personal and professional life, including the role of health in productivity and how he has adjusted his routines to align with his current season of life.

Key Discussion Points

It was fantastic to reconnect with Jeff and hear his thoughtful reflections on the seasons of life and productivity. Jeff's story is a testament to the importance of adapting our systems and priorities as life changes. Whether you’re looking for a health-first approach to productivity or strategies to manage free time with a full plate, this episode has something for everyone. (Originally released February 2018)

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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.

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Grab My New Book: The Productivity Diet: A Practical Guide to Nurturing your Productive Potential

If you’re looking to build a sustainable, personalized productivity practice that actually sticks, my latest book is for you. It’s available now—wherever books are sold. Learn more at mikevardy.com/lit or request it at your favorite local bookstore.

Dr. Mithu Storoni, author of Hyperefficient: Optimize Your Brain to Transform the Way You Work, joins me to dive into the science of productivity. Mithu’s expertise as a neuro-ophthalmologist and her work in pupillometry bring a unique perspective to productivity, blending neuroscience with actionable strategies for optimizing performance.

In this conversation, we explore the interplay between rhythms, creativity, focus, and energy. From understanding the gears of the brain to learning how to align work with natural rhythms, Mithu offers profound insights that can help anyone enhance the quality of their output without sacrificing balance or well-being.

Key Discussion Points

Dr. Mithu Storoni’s insights into productivity and efficiency offer a fresh and scientifically grounded perspective on work and life. Her approach to aligning work with natural rhythms and optimizing mental output can help us navigate an ever-changing world while maintaining focus and balance. Don’t miss this deep dive into the art and science of hyperefficiency.

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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

Grab My New Book: The Productivity Diet: A Practical Guide to Nurturing your Productive Potential

If you’re looking to build a sustainable, personalized productivity practice that actually sticks, my latest book is for you. It’s available now—wherever books are sold. Learn more at mikevardy.com/lit or request it at your favorite local bookstore.

Seth Godin, the legendary author and marketer, joined me for an insightful conversation on productivity, creativity, and intentional living. In this Flashback Friday episode, Seth delves into the concepts behind his book The Practice: Shipping Creative Work, discussing the importance of intent, the challenges of imposter syndrome, and why consistency overrides authenticity.

Throughout our conversation, Seth shares practical wisdom on building creative habits, embracing uncertainty, and eliminating decision fatigue. Whether you’re a creator, entrepreneur, or anyone seeking to lead a more intentional life, Seth’s insights will leave you inspired and equipped to tackle your next challenge.

Key Discussion Points

Seth Godin’s perspective on creativity and productivity is a refreshing reminder that doing meaningful work requires intention, consistency, and a willingness to embrace discomfort. If you’re ready to take the first step toward building your own creative practice, this episode is a must-listen. Be sure to check out Seth’s other books and website for even more actionable insights. (Originally released November 2020)

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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

Grab My New Book: The Productivity Diet: A Practical Guide to Nurturing your Productive Potential

If you’re looking to build a sustainable, personalized productivity practice that actually sticks, my latest book is for you. It’s available now—wherever books are sold. Learn more at mikevardy.com/lit or request it at your favorite local bookstore.

Jeff Patterson, author of The Yielding Warrior: Discovering the Secret Path to Unleashing Your True Potential, joins me for an insightful conversation about the power of yielding in all aspects of life. Jeff introduces the concept of yielding as a transformative strategy that goes beyond physicality to include mental and emotional realms. In our fast-paced world, learning to yield can help us create more intentional and harmonious relationships with ourselves and others.

During this discussion, Jeff shares how the meditative arts serve as the foundation for yielding. He breaks down the practice into three pillars—physical, mental, and emotional yielding—each offering unique insights and benefits. Jeff also provides actionable advice for anyone curious about incorporating the meditative arts into their daily lives.

Key Discussion Points

This conversation with Jeff Patterson reveals how the practice of yielding can enhance productivity, relationships, and overall well-being. By adopting meditative arts, we can cultivate awareness, regulate our responses, and lead more intentional lives. Be sure to check out Jeff's book, The Yielding Warrior, and explore how yielding can unlock your true potential.

Links Worth Exploring

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

Grab My New Book: The Productivity Diet: A Practical Guide to Nurturing your Productive Potential

If you’re looking to build a sustainable, personalized productivity practice that actually sticks, my latest book is for you. It’s available now—wherever books are sold. Learn more at mikevardy.com/lit or request it at your favorite local bookstore.

In this Flashback Friday episode of A Productive Conversation, I reconnect with Laura McClellan, lawyer, writer, and host of The Productive Woman podcast. Laura shares insights from her sabbatical, her evolving perspective on productivity, and how she balances her legal career, podcasting, and personal pursuits. Our conversation is both reflective and forward-looking, exploring how intentional productivity can help craft a meaningful life.

Laura discusses the journey from focusing on productivity tools and techniques to embracing a broader, more philosophical approach. Together, we revisit our original 2016 conversation and explore how the years have reshaped her understanding of productivity and her priorities.

Key Discussion Points

This reflective episode with Laura McClellan showcases the power of intentional productivity and the importance of aligning daily actions with long-term values. If you’re navigating transitions, considering a sabbatical, or looking for ways to simplify your productivity systems, this episode is for you. Be sure to subscribe to The Productive Woman and revisit Laura’s archives for even more insights. (Originally released November 2015)

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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

Grab My New Book: The Productivity Diet: A Practical Guide to Nurturing your Productive Potential

If you’re looking to build a sustainable, personalized productivity practice that actually sticks, my latest book is for you. It’s available now—wherever books are sold. Learn more at mikevardy.com/lit or request it at your favorite local bookstore.

In this latest episode of our monthly series, PM Talks, Patrick Rhone and I dive into the complexities of life and work. This series offers deep discussions that explore meaningful topics from our perspectives. This month, we’re tackling uncertainty—how it shows up in our lives, how we handle it, and how to find certainty in areas where we can have control.

In this episode, we use personal examples, such as my ongoing home construction woes, to highlight how uncertainty plays out in real-life scenarios. From navigating miscommunication with contractors to controlling our reactions, we explore how clarity and control can help alleviate the anxiety of uncertainty.

Key Discussion Points

If you’re feeling the weight of uncertainty in your own life or work, I hope this episode offers you practical tools and perspectives to better navigate it. We’ll be back next month for our final episode of the year, where we’ll discuss reflection and growth—another topic that's sure to bring valuable insights. Don’t miss it!

Links Worth Exploring

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

Grab My New Book: The Productivity Diet: A Practical Guide to Nurturing your Productive Potential

If you’re looking to build a sustainable, personalized productivity practice that actually sticks, my latest book is for you. It’s available now—wherever books are sold. Learn more at mikevardy.com/lit or request it at your favorite local bookstore.

For this Flashback Friday episode of A Productive Conversation, I’m bringing back a truly impactful discussion with Neil Pasricha, whose work centers on intentional living, resilience, and finding happiness in everyday life. Our original conversation took place in 2019, just after the release of Neil’s book You Are Awesome, which explores resilience, change, and the art of bouncing back when life gets tough.

Neil has since released Our Book of Awesome, a celebration of small joys that unite us, which feels especially timely as we approach the holiday season and prepare for a new year. In our conversation, we explore themes that are more relevant than ever: resilience, happiness, and the importance of taking small steps toward living an intentional, fulfilling life.

Key Discussion Points

Neil’s insights on resilience, intentional living, and the power of gratitude offer timeless wisdom. I hope revisiting this conversation inspires you to find and celebrate the awesome moments in your life. Remember, resilience isn’t about avoiding failure but learning how to get back up... one small step at a time. (Originally released November 2019)

Links Worth Exploring

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

Grab My New Book: The Productivity Diet: A Practical Guide to Nurturing your Productive Potential

If you’re looking to build a sustainable, personalized productivity practice that actually sticks, my latest book is for you. It’s available now—wherever books are sold. Learn more at mikevardy.com/lit or request it at your favorite local bookstore.

In this episode of A Productive Conversation, I sit down with entrepreneur, designer, and co-founder of Reflection.app, Dave Radparvar. Dave’s commitment to fostering human flourishing has driven his work, from his early days with Holstee to his latest endeavor, Reflection, a digital journaling platform. As someone who deeply values reflection and personal growth, Dave shares his own journaling journey and how it has shaped his life, work, and mindset.

We dive into the importance of journaling for perspective, handling challenges, and cultivating gratitude. Dave opens up about how his journaling practice has helped him navigate difficult times, appreciate good moments, and stay present. Together, we explore how digital tools, like Reflection, are transforming the journaling experience and the potential role AI plays in this space.

Key Discussion Points

Whether you're new to journaling or a seasoned journaler, this episode offers deep insights into how you can use journaling as a tool for growth and reflection in your everyday life.

Links Worth Exploring

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

Grab My New Book: The Productivity Diet: A Practical Guide to Nurturing your Productive Potential

If you’re looking to build a sustainable, personalized productivity practice that actually sticks, my latest book is for you. It’s available now—wherever books are sold. Learn more at mikevardy.com/lit or request it at your favorite local bookstore.

In this Flashback Friday episode, I revisit my conversation with Tiago Forte, the visionary behind the "Building a Second Brain" methodology. With his book making waves, and after having attended the Second Brain Summit, it felt like the perfect time to re-share this impactful episode. Tiago has not only been a force in the productivity space but has pioneered a transformative approach to personal knowledge management (PKM) that resonates deeply in our digital age.

In our chat, we dive into how Tiago developed the concept of a "second brain"—a system designed to offload and organize our knowledge to enhance creativity, productivity, and clarity. This conversation explores how anyone can leverage this approach to foster a meaningful and organized way of capturing insights, ideas, and information.

Key Discussion Points

Tiago's insights help reshape how we view knowledge management, advocating for a personal, flexible, and intuitive approach. Whether you’re new to PKM or a seasoned productivity enthusiast, this episode will offer valuable perspectives on creating a system that works with, not against, your unique mind. (Originally released November 2022)

Links Worth Exploring

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

Grab My New Book: The Productivity Diet: A Practical Guide to Nurturing your Productive Potential

If you’re looking to build a sustainable, personalized productivity practice that actually sticks, my latest book is for you. It’s available now—wherever books are sold. Learn more at mikevardy.com/lit or request it at your favorite local bookstore.

In this episode, I sit down with Jason Silver, author of Your Grass is Greener: Use What You Have. Get What You Want. At Work and In Life. Jason shares his insights on how to find more happiness in your work by using the skills you already have and how that enjoyment leads to greater productivity. We dive into the book’s structure, which is designed to help you work smarter, find enjoyment without changing jobs, and progress in your career. Jason also explains how reflection and personal experimentation can lead to better decision-making and greater fulfillment in life and work.

Throughout the episode, Jason reveals practical techniques to help you get more out of your job without adding more work, offering advice that challenges conventional wisdom. We talk about tracking productivity, dealing with imposter syndrome, and how to make better decisions by embracing clarity and using emotion as part of the decision-making process.

Key Discussion Points

Jason also talks about his playbook and offers actionable insights for readers who want to use it to unlock their potential at work. You’ll leave this episode with a better understanding of how to approach your work with more intentionality, focus, and enjoyment.

Links Worth Exploring

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

Grab My New Book: The Productivity Diet: A Practical Guide to Nurturing your Productive Potential

If you’re looking to build a sustainable, personalized productivity practice that actually sticks, my latest book is for you. It’s available now—wherever books are sold. Learn more at mikevardy.com/lit or request it at your favorite local bookstore.