A Productive Conversation

Erik Fisher Talks About Navigating Productivity, Avoiding Burnout, and Podcast Evolution


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My guest for this episode, Erik Fisher, is the voice behind the "Beyond the To-Do List" – a podcast that has been going strong since 2012. Erik and I delve into the adventure of keeping a podcast rolling consistently, witnessing the shifts in productivity dialogues, and our ambitions to include topics like generative AI in our future conversations.

We talk about podcasting, productivity nuances, and finding a sweet balance between work and personal life. Whether you're a podcast lover or someone seeking productivity wisdom, this episode has something for everyone. Enjoy!

Key Discussion Points

  1. Maintaining Podcast Consistency: Erik reflects on delivering over 500 episodes and the learning curve involved in keeping the podcast fresh and engaging for the past decade.
  2. Beyond Productivity: We ponder on the evolving significance of "Beyond the To-Do List", transforming from a straightforward productivity show to a platform discussing broader life and work themes.
  3. Adapting to Change: Together, we envisage widening the scope of our productivity discussions, aiming to incorporate new perspectives and insights into the ever-changing productivity landscape.
  4. Burnout... Quality vs. Quantity: A deep-dive into the constant battle between maintaining quality and chasing quantity, and the inevitable risk of burnout when the scales tip.
  5. Parenting and Work-Life Balance: Parenting brings its own set of challenges and rewards. We share personal anecdotes about juggling parental responsibilities while navigating through a sea of endless tasks and commitments.
  6. Expanding Podcast Horizons: Erik shares thoughts on potential expansion plans for his podcast, considering additional features like newsletters and community engagement to enhance the listener experience.


    As you reflect on our dialogue during this episode, ask yourself: How can you maintain consistency in your pursuits? Are you balancing the scales of quality and quantity effectively? And most crucially, how are you evolving in your understanding and approach towards productivity? Your journey towards a more productive and balanced life might just start with pondering these vital questions.

    Links Worth Exploring

    • Connect with Erik: Website | X (née Twitter)
    • Subscribe to Erik's Podcast: Spotify | Apple Podcasts
    • Erik co-wrote a book: Ready Aim Fire!: A Practical Guide to Setting And Achieving Goals
    • Related Conversation: Episode 113: Erik Fisher Returns!
    • Related Blog Post: How To Keep Doing It Right (More Often Than Not)

    • 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

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

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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.

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      A Productive ConversationBy Mike Vardy

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