The ProGuide

Laura Vanderkam: lauravanderkam.com Big Time: lauravanderkam.com/books/big-time Vanderhacks newsletter: vanderhacks.substack.com Before Breakfast & Best of Both Worlds podcasts: lauravanderkam.com/podcast Laura on Instagram: instagram.com/lvanderkam Laura on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/lauravanderkam Laura on X: x.com/lvanderkam

0:00 The woman who found 15 minutes to write to Real Simple 0:36 Sponsor: Small Pond Productions 1:06 Welcome & introducing Laura Vanderkam 1:52 What time abundance actually means 2:47 We live in weeks: the 168 hours 4:33 Zoom out to a year: 8,760 hours and the pottery class 6:22 Small experiments, not lifelong commitments 8:18 What 11 years of time tracking taught her 10:52 What separates the time rich from the time starved 13:11 AI and the time it frees up 16:14 Make a really long list 17:00 Brian Regan and the microwaved Pop-Tart 18:26 Time is incredibly elastic 20:11 The smallest experiment: a weekly planning session 23:55 Advice to her younger self 26:17 Where to find Laura Vanderkam 27:19 Outro

There are 168 hours in a week. Work 40 and sleep 56, and you still have 72 hours for everything else.

In this episode of The ProGuide, time management expert Laura Vanderkam, author of 168 Hours, Off the Clock, Tranquility by Tuesday, and the new Big Time: A Simple Path to Time Abundance, joins Andrew J. Mason to talk about why so many busy people feel perpetually behind, and why that feeling rarely matches the math. Laura explains why looking at a single day makes time feel scarce, how thinking in weeks (168 hours) and then in years (8,760 hours) shrinks the things that feel impossible, like a two-hour pottery class that turns out to be half a percent of your year, and why most changes work better as small experiments than as commitments for the rest of your life.

She also shares what 11 years of tracking her own time taught her, including a sleep set point of 7.3 to 7.4 hours a night that held through two newborns; what separates people who feel time rich from people who feel time starved (being intentional about the hours outside of work); why time freed up by AI is likely to go the way of the time the internet freed up, unless you decide in advance what you want it for; and why time is incredibly elastic: put the things you want into your week, and everything else naturally takes less time.

At the heart of the conversation is the smallest experiment anyone can start this week: a weekly planning session. Look at Monday to Sunday and ask what would make it a good week, professionally, with family and friends, and for yourself.

Ryan Hawk: learningleader.com The Price of Becoming: learningleader.com/becoming The Learning Leader Show: learningleader.com/podcast Ryan on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/ryanhawk12 Ryan on X: x.com/RyanHawk12 Ryan on Instagram: instagram.com/ryanhawk12 Ryan on YouTube: @RyanHawk

0:00 You've done that bit a thousand times 0:33 Sponsor: Small Pond Productions 1:02 Welcome & introducing Ryan Hawk 1:43 Why compounding is the through line of The Price of Becoming 3:34 11 years without missing a Sunday: consistency builds trust 5:26 A system that works when you've got the flu 6:13 Paul Rabil and the hundred shots a day 8:49 Complacency starts in the prep nobody sees 10:14 Peyton Manning: you can't just love Sundays 11:23 Dave Chappelle's surprise drop-ins at Wiley's 12:59 The personal flywheel: learn, do, reflect, teach 15:35 Teach it: a writing practice and a training to lead 18:42 "You have a voice, meaning you have a vote" 19:35 The interview questions they can't live without 20:40 Sustained excellence over an extended period of time 22:23 The champagne question 24:23 Are you a collector of questions? 25:20 Has a guest changed your mind? Less black and white 28:26 Why you do learn by talking 30:17 The magic wand: three questions to end every day 35:17 Where to find Ryan Hawk 35:45 Outro

Most people aren't bad at starting things. Where they struggle is keeping going after the honeymoon phase wears off.

In this episode of The ProGuide, Ryan Hawk, host of The Learning Leader Show and author of The Price of Becoming: The Compounding Practices of High Performance, joins Andrew J. Mason to talk about what more than 700 conversations with CEOs, Navy SEALs, and championship coaches taught him about high performance. Ryan explains why he took Warren Buffett and Charlie Munger's ideas about compounding and applied them to people, how shipping an episode every Sunday for more than 11 years (and a Monday newsletter for 530 weeks in a row) showed him that consistency is one of the biggest ways to build trust, and why the first signs of complacency show up in the prep nobody sees.

He also shares the stories behind his rules: lacrosse great Paul Rabil's hundred shots a day with no exceptions, Peyton Manning's test for when to retire (when he stopped loving Monday to Saturday), and Dave Chappelle trying out new material in front of a hundred people at Wiley's Comedy Club in Dayton. Ryan lays out his personal flywheel of learning, doing, reflecting, and teaching, including the two questions he asks every leader he works with: what is your writing practice, and when is the next training you're leading? Ryan and Andrew also trade their favorite interview questions, from sustained excellence over an extended period of time to Jayson Gaignard's champagne question, and talk about how years of conversations made Ryan more curious and less judgmental.

At the heart of the conversation are three questions Ryan suggests answering at the end of every day: What did I do today to go to bed a little wiser than I was when I woke up? What did I do today to add value to somebody else's life? And what did I do today to push my edges?

Great brands aren't created by adding more—they're revealed by stripping away everything that doesn't belong. David Masters returns to The ProGuide for a fascinating conversation about what it really means to become remarkable, and why branding has far less to do with logos, fonts, and colors than most of us think. David unpacks how businesses can uncover the identity already at their core, why he asks clients to write their own "brand obituary," and how clarity about who you are can simplify everything from messaging and positioning to hiring and team alignment.

Along the way, he shares lessons from building a creative business alongside his wife Jennifer, including why the person who contributes one transformative word can sometimes create more value than the person who spent three months on the problem. If you're building a company, developing a brand, or simply trying to communicate what makes your work matter, this conversation will challenge you to identify your "truth object," articulate the value only you can offer, and...as David puts it...burn everything that doesn't leave a mark.

Basecamp: basecamp.com HEY: hey.com Jason on X: x.com/jasonfried Jason's blog: world.hey.com/jason The ability to build faster has never made it more important to know what not to build. In this episode of The ProGuide, 37signals co-founder and Basecamp CEO Jason Fried joins Andrew J. Mason for a refreshingly grounded conversation about creating thoughtful products in an age obsessed with AI, speed, and endless growth. Jason explains why faster development does not automatically lead to better software, how AI is helping more people turn ideas into working prototypes, and why every new feature still has to earn its place. He also shares how architecture, warmth, color, scale, and experiences outside the technology industry shape his approach to design; why blindly following customer requests can leave you with a product you no longer understand; and why small teams should spend less time reacting to LinkedIn pressure and more time listening to the people they actually serve. At the heart of the conversation is one of the most valuable skills any builder or business leader can develop: learning to recognize what simply does not matter.

What if the opportunity that changes your life begins with something you never intended to turn into a business? In this episode of The ProGuide, Andrew talks with Paula Blankenship, the entrepreneur Forbes dubbed the "Queen of Paint." Paula shares how an afternoon project designed to keep her teenage son busy grew from mixing chalk paint at her kitchen table and selling it on eBay into a thriving, employee-owned company generating tens of millions of dollars annually. Listeners will hear how Paula used Facebook as her own personal QVC, recognized an opening that traditional paint companies had overlooked, and built a powerful direct-to-consumer brand by teaching, listening, and making an intimidating process feel achievable. She also offers candid lessons about Amazon, retail cash flow, owning your customer relationships, bringing manufacturing back to the United States, and creating a company that can outlast its founder. At the heart of the conversation is the message behind her book, Just Open the Jar: meaningful change rarely requires blowing up your entire life—it often begins with taking one small, courageous step and discovering what becomes possible next.

In this episode of The ProGuide, we sit down with visionary entrepreneur Travis Rosser, co-founder of Kajabi and author of 'You, Inc.' Travis shares his journey from following his curiosity to creating a platform that empowers creators to build thriving online businesses. He talks about his early inspirations, key moments in his entrepreneurial journey, and the importance of passion and customer focus. Travis also dives into the transformative potential of AI, offering insights and advice for aspiring entrepreneurs. Don't miss this engaging and informative conversation! 00:00 Following Curiosity and Passion 00:39 Introduction to The Pro Guide and Travis Rosser 02:02 What is Kajabi? 02:28 The Origin Story of Kajabi 05:54 Early Entrepreneurial Ventures 08:06 Building the Kajabi Platform 10:26 Validating Business Ideas 12:03 The Importance of Passion and Bravery 15:37 Recognizing Patterns and Opportunities 17:13 Curiosity and Finding Customers 17:59 Influencer Marketing and Early Success 19:58 The Power of AI in Business 21:18 Leveraging AI for Product Development 23:39 Navigating the AI Gold Rush 26:07 Advising Entrepreneurs and Observing Trends 31:04 Connecting and Inspiring Entrepreneurs

In this episode of The ProGuide, host Andrew J. Mason interviews Vince Varallo, the head of 'Lead in English' and co-author of 'Leading in English: Confidently Communicate and Inspire Others.' Vince shares his unique career journey, starting from teaching English as a second language, and highlights the importance of both introverts and extroverts in communication careers. He discusses overcoming public speaking fears, the role of preparation, and the value of reading diverse literature. Vince also touches on the significance of engagement and connection in communication. The episode is sponsored by Small Pond Productions. 00:00 Introverts and Extroverts in Communication Careers 00:44 Sponsor Message: Small Pod Productions 01:14 Introduction to Vince Rallo 02:08 Vince's Journey into Communication Coaching 04:58 Overcoming Public Speaking Anxiety 07:11 The Importance of Preparation and Confidence 10:41 Advice for Aspiring Communicators 16:41 The Power of Connection and Engagement 19:12 The Value of Diverse Reading for Professionals 21:20 Conclusion and Contact Information

What if a simple popsicle could change your life? 🍦 In this episode of The Pro Guide, Andrew J. Mason sits down with Steve Carse, the founder and CEO of King of Pops, to dive into his inspiring entrepreneurial journey. From being laid off in the Great Recession to launching a beloved popsicle brand, Steve shares how he turned a passion for Latin American paletas into a thriving business that spreads unexpected moments of joy. 🌟 Learn about: ✅ The origin story of King of Pops ✅ How a pushcart revolutionized the business model ✅ The power of embracing fun in your work ✅ Lessons from failures & successful pivots ✅ Steve's new book Yes, Work is Fun! and how to make any job more enjoyable If you're an entrepreneur, creative, or just someone looking for inspiration, this episode is for you! Don't forget to like, subscribe, and hit the bell 🔔 for more thought-provoking interviews. #KingOfPops #Entrepreneurship #SmallBusiness #Podcast #BusinessGrowth #SteveCarse #WorkCanBeFun

In this episode of The ProGuide, Andrew J. Mason sits down with Jeff Twilley, a radio veteran with over 30 years of experience, to dive into the world of broadcasting and leadership. As the President and General Manager of 88.7 The Bridge, Jeff oversees a powerful station that spans Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, and New Jersey. Tune in as Jeff reflects on his career journey, the importance of maintaining a people-first culture, and the evolving media landscape. He shares insightful advice for aspiring radio professionals and discusses the unique mission and vision that drive the station's success. Whether you're interested in radio, leadership, or just want to hear from a passionate industry leader, this episode is packed with value. Key Highlights: Jeff Twilley: President and General Manager of 88.7 The Bridge Discussing the unique culture and mission of 88.7 The Bridge Insights on the evolving landscape of radio and media Advice for aspiring radio professionals The importance of people over process in leadership

In this compelling episode of The ProGuide, Andrew J. Mason sits down with Phil Sanders—entrepreneur, consultant, and financial strategist—to explore the zigzag journey of entrepreneurship. Phil candidly shares his experiences, from starting small with photography and graphic design to managing multi-million-dollar retail spaces, and ultimately finding his calling in consulting. Discover the importance of cutting unnecessary bloat, addressing emotional behaviors tied to financial struggles, and facing the "cave you fear most" to unlock personal and professional success. Phil dives into: The power of stripping down to essentials for clarity and growth. Balancing entrepreneurial ambition with family priorities. Practical tips for overcoming financial hurdles in business. The nuanced role of creativity in solving complex problems. The profound lessons learned through humility and resilience. Whether you're a seasoned entrepreneur or just starting, this episode is packed with actionable advice and heartfelt wisdom. Keywords: Entrepreneurship, financial consulting, business growth, creative problem-solving, overcoming obstacles, humility in leadership, financial strategy, small business, personal growth, The Pro Guide podcast