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A Productive Conversation

Mike Vardy

A Time Management and Personal Productivity Talk Show

  • 1 hour 9 seconds
    Laura McClellan Talks About Simplifying Productivity and Making a Life That Matters

    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

    • Laura’s decision to take a sabbatical from The Productive Woman and how it’s shaped her perspective.
    • Shifting focus from tools and techniques to the bigger picture of making a life that matters.
    • How productivity frameworks, like daily theming, can work for those with structured, client-facing schedules.
    • Balancing the demands of a legal career and creative projects during transitional life phases.
    • The importance of pre-deciding tasks to reduce decision fatigue and increase focus.
    • Leveraging sabbaticals for clarity and realignment in both personal and professional spheres.
    • Tips on handling interruptions and staying productive in unpredictable work environments.


    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)

    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

    15 November 2024, 8:30 am
  • 57 minutes 58 seconds
    PM Talks S1E11: Uncertainty

    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

    • The role of clarity and control in reducing uncertainty
    • How communication can foster or hinder certainty in projects
    • Personal stories about managing household construction and expectations
    • The concept of “commanding” your environment without over-controlling it
    • How to differentiate between flexibility and rigidity in uncertain situations
    • Using minimalism and simplification to manage uncertainty in daily life


    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

    13 November 2024, 8:30 am
  • 1 hour 13 minutes
    Neil Pasricha Talks About Resilience, Happiness, and Living Intentionally

    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

    • Dave’s journey from co-founding Holstee to launching Reflection.app
    • How journaling helps process emotions, build perspective, and foster gratitude
    • The evolving role of AI in journaling and its potential benefits and pitfalls
    • Practical tips for integrating journaling into your daily routine
    • The value of revisiting journal entries to track growth and spot patterns
    • Dave’s thoughts on finding personal clarity and how journaling supports human flourishing


    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

    8 November 2024, 8:30 am
  • 54 minutes 34 seconds
    Dave Radparvar Talks About the Power of Journaling and Human Flourishing

    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

    • Dave’s journey from co-founding Holstee to launching Reflection.app
    • How journaling helps process emotions, build perspective, and foster gratitude
    • The evolving role of AI in journaling and its potential benefits and pitfalls
    • Practical tips for integrating journaling into your daily routine
    • The value of revisiting journal entries to track growth and spot patterns
    • Dave’s thoughts on finding personal clarity and how journaling supports human flourishing


    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

    6 November 2024, 8:30 am
  • 1 hour 8 minutes
    Tiago Forte Talks About Building a Second Brain and Personal Knowledge Management

    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

    • The origins of "Building a Second Brain" and Tiago’s inspiration for creating it
    • The role of PKM in managing our information-rich lives and its evolution since the analog era
    • Tiago’s "PARA" method for organization and why simplicity is powerful
    • The role of intuition in capturing what resonates versus capturing everything
    • How digital tools like Evernote and Readwise aid in building a resilient knowledge system
    • The pitfalls of complex systems and why a simple, personalized approach works best
    • The timelessness of knowledge management principles and their relevance in today’s fast-paced world


    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

    1 November 2024, 7:30 am
  • 44 minutes 14 seconds
    Jason Silver Talks About Finding Happiness in Work and the Power of Reflection

    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

    • How enjoyment in your work leads to higher productivity
    • Breaking down the three parts of Your Grass is Greener and how they relate to finding fulfillment
    • Practical ways to create space in your work to allow for self-reflection and growth
    • Why imposter syndrome can be a powerful tool for personal and professional development
    • The importance of reflection and tracking progress in achieving success
    • Using emotion in decision-making to improve clarity and outcomes


    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

    30 October 2024, 7:30 am
  • 45 minutes 49 seconds
    Chris Bailey Talks About Hyperfocus, Meditation, and Attention Management

    In this Flashback Friday episode, I reconnect with Chris Bailey, with a conversation centering on his book, Hyperfocus. We dive into the lessons he learned since the release of Hyperfocus and explore his approach to managing distractions and cultivating deep focus in a world full of noise. Chris also shares his thoughts on how meditation can enhance our ability to stay on track, drawing from his personal experiences and extensive research.

    This conversation provides a fresh take on productivity, where slowing down and focusing deliberately is more effective than working fast and frantically. Whether you’re struggling with distractions or just looking to improve your focus, this episode has actionable insights that can help you be more intentional with your time and energy.

    Key Discussion Points

    • Chris’s journey since releasing Hyperfocus and his latest work on mindfulness and calm
    • How to manage attentional space in a world full of distractions
    • The benefits of meditation in increasing focus and mental clarity
    • Practical tips for creating a distraction-free environment to foster deep work
    • The importance of doing the right things deliberately, rather than just doing more
    • How Chris fits new ideas into his current projects to maximize impact


    I’m grateful to Chris for sharing his wisdom and experiences in this Flashback Friday episode. His work continues to inspire us to be more intentional with our time and attention. If you’re looking to dive deeper into focus and productivity, this episode is packed with valuable takeaways. Don’t forget to check out the links mentioned and take a look at Chris’s latest work. (Originally released October 2018)

    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

    25 October 2024, 7:30 am
  • 53 minutes 57 seconds
    Yemado Talks About Relaxation, Meditation, and Self-Defense Through Boabom

    In this episode, I’m joined by Yemado, a foremost teacher of Boabom in North America. Boabom is a Tibetan system that combines relaxation, meditation, and self-defense, offering a unique way to balance body and mind. During our conversation, Yemado shares his insights into the practice and why it’s ideal for people looking for non-competitive physical activity that also provides mental clarity.

    We explore how Boabom’s progressive approach makes it accessible to anyone, regardless of their starting point, and how it fosters personal growth and resilience. Yemado also walks us through a simple breathing exercise that listeners can practice right away to experience the benefits of this ancient art.

    Key Discussion Points

    • An introduction to Boabom: A blend of relaxation, meditation, and non-contact self-defense
    • The role of progression in Boabom classes, enabling students to grow step by step
    • How non-competition within Boabom promotes personal improvement and mental focus
    • The impact of movement on stress management and emotional resilience
    • Why people are drawn to practices like Boabom to escape the pressures of modern life
    • The interplay between breathing techniques and mental clarity
    • A live guided breathing exercise that listeners can try immediately


    This conversation with Yemado offers a glimpse into the power of Boabom to help people reconnect with themselves and their surroundings. If you’re seeking a practice that brings both mental and physical benefits without the competitive stress, this episode is for you. I encourage you to try the breathing exercise Yemado shares—it's a great way to experience the calm and clarity that Boabom offers.

    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

    23 October 2024, 7:30 am
  • 1 hour 2 minutes
    Paul Millerd Talks About Good Work and the Pathless Path

    In this Flashback Friday episode, I reconnect with Paul Millerd to discuss his new book, Good Work: Reclaiming Your Inner Ambition. Paul reflects on life changes, including becoming a parent and launching this book. Our chat touches on how personal growth, creativity, and work-life integration evolved for him since our original conversation.

    Paul shares the challenges of writing and parenting simultaneously, detailing how he resisted conventional book launch strategies to focus on sustainable progress. His insights offer a refreshing take on doing meaningful work at your own pace—a theme I deeply connect with.

    Key Discussion Points

    • Writing Good Work and navigating parenthood simultaneously
    • Choosing long-term sustainable work over fast-paced launches
    • The concept of non-competitive creativity and protecting time blocks
    • How parenting reshaped Paul's connection to his work
    • His shift toward fewer but meaningful three-hour writing blocks
    • The impact of not following traditional publishing playbooks
    • Finding fulfillment in creating without burning out


    Paul’s story shows that good work isn’t about rushing to the finish line—it’s about sustainable creativity and doing what feels right. This conversation is a reminder to honour our personal journeys and resist the temptation to conform to external pressures. If you're interested in building a fulfilling career and balancing it with life’s other priorities, you’ll find plenty of value in this episode. (Originally recorded February 2023)

    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

    18 October 2024, 7:30 am
  • 48 minutes 17 seconds
    Patrick McAndrew Talks About Human-Centered Productivity and Inner Alignment

    In this episode of A Productive Conversation, I’m joined by Patrick McAndrew, founder and CEO of HARA, an exclusive membership community designed for entrepreneurs and leaders seeking to elevate their lives and align their personal and professional paths. Patrick has a unique blend of experience, from managing restaurants to advising corporate giants like Morgan Stanley, and he brings deep insight into how we can reclaim attention and cultivate intention in a tech-driven world.

    Throughout our conversation, Patrick shares his personal evolution from helping people "get more done" to teaching leaders how to engage more deeply with their values and inner state. We discuss what it really means to be productive, explore the balance between routine and practice, and challenge the notion that apps or frameworks are the answer to today’s challenges.

    Key Discussion Points

    • Patrick’s journey from teaching speed reading and memory skills to founding HARA, a community focused on alignment and inner work
    • The evolution of productivity from task-based to meaning-driven approaches
    • Why practices like journaling and meditation are essential for sustainable productivity
    • The tension between structure and adaptability in today’s work environments
    • How routines and patterns can transform into practices that align with personal values
    • The role of attention and intention in balancing personal growth with business success
    • How modern productivity frameworks can be limiting if they ignore internal development


    This conversation with Patrick McAndrew will challenge you to rethink the ways we pursue productivity, shifting focus from frameworks and apps to meaningful practices that nurture both business and personal growth. Patrick's insights are a powerful reminder that productivity is more than just ticking off tasks—it’s about becoming aligned with who we are and what we truly value. I look forward to revisiting this conversation with Patrick in the future to explore how these ideas continue to evolve.

    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

    16 October 2024, 7:30 am
  • 39 minutes 33 seconds
    Srinivas Rao Talks About Creativity, AI, and Content Evolution

    In this episode of A Productive Conversation, I’m joined by Srini Rao, host of The Unmistakable Creative podcast. Srini has always been at the forefront of blending creativity with productivity, and our discussion today takes an even deeper dive into these themes. We reflect on how the creative process has evolved since we last spoke, touching on the integration of AI and the future of content creation.

    Srini’s exploration of creativity doesn’t just stop at human endeavors—it extends into how AI can serve as a creative collaborator. From his development of customized children’s books to building a tool that automates eBook creation, Srini shares how the intersection of human creativity and AI execution is reshaping the way we work. Join us as we revisit insights from our conversation in 2014 and reflect on the vast changes that have taken place over the past decade.

    Key Discussion Points

    • How Srini built a YouTube channel focused on Mem tutorials and his deep dive into AI's role in creativity.
    • The distinction between AI as a creative tool versus a thought partner, and how creatives can leverage AI for content repurposing.
    • The importance of "personal knowledge capital" in an AI-enhanced future.
    • Srini’s journey in using AI to generate custom children’s books and other creative projects.
    • The concept of "recursive creativity" and how humans guide, criticize, and curate AI output to enhance creative work.
    • How division of labor at scale is becoming accessible to creators, thanks to AI.


    As Srini continues to push the boundaries of creativity with AI, this episode offers a unique glimpse into how technology can aid, rather than replace, the human creative process. Whether you're an entrepreneur, creator, or someone intrigued by the future of AI, this episode provides valuable insights into how to harness the power of AI to scale your creative output. (Originally recorded in 2014)

    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

    11 October 2024, 7:30 am
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