The Productivityist Podcast: Ideas And Tools For Personal Productivity | Time Management | Goals | Habits | Working Better

In this Flashback Friday episode, I revisit my conversation with Paul Jarvis from 2019, to discuss the release of his bestselling book, Company of One: Why Staying Small Is the Next Big Thing for Business. Paul’s insights into building a fulfilling, scalable business without unnecessary growth struck a chord with listeners and remain highly relevant today. Since this episode aired, Paul has focused on mentoring and creative projects that align with his minimalist business philosophy.(But he's also done something else. That will be revealed in the early part of the episode.)We explore the core principles of operating as a “company of one,” why small businesses can have a big impact, and how to balance profitability with sustainability. Paul’s approach to entrepreneurship offers a refreshing perspective, emphasizing intentionality, simplicity, and values over traditional growth metrics.Key Discussion Points The concept of a “company of one” and why staying small works. Balancing profitability and sustainability

As we step into a new year, I wanted to dedicate this episode to setting the stage for 2025. In this special solo episode, originally recorded as a livestream, I share thoughts on how to start your year (or any time) with intention and focus. Whether you’re tuning in on January 1st or any other day of the year, the concepts discussed are timeless and actionable.In this episode, I explore the idea that you can begin your "new year" whenever you choose. January, often seen as a time for new beginnings, can also be a month for reflection and recalibration. From journaling practices to forgoing an annual review for an annual "preview" instead, I cover strategies to help you create a roadmap that aligns with your values and goals.Key Discussion Points Why you don’t need to start your year on January 1st (and when I prefer to begin mine). Viewing January as a month for reflection and attunement rather than action. The power of journaling and how it helps uncover patterns and set intentions. Breaking free from recen

In this Flashback Friday episode, I revisit my enlightening conversation with Cal Newport, originally recorded in 2016. Cal, the acclaimed author of Deep Work: Rules for Focused Success in a Distracted World, shares his revolutionary ideas on the importance of cultivating focus in an increasingly distracted era. Since this conversation, Cal has continued to expand his work on digital minimalism and the importance of deliberate practice, inspiring professionals worldwide.We discuss the principles of deep work, the economic advantages of focus, and practical strategies for eliminating distractions. Cal's insights on time blocking and the value of training the mind for sustained attention are timeless and even more relevant in today's hyper-connected world.Key Discussion Points The concept of deep work and its increasing value in today’s economy. How to differentiate between deep and shallow work. Why distractions hinder productivity and the case for quitting social media. The connection between Deep Work and Ca

In this engaging episode of A Productive Conversation, I’m joined once again by Erik Fisher, host of the Beyond the To-Do List podcast. This is the second half of our Productivity A to Z two-part crossover episode, where we explore the essential terms that shape our understanding of productivity. If you haven’t already listened to Part 1 on Erik’s podcast, I highly recommend starting there before diving into this episode.Together, we pick up where we left off and explore letters N to Z, diving deep into words like networking, nurturing, overwhelm, and sustainability. Our conversation is packed with insights, practical takeaways, and a few surprises as we reflect on how these concepts have shaped our approaches to work and life.Links Worth Exploring Connect with Erik: Website | X (née Twitter) Subscribe to Erik’s podcast: Spotify | Apple Podcasts Check out Part 1 of this conversation: Check it out on YouTube Grab the additional resources from this podcast: CLICK HERE Related Conversation: Episode 552: Dav

In this special Flashback Friday episode, I reconnect with the inimitable Chase Reeves. It's been quite a journey since our last conversation back in 2020 at The BIG Ready. This time, Chase dives deep into the nuances of creativity, the evolving journey of fatherhood, and the value of embracing life's gray areas amidst polarization.We reflect on Chase’s transformative experiences over the past few years, from shifting creative projects to navigating personal growth. His stories, insights, and musings highlight the importance of slowing down, staying authentic, and finding meaning in connections. This is a conversation packed with wisdom and plenty of thought-provoking moments.Key Discussion Points The impact of slowing down and embracing life’s quieter moments. Chase’s creative journey from Fizzle to becoming a YouTube creator. The role of fatherhood in shaping perspective and purpose. Reflections on navigating middle ground in a polarized world. The concept of "creative menopause" and evolving through season

In this episode of A Productive Conversation, I sit down with the legendary Marshall Goldsmith, one of the world's top leadership thinkers, to explore how he's leveraging AI to share his life's work with a global audience. Known for books like Triggers and What Got You Here Won’t Get You There, Marshall is embracing cutting-edge technology to make his insights more accessible and impactful than ever.Our discussion dives deep into Marshall's journey with AI, the concept of triggers in productivity, and his mission to give back by helping others lead better lives. Whether you're curious about AI, leadership, or personal growth, this episode offers wisdom and practical advice.Key Discussion Points Marshall’s development of his AI project, MarshallGoldsmith AI, and its role in making his knowledge widely accessible. The concept of triggers and how identifying them can enhance productivity and behavior. Why Marshall is giving away his insights for free and his reflections on legacy and generosity. The balance betw

In this Flashback Friday episode, I sit down with the legendary Marshall Goldsmith to discuss his thought-provoking book The Earned Life. Renowned for his coaching and wisdom, Marshall delves into the philosophy and actionable insights behind his work, helping listeners align their choices, risks, and efforts with a greater purpose.During our conversation, we explore what it means to live an "earned life" and the challenges of breaking free from achievement-based validation. Marshall shares profound insights on finding satisfaction, limiting decision fatigue, and embracing accountability without judgment.Key Discussion Points The philosophy behind The Earned Life and why it’s essential to align actions with overarching purpose. How the concept of "satisfaction" challenges traditional ideas of success and happiness. The intersection of willpower, discipline, and limiting choices to combat decision fatigue. Why accountability without judgment, as practiced in Marshall’s "Life Plan Review," is transformative. Th

As the calendar year winds down, on the season finale of PM Talks, Patrick Rhone and I dive into the powerful intersection of reflection and growth—topics that feel particularly resonant this time of year. Patrick and I share personal insights and practical takeaways to help you reflect on the past and shape the year ahead.Reflection and growth are central to the conversation as we explore the tools and techniques that have guided our journeys. Whether you're new to reflective practices or looking to deepen your approach, this episode has something for you.Key Discussion Points Why the concept of a calendar year is arbitrary and how to redefine it for personal alignment. The importance of treating the end of the year as a milestone for reflection. Patrick’s experience with the Year Compass and why a retreat can deepen reflective practices. Journaling as a gateway to understanding patterns and connecting with your sense of being. The role of curiosity versus judgment in growth and how this shifts with age. How

In this Flashback Friday episode of A Productive Conversation, I revisit a 2016 conversation with Michelle Gielan, author of Broadcasting Happiness. Michelle is a renowned happiness researcher, former CBS News anchor, and executive producer of PBS’s The Happiness Advantage. Since our original chat, Michelle has continued to make an incredible impact by focusing on resilience and the power of positivity in everyday interactions.As we approach the end of the year, this episode is a timely reminder to think about how we can sustain happiness—not just during the holiday season but year-round. Michelle shares practical strategies to reframe negativity, foster optimism, and create ripple effects of positivity that improve productivity and relationships.Key Discussion Points The concept behind Michelle’s book Broadcasting Happiness and how small mindset shifts create significant change. The story behind CBS’s “Happy Week” and how it reshaped viewers' perspectives during the recession. Research findings on how positi

Justin Jones-Fosu, author of I Respectfully Disagree: How to Have Difficult Conversations in a Divided World, joins me for a conversation that’s both timely and transformative. Justin is a dynamic speaker, workplace researcher, and the founder of Work Meaningful, where he helps individuals and organizations foster inclusion and meaningful relationships.In this episode, we dive into the art of respectful disagreement. From exploring nuanced perspectives to embracing curiosity, Justin shares actionable insights that empower us to navigate divided conversations with grace and humanity. Whether at work, in communities, or at home, his pillars for disagreement will resonate deeply with anyone looking to improve communication and relationships.Key Discussion Points The importance of nuance and seeking common ground in conversations. Why respectful disagreement begins with challenging your own perspective. Practical steps for cultivating curiosity and deep listening in a distracted world. The role of humor in diffus

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 How Jeff’s life has evolved since the release of The Free Time Formula and the impact of becoming a father. The balance between intense productivity and sustainable intentionality Jeff’s reflections on navigating the pandemic and how it influenced his life and business. The impo

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 The concept of “gears” in the brain and how to match tasks with mental states. Why rhythmic productivity—balancing periods of intensity with recovery—is crucial for sustainable output. The importance of eye movements and their connection to focus and mental state. How to use circadian rhythms to optimize creative and focused work. The role

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 Why acting with intent matters and how to avoid living on autopilot. The role of assertion in creative work and why it often feels uncomfortable. Imposter syndrome as a sign of doing meaningful work. Eliminating decision fatigue by setting clear boundaries and habits. How consistency creates trust and why i

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 The concept of yielding and how it differs from "giving up" or being weak. The three pillars of yielding: physical, mental, and emotional. How meditative practices improve sensit

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, cl

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 situ

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 Pra

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 r

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

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 Breaki