A Productive Conversation
Mike Vardy
Hosted by productivity strategist Mike Vardy, A Productive Conversation offers insightful discussions on how to craft a life that aligns with your intentions. Each episode dives into the art of time devotion, productiveness, and refining your approach to daily living. Mike invites guests who are thinkers, doers, and creators to share their strategies for working smarter and living more intentionally. From practical tips to deep dives on mindset shifts, this podcast will help you reframe your relationship with time and find balance in a busy world.
Subscribe and join the conversation—because a productive life is more than just getting things done.
Subscribe and join the conversation—because a productive life is more than just getting things done.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Nov 5, 2025 • 51min
James Kimmel Jr. Talks About The Science of Revenge and the Power of Forgiveness
James Kimmel Jr., a Yale lecturer and lawyer-turned-researcher, dives into the neuroscience of revenge in a thought-provoking conversation. He shares a personal bullying story that ignited his passion for understanding why our brains crave retaliation. Kimmel explains how grievances act like addictive substances, triggering dopamine and impulsive reactions. He emphasizes forgiveness as a powerful tool that rewires the brain for peace, offering practical strategies like journaling to process grievances without falling into cycles of anger.
Oct 29, 2025 • 35min
Hannah Bookbinder Talks About ADHD, Awareness, and Unlocking Inner Superpowers
Hannah Bookbinder, founder of AcademicAlly and creator of the MyTOAD App, shares over 25 years of experience supporting neurodivergent individuals. She discusses how reframing ADHD can unlock unique strengths rather than viewing it as a disadvantage. Hannah emphasizes the importance of self-awareness, emotional check-ins, and flexible journaling methods to boost productivity. She also highlights her mission to extend support beyond individuals, advocating for better tools in schools and healthcare. Discover how curiosity and compassion can turn chaos into capability!
Oct 22, 2025 • 55min
Anthony Verdino Talks About Simplifying CBT and Finding Balance Through Mindful Productivity
In this enlightening discussion, Anthony Verdino, a licensed clinical social worker and author of CBT Simplified, shares how cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can enhance everyday productivity. He emphasizes the importance of small mindset shifts, like reframing 'should' into 'could,' to foster empowerment. Anthony also tackles perfectionism, burnout, and the necessity of self-care. He offers practical action-initiation strategies to combat procrastination and highlights how consistent reflection makes CBT principles a natural part of life.
10 snips
Oct 15, 2025 • 39min
Skye Waterson Talks About ADHD, Attention, and Building Systems That Actually Work
Skye Waterson, an ADHD coach and founder of Unconventional Organisation, shares her journey from academic burnout to discovering her ADHD diagnosis. She explains why traditional productivity tools like the Pomodoro Technique often fail ADHD brains, advocating for tailored systems instead. Skye introduces her 'Focus Formula' to prioritize tasks and discusses the neuroscience of motivation linked to dopamine. With strategies for managing transitions and using 'dopamine boosters,' she emphasizes creating enjoyable, effective work systems that cater to individual needs.
Oct 8, 2025 • 34min
PM Talks S2E10: Clarity
In a thought-provoking conversation, Patrick Rhone, an independent writer and thinker on work and life, dives into the idea of clarity. He and Mike discuss how emotions, like sports outcomes, can impact daily clarity. They explore the effective use of time theming as a scaffold for focus, and how to navigate life’s unexpected waves with intention. Rhone shares the concept of taking a ‘Clarity Day’ to reset and reflect on what truly matters, shedding light on the delicate balance between structure and spontaneity.
15 snips
Oct 1, 2025 • 51min
Jesse J. Anderson Talks About ADHD, Extra Focus, and Finding Flow
Jesse J. Anderson, a writer and ADHD advocate, shares insights from his journey and expertise. He discusses how his late diagnosis at 36 reframed his understanding of past struggles. Jesse introduces the 'clockless mind,' explaining how time feels different for those with ADHD. His '4Cs' framework—Captivate, Create, Compete, Complete—serves as a powerful motivation tool. He also explores Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria and offers unique strategies to boost productivity, like 'eating the ice cream first,' blending humor with practical advice.
Sep 24, 2025 • 38min
Leslie Grandy Talks About Creative Velocity and the Future of Ideas
Join Leslie Grandy, a global product executive and author of Creative Velocity, as she dives into the intersection of creativity, technology, and leadership. She busts the myth that creativity is for artists only and reveals how everyday spaces can spark ideas. Discover how emotional regulation fuels sustained momentum and why precision can be a double-edged sword. Leslie also highlights using AI not just as a tool, but as a creative partner that transforms chaos into structured innovation, expanding the horizons for breakthrough ideas.
Sep 17, 2025 • 39min
Neil Ghosh Talks About Doing More Good and Building Legacy
Neil Ghosh, a seasoned executive and author of *Do More Good*, shares his insights on impact and legacy. He emphasizes that doing more good transcends mere output, focusing on empathy as a strategic skill. Neil reflects on how his childhood in Kolkata shaped his worldview and discusses the importance of travel in fostering understanding. Drawing lessons from figures like John McCain and Shimon Peres, he highlights the value of humility and active listening in leadership. Ultimately, he believes legacy is about the small, consistent actions we take.
10 snips
Sep 10, 2025 • 45min
PM Talks S2E9: Connection
In this engaging conversation, Patrick Rhone, a writer and thinker focused on connection, shares personal anecdotes about sports fandoms and their surprising emotional ties. He explores how values, empathy, and kindness create meaningful relationships across diverse communities. The discussion also covers the role of faith in shaping personal identity and highlights how AI can simplify decision-making, allowing for deeper connections. Ultimately, it’s about fostering resilience and compassion in our complex, busy lives.
Sep 3, 2025 • 42min
Chris Ducker Talks About Long Haul Leadership and Lasting Success
In this engaging conversation, Chris Ducker—serial entrepreneur and bestselling author of The Long Haul Leader—shares his insights on sustainable success. He explores the significance of prioritizing energy over time and the necessity of patience in leadership. Chris candidly discusses his experiences with burnout and how hobbies can play a crucial role in recovery. The discussion challenges the traditional hustle culture, emphasizing that true productivity aligns with personal values and self-care, paving the way for lasting achievement.
