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
10 snips
Aug 13, 2025 • 44min
PM Talks S2E8: Creativity
Join Patrick Rhone, a productivity and creativity expert, as he shares timeless insights that can spark inspiration for anyone feeling creatively blocked. They discuss how constraints can actually enhance creativity and why perfectionism is often a barrier to flow. Rhone emphasizes that creativity thrives on both time and space, revealing unique ways to turn mundane tasks into opportunities for innovation. This conversation is a refreshing reminder that creativity is essential for all, not just artists, and invites listeners to embrace imperfection as a superpower.
29 snips
Aug 10, 2025 • 49min
Brian Tracy Talks About Prioritization, Self-Discipline, and Eating That Frog [BONUS EPISODE]
Brian Tracy, a renowned speaker and author of over 80 books, discusses the updated fourth edition of his productivity classic, 'Eat That Frog!' He emphasizes the importance of prioritization and self-discipline in personal growth, suggesting that bad habits are best replaced rather than eliminated. Tracy introduces the 'Law of Three' for effective prioritization and stresses trusting one's intuition to achieve fulfillment. He also shares insights on adapting productivity techniques to fit individual rhythms and the transformative power of books.
20 snips
Aug 6, 2025 • 39min
Rob Shallenberger Talks About Pre-Week Planning and Leading a Life by Design
Rob Shallenberger, CEO of Becoming Your Best Global Leadership and a former F-16 pilot, shares insights on intentional living and productivity. He discusses the transformative power of pre-week planning, highlighting a four-step system that enhances clarity and reduces stress. Rob explains the importance of scheduling priorities over mere task lists and introduces the productivity quotient for achieving a balanced life. Listeners also learn how AI can aid planning while emphasizing human intuition, all aimed at leading a life by design.
9 snips
Jul 30, 2025 • 1h 5min
ASK MIKE ANYTHING: Journaling, Urgency, and Letting Go of Empty Productivity
Tim O'Hare, a TimeCrafting Trust Premium member and insightful host, dives into pressing questions about time management. They discuss how a simple journaling practice can clear mental clutter and enhance daily focus. Explore the distinction between urgency and importance to align your big vision with daily actions. O'Hare offers strategies for navigating app migrations while maintaining workflow. They share unique procrastination-busting techniques and emphasize the significance of measuring productiveness over mere productivity. A reflective and engaging conversation!
Jul 23, 2025 • 47min
Hrund Gunnsteinsdóttir Talks About Intuition, Attention, and Inner Alignment
In this insightful discussion, Hrund Gunnsteinsdóttir, an Icelandic thought leader and documentary director, explores the profound concept of 'InnSæi'—the sea within. She emphasizes the importance of listening to our intuition amidst modern distractions. Hrund shares how journaling can uncover personal patterns and enhance self-awareness, crucial in managing burnout. She also highlights the necessity of aligning productivity with personal values, urging listeners to harness their attention for greater clarity and decision-making.
Jul 16, 2025 • 51min
Bree Groff Talks About Bringing Fun Back to Work
In this engaging conversation, Bree Groff, a workplace culture expert and author of 'Today Was Fun: A Book About Work (Seriously),' explores how fun can transform our work lives. She emphasizes that true joy at work isn't just about perks but about permission to be ourselves. Bree advocates for creativity and engagement, sharing her insights on the impact of our environments on work culture. She encourages listeners to embrace joy, prioritize work-life balance, and ask themselves, 'Was today fun?' to reframe their daily experiences.
Jul 9, 2025 • 38min
PM Talks S2E7: Sustainability
Join Patrick Rhone, a thoughtful author and friend of Mike Vardy, as he dives deep into the often-overlooked world of sustainability. He shares insights on the crucial distinction between consistency and true sustainability, cautioning against confusing temporary momentum with lasting impact. Through stories of gardening and parenting, Patrick illustrates patience and attention in long-term endeavors. Discover why systems that seem effective today may not last tomorrow, and learn how simple analog tools can sometimes triumph over their digital peers.
Jul 2, 2025 • 43min
Ben Chelf Talks About Reimagining Reading and the Power of Presence
In this conversation, Ben Chelf, co-founder and CEO of Sol, shares insights on the Sol Reader, an innovative device designed to enhance focused reading by reducing digital distractions. He discusses the shift towards single-purpose technology, emphasizing its role in improving our pre-sleep routines. Ben recounts his own journey from distraction to deep reading, revealing how mindfulness can transform our relationship with literature. Plus, he reflects on the importance of design and packaging in today’s digital age.
Jun 25, 2025 • 46min
Jenny Wood Talks About Wild Courage and Fearless Self-Advocacy
In this conversation with Jenny Wood, a former Google executive and author of Wild Courage, she challenges the perception of traits like selfishness and bossiness as negatives. Jenny reveals how these qualities can be powerful tools for self-advocacy and growth. She shares personal anecdotes about her corporate journey, the necessity of embracing one’s fears, and the importance of prioritizing big aspirations. Through her insights, listeners are encouraged to redefine courage and unlock their true potential.
Jun 18, 2025 • 43min
Dana Caspersen Talks About Navigating Conflict with Curiosity and Clarity
In this engaging discussion, Dana Caspersen, a conflict engagement specialist and TEDx speaker, shares her unique insights into navigating conflicts. She emphasizes that conflict is not a distraction from productivity but an integral part of it. Dana explores the four elements of conflict—emotion, needs, interests, and strategies—encouraging listeners to replace complaints with thoughtful requests. She highlights the significance of active listening and journaling as tools for clarity. Her "20 Decisions" framework offers practical strategies for turning conflicts into opportunities for growth.
