
A Productive Conversation
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.
Latest episodes

Jun 16, 2021 • 40min
Create Your Clean Home Nirvana with Becky Rapinchuk
Approach your home with some mindfulness and find out how some simple cleaning routines can go a long way with cleaning expert Becky Rapinchuk.
From a messy kitchen to ‘junk’ drawers – ever find your home is not the nirvana that you would like it to be? Today I’m joined by Becky Rapinchuk, aka the Clean Mama, who is a cleaning expert, a wife and mom, a successful entrepreneur, and a former art teacher. I find out what it takes to create a home that’s effortlessly peaceful.
We dive into her book Clean Mama’s Guide to a Peaceful Home: Effortless Systems and Joyful Rituals for a Calm, Cozy Home, and unpack some of her key insights. We explore the power of rituals, keeping your home clean alongside a busy family, and her seven peaceful home guidelines we all need to follow.
Talking Points
Why creating a peaceful home needs to be effortless
Identify your pain point and happy tasks
Maintaining a peaceful home as a family
The Clean Home Reset Checklist
The Seven Peaceful Home Guidelines
Quote
“I’d rather do a task well than do it half-way.”
Helpful Links
CleanMama.com
‘Clean Mama’s Guide To A Peaceful Home’ by Becky Rapinchuk
Want to discover some of the books mentioned on the podcast? Check out Scribd, my reading app of choice.
If you enjoyed the episode, please leave a rating and/or review wherever you listened to the episode. Also don't forget to check out all of our podcast sponsors found on our podcast sponsors page.
If you enjoyed the episode, please leave a rating and/or review wherever you listened to the episode. And if you want to have easy access to the archives of the show and ensure you don't miss the new episodes to come then subscribe to the podcast in the app you're using – or you can do so on a variety of podcast platforms by clicking here.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jun 9, 2021 • 33min
How to Be Time Smart with Ashley Whillans
Ashley Whillans spends a lot of her time studying happiness, so she joins the show to share how you can best spend your time to boost your life satisfaction.
Once again, I’m joined by a fellow Canadian! Today’s guest is Ashley Whillans, a Behavioral Scientist and Assistant Professor at Harvard Business School in Negotiations, Organizations, and Markets. She’s the author of ‘Time Smart: How to Reclaim Your Time and Live a Happier Life’, which I can’t wait to unpack in this interview.
In this conversation, Ashley provides a very holistic view on how to value our time. Find out more about the Day Reconstruction Method, qualitative time tracking, rough scheduling, and why so many of us avoid being (or feeling) idle.
Talking Points
What is ‘being time smart’?
Our relationship with time tracking
The idea of rough scheduling
How to slow down more
How Happiness Dollars can help you become more time smart
The simple first step to becoming time smart
Quote
“You can make changes on an everyday basis to help you take control of your time.”
Helpful Links
‘Time Smart’ by Ashley Whillans
Ashley’s LinkedIn
Ashley’s Instagram
Want to discover some of the books mentioned on the podcast? Check out Scribd, my reading app of choice.
If you enjoyed the episode, please leave a rating and/or review wherever you listened to the episode. Also don't forget to check out all of our podcast sponsors found on our podcast sponsors page.
If you enjoyed the episode, please leave a rating and/or review wherever you listened to the episode. And if you want to have easy access to the archives of the show and ensure you don't miss the new episodes to come then subscribe to the podcast in the app you're using – or you can do so on a variety of podcast platforms by clicking here.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jun 2, 2021 • 41min
Finding Clarity with Jenna Britton
Clarity Coach Jenna Britton is here to help you find more clarity, so you can take action with more purpose and intention.
As a self-proclaimed “soulful storyteller”, Jenna Britton is a writer, coach and speaker. Finding Human Design was integral to helping Jenna find — and begin truly living — her life with clarity and ease. So in 2020, she began offering coaching sessions designed and aligned to help people like you understand how parts of your Human Design chart can clarify your purpose — what you’re here to do (and how you’re here to do it).
As a fellow writer, I enjoyed discussing with Jenna about the writing process. Tune in to this episode as we unpack internal processing, looking back through old journals, the comedian’s mind, and goosebump moments. And this conversation is by no means just for writers – it will help give you direction if you feel stuck in any area.
Talking Points
What you get through clarity coaching
Finding harmony with clarity and communication
The value of journaling
Writing creative non-fiction
Having a clear intention
How to lift the fog of resistance
Quote
“Clarity comes from action.”
Helpful Links
Episode 361: Being a Multipotentialite with Vanessa Tharp
‘Wild’ by Cheryl Strayed
Baron Fig
Jerry Seinfeld: Comedian
BraveEnoughToBe.com
JennaBritton.com
Jenna’s Instagram
Brave Enough To Be’s Instagram
The BIG Ready 2022
Want to discover some of the books mentioned on the podcast? Check out Scribd, my reading app of choice.
If you enjoyed the episode, please leave a rating and/or review wherever you listened to the episode. Also don't forget to check out all of our podcast sponsors found on our podcast sponsors page.
If you enjoyed the episode, please leave a rating and/or review wherever you listened to the episode. And if you want to have easy access to the archives of the show and ensure you don't miss the new episodes to come then subscribe to the podcast in the app you're using – or you can do so on a variety of podcast platforms by clicking here.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

May 26, 2021 • 37min
Your Energy Level Formula with Michelle Cederberg
Everything is done so much better when we manage our energy levels. Through the Success-Energy Equation, Michelle Cederberg shares her tactics to help you fuel every area of your life.
Certified Speaking Professional Michelle Cederberg has captivated audiences across the world with her messages about how to set worthwhile goals and get energized for success. As a coach, consultant and professional speaker, Michelle educates busy, driven professionals about purpose, productivity – and the pursuit of better.
Tune in to this candid conversation as we uncover some key insights from Michelle’s book The Success-Energy Equation: How to Regain your Focus, Recharge your Life and Really Get Sh!t Done. We also discuss how to recognize when your thoughts are becoming unproductive, the “How might I…?” question, the power of repetition, and making plans (weather permitting).
Talking Points
Factor in energy into your equation
Understanding your energy levels
The Motivation Matrix
The 4 Rs for managing negative self-talk
What we can learn from will power
Why you need to be more hydrated
Quote
“Everything we do that drives our success is better when we manage our energy.”
Helpful Links
‘The Success-Energy Equation’ by Michelle Cederberg
History of Swear Words
Episode 340: Your Motivation Code with Todd Henry
3 PM, Weather Permitting
‘The Power of Full Engagement’ by Jim Loehr and Tony Schwartz
The Daily Driver
‘Do The Work’ by Steven Pressfield
www.SuccessEnergyBook.com
Want to discover some of the books mentioned on the podcast? Check out Scribd, my reading app of choice.
If you enjoyed the episode, please leave a rating and/or review wherever you listened to the episode. Also don't forget to check out all of our podcast sponsors found on our podcast sponsors page.
If you enjoyed the episode, please leave a rating and/or review wherever you listened to the episode. And if you want to have easy access to the archives of the show and ensure you don't miss the new episodes to come then subscribe to the podcast in the app you're using – or you can do so on a variety of podcast platforms by clicking here.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

5 snips
May 19, 2021 • 43min
Find Your ONE Thing with Geoff Woods
With a simple, powerful concept to focus on what matters most in your personal and work lives, Geoff Woods joins the show to share how you can find your One Thing.
Geoff Woods is the Co-Founder & President of ProduKtive®, the training company behind The ONE Thing and the host of The ONE Thing podcast. He’s an advisor to executives ranging from small businesses to the Fortune 500, helping them design the future of work, and create cultures where people are clear on what matters most so they achieve extraordinary results.
I loved geeking out with Geoff in this episode, as we muse over the ultimate currency: time. Tune in as we explore having clarity, how to invest more in our time, disabling notifications, when it’s time to switch priorities – and goal-setting for couples.
Talking Points
The ONE Thing in the nutshell
Master the 3 C’s to invest more in your time
Why productivity is beyond just efficiency and effectiveness
Our relationship with email
Getting on the same page with people around you
How tools can (and can’t) support your productivity
Quote
“Don’t confuse busyness with business.”
Helpful Links
‘The ONE Thing’ by Gary Keller and Jay Papasan
Why time management is ruining our lives
Keep Productive Channel
The ONE Thing Podcast
The1Thing.com
Want to discover some of the books mentioned on the podcast? Check out Scribd, my reading app of choice.
If you enjoyed the episode, please leave a rating and/or review wherever you listened to the episode. Also don't forget to check out all of our podcast sponsors found on our podcast sponsors page.
If you enjoyed the episode, please leave a rating and/or review wherever you listened to the episode. And if you want to have easy access to the archives of the show and ensure you don't miss the new episodes to come then subscribe to the podcast in the app you're using – or you can do so on a variety of podcast platforms by clicking here.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

May 12, 2021 • 31min
Scale Your Services with Shawn Dill and Lacey Book
The business side of things can get messy if you’re a service professional. You need help along the way to truly scale so you can do more of what you love. Shawn Dill and Lacey Book unpack where to start.
With a background in chiropractic steeped in neurology, Shawn Dill and Lacey Book help support service professionals grow their business. Through their principles of success in marketing, sales and mindset, I had to bring them on to the show to learn more about how they help small businesses run productively.
Join our conversation as we explore neuroplasticity, midday routines, our shared love for simplicity, practical insights from their book ‘None of Your Business: A Winning Approach to Turn Service Providers into Entrepreneurs’ – and what it’s like working with your partner.
Talking Points
Mastering a midday routine
How to not lose track from your routines
Finding the harmony between work and home life when you work with your partner
The impact of investing in great people
Why we need to step back in order to move forward
Quote
“Implement infrastructure before growth.”
Helpful Links
‘None of Your Business’ by Shawn Dill and Lacey Book
Episode 121: Beyond the E-Myth with Michael E. Gerber
ShawnAndLacey.com
Want to discover some of the books mentioned on the podcast? Check out Scribd, my reading app of choice.
If you enjoyed the episode, please leave a rating and/or review wherever you listened to the episode. Also don't forget to check out all of our podcast sponsors found on our podcast sponsors page.
If you enjoyed the episode, please leave a rating and/or review wherever you listened to the episode. And if you want to have easy access to the archives of the show and ensure you don't miss the new episodes to come then subscribe to the podcast in the app you're using – or you can do so on a variety of podcast platforms by clicking here.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

May 10, 2021 • 32min
The Patreon Process with Steve Dotto
Steve Dotto is an expert in helping people master tech to live the life they want. For over 20 years, as host and executive producer of Dotto Tech, a nationally syndicated TV show, Steve has entertained and educated millions of Canadians on all aspects of technology.
A big revenue stream to his business is from his supporters on Patreon. He currently generates over $6,000 per month from his Patreon fans, and he’s generated over $400,000 in revenue to date. I had to have my good friend Steve back on the show to learn more about his success, and his Patreon Boot Camp that I’ve signed up to. Join us as we discuss the 80/20 rule with email subscribers, why relationships are so unique on Patreon, the lessons learnt from my first Patreon launch – and exit strategies.
Talking Points
Patreon’s origin story serving the musician community
How to build a dialogue with your podcast community
Steve’s success on Patreon
Leverage your email subscribers
What kind of perks to offer to your Patreons
What you’ll get from Patreon Boot Camp
A special assignment to do after this episode
Quote
“Customers aren’t vested in your success – they’re vested in purchasing the value it gives them.”
Helpful Links
Steve’s Patreon Boot Camp
Steve’s Patreon page
Episode 115: Protechtivity with Steve Dotto
Saidthewhale
1000 True Fans
Episode 238: How to Keep Going with Austin Kleon
Want to discover some of the books mentioned on the podcast? Check out Scribd, my reading app of choice.
If you enjoyed the episode, please leave a rating and/or review wherever you listened to the episode. Also don't forget to check out all of our podcast sponsors found on our podcast sponsors page.
If you enjoyed the episode, please leave a rating and/or review wherever you listened to the episode. And if you want to have easy access to the archives of the show and ensure you don't miss the new episodes to come then subscribe to the podcast in the app you're using – or you can do so on a variety of podcast platforms by clicking here.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

May 5, 2021 • 48min
Big Picture Planning with Janet Murray
Beat content marketing overwhelm by simply planning on a piece of A4 paper. Tune in as Janet Murray shares her framework that you can work on today.
Through a fascinating career journey in teaching and journalism, Janet Murray made the big switch to run her own business that helps business owners build and engage their online audience. Janet and I go way back, and we’ve met through various places around the world, so I’m excited to finally have her on the show to learn more about how content planning plays such an important role to business success.
Tune in as we explore embracing bigger picture thinking. We discuss daily emails, visual planning, writing with ‘the hook’, learning from journalists, and how Janet time crafts.
Talking Points
How to plan the bigger picture
How our personality types and planning work together
Setting structures so you can be flexible
Creativity that comes from consistency
Finding patterns for your content
Quote
“The wider your view, the more patterns you see.”
Helpful Links
2021 Social Media Diary & Planner
‘Your Press Release Is Breaking My Heart’ by Janet Murray
The Janet Murray Show
Sorted Event
The Daily Driver
Systems Saved Me podcast
Episode 354: How To Decide with Annie Duke
Episode 343: Consistency Over Authenticity with Seth Godin
The Next Web
The BIG Ready
Jordan Gill on The Janet Murray Show
Jordan Gill on Life Skills That Matter
The BIG Ready Week: Stephen Warley
JanetMurray.co.uk
Janet’s Instagram
Want to discover some of the books mentioned on the podcast? Check out Scribd, my reading app of choice.
If you enjoyed the episode, please leave a rating and/or review wherever you listened to the episode. Also don't forget to check out all of our podcast sponsors found on our podcast sponsors page.
If you enjoyed the episode, please leave a rating and/or review wherever you listened to the episode. And if you want to have easy access to the archives of the show and ensure you don't miss the new episodes to come then subscribe to the podcast in the app you're using – or you can do so on a variety of podcast platforms by clicking here.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Apr 28, 2021 • 48min
Being Time Rich with Steve Glaveski
So many organizations are trapped in a culture of meetings, task-switching and analysis paralysis. Steve shares how you can break this cycle and finally take control of your time.
Steve Glaveski joins the show again to talk about his latest findings from his book ‘Time Rich: Do your best work, live your best life’. Steve is the CEO of Collective Campus, an innovation accelerator based in Melbourne and Singapore, that works with large organizations around the globe. As an entrepreneur, author and podcast host, his mission is to unlock the latent potential of people so that they can create more impact for humanity and lead more fulfilling lives.
Where “just working” is a socially validated activity, it’s time to switch things up. In this thoughtful conversation we explore time lessons from stoicism, delegating tasks, and how to experiment with shorter workdays.
Talking Points
Companies that run like C.R.A.P
Defining ‘Time Rich’
Automating versus outsourcing
The shorter workday experiment
Setting metrics for shorter workdays
Quote
“We are predisposed to follow the path of least effort.”
Helpful Links
Episode 225: Going from Employee to Entrepreneur with Steve Glaveski
‘Time Rich’ by Steve Glaveski
The Case for the 6-Hour Workday – Harvard Business Review
‘Deep Work’ by Cal Newport
‘On The Shortness of Life’ by Seneca
‘Top Five Regrets of the Dying’ by Bronnie Ware
Woven
No Filter
TimeRichBook.com
SteveGlaveski.com
Want to discover some of the books mentioned on the podcast? Check out Scribd, my reading app of choice.
If you enjoyed the episode, please leave a rating and/or review wherever you listened to the episode. Also don't forget to check out all of our podcast sponsors found on our podcast sponsors page.
If you enjoyed the episode, please leave a rating and/or review wherever you listened to the episode. And if you want to have easy access to the archives of the show and ensure you don't miss the new episodes to come then subscribe to the podcast in the app you're using – or you can do so on a variety of podcast platforms by clicking here.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Apr 21, 2021 • 1h 2min
Peak Performing Flow with Steven Kotler
If you want results, you need to play the long game. Flow expert Steven Kotler shares what peak performers do to achieve their goals – and what you can do.
Steven Kotler is a New York Times bestselling author, an award-winning journalist and the founder and executive director of the Flow Research Collective. He is the author of thirteen books, including The Art of Impossible and The Future is Faster Than You Think. His work has been nominated for two Pulitzer Prizes, translated into over 40 languages, and has appeared in over 100 publications, including the New York Times Magazine, Wired, Wall Street Journal, TIME and the Harvard Business Review.
In this conversation, we explore his latest book, The Art of Impossible: A Peak Performance Primer. We talk about outcome versus process goals, what is the flow state and why it’s trainable, running towards yourself – and Steven being an old-school punk rocker.
Talking Points
Why you need to be more specific with your goals
Stepping away from ‘hacks’
The habit of ferocity
Work schedules and autonomy
Gmail frustrations
Embrace your creativity in all situations
What is a flow state and its primary activities?
Quote
“People can’t make work for you before you do your work first.”
Helpful Links
‘The Art of Impossible’ by Steven Kotler
‘Flow in Sports’ by Susan Jackson and Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi
Derek DelGaudio’s In & Of Itself (2020)
Andrew D. Huberman
Front
‘The Rise of Superman’ by Steven Kotler
FlowResearchCollective.com
StevenKotler.com
Want to discover some of the books mentioned on the podcast? Check out Scribd, my reading app of choice.
If you enjoyed the episode, please leave a rating and/or review wherever you listened to the episode. Also don't forget to check out all of our podcast sponsors found on our podcast sponsors page.
If you enjoyed the episode, please leave a rating and/or review wherever you listened to the episode. And if you want to have easy access to the archives of the show and ensure you don't miss the new episodes to come then subscribe to the podcast in the app you're using – or you can do so on a variety of podcast platforms by clicking here.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices