

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

Jan 29, 2021 • 8min
The BIG Ready Week: Janet Murray
It's a bonus episode of the podcast to celebrate The BIG Ready Week! This episode features my friend, content queen and big picture planner, Janet Murray. Janet Murray will be delivering the opening keynote for The BIG Ready – which is exciting on its own. But I'm also excited that she agreed to chat with me on the podcast about certainty, consistency, and commitment.
Episode Highlights:
People love certainty... but they need uncertainty too.
People often have trouble with crafting consistent content.
When there is a commitment to doing the creative plan, content gets created.
This virtual event features 29+ presenters delivering keynote talks, actionable workshops, and engaging panel discussions around the elements of personal and professional growth. Presented by Productivityist, The BIG Ready is a must-attend for anyone who is trying to take the months ahead and be ready to make them have a BIG impact on their lives. The mainstage portion of The BIG Ready takes place on February 2nd, 2021 and includes access to the Opening Party on February 1st, the Closing Party featuring the perfect sendoff to the day's festivities, and the opportunity to attend a Midnight Momentum focused work period as the day draws to a close with yours truly! You can also grab a VIP ticket, which gives you everything I just mentioned PLUS an exclusive 4-hour workshop on February 6th that I'll be facilitating personally. Oh, and every keynote, workshop, and panel will be recorded so you'll be able to revisit and review them anytime you want in the future!
Podcast Theme Song: Nothing at All by Fictions (courtesy of Epidemic Sound) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jan 28, 2021 • 8min
The BIG Ready Week: Vanessa Tharp
It's a bonus episode of the podcast to celebrate The BIG Ready Week! This episode features change-maker and action-taker Vanessa Tharp. Vanessa Tharp, Chief of Staff at Productivityist and one of the organizers of The BIG Ready, shares how she helped create clarity for Productivityist as a company and how she leveled it up by creating a safe space with the right boundaries and limitations.
Episode Highlights:
My idea of "I did it wrong"
How Productivityist lost its soul when I changed it from "I" into "We"
How to help people recognize that they are "in quicksand"
How to level up by creating a safe space... but at the same time keeping in check on what is happening, to know boundaries and limitations
This virtual event features 29+ presenters delivering keynote talks, actionable workshops, and engaging panel discussions around the elements of personal and professional growth. Presented by Productivityist, The BIG Ready is a must-attend for anyone who is trying to take the months ahead and be ready to make them have a BIG impact on their lives. The mainstage portion of The BIG Ready takes place on February 2nd, 2021 and includes access to the Opening Party on February 1st, the Closing Party featuring the perfect sendoff to the day's festivities, and the opportunity to attend a Midnight Momentum focused work period as the day draws to a close with yours truly! You can also grab a VIP ticket, which gives you everything I just mentioned PLUS an exclusive 4-hour workshop on February 6th that I'll be facilitating personally. Oh, and every keynote, workshop, and panel will be recorded so you'll be able to revisit and review them anytime you want in the future!
Podcast Theme Song: Nothing at All by Fictions (courtesy of Epidemic Sound) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jan 27, 2021 • 42min
Productive Conversations with Therese Huston
Feedback is essential for us to move forward. But how do we use it effectively? Today’s guest, Therese Huston, gives you the practical tools that you can use today.
Therese Huston’s mission is to help conscientious, growth-minded professionals bring out their best at work. She’s a cognitive scientist at Seattle University, as well as a speaker and author of Let’s Talk: Make Effective Feedback Your Superpower. Her expertise lies in helping you say what needs to be said, and – even more importantly – say it in a way that can be heard.
Tune in as we discuss the three different types of feedback, the common biases to watch out for, and you can best coach yourself. Enjoy this episode packed with Therese’s strategies!
Talking Points
How effective feedback boosts your productivity
Three different types of feedback
Ways to avoid falling into your biases
Setting clear intentions
Having constructive feedback with yourself
Quote
“Unconscious bias is leaning towards some people and away from others.”
Helpful Links
ThereseHuston.com
Let’s Talk | Amazon
Thanks for the Feedback | Amazon
Pocket Biases
Growth Mindset | Amazon
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

10 snips
Jan 20, 2021 • 55min
How To Decide with Annie Duke
Annie Duke, former poker pro, discusses decision-making in her book. Topics include 'resulting', biases, and practical tools for better choices. She talks about chunking, mental models, and the impact of information warfare. The conversation also touches on reflecting biases, real-life examples, and beautiful plays in sports history.

Jan 13, 2021 • 39min
Thinking Time with Natalie Sisson
Four years since I last spoke with entrepreneur Natalie Sisson, a lot has changed. Join me as we explore her growth journey.
Natalie is a New Zealand entrepreneur, author, speaker, lover of handstands and triathlete. It’s taken a lot of incremental micro-steps for Natalie to pivot from her Suitcase Entrepreneur identity to the Natalie Sisson she is today. Since late 2018 she has been focused on helping everyday people in jobs, freelance careers and with their own business to monetize their sweet spot and get paid to be them.
Join today’s conversation as we talk about vision planning, audiobooks, and when it’s time to unlearn systems, tools and habits that aren’t serving you anymore. I was fascinated by Natalie’s investment in her personal growth and how she embraces the beginner’s mindset.
Talking Points
Natalie’s process of changing her business identity
How to get unstuck from the fear of growth
What Natalie has let go
The creative challenge from her latest writing project
What productivity means to Natalie today
Advice to entrepreneurs to do more of what they love
Quote
“Unlearning and relearning leads to growth.”
Helpful Links
FinCon
Episode 91: The More of Less with Joshua Becker
The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People | Amazon
Masterclass: Gardening
The Suitcase Entrepreneur | Amazon
The Freedom Plan | Amazon
The $10k Club
Untapped Podcast
NatalieSisson.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

Jan 6, 2021 • 38min
A Catalyst For Hope with Thane Marcus Ringler
Thane Marcus Ringler takes the professional athlete’s mindset to everyday people in everyday life.
Today’s guest is Thane Marcus Ringler, the former professional golfer turned speaker, writer, development coach and podcast host of The Up & Comers Show. It’s his mission to help people get unstuck and overcome the self-limiting beliefs we all tend to carry.
In this episode, we explore the four perspective shifts from his book Catalysts For Hope: Unlocking Energy, Optimism, And Your Full Potential. Thane’s idealism is infectious, and this will help frame your mind as we begin 2021. Join this conversation as we discuss the art of leaning in, the process of writing his book, critical thinking – and dragonflies.
Talking Points
The 4 Catalysts that will shift your perspective
Focus on the process, no the destination
Identifying your baby steps
A hope-filled life is more practical than you think
Why we regularly overlook our purpose
A case for Idealism
The power of pause
Quote
“Purpose is active. We don’t default our way into it.”
Helpful Links
Catalysts For Hope | Amazon
The Practice | Amazon
Episode 343: Consistency Over Authenticity with Seth Godin
Episode 238: How to Keep Going with Austin Kleon
21 Lessons for the 21st Century | Amazon
ThaneMarcus.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

10 snips
Dec 30, 2020 • 34min
Eating Frogs with Brian Tracy
Keynote speaker Brian Tracy discusses the importance of time management for students, handwritten vs digital notes, and timeless problem-solving strategies. Learn about setting goals in the present tense, the role of self-esteem, and the magic wand exercise for success in life.

Dec 23, 2020 • 37min
Being Nice with Dave Delaney
As a specialist in delivering presentations and workshops to empower leaders, I’m excited to share with you today’s guest Dave Delaney – an expert on being nice.
Today Dave Delaney joins the show, creator of the NICE Method™. He’s a keynote speaker, corporate trainer, and the author of the acclaimed book, New Business Networking. He’s worked with the likes of Google, LinkedIn and UPS.
I’m excited to speak with the fellow Canadian and comedy fan, to learn more about his approach to simply being… well, nice. We know the world could do with more of that! Tune in as we discuss practising empathy, the “Yes, and…” mindset, being open-minded – and my love for Ted Lasso on Apple TV.
Talking Points
Leaning into ‘niceness’
Dealing with jerks
The link between happiness and niceness
How to not treat it as a throwaway word
Being authentically nice
The skill in considering other people’s opinions and beliefs
The NICE Method™ framework
The impact of music
Quote
“First and foremost, be nice to yourself.”
Helpful Links
Ted Lasso
Brené with Jason Sudeikis & Brendan Hunt on Ted Lasso
How to Fend Off a Jerk
The Master Communicator’s Secret Weapon
Episode 274: Humor That Works with Andrew Tarvin
Nice Maker Newsletter
DaveDelaney.me
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

Dec 16, 2020 • 41min
Virtual Event Conversions with Liam Austin
Since hosting his first virtual event in 2015, Liam Austin knows the formula to making a success of it.
I learnt heaps from today’s interview with virtual events expert Liam Austin. As the world has gone radically digital for so many businesses this year, find out in today’s episode why a virtual event is a great way to grow your business and community.
Liam is the co-founder of Entrepreneurs HQ and Virtual Summit Academy, which organizes many virtual summits and publishes marketing tactics of top entrepreneurs. When he had over 15,000 people register to attend his first virtual event in 2015 – Liam knew he had to share what he did to the wider business community.
In this interview we explore producing live versus pre-recorded events, building tight funnels, how to stand out from other events, and how to make sure you attendees get the most out of the session.
Talking Points
What you can leverage from hosting virtual events
How to stand out amongst the virtual noise
The rough timeline needed when creating an event
How can attendees get the most out of online events
Optimizing what to do post-event
Quote
“Reverse engineer from your end goal.”
Helpful Links
Episode 308: Talking Slack with Phil Simon
Zoom For Dummies | Amazon
EntrepreneursHQ.com
Virtual Summit Academy
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

Dec 9, 2020 • 36min
Questions To Ask Yourself with Tripp Lanier
With over 15 years of coaching busy, high-achievers, Tripp Lanier shows how to stay present and be guided by your internal direction.
Tripp Lanier is a professional coach, author of This Book Will Make You Dangerous: The Irreverent Guide for Men Who Refuse to Settle, and host of The New Man Podcast. I loved interviewing Tripp as he’s an honest guy who asks thought-provoking questions.
Since 2005, Tripp has spent thousands of hours coaching people all around the world to get out of the rat race, become an authority in their field, and make a great living doing the work they were put on this earth to do.
As entrepreneurs, it’s easy to get trapped in the hustle cycle. This episode will help release you from this trap and focus on what really matters to give you that ‘aliveness’. Tune in as we discuss issues with saying ‘no’, setting dangerous missions, unfulfilling vision boards, and reading old journal entries.
Talking Points
The correlation between being dangerous and being productive
Managing uncertainty
The comparison game
How to identify what really matters to you
Dealing with resistance
The relationship between finality and productivity
Creating missions as experiments
Four questions to ask yourself at the beginning of your day
Quote
“A high-performing sheep is still a sheep.”
Helpful Links
This Book Will Make You Dangerous | Amazon
Conscience | Amazon
Gary Vaynerchuck
The War of Art | Amazon
My Shot – Hamilton
Episode 227: Why You Need Atomic Habits with James Clear
Atomic Habits | Amazon
Clear Habit Journal
The New Man Podcast
TrippLanier.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


