A Productive Conversation

Alice Draper, founder of Hustling Writers and host of My Rejection Story, dives into the transformative power of rejection and vulnerability. She shares her journey from journalist to podcast publicity expert and discusses how self-rejection can hinder success. Alice emphasizes the importance of community and journaling in building resilience, while also providing fresh insights on crafting authentic podcast pitches. This lively conversation encourages creatives to embrace rejection as a stepping stone towards visibility and growth.

Patrick Rhone, a frequent guest known for his candid reflections, joins the conversation on adaptability, illustrating how life’s unpredictabilities can shape our responses. They discuss the importance of slowing down to make thoughtful decisions and the tension between efficiency and personal agency. Rhone shares insights on navigating uncertainty in higher education, highlighting students' financial struggles and evolving admissions landscapes. The duo emphasizes that true adaptability is practiced, urging listeners to embrace change and prioritize resilience.

This episode features a truly audacious guest—Anne Marie Anderson. A three-time Emmy award-winning broadcaster and the author of Cultivating Audacity, Anne Marie has spent her career on the sidelines of high-stakes sporting events and inside boardrooms, observing what sets bold, high performers apart.But this isn’t just about elite athletes or executive culture. It’s about how you can embrace everyday audacity—bit by bit. We explore how to take micro-risks, manage fear without eliminating it, and adopt boldness as a way of being, not a one-time event.Six Discussion PointsWhy audacity is less about bold moves and more about micro-risksHow to separate urgency from importance—and why that distinction mattersWhy fear should be navigated, not conqueredHow Anne Marie wrote her book in 15-minute blocks and why that method worked for herWhat it means to set boundaries with intention rather than defaultHow to audit your time and reclaim it in meaningful, energizing waysThree Connection PointsAnne Marie's websiteAnne Marie's bookRead "How to Maximize Your Minutes"This was a conversation that moved far beyond productivity tips and into what it really means to live intentionally, audaciously, and sustainably. Anne Marie brought both depth and practical wisdom—and I hope you walk away from this one ready to take that next bold step, no matter how small it may be.

Kerry Hoffman, a project management and operations consultant, shares her insights on balancing order and chaos in personal and professional life. She discusses how reclaiming agency over time can initially feel overwhelming. Kerry advocates for creating 'homes' for tasks, emphasizing the importance of mundane reminders, like 'flip the mattress.' The conversation dives into defining urgency in team settings and highlights the necessity of reflection for stronger memories. Kerry asserts that effective planning not only enhances productivity but also unlocks more spontaneous time.

What happens when the host becomes the guest? In this special episode of A Productive Conversation, I sit on the other side of the mic as Tim O’Hare—an active and insightful member of the TimeCrafting Trust Premium community—interviews me about my latest book, The Productivity Diet.We explore why this book took years to come together, what makes it different from typical productivity guides, and how it offers a more sustainable and value-driven path toward productiveness. Tim asks great questions, and we dive into the mindset, structure, and lived experiences that shaped the book.Six Discussion PointsWhy I resisted writing The Productivity Diet—and what finally pushed it forwardThe shift from productivity to productiveness: a deeper and more durable focusHow the three-part structure (Mindset, Practice, Mastery) came to lifeThe role of reflection and rhythm in building sustainable systemsHow metaphors like “dieting” help make abstract concepts tangibleThe importance of having a supportive community while crafting time intentionallyThree Connection PointsBuy The Productivity DietCheck out Tim's BlogJoin TimeCrafting Trust PremiumThis episode isn’t just a behind-the-scenes look at the book—it’s a conversation about what it really means to live with intention, apply attention wisely, and develop a practice that fits real life. Whether you've read the book or are just getting curious, this episode will give you clarity and maybe even a nudge to reflect on your own relationship with time.

Yvonne Heimann, a business efficiency consultant and ClickUp expert, shares her journey from San Diego to Vancouver Island, emphasizing the power of trusting systems amid personal change. She discusses the fine line between planning and preparation, revealing how constraints can spark creativity. Yvi reflects on the importance of rituals and journaling during unpredictable times, and how establishing boundaries can liberate rather than restrict. Her insights provide a blueprint for maintaining stability while embracing life's transitions.

Keith Ferrazzi, founder of Ferrazzi Greenlight and bestselling author, discusses his transformative concept of 'teamship' in this engaging chat. He argues that teamship redefines traditional leadership by prioritizing collaboration and shared accountability. Keith introduces practical tools like 'stress testing' to enhance team dynamics and emphasizes the importance of inclusion for fostering growth. The conversation challenges misconceptions about efficiency, suggesting a shift towards co-creation in work environments, especially with the rise of AI.

Patrick Rhone, a thoughtful blogger and thinker, joins Mike Vardy for a compelling discussion about the essence of focus. They explore the importance of clarity in cultivating attention, and how poor planning can derail productivity. Rhone emphasizes setting intentions before tasks to enhance outcomes, while also breaking down the four spheres of attention. The conversation dives into the balancing act required to maintain focus amid distractions, including the role of tools and AI in our lives. Ultimately, they reveal that the quality of our attention shapes our life experiences.

David Kolbe, CEO of Kolbe Corp and co-author of 'Do More, More Naturally', reveals the power of understanding conation—our instinctive ways of taking action. He discusses how embracing individual productivity styles can prevent burnout and enhance teamwork. The conversation highlights the importance of working authentically rather than adhering to rigid productivity models. Kolbe also shares practical steps to realign with natural working rhythms and the role of diverse strengths within teams, fueling a more harmonious approach to success.

It was a real treat to reconnect with Austin Kleon for this episode of A Productive Conversation. Before we got into the heart of the conversation, Austin gave us a quick update: his next book Don’t Call It Art is in the works, inspired by the playful creativity he’s witnessed in his kids. He also mentioned that his once-weekly newsletter has now doubled in frequency—and it continues to be one of the best things I read online.What followed was one of the most down-to-earth, real conversations I’ve had on the podcast. Austin and I explored how routines shape creative work, why space and time are both essential, and what it means to pay attention in a world that’s constantly pulling at you. His approach to creative living—one grounded in ritual, space, boundaries, and self-awareness—is something we can all learn from, whether we’re artists, entrepreneurs, or just trying to make a little more room for what matters.Six Discussion PointsAustin’s upcoming book Don’t Call It Art and how it was inspired by parentingThe power of routine in a creative life—and how Austin structures his dayWhy boundaries (including physical signs on doors) help protect focusUsing analog and digital “zones” for different types of workPaying attention to what you pay attention to—and why it mattersThe idea of a “bliss station” and how space (or time) supports creative flowRevisiting your own journaling and notes as a form of orientation and reflectionThree Connection PointsAustin's websiteKeep Going: 10 Ways to Stay Creative in Good Times and BadMy "Bliss Station" (circa 2019)Whether you’re deep into your own creative practice or trying to carve out more space for it, this conversation with Austin is a reminder that creativity isn’t about hustle—it’s about attention, boundaries, and giving yourself room to work and think. It’s always a joy to talk with Austin, and I hope this episode helps you reconnect with your own creative rhythm. (Originally released April 2019)My New Book!The Productivity Diet is now available! Visit mikevardy.com/lit to learn more and get your copy today.Enjoying the show?The best way to support A Productive Conversation right now is to listen, share, and leave a review wherever you tune in.