

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

Aug 13, 2020 • 32min
Being Brutally Honest with Peter Kozodoy
Today’s guest, Peter Kozodoy, has seen time and again how much transparency and honesty in our work and personal lives lead to lasting results. Peter is an Inc. 5000 entrepreneur, keynote speaker, and author of Honest to Greatness.
Honesty is a soft skill we need to master and bring to the forefront if we want to make impactful change. Peter has worked closely with many successful leaders from Fortune 500s, startups to Warren Buffett. So I was really excited to have Peter on the show to unpick some true gems from his new book Honest to Greatness.
Tune in as we uncover what happens when we lie to ourselves, how to overcome limiting beliefs, achieve ‘honest alignment’ – and what we can learn from the ancient Egyptians.
Talking Points
How dishonesty has been a fundamental problem for most organizations
Why we getting “stuck” with our own lies, and how to get unstuck
‘The Hall of Two Truths’ – learning from the ancient Egyptian mythology
The relationship between fear and dishonesty
Understanding Warren Buffett’s ‘institutional imperative’ about leaders getting stuck
Peter’s central framework: the Hourglass of Honesty
The two questions to ask yourself to start benign more honest
Quote
“Honesty is an act of omission”
Helpful Links
Fear Is A Dishonest Act
Peter’s Monthly Mastermind
Episode 306: Leading Without Authority with Keith Ferrazzi
PeterKozodoy.com
21-question Honesty Quiz
Honest To Greatness | 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.
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.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Aug 10, 2020 • 20min
August: The Methodical Month
On this episode of the podcast, I talk about the importance of planning – and why August is the month that I give planning my overarching focus.
Helpful Links
How to Make Better New Year’s Resolutions
The NOW Year Action Plan
Happy New Year! (or Why I Start My New Year on September 1st)
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.
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.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Aug 6, 2020 • 31min
The Power of Process with Justin DiRose
On this episode I’m joined by Justin DiRose, a productivity expert and remote work consultant from northern Minnesota. He has a passion for becoming better, the distributed workforce, being a great dad and husband, and music.
Justin hosts one my favourite productivity podcasts out there: Process. Justin discusses the realities of how personal productivity, software, systems, and technology impact his life throughout each episode and those are some of the very things we touch on during our conversation on this episode.
Talking Points
What are some things that Justin has noticed evolve throughout the years in the productivity community?
Justin talks about what led him down this path
What are some tools that have helped Justin be more thoughtful about what the correct things to chase are?
What does Justin think some roadblocks that people who are trying to adopt a bigger sense of productivity have?
Justin suggests a book that everyone should read and why it impacted him so much
This is one thing Justin shares that you can do today to help with your productivity process?
Quote
“Not just focusing on the tasks, not just focusing on the projects or ideas I have there but also focusing on ‘What am I experiencing? What am I feeling?’ Because a lot of times those are things that are causing me to lose focus, lose attention.”
Helpful Links
Process
Episode 213: The Bullet Journal Method with Ryder Carroll
A More Meaningful To Do List | My OmniFocus Setup Talk
Episode 203: The Evolution of Getting Things Done with David Allen
Episode 227: Why You Need Atomic Habits with James Clear
The Order of Time | Amazon
Range: Why Generalists Triumph in a Specialized World | Amazon
Effective Remote Work
JustinDiRose.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.
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.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Aug 3, 2020 • 20min
HEY! I'm Talking Email with Phil Simon
I wanted to talk to someone who knows communication and email to talk about that subject. So Phil Simon joined me once again to talk about email – and in particular, the new kid on the block, HEY.
Relevant Links
Episode 308: Talking Slack with Phil Simon
Episode 324: Let’s Zoom with Phil Simon
HEY
‘The world’s greatest email app’ is a privacy nightmare | The Next Web
Check out Front – my main email app
Listen to Andrew Warner talk about HEY with Jason Fried
Second-Order Thinking | FS.blog
PhilSimon.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.
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.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jul 30, 2020 • 34min
Let's Zoom with Phil Simon
Phil Simon returns to the program to talk about a service that more people have started using in 2020… some whether they wanted to or not: Zoom.
Phil’s made a recent appearance on this podcast talking about his book Slack for Dummies. Now he’s back to share some of his knowledge and insights on another service – as well as another book he’s written Zoom for Dummies.
We spend this episode talking about the rise of Zoom use, what Phil’s first experience with Zoom was like, and some of the things Phil really likes about Zoom. If you’re new to Zoom and want to go from comfortable to confident with it, then this episode is well worth your time and attention.
Talking Points
Why does Phil think Zoom replaced Skype in many ways?
This was what Phil’s initial experience with Zoom was like
Phil talks about what Zoom brings to the table with webinars
What is a tip for people who want to get more out of Zoom?
Quote
“Zoom is focused on user experience and focused on simplicity.“
Helpful Links
Zoom for Dummies
Episode 308: Talking Slack with Phil Simon
Slack for Dummies
Gong.io
Against the Rules with Michael Lewis
PhilSimon.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.
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.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jul 27, 2020 • 8min
3 More Things with Benjamin Spall
Benjamin Spall returns to the podcast to share three more things. Check out his original appearance on Episode 196 of the podcast.
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.
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.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jul 23, 2020 • 32min
The New Corner Office with Laura Vanderkam
Productivity specialist Laura Vanderkam discusses thriving while working from home, managing tasks, self-care, thinking big, time tracking, and balancing work and parenting. She emphasizes the importance of embracing personal needs and building an effective 'at home' work life.

Jul 20, 2020 • 24min
An Appetite for Apps
I’ve had an “on again, off again” relationship with apps during my career as a productivity strategist. Right now, it’s back on again. I share some of my insights on apps during this episode.
You’ll hear what apps I’m currently using (and why I’m using them), what I look for in an app of any sort, and why going “”all in” with an app can be a recipe for productivity problems. I’ve got several relevant links to apps below so as you’re listening feel free to check out what I’m using and start to sate your appetite for apps starting today!
Relevant Links
Focus on The App Within
Todoist
TimeHero
Drafts
Woven
Day One
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.
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.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jul 16, 2020 • 33min
You and The Internet of Things with Vicki McLeod
Vicki McLeod joins me on this episode of the program. Vicki McLeod is a writer, author, coach, consultant and an award-winning entrepreneur. She is an advocate for mindful business, everyday happiness and living a life rich with meaning. She’s here to talk about her book You and The Internet of Things.
Vicki is the author of several books beyond You and the Internet of Things, A practical guide to understanding and integrating the IoT into your daily life (Self-Counsel Press 2020). She’s also penned #Untrending, A Field Guide to Social Media That Matters, How to Post, Tweet, and Like Your Way to a More Meaningful Life (First Choice 2016) and coauthor of Digital Legacy Plan, A Guide to the Personal and Practical Elements of Your Digital Life Before You Die (Self-Counsel Press 2019) and writes a biweekly newspaper column on the intersection of digital and analog life.
I’ve been friends with Vick for years and wanted to have her share with you some of the concepts around IoT (The Internet of Things), how IoT can work for you, the importance of getting comfortable with technology, and more. I hope you learn a lot from this discussion… I know I did!
Talking Points
What is The Internet of Things?
Where did Vicki start with buying smart items… and where would she suggest others start?
How far does Vicki believe is too far when introducing yourself to The Internet of Things and how can you reign it in if you feel like you’re starting to lose control?
How important is it for people to get used to technology being everywhere?
Is a fitness tracker a good way to ease into using smart technology?
Quote
“You need learn how to use it and to develop at least some rudimentary degree of comfort with it.“
Helpful Links
You and the Internet of Things: A Practical Guide to Understanding and Integrating the IoT into Your Daily Life
vickimcleod.com
Hey Alexa, Subscribe to That Podcast: You and the Internet of Things
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.
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.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jul 13, 2020 • 21min
The Quest for Simplicity
Henry Wadsworth Longfellow said, "In character, in manner, in style, in all things, the supreme excellence is simplicity."
I couldn’t agree more. So I decided to share my thoughts on my quest for it on this episode.
Relevant Links
Simplicity Day | DaysOfTheYear.com
Simplicity is Subjective | Me @ Medium
Episode 317: The Analog Way with Jeff Sheldon
Analog Joe
Episode 175: Soulful Simplicity with Courtney Carver
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.
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.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices


