
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

May 2, 2018 • 25min
Purpose Mapping with Craig Filek
On this episode of the podcast, I spoke with Craig Filek. Craig is Executive Director of the Purpose Genome Institute and the creator of Purpose Mapping. He helps high-achievers realize their full potential by clarifying their purpose, aligning with their flow state, and making a meaningful contribution every day. We spoke about Purpose Mapping, how it provides users with valuable insights, and how it aligns with personal productivity. Here are a few highlights from the show:
We spoke about the concept of “flow”
How boundaries reinforce flow
Why it’s important to double down on the things you really do well
How Craig’s personal journey lead to the creation of Purpose Mapping
How your purpose and mission relates with your day-to-day life
Moving past the “Golden Hamster Wheel”
Why the areas you struggle with are important to your breakthrough
Relevant Links
Purpose Mapping: The Dirty Little Secret of Every High-Achiever
The Productivityist Podcast: Beyond the E-Myth with Michael E. Gerber | Productivityist
Craig Filek | Twitter
Thanks for listening. If you enjoyed the show don’t forget to subscribe so you don’t miss a single episode. Until next time remember to stop guessing…and start going!
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

Apr 25, 2018 • 24min
The Workcation Weekend with Holly Worton
On this episode of the podcast, I spoke with Holly Worton. Holly helps entrepreneurs dissolve their blocks and limiting beliefs around money and success. We discussed how Holly has a “Workcation Weekend” at a hotel once per month and uses this time to write books, rebrand her website and more. Here are a few highlights from the show:
How Holly uses what she calls “hyperfocus” by freeing herself from distraction
Why she goes to the same hotel for Workcation Weekends and has the same food
How to take a Workcation Weekend with kids
How Holly prepares for her time away
Why it’s helpful to plan ahead for your bookends of the workweek
The approach Holly uses to avoid burnout
How to set aside time to have your own Workcation Weekend
Relevant Links:
Holly Worton | Business Mindset Alchemist
The Definitive Guide to the Workcation Weekend | Business Mindset Alchemist
Books by Holly Worton | Business Mindset Alchemist
How I Write | Business Mindset Alchemist
Resources | Business Mindset Alchemist
Thanks for listening. If you enjoyed the show don’t forget to subscribe so you don’t miss a single episode. Until next time remember to stop guessing…and start going!
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

Apr 18, 2018 • 27min
The Link Between Personal and Professional Productivity with Mark Lavercombe
On this episode of the podcast, I spoke with Dr. Mark Lavercombe. Mark is a specialist physician and medical educator, who writes on productivity, clinical education and leadership at The Productive Physician. We spoke about how he defines productivity, how he became passionate about productivity, how he sets boundaries and more. Here are a few highlights from the show:
Why misdiagnoses are common
Know why you are doing something is essential
How good assumptions can actually lead to bad habits (such as leaving email open)
The balance between being reactive and proactive
Identifying what you want to achieve as well as why you want to achieve it
Linking motivation with the emotional and intellectual basis for goals helps clarify thinking
Making time for yourself
Setting boundaries according to rules that you establish
Relevant Links:
The Productive Physician
Why Productivity for Physicians
Create a Personal Mission Statement for the LIFE YOU want
Do You Want an Extraordinary Life? Choose Deep Work
Living Like an Academic Athlete with Drs Eric Benchimol & Richard Keijzer
@ProductivePhys | Twitter
Thanks for listening. If you enjoyed the show don’t forget to subscribe so you don’t miss a single episode. Until next time remember to stop guessing…and start going!
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

Apr 11, 2018 • 28min
Designing Your Mindset with Andy Murphy
On this episode of the podcast, I spoke with Andy Murphy, the founder of Mindset by Design. Andy has helped world champion athletes, multi-millionaire entrepreneurs, Hollywood producers and actors, and even royalty design their mindsets. We discussed what changing and designing your mindset can do for you, how NLP can help you when it is used for good, why it matters who is in your network, and more. Here are a few highlights from the show:
Where most people get stuck regarding mindset
What neuro-linguistic programming is
Removing confirmation bias
Why it is important to train ourselves to in each area of our life
Our default setting is whatever is safe
When we grow, our network changes as well
Relevant Links:
Mindset by Design
Andy Murphy | Twitter
Thanks for listening. If you enjoyed the show don’t forget to subscribe so you don’t miss a single episode. Until next time remember to stop guessing… and start going!
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

Apr 4, 2018 • 32min
Reading People with Anne Bogel
Today’s guest is Anne Bogel. Anne is a podcaster, blogger, and author. She is also known as a tastemaker through her popular book lists and reading guides. Recently, Anne wrote a new book titled Reading People: How Seeing The World Through The Lens of Personality Changes Everything. We spoke about the power of reading, personality frameworks, and why it is important to be self-aware.
Here are some highlights of the show:
The different kinds of personality tests: Enneagram, Myers Briggs, DISC
Why the same activity can be healthy for some people but stressful for others
Knowing your motives so you can be really productive
Why many introverts can look like extroverts
Why circumstances can affect how introverted or extroverted we are in different situations
The importance of taking time to step back and reflect
Relevant Links:
Anne Bogel’s website
Reading People: How Seeing the World Through Lens of Personality Changes Everything | Amazon
The Power of Moments | Amazon
The Road Back to You: An Enneagram Journey to Self-Discovery | Amazon
Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can’t Stop Talking
Enneagram Test
Myers Briggs Test
Thanks for listening. If you enjoyed the show don’t forget to subscribe so you don’t miss a single episode. Until next time remember to stop guessing… and start going!
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

Mar 28, 2018 • 33min
Possess Your Success with Andrew McDonald
It’s time for another episode of the Productivityist Podcast! Our guest this week is Andrew McDonald. Andrew is a self-made speaker, author, and coach whose passion is to leave the world better than he found it. Tune in as we spoke about imposter syndrome, navigating through negative situations, getting unstuck, and the power of a morning routine.
Here are some of the highlights of the show:
One simple thing you can do to get unstuck
The power of journaling
Things that hamper your productivity
Boundaries and opportunities cost
Making reminders through rules to avoid information overload
Using feedback to reflect, learn and grow
Handling big life changes
Relevant Links:
Possess Your Success
Stop Worrying About What Other People Think
New Opportunity – 3 Considerations Before Saying Yes or No
Set Reminders to Elevate Your Productivity
Self-Reflection: 7 Questions to Ask Yourself to Keep Moving Forward
Thanks for listening. If you enjoyed the show don’t forget to subscribe so you don’t miss a single episode. Until next time remember to stop guessing…and start going!
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

Mar 21, 2018 • 26min
Declutter Your Way to Success with Terri Savelle Foy
Terri Savelle Foy, author of 'Declutter Your Way to Success', discusses how our environment impacts mindset, importance of defining organization, and the 'laundry basket of success'. She shares tips on building momentum with a timer, making your bed first, and using the 'Don't Break the Chain' method.

Mar 14, 2018 • 33min
More Fun in Done with Marli Williams
Today’s guest is Marli Williams. Marli is a speaker, activation coach, purpose finder and inspiration generator. Her mission in life is to inspire and empower people to go from stuck to STOKED! In this episode, we spoke about the power of live, in-person events, courage, growth and living a life of fun. Here are some highlights of the show:
What made her decide to quit a day job she enjoyed
The power of quotes in providing inspiration
The value of in-person experiences in a comfortable setting
We are more connected than ever before but still long for meaningful connections
Doing things whenever you want during the year
Making tasks more fun and enjoyable
Enjoying the process of creation as well as the goal
Asking questions like “How can I make this more fun?”
Knowing your strengths and getting help in other areas
Relevant Links:
Marli Williams Website
Marli Williams @marli_williams | Twitter
Thanks for listening. If you enjoyed the show don’t forget to subscribe so you don’t miss a single episode. Until next time remember to stop guessing…and start going!
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

Mar 7, 2018 • 27min
What Motivates Getting Things Done with Mary Lamia
Today’s guest is Dr. Mary Lamia – a clinical psychologist, psychoanalyst and the author of the new book What Motivates Getting Things Done. We spoke about why it is important to have ways to create absolute deadlines, the role emotions have in personal productivity, the nature of distraction and more. Some of the topics we discuss include:
How specific deadlines combined with accountability can help
Task driven people vs. procrastinators
Why emotions are what really motivate us
A fear of failure is significantly present among those who are successful
Why shame anxiety is a powerful motivation too
Why distractions are not a bad thing
The importance of focusing your stress
Relevant Links:
Mary Lamia | Website
What Motivates Getting Things Done
Flow: The Psychology of Optimal Experience by Mihaly Csiksszentmihalyi | Amazon
How Procrastinators Get Things Done | Psychology Today
Mary Lamia @drlamia | Twitter
Thanks for listening. If you enjoyed the show don’t forget to subscribe so you don’t miss a single episode. Until next time remember to stop guessing…and start going!
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

Feb 28, 2018 • 30min
The Free-Time Formula with Jeff Sanders
Our guest this week is Jeff Sanders: a keynote speaker, founder of the Rocking Productivity Academy and the author of the new book The Free Time Formula. In this episode, we spoke about health-centered productivity, being intentional with your time, and much more. Here are a few more topics we covered:
Waking up with a plan and jumpstarting your day with intention
How the Free-Time Formula Works
How free-time is often already set with habits
The connection between health and productivity
Things Jeff has discovered in having health-first productivity approach
Focusing on quick wins over the short-term instead of the long-term
Finding a healthy rhythm with pausing
Jeff’s new productivity system
Relevant Links:
JeffSanders.com – Keynote Speaker and Author of the 5 AM Miracle
The Free-Time Formula Book by Jeff Sanders
The 5 AM Miracle Podcast
7 Essential Elements of Productivity | Jeff Sanders
Jeff Sanders @jeffsanderstv | Twitter
Thanks for listening. If you enjoyed the show don’t forget to subscribe so you don’t miss a single episode. Until next time remember to stop guessing…and start going!
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.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices