
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

Feb 21, 2018 • 33min
Rise of the Youpreneur with Chris Ducker
This week on the podcast, Chris Ducker joins me for another value-packed episode! Chris is a serial entrepreneur, author, keynote speaker, and the founder of Youpreneur.com. He just released a new book titled Rise of The Youpreneur which I truly believe will be a bestseller. We had a fantastic conversation. Here are a few specific topics we covered:
The rise of the Youpreneur and what that means
What it takes to be a Youpreneur
The role of hard work or hustle
How to course correct
The importance of self-awareness
What Chris is focusing on right now
Why you should wear your heart on your sleeve
Relevant Links:
Rise of the Youpreneur | Amazon
Purchase Rise of the Youpreneur here to get special bonus
ChrisDucker.com | Helping Entrepreneurs Become More Productive and Profitable
Youpreneur: The Entrepreneurial Community Where Nobody Gets Left Behind
How to Launch a Book Guerilla-Style | Page Two Strategies
Youpreneur Mike Vardy | Google Search
The Productivityist Podcast: Fostering Your Inner Youpreneur with Chris Ducker | Productivityist
Supercharging Your Entrepreneurial Productivity with Mike Vardy | ChristDucker.com
Reshaping, Rebuilding and Rebranding Your Business with Mike Vardy | ChrisDucker.com
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

Feb 14, 2018 • 27min
Riskology with Tyler Tervooren
Tyler Tervooren joins me for a new episode at the Productivityist Podcast! Tyler is a serial entrepreneur, the founder of Riskology, former co-producer of the World Domination Summit – an annual event for free-thinkers and non-conformists, and has completed a marathon on every continent. Join us on this episode as we spoke about being an introvert leader, how culture is shifting, and more. Here are a few highlights from our conversation:
Why introverts can, in fact, be leaders
How being an introvert is actually an advantage
Why you should be introspective about before looking for resources
Learning to rely more on your intuition
Eliminating self-doubts through small actions
Growth mindset and how it applies to the learning process
Relevant Links:
Riskology
The Top 5 Leadership Challenges of Introverts (and How to Beat Them) | Riskology
Growth Mindset: The Science of Achieving Your Potential| Riskology
Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance | Amazon
Tyler Tervooren | 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

13 snips
Feb 7, 2018 • 28min
Magnetic Memorization with Dr. Anthony Metivier
Dr. Anthony Metivier, founder of the Magnetic Memory Method, shares innovative techniques for effective memorization. He discusses how strengthening your memory can enhance personal productivity and transform everyday tasks. Listeners learn about useful strategies for memorizing vocabulary and details about others, along with the intriguing benefits of memorizing a deck of cards. The episode highlights the significance of intentionality and visualization in learning, making memory improvement both fun and practical.

Jan 31, 2018 • 29min
The View from the Top with Aaron Walker
In this week’s episode, I spoke with life and business coach Aaron Walker. He spends the majority of his time helping men grow in success and significance as President and Founder of View From The Top, a premier life, and business coaching resource. We spoke about ambition, clarity, living a life of success and more. It was a great conversation that I’m sure you’ll get a lot out of. Some of the topics we talked about are:
The myth of work-life balance
On being ambitious about the right things
Why it’s important to focus both outward and inward
Designing a proactive life through journaling
Deep diving instead of doing as much as possible
Why there is no power in wisdom–there is power in the execution of wisdom
Relevant Links:
Aaron Walker – View from the Top
What Do I Want Sheet
Aaron Walker | Facebook
Aaron Walker | Twitter
Procrastinate on Purpose: 5 Permissions to Multiply Your Time
Never Split the Difference: Negotiating as if Your Life Depended on it
Big Leap: Conquer Your Hidden Fear and Take Life to the Next Level
Mindset: The New Psychology of Success
Essentialism: The Disciplined Pursuit of Less
The Go-Giver: A Little Story About a Powerful Business Idea
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

Jan 24, 2018 • 31min
Undoing Things with Alison Stratten
On this episode of the podcast, I’m joined by Alison Stratten of Unmarketing. Alison is a writer, marketer, podcaster, parent and also a fellow Canadian. I had a great time talking with her. Here are a few highlights from the show:
The line between personal information and business marketing
The roles of work and family
Alison’s story
How the Stratten’s work behind the scenes
Relevant Links:
Unmarketing: Stop Marketing, Start Engaging
Unmarketing | Facebook
Unpodcast – The Business Show for the Fed Up | Youtube
Alison Stratten | 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

Jan 17, 2018 • 27min
Goat-ing Things Done with PJ Jonas
On this episode of the podcast, I’m joined by PJ Jonas of Goat Milk Stuff. PJ is a wife, homeschooling parent, farmer and also a business owner. She accomplishes a lot of things, so I was very excited to talk with her. Some of the specifics of our discussion include:
The importance of structure in both family and business
Work-life balance and how PJ feels about it
Mentoring and teaching future leaders
Why you should get your product in front of people and ask for feedback
Relevant Links:
PJ Jonas Website
Goat Milk Stuff
Goat Milk Stuff on Instagram
Goat Milk Stuff on Facebook
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

Jan 10, 2018 • 41min
The Year of Less with Cait Flanders
On this episode of the podcast, I’m joined by PJ Jonas of Goat Milk Stuff. PJ is a wife, homeschooling parent, farmer and also a business owner. She accomplishes a lot of things, so I was very excited to talk with her. Some of the specifics of our discussion include:
The importance of structure in both family and business
Work-life balance and how PJ feels about it
Mentoring and teaching future leaders
Why you should get your product in front of people and ask for feedback
Relevant Links:
PJ Jonas Website
Goat Milk Stuff
Goat Milk Stuff on Instagram
Goat Milk Stuff on Facebook
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

Jan 3, 2018 • 36min
The Four Tendencies with Gretchen Rubin
On this episode of the podcast, I speak with Gretchen Rubin, the author of several books, including the blockbuster New York Times bestsellers, The Four Tendencies, Better Than Before, and The Happiness Project. She has an enormous readership, both in print and online, and her books have sold almost three million copies worldwide, in more than thirty languages. On her top-ranked, award-winning podcast Happier with Gretchen Rubin, she discusses good habits and happiness with her sister Elizabeth Craft. Fast Company named Gretchen Rubin to its list of Most Creative People in Business, and she’s a member of Oprah’s SuperSoul 100. During the discussion we dive specifically into The Four Tendencies, looking into what tendency I am most likely aligned with (as well what my wife’s might be), how to embrace whichever of the tendencies you are so you can thrive, and so much more. I hope you enjoy our conversation – I sure did!
Relevant Links
Gretchen Rubin Website
The Surprising Truth About Why Your To-Do List May Be Failing You | Gretchen Rubin
The 4 Tendencies That Explain Why You Struggle To Get Stuff Done (and What to Do About It) | Inc.
Signing Up for “NaNoWriMo” – National Novel Writing Month? Here’s Why It Works | Gretchen Rubin
Exciting: Scientific Research and Experiments Underway to Understand the Four Tendencies Better | Gretchen Rubin
Gretchen Rubin’s Quiz: The Four Tendencies
Gretchen Rubin (@gretchenrubin) | Instagram
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

Dec 27, 2017 • 28min
Declutter Your Data with Angela Crocker
On this episode of the podcast, I’m joined by my friend Angela Crocker. Angela is the author of The Content Planner and Declutter Your Data. We spend the majority of our conversation diving deep into digital decluttering strategies. Some of the specifics of our discussion include the way you can declutter Your apps (which may not mean deleting them), how to streamline your digital calendar, redundancy and intention, dedicated devices, and more tactics. (We even share our thoughts on the role Inbox Zero plays in this.)
Relevant Links
Declutter Your Data by Angela Crocker | Amazon
The Content Planner by Angela Crocker | Amazon
The More or Less with Joshua Becker | The Productivityist Podcast
Weed Out the Clothes You Don’t Wear with a Simple Hanger Trick | Lifehacker
The NOW Year Wall Calendar
Declutter Your Data | Angela Crocker
Declutter Your Data with Angela Crocker | Facebook
Angela Crocker | Twitter @angelacrocker
Angela Crocker | Instagram @angelacrocker
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

Dec 20, 2017 • 39min
Soulful Simplicity with Courtney Carver
On this episode of the podcast, I am joined by Courtney Carver, the person behind Be More with Less and author of Soulful Simplicity: How Living with Less Can Lead to So Much More. A passionate and energetic speaker, Courtney shares to communities the power of simplicity in improving health, building meaningful relationships, and creating more joy in life. It goes without saying that we could all afford to be a little less stressed and more emotionally balanced. That’s why I’m sure you’ll find tons of value in this episode whatever you’ve got going on.
Relevant Links:
Courtney Carver Website
Be More with Less
Soulful Simplicity: How Living with Less Can Lead to So Much More | Amazon
Project 333
Courtney Carver | 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