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A Productive Conversation

Latest episodes

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May 22, 2015 • 30min

An Introduction To The NOW Year Formula

This episode is being released earlier than usual because it's a special one. Why? Because Mike talks about his "big work" - the thing he's been actively working on for well over a year (and likely subconsciously for five or so). It's called The NOW Year Formula, and he talks about what it is, how it works, and how by adopting it as your productivity approach can help you have more of what you want in life. Relevant Links http://beyondproductivity.com/ (Beyond Productivity - A Live Streaming Workshop) Use PRODPODCAST to get $10 off a Virtual Ticket (that includes a replay of the workshop to view at your leisure) http://friends.creativelive.com/aff_c?offer_id=24&aff_id=71&url_id=227 (Time Management 101 - creativeLIVE) http://productivityist.com/need-take-personal-productivity-personally/ (Why You Need To Take Productivity Personally - Productivityist) https://gumroad.com/l/Productivityistworkbook (The Productivityist Workbook) http://eepurl.com/bhvbqb (Productivity Zones (And How I Built Them Into My New Workspace) - The Productivityist Weekly Newsletter) http://www.thoughttop.com/ (ThoughtTop - Stick-On Whiteboards) http://simplerev.com/ (SimpleREV) http://productivityist.com/nyfreport (The NOW Year Formula Report Newsletter) http://tedxtalks.ted.com/video/How-to-Stop-Time-Mike-Vardy-at (How To Stop Time - Mike's TEDxVictoria Talk) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fdadZ_KrZVw (In Time) Want to send Mike an app, book, or something similar to discuss on the show? Email Productivityist at info@productivityist.com and we'll give it a look. Want to listen on Stitcher? http://www.stitcher.com/s?fid=53149&refid=stpr (Click here.) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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May 19, 2015 • 28min

It’s All Fun and Games with Dave Caolo

In this episode, Mike talks with Dave Caolo of the podcast Home Work and the website Apple World Today about his newest hobby: tabletop gaming. They discuss the benefits of gaming in terms of helping with productivity and planning as well as offer some suggestions of games to check out. Relevant Links http://5by5.tv/homework (Home Work) http://www.appleworld.today/ (Apple World Today) https://unclutterer.com/author/david-caolo/ (Dave on Unclutterer) https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgamedesigner/9714/antoine-bauza (Antoine Bauza | Board Game Designer | BoardGameGeek) https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL7atuZxmT956cWFGxqSyRdn6GWhBxiAwE (Wil Wheaton's Tabletop on YouTube) http://amzn.to/1LfRMKD (Hey! That's My Fish!) http://amzn.to/1dgNeZi (Castle Panic) http://amzn.to/1cMiiPz (Pandemic) http://amzn.to/1JVVo3d (Forbidden Desert) http://amzn.to/1Fqey1x (Forbidden Island) http://amzn.to/1dgNuHK (Concept) https://cardsagainsthumanity.com/ (Cards Against Humanity) http://amzn.to/1EYUShq (Settlers of Catan) http://amzn.to/1cMiyOL (King of Tokyo) http://amzn.to/1FqeZJl (King of New York) http://amzn.to/1dgMWlh (Tokaido) https://www.youtube.com/user/WatchItPlayed (Watch It Played on YouTube) http://twitter.com/davidcaolo (Dave Caolo - Twitter) Want to send Mike an app, book, or something similar to discuss on the show? Email Productivityist at info@productivityist.com and we'll give it a look. Want to listen on Stitcher? http://www.stitcher.com/s?fid=53149&refid=stpr (Click here.) Really like the show and want it to flourish even more? Support The Productivityist Podcast by becoming a patron! http://patreon.com/productivityist (Click here) to visit The Productivityist Podcast's Patreon page and see what perks await those who pitch in a buck or more. (Opening tag from Wayne's World courtesy of Paramount Pictures.) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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May 12, 2015 • 23min

Flying Solo: A Solo Parenting Productivity Adventure

In this episode, Mike discusses how he dealt with a major workflow change over the past 10 days as a result of his wife going on holiday and him acting as the lone parent during that time. He'll share my successes, his failures, and what you can do to help make any kind of irregularity in your workflow feel less taxing on you. Relevant Links https://blog.todoist.com/2015/04/30/5-powerful-techniques-achieve-work-life-balance/ (Can You Have It All? 5 Powerful Techniques to Achieve Work-Life Balance - Todoist Blog) http://productivityist.com/3-things-children-teach/ (3 Things That Children Can't Help But Teach You - Productivityist) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hDrtfsfdg8k (Don't Fight Your Body Clock in the Name of Productivity - Mike Vardy on YouTube) http://productivityist.com/triggers-how-to-start-moving/ (Triggers: How to Start Moving - Productivityist) http://www.workshifting.com/2014/08/themed-schedule-can-help-stay-task.html (How a Themed Schedule Can Help You Stay on Task - Workshifting) http://productivityist.com/how-i-work-on-several-big-projects-at-once/ (How I Work On Several Big Projects At Once - Productivityist) https://blog.evernote.com/blog/2015/02/15/use-email-reminders-power-productivity/ (How to Use Email and Reminders to Power Productivity - Evernote Blog) http://productivityist.com/jigsaw-puzzle-edges/ (Start From The Edges - Productivityist) https://app.convertkit.com/landing_pages/2077 (The NOW Year Formula (featuring the free Weekly Theming Guide)) http://twitter.com/mikevardy (Mike Vardy - Twitter) Want to send Mike an app, book, or something similar to discuss on the show? Email Productivityist at info@productivityist.com and we'll give it a look. Want to listen on Stitcher? http://www.stitcher.com/s?fid=53149&refid=stpr (Click here.) Really like the show and want it to flourish even more? Support The Productivityist Podcast by becoming a patron! http://patreon.com/productivityist (Click here) to visit The Productivityist Podcast's Patreon page and see what perks await those who pitch in a buck or more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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May 5, 2015 • 29min

Beyond Productivity with Erik Fisher

As the host of the Beyond The To Do List podcast, Erik Fisher has interviewed many of the top names in productivity, task, and time management, and now Mike is putting him on the other side of the mic. They talk about habits, productivity approaches, and a lot more. Relevant Links http://beyondthetodolist.com/ (Beyond The To Do List) http://www.socialmediaexaminer.com/smmworld/ (Social Media Marketing World) http://bit.ly/productivityistweekly/ (The Productivityist Weekly Newsletter) http://www.amazon.com/Getting-Things-Done-Stress-Free-Productivity/dp/0143126563/ref=dp_ob_title_bk (Getting Things Done: The Art of Stress-Free Productivity by David Allen) http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0385348614/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0385348614&linkCode=as2&tag=vardyme-20&linkId=XORYHAHA7LGVSL3X (Better Than Before: Mastering the Habits of Our Everyday Lives by Gretchen Rubin) http://minutehack.com/opinions/its-okay-to-be-a-night-owl (Minutehack: How To Hack The Day As A Night Owl) http://pages.cognitea.com/productivityist/ (CogniTea) http://productivityist.com/podcast-read-more-read-better/ (How to Read More (and Read Better)) http://productivityist.com/triggers-how-to-start-moving/ (Triggers: How to Start Moving) http://jimwoodswrites.com/apple-watch/ (Jim Woods: Why I don't Want An Apple Watch And You Shouldn't Either) http://productivityist.com/groundhog-day/ (Why I Start My New Year On Groundhog Day) http://beyondthetodolist.com/procrastinate-on-porpose-roryvaden-on-discipline-procrastination-priority-dilution-bttdl087/ (Beyond The to Do List 87: RoryVaden on discipline, procrastination and priority dilution) https://productivityist.simplecast.fm/32 (Rory Vaden on The Productivityist Podcast) http://twitter.com/erikjfisher (Erik Fisher on Twitter) https://medium.com/@mikevardy (Mike Vardy on Medium) Want to send Mike an app, book, or something similar to discuss on the show? Email Productivityist at info@productivityist.com and we'll give it a look. Want to listen on Stitcher? http://www.stitcher.com/s?fid=53149&refid=stpr (Click here.) Really like the show and want it to flourish even more? Support The Productivityist Podcast by becoming a patron! http://patreon.com/productivityist (Click here) to visit The Productivityist Podcast's Patreon page and see what perks await those who pitch in a buck or more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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Apr 28, 2015 • 28min

Efficient Writing with Jim Woods

On this episode of the podcast, Mike speaks with Jim Woods, author, and creator of the "Write Publish Share" course. They talk about the writing process, habits, and the relationship between productivity and getting writing done. Relevant Links https://www.e-junkie.com/ecom/gb.php?ii=1423259&c=ib&aff=106414&cl=264063 (Write Publish Share | Jim Woods) http://jimwoodswrites.com/ (Jim Woods' Website) http://literatureandlatte.com/ (Scrivener Writing Software | Mac OS X & Windows) http://lcmike.jarono.hop.clickbank.net/?tid=podcast36/ (Learn Scrivener Fast Course | Joe Michael) http://www.stevenpressfield.com/2013/07/the-foolscap-method-2/ (The Foolscap Method | Steven Pressfield) http://www.smartpassiveincome.com/how-to-write-a-book-fast-first-draft/ (How to Write a Book – The Secret to a Super Fast First Draft | Smart Passive Income TV with Pat Flynn) https://productivityist.simplecast.fm/33 (How to Deliver a "Do Over" with Jon Acuff | The Productivityist Podcast) http://productivityist.com/pomodoro-power/ (Get Some Pomodoro Power | Productivityist) http://www.amazon.com/Jim-Woods/e/B00EYDA7OS/ref=ntt_athr_dp_pel_2 (Jim Woods | Amazon) https://twitter.com/jimwoodswrites (Jim Woods (@jimwoodswrites) | Twitter) As a special bonus to listeners of The Productivityist Podcast, Jim is offering a discount. To get $50 off Jim's "Write Publish Share" course, use the code PRODUCTIVITYIST upon checkout. Don't forget to take advantage of the special Blinkist offer as well. Get 50% off a Blinkist Plus or Blinkist Premium subscription by visiting http://productivityist.com/blinkist/ (productivityist.com/blinkist). (Need more coaxing? I've been using Blinkist as part of my reading workflow for a long time, and you can listen back to the episode where I discuss that http://productivityist.simplecast.fm/24 (here).) Want to send us an app, book, or something similar to discuss on the show? Email us at info@productivityist.com and we'll give it a look. Want to listen on Stitcher? http://www.stitcher.com/s?fid=53149&refid=stpr (Click here.) Support The Productivityist Podcast by becoming a patron! http://patreon.com/productivityist (Click here) to visit The Productivityist Podcast's Patreon page and see what perks await those who pitch in a buck or more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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Apr 21, 2015 • 41min

Closing Chapters with Michael Schechter

Michael Schechter, Mike's good friend, and former podcasting partner drops by the show for the first time on his own. The two of them talk about old times, what Schechter has been up to since they stopped producing Workflowing at 5by5, and the challenges behind closing one chapter in your life so you can make greater strides going forward. Relevant Links https://productivityist.simplecast.fm/26 (The Productivityist Podcast: Everything Is A To Do with Michael Schechter & Patrick Rhone) http://5by5.tv/workflowing (Workflowing at 5by5) http://bettermess.com/ (A Better Mess with Michael Schechter) http://bettermess.com/omnilaunch/ (Speeding Up OmniFocus on iOS with Launch Center Pro) http://us1.campaign-archive1.com/?u=df5920e236c7d03f1dd49fa78&id=87b0fb3919 (The Productivityist Newsletter: Why Reminders Apps Can Level Up Your Productivity) https://twitter.com/mschechter (Michael Schechter (@MSchechter) on Twitter) Want to send us an app, book, or something similar to discuss on the show? Email us at info@productivityist.com and we'll give it a look. Want to listen on Stitcher? http://www.stitcher.com/s?fid=53149&refid=stpr (Click here.) Support The Productivityist Podcast by becoming a patron! http://patreon.com/productivityist (Click here) to visit The Productivityist Podcast's Patreon page and see what perks await those who pitch in a buck or more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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Apr 14, 2015 • 23min

The Power of SCALE with Travis Collier

In this edition of The Productivityist Podcast Mike and Travis Collier have a friendly - and short - conversation. Travis is the author of "SCALE: Refuse to Settle, Recognize what Matters, Redefine Success" and the two friends talk about how they met (and how it caught both of them and Mike's former podcast colleague Michael Schechter off guard), and what the power of SCALE can do for you. Relevant Links http://productivityist.com/a-look-back-at-the-2013-world-domination-summit/ (A Look Back at The 2013 World Domination Summit (How Mike & Travis Met For The First Time)) http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00VREX0EQ/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00VREX0EQ&linkCode=as2&tag=vardyme-20&linkId=TNDQW66GWR4IYOWT (SCALE: Refuse to Settle Recognize What Matters Redefine Success by Travis Collier) http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0062315005/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0062315005&linkCode=as2&tag=vardyme-20&linkId=VIYT6OKN24SJAC6N (The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho) http://bit-thinking.com/ (Bit Thinking: A Journal About Performance) https://twitter.com/tscollier21 (Travis Collier (@TSCollier21) on Twitter) Want to send us an app, book, or something similar to discuss on the show? Email us at info@productivityist.com and we'll give it a look. Want to listen on Stitcher? http://www.stitcher.com/s?fid=53149&refid=stpr (Click here.) Support The Productivityist Podcast by becoming a patron! http://patreon.com/productivityist (Click here) to visit The Productivityist Podcast's Patreon page and see what perks await those who pitch in a buck or more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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Apr 7, 2015 • 18min

How to Deliver a "Do Over" with Jon Acuff

Ever want a do-over with your career? Well, the guest on this episode can help you with that. Jon Acuff is a celebrated (and New York Times best-selling) author whose latest effort, Do Over, can help you figure out how to rescue Mondays, reinvent your work, and avoid getting stuck. In this lively (and efficient) discussion, Jon talks with Mike about Do Over...and they occasionally crack jokes while doing so. Relevant Links http://acuff.me/ (Acuff.me) http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1591847613/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=1591847613&linkCode=as2&tag=vardyme-20&linkId=ORS33IW6MXOMYERY (Do Over: Rescue Monday, Reinvent Your Work, and Never Get Stuck) http://www.neuyear.net/products/2015-do-over-year (NeuYear.net — 2015 DO OVER YEAR) http://www.neuyear.net/products/the-now-year (NeuYear.net — 2015 - THE NOW YEAR) http://acuff.me/career-savings-account/ (The Awesome Career Audit) http://acuff.me/do-over/ (DoOver.me) http://worlddominationsummit.com/schedule (World Domination Summit) https://twitter.com/jonacuff (Jon Acuff (@JonAcuff) on Twitter) Want to send us an app, book, or something similar to discuss on the show? Email us at info@productivityist.com and we'll give it a look. Want to listen on Stitcher? http://www.stitcher.com/s?fid=53149&refid=stpr (Click here.) Support The Productivityist Podcast by becoming a patron! http://patreon.com/productivityist (Click here) to visit The Productivityist Podcast's Patreon page and see what perks await those who pitch in a buck or more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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Mar 31, 2015 • 19min

Procrastinating on Purpose with Rory Vaden

The guest on this episode is someone who looks at time management a lot like the podcast host, Mike Vardy does. Rory Vaden is the author of "Take The Stairs: 7 Steps To Achieving True Success" and "Procrastinate on Purpose: 5 Permissions to Multiply Your Time." He is an accomplished speaker and entrepreneur and consults individuals and businesses on productivity. In this discussion, Mike and Rory talk about results management, the calendar, and a slew of other productivity-related subjects. Relevant Links http://roryvaden.com/ (Rory Vaden's Website) http://beyondthetodolist.com/procrastinate-on-porpose-roryvaden-on-discipline-procrastination-priority-dilution-bttdl087/ (Beyond the To Do List 87 - Rory Vaden) http://procrastinateonpurpose.com/ (Sign up for Procrastinate on Purpose training) https://twitter.com/rory_vaden (Rory Vaden (@rory_vaden) on Twitter) Want to send us an app, book, or something similar to discuss on the show? Email us at info@productivityist.com and we'll give it a look. Want to listen on Stitcher? http://www.stitcher.com/s?fid=53149&refid=stpr (Click here.) Support The Productivityist Podcast by becoming a patron! http://patreon.com/productivityist (Click here) to visit The Productivityist Podcast's Patreon page and see what perks await those who pitch in a buck or more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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Mar 24, 2015 • 21min

Body Talk with James Hamblin

Dr. James Hamblin, Senior Editor at The Atlantic and the host of "If Our Bodies Could Talk" joins Mike in the show as they talk about the things we can do to help ourselves and our bodies be more effective and efficient and the things we sometimes do that make them function at less than optimum levels. Relevant Links http://www.jameshamblin.com/ (James Hamblin's Website) http://www.theatlantic.com/video/series/if-our-bodies-could-talk/ (If Our Bodies Could Talk - The Atlantic) http://www.theatlantic.com/video/index/373027/singletasking-is-the-new-multitasking/ (Single-Tasking Is the New Multitasking - The Atlantic) http://www.theatlantic.com/video/index/360855/sad-desk-lunch/ (Sad Desk Lunch: Is This How You Want to Die? - The Atlantic) http://www.theatlantic.com/video/index/375660/email-is-ruining-us-a-simple-solution/ (Email Is Ruining Us: A Brilliant Solution - The Atlantic) http://www.putsomecoolinyouremail.com/ (Put Some Cool In Your Email) http://www.theatlantic.com/james-hamblin/ (James Hamblin — The Atlantic) https://twitter.com/jameshamblin (James Hamblin (@jameshamblin) on Twitter) Want to send us an app, book, or something similar to discuss on the show? Email us at info@productivityist.com and we'll give it a look. Want to listen on Stitcher? http://www.stitcher.com/s?fid=53149&refid=stpr (Click here.) Support The Productivityist Podcast by becoming a patron! http://patreon.com/productivityist (Click here) to visit The Productivityist Podcast's Patreon page and see what perks await those who pitch in a buck or more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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