A Productive Conversation

Tiago Forte, the visionary behind the 'Building a Second Brain' methodology and author, shares transformative insights on personal knowledge management. He reveals the origins of his concept and the simplicity of his 'PARA' method for organizing thoughts. Tiago discusses the evolution of knowledge management from analog to digital, emphasizing how tools like Evernote enhance creativity. He also highlights the importance of intuition in capturing meaningful insights and advocates for a flexible, personalized approach to productivity that balances structure with spontaneity.

In this episode, I sit down with Jason Silver, author of Your Grass is Greener: Use What You Have. Get What You Want. At Work and In Life. Jason shares his insights on how to find more happiness in your work by using the skills you already have and how that enjoyment leads to greater productivity. We dive into the book’s structure, which is designed to help you work smarter, find enjoyment without changing jobs, and progress in your career. Jason also explains how reflection and personal experimentation can lead to better decision-making and greater fulfillment in life and work.Throughout the episode, Jason reveals practical techniques to help you get more out of your job without adding more work, offering advice that challenges conventional wisdom. We talk about tracking productivity, dealing with imposter syndrome, and how to make better decisions by embracing clarity and using emotion as part of the decision-making process.Key Discussion Points How enjoyment in your work leads to higher productivity Breaking down the three parts of Your Grass is Greener and how they relate to finding fulfillment Practical ways to create space in your work to allow for self-reflection and growth Why imposter syndrome can be a powerful tool for personal and professional development The importance of reflection and tracking progress in achieving success Using emotion in decision-making to improve clarity and outcomes Jason also talks about his playbook and offers actionable insights for readers who want to use it to unlock their potential at work. You’ll leave this episode with a better understanding of how to approach your work with more intentionality, focus, and enjoyment.Links Worth Exploring Connect with Andrew: Website | LinkedIn | X/Twitter | Instagram Check out my appearance on The Pro Guide: Watch it here Check out Andrew's work on The Omni Show: Listen here Related Conversation: Episode 64: Passionate About Productivity with Amber De La Garza Related Blog Post: Why I’m Passionate About Personal Productivity Thanks to all of the sponsors of this episode. You can find all of the sponsors you heard me mention on this episode on our Podcast Sponsors page.Want to support the podcast? Beyond checking out our sponsors, you can subscribe to the show wherever you listen to podcasts. You can subscribe on Spotify and also on Apple Podcasts. Not using either of those to get your podcasts? Just click on this link and then paste the podcast feed into your podcast app of choice.Thanks again for listening to A Productive Conversation. See you later.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Grab My New Book: The Productivity Diet: A Practical Guide to Nurturing your Productive PotentialIf you’re looking to build a sustainable, personalized productivity practice that actually sticks, my latest book is for you. It’s available now—wherever books are sold. Learn more at mikevardy.com/lit or request it at your favorite local bookstore.

In this Flashback Friday episode, I reconnect with Chris Bailey, with a conversation centering on his book, Hyperfocus. We dive into the lessons he learned since the release of Hyperfocus and explore his approach to managing distractions and cultivating deep focus in a world full of noise. Chris also shares his thoughts on how meditation can enhance our ability to stay on track, drawing from his personal experiences and extensive research.This conversation provides a fresh take on productivity, where slowing down and focusing deliberately is more effective than working fast and frantically. Whether you’re struggling with distractions or just looking to improve your focus, this episode has actionable insights that can help you be more intentional with your time and energy.Key Discussion Points Chris’s journey since releasing Hyperfocus and his latest work on mindfulness and calm How to manage attentional space in a world full of distractions The benefits of meditation in increasing focus and mental clarity Practical tips for creating a distraction-free environment to foster deep work The importance of doing the right things deliberately, rather than just doing more How Chris fits new ideas into his current projects to maximize impact I’m grateful to Chris for sharing his wisdom and experiences in this Flashback Friday episode. His work continues to inspire us to be more intentional with our time and attention. If you’re looking to dive deeper into focus and productivity, this episode is packed with valuable takeaways. Don’t forget to check out the links mentioned and take a look at Chris’s latest work. (Originally released October 2018)Links Worth Exploring Connect with Chris: Website | Instagram | Twitter/X | LinkedIn About that Ben Folds song... Hyperfocus: How to Be More Productive in a World of Distraction The Productivity Project APC Episode 77: The Productivity Project with Chris Bailey A Lesson from “About a Boy” on Hyper-Scheduling The Hyper-Scheduling Experiment | MacSparky Flow by Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi Essentialism by Greg McKeown APC Episode 201: Willpower Doesn’t Work with Benjamin Hardy APC Episode 73: Deep Work with Cal Newport Thanks to all of the sponsors of this episode. You can find all of the sponsors you heard me mention on this episode on our Podcast Sponsors page.Want to support the podcast? Beyond checking out our sponsors, you can subscribe to the show wherever you listen to podcasts. You can subscribe on Spotify and also on Apple Podcasts. Not using either of those to get your podcasts? Just click on this link and then paste the podcast feed into your podcast app of choice.Thanks again for listening to A Productive Conversation. See you later.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Grab My New Book: The Productivity Diet: A Practical Guide to Nurturing your Productive PotentialIf you’re looking to build a sustainable, personalized productivity practice that actually sticks, my latest book is for you. It’s available now—wherever books are sold. Learn more at mikevardy.com/lit or request it at your favorite local bookstore.

In this episode, I’m joined by Yemado, a foremost teacher of Boabom in North America. Boabom is a Tibetan system that combines relaxation, meditation, and self-defense, offering a unique way to balance body and mind. During our conversation, Yemado shares his insights into the practice and why it’s ideal for people looking for non-competitive physical activity that also provides mental clarity.We explore how Boabom’s progressive approach makes it accessible to anyone, regardless of their starting point, and how it fosters personal growth and resilience. Yemado also walks us through a simple breathing exercise that listeners can practice right away to experience the benefits of this ancient art.Key Discussion Points An introduction to Boabom: A blend of relaxation, meditation, and non-contact self-defense The role of progression in Boabom classes, enabling students to grow step by step How non-competition within Boabom promotes personal improvement and mental focus The impact of movement on stress management and emotional resilience Why people are drawn to practices like Boabom to escape the pressures of modern life The interplay between breathing techniques and mental clarity A live guided breathing exercise that listeners can try immediately This conversation with Yemado offers a glimpse into the power of Boabom to help people reconnect with themselves and their surroundings. If you’re seeking a practice that brings both mental and physical benefits without the competitive stress, this episode is for you. I encourage you to try the breathing exercise Yemado shares—it's a great way to experience the calm and clarity that Boabom offers.Links Worth Exploring Connect with Yemado: Facebook | Instagram | YouTube Dive into Boabom: Start here Take a Boabom class: Check out the Boston School of Boabom Related Conversation: Episode 547: Kurtis Lee Thomas Talks About Breathwork Detox and Thriving in the Age of Anxiety Related Blog Post: The Power of Bit by Bit Productivity Thanks to all of the sponsors of this episode. You can find all of the sponsors you heard me mention on this episode on our Podcast Sponsors page.Want to support the podcast? Beyond checking out our sponsors, you can subscribe to the show wherever you listen to podcasts. You can subscribe on Spotify and also on Apple Podcasts. Not using either of those to get your podcasts? Just click on this link and then paste the podcast feed into your podcast app of choice.Thanks again for listening to A Productive Conversation. See you later.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Grab My New Book: The Productivity Diet: A Practical Guide to Nurturing your Productive PotentialIf you’re looking to build a sustainable, personalized productivity practice that actually sticks, my latest book is for you. It’s available now—wherever books are sold. Learn more at mikevardy.com/lit or request it at your favorite local bookstore.

In this Flashback Friday episode, I reconnect with Paul Millerd to discuss his new book, Good Work: Reclaiming Your Inner Ambition. Paul reflects on life changes, including becoming a parent and launching this book. Our chat touches on how personal growth, creativity, and work-life integration evolved for him since our original conversation.Paul shares the challenges of writing and parenting simultaneously, detailing how he resisted conventional book launch strategies to focus on sustainable progress. His insights offer a refreshing take on doing meaningful work at your own pace—a theme I deeply connect with.Key Discussion Points Writing Good Work and navigating parenthood simultaneously Choosing long-term sustainable work over fast-paced launches The concept of non-competitive creativity and protecting time blocks How parenting reshaped Paul's connection to his work His shift toward fewer but meaningful three-hour writing blocks The impact of not following traditional publishing playbooks Finding fulfillment in creating without burning out Paul’s story shows that good work isn’t about rushing to the finish line—it’s about sustainable creativity and doing what feels right. This conversation is a reminder to honour our personal journeys and resist the temptation to conform to external pressures. If you're interested in building a fulfilling career and balancing it with life’s other priorities, you’ll find plenty of value in this episode. (Originally recorded February 2023)Links Worth Exploring Connect with Paul: Website | Instagram | Facebook | Twitter | LinkedIn Buy Paul's latest book: Good Work: Reclaiming Your Inner Ambition Buy Paul’s first book: The Pathless Path Related Conversation: Episode 334: Endless Curiosity with Derek Sivers Related Blog Post: How To Find Your Way Forward (And Finish) Thanks to all of the sponsors of this episode. You can find all of the sponsors you heard me mention on this episode on our Podcast Sponsors page.Want to support the podcast? Beyond checking out our sponsors, you can subscribe to the show wherever you listen to podcasts. You can subscribe on Spotify and also on Apple Podcasts. Not using either of those to get your podcasts? Just click on this link and then paste the podcast feed into your podcast app of choice.Thanks again for listening to A Productive Conversation. See you later.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Grab My New Book: The Productivity Diet: A Practical Guide to Nurturing your Productive PotentialIf you’re looking to build a sustainable, personalized productivity practice that actually sticks, my latest book is for you. It’s available now—wherever books are sold. Learn more at mikevardy.com/lit or request it at your favorite local bookstore.

In this episode of A Productive Conversation, I’m joined by Patrick McAndrew, founder and CEO of HARA, an exclusive membership community designed for entrepreneurs and leaders seeking to elevate their lives and align their personal and professional paths. Patrick has a unique blend of experience, from managing restaurants to advising corporate giants like Morgan Stanley, and he brings deep insight into how we can reclaim attention and cultivate intention in a tech-driven world.Throughout our conversation, Patrick shares his personal evolution from helping people "get more done" to teaching leaders how to engage more deeply with their values and inner state. We discuss what it really means to be productive, explore the balance between routine and practice, and challenge the notion that apps or frameworks are the answer to today’s challenges.Key Discussion Points Patrick’s journey from teaching speed reading and memory skills to founding HARA, a community focused on alignment and inner work The evolution of productivity from task-based to meaning-driven approaches Why practices like journaling and meditation are essential for sustainable productivity The tension between structure and adaptability in today’s work environments How routines and patterns can transform into practices that align with personal values The role of attention and intention in balancing personal growth with business success How modern productivity frameworks can be limiting if they ignore internal development This conversation with Patrick McAndrew will challenge you to rethink the ways we pursue productivity, shifting focus from frameworks and apps to meaningful practices that nurture both business and personal growth. Patrick's insights are a powerful reminder that productivity is more than just ticking off tasks—it’s about becoming aligned with who we are and what we truly value. I look forward to revisiting this conversation with Patrick in the future to explore how these ideas continue to evolve.Links Worth Exploring Connect with Patrick: Website | LinkedIn | YouTube | Substack Check out HARA: Learn more My Essay: The Path to Productiveness My Appearance on the Zen Habits podcast: Check it out What Juliet Funt shared with me: Listen here Related Conversation: Episode 283: Well-Presented with Mike Pacchione Related Blog Post: The Ongoing Battle Between Time and Reason Thanks to all of the sponsors of this episode. You can find all of the sponsors you heard me mention on this episode on our Podcast Sponsors page.Want to support the podcast? Beyond checking out our sponsors, you can subscribe to the show wherever you listen to podcasts. You can subscribe on Spotify and also on Apple Podcasts. Not using either of those to get your podcasts? Just click on this link and then paste the podcast feed into your podcast app of choice.Thanks again for listening to A Productive Conversation. See you later.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Grab My New Book: The Productivity Diet: A Practical Guide to Nurturing your Productive PotentialIf you’re looking to build a sustainable, personalized productivity practice that actually sticks, my latest book is for you. It’s available now—wherever books are sold. Learn more at mikevardy.com/lit or request it at your favorite local bookstore.

In this episode of A Productive Conversation, I’m joined by Srini Rao, host of The Unmistakable Creative podcast. Srini has always been at the forefront of blending creativity with productivity, and our discussion today takes an even deeper dive into these themes. We reflect on how the creative process has evolved since we last spoke, touching on the integration of AI and the future of content creation.Srini’s exploration of creativity doesn’t just stop at human endeavors—it extends into how AI can serve as a creative collaborator. From his development of customized children’s books to building a tool that automates eBook creation, Srini shares how the intersection of human creativity and AI execution is reshaping the way we work. Join us as we revisit insights from our conversation in 2014 and reflect on the vast changes that have taken place over the past decade.Key Discussion Points How Srini built a YouTube channel focused on Mem tutorials and his deep dive into AI's role in creativity. The distinction between AI as a creative tool versus a thought partner, and how creatives can leverage AI for content repurposing. The importance of "personal knowledge capital" in an AI-enhanced future. Srini’s journey in using AI to generate custom children’s books and other creative projects. The concept of "recursive creativity" and how humans guide, criticize, and curate AI output to enhance creative work. How division of labor at scale is becoming accessible to creators, thanks to AI. As Srini continues to push the boundaries of creativity with AI, this episode offers a unique glimpse into how technology can aid, rather than replace, the human creative process. Whether you're an entrepreneur, creator, or someone intrigued by the future of AI, this episode provides valuable insights into how to harness the power of AI to scale your creative output. (Originally recorded in 2014)Links Worth Exploring Connect with Srini: Website | Instagram | Twitter/X Srini’s Books on Amazon: Check them out here Srinivas Rao on The Blaze with Glenn Beck Related Conversation: Episode 534: Kevin Surace Talks About AI and Maintaining Productivity Related Blog Post: A Look at Productivity and Workflow Versioning Thanks to all of the sponsors of this episode. You can find all of the sponsors you heard me mention on this episode on our Podcast Sponsors page.Want to support the podcast? Beyond checking out our sponsors, you can subscribe to the show wherever you listen to podcasts. You can subscribe on Spotify and also on Apple Podcasts. Not using either of those to get your podcasts? Just click on this link and then paste the podcast feed into your podcast app of choice.Thanks again for listening to A Productive Conversation. See you later.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Grab My New Book: The Productivity Diet: A Practical Guide to Nurturing your Productive PotentialIf you’re looking to build a sustainable, personalized productivity practice that actually sticks, my latest book is for you. It’s available now—wherever books are sold. Learn more at mikevardy.com/lit or request it at your favorite local bookstore.

In this latest episode of our monthly series, PM Talks, I sit down with my good friend Patrick Rhone to dive deep into the idea of finding the right pace in life and work. We explore how our relationship with time evolves as we age, and what it means to develop a sustainable cadence that suits our changing needs and values. Patrick and I discuss how wisdom often takes priority over productivity, and how embracing pacing can lead to a more fulfilling life.This conversation touched on a lot of important ideas, including how age impacts our pacing and how the societal pressure to constantly accelerate can affect our well-being. We even draw connections between personal reflections and practical applications for making better choices about how we spend our time.Key Discussion Points How turning 50 has influenced my perspective on pacing in life and work The role of age in shaping our relationship with time and productivity Why "moving slow to go fast" can be more effective in both work and life Embracing wisdom over output as we get older The cultural shift away from valuing the wisdom of elders and its impact Understanding personal limitations and making conscious decisions about where to put our energy Patrick also shared insights on the importance of understanding and respecting personal limitations, and we reflected on how age affects our perceptions of time and productivity. If you want to take a deeper look at how pacing yourself might help you find the right rhythm in your own life, this episode is a must-listen.Links Worth Exploring Patrick's book, "For You" Patrick’s Website Watch Fiennes Return to the Wild on Disney+ What is The GORUCK Challenge? Check out ALL of the PM Talks episodes Thanks to all of the sponsors of this episode. You can find all of the sponsors you heard me mention on this episode on our Podcast Sponsors page.Want to support the podcast? Beyond checking out our sponsors, you can subscribe to the show wherever you listen to podcasts. You can subscribe on Spotify and also on Apple Podcasts. Not using either of those to get your podcasts? Just click on this link and then paste the podcast feed into your podcast app of choice.Thanks again for listening to A Productive Conversation. See you later.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Grab My New Book: The Productivity Diet: A Practical Guide to Nurturing your Productive PotentialIf you’re looking to build a sustainable, personalized productivity practice that actually sticks, my latest book is for you. It’s available now—wherever books are sold. Learn more at mikevardy.com/lit or request it at your favorite local bookstore.

In this special Flashback Friday episode, I reconnect with David Allen, the creator of the Getting Things Done (GTD) methodology, to discuss his latest book, Team: Getting Things Done with Others, co-authored with Ed Lamont. We also revisit a classic conversation where we discussed the evolution of GTD, reflecting on its past, present, and the future of productivity practices.David has been a regular guest on the show, and this time we dive into the complexities of translating GTD principles to a team setting, and how the GTD philosophy continues to evolve. We also touch on topics such as remote work, team dynamics, and the importance of clarity, trust, and adaptability in both individual and collective productivity.Key Discussion Points David's new book, Team: Getting Things Done with Others, and the challenges of applying GTD to teams The importance of standards and clarity in fostering trust within a team environment The evolution of productivity tools and the core principles of GTD that remain unchanged How the brain processes tasks, multitasking, and the risks of decision fatigue in modern productivity The nuances of working by context vs. linear project management and how they support different working styles How GTD can be a lifestyle practice, providing a path to mastery that applies to both professional and personal life It was (as always) an insightful conversation with David Allen, offering perspectives on how GTD remains a powerful productivity framework, whether you’re working solo or as part of a team. David's new book is a must-read for anyone looking to extend GTD practices beyond personal productivity and make teamwork more effective and cohesive. (Originally released July 2015)Links Worth Exploring Connect with David: Website | Facebook | Twitter | LinkedIn Get David's book: Team: Getting Things Done with Others Revisit my fireside chat with David at Running Remote 2023: Watch it here Related Conversation: Episode 186: What Motivates Getting Things Done with Mary Lamia Related Blog Post: The Evolution of Contexts Thanks to all of the sponsors of this episode. You can find all of the sponsors you heard me mention on this episode on our Podcast Sponsors page.Want to support the podcast? Beyond checking out our sponsors, you can subscribe to the show wherever you listen to podcasts. You can subscribe on Spotify and also on Apple Podcasts. Not using either of those to get your podcasts? Just click on this link and then paste the podcast feed into your podcast app of choice.Thanks again for listening to A Productive Conversation. See you later.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Grab My New Book: The Productivity Diet: A Practical Guide to Nurturing your Productive PotentialIf you’re looking to build a sustainable, personalized productivity practice that actually sticks, my latest book is for you. It’s available now—wherever books are sold. Learn more at mikevardy.com/lit or request it at your favorite local bookstore.

In this episode, I sit down with Andrew J. Mason, a veteran podcast producer and the host of The Pro Guide. Andrew has over 18 years of experience in producing and hosting audio and visual content for shows like the Getting Things Done podcast for the David Allen Company and The Omni Show for the makers of OmniFocus. We dive deep into his journey in the world of podcasting, the productivity tools he uses, and his perspective on balancing creativity with efficiency.Throughout our conversation, Andrew shares valuable insights on how he approaches podcast production, how his productivity methods have evolved, and why certain routines like coffee brewing are more than just about efficiency—they’re about setting the tone for the day. We also touch on the challenges of being productive in a creative field, particularly when managing multiple projects at once.Key Discussion Points Andrew’s start in podcasting in 2009 and his growth into producing The Pro Guide and The Omni Show How productivity tools like OmniFocus help him manage sequential and parallel tasks in audio production The value of creating a dynamic template for repetitive tasks and why adaptability is key Andrew's relationship with video games and the importance of setting boundaries The ritual of brewing coffee: why Andrew prefers pour-over for simplicity and my take on the deeper meaning behind coffee-making routines How to maintain flexibility while still being productive, particularly when life doesn’t go according to plan It was an absolute pleasure to chat with Andrew J. Mason. His passion for podcasting and productivity is truly inspiring, and I hope you find his insights as impactful as I did. If you’re someone looking to better balance creativity and productivity, or if you just want a behind-the-scenes look at the world of podcast production, this episode is for you.Links Worth Exploring Connect with Andrew: Website | LinkedIn | X/Twitter | Instagram Check out my appearance on The Pro Guide: Watch it here Check out Andrew's work on The Omni Show: Listen here Related Conversation: Episode 64: Passionate About Productivity with Amber De La Garza Related Blog Post: Why I’m Passionate About Personal Productivity Thanks to all of the sponsors of this episode. You can find all of the sponsors you heard me mention on this episode on our Podcast Sponsors page.Want to support the podcast? Beyond checking out our sponsors, you can subscribe to the show wherever you listen to podcasts. You can subscribe on Spotify and also on Apple Podcasts. Not using either of those to get your podcasts? Just click on this link and then paste the podcast feed into your podcast app of choice.Thanks again for listening to A Productive Conversation. See you later.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Grab My New Book: The Productivity Diet: A Practical Guide to Nurturing your Productive PotentialIf you’re looking to build a sustainable, personalized productivity practice that actually sticks, my latest book is for you. It’s available now—wherever books are sold. Learn more at mikevardy.com/lit or request it at your favorite local bookstore.