A Productive Conversation

🚨 The Forge Your Future Challenge is back – August 7–9, 2025!Join yours truly, Mike Vardy, for this free 3-day experience to reconnect with what matters, regain control of your time, and set your future in motion. Just two hours a day for three days—no fluff, just focus. Save your spot now: https://mikevardy.com/forgeyourfutureIn this special Flashback Friday episode, I reconnect with the inimitable Chase Reeves. It's been quite a journey since our last conversation back in 2020 at The BIG Ready. This time, Chase dives deep into the nuances of creativity, the evolving journey of fatherhood, and the value of embracing life's gray areas amidst polarization.We reflect on Chase’s transformative experiences over the past few years, from shifting creative projects to navigating personal growth. His stories, insights, and musings highlight the importance of slowing down, staying authentic, and finding meaning in connections. This is a conversation packed with wisdom and plenty of thought-provoking moments.Key Discussion Points The impact of slowing down and embracing life’s quieter moments. Chase’s creative journey from Fizzle to becoming a YouTube creator. The role of fatherhood in shaping perspective and purpose. Reflections on navigating middle ground in a polarized world. The concept of "creative menopause" and evolving through seasons of life. How meaningful connections, like Chase’s magnetic green light metaphor, anchor us to what matters most. A deeper look into Arnold Bennett’s How to Live on 24 Hours a Day and its relevance today. In this thoughtful and reflective conversation, Chase reminds us of the beauty of being present, embracing nuance, and navigating life with a mix of creativity and authenticity. (Originally released in April 2020)Links Worth Exploring Connect with Chase: Instagram | YouTube How to Live on 24 Hours a Day: Read it here (or here) Terry Crews on The Rich Roll Podcast: Watch here Related Conversation: Episode 290: Creative Menopause with Chase Reeves [Recorded LIVE at The BIG Ready] Related "Conversation": Episode 331: It’s Time to Slow Things Down Related Blog Post: Take it Slow 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.

🚨 The Forge Your Future Challenge is back – August 7–9, 2025!Join yours truly, Mike Vardy, for this free 3-day experience to reconnect with what matters, regain control of your time, and set your future in motion. Just two hours a day for three days—no fluff, just focus. Save your spot now: https://mikevardy.com/forgeyourfutureIn this episode of A Productive Conversation, I sit down with the legendary Marshall Goldsmith, one of the world's top leadership thinkers, to explore how he's leveraging AI to share his life's work with a global audience. Known for books like Triggers and What Got You Here Won’t Get You There, Marshall is embracing cutting-edge technology to make his insights more accessible and impactful than ever.Our discussion dives deep into Marshall's journey with AI, the concept of triggers in productivity, and his mission to give back by helping others lead better lives. Whether you're curious about AI, leadership, or personal growth, this episode offers wisdom and practical advice.Key Discussion Points Marshall’s development of his AI project, MarshallGoldsmith AI, and its role in making his knowledge widely accessible. The concept of triggers and how identifying them can enhance productivity and behavior. Why Marshall is giving away his insights for free and his reflections on legacy and generosity. The balance between embracing new technology and maintaining human connection. How Marshall uses AI to improve his coaching and support his clients. Insights on leveraging AI responsibly to aid learning and decision-making. This conversation with Marshall Goldsmith showcases his relentless pursuit of sharing wisdom and helping others. His innovative use of AI and timeless insights on triggers and productivity make this episode a must-listen for anyone striving to grow personally and professionally.Links Worth Exploring Connect with Marshall: Website | Twitter | Facebook | YouTube Check out Marshall's latest initiative: MarshallGoldsmith.AI Explore learning from Marshall on Coaching.com: Click here Related Conversation: Episode 505: Matt Martin Talks About AI-Enhanced Productivity and Time Management Related Blog Post: Signals vs Triggers 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.

🚨 The Forge Your Future Challenge is back – August 7–9, 2025!Join yours truly, Mike Vardy, for this free 3-day experience to reconnect with what matters, regain control of your time, and set your future in motion. Just two hours a day for three days—no fluff, just focus. Save your spot now: https://mikevardy.com/forgeyourfutureIn this Flashback Friday episode, I sit down with the legendary Marshall Goldsmith to discuss his thought-provoking book The Earned Life. Renowned for his coaching and wisdom, Marshall delves into the philosophy and actionable insights behind his work, helping listeners align their choices, risks, and efforts with a greater purpose.During our conversation, we explore what it means to live an "earned life" and the challenges of breaking free from achievement-based validation. Marshall shares profound insights on finding satisfaction, limiting decision fatigue, and embracing accountability without judgment.Key Discussion Points The philosophy behind The Earned Life and why it’s essential to align actions with overarching purpose. How the concept of "satisfaction" challenges traditional ideas of success and happiness. The intersection of willpower, discipline, and limiting choices to combat decision fatigue. Why accountability without judgment, as practiced in Marshall’s "Life Plan Review," is transformative. The pitfalls of achievement addiction and the importance of enjoying the process, not just the outcomes. How the marshmallow experiment illustrates the dangers of delayed gratification when taken to extremes. Marshall’s advice for taking actionable steps to start living an earned life today. This conversation with Marshall is packed with insights that will resonate deeply, whether you're striving for personal growth or seeking clarity on what success means to you. If you’ve ever felt stuck in the cycle of achievement or struggled to find purpose, this episode offers practical and profound guidance. (Originally released May 2022)Links Worth Exploring Connect with Marshall: Website | Twitter | Facebook | Youtube Marshall’s Book: The Earned Life: Lose Regret, Choose Fulfillment Recommended by Marshall: The Checklist Manifesto: How to Get Things Right Watch this film: American Underdog Related Conversation: Episode 203: The Evolution of Getting Things Done with David Allen 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.

🚨 The Forge Your Future Challenge is back – August 7–9, 2025!Join yours truly, Mike Vardy, for this free 3-day experience to reconnect with what matters, regain control of your time, and set your future in motion. Just two hours a day for three days—no fluff, just focus. Save your spot now: https://mikevardy.com/forgeyourfutureAs the calendar year winds down, on the season finale of PM Talks, Patrick Rhone and I dive into the powerful intersection of reflection and growth—topics that feel particularly resonant this time of year. Patrick and I share personal insights and practical takeaways to help you reflect on the past and shape the year ahead.Reflection and growth are central to the conversation as we explore the tools and techniques that have guided our journeys. Whether you're new to reflective practices or looking to deepen your approach, this episode has something for you.Key Discussion Points Why the concept of a calendar year is arbitrary and how to redefine it for personal alignment. The importance of treating the end of the year as a milestone for reflection. Patrick’s experience with the Year Compass and why a retreat can deepen reflective practices. Journaling as a gateway to understanding patterns and connecting with your sense of being. The role of curiosity versus judgment in growth and how this shifts with age. How reflective tools like Apple’s journaling app can complement deeper practices. Using reflection to navigate challenges and maintain a reasoned approach. As we wrap up, Patrick and I reflect on the impact of journaling in our lives and how it shapes both personal growth and productivity. It’s been a remarkable year of PM Talks, and we’re excited for what’s to come in 2025.Links Worth Exploring Patrick's book, "For You" Patrick’s Website YearCompass 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.

🚨 The Forge Your Future Challenge is back – August 7–9, 2025!Join yours truly, Mike Vardy, for this free 3-day experience to reconnect with what matters, regain control of your time, and set your future in motion. Just two hours a day for three days—no fluff, just focus. Save your spot now: https://mikevardy.com/forgeyourfutureIn this Flashback Friday episode of A Productive Conversation, I revisit a 2016 conversation with Michelle Gielan, author of Broadcasting Happiness. Michelle is a renowned happiness researcher, former CBS News anchor, and executive producer of PBS’s The Happiness Advantage. Since our original chat, Michelle has continued to make an incredible impact by focusing on resilience and the power of positivity in everyday interactions.As we approach the end of the year, this episode is a timely reminder to think about how we can sustain happiness—not just during the holiday season but year-round. Michelle shares practical strategies to reframe negativity, foster optimism, and create ripple effects of positivity that improve productivity and relationships.Key Discussion Points The concept behind Michelle’s book Broadcasting Happiness and how small mindset shifts create significant change. The story behind CBS’s “Happy Week” and how it reshaped viewers' perspectives during the recession. Research findings on how positivity can increase resilience and enhance creativity by up to 20%. The long-term benefits of starting your day with positivity, such as sending gratitude emails. Simple strategies for fostering optimism and improving workplace productivity by 31%. Why words matter: How shifting language impacts mindset and influences others. It was wonderful to revisit this conversation with Michelle and hear her insights on broadcasting happiness and building resilience. Whether you’re looking for actionable ways to reframe negativity or small steps to boost optimism, this episode is full of practical takeaways. Let’s all strive to sustain happiness beyond fleeting moments and make it part of our daily lives. (Originally released December 2016)Links Worth Exploring Connect with Michelle: Website | Facebook | Twitter/X | LinkedIn Buy Michelle's book: Broadcasting Happiness: The Science of Igniting and Sustaining Positive Change Related Conversation: Episode 59: The Habits of a Happy Brain with Loretta Breuning Related Blog Post: Celebrate Tonight To Boost Your Productivity Tomorrow 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.

🚨 The Forge Your Future Challenge is back – August 7–9, 2025!Join yours truly, Mike Vardy, for this free 3-day experience to reconnect with what matters, regain control of your time, and set your future in motion. Just two hours a day for three days—no fluff, just focus. Save your spot now: https://mikevardy.com/forgeyourfutureJustin Jones-Fosu, author of I Respectfully Disagree: How to Have Difficult Conversations in a Divided World, joins me for a conversation that’s both timely and transformative. Justin is a dynamic speaker, workplace researcher, and the founder of Work Meaningful, where he helps individuals and organizations foster inclusion and meaningful relationships.In this episode, we dive into the art of respectful disagreement. From exploring nuanced perspectives to embracing curiosity, Justin shares actionable insights that empower us to navigate divided conversations with grace and humanity. Whether at work, in communities, or at home, his pillars for disagreement will resonate deeply with anyone looking to improve communication and relationships.Key Discussion Points The importance of nuance and seeking common ground in conversations. Why respectful disagreement begins with challenging your own perspective. Practical steps for cultivating curiosity and deep listening in a distracted world. The role of humor in diffusing tension—and how it can backfire. Strategies for creating meaningful connections in personal and professional settings. Justin’s Circles of Grace Challenge and its role in building empathy. How consistency and sustainability factor into building better relationships. Justin’s insights remind us that disagreement doesn’t have to divide us—it can bring us closer when handled with respect and intention. His practical advice and heartfelt approach offer tools to create more meaningful relationships, both at work and beyond. Be sure to check out his book, I Respectfully Disagree, for even more guidance on navigating today’s complex conversations.Links Worth Exploring Connect with Justin: Website | Instagram | YouTube | LinkedIn Learn more about Justin's book: Click here Buy Justin's latest book: I Respectfully Disagree: How to Have Difficult Conversations in a Divided World Watch his TEDx Talk: Don't Take the Exit on People: A Diversity & Inclusion Approach Who's the GOAT? Click here to find out Terry Crews on Nuance: The Rich Roll Podcast Read this book: Dialogue: The Art Of Thinking Together Read this article: Carol Dweck: A Summary of Growth and Fixed Mindsets Related Conversation: Episode 473: Oscar Trimboli talks about Deep Listening Related Blog Post: “At Least He’s Consistent” 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.

🚨 The Forge Your Future Challenge is back – August 7–9, 2025!Join yours truly, Mike Vardy, for this free 3-day experience to reconnect with what matters, regain control of your time, and set your future in motion. Just two hours a day for three days—no fluff, just focus. Save your spot now: https://mikevardy.com/forgeyourfutureIn this Flashback Friday episode of A Productive Conversation, I catch up with Jeff Sanders, author of The Free Time Formula and The 5AM Miracle. Jeff reflects on his journey since our original conversation, discussing how life has evolved for him after becoming a father and navigating the challenges of the pandemic. We revisit some of the core concepts of The Free Time Formula while diving into updates on how Jeff’s approach to productivity and intentionality has shifted in recent years.During our conversation, Jeff shares insights on the nuanced shifts in his personal and professional life, including the role of health in productivity and how he has adjusted his routines to align with his current season of life.Key Discussion Points How Jeff’s life has evolved since the release of The Free Time Formula and the impact of becoming a father. The balance between intense productivity and sustainable intentionality Jeff’s reflections on navigating the pandemic and how it influenced his life and business. The importance of health-first productivity and practical ways to integrate it into daily life. Strategies for managing free time with kids and finding intentional “me” time. Why Jeff’s wake-up routine has shifted from 5:00 AM —and how family plays a role. His philosophy of intentionality and how it applies to crafting a rhythm for work and life. It was fantastic to reconnect with Jeff and hear his thoughtful reflections on the seasons of life and productivity. Jeff's story is a testament to the importance of adapting our systems and priorities as life changes. Whether you’re looking for a health-first approach to productivity or strategies to manage free time with a full plate, this episode has something for everyone. (Originally released February 2018)Links Worth Exploring Connect with Jeff : Website | Instagram | Facebook | LinkedIn Listen to Jeff’s Podcast Get Jeff's Book (that we discussed): The Free-Time Formula: Finding Happiness, Focus, and Productivity No Matter How Busy You Are Get Jeff's Book (that we didn't discuss): The 5 A.M. Miracle: Dominate Your Day Before Breakfast Related Conversation: Episode 518: Nuance | PM Talks S1:E3 Related Blog Post: Nuanced Time Management: Embracing Complexity for 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.

🚨 The Forge Your Future Challenge is back – August 7–9, 2025!Join yours truly, Mike Vardy, for this free 3-day experience to reconnect with what matters, regain control of your time, and set your future in motion. Just two hours a day for three days—no fluff, just focus. Save your spot now: https://mikevardy.com/forgeyourfutureDr. Mithu Storoni, author of Hyperefficient: Optimize Your Brain to Transform the Way You Work, joins me to dive into the science of productivity. Mithu’s expertise as a neuro-ophthalmologist and her work in pupillometry bring a unique perspective to productivity, blending neuroscience with actionable strategies for optimizing performance.In this conversation, we explore the interplay between rhythms, creativity, focus, and energy. From understanding the gears of the brain to learning how to align work with natural rhythms, Mithu offers profound insights that can help anyone enhance the quality of their output without sacrificing balance or well-being.Key Discussion Points The concept of “gears” in the brain and how to match tasks with mental states. Why rhythmic productivity—balancing periods of intensity with recovery—is crucial for sustainable output. The importance of eye movements and their connection to focus and mental state. How to use circadian rhythms to optimize creative and focused work. The role of caffeine, rituals, and flexibility in hyper efficiency. Why quality matters more than ever in a world increasingly influenced by AI. Practical advice for organizing to-do lists based on energy and attention. Dr. Mithu Storoni’s insights into productivity and efficiency offer a fresh and scientifically grounded perspective on work and life. Her approach to aligning work with natural rhythms and optimizing mental output can help us navigate an ever-changing world while maintaining focus and balance. Don’t miss this deep dive into the art and science of hyperefficiency.Links Worth Exploring Connect with Mithu: Website | Instagram | Facebook | Twitter/X | LinkedIn Buy Mithu's latest book: Hyperefficient: Optimize Your Brain to Transform the Way You Work Read: When to drink coffee (according to Andrew Huberman) Related Conversation: Episode 211: Hyperfocus with Chris Bailey Related Blog Post: The Role of Reason and Refinement in 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.

🚨 The Forge Your Future Challenge is back – August 7–9, 2025!Join yours truly, Mike Vardy, for this free 3-day experience to reconnect with what matters, regain control of your time, and set your future in motion. Just two hours a day for three days—no fluff, just focus. Save your spot now: https://mikevardy.com/forgeyourfutureSeth Godin, the legendary author and marketer, joined me for an insightful conversation on productivity, creativity, and intentional living. In this Flashback Friday episode, Seth delves into the concepts behind his book The Practice: Shipping Creative Work, discussing the importance of intent, the challenges of imposter syndrome, and why consistency overrides authenticity.Throughout our conversation, Seth shares practical wisdom on building creative habits, embracing uncertainty, and eliminating decision fatigue. Whether you’re a creator, entrepreneur, or anyone seeking to lead a more intentional life, Seth’s insights will leave you inspired and equipped to tackle your next challenge.Key Discussion Points Why acting with intent matters and how to avoid living on autopilot. The role of assertion in creative work and why it often feels uncomfortable. Imposter syndrome as a sign of doing meaningful work. Eliminating decision fatigue by setting clear boundaries and habits. How consistency creates trust and why it’s more important than authenticity. The value of heroes over mentors and how to draw inspiration from others. Practical steps to start building “the practice” in your daily life. Seth Godin’s perspective on creativity and productivity is a refreshing reminder that doing meaningful work requires intention, consistency, and a willingness to embrace discomfort. If you’re ready to take the first step toward building your own creative practice, this episode is a must-listen. Be sure to check out Seth’s other books and website for even more actionable insights. (Originally released November 2020)Links Worth Exploring Connect with Seth : Website | Instagram | Facebook | Twitter | LinkedIn Watch our conversation on YouTube Get the book we discussed: The Practice: Shipping Creative Work | Amazon Related Conversation: Episode 334: Endless Curiosity with Derek Sivers Read this: Hyperfocus: How to Be More Productive in a World of Distraction | Amazon  Read this: The Productivity Project: Accomplishing More by Managing Your Time, Attention, and Energy | Amazon  Watch this: ‘How To Get Your Ideas To Spread’ TED Talk Read this: Necessary Endings| Amazon  Watch this: Ron Finley Teaches Gardening Masterclass Learn about this: Freewrite Read this: Inbox Zero: How to Stop Checking Email and Start Finishing It | Amazon Glowforge Read this: The Authentic Swing | Amazon Check this out: TrustYourself.com 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.

🚨 The Forge Your Future Challenge is back – August 7–9, 2025!Join yours truly, Mike Vardy, for this free 3-day experience to reconnect with what matters, regain control of your time, and set your future in motion. Just two hours a day for three days—no fluff, just focus. Save your spot now: https://mikevardy.com/forgeyourfutureJeff Patterson, author of The Yielding Warrior: Discovering the Secret Path to Unleashing Your True Potential, joins me for an insightful conversation about the power of yielding in all aspects of life. Jeff introduces the concept of yielding as a transformative strategy that goes beyond physicality to include mental and emotional realms. In our fast-paced world, learning to yield can help us create more intentional and harmonious relationships with ourselves and others.During this discussion, Jeff shares how the meditative arts serve as the foundation for yielding. He breaks down the practice into three pillars—physical, mental, and emotional yielding—each offering unique insights and benefits. Jeff also provides actionable advice for anyone curious about incorporating the meditative arts into their daily lives.Key Discussion Points The concept of yielding and how it differs from "giving up" or being weak. The three pillars of yielding: physical, mental, and emotional. How meditative practices improve sensitivity, awareness, and decision-making. The challenges of slowing down in a fast-paced world and integrating meditative practices. The role of consistency and having a "why" in building a sustainable meditative practice. The importance of finding a guide to personalize and deepen your meditation journey. Active practices like taking mindful breaths throughout the day to stay present. This conversation with Jeff Patterson reveals how the practice of yielding can enhance productivity, relationships, and overall well-being. By adopting meditative arts, we can cultivate awareness, regulate our responses, and lead more intentional lives. Be sure to check out Jeff's book, The Yielding Warrior, and explore how yielding can unlock your true potential.Links Worth Exploring Connect with Jeff: Website | Instagram | YouTube Buy Jeff's latest book: The Yielding Warrior: Discovering the Secret Path to Unleashing Your True Potential Become a TimeCrafting Trust Premium member: Click here to join Related Conversation: Episode 557: Yemado Talks About Relaxation, Meditation, and Self-Defense Through Boabom Related Blog Post: Pause and Affect 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.