Rhythms of Focus
Kourosh Dini
Join psychiatrist, musician, and productivity strategist Dr. Kourosh Dini on a journey to transform your relationship with work, creativity, and focus. "Rhythms of Focus: for Wandering Minds, ADHD, and Beyond" explores the intersection of meaningful work and the art of engaging creativity and responsibility without force, particularly for wandering minds, ADHD, and beyond.
Each week, Dr. Dini weaves together insights from psychiatry, mindfulness practices, and creative experiences to help you develop your own path beyond productivity, and to mastery and meaningful work. Whether you're neurodivergent or simply seeking a more authentic approach to engaging the world, you'll discover practical strategies for:
- Building supportive environments that honor your unique way of thinking
- Transforming resistance into creative momentum
- Developing personalized workflows that actually stick
- Understanding and working with your mind's natural rhythms
Drawing from his experience as both a practicing psychiatrist and creative artist, Dr. Dini offers a compassionate perspective on productivity that goes beyond traditional time management techniques. You'll learn why typical productivity advice often falls short and how to craft approaches that genuinely resonate with your mind's natural tendencies.
Each week, Dr. Dini weaves together insights from psychiatry, mindfulness practices, and creative experiences to help you develop your own path beyond productivity, and to mastery and meaningful work. Whether you're neurodivergent or simply seeking a more authentic approach to engaging the world, you'll discover practical strategies for:
- Building supportive environments that honor your unique way of thinking
- Transforming resistance into creative momentum
- Developing personalized workflows that actually stick
- Understanding and working with your mind's natural rhythms
Drawing from his experience as both a practicing psychiatrist and creative artist, Dr. Dini offers a compassionate perspective on productivity that goes beyond traditional time management techniques. You'll learn why typical productivity advice often falls short and how to craft approaches that genuinely resonate with your mind's natural tendencies.
Episodes
Mentioned books
6 snips
Dec 18, 2025 • 15min
34. Tripwires and "Sticky Decor Decay"
Discover how trip wires can serve as mindful reminders for your future self, but learn why they sometimes create pressure instead. Dive into the intriguing idea of 'Sticky Decor Decay' and how ignored reminders fade into the background clutter. Explore strategies to maintain effective reminders and prevent overwhelm in your daily tasks. The discussion is accompanied by an original piano composition that captures the essence of productivity and focus. Perfect for anyone looking to enhance their mindful practices!
Dec 11, 2025 • 23min
33. An Overview of the 8 Gears of Focus
Explore the eight distinct gears of focus that take you from daydreaming to peak performance. Learn how to transform procrastination into a creative flow and engage with tasks by recognizing emotional states and adjusting your approach. Discover the importance of intention, starting small, and understanding the difference between practice and performance. He illustrates the journey with insightful parallels to music and emotional dynamics, all while encouraging a mindset of self-compassion and agency.
Dec 4, 2025 • 9min
32. Prelude to a Pause
Explore the allure of distraction and discover how it often masks a deeper need for meaning in our lives. Delve into the emotions that drive our urge to scroll endlessly, from humor to fear. Learn to reframe this craving as a quest for vitality and understand the power of pausing. By acknowledging feelings instead of avoiding them, we can transform distractions into opportunities for intentional action. Tune in for transformative insights and a unique piano piece that enhances this mindful journey!
4 snips
Nov 27, 2025 • 12min
31. It's Too Hard to Even Make It There - A Lean Into Challenge
Feeling overwhelmed by simple tasks? Discover how embracing play can transform frustration into ease. Uncover the power of 'visits'—showing up, pausing, and deciding how to proceed. Learn to acknowledge emotions behind avoidance, while shrinking daunting tasks into tiny steps. Reframe pain as a source of insight rather than motivation. Let play guide you through challenges, fostering a gentler approach to productivity. Plus, enjoy a delightful performance of Maple Leaf Rag, reminding us that practice can make difficult things easier.
Nov 20, 2025 • 16min
30. The 4 Limits of Productivity
Explore the intriguing notion that popular productivity tools often miss the mark. Discover how the four essential limits—time, agency, working memory, and trust—can guide more meaningful work. Learn to turn self-compassion into a tool for creativity, replacing frustration with playful mastery. Unpack the balance between structure and flexibility to foster a resilient productivity environment. Finally, enjoy a soothing original piano piece that enhances focus and calm.
Nov 13, 2025 • 11min
29. What if I break the chain?
Explore the pressure of habit streaks and why chasing them can create anxiety rather than mastery. Discover a playful approach to habit-building, prioritizing presence over performance. Learn the powerful three-part practice of deciding, being, and acting while letting go of perfection. See habits as musical rhythms that allow for improvisation and creativity. Enjoy an original piano composition that embodies the journey between struggle and growth, offering a refreshing perspective on meaningful progress.
5 snips
Nov 6, 2025 • 14min
28. Clock Time vs Self Time
Dive into a poetic exploration of time as Dr. Kourosh Dini contrasts the rigid ticks of the clock with the fluidity of experiential flow. Discover how our lived moments shape our perception of time, rather than the strict measurement of hours. The podcast includes a captivating performance of Beethoven's Moonlight Sonata, highlighting the emotional depth of music. It invites listeners to engage and share their favorite piano pieces, fostering a sense of community in a world governed by time.
5 snips
Oct 30, 2025 • 19min
27. The Principles of the Waves of Focus
Explore a transformative method for managing ADHD and wandering thoughts. Learn about the 'Waves of Focus' and shift from forceful to trustful productivity. Discover practical tools like the anchor and visit guide. Dive into a boat metaphor that illustrates how emotions influence attention. Find out how to create meaningful rhythms in your life, enhancing agency and mindfulness. Gradually build skills to engage with tasks without stress or overwhelm. This approach invites a more balanced and rhythm-oriented life.
12 snips
Oct 23, 2025 • 15min
26. The Trouble Isn't Interest, It's Force
Ever feel stuck at the starting line? Discover how trust, rather than mere interest or deadlines, is the key to productivity. The podcast delves into the notion that self-trust can heal procrastination and overwhelm. Learn to embrace agency as a compass in emotional storms and replace forceful tactics with playful rituals. Plus, enjoy a soothing original piano composition that reflects the episode's themes. It's a gentle guide to nurturing your creative growth and finding meaning in the rhythms of daily life.
Oct 16, 2025 • 9min
25. Overwhelm of the Infinite
Feeling overwhelmed? Discover how to navigate the chaos of new projects with self-compassion. Dive into the importance of recognizing emotional waves beneath anxiety and learn to treat imperfect notes as guiding markers rather than burdens. Explore the playful side of creativity; it’s about embracing uncertainty, rather than forcing focus. The episode features a beautiful original piano composition that echoes these themes, bringing a musical touch to the journey of finding rhythm and enjoyment in the present.
