The Wholistic Productivity Podcast

In this deeply personal episode of the Wholistic Productivity Podcast, host Chris LeBrun steps away from the usual format to share an honest reflection on what happens when life completely disrupts your plans.With his family navigating an ongoing medical crisis, Chris opens up about exhaustion, shifting priorities, and the quiet pressure we place on ourselves to “push through” when what we really need is grace. This episode is a real-time example of wholistic productivity in practice—not theory.Rather than offering a long checklist or system, Chris shares three grounding principles that matter most when life gets heavy and unpredictable:Why taking care of yourself first isn’t selfish—it’s necessaryHow yesterday’s priorities don’t always deserve today’s energyWhy giving yourself grace is often harder than giving it to othersThis episode is a reminder that productivity isn’t about sticking to the plan at all costs. It’s about responding wisely when the plan no longer fits reality—and honoring all three pillars of life: professional, personal, and purpose-driven.If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed, run down, or guilty for needing to slow down, this conversation will meet you exactly where you are.Show LinksEpisode 2: The 3 Pillars of Wholistic Productivity - https://wholisticproductivity.com/2Chapters00:00 Navigating Personal Challenges02:32 The Importance of Self-Care05:02 Reassessing Priorities07:38 Take Care of Yourself First08:39 Yesterday's Priorities Don't Have to be Today's09:44 Give Yourself Grace10:55 ConclusionThis episode is sponsored by Efficient.appDon't waste time searching for the best software. Let the experts at efficient.app do it for you. They have tons of "No BS" reviews on all kinds of software so you'll always get an honest recommendation. When you're ready to buy they offer discounts as well. So check them out next time you are looking for new software! This episode is sponsored by Little Golden ShepherdIf you're looking for an all-natural remedy to manage your muscle, joint, and nerve pain, check out Little Golden Shepherd butters. Made with herbs and natural oils, LGS butters are a great natural alternative for pain. Use this link & the promo code "wholprod" to save 15% on your first order. Experience relief, naturally.Support the showJoin the free Wholistic Productivity community on Skool

In this episode of the Wholistic Productivity Podcast, Chris LeBrun sits down with Jason Mustard, an immigration attorney and law firm partner, to explore what it really takes to make a major career pivot later in life—without sacrificing your values, your family, or your well-being.Jason brings a rare perspective shaped by lived experience. After earning a journalism degree and spending a decade working in education, marketing, and recruitment, Jason made the bold decision to leave a stable career and return to school for law—with a spouse, young kids, and real financial pressure in the mix. Today, he practices immigration law in the Bay Area, helping families stay together and individuals pursue new futures.Together, Chris and Jason unpack the emotional, practical, and productivity challenges of starting over mid-career. They talk candidly about fear, identity, imposter syndrome, preparation, support systems, and why doing meaningful work often requires patience—not urgency. In this episode, you’ll learn:Why making a big career change doesn’t mean starting from zeroHow to manage fear, uncertainty, and imposter syndrome when stakes are highThe role support systems play in long-term successWhy “treat it like a job” is a powerful productivity mindsetIf you’re wrestling with a career crossroads, a long-held calling, or the tension between professional ambition and personal priorities, this episode will help you think more clearly—and more compassionately—about your next step.Show LinksConnect with Jason on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jason-mustard-26642b6a/Contact his law firm - https://surowitz.com Chapters00:00 Introduction03:02 The Journey of Career Transition06:42 Understanding Immigration Law10:03 The Decision to Pursue Law School13:46 Experiences in Law School17:14 Overcoming Doubts and Fears22:05 Support Systems in Career Changes25:47 Preparing for the Bar Exam26:35 The Weight of Expectations29:59 The Journey Through Law School32:14 Transitioning from Education to Law34:05 The Impact of Immigration Law38:08 The Courage of Immigrants39:52 Balancing Priorities in Law School45:36 Work-Life Balance in Law Practice49:29 Navigating Law School Challenges53:00 The Importance of Doing Hard Things55:49 Defining Success and Happiness58:10 Taking Risks and Building Confidence59:34 The Questions01:13:13 ConclusionThis episode is sponsored by Efficient.appDon't waste time searching for the best software. Let the experts at efficient.app do it for you. They have tons of "No BS" reviews on all kinds of software so you'll always get an honest recommendation. When you're ready to buy they offer discounts as well. So check them out next time you are looking for new software! This episode is sponsored by Little Golden ShepherdIf you're looking for an all-natural remedy to manage your muscle, joint, and nerve pain, check out Little Golden Shepherd butters. Made with herbs and natural oils, LGS butters are a great natural alternative for pain. Use this link & the promo code "wholprod" to save 15% on your first order. Experience relief, naturally.Support the showJoin the free Wholistic Productivity community on Skool

In this episode of the Wholistic Productivity Podcast, Chris LeBrun challenges a common assumption about goal setting: that all goals should be treated the same.They shouldn’t.Chris breaks down five different types of goals we set—and why understanding the purpose behind each one can dramatically improve motivation, focus, and follow-through. Instead of forcing every goal into the same framework, this episode invites you to design goals that actually fit the season you’re in.You’ll explore how different goal types serve different roles in your life—helping you build momentum, track progress, grow capacity, or stay connected to what truly matters. In this episode, you’ll learn:Why treating every goal the same leads to frustration and burnoutThe key differences between outcome goals, process goals, growth goals, and impact goalsHow to identify what kind of goal you actually need right nowWhy some goals motivate through progress while others motivate through meaningHow to use different goal types together to stay consistent without pressureA simple framework to help you design goals that support long-term momentumWhether you’re feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or simply unmotivated by goals that used to excite you, this episode will help you rethink how you set them—and why that changes everything.Chapters00:00 Introduction03:09 Understanding Different Types of Goals04:30 Outcome Goals: Defining Success08:52 Performance Goals: Setting Standards11:02 Process Goals: Actions for Success15:21 Growth Goals: Who We Are Becoming 17:38 Impact Goals: Aligning with Values19:17 Integrating Goal Types: A Running Example21:16 Recap and ConclusionThis episode is sponsored by Efficient.appDon't waste time searching for the best software. Let the experts at efficient.app do it for you. They have tons of "No BS" reviews on all kinds of software so you'll always get an honest recommendation. When you're ready to buy they offer discounts as well. So check them out next time you are looking for new software! This episode is sponsored by Little Golden ShepherdIf you're looking for an all-natural remedy to manage your muscle, joint, and nerve pain, check out Little Golden Shepherd butters. Made with herbs and natural oils, LGS butters are a great natural alternative for pain. Use this link & the promo code "wholprod" to save 15% on your first order. Experience relief, naturally.Support the showJoin the free Wholistic Productivity community on Skool

In this episode of the Wholistic Productivity Podcast, Chris LeBrun sits down with Jimmy Arnett, a seasoned sales leader and longtime high school sports official, to talk about what sustained performance really looks like—when the pressure is real and the spotlight is on.Jimmy offers a unique dual lens. In his professional life, he manages $150M in annual revenue as a National Account Sales Manager. Outside of work, he’s spent over three decades officiating high school basketball, volleyball, and softball, including state championship games—where decisions must be made instantly and confidently.Chris and Jimmy explore the shared skills that connect officiating, leadership, sales, and productivity, including preparation, resilience, handling criticism, learning from mistakes, and staying patient when emotions run high.This conversation reframes productivity as something deeper than efficiency—highlighting confidence, perspective, and sustainable excellence over the long haul.In this episode, you’ll learn:Why preparation builds confidence in high-pressure momentsHow to handle criticism without letting it derail your focusThe leadership lessons that translate across careers and callingsWhy patience and perspective improve decision-makingHow to recover from mistakes and keep moving forwardWhat sustainable excellence really looks like over the long haulShow LinksConnect with Jimmy on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jimmy-arnett-ab37aa/Connect with Jimmy on Twitter - https://x.com/jarnett34 Connect with Jimmy on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/jimmy.arnett.16Chapters00:00 Introduction06:01 Exploring the Uniform Industry11:05 The Art of Sales and Relationship Building13:48 Getting Started With Officiating16:03 Lessons from Officiating and Sports24:14 The Impact of Preparation in Sports and Sales27:57 Navigating High-Stakes Moments in Officiating29:07 Connecting Sales and Officiating Experiences33:33 Navigating Criticism and Heckling36:59 The Impact of Social Media on Officiating39:54 Learning from Mistakes and Moving Forward43:29 Instant Feedback: A Double-Edged Sword48:34 Common Mistakes of New Officials49:37 Building Relationships Through Officiating51:01 Personal Reflections and MotivationsThis episode is sponsored by Efficient.appDon't waste time searching for the best software. Let the experts at efficient.app do it for you. They have tons of "No BS" reviews on all kinds of software so you'll always get an honest recommendation. When you're ready to buy they offer discounts as well. So check them out next time you are looking for new software! This episode is sponsored by Little Golden ShepherdIf you're looking for an all-natural remedy to manage your muscle, joint, and nerve pain, check out Little Golden Shepherd butters. Made with herbs and natural oils, LGS butters are a great natural alternative for pain. Use this link & the promo code "wholprod" to save 15% on your first order. Experience relief, naturally.Support the showJoin the free Wholistic Productivity community on Skool

Demir Bentley, an executive productivity coach and Wall Street Journal bestselling author, shares his transformative journey from Wall Street burnout to a balanced life. He challenges the hustle culture myth that success demands constant sacrifice. Demir introduces the Winning the Week method, explaining how to reclaim time and prioritize personal values. He discusses the Four Freedoms—time, career, financial, and spiritual—and offers practical tips for effective planning without burnout, ultimately redefining what true productivity looks like.

In this episode of the Wholistic Productivity Podcast, Chris LeBrun takes you behind the scenes of his own year-end review—reflecting honestly on the goals, progress, setbacks, and unexpected wins of 2025.Rather than focusing only on outcomes, this episode highlights why reviewing your year is one of the most important (and overlooked) parts of the goal-setting process. Chris walks through how reflection builds clarity, reinforces momentum, and helps you course-correct before setting goals for the year ahead.You’ll hear how evaluating professional, personal, and purpose-driven goals reveals patterns you can learn from—whether goals were fully achieved, partially completed, or reshaped by circumstances outside your control. From running milestones and family priorities to business growth, creative projects, and long-term planning, this episode models what a healthy, wholistic review can actually look like.Rather than chasing perfection, this conversation centers on progress, process, and intention—so you can move into 2026 with confidence instead of pressure.In this episode, you’ll learn:Why year-end reflection matters more than year-end resultsThe difference between celebrating progress and only celebrating successHow reviewing roadblocks helps you plan smarter goals for the futureWhy accountability doesn’t have to be public to be powerfulHow to reflect on professional, personal, and purpose-driven goals togetherThe role consistency and systems play in long-term productivityHow to use your review to course-correct before setting new goalsA simple reflection challenge to help you close the year with clarityThis episode is a reminder that Wholistic Productivity isn’t about doing more—it’s about learning from where you’ve been so you can move forward with intention.Show LinkApps I love (may contain affiliate links...but that's not why I love them):Runna for training https://chrislebrun.link/runnaCapacities for personal knowledge management https://wholprod.link/capacitiesChapters00:00 Introduction03:12 Accountability and Celebrating Progress04:41 2025 Review06:16 Personal Goals and Achievements07:26 Travel Experiences and Family Connections10:29 Miscellaneous Goals and Discoveries12:04 Purpose Goals From 2025 - The Podcast15:07 Redesigning the Wholistic Productivity Planner16:22 Coaching,  Publications, and Community19:49 Looking Ahead to 2026 GoalsThis episode is sponsored by Efficient.appDon't waste time searching for the best software. Let the experts at efficient.app do it for you. They have tons of "No BS" reviews on all kinds of software so you'll always get an honest recommendation. When you're ready to buy they offer discounts as well. So check them out next time you are looking for new software! This episode is sponsored by Little Golden ShepherdIf you're looking for an all-natural remedy to manage your muscle, joint, and nerve pain, check out Little Golden Shepherd butters. Made with herbs and natural oils, LGS butters are a great natural alternative for pain. Use this link & the promo code "wholprod" to save 15% on your first order. Experience relief, naturally.Support the showJoin the free Wholistic Productivity community on Skool

In this episode of the Wholistic Productivity Podcast, Chris LeBrun breaks down five essential mindsets that separate dreamers from doers—and why mindset is often the missing piece that determines whether your goals become reality.Most people don’t fail because they lack a plan. They fail because they never developed the mental framework required to follow through when things get hard, uncomfortable, or slow. In this episode, Chris explains how high achievers think differently—and how you can adopt the same internal strategies to dream big, plan smart, and live fully.You’ll discover:Why identity shapes behavior more powerfully than goal-settingHow to build comfort with discomfort so distractions lose their gripThe power of patient urgency and long-term thinkingHow ruthless prioritization frees you to focus on what matters mostWhy process-driven people achieve more with less stressHow these mindsets compound and make each other easierThe fastest way to decide which mindset will move the needle for you right nowIf you’ve ever wondered why you “know what to do” but still struggle to do it, this episode will give you the clarity—and the mindset tools—to finally bridge that gap.Chapters00:00 Introduction03:19 The Importance of Mindset in Achieving Goals05:20 Identity Over Goals10:05 Comfort with Discomfort13:57 Patient Urgency18:09 Ruthless Prioritization22:03 Process Over Outcome25:30 Developing a High-Achiever Mindset26:46 Recap and Conclusion: Embracing Mindset ShiftsThis episode is sponsored by Efficient.appDon't waste time searching for the best software. Let the experts at efficient.app do it for you. They have tons of "No BS" reviews on all kinds of software so you'll always get an honest recommendation. When you're ready to buy they offer discounts as well. So check them out next time you are looking for new software! This episode is sponsored by Little Golden ShepherdIf you're looking for an all-natural remedy to manage your muscle, joint, and nerve pain, check out Little Golden Shepherd butters. Made with herbs and natural oils, LGS butters are a great natural alternative for pain. Use this link & the promo code "wholprod" to save 15% on your first order. Experience relief, naturally.Support the showJoin the free Wholistic Productivity community on Skool

In this episode of the Wholistic Productivity Podcast, Chris LeBrun explores a critical truth: most productivity advice is designed for entrepreneurs—not the millions working inside corporate systems where calendars, priorities, and workflows are not self-determined.This episode continues the two-week deep dive on productivity vs. corporate structure, turning the lens toward the productivity space itself and the myths, assumptions, and gaps that don’t translate inside organizational culture.Chris breaks down why so many mainstream strategies (deep work blocks, eliminating meetings, outsourcing low-value tasks, inbox “once-a-week” habits) become frustrating—not because employees lack discipline, but because the work environment operates on shared autonomy, collaboration, and collective performance.In this episode, you’ll learn:Why corporate productivity is built on team rhythms, not solo optimizationHow mandatory meetings & shared calendars reshape productivity expectationsWhat “saying no” actually looks like when role-based KPIs and hierarchy applyHow to adapt advice like deep work, 80/20 focus, and task elimination to fit real corporate constraintsWhy communication norms (email, Teams/Slack, chat) are organizational—not personal—choicesHow political capital, influence, and relationship equity determine what productivity changes are possiblePractical ways corporate professionals can negotiate, adapt, and implement changes without friction or falloutThis episode will help you dream big, plan smart, and live fully within the structure you actually work in—without guilt, comparison, or unrealistic expectations.Show LinksEpisode 37 What Corporate America Gets Wrong About Productivity - https://wholisticproductivity.com/37Chapters00:00 Introduction02:51 Understanding Productivity in Corporate America06:47 Task/Energy Matching and Saying No10:27 Outsourcing and the 80/20 Rule14:15 Time Blocking17:07 Adapting Productivity Tools for Corporate Environments18:47 Reduce Email Usage20:42 Building Productive Relationships and Communication26:48 ConclusionThis episode is sponsored by Efficient.appDon't waste time searching for the best software. Let the experts at efficient.app do it for you. They have tons of "No BS" reviews on all kinds of software so you'll always get an honest recommendation. When you're ready to buy they offer discounts as well. So check them out next time you are looking for new software! This episode is sponsored by Little Golden ShepherdIf you're looking for an all-natural remedy to manage your muscle, joint, and nerve pain, check out Little Golden Shepherd butters. Made with herbs and natural oils, LGS butters are a great natural alternative for pain. Use this link & the promo code "wholprod" to save 15% on your first order. Experience relief, naturally.Support the showJoin the free Wholistic Productivity community on Skool

In this episode of the Wholistic Productivity Podcast, Chris LeBrun kicks off a two-episode series exploring one of the biggest truths about work today: Much of corporate productivity still runs on systems built for a world that no longer exists.This conversation isn’t a criticism of corporate America—it’s an honest look at why so many high-capacity people feel exhausted, unfocused, or frustrated despite working hard and caring deeply. And more importantly, what’s actually driving the disconnect.Chris breaks down why the 40-hour workweek still dominates, why meeting overload and “always-on” culture undermine true productivity, and why time-based performance metrics fall short for modern knowledge workers. You’ll gain clarity, validation, and a more grounded understanding of how to work in healthy, human-centered ways—even inside systems that weren’t designed for today’s reality.In this episode, you’ll learn:Why today’s workplaces still rely on 1938 industrial-era rulesHow “hours worked” became the default measure of valueThe hidden cost of meeting overload and proximity biasThe difference between appearing productive and being productiveWhat hybrid and remote work have revealed about how people actually performHow outcome-based metrics shift culture and resultsWhy deep work and autonomy matter more than everA practical awareness challenge to help you spot time-based traps this weekThis episode helps you dream big, plan smart, and live fully by giving you a clearer lens to evaluate workplace expectations and reclaim how you approach your time and energy.👉 Listen now to this opening episode in a two-part series on the Wholistic Productivity Podcast—and don’t miss next week’s follow-up exploring what productivity experts often misunderstand about the corporate world.Show LinksEpisode 13 - How Meetings and Email are Wasting Your Time (And What to Do About It) - https://wholisticproductivity.com/37Chapters00:00 Introduction05:08 Historical Context of Productivity Systems08:46 The Impact of Technology on Work Culture12:36 The Illusion of Productivity Theater16:02 Rethinking Work Models for Modern Needs20:18 Empowering Employees for Greater OutputThis episode is sponsored by Efficient.appDon't waste time searching for the best software. Let the experts at efficient.app do it for you. They have tons of "No BS" reviews on all kinds of software so you'll always get an honest recommendation. When you're ready to buy they offer discounts as well. So check them out next time you are looking for new software! This episode is sponsored by Little Golden ShepherdIf you're looking for an all-natural remedy to manage your muscle, joint, and nerve pain, check out Little Golden Shepherd butters. Made with herbs and natural oils, LGS butters are a great natural alternative for pain. Use this link & the promo code "wholprod" to save 15% on your first order. Experience relief, naturally.Support the showJoin the free Wholistic Productivity community on Skool

In this episode of the Wholistic Productivity Podcast, Chris LeBrun explores a surprising truth: comparison is the enemy of gratitude—and one of the fastest ways to drain your motivation, confidence, and momentum.Instead of measuring yourself against impossible standards or other people’s timelines, Chris breaks down a healthier, more empowering model: Competing only with your past self.This gratitude-driven mindset shift helps you recognize your progress, build resilience, and create sustainable motivation—without the toxic side effects of comparison culture. Through relatable stories, insights from The Gap and the Gain, and practical tools like the Momentum Matrix, you’ll learn how to reframe success and celebrate the growth that’s already happening in your life.In this episode, you’ll learn:Why comparison always focuses on what’s missing, not what’s been gainedHow gratitude helps rewire your focus toward progressThe difference between “living in the gap” vs. “living in the gain”How to measure success in a healthier wayWhy rewarding small wins fuels long-term productivityHow the Momentum Matrix builds motivation and consistencyWhy accountability works—and how to choose the right partnerA weekly challenge to help you break free from comparisonThis episode will help you dream big, plan smart, and live fully by redefining success on your own terms.Show LinksListen to other episodes in the 2025 Gratitude Series:Episode 34 - How Practicing Gratitude Transforms Your Life & Productivity with Guest Dr. Will Johns - https://wholisticproductivity.com/34Episode 35 - Self-Care Is Gratitude in Action: How Rest, Connection, and Joy Fuel Productivity - https://wholisticproductivity.com/35Episode 17 - How to Redefine Success With a "Gain" Mindset - https://wholisticproductivity.com/17Chapters00:00 Introduction 03:35 The Toxicity of Comparison07:16 Shifting Focus: From Gap to Gain10:33 Defining Success and Celebrating Wins12:26 The Momentum Matrix: A Tool for Progress15:55 The Power of Accountability17:20 Practicing Gratitude in Self-Improvement19:44 Recap and Final ThoughtsThis episode is sponsored by Efficient.appDon't waste time searching for the best software. Let the experts at efficient.app do it for you. They have tons of "No BS" reviews on all kinds of software so you'll always get an honest recommendation. When you're ready to buy they offer discounts as well. So check them out next time you are looking for new software! This episode is sponsored by Little Golden ShepherdIf you're looking for an all-natural remedy to manage your muscle, joint, and nerve pain, check out Little Golden Shepherd butters. Made with herbs and natural oils, LGS butters are a great natural alternative for pain. Use this link & the promo code "wholprod" to save 15% on your first order. Experience relief, naturally.Support the showJoin the free Wholistic Productivity community on Skool