The Wholistic Productivity Podcast

Gratitude isn’t just something you say; it’s something you practice. And one of the most powerful ways to express gratitude is by taking care of your body, mind, and soul.In this episode of the Wholistic Productivity Podcast, host Chris LeBrun explores why self-care isn’t selfish—it’s strategic. He breaks down what self-care truly means (and what it doesn’t), and how intentional habits in your health, relationships, and routines create the foundation for sustainable productivity and fulfillment.This episode dives deep into how caring for yourself helps you show up better for everything and everyone that matters most.You’ll learn:Why self-care is a form of gratitude—not indulgenceHow to create healthy rhythms for rest, nutrition, and exercisePractical ways to unwind before bed and protect your peaceWhy connection and community are essential to emotional healthHow hobbies and simple joys can recharge your motivationIf you’ve ever struggled to balance achievement with well-being, this episode will remind you that real productivity starts with gratitude for your life and yourself.Show LinksEpisode 8 - Gratitude and Self Care: The Secret Weapons of Wholistic Productivity - https://wholisticproductivity.com/8Episode 34 - How Practicing Gratitude Transforms Your Life & Productivity with Guest Dr. Will Johns - https://wholisticproductivity.com/34Chapters00:00 Introduction02:24 Defining Self-Care: What It Isn't05:47 Practicing Self-Care as a Form of Gratitude10:43 The Importance of Mental Rest and Breaks14:54 Connection and Community as Self-Care19:19 Finding Joy in Hobbies and Personal Time22:41 Recap: Self-Care as Gratitude in ActionThis 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

Gratitude isn’t just a feel-good idea — it’s a powerful productivity multiplier and mindset tool that shapes your life, your energy, and even your long-term success.In this episode of the Wholistic Productivity Podcast, Chris LeBrun sits down with Dr. Will Johns, executive pastor and author of Everything Is Better Than You Think, to explore how gratitude rewires your mindset, builds resilience, and helps you live and work with more clarity, joy, and purpose.You'll learn:Why our brains default toward negativity — and how gratitude shifts your focusHow gratitude improves decision-making, creativity, and resiliencePractical, simple ways to practice gratitude daily (without forcing toxic positivity)Why comparison steals contentment — and how to reclaim joy in a social media worldHow gratitude supports grieving, life transitions, and emotional balanceWhat it really means to “live fully” in your professional, personal, and purpose-driven pillarsWhether you're building a business, developing healthier habits, or simply trying to show up better for the people you love, this episode will help you cultivate a gratitude-based mindset that fuels wholistic, sustainable productivity.🎧 Listen now to learn how gratitude can transform your mindset, your results, and your life.Show LinksGet Dr. Johns' book "Everything is Better Than You Think" - https://wholprod.link/everythingisbetterCheck out Dr. Johns' podcast - https://wholprod.link/gratitudepodcastChapters00:00 Introduction 04:24 The Journey into Gratitude Research05:41 Transformative Power of Gratitude11:38 Everything is Better Than You Think14:16 Gratitude as a Lens16:57 The Importance of Intentional Gratitude Practice19:46 Gratitude in Relationships and Marriage21:50 Gratitude is a Lifelong Journey24:33 Simple Practices for Gratitude27:39 Integrating Gratitude into Daily Life29:07 The Benefits of Gratitude32:37 Overcoming Obstacles to Gratitude35:56 Social Media's Impact on Gratitude42:20 Gratitude in Times of Pain46:20 Final Thoughts and ReflectionsThis 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 Episode 33 of the Wholistic Productivity Podcast, host Chris LeBrun explores how world-building—the storytelling method used by creators like Tolkien, Disney, and Marvel—can completely reshape how you think about productivity, business, and life design.Just like the best fictional universes have depth, dimension, and connection, your goals and systems need to work together as part of an intentional ecosystem.In this episode, you’ll learn how to:Apply world-building principles to design a balanced, multi-dimensional life.Build a business “universe” with multiple touchpoints that attract and engage your audience.Align your professional, personal, and purpose-driven goals into one cohesive ecosystem.Use the concept of transmedia storytelling to create connection and loyalty—both in your business and in your habits.Chris also challenges you to complete a World-Building Audit for your life—rating key areas like career, relationships, wellness, and purpose—and to design your own integrated life system for long-term fulfillment.🎧 Listen to the full episode to learn how world-building can help you Dream Big. Plan Smart. Live Fully.Show LinksPrinciples of Transmedia Storytelling - https://wholprod.link/transmediaChapters00:00 Introduction04:07 World Building: A New Perspective06:22 Transmedia Storytelling: Expanding Narratives11:34 World Building in Business19:03 World Building and Wholistic Productivity23:56 Practical Applications: Building Your WorldThis 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

Productivity isn’t about choosing sides — it’s about balance. In this episode of the Wholistic Productivity Podcast, host Chris LeBrun explores the ongoing debate between paper and digital productivity tools — and why the answer isn’t one or the other.Chris breaks down the pros and cons of each method, shares the science behind why handwriting improves memory and focus, and explains how to combine both mediums for your best results.Whether you’re a paper-planner loyalist or a digital-app enthusiast, this episode will help you create systems that actually work for you — helping you plan smarter, focus better, and save hours in the long run.💡 In this episode, you’ll learn:Why paper still matters for memory, focus, and mindfulnessThe hidden downsides of relying only on digital appsHow to create a hybrid workflow that blends reflection with executionPractical tips for choosing tools intentionally (not out of habit)Chris’s personal system using the Wholistic Productivity Planner and digital apps🎧 Listen now and learn how to choose productivity tools that align with your values and your lifestyle. 👉 Subscribe to the Wholistic Productivity Podcast for more episodes on balanced, non-toxic productivity that helps you dream big, plan smart, and live fully.Show LinksBook your free 20-minute Strategy Call - https://wholprod.link/strategyGet the Wholistic Productivity Planner - https://wholprod.link/shopGet Capacities, the digital notetaking app I use - https://wholprod.link/capacitiesChapters00:00 Introduction02:01 Aligning Goals with Values and Vision04:32 Exploring Paper vs. Digital Productivity Tools07:01 The Benefits of Paper Productivity Tools10:43 The Advantages of Digital Productivity Tools15:49 Hybrid Model for Productivity20:24 Key Takeaways 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, host Chris LeBrun breaks down the four essential ingredients of sustainable productivity — Planning, Performance, Time Management, and Systems — and shows how each one contributes to a more balanced, goal-driven life.Through relatable cooking analogies and practical takeaways, Chris explains how true productivity isn’t about grinding harder but about creating the right recipe for success. You’ll learn how to align your goals with your values, execute with purpose, manage your time by focusing your attention, and build systems that make productivity second nature.He also shares how perfection is the enemy of progress — and why many of the best systems are born from failure, iteration, and self-awareness.Whether you’re refining your daily routines, designing better workflows, or simply trying to get more done without burning out, this episode will help you blend these four key ingredients into your most productive life yet.🔗 Show LinksJoin the Wholistic Productivity on Skool https://wholprod.link/skoolEpisode 9 - Getting into the Habits of Routines https://wholisticproductivity.com/9Get Sunday Strategy https://mysundaystrategy.comChapters00:00 Introduction03:33 The Four Ingredients of Productivity05:57 Planning: The Recipe for Success10:16 Performance: The Act of Doing15:15 Time Management: Controlling Your Attention22:09 Systems: The Glue of Productivity24:38 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

What does true financial wellness look like—and how can you start building it today, no matter your age or income?In this episode of the Wholistic Productivity Podcast, host Chris LeBrun sits down with financial educator Nicki Parra for a powerful and practical conversation about financial literacy, saving, and long-term planning. Together, they unpack how money fits into a balanced life and why taking control of your finances is essential to achieving your professional, personal, and purpose-driven goals.You’ll learn: 💡 Why financial wellness looks different for everyone—and how to define yours 💡 The truth about saving, investing, and compound interest (even if you’re starting late) 💡 How to overcome fear and financial illiteracy that hold people back 💡 Simple steps to start building an emergency fund and planning for retirement 💡 How risk tolerance changes over time—and how to protect your long-term futureWhether you’re closer to the start of your professional career or closer to retirement, this episode will inspire you to start where you are, take control of your financial future, and live with greater confidence and balance.🎧 Tune in now to The Wholistic Productivity Podcast — where we help you dream big, plan smart, and live fully.Show LinksConnect with Nicki on LinkedIn - https://wholprod.link/nickiparraJoin the Prosperity Project on Skool - https://wholprod.link/prosperityprojectChapters00:00 Introduction 05:07 Defining Financial Wellness11:09 The Importance of Financial Education13:08 Misconceptions About Financial Success15:28 Planning for Retirement20:18 Starting Your Financial Journey22:57 Balancing Short-term and Long-term Financial Goals25:13 Building a Strong Financial Foundation27:28 Overcoming Financial Overwhelm29:29 Understanding Risk Tolerance33:01 Navigating Investment Strategies36:31 Personal Insights and ReflectionsThis 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

Distractions are one of the biggest killers of productivity—every interruption can cost you up to 23 minutes of focus time. In this episode of the Wholistic Productivity Podcast, Chris LeBrun dives into the science and strategies behind protecting your attention so you can get meaningful work done.Here’s what you’ll learn in Episode 29:Why focus is a finite resource and how to spend it wiselyThe hidden costs of distractions on clarity, energy, and even IQHow deep work creates high-value results and a competitive edgePractical strategies like time blocking, the Pomodoro method, batching, and the two-minute ruleThe difference between high-priority projects and “maintenance tasks” that drain your attentionWhen to defer, delegate, or delete tasks to protect your focusIf you’ve been struggling with constant interruptions, multitasking, or shallow work, this episode will show you how to reclaim your focus and unlock your best productivity.🎧 Listen now to learn how to minimize distractions, sharpen your attention, and build habits that let you dream big, plan smart, and live fully.🔗 Show LinksDeep Work by Cal Newport - Hard Cover https://wholprod.link/hc/deepworkDeep Work by Cal Newport - Paper Back https://wholprod.link/pb/deepworkDeep Work by Cal New Port - Kindle https://wholprod.link/k/deepworkGetting Things Done by David Allen - Paper Back https://wholprod.link/pb/gettingthingsdoneGetting Things Done by David Allen - Kindle https://wholprod.link/k/gettingthingsdoneChapters00:00 Introduction02:19 The Importance of Focus06:20 Understanding Distractions09:29 Deep Work: A Superpower for Productivity13:58 Managing Maintenance Tasks17:18 Strategies for Dealing with Maintenance Tasks19:18 The Two-Minute Rule20:40 Tools and Techniques for Focus24:07 Homework Assignment and RecapThis 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

Are you drowning in digital files, scattered notes, and endless bookmarks? In this episode of the Wholistic Productivity Podcast, Chris LeBrun unpacks Tiago Forte’s PARA Method and the concept of a Second Brain — powerful tools for organizing your life and taming information overload.You’ll discover:The four pillars of PARA: Projects, Areas, Resources, ArchivesHow to use PARA across files, notes, bookmarks, and even physical storageWhy personal knowledge management matters in a world of constant tech changePractical tips for setting up your own Second Brain without over-complicating itCommon pitfalls (and how to avoid wasting time on the wrong system)Whether you’re dealing with decades of digital clutter or just looking for a smarter way to manage your ideas and tasks, this episode will give you the foundation to build a Personal Knowledge Management system that actually works.🔗 Show LinksJoin the Wholistic Productivity community on Skool https://wholprod.link/skoolGet Building a Second Brain by Tiago Forte - Hard Cover https://wholprod.link/hc/secondbrainGet Building a Second Brain by Tiago Forte - Paperback https://wholprod.link/pb/secondbrainGet Building a Second Brain by Tiago Forte - Kindle https://wholprod.link/k/secondbrainChapters00:00 Introduction02:09 The Challenges of Change for Gen X08:16 Discovering the PARA Method09:46 Projects10:37 Areas11:08 Resources11:43 Archives12:10 Pros and Cons of PARA14:35 Implementing the PARA System15:45 Capturing Information with CODE17:39 Personal Knowledge Management19:30 Second Brain & Prooductivity24:41 Conclusion This 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 inspiring episode of the Wholistic Productivity Podcast, Chris LeBrun sits down with Mike Meyers — U.S. Army veteran and co-founder and Commissioner of the Military Basketball Association (MBA).Mike shares his journey from 23 years of active duty service, including his deployment to Iraq, to building a nationwide league that now includes a thousand active duty service members and veterans. The MBA isn’t just about competition — it’s about life through basketball: creating community, strengthening resilience, and addressing the mental health crisis among military personnel.From national championships and CBS Sports coverage to life-changing partnerships with organizations like the VA, Wounded Warrior Project, and Amazon, Mike reveals how passion, vision, and persistence turned a grassroots effort into a movement saving lives.This conversation is a reminder that no dream is too big — and that purpose-driven leadership can make a lasting global impact.🔗 Show LinksConnect with Mike on LinkedIn https://wholprod.link/mikemeyersThe Military Basketball Association website https://wholprod.link/MBAFollow the Military Basketball Association on Instagram https://wholprod.link/MBAIGWatch Life Through Basketball on Prime Video https://wholprod.link/MBAprimeVisit the Veterans Crisis Line 988 https://wholprod.link/Veterans988Chapters00:00 Introduction03:14 Mike's Military Service and Personal Journey07:44 Service Goes Beyond Military Members11:38 The Birth of the Military Basketball Association15:35 Other Military Leagues16:26 The Growth of the MBA18:34 Life Through Basketball21:40 The Impact of the MBA25:38 The Epidemic of Military Suicides27:40 Understanding Mental Health Support for Veterans28:08 How Civilians Can Support Veterans 31:52 Building Partnerships for Veteran Support35:59 Future Goals for the Military Basketball Association37:55 The Method Behind the Madness: Creating the MBA43:06 Personal Insights and ReflectionsThis 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 Dr. Dewey Murdick — professor, researcher, and leading voice in AI policy and security. Together, they unpack the real-world implications of artificial intelligence: from its history and breakthroughs to the ethical dilemmas shaping policy and everyday life.You’ll hear about:The surprising timeline of AI’s developmentWhat Washington is wrestling with on AI policy and regulationThe risks and opportunities of large language models like ChatGPTHow AI will shape education, jobs, and personal productivity in the years aheadPractical ways to use AI without outsourcing your judgmentWhether you’re curious about the future of work, concerned about AI’s risks, or simply want to understand how this technology intersects with your goals, this conversation will leave you both informed and inspired.🎧 Tune in now and discover how to dream big, plan smart, and live fully in the age of AI.🔗 Show LinksConnect with Dewey on LinkedIn https://wholprod.link/deweymurdickRead Dewey's article for Fortune Magazine "AI needs the equivalent of the ‘black box’ in aviation—and America should lead the way" https://wholprod.link/fortunearticleRead Dewey's article for The National Interest "Artificial Intelligence, China, and America’s Next Industrial Revolution" https://wholprod.link/natinterestarticleRead Dewey's article on LinkedIn "Humans and AI in a Learning Economy: The Educational Revolution We Can't Afford to Ignore" https://wholprod.link/linkedinarticleChapters00:00 Introduction 05:18 The Evolution of Artificial Intelligence11:43 AI Policy and Ethics18:14 Concerns About AI and Self-Awareness23:28 Using AI Effectively in Decision Making31:20 The Future of Education and AI35:23 AI in Coding and Software Development38:39 AI's Impact on Art and Creativity41:11 Job Displacement and the Future Workforce45:35 Predictions: AI in the Next 5 Years49:17 The Questions55:13 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