Systematic

Retired entrepreneur Bill Wilkins joins Brett this week to discuss how a kid from a North Carolina farm walked away from physics research and started multiple successful international businesses. As he says about his risks and accomplishments, “I was just too stupid to know I couldn’t.”

Last time they were on Systematic, Paul Witten and Mandy Fabian talked about Dropping The Soap, the TV series they were creating and directing. A year later it’s available on Amazon, Google Play, iTunes, and Dekkoo, and they return to to talk about how they got to here.

This week’s guest is Betty McCluskey, a psychotherapist and licensed professional counselor specializing in Autism Spectrum Disorders. From the autistic tendencies in cats to Aspergers to full disability, the conversation covers the spectrum, as well as the Wicked Witch of the West (on a mostly separate note). Also, chocolate.

In this chat with Luc Beaudoin, an affective cognitive scientist and the creator of MySleepButton, listeners dive into the intricate world of cognitive productivity. They discuss the interplay between emotions and motivation in learning, with practical strategies for self-quantification to boost focus. Luc shares fascinating insights on sleep techniques that enhance cognitive efficiency and introduces his innovative sleep button method. The conversation flows to innovative productivity tools and even a smart pet feeding bowl, blending humor with wisdom in everyday productivity.

Harold Kachelmyer, kind-of-sort-of operations manager for a commercial office furniture dealer, joins Brett to discuss a passion for comfort, mechanical endeavors, building microphones, and a love of language.

Lawyer, blogger, podcaster, and Mac productivity guy David Sparks joins Brett to talk about freelancing, saying no to projects, and the latest and greatest top 3 picks.

Nathan Edwards is Lead Editor at The Wirecutter, one of the most trusted sites for tech product reviews. He joins Brett to discuss clarity and honesty in writing, his sci-fi book club podcast, childhood brain development, and much more.

Father Gabriel Mosher returns to Systematic to discuss his journey from Brother (er, Friar… see Episode 91) to Father, the hectic life and community importance of a priest, and some Top 3 picks one might expect from a cutting edge man of the cloth.

Jon Bash, a composer and university music department administrator at Western Washington University, joins Brett to discuss music theory, creepy remakes of 80s songs, software and productivity fiddling, and mindful meditation.

Zach Phillips, creative director of film production company The Kitchen, joins Brett to discuss his podcast project “The Murdertown Chronicles.” Filmmaking, effective political activism, productivity, and getting extra clean in the shower.