Beyond the To-Do List - Productivity for Work and Life

In this engaging discussion, Donald Miller, the author of Building a StoryBrand, reveals how storytelling can enhance productivity and clarity. He introduces the Life-as-Story Framework, encouraging listeners to view their lives as narratives with goals and guiding characters. Donald shares how creating an inciting incident can spur meaningful action, and reflects on a road trip that helped him design a high-focus workday planner. With a focus on narrowing distractions and completing tasks, he emphasizes that only finished work creates impact.

Cynthia Kane, a communication expert and author of The Pause Principle, shares her insights on mastering the art of pausing in tense situations. She emphasizes how taking a moment to pause can prevent knee-jerk reactions and foster mindful communication. The discussion dives into the SOFTEN method, offering practical strategies for enhancing communication skills. Cynthia also addresses the challenge of digital communication, recommending techniques to maintain composure and clarity amid chaos, ultimately promoting healthier interactions.

Cal Newport, the author of 'Digital Minimalism,' emphasizes the importance of intentional technology use. He introduces the concept of digital minimalism, advocating for selective tech use to enhance focus and minimize distraction. Cal discusses his 30-day digital declutter challenge, which invites individuals to pause optional tech and reassess their priorities. He also underscores the mental health benefits of reducing screen time, encouraging real-world connections and analog activities as keys to well-being. Newport’s insights inspire a more purpose-driven relationship with technology.

Jess Cording, a dietician and health coach, shares her insights on managing stress from her book, The Little Book of Game Changers. She discusses innovative strategies like scheduling 'worry time' to mentally declutter and boost focus. Cording also highlights the importance of finding your caffeine sweet spot to maintain productivity without deprivation. Additionally, she encourages listeners to create a 'loneliness game plan' with enjoyable activities, reminding everyone that small, consistent changes can lead to a more balanced and grounded life.

Shira Gill, a professional organizer and author of "Lifestyle: Your Guide to a More Organized and Intentional Life," shares her insights on minimalism and intentional living. She explains that minimalism is about more than just owning less; it’s about being intentional with your time and energy. Shira discusses the impact of clutter on mental well-being, the importance of creating simple systems, and the power of saying no to align commitments with personal values. She emphasizes starting small with daily habits to foster meaningful change.

Jim Guinn, co-author of 'How to Get Along with Anyone' and a conflict resolution expert, discusses the art of preventing disputes in both personal and professional realms. He emphasizes the importance of recognizing conflict triggers and understanding different styles to preemptively address tensions. Jim categorizes conflicts into task-based, process-related, and relational types, providing practical tools for emotional regulation and effective communication. His insights empower listeners to foster harmony and enhance their relationships.

In this special Shortcast edition, Baratunde Thurston, shares his experience of unplugging from social media for 25 days—and what he learned about stress, productivity, and the importance of being present. Baratunde reveals how stepping away from constant digital interaction can lead to more meaningful real-world connections and less burnout. In this Shortcast, we explore: The Cost of Constant Connectivity: Baratunde explains how being “always on” took a toll on his mental health, productivity, and relationships, and why unplugging was the antidote. The Value of Presence: By exploring neighborhoods in New York without his phone, Baratunde rediscovered the value of shared experiences, analog socializing, and being grounded in the real world. Social Media as a Second Job: Baratunde highlights how social media transforms everyone into an amateur content creator, adding stress and metrics to everyday life. Challenges of Disconnecting: We discuss why platforms make it difficult to unplug—emotionally and logistically—and how Baratunde navigated the manipulation tactics of social media companies. Reclaiming Leisure and Focus: Baratunde shows how unplugging helped him be more present with others, less distracted, and ultimately more productive. Baratunde’s insights remind us to reflect on our relationship with social media and make conscious choices about how we engage with it. Learn more about Baratunde and his work at Baratunde.com and explore more Shortcasts like this one on ⁠Blinkist⁠. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, Melody Wilding, author of Managing Up: How to Get What You Need from People in Charge, joins the show to discuss the often-overlooked skill of managing up. Melody shares insights on how to communicate more effectively with those in higher positions, ensuring that you get the support and guidance you need for your career while maintaining a positive working relationship. In this conversation, we explore: What “Managing Up” Really Means: Melody explains that managing up isn’t about manipulating your boss, but about clear communication, setting boundaries, and ensuring your needs and expectations are understood. The Importance of Alignment: We discuss how aligning with your manager’s goals and expectations can help you achieve personal success while contributing to the team’s overall objectives. Building Healthy Communication: Melody emphasizes how open and honest communication is key to reducing friction and increasing productivity, especially when you’re managing different working styles. Creating Visibility: We talk about how to make sure your contributions are recognized and how to ensure your value is communicated in a way that aligns with both your goals and your manager’s. Boundaries and Feedback: Melody shares strategies for setting healthy boundaries with your manager, giving constructive feedback, and advocating for yourself in the workplace. Melody’s approach to managing up is a practical guide for anyone looking to improve their relationship with their boss, gain clarity about expectations, and move forward in their career with confidence. Learn more about Melody and her work at ManagingUp.com, and find Managing Up wherever books are sold. Connect with Erik: ⁠LinkedIn⁠  ⁠Facebook⁠  ⁠Bluesky⁠ This Podcast is Powered By: ⁠Descript⁠ ⁠Descript 101⁠ ⁠Castmagic⁠ ⁠Ecamm⁠ ⁠Podpage⁠ ⁠Rodecaster Pro⁠ ⁠Top Productivity Books List⁠ Make sure to support the show by⁠ checking out the sponsors⁠! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, Courtney Carver, author of Rest More, Stress Less: How to Live the Life You Actually Want, shares her transformative approach to prioritizing rest and reducing stress. Courtney, a simplicity and decluttering expert, discusses how rest is not just a reward but a necessity for productivity, creativity, and overall well-being. In this conversation, we explore: • The Importance of Rest: Courtney explains why rest should be prioritized, not as a reward, but as an essential part of life and work. She discusses how our productivity and creativity improve when we take time to rest. • The Three Seasons of Gentle: We dive into the book’s three-part structure: Rest, Less, and Rise. Courtney explains why rest is the foundation that allows us to simplify our lives, reduce stress, and ultimately rise into the life we truly want. • Breaking Free from the Busyness Trap: Courtney reveals how our society’s overemphasis on constant productivity can lead to burnout, and how intentionally doing less can lead to more meaningful results. • The Power of Decluttering: We discuss how simplifying our physical environment by letting go of excess stuff can ease mental clutter and reduce decision fatigue, making space for more peace and joy. • Energy Management and Chronic Illness: Courtney shares her personal experience managing multiple sclerosis and how counting “spoons”—a way to measure limited energy—can help in making mindful choices about how we use our time and energy. Courtney’s approach to living with less, embracing rest, and prioritizing what truly matters offers practical solutions for anyone feeling overwhelmed or burnt out. Her insights provide a roadmap for living a life with more meaning, purpose, and peace. Learn more about Courtney and her work at bemorewithless.com, and find Rest More, Stress Less wherever books are sold. Connect with Erik: LinkedIn  Facebook  Bluesky This Podcast is Powered By: Descript Descript 101 Castmagic Ecamm Podpage Rodecaster Pro Top Productivity Books List Make sure to support the show by checking out the sponsors! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this special Shortcast edition, Jeremy Kubicek, author of The 100X Leader: How to Become Someone Worth Following, shares how we can lead with both support and challenge to help others reach their full potential. Drawing inspiration from Sherpas guiding climbers on Mount Everest, Jeremy illustrates what it means to lead others by being fully for them and helping them succeed—not just in tasks, but in personal growth. In this Shortcast, we explore: What Makes a Leader Worth Following: Why being “for” the people you lead matters more than authority or performance. The Sherpa Analogy: Leaders should guide, support, and empower others like a Sherpa helps climbers summit Mount Everest—and then helps them down again. Support + Challenge = Growth: Jeremy outlines how to calibrate the right mix of support and challenge in your leadership style to avoid extremes like fear-based or overly permissive leadership. Calling Up vs. Calling Out: A key leadership shift is learning to call people up to who they want to be, rather than calling them out with shame or frustration. From Subjective to Constructive Feedback: How shifting from judgment to objective, prescriptive feedback builds trust and lasting influence. Whether you’re managing a team, parenting, or looking to grow personally, this episode offers simple but powerful strategies to lead with empathy, clarity, and effectiveness. Check out Jeremy’s book The 100X Leader and explore more Shortcasts like this one on Blinkist. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices