
Beyond the To-Do List - Productivity for Work and Life
Conversations with productivity experts, authors, and creatives on how to implement productivity strategies in both your professional and personal life. The goal as you listen is to help you gain perspective, practical knowledge, and productivity insights for living a whole life that goes Beyond The To-Do List.
Latest episodes

May 21, 2024 • 49min
Mara Glatzel on Advocating For Your Needs While Claiming Your Agency
Author Mara Glatzel challenges the negative connotation of being 'needy' and discusses how embracing our needs can enhance productivity and fulfillment. The conversation dives into self-care, agency, and finding creative ways to meet personal needs. Learn how small acts of agency can empower us and shift our perspective on self-care and productivity.

37 snips
May 13, 2024 • 53min
Jorge Arango on Extending Your Mind Through Better Note Taking
Jorge Arango discusses extending the mind through note-taking, emphasizing the cognitive benefits of organizing thoughts digitally. He explores the concept of a 'knowledge garden' for nurturing ideas, the role of environment in processing information, and practical tools like Obsidian and Notion for effective knowledge management.

May 6, 2024 • 50min
Dr. Barry Kudrowitz on How Play and Humor Fuel Innovation
Dr. Barry Kudrowitz, a professor of product design, discusses how play and humor can fuel innovation. Topics include transforming mundane tasks, the failures of traditional icebreakers, and the importance of creativity in all aspects of life. Practical examples of implementing these concepts are shared, offering insights on work, creativity, and play.

51 snips
Apr 29, 2024 • 45min
Matt Abrahams on How to Speak Successfully When You're Put on the Spot
Matt Abrahams, a communication expert, shares tips on impromptu speaking, including pattern recognition, managing anxiety, and using structured approaches. Learn how to embrace mistakes, build connections through small talk, and master communication skills under pressure.

14 snips
Apr 22, 2024 • 46min
Michael Easter on How Comfort and Over Abundance are Stifling Our Progress and Productivity
Michael Easter, author of The Comfort Crisis and Scarcity Brain, discusses how our pursuit of comfort and abundance is hindering our progress and productivity. He explores the importance of embracing discomfort, overcoming the 'scarcity brain,' and making intentional choices in a world of excess. The conversation touches on the impact of social media, the benefits of a one-ingredient diet, and the power of small, conscious steps towards personal growth and well-being.

Apr 15, 2024 • 43min
Karl Hebenstreit on Applying the Enneagram to Your Business and Interoffice Communication
Certified executive coach Karl Hebenstreit discusses applying the Enneagram in business communication. Topics include Enneagram vs. Myers-Briggs, understanding motivators for workplace collaboration, tailoring communication to Enneagram types, and fostering employee engagement through new organizational systems.

Apr 8, 2024 • 49min
Carlos Alvarenga on The Rules of Persuasion and Great Communication
Carlos Alvarenga, author of 'The Rules of Persuasion,' delves into the art of persuasion, drawing inspiration from Aristotle's rhetoric. The discussion covers the difference between persuasion and manipulation, the evolution of communication technology, and the importance of storytelling in persuasive communication.

8 snips
Apr 1, 2024 • 44min
Adrienne Bellehumeur on The Relationship Between Proper Documentation and Productivity
Adrienne Bellehumeur, author of 'The 24-Hour Rule,' discusses the importance of proper documentation for productivity. She focuses on the 6 steps of dynamic documentation and the power of the 24-hour rule. Topics include misconceptions about documentation, enhancing meeting productivity, and leveraging attention span modes for note-taking. Learn how collaborative editing and iterative processes can boost productivity.

18 snips
Mar 25, 2024 • 38min
Jeff Sieh on the Rapidly Evolving World of AI Tools
Join the conversation as Jeff Sieh explores the world of AI tools, discussing ethics, integration into business, and impact on creativity. Discover the potential impact on industries like podcasting and live video content, and the moral considerations of using AI in content creation.

Mar 18, 2024 • 49min
Francesco D’alessio on Finding the Right Productivity Tools for You
Francesco D’alessio shares insights on selecting productivity tools, avoiding 'shiny object syndrome,' and the future of AI in tools. Discusses personalized frameworks, tool alignment, and the evolution of productivity apps. Explores AI integration, biometric data optimization, and the quest for efficient tools in a crowded market.