

Focused
Relay
David Sparks and Mike Schmitz are not nearly as productive as they’d like to be. Join these fellow travelers (and a bunch of special guests) as they share the best ways to get focused, and talk through their successes and failures along the way. Hosted by David Sparks and Mike Schmitz.
Episodes
Mentioned books

4 snips
Mar 3, 2020 • 1h 17min
94: Journaling with Matt Ragland
In this discussion, Matt Ragland, a YouTuber and productivity expert known for his minimalist bullet journaling, shares insights on staying focused through journaling. He explores the balance between artistry and organization, explaining how handwritten notes can enhance mental clarity and reduce anxiety. Matt also discusses effective time management strategies, like time blocking, and emphasizes building systems over chasing goals. His practical tips aim to inspire listeners to adopt journaling as a tool for personal growth and productivity.

Feb 18, 2020 • 1h 5min
93: Attention Overload
In this engaging discussion, the hosts dive deep into emotional hijacking and the pitfalls of multitasking. They highlight the need to reclaim our attention in a world filled with distractions and explore effective strategies like time blocking. Personal anecdotes about sensory overload make the conversation relatable, while insights on managing attention overload promise to enhance productivity. Listeners are encouraged to embrace mindfulness and intentional breaks for clearer focus and better decision-making.

20 snips
Feb 4, 2020 • 1h 19min
92: Getting Focused Kourosh Dini
Kourosh Dini, an author and physician, shares his insights on merging mindfulness with productivity. He discusses redefining productivity through the balance of work and play, emphasizing creativity and mental clarity. Kourosh highlights the power of time tracking and the significance of morning routines in boosting emotional health. He also explores the importance of setting boundaries, managing commitments, and intentional breaks to enhance focus. Listeners will appreciate his practical strategies for navigating distractions and fostering a calm, productive mindset.

4 snips
Jan 21, 2020 • 1h 10min
91: Information Overload
David and Mike dive into the chaos of information overload and explore their own FOMO triggers. They champion the idea of intentionally missing out to boost productivity. The discussion covers personal strategies for developing habits and the importance of managing digital clutter. The hosts emphasize transitioning from FOMO to JOMO, highlighting mindfulness and the joy of focusing on what truly matters. They also share tips on curating content and setting boundaries to alleviate anxiety in today's fast-paced world.

26 snips
Jan 7, 2020 • 1h 31min
90: Habits > Goals
The hosts challenge the effectiveness of New Year's resolutions, advocating instead for the power of habit formation. They emphasize self-reflection and the importance of consistency over rigid goals for lasting change. Personal stories illustrate how cultivating sustainable habits fosters intrinsic motivation. The discussion explores the mechanics of habits, the significance of focusing on one at a time, and alternative methods for setting intentions rooted in rest and relationships. Time tracking and daily planning also emerge as key tools for enhancing productivity.

56 snips
Dec 24, 2019 • 1h 8min
89: The Magic of Mind Mapping, with Harald Eckmüller
Join Harald Eckmüller, a designer at MindNode, as he reveals the magic of mind mapping. Learn how this creative technique enhances focus and problem-solving by visualizing ideas. Discover its applications in daily routines and professional settings, blending creativity with mindfulness. The discussion covers effective collaboration tools in marketing and law, and highlights how mind mapping can reclaim your attention in a tech-centric world. Dive into the dynamic interplay between visual thinking and productivity!

Dec 10, 2019 • 1h 32min
88: Annual Check-Ins
As the year winds down, the hosts reflect on their personal journeys and share unique strategies for productivity. One reveals a secret life as a Jedi, while the other leverages coffee to enhance focus. They dive into the importance of post-travel catch-up days, balancing life and work, and establishing shutdown routines for better next-day productivity. The discussion also covers caffeine’s effects on sleep, effective napping, and tips for managing workplace interruptions while keeping gaming as a fun escape.

Nov 26, 2019 • 1h 21min
87: Nerds Like Us, with Myke Hurley
Myke Hurley, co-founder of Relay FM and an analog productivity advocate, dives into the power of yearly themes for focus and intention. He discusses his shift from banking to pursuing passion and how tracking time has evolved in his podcasting journey. Myke emphasizes the importance of personal themes like 'the year of less' and shares insights on journaling for clarity. The conversation also touches on navigating team dynamics, managing relationships, and how to make meaningful life choices while fostering creativity.

Nov 12, 2019 • 1h 30min
86: Rest is a Weapon
Mike and David dive into the critical role sleep plays in boosting focus and productivity. They share insights on selecting the perfect mattress and the transformative power of weighted blankets. The discussion emphasizes the dangers of sleep deprivation, advocating for intentional sleep habits. Listeners learn about enhancing sleep quality through environment, hydration, and technology. The challenges of napping and maintaining routines while traveling are also tackled, underscoring the importance of prioritizing rest for overall well-being.

Oct 29, 2019 • 1h 43min
85: The Depth of Our Madness
David and Mike dive into the fascinating world of calendaring, sharing their obsession with time management and productivity. They explore innovative wall calendars and the synergy between analog and digital tools. The conversation highlights strategies like time blocking, overcoming procrastination, and mastering personal calendars. They even touch on the art of end-of-day routines for optimal productivity. Plus, hear about an automated coffee subscription that tailors to your needs, blending efficiency with personal touch!