

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

Apr 28, 2020 • 1h 32min
98: Floating with Dave Hamilton
Dave Hamilton, operator of The Mac Observer and a podcaster, shares his multifaceted insights on productivity and focus. He discusses the importance of mindful productivity and transforming busyness into intentional actions. Dave delves into the calming world of flotation tanks, sharing their benefits for mental clarity. He explores the dynamics of remote work, offering strategies for balancing family and work life. With anecdotes and practical tips, the conversation emphasizes the significance of flexibility and ongoing improvement in personal and professional growth.

Apr 14, 2020 • 1h 5min
97: Emotional Overload
David and Mike tackle emotional overload, revealing the importance of self-compassion and the power of introspection. They discuss how journaling can be a lifeline amidst high stress, and share tips on integrating spontaneous writing into daily routines. The hosts emphasize the joy of family connections, encouraging listeners to document gratitude in real-time. They also explore the delicate balance between empathy and self-care during turbulent times while navigating the often overwhelming demands of productivity.

Mar 31, 2020 • 59min
96: Working from Home
Discover essential tips for staying focused while working from home, from creating ergonomic workspaces to managing distractions effectively. The hosts share personal experiences navigating remote work dynamics, balancing family life, and enhancing team communication. Learn how to optimize your day by setting achievable goals and maintaining a productive mindset. Plus, explore strategies for mastering soundscapes during video calls and fostering a supportive community to tackle work-from-home challenges together.

Mar 17, 2020 • 1h 16min
95: Five Years of Freedom
David shares invaluable lessons from his five years of self-employment, touching on the fear of failure and personal growth. He reflects on the joys of remote work, including freedom from office politics, and the challenges of isolation. The importance of self-motivation and community support shines through, alongside the art of delegation for better focus. A new puppy adds a delightful twist to productivity discussions, as the hosts share funny anecdotes about balancing work and pet ownership.

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!