

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

58 snips
Aug 16, 2022 • 1h 24min
158: Humans First, with Rob Krecak
Rob Krecak, a consultant specializing in the four-day work week, shares insights on transforming workplace culture. He discusses the psychology of communication, emphasizing effective email management and the emotional challenges of workplace change. Rob highlights success stories from organizations embracing shorter workweeks, showcasing increased productivity and employee satisfaction. He also explores the impact of technology on work-life balance and the importance of mindfulness in navigating today's fast-paced digital landscape.

65 snips
Aug 2, 2022 • 1h 29min
157: Non-Traditional Measures of Productivity, with Mike Vardy
Mike Vardy, a productivity expert and podcaster, returns to discuss the shifting perceptions of productivity. He highlights the importance of rethinking productivity to focus on intention and balance rather than speed. Vardy shares insights about journaling as a transformative tool for self-reflection and growth, while emphasizing the power of personal retreats for clarity. He advocates for aligning life choices with personal values to achieve true fulfillment, encouraging listeners to embrace a more meaningful approach to their productivity journey.

90 snips
Jul 19, 2022 • 1h 28min
156: The State of GTD
The discussion centers on a critical audit of the Getting Things Done methodology, challenging its relevance in today's fast-paced society. Personal experiences with burnout and the shift towards attention management over time management are explored. The speakers emphasize adapting productivity methods to fit individual goals, advocating for clarity in goal-setting. They also examine how modern technology can enhance traditional practices while critiquing the evolving context of task management in a mobile world. Insights on personalizing productivity strategies for teams add depth to the conversation.

75 snips
Jul 5, 2022 • 1h 19min
155: 12 Favorite Problems
David and Mike dive into the intriguing concept of 'favorite problems,' transforming challenges into opportunities for growth. They share personal stories, like the saga of a lost credit card, to illustrate how persistent curiosities can fuel innovation. The discussion explores family dynamics and the shifts in parenting as children grow. Emphasizing self-reflection, they highlight the importance of personal accountability and curiosity in problem-solving. Listeners are encouraged to identify and journal their own favorite problems to foster creativity and personal development.

409 snips
Jun 21, 2022 • 1h 4min
154: Building a Second Brain, with Tiago Forte
Tiago Forte, author of 'Building a Second Brain', shares his insights into transforming how we manage information. He discusses the importance of active engagement with content, emphasizing techniques like progressive summarization for effective knowledge retention. Tiago also reflects on his personal journey, which led to developing a system for organizing health information. He introduces his 'CODE' methodology for knowledge management and explores how to shift from passive consumption to becoming a more creative and productive individual.

49 snips
Jun 7, 2022 • 60min
153: A Wandering Mind, with Kourosh Dini
Kourosh Dini, an expert in focus and productivity, discusses the complexities of a wandering mind. He explores how this mindset can be a double-edged sword—offering creativity but challenging traditional task management. Kourosh highlights the importance of self-awareness and mindfulness, suggesting practical strategies to balance productivity and mental well-being. He advocates for a shift in productivity, emphasizing joy in work and the need for a nurturing environment. Listeners will gain insights into enhancing creativity while managing distractions.

200 snips
May 24, 2022 • 1h 20min
152: Mental Models
Explore the fascinating world of mental models as tools for better decision-making and sensemaking. Discover the power of simplicity through concepts like Occam's Razor, while learning to navigate complexity with diverse mental frameworks. Dive into lessons on empathy from Hanlon's Razor and the importance of feedback loops in personal growth. The discussions reveal how breaking down complex problems and prioritizing efficiently can lead to innovative solutions, enriching your understanding of life and relationships.

27 snips
May 11, 2022 • 1h 7min
151: The Bento Method, with Francesco D'Alessio
Francesco D'Alessio, a productivity app expert and YouTuber known for reviewing apps, dives into the fascinating nuances of productivity tools and his new Bento app. He shares insights on choosing the right apps that resonate personally rather than just technically. The conversation includes the impact of the pandemic on work dynamics and the revolutionary potential of AI in productivity. Francesco also explains the innovative bento box approach behind his app and emphasizes the importance of mindfulness and simplicity in task management.

67 snips
Apr 26, 2022 • 1h 28min
150: Optimize for Intentionality
Celebrate 150 discussions on focus and intentionality! Dive into the differences between productivity and personal happiness. Explore the humorous side of minimalism versus accumulation. Discover strategies for effective personal knowledge management and mindful tech use with family. Learn how to juggle life’s responsibilities while mastering time management. Hear insights on creating your ‘ideal week’ and the joy of delegating tasks. Pack your bags for a journey toward enhanced focus and meaningful engagement!

21 snips
Apr 12, 2022 • 1h 13min
149: Asking Questions, with Marc Champagne
Marc Champagne, author of 'Personal Socrates' and host of 'Behind the Human,' dives into the world of mental fitness and the art of asking the right questions. He shares insights on how self-reflection can shape identity and purpose, especially during career challenges. The power of supportive relationships in personal growth is explored, along with the significance of curiosity and tailored mental fitness routines. Marc also highlights practical techniques like interstitial journaling and gratitude practices for enhancing emotional well-being.