
The Inforium
Thomas Frank and Martin Boehme discuss productivity, personal finance, their weird llama obsession, and other interesting things. New episodes every other week.
Latest episodes

Dec 30, 2019 • 1h 10min
2019 Year in Review (Plus Our Plans for 2020) (Ep. 285)
January is almost here, and that means it's time to look back one last time at all we've done this year.
Full show notes
This week’s episode is sponsored by:
Brilliant: Accelerate your learning in math, science, and computer science. Start learning for free at Brilliant.org/CollegeInfoGeek — and if you’re one of the first 200 people to use this link, you’ll also get 20% off your subscription.
Hover: Your personal brand is important, and it starts with your domain name. Get 10% off your first domain name purchase by going to Hover.com/cig.
Things mentioned in this episode:
Cortex
Cortex's State of the Apps 2020
Notion (iOS | Android)
Evernote (iOS | Android)
The Photographer's Ephemeris (iOS | Android)
Anki (iOS | Android)
Music Memos (iOS)
audiobridge (iOS)
Todoist (iOS | Android)
Matt D'Avella on YouTube
Ali Abdaal on YouTube
Better Ideas on YouTube
CrashCourse on YouTube
How to Get Started with Photography
Linus Tech Tips on YouTube
Want more cool stuff? You can find all sorts of great tools at my Resources page.
You can also get a free copy of my book, 10 Steps to Earning Awesome Grades (While Studying Less), by staying up to date with the College Info Geek newsletter.
Timestamps:
0:01:25 - Which apps we're using
0:15:24 - Overcoming fears and burnout
0:26:00 - Sponsor: Brilliant (Learning problem-solving skills)
0:28:44 - Sponsor: Hover (Buying a domain name)
0:31:05 - Making videos, burnout and finding inspiration
0:46:12 - Music, photography, game dev and sleeping better
0:56:25 - Goals for next year
0:59:01 - Podcast news and conclusion
If you enjoyed this episode, subscribe to the podcast on iTunes! It's easy, you'll get new episodes automatically, and it also helps the show gain exposure :) You can also leave a review!
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Dec 23, 2019 • 56min
5 Questions: Motivation, Delegation, and Learning How to Relax (Ep. 284)
In this 5 questions episode, we talk about keeping motivation, working with a significant other, giving feedback, delegating, and learning to relax.
Full show notes
This week’s episode is sponsored by:
Brilliant: Accelerate your learning in math, science, and computer science. Start learning for free at Brilliant.org/CollegeInfoGeek — and if you’re one of the first 200 people to use this link, you’ll also get 20% off your subscription.
Skillshare: With thousands of courses in a wide range of different skills, Skillshare can help you take things to the next level. Get started with 2 free months of unlimited learning (including Thomas' Productivity Masterclass!) at Skillshare.com/geek.
Things mentioned in this episode:
Productivity Lessons from Video Game Design (Ep. 265)
How to Take Criticism (Ep. 215)
Thomas’ Productivity course on Skillshare
Notion (iOS | Android)
Smart Passive Income
Hello Internet
Cortex
Should You Add This To Your Workspace?
Why Your Work Disappoints You
Frame.io
Greenshot
How to Go from Merely Good to Truly Great (Ep. 178)
The Hedonic Treadmill (Ep. 226)
Want more cool stuff? You can find all sorts of great tools at my Resources page.
You can also get a free copy of my book, 10 Steps to Earning Awesome Grades (While Studying Less), by staying up to date with the College Info Geek newsletter.
Timestamps:
0:03:18 - Improving your work mood
0:11:47 - Working next to your significant other
0:17:56 - Giving out criticism
0:23:54 - Sponsor: Skillshare (Learning new skills)
0:25:44 - Sponsor: Brilliant (Learning problem-solving skills)
0:27:52 - Giving out criticism (continued)
0:31:01 - Expanding your business by hiring new people
0:44:16 - Winding down through hobbies
0:53:33 - Conclusion
If you enjoyed this episode, subscribe to the podcast on iTunes! It's easy, you'll get new episodes automatically, and it also helps the show gain exposure :) You can also leave a review!
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Dec 9, 2019 • 57min
Where Do You See Yourself in 5 Years? (Ep. 283)
Planning the next week is hard enough, never mind the next 5 years. But, it turns out that having some basic ideas is useful for more than just interviews.
Full show notes
This week’s episode is sponsored by:
Skillshare: With thousands of courses in a wide range of different skills, Skillshare can help you take things to the next level. Get started with 2 free months of unlimited learning (including Thomas' Productivity Masterclass!) at Skillshare.com/geek.
Brilliant: Accelerate your learning in math, science, and computer science. Start learning for free at Brilliant.org/CollegeInfoGeek — and if you’re one of the first 200 people to use this link, you’ll also get 20% off your subscription.
Things mentioned in this episode:
Nerd Fitness
Fluent in 3 Months
Thomas’ Productivity course on Skillshare
Bullsh*t Jobs, by David Graeber
H3 Podcast on YouTube
Thomas' Impossible List
Thomas' Music on Spotify
Want more cool stuff? You can find all sorts of great tools at my Resources page.
You can also get a free copy of my book, 10 Steps to Earning Awesome Grades (While Studying Less), by staying up to date with the College Info Geek newsletter.
Timestamps:
0:01:17 - Martin's goals
0:17:09 - Thomas' goals
0:22:28 - Sponsor: Brilliant (Learning problem-solving skills)
0:25:29 - Sponsor: Skillshare (Learning new skills)
0:27:29 - Thomas' goals (continued)
0:30:57 - Careers and learning from experiences
0:43:17 - Figuring our your ideal future self
0:52:10 - Conclusion
If you enjoyed this episode, subscribe to the podcast on iTunes! It's easy, you'll get new episodes automatically, and it also helps the show gain exposure :) You can also leave a review!
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Nov 25, 2019 • 1h 29min
Digital Minimalism: How to Disconnect (Ep. 282)
We talk about Cal Newport's Digital Minimalism and how we can have a healthier relationship with technology.
Full show notes
This week’s episode is sponsored by:
Skillshare: with over 27,000 courses in a wide range of different skills, Skillshare can help you take things to the next level. Get started with 2 free months of unlimited learning (including Thomas' Productivity Masterclass!) at Skillshare.com/geek.
Brilliant: Accelerate your learning in math, science, and computer science. Start learning for free at Brilliant.org/CollegeInfoGeek — and if you’re one of the first 200 people to use this link, you’ll also get 20% off your subscription.
Things mentioned in this episode:
Thomas’ Productivity course on Skillshare
Digital Minimalism, by Cal Newport
Deep Work, by Cal Newport
Deep Work: How to Focus and Resist Distractions (Ep. 100)
What It Takes to Open a Coffee Shop (Ep. 114)
Should You Work with Your Friends? (Ep. 281)
H3 Podcast on YouTube
Joe Rogan's podcast
How Music Works, by David Byrne
Justin Gignac's Going Freelance course on Skillshare
How to Break up with Your Phone, by Catherine Price
Freedom
How to Be More Like Leonardo da Vinci (Ep. 240)
Martin's Photo Print Shop on INPRNT
Want more cool stuff? You can find all sorts of great tools at my Resources page.
You can also get a free copy of my book, 10 Steps to Earning Awesome Grades (While Studying Less), by staying up to date with the College Info Geek newsletter.
Timestamps:
0:05:19 - Our dependence on technology
0:28:24 - Sponsor: Skillshare (Learning new skills)
0:30:31 - Sponsor: Brilliant (Learning problem-solving skills)
0:32:53 - Having periods of solitude
0:56:37 - Taking breaks from social media
1:25:30 - Conclusion
If you enjoyed this episode, subscribe to the podcast on iTunes! It's easy, you'll get new episodes automatically, and it also helps the show gain exposure :) You can also leave a review!
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Nov 11, 2019 • 1h 11min
Should You Work with Your Friends? (Ep. 281)
Business and friends don't mix. At least, that's the common wisdom, and for good reason. Still, we've made it work for years. Should you take the risk?
Full show notes
This week’s episode is sponsored by:
Audible: Get a free audiobook download, 2 free Audible originals, and a free 30-day trial by going to Audible.com/CIG or texting “CIG” to 500-500 on your phone.
Skillshare: With thousands of courses in a wide range of different skills, Skillshare can help you take things to the next level. Get started with 2 free months of unlimited learning (including Thomas' Productivity Masterclass!) at Skillshare.com/geek.
Things mentioned in this episode:
Turtles All the Way Down, by John Green
Rationality: From AI to Zombies, by Eliezer Yudkowsky
LessWrong
Ali Abdaal on YouTube
Ali Abdaal's Final Cut Pro course on Skillshare
Benjamin Heath's Portrait Photography course on Skillshare
CharityWatch
Want more cool stuff? You can find all sorts of great tools at my Resources page.
You can also get a free copy of my book, 10 Steps to Earning Awesome Grades (While Studying Less), by staying up to date with the College Info Geek newsletter.
Timestamps:
0:02:30 - Occasions where working with friends didn't go so well
0:19:18 - How we've managed to work together
0:29:03 - Sponsor: Audible (Listening to audiobooks)
0:33:42 - Sponsor: Skillshare (Learning new skills)
0:35:54 - Splitting benefits fairly
0:52:08 - Working with a significant other
1:08:41 - Conclusion
If you enjoyed this episode, subscribe to the podcast on iTunes! It's easy, you'll get new episodes automatically, and it also helps the show gain exposure :) You can also leave a review!
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Nov 4, 2019 • 57min
5 Questions: College Reading, Winter Fitness, and Closing the Taste Gap (Ep. 280)
In this 5 questions episode, we talk about reading, winter fitness, helping others, schedules, and learning to make something that doesn't suck.
Full show notes
This week’s episode is sponsored by:
Brilliant: Accelerate your learning in math, science, and computer science. Start learning for free at Brilliant.org/CollegeInfoGeek — and if you’re one of the first 200 people to use this link, you’ll also get 20% off your subscription.
Hover: Your personal brand is important, and it starts with your domain name. Get 10% off your first domain name purchase by going to Hover.com/cig.
Things mentioned in this episode:
Kurzgesagt's The Egg - A Short Story video
Bodyweight Fitness subreddit
The Science Behind Reading Speed
5 Ways to Read Faster That ACTUALLY Work
Do Speed Reading Apps & Techniques Really Work?
Reading Faster: The Science Behind What Works… and What Doesn’t (Ep. 93)
How to Learn a New Skill Quickly: A 4-Step Process
CaseyNeistat on YouTube
Imposter Syndrome (Ep. 278)
Linus Tech Tips on YouTube
Want more cool stuff? You can find all sorts of great tools at my Resources page.
You can also get a free copy of my book, 10 Steps to Earning Awesome Grades (While Studying Less), by staying up to date with the College Info Geek newsletter.
Timestamps:
0:05:48 - Staying fit during the winter
0:17:28 - Reading silently or out loud when studying
0:22:35 - Sponsor: Brilliant (Learning problem-solving skills)
0:24:54 - Sponsor: Hover (Buying a domain name)
0:26:52 - Getting better at creating
0:40:44 - Planning out your schedule
0:46:50 - Dealing with imposter syndrome
0:54:03 - Conclusion
If you enjoyed this episode, subscribe to the podcast on iTunes! It's easy, you'll get new episodes automatically, and it also helps the show gain exposure :) You can also leave a review!
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

5 snips
Oct 28, 2019 • 1h 16min
How to Stand Out from the Competition (Ep. 279)
In the internet age, we're competing against more and more people for the opportunities we want most. Standing out is both difficult and essential.
Full show notes
This week’s episode is sponsored by:
Skillshare: with over 27,000 courses in a wide range of different skills, Skillshare can help you take things to the next level. Get started with 2 free months of unlimited learning (including Thomas' Productivity Masterclass!) at Skillshare.com/geek.
Brilliant: Accelerate your learning in math, science, and computer science. Start learning for free at Brilliant.org/CollegeInfoGeek — and if you’re one of the first 200 people to use this link, you’ll also get 20% off your subscription.
Things mentioned in this episode:
The AIDA Model
Thomas’ Productivity course on Skillshare
Procreate (iOS)
Jarom Vogel's Digital Illustration: Learn to Use Procreate course on Skillshare
Jason Allen's Music Theory Comprehensive: Part 1 course on Skillshare
Young Guru's Learn How to Mix Music course on Skillshare
A Book Apart
Florian is all in
The Game, by Neil Strauss
Exploding the Phone, by Phil Lapsley
Imposter Syndrome (Ep. 278)
How to Write a Cover Letter
Resume Tips From a Hiring Director Who Read 10,000 Resumes (Ep. 40)
How to Make Great Things
How Much Water Should You REALLY Be Drinking?
CrashCourse on YouTube
Want more cool stuff? You can find all sorts of great tools at my Resources page.
You can also get a free copy of my book, 10 Steps to Earning Awesome Grades (While Studying Less), by staying up to date with the College Info Geek newsletter.
Timestamps:
0:08:56 - The AIDA Framework
0:22:23 - Sponsor: Skillshare (Learning new skills)
0:25:15 - Sponsor: Brilliant (Learning problem-solving skills)
0:27:13 - Getting the right kind of attention
0:39:00 - Things you shouldn't do to get attention
0:44:51 - Going to networking events
0:49:53 - Writing a cover letter
1:00:52 - Making a good first impression
1:11:33 - Conclusion
If you enjoyed this episode, subscribe to the podcast on iTunes! It's easy, you'll get new episodes automatically, and it also helps the show gain exposure :) You can also leave a review!
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Oct 21, 2019 • 1h 41min
Imposter Syndrome (Ep. 278)
We talk about our experiences with and thoughts on imposter syndrome.
Full show notes
This week’s episode is sponsored by:
Audible: Get a free audiobook download and a free 30-day trial by going to Audible.com/CIG or texting “CIG” to 500-500 on your phone.
Skillshare: With thousands of courses in a wide range of different skills, Skillshare can help you take things to the next level. Get started with 2 free months of unlimited learning (including Thomas' Productivity Masterclass!) at Skillshare.com/geek.
Things mentioned in this episode:
How to Hack Your Memory with the "Major System"
Andrew Huang on YouTube
Leonardo da Vinci, by Sir Walter Isaacson
Thomas’ Productivity course on Skillshare
Lindsey Holmes' Productivity with Evernote course on Skillshare
5 Rules (and One Secret Weapon) for Acing Multiple Choice Tests
My New (Better) Morning Routine
MrBeast on YouTube
Spark: The Revolutionary New Science of Exercise and the Brain, by John Ratey
How to Study Effectively: 8 Advanced Tips
Study Less Study Smart
How to Make Great Things
Powlyglot
Essentialism, by Greg McKeown
The Motivation Hacker, by Nick Winter
Harvard Business Review's Overcoming Imposter Syndrome article
TierZoo on YouTube
Beardbrand
AsapSCIENCE on YouTube
The Path to College, Pt. 1: Getting Accepted
The Path to College, Pt. 2: Paying for It
The Path to College, Pt. 3: Becoming College-Ready
A Master Class on Buying a Car – Part 1 (Ep. 69)
A Master Class on Buying a Car – Part 2 (Ep. 70)
Want more cool stuff? You can find all sorts of great tools at my Resources page.
You can also get a free copy of my book, 10 Steps to Earning Awesome Grades (While Studying Less), by staying up to date with the College Info Geek newsletter.
Timestamps:
0:05:56 - How we struggle with imposter syndrome
0:23:22 - Sponsor: Audible (Listening to audiobooks)
0:26:21 - Sponsor: Skillshare (Learning new skills)
0:28:44 - Feeling like you’re a failure or "washed out"
0:44:15 - Thinking you can't fail
0:54:36 - Leading yourself to believe you're not competent
1:08:06 - Attributing your success to luck
1:13:10 - Downplaying your accomplishments and final thoughts
1:37:15 - Conclusion
If you enjoyed this episode, subscribe to the podcast on iTunes! It's easy, you'll get new episodes automatically, and it also helps the show gain exposure :) You can also leave a review!
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Oct 7, 2019 • 1h 10min
How to Save Money When You Hate Budgeting (Ep. 277)
Budgeting isn't very fun, but that doesn't mean you have to give up on saving money. Here are a few ways to keep your bank account happy without a budget.
Full show notes
This week’s episode is sponsored by:
Brilliant: Accelerate your learning in math, science, and computer science. Start learning for free at Brilliant.org/CollegeInfoGeek — and if you’re one of the first 200 people to use this link, you’ll also get 20% off your subscription.
Things mentioned in this episode:
How to Budget Your Money Without Cutting Coffee (Ep. 174)
A Crash Course on How to Start Investing (Even If You’re in Debt) (Ep. 168)
When to Invest in New Gear (Ep. 276)
5 Questions: Keeping Track of Bills, Coasting, and Moving to a New City (Ep. 275)
Thomas' budget modeler
Listen Money Matters
Jamie Oliver's Knife Skills videon on YouTube
Kitchen Confidential, by Anthony Bourdain
Suitsupply
LivingBobby's Living on $1 a day in New York City video on YouTube
Nathaniel Drew's I Ate For $1 a Day in Mexico City video on YouTube
Want more cool stuff? You can find all sorts of great tools at my Resources page.
You can also get a free copy of my book, 10 Steps to Earning Awesome Grades (While Studying Less), by staying up to date with the College Info Geek newsletter.
Timestamps:
0:04:00 - Introduction
0:07:14 - Eating and drinking simply
0:22:59 - Sponsor: Brilliant (Learning problem-solving skills)
0:25:14 - Paying attention to your subscriptions and memberships
0:32:18 - Measuring how much you're spending
0:46:14 - Waiting 30 days before deciding to make a big purchase
0:52:20 - Don't immediately invest too much into a new hobby
0:59:09 - Anecdotes and banter
1:07:00 - Conclusion
If you enjoyed this episode, subscribe to the podcast on iTunes! It's easy, you'll get new episodes automatically, and it also helps the show gain exposure :) You can also leave a review!
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Oct 1, 2019 • 1h 17min
When to Invest in New Gear (Ep. 276)
Sometimes a shiny new toy is the next step in your skill growth, but it's usually just a fun distraction. We talk about how to tell the difference.
Full show notes
This week’s episode is sponsored by:
Skillshare: with over 27,000 courses in a wide range of different skills, Skillshare can help you take things to the next level. Get started with 2 free months of unlimited learning (including Thomas' Productivity Masterclass!) at Skillshare.com/geek.
Brilliant: Accelerate your learning in math, science, and computer science. Start learning for free at Brilliant.org/CollegeInfoGeek — and if you’re one of the first 200 people to use this link, you’ll also get 20% off your subscription.
Things mentioned in this episode:
Thomas’ Productivity course on Skillshare
How to Be Good at Everything — The Rapid Skill Learning Process (Ep. 210)
10 Essential Life Skills That Every Student Should Have (Ep. 175)
Why You Shouldn't Tell People About Your Goals
Potato Jet on YouTube
Duet Display (iOS)
This is How Matt D'Avella Works
How to Stop Feeling Tired in the Afternoon
Matty Brown's Low Budget Filmmaking course on Skillshare
italki (iOS | Android)
Essentialism: How to Do More by Doing Less (Ep. 171)
Essentialism: The Disciplined Pursuit of Less, by Greg McKewon
How to Actually Use Productivity Tips and Improve Your Life (Ep. 176)
5 Questions: Keeping Track of Bills, Coasting, and Moving to a New City (Ep. 275)
Let’s Talk About Minimalism (Ep. 272)
The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up, by Marie Kondō
Udemy
Want more cool stuff? You can find all sorts of great tools at my Resources page.
You can also get a free copy of my book, 10 Steps to Earning Awesome Grades (While Studying Less), by staying up to date with the College Info Geek newsletter.
Timestamps:
0:03:14 - Buying new gear makes you think you're improving
0:10:42 - Discussing some of our gear
0:22:02 - Sponsor: Skillshare (Learning new skills)
0:24:17 - Sponsor: Brilliant (Learning problem-solving skills)
0:26:27 - Discussing some of our gear (continued)
0:27:17 - Knowing when you really need to upgrade your gear
0:39:38 - Investing in education, and applying what you learn
0:54:01 - Getting started with your hobby
1:09:56 - Buying online courses
1:12:18 - Conclusion
If you enjoyed this episode, subscribe to the podcast on iTunes! It's easy, you'll get new episodes automatically, and it also helps the show gain exposure :) You can also leave a review!
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.