The Inforium

Productivity often means needing to do something repetitive or boring. Luckily, video game designers are brilliant at making repetitive things seem fun. Full show notes This week’s episode is sponsored by: Skillshare: with over 25,000 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. Things mentioned in this episode: Habitica (iOS | Android) Fitocracy (iOS | Android) Paul Davids on YouTube This Thing is Neat's Minit and Puzzle Hygiene article Brandon Wu's Unity Game Dev course on Skillshare Thomas’ Productivity course on Skillshare Habify (iOS) Coach.me Strava (iOS | Android) Notion (iOS | Android) 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: 0:08:39 - Visible progress and feedback loops 0:15:31 - Accomplishment and progression through small wins 0:21:38 - Sponsor: Skillshare (Learning new skills) 0:24:15 - Staying motivated by introducing novelty 0:29:41 - Story and living vicariously 0:33:18 - Competition and cooperation 0:37:58 - Self-expression and customization 0:42:48 - Discovery and exploration 0:47:39 - Reducing the effort of getting into the flow state 0:55:25 - 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.

It's easy to end the day feeling a bit rushed...like something wasn't quite right. But the first step to having the perfect day is to figure out what it is. 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: How to Capture Inspiration When It Strikes (Ep. 259) Black Edge, by Sheelah Kolhatkar Deep Work, by Cal Newport Buffer (iOS | Android) Coach.me 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: 0:02:51 - Our perfect morning routines 0:16:01 - Lunch, afternoons and maintenance work 0:23:10 - Sponsor: Brilliant (Learning problem-solving skills) 0:25:00 - Sponsor: Hover (Buying a domain name) 0:27:15 - Lunch, afternoons and maintenance work (continued) 0:32:38 - Working, music and going to bed on time 0:37:41 - Getting to the perfect day 0:50:14 - 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.

Technology has brought us all closer together than ever before, but something feels off. Are we lonelier than previous generations? 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. Things mentioned in this episode: How to Never Have Friends and Be Alone Forever (Ep. 243) How to Be More Like Leonardo da Vinci (Ep. 240) Bad Blood, by John Carreyrou If This Isn't Nice What Is?, by Kurt Vonnegut Real Men Real Style on YouTube The Singularity CGP Grey on YouTube Kurzgesagt on YouTube TierZoo 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: 0:05:13 - Forming deeper and more meaningful friendships 0:14:00 - Escaping to the online world and people who don't share your interests 0:23:26 - Sponsor: Audible (Listening to audiobooks) 0:27:51 - Connecting with other people 0:29:53 - Feeling like you're making a valuable and direct contribution 0:46:20 - How lack of discomfort has made us more timid 0:56:57 - Recap 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.

Looking to save the earth, but don't have a lot of time or money to dedicate to the cause? You're in luck! Here are some easy ways to be more eco-friendly. Full show notes This week’s episode is sponsored by: Skillshare: with over 25,000 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 83 people to use this link, you’ll also get 20% off your subscription. Things mentioned in this episode: 50 Things That Made the Modern Economy Mr. Money Mustache Thomas’ Productivity course on Skillshare Delta Michelangelo Canaletto Two Four Bike Gravity Stand Life Without Plastic Starbucked, by Taylor Clark Time - Washing Hands In Cold Water Works As Well As Hot Against Germs BoneHurtingJuice subreddit Hardcore History 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: 0:00:20 - The dangers of being militant about eco-friendliness 0:11:26 - Reutilizing materials and making things convenient 0:18:30 - Finding alternatives to driving a car 0:22:22 - Sponsor: Skillshare (Learning new skills) 0:23:47 - Sponsor: Brilliant (Learning problem-solving skills) 0:25:06 - Finding alternatives to driving a car (continued) 0:30:05 - Planning better trips 0:32:33 - Buying and shipping fewer things 0:38:18 - Composting and not wasting food, while also not stuffing yourself 0:46:14 - Investing in things that are meant to last 0:49:22 - Saving water and planting trees 0:53:57 - Buying in bulk and cleaning out trash 0:58:57 - 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.

In this 5 questions episode, we talk about standing out, learning to like to read, and whether you should focus on building your strengths or weaknesses. Full show notes This week’s episode is sponsored by: FreshBooks: Accounting and invoicing software that automates your tasks and lets you get back to doing your real work. Get your first 30 days free by going to FreshBooks.com/CIG and entering College Info Geek in the "How did you hear about us?" section. 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: Anything You Want, by Derek Sivers The Dip: How to Know When to Quit (Ep. 202) The Game, by Neil Strauss Powlyglot To Kill a Mockingbird, by Harper Lee Avatar: The Last Airbender – The Lost Adventures,  by Gene Yang, Michael DiMartino, and Bryan Konietzko Avatar: The Last Airbender comic library edition books,  by Gene Yang, Michael DiMartino, and Bryan Konietzko After the Wake, by Haruki Murakami Name of the Wind, by Patrick Rothfuss A Game of Thrones, by George R. R. Martin ComiXology Marvel Unlimited The Hunger Games, by Suzanne Collins Cloud Atlas, by David Mitchell Spark: The Revolutionary New Science of Exercise and the Brain, by John Ratey How Exercise Improves Your Brain (Ep. 105) Thomas' Impossible List Marques Brownlee on YouTube 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: 0:06:16 - Playing on your strengths or working on your weaknesses 0:20:40 - Making yourself stand out 0:25:39 - Sponsor: Hover (Buying a domain name) 0:27:53 - Sponsor: FreshBooks (Managing your invoices) 0:29:45 - Making yourself stand out (continued) 0:35:04 - How to start reading more 0:51:42 - How Thomas chooses the challenges on his Impossible List 0:57:03 - Building towards your intended career 1:01:37 - 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.

Travel can break up the monotony of your routines and inspire you to see things from a different angle. Here are a few ways to make it less overwhelming. Full show notes This week’s episode is sponsored by: Skillshare: with over 25,000 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 83 people to use this link, you’ll also get 20% off your subscription. Things mentioned in this episode: Thomas’ Productivity course on Skillshare h3h3's Logan Paul Colorblind video Travis Sherry of Extra Pack of Peanuts (Ep. 13) How to Capture Inspiration When It Strikes (Ep. 259) Can We Do Anything About Burnout? (Ep. 247) Aaron Draplin's Design Workflow course on Skillshare Skyscanner KAYAK Wikitravel Airbnb Couchsurfing TrustingHousesitters 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: 0:04:29 - Making travel more fun and not planning it too much 0:23:21 - Sponsor: Skillshare (Learning new skills) 0:25:10 - Sponsor: Brilliant (Learning problem-solving skills) 0:27:17 - Learning the language and traveling to a different part of your city 0:34:59 - Making the trip more affordable 0:48:51 - Planning your trip more efficiently 0:58:13 - 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.

When inspiration strikes, everything feels possible. Unfortunately, that feeling seems to leave us as quickly as it arrives. Can we break the cycle? Full show notes This week’s episode is sponsored by: FreshBooks: Accounting and invoicing software that automates your tasks and lets you get back to doing your real work. Get your first 30 days free by going to FreshBooks.com/CIG and entering College Info Geek in the "How did you hear about us?" section. 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: How to Stop Being Constantly Overwhelmed Paperclip Generator Game CGP Grey 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: 0:03:22 - Traveling and escaping your routines, or resetting them 0:13:02 - Feeling overwhelmed and and granting yourself small wins 0:21:57 - Sponsor: FreshBooks (Managing your invoices) 0:23:56 - Sponsor: Hover (Buying a domain name) 0:26:14 - Giving yourself the freedom to explore things 0:31:54 - Pushing past slight inconveniences 0:34:52 - Making the most use out of your limited time 0:40:01 - Going cold turkey on habits that waste your time 0:42:03 - Getting hit by inspiration and how to take advantage of it 0:45:48 - Recap 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.

Gather 'round, folks, it's time for a story. Here's how College Info Geek went from a side project in college to the full-time job it is today. 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 83 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: HackCollege How To Build A Hanging Desk In 15 Minutes The Ultimate Guide To Building A Personal Website My Quest To Build An iPhone App (Or, How To Get Out Of A Required Class) Powlyglot The Smart Passive Income Blog I Will Teach You To Be Rich Figma Anchor 5 Questions: Mornings, Quarter-Life Crises, and Dealing with Negativity (Ep. 257) The War of Art, by Steven Pressfield The Motivation Hacker, by Nick Winter Thomas’ Productivity course on Skillshare 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: 0:01:57 - Why Thomas started College Info Geek 0:08:21 - How CIG grew and became a business 0:27:08 - Sponsor: Brilliant (Learning problem-solving skills) 0:29:14 - Sponsor: Hover (Buying a domain name) 0:31:39 - How Martin joined the team 0:50:54 - Starting the podcast 0:58:42 - Going pro 1:08:22 - The current state of the business 1:16:27 - Why Thomas went all-in on the website 1:19:28 - 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.

In this 5 questions episode, we talk about breaking good habits, dealing with negativity, surviving a quarter-life crisis, and more. 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. FreshBooks: Accounting and invoicing software that automates your tasks and lets you get back to doing your real work. Get your first 30 days free by going to FreshBooks.com/CIG and entering College Info Geek in the "How did you hear about us?" section. Things mentioned in this episode: We're Hiring - Animator/Motion Graphics Artist/Illustrator Martin's piano post on Instagram How to Learn to Play an Instrument (Ep. 256) CrashCourse on YouTube Kurzgesagt on YouTube Habitica (iOS | Android) Beeminder (iOS | Android) Strava (iOS | Android) The Buried Giant, by Kazuo Ishiguro The Power of Habit, by Charles Duhigg The Martian, by Andy Weir Artemis, by Andy Weir Fluent in 3 Months Listen Money Matters Wisecrack on YouTube Game Grumps 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: 0:02:57 - How to be more consistent with your productive days 0:14:25 - Breaking habits and changing your routine 0:22:55 - Sponsor: Audible (Listening to audiobooks) 0:25:59 - Sponsor: FreshBooks (Managing your invoices) 0:28:11 - Handling negative criticism 0:40:35 - Dealing with a quarter-life crisis 0:55:22 - Separating your work from your personal brand 1:04:25 - 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.

If you've ever wanted to learn to play an instrument, this might be your year. We talk about our experiences with the musical arts. 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 83 people to use this link, you’ll also get 20% off your subscription. FreshBooks: Accounting and invoicing software that automates your tasks and lets you get back to doing your real work. Get your first 30 days free by going to FreshBooks.com/CIG and entering College Info Geek in the "How did you hear about us?" section. 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. Things mentioned in this episode: Thomas on Instagram Thomas' song on Spotify Gris OST - Karasu Music Theory 101, by Brian Boone and Marc Schonbrun Adam Neely on YouTube How to Listen to and Understand Great Music, by Robert Greenberg Atomic Habits, by James Clear Guitar Lesson's CAGED System article Ken Tamplin Vocal Academy on YouTube The Axis of Awesome - 4 Chords Hack Music Theory - video about Run The Jewels' "Let's Go" MuseScore Synthesia (iOS | Android) Yousician (iOS | Android) William Gillock - Phantom Rider 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: 0:03:43 - Clip: Martin playing the piano and Thomas playing the guitar 0:07:27 - What instruments does Martin play 0:11:17 - How we practice and learn new pieces 0:17:44 - Why learn music theory 0:23:52 - Sponsor: Brilliant (Learning problem-solving skills) 0:25:32 - Sponsor: Audible (Listening to audiobooks) 0:28:26 - Sponsor: FreshBooks (Managing your invoices) 0:30:03 - What piano should you buy, or where you can use one 0:35:01 - Taking lessons and how Thomas learns guitar 0:43:54 - Breaking down songs and listening to them more attentively 0:50:31 - 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.