
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

Oct 29, 2018 • 58min
How to Fix Your Spending Problem (Ep. 235)
Cash rules everything around me, so I probably shouldn't spend it all. We talk about a few ways to slow down your spending.
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.
Things mentioned in this episode:
Mint (iOS | Android)
Daily Budget (iOS)
USDA Food Plans
Strides (iOS)
Momentum (iOS)
Atomic Habits, by James Clear
Weapons of Influence #2: Commitment and Consistency (Ep. 189)
Bear (Mac | iOS)
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:
0:02:54 - Tracking your expenses and spending less
0:22:00 - Curbing impulse spending
0:27:52 - Sponsor: Brilliant (Learning problem-solving skills)
0:35:38 - Don't invest too much on a new hobby
0:39:04 - Figure out what exactly is making you spend all your money
0:40:46 - Ignoring sales
0:42:38 - What subscriptions are you actually making use of
0:46:53 - Friends that make you spend too much money
0:51:48 - 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.

Oct 22, 2018 • 1h 11min
How to Achieve Work-Life Balance (Ep. 234)
Between jobs, classes, and the quest for a fulfilling personal life, things can get overwhelming. We talk about how to find a better work-life balance.
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.
Things mentioned in this episode:
3 Things Martin Learned Almost Dying on a Mountain Bike (Ep. 229)
Cortex
CGP Grey on YouTube
Charisma on Command on YouTube
Freshly
Essentialism: How to Do More by Doing Less (Ep. 171)
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:
0:02:08 - How we're trying to achieve a work-life balance
0:13:26 - Comparing your life to other people's
0:20:32 - Working more efficiently instead of working more hours
0:29:37 - Sponsor: Brilliant (Learning problem-solving skills)
0:31:59 - Setting up expectations other people have of you
0:44:02 - Dedicating yourself to something and delegating tasks
1:05:21 - 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 15, 2018 • 1h 4min
Career Fairs and Networking Events (Ep. 233)
If you're looking to build a career, you'll probably need to talk to someone. Here's how to put your best foot forward at career fairs and everywhere else.
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:
Evernote (iOS | Android)
Bear (iOS)
Notion (iOS | Android)
Money Lab
Listen Money Matters
CGP Grey on YouTube
Sara Dietschy on YouTube
Benny Lewis
Epic Rap Battles of History on YouTube
Silver-Medal Mentors
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:
0:10:20 - Why go to Career Fairs
0:13:40 - Dressing up and showing off your work
0:25:46 - Sponsor: Brilliant (Learning problem-solving skills)
0:27:50 - Sponsor: Hover (Buying a domain name)
0:31:37 - Researching the companies you’re interested in
0:34:39 - Practicing with other companies before talking to the ones you like
0:39:27 - Why go to networking events and conferences
0:57:23 - How to find new events
0:58:57 - 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.

10 snips
Oct 8, 2018 • 1h 46min
How to Get Really Good at Photography (Ep. 232)
If you've ever wanted to take your Instagram posts to the next level, this episode is for you. We talk about how and why to learn the art of photography.
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.
Things mentioned in this episode:
How to Not Get Hacked (Ep. 187)
How to Grow Your Social Media Following (Ep. 224)
How to Study Effectively with Flash Cards
How Much Water Should You REALLY Be Drinking?
How to Think Like Sherlock Holmes
Fstoppers' Exposure Triangle article
Canon Rebel SL2 DSLR Camera
Sony Alpha a6000 Mirrorless Digital Camera
Meike Automatic Extension Tube
Sony SEL90M28G FE 90mm f/2.8-22 Macro Lens
Sony E 55-210mm F4.5-6.3 Lens
Sony SEL35F18 35mm f/1.8 Prime Fixed Lens
Unbox Therapy on YouTube
Listen Money Matters
Mango Street on YouTube
Peter McKinnon on YouTube
Caleb Wojcik on YouTube
Jared Polin on YouTube
The Photographer's Ephemeris
Borrow Lenses
Adobe Lightroom
Affinity Photo
Pixelmator
Light Pollution Map
Snapseed (iOS | Android)
mmCalc
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:
0:13:31 - Why did we do an episode about this topic
0:18:12 - Why does Martin like photography
0:26:00 - How to get started in photography
0:32:24 - Sponsor: Brilliant (Learning problem-solving skills)
0:34:47 - How to feel about your old work
0:38:02 - Should you buy expensive gear as a beginner?
0:44:08 - Why upgrade your equipment and what to upgrade first
0:57:14 - Upgrading from your smartphone to a camera and lens
1:09:40 - Gear, tips and techniques for taking better photos
1:24:41 - Looking at other people's work
1:30:45 - Photography resource recommendations
1:43:00 - 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, 2018 • 49min
How to Improve Your Fitness — Without Going to the Gym (Ep. 231)
Fun fact: people were fit long before we invented bench pressing or treadmills. We talk about how to ditch the gym without giving up your health.
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.
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:
Tim Ferriss' Secrets of Gymnastic Strength Training episode
Gymnastic Bodies
Yoga With Adriene on YouTube
Bodyweight Fitness subreddit
Nerd Fitness
30-day dead hang challenge
T Nation
Yes4All Deluxe Chin Up Bar Doorway
Turtles All the Way Down, by John Green
Stealing Fire, by Steven Kotler and Jamie Wheal
Strava (iOS | Android)
Thomas on Strava
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:
0:01:08 - Doing yoga or body weight exercises as an easy way to improve your fitness
0:16:26 - Building your own home gym
0:25:13 - Sponsor: Audible (Listening to audiobooks)
0:29:55 - Sponsor: Brilliant (Learning problem-solving skills)
0:31:14 - Building your own home gym (continued)
0:35:30 - Trying out different sports
0:43:40 - 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.

Sep 24, 2018 • 1h 10min
5 Questions: Grades, Credit Cards, and Working While Exhausted (Ep. 230)
In this 5 questions episode, we talk about our grades, credit cards, being present-minded, working for free, and working while exhausted.
Full show notes
This week’s episode is sponsored by:
Todoist: If you're a student or educator, you can get Todoist's awesome Premium features - like project templates and automated reminders - for 50% off at Todoist.com/education.
Things mentioned in this episode:
College Info Geek Merch
3 Things Martin Learned Almost Dying on a Mountain Bike (Ep. 229)
A Crash Course on How to Start Investing (Even If You’re in Debt) (Ep. 168)
How to Budget Your Money Without Cutting Coffee (Ep. 174)
Starbucked, by Taylor Clark
Paul Graham's Good and Bad Procrastination article
Spark, by John Ratey
A History of the World in 6 Glasses, by Tom Standage
Debt: The First 5,000 Years, by David Graeber
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:
0:12:53 - Commuting and overmanaging your productivity systems
0:21:54 - What Thomas and Martin’s grades were like
0:31:50 - Sponsor: Todoist (Managing your tasks)
0:33:56 - Grades shouldn't be your sole focus
0:40:34 - Working while tired and making sure you rest enough
0:49:52 - Dealing with credit cards and why debt is necessary
1:01:05 - Asking a potential employer to work for free
1:07:37 - 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.

Sep 17, 2018 • 58min
3 Things Martin Learned Almost Dying on a Mountain Bike (Ep. 229)
Sometimes we need something unexpected to come and shake up our perspective. We talk about a few life lessons after a close call on a mountain bike.
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.
Todoist: If you're a student or educator, you can get Todoist's awesome Premium features - like project templates and automated reminders - for 50% off at Todoist.com/education.
Things mentioned in this episode:
How Much Owning a Home Will ACTUALLY Cost You (Ep. 225)
Seth's Bike Hacks on YouTube
The Hedonic Treadmill (Ep. 226)
Thomas' Top 10 Favorite Podcasts (Ep. 228)
What I Learned From Almost Dying On The Side Of The Road
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:
0:00:00 - What happened to Martin?
0:22:56 - Facing your fears head-on
0:30:11 - Sponsor: Brilliant (Learning problem-solving skills)
0:32:36 - Sponsor: Todoist (Managing your tasks)
0:34:23 - Relying on positive motivators rather than negative ones
0:37:47 - Taking breaks from being disciplined
0:41:55 - Closing thoughts on Martin's experience and bike safety tips
0:55:45 - 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.

Sep 10, 2018 • 35min
Thomas' Top 10 Favorite Podcasts (Ep. 228)
As it turns out, we're not the only podcast out there. Here are ten of Thomas' favorites.
Full show notes
Things mentioned in this episode:
The 42 Best Educational Podcasts in 2018
Listen Money Matters
Pocket Casts (iOS | Android)
Cortex
The Pen Addict
Smart Passive Income
The Side Hustle Show
Hello Internet
Numberphile on YouTube
Periodic Videos on YouTube
The Tim Ferriss Show
The 4-Hour Workweek, by Tim Ferriss
Hardcore History
50 Things That Made the Modern Economy
The GaryVee Audio Experience
CaseyNeistat on YouTube
99% Invisible
McMansion Hell
Money Lab
The Podcast History of our World
The History of Rome
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:
0:02:48 - Listen Money Matters
0:06:17 - Cortex
0:09:30 - Hello Internet
0:11:03 - The Tim Ferriss Show
0:15:00 - Hardcore History
0:19:19 - 50 Things That Made the Modern Economy
0:21:59 - The GaryVee Audio Experience
0:24:33 - 99% Invisible
0:28:08 - Money Lab
0:29:27 - The Podcast History of our World
0:31:37 - The History of Rome
0:32:47 - 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.

Sep 3, 2018 • 1h 10min
5 Questions: Bad at Math, Choosing Goals, and Relationship Productivity (Ep. 227)
We talk about choosing which goal to work on next, building a habit when your significant other doesn't want to, dealing with math fears, and more in this five questions episode.
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.
Chegg Study: Step-by-step solutions to textbook problems and more. Get $5 off your first month at Chegg.com/cig.
Things mentioned in this episode:
Thomas’ Impossible List
Strava (iOS | Android)
How to Be a Good Significant Other (Ep. 177)
12 Rules for Life, by Jordan Peterson
Quartz’s Prescribing Play to Kids article
Hank Green's YouTube Success article
The Procrastination Equation, by Piers Steel
How to Get Better at Math
The Money Lab Podcast
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:
0:05:24 - How does we decide which goals to work on next
0:22:06 - When your significant other does not have the same priorities you do
0:35:17 - Sponsor: Chegg (Saving money on textbooks)
0:37:41 - Sponsor: Brilliant (Learning problem-solving skills)
0:39:19 - Thoughts on overly strict and demanding parents
0:49:16 - Dealing with negative emotions when going through a rough time
0:55:27 - Improving your mathematical skills
1:07:30 - 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.

Aug 27, 2018 • 58min
The Hedonic Treadmill (Ep. 226)
Have you ever noticed that as some things in life get better or worse, your overall happiness doesn't change much? Well, you're not alone. It might just be the hedonic treadmill.
Full show notes
This week’s episode is sponsored by:
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.
Todoist: If you're a student or educator, you can get Todoist's awesome Premium features - like project templates and automated reminders - for 50% off at https://todoist.com/education.
Things mentioned in this episode:
College Info Geek Merch
College Info Geek Discord Server
Hedonic treadmill on Wikipedia
Record for Eating the Most Wisconsin Cheese Curds
Zen Mind, Beginner's Mind, by Shunryu Suzuki
Wait But Why's Life is a Picture article
Freshly
Quartz's Prescribing Play to Kids article
Done (iOS)
Habitica (iOS | Android)
Principles: Life and Work, by Ray Dalio
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:
0:04:25 - Happiness, being grateful and living in the moment
0:23:34 - Replacing annoying activities with fulfilling ones
0:29:01 - Harmful habits that you may think are increasing your happiness
0:31:15 - Sponsor: Hover (Buying a domain name)
0:33:59 - Sponsor: Todoist (Managing your tasks)
0:36:05 - Valuing the limited time you have and using some of it to have fun
0:49:11 - Taking big breaks every once in a while
0:52:30 - 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.