The Productivityist Podcast: Ideas And Tools For Personal Productivity | Time Management | Goals | Habits | Working Better

This episode is brought to you by Your Clockwise Week—a personalized weekly structure built around your actual life, not an ideal one. If your week feels full but not fitting, you can learn more at mikevardy.com/yourclockwiseweek.Procrastination is often framed as avoidance of what we don’t want to do. But in this conversation, it becomes clear that it shows up just as often in the things we do want to do—the work that matters most.That’s what made this discussion with Jon Acuff so compelling. Jon’s latest book, Procrastination Proof, doesn’t treat procrastination as a flaw to fix but as a pattern to understand—and ultimately, to work with rather than against.Six Discussion PointsProcrastination isn’t a laziness issue—it’s a pattern driven by time, task, fear, history, and ego Permission can unlock progress more effectively than pressure or disciplineSmaller actions reduce friction and make consistency sustainable rather than forcedReview is the most overlooked multiplier—it reveals truth, direction, and bett

This episode is brought to you by Your Clockwise Week—a personalized weekly structure built around your actual life, not an ideal one. If your week feels full but not fitting, you can learn more at mikevardy.com/yourclockwiseweek.There’s a quiet trap many of us fall into when the pace picks up: we start reacting instead of leading. The inbox fills, the interruptions stack, and before long, the day is no longer ours—it’s everyone else’s.In this conversation, I sit down with Rich Czyz, author of Autopilot: Practical Productivity for School Leaders, to explore how systems—not willpower—can help us reclaim that sense of direction. While his work is rooted in education, what we discuss applies far beyond school walls. This is about shifting from firefighting to forward thinking.Six Discussion PointsProductivity isn’t about doing more—it’s about reclaiming space for what actually mattersThe inbox is often just a collection of other people’s priorities unless you set boundaries around itSystems work best when they a

The latest episode in our monthly PM Talks series explores a deceptively simple idea: practice. It’s a word we hear constantly—in sports, work, and creative pursuits—but we rarely stop to examine what it actually means or why it matters so much. In this conversation, Patrick Rhone and I unpack the many layers of practice—from the fundamentals that shape excellence to the quiet discipline of repetition that rarely gets the spotlight. Along the way we explore identity, devotion, habits, AI, and why focusing on fewer things might actually help us do them better.Six Discussion PointsPractice is both an act of trying something and the art of doing it well—one evolves into the other over time.High performers separate themselves through relentless practice, often long after others have stopped.Fundamentals matter more than flash; mastery comes from repeatedly doing the simple things well.Habits and routines are often the result of practice, but the practice itself is what creates them.Technology—including AI—can sho

We live in a world where everything is digital — yet almost none of us were ever taught how to manage digital information well. Files, notes, emails, documents, IDs, receipts… they pile up. And unlike physical filing cabinets, our computers let us create anything anywhere — which sounds like freedom but often leads to chaos.In this episode, I sit down with Johnny Decimal, creator of the Johnny Decimal system, to explore a structured, deceptively simple way to bring order to your digital life. What began as a practical solution for a shared Dropbox folder has grown into a framework that helps people organize their records with clarity and confidence — without turning their lives into an overengineered productivity lab.Six Discussion PointsThe real digital problem isn’t volume — it’s the absence of structure.Fewer decisions create more clarity: limiting your top-level “areas” reduces cognitive friction.Numbers provide stability where words create ambiguity.A shallow hierarchy (three levels only) prevents organi

In a culture that prizes metrics, optimization, and constant output, what does it mean to truly flourish?In this episode of A Productive Conversation, I sit down with New York Times bestselling author Daniel Coyle to explore a deeper question beneath performance: how do we build meaning, joy, and fulfillment in systems that reward speed over substance? If you’ve ever felt successful on paper but unsettled underneath, this conversation is for you.Daniel—author of The Culture Code and The Talent Code—has spent years studying high-performing organizations, from the Navy SEALs to professional sports teams. But in his latest book, he turns toward something more foundational: flourishing as joyful, meaningful growth. We talk about why life isn’t a game to win but a garden to tend, why pauses matter more than productivity hacks, and why the best leaders ask better questions instead of delivering faster answers.Six Discussion PointsFlourishing vs. Performance – Why happiness and success aren’t enough—and why flourish

Gratitude shows up in a lot of productivity conversations—but rarely as a practice that changes how we relate to others. In this episode of A Productive Conversation, I sit down with Joel Zuckerman, author of Gratitude Tiger, to explore gratitude as something we actively express, not just quietly feel.Joel has written more than 300 Letters of Gratitude over the past twelve years, and what began as a simple exercise has evolved into a life-shaping practice. We dig into why handwritten letters matter, how gratitude can move from introspection to expression, and why this practice benefits the writer just as much as the recipient.Six Discussion PointsWhy “Gratitude Tiger” is more than a catchy title—and what TIGER actually stands forThe difference between a thank-you note and a true Letter of GratitudeWhy writing letters of gratitude is a creative process, not an obligationThe seven pillars of expressive gratitude—and where most people get stuckDopamine, reflection, and why gratitude creates lasting satisfactionL

This episode is the latest in our monthly PM Talks series, where Patrick Rhone and I step back from tactics and tools to explore the deeper questions that shape how we live, work, and show up. What we planned to discuss was poise—but what we actually talked about was something more urgent.Recorded in real time as events were unfolding in Minneapolis and St. Paul, this conversation became about moral clarity, civic responsibility, and what it means to stay aligned when neutrality no longer feels like an option. This isn’t a polished debate or a tidy argument. It’s a candid conversation about right versus wrong—and why that distinction matters now.Six Discussion PointsWhy this conversation couldn’t follow the plan—and why that matteredThe difference between poise as composure and poise as alignmentWhy this moment isn’t about left versus right, but right versus wrongThe danger of performative belief and the erosion of truthHow lived experience carries weight even when it isn’t “linkable”What it means to keep liv

Working from home sounds simple—until kids, calendars, meals, meetings, and relationships all collide. In this episode, I sit down with Thom Gibson, a work-from-home dad and social media strategist, to talk honestly about what it really takes to make remote work and family life coexist.Thom is the founder of WFH Dads, and his perspective is grounded not in theory, but in lived experience—raising two young kids, navigating shared schedules with his wife, and building a workday that leaves room for presence, not just productivity.Six Discussion PointsHow Thom transitioned into working from home during the pandemic—and why he stayedWhy default schedules matter more than perfect plansThe overlooked power of clear boundaries between “work time” and “family time”How simplifying meals reduces daily decision fatigueWhy Thom changed his journaling practice after 15 yearsThe thinking behind the Six-Hour Workday Playbook for dadsThree Connection PointsWFH DadsGet The Six-Hour Workday PlaybookHow to Build a Powerful Jour

This week on A Productive Conversation, I sit down with Brad Stulberg, author of The Way of Excellence, to explore what excellence really means in a world obsessed with efficiency, optimization, and performative productivity. Brad has spent years studying sustainable excellence across sport, leadership, creativity, and life—and this conversation digs into why excellence is neither perfection nor hustle, but something far more human.Brad and I unpack the difference between true excellence and what he calls “pseudo-excellence,” why metrics often outlive their usefulness, and how habits like routine, curiosity, and gumption play a central role in meaningful progress. Along the way, we explore why satisfaction outlasts happiness, why flow isn’t always the goal, and how focusing on the task at hand—not the time on hand—changes everything.Six Discussion PointsWhy excellence must be reclaimed from hustle culture, optimization, and perfectionismThe difference between efficiency and excellence—and why short-term effic

There are moments when a conversation slows you down in the best possible way. My discussion with Brad Farris was one of those moments—a reminder that growth isn’t just about doing more, faster, or harder, but about becoming the kind of leader who can sustain momentum without burning everything down in the process.Brad has spent decades working alongside agency and expert-firm owners, helping them move past the $1M–$2M ceiling and into healthier, more durable growth. What stood out to me wasn’t just his experience—it was his insistence that the real work happens internally. The biggest constraint to progress, he argues, isn’t strategy or systems. It’s what’s happening between your ears.Six Discussion PointsWhy agency growth stalls at the $1M–$2M mark—and why effort alone won’t fix itThe hidden cost of hurry, speed, and “getting through the list”Why leadership is about choosing, not clearingHow inbox habits reveal whether you’re managing or leadingThe role of presence, energy, and reflection in better decision

This episode is the first installment of Season 3 in our monthly PM Talks series, where Patrick Rhone and I slow things down to explore the ideas that quietly shape how we live and work. This time, we start with an act of honesty right out of the gate—being transparent about when the episode was recorded—and let that openness set the tone for everything that follows.From there, the conversation unfolds into something deeper. We talk about honesty not as a moral stance, but as a practical one—especially when it comes to time, commitments, and the stories we tell ourselves about why things don’t happen. January has a way of inviting big intentions, and this discussion is a timely reminder that clarity begins with truth.Six Discussion PointsWhy the hardest lies to spot are the ones we tell ourselvesThe difference between urgency and immediacy—and why it matters“I don’t have time” as a story, not a factHow calendars can act as commitments, not constraintsHonesty about capacity, energy, and personal rhythmsWhy kno

In this episode of A Productive Conversation, I sit down once again with author and researcher Chris Bailey to explore what it really means to live—and work—intentionally. This conversation centers on his latest book, Intentional: How to Finish What You Start, and the decade of curiosity that led him there.We dig into why goals often fail us, how culture shapes our relationship with productivity, and why values—not habits, hacks, or willpower—sit at the core of meaningful progress. This isn’t a surface-level productivity chat. It’s a thoughtful examination of why we do what we do, and how to align our days with who we actually are.Six Discussion PointsWhy values—not goals—are the true drivers of intentional actionThe “intention stack” and how daily actions connect to lifelong directionWhy SMART goals aren’t as smart as we’ve been led to believeCultural differences in how productivity and calm are valuedNight owls, morning routines, and the danger of “sepia-toned” goalsThe role of reflection in escaping defaul

This is a reflective, solo episode where I share twelve essential TimeCrafting tips—not as rules or resolutions, but as orienting ideas you can return to whenever your days feel scattered or misaligned. Think of this as a pause at the edge of the calendar year, and an invitation to relate to time differently. These tips are meant to be lived with, not completed. You don’t need all twelve. One idea is often enough to begin again. Whether you’re closing out a year or simply noticing that your relationship with time feels off, this episode offers a grounded way to reset without pressure.These twelve tips aren’t meant to be applied all at once—or perfectly. They’re ideas to return to when you notice drift, friction, or fatigue creeping in. Progress doesn’t require dramatic restarts. It asks for awareness, honesty, and the willingness to come back. Wherever you are in your year—or your life—I hope this episode helps you take a gentle step toward what matters.You don’t have to absorb all of this at once—just stay w

In December 2024, Erik Fisher and I sit down to explore the alphabet of productivity — a tradition that started as a one-off idea and has now become an annual ritual. This year, we dove back in to see how our thinking has shifted, sharpened, or completely transformed. Turns out, a lot can change in a year… especially when life, work, and expectations rearrange themselves without asking permission.In this special episode of A Productive Conversation, Erik joins me to unpack the first half of our A-to-Z list – the second part is featured on Eriks' podcast, Beyond the to-Do List. It’s a rich mix of practice, philosophy, and the very human realities that shape how we show up to our work. If you’re craving a more grounded, nuanced approach to productivity, this conversation is an invitation to rethink your rhythms.Exploring productivity through the alphabet isn’t about clever wordplay — it’s about noticing how our relationship with work evolves year after year. Erik and I always walk away from these conversations

This time on A Productive Conversation, I sit down with someone who has spent decades at the intersection of technology, leadership, and what it means to remain truly human. Faisal Hoque isn’t just writing about AI from afar—he has lived inside this world for more than thirty years. From founding multiple companies to advising global organizations and government agencies, he brings a rare blend of deep technical expertise and grounded philosophical clarity.In this conversation, we get into his newest book, Transcend: Unlocking Humanity in the Age of AI, and explore the place where innovation meets conscience. We talk about fear and fascination, the frameworks that help us navigate uncertainty, and the practical ways AI is already reshaping how we think, work, and relate. It’s a wide-ranging, honest exchange about what we stand to gain—and what we can’t afford to lose.Six Discussion PointsWhy the rise of generative AI is only the beginning—and why thinking still mattersHow fear and fascination operate as “twin

This episode marks the final PM Talks conversation of the 2025 calendar year, and it’s a fitting one: Patrick and I explore legacy — not as something we engineer, but as something that unfolds in the stories others tell about us. As always, this episode is part of our monthly PM Talks series, and it might be the most reflective note we’ve ended on so far.We talk about time, presence, family, uncertainty, and the way small choices echo long after we’re gone. This one weaves philosophy into the everyday in a way that feels real, grounding, and honestly necessary as we close out the year.Six Discussion PointsWhy time feels like it’s accelerating as we age, and how presence slows the smaller slices of our daysThe balance between certainty and agency — and how we navigate what we do and don’t controlWhy trying to “control” your legacy is ultimately a losing battleHow stories — both true and inferred — shape the legacies we inherit and the ones we leaveThe importance of documenting your own story so others don’t ha

Most of us think of sleep as a nightly event. Michael Breus thinks of it as a lifelong pattern—a shifting, evolving chronotype that changes as we age. Every time he joins me, we end up deep in the details of how rest, alertness, and biology shape our days. This conversation was no different.In this episode, Michael and I dig into the core ideas behind his book Sleep, Drink, Breathe, why wellness keeps getting more complicated, and how simple habits—done with intention—can create real momentum. We also get into mouth taping, CPAP myths, the rise of at-home sleep tests, and why hydration and breathwork may be more important than most people realize.Six Discussion PointsHow chronotypes shift as we age—and why both of us are noticing that shift right now.The three “dominoes” of wellness and why breathing and hydration often need fixing before sleep.Why wellness feels overwhelming today, and the simple starting points Michael recommends.The real science behind mouth taping and why it can be risky without proper sc

In this episode of A Productive Conversation, I sit down with Quang X. Pham — entrepreneur, author, and the first American of Vietnamese descent to become a U.S. Marine Corps aviator. Quang’s story is the definition of an underdog’s rise — from a young refugee in America to leading a Nasdaq-listed biotech company. His new book, Underdog Nation: Zero in on Effort and Results for Success, captures the lessons learned through perseverance, purpose, and performance.Our conversation dives into what it truly means to be an underdog — not just in sports or business, but in life. We explore the power of confronting limitations, committing with conviction, and using adversity as fuel for achievement. Quang’s experiences in the Marine Corps, pharmaceutical industry, and biotech leadership bring nuance and depth to the conversation on resilience, effort, and results.Six Discussion PointsHow arriving in America as a 10-year-old refugee shaped Quang’s early understanding of effort and resultsLessons from his time as a U.S

This episode of A Productive Conversation features Chris Dalla Riva, a musician, data analyst, and Senior Product Manager at Audiomack who bridges the gap between creativity and analytics. Chris joins me to discuss his book Uncharted Territory: What Numbers Tell Us About the Biggest Hit Songs and Ourselves.As part of his research, Chris listened to every Billboard Hot 100 number-one song—nearly 1,200 of them—tracking trends, rating songs, and discovering how randomness, technology, and taste shape what becomes a hit. We explore the intersection of numbers and nuance, how data can deepen our understanding of art, and what the patterns of pop music reveal about us.Six Discussion PointsThe origin of Chris’s experiment to listen to every Billboard number-one hitWhy Bob Dylan never topped the Hot 100—and what that says about luck and timingHow data, subjectivity, and quality intertwine when rating songsThe cyclical nature of musical trends, from movies to TikTokThe uneasy relationship between music and technology—

This latest edition of our monthly PM Talks series dives into a topic that underpins nearly everything we do: trust. From trusting the moment you’re in to trusting the systems you build, Patrick Rhone and I explore how this single word quietly defines the way we live, work, and connect.In this conversation, we move from the personal—trusting ourselves, our instincts, and our attention—to the societal, exploring what happens when trust erodes in our institutions, technology, and even the tools meant to make life easier.Six Discussion PointsWhy trusting the moment enhances presence—and how presence strengthens trust.How trust manifests in everyday choices, like buying a car or managing a calendar.The connection between simplicity, minimalism, and building trustworthy systems.Why democracy, money, and even productivity all rest on unseen foundations of trust.The difference between a trusted system and your trusted system.How patience, presence, and attention preserve trust over time.Three Connection PointsPatric