Best Duncan And Angus Podcasts (2025)

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Simon Tolkien: Spanish Civil War Novels, Rings of Power & J.R.R. Tolkien’s Legacy 1:10:01

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4d ago1:10:01

1:10:01

Author Simon Tolkien (grandson of J.R.R. Tolkien) joins the Rock, Paper, Swords! podcast to talk about his powerful historical novels, his research into the Spanish Civil War, and his work with Amazon’s Rings of Power.⁠ https://linktr.ee/RockPaperSwords Support us on Patreon:⁠⁠ ⁠https://www.patreon.com/RockPaperSwordsPodcast 🍺 Buy us a beer and get…

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Charles Duhigg on the Secret Power of Storytelling in Communication 42:48

4d ago42:48

42:48

This week, we’re revisiting one of our most impactful conversations—with Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist and bestselling author Charles Duhigg, about his latest book Supercommunicators: How to Unlock the Secret Language of Connection. In a world where remote work, digital communication, and polarized conversations are the norm, knowing how to tru…

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Pat Flynn on Lean Learning: Achieve More by Consuming Less 50:39

7d ago50:39

50:39

Pat Flynn returns to the show to share insights from his newest book, Lean Learning: How to Achieve More by Learning Less. In a world overflowing with content, Pat offers a powerful solution for those overwhelmed by endless podcasts, videos, and inspiration rabbit holes. Instead of more input, Lean Learning is about acting on just the right informa…

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Alan Gannett on Unlocking Everyday Creativity for Greater Productivity (Shortcast) 9:16

12d ago9:16

9:16

In this Shortcast edition, Alan Gannett, author of The Creative Curve, demystifies the myth that creativity is an inborn talent. Instead, he lays out how great ideas emerge at the intersection of familiarity and novelty—and how anyone can train themselves to consistently produce creative work. The Creativity Curve Explained: Alan introduces the “cr…

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Michael Long on Taming Dopamine: Regain Focus and Productivity 40:46

15d ago40:46

40:46

Michael Long is a bestselling author and speechwriter who co-wrote Taming the Molecule of More, the follow-up to the hit book The Molecule of More. In this conversation, we dive into how dopamine—the brain’s “molecule of more”—drives distraction, craving, creativity, and productivity, and how we can train it to serve us instead of sabotage us. In t…

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Angus Donald talks about his novel, Templar Traitor - Mongols, falling off horses, Conan the Barbarian and more! 1:04:51

18d ago1:04:51

1:04:51

Our guest today is Angus Donald, author of the Outlaw Chronicles, about a medieval gangster called Robin Hood, a 17th-century series about an unusual but rather brilliant chap called Holcroft Blood. And writing as Angus Macallan, he has also tried his hand at fantasy with the Gates of Stone. We previously had Angus on the podcast to talk about his …

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Ingrid Jansen on Decluttering with Purpose: Reset Your Home & Mind 42:17

20d ago42:17

42:17

Professional organizer Ingrid Jansen, co-author of Reset Your Home, explains why clutter is more about emotions than “stuff,” why decluttering is a process (not a project), and how to start small—think kitchens, cupboards, and daily resets—to build your “decluttering muscle” over time. In this conversation, we discuss: Process over project: Declutt…

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Bill McGowan on How to Speak Memorably and Communicate with Clarity & Confidence 38:59

23d ago38:59

38:59

Bill McGowan, author of Speak Memorably: The Art of Captivating an Audience, shares practical ways to make your ideas stick—on stage, on Zoom, and in any high-stakes moment. We get into dynamic delivery, smarter structure, and memorable language devices you can use immediately. In this conversation, we discuss: Dial it up (a bit): Why what feels “o…

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Paul Kirby on Productivity with Purpose: The FUSE Pathway 44:43

27d ago44:43

44:43

In this episode, Paul Kirby, author of The FUSE Pathway: How to Find and Lead a Fulfilling Life, shares how to identify your core passions, combine them into a unique vision, and build a realistic, evolving plan to pursue them. Drawing from his own experience of designing a robot that paints, Paul explains the FUSE framework—Find, Upgrade, Start, E…

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Zorana Pringle on Creativity as a Choice: From Ideas to Action 37:58

1M ago37:58

37:58

Dr. Zorana Ivcevic Pringle is a leading researcher in creativity psychology and author of The Creativity Choice: The Science of Making Decisions to Turn Ideas into Action. In this episode, she unpacks how creativity isn’t just a moment of inspiration—it’s a series of choices. Whether you think you’re creative or not, Zorana shares how motivation, a…

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J. C. Duncan talks Vikings, Bladesmithing, Publishing and more! 1:12:26

1M ago1:12:26

1:12:26

Today’s guest is author, J.C. Duncan. He is the author of The Last Viking Series of novels about Harald Hardrada and the The Light of the North saga, a historical fantasy series set in a world where the Vikings clash with Christian Crusaders. As well as writing, J.C. Duncan is also a bladesmith and there can’t be much cooler than forging blades! Ju…

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Jeffrey & Jamie Downs on The Power of Streaks to Build Daily Habits That Stick (Shortcast) 9:55

1M ago9:55

9:55

In this shortcast edition of Beyond the To-Do List, Jeffrey and Jamie Downs, creators of the Streaking method and authors behind streakingmastery.com explore how laughably simple daily habits can help you build momentum, boost confidence, and turn goals into long-term identity shifts. Why Simplicity Wins: Simple actions are doable even on your hard…

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Adam Lofthouse talks all about Ancient Rome 47:18

2M ago47:18

47:18

⁠https://linktr.ee/RockPaperSwords⁠ Support us on Patreon: ⁠https://www.patreon.com/RockPaperSwordsPodcast⁠ Buy us a beer and get a shoutout by heading to https://ko-fi.com/rockpaperswords Adam Lofthouse is the author of action-packed historical fiction set in ancient Rome, such as The Path of Nemesis trilogy, and The Enemy of the Empire books. His…

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James Kimmel on Revenge Addiction: Breaking Free and Regaining Control 42:13

2M ago42:13

42:13

James Kimmel, author of The Science of Revenge, joins the show to unpack one of the most overlooked forms of distraction and emotional hijacking: revenge. Drawing from neuroscience, psychology, and decades of legal and public health research, James reveals how revenge isn’t just an emotional reaction—it’s an addictive cycle that can derail our focu…

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Eliana Goldstein on Career Clarity: Align Your Work with Your Strengths 36:44

2M ago36:44

36:44

Career coach Eliana Goldstein joins the show to help listeners navigate career uncertainty, burnout, and the desire for more meaningful work. After walking away from a “successful on paper” corporate job, Eliana built a coaching business helping high-achieving professionals uncover their ideal roles—without starting over. In this episode, she share…

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John Jantsch on Self-Reliance: How to Build Resilience, Perseverance, and Perspective (Shortcast) 11:17

2M ago11:17

11:17

In this Shortcast edition, John Jantsch, author of The Self-Reliant Entrepreneur, draws wisdom from great American writers like Henry David Thoreau, Mark Twain, and William Wells Brown to explore three essential traits for thriving in life and business: perseverance, perspective, and resilience. Rather than chasing productivity hacks, John invites …

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Kendall Berg on Winning the Career Game: The Rules No One Taught You 43:56

2M ago43:56

43:56

In this episode, Kendall Berg, author of Secrets of the Career Game: 36 Simple Strategies to Win in the Workplace, shares how to navigate the hidden rules of career advancement. Kendall opens up about her journey from being a technically strong but overlooked employee to someone who rapidly rose through the ranks by learning to play the “career gam…

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Three Year Anniversary Episode! 43:51

2M ago43:51

43:51

Rock, Paper, Swords is three years old! In this episode, Matthew and Steven take a look back at some of the highlights of the last three years and then turn to the future with a very big announcement! Don't miss this one! Link Tree:⁠⁠ ⁠https://linktr.ee/RockPaperSwords⁠⁠⁠ Support us on Patreon:⁠⁠ ⁠https://www.patreon.com/RockPaperSwordsPodcast⁠⁠⁠ B…

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Camilla Kring on Chronoleadership and Working With Your Body Clock 46:57

2M ago46:57

46:57

In this episode, Camilla Kring, author of Chronoleadership: How to Create Healthier and More Productive Rhythms in Your Work and Life, explains how understanding your biological rhythms—and leading with them instead of against them—can unlock greater well-being and performance. Camilla shares how workplaces can become more inclusive by embracing ch…

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Jonathan Levi on Memory Hacks: How to Learn Faster and Remember More (Shortcast) 10:15

2M ago10:15

10:15

In this Shortcast edition, Jonathan Levi, author of The Only Skill That Matters, shares practical techniques to improve memory, focus, and reading speed by training your brain rather than relying on talent or willpower. Levi breaks down the myths about memory and introduces powerful tools like visual mnemonics, speed reading, and memory palaces tha…

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Mamie Kanfer Stewart on Meeting Smarter: How to Stop Wasting Time at Work (Shortcast) 10:48

2M ago10:48

10:48

In this Shortcast edition, Mamie Kanfer Stewart, co-author of Momentum: Creating Effective, Engaging and Enjoyable Meetings, explains why meetings are one of the biggest productivity drains—and how to fix them. From clarifying desired outcomes to optimizing who’s in the room, Mamie shares practical, people-focused strategies to make meetings more e…

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Mike Vardy on The Productivity Diet: Feeding What Fuels You 42:11

2M ago42:11

42:11

I’m excited to welcome back Mike Vardy to the show. Mike is a productivity strategist, longtime friend of the podcast, and the author of The Productivity Diet: A Practical Guide to Nurturing Your Productive Potential. In this conversation, we dive into how the language, systems, and inputs you choose each day can either nourish or deplete your abil…

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Patricia Bracewell - author of the Emma of Normandy series. 44:07

2M ago44:07

44:07

Patricia Bracewell's website: https://www.patriciabracewell.com/ Link Tree:⁠ ⁠https://linktr.ee/RockPaperSwords⁠⁠ Support us on Patreon:⁠ ⁠https://www.patreon.com/RockPaperSwordsPodcast⁠⁠ Buy us a beer and get a shoutout by heading to⁠ ⁠https://ko-fi.com/rockpaperswords Patricia Bracewell is the author of the Emma of Normandy trilogy, which started…

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Donald Miller on Productivity: How to Focus, Finish, and Find Meaning (Shortcast) 10:03

2M ago10:03

10:03

In this Shortcast edition, Donald Miller, author of Building a StoryBrand, shares how applying storytelling principles can bring clarity, purpose, and momentum to your personal and professional life. Drawing from narrative theory, Donald explains how to see your life as a story—complete with a clear goal, supporting characters, and an inciting inci…

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Cynthia Kane on The Pause Principle: How to Keep Your Cool in Tough Situations 36:37

3M ago36:37

36:37

In this episode, Cynthia Kane, author of The Pause Principle: How to Keep Your Cool in Tough Situations, joins the show to discuss how to improve communication by mastering the art of pausing. Cynthia, a communication expert, explains why taking a moment to pause before reacting in difficult situations can lead to more effective and mindful communi…

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Cal Newport on Digital Minimalism: How to Reclaim Focus and Control (Shortcast) 9:10

3M ago9:10

9:10

In this Shortcast edition, Cal Newport, author of Digital Minimalism: Choosing a Focused Life in a Noisy World, shares how we can reclaim our time and attention by taking control of our relationship with digital technology. Rather than rejecting tech entirely, Cal proposes a minimalist approach—using technology with intention and only when it suppo…

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Jess Cording on Strategies for Managing Stress: Mind, Body, and Spirit (Shortcast) 10:47

3M ago10:47

10:47

In this special Shortcast, Jess Cording, author of The Little Book of Game Changers: 50 Healthy Habits for Managing Stress and Anxiety, shares practical strategies to manage stress and anxiety by making small, sustainable changes across mind, body, and spirit. Jess offers gentle, doable practices that go beyond willpower—emphasizing progress over p…

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Ale/beer consumption throughout history! Pete Brown tells us some drinking stories! 49:15

3M ago49:15

49:15

Pete Brown's website: https://www.petebrown.net/ Link Tree: ⁠https://linktr.ee/RockPaperSwords⁠ Support us on Patreon: ⁠https://www.patreon.com/RockPaperSwordsPodcast⁠ Buy us a beer and get a shoutout by heading to ⁠buymeacoffee.com/rockpaperswords Pete Brown is a British author, journalist, broadcaster and consultant specialising in food and drink…

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Shira Gill on How Minimalism and Intentionality Can Transform Your Life 39:42

3M ago39:42

39:42

In this episode, Shira Gill, author of Lifestyle: Your Guide to a More Organized and Intentional Life, joins the show to discuss her approach to minimalism and intentional living. Shira, a professional organizer, shares how she applies the principles of minimalism not just to physical possessions but to all aspects of life—helping to create space f…

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Jim Guinn on Preventing Conflict: How to Get Along with Anyone at Work and Home 35:01

3M ago35:01

35:01

In this episode, Jim Guinn, co-author of How to Get Along with Anyone: The Playbook for Predicting and Preventing Conflict at Work and at Home, joins the show to discuss the art of conflict prevention. Jim, an expert in mediation and conflict resolution, shares practical tools for recognizing and managing conflict before it escalates into full-blow…

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MJ Porter - Vikings, Saxons, swearing in historical fiction and much more! 52:07

3M ago52:07

52:07

M.J. Porter is an author of historical fiction and nonfiction. She has written about Anglo-Saxons and Vikings as well as three twentieth-century mysteries and Viking age/dragon themed fantasy. She is a prolific hybrid author, with independently published and traditionally published books. We met up with MJ at the HNS Conference last year for a quic…

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Baratunde Thurston on Unplugging: How to Reclaim Your Time and Focus (Shortcast) 11:19

4M ago11:19

11:19

In this special Shortcast edition, Baratunde Thurston, shares his experience of unplugging from social media for 25 days—and what he learned about stress, productivity, and the importance of being present. Baratunde reveals how stepping away from constant digital interaction can lead to more meaningful real-world connections and less burnout. In th…

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Melody Wilding on Managing Up: How to Get What You Need from Those in Charge 48:23

4M ago48:23

48:23

In this episode, Melody Wilding, author of Managing Up: How to Get What You Need from People in Charge, joins the show to discuss the often-overlooked skill of managing up. Melody shares insights on how to communicate more effectively with those in higher positions, ensuring that you get the support and guidance you need for your career while maint…

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Courtney Carver on Gentle Rest: How to Stress Less and Live the Life You Want 50:56

4M ago50:56

50:56

In this episode, Courtney Carver, author of Rest More, Stress Less: How to Live the Life You Actually Want, shares her transformative approach to prioritizing rest and reducing stress. Courtney, a simplicity and decluttering expert, discusses how rest is not just a reward but a necessity for productivity, creativity, and overall well-being. In this…

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RPS NEWS! Plus Dire wolves? We chat about bringing things back from earlier periods in history. What would YOU bring back? 45:07

4M ago45:07

45:07

Link Tree: ⁠https://linktr.ee/RockPaperSwords⁠ Support us on Patreon: ⁠https://www.patreon.com/RockPaperSwordsPodcast⁠ Buy us a beer and get a shoutout by heading to ⁠buymeacoffee.com/rockpaperswords Buy UPRISING, this week's sponsor from Paul Bernardi! Buy link for Paul Bernardi's book: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0F38L728Z We don’t have a guest …

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Jeremy Kubicek on The 100X Leader: How to Become Someone Worth Following (Shortcast) 12:00

4M ago12:00

12:00

In this special Shortcast edition, Jeremy Kubicek, author of The 100X Leader: How to Become Someone Worth Following, shares how we can lead with both support and challenge to help others reach their full potential. Drawing inspiration from Sherpas guiding climbers on Mount Everest, Jeremy illustrates what it means to lead others by being fully for …

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Angus Nelson on Confidence: How to Stop Waiting and Start Living Boldly 41:34

5M ago41:34

41:34

In this episode, Angus Nelson, author of Confidence Comes Later, discusses his journey of building confidence through action and embracing uncertainty. Angus, an entrepreneur and personal development coach, explores how to disrupt your life by taking bold steps instead of waiting for confidence to appear, and how this can lead to personal growth an…

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Book cover design! Oliver Bennett from MORE VISUAL joins us to discuss current and future trends and the threat (or otherwise) of AI to creatives. 1:07:44

5M ago1:07:44

1:07:44

Link Tree: https://linktr.ee/RockPaperSwords Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/RockPaperSwordsPodcast Buy us a beer and get a shoutout by heading to buymeacoffee.com/rockpaperswords Our guest today has designed countless book covers, including all of Steven’s independently published books! Oliver Bennett is a graphic designer and co-fo…

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Julie Fast on Getting It Done When You’re Depressed: Practical Strategies for Productivity 53:48

5M ago53:48

53:48

In this episode we revisit a conversation with Julie Fast, author of Getting It Done When You’re Depressed: 50 Strategies to Help You Achieve Productivity Even with Depression, Anxiety, or ADHD. She shares her expertise on how to overcome productivity barriers caused by mental health struggles. Julie, who has lived with bipolar disorder, depression…

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Sara Sherman on Using Music to Enhance Focus and Wellbeing 48:01

5M ago48:01

48:01

In this episode, Sara Sherman, author of Resonant Minds: The Transformative Power of Music, joins the show to discuss the powerful and often underestimated role of music in our lives. Sara, a classical musician and educator, explores how music can not only enhance our emotional well-being but also improve focus, productivity, and social connections…

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Jason Kingsley OBE - Modern History TV & Rebellion - Judge Dredd, 2000AD, Sniper Elite & more! 1:10:46

5M ago1:10:46

1:10:46

Link Tree: ⁠https://linktr.ee/RockPaperSwords⁠ Support us on Patreon: ⁠https://www.patreon.com/RockPaperSwordsPodcast⁠ Buy us a beer and get a shoutout by heading to ⁠buymeacoffee.com/rockpaperswords⁠ Our guest today is Jason Kingsley, an incredibly successful businessman and a technologist who is also obsessed with the past. He is CEO of Rebellion…

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Anne-Laure Le Cunnf on Tiny Experiments: Redefining Success in a Goal-Obsessed World 46:01

5M ago46:01

46:01

In this episode, Anne-Laure Le Cunff, author of Tiny Experiments: How to Live Freely in a Goal-Obsessed World, joins the show to discuss her experimental approach to goal-setting and personal growth. Anne-Laure, a neuroscience enthusiast and founder of Ness Labs, explores how shifting from traditional goal-setting to small, iterative experiments ca…

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Madeline Mann on Reverse the Search: Turning Job Seeking into Job Shopping 48:18

5M ago48:18

48:18

In this episode, Madelin Mann, author of Reverse the Search: How to Turn Job Seeking into Job Shopping, joins the show to share her expert advice on transforming the traditional job search process. With years of experience in HR and recruiting, Madelin provides valuable insights into how to stand out in today’s competitive job market by shifting fr…

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Donovan Cook - WODEN'S SPEAR! Vikings, Norse mythology and more... 1:00:07

5M ago1:00:07

1:00:07

Support us on Patreon: ⁠https://www.patreon.com/RockPaperSwordsPodcast⁠ You can buy us a beer and get a shoutout too, by heading to ⁠buymeacoffee.com/rockpaperswords Donovan Cook is the author of the Ormstunga Saga series set in the Viking world and inspired by his interest in Norse Mythology. His second series, The Charlemagne's Cross Series, is p…

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Ximena Vengeochea on The Life Audit: How to Reevaluate Your Goals and Reclaim Your Path 45:25

5M ago45:25

45:25

In this episode, Ximena Vengeochea, author of The Life Audit: A Step-by-Step Guide to Discovering Your Goals and Building the Life You Want, shares her approach to re-evaluating life’s priorities and making intentional changes. Ximena, a former LinkedIn leader, uses her background in user research to help others take a fresh, introspective approach…

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Elizabeth Lotardo on Leading Yourself: How to Find Purpose in Your Current Job 52:35

5M ago52:35

52:35

In this episode, Elizabeth Lotardo, author of Leading Yourself: Finding More Joy, Meaning, and Opportunities in the Job You Already Have, shares her insights on how to find purpose and fulfillment in your current job. Drawing on her background as an organizational psychologist, Elizabeth explores how shifting your mindset can help you thrive at wor…

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Andrew Brodsky on Mastering Successful Virtual Communication 51:38

6M ago51:38

51:38

In this episode, Andrew Brodsky, author of Ping: The Secrets of Successful Virtual Communication, explores how virtual communication can be improved for both productivity and relationship-building. Andrew, a professor at the University of Texas and expert on virtual communication, discusses his research and personal journey in understanding how we …

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Jenny Wood on Wild Courage: How to Overcome Fear and Unlock Your Potential 49:29

6M ago49:29

49:29

In this episode, we welcome Jenny Wood, a former Google executive, founder of Own Your Career, and author of Wild Courage: Go After What You Want and Get It. Jenny shares powerful insights into overcoming fear, taking bold risks, and navigating personal and professional growth with courage. In this conversation, we explore: The Courage to Overcome …

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Edoardo Albert - History, archaeology, Warhammer, swords, writing & more! 1:00:44

6M ago1:00:44

1:00:44

Support us on Patreon from as little as £1 per month: https://www.patreon.com/RockPaperSwordsPodcast Today’s guest is Edoardo Albert. Edoardo is a British writer of Italian and Sri Lankan descent. He writes about Britain in the early medieval period (between the Romans leaving and the Normans arriving), the 40th millennium in the Warhammer universe…

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Oliver Burkeman on Embracing Limits and Making Time for What Matters 44:15

6M ago44:15

44:15

I’m excited to welcome Oliver Burkeman back to the show to discuss his new book, Meditations for Mortals: Four Weeks to Embrace Your Limitations and Make Time for What Counts. You can find his previous conversation on the show here. Oliver is a journalist and author best known for 4,000 Weeks: Time Management for Mortals. His latest book offers a p…