Hosted by productivity strategist Mike Vardy, A Productive Conversation offers insightful discussions on how to craft a life that aligns with your intentions. Each episode dives into the art of time devotion, productiveness, and refining your approach to daily living. Mike invites guests who are thinkers, doers, and creators to share their strategies for working smarter and living more intentionally. From practical tips to deep dives on mindset shifts, this podcast will help you reframe your ...
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Curiosity sits at the intersection of creativity, effective human interactions, problem-solving and purposeful change. Unfortunately, the pace of life — at home, work, and school — often sidetracks our natural curiosity. So, let’s see the familiar from a different angle or something new as a possibility to consider.
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Hosted by Dusty Holcomb, Leadership "Quote-ient" explores the connection between powerful quotes and self-leadership. Each episode dives into timeless wisdom and its practical application, helping you grow with clarity and purpose. Designed for those striving to lead themselves and others, this podcast offers insights to guide your personal and professional journey. Join Dusty for thoughtful reflections and actionable takeaways that inspire intentional and impactful leadership.
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The Encourage Project podcast shares the work of Amy A. Fairchild, PMP and her guests and discusses the “how to”s of applying world-class project management practices to what she refers to as “human projects” (for example, weight loss, changing jobs, or buying a home). Organizations have known for years the value project manage provides – efficiency, focus, excellence in execution. Amy takes more than 25 years of project leadership experience, combines it with her leadership development and ...
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The Good Life by The RealTime Podcast Network is hosted by Sean Murray. It studies the values, virtues, and practices that contribute to leading a meaningful, flourishing life. The show focuses on the most important investment we all make - investing our time wisely to get the most out of life. Join Sean on a journey for the life well-lived. Sean is the founder and CEO of RealTime Performance, a company that provides leadership and organization development services to major corporations.
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Ending the stigma of invisible disabilities, chronic illnesses, and non-apparent conditions, one story at a time. At Invisible Condition, we elevate voices, educate workplaces, and encourage curiosity. This podcast is for individuals living with invisible conditions and the leaders responsible for creating disability-inclusive spaces. It's up to us to break the barriers of fear and judgment. Hear from real people, living with non-apparent conditions, on how we can end the stigma and create i ...
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This episode marks the latest in our ongoing monthly PM Talks series, where I sit down with Patrick Rhone to explore a theme through candid conversation, lived experience, and a touch of real-time reflection. This time, we didn’t just talk about adaptability—we lived it. Technical issues and illness meant we had to reschedule and re-record, but in …
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363: Decoding LinkedIn–Optimizing Your Digital First Impression
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39:15Guest Tony K Silver is a multi-award-winning LinkedIn expert, who has been helping people on the platform since 2008. He works with individuals and teams. He also presents on LinkedIn at conferences, expos, and company events, live and Online. Because LinkedIn is the preferred platform of professionals, he can work across many different industries,…
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Anne Marie Anderson Talks About Cultivating Audacity and Navigating Fear
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32:20This episode features a truly audacious guest—Anne Marie Anderson. A three-time Emmy award-winning broadcaster and the author of Cultivating Audacity, Anne Marie has spent her career on the sidelines of high-stakes sporting events and inside boardrooms, observing what sets bold, high performers apart. But this isn’t just about elite athletes or exe…
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362: Invisible Worlds Made Visible: Transforming Chemistry Education for Young Minds
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40:35Guest Colleen Kelley Creating fun and accessible chemistry stories has been a labor of love for Colleen, as a retired chemistry professor and author of a series of kid’s chemistry comic books. In 2023, the PBS short documentary, “Comic Book Chemistry,” was awarded an Emmy. Colleen holds a Ph.D. in chemistry from Penn State University and was a tenu…
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Kerry Hoffman Talks About Order, Chaos, and Planning with Purpose
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35:36When you gain agency over your time—whether stepping out of a traditional 9-to-5 job or shifting into self-employment—it can feel liberating… and overwhelming. Kerry Hoffman knows this tension well. As someone who helps individuals and teams make sense of what they’re doing and when they’re doing it, she offers a refreshingly practical approach to …
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361: Journalism at a Crossroads—How to Save the Beast
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44:37Guest In a career that spanned a quarter-century, Ted Czech covered crime for newspapers in three states. Disenchanted with how journalism was taught and practiced, Czech launched a second career in public relations in 2021 and began work on Saving the Beast: A Recovering Reporter Reflects on America's Broken Media and How to Fix It. Why This Episo…
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A VERY SPECIAL EPISODE: Mike Vardy Talks About The Productivity Diet
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47:28What happens when the host becomes the guest? In this special episode of A Productive Conversation, I sit on the other side of the mic as Tim O’Hare—an active and insightful member of the TimeCrafting Trust Premium community—interviews me about my latest book, The Productivity Diet. We explore why this book took years to come together, what makes i…
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360: Arctic Thaw—Today's Canary in the Coal Mine
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34:59Guest Jon Waterman’s immersive explorations of wilderness and environmental issues are distilled within his 17 books, in a mission to inspire readers to protect the planet’s natural wonders. His book Into the Thaw: Witnessing Wonder Amid the Arctic Climate Crisis is drawn from some of his life’s most profound journeys. By taking risks and tackling …
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Yvonne Heimann Talks About Building Freedom Through Systems
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1:08:51In this episode, I reconnect with productivity strategist Yvonne Heimann—aka AskYvi—who’s not only made a bold geographic shift but is navigating personal and professional freedom with intention and clarity. We explore what it looks like to trust the systems you’ve built, especially when life throws curveballs or invites you into a new chapter. Yvi…
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359: Teaching the Unthinkable: A Classroom Approach to Holocaust Education
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50:19Guest Matt Ence is a teacher at Bountiful High School in Bountiful, UT. Matt retired from the military in 2017, when he began his teaching career. He teaches a course on the Holocaust, as well as courses in AP World History and US History. Matt became a Museum Teacher Fellow at the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum in 2023. Summary Matt discusses teac…
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Keith Ferrazzi Talks About Teamship and Transforming the Way We Work
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36:56It was a real treat to welcome Keith Ferrazzi back to the show—especially to discuss his latest book, Never Lead Alone: 10 Shifts from Leadership to Teamship. Keith’s work has long pushed beyond traditional leadership models, and this conversation builds on that legacy with his fresh concept of “teamship.” We dig into how the book is structured lik…
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358: Rewriting the Peopling of the Americas: A Genetic Journey Through Time
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46:52Guest Jennifer Raff is an Associate Professor of Anthropology at the University of Kansas. She works with Indigenous communities and tribes across North America who wish to use DNA as a tool for investigating questions of recent and more distant histories. Her first book, “Origin: A Genetic History of the Americas,” is a New York Times bestseller a…
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This episode is the latest in our monthly PM Talks series, where Patrick Rhone and I go deep on foundational elements of productiveness. And for this one—our 600th episode, no less—we dive into a topic that touches everything from our to-do lists to our dinner prep: focus. What does it really mean to focus? And more importantly, how do we hold onto…
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David Kolbe Talks About Doing More Naturally and Unlocking Instinctive Productivity
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44:15When I first heard the term conative, I was surprised I hadn’t come across it before. After all, I live in the productivity space. But after my conversation with David Kolbe, it became clear just how crucial it is to understand this third part of the mind—especially if we want to work more naturally and avoid burnout. David is the CEO of Kolbe Corp…
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356: Find Your Niche and Your Secret—The Power of Differentiation
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39:59Guest Reuben Swartz is the founder of Mimiran, the fun, anti-CRM for independent consultants. He founded Mimiran out of his experience as a sales and marketing consultant for the Fortune 500 who struggled with his own business development efforts. He's also the host and chief nerd on the Sales for Nerds podcast. Summary – Why this discussion matter…
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Austin Kleon Talks About Routine, Creativity, and Paying Attention
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35:03It was a real treat to reconnect with Austin Kleon for this episode of A Productive Conversation. Before we got into the heart of the conversation, Austin gave us a quick update: his next book Don’t Call It Art is in the works, inspired by the playful creativity he’s witnessed in his kids. He also mentioned that his once-weekly newsletter has now d…
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355: Unlocking the World of Recipes and Cooking Through Technology
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33:19Guests Jane Kelly founded Eat Your Books in 2009 with her sister Fiona Nugent because she wanted to easily find recipes in her extensive cookbook collection, and reasoned there are other cooks with the same need. She has spent the past 15 years building the site into a search engine for 2.6 million recipes found in cookbooks, food magazines, and on…
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Krish Ramineni Talks About AI, Meetings, and Staying Focused While Building
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33:48
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33:48In this episode of A Productive Conversation, I sit down with Krish Ramineni, co-founder and CEO of Fireflies.ai. Krish has had an impressive journey—from being one of Microsoft’s youngest product managers to launching Fireflies, an AI-powered meeting assistant. He’s also been named to Forbes’ 30 Under 30 and has guest lectured at Stanford on deep …
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Guest Deborah Sosin, MSW, is a writer, editor, psychotherapist, and an instructor at GrubStreet, the Center for Creative Writing. Her essays have appeared in the New York Times, Boston Globe, Salon, Cognoscenti, Brevity Blog, and several literary magazines. She wrote the award-winning picture book Charlotte and the Quiet Place; and a workbook, Sobe…
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Spring: A Season that Reminds Us to Embrace a Leadership Growth Mindset
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8:15Spring is a season of renewal, preparation, and growth—just like leadership. In this episode, Dusty Holcomb explores how leaders must invest in growth long before they see results, cultivating relationships, building culture, and trusting the process. Just as a farmer faithfully plants seeds without immediate reward, great leaders embrace a leaders…
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This episode of PM Talks is all about curiosity—how it drives us, how it gets suppressed, and how it intertwines with trust and judgment. Patrick Rhone and I dive deep into the forces that shape our thinking, from societal conditioning to personal experiences. As always, we take a thoughtful (and sometimes humorous) approach to unpacking these idea…
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353: The Power of Objects—Sharing Stories and Creating Connections
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40:32Guest Sarah Elkins is your guide to uncovering the right personal stories for the right audiences so executives, leaders, public speakers, and job seekers can clearly and effectively demonstrate their character, values, and vision. She is a storyteller, communication coach, author, and professional musician. As a Gallup-certified StrengthsFinder co…
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The Will to Win – How to Build a Legacy That Lasts
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7:20Episode Summary: What truly defines your leadership legacy—your wins, your losses, or how you show up every day? In this episode, we explore the enduring power of the will to win and why resilience, character, and intentional self-leadership far outlast any single event. Through real-world leadership examples and powerful takeaways, you’ll learn ho…
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Anne-Laure Le Cunff Talks About Tiny Experiments and Sustainable Productivity
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37:20In this episode of A Productive Conversation, I sit down with Anne-Laure Le Cunff, neuroscientist, entrepreneur, and founder of Ness Labs, to discuss her new book Tiny Experiments: How to Live Freely in a Goal-Obsessed World. Anne-Laure is known for blending science with practical strategies for thinking, learning, and working better—without burnin…
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352: Navigating the Challenges Facing U.S. Public Education
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55:19Guest Julie A. Vitale, Ph.D. is the Superintendent of the Oceanside Unified School District. Her educational journey includes a Ph.D. in Urban Educational Administration from Claremont Graduate University, a Master of Arts in Educational Administration, and a Masters and Bachelor of Arts from the University of LaVerne. Dr. Vitale has been a faculty…
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Doubt is Lying to You: How to Reclaim Your Confidence and Take Bold Action
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8:13Doubt is one of the biggest obstacles to confident leadership. It whispers hesitation, fuels overthinking, and convinces you that you're not ready. But here’s the truth—doubt is lying to you. Confidence isn’t something you wait for; it’s something you build by taking bold action. In this episode, we unpack: How to overcome doubt and break free from…
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The Hidden Cost of Compromise: Will You Trade Integrity for Approval?
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6:38
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6:38Leadership isn’t about power or position—it’s about the choices you make when no one is watching. In this episode, we dive deep into virtue in leadership, exploring why integrity, trust, and honor are essential for leaders who want to make a lasting impact. Have you ever faced a moment where cutting a small corner felt easier than standing firm in …
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Charlie Gilkey Talks About Finishing What Matters
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1:09:56Over the years, I've had plenty of insightful conversations on this podcast, and one that still stands out is my discussion with Charlie Gilkey about his book Start Finishing. This Flashback Friday episode brings that conversation back, but with a twist—we start with an update from Charlie on what he's been up to since then. Charlie is someone who …
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Kerry Ann King Talks About Productivity, Art, and the Power of Intention
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42:51In this episode of A Productive Conversation, I sit down with Kerry Ann King, the founder and CEO of Eluminate Labs. Kerry Ann has spent more than a decade working inside the tech industry to promote human-centered approaches to well-being. She’s now leading the charge in decolonizing tech, creating inclusive solutions that put people first. Our co…
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351: Looking Differently at Cattle Grazing, Soil Health, and Climate Change
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55:40Peter Byck is an award-winning documentary film director helping to lead a $10 million research project comparing Adaptive Multi-Paddock grazing with conventional grazing. He is the director of the docuseries Roots So Deep (you can see the devil down there), which is all about inventive farmers and maverick scientists building a path to solving cli…
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How Leaders Find Purpose: The Key to Meaningful Work and Impact
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7:17In this episode of The Leadership Quotient, Dusty explores the essence of leadership, emphasizing the importance of self-leadership and the pursuit of meaningful work. He discusses the tension leaders face between comfort and purpose, the significance of viewing current roles as opportunities for growth, and the necessity of taking intentional acti…
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Dan Schawbel Talks About Human Connection in the Digital Age
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32:11In this Flashback Friday episode, I revisit my 2018 conversation with Dan Schawbel, a thought leader in workplace trends and human connection. We originally spoke about his book Back to Human: How Great Leaders Create Connection in the Age of Isolation, which explores how technology can be used as a bridge—not a barrier—to meaningful relationships.…
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Scott Doorley and Carissa Carter Talk About Designing the Future and Navigating Uncertainty
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46:41In this episode of A Productive Conversation, I sit down with Scott Doorley and Carissa Carter to explore the themes of their book, Assembling Tomorrow: A Guide for Designing a Thriving Future. As leaders at Stanford's d.school—Scott as Creative Director and Carissa as Academic Director—they've spent years shaping design education and innovation. O…
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350: Repurposing Video and Podcast Content to Build Business Relationships
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44:28Guest Paul Banks is an ADHD father and husband who broke out of corporate life and spent 5 years in complex SaaS sales, understanding how to create meaningful connections through the power of video content. The former retail manager and volunteer police officer now spends his days combining technology, AI, and expertise to help his clients attract …
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Courtney Carver Talks About Gentle Living and Project 333
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42:30Fifteen years into her journey of simplicity, Courtney Carver continues to inspire people to do more with less. In this special Flashback Friday episode of A Productive Conversation, we revisit a past conversation from March 2020 about Project 333, her minimalist fashion challenge that has helped thousands streamline their wardrobes and their lives…
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The latest episode of PM Talks is here, and this month, Patrick Rhone and I dive into alignment—a concept that is critical for making meaningful progress in both work and life. As we move beyond the fresh-start energy of January, February is often when things begin to fray. That’s why now is the perfect time to step back and examine whether our act…
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349: Perspectives—The U.S. Home Front During WWII and the Lessons of History
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46:15Allan M. Winkler is the University Distinguished Professor Emeritus at Miami University of Ohio. He has also taught at Yale University and the University of Oregon and, for one year each, at the University of Helsinki in Finland, the University of Amsterdam in the Netherlands, and the University of Nairobi in Kenya. In addition to his own books, he…
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Joshua Becker Talks About Distractions, Meaning, and What Really Matters
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34:05In this Flashback Friday episode of A Productive Conversation, I sit down with Joshua Becker to discuss his book Things That Matter: Overcoming Distraction to Pursue a More Meaningful Life. Joshua is known for his work on minimalism, but this book goes beyond decluttering physical possessions—it’s about eliminating the distractions that keep us fro…
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Nathan J. Murphy Talks About The Ideas That Rule Us
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56:22Ideas shape our lives—sometimes without us even realizing it. In this episode, I sit down with Nathan J. Murphy, founder of Prepolitica and author of The Ideas That Rule Us, to explore how the ideas we inherit, adopt, and hold onto influence our decisions, beliefs, and behaviors. Nathan brings a deep, research-driven approach to understanding the p…
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348: Creating Safe Passage—Road Ecologists and the Intersection of Wildlife and Development (Pt 2)
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34:02Guest Ben Goldfarb is an environmental journalist whose work has appeared in National Geographic, the Atlantic, Smithsonian Magazine, and many other publications. He is the author of Crossings: How Road Ecology Is Shaping the Future of Our Planet, named one of the best books of 2023 by the New York Times, and Eager: The Surprising, Secret Life of B…
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Nir Eyal Talks About Becoming Indistractable and Managing Distractions
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51:25In this Flashback Friday episode of A Productive Conversation, I talk with Nir Eyal, the bestselling author of Indistractable: How to Control Your Attention and Choose Your Life. Nir offers actionable strategies for avoiding distractions and making time for what matters most. We discuss the difference between traction and distraction, how internal …
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Shawn Lemon Talks About Digital Peace and Organization
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38:13In this episode of A Productive Conversation, I chat with Shawn Lemon, digital organizer and founder of The Digital Organizer. Shawn has helped countless individuals and organizations regain control of their digital lives, offering practical solutions to manage clutter, streamline workflows, and achieve “digital peace.” We explore the hidden challe…
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347: Creating Safe Passage—Road Ecologists and the Intersection of Wildlife and Development (Pt 1)
32:32
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32:32Guest Ben Goldfarb is an environmental journalist whose work has appeared in National Geographic, the Atlantic, Smithsonian Magazine, and many other publications. He is the author of Crossings: How Road Ecology Is Shaping the Future of Our Planet, named one of the best books of 2023 by the New York Times, and Eager: The Surprising, Secret Life of B…
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Robin Hills Talks About Emotional Resilience and Leadership
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39:21In this Flashback Friday episode of A Productive Conversation, I sit down with Robin Hills, author of The Authority Guide to Emotional Resilience in Business. Robin is an expert in emotional intelligence and resilience, with over 35 years of experience in business and personal development. His work is rooted in helping individuals and organizations…
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Anders Indset Talks About The Viking Code and High-Performance Culture
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38:19In this episode of A Productive Conversation, I sit down with Anders Indset, the renowned business philosopher and author of The Viking Code: The Art and Science of Norwegian Success. Known for his profound insights into leadership and technology, Anders shares a compelling exploration of how modern Vikings channel timeless values like collectivism…
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346: Breaking Barriers: Men, Vulnerability, and Emotional Growth
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58:17Guest Bob Reece has worked as a full-time educator with at-risk teens and as a successful small business owner over the past two decades. He now works as a Clinical Counselor and Personal Coach. He holds Master of Natural Science and Master of Clinical Counseling degrees as well as Life Coach Certification from the Tony Robbins/Madanes Training Sch…
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Mridu Parikh Talks About Automation, Systems, and Alignment
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40:53In this Flashback Friday episode of A Productive Conversation, I sit down with Mridu Parikh to discuss the power of simplicity in automation, systemization, and achieving alignment in your work and life. Mridu, a systems expert and productivity coach, shares how small steps and simple tools can free up mental space, prevent overwhelm, and help you …
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Derek Rydall Talks About Abundance, Alignment, and Meaningful Productivity
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42:13In this thought-provoking episode of A Productive Conversation, I sit down with transformational leader Derek Rydall to explore the deeper aspects of productivity, abundance, and alignment. Derek, a bestselling author of Emergence and The Abundance Project, shares his journey from personal hardships to creating a thriving coaching platform that emp…
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345: Living with Purpose—Eastern and Western Insights into Habits and Growth
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52:40Guest Tamsin Astor: Tamsin Astor is a Chief Habit Scientist. She helps her clients shift their mindset, organize their vision, and improve their habits, creating productivity and joy! Dr. Astor’s clients reduce their decision-making, increasing their time and energy for fun! Tamsin is a mother, a traveler and foodie. She believes travel breeds tole…
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Michael Hyatt Talks About Productivity, Focus, and the Power of Saying No
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57:16This Flashback Friday episode of A Productive Conversation brings back an inspiring and enlightening discussion with Michael Hyatt. Michael, a bestselling author and leadership expert, shares insights from his book Free to Focus. Together, we explore what it truly means to be productive and how to focus on what really matters. Michael emphasizes th…
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