A Productive Conversation

Hosted by productivity strategist Mike Vardy, A Productive Conversation is a podcast that discusses tips, tools, tactics, and tricks that are designed to help you take your productivity, time management, goals, to do lists, habits, and workflow to new heights - both at work and at home. If you're looking to focus your efforts on getting the right things done and start living the good life, then this weekly conversational podcast – crafted in the tradition of Slate's Working, Back to Work, and HBR IdeaCast – is for you.

Business
Careers
Management
426
The Making of The Productivityist Playbook
In this episode of the podcast, Mike talks about the making of The Productivityist Playbook, diving into the creative and tactical processes he used – as well as mistakes made – during the creation of this product.
27 min
427
Progress with Erik Fisher
On this episode of The Productivityist Podcast, Mike speaks with his good friend Erik Fisher in the second part of a cross-podcast conversation started on his podcast Beyond the To-Do List. They talk about overwhelm, prioritization, what productivity (and other related terms) means to them, and much more.
38 min
428
Crafting Clear Systems with Marina Darlow
On this episode of the podcast, Mike speaks with Marina Darlow. Marina is a systems expert and a productivity geek. She sees her job as helping impact-driven entrepreneurs get 10-20 more productive hours a week, stop leaking money, and prevent stress-fuel breakdowns.
32 min
429
The Coaching Habit with Michael Bungay Stanier
On this episode of The Productivityist Podcast Mike speaks with the author of The Coaching Habit, Michael Bungay Stanier. They talk about deep work, simplicity, elegance, the questions you can ask to help you get more out coaching, and much more.
36 min
430
The Perfect Day with Craig Ballantyne
On this episode Mike is joined by Craig Ballantyne of Early to Rise. Craig is the creator of The Perfect Day Formula and during our discussion, they chat about Craig's thoughts on Stoicism, how the mind is the real gateway (or barrier) to establishing better days, how Craig handles email, and the rule Craig crafted that has been shared all over the web (and received its share of praise and criticism in the process).
35 min
431
Whole Life Fitness with Dai Manuel
On this episode of The Productivityist Podcast Mike speaks with Dai Manuel. Dai is the author of The Whole Life Fitness Manifesto and during this episode, Mike and Dai talk about the relationship between health, wellness, and productivity and what Dai's book and work does to promote making the most of this relationship.
30 min
432
Framing Your Mind with Kim Ades
On this episode of the podcast, Mike speaks with Kim Ades. Kim is the founder of Frame of Mind Coaching and Mike and her talk about coaching – her philosophy behind the practice, what she focuses on with her clients, and more. they also dive into mindfulness and focus along the way, as those are aspects of her work that Mike spends time on in his own work.
34 min
433
Managing Millennials (and More) with Lee Caraher
On this episode of the podcast, Mike speaks with Lee Caraher. Lee's a CEO, an author, and an acclaimed communication strategist known for her practical solutions to big problems.
34 min
434
1-800-GOT-PRODUCTIVITY with Brian Scudamore
On this episode of the podcast, Mike speaks with Brian Scudamore, the founder, and CEO of O2E Brands. O2E Brands is the banner company for 1-800-GOT-JUNK?, WOW 1 DAY PAINTING, You Move Me, and Shack Shine. Starting with one truck and a great idea, Brian grew 1-800-GOT-JUNK? into one of North America’s most successful companies and he’s poised to do the same with his three newest ventures.
23 min
435
Going One Year No Beer with Andy Ramage and Rua...
In this episode of the podcast, Mike not only talks with Andy Ramage and Ruari Fairbairns of One Year No Beer but he also take on one of their challenges.
43 min
436
Order and Organization with Rashelle Isip
On this episode of the podcast, Mike is joined by Rashelle Isip of The Order Expert. Rashelle is a consultant, author, and founder of TheOrderExpert.com, a blog featuring organization, time management and productivity tips, ideas, and inspiration to help people lead more balanced lives. She is the author of “The Order Expert’s Guide to Time Management” and “How to Plan a Great Event in 60 Days.”
32 min
437
Being Unmistakable (Again) with Srinivas Rao
On this episode of the podcast, Mike chats with his friend Srinivas Rao. Srini is the author of the book Unmistakable: Why Only is Better Than Best and the founder and CEO of Unmistakable Creative. They talk about his book (which Mike says he's dog-eared to death) and going down the path of becoming unmistakable.
30 min
438
Getting Optimized with Stephan Spencer
On this episode of The Productivityist Podcast, Mike speaks with Stephan Spencer. Stephan is a man of many talents and projects, including hosting Get Yourself Optimized and writing the book The Art of SEO.
30 min
439
Learning to Commit with Avrum Nadigel
On this episode of the podcast, Mike chats with Avrum Nadigel. Avrum is an author and relationship therapist. He co-produces "It's the anxiety, stupid!” - a podcast about relationship angst, and draws a comic about intimacy called “Ball and Change”. His new book, Learning to Commit (The Workbook): Becoming Your Best Self to Find Your Best Match, will be published by Self-Counsel Press in November 2016.
22 min
440
The Big 100
On this, the 100th episode of The Productivityist Podcast, Mike chats with producer John Poelstra about the evolution of the podcast since it started nearly two years ago.
43 min
441
Being Truly Productive with Michael Dolan
On this episode of the podcast, Mike speaks with Michael Dolan. Michael is an executive coach who helps leaders get out of their own way by enabling them to develop and maintain higher levels of productivity, self-awareness, and effectiveness so that they can create a bigger impact and experience greater satisfaction in their work and life.
42 min
442
Distractions & Disruptions with Dave Nevogt
On the episode this week, Mike speaks with Dave Nevogt. Dave is the co-founder of Hubstaff and Mike and Dave chat about what it's like to pivot from one entrepreneurial venture to another and how Dave is especially adept at eliminating distractions and dealing with disruptions.
36 min
443
Hacking Corporate with Nick Snapp
On this episode, Mike speaks with Nick Snapp, the host of The Make It Snappy Productivity Show and a productivity strategist who specializes in helping people "hack" Corporate.
31 min
444
Strategic Storytelling with Jordan Bower
On this episode of the podcast, Mike speaks with Jordan Bower. They talk about the power of story, his approach to storytelling, and much more (including a mention of one of Mike's favourite storytellers, Steven Pressfield).
36 min
445
Good to Greatist with Derek Flanzraich
In this episode, Mike speaks with Derek Flanzraich, the founder/CEO of Greatist. They talk about the idea of planning, time chunking, and many other things that allow them to push our intentions forward (and allow Derek to embody the term "greatist").
43 min
446
Priorities with Erik Fisher and Steve Dotto
On this episode of The Productivityist Podcast, we're featuring the Productivity Powerhouse Panel Blab that Steve Dotto (DottoTech) and Erik Fisher (Beyond The To Do List) did with Mike on the topic of priorities.
53 min
447
Beating Burnout with Ben Fanning
On this episode of the podcast, Mike speaks with Ben Fanning. Ben is a "burnout specialist," the author of The Quit Alternative. Ben and Mike spend time discussing how to create to-do lists that work and really dive into how Ben helps people stave off overwhelm and burnout.
28 min
448
Finding Your Signature Strengths with Scott Barlow
On this episode of the podcast, Mike speaks with the founder of Happen To Your Career, Scott Barlow.
38 min
449
The More of Less with Joshua Becker
This episode features Mike in conversation with Joshua Becker. Joshua is the man behind Becoming Minimalist and the author of The More of Less: Finding the Life You Want Under Everything You Own.
38 min
450
Productivity and Play with Kirsten Milliken
On this episode of the podcast, Mike speaks with clinical psychologist and certified ADHD Coach, Dr. Kirsten Milliken. She's the author of PlayDHD, a book that not only gives adults with ADHD permission to play – it encourages it!
35 min