A Productive Conversation

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 relationship with time and find balance in a busy world.

Subscribe and join the conversation—because a productive life is more than just getting things done.

Business
Careers
Management
526
What Goes Into a Task App with Amir Salihefendic
In this podcast episode, Mike speaks with the founder and CEO of Doist (the makers of Todoist), Amir Salihefendic. They discuss what prompted Amir to create Todoist, what system he uses to complete his tasks and dive deeper into what it's like to work on developing a task management application in today's age.
41 min
527
The Year of Fear with Kendra Wright
On this episode of The Productivityist Podcast, Mike speaks with Kendra Wright. They talk about how they each treat fear, their to-do lists, their calendars, and more.
31 min
528
Overnight Success with Aaron Mahnke
This episode features a conversation between Mike and Aaron Mahnke, accomplished author and the man behind the award-winning podcast Lore. The road to Lore wasn't a straight one for Aaron, so they talk about the journey Aaron had to overnight success and how he used to work versus how he works today.
44 min
529
Getting Reading Done with Mike Dariano
On this episode of the show, Mike is joined by Productivityist's resident book reviewer and fellow avid reader Mike Dariano. They talk about how they go about reading and what they do differently to keep their reading workflow...flowing
41 min
530
A Mindful Conversation with Patrick Rhone
On this episode of the podcast, Patrick Rhone returns for another great conversation with Mike. This time around they focus on reading more (and better), mindfulness (and Patrick's new book Mindfulness for Mere Mortals), and much more.
36 min
531
ADHD Productivity with Ryan McRae
In this podcast episode, Mike speaks with Ryan McRae, better known as The ADHD Nerd. They talk about how ADHD has affected Ryan's productivity, what time management tips he recommends to those who have ADHD, and how anyone should combat the perils of procrastination.
26 min
532
Think Productive with Graham Allcott
In this edition of the podcast, Mike speaks with the founder of Think Productive and productivity ninja Graham Allcott. They focus on the nine characteristics you need to have to become a true productivity ninja and dive into a myriad of other offshoot topics as a result.
34 min
533
Freakishly Productive with Annie Mueller
In this episode, Mike talks with Annie Mueller from Freakishly Productive about tactical time management tips. They discuss how Annie is able to be productive while homeschooling four kids and running a business.
30 min
534
The Productivity Project with Chris Bailey
In this episode of the podcast, Mike chats with fellow Canadian and author of The Productivity Project, Chris Bailey.
27 min
535
Better Email Habits with Andy Mitchell
In this episode, Mike speaks with the founder of ActiveInbox, Andy Mitchell. They talk about email and how you can (if you want) use it to manage your tasks. It's not something Mike does (or advocates) but for those of you who want to hear why you may want to give this a go...then this episode is for you.
38 min
536
Level Up Your Life with Steve Kamb
In this episode, Mike speaks with the founder of Nerd Fitness and the author of the book Level Up Your Life, Steve Kamb.
40 min
537
The Real Inbox Zero with Dmitri Leonov
On this episode of the podcast, Mike speaks with Dmitri Leonov, co-founder of SaneBox. They talk about why it isn't always a good idea to use every aspect of a tool (SaneBox naturally gets mentioned here) and a ton of other thoughts surrounding a productivity pain point for many: email.
29 min
538
Deep Work with Cal Newport
To ring in 2016, Mike speaks with his friend and the author of the forthcoming book "Deep Work", Cal Newport. They talk about the difference between deep and shallow work, why focusing on doing more deep work may not be for everyone, and how you can start to create more time to do deep work.
42 min
539
Simplicity and Impact with Simon Tyler
In this edition of The Productivityist Podcast Mike speaks with Simon Tyler, author of The Impact Code and The Simple Way. They talk about raising your impact level in business, simple ways to be more productive, and much more.
35 min
540
Relentless Sales Success with Chris Johnson
In this installment of the podcast, I'm joined by my friend and principal owner of Simplifilm Chris Johnson. We dive into a lot of things but really focus on how to work on sales technique and how being relentless in the sales arena – and in life – can go a long way.
34 min
541
The Art of the Side Hustle with Nick Loper
On this episode of the podcast, I speak with the founder of Side Hustle Nation, Nick Loper. We talk about some of the unconventional productivity tactics he uses and dive into some of the equally unconventional side hustle experiments he's undertaken.
32 min
542
Boosting The Brain with Dr. Andrew Hill
Mike spends time with the Lead Neuroscientist of truBrain, Dr. Andrew Hill, on this episode of the podcast. They talk about a ton of "brain stuff", including the importance of getting things out of your head, how decision fatigue works, and more.
55 min
543
Military Time with Julie Sheranosher
In this episode, Mike chats with military veteran and fellow productivity professional Julie Sheranosher. They talk about the story behind her developing a passion for productivity, the lessons she learned in the military that she uses today in her new profession, and the various other time and task management tactics that she explores...and employs.
35 min
544
A Doer Who Likes To Be with Michael Townsend Wi...
This episode of the podcast features a conversation with Michael Townsend Williams, who is known as "A doer who likes to be." He's the founder of Breathe Sync™ and the author of the book Do Breathe...and he's a big believer in mindful productivity. They talk about that very subject, yoga, and a lot more. Enjoy!
30 min
545
SPECIAL EPISODE: Laura McClellan Returns!
In this podcast episode, I've decided to make the first of our bonus episodes available to everyone - even those not currently patrons. This episode marks the return of Laura McClellan to discuss the idea of theming further - along with much more!
40 min
546
Money and Minimalism with Cait Flanders
In this episode, Mike talks with the woman behind Blonde on a Budget, Cait Flanders. They talk about managing money wisely, why she imposed a one-year shopping ban on herself, how minimalism plays an important role in her life, and much more.
39 min
547
Passionate About Productivity with Amber De La ...
In this podcast episode, Mike speaks with fellow productivity specialist Amber De La Garza. They talk about the reason you want to be productive, how multiple screens can help (or hinder) your productivity, and they also dive deep into why the apps out there aren't enough to make you more productive.
41 min
548
Project Management for You with Cesar Abeid
This episode features a discussion between Mike and fellow Canadian and project management professional Cesar Abeid. Cesar is the author of the new book Project Management and You, and he talks about why he wrote the book, the struggles he discovered that people have with project management during his research for the book, and how to apply project management beyond the workplace and into your home life.
32 min
549
15 Time Secrets with Kevin Kruse
Joining Mike in this podcast is the author of 15 Secrets Successful People Know About Time Management. They talk about why Kevin wrote this book, how to wrap your workday responsibly, the importance of awareness when it comes to productivity, the importance of routines, and much more.
38 min
550
The Power of Focus with Shawn Blanc
In this podcast episode, Mike welcomes his friend Shawn Blanc, creator of The Focus Course. They have a deep discussion about intentionality, being attentive, the creative process, productivity, and – fittingly – focus.
55 min