A Productive Conversation

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.

Episodes

February 14, 2025 48 mins
Fifteen 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. But before that, we catch up on her latest book, Gentle: Rest More, Stress Less, an...
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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 actions are truly aligned with our intentions. Alignment isn’t just about getting things...
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In 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 from focusing on what truly matters. Our conversation explores the distractions that pul...
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Ideas 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 power of ideas, questioning why we cling to certain concepts while rejecting others. W...
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In 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 triggers influence our actions, and the power of identity in shaping habits. Nir’s in...
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In 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 challenges of digital organization, why redundancy and backups are crucial, and how to get ...
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In 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 thrive through emotional intelligence, neuroscience, and positive psychology. During...
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In 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 and creativity to achieve high-performance outcomes. We dive into what makes Norwegi...
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In 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 focus on what truly matters. We dive deep into how documenting processes can lead to ...
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In 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 empowers individuals to unlock their full potential. Our conversation dives into the imp...
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This 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 that productivity isn't about doing more—it's about doing the right things. From explor...
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January 8, 2025 47 mins
Welcome to the first episode of Season 2 of our PM Talks monthly series! This episode Patrick Rhone and I dive into the concept of resilience. We explore what it means to rebound and adapt in the face of adversity, unpacking its nuances and how it differs from grit. Whether you're navigating everyday challenges or overcoming significant life obstacles, resilience plays a critical role in how we show up for ourselves and others. Res...
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In this Flashback Friday episode, I revisit my conversation with Paul Jarvis from 2019, to discuss the release of his bestselling book, Company of One: Why Staying Small Is the Next Big Thing for Business. Paul’s insights into building a fulfilling, scalable business without unnecessary growth struck a chord with listeners and remain highly relevant today. Since this episode aired, Paul has focused on mentoring and creative project...
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As we step into a new year, I wanted to dedicate this episode to setting the stage for 2025. In this special solo episode, originally recorded as a livestream, I share thoughts on how to start your year (or any time) with intention and focus. Whether you’re tuning in on January 1st or any other day of the year, the concepts discussed are timeless and actionable. In this episode, I explore the idea that you can begin your "new year"...
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In this Flashback Friday episode, I revisit my enlightening conversation with Cal Newport, originally recorded in 2016. Cal, the acclaimed author of Deep Work: Rules for Focused Success in a Distracted World, shares his revolutionary ideas on the importance of cultivating focus in an increasingly distracted era. Since this conversation, Cal has continued to expand his work on digital minimalism and the importance of deliberate prac...
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In this engaging episode of A Productive Conversation, I’m joined once again by Erik Fisher, host of the Beyond the To-Do List podcast. This is the second half of our Productivity A to Z two-part crossover episode, where we explore the essential terms that shape our understanding of productivity. If you haven’t already listened to Part 1 on Erik’s podcast, I highly recommend starting there before diving into this episode. Together,...
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In this special Flashback Friday episode, I reconnect with the inimitable Chase Reeves. It's been quite a journey since our last conversation back in 2020 at The BIG Ready. This time, Chase dives deep into the nuances of creativity, the evolving journey of fatherhood, and the value of embracing life's gray areas amidst polarization. We reflect on Chase’s transformative experiences over the past few years, from shifting creative pro...
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In this episode of A Productive Conversation, I sit down with the legendary Marshall Goldsmith, one of the world's top leadership thinkers, to explore how he's leveraging AI to share his life's work with a global audience. Known for books like Triggers and What Got You Here Won’t Get You There, Marshall is embracing cutting-edge technology to make his insights more accessible and impactful than ever. Our discussion dives deep into ...
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In this Flashback Friday episode, I sit down with the legendary Marshall Goldsmith to discuss his thought-provoking book The Earned Life. Renowned for his coaching and wisdom, Marshall delves into the philosophy and actionable insights behind his work, helping listeners align their choices, risks, and efforts with a greater purpose. During our conversation, we explore what it means to live an "earned life" and the challenges of bre...
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December 11, 2024 49 mins
As the calendar year winds down, on the season finale of PM Talks, Patrick Rhone and I dive into the powerful intersection of reflection and growth—topics that feel particularly resonant this time of year. Patrick and I share personal insights and practical takeaways to help you reflect on the past and shape the year ahead. Reflection and growth are central to the conversation as we explore the tools and techniques that have guided...
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