The Productivity Show

Learn why the fastest path to behavior change isn't willpower… it's copying the specific tactics of people already succeeding. Thanh shares Katy Milkman's Copy & Paste strategy and how a simple borrowed habit transformed his team's energy. Discover how to find your own playbook and accelerate your results this week.

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Strategic planning isn't just a "box to check"—it's the foundation of your growth.

In this episode, we dive into the essential tips and techniques for effective strategic planning in 2026. We explore mental frameworks like Mind Mapping and Zettelkasten, tactical execution through purposeful meetings, and how to leverage AI as a strategic partner. Whether you're an entrepreneur or a leader, these actionable insights will help you mo...

Discover the essential apps and tools that truly elevate your productivity without sacrificing your well-being. Join Thanh Pham as he shares personal insights on selecting the right digital companions, from understanding your needs to investing in quality. Learn how self-awareness, strategic choices, and even the right background music can transform your workflow, helping you get more done with less effort.

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In this episode, we dive into Katy Milkman's "Copy & Paste" strategy—a powerful shortcut for behavior change. Instead of reinventing the wheel, learn how to identify "close match" role models and deliberately imitate their specific tactics. We explore the research showing why copying beats planning, share real-world examples from exercise to automation, and give you a 6-step framework to start borrowing success today.

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Stop trying to build new habits from scratch. In this episode, we explore why upgrading your current routines is the secret to sustainable productivity. We dive into the science of the 1% rule, habit stacking, and energy management. Learn how to identify what's already working and apply small, strategic tweaks (like the "Never Miss Twice" rule) to get massive results without the burnout.

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When does your workday actually end—and who gets to decide? In a hybrid world where home and office blur together, it's easy to feel like you're always "on," answering one last email at night and checking Slack before your feet hit the floor in the morning. That constant low-level pull can quietly drain your energy, focus, and enjoyment of work, even when flexibility was supposed to make life better.

This episode breaks down a simp...

How do some people consistently turn raw ideas into real, finished work—while others stay stuck waiting for inspiration to strike? In this conversation, Thanh sits down with legendary creative entrepreneur and Parsons professor Jeffrey Madoff to unpack the mindset and structure behind sustainable creativity. From building a fashion company at 22 to producing campaigns for Ralph Lauren and Tiffany, Jeffrey shares how curiosity—not t...

Learn why systems… not motivation… drive consistent progress. We explore shifting from goal-chasing to system-building through small structural changes. Discover how a "never skip twice" rule and systematic relationship management can lead to long-term results without relying on willpower. Stop waiting for inspiration and start building the engine that powers your productivity every single day.

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Are you tired of the "goal-chasing" treadmill? In this episode, we dive deep into systems thinking—the secret behind consistent progress and long-term results. We explore why goals often lead to "pre-success failure" and how shifting your focus to daily systems, feedback loops, and structural changes can transform your productivity. Learn how to decompose complex tasks, build pipelines for scale, and create the ultimate form of con...

Juggling multiple roles? This Wisdom Wednesday, I'm sharing practical weekly planning strategies to help you stay on top of everything without feeling overwhelmed. Discover how to free up mental space, make time for deep thinking, and build flexibility into your week so you can thrive in all your responsibilities. Learn how to plan smarter, not harder, and reclaim your weekends.

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Have you ever wondered why we're so motivated on January 1st but lose steam by February? In this episode, we dive into the "Fresh Start Effect" from Katy Milkman's book How to Change.

We explore how psychological clean slates—like Mondays, birthdays, or even a new notebook—can reset your identity and boost motivation. However, fresh starts have a hidden downside: they can actually derail high performers. We'll show you how to strat...

Are you objectively productive but subjectively unfulfilled? You might be focusing on the "clock" (tasks and efficiency) instead of the "compass" (values and direction). In this episode, we explore Scott Young's research on the most underrated productivity technique: the values-based weekly review. We'll show you how to use the "5 Whys" to connect tasks to deeper motivations, apply Stephen Covey's "First Things First" philosophy, a...

Want the holidays to feel longer and more meaningful? The secret isn't doing more. It's being more present. In this Wisdom Wednesday episode, I'll show you why divided attention makes time feel shorter, how presence slows life down, and one simple way to enjoy your holidays more without adding anything to your schedule.

This episode is brought to you by 25X Productivity Coaching – double your personal productivity, be happier at wo...

Feeling overwhelmed by digital clutter? In this episode, Thanh and Brooks share practical tips to organize your files, meeting notes, and photos across all your devices and cloud storage. Learn how to centralize your assets, create smart folder structures, use consistent naming conventions, and leverage AI tools for effortless organization. Discover the 3-2-1 backup strategy and simple declutter habits to keep your digital life str...

Does your week tend to fill up before you've had a chance to decide what actually matters? Too often, we move from meeting to meeting and task to task, reacting rather than choosing, and then wonder why the week felt busy yet unproductive. The problem usually isn't effort or discipline; it's that the week was never intentionally shaped in the first place.

In this encore episode, you'll learn a simple, realistic weekly planning proc...

Have you ever felt like you're constantly performing, but the real work happens behind the scenes?

This episode dives into Michael Hyatt's powerful concept of "Front Stage vs. Back Stage" work from his "Freedom Work" framework. We'll explore how distinguishing between visible, high-impact tasks like delivering a presentation and essential, behind-the-scenes efforts like organizing travel or marketing yourself can transform your pro...