Episodes

In this episode, Kendall Berg , author of Secrets of the Career Game: 36 Simple Strategies to Win in the Workplace , shares how to navigate the hidden rules of career advancement. Kendall opens up about her journey from being a technically strong but overlooked employee to someone who rapidly rose through the ranks by learning to play the “career game”—mastering soft skills, advocating for herself, and helping others do the same. In this conversation, we explore: Unspoken Rules of the Workplace:...

In this episode, Camilla Kring , author of Chronoleadership: How to Create Healthier and More Productive Rhythms in Your Work and Life , explains how understanding your biological rhythms—and leading with them instead of against them—can unlock greater well-being and performance. Camilla shares how workplaces can become more inclusive by embracing chronodiversity, and how individuals can set boundaries and routines that honor their energy patterns. In this conversation, we explore: What Is Chron...

In this Shortcast edition , Jonathan Levi, author of The Only Skill That Matters , shares practical techniques to improve memory, focus, and reading speed by training your brain rather than relying on talent or willpower. Levi breaks down the myths about memory and introduces powerful tools like visual mnemonics, speed reading, and memory palaces that can transform how we learn and retain information. In this Shortcast, we explore: Memory Is a Trainable Skill: Jonathan debunks the idea of a “bad...

In this Shortcast edition , Mamie Kanfer Stewart, co-author of Momentum: Creating Effective, Engaging and Enjoyable Meetings , explains why meetings are one of the biggest productivity drains—and how to fix them. From clarifying desired outcomes to optimizing who’s in the room, Mamie shares practical, people-focused strategies to make meetings more effective, purposeful, and energizing. In this Shortcast, we explore: Start With the Outcome: Don’t ask, “What’s the purpose of the meeting?” Ask, “W...

I’m excited to welcome back Mike Vardy to the show. Mike is a productivity strategist, longtime friend of the podcast, and the author of The Productivity Diet: A Practical Guide to Nurturing Your Productive Potential . In this conversation, we dive into how the language, systems, and inputs you choose each day can either nourish or deplete your ability to do meaningful work. In this episode, we cover: Productivity as Nutrition, Not Punishment: Mike explains the “diet” metaphor—how productivity i...

In this Shortcast edition , Donald Miller, author of Building a StoryBrand , shares how applying storytelling principles can bring clarity, purpose, and momentum to your personal and professional life. Drawing from narrative theory, Donald explains how to see your life as a story—complete with a clear goal, supporting characters, and an inciting incident—and how productivity begins with the power of focus and finish . In this Shortcast, we explore: The Life-as-Story Framework: Donald outlines th...

In this episode, Cynthia Kane, author of The Pause Principle: How to Keep Your Cool in Tough Situations , joins the show to discuss how to improve communication by mastering the art of pausing. Cynthia, a communication expert, explains why taking a moment to pause before reacting in difficult situations can lead to more effective and mindful communication, preventing misunderstandings and reducing stress. In this conversation, we explore: The Power of Pausing: Cynthia discusses how the pause is ...

In this Shortcast edition , Cal Newport, author of Digital Minimalism: Choosing a Focused Life in a Noisy World , shares how we can reclaim our time and attention by taking control of our relationship with digital technology. Rather than rejecting tech entirely, Cal proposes a minimalist approach—using technology with intention and only when it supports what truly matters. In this Shortcast, we explore: Digital Minimalism Defined: Cal explains how minimalism isn’t about abandoning tech, but usin...

In this special Shortcast , Jess Cording, author of The Little Book of Game Changers: 50 Healthy Habits for Managing Stress and Anxiety , shares practical strategies to manage stress and anxiety by making small, sustainable changes across mind, body, and spirit. Jess offers gentle, doable practices that go beyond willpower—emphasizing progress over perfection. In this Shortcast, we explore: Scheduling Worry Time: Rather than ignoring anxious thoughts or letting them spiral, Jess shares how setti...

In this episode, Shira Gill, author of Lifestyle: Your Guide to a More Organized and Intentional Life , joins the show to discuss her approach to minimalism and intentional living. Shira, a professional organizer, shares how she applies the principles of minimalism not just to physical possessions but to all aspects of life—helping to create space for what truly matters. In this conversation, we explore: The Meaning of Minimalism: Shira discusses how minimalism is not just about owning less but ...

In this episode, Jim Guinn, co-author of How to Get Along with Anyone: The Playbook for Predicting and Preventing Conflict at Work and at Home , joins the show to discuss the art of conflict prevention. Jim, an expert in mediation and conflict resolution, shares practical tools for recognizing and managing conflict before it escalates into full-blown disputes. In this conversation, we explore: Predicting Conflict: Jim discusses how many conflicts can be anticipated and prevented by recognizing c...

In this special Shortcast edition, Baratunde Thurston, shares his experience of unplugging from social media for 25 days—and what he learned about stress, productivity, and the importance of being present. Baratunde reveals how stepping away from constant digital interaction can lead to more meaningful real-world connections and less burnout. In this Shortcast, we explore: The Cost of Constant Connectivity: Baratunde explains how being “always on” took a toll on his mental health, productivity, ...

In this episode, Melody Wilding , author of Managing Up: How to Get What You Need from People in Charge , joins the show to discuss the often-overlooked skill of managing up. Melody shares insights on how to communicate more effectively with those in higher positions, ensuring that you get the support and guidance you need for your career while maintaining a positive working relationship. In this conversation, we explore: What “Managing Up” Really Means: Melody explains that managing up isn’t ab...

In this episode, Courtney Carver, author of Rest More, Stress Less: How to Live the Life You Actually Want , shares her transformative approach to prioritizing rest and reducing stress. Courtney, a simplicity and decluttering expert, discusses how rest is not just a reward but a necessity for productivity, creativity, and overall well-being. In this conversation, we explore: • The Importance of Rest: Courtney explains why rest should be prioritized, not as a reward, but as an essential part of l...

In this special Shortcast edition , Jeremy Kubicek, author of The 100X Leader: How to Become Someone Worth Following , shares how we can lead with both support and challenge to help others reach their full potential. Drawing inspiration from Sherpas guiding climbers on Mount Everest, Jeremy illustrates what it means to lead others by being fully for them and helping them succeed—not just in tasks, but in personal growth. In this Shortcast, we explore: What Makes a Leader Worth Following: Why bei...

In this episode, Angus Nelson , author of Confidence Comes Later , discusses his journey of building confidence through action and embracing uncertainty. Angus, an entrepreneur and personal development coach, explores how to disrupt your life by taking bold steps instead of waiting for confidence to appear, and how this can lead to personal growth and transformation. In this conversation, we explore: • The Myth of Confidence: Angus explains why confidence is often misunderstood as something you ...

In this episode we revisit a conversation with Julie Fast, author of Getting It Done When You’re Depressed: 50 Strategies to Help You Achieve Productivity Even with Depression, Anxiety, or ADHD . She shares her expertise on how to overcome productivity barriers caused by mental health struggles. Julie, who has lived with bipolar disorder, depression, anxiety, and ADHD, offers strategies and real-life insights on how to get things done even when your brain isn’t cooperating. In this conversation,...

In this episode, Sara Sherman, author of Resonant Minds: The Transformative Power of Music , joins the show to discuss the powerful and often underestimated role of music in our lives. Sara, a classical musician and educator, explores how music can not only enhance our emotional well-being but also improve focus, productivity, and social connections. In this conversation, we explore: • The Power of Music Beyond Entertainment: Sara shares how music goes beyond being something we enjoy to somethin...

In this episode, Anne-Laure Le Cunff, author of Tiny Experiments: How to Live Freely in a Goal-Obsessed World , joins the show to discuss her experimental approach to goal-setting and personal growth. Anne-Laure, a neuroscience enthusiast and founder of Ness Labs , explores how shifting from traditional goal-setting to small, iterative experiments can lead to greater fulfillment and personal discovery. In this conversation, we explore: • The Flaws of Traditional Goal Setting: Anne-Laure explains...

In this episode, Madelin Mann, author of Reverse the Search: How to Turn Job Seeking into Job Shopping , joins the show to share her expert advice on transforming the traditional job search process. With years of experience in HR and recruiting, Madelin provides valuable insights into how to stand out in today’s competitive job market by shifting from a job seeker to a job shopper. In this conversation, we explore: • Reversing the Job Search: Madelin explains how to rethink job seeking by focusi...

In this episode, Ximena Vengeochea, author of The Life Audit: A Step-by-Step Guide to Discovering Your Goals and Building the Life You Want , shares her approach to re-evaluating life’s priorities and making intentional changes. Ximena, a former LinkedIn leader, uses her background in user research to help others take a fresh, introspective approach to crafting the life they truly want. In this conversation, we explore: • The Life Audit Concept: Ximena discusses the origins of the Life Audit and...

In this episode, Elizabeth Lotardo, author of Leading Yourself: Finding More Joy, Meaning, and Opportunities in the Job You Already Have , shares her insights on how to find purpose and fulfillment in your current job. Drawing on her background as an organizational psychologist, Elizabeth explores how shifting your mindset can help you thrive at work, even when facing challenges like imperfect bosses, rigid systems, and high workloads. In this conversation, we dive into: • Defining Purpose at Wo...

In this episode, Andrew Brodsky, author of Ping: The Secrets of Successful Virtual Communication , explores how virtual communication can be improved for both productivity and relationship-building. Andrew, a professor at the University of Texas and expert on virtual communication, discusses his research and personal journey in understanding how we interact online. In this conversation, we dive into: • The Importance of Virtual Communication: Andrew shares how his personal experiences, including...

In this episode, we welcome Jenny Wood, a former Google executive, founder of Own Your Career , and author of Wild Courage: Go After What You Want and Get It . Jenny shares powerful insights into overcoming fear, taking bold risks, and navigating personal and professional growth with courage. In this conversation, we explore: The Courage to Overcome Fear: Jenny opens up about how fear, in various forms, often holds us back from achieving our goals and how Wild Courage provides a practical roadma...