In an enlightening conversation with Dr. Dale Whelehan, CEO of Four Day Week Global, we dive into the evolving landscape of work and the compelling argument for a four-day workweek. This discussion unfolds organically, touching on the profound benefits that a shortened workweek can offer not just to individual productivity and well-being but also to the broader societal and business landscapes. Dr. Whelehan, with his extensive research and leadership in advocating for this shift, sheds light on why the century-old five-day workweek is ripe for change, especially in today’s context of cognitiv ..read more

In this month’s installment of our PM Talks series, Patrick Rhone and yours truly (Mike Vardy) dissect the multifaceted concepts of failure, choice, and the consequent growth that can emerge from these experiences. Through a series of engaging stories and personal reflections, we delve into how our perceptions of failure and the choices we make in response to it can profoundly shape our personal and professional lives. Patrick brings a depth of insight to the conversation, prompting us to consider the power of reframing our narratives around failure and the critical role of choice in steering ..read more

In this episode I sit down with Derin McMains, affectionately known as DMac, a former professional baseball player turned mental performance coach. DMac shares the journey behind his nickname and how it has followed him from high school baseball to the major leagues. Our conversation delves into the critical transition from sports to life after, highlighting the mental challenges and breakthroughs that come with changing career paths. As someone who has always been intrigued by the pivot points in athletes’ careers, I found DMac’s insights into mental performance and identity beyond sports tr ..read more

In this episode of our podcast, we delve deep into the realms of self-discovery and personal growth with the insightful Ian Morgan Cron, a renowned author and Enneagram expert. Our conversation, originally released in March 2022, revolves around Ian’s book, “The Story of You,” which introduces a fresh perspective on understanding our personalities through the Enneagram. As someone constantly seeking ways to better understand myself and enhance my productivity, I found Ian’s approach not just fascinating but deeply helpful. Ian Morgan Cron’s expertise illuminates the intricate ways our self-na ..read more

In this inspiring episode, I sit down with Lindsey Roy, who shares her incredible journey of overcoming adversity through a profound change in perspective. Lindsey’s story of losing a leg and both lungs is nothing short of remarkable, and her insights into harnessing personal tragedy to cultivate wisdom and a new outlook on life are both enlightening and uplifting. Joining the conversation is Mike Vardy, another extraordinary individual who has faced his own set of challenges, including a freak accident and a double lung transplant. Together, we delve into the power of perspective, the import ..read more

Welcome to the latest episode of our monthly series, PM Talks, where we delve deep into the nuances of productivity, creativity, and the art of living a thoughtful life. In this episode, Patrick and I have taken an explorative dive into the realms of language evolution, the essence of creativity, and the significance of nuance in our fast-paced world. It’s a conversation that spans the spectrum of art and commerce, the dynamics of personal connections, and the profound impact of creativity on society. Key Discussion Points The origins and evolving meanings of terms like “simpleton” and “Inbo ..read more

In this episode, I had the pleasure of sitting down with Chris Knudsen, author of the non-traditional business book, “Trust Me, I’m a Consultant.” Chris shared insights into the unconventional approach to writing a business book, reflecting on his extensive experience in the corporate world and his successful transition to self-employment. We delved into the heart of entrepreneurial spirit, the importance of self-education, and the value of learning from failures. Chris’s journey from the corporate ladder to authoring a book during the challenging times of the COVID-19 pandemic is an inspirat ..read more

In this episode, originally released in October 2019, I sit down with Nir Eyal. Nir is the author of “Indistractable: How to Control Your Attention and Choose Your Life”. and is known for his groundbreaking work on habit formation and technology’s impact on our lives, shares invaluable insights into the mechanisms of distraction and how we can harness them to live more fulfilling lives. As we navigate through the conversation, Nir’s perspectives offer a fresh lens on productivity, self-control, and the pursuit of personal and professional growth. Our dialogue spans a wide array of topics, fro ..read more

Welcome to this thought-provoking episode where I have the pleasure of speaking with Haemin Sunim, a Zen Buddhist teacher and celebrated author. Today, we delve into his latest book, When Things Don’t Go Your Way: Zen Wisdom for Difficult Times, exploring the nuanced perspectives it offers on navigating the turbulent waters of life through the calming lens of Zen Buddhism. Haemin’s unique writing style, which beautifully weaves together personal insights with quotes from various sources, makes the profound teachings of Zen accessible to all. Haemin is one of the most influential Zen Buddhist ..read more

Welcome back to our monthly series, PM Talks, featuring a conversation with my good friend Patrick Rhone. In this latest episode, our conversation that spans from our shared podcasting passion and planner geekery to deeper explorations of contentment, choice, and the essence of enough. Patrick, with his unique insights and experiences, brings a fresh perspective to the familiar topics of goal setting and minimalism, while also touching on the deeply personal aspects of happiness and mental health. Our discussion was wide-ranging, but one topic stood out prominently: Choices. This theme resona ..read more