Beyond The To-do List

This week, we’re revisiting one of our most impactful conversations—with Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist and bestselling author Charles Duhigg, about his latest book Supercommunicators: How to Unlock the Secret Language of Connection. In a world where remote work, digital communication, and polarized conversations are the norm, knowing how to truly connect is more important than ever. This episode couldn’t be more timely.In this updated revisit, we explore:The Secret to Better Conversations: Charles explains why so many discussions go off-track—often because we don’t recognize what kind of conversation we’re actually having.Three Types of Conversations: We break down the crucial distinction between factual, emotional, and values-based conversations—and how misalignment can cause friction.Supercommunicator Habits: Charles reveals practical skills used by great communicators, from mirroring and labeling to vulnerability and listening with intention.How to Build Psychological Safety:&n

Pat Flynn returns to the show to share insights from his newest book, Lean Learning: How to Achieve More by Learning Less. In a world overflowing with content, Pat offers a powerful solution for those overwhelmed by endless podcasts, videos, and inspiration rabbit holes. Instead of more input, Lean Learning is about acting on just the right information at the right time—and ditching the rest.In this episode, we cover:Inspiration Overload vs. Just-in-Time Learning: How consuming too much content becomes disguised procrastination—and how to escape it.The Power of Doing Less to Learn More: Pat breaks down his strategy of “learning on demand” instead of hoarding knowledge you may never need.The Inspiration Matrix: A tool to audit where your energy is going—and reclaim it.Why Mistakes Are Your Best Teachers: Pat shares how micro-mastery, force functions, and “Power 10s” lead to rapid growth.Letting Go of FOMO: How to opt out with purpose and double down on what truly matters

In this Shortcast edition, Alan Gannett, author of The Creative Curve, demystifies the myth that creativity is an inborn talent. Instead, he lays out how great ideas emerge at the intersection of familiarity and novelty—and how anyone can train themselves to consistently produce creative work.The Creativity Curve Explained: Alan introduces the “creative curve”—the balance between what’s familiar and what’s new—and how it influences what ideas catch on.Exposure Breeds Creativity: Why intentional, repeated exposure to relevant content is one of the strongest predictors of creative output.Practice Over Prodigy: Alan emphasizes that behind every creative genius is a structure of routines, research, and iteration.Why Your Idea Might Flop: He explains how being too far ahead of the market—or too derivative—can tank even the best ideas, and how to find the sweet spot.Learnable Creativity: Alan provides hope for all of us: creativity is a skill, not a gift. And like any skill, it improve

Michael Long is a bestselling author and speechwriter who co-wrote Taming the Molecule of More, the follow-up to the hit book The Molecule of More. In this conversation, we dive into how dopamine—the brain’s “molecule of more”—drives distraction, craving, creativity, and productivity, and how we can train it to serve us instead of sabotage us.In this episode, we cover:What Dopamine Actually Does: Michael explains the two dopamine systems—desire and control—and how they influence everything from addiction to ambition.Why Modern Life Overstimulates Us: From doomscrolling to shopping, we unpack why the digital world hijacks our dopamine and attention.How to Tame Your Dopamine Urges: Michael offers realistic, science-based ways to break the cycle of overstimulation—including dopamine fasting and behavioral resets.The Power of Presence: We discuss how returning to the “here and now” neurotransmitters (like through music, sunshine, or human connection) can help balance the dopamine sys

Professional organizer Ingrid Jansen, co-author of Reset Your Home, explains why clutter is more about emotions than “stuff,” why decluttering is a process (not a project), and how to start small—think kitchens, cupboards, and daily resets—to build your “decluttering muscle” over time. In this conversation, we discuss:Process over project: Decluttering is never “done”—as things come in, things must go out. Start in the kitchen: Fewer emotions than books/photos; clear storage first, then put surfaces away. Daily resets: 10–30 minute habits (dishes, bins, wipe counters, a load of laundry) that prevent weekend pileups. “If in doubt, keep it”: Build capacity with easy wins; you’ll be ready to let go on a later pass. Don’t buy more bins: The problem isn’t storage—it’s volume; work with what you have. Decide by favorites: Pull everything out, match lids, pick what you use and love first; the rest gets easier. Clutter personalities: 

Bill McGowan, author of Speak Memorably: The Art of Captivating an Audience, shares practical ways to make your ideas stick—on stage, on Zoom, and in any high-stakes moment. We get into dynamic delivery, smarter structure, and memorable language devices you can use immediately.In this conversation, we discuss:Dial it up (a bit): Why what feels “over the top” on video usually plays just right.Story over stats: Using Francis Ford Coppola’s “three best things” idea to craft stronger openings and closings.Primacy & recency: Designing beginnings and endings people actually remember (and skipping the dreaded agenda slide).Cliffhangers > previews: Start with something engaging—don’t promise you’ll be engaging later.Slow beats filler: How pacing reduces “uh/you know” and helps you choose better words.Slides with a point: Lead each slide with a clear statement of value; know your closing line before you advance.Be your own brutal editor: Cut 25% from emails and presentati

In this episode, Paul Kirby, author of The FUSE Pathway: How to Find and Lead a Fulfilling Life, shares how to identify your core passions, combine them into a unique vision, and build a realistic, evolving plan to pursue them. Drawing from his own experience of designing a robot that paints, Paul explains the FUSE framework—Find, Upgrade, Start, Evolve—and how it can guide anyone toward a life filled with purpose and creativity.In this conversation, we explore:The Concept of Fusion: Paul introduces the idea of “fusion”—combining multiple passions into a single, compelling life vision that lights a fire inside you.The FUSE Framework: We walk through the four-step FUSE process—Find your passion, Upgrade your skills, Start (gradually or boldly), and Evolve as you grow.Self-Discovery Through Journaling: Paul shares a powerful exercise involving “yellow verbs” to uncover consistent, lifelong themes in your behavior and interests.Pursuing Autotelic Goals: We discuss the importance of doing

Dr. Zorana Ivcevic Pringle is a leading researcher in creativity psychology and author of The Creativity Choice: The Science of Making Decisions to Turn Ideas into Action. In this episode, she unpacks how creativity isn’t just a moment of inspiration—it’s a series of choices. Whether you think you’re creative or not, Zorana shares how motivation, attention, risk tolerance, and constraint shape the process of turning ideas into reality.In this episode, we cover:Creativity Is More Than Ideas: Zorana explains how we’ve culturally over-glorified the spark of inspiration and ignored the decision-making and execution behind it.The Myth of the “Creative Type”: Creativity isn’t just for artists—it’s about original, effective solutions in any domain.Why Constraints Boost Creativity: Contrary to popular belief, creativity often increases when we have guardrails that focus and challenge our thinking.The Role of Risk in Creative Work: Zorana breaks down intellectual, emotional, and social risks—a

In this shortcast edition of Beyond the To-Do List, Jeffrey and Jamie Downs, creators of the Streaking method and authors behind streakingmastery.com explore how laughably simple daily habits can help you build momentum, boost confidence, and turn goals into long-term identity shifts.Why Simplicity Wins: Simple actions are doable even on your hardest days, ensuring consistency over time.How Streaking Builds Self-Credibility: Each completed action is a commitment kept—with yourself.Patience as a Superpower: Daily repetition teaches you to stop expecting overnight change and instead trust the slow, steady build.The “Cal Ripken Effect”: Consistency becomes inspiring—when others notice, celebration fuels even more momentum.Examples in Action: From running streaks to walking daily, small actions lead to transformation when stacked.Why You Shouldn’t Skip the Walk: When life gets busy, a one-mile walk still counts—and builds your streak.If you’ve ever strug

James Kimmel, author of The Science of Revenge, joins the show to unpack one of the most overlooked forms of distraction and emotional hijacking: revenge. Drawing from neuroscience, psychology, and decades of legal and public health research, James reveals how revenge isn’t just an emotional reaction—it’s an addictive cycle that can derail our focus, well-being, and relationships. If you’ve ever ruminated about a workplace slight, stewed in a sense of injustice, or mentally put someone “on trial,” this episode offers a powerful, science-backed path forward.In this episode, we cover:What Makes Revenge So Addictive: How grievances activate the same reward centers in the brain as drugs, gambling, and other addictive behaviors.Revenge as a Productivity Killer: Why revenge always focuses on the past—and how it hijacks our mental and emotional bandwidth in the present.The Courtroom in Your Head: James explains the mental trial many of us run daily, casting ourselves in all the roles—prosecutor,

Career coach Eliana Goldstein joins the show to help listeners navigate career uncertainty, burnout, and the desire for more meaningful work. After walking away from a “successful on paper” corporate job, Eliana built a coaching business helping high-achieving professionals uncover their ideal roles—without starting over. In this episode, she shares practical tools to find clarity, build momentum, and create a work life that truly fits.In this episode, we cover:Burnout and Misalignment: How feeling drained at work isn’t always about being overworked—it’s often about being out of sync with your strengths.The First Questions to Ask When You Feel Unfulfilled: Eliana shares the foundational reflections around engagement, values, and flow state.The Danger of Chasing Passion Alone: Why loving something doesn’t mean you should work in it—and what to focus on instead.Making a Lateral Move: How to identify if you’re in the right industry but the wrong role—and what small shifts can make a big diffe

In this Shortcast edition, John Jantsch, author of The Self-Reliant Entrepreneur, draws wisdom from great American writers like Henry David Thoreau, Mark Twain, and William Wells Brown to explore three essential traits for thriving in life and business: perseverance, perspective, and resilience. Rather than chasing productivity hacks, John invites us to dig deeper—into reflection, discomfort, and slow growth.In this Shortcast, we explore:Perseverance Through Practice: Inspired by Thoreau, John explains why repeated effort—like walking a mountain trail—is not wasted energy but the very process that builds mastery and meaning.The Danger of Indestructible Contentment: Borrowing from Twain, John challenges the idea of being too comfortable, encouraging us to embrace discomfort as a path to perspective and growth.Redefining Resilience: With a reading from William Wells Brown, John reframes procrastination not as laziness, but as strategic patience born of experience—knowing when to act, and whe

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: Kendall explains how the real game isn’t just about doing good work, but about how you talk about that work and build strategic relationships.From Invisible to Irresistible: She shares her turning point—from getting tough feedback to rapidly earning five promotions in six years—and how she translated that into coaching others.Promotable vs. Non-Promotable Work: We discuss how to recognize the difference and how to reframe low-visibility tasks to create impact and visibility.Your Boss Has No Idea What Y

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 Chronoleadership? Camilla introduces the concept of leading yourself and others based on chronotype—your body’s natural rhythm for sleep, focus, and energy.The Myth of the Early Bird: We challenge traditional ideas of productivity and explore how early start times can exclude or harm night owls and others with nontraditional energy curves.Designing Rhythms, Not Routines: Camilla helps reframe time management not around fixed schedules but around flexible rhythms that support health and creativity.Chronodiver

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 memory,” explaining that most memory issues are due to poor technique, not inability.Visual Mnemonics: He introduces simple strategies for encoding new information using silly or striking mental imagery—making recall faster and easier.Speed Reading That Actually Works: Jonathan outlines how scientifically supported speed reading (600–750 words per minute) is achievable with the right eye movement training and comprehension techniques.The Memory Palace Technique: Borrowed from ancient Greece, this

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, “What do we want to achieve?” This mindset shift transforms how meetings are planned and executed. Alternatives to Meeting: Mamie highlights when meetings aren’t needed—and how tools like email or asynchronous comments can often deliver the same outcome with less time. Before, During, and After: She outlines a full meeting workflow—from designing the agenda around outcomes, to assigning timekeepers and capturing key decisions and next steps. Fixing Meeting FOMO: We dive into how a culture of over-inviting

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 isn’t about restriction, but about choosing sustainable inputs that fuel the life you want. Mental Calories and Decision Fatigue: We explore the idea of cognitive nutrition and how overloading your brain with options, tabs, and to-dos creates burnout. Intentional Constraints: Mike shares how building structure around time, energy, and attention helps avoid binging on urgency and makes space for deeper work. The Language of Productivity: From calling tasks “ingredients” to using meal metaphors, Mike breaks

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 the classic storytelling structure and how it applies to real life: a character with a problem, a guide, a plan, and a call to action that leads to either success or failure. The Power of an Inciting Incident: We discuss how deliberately creating an inciting incident—like signing up for a marathon or making a public commitment—can push you into meaningful action. Designing the Ideal Workday: After battling writer’s block, Donald took a road trip and absorbed every productivity audiobook he could, using what he

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 a critical tool in communication, especially in high-stress situations, and how it can prevent knee-jerk reactions that lead to regret. The Science Behind Our Responses: We explore how our biology and evolutionary instincts push us into fight, flight, or freeze modes during stressful conversations, and how pausing helps override these instincts. The SOFTEN Method: Cynthia introduces the SOFTEN method—Sensation, Owning your discomfort, Focusing on the present moment, Taking a breath, Eyes towards another, a

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 using it selectively and purposefully to maximize benefit and minimize distraction. The 30-Day Digital Declutter: A key process in Cal’s philosophy—taking a 30-day break from optional digital tools to reflect, reset habits, and rediscover values. Clearing the Slate and Starting Fresh: Cal encourages removing all non-essential apps and tools, then rebuilding your digital life from the ground up based on what serves your goals. Embracing Analog Life: Real-world activities like solitude, deep conversation, and