Focused https://www.relay.fm/focused Tue, 12 Mar 2024 19:30:00 GMT David Sparks and Mike Schmitz are not nearly as productive as they’d like to be. Join these fellow travelers (and a bunch of special guests) as they share the best ways to get focused, and talk through their successes and failures along the way. Hosted by David Sparks and Mike Schmitz. en-US Copyright © 2024 Relay FM Relay FM clean Relay FM hello@relay.fm no 199: Repotting & Retirement, with Jim Eager Tue, 12 Mar 2024 19:30:00 GMT http://relay.fm/focused/199 http://relay.fm/focused/199 Repotting & Retirement, with Jim Eager 199 David Sparks and Mike Schmitz Jim Eager joins us to talk about how to navigate the 4 phases of retirement with meaning and purpose. Jim Eager joins us to talk about how to navigate the 4 phases of retirement with meaning and purpose. clean 5409 Jim Eager joins us to talk about how to navigate the 4 phases of retirement with meaning and purpose.

This episode of Focused is sponsored by:

  • Vitally: A new era for customer success productivity. Get a free pair of AirPods Pro when you book a qualified meeting.
  • Nom Nom: Healthy, fresh food for dogs formulated by top Board Certified Veterinary Nutritionists. Prepped in our kitchens with free delivery to your door. Get 50% off.
  • Indeed: Join more than 3.5 million businesses worldwide using Indeed to hire great talent fast.

Guest Starring:

Jim Eager

Links and Show Notes:

Deep Focus: Extended ad-free episodes with bonus deep dive content.
The 4 phases of retirement by Dr. Riley Moynes | TEDx
Focused #165: On the River, with Chris Upchurch | Relay FM
The Productivity Project by Chris Bailey
Deep Work by Cal Newport
Discover the best apps and workflows for your iPhone, Mac, and iPad — The Sweet Setup
Personal Retreat Video | MacSparky
Focused #117: Roles & Goals
Ikigai by Héctor García and Francesc Miralles
Ikigai visual (Mike's newsletter on ikigai)
Original Mac Guy
Productivity Field Guide (Plus Edition)
]]>
198: Revisiting Journaling Tue, 27 Feb 2024 17:15:00 GMT http://relay.fm/focused/198 http://relay.fm/focused/198 Revisiting Journaling 198 David Sparks and Mike Schmitz David & Mike revisit the topic of journaling for personal growth and share how their workflows have evolved. David & Mike revisit the topic of journaling for personal growth and share how their workflows have evolved. clean 5625 David & Mike revisit the topic of journaling for personal growth and share how their workflows have evolved.

This episode of Focused is sponsored by:

  • Zocdoc: Find the right doctor, right now with Zocdoc. Sign up for free.
  • Vitally: A new era for customer success productivity. Get a free pair of AirPods Pro when you book a qualified meeting.
  • Indeed: Join more than 3.5 million businesses worldwide using Indeed to hire great talent fast.

Links and Show Notes:

Deep Focus: Extended episodes with bonus deep dive content.
Thanks by Robert Emmons
Mac Power Users #726: Journaling Update: Apple’s New App, Day One Updates & More
Day One Journal App
Obsidian
QuickAdd for Obsidian
How to Create a Life Progress Bar in Obsidian Using Template Variables | YouTube
Obsidian University Starter Vault
Triggers by Marshall Goldsmith
Using Shortcuts for Daily Questions Journaling in Obsidian | YouTube
Mike's Daily Note template
Mike's Daily Questions Dashboard
Mike's Habit Tracking Dashboard
Bullet Journal
The Five Minute Journal
Bullet Journal Basics | YouTube
The Extended Mind by Annie Murphy Paul
Apple Vision Pro
ESR MagSafe 3-in-1 Travel Wireless Charging Stand
Six Thinking Hats by Edward de Bono
Personal Kanban by Jim Benson & Tonianne DeMaria
Post-it Super Sticky Full Stick Notes
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197: Feel Good Productivity Tue, 13 Feb 2024 14:00:00 GMT http://relay.fm/focused/197 http://relay.fm/focused/197 Feel Good Productivity 197 David Sparks and Mike Schmitz David & Mike consider the role of happiness & joy in meaningful productivity. David & Mike consider the role of happiness & joy in meaningful productivity. clean 5170 David & Mike consider the role of happiness & joy in meaningful productivity.

This episode of Focused is sponsored by:

  • Vitally: A new era for customer success productivity. Get a free pair of AirPods Pro when you book a qualified meeting.
  • Nom Nom: Healthy, fresh food for dogs formulated by top Board Certified Veterinary Nutritionists. Prepped in our kitchens with free delivery to your door. Get 50% off.
  • Squarespace: Save 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain using code FOCUSED.
  • Indeed: Join more than 3.5 million businesses worldwide using Indeed to hire great talent fast.

Links and Show Notes:

Deep Focus: Extended ad-free episodes with bonus deep dive content.
Focused #196: Focus & The Reading Life, with Maryanne Wolf
The Mountain in the Sea by Ray Nayler
The Rook by Daniel O'Malley
PodHighlighter
David's PodHighlighter video
Feel-Good Productivity by Ali Abdaal
Bookworm #188: Feel Good Productivity by Ali Abdaal
Mike's Notes for Feel Good Productivity
Designing Your Life by Bill Burnett & Dave Evans
The Deep Life #284: Feel-Good Productivity (w/ Ali Abdaal)
]]>
196: Focus & The Reading Life, with Maryanne Wolf Tue, 30 Jan 2024 21:30:00 GMT http://relay.fm/focused/196 http://relay.fm/focused/196 Focus & The Reading Life, with Maryanne Wolf 196 David Sparks and Mike Schmitz Cognitive neuroscientist and reading warrior Dr. Maryanne Wolf joins us to talk about the science of reading and how what we read changes our brains. Cognitive neuroscientist and reading warrior Dr. Maryanne Wolf joins us to talk about the science of reading and how what we read changes our brains. clean 4735 Cognitive neuroscientist and reading warrior Dr. Maryanne Wolf joins us to talk about the science of reading and how what we read changes our brains.

This episode of Focused is sponsored by:

  • Zocdoc: Find the right doctor, right now with Zocdoc. Sign up for free.
  • Indeed: Join more than 3.5 million businesses worldwide using Indeed to hire great talent fast.
  • Harvard Business Review: The leading destination for smart management thinking. Subscriptions start at just $10/month with code FOCUSED.

Guest Starring:

Maryanne Wolf

Links and Show Notes:

Deep Focus: Extended episodes with bonus deep dive content.
Proust and the Squid by Maryanne Wolf
Reader, Come Home by Maryanne Wolf
The Mountain in the Sea by Ray Nayler
Tales of Literacy for the 21st Century by Maryanne Wolf
How to Read a Book by Mortimer Adler
Maryanne Wolf
]]>
195: The Productivity Field Guide Tue, 16 Jan 2024 21:00:00 GMT http://relay.fm/focused/195 http://relay.fm/focused/195 The Productivity Field Guide 195 David Sparks and Mike Schmitz After several years in production, the Productivity Field Guide is here! Mike interviews David about what's in it, how much went into it, and why it's so important to David. After several years in production, the Productivity Field Guide is here! Mike interviews David about what's in it, how much went into it, and why it's so important to David. clean 4190 After several years in production, the Productivity Field Guide is here! Mike interviews David about what's in it, how much went into it, and why it's so important to David.

This episode of Focused is sponsored by:

  • Factor: Healthy, fully-prepared food delivered to your door.
  • Squarespace: Save 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain using code FOCUSED.
  • Indeed: Join more than 3.5 million businesses worldwide using Indeed to hire great talent fast.

Links and Show Notes:

Deep Focus: Extended episodes with bonus deep dive content.
Mike's Practical PKM cohort
Productivity Field Guide (Standard Edition)
Productivity Field Guide (Plus Edition)
]]>
194: I'd Like to Take a Mulligan Tue, 02 Jan 2024 20:30:00 GMT http://relay.fm/focused/194 http://relay.fm/focused/194 I'd Like to Take a Mulligan 194 David Sparks and Mike Schmitz David & Mike reflect on everything that happened in 2023 and share their intentions for 2024. David & Mike reflect on everything that happened in 2023 and share their intentions for 2024. clean 3868 David & Mike reflect on everything that happened in 2023 and share their intentions for 2024.

This episode of Focused is sponsored by:

  • Vitally: A new era for customer success productivity. Get a free pair of AirPods Pro when you book a qualified meeting.
  • Nom Nom: Healthy, fresh food for dogs formulated by top Board Certified Veterinary Nutritionists. Prepped in our kitchens with free delivery to your door. Get 50% off.

Links and Show Notes:

Deep Focus: Extended ad-free episodes with bonus deep dive content.
Focused #193: The Problem with Mise en Place, with Justin Khanna
The Theme System
MIke's Obsidian Quotebook video
Mike's Obsidian University Starter Vault
Difficult Conversations: How to Discuss What Matters Most by Douglas Stone, Bruce Patton, and Sheila Heen
Feel-Good Productivity by Ali Abdaal
Proust and the Squid: The Story and Science of the Reading Brain by Maryanne Wolf
Reader, Come Home: The Reading Brain in a Digital World by Maryanne Wolf
Traveler's Notebook
Drop + biip MT3 Extended 2048 Dark Keycap Set
]]>
193: The Problem with Mise en Place, with Justin Khanna Tue, 19 Dec 2023 21:15:00 GMT http://relay.fm/focused/193 http://relay.fm/focused/193 The Problem with Mise en Place, with Justin Khanna 193 David Sparks and Mike Schmitz Chef, creator, and entrepreneur Justin Khanna joins us to share focus lessons from the culinary world. Chef, creator, and entrepreneur Justin Khanna joins us to share focus lessons from the culinary world. clean 4643 Chef, creator, and entrepreneur Justin Khanna joins us to share focus lessons from the culinary world.

This episode of Focused is sponsored by:

  • ExpressVPN: High-Speed, Secure & Anonymous VPN Service. Get an extra three months free.
  • Indeed: Join more than 3.5 million businesses worldwide using Indeed to hire great talent fast.
  • Factor: Healthy, fully-prepared food delivered to your door.

Guest Starring:

Justin Khanna

Links and Show Notes:

Deep Focus: Extended ad-free episodes with bonus deep dive content.
Justin Khanna | YouTube
Repertoire
Le Repertoire De La Cuisine by Louis Saulnier
Total Station Domination
Work Clean by Dan Charnas
Essentialism by Greg McKeown
Range by David Epstein
$100M Leads by Alex Hormozi
$100M Offers by Alex Hormozi
Same as Ever by Morgan Housel
Letters on Ethics: To Lucilius, Seneca, Graver, Long
Justin Khanna
Pro Chef Breaks Down The Bear from Hulu | YouTube
]]>
192: Flow State Tue, 05 Dec 2023 16:15:00 GMT http://relay.fm/focused/192 http://relay.fm/focused/192 Flow State 192 David Sparks and Mike Schmitz David & Mike consider the benefits of the flow state and what we can do to achieve it more consistently. David & Mike consider the benefits of the flow state and what we can do to achieve it more consistently. clean 4127 David & Mike consider the benefits of the flow state and what we can do to achieve it more consistently.

This episode of Focused is sponsored by:

  • Squarespace: Save 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain using code FOCUSED.
  • Indeed: Join more than 3.5 million businesses worldwide using Indeed to hire great talent fast.

Links and Show Notes:

Deep Focus: Extended ad-free episodes with bonus deep dive content.
Flow: The Psychology of Optimal Experience by Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi
Ugmonk Analog
The Light Phone
How to Calm Your Mind by Chris Bailey
Extra Focus: The Quick Start Guide to Adult ADHD by Jesse J. Anderson
LensUltra
DJI Osmo Pocket 3
Who Not How by Dan Sullivan and Dr. Benjamin Hardy
The Creative Act: A Way of Being by Rick Rubin
How to Read a Book: The Classic Guide to Intelligent Reading by Mortimer Adler
]]>
191: Multi-Scale Planning Tue, 21 Nov 2023 17:30:00 GMT http://relay.fm/focused/191 http://relay.fm/focused/191 Multi-Scale Planning 191 David Sparks and Mike Schmitz David & Mike unpack the concept of multi-scale planning and share how they are both using it to live in alignment with their vision and values. David & Mike unpack the concept of multi-scale planning and share how they are both using it to live in alignment with their vision and values. clean 5140 David & Mike unpack the concept of multi-scale planning and share how they are both using it to live in alignment with their vision and values.

This episode of Focused is sponsored by:

  • Electric: Unbury yourself from IT tasks. Get a free pair of Beats Solo3 Wireless Headphones when you schedule a meeting.
  • Indeed: Join more than three million businesses worldwide using Indeed to hire great talent fast.
  • Factor: Healthy, fully-prepared food delivered to your door.
  • Whisper Memos: Record a voice memo, receive it as email. Try it now.

Links and Show Notes:

Deep Focus: Extended ad-free episodes with bonus deep dive content.
Ep. 272: The Essential Tools (w/ David Epstein) - The Deep Life by Cal Newport
The Focused NeuYear Calendar
Discbound Heirloom Journal (Brown) – Ugmonk
Ugmonk Analog
How to Calm Your Mind by Chris Bailey
Totebook – Studio Neat
1911 King of Pen Ebonite Naginata-Togi Fountain Pen | Sailor
Nakaya Dorsal Fin Fountain Pen
Hidden Potential by Adam Grant
Same as Ever by Morgan Housel
]]>
190: Overdosing on Gratitude, with Karl Staib Tue, 07 Nov 2023 16:00:00 GMT http://relay.fm/focused/190 http://relay.fm/focused/190 Overdosing on Gratitude, with Karl Staib 190 David Sparks and Mike Schmitz Process Consultant Karl Staib joins us to talk about process design, delegation, and the power of gratitude. Process Consultant Karl Staib joins us to talk about process design, delegation, and the power of gratitude. clean 4701 Process Consultant Karl Staib joins us to talk about process design, delegation, and the power of gratitude.

This episode of Focused is sponsored by:

  • Squarespace: Save 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain using code FOCUSED.
  • Indeed: Join more than three million businesses worldwide using Indeed to hire great talent fast.
  • Harvard Business Review: The leading destination for smart management thinking. Subscriptions start at just $10/month with code FOCUSED.

Guest Starring:

Karl Staib

Links and Show Notes:

Deep Focus: Extended episodes with bonus deep dive content.
Mike's LifeTheme Cohort
How to Master the Art of Continuous Improvement | James Clear
Bring Gratitude by Karl Staib
The 24-Hour Rule by Adrienne Bellehumeur
This Is Personal by Brennan Dunn
On The Tranquility Of The Mind by Seneca
The Dig to Fly Podcast
SOP Quickstart Guide
]]>
189: Focus & AI Tue, 24 Oct 2023 19:00:00 GMT http://relay.fm/focused/189 http://relay.fm/focused/189 Focus & AI 189 David Sparks and Mike Schmitz David & Mike consider how various AI tools can help protect our focus and share what they're using to boost their productivity & creativity. David & Mike consider how various AI tools can help protect our focus and share what they're using to boost their productivity & creativity. clean 5656 David & Mike consider how various AI tools can help protect our focus and share what they're using to boost their productivity & creativity.

This episode of Focused is sponsored by:

  • Squarespace: Save 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain using code FOCUSED.
  • Electric: Unbury yourself from IT tasks. Get a free pair of Beats Solo3 Wireless Headphones when you schedule a meeting.
  • ExpressVPN: High-Speed, Secure & Anonymous VPN Service. Get an extra three months free.
  • Indeed: Join more than three million businesses worldwide using Indeed to hire great talent fast.

Links and Show Notes:

Deep Focus: Extended episodes with bonus deep dive content.
The Focused Calendar | NeuYear.net
Focused #188: Q4 Planning & The PKM Stack
Focused #110: Focus with Michael Hyatt
A Few Apps & Tips for Using ChatGPT to Boost Your Creativity and Productivity | The Sweet Setup
MacGPT
MacWhisper
Mac Power Users #711: Getting Some Wisdom with Merlin Mann
Grammarly
SaneBox
ChatGPT
Otter.ai
Monica | Your ChatGPT Powered AI Assistant
Midjourney
Adobe Firefly
Raycast
Clear Thinking by Shane Parrish
On Quality by Robert Pirsig
Bookworm #181: On Quality by Robert Pirsig
Master of Change by Brad Stulberg
Book Review: Master of Change by Brad Stulberg | YouTube
By Hand and Eye by Jim Tolpin & George R. Walker
]]>
188: Q4 Planning & The PKM Stack Tue, 10 Oct 2023 18:00:00 GMT http://relay.fm/focused/188 http://relay.fm/focused/188 Q4 Planning & The PKM Stack 188 David Sparks and Mike Schmitz David & Mike revisit the topic of toxic productivity, discuss choosing apps & tools that support your intentions, and share their plans for the last quarter of 2023. David & Mike revisit the topic of toxic productivity, discuss choosing apps & tools that support your intentions, and share their plans for the last quarter of 2023. clean 4980 David & Mike revisit the topic of toxic productivity, discuss choosing apps & tools that support your intentions, and share their plans for the last quarter of 2023.

This episode of Focused is sponsored by:

  • Electric: Unbury yourself from IT tasks. Get a free pair of Beats Solo3 Wireless Headphones when you schedule a meeting.
  • Zocdoc: Find the right doctor, right now with Zocdoc. Sign up for free.
  • CleanMyMac X: Your Mac. As good as new. Get 5% off today.
  • Indeed: Join more than three million businesses worldwide using Indeed to hire great talent fast.

Links and Show Notes:

Deep Focus: Extended ad-free episodes with bonus deep dive content.
The Focused Calendar | NeuYear.net
Getaway House | Tiny Cabin Vacation Rentals
Obsidian Starter Vault | Obsidian University
Mike's YouTube channel
Mike's LifeTheme Cohort
Obsidian Field Guide (Plus Edition) | MacSparky Field Guides
The PKM Stack
Why the "Perfect PKM App" Doesn't Exist | YouTube
Analog Weekly Kit (Walnut) | Ugmonk
Guide to the Hobonichi Techo Planner | JetPens
Mike's Hobonichi planner | Anderson Pens
]]>
187: Drop Zones & Launch Pads, with Jesse J. Anderson Jesse J. Anderson is back to talk about troubleshooting productivity systems and his new book for helping adults with ADHD find focus. Tue, 26 Sep 2023 18:30:00 GMT http://relay.fm/focused/187 http://relay.fm/focused/187 Drop Zones & Launch Pads, with Jesse J. Anderson 187 David Sparks and Mike Schmitz Jesse J. Anderson is back to talk about troubleshooting productivity systems and his new book for helping adults with ADHD find focus. Jesse J. Anderson is back to talk about troubleshooting productivity systems and his new book for helping adults with ADHD find focus. clean 4897 Jesse J. Anderson is back to talk about troubleshooting productivity systems and his new book for helping adults with ADHD find focus.

This episode of Focused is sponsored by:

  • Vitally: A new era for customer success productivity. Get a free pair of AirPods Pro when you book a qualified meeting.
  • NetSuite: The leading integrated cloud business software suite. Download NetSuite’s popular KPI Checklist, designed to give you consistently excellent performance.

Guest Starring:

Jesse Anderson

Links and Show Notes:

Deep Focus: Extended ad-free episodes with bonus deep dive content.
Relay FM for St. Jude
Obsidian 101
Extra Focus by Jesse J. Anderson
ADHD Nerds Podcast
Workflowy
The WorkFlowy Timeline
Obsidian Field Guide (Plus Edition)
David's 3D Printed Organization
Round Valet Tray (Maple - Medium) | Ugmonk
]]>
186: The Burden of Opportunity, with Shawn Blanc The Focus Course creator and small business owner Shawn Blanc is back to talk about margin, sabbaticals, and focusing like a boss. Tue, 12 Sep 2023 19:15:00 GMT http://relay.fm/focused/186 http://relay.fm/focused/186 The Burden of Opportunity, with Shawn Blanc 186 David Sparks and Mike Schmitz The Focus Course creator and small business owner Shawn Blanc is back to talk about margin, sabbaticals, and focusing like a boss. The Focus Course creator and small business owner Shawn Blanc is back to talk about margin, sabbaticals, and focusing like a boss. clean 4825 The Focus Course creator and small business owner Shawn Blanc is back to talk about margin, sabbaticals, and focusing like a boss.

This episode of Focused is sponsored by:

  • Squarespace: Save 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain using code FOCUSED.
  • Indeed: Join more than three million businesses worldwide using Indeed to hire great talent fast.
  • Zocdoc: Find the right doctor, right now with Zocdoc. Sign up for free.

Guest Starring:

Shawn Blanc

Links and Show Notes:

Deep Focus: Extended ad-free episodes with bonus deep dive content.
Obsidian University

Mike's Obsidian cohort. The second live cohort kicks off on September 18, 2023.

Obsidian Field Guide (Plus Edition)

Use coupon code FOCUSEDOBSIDIAN for 10% off.

Relay FM for St. Jude
The Saturday Solopreneur | Justin Welsh
The Focus Course
The Good Life by Robert Waldinger and Marc Schulz
Focus Academy
Focus Like a Boss
Werner Herzog Rules for Film Making
]]>
185: How to Be Miserable David & Mike discuss the satirical self-help book How to Be Miserable by Randy J. Paterson and share the dysfunctional skills they are particularly good at. Tue, 29 Aug 2023 19:00:00 GMT http://relay.fm/focused/185 http://relay.fm/focused/185 How to Be Miserable 185 David Sparks and Mike Schmitz David & Mike discuss the satirical self-help book How to Be Miserable by Randy J. Paterson and share the dysfunctional skills they are particularly good at. David & Mike discuss the satirical self-help book How to Be Miserable by Randy J. Paterson and share the dysfunctional skills they are particularly good at. clean 5066 David & Mike discuss the satirical self-help book How to Be Miserable by Randy J. Paterson and share the dysfunctional skills they are particularly good at.

This episode of Focused is sponsored by:

  • Vitally: A new era for customer success productivity. Get a free pair of AirPods Pro when you book a qualified meeting.
  • ExpressVPN: High-Speed, Secure & Anonymous VPN Service. Get an extra three months free.
  • Indeed: Join more than three million businesses worldwide using Indeed to hire great talent fast.
  • NetSuite: The leading integrated cloud business software suite. Download NetSuite’s popular KPI Checklist, designed to give you consistently excellent performance.

Links and Show Notes:

Deep Focus: Extended episodes with bonus deep dive content.
Obsidian Field Guide (Plus Edition) | MacSparky Field Guides

Use coupon code FOCUSEDOBSIDIAN for 10% off

Relay FM 10th Anniversary Extravaganza | Hackney Empire
How to Be Miserable by Randy J. Paterson
That Thing You Do! | IMDb
The Gap and The Gain by Dan Sullivan and Benjamin Hardy
Liminal Thinking by Dave Gray
The Time Block Planner
Deep Work by Cal Newport
iA Writer
Hanx Writer
Olympia SM3 DeLuxe | Typewriter Review
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184: Solving Problems, with Jay Clouse Jay Clouse of Creator Science joins us to talk about the sawdust problem, the focus benefits of community, and finding the balance between quality and quantity. Tue, 15 Aug 2023 19:00:00 GMT http://relay.fm/focused/184 http://relay.fm/focused/184 Solving Problems, with Jay Clouse 184 David Sparks and Mike Schmitz Jay Clouse of Creator Science joins us to talk about the sawdust problem, the focus benefits of community, and finding the balance between quality and quantity. Jay Clouse of Creator Science joins us to talk about the sawdust problem, the focus benefits of community, and finding the balance between quality and quantity. clean 4093 Jay Clouse of Creator Science joins us to talk about the sawdust problem, the focus benefits of community, and finding the balance between quality and quantity.

This episode of Focused is sponsored by:

  • Squarespace: Save 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain using code FOCUSED.
  • Indeed: Join more than three million businesses worldwide using Indeed to hire great talent fast.
  • Zocdoc: Find the right doctor, right now with Zocdoc. Sign up for free.

Guest Starring:

Jay Clouse

Links and Show Notes:

Deep Focus: Extended ad-free episodes with bonus deep dive content.
Creator Science
Unlocking Long-Term Relevance in a Short-Form World | Craft + Commerce 2023
Atomic Habits by James Clear | Amazon
Hit Makers by Derek Thompson | Amazon
Plain English podcast
Quality vs. Quantity | Creator Science
The Lab | Creator Science
Creator Science Toolbox
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183: Practicing Focus David & Mike discuss how they inject focus into their workdays & Mike shares about his tiny house retreat experience. Tue, 01 Aug 2023 21:00:00 GMT http://relay.fm/focused/183 http://relay.fm/focused/183 Practicing Focus 183 David Sparks and Mike Schmitz David & Mike discuss how they inject focus into their workdays & Mike shares about his tiny house retreat experience. David & Mike discuss how they inject focus into their workdays & Mike shares about his tiny house retreat experience. clean 4850 David & Mike discuss how they inject focus into their workdays & Mike shares about his tiny house retreat experience.

This episode of Focused is sponsored by:

  • Vitally: A new era for customer success productivity. Get a free pair of AirPods Pro when you book a qualified meeting.
  • NetSuite: The leading integrated cloud business software suite. Get a special one-of-a-kind financing offer: no interest, no payments for six months.
  • Indeed: Join more than three million businesses worldwide using Indeed to hire great talent fast.

Links and Show Notes:

Deep Focus: Extended ad-free episodes with bonus deep dive content.
Macstock Conference & Expo | A conference for the Mac and iOS community
Totebook | Studio Neat
Understanding the Job | Clayton Christensen
Creating My iOS Time Tracking Dashboard | The Sweet Setup
Focused #182: Building Focused Flywheels, with Nathan Barry
Getaway House | Tiny Cabin Vacation Rentals
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182: Building Focused Flywheels, with Nathan Barry ConvertKit CEO Nathan Barry joins us to talk about the power of focus and how it helped save his company. Tue, 18 Jul 2023 22:00:00 GMT http://relay.fm/focused/182 http://relay.fm/focused/182 Building Focused Flywheels, with Nathan Barry 182 David Sparks and Mike Schmitz ConvertKit CEO Nathan Barry joins us to talk about the power of focus and how it helped save his company. ConvertKit CEO Nathan Barry joins us to talk about the power of focus and how it helped save his company. clean 4586 ConvertKit CEO Nathan Barry joins us to talk about the power of focus and how it helped save his company.

This episode of Focused is sponsored by:

  • Squarespace: Save 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain using code FOCUSED.
  • Indeed: Join more than three million businesses worldwide using Indeed to hire great talent fast.

Guest Starring:

Nathan Barry

Links and Show Notes:

Deep Focus: Extended episodes with bonus deep dive content.
Nathan Barry
ConvertKit
How Nathan Barry Built a $30 Million Software Company | YouTube
Sahil Bloom
Anything You Want | Derek Sivers
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181: Walking Your Own Path, with Justin Moore Sponsorship coach Justin Moore joins us to talk about his journey from medical devices to Creator Wizard founder, avoiding the comparison trap, and finding your niche. Tue, 04 Jul 2023 18:00:00 GMT http://relay.fm/focused/181 http://relay.fm/focused/181 Walking Your Own Path, with Justin Moore 181 David Sparks and Mike Schmitz Sponsorship coach Justin Moore joins us to talk about his journey from medical devices to Creator Wizard founder, avoiding the comparison trap, and finding your niche. Sponsorship coach Justin Moore joins us to talk about his journey from medical devices to Creator Wizard founder, avoiding the comparison trap, and finding your niche. clean 5217 Sponsorship coach Justin Moore joins us to talk about his journey from medical devices to Creator Wizard founder, avoiding the comparison trap, and finding your niche.

This episode of Focused is sponsored by:

  • NetSuite: The leading integrated cloud business software suite. Get a special one-of-a-kind financing offer: no interest, no payments for six months.
  • Indeed: Join more than three million businesses worldwide using Indeed to hire great talent fast.
  • Zocdoc: Find the right doctor, right now with Zocdoc. Sign up for free.

Guest Starring:

Justin Moore

Links and Show Notes:

Deep Focus: Extended ad-free episodes with bonus deep dive content.
Creator Wizard
The Psychology of Money by Morgan Housel
Creator Debates
Focused #165: On the River, with Chris Upchurch
A Chinese Farmer Story | YouTube
Envy? FOMO? Gratefulness? My Reflections On 2022 As A Creator
Rocket Fuel by Gino Wickman and Mark Winters
Justin's Newsletter
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180: A Focused Hodgepodge David reflects on 18 months of freedom, Mike reports back from Craft + Commerce, and they both share their best advice for teaching kids how to focus. Tue, 20 Jun 2023 18:30:00 GMT http://relay.fm/focused/180 http://relay.fm/focused/180 A Focused Hodgepodge 180 David Sparks and Mike Schmitz David reflects on 18 months of freedom, Mike reports back from Craft + Commerce, and they both share their best advice for teaching kids how to focus. David reflects on 18 months of freedom, Mike reports back from Craft + Commerce, and they both share their best advice for teaching kids how to focus. clean 4666 David reflects on 18 months of freedom, Mike reports back from Craft + Commerce, and they both share their best advice for teaching kids how to focus.

This episode of Focused is sponsored by:

  • Squarespace: Make your next move. Enter offer code FOCUSED at checkout to get 10% off your first purchase.
  • ExpressVPN: High-Speed, Secure & Anonymous VPN Service. Get an extra three months free.
  • Indeed: Join more than three million businesses worldwide using Indeed to hire great talent fast.

Links and Show Notes:

Deep Focus: Extended ad-free episodes with bonus deep dive content.
Obsidian University (Mike's Obsidian cohort)
The Gap and The Gain by Dan Sullivan and Dr. Benjamin Hardy
Satechi Multi Device Charging Station Dock 5 with Wireless Charging
How to Calm Your Mind by Chris Bailey
Mike's How to Calm Your Mind Notes
Focused #107: The Bullet Journal Method, with Ryder Carroll
The Bullet Journal Method
Totebook | Studio Neat
Mark One | Studio Neat
Readwise
]]>
179: Ideal Weeks David & Mike discuss the process of planning (and attempting to live out) their ideal weeks. Wed, 07 Jun 2023 00:30:00 GMT http://relay.fm/focused/179 http://relay.fm/focused/179 Ideal Weeks 179 David Sparks and Mike Schmitz David & Mike discuss the process of planning (and attempting to live out) their ideal weeks. David & Mike discuss the process of planning (and attempting to live out) their ideal weeks. clean 4343 David & Mike discuss the process of planning (and attempting to live out) their ideal weeks.

This episode of Focused is sponsored by:

  • Indeed: Join more than three million businesses worldwide using Indeed to hire great talent fast.
  • Zocdoc: Find the right doctor, right now with Zocdoc. Sign up for free.

Links and Show Notes:

Deep Focus: Extended ad-free episodes with bonus deep dive content.
Obsidian University
The Productivity Project by Chris Bailey
Focused #101: Taking a Sabbatical, with Sean McCabe
David's Ideal Week
Mike's Ideal Week
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178: Mike's Big Adventure Mike is finally a Free Agent. In this episode, he & David talk through the process and share some tips for those considering making revolutionary change. Tue, 23 May 2023 15:45:00 GMT http://relay.fm/focused/178 http://relay.fm/focused/178 Mike's Big Adventure 178 David Sparks and Mike Schmitz Mike is finally a Free Agent. In this episode, he & David talk through the process and share some tips for those considering making revolutionary change. Mike is finally a Free Agent. In this episode, he & David talk through the process and share some tips for those considering making revolutionary change. clean 4581 Mike is finally a Free Agent. In this episode, he & David talk through the process and share some tips for those considering making revolutionary change.

This episode of Focused is sponsored by:

  • Squarespace: Make your next move. Enter offer code FOCUSED at checkout to get 10% off your first purchase.
  • Indeed: Join more than three million businesses worldwide using Indeed to hire great talent fast.
  • Nom Nom: Healthy, fresh food for dogs formulated by top Board Certified Veterinary Nutritionists. Prepped in our kitchens with free delivery to your door. Get 50% off.

Links and Show Notes:

Deep Focus: Extended ad-free episodes with bonus deep dive content.
Fear-Setting
The Pathless Path by Paul Millerd
Master Your Motivation by Susan Fowler
Bookworm #167: Master Your Motivation by Susan Fowler
Focused #148: Savoring the Moment, with Chris Bailey
How to Calm Your Mind by Chris Bailey
Maslach Burnout Inventory
Obsidian University
Two Weeks Notice by Amy Porterfield
The Gap and The Gain by Dr. Benjamin Hardy & Dan Sullivan
]]>
177: The Care and Feeding of Technology, with Mike Rohde Mike Rohde is back to talk about the role of analog and digital tools in maintaining creative focus. Tue, 09 May 2023 17:30:00 GMT http://relay.fm/focused/177 http://relay.fm/focused/177 The Care and Feeding of Technology, with Mike Rohde 177 David Sparks and Mike Schmitz Mike Rohde is back to talk about the role of analog and digital tools in maintaining creative focus. Mike Rohde is back to talk about the role of analog and digital tools in maintaining creative focus. clean 5364 Mike Rohde is back to talk about the role of analog and digital tools in maintaining creative focus.

This episode of Focused is sponsored by:

  • Indeed: Join more than three million businesses worldwide using Indeed to hire great talent fast.
  • Zocdoc: Find the right doctor, right now with Zocdoc. Sign up for free.
  • NetSuite: The leading integrated cloud business software suite. Get a special one-of-a-kind financing offer: no interest, no payments for six months.

Guest Starring:

Mike Rohde

Links and Show Notes:

Deep Focus: Extended ad-free episodes with bonus deep dive content.
The Sketchnote Handbook by Mike Rohde
The Sketchnote Workbook by Mike Rohde
Email Field Guide | MacSparky
Four Thousand Weeks by Oliver Burkeman
The Complete Isaac Asimov's Foundation Series Books 1-7
Shingo Nakamura | Spotify
Procreate app
Mike Rohde | YouTube
Sketchnote Icons Live Workshop: Recorded Replay Online | Vimeo On Demand on Vimeo
Paper Mate Flair Felt Tip Pens | Amazon
Pilot G2 Gel Pens | Amazon
Notebook Classic | LEUCHTTURM1917
Moleskine Art Sketchbook | Amazon

https://amzn.to/3LSxZHQ

The Sketchnote Ideabook | Airship Notebooks

Coupon code ARMY for 10% off

Field Notes | Memo Books, Notebooks, Journals & Planners
Rhodia Notebooks & Writing Pads
Pentel EnerGel 0.7 MM | Amazon

https://amzn.to/3NSUZck

Sharpie S-Gel, Gel Pens, Medium Point | Amazon
Neuland
GoodNotes app
Paper by WeTransfer | Simple Sketch App
Concepts App | Infinite, Flexible Sketching
Noteshelf app
Linea Sketch | Drawing tools for iOS
Paperlike
Rohdesign
Mike Rohde (@rohdesign) | Instagram
Sketchnote Army
Mike Rohde (@rohdesign@mastodon.online) | Mastodon
Waves of Focus | Kourosh Dini
]]>
176: Doing Less David & Mike revisit the importance of saying no and discuss how to prevent taking on too much. Tue, 25 Apr 2023 20:00:00 GMT http://relay.fm/focused/176 http://relay.fm/focused/176 Doing Less 176 David Sparks and Mike Schmitz David & Mike revisit the importance of saying no and discuss how to prevent taking on too much. David & Mike revisit the importance of saying no and discuss how to prevent taking on too much. clean 4694 David & Mike revisit the importance of saying no and discuss how to prevent taking on too much.

This episode of Focused is sponsored by:

  • Squarespace: Make your next move. Enter offer code FOCUSED at checkout to get 10% off your first purchase.
  • ExpressVPN: High-Speed, Secure & Anonymous VPN Service. Get an extra three months free.
  • Indeed: Join more than three million businesses worldwide using Indeed to hire great talent fast.

Links and Show Notes:

Deep Focus: Extended episodes with bonus deep dive content.
Mike's LifeTheme Cohort
Master Your Motivation by Susan Fowler
The 12 Week Year by Brian Moran and Michael Lennington
How to do what you love and make good money | Derek Sivers
Weekend Wednesday | YouTube
Readwise
How to Read a Book by Mortimer Adler
Bookworm podcast
]]>
175: The To-Don't List David & Mike get caught up on listener feedback as they discuss journaling data, power naps, and choosing the things you aren't going to do. Wed, 12 Apr 2023 01:00:00 GMT http://relay.fm/focused/175 http://relay.fm/focused/175 The To-Don't List 175 David Sparks and Mike Schmitz David & Mike get caught up on listener feedback as they discuss journaling data, power naps, and choosing the things you aren't going to do. David & Mike get caught up on listener feedback as they discuss journaling data, power naps, and choosing the things you aren't going to do. clean 4327 David & Mike get caught up on listener feedback as they discuss journaling data, power naps, and choosing the things you aren't going to do.

This episode of Focused is sponsored by:

  • CleanMyMac X: Your Mac. As good as new. Get 5% off today.
  • Indeed: Join more than three million businesses worldwide using Indeed to hire great talent fast.
  • Zocdoc: Find the right doctor, right now with Zocdoc. Sign up for free.

Links and Show Notes:

Deep Focus: Extended ad-free episodes with bonus deep dive content.
Day One
Obsidian
Triggers by Marshall Goldsmith
Mike's Digital Journaling in Obsidian course
How to Calm Your Mind by Chris Bailey
Mac Power Users #685: Fighting Digital Distractions
House of Cribbage Continuous Cribbage Board | Amazon
Areaware Minim Playing Cards | Amazon
Cribbage With Grandpas
Mastermind | Amazon
Sterilite 18 Quart Clear Plastic Stackable Storage Containers | Amazon
]]>
174: Deep Work, with Cal Newport Computer scientist & author Cal Newport joins us to talk about the impact of technology and culture on productivity and shares what we can do to protect our ability to focus. Tue, 28 Mar 2023 16:45:00 GMT http://relay.fm/focused/174 http://relay.fm/focused/174 Deep Work, with Cal Newport 174 David Sparks and Mike Schmitz Computer scientist & author Cal Newport joins us to talk about the impact of technology and culture on productivity and shares what we can do to protect our ability to focus. Computer scientist & author Cal Newport joins us to talk about the impact of technology and culture on productivity and shares what we can do to protect our ability to focus. clean 4319 Computer scientist & author Cal Newport joins us to talk about the impact of technology and culture on productivity and shares what we can do to protect our ability to focus.

This episode of Focused is sponsored by:

  • ExpressVPN: High-Speed, Secure & Anonymous VPN Service. Get an extra three months free.
  • Zocdoc: Find the right doctor, right now with Zocdoc. Sign up for free.

Guest Starring:

Cal Newport

Links and Show Notes:

Deep Focus: Extended ad-free episodes with bonus deep dive content.
Deep Work by Cal Newport
Digital Minimalism by Cal Newport
A World Without Email by Cal Newport
Why Remote Work Is So Hard—and How It Can Be Fixed | The New Yorker
The Rise and Fall of Getting Things Done | The New Yorker
The Time-Block Planner by Cal Newport
It’s Time to Embrace Slow Productivity | The New Yorker
How to Become a Straight-A Student by Cal Newport
]]>
173: Life Has Lifed You, with Mark Metzger Business lawyer Mark Metzger joins David to talk about false urgency, the power of having a coach, and getting back on the wagon when life happens. Tue, 14 Mar 2023 21:15:00 GMT http://relay.fm/focused/173 http://relay.fm/focused/173 Life Has Lifed You, with Mark Metzger 173 David Sparks and Mike Schmitz Business lawyer Mark Metzger joins David to talk about false urgency, the power of having a coach, and getting back on the wagon when life happens. Business lawyer Mark Metzger joins David to talk about false urgency, the power of having a coach, and getting back on the wagon when life happens. clean 4508 Business lawyer Mark Metzger joins David to talk about false urgency, the power of having a coach, and getting back on the wagon when life happens.

This episode of Focused is sponsored by:

  • Squarespace: Make your next move. Enter offer code FOCUSED at checkout to get 10% off your first purchase.
  • CleanMyMac X: Your Mac. As good as new. Get 5% off today.
  • NetSuite: The leading integrated cloud business software suite. Get a special one-of-a-kind financing offer: no interest, no payments for six months.

Guest Starring:

Mark Metzger

Links and Show Notes:

Deep Focus: Extended ad-free episodes with bonus deep dive content.
Naperville, IL Business Attorney & Estate Planning Lawyers
Atticus Attorney Law Firm Coaching
10% Happier by Dan Harris
Ten Percent Happier App
Headspace
False Urgency Webinar Video (MacSparky Labs)
ScreenFlow
Camtasia
Loom
]]>
172: Journaling & Focus David & Mike dive deep into the topic of journaling and share their workflows for making it stick. Tue, 28 Feb 2023 18:15:00 GMT http://relay.fm/focused/172 http://relay.fm/focused/172 Journaling & Focus 172 David Sparks and Mike Schmitz David & Mike dive deep into the topic of journaling and share their workflows for making it stick. David & Mike dive deep into the topic of journaling and share their workflows for making it stick. clean 5040 David & Mike dive deep into the topic of journaling and share their workflows for making it stick.

This episode of Focused is sponsored by:

  • Zocdoc: Find the right doctor, right now with Zocdoc. Sign up for free.
  • ExpressVPN: High-Speed, Secure & Anonymous VPN Service. Get an extra three months free.
  • Indeed: Join more than three million businesses worldwide using Indeed to hire great talent fast.

Links and Show Notes:

Deep Focus: Extended ad-free episodes with bonus deep dive content.
MACSPARKY Embroidered Tee | Cotton Bureau
The Artist's Way by Julia Cameron
BeReal
Mike's Digital Journaling in Obsidian course
The Pen Addict | Relay FM
Circa® by Levenger
How to Calm Your Mind by Chris Bailey
Day One
Readwise
Obsidian
Ugmonk Analog
Four Thousand Weeks by Oliver Burkeman
Triggers by Marshall Goldsmith
]]>
171: Communication & Focus David & Mike discuss communication, project management, and managing expectations to protect your focus. Tue, 14 Feb 2023 22:00:00 GMT http://relay.fm/focused/171 http://relay.fm/focused/171 Communication & Focus 171 David Sparks and Mike Schmitz David & Mike discuss communication, project management, and managing expectations to protect your focus. David & Mike discuss communication, project management, and managing expectations to protect your focus. clean 5221 David & Mike discuss communication, project management, and managing expectations to protect your focus.

This episode of Focused is sponsored by:

  • Nom Nom: Healthy, fresh food for dogs formulated by top Board Certified Veterinary Nutritionists. Prepped in our kitchens with free delivery to your door. Get 50% off.
  • Squarespace: Make your next move. Enter offer code FOCUSED at checkout to get 10% off your first purchase.
  • Indeed: Join more than three million businesses worldwide using Indeed to hire great talent fast.

Links and Show Notes:

Deep Focus: Extended ad-free episodes with bonus deep dive content.
Time Timer
Mac Power Users #578: Getting to Know Notion, with August Bradley
Mac Power Users #650: Craft Deep Drive
Boox Tab Ultra
A Mindfulness Monday Review of the Onyx Boox Tab Ultra | The Sweet Setup
Digital Journaling in Obsidian course | Faith-Based Productivity
Investigation: How TikTok's Algorithm Figures Out Your Deepest Desires
Focused #78: Changing Defaults with John Zeratsky
Hackschooling makes me happy - Logan LaPlante | TEDxUniversityofNevada
The Productivity Project by Chris Bailey
How to Be a High School Superstar by Cal Newport
How to Become a Straight-A Student by Cal Newport
]]>
170: Holistic Productivity, with Tim Stringer Tim Stringer joins us to talk about mortality, reinvention, and the fight to live a focused life. Tue, 31 Jan 2023 20:30:00 GMT http://relay.fm/focused/170 http://relay.fm/focused/170 Holistic Productivity, with Tim Stringer 170 David Sparks and Mike Schmitz Tim Stringer joins us to talk about mortality, reinvention, and the fight to live a focused life. Tim Stringer joins us to talk about mortality, reinvention, and the fight to live a focused life. clean 5148 Tim Stringer joins us to talk about mortality, reinvention, and the fight to live a focused life.

This episode of Focused is sponsored by:

  • Zocdoc: Find the right doctor, right now with Zocdoc. Sign up for free.
  • ExpressVPN: High-Speed, Secure & Anonymous VPN Service. Get an extra three months free.

Guest Starring:

Tim Stringer

Links and Show Notes:

Deep Focus: Extended episodes with bonus deep dive content.
Technically Simple | Productivity Coaching, Consulting & Training
Learn OmniFocus | OmniFocus Video Tutorials, Articles & Webinars
A Chinese Farmer Story | YouTube
Getting Things Done
Holistic Productivity
Day One
Tim Stringer (@timstringer) | Twitter
Tim Stringer (@timstringer@mastodon.social) | Mastodon
]]>
169: How to Calm Your Mind, with Chris Bailey Chris Bailey is back to talk about dopamine, burnout, and finding calm in these anxious times. Tue, 17 Jan 2023 16:00:00 GMT http://relay.fm/focused/169 http://relay.fm/focused/169 How to Calm Your Mind, with Chris Bailey 169 David Sparks and Mike Schmitz Chris Bailey is back to talk about dopamine, burnout, and finding calm in these anxious times. Chris Bailey is back to talk about dopamine, burnout, and finding calm in these anxious times. clean 5032 Chris Bailey is back to talk about dopamine, burnout, and finding calm in these anxious times.

This episode of Focused is sponsored by:

  • Nom Nom: Healthy, fresh food for dogs formulated by top Board Certified Veterinary Nutritionists. Prepped in our kitchens with free delivery to your door. Get 50% off.

Guest Starring:

Chris Bailey

Links and Show Notes:

Deep Focus: Extended ad-free episodes with bonus deep dive content.
The Productivity Project by Chris Bailey
Hyperfocus by Chris Bailey
How to Train Your Mind by Chris Bailey
How to Calm Your Mind by Chris Bailey
Maslach Burnout Inventory
Chris Bailey's website
Time & Attention Podcast
]]>
168: 2023 Focus Resolutions David & Mike share their words for the year and discuss their plans to live out the first quarter of 2023 with intentionality and focus. Tue, 03 Jan 2023 18:45:00 GMT http://relay.fm/focused/168 http://relay.fm/focused/168 2023 Focus Resolutions 168 David Sparks and Mike Schmitz David & Mike share their words for the year and discuss their plans to live out the first quarter of 2023 with intentionality and focus. David & Mike share their words for the year and discuss their plans to live out the first quarter of 2023 with intentionality and focus. clean 3847 David & Mike share their words for the year and discuss their plans to live out the first quarter of 2023 with intentionality and focus.

This episode of Focused is sponsored by:

  • Squarespace: Make your next move. Enter offer code FOCUSED at checkout to get 10% off your first purchase.

Links and Show Notes:

Deep Focus: Extended ad-free episodes with bonus deep dive content.
The 12 Week Year by Brian Moran & Michael Lennington
Cortex #136: 2023 Yearly Themes
How to do what you love and make good money | Derek Sivers
Ship 30 for 30
Part-Time Youtuber Academy with Ali Abdaal
The 2023 Focused Calendar
]]>
167: 2022 Year in Review David & Mike reflect on the last year and share what went well, what could have gone better, and their lessons learned. Tue, 20 Dec 2022 20:45:00 GMT http://relay.fm/focused/167 http://relay.fm/focused/167 2022 Year in Review 167 David Sparks and Mike Schmitz David & Mike reflect on the last year and share what went well, what could have gone better, and their lessons learned. David & Mike reflect on the last year and share what went well, what could have gone better, and their lessons learned. clean 3678 David & Mike reflect on the last year and share what went well, what could have gone better, and their lessons learned.

This episode of Focused is sponsored by:

  • ExpressVPN: High-Speed, Secure & Anonymous VPN Service. Get an extra three months free.

Links and Show Notes:

Deep Focus: Extended ad-free episodes with bonus deep dive content.
The 2023 Focused Calendar
Deep Focus: Extended ad-free episodes with bonus deep dive content
Faith-Based Productivity community
Part-Time Youtuber Academy with Ali Abdaal
Ship 30 for 30
Readwise
reMarkable
Mind Management, Not Time Management by David Kadavy
GoodNotes
Kindle Scribe
Freewrite
AlphaSmart NEO: Why this crappy portable word processor is GREAT for writing
Glocusent Upgraded LED Neck Reading Light
Keychron Q1
Drop + biip MT3 Extended 2048 Custom Keycap Set
]]>
166: The Social Dilemma David & Mike walk through their planning processes and make their best case for leaving social media altogether. Tue, 06 Dec 2022 15:45:00 GMT http://relay.fm/focused/166 http://relay.fm/focused/166 The Social Dilemma 166 David Sparks and Mike Schmitz David & Mike walk through their planning processes and make their best case for leaving social media altogether. David & Mike walk through their planning processes and make their best case for leaving social media altogether. clean 4315 David & Mike walk through their planning processes and make their best case for leaving social media altogether.

This episode of Focused is sponsored by:

  • Squarespace: Make your next move. Enter offer code FOCUSED at checkout to get 10% off your first purchase.

Links and Show Notes:

Deep Focus: Extended ad-free episodes with bonus deep dive content.
The 2023 Focused Calendar
Give the Gift of Relay FM
Focused #164: Mind Mapping
Command Strips | Amazon
Focused #138: Hyper-Scheduling Revisited
Mind Management, Not Time Management by David Kadavy | Amazon
The Social Dilemma
Elon Musk's Midnight Email Telling Twitter Staff to Work 'Long Hours'
Discipline Is Destiny by Ryan Holiday | Amazon
]]>
165: On the River, with Chris Upchurch Chris Upchurch joins us to talk about his recent career change from metropolitan transportation planner to whitewater rafting guide. Tue, 22 Nov 2022 18:00:00 GMT http://relay.fm/focused/165 http://relay.fm/focused/165 On the River, with Chris Upchurch 165 David Sparks and Mike Schmitz Chris Upchurch joins us to talk about his recent career change from metropolitan transportation planner to whitewater rafting guide. Chris Upchurch joins us to talk about his recent career change from metropolitan transportation planner to whitewater rafting guide. clean 4732 Chris Upchurch joins us to talk about his recent career change from metropolitan transportation planner to whitewater rafting guide.

This episode of Focused is sponsored by:

  • Squarespace: Make your next move. Enter offer code FOCUSED at checkout to get 10% off your first purchase.
  • ExpressVPN: High-Speed, Secure & Anonymous VPN Service. Get an extra three months free.

Guest Starring:

Chris Upchurch

Links and Show Notes:

Deep Focus: Extended ad-free episodes with bonus deep dive content.
Grand Adventure Blog
The 2023 Focused NeuYear Calendar
Personal Retreat Handbook
Dataview
Due
The Theme System Journal
Rite in the Rain Weatherproof Soft Cover Pocket Notebook
Rite in the Rain All-Weather RevMark Pen
Mac Power Users #470: From Computing to Sheep Farming, with Oogie McGuire
How to Start Your Own Mastermind Group
]]>
164: Mind Mapping David & Mike consider the focus benefits of mind mapping and discuss the tools and methods they use to think beyond the outline. Tue, 08 Nov 2022 21:00:00 GMT http://relay.fm/focused/164 http://relay.fm/focused/164 Mind Mapping 164 David Sparks and Mike Schmitz David & Mike consider the focus benefits of mind mapping and discuss the tools and methods they use to think beyond the outline. David & Mike consider the focus benefits of mind mapping and discuss the tools and methods they use to think beyond the outline. clean 4257 David & Mike consider the focus benefits of mind mapping and discuss the tools and methods they use to think beyond the outline.

This episode of Focused is sponsored by:

  • Indeed: Join more than three million businesses worldwide using Indeed to hire great talent fast.
  • Sofa: Organize your downtime. Download now.

Links and Show Notes:

Deep Focus: Extended episodes with bonus deep dive content.
The 2023 Focused Calendar | NeuYear
Mind Map Mastery by Tony Buzan
Mac Power Users #82: Cooking Ideas
MindNode
How (and Why) I Take Notes on Books That I Read | Faith-Based Productivity
152: Mind Map Mastery by Tony Buzan | Bookworm
How to Read a Book by Mortimer Adler
The Road Less Stupid by Keith Cunningham
The Best Mind Mapping App — The Sweet Setup
OmniGraffle
Miro
MindMeister
Xmind
iThoughts
]]>
163: The Laws of Creativity, with Joey Cofone Baron Fig CEO Joey Cofone joins us to talk about creativity, embracing constraints, and finding your own way. Tue, 25 Oct 2022 21:30:00 GMT http://relay.fm/focused/163 http://relay.fm/focused/163 The Laws of Creativity, with Joey Cofone 163 David Sparks and Mike Schmitz Baron Fig CEO Joey Cofone joins us to talk about creativity, embracing constraints, and finding your own way. Baron Fig CEO Joey Cofone joins us to talk about creativity, embracing constraints, and finding your own way. clean 3711 Baron Fig CEO Joey Cofone joins us to talk about creativity, embracing constraints, and finding your own way.

This episode of Focused is sponsored by:

  • Indeed: Join more than three million businesses worldwide using Indeed to hire great talent fast.
  • ExpressVPN: High-Speed, Secure & Anonymous VPN Service. Get an extra three months free.

Guest Starring:

Joey Cofone

Links and Show Notes:

Deep Focus: Extended ad-free episodes with bonus deep dive content.
The Laws of Creativity by Joey Cofone
Baron Fig
Confidant Hardcover Notebook
Steal Like an Artist by Austin Kleon
@joeycofone | Twitter
@joeycofone | Instagram
]]>
162: Perfectionism David & Mike discuss perfectionism, procrastination, and overcoming the urge to get everything just right. Tue, 11 Oct 2022 15:45:00 GMT http://relay.fm/focused/162 http://relay.fm/focused/162 Perfectionism 162 David Sparks and Mike Schmitz David & Mike discuss perfectionism, procrastination, and overcoming the urge to get everything just right. David & Mike discuss perfectionism, procrastination, and overcoming the urge to get everything just right. clean 3840 David & Mike discuss perfectionism, procrastination, and overcoming the urge to get everything just right.

This episode of Focused is sponsored by:

  • Squarespace: Make your next move. Enter offer code FOCUSED at checkout to get 10% off your first purchase.
  • Indeed: Join more than three million businesses worldwide using Indeed to hire great talent fast.

Links and Show Notes:

Deep Focus: Extended ad-free episodes with bonus deep dive content.
Focused #146: The Extended Mind, with Annie Murphy Paul
The Extended Mind by Annie Murphy Paul | Amazon
Mac Power Users #661: Our Desks & Bags
Contemporary, Mid Century & Modern Furniture | Article
David's Chair
iPad Status Board, Part 2 | MacSparky
Good to Great by Jim Collins | Amazon
A Guide to Sketchnoting on iPad (using GoodNotes) | The Sweet Setup
Mindset by Carol Dweck | Amazon
Part-Time Youtuber Academy with Ali Abdaal
How to be a YouTuber? Ask MKBHD V10! | YouTube
42 Creativity Tips to Get Unstuck, Overcome Resistance, & Make Your Art | YouTube
Journaling in Obsidian Using Daily Questions | YouTube
]]>
161: Stolen Focus, with Jean MacDonald Jean MacDonald joins us to talk about social media, the M.E.O.W. system, and reading books. Tue, 27 Sep 2022 19:45:00 GMT http://relay.fm/focused/161 http://relay.fm/focused/161 Stolen Focus, with Jean MacDonald 161 David Sparks and Mike Schmitz Jean MacDonald joins us to talk about social media, the M.E.O.W. system, and reading books. Jean MacDonald joins us to talk about social media, the M.E.O.W. system, and reading books. clean 4942 Jean MacDonald joins us to talk about social media, the M.E.O.W. system, and reading books.

This episode of Focused is sponsored by:

  • Indeed: Join more than three million businesses worldwide using Indeed to hire great talent fast.
  • Ethos: Life insurance that fits your budget.

Guest Starring:

Jean MacDonald

Links and Show Notes:

Deep Focus: Extended episodes with bonus deep dive content.
Relay FM for St. Jude
Micro.blog
The Weekly Review #219: A MEOW Review 😺
Stolen Focus by Johann Hari | Amazon
Flow by Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi | Amazon
The Social Dilemma
The Light Phone
Reclaiming Conversation by Sherry Turkle | Amazon
Libby App
The Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle | Audible
Building a Second Brain
Discipline Is Destiny by Ryan Holiday | Amazon
David Allen's GTD® Methodology
M.E.O.W: The Productivity System Just For Me 😸 | Jean MacDonald
Focused #156: The State of GTD
]]>
160: Balancing Calendars and Tasks David & Mike compare calendars and task lists, the jobs to be done by each, and the resistance that will inevitably appear in your quest to get things done. Tue, 13 Sep 2022 17:00:00 GMT http://relay.fm/focused/160 http://relay.fm/focused/160 Balancing Calendars and Tasks 160 David Sparks and Mike Schmitz David & Mike compare calendars and task lists, the jobs to be done by each, and the resistance that will inevitably appear in your quest to get things done. David & Mike compare calendars and task lists, the jobs to be done by each, and the resistance that will inevitably appear in your quest to get things done. clean 4701 David & Mike compare calendars and task lists, the jobs to be done by each, and the resistance that will inevitably appear in your quest to get things done.

This episode of Focused is sponsored by:

  • Squarespace: Make your next move. Enter offer code FOCUSED at checkout to get 10% off your first purchase.
  • Indeed: Join more than three million businesses worldwide using Indeed to hire great talent fast.

Links and Show Notes:

Deep Focus: Extended episodes with bonus deep dive content.
The Extended Mind by Annie Murphy Paul
Focused #157: Non-Traditional Measures of Productivity, with Mike Vardy
MacSparky Labs
MacSparky Labs Calendar screenshot
Hyper-Scheduling Archives | MacSparky
The Checklist Manifesto by Atul Gawande
OmniFocus Field Guide
Gestimer
Focused #74: Moving the Needle
Focused #71: Hyper-Scheduling
Focused #138: Hyper-Scheduling Revisited
Relay FM for St. Jude
]]>
159: The Art of Note-Taking David & Mike consider note-taking and its role in the creative process. Tue, 30 Aug 2022 20:30:00 GMT http://relay.fm/focused/159 http://relay.fm/focused/159 The Art of Note-Taking 159 David Sparks and Mike Schmitz David & Mike consider note-taking and its role in the creative process. David & Mike consider note-taking and its role in the creative process. clean 4023 David & Mike consider note-taking and its role in the creative process.

This episode of Focused is sponsored by:

  • Indeed: Join more than three million businesses worldwide using Indeed to hire great talent fast.
  • Ethos: Life insurance that fits your budget.

Links and Show Notes:

Deep Focus: Extended episodes with bonus deep dive content.
Building a Second Brain by Tiago Forte | Amazon
Readwise
Mind Map Mastery by Tony Buzan | Amazon
reMarkable
Liminal Thinking by Dave Gray | Amazon
]]>
158: Humans First, with Rob Krecak Rob Krecak joins us to talk about the psychology behind email, the importance of communication norms, and tips from his experiences helping organizations move to a 4-day work week. Tue, 16 Aug 2022 21:30:00 GMT http://relay.fm/focused/158 http://relay.fm/focused/158 Humans First, with Rob Krecak 158 David Sparks and Mike Schmitz Rob Krecak joins us to talk about the psychology behind email, the importance of communication norms, and tips from his experiences helping organizations move to a 4-day work week. Rob Krecak joins us to talk about the psychology behind email, the importance of communication norms, and tips from his experiences helping organizations move to a 4-day work week. clean 5033 Rob Krecak joins us to talk about the psychology behind email, the importance of communication norms, and tips from his experiences helping organizations move to a 4-day work week.

This episode of Focused is sponsored by:

  • Indeed: Get a free $75 credit to upgrade your job post.

Guest Starring:

Rob Krecak

Links and Show Notes:

Deep Focus: Extended episodes with bonus deep dive content.
Humans First | Technology Mindfulness and Behavioral Change
Shorter by Alex Soojung-Kim Pang | Amazon
The 4 Day Week by Andrew Barnes | Amazon
4 Day Week Global
Inbox When Ready
SaneBox
The Social Dilemma
The Five Minute Journal
The Enneagram Institute
Contact Rob

Get a free 30-minute consultation to see if a 4-day work week is right for your organization.

]]>
157: Non-Traditional Measures of Productivity, with Mike Vardy Mike Vardy is back to talk about the rhythm of work and why some people feel "productivity" is becoming a dirty word. Tue, 02 Aug 2022 17:00:00 GMT http://relay.fm/focused/157 http://relay.fm/focused/157 Non-Traditional Measures of Productivity, with Mike Vardy 157 David Sparks and Mike Schmitz Mike Vardy is back to talk about the rhythm of work and why some people feel "productivity" is becoming a dirty word. Mike Vardy is back to talk about the rhythm of work and why some people feel "productivity" is becoming a dirty word. clean 5342 Mike Vardy is back to talk about the rhythm of work and why some people feel "productivity" is becoming a dirty word.

This episode of Focused is sponsored by:

  • NetSuite: The leading integrated cloud business software suite. Get a special one-of-a-kind financing offer.
  • Squarespace: Make your next move. Enter offer code FOCUSED at checkout to get 10% off your first purchase.
  • Indeed: Get a free $75 credit to upgrade your job post.

Guest Starring:

Mike Vardy

Links and Show Notes:

Deep Focus: Extended ad-free episodes with bonus deep dive content.
The Rise and Fall of Getting Things Done | The New Yorker
Focused #156: The State of GTD
Triggers by Marshall Goldsmith | Amazon
Journaling in Obsidian Using Daily Questions | YouTube
Meditations by Marcus Aurelius | The Internet Classics Archive
Greenlights by Matthew McConaughey | Amazon
Greenlights journal | Amazon
Drafts
Reflection
Hyper-Scheduling | MacSparky
Hemingwrite
Personal Retreat Video | MacSparky
Personal Retreat Handbook | Faith-Based Productivity
Your Money or Your Life by Vicki Robin & Joe Dominguez | Amazon
The Productivity Diet | The Productivityist
@mikevardy | Twitter
]]>
156: The State of GTD Inspired by a Cal Newport article on Getting Things Done, David & Mike go through an audit of the (in)famous productivity system. Tue, 19 Jul 2022 21:00:00 GMT http://relay.fm/focused/156 http://relay.fm/focused/156 The State of GTD 156 David Sparks and Mike Schmitz Inspired by a Cal Newport article on Getting Things Done, David & Mike go through an audit of the (in)famous productivity system. Inspired by a Cal Newport article on Getting Things Done, David & Mike go through an audit of the (in)famous productivity system. clean 5259 Inspired by a Cal Newport article on Getting Things Done, David & Mike go through an audit of the (in)famous productivity system.

This episode of Focused is sponsored by:

  • NetSuite: The leading integrated cloud business software suite. Get a special one-of-a-kind financing offer.
  • Setapp: More than 240 powerful apps. Try it free for a week.
  • Indeed: Start hiring now and only pay for quality applications matching the sponsored job description.

Links and Show Notes:

Deep Focus: Extended episodes with bonus deep dive content.
The Rise and Fall of Getting Things Done | The New Yorker
Getting Things Done by David Allen
Building a Second Brain by Tiago Forte
Focused #154: Building a Second Brain, with Tiago Forte
Mike's Input Workflow | Faith-Based Productivity
Personal Retreat Handbook | Faith-Based Productivity
Hazel Field Guide | MacSparky
Journaling in Obsidian Using Daily Questions | YouTube
]]>
155: 12 Favorite Problems David & Mike explore the idea of favorite problems and identify a dozen of their own in a quest for self-discovery. Tue, 05 Jul 2022 18:45:00 GMT http://relay.fm/focused/155 http://relay.fm/focused/155 12 Favorite Problems 155 David Sparks and Mike Schmitz David & Mike explore the idea of favorite problems and identify a dozen of their own in a quest for self-discovery. David & Mike explore the idea of favorite problems and identify a dozen of their own in a quest for self-discovery. clean 4723 David & Mike explore the idea of favorite problems and identify a dozen of their own in a quest for self-discovery.

This episode of Focused is sponsored by:

  • Setapp: More than 240 powerful apps. Try it free for a week.
  • NetSuite: The leading integrated cloud business software suite. Get a special one-of-a-kind financing offer.
  • Squarespace: Make your next move. Enter offer code FOCUSED at checkout to get 10% off your first purchase.

Links and Show Notes:

Deep Focus: Extended ad-free episodes with bonus deep dive content.
Focused #154: Building a Second Brain, with Tiago Forte
Building a Second Brain by Tiago Forte
Mac Power Users #82: Cooking Ideas
Richard Feynman's Letter on What Problems to Solve | Farnam Street
Focused #149: Asking Questions, with Marc Champagne
How to do what you love and make good money | Derek Sivers
Sabbaticals, Long and Short | MacSparky
Focused #101: Taking a Sabbatical, with Sean McCabe
Liminal Thinking by Dave Gray
]]>
154: Building a Second Brain, with Tiago Forte Tiago Forte joins us to talk about his new book, building knowledge assets, and flipping the switch from consumer to creator. Tue, 21 Jun 2022 17:15:00 GMT http://relay.fm/focused/154 http://relay.fm/focused/154 Building a Second Brain, with Tiago Forte 154 David Sparks and Mike Schmitz Tiago Forte joins us to talk about his new book, building knowledge assets, and flipping the switch from consumer to creator. Tiago Forte joins us to talk about his new book, building knowledge assets, and flipping the switch from consumer to creator. clean 3869 Tiago Forte joins us to talk about his new book, building knowledge assets, and flipping the switch from consumer to creator.

This episode of Focused is sponsored by:

  • Indeed: Get a free $75 credit to upgrade your job post.
  • Timing: The automatic time tracking app for macOS. Use this link to save 10% on your purchase.
  • Setapp: Curated playlists to help you get things done. Search and follow ‘Setapp’ on Spotify.

Guest Starring:

Tiago Forte

Links and Show Notes:

Deep Focus: Extended episodes with bonus deep dive content.
Building a Second Brain
Building a Second Brain by Tiago Forte | Amazon
Focused #146: The Extended Mind, with Annie Murphy Paul
How to Read a Book by Mortimer Adler | Amazon
What is GTD? | Getting Things Done
Tiago Forte (@fortelabs) | Twitter
]]>
153: A Wandering Mind, with Kourosh Dini Kourosh Dini is back to talk about being with the work and the dark side of flow. Tue, 07 Jun 2022 16:00:00 GMT http://relay.fm/focused/153 http://relay.fm/focused/153 A Wandering Mind, with Kourosh Dini 153 David Sparks and Mike Schmitz Kourosh Dini is back to talk about being with the work and the dark side of flow. Kourosh Dini is back to talk about being with the work and the dark side of flow. clean 3584 Kourosh Dini is back to talk about being with the work and the dark side of flow.

This episode of Focused is sponsored by:

  • Squarespace: Make your next move. Enter offer code FOCUSED at checkout to get 10% off your first purchase.
  • Indeed: Get a free $75 credit to upgrade your job post.

Guest Starring:

Kourosh Dini

Links and Show Notes:

Deep Focus: Extended episodes with bonus deep dive content.
Shortcuts for Mac Field Guide | MacSparky
Focused #135: Don't Eat the Frog, with Jesse J. Anderson
Miller’s Law
Flow by Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi | Amazon
The War of Art by Steven Pressfield | Amazon
The Carrier Bag Theory of Fiction by Ursula K. Le Guin | Amazon
Waves of Focus (Kourosh's course)
Being Productive
Kourosh Dini
]]>
152: Mental Models David & Mike share some of their favorite mental models and how to use them for better sensemaking. Tue, 24 May 2022 20:00:00 GMT http://relay.fm/focused/152 http://relay.fm/focused/152 Mental Models 152 David Sparks and Mike Schmitz David & Mike share some of their favorite mental models and how to use them for better sensemaking. David & Mike share some of their favorite mental models and how to use them for better sensemaking. clean 4770 David & Mike share some of their favorite mental models and how to use them for better sensemaking.

This episode of Focused is sponsored by:

  • Kolide: Endpoint Security Powered by People. Try Kolide for 14 days free; no credit card required.
  • Indeed: Get a free $75 credit to upgrade your job post.
  • Timing: The automatic time tracking app for macOS. Use this link to save 10% on your purchase.

Links and Show Notes:

Deep Focus: Extended ad-free episodes with bonus deep dive content.
Linking Your Thinking
The Great Mental Models Volume 1 by Shane Parrish & Rhiannon Beaubien
Bookworm #113: The Great Mental Models, Volume 1
The Extended Mind by Annie Murphy Paul
Four Thousand Weeks by Oliver Burkeman
Ego Is the Enemy by Ryan Holiday
Creativity, Inc. by Ed Catmull
Ship 30 for 30
Liminal Thinking by Dave Gray
Think Again by Adam Grant
]]>
151: The Bento Method, with Francesco D'Alessio Francesco D'Alessio joins us to talk about the state of productivity apps, picking the right tools, and his new app, Bento. Wed, 11 May 2022 00:00:00 GMT http://relay.fm/focused/151 http://relay.fm/focused/151 The Bento Method, with Francesco D'Alessio 151 David Sparks and Mike Schmitz Francesco D'Alessio joins us to talk about the state of productivity apps, picking the right tools, and his new app, Bento. Francesco D'Alessio joins us to talk about the state of productivity apps, picking the right tools, and his new app, Bento. clean 4006 Francesco D'Alessio joins us to talk about the state of productivity apps, picking the right tools, and his new app, Bento.

This episode of Focused is sponsored by:

  • Kolide: Endpoint Security Powered by People. Try Kolide for 14 days free; no credit card required.
  • Squarespace: Make your next move. Enter offer code FOCUSED at checkout to get 10% off your first purchase.
  • Indeed: Get a free $75 credit to upgrade your job post.

Guest Starring:

Francesco D'Alessio

Links and Show Notes:

Deep Focus: Extended ad-free episodes with bonus deep dive content.
Keep Productive | YouTube
The One Thing by Gary Keller & Jay Papasan
Bento: The Do Less Todo List
The Story of the Chinese Farmer | YouTube
]]>
150: Optimize for Intentionality David & Mike celebrate episode 150 by talking about focus traps and answering a bunch of listener questions. Tue, 26 Apr 2022 20:15:00 GMT http://relay.fm/focused/150 http://relay.fm/focused/150 Optimize for Intentionality 150 David Sparks and Mike Schmitz David & Mike celebrate episode 150 by talking about focus traps and answering a bunch of listener questions. David & Mike celebrate episode 150 by talking about focus traps and answering a bunch of listener questions. clean 5302 David & Mike celebrate episode 150 by talking about focus traps and answering a bunch of listener questions.

This episode of Focused is sponsored by:

  • Kolide: Endpoint Security Powered by People. Try Kolide for 14 days free; no credit card required.
  • Indeed: Get a free $75 credit to upgrade your job post.
  • Timing: The automatic time tracking app for macOS. Use this link to save 10% on your purchase.

Links and Show Notes:

Deep Focus: Extended ad-free episodes with bonus deep dive content.
The Messy Middle by Scott Belsky
Focused #149: Asking Questions, with Marc Champagne
Personal Socrates by Marc Champagne
Esington Glass
PARKS Board Game
Essentialism by Greg McKeown
About the Circa Discbound Notebook System | Levenger
Discbound Heirloom Journal (Brown) | Ugmonk
Part-Time YouTuber Academy with Ali Abdaal
]]>
149: Asking Questions, with Marc Champagne Marc Champagne (author of Personal Socrates) joins us to talk about mental fitness, journaling, and why simply asking the right questions can change your life. Tue, 12 Apr 2022 19:15:00 GMT http://relay.fm/focused/149 http://relay.fm/focused/149 Asking Questions, with Marc Champagne 149 David Sparks and Mike Schmitz Marc Champagne (author of Personal Socrates) joins us to talk about mental fitness, journaling, and why simply asking the right questions can change your life. Marc Champagne (author of Personal Socrates) joins us to talk about mental fitness, journaling, and why simply asking the right questions can change your life. clean 4366 Marc Champagne (author of Personal Socrates) joins us to talk about mental fitness, journaling, and why simply asking the right questions can change your life.

This episode of Focused is sponsored by:

  • Microsoft Lists – MSA Preview: Sign up, sign in and track what matters most.
  • Squarespace: Make your next move. Enter offer code FOCUSED at checkout to get 10% off your first purchase.
  • Indeed: Get a free $75 credit to upgrade your job post.

Guest Starring:

Marc Champagne

Links and Show Notes:

Deep Focus: Extended ad-free episodes with bonus deep dive content.
Marc Champagne
Personal Socrates by Marc Champagne
Behind the Human podcast
Better Questions Newsletter
Day One
Improve Your Focus and Productivity with Interstitial Journaling
]]>
148: Savoring the Moment, with Chris Bailey Chris Bailey is back to talk about his dopamine fast, the art of savoring, and avoiding the productivity racket. Tue, 29 Mar 2022 17:15:00 GMT http://relay.fm/focused/148 http://relay.fm/focused/148 Savoring the Moment, with Chris Bailey 148 David Sparks and Mike Schmitz Chris Bailey is back to talk about his dopamine fast, the art of savoring, and avoiding the productivity racket. Chris Bailey is back to talk about his dopamine fast, the art of savoring, and avoiding the productivity racket. clean 5391 Chris Bailey is back to talk about his dopamine fast, the art of savoring, and avoiding the productivity racket.

This episode of Focused is sponsored by:

  • Squarespace: Make your next move. Enter offer code FOCUSED at checkout to get 10% off your first purchase.
  • Ahrefs: Improve your website’s SEO performance and get more traffic from search. Free for website owners.
  • Indeed: Get a free $75 credit to upgrade your job post.

Guest Starring:

Chris Bailey

Links and Show Notes:

Deep Focus: Extended episodes with bonus deep dive content.
The Productivity Project by Chris Bailey
Hyperfocus by Chris Bailey
How to Train Your Mind by Chris Bailey | Audible
The Time and Attention Podcast | A Life of Productivity
Freedom - Block Websites, Apps, and the Internet
The Molecule of More by Daniel Lieberman
The Power of Habit by Charles Duhigg
Billy Joel - Vienna | YouTube
Savoring by Fred Bryant
Getting Things Done
A Life of Productivity
]]>
147: Task Management & Focus David & Mike revisit the topic of task management to talk about Mike's Obsidian task management experiment and their (very different) use of checklists. Tue, 15 Mar 2022 17:15:00 GMT http://relay.fm/focused/147 http://relay.fm/focused/147 Task Management & Focus 147 David Sparks and Mike Schmitz David & Mike revisit the topic of task management to talk about Mike's Obsidian task management experiment and their (very different) use of checklists. David & Mike revisit the topic of task management to talk about Mike's Obsidian task management experiment and their (very different) use of checklists. clean 5190 David & Mike revisit the topic of task management to talk about Mike's Obsidian task management experiment and their (very different) use of checklists.

This episode of Focused is sponsored by:

  • Indeed: Get a free $75 credit to upgrade your job post.
  • Timing: The automatic time tracking app for macOS. Use this link to save 10% on your purchase.
  • Shopify: Grow your business with Shopify. Start your 14-day free trial today.

Links and Show Notes:

Deep Focus: Extended episodes with bonus deep dive content.
Getting Things Done by David Allen
Building My Bullet-Journal-Based Hybrid Productivity System | The Sweet Setup
Four Thousand Weeks by Oliver Burkeman
Analog | Ugmonk
Linking Your Thinking
Obsidian Tasks plugin
Obsidian Dataview plugin
Obsidian Calendar plugin
Obsidian Kanban plugin
reMarkable
Rocketbook
The Light Phone
The Social Dilemma
LEGO MOC Patriot Puzzle Box by ThePuzzler | Rebrickable
]]>
146: The Extended Mind, with Annie Murphy Paul Author Annie Murphy Paul joins us to talk about playing with ideas, working in groups, and other ways to extend the mind. Tue, 01 Mar 2022 20:30:00 GMT http://relay.fm/focused/146 http://relay.fm/focused/146 The Extended Mind, with Annie Murphy Paul 146 David Sparks and Mike Schmitz Author Annie Murphy Paul joins us to talk about playing with ideas, working in groups, and other ways to extend the mind. Author Annie Murphy Paul joins us to talk about playing with ideas, working in groups, and other ways to extend the mind. clean 3672 Author Annie Murphy Paul joins us to talk about playing with ideas, working in groups, and other ways to extend the mind.

This episode of Focused is sponsored by:

  • Indeed: Get a free $75 credit to upgrade your job post.
  • Ahrefs: Improve your website’s SEO performance and get more traffic from search. Free for website owners.

Guest Starring:

Annie Murphy Paul

Links and Show Notes:

Deep Focus: Extended episodes with bonus deep dive content.
The Extended Mind by Annie Murphy Paul
Annie Murphy Paul's website
]]>
145: Focus & Your Environment David & Mike consider how the environment affects our ability to focus and share the very different ways they set up their workspaces. Tue, 15 Feb 2022 22:00:00 GMT http://relay.fm/focused/145 http://relay.fm/focused/145 Focus & Your Environment 145 David Sparks and Mike Schmitz David & Mike consider how the environment affects our ability to focus and share the very different ways they set up their workspaces. David & Mike consider how the environment affects our ability to focus and share the very different ways they set up their workspaces. clean 4899 David & Mike consider how the environment affects our ability to focus and share the very different ways they set up their workspaces.

This episode of Focused is sponsored by:

  • Indeed: Get a free $75 credit to upgrade your job post.
  • Timing: The automatic time tracking app for macOS. Use this link to save 10% on your purchase.
  • Shopify: Grow your business with Shopify. Start your 14-day free trial today.

Links and Show Notes:

Deep Focus: Extended episodes with bonus deep dive content.
Virtual Tour | Salk Institute for Biological Studies
The Extended Mind by Annie Murphy Paul | Amazon
Creativity, Inc. by Ed Catmull | Amazon
Drew Coffman's Messy Desk Thread | Twitter
Widgetsmith
Mike's Studio Tour
MacSparky's Studio Tour
MKBHD's Studio Tour | YouTube
CordaRoy's Beanbag Chair
]]>
144: Enough, with Patrick Rhone Patrick Rhone joins us to talk about analog productivity, knolling, mise en place, and staying focused while wearing many hats. Tue, 01 Feb 2022 22:45:00 GMT http://relay.fm/focused/144 http://relay.fm/focused/144 Enough, with Patrick Rhone 144 David Sparks and Mike Schmitz Patrick Rhone joins us to talk about analog productivity, knolling, mise en place, and staying focused while wearing many hats. Patrick Rhone joins us to talk about analog productivity, knolling, mise en place, and staying focused while wearing many hats. clean 5181 Patrick Rhone joins us to talk about analog productivity, knolling, mise en place, and staying focused while wearing many hats.

This episode of Focused is sponsored by:

  • Indeed: Get a free $75 credit to upgrade your job post.
  • Squarespace: Make your next move. Enter offer code FOCUSED at checkout to get 10% off your first purchase.
  • Ahrefs: Improve your website’s SEO performance and get more traffic from search. Free for website owners.

Guest Starring:

Patrick Rhone

Links and Show Notes:

Deep Focus: Extended episodes with bonus deep dive content.
Enough by Patrick Rhone
Whoa to Wow
Mental Health Minnesota
Circus Juventas
Brené Brown
Lore
Frictionless Tools - Capture Cards and Planning Pad | The Pen Addict
Analog | Ugmonk
The Dash/Plus System
Hobonichi Techo Planner | JetPens
What is Mise en Place? | Real Simple
Knolling
Work Clean by Dan Charnas | Amazon
@patrickrhone | Twitter
@patrickrhone | Instagram
Rhoneisms | by Patrick Rhone
Patrick Rhone | Website
]]>
143: Thinking Annually David and Mike share some thoughts about what they’re up to in the new year and the personal changes they’re making to their routines. Tue, 18 Jan 2022 19:45:00 GMT http://relay.fm/focused/143 http://relay.fm/focused/143 Thinking Annually 143 David Sparks and Mike Schmitz David and Mike share some thoughts about what they’re up to in the new year and the personal changes they’re making to their routines. David and Mike share some thoughts about what they’re up to in the new year and the personal changes they’re making to their routines. clean 5454 David and Mike share some thoughts about what they’re up to in the new year and the personal changes they’re making to their routines.

This episode of Focused is sponsored by:

  • Indeed: Get a free $75 credit to upgrade your job post.
  • Shopify: Grow your business with Shopify. Start your 14-day free trial today.
  • Ahrefs: Improve your website’s SEO performance and get more traffic from search. Free for website owners.

Links and Show Notes:

Deep Focus: Extended episodes with bonus deep dive content.
MacSparky Labs
Focused #141: You Never Arrive
Tiny Habits by BJ Fogg | Amazon
BJ Fogg at TEDxFremont | YouTube
Las Vegas Elvis Weddings
Personal Retreat Handbook
The 12 Week Year by Brian Moran and Michael Lennington | Amazon
Year-End Reflection Prompts | MacSparky
The Best Book(s) I Read This Year | Mike's Newsletter
The Great Mental Models Volume 1 by Shane Parrish & Rhiannon Beaubien | Amazon
Personal Socrates by Marc Champagne | Amazon
The Obstacle Is the Way by Ryan Holiday | Amazon
Cortex #123: 2022 Yearly Themes
The Theme System
The Theme System Journal
Four Thousand Weeks by Oliver Burkeman | Amazon
The Focused Calendar | NeuYear.net
Personal Retreat Video and Planning PDF | MacSparky
Ember Temperature Control Smart Mug | Amazon
YETI Rambler 20oz Tumbler, Stainless Steel | Amazon
]]>
142: Sparky Gets Focused Sparky finally put his money where his mouth is and he's doing just one thing now. In this episode, Mike has questions and David has answers. Tue, 04 Jan 2022 20:30:00 GMT http://relay.fm/focused/142 http://relay.fm/focused/142 Sparky Gets Focused 142 David Sparks and Mike Schmitz Sparky finally put his money where his mouth is and he's doing just one thing now. In this episode, Mike has questions and David has answers. Sparky finally put his money where his mouth is and he's doing just one thing now. In this episode, Mike has questions and David has answers. clean 4327 Sparky finally put his money where his mouth is and he's doing just one thing now. In this episode, Mike has questions and David has answers.

This episode of Focused is sponsored by:

  • Indeed: Get a free $75 credit to upgrade your job post.
  • Squarespace: Make your next move. Enter offer code FOCUSED at checkout to get 10% off your first purchase.
  • Timing: The automatic time tracking app for macOS. Use this link to save 10% on your purchase.

Links and Show Notes:

Credits

The Hosts
Mike Schmitz
David Sparks

The Editor
Jim Metzendorf

The Fixer
Kerry Provanzano

Deep Focus: Extended episodes with bonus deep dive content.
Why I'm No Longer Practicing Law - MacSparky
Mac Power Users #621: Sparky Freedom - MacSparky
Year-End Reflection Prompts - MacSparky
Moving the Needle - MacSparky
20 Years A Lawyer - MacSparky
Four Thousand Weeks by Oliver Burkeman
Courage is Calling by Ryan Holiday
Focused #134: Finding Space with Sean McCabe - Relay FM
CordaRoy's Convertible Bean Bags
Sparky's Time Timer
]]>
141: You Never Arrive David & Mike discuss the arrival fallacy and the importance of finding joy in the journey. Wed, 22 Dec 2021 00:30:00 GMT http://relay.fm/focused/141 http://relay.fm/focused/141 You Never Arrive 141 David Sparks and Mike Schmitz David & Mike discuss the arrival fallacy and the importance of finding joy in the journey. David & Mike discuss the arrival fallacy and the importance of finding joy in the journey. clean 4608 David & Mike discuss the arrival fallacy and the importance of finding joy in the journey.

This episode of Focused is sponsored by:

  • Timing: The automatic time tracking app for macOS. Use this link to save 10% on your purchase.
  • Squarespace: Make your next move. Enter offer code FOCUSED at checkout to get 10% off your first purchase.
  • Setapp: More than 200 powerful apps for your Mac. Try it free for a week.

Links and Show Notes:

Deep Focus: Extended episodes with bonus deep dive content.
Micronauts | Wikipedia
The Practice by Seth Godin | Amazon
Four Thousand Weeks by Oliver Burkeman | Amazon
The Power of Positive Thinking by Normal Vincent Peale | Amazon
Soundtracks by Jon Acuff | Amazon
Focused #135: Don't Eat the Frog, with Jesse J. Anderson
reMarkable
]]>
140: Your Brain is Not a Computer with Cory Hixson Engineering professor Cory Hixson joins the Focused crew this week about staying on target, not letting your kids eat take your brain, and why you are not a computer. Tue, 07 Dec 2021 20:00:00 GMT http://relay.fm/focused/140 http://relay.fm/focused/140 Your Brain is Not a Computer with Cory Hixson 140 David Sparks and Mike Schmitz Engineering professor Cory Hixson joins the Focused crew this week about staying on target, not letting your kids eat take your brain, and why you are not a computer. Engineering professor Cory Hixson joins the Focused crew this week about staying on target, not letting your kids eat take your brain, and why you are not a computer. clean 4757 Engineering professor Cory Hixson joins the Focused crew this week about staying on target, not letting your kids eat take your brain, and why you are not a computer.

This episode of Focused is sponsored by:

  • Indeed: Get a free $75 credit to upgrade your job post.
  • Setapp: More than 200 powerful apps for your Mac. Try it free for a week.
  • The Intrazone, by Microsoft SharePoint: Your bi-weekly conversation and interview podcast about SharePoint, OneDrive and related tech within Microsoft 365.

Guest Starring:

Cory Hixson

Links and Show Notes:

Credits

The Hosts
Mike Schmitz
David Sparks

The Editor
Jim Metzendorf

The Fixer
Kerry Provanzano

Deep Focus: Extended episodes with bonus deep dive content.
Talking To The Internet
Business Model Canvas - Wikipedia
Stillness is the Key - Ryan Holiday
Make Yourself Write Project Proposals — anchored thought
Scrum (software development) - Wikipedia
]]>
139: Soundtracks & Self-Talk David & Mike consider the source of negative self-talk, the power of positive thinking, and taming the rebellious brain. Tue, 23 Nov 2021 22:15:00 GMT http://relay.fm/focused/139 http://relay.fm/focused/139 Soundtracks & Self-Talk 139 David Sparks and Mike Schmitz David & Mike consider the source of negative self-talk, the power of positive thinking, and taming the rebellious brain. David & Mike consider the source of negative self-talk, the power of positive thinking, and taming the rebellious brain. clean 4145 David & Mike consider the source of negative self-talk, the power of positive thinking, and taming the rebellious brain.

This episode of Focused is sponsored by:

  • Privacy: Smarter payments. Get $5 to spend on your first purchase.
  • Timing: The automatic time tracking app for macOS. Use this link to save 10% on your purchase.

Links and Show Notes:

Deep Focus: Extended episodes with bonus deep dive content.
The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy by Douglas Adams | Amazon
Courage Is Calling by Ryan Holiday | Amazon
The Extended Mind by Annie Murphy Paul | Amazon
How to Win Friends & Influence People by Dale Carnegie | Amazon
Soundtracks by Jon Acuff | Amazon
Focused #73: Productivity and Art with Bob Reynolds
]]>
138: Hyper-Scheduling Revisited Mike and David return to the subject of hyper-scheduling after they've both been at it a few years. What works? What doesn't? And how did Mike's experiment go where he stopped blocking time? Tue, 09 Nov 2021 22:45:00 GMT http://relay.fm/focused/138 http://relay.fm/focused/138 Hyper-Scheduling Revisited 138 David Sparks and Mike Schmitz Mike and David return to the subject of hyper-scheduling after they've both been at it a few years. What works? What doesn't? And how did Mike's experiment go where he stopped blocking time? Mike and David return to the subject of hyper-scheduling after they've both been at it a few years. What works? What doesn't? And how did Mike's experiment go where he stopped blocking time? clean 5686 Mike and David return to the subject of hyper-scheduling after they've both been at it a few years. What works? What doesn't? And how did Mike's experiment go where he stopped blocking time?

This episode of Focused is sponsored by:

  • Privacy: Smarter payments. Get $5 to spend on your first purchase.
  • Indeed: Get a free $75 credit to upgrade your job post.
  • Squarespace: Make your next move. Enter offer code FOCUSED at checkout to get 10% off your first purchase.

Links and Show Notes:

Credits

The Hosts
Mike Schmitz
David Sparks

The Editor
Jim Metzendorf

The Fixer
Kerry Provanzano

Deep Focus: Extended episodes with bonus deep dive content.
David's Focused Webinar
MacSparky Hyper-Scheduling Posts
Focused #71: Hyper-Scheduling
Make Time: How to Focus on What Matters Every Day
Focused #78: Changing Defaults with John Zeratsky - Relay FM
GoodNotes | Best Note-Taking App for iPad
Building My Bullet-Journal-Based Hybrid Productivity System – The Sweet Setup
Focused #107: The Bullet Journal Method, with Ryder Carroll - Relay FM
Flexibits | Fantastical | The calendar and tasks app you won't be able to live without.
Analog – Ugmonk
Clairefontaine Triomphe Notepads & Envelopes | JetPens
Amazon.com : Clairefontaine "Triomphe" Stationery Tablet, Blank, A4 (8.25" x 11.75") : Writing Paper : Office Products
Amazon.com : Rhodia Webnotebook, A5, Dot - Orange : Drawing Pads And Books : Office Products
Sorted³ – Hyper-schedule your entire day in one place
Amazon.com: Procrastinate on Purpose: 5 Permissions to Multiply Your Time eBook : Vaden, Rory: Kindle Store
Courage Is Calling: Fortune Favors the Brave: Holiday, Ryan: 9780593191675: Amazon.com: Books
]]>
137: Managing Busy Mike and David return to the insidious problem of "busy". Mike and David are not beyond getting caught in this trap and share some ideas about how to avoid it. Wed, 27 Oct 2021 04:15:00 GMT http://relay.fm/focused/137 http://relay.fm/focused/137 Managing Busy 137 David Sparks and Mike Schmitz Mike and David return to the insidious problem of "busy". Mike and David are not beyond getting caught in this trap and share some ideas about how to avoid it. Mike and David return to the insidious problem of "busy". Mike and David are not beyond getting caught in this trap and share some ideas about how to avoid it. clean 4863 Mike and David return to the insidious problem of "busy". Mike and David are not beyond getting caught in this trap and share some ideas about how to avoid it.

This episode of Focused is sponsored by:

  • Privacy: Smarter payments. Get $5 to spend on your first purchase.
  • Timing: The automatic time tracking app for macOS. Use this link to save 10% on your purchase.
  • Setapp: More than 200 powerful apps for your Mac. Try it free for a week.

Links and Show Notes:

Credits

The Hosts
Mike Schmitz
David Sparks

The Editor
Jim Metzendorf

The Fixer
Kerry Provanzano

Deep Focus: Extended episodes with bonus deep dive content.
(1) The FOCUSED Calendar – NeuYear.net
Fear-Setting: The Most Valuable Exercise I Do Every Month – The Blog of Author Tim Ferriss
Personal Retreat Handbook | Faith-Based Productivity
Journaling Workflow for Appending to Daily Notes with QuickAdd (VIDEO) – The Sweet Setup
Journaling Using Daily Questions in Obsidian – The Sweet Setup
About Page
Focused #134: Finding Space with Sean McCabe - Relay FM
Focused #135: Don't Eat the Frog, with Jesse J. Anderson - Relay FM
Focused #136: Social Focus, with Taylor Jacobson - Relay FM
Obsidian
Triggers: Marshall Goldsmith
Courage Is Calling: Fortune Favors the Brave: Holiday, Ryan
]]>
136: Social Focus, with Taylor Jacobson Taylor Jacobson joins us to talk about groundedness, vulnerability, and accountability on his journey to founding Focusmate. Tue, 12 Oct 2021 21:00:00 GMT http://relay.fm/focused/136 http://relay.fm/focused/136 Social Focus, with Taylor Jacobson 136 David Sparks and Mike Schmitz Taylor Jacobson joins us to talk about groundedness, vulnerability, and accountability on his journey to founding Focusmate. Taylor Jacobson joins us to talk about groundedness, vulnerability, and accountability on his journey to founding Focusmate. clean 4946 Taylor Jacobson joins us to talk about groundedness, vulnerability, and accountability on his journey to founding Focusmate.

This episode of Focused is sponsored by:

  • Indeed: Get a free $75 credit to upgrade your job post.
  • Novo: Powerfully simple business banking. Sign up for free.
  • Squarespace: Make your next move. Enter offer code FOCUSED at checkout to get 10% off your first purchase.

Guest Starring:

Taylor Jacobson

Links and Show Notes:

Deep Focus: Extended episodes with bonus deep dive content.
Focusmate
The 2022 FOCUSED Calendar
Focused #78: Changing Defaults with John Zeratsky
Make Time by Jake Knapp & John Zeratsky | Amazon
Focused #119: Productivity & Meditation, with Chris Bailey
The Productivity Project by Chris Bailey | Amazon
Flow by Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi | Amazon
Taylor Jacobson | LinkedIn
Taylor Jacobson (@TaylorJacobson) | Twitter
]]>
135: Don't Eat the Frog, with Jesse J. Anderson Jesse Anderson joins us to talk about self-awareness and the struggles with being productive while battling ADHD. Tue, 28 Sep 2021 15:30:00 GMT http://relay.fm/focused/135 http://relay.fm/focused/135 Don't Eat the Frog, with Jesse J. Anderson 135 David Sparks and Mike Schmitz Jesse Anderson joins us to talk about self-awareness and the struggles with being productive while battling ADHD. Jesse Anderson joins us to talk about self-awareness and the struggles with being productive while battling ADHD. clean 4809 Jesse Anderson joins us to talk about self-awareness and the struggles with being productive while battling ADHD.

This episode of Focused is sponsored by:

  • ExpressVPN: High-Speed, Secure & Anonymous VPN Service. Get an extra three months free.
  • Novo: Powerfully simple business banking. Sign up for free.
  • Privacy: Smarter payments. Get $5 to spend on your first purchase.

Guest Starring:

Jesse Anderson

Links and Show Notes:

Deep Focus: Extended episodes with bonus deep dive content.
Don't Eat the Frog First! | Jesse J. Anderson
Why Is It So Hard to Do Something That Should Be Easy? | YouTube
Kourosh Dini | Mind, Music, and Productivity
The Power of Habit by Charles Duhigg | Amazon
Due: The Superfast Reminder App for iPhone & iPad
Make Time by Jake Knapp & John Zeratsky | Amazon
DSM-5
William Dodson, M.D. | ADDitude
Driven to Distraction by Edward M. Hallowell M.D & John J. Ratey M.D. | Amazon
Jesse J. Anderson
Refocus: A Practical Guide to ADHD
@jessejanderson | Twitter
@jessejanderson | TikTok
@jessejanderson | Instagram
Time Timer | Amazon
]]>
134: Finding Space with Sean McCabe Sean McCabe comes back to report in on what happened when his year-long sabbatical smacked into a pandemic and how he keeps his focus while winding up a new business. Tue, 14 Sep 2021 15:45:00 GMT http://relay.fm/focused/134 http://relay.fm/focused/134 Finding Space with Sean McCabe 134 David Sparks and Mike Schmitz Sean McCabe comes back to report in on what happened when his year-long sabbatical smacked into a pandemic and how he keeps his focus while winding up a new business. Sean McCabe comes back to report in on what happened when his year-long sabbatical smacked into a pandemic and how he keeps his focus while winding up a new business. clean 5745 Sean McCabe comes back to report in on what happened when his year-long sabbatical smacked into a pandemic and how he keeps his focus while winding up a new business.

This episode of Focused is sponsored by:

  • Squarespace: Make your next move. Enter offer code FOCUSED at checkout to get 10% off your first purchase.
  • Indeed: Get a free $75 credit to upgrade your job post.
  • Timing: The automatic time tracking app for macOS. Use this link to save 10% on your purchase.

Guest Starring:

Sean McCabe

Links and Show Notes:

Credits

The Hosts
Mike Schmitz
David Sparks

The Editor
Jim Metzendorf

The Fixer
Kerry Provanzano

Deep Focus: Extended episodes with bonus deep dive content.
seanwes - Business Community for Creative Professionals
Daily Content Machine | seanwes
Craft and Commerce 2020 - Email Marketing Conference for Creators by ConvertKit
SwitchBot Bot - The Iconic Button Presser – SwitchBot Global
Weekend Sabbatical – sabbatical.blog
Ulysses
The all-new Things. Your to-do list for Mac & iOS
RescueTime
Automatic Mac Time Tracker – Start/Stop Timers Optional – Timing
Motion: Manage calendars, meetings, & tasks in one app
Free Online Appointment Scheduling Software - Calendly
Save Time Blog - Quick Tips for Doing Things Faster on Apple Devices
]]>
133: Success & Failure David & Mike do an audit of their productivity workflows and share what's working (and what isn't). Tue, 31 Aug 2021 18:30:00 GMT http://relay.fm/focused/133 http://relay.fm/focused/133 Success & Failure 133 David Sparks and Mike Schmitz David & Mike do an audit of their productivity workflows and share what's working (and what isn't). David & Mike do an audit of their productivity workflows and share what's working (and what isn't). clean 4734 David & Mike do an audit of their productivity workflows and share what's working (and what isn't).

This episode of Focused is sponsored by:

  • Timing: The automatic time tracking app for macOS. Use this link to save 10% on your purchase.
  • Gabi: Get a better insurance. It’s totally free to check and there’s no obligation. Click this link to get started.

Links and Show Notes:

Deep Focus: Extended episodes with bonus deep dive content.
David's Apple Mail webinar
Relay FM for St. Jude 2021
ScreenFlow
Ferrite Recording Studio
Deep Work by Cal Newport | Amazon
Focused #118: Tasks and Habits
The Best Habit App | The Sweet Setup
Streaks
DLR Field Guide | YouTube
Bookworm
The Intentional Family
Focused #101: Taking a Sabbatical, with Sean McCabe - Relay FM
Hell Yeah or No | Derek Sivers
The Best Time Tracking App | The Sweet Setup
Timery for Toggl
Timing
Obsidian
Todoist
Obsidian & Todoist Plugin | Jamie Brynes
tq Obsidian plugin
]]>
132: Willpower and Your Environment Is willpower enough to plow through? In this episode, Mike and David look into that question. Tue, 17 Aug 2021 15:45:00 GMT http://relay.fm/focused/132 http://relay.fm/focused/132 Willpower and Your Environment 132 David Sparks and Mike Schmitz Is willpower enough to plow through? In this episode, Mike and David look into that question. Is willpower enough to plow through? In this episode, Mike and David look into that question. clean 4387 Is willpower enough to plow through? In this episode, Mike and David look into that question.

This episode of Focused is sponsored by:

  • Indeed: Get a free $75 credit to upgrade your job post.
  • Timing: The automatic time tracking app for macOS. Use this link to save 10% on your purchase.
  • ExpressVPN: High-Speed, Secure & Anonymous VPN Service. Get an extra three months free.

Links and Show Notes:

Credits

The Hosts
Mike Schmitz
David Sparks

The Editor
Jim Metzendorf

The Fixer
Kerry Provanzano

Deep Focus: Extended episodes with bonus deep dive content.
Willpower Doesn't Work
Great Mental Models V1
The Extended Mind
7 Habits of Highly Effective People
Haruki Murakami: Daily Routine - Balance The Grind | Conversations On Work, Life & Balance
Happy creativity: Listening to happy music facilitates divergent thinking
The Art of Gathering
Creativity Inc.
Environment Design: How to Improve Without Thinking
Indistractable
]]>
131: Liminal Thinking We're all a lot less objective than we give ourselves credit for. David & Mike attempt to figure out why by considering limiting beliefs, learning loops, and the slippery slope of self-sealing logic. Tue, 03 Aug 2021 21:15:00 GMT http://relay.fm/focused/131 http://relay.fm/focused/131 Liminal Thinking 131 David Sparks and Mike Schmitz We're all a lot less objective than we give ourselves credit for. David & Mike attempt to figure out why by considering limiting beliefs, learning loops, and the slippery slope of self-sealing logic. We're all a lot less objective than we give ourselves credit for. David & Mike attempt to figure out why by considering limiting beliefs, learning loops, and the slippery slope of self-sealing logic. clean 5027 We're all a lot less objective than we give ourselves credit for. David & Mike attempt to figure out why by considering limiting beliefs, learning loops, and the slippery slope of self-sealing logic.

This episode of Focused is sponsored by:

  • Squarespace: Make your next move. Enter offer code FOCUSED at checkout to get 10% off your first purchase.
  • Discourse: Modern forum software for your community. Get 50% off your first 2 months.
  • Memberful: Best-in-class membership software for independent creators, publishers, educators, podcasters, and more. Get started now, no credit card required.

Links and Show Notes:

Deep Focus: Extended episodes with bonus deep dive content.
Liminal Thinking by Dave Gray | Amazon
Bookworm #124: Liminal Thinking by Dave Gray
Eat That Frog! by Brian Tracy | Amazon
Steal Like an Artist by Austin Kleon | Amazon
Mindset by Carol Dweck | Amazon
Getting Things Done by David Allen | Amazon
Die Empty by Todd Henry | Amazon
The Innovator's Dilemma by Clayton Christensen | Amazon
MacSparky
You are Now Less Dumb by David McRaney | Amazon
Think Again by Adam Grant | Amazon
]]>
130: Toxic Productivity At what point does your quest for productivity and efficiency become toxic? It's a good question and an easy trap. Mike and David have a few ideas. Tue, 20 Jul 2021 17:00:00 GMT http://relay.fm/focused/130 http://relay.fm/focused/130 Toxic Productivity 130 David Sparks and Mike Schmitz At what point does your quest for productivity and efficiency become toxic? It's a good question and an easy trap. Mike and David have a few ideas. At what point does your quest for productivity and efficiency become toxic? It's a good question and an easy trap. Mike and David have a few ideas. clean 4741 At what point does your quest for productivity and efficiency become toxic? It's a good question and an easy trap. Mike and David have a few ideas.

This episode of Focused is sponsored by:

  • Indeed: Get a free $75 credit to upgrade your job post.
  • ExpressVPN: High-Speed, Secure & Anonymous VPN Service. Get an extra three months free.
  • Literati: A bestselling book subscription service that offers curated book clubs for all readers. Start your trial today.

Links and Show Notes:

Credits

The Hosts
Mike Schmitz
David Sparks

The Editor
Jim Metzendorf

The Fixer
Kerry Provanzano

Deep Focus: Extended episodes with bonus deep dive content.
Sign up for Deep Focus
Cal Newport: How to Become a Straight A Student
TikTok, pink stationery, and crowded planners: Gen Z’s toxic productivity - Vox

So the goal, it seems, isn’t necessarily to be productive, but rather to look productive.

The Rise and Fall of Getting Things Done | The New Yorker
Inbox Zero - YouTube
How to Read a Book by Mortimer Adler
Thirty Lessons for Living
Ikigei
Procrastinate on Purpose by Rory Vaden
Free to Focus by Michael Hyatt
Important and Urgent — MacSparky
]]>
129: No One Wants to Work With a Jerk, with Colleen Wainwright Gmail ninja Colleen Wainwright joins us to talk about delegating work to others, the evolution of the attention economy, and working out of email without going crazy. Tue, 06 Jul 2021 19:15:00 GMT http://relay.fm/focused/129 http://relay.fm/focused/129 No One Wants to Work With a Jerk, with Colleen Wainwright 129 David Sparks and Mike Schmitz Gmail ninja Colleen Wainwright joins us to talk about delegating work to others, the evolution of the attention economy, and working out of email without going crazy. Gmail ninja Colleen Wainwright joins us to talk about delegating work to others, the evolution of the attention economy, and working out of email without going crazy. clean 4860 Gmail ninja Colleen Wainwright joins us to talk about delegating work to others, the evolution of the attention economy, and working out of email without going crazy.

This episode of Focused is sponsored by:

  • Squarespace: Make your next move. Enter offer code FOCUSED at checkout to get 10% off your first purchase.
  • HPE Tech Talk: HPE news, tech Insights and world-class innovations. Listen now.
  • Memberful: Best-in-class membership software for independent creators, publishers, educators, podcasters, and more. Get started now, no credit card required.

Guest Starring:

Colleen Wainwright

Links and Show Notes:

Deep Focus: Extended episodes with bonus deep dive content.
Mac Power Users #72: Workflows with Colleen Wainwright
A World Without Email by Cal Newport | Amazon
DragApp
Notion
Jira
Airtable
Focused #127: Focusing a Team, with Ken Case
TextExpander
MailSuite
Digital Body Language by Erica Dhawan | Amazon
Communicatrix
]]>
128: Communication Mike and David tackle one of the most difficult subjects of focus, Communication. Tue, 22 Jun 2021 17:45:00 GMT http://relay.fm/focused/128 http://relay.fm/focused/128 Communication 128 David Sparks and Mike Schmitz Mike and David tackle one of the most difficult subjects of focus, Communication. Mike and David tackle one of the most difficult subjects of focus, Communication. clean 4686 Mike and David tackle one of the most difficult subjects of focus, Communication.

This episode of Focused is sponsored by:

  • TextExpander, from Smile: Communicate Smarter. Get 20% off.
  • Indeed: Get a free $75 credit to upgrade your job post.
  • Literati: A bestselling book subscription service that offers curated book clubs for all readers. Start your free trial.

Links and Show Notes:

Credits

The Hosts
Mike Schmitz
David Sparks

The Editor
Jim Metzendorf

The Fixer
Kerry Provanzano

Deep Focus: Extended episodes with bonus deep dive content.
Focus Mode and Contextual Computing — MacSparky
322: The Communication Episode | seanwes podcast
Men are from Mars, Women are from Venus.
7 Habits of Highly Effective People
How to Win Friends & Influence People
Leaders Eat Last by Simon Sinek
]]>
127: Focusing a Team, with Ken Case Ken Case joins us to talk about how the Omni Group focuses their work teams, the lessons they've learned from forced changes due to COVID, and the benefits of planning for disruption. Tue, 08 Jun 2021 18:00:00 GMT http://relay.fm/focused/127 http://relay.fm/focused/127 Focusing a Team, with Ken Case 127 David Sparks and Mike Schmitz Ken Case joins us to talk about how the Omni Group focuses their work teams, the lessons they've learned from forced changes due to COVID, and the benefits of planning for disruption. Ken Case joins us to talk about how the Omni Group focuses their work teams, the lessons they've learned from forced changes due to COVID, and the benefits of planning for disruption. clean 5125 Ken Case joins us to talk about how the Omni Group focuses their work teams, the lessons they've learned from forced changes due to COVID, and the benefits of planning for disruption.

This episode of Focused is sponsored by:

  • Memberful: Best-in-class membership software for independent creators, publishers, educators, podcasters, and more. Get started now, no credit card required.
  • Squarespace: Make your next move. Enter offer code FOCUSED at checkout to get 10% off your first purchase.
  • ExpressVPN: High-Speed, Secure & Anonymous VPN Service. Get an extra three months free.

Guest Starring:

Ken Case

Links and Show Notes:

Deep Focus: Extended episodes with bonus deep dive content.
The Omni Group
OmniFocus
Getting Things Done by David Allen | Amazon
A World Without Email by Cal Newport | Amazon
Mac Power Users #254: Reviewing GTD with David Allen
Focused #116: The Big Reset
Richard Feynman | YouTube
Omni Roadmap 2021
]]>
126: Productivity vs. Grinding Mike and David get into note-taking (and note-making), listener feedback, and the pesky problem of productivity vs. grinding. Tue, 25 May 2021 19:30:00 GMT http://relay.fm/focused/126 http://relay.fm/focused/126 Productivity vs. Grinding 126 David Sparks and Mike Schmitz Mike and David get into note-taking (and note-making), listener feedback, and the pesky problem of productivity vs. grinding. Mike and David get into note-taking (and note-making), listener feedback, and the pesky problem of productivity vs. grinding. clean 5227 Mike and David get into note-taking (and note-making), listener feedback, and the pesky problem of productivity vs. grinding.

This episode of Focused is sponsored by:

  • TextExpander, from Smile: Communicate Smarter. Get 20% off.
  • Indeed: Get a free $75 credit to upgrade your job post.
  • Gabi: Get a better insurance. It’s totally free to check and there’s no obligation. Click this link to get started.
  • * Cross Promo: Parallel: A tech podcast with accessibility sprinkles. Listen now.

Links and Show Notes:

Credits

The Hosts
Mike Schmitz
David Sparks

The Editor
Jim Metzendorf

The Fixer
Kerry Provanzano

Deep Focus: Extended episodes with bonus deep dive content.
Readwise
renehernandez/obsidian-readwise: Sync Readwise highlights into your obsidian vault
Focused #73: Productivity and Art with Bob Reynolds - Relay FM
Line 6
Freewrite: Distraction-Free Writing Tools
Is the cult of productivity finally over? - Focused - MPU Talk
Logitech Craft Wireless Keyboard for Advanced Creativity & Productivity
The Power of Obsidian's Local Graph – The Sweet Setup
PKM Primer: An Introduction to Personal Knowledge Management for Creatives – The Sweet Setup
Focused #122: Linking Your Thinking with Nick Milo - Relay FM
The Now Habit by Neal Fiore
Ikigai
]]>
125: Professional Nerd, with Rosemary Orchard Rosemary Orchard joins us to talk about juggling projects, automation, kanban boards, and keeping the jobby job. Tue, 11 May 2021 19:45:00 GMT http://relay.fm/focused/125 http://relay.fm/focused/125 Professional Nerd, with Rosemary Orchard 125 David Sparks and Mike Schmitz Rosemary Orchard joins us to talk about juggling projects, automation, kanban boards, and keeping the jobby job. Rosemary Orchard joins us to talk about juggling projects, automation, kanban boards, and keeping the jobby job. clean 5347 Rosemary Orchard joins us to talk about juggling projects, automation, kanban boards, and keeping the jobby job.

This episode of Focused is sponsored by:

  • Indeed: Get a free $75 credit to upgrade your job post.
  • Squarespace: Make your next move. Enter offer code FOCUSED at checkout to get 10% off your first purchase.
  • ExpressVPN: High-Speed, Secure & Anonymous VPN Service. Get an extra three months free.

Guest Starring:

Rosemary Orchard

Links and Show Notes:

Deep Focus: Extended episodes with bonus deep dive content.
Nested Folders Podcast
Automators | Relay FM
iOS Today | TWiT
How to Become a Straight-A Student by Cal Newport | Amazon
Focused #65: Hyperfocused with Chris Bailey | Relay FM
Yoda's Hut | YouTube
Dark Noise
‎Piano Peace | Apple Music
Maker, Manager, Consumer | MacSparky
Journaling Using Daily Questions in Obsidian | The Sweet Setup
Effortless by Greg McKeown | Amazon
The Checklist Manifesto by Atul Gawande | Amazon
Project Status Board | MacSparky
Nested Folders Episode 52: Juggling Projects
Airtable
Obsidian Dataview plugin
Obsidian Kanban plugin
A World Without Email by Cal Newport | Amazon
M.C. Squares
Magic Whiteboard | Amazon
Obsidian vs. Roam | The Sweet Setup
]]>
124: Reading and Learning In this episode, Mike and David talk about PKM planets and how they read, process, and learn from books and other media. Tue, 27 Apr 2021 20:45:00 GMT http://relay.fm/focused/124 http://relay.fm/focused/124 Reading and Learning 124 David Sparks and Mike Schmitz In this episode, Mike and David talk about PKM planets and how they read, process, and learn from books and other media. In this episode, Mike and David talk about PKM planets and how they read, process, and learn from books and other media. clean 5104 In this episode, Mike and David talk about PKM planets and how they read, process, and learn from books and other media.

This episode of Focused is sponsored by:

  • Memberful: Best-in-class membership software for independent creators, publishers, educators, podcasters, and more. Get started now, no credit card required.
  • PDFpen, from Smile: Powerful PDF editing on your Mac.
  • Indeed: Get a free $75 credit to upgrade your job post.

Links and Show Notes:

Credits

The Hosts
Mike Schmitz
David Sparks

The Editor
Jim Metzendorf

The Fixer
Kerry Provanzano

Deep Focus: Extended episodes with bonus deep dive content.
What is PKM? What is Personal Knowledge Management? - YouTube
Focused #122: Linking Your Thinking with Nick Milo - Relay FM
Mac Power Users #583: The Obsidian Deep Dive - Relay FM
Think Again: The Power of Knowing What You Don't Know
Steal Like an Artist: 10 Things Nobody Told You About Being Creative: Kleon, Austin: 8601300471914: Amazon.com: Books
Pensieve | Harry Potter Wiki | Fandom
Focused #117: Roles & Goals - Relay FM
Journaling Using Daily Questions in Obsidian – The Sweet Setup
Craft - Create Amazing Documents
Roam Research – A note taking tool for networked thought.
Obsidian
DEVONtechnologies | DEVONthink, professional document and information management for the Mac and iOS
Deep Work: Rules for Focused Success in a Distracted World: Newport, Cal: 9781455586691: Amazon.com: Books
Eat That Frog!: 21 Great Ways to Stop Procrastinating and Get More Done in Less Time eBook: Tracy, Brian: Books
Blinkist: Big ideas in small packages
Shortform - The World's Best Book Summaries
Creativity, Inc.: Overcoming the Unseen Forces That Stand in the Way of True Inspiration (8601400995709): Catmull, Ed, Wallace, Amy: Books
How to Train Your Mind by Chris Bailey | Audiobook | Audible.com
Work the System: The Simple Mechanics of Making More and Working Less eBook: Carpenter, Sam: Kindle Store
How to Read a Book: The Classic Guide to Intelligent Reading: Mortimer J. Adler, Charles Van Doren: 0042516291251: Amazon.com: Books
Readwise
Atomic Habits: An Easy & Proven Way to Build Good Habits & Break Bad Ones: Clear, James: 9780735211292: Amazon.com: Books
XXL Hammock Chair Swing by Hammock Sky
Mindset: The New Psychology of Success: Dweck, Carol S.: 9780345472328: Amazon.com: Books
Bookworm – Podcast Book Club
]]>
123: A Focus on Time David & Mike talk about the different ways they track their time, what tools they use, and share the focus & productivity benefits they glean from the process. Tue, 13 Apr 2021 14:00:00 GMT http://relay.fm/focused/123 http://relay.fm/focused/123 A Focus on Time 123 David Sparks and Mike Schmitz David & Mike talk about the different ways they track their time, what tools they use, and share the focus & productivity benefits they glean from the process. David & Mike talk about the different ways they track their time, what tools they use, and share the focus & productivity benefits they glean from the process. clean 5255 David & Mike talk about the different ways they track their time, what tools they use, and share the focus & productivity benefits they glean from the process.

This episode of Focused is sponsored by:

  • Spox: The best story wins. Get 25% off when you mention this show.
  • Squarespace: Make your next move. Enter offer code FOCUSED at checkout to get 10% off your first purchase.
  • ExpressVPN: High-Speed, Secure & Anonymous VPN Service. Get an extra three months free.

Links and Show Notes:

Deep Focus: Extended episodes with bonus deep dive content.
The Best Time Tracking App | The Sweet Setup
Focused #121: Analog Focus, with Jeff Sheldon
Focused #122: Linking Your Thinking, with Nick Milo
Mac Power Users #583: The Obsidian Deep Dive
Obsidian
Focused #118: Tasks and Habits
Focused #65: Hyperfocused with Chris Bailey
Streaks
Timing
Timing on Setapp
Timery
Mike's iOS Time Tracking Dashboard | The Sweet Setup
RescueTime
A Review of the Timeular Time Tracker | The Sweet Setup
Toggl
Automators #15: Automated Time Tracking
The Intentional Family podcast
Focused #74: Moving the Needle
Fantastical
Sorted³
The Time-Block Planner by Cal Newport | Amazon
Due
The FOCUSED Calendar | NeuYear.net
The Hyper-Scheduling Experiment | MacSparky
Simple Time Management course | The Sweet Setup
]]>
122: Linking Your Thinking with Nick Milo Nick Milo from *Linking Your Thinking* joins this week to consider the role of focus in idea development and knowledge management. Tue, 30 Mar 2021 19:30:00 GMT http://relay.fm/focused/122 http://relay.fm/focused/122 Linking Your Thinking with Nick Milo 122 David Sparks and Mike Schmitz Nick Milo from *Linking Your Thinking* joins this week to consider the role of focus in idea development and knowledge management. Nick Milo from *Linking Your Thinking* joins this week to consider the role of focus in idea development and knowledge management. clean 5252 Nick Milo from Linking Your Thinking joins this week to consider the role of focus in idea development and knowledge management.

This episode of Focused is sponsored by:

  • Timing: The automatic time tracking app for macOS. Use this link to save 10% on your purchase.
  • Spox: The best story wins. Get 25% off when you mention this show.
  • Indeed: Get a free $75 credit to upgrade your job post.

Guest Starring:

Nick Milo

Links and Show Notes:

Credits

The Hosts
Mike Schmitz
David Sparks

The Editor
Jim Metzendorf

The Fixer
Kerry Provanzano

Deep Focus: Extended episodes with bonus deep dive content.
Nick Milo (@NickMilo) / Twitter
Linking Your Thinking Workshop
Linking Your Thinking - YouTube
Why Obsidian Will Overtake Roam - YouTube
Craft - Create Amazing Documents
Obsidian
Roam Research – A note taking tool for networked thought.
Drafts | Where Text Starts
Building My Personal Cross-Reference Library in Obsidian
PKM Primer: An Introduction to Personal Knowledge Management for Creatives – The Sweet Setup
The Practice: Shipping Creative Work eBook: Godin, Seth: Kindle Store
Die Empty: Unleash Your Best Work Every Day: Henry, Todd: 9781591846994: Amazon.com: Books
The Power of Habit: Why We Do What We Do in Life and Business: Duhigg, Charles: 8601406381322: Amazon.com: Books
Atomic Habits: An Easy & Proven Way to Build Good Habits & Break Bad Ones: Clear, James: 9780735211292: Amazon.com: Books
The Great Mental Models Volume 1: General Thinking Concepts eBook: Parrish, Shane, Beaubien, Rhiannon: Kindle Store
Steal Like an Artist: 10 Things Nobody Told You About Being Creative: Kleon, Austin: 8601300471914: Amazon.com: Books
Foundation series - Wikipedia
Foundation — Teaser | Apple TV+ - YouTube
]]>
121: Analog Focus, with Jeff Sheldon Jeff Sheldon from Ugmonk joins us to talk about his Analog productivity system, connecting dots, intentional constraints, and being a geek for the details. Tue, 16 Mar 2021 17:30:00 GMT http://relay.fm/focused/121 http://relay.fm/focused/121 Analog Focus, with Jeff Sheldon 121 David Sparks and Mike Schmitz Jeff Sheldon from Ugmonk joins us to talk about his Analog productivity system, connecting dots, intentional constraints, and being a geek for the details. Jeff Sheldon from Ugmonk joins us to talk about his Analog productivity system, connecting dots, intentional constraints, and being a geek for the details. clean 4865 Jeff Sheldon from Ugmonk joins us to talk about his Analog productivity system, connecting dots, intentional constraints, and being a geek for the details.

This episode of Focused is sponsored by:

  • TextExpander, from Smile: Work smarter, not harder. Get 20% off your first year.
  • Indeed: Get a free $75 credit to upgrade your job post.
  • Microsoft Lists: A Microsoft 365 app that helps you track information and organize work.

Guest Starring:

Jeff Sheldon

Links and Show Notes:

Focused listeners can save 10% at ugmonk.com using this link. (This is an affiliate link.)

Deep Focus: Extended episodes with bonus deep dive content.
Ugmonk
Analog system
The Practice by Seth Godin | Amazon
Steal Like an Artist by Austin Kleon | Amazon
Getting Things Done by David Allen | Amazon
Discbound Heirloom Journal (Brown) | Ugmonk
Bullet Journal
Building My Bullet-Journal-Based Hybrid Productivity System | The Sweet Setup
Analog Tips | Ugmonk
Due
Gather | Ugmonk
The Happiness Advantage by Shawn Achor | Amazon
Jeff Sheldon (@ugmonk) | Twitter
Jeff Sheldon (@ugmonk) | Instagram
]]>
120: Caveday with Jake Kahana Jake Kahana from Caveday joins to talk about his journey and how Cavedays can help you get your focus mojo back. Tue, 02 Mar 2021 20:00:00 GMT http://relay.fm/focused/120 http://relay.fm/focused/120 Caveday with Jake Kahana 120 David Sparks and Mike Schmitz Jake Kahana from Caveday joins to talk about his journey and how Cavedays can help you get your focus mojo back. Jake Kahana from Caveday joins to talk about his journey and how Cavedays can help you get your focus mojo back. clean 4514 Jake Kahana from Caveday joins to talk about his journey and how Cavedays can help you get your focus mojo back.

This episode of Focused is sponsored by:

  • Squarespace: Make your next move. Enter offer code FOCUSED at checkout to get 10% off your first purchase.
  • ExpressVPN: High-Speed, Secure & Anonymous VPN Service. Get an extra three months free.
  • Indeed: Get a free $75 credit to upgrade your job post.

Guest Starring:

Jake Kahana

Links and Show Notes:

Credits

The Hosts
Mike Schmitz
David Sparks

The Editor
Jim Metzendorf

The Fixer
Kerry Provanzano

Deep Focus: Extended episodes with bonus deep dive content.
Jake on the Web
About Jake

Email Refrigerator sign up at the bottom of the page.

Jake's Writing
Caveday

Use this link for a Caveday discount.

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Deep Work: Rules for Focused Success in a Distracted World - Cal Newport
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119: Productivity & Meditation, with Chris Bailey Author Chris Bailey joins us to talk about the productivity benefits of meditation, conquering resistance, and the path of least regret. Tue, 16 Feb 2021 17:00:00 GMT http://relay.fm/focused/119 http://relay.fm/focused/119 Productivity & Meditation, with Chris Bailey 119 David Sparks and Mike Schmitz Author Chris Bailey joins us to talk about the productivity benefits of meditation, conquering resistance, and the path of least regret. Author Chris Bailey joins us to talk about the productivity benefits of meditation, conquering resistance, and the path of least regret. clean 5606 Author Chris Bailey joins us to talk about the productivity benefits of meditation, conquering resistance, and the path of least regret.

This episode of Focused is sponsored by:

  • Squarespace: Make your next move. Enter offer code FOCUSED at checkout to get 10% off your first purchase.
  • PDFpen, from Smile: The all-purpose PDF editor for Mac, iPad & iPhone.
  • Indeed: Get a free $75 credit to upgrade your job post.

Guest Starring:

Chris Bailey

Links and Show Notes:

Deep Focus: Extended episodes with bonus deep dive content.
A Life of Productivity
The Productivity Project by Chris Bailey | Amazon
30 Lessons for Living by Karl Pillemer | Amazon
Focused #65: Hyperfocused with Chris Bailey
Focused #117: Roles & Goals
Triggers by Marshall Goldsmith
The Molecule of More by Daniel Lieberman | Amazon
How to Train Your Mind by Chris Bailey | Audible.com
The Happiness Advantage by Shawn Achor | Amazon
Insight Timer
Calm
Headspace
Mindfulness in Plain English by Bhante Gunaratana | Amazon
Streaks
The Best Habit Tracking App for iOS | The Sweet Setup
Eat That Frog! by Brian Tracy | Amazon
Toggl
Becoming Better Podcast | A Life of Productivity
Hyperfocus by Chris Bailey | Amazon
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118: Tasks and Habits Tasks are great but sometimes the wrong tool. Mike and David make the case that habits are underrated and can help you where projects can not. Tue, 02 Feb 2021 19:30:00 GMT http://relay.fm/focused/118 http://relay.fm/focused/118 Tasks and Habits 118 David Sparks and Mike Schmitz Tasks are great but sometimes the wrong tool. Mike and David make the case that habits are underrated and can help you where projects can not. Tasks are great but sometimes the wrong tool. Mike and David make the case that habits are underrated and can help you where projects can not. clean 6121 Tasks are great but sometimes the wrong tool. Mike and David make the case that habits are underrated and can help you where projects can not.

This episode of Focused is sponsored by:

  • Timing: The automatic time tracking app for macOS. Use this link to save 10% on your purchase.
  • ExpressVPN: High-Speed, Secure & Anonymous VPN Service. Get an extra three months free.
  • Indeed: Get a free $75 credit to upgrade your job post.

Links and Show Notes:

Credits

The Hosts
Mike Schmitz
David Sparks

The Editor
Jim Metzendorf

The Fixer
Kerry Provanzano

Deep Focus: Extended episodes with bonus deep dive content.
SA Granite Keycap Set — Kono Store
Linking Your Thinking Workshop
Obsidian
Roam Research – A note taking tool for networked thought.
Craft - Create Amazing Documents
The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People - Wikipedia
How to Win Friends and Influence People - Wikipedia
Think and Grow Rich - Wikipedia
Atomic Habits: Tiny Changes, Remarkable Results by James Clear
The Power of Habit - Charles Duhigg
Habit Tracking: The Best Habit Apps For Your iPhone — The Sweet Setup
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117: Roles & Goals Goals are great, but they aren't enough. In this episode, David & Mike talk about how roles & goals work together and how the hats that you decide to wear are the real foundation of a solid personal productivity system. Tue, 19 Jan 2021 18:30:00 GMT http://relay.fm/focused/117 http://relay.fm/focused/117 Roles & Goals 117 David Sparks and Mike Schmitz Goals are great, but they aren't enough. In this episode, David & Mike talk about how roles & goals work together and how the hats that you decide to wear are the real foundation of a solid personal productivity system. Goals are great, but they aren't enough. In this episode, David & Mike talk about how roles & goals work together and how the hats that you decide to wear are the real foundation of a solid personal productivity system. clean 5539 Goals are great, but they aren't enough. In this episode, David & Mike talk about how roles & goals work together and how the hats that you decide to wear are the real foundation of a solid personal productivity system.

This episode of Focused is sponsored by:

  • Squarespace: Make your next move. Enter offer code FOCUSED at checkout to get 10% off your first purchase.
  • TextExpander, from Smile: Recall your best words. Instantly, repeatedly. Get 20% off your first year.
  • Indeed: Get a free $75 credit to upgrade your job post.

Links and Show Notes:

Deep Focus: Extended episodes with bonus deep dive content.
The Big Ready
Atomic Habits by James Clear | Amazon
The Intentional Family podcast
Personal Retreat Handbook
Daily Questions in Roam Research
Mike's Input Workflow diagram
roam42
Mike's Roam Research Email KM Macro
Star Wars Rebels | Disney+
SaneBox
Why you should keep a journal and why I keep mine in Roam Research | YouTube
How I Use Roam Research for Journaling | The Sweet Setup
Readwise
Webinar Replay: How I Use Mind Mapping to Take Book Notes | The Sweet Setup
Building My Bullet-Journal-Based Hybrid Productivity System | The Sweet Setup
Fender Eric Clapton Stratocaster in Olympic White with Maple Fingerboard | Sweetwater
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116: The Big Reset Mike and David take on the new year in their own focused ways as they talk through a workflow for change. Tue, 05 Jan 2021 16:30:00 GMT http://relay.fm/focused/116 http://relay.fm/focused/116 The Big Reset 116 David Sparks and Mike Schmitz Mike and David take on the new year in their own focused ways as they talk through a workflow for change. Mike and David take on the new year in their own focused ways as they talk through a workflow for change. clean 5595 Mike and David take on the new year in their own focused ways as they talk through a workflow for change.

This episode of Focused is sponsored by:

  • Timing: The automatic time tracking app for macOS. Use this link to save 10% on your purchase.
  • ExpressVPN: High-Speed, Secure & Anonymous VPN Service. Get an extra three months free.
  • Indeed: Get a free $75 credit to boost your job post.

Links and Show Notes:

Mike and David take on the new year in their own focused ways as they talk through a workflow for change.

Deep Focus: Extended episodes with bonus deep dive content.
The FOCUSED Calendar | NeuYear.net
Lockdown Productivity: Spaceship You | CGP Grey
Weekend Wednesday | YouTube
The Practice by Seth Godin | Amazon
Bowling Alone by Robert Putnam | Amazon
Cortex #110: 2021 Yearly Themes | Relay FM
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115: Solving Interesting Problems, with Ernie Svenson Ernie Svenson joins us to talk about how focus inspired his career change from lawyer to small firm consultant, the importance of getting help, and the value of journaling. Tue, 22 Dec 2020 20:15:00 GMT http://relay.fm/focused/115 http://relay.fm/focused/115 Solving Interesting Problems, with Ernie Svenson 115 David Sparks and Mike Schmitz Ernie Svenson joins us to talk about how focus inspired his career change from lawyer to small firm consultant, the importance of getting help, and the value of journaling. Ernie Svenson joins us to talk about how focus inspired his career change from lawyer to small firm consultant, the importance of getting help, and the value of journaling. clean 3690 Ernie Svenson joins us to talk about how focus inspired his career change from lawyer to small firm consultant, the importance of getting help, and the value of journaling.

This episode of Focused is sponsored by:

  • ExpressVPN: High-Speed, Secure & Anonymous VPN Service. Get an extra three months free.
  • Woven: The calendar with the most powerful scheduling tools. Try it free for 21 days.

Guest Starring:

Ernie Svenson

Links and Show Notes:

Deep Focus: Extended episodes with bonus deep dive content.
The FOCUSED Calendar | NeuYear.net
Mac Power Users #230: The Power of PDFs
The Practice by Seth Godin | Amazon
This is Marketing by Seth Godin | Amazon
Focused #110: Focus with Michael Hyatt
The Artist's Way by Julia Cameron | Amazon
The War of Art by Steven Pressfield | Amazon
Song Exploder: A Netflix Documentary Series
Ernie The Attorney
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114: Inputs and PKM Stacks Inputs! We all have too many of them and not enough of us have a plan for them. In this episode, Mike and David talk about those pesky inputs and how to deal with them. Tue, 08 Dec 2020 21:00:00 GMT http://relay.fm/focused/114 http://relay.fm/focused/114 Inputs and PKM Stacks 114 David Sparks and Mike Schmitz Inputs! We all have too many of them and not enough of us have a plan for them. In this episode, Mike and David talk about those pesky inputs and how to deal with them. Inputs! We all have too many of them and not enough of us have a plan for them. In this episode, Mike and David talk about those pesky inputs and how to deal with them. clean 5281 Inputs! We all have too many of them and not enough of us have a plan for them. In this episode, Mike and David talk about those pesky inputs and how to deal with them.

This episode of Focused is sponsored by:

  • Squarespace: Make your next move. Enter offer code FOCUSED at checkout to get 10% off your first purchase.
  • Woven: The calendar with the most powerful scheduling tools. Try it free for 21 days.

Links and Show Notes:

Deep Focus: Extended episodes with bonus deep dive content.
The FOCUSED Calendar – NeuYear.net
Smart Water Bottle - HidrateSpark Bluetooth Water Bottle
Mac Power Users #562: The First Apple Silicon Macs
Focused #112: Productivity & Creativity - Relay FM
Using Roam Research for GTD-Style Task Management – The Sweet Setup
The Rise and Fall of Getting Things Done | The New Yorker
Cortex #109: State of the Apps 2021 - Relay FM
Brain Wash: Detox Your Mind for Clearer Thinking
106: Brain Wash by David & Austin Perlmutter – Bookworm
The Practice: Ship creative work | Seth's Blog
The Social Dilemma - Wikipedia
Hyperfocus | A Life of Productivity
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113: ADHD and Cognitive Science, with Brittany Smith Brittany Smith is a cognitive scientist and very focused. She's also diagnosed with ADHD and she has a lot of wisdom to share in this week's episode. Tue, 24 Nov 2020 17:30:00 GMT http://relay.fm/focused/113 http://relay.fm/focused/113 ADHD and Cognitive Science, with Brittany Smith 113 David Sparks and Mike Schmitz Brittany Smith is a cognitive scientist and very focused. She's also diagnosed with ADHD and she has a lot of wisdom to share in this week's episode. Brittany Smith is a cognitive scientist and very focused. She's also diagnosed with ADHD and she has a lot of wisdom to share in this week's episode. clean 4848 Brittany Smith is a cognitive scientist and very focused. She's also diagnosed with ADHD and she has a lot of wisdom to share in this week's episode.

This episode of Focused is sponsored by:

  • ExpressVPN: High-Speed, Secure & Anonymous VPN Service. Get an extra three months free.
  • Woven: The calendar with the most powerful scheduling tools. Try it free for 21 days.

Guest Starring:

Brittany Smith

Links and Show Notes:

Deep Focus: Extended episodes with bonus deep dive content.
The FOCUSED Calendar – NeuYear.net
Devise & Conquer Productivity Coaching
Brittany on Twitter
Hyperfocus by Chris Bailey
Tech Tips with Brittany - YouTube
Focused #70: Digital Decluttering, with Shahid Kamal Ahmad - Relay FM
Esington - Inspired Productivity
Stop Procrastinating, Boost Productivity & Get Focused on Work - Focusmate
Brain Wash Book
Home | ADDA - Attention Deficit Disorder Association
CHADD - Improving the lives of people affected by ADHD
ACO Home
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112: Productivity & Creativity David & Mike consider the relationship of productivity & creativity and how it shapes the work that they do. They dive into their personal knowledge management stacks and the tools they currently use, share some tips for tagging, and discuss where to draw the lines between tools for managing tasks and ideas. Tue, 10 Nov 2020 21:15:00 GMT http://relay.fm/focused/112 http://relay.fm/focused/112 Productivity & Creativity 112 David Sparks and Mike Schmitz David & Mike consider the relationship of productivity & creativity and how it shapes the work that they do. David & Mike consider the relationship of productivity & creativity and how it shapes the work that they do. clean 4551 David & Mike consider the relationship of productivity & creativity and how it shapes the work that they do. They dive into their personal knowledge management stacks and the tools they currently use, share some tips for tagging, and discuss where to draw the lines between tools for managing tasks and ideas.

This episode of Focused is sponsored by:

  • Squarespace: Make your next move. Enter offer code FOCUSED at checkout to get 10% off your first purchase.
  • Woven: The calendar with the most powerful scheduling tools. Try it free for 21 days.

Links and Show Notes:

Deep Focus: Extended episodes with bonus deep dive content.
The FOCUSED Calendar | NeuYear.net
Personal Retreat Video | MacSparky
Spark Guitar Amp | Positive Grid
How I Play Guitar Live From My iPad | The Sweet Setup
YDS-150 Digital Saxophone
Readwise
Using Roam Research for GTD-Style Task Management | The Sweet Setup
Jason Fried: "Productivity is for machines, not for people." | Twitter
MacPaint - Wikipedia
Steal Like an Artist by Austin Kleon | Amazon
Mac Power Users #559: Research Apps
How to Take Smart Notes by Sönke Ahrens | Amazon
The state of personal knowledge management | Ness Labs
The 4 Levels of Personal Knowledge Management | Forte Labs
Mike's Sermon Sketchnotes Archive
Setting up a Quotebook in Roam Research
Daily Questions in Roam Research
Cross-Reference Library in Roam Research
Maker, Manager, Consumer | MacSparky
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111: Environmental Focus, with Erik Fisher Erik Fisher joins us to talk about internal and external distractions, setting up your environment for focused work, dealing with unexpected changes, and building self-awareness. Tue, 27 Oct 2020 16:00:00 GMT http://relay.fm/focused/111 http://relay.fm/focused/111 Environmental Focus, with Erik Fisher 111 David Sparks and Mike Schmitz Erik Fisher joins us to talk about internal and external distractions, setting up your environment for focused work, dealing with unexpected changes, and building self-awareness. Erik Fisher joins us to talk about internal and external distractions, setting up your environment for focused work, dealing with unexpected changes, and building self-awareness. clean 5202 Erik Fisher joins us to talk about internal and external distractions, setting up your environment for focused work, dealing with unexpected changes, and building self-awareness.

This episode of Focused is sponsored by:

  • Teamistry: The stories of unsung teams who pioneered new ways of working to achieve the unexpected. Listen now.
  • Blinkist: Read 3000+ books in 15 minutes or fewer. Start your 7-day free trial.

Guest Starring:

Erik Fisher

Links and Show Notes:

Support Focused with a Relay FM Membership
The FOCUSED Calendar | NeuYear.net
Atomic Habits by James Clear | Amazon
Beyond the To-Do List #347: Top 5 Personal Productivity Books
Tiny Habits by BJ Fogg | Amazon
Deep Work by Cal Newport | Amazon
Focused #110: Focus with Michael Hyatt
How to Become a Straight-A Student by Cal Newport | Amazon
Brain.fm
Full Focus Planner
Shorter by Alex Soojung-Kim Pang | Amazon
The War of Art by Steven Pressfield | Amazon
Muse Headband
Beyond the To-Do List | Erik's podcast
@ErikJFisher | Twitter
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110: Focus with Michael Hyatt Michael Hyatt joins in to talk about staying focused, drift, scaling back on social media. Wed, 14 Oct 2020 00:15:00 GMT http://relay.fm/focused/110 http://relay.fm/focused/110 Focus with Michael Hyatt 110 David Sparks and Mike Schmitz Michael Hyatt joins in to talk about staying focused, drift, scaling back on social media. Michael Hyatt joins in to talk about staying focused, drift, scaling back on social media. clean 4682 Michael Hyatt joins in to talk about staying focused, drift, scaling back on social media.

This episode of Focused is sponsored by:

  • Squarespace: Make your next move. Enter offer code FOCUSED at checkout to get 10% off your first purchase.
  • ExpressVPN: High-Speed, Secure & Anonymous VPN Service. Get an extra three months free.
  • Ahrefs: SEO Tools & Resources To Grow Your Search Traffic. Get a 7-day trial for just $7.

Guest Starring:

Michael Hyatt

Links and Show Notes:

Support Focused with a Relay FM Membership
Free to Focus: A Total Productivity System by Michael Hyatt
Win at Work and Succeed at Life | Michael Hyatt
Full Focus Store – Full Focus by Michael Hyatt and Co.
Living Forward: A Proven Plan to Stop Drifting and Get the Life You Want eBook: Hyatt, Michael, Harkavy, Daniel: Kindle Store
LeaderBooks™ - Michael Hyatt's Book Club for Leaders
The Vision Driven Leader - Michael Hyatt
Stephen Covey - Wikipedia
Rest: Why You Get More Done When You Work Less eBook: Pang, Alex Soojung-Kim: Kindle Store
Shorter: Work Better, Smarter, and Less—Here's How eBook: Pang, Alex Soojung-Kim: Kindle Store
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109: Email Workflows David & Mike revisit the topic of email and discuss their current workflows. They share how and when they process email, what they use to do it, and the strategies they use to break free from their inboxes long enough to do some actual work. Tue, 29 Sep 2020 15:15:00 GMT http://relay.fm/focused/109 http://relay.fm/focused/109 Email Workflows 109 David Sparks and Mike Schmitz David & Mike revisit the topic of email and discuss their current workflows. They share how and when they process email, what they use to do it, and the strategies they use to break free from their inboxes long enough to do some actual work. David & Mike revisit the topic of email and discuss their current workflows. They share how and when they process email, what they use to do it, and the strategies they use to break free from their inboxes long enough to do some actual work. clean 4923 David & Mike revisit the topic of email and discuss their current workflows. They share how and when they process email, what they use to do it, and the strategies they use to break free from their inboxes long enough to do some actual work.

This episode of Focused is sponsored by:

  • Ahrefs: SEO Tools & Resources To Grow Your Search Traffic. Get a 7-day trial for just $7.

Links and Show Notes:

Support Focused with a Relay FM Membership
Relay FM for St. Jude 2020
Calm Inbox course | The Sweet Setup
Focused #107: The Bullet Journal Method, with Ryder Carroll
Focused #108: Pruning with Ian Byrd
Maker, Manager, Consumer | MacSparky
Mike's Hybrid BuJo System | The Sweet Setup
Discbound Heirloom Journal | Ugmonk
Keychron K8 Tenkeyless Wireless Mechanical Keyboard
Drop + Invyr Holy Panda Mechanical Switches
MT3 Extended 2048 Keycaps
Mac Power Users #539: Back to Email
The Best Email App for iPhone and iPad | The Sweet Setup
MailSuite | SmallCubed
SaneBox | Email Management for Any Inbox
Email Lessons from Napoleon Bonaparte | The Sweet Setup
Ralph Waldo Emerson: Napoleon or, The Man of the World
Notion First Impressions: Thoughts After Two Weeks with Notion and our Content Calendar | The Sweet Setup
Feedbin
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108: Pruning with Ian Byrd Educator, speaker, and online course creator Ian Byrd joins Mike and David to talk about quarterly retreats, technology, and focus. David makes a commitment. Tue, 15 Sep 2020 20:00:00 GMT http://relay.fm/focused/108 http://relay.fm/focused/108 Pruning with Ian Byrd 108 David Sparks and Mike Schmitz Educator, speaker, and online course creator Ian Byrd joins Mike and David to talk about quarterly retreats, technology, and focus. David makes a commitment. Educator, speaker, and online course creator Ian Byrd joins Mike and David to talk about quarterly retreats, technology, and focus. David makes a commitment. clean 4608 Educator, speaker, and online course creator Ian Byrd joins Mike and David to talk about quarterly retreats, technology, and focus. David makes a commitment.

This episode of Focused is sponsored by:

  • ExpressVPN: High-Speed, Secure & Anonymous VPN Service. Get an extra three months free.
  • Blinkist: Read 3000+ books in 15 minutes or fewer. Start your 7-day free trial.

Guest Starring:

Ian Byrd

Links and Show Notes:

Support Focused with a Relay FM Membership
Byrdseed.TV is open for new memberships!
Byrdseed: Lessons to get kids' brains sweating! 🧠💦
Episode 2: How to Structure Your Founder's Retreat - ZenFounder
How to Conduct Your Own Annual Review : The Art of Non-Conformity
BJ Fogg | Tiny Habits
Essentialism - The Disciplined Pursuit of Less by Greg McKeown
Priority is Singular

From Essentialism

Maker, Manager, Consumer — MacSparky
Mindset: The New Psychology of Success: Dweck, Carol S.: 9780345472328: Amazon.com: Books
The E-Myth Revisited: Why Most Small Businesses Don't Work and What to Do About It: Gerber, Michael E.: 0099455020992: Amazon.com: Books
Brilliant Weekly Scheduler | mochithings
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107: The Bullet Journal Method, with Ryder Carroll Bullet Journal Method founder Ryder Carroll joins us to talk about taking time offline, asking the right questions, and finding the the balance between style and substance in getting the right things done. Tue, 01 Sep 2020 16:30:00 GMT http://relay.fm/focused/107 http://relay.fm/focused/107 The Bullet Journal Method, with Ryder Carroll 107 David Sparks and Mike Schmitz Bullet Journal Method founder Ryder Carroll joins us to talk about taking time offline, asking the right questions, and finding the the balance between style and substance in getting the right things done. Bullet Journal Method founder Ryder Carroll joins us to talk about taking time offline, asking the right questions, and finding the the balance between style and substance in getting the right things done. clean 3656 Bullet Journal Method founder Ryder Carroll joins us to talk about taking time offline, asking the right questions, and finding the the balance between style and substance in getting the right things done.

This episode of Focused is sponsored by:

  • Squarespace: Make your next move. Enter offer code FOCUSED at checkout to get 10% off your first purchase.

Guest Starring:

Ryder Carroll

Links and Show Notes:

Support Focused with a Relay FM Membership
How to declutter your mind -- keep a journal | Ryder Carroll | TEDxYale
Bullet Journal Tutorial
The Bullet Journal Method by Ryder Carroll | Amazon
Relay FM for St. Jude
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106: Home Offices with Laura Vanderkam Laura Vanderkam joins the podcast this episode to talk about challenges and opportunities in working from home. Mike and David also break down their ever-evolving shut down routines. Tue, 18 Aug 2020 19:15:00 GMT http://relay.fm/focused/106 http://relay.fm/focused/106 Home Offices with Laura Vanderkam 106 David Sparks and Mike Schmitz Laura Vanderkam joins the podcast this episode to talk about challenges and opportunities in working from home. Mike and David also break down their ever-evolving shut down routines. Laura Vanderkam joins the podcast this episode to talk about challenges and opportunities in working from home. Mike and David also break down their ever-evolving shut down routines. clean 4771 Laura Vanderkam joins the podcast this episode to talk about challenges and opportunities in working from home. Mike and David also break down their ever-evolving shut down routines.

This episode of Focused is sponsored by:

  • ExpressVPN: High-Speed, Secure & Anonymous VPN Service. Get 3 months free with a 1-year package.
  • Blinkist: Read 3000+ books in 15 minutes or fewer. Start your 7-day free trial.

Guest Starring:

Laura Vanderkam

Links and Show Notes:

Support Focused with a Relay FM Membership
Laura Vanderkam | Writer, Author & Speaker | Time Management
The New Corner Office: How The Most Successful People Work From Home
Questions That Make A Difference: The Daily Question Process – Marshall Goldsmith
Marshall Goldsmith
Triggers: Creating Behavior That Lasts--Becoming the Person You Want to Be: Goldsmith, Marshall, Reiter, Mark: 9780804141239: Amazon.com: Books
Avatar: The Last Airbender - Wikipedia
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105: Living the Multipotentialite Life, with Jay Miller Jay Miller joins us to talk about balancing many interests, transferring your focus as you switch between them, and what it means to live the multipotentialite lifestyle. Tue, 04 Aug 2020 21:00:00 GMT http://relay.fm/focused/105 http://relay.fm/focused/105 Living the Multipotentialite Life, with Jay Miller 105 David Sparks and Mike Schmitz Jay Miller joins us to talk about balancing many interests, transferring your focus as you switch between them, and what it means to live the multipotentialite lifestyle. Jay Miller joins us to talk about balancing many interests, transferring your focus as you switch between them, and what it means to live the multipotentialite lifestyle. clean 5614 Jay Miller joins us to talk about balancing many interests, transferring your focus as you switch between them, and what it means to live the multipotentialite lifestyle.

This episode of Focused is sponsored by:

  • Squarespace: Make your next move. Enter offer code FOCUSED at checkout to get 10% off your first purchase.
  • Ahrefs: SEO Tools & Resources To Grow Your Search Traffic. Get a 7-day trial for just $7.

Guest Starring:

Jay Miller

Links and Show Notes:

Support Focused with a Relay FM Membership
Productivity in Tech Podcast
Cowboy Bebop | IMDb
How to Be Everything by Emilie Wapnick | Amazon
Better than Fixing Computers with Cecil Phillip | Productivity in Tech Podcast
The Crossroads of Should and Must by Elle Luna | Amazon
Focused #87: Nerds Like Us, with Myke Hurley
Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert | Amazon
@kjaymiller | Twitter
kjaymiller.com
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104: Sleep and Sabbaticals Mike and David cover a lot in this week's episode ranging from David's attempt at a sabbatical to sleep to productivity in virtual reality. Tue, 21 Jul 2020 21:15:00 GMT http://relay.fm/focused/104 http://relay.fm/focused/104 Sleep and Sabbaticals 104 David Sparks and Mike Schmitz Mike and David cover a lot in this week's episode ranging from David's attempt at a sabbatical to sleep to productivity in virtual reality. Mike and David cover a lot in this week's episode ranging from David's attempt at a sabbatical to sleep to productivity in virtual reality. clean 5778 Mike and David cover a lot in this week's episode ranging from David's attempt at a sabbatical to sleep to productivity in virtual reality.

This episode of Focused is sponsored by:

  • ExpressVPN: High-Speed, Secure & Anonymous VPN Service. Get 3 months free with a 1-year package.
  • Blinkist: Read 3000+ books in 15 minutes or fewer. Start your 7-day free trial.
  • A Fine Start: The new tab page you’ll actually use.

Links and Show Notes:

Support Focused with a Relay FM Membership
Sign up for Focused Membership
sabbatical.blog – Seventh Week Sabbaticals
Preparing for a Sabbatical — MacSparky
Mike's Super-Charger
Triggers: Creating Behavior That Lasts–Becoming the Person You Want to Be – Marshall Goldsmith
Roam Research – A note taking tool for networked thought.
Daily Questions in Roam Research
Drafts | Where Text Starts
Oculus Quest: All-in-One VR Headset | Oculus

The ultimate productivity tool.

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103: Systems & Challenges David tweaks his shutdown routine and preps for his sabbatical, Mike unpacks his hybrid productivity system, and they each have their own productivity challenge to complete. Tue, 07 Jul 2020 18:00:00 GMT http://relay.fm/focused/103 http://relay.fm/focused/103 Systems & Challenges 103 David Sparks and Mike Schmitz David tweaks his shutdown routine and preps for his sabbatical, Mike unpacks his hybrid productivity system, and they each have their own productivity challenge to complete. David tweaks his shutdown routine and preps for his sabbatical, Mike unpacks his hybrid productivity system, and they each have their own productivity challenge to complete. clean 4312 David tweaks his shutdown routine and preps for his sabbatical, Mike unpacks his hybrid productivity system, and they each have their own productivity challenge to complete.

This episode of Focused is sponsored by:

  • Drafts: Where Text Starts. Try it free now.
  • Squarespace: Make your next move. Enter offer code FOCUSED at checkout to get 10% off your first purchase.
  • Ahrefs: SEO Tools & Resources To Grow Your Search Traffic. Get a 7-day trial for just $7.

Links and Show Notes:

Overview of Mike's hybrid system

Support Focused with a Relay FM Membership
Focused #102: Analog Productivity with Brad Dowdy
GoodNotes
Moshi iVisor AG Screen Protector for iPad Pro | Amazon
Sonos Move
The Olympians | Apple Music
Snarky Puppy
Focused #73: Productivity and Art with Bob Reynolds
Mike's Bullet-Journal-Based Hybrid Productivity System | The Sweet Setup
Roam Research
How to Take Smart Notes by Sönke Ahrens | Amazon
The Bullet Journal Method by Ryder Carroll | Amazon
Obsidian
Ulysses
Triggers by Marshall Goldsmith | Amazon
Daily Questions in Roam Research | Faith-Based Productivity
Focused #101: Taking a Sabbatical, with Sean McCabe
Seventh Week Sabbaticals | sabbatical.blog
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102: Analog Productivity with Brad Dowdy The Pen Addict Brad Dowdy joins in to explain how he struggles to stay focused and discovers that he's a time blocker. We also get very nerdy about pens and paper toward the end. Tue, 23 Jun 2020 20:30:00 GMT http://relay.fm/focused/102 http://relay.fm/focused/102 Analog Productivity with Brad Dowdy 102 David Sparks and Mike Schmitz The Pen Addict Brad Dowdy joins in to explain how he struggles to stay focused and discovers that he's a time blocker. We also get very nerdy about pens and paper toward the end. The Pen Addict Brad Dowdy joins in to explain how he struggles to stay focused and discovers that he's a time blocker. We also get very nerdy about pens and paper toward the end. clean 5857 The Pen Addict Brad Dowdy joins in to explain how he struggles to stay focused and discovers that he's a time blocker. We also get very nerdy about pens and paper toward the end.

This episode of Focused is sponsored by:

  • ExpressVPN: High-Speed, Secure & Anonymous VPN Service. Get 3 months free with a 1-year package.
  • Blinkist: Read 3000+ books in 15 minutes or fewer. Start your 7-day free trial.
  • Focus at Will: Personalized focus music to help you get stuff done. Get 60% off.

Guest Starring:

Brad Dowdy

Links and Show Notes:

Support Focused with a Relay FM Membership
The Pen Addict
Building My Bullet-Journal-Based Hybrid Productivity System – The Sweet Setup
Brad Dowdy (@penaddict) • Instagram photos and videos
Architect Nib vs. Stub Nib — The Pen Addict
LEUCHTTURM1917 | Premium stationery from a traditional family run company – LEUCHTTURM1917
Rhodia Notebooks & Writing Pads | Official U.S. Distributor
MIDORI | Japanese Design Stationery Company
A Brief Guide to Keeping a Commonplace Book – Notebook of Ghosts
Anderson Pens
Circa Discbound Notebooks Planner Discs & Accessories | Levenger

Levenger Disc System

GoodNotes Homepage
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101: Taking a Sabbatical, with Sean McCabe Sean McCabe is back to talk about sabbaticals - and to convince David to take one of his own. Tue, 09 Jun 2020 16:00:00 GMT http://relay.fm/focused/101 http://relay.fm/focused/101 Taking a Sabbatical, with Sean McCabe 101 David Sparks and Mike Schmitz Sean McCabe is back to talk about sabbaticals - and to convince David to take one of his own. Sean McCabe is back to talk about sabbaticals - and to convince David to take one of his own. clean 6085 Sean McCabe is back to talk about sabbaticals - and to convince David to take one of his own.

This episode of Focused is sponsored by:

  • Pingdom: Start monitoring your website performance and availability today, and get instant alerts when an outage occurs or a site transaction fails. Use offer code FOCUSED to get 30% off. Offer expires on January 31, 2021.
  • Squarespace: Make your next move. Enter offer code FOCUSED at checkout to get 10% off your first purchase.
  • Timing: The automatic time tracking app for macOS. Use this link to save 10% on your purchase.

Guest Starring:

Sean McCabe

Links and Show Notes:

Support Focused with a Relay FM Membership
Focused #56: Iterate in Public, with Sean McCabe
Overlap by Sean McCabe
076: Growth Scaling Part 1 of 3: Systems & Superhero Syndrome | seanwes podcast
322: The Communication Episode | seanwes podcast
It’s A Strange Time To Have No Home | sabbatical.blog
My Crazy AirBnb Story | sabbatical.blog
Maintaining Routine Through Sabbatical | sabbatical.blog
Photos Video Field Guide | MacSparky
The Intentional Family podcast
Sabbatical Book | sabbatical.blog
seanwes.com
Sean McCabe (@seanwes) | Twitter
Sean McCabe (@seanwes) | Instagram
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100: Staying Focused with Episode 100 It's Episode 100 and Mike and David are looking back and looking forward in terms of focus. Tue, 26 May 2020 18:00:00 GMT http://relay.fm/focused/100 http://relay.fm/focused/100 Staying Focused with Episode 100 100 David Sparks and Mike Schmitz It's Episode 100 and Mike and David are looking back and looking forward in terms of focus. It's Episode 100 and Mike and David are looking back and looking forward in terms of focus. clean 4390 It's Episode 100 and Mike and David are looking back and looking forward in terms of focus.

This episode of Focused is sponsored by:

  • Pingdom: Start monitoring your website performance and availability today, and get instant alerts when an outage occurs or a site transaction fails. Use offer code FOCUSED to get 30% off. Offer expires on January 31, 2021.
  • ExpressVPN: High-Speed, Secure & Anonymous VPN Service. Get 3 months free with a 1-year package.
  • Timing: The automatic time tracking app for macOS. Use this link to save 10% on your purchase.

Links and Show Notes:

Support Focused with a Relay FM Membership
Brand New: Simple Habits (A TSS Course) – The Sweet Setup
Photos Field Guide (2nd Edition) | MacSparky Field Guides
Atomic Habits: Tiny Changes, Remarkable Results by James Clear
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99: Working From Home, with Dave Caolo Dave Caolo joins us to talk about games & productivity, how his bullet journal helps him stay focused, and working from home without going crazy. Tue, 12 May 2020 16:45:00 GMT http://relay.fm/focused/99 http://relay.fm/focused/99 Working From Home, with Dave Caolo 99 David Sparks and Mike Schmitz Dave Caolo joins us to talk about games & productivity, how his bullet journal helps him stay focused, and working from home without going crazy. Dave Caolo joins us to talk about games & productivity, how his bullet journal helps him stay focused, and working from home without going crazy. clean 4116 Dave Caolo joins us to talk about games & productivity, how his bullet journal helps him stay focused, and working from home without going crazy.

This episode of Focused is sponsored by:

  • Pingdom: Start monitoring your website performance and availability today, and get instant alerts when an outage occurs or a site transaction fails. Use offer code FOCUSED to get 30% off. Offer expires on January 31, 2021.
  • Blinkist: Read 3000+ books in 15 minutes or fewer. Start your 7-day free trial.
  • Squarespace: Make your next move. Enter offer code FOCUSED at checkout to get 10% off your first purchase.

Guest Starring:

Dave Caolo

Links and Show Notes:

Support Focused with a Relay FM Membership
David Caolo (@davecaolo) | Twitter
Home Work Podcast | 5by5
Reboot Game Lab
Lockdown Productivity: Spaceship You | YouTube
The Note | Shawn Blanc
Bullet Journal
Notion
Keyboard Maestro
King of Tokyo: Dark Edition
Sushi Go!
Jackbox Games
Forbidden Island
Forbidden Desert
Pandemic
Dave's Blog
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98: Floating with Dave Hamilton Dave Hamilton joins in to talk about how to keep your focus in the workplace and during a pandemic. Also, Dave uses an isolation tank and we have questions. Tue, 28 Apr 2020 19:00:00 GMT http://relay.fm/focused/98 http://relay.fm/focused/98 Floating with Dave Hamilton 98 David Sparks and Mike Schmitz Dave Hamilton joins in to talk about how to keep your focus in the workplace and during a pandemic. Also, Dave uses an isolation tank and we have questions. Dave Hamilton joins in to talk about how to keep your focus in the workplace and during a pandemic. Also, Dave uses an isolation tank and we have questions. clean 5502 Dave Hamilton joins in to talk about how to keep your focus in the workplace and during a pandemic. Also, Dave uses an isolation tank and we have questions.

This episode of Focused is sponsored by:

  • Pingdom: Start monitoring your website performance and availability today, and get instant alerts when an outage occurs or a site transaction fails. Use offer code FOCUSED to get 30% off. Offer expires on January 31, 2021.
  • Agenda: Date-focused note taking. Download now for free.
  • Blinkist: Read 3000+ books in 15 minutes or fewer. Start your 7-day free trial.

Guest Starring:

Dave Hamilton

Links and Show Notes:

Support Focused with a Relay FM Membership
Dave Hamilton (@DaveHamilton) / Twitter
The Mac Observer - Apple iPhone, Mac, Watch and iPad News, Opinions, Tips and Podcasts
A Weekly Podcast For Entrepreneurs Who Do The Work - The Small Business Show
Mac Geek Gab Podcast Archives - The Mac Observer
Isolation tank - Wikipedia
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97: Emotional Overload David & Mike continue the overload series with a look at emotional overload. They consider the value of introspection, share some fun distractions, and discuss being ok with not being productive. Tue, 14 Apr 2020 20:30:00 GMT http://relay.fm/focused/97 http://relay.fm/focused/97 Emotional Overload 97 David Sparks and Mike Schmitz David & Mike continue the overload series with a look at emotional overload. They consider the value of introspection, share some fun distractions, and discuss being ok with not being productive. David & Mike continue the overload series with a look at emotional overload. They consider the value of introspection, share some fun distractions, and discuss being ok with not being productive. clean 3925 David & Mike continue the overload series with a look at emotional overload. They consider the value of introspection, share some fun distractions, and discuss being ok with not being productive.

This episode of Focused is sponsored by:

  • Pingdom: Start monitoring your website performance and availability today, and get instant alerts when an outage occurs or a site transaction fails. Use offer code FOCUSED to get 30% off. Offer expires on January 31, 2021.
  • Squarespace: Make your next move. Enter offer code FOCUSED at checkout to get 10% off your first purchase.
  • ExpressVPN: High-Speed, Secure & Anonymous VPN Service. Get 3 months free with a 1-year package.

Links and Show Notes:

Support Focused with a Relay FM Membership
Matt Ragland's Journaling Course
Day One in Depth (The Sweet Setup course)
The Artist's Way by Julia Cameron (Amazon)
Stop Trying to Be Productive (The New York Times)
The Intentional Family (Mike's new podcast)
The IT Crowd (Netflix)
The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy by Douglas Adams (Amazon)
Temeraire 9 Book Series (Amazon)
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96: Working from Home Mike and David consider keeping your focus while working from home. Tue, 31 Mar 2020 23:30:00 GMT http://relay.fm/focused/96 http://relay.fm/focused/96 Working from Home 96 David Sparks and Mike Schmitz Mike and David consider keeping your focus while working from home. Mike and David consider keeping your focus while working from home. clean 3512 Mike and David consider keeping your focus while working from home.

This episode of Focused is sponsored by:

  • Agenda: Date-focused note taking. Download now for free.

Links and Show Notes:

Support Focused with a Relay FM Membership
Focused #95: Five Years of Freedom - Relay FM
Working From Home — MacSparky
Staying Focused at Home Webinar Replay — The Focus Course
Take Control of Working from Home Temporarily – Take Control Books
Fun and Useful Apps (and more) for Working from Home – The Sweet Setup
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95: Five Years of Freedom David shares the big lessons he's learned from five years of working independently. He and Mike talk about the fear of failure, intentional constraints, effective delegation, and the impact David's furry new coworker has on his productivity. Tue, 17 Mar 2020 17:45:00 GMT http://relay.fm/focused/95 http://relay.fm/focused/95 Five Years of Freedom 95 David Sparks and Mike Schmitz David shares the big lessons he's learned from 5 years of working independently. He and Mike talk about the fear of failure, intentional constraints, effective delegation, and the impact David's furry new coworker has on his productivity. David shares the big lessons he's learned from 5 years of working independently. He and Mike talk about the fear of failure, intentional constraints, effective delegation, and the impact David's furry new coworker has on his productivity. clean 4553 David shares the big lessons he's learned from five years of working independently. He and Mike talk about the fear of failure, intentional constraints, effective delegation, and the impact David's furry new coworker has on his productivity.

This episode of Focused is sponsored by:

  • Blinkist: Read 3000+ books in 15 minutes or fewer. Start your 7-day free trial.
  • Timing: The automatic time tracking app for macOS. Use this link to save 10% on your purchase.
  • ExpressVPN: High-Speed, Secure & Anonymous VPN Service. Get 3 months free with a 1-year package.

Links and Show Notes:

Support Focused with a Relay FM Membership
Five Years — MacSparky
My Shortcuts Home Screen, Evolved — MacSparky
Mac Power Users #526: I Don’t Aspire to Anything Else - Relay FM
Focused #56: Iterate in Public, with Sean McCabe - Relay FM
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94: Journaling with Matt Ragland Matt Ragland explains how he uses his paper bullet journal to stay focused. Tue, 03 Mar 2020 20:15:00 GMT http://relay.fm/focused/94 http://relay.fm/focused/94 Journaling with Matt Ragland 94 David Sparks and Mike Schmitz Matt Ragland explains how he uses his paper bullet journal to stay focused. Matt Ragland explains how he uses his paper bullet journal to stay focused. clean 4646 Matt Ragland explains how he uses his paper bullet journal to stay focused.

This episode of Focused is sponsored by:

  • Pingdom: Start monitoring your website performance and availability today, and get instant alerts when an outage occurs or a site transaction fails. Use offer code FOCUSED to get 30% off. Offer expires on January 31, 2021.
  • Squarespace: Make your next move. Enter offer code FOCUSED at checkout to get 10% off your first purchase.
  • Indeed: Post your job today and get a free sponsored job upgrade.

Guest Starring:

Matt Ragland

Links and Show Notes:

Support Focused with a Relay FM Membership
Matt Ragland - YouTube
Matt Ragland — Minimalist Bullet Journal & Time Tracking
Freed & Bound - Notebooks, Journals, and Analog Tools for Productivity – freedandbound
My Field Notes to Bullet Journal system || Why it's a great EDC notebook for logging & time tracking - YouTube
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93: Attention Overload In this second part of the overload series, David & Mike discuss emotional hijacking, the myth of multitasking, and how to tame the lizard brain. Tue, 18 Feb 2020 15:00:00 GMT http://relay.fm/focused/93 http://relay.fm/focused/93 Attention Overload 93 David Sparks and Mike Schmitz In this second part of the overload series, David & Mike discuss emotional hijacking, the myth of multitasking, and how to tame the lizard brain. In this second part of the overload series, David & Mike discuss emotional hijacking, the myth of multitasking, and how to tame the lizard brain. clean 3926 In this second part of the overload series, David & Mike discuss emotional hijacking, the myth of multitasking, and how to tame the lizard brain.

This episode of Focused is sponsored by:

  • Ahrefs: SEO Tools & Resources To Grow Your Search Traffic. Get a 7-day trial for just $7.
  • Blinkist: Read 3000+ books in 15 minutes or fewer. Start your 7-day free trial.
  • Pingdom: Start monitoring your website performance and availability today, and get instant alerts when an outage occurs or a site transaction fails. Use offer code FOCUSED to get 30% off. Offer expires on January 31, 2021.

Links and Show Notes:

Support Focused with a Relay FM Membership
Mac Power Users #521: Taming Notifications - Relay FM
Margin by Richard Swenson - Amazon
Focused #79: Reclaiming Margin, with Shawn Blanc - Relay FM
Thinking, Fast and Slow by Daniel Kahneman - Amazon
Focused #70: Digital Decluttering, with Shahid Kamal Ahmad - Relay FM
Hyperfocus by Chris Bailey - Amazon
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92: Getting Focused Kourosh Dini Author, physician, and busy guy Kourosh Dini joins us to talk about how to stay focused when you have a lot of things going on. Tue, 04 Feb 2020 20:30:00 GMT http://relay.fm/focused/92 http://relay.fm/focused/92 Getting Focused Kourosh Dini 92 David Sparks and Mike Schmitz Author, physician, and busy guy Kourosh Dini joins us to talk about how to stay focused when you have a lot of things going on. Author, physician, and busy guy Kourosh Dini joins us to talk about how to stay focused when you have a lot of things going on. clean 4746 Author, physician, and busy guy Kourosh Dini joins us to talk about how to stay focused when you have a lot of things going on.

This episode of Focused is sponsored by:

  • Squarespace: Make your next move. Enter offer code FOCUSED at checkout to get 10% off your first purchase.
  • Timing: The automatic time tracking app for macOS. Use this link to save 10% on your purchase.
  • ExpressVPN: High-Speed, Secure & Anonymous VPN Service. Get 3 months free with a 1-year package.

Guest Starring:

Kourosh Dini

Links and Show Notes:

Support Focused with a Relay FM Membership
Kourosh Dini | Mind, Music, and Productivity
Course & Books | Kourosh Dini
Music | Kourosh Dini
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91: Information Overload David and Mike kick off a new series on overload by examining their own FOMO triggers and make the productivity case for intentionally missing out. Tue, 21 Jan 2020 17:00:00 GMT http://relay.fm/focused/91 http://relay.fm/focused/91 Information Overload 91 David Sparks and Mike Schmitz David and Mike kick off a new series on overload by examining their own FOMO triggers and make the productivity case for intentionally missing out. David and Mike kick off a new series on overload by examining their own FOMO triggers and make the productivity case for intentionally missing out. clean 4198 David and Mike kick off a new series on overload by examining their own FOMO triggers and make the productivity case for intentionally missing out.

This episode of Focused is sponsored by:

  • Blinkist: Read 3000+ books in 15 minutes or fewer. Start your 7-day free trial.
  • Ahrefs: SEO Tools & Resources To Grow Your Search Traffic. Get a 7-day trial for just $7.
  • ExpressVPN: High-Speed, Secure & Anonymous VPN Service. Get 3 months free with a 1-year package.

Links and Show Notes:

Support Focused with a Relay FM Membership
Habits > Goals Thread | Focused Forum
The Focused Calendar | Focused Forum
Digital Minimalism thread | Focused Forum
Make Time by Jake Knapp & John Zeratsky | Amazon
Digital Minimalism by Cal Newport | Amazon
Digital Declutter Kickoff | The Focus Course
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90: Habits > Goals David and Mike are not fans of New Year's resolutions but they are fans of creating new habits. Tue, 07 Jan 2020 16:30:00 GMT http://relay.fm/focused/90 http://relay.fm/focused/90 Habits > Goals 90 David Sparks and Mike Schmitz David and Mike are not fans of New Year's resolutions but they are fans of creating new habits. David and Mike are not fans of New Year's resolutions but they are fans of creating new habits. clean 5437 David and Mike are not fans of New Year's resolutions but they are fans of creating new habits.

This episode of Focused is sponsored by:

  • Pingdom: Start monitoring your website performance and availability today, and get instant alerts when an outage occurs or a site transaction fails. Use offer code FOCUSED to get 30% off. Offer expires on January 31 2021.
  • Squarespace: Make your next move. Enter offer code FOCUSED at checkout to get 10% off your first purchase.
  • Timing: The automatic time tracking app for macOS. Use this link to save 10% on your purchase.

Links and Show Notes:

Support Focused with a Relay FM Membership
Atomic Habits
The Power of Habit
The Infinite Game
Cortex #95: 2020 Yearly Themes - Relay FM
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89: The Magic of Mind Mapping, with Harald Eckmüller MindNode designer Harald Eckmüller joins us to talk about using mind mapping as a focus tool. Tue, 24 Dec 2019 19:00:00 GMT http://relay.fm/focused/89 http://relay.fm/focused/89 The Magic of Mind Mapping, with Harald Eckmüller 89 David Sparks and Mike Schmitz MindNode designer Harald Eckmüller joins us to talk about using mind mapping as a focus tool. MindNode designer Harald Eckmüller joins us to talk about using mind mapping as a focus tool. clean 4053 MindNode designer Harald Eckmüller joins us to talk about using mind mapping as a focus tool.

This episode of Focused is sponsored by:

  • Squarespace: Make your next move. Enter offer code FOCUSED at checkout to get 10% off your first purchase.
  • Freshbooks: Online invoicing made easy.

Guest Starring:

Harald Eckmüller

Links and Show Notes:

Support Focused with a Relay FM Membership
Mac Power Users #82: Cooking Ideas - Relay FM
David's MindNode Screencasts
An Example of Mike's Book Notes Mind Map (Flow)
Steal Like an Artist by Austin Kleon - Amazon
The Artist's Way by Julia Cameron - Amazon
How Thomas Shows Clients the Bigger Picture – MindNode
Mac Power Users #319: Teaching Workflows with Teddy Svoronos - Relay FM
Mac Power Users #383: More Education Workflows with Teddy Svoronos - Relay FM
3W6 Podcast
Aces in Space by Christian Vogt — Kickstarter
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88: Annual Check-Ins As we approach the end of the year, Mike and David check in on their own Focus journeys. Also, David has a secret life as a Jedi and Mike is using coffee to hack focus. Tue, 10 Dec 2019 21:45:00 GMT http://relay.fm/focused/88 http://relay.fm/focused/88 Annual Check-Ins 88 David Sparks and Mike Schmitz As we approach the end of the year, Mike and David check in on their own Focus journeys. Also, David has a secret life as a Jedi and Mike is using coffee to hack focus. As we approach the end of the year, Mike and David check in on their own Focus journeys. Also, David has a secret life as a Jedi and Mike is using coffee to hack focus. clean 5520 As we approach the end of the year, Mike and David check in on their own Focus journeys. Also, David has a secret life as a Jedi and Mike is using coffee to hack focus.

This episode of Focused is sponsored by:

  • Squarespace: Make your next move. Enter offer code FOCUSED at checkout to get 10% off your first purchase.
  • Freshbooks: Online invoicing made easy.
  • Ahrefs: SEO Tools & Resources To Grow Your Search Traffic. Get a 7-day trial for just $7.

Links and Show Notes:

Support Focused with a Relay FM Membership
The FOCUSED Calendar – NeuYear.net
Cortex #94: State of the Apps 2020 - Relay FM
Mindfulness Monday: Meditation (& Our Pick for the Best Meditation App) – The Sweet Setup
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87: Nerds Like Us, with Myke Hurley Relay co-founder Myke Hurley joins us to talk about the power of yearly themes, becoming more intentional, and working with other humans. Tue, 26 Nov 2019 20:30:00 GMT http://relay.fm/focused/87 http://relay.fm/focused/87 Nerds Like Us, with Myke Hurley 87 David Sparks and Mike Schmitz Relay co-founder Myke Hurley joins us to talk about the power of yearly themes, becoming more intentional, and working with other humans. Relay co-founder Myke Hurley joins us to talk about the power of yearly themes, becoming more intentional, and working with other humans. clean 4887 Relay co-founder Myke Hurley joins us to talk about the power of yearly themes, becoming more intentional, and working with other humans.

This episode of Focused is sponsored by:

  • Squarespace: Make your next move. Enter offer code FOCUSED at checkout to get 10% off your first purchase.
  • Freshbooks: Online invoicing made easy.
  • UpHabit: The app that makes connecting with people you care about part of your routine. Try it for free or take advantage of 25% off for new subscribers.

Guest Starring:

Myke Hurley

Links and Show Notes:

Support Focused with a Relay FM Membership
The Pen Addict - Relay FM
Cortex - Relay FM
The Theme System
The Theme System Journal
Triggers by Marshall Goldsmith and Mark Reiter - Amazon
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86: Rest is a Weapon In this episode, Mike and David tackle sleep, napping, and how important they are to Focus. Tue, 12 Nov 2019 20:30:00 GMT http://relay.fm/focused/86 http://relay.fm/focused/86 Rest is a Weapon 86 David Sparks and Mike Schmitz In this episode, Mike and David tackle sleep, napping, and how important they are to Focus. In this episode, Mike and David tackle sleep, napping, and how important they are to Focus. clean 5398 In this episode, Mike and David tackle sleep, napping, and how important they are to Focus.

This episode of Focused is sponsored by:

  • Squarespace: Make your next move. Enter offer code FOCUSED at checkout to get 10% off your first purchase.
  • Freshbooks: Online invoicing made easy.
  • Ahrefs: SEO Tools & Resources To Grow Your Search Traffic. Get a 7-day trial for just $7.

Links and Show Notes:

Support Focused with a Relay FM Membership
The FOCUSED Calendar – NeuYear.net
Sleep Cycle alarm clock
Amazon.com: Mirari Teach Me Time Educational Alarm Clock Night Light: Home & Kitchen
Amazon.com: RelaxBlanket King Size Weighted Blanket | 80''x90'',25lbs | for Single or Double | Premium Cotton Material with Glass Beads | Dark Grey: Home & Kitchen
SelectBlinds.com Classic Cordless Blackout Shades
ARIANNA HUFFINGTON - The Sleep Revolution - Hardcover
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85: The Depth of Our Madness David and Mike reveal their obsession with calendars. They discuss time and tasks, maintaining motivation, and their own calendaring workflows for how they plan their day. Tue, 29 Oct 2019 15:00:00 GMT http://relay.fm/focused/85 http://relay.fm/focused/85 The Depth of Our Madness 85 David Sparks and Mike Schmitz David and Mike reveal their obsession with calendars. They discuss time and tasks, maintaining motivation, and their own calendaring workflows for how they plan their day. David and Mike reveal their obsession with calendars. They discuss time and tasks, maintaining motivation, and their own calendaring workflows for how they plan their day. clean 6184 David and Mike reveal their obsession with calendars. They discuss time and tasks, maintaining motivation, and their own calendaring workflows for how they plan their day.

This episode of Focused is sponsored by:

  • Freshbooks: Online invoicing made easy.
  • Bottomless: Re-ordering coffee based on your consumption. Get 3 months of free shipping and your first bag offer $10.
  • Blinkist: Read 3000+ books in 15 minutes or fewer. Start your 7-day free trial.

Links and Show Notes:

Support Focused with a Relay FM Membership
The FOCUSED Calendar | NeuYear
My NeuYear Calendar | Mike Schmitz
The War of Art by Steven Pressfield | Amazon
Focused #71: Hyper-Scheduling
BusyCal
Fantastical
My Six Month Planning Wallpaper | MacSparky
Setapp
GoodNotes
All The Things | The Sweet Setup
About the Circa Discbound Notebook System | Levenger
The Productivity Project by Chris Bailey | Amazon
Make Time by Jake Knapp and John Zeratsky | Amazon
Timing
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84: Focus is a Super Power In this episode, Mike and David dive deep on why Focus is so important. They also share thoughts about Ultralearning and why sometimes survival alone is good enough. Tue, 15 Oct 2019 20:45:00 GMT http://relay.fm/focused/84 http://relay.fm/focused/84 Focus is a Super Power 84 David Sparks and Mike Schmitz In this episode, Mike and David dive deep on why Focus is so important. They also share thoughts about Ultralearning and why sometimes survival alone is good enough. In this episode, Mike and David dive deep on why Focus is so important. They also share thoughts about Ultralearning and why sometimes survival alone is good enough. clean 4933 In this episode, Mike and David dive deep on why Focus is so important. They also share thoughts about Ultralearning and why sometimes survival alone is good enough.

This episode of Focused is sponsored by:

  • Squarespace: Make your next move. Enter offer code FOCUSED at checkout to get 10% off your first purchase.
  • Freshbooks: Online invoicing made easy.
  • Bottomless: Re-ordering coffee based on your consumption. Get 3 months of free shipping and your first bag offer $10.

Links and Show Notes:

Support Focused with a Relay FM Membership
Jason Fried on Twitter: "Q: #askJF is staying focused overrated? - @DrRachelRamsey1 A:… "
The Bezos way: sleep, puttering, and three high-quality decisions a day - Focused - MPU Talk
Scott H Young | Learn faster, achieve more
Apply Intentionality to Your Downtime with Duolingo – The Sweet Setup
A Weekly Podcast For Entrepreneurs Who Do The Work - The Small Business Show
Full Focus Planners (Michael Hyatt) - Focused - MPU Talk
Focused #83: Ideas Over Art, with Mike Rohde - Relay FM
Tom Solid's Digital Journal 2019 - Landscape + Portrait Format – #PaperlessMovement Shop
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83: Ideas Over Art, with Mike Rohde Author and Designer Mike Rohde joins us to discuss the practice and process of sketchnoting. We talk about choosing the right tools, the benefits and drawbacks of analog vs. digital, and why sketchnoting is for everyone - even if you don't think of yourself an artist. Tue, 01 Oct 2019 17:45:00 GMT http://relay.fm/focused/83 http://relay.fm/focused/83 Ideas Over Art, with Mike Rohde 83 David Sparks and Mike Schmitz Author and Designer Mike Rohde joins us to discuss the practice and process of sketchnoting. We talk about choosing the right tools, the benefits and drawbacks of analog vs. digital, and why sketchnoting is for everyone. Author and Designer Mike Rohde joins us to discuss the practice and process of sketchnoting. We talk about choosing the right tools, the benefits and drawbacks of analog vs. digital, and why sketchnoting is for everyone. clean 4289 Author and Designer Mike Rohde joins us to discuss the practice and process of sketchnoting. We talk about choosing the right tools, the benefits and drawbacks of analog vs. digital, and why sketchnoting is for everyone - even if you don't think of yourself an artist.

This episode of Focused is sponsored by:

  • Ahrefs: SEO Tools & Resources To Grow Your Search Traffic. Get a 7-day trial for just $7.
  • Setapp, from Macpaw: More than 100 powerful apps for your Mac.
  • Squarespace: Make your next move. Enter offer code FOCUSED at checkout to get 10% off your first purchase.

Guest Starring:

Mike Rohde

Links and Show Notes:

Support Focused with a Relay FM Membership
Rework
Mac Power Users #120: Taking Notes with Mike Rohde
The Sketchnote Handbook
The Sketchnote Workbook
Email Field Guide | MacSparky
GoodNotes
Procreate
The Pen Is Mightier Than the Keyboard: Advantages of Longhand Over Laptop Note Taking | Study
Cryptonomicon | Amazon
Logbook Your 2019 | Medium
Rohdesign.com
Sketchnote Army
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82: The Hustle In this episode, Mike and David tackle The Hustle. Is that a good thing or bad thing? The hosts also get around to gratitude and virtual help. Tue, 17 Sep 2019 18:00:00 GMT http://relay.fm/focused/82 http://relay.fm/focused/82 The Hustle 82 David Sparks and Mike Schmitz In this episode, Mike and David tackle The Hustle. Is that a good thing or bad thing? The hosts also get around to gratitude and virtual help. In this episode, Mike and David tackle The Hustle. Is that a good thing or bad thing? The hosts also get around to gratitude and virtual help. clean 4921 In this episode, Mike and David tackle The Hustle. Is that a good thing or bad thing? The hosts also get around to gratitude and virtual help.

This episode of Focused is sponsored by:

  • Squarespace: Make your next move. Enter offer code FOCUSED at checkout to get 10% off your first purchase.
  • Timing: The automatic time tracking app for macOS. Use this link to save 10% on your purchase.
  • Blinkist: Read 3000+ books in 15 minutes or fewer. Start your 7-day free trial.

Links and Show Notes:

Support Focused with a Relay FM Membership
Events Donation Form - St. Jude Heroes Donation Form
Moments – 512 Pixels
Two Years – 512 Pixels
Recovery Day — MacSparky
Anyone using Zirtual? - Focused - MPU Talk
How to use your iPhone less - Focused - MPU Talk
A Mindful Approach to Technology – The Sweet Setup
Leaders Eat Last: Simon Sinek
Range: Why Generalists Triumph in a Specialized World - David J. Epstein
The New Shortcuts Field Guide
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81: Breaking the Twitch, with Anthony Ongaro Anthony Ongaro joins us to talk about practical minimalism, designing an intentional life, and his multipotentialite resume which covers everything from musician to log roller. Tue, 03 Sep 2019 16:45:00 GMT http://relay.fm/focused/81 http://relay.fm/focused/81 Breaking the Twitch, with Anthony Ongaro 81 David Sparks and Mike Schmitz Anthony Ongaro joins us to talk about practical minimalism, designing an intentional life, and his multipotentialite resume which covers everything from musician to log roller. Anthony Ongaro joins us to talk about practical minimalism, designing an intentional life, and his multipotentialite resume which covers everything from musician to log roller. clean 4209 Anthony Ongaro joins us to talk about practical minimalism, designing an intentional life, and his multipotentialite career which covers everything from musician to log roller.

This episode of Focused is sponsored by:

  • Freshbooks: Online invoicing made easy.
  • Squarespace: Make your next move. Enter offer code FOCUSED at checkout to get 10% off your first purchase.
  • Daylite: Learn more about Daylite and start a free 30 day trial.

Guest Starring:

Anthony Ongaro

Links and Show Notes:

Support Focused with a Relay FM Membership
Break the Twitch
Break the Twitch | YouTube
Focused #79: Reclaiming Margin, with Shawn Blanc
Momentum App
Atomic Habits by James Clear | Amazon
The Puttytribe
Essentialism by Greg McKeown | Amazon
Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert | Amazon
Flow by Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi | Amazon
Anthony's TEDx Talk | YouTube
Hooked by Nir Eyal | Amazon
Forest App
xTab
Designing Your Life Based On Intentional Living Values | Break the Twitch
The Break the Twitch Member Community
]]>
80: The Power of "No" Mike and David tackle the challenges that come with saying "No" and why a well-intentioned decline can make all the difference. Tue, 20 Aug 2019 20:00:00 GMT http://relay.fm/focused/80 http://relay.fm/focused/80 The Power of "No" 80 David Sparks and Mike Schmitz Mike and David tackle the challenges that come with saying "No" and why a well-intentioned "no" can make all the difference. Mike and David tackle the challenges that come with saying "No" and why a well-intentioned "no" can make all the difference. clean 3963 Mike and David tackle the challenges that come with saying "No" and why a well-intentioned decline can make all the difference.

This episode of Focused is sponsored by:

  • Squarespace: Make your next move. Enter offer code FOCUSED at checkout to get 10% off your first purchase.
  • Blinkist: Read 3000+ books in 15 minutes or fewer. Start your 7-day free trial.

Links and Show Notes:

Support Focused with a Relay FM Membership
Membership - Relay FM
Lifeonaire: Steve Cook, Shaun McCloskey: 9780986322808: Amazon.com: Books
The No Journal — MacSparky

That's right. David was still struggling with this stuff back in 2011.

The Margin Course — The Focus Course
Focused #79: Reclaiming Margin, with Shawn Blanc - Relay FM
The ONE Thing: The Surprisingly Simple Truth Behind Extraordinary Results: Gary Keller, Jay Papasan: 9781885167774: Amazon.com: Books
73: The 4-Hour Workweek by Tim Ferriss – Bookworm
Essentialism - The Disciplined Pursuit of Less by Greg McKeown
Mayday, SOS, Raising the white flag - Focused - MPU Talk
]]>
79: Reclaiming Margin, with Shawn Blanc The Focus Course founder Shawn Blanc is back to talk about the importance of margin, how it gave him the space he needed to work through a personal crisis, and life lessons learned from his orange 1984 Jeep CJ-7. Tue, 06 Aug 2019 14:15:00 GMT http://relay.fm/focused/79 http://relay.fm/focused/79 Reclaiming Margin, with Shawn Blanc 79 David Sparks and Mike Schmitz The Focus Course founder Shawn Blanc is back to talk about the importance of margin, how it gave him the space he needed to work through a personal crisis, and life lessons learned from his orange 1984 Jeep CJ-7. The Focus Course founder Shawn Blanc is back to talk about the importance of margin, how it gave him the space he needed to work through a personal crisis, and life lessons learned from his orange 1984 Jeep CJ-7. clean 3949 The Focus Course founder Shawn Blanc is back to talk about the importance of margin, how it gave him the space he needed to work through a personal crisis, and life lessons learned from his orange 1984 Jeep CJ-7.

This episode of Focused is sponsored by:

  • Squarespace: Make your next move. Enter offer code FOCUSED at checkout to get 10% off your first purchase.
  • Hover: Make a name for yourself. Get 10% off any domain name.

Guest Starring:

Shawn Blanc

Links and Show Notes:

Support Focused with a Relay FM Membership
The Margin Course
Margin by Richard Swenson | Amazon
Essentialism by Greg McKeown | Amazon
Make Time by Jake Knapp, John Zeratsky | Amazon
Hurry Slowly by Jocelyn K. Glei
Digital Minimalism by Cal Newport | Amazon
Shape Up | Basecamp
Seventh Week Sabbaticals | Sean McCabe
The Tumor | Shawn Blanc
Tools and Toys
The Sweet Setup
]]>
78: Changing Defaults with John Zeratsky John Zeratsky had the dream job at Google but left it all to write a book, Make Time, and reset his defaults. Learn about John's journey and how resetting your own defaults can make all the difference. Tue, 23 Jul 2019 22:15:00 GMT http://relay.fm/focused/78 http://relay.fm/focused/78 Changing Defaults with John Zeratsky 78 David Sparks and Mike Schmitz John Zeratsky had the dream job at Google but left it all to write a book, Make Time, and reset his defaults. Learn about John's journey and how resetting your own defaults can make all the difference. John Zeratsky had the dream job at Google but left it all to write a book, Make Time, and reset his defaults. Learn about John's journey and how resetting your own defaults can make all the difference. clean 3738 John Zeratsky had the dream job at Google but left it all to write a book, Make Time, and reset his defaults. Learn about John's journey and how resetting your own defaults can make all the difference.

This episode of Focused is sponsored by:

  • Squarespace: Make your next move. Enter offer code FOCUSED at checkout to get 10% off your first purchase.
  • Blinkist: Read 3000+ books in 15 minutes or fewer. Start your 7-day free trial.

Guest Starring:

John Zeratsky

Links and Show Notes:

Support Focused with a Relay FM Membership
Make Time – Jake Knapp & John Zeratsky
John Zeratsky (@jazer) | Twitter
Make Time on Amazon
Company of One
Focused #70: Digital Decluttering, with Shahid Kamal Ahmad - Relay FM
John Zeratsky
]]>
77: You Can't Hack the System David and Mike are sick and tired of being sick and tired, so in this episode they share some things they've learned about managing energy. They discuss staying positive, Mike continues his digital Bullet Journal experiment, and David spends some time "reseaching" the perfect notebook. Tue, 09 Jul 2019 19:15:00 GMT http://relay.fm/focused/77 http://relay.fm/focused/77 You Can't Hack the System 77 David Sparks and Mike Schmitz David and Mike share some things they've learned about managing energy. They discuss staying positive, Mike continues his digital Bullet Journal experiment, and David spends some time "reseaching" the perfect notebook. David and Mike share some things they've learned about managing energy. They discuss staying positive, Mike continues his digital Bullet Journal experiment, and David spends some time "reseaching" the perfect notebook. clean 4261 David and Mike are sick and tired of being sick and tired, so in this episode they share some things they've learned about managing energy. They discuss staying positive, Mike continues his digital Bullet Journal experiment, and David spends some time "reseaching" the perfect notebook.

This episode of Focused is sponsored by:

  • Squarespace: Make your next move. Enter offer code FOCUSED at checkout to get 10% off your first purchase.
  • Hover: Get 10% off any domain name - extensions for anything you’re passionate about.

Links and Show Notes:

Support Focused with a Relay FM Membership
Focused #72: Heart-Centered Productivity, with Jocelyn K. Glei
Focused #65: Hyperfocused with Chris Bailey
The Power of Full Engagement | Amazon
@batuu_rebel | Instagram
The Ultimate Jim Rohn Library | Audible
Confidant Hardcover Notebook (Plus Size) | Baron Fig
Rhodia Webnotebook | Amazon
My Six Month Planning Wallpaper | MacSparky
]]>
76: A Failure Across the Board In this episode, David and Mike dispel a myth about their feelings toward time tracking and David outs himself about exactly how unproductive he was on his last trip. Mike's getting serious about bullet journaling and also has a distinction between Personal Retreats and Greycations. Also, imposter syndrome is still a thing. Tue, 25 Jun 2019 18:00:00 GMT http://relay.fm/focused/76 http://relay.fm/focused/76 A Failure Across the Board 76 David Sparks and Mike Schmitz In this episode, David and Mike dispel a myth about their feelings toward time tracking and David outs himself about exactly how unproductive he was on his last trip. Also, Mike's getting serious about bullet journaling. In this episode, David and Mike dispel a myth about their feelings toward time tracking and David outs himself about exactly how unproductive he was on his last trip. Also, Mike's getting serious about bullet journaling. clean 5181 In this episode, David and Mike dispel a myth about their feelings toward time tracking and David outs himself about exactly how unproductive he was on his last trip. Mike's getting serious about bullet journaling and also has a distinction between Personal Retreats and Greycations. Also, imposter syndrome is still a thing.

This episode of Focused is sponsored by:

  • Squarespace: Make your next move. Enter offer code FOCUSED at checkout to get 10% off your first purchase.
  • ExpressVPN: High-Speed, Secure & Anonymous VPN Service. Get 3 months free with a 1-year package.
  • Timing: The automatic time tracking app for macOS. Use this link to save 10% on your purchase.

Links and Show Notes:

Support Focused with a Relay FM Membership
The Focused Forum
Mac Power Users #485: WWDC and Interview with the Mac Pro Product Manager - Relay FM
Craft and Commerce 2019 - The Email Marketing Conference for Creators by ConvertKit
Bullet Journal
Matt Ragland — Minimalist Bullet Journal & Time Tracking
Cortex #23: Business Monk - Relay FM
David's Planning Wallpaper
]]>
75: Intentional Constraints The conversation on moving the needle continues as David and Mike talk about intentional constraints. Mike embarks on a task management spirit quest, David shares his Bullet Journal advice, and together they consider the balance of process and results. Tue, 11 Jun 2019 21:15:00 GMT http://relay.fm/focused/75 http://relay.fm/focused/75 Intentional Constraints 75 David Sparks and Mike Schmitz The conversation on moving the needle continues as David and Mike talk about intentional constraints. Mike embarks on a task management spirit quest, David shares his Bullet Journal advice, and together they consider the balance of process and results. The conversation on moving the needle continues as David and Mike talk about intentional constraints. Mike embarks on a task management spirit quest, David shares his Bullet Journal advice, and together they consider the balance of process and results. clean 5383 The conversation on moving the needle continues as David and Mike talk about intentional constraints. Mike embarks on a task management spirit quest, David shares his Bullet Journal advice, and together they consider the balance of process and results.

This episode of Focused is sponsored by:

  • Squarespace: Make your next move. Enter offer code FOCUSED at checkout to get 10% off your first purchase.
  • Hover: Get 10% off any domain name - extensions for anything you’re passionate about.
  • Timing: The automatic time tracking app for macOS. Use this link to save 10% on your purchase.

Links and Show Notes:

Support Focused with a Relay FM Membership
The Focus Course
Free to Focus by Michael Hyatt | Amazon
Focused #74: Moving the Needle
The Concrete Goals Tracker | Dave Seah
Moving the Needle | MacSparky
Bullet Journal
GoodNotes
Rhodia Webnotebook | Amazon
Matt Ragland
Day One
The Motivation Cycle | Mike Schmitz
Focused #72: Heart-Centered Productivity, with Jocelyn K. Glei
Jocelyn K. Glei: Productivity Shame
Faith-Based Productivity
James Clear
The ONE Thing by Gary Keller & Jay Papasan | Amazon
Keyboard Maestro
Keyboard Maestro Field Guide | MacSparky
Full Focus Planner® | Michael Hyatt
]]>
74: Moving the Needle David & Mike unpack David's new system to help focus on important work, talk about stepping off the hamster wheel of efficiency, and discuss what to do about productivity shame. Tue, 28 May 2019 22:15:00 GMT http://relay.fm/focused/74 http://relay.fm/focused/74 Moving the Needle 74 David Sparks and Mike Schmitz David & Mike unpack David's new system to help focus on important work, talk about stepping off the hamster wheel of efficiency, and discuss what to do about productivity shame. David & Mike unpack David's new system to help focus on important work, talk about stepping off the hamster wheel of efficiency, and discuss what to do about productivity shame. clean 4790 David & Mike unpack David's new system to help focus on important work, talk about stepping off the hamster wheel of efficiency, and discuss what to do about productivity shame.

This episode of Focused is sponsored by:

  • ExpressVPN: High-Speed, Secure & Anonymous VPN Service. Get 3 months free with a 1-year package.
  • Squarespace: Make your next move. Enter offer code FOCUSED at checkout to get 10% off your first purchase.
  • Moo: Custom business printing and design. Use promo code PRINT15 for 15% off.

Links and Show Notes:

Support Focused with a Relay FM Membership
Keyboard Maestro Field Guide
Faith-Based Productivity
Moving the Needle — MacSparky
Matt Ragland | YouTube
Your Life in Weeks | Wait But Why
Mac Power Users #480: Catching up with Michael Hyatt
Community discussion on MPU #480
My Problem with Passion | Mike Schmitz
Deep Work by Cal Newport | Amazon
Timing
Stepping Off the Productivity Hamster Wheel | Mike Schmitz
OmniFocus Field Guide
Focused #72: Heart-Centered Productivity, with Jocelyn K. Glei
Focused #70: Digital Decluttering, with Shahid Kamal Ahmad
Hurry Slowly: Productivity Shame
The Gap and The Gain | Strategic Coach
Reflecting on life during forced downtime | MPU Talk
Personal Retreat Handbook
]]>
73: Productivity and Art with Bob Reynolds David and Mike interview professional Saxophonist Bob Reynolds to talk about the importance of productivity when creating art. Tue, 14 May 2019 21:00:00 GMT http://relay.fm/focused/73 http://relay.fm/focused/73 Productivity and Art with Bob Reynolds 73 David Sparks and Mike Schmitz David and Mike interview professional Saxophonist Bob Reynolds to talk about the importance of productivity when creating art. David and Mike interview professional Saxophonist Bob Reynolds to talk about the importance of productivity when creating art. clean 6098 David and Mike interview professional Saxophonist Bob Reynolds to talk about the importance of productivity when creating art.

This episode of Focused is sponsored by:

  • Freshbooks: Online invoicing made easy.
  • Squarespace: Make your next move. Enter offer code FOCUSED at checkout to get 10% off your first purchase.
  • Hover: Extensions for anything you’re passionate about. Grab a .ME domain for $9.99.

Guest Starring:

Bob Reynolds

Links and Show Notes:

Support Focused with a Relay FM Membership
Bob Reynolds - Saxophonist. Composer. Melody Architect.
Bob Reynolds - YouTube
How My Practice Journal from 20 Years Ago Led to Performing with Joshua Redman - Bob Reynolds
How I memorized 20+ Snarky Puppy songs in one week - Bob Reynolds
Pomodoro Technique - Wikipedia
Flow: The Psychology of Optimal Experience (Harper Perennial Modern Classics) - Kindle edition by Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi. Health, Fitness & Dieting Kindle eBooks @ Amazon.com.
Amazon.com: Getting Things Done: The Art of Stress-Free Productivity eBook: David Allen, James Fallows: Gateway
The Creative Habit: Learn It and Use It for Life - Kindle edition by Twyla Tharp, Mark Reiter. Self-Help Kindle eBooks @ Amazon.com.
The War of Art - Kindle edition by Steven Pressfield, Shawn Coyne. Self-Help Kindle eBooks @ Amazon.com.
The 12 Week Year: Get More Done in 12 Weeks than Others Do in 12 Months: Brian P. Moran, Michael Lennington: 9781118509234: Amazon.com: Gateway
Joshua Redman - Wikipedia
David and Bob at the Yayennings Gig
]]>
72: Heart-Centered Productivity, with Jocelyn K. Glei The host of Hurry Slowly joins David & Mike to talk about avoiding burnout, percolating ideas, intentionality for introverts, and what it means to do truly productive work. Tue, 30 Apr 2019 16:30:00 GMT http://relay.fm/focused/72 http://relay.fm/focused/72 Heart-Centered Productivity, with Jocelyn K. Glei 72 David Sparks and Mike Schmitz The host of Hurry Slowly joins David & Mike to talk about avoiding burnout, percolating ideas, intentionality for introverts, and what it means to do truly productive work. The host of Hurry Slowly joins David & Mike to talk about avoiding burnout, percolating ideas, intentionality for introverts, and what it means to do truly productive work. clean 5022 The host of Hurry Slowly joins David & Mike to talk about avoiding burnout, percolating ideas, intentionality for introverts, and what it means to do truly productive work.

This episode of Focused is sponsored by:

  • ExpressVPN: High-Speed, Secure & Anonymous VPN Service. Get 3 months free with a 1-year package.
  • Squarespace: Make your next move. Enter offer code FOCUSED at checkout to get 10% off your first purchase.
  • Timing: The automatic time tracking app for macOS. Use this link to save 10% on your purchase.

Guest Starring:

Jocelyn Glei

Links and Show Notes:

Support Focused with a Relay FM Membership
Focused Mastermind Groups | MPU Talk
The Email Workflow for People Who Hate Email | Faith-Based Productivity
Hurry Slowly | Podcast
Jocelyn's Newsletter
Mac Power Users #423: Workflows with Jocelyn Glei
The Gift by Lewis Hyde | Amazon
Austin Kleon: Pencil vs Computer | Hurry Slowly
Steal Like an Artist by Austin Kleon | Amazon
Tami Forman: What Gets Measured, Gets Managed | Hurry Slowly
Scott Barry Kaufman: The Quiet Ego | Hurry Slowly
Jocelyn K. Glei: Transformation Is Hard | Hurry Slowly
Quiet by Susan Cain | Amazon
Mindset by Carol S. Dweck | Amazon
]]>
71: Hyper-Scheduling This episode focuses on hyper-scheduling and how to turn your calendar into a productivity weapon. Mike and David also continue the conversation about digital minimalism and share a few of their favorite books. Tue, 16 Apr 2019 18:15:00 GMT http://relay.fm/focused/71 http://relay.fm/focused/71 Hyper-Scheduling 71 David Sparks and Mike Schmitz This episode focuses on hyper-scheduling and how to turn your calendar into a productivity weapon. Mike and David also continue the conversation about digital minimalism and share a few of their favorite books. This episode focuses on hyper-scheduling and how to turn your calendar into a productivity weapon. Mike and David also continue the conversation about digital minimalism and share a few of their favorite books. clean 4893 This episode focuses on hyper-scheduling and how to turn your calendar into a productivity weapon. Mike and David also continue the conversation about digital minimalism and share a few of their favorite books.

This episode of Focused is sponsored by:

  • Freshbooks: Online invoicing made easy.
  • Hover: Extensions for anything you’re passionate about. Grab a .ME domain for $9.99.
  • Moo: Custom business printing and design. Use promo code PRINT15 for 15% off.

Links and Show Notes:

Support Focused with a Relay FM Membership
Journaling Bootcamp | Faith-Based Productivity
Faith-Based Productivity | You were made for more
Macstock Conference & Expo | July 27 & 28 2019 • A conference for the Mac and iOS community
Automators - Relay FM
Automators Orange County Meetup Tickets, Fri, May 31, 2019 at 5:00 PM | Eventbrite
Automators WWDC Meetup Tickets, Tue, Jun 4, 2019 at 12:00 PM | Eventbrite
64: Digital Minimalism by Cal Newport – Bookworm
iCloud
Digital Minimalism: Choosing a Focused Life in a Noisy World eBook: Cal Newport: Books
The Hyper-Scheduling Experiment — MacSparky
Hyper-Scheduling Without Making Yourself Crazy — MacSparky
Hyper-Scheduling Feedback  — MacSparky
PDF Planning Template
Automators #14: Automated Journaling - Relay FM
Mac Power Users #478: Journaling with Day One - Relay FM
Steal Like an Artist: 10 Things Nobody Told You About Being Creative: Austin Kleon: 8601300471914: Amazon.com: Books
Make Time: How to Focus on What Matters Every Day eBook: Jake Knapp, John Zeratsky: Kindle Store
How to Read a Book (A Touchstone Book) - Kindle edition by Charles Van Doren, Mortimer J. Adler. Reference Kindle eBooks @ Amazon.com.
Extreme Ownership: How U.S. Navy SEALs Lead and Win (New Edition) (4708364212683): Jocko Willink, Leif Babin: Books
Mindset: The New Psychology of Success - Kindle edition by Carol S. Dweck. Health, Fitness & Dieting Kindle eBooks @ Amazon.com.
Man's Search for Meaning: Viktor E. Frankl, William J. Winslade, Harold S. Kushner: 8580001069371: Amazon.com: Books
Essentialism: The Disciplined Pursuit of Less: Greg McKeown: 8601407068765: Amazon.com: Books
Overlap – Start a Business While Working a Full-Time Job | seanwes
The Rook: A Novel (The Rook Files Book 1) - Kindle edition by Daniel O'Malley. Literature & Fiction Kindle eBooks @ Amazon.com.
The ONE Thing: The Surprisingly Simple Truth Behind Extraordinary Results eBook: Gary Keller, Jay Papasan: Kindle Store
Recommended Reading List - Mike Schmitz
]]>
70: Digital Decluttering, with Shahid Kamal Ahmad Video game developer Shahid Kamal Ahmad is back to talk about his digital declutter, staying present, and quieting the voices in your head with an intentional approach to managing your technology. Tue, 02 Apr 2019 21:15:00 GMT http://relay.fm/focused/70 http://relay.fm/focused/70 Digital Decluttering, with Shahid Kamal Ahmad 70 David Sparks and Mike Schmitz Video game developer Shahid Kamal Ahmad is back to talk about his digital declutter, staying present, and quieting the voices in your head with an intentional approach to managing your technology. Video game developer Shahid Kamal Ahmad is back to talk about his digital declutter, staying present, and quieting the voices in your head with an intentional approach to managing your technology. clean 5124 Video game developer Shahid Kamal Ahmad is back to talk about his digital declutter, staying present, and quieting the voices in your head with an intentional approach to managing your technology.

This episode of Focused is sponsored by:

  • Freshbooks: Online invoicing made easy.
  • ExpressVPN: High-Speed, Secure & Anonymous VPN Service. Get 3 months free with a 1-year package.
  • Squarespace: Make your next move. Enter offer code FOCUSED at checkout to get 10% off your first purchase.

Guest Starring:

Shahid Kamal Ahmad

Links and Show Notes:

Support Focused with a Relay FM Membership
Macstock Conference & Expo

Coupon Code FOCUSED to Save an Extra $10

Digital Minimalism by Cal Newport | Amazon
RescueTime
Duolingo
Streaks
Irresistible by Adam Alter | Amazon
Day One
David Smith, Independent iOS Developer
Make Time by Jake Knapp, John Zeratsky | Amazon
The War of Art by Steven Pressfield | Amazon
The Chimp Paradox by Dr. Steve Peters | Amazon
Brain.fm | Music to improve focus, meditation & sleep
The Light Phone
Hurry Slowly | Podcast
64: Digital Minimalism by Cal Newport | Bookworm
Remaster | Relay FM
Shahid Kamal Ahmad (@shahidkamal) | Twitter
]]>
69: The Intentional Life David and Mike continue to explore the topic of intentionality and the role it has in every area of your life. They also catch up on some listener feedback, David gets ready for a (hopefully) productive work trip, Mike answers David's questions about Masterminds, and they discuss the importance of space and margin in living the life you want to live. Tue, 19 Mar 2019 15:45:00 GMT http://relay.fm/focused/69 http://relay.fm/focused/69 The Intentional Life 69 David Sparks and Mike Schmitz David and Mike continue to explore intentionality and the role it has in every area of your life. David gets ready for a work trip, Mike answers questions about Masterminds, and they discuss the importance of space in living the life you want to live. David and Mike continue to explore intentionality and the role it has in every area of your life. David gets ready for a work trip, Mike answers questions about Masterminds, and they discuss the importance of space in living the life you want to live. clean 4474 David and Mike continue to explore the topic of intentionality and the role it has in every area of your life. They also catch up on some listener feedback, David gets ready for a (hopefully) productive work trip, Mike answers David's questions about Masterminds, and they discuss the importance of space and margin in living the life you want to live.

This episode of Focused is sponsored by:

  • Freshbooks: Online invoicing made easy.
  • Hover: Extensions for anything you’re passionate about. Grab a .ME domain for $9.99.
  • Squarespace: Make your next move. Enter offer code FOCUSED at checkout to get 10% off your first purchase.

Links and Show Notes:

Support Focused with a Relay FM Membership
Focused #67: Staying Motivated with Laura McClellan
Intentionality — MacSparky
How to Start Your Own Mastermind Group - Mike Schmitz
Mastermind Groups - Focused Forum
Presentations Field Guide — MacSparky
Focused #65: Hyperfocused with Chris Bailey
The ONE Thing by Gary Keller & Jay Papasan - Amazon
Hyperfocus by Chris Bailey - Amazon
Personal Retreat Handbook
Mike's Wheel of Life
Atomic Habits by James Clear - Amazon
]]>
68: Getting Productive with an Unproductive Boss In this episode, David and Mike talk about getting intentional and getting productive with an unproductive boss. Finally, they cover productive Italians. Tue, 05 Mar 2019 19:00:00 GMT http://relay.fm/focused/68 http://relay.fm/focused/68 Getting Productive with an Unproductive Boss 68 David Sparks and Mike Schmitz In this episode, David and Mike talk about getting intentional and getting productive with an unproductive boss. Finally, they cover productive Italians. In this episode, David and Mike talk about getting intentional and getting productive with an unproductive boss. Finally, they cover productive Italians. clean 4421 In this episode, David and Mike talk about getting intentional and getting productive with an unproductive boss. Finally, they cover productive Italians.

This episode of Focused is sponsored by:

  • Freshbooks: Online invoicing made easy.
  • Timing: The automatic time tracking app for macOS. Use this link to save 10% on your purchase.
  • Squarespace: Make your next move. Enter offer code FOCUSED at checkout to get 10% off your first purchase.

Links and Show Notes:

Support Focused with a Relay FM Membership
Macstock Conference & Expo | July 27 & 28 2019 • A conference for the Mac and iOS community
66: Putting Email in its Place - Focused / Focused Episodes - MPU Talk
Newton email has a scary new privacy policy
Newton email has a scary new privacy policy
Message and storage limits on the Free plan – Slack Help Center
Intentionality — MacSparky

David's birthday navel gazing.

The Gipper paid for his microphone
Hyperfocus | A Life of Productivity
Pareto principle - Wikipedia
Pomodoro Technique - Wikipedia
Inspired Productivity – Esington
Be Focused Pro
Forest - Stay focused, be present
Vitamin R
Siri Shortcuts Field Guide | MacSparky Field Guides
]]>
67: Staying Motivated with Laura McClellan On this episode, Laura McClellan, The Productive Woman, joins to talk about her perfectly scheduled day (and what happens when that goes wrong), habits, mastermind groups, and staying motivated. Tue, 19 Feb 2019 22:30:00 GMT http://relay.fm/focused/67 http://relay.fm/focused/67 Staying Motivated with Laura McClellan 67 David Sparks and Mike Schmitz On this episode, Laura McClellan, The Productive Woman, joins to talk about her perfectly scheduled day (and what happens when that goes wrong), habits, mastermind groups, and staying motivated. On this episode, Laura McClellan, The Productive Woman, joins to talk about her perfectly scheduled day (and what happens when that goes wrong), habits, mastermind groups, and staying motivated. clean 4061 On this episode, Laura McClellan, The Productive Woman, joins to talk about her perfectly scheduled day (and what happens when that goes wrong), habits, mastermind groups, and staying motivated.

This episode of Focused is sponsored by:

  • Freshbooks: Online invoicing made easy.
  • Hover: Extensions for anything you’re passionate about. Get 10% off any domain name.
  • Squarespace: Make your next move. Enter offer code FOCUSED at checkout to get 10% off your first purchase.

Guest Starring:

Laura McClellan

Links and Show Notes:

Support Focused with a Relay FM Membership
Mac Power Users #456: Workflows with Laura McClellan - Relay FM
The Productive Woman - an award-nominated podcast about productivity for busy women
Habits to Consider for this Year - TPW226 - The Productive Woman
Atomic Habits: Tiny Changes, Remarkable Results by James Clear
Day One | The award-winning journal app for iPhone, iPad, and Mac.
BizChix Podcast Archives | BizChix.com
Latest Focused topics - MPU Talk
Mindset: The New Psychology of Success: Carol S. Dweck: 9780345472328: Amazon.com: Books
How to Renew Your Motivation - TPW227 - The Productive Woman
Podcasts | The Life Coach School
Meditation and Sleep Made Simple - Headspace
Essentialism: The Disciplined Pursuit of Less: Greg McKeown: 8601407068765: Amazon.com: Books
The ONE Thing: The Surprisingly Simple Truth Behind Extraordinary Results: Gary Keller, Jay Papasan: 9781885167774: Amazon.com: Books
Soulful Simplicity: How Living with Less Can Lead to So Much More: Courtney Carver: 9780143130680: Amazon.com: Books
]]>
66: Putting Email in its Place David and Mike navigate the minefield of email, sharing strategies and workflow tips to help you curb inbox addiction and reclaim your focus. Tue, 05 Feb 2019 17:30:00 GMT http://relay.fm/focused/66 http://relay.fm/focused/66 Putting Email in its Place 66 David Sparks and Mike Schmitz David and Mike navigate the minefield of email, sharing strategies and workflow tips to help you curb inbox addiction and reclaim your focus. David and Mike navigate the minefield of email, sharing strategies and workflow tips to help you curb inbox addiction and reclaim your focus. clean 4937 David and Mike navigate the minefield of email, sharing strategies and workflow tips to help you curb inbox addiction and reclaim your focus.

This episode of Focused is sponsored by:

  • Timing: The automatic time tracking app for macOS. Use this link to save 10% on your purchase.
  • Freshbooks: Online invoicing made easy.
  • Squarespace: Make your next move. Enter offer code FOCUSED at checkout to get 10% off your first purchase.

Links and Show Notes

Support Focused with a Relay FM Membership
Radicati Email Report
Subject: Email, We Just Can’t Get Enough | Adobe Blog
Doing a Personal Retreat | Chris Upchurch
Personal Retreat experiences | Focused forum
Email Field Guide | MacSparky
Atomic Habits by James Clear (Book) | Amazon
Deep Work by Cal Newport (Book) | Amazon
TextExpander
SaneBox
MailMate
Deckset
Markdown Field Guide | MacSparky
The Productivity Project by Chris Bailey (Book) | Amazon
IBM Email Search vs. Folders Study
AppleScript to Link to Apple Mail Message | MacSparky
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65: Hyperfocused with Chris Bailey Author and productivity experimenter Chris Bailey joins us to share ideas and strategies for getting your focus on. Tue, 22 Jan 2019 19:00:00 GMT http://relay.fm/focused/65 http://relay.fm/focused/65 Hyperfocused with Chris Bailey 65 David Sparks and Mike Schmitz Author and productivity experimenter Chris Bailey joins us to share ideas and strategies for getting your focus on. Author and productivity experimenter Chris Bailey joins us to share ideas and strategies for getting your focus on. clean 4984 Author and productivity experimenter Chris Bailey joins us to share ideas and strategies for getting your focus on.

This episode of Focused is sponsored by:

  • Freshbooks: Online invoicing made easy.
  • Hover: Celebrate Hover’s 10 year anniversary with awesome promotions for a limited time only
  • Squarespace: Make your next move. Enter offer code FOCUSED at checkout to get 10% off your first purchase.

Guest Starring:

Chris Bailey

Links and Show Notes

Support Focused with a Relay FM Membership
Chris's Website | A Life of Productivity
Chris Bailey on Twitter
Hyperfocus | A Life of Productivity
Opinion | Distracted? Work Harder! - The New York Times
Focused #53: The Value of Your Time - Relay FM
The Good Place (TV Series 2016– ) - IMDb
iTUNES STORE - TERMS AND CONDITIONS
Mindwandering
Meditation and Mindfulness Made Simple - Headspace
Insight Timer - The most popular free meditation app | Insight Timer
Calm - Meditation Techniques for Sleep and Stress Reduction
Audio Dharma - Gil Fronsdal's Dharma Talks
‎Shortcuts on the App Store
Alto's Odyssey – out now for iOS
Latest Focused topics - MPU Talk
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64: The Power of Habits David and Mike kick off Focused with an in-depth look at why New Year's resolutions usually fail. They discuss the power of tiny gains, why systems are more important than goals, and how you can change your identity by implementing better habits. Tue, 08 Jan 2019 17:15:00 GMT http://relay.fm/focused/64 http://relay.fm/focused/64 The Power of Habits 64 David Sparks and Mike Schmitz David and Mike kick off Focused with an in-depth look at why New Year's resolutions usually fail. They discuss the power of tiny gains, why systems are more important than goals, and how you can change your identity by implementing better habits. David and Mike kick off Focused with an in-depth look at why New Year's resolutions usually fail. They discuss the power of tiny gains, why systems are more important than goals, and how you can change your identity by implementing better habits. clean 4853 David and Mike kick off Focused with an in-depth look at why New Year's resolutions usually fail. They discuss the power of tiny gains, why systems are more important than goals, and how you can change your identity by implementing better habits.

This episode of Focused is sponsored by:

  • Freshbooks: Online invoicing made easy.
  • Timing: The automatic time tracking app for macOS. Use this link to save 10% on your purchase.
  • Squarespace: Make your next move. Enter offer code FREEAGENTS at checkout to get 10% off your first purchase.

Links and Show Notes

Support Focused with a Relay FM Membership
Automators Meetup
Goal Setting Workshop (REPLAY)
The ONE Thing by Gary Keller, Jay Papasan (BOOK)
Atomic Habits by James Clear (BOOK)
Marginal Gains: This Coach Improved Every Tiny Thing by 1 Percent (BLOG)
Focused Forum
Cortex #79: 2019 Yearly Themes (PODCAST)
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63: Lessons Learned Mike and David wrap up the Free Agents run with a discussion of depression and Free Agency and David has some overall thoughts on free agency as they transition the show to "Focused". Wed, 26 Dec 2018 20:00:00 GMT http://relay.fm/freeagents/63 http://relay.fm/freeagents/63 Lessons Learned 63 David Sparks and Mike Schmitz Mike and David wrap up the Free Agents run with a discussion of depression and Free Agency and David has some overall thoughts on free agency as they transition the show to "Focused". Mike and David wrap up the Free Agents run with a discussion of depression and Free Agency and David has some overall thoughts on free agency as they transition the show to "Focused". clean 3894 Mike and David wrap up the Free Agents run with a discussion of depression and Free Agency and David has some overall thoughts on free agency as they transition the show to "Focused".

This episode of Free Agents is sponsored by:

  • Squarespace: Make your next move. Enter offer code FREEAGENTS at checkout to get 10% off your first purchase.
  • Freshbooks: Online invoicing made easy.

Links and Show Notes

Support Free Agents with a Relay FM Membership
Goal Setting Workshop
Freelancing and Depression - Free Agents - MPU Talk
Macstock Conference & Expo
Latest Free Agents topics - MPU Talk
Free Agents - Relay FM
Faith-Based Productivity | You were made for more

Mike's new thing.

MacSparky

David's old thing.

Big Band Holidays: Music on Jazz at Lincoln center: - YouTube

Just because this show releases on Christmas day.

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62: The Year End Audit David and Mike do a year end audit of their own Free Agency to figure out where they spent their time and money. They talk about fixing broken systems, when to try something new, and make a big announcement about the future of the show. Tue, 11 Dec 2018 21:00:00 GMT http://relay.fm/freeagents/62 http://relay.fm/freeagents/62 The Year End Audit 62 David Sparks and Mike Schmitz David and Mike do a year end audit of their own Free Agency to figure out where they spent their time and money. They talk about fixing broken systems, when to try something new, and make a big announcement about the future of the show. David and Mike do a year end audit of their own Free Agency to figure out where they spent their time and money. They talk about fixing broken systems, when to try something new, and make a big announcement about the future of the show. clean 3070 David and Mike do a year end audit of their own Free Agency to figure out where they spent their time and money. They talk about fixing broken systems, when to try something new, and make a big announcement about the future of the show.

This episode of Free Agents is sponsored by:

Links and Show Notes

Support Free Agents with a Relay FM Membership
MacSparky's Gift Wrap Field Guide
Mike's Goal Setting Workshop
Mike's Personal Retreat video course

Coupon code FREEAGENTS for 50% off

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61: The Morning Routine Mike and David dig in on their morning routines. Mike finds himself entering the Free Agent arena like never before and David wants to start year-end planning. Tue, 27 Nov 2018 22:00:00 GMT http://relay.fm/freeagents/61 http://relay.fm/freeagents/61 The Morning Routine 61 David Sparks and Mike Schmitz Mike and David dig in on their morning routines. Mike finds himself entering the Free Agent arena like never before and David wants to start year-end planning. Mike and David dig in on their morning routines. Mike finds himself entering the Free Agent arena like never before and David wants to start year-end planning. clean 3683 Mike and David dig in on their morning routines. Mike finds himself entering the Free Agent arena like never before and David wants to start year-end planning.

This episode of Free Agents is sponsored by:

  • Freshbooks: Online invoicing made easy.
  • Timing: The automatic time tracking app for macOS. Use this link to save 10% on your purchase. Check out the Timing blog for articles for independent workers.

Links and Show Notes

Support Free Agents with a Relay FM Membership
Faith-Based Productivity | You were made for more
Gift Wrap Field Guide | MacSparky Field Guides
Free Agents #51: Freedom Frogs - Relay FM
Laura McClellan (@LauraMcMom) | Twitter
Mac Power Users #456: Workflows with Laura McClellan - Relay FM
The Miracle Morning | Changing the World One Morning at a Time
The Man in the Arena - April 23, 1910 - Theodore Roosevelt Speeches- Roosevelt Almanac
Here's the WordPress Membership Plugin You Need for 2018
Create and Sell Your Own Online Courses | Teachable
Online Classes by Skillshare | Start for Free Today
Home | Rosemary Orchard
WebinarJam - Powerful Webinar Hosting Software
Webinar and Online Conference Software - GoToWebinar
About Tim Stringer - Learn OmniFocus
Marketing Platform for Small Businesses
ConvertKit | Email Marketing for Online Creators
Nathan Barry
Video Webinar - Zoom
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60: Be Strategic About It, with Mike Vardy Productivityist founder Mike Vardy joins David & Mike to tell his free agent story, from Costco to comedian to productivity strategist. He shares how he learned to think outside the big box store, the importance of establishing systems, and how to create time and freedom for what's important. Tue, 13 Nov 2018 19:45:00 GMT http://relay.fm/freeagents/60 http://relay.fm/freeagents/60 Be Strategic About It, with Mike Vardy 60 David Sparks and Mike Schmitz Productivityist founder Mike Vardy tells his free agent story, from Costco to comedian to productivity strategist. He shares how he learned to think outside the box, the importance of systems, and how to create time and freedom for what's important. Productivityist founder Mike Vardy tells his free agent story, from Costco to comedian to productivity strategist. He shares how he learned to think outside the box, the importance of systems, and how to create time and freedom for what's important. clean 2909 Productivityist founder Mike Vardy joins David & Mike to tell his free agent story, from Costco to comedian to productivity strategist. He shares how he learned to think outside the big box store, the importance of establishing systems, and how to create time and freedom for what's important.

This episode of Free Agents is sponsored by:

  • Squarespace: Make your next move. Enter offer code FREEAGENTS at checkout to get 10% off your first purchase.
  • Freshbooks: Online invoicing made easy.

Guest Starring:

Mike Vardy

Links and Show Notes

Support Free Agents with a Relay FM Membership
The Focus Course LIVE
Productivityist | Productivity Tips & Tools for Everyone
Let Your Biggest Problem Speed up Your Reading | Asian Efficiency
Getting Things Done by David Allen | Book
Deep Work by Cal Newport | Book
The Productivityist Podcast
The NOW Year Action Plan
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59: Kaizen In this episode, David and Mike look at the concept of Kaizen and how little changes can add up to big results. They also help Michael as he makes his second attempt at free agency, share what they do for fun, how bad David is at using virtual assistants, and their favorite music to work by. Tue, 30 Oct 2018 18:30:00 GMT http://relay.fm/freeagents/59 http://relay.fm/freeagents/59 Kaizen 59 David Sparks and Mike Schmitz In this episode, David and Mike look at the concept of Kaizen and how little changes can add up to big results. They also cover breaking free, virtual assistants, music to work by and having fun. In this episode, David and Mike look at the concept of Kaizen and how little changes can add up to big results. They also cover breaking free, virtual assistants, music to work by and having fun. clean 3880 In this episode, David and Mike look at the concept of Kaizen and how little changes can add up to big results. They also help Michael as he makes his second attempt at free agency, share what they do for fun, how bad David is at using virtual assistants, and their favorite music to work by.

This episode of Free Agents is sponsored by:

  • Freshbooks: Online invoicing made easy.
  • Timing: The automatic time tracking app for macOS. Use this link to save 10% on your purchase. Check out the Timing blog for articles for independent workers.

Links and Show Notes

Support Free Agents with a Relay FM Membership
Atomic Habits: Tiny Changes, Remarkable Results by James Clear
Free Agents #58: A Better Path, with Joe Buhlig - Relay FM
The Happiness Advantage: How a Positive Brain Fuels Success in Work and Life: Shawn Achor: 9780307591555: Amazon.com: Books
The Power of Habit: Why We Do What We Do in Life and Business: Charles Duhigg: 8601406381322: Amazon.com: Books
Deep Work: Rules for Focused Success in a Distracted World: Cal Newport: 9781455586677: Amazon.com: Books
Work the System: The Simple Mechanics of Making More and Working Less (Revised 3rd Edition, 2019): Sam Carpenter: 9781608322534: Amazon.com: Books
Nintendo Switch™ - Official site – Nintendo gaming system
Super Mario Party for Nintendo Switch - Nintendo Game Details
Civilization® VI – The Official Site
Mac Power Users #367: Getting Productive with Michael Hyatt - Relay FM
Michael Hyatt (@MichaelHyatt) | Twitter
Virtual Freedom: How to Work with Virtual Staff to Buy More Time, Become More Productive, and Build Your Dream Business: Chris Ducker: 9781939529749: Amazon.com: Books
Tapes for Mac – Share Screencasts Fast
Utah
(269) Monument Valley Soundtrack - YouTube
Victor Cajiao & Joe Cristina | Surrender | CD Baby Music Store
Brain.fm: Music to improve focus, meditation & sleep.
‎Thunderspace ~ Rain & Thunder on the App Store
Frank Zappa - Wikipedia
Explosions In The Sky
Tycho
Balmorhea
Ghostly - Veriditas
Mogwai : Official Website
Friday Night Lights (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack) by Various Artists on Spotify
‎Night Drive (Instrumental Edition) by Timecop1983 on Apple Music
(269) Firewatch Original Soundtrack (OST) - YouTube
(269) No Man's Sky: Music for an Infinite Universe - Original Soundtrack - YouTube
‎Pure Focus by Apple Music on Apple Music
‎Other Side of Round Midnight by Dexter Gordon on Apple Music
‎Clifford Brown And Max Roach by Clifford Brown & Max Roach on Apple Music
Cortex #75: Home Again - Relay FM
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58: A Better Path, with Joe Buhlig Podcaster and programmer Joe Buhlig shares his free agent journey, from bean field to office to family room. He joins David and Mike to talk about his experience solving problems, how to let things go, and finding your own definition of success. Tue, 16 Oct 2018 19:30:00 GMT http://relay.fm/freeagents/58 http://relay.fm/freeagents/58 A Better Path, with Joe Buhlig 58 David Sparks and Mike Schmitz Podcaster and programmer Joe Buhlig shares his free agent journey, from bean field to office to family room. He joins David and Mike to talk about his experience solving problems, how to let things go, and finding your own definition of success. Podcaster and programmer Joe Buhlig shares his free agent journey, from bean field to office to family room. He joins David and Mike to talk about his experience solving problems, how to let things go, and finding your own definition of success. clean 4265 Podcaster and programmer Joe Buhlig shares his free agent journey, from bean field to office to family room. He joins David and Mike to talk about his experience solving problems, how to let things go, and finding your own definition of success.

This episode of Free Agents is sponsored by:

  • Timing: The automatic time tracking app for macOS. Use this link to save 10% on your purchase. Check out the Timing blog for articles for independent workers.
  • Squarespace: Make your next move. Enter offer code FREEAGENTS at checkout to get 10% off your first purchase.

Guest Starring:

Joe Buhlig

Links and Show Notes

Support Free Agents with a Relay FM Membership
ProCourse | Professional Discourse Consulting and Development
Bookworm | Podcast Book Club
Whims That Work
Joe's Blog
Joe Buhlig (@JoeBuhlig) | Twitter
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57: Chef = Boss This episode is all about space. Mike and David discuss the role of Mise-en-place ("Everything in its place") with a successful free agency. Also, David talks about the effect of dedicated spaces on production, Mike is thinking about leaving his co-working space, and David is plotting a sabbatical, for more "space". Tue, 02 Oct 2018 20:00:00 GMT http://relay.fm/freeagents/57 http://relay.fm/freeagents/57 Chef = Boss 57 David Sparks and Mike Schmitz This episode is all about space. Mike and David discuss the role of Mise-en-place ("Everything in its place") with a successful free agency. Also, David talks about the effect of dedicated spaces on production. This episode is all about space. Mike and David discuss the role of Mise-en-place ("Everything in its place") with a successful free agency. Also, David talks about the effect of dedicated spaces on production. clean 3689 This episode is all about space. Mike and David discuss the role of Mise-en-place ("Everything in its place") with a successful free agency. Also, David talks about the effect of dedicated spaces on production, Mike is thinking about leaving his co-working space, and David is plotting a sabbatical, for more "space".

This episode of Free Agents is sponsored by:

  • Squarespace: Make your next move. Enter offer code FREEAGENTS at checkout to get 10% off your first purchase.
  • Freshbooks: Online invoicing made easy.

Links and Show Notes

Support Free Agents with a Relay FM Membership
Work Clean: The life-changing power of mise-en-place to organize your life, work, and mind: Dan Charnas: 9781623365929: Amazon.com: Books
Amazon.com: The Dreadful Objects eBook: Chris Cooper: Kindle Store
Use Siri Shortcuts - Apple Support
Siri Shortcuts Field Guide | MacSparky Field Guides
The Omni Group
OmniFocus - task management for Mac, iPad, and iPhone - The Omni Group
OmniFocus Field Guide, Third Edition | MacSparky Field Guides
Free Agents #42: Learning Your Creative Rhythms, with Shawn Blanc - Relay FM
Free Agents 55: The Math Works - Free Agents - MPU Talk

54:27 - Feedback on David sans vehicle.

Free Agents #55: The Math Works - Relay FM

54:27 David explains how he no longer has a car.

Free Agents #53: The Value of Your Time - Relay FM
Free Agents #56: Iterate in Public, with Sean McCabe - Relay FM
seanwes - Business Community for Creative Professionals
Mac Power Users #442: Workflows with Joe Buhlig - Relay FM
Playing for Fun #7: The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild - Relay FM
The Legend of Zelda™: Breath of the Wild for the Nintendo Switch™ home gaming system and Wii U™ console – Official Site
Membership - Relay FM
Free Agents - Relay FM
Free Agents (@freeagentsfm) | Twitter
Mike on the Web
David on the Web
Latest Free Agents topics - MPU Talk

A collection of Free Agents talking about the show and sticking it to the man.

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56: Iterate in Public, with Sean McCabe Sean McCabe started his free agent journey as a designer doing hand lettering, and has built a successful online business through teaching what he knows. He joins David and Mike to talk about the lessons he's learned along the way, including the power of rest and why he takes a sabbatical every 7 weeks. Tue, 18 Sep 2018 15:45:00 GMT http://relay.fm/freeagents/56 http://relay.fm/freeagents/56 Iterate in Public, with Sean McCabe 56 David Sparks and Mike Schmitz Sean McCabe has built a successful online business through teaching what he knows. He joins David and Mike to talk about the lessons he's learned along the way, including the power of rest and why he takes a sabbatical every 7 weeks. Sean McCabe has built a successful online business through teaching what he knows. He joins David and Mike to talk about the lessons he's learned along the way, including the power of rest and why he takes a sabbatical every 7 weeks. clean 4758 Sean McCabe started his free agent journey as a designer doing hand lettering, and has built a successful online business through teaching what he knows. He joins David and Mike to talk about the lessons he's learned along the way, including the power of rest and why he takes a sabbatical every 7 weeks.

This episode of Free Agents is sponsored by:

  • Freshbooks: Online invoicing made easy.
  • Squarespace: Make your next move. Enter offer code FREEAGENTS at checkout to get 10% off your first purchase.

Guest Starring:

Sean McCabe

Links and Show Notes

Support Free Agents with a Relay FM Membership
Overlap – Start a Business While Working a Full-Time Job
380: Recovery From Depression (Part 1) | seanwes podcast
Seventh Week Sabbaticals
seanwes - Business Community for Creative Professionals
Sean McCabe (@seanwes) | Twitter
Sean McCabe (@seanwes) | Instagram
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55: The Math Works Mike and David cover a variety of Free Agent topics including getting enough sleep, staying motivated, and David makes a big decision about his transportation. Tue, 04 Sep 2018 20:30:00 GMT http://relay.fm/freeagents/55 http://relay.fm/freeagents/55 The Math Works 55 David Sparks and Mike Schmitz Mike and David cover a variety of Free Agent topics including getting enough sleep, staying motivated, and David makes a big decision about his transportation. Mike and David cover a variety of Free Agent topics including getting enough sleep, staying motivated, and David makes a big decision about his transportation. clean 5041 Mike and David cover a variety of Free Agent topics including getting enough sleep, staying motivated, and David makes a big decision about his transportation.

This episode of Free Agents is sponsored by:

  • Casper: The Internet’s favourite mattress. Get $50 off select mattresses with the code ‘FREEAGENTS’.
  • Squarespace: Make your next move. Enter offer code FREEAGENTS at checkout to get 10% off your first purchase.
  • Freshbooks: Online invoicing made easy.

Links and Show Notes

The Free Agents Forum
Sleep Cycle alarm clock
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54: I Have to Try It, with Casey Liss Podcaster and programmer Casey Liss joins David and Mike to talk about his Free Agent journey, what caused him to take the leap, the tendency to do too much, and his desire to pull the thread which has led to him becoming an Accidental YouTuber. Tue, 21 Aug 2018 21:30:00 GMT http://relay.fm/freeagents/54 http://relay.fm/freeagents/54 I Have to Try It, with Casey Liss 54 David Sparks and Mike Schmitz Podcaster and programmer Casey Liss joins David and Mike to talk about his Free Agent journey, what caused him to take the leap, the tendency to do too much, and his desire to pull the thread which has led to him becoming an Accidental YouTuber. Podcaster and programmer Casey Liss joins David and Mike to talk about his Free Agent journey, what caused him to take the leap, the tendency to do too much, and his desire to pull the thread which has led to him becoming an Accidental YouTuber. clean 5142 Podcaster and programmer Casey Liss joins David and Mike to talk about his Free Agent journey, what caused him to take the leap, the tendency to do too much, and his desire to pull the thread which has led to him becoming an Accidental YouTuber.

This episode of Free Agents is sponsored by:

  • Squarespace: Make your next move. Enter offer code FREEAGENTS at checkout to get 10% off your first purchase.
  • Freshbooks: Online invoicing made easy.

Guest Starring:

Casey Liss

Links and Show Notes

Liss is More
Casey Liss | YouTube
Accidental Tech Podcast
Analog(ue) | Relay FM
Casey Liss (@caseyliss) | Twitter
Casey Liss (@caseyliss) | Instagram
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53: The Value of Your Time David and Mike talk about protecting your most valuable resource and how to figure out what you shouldn’t be doing anymore. Mike gets inspired during his personal retreat and learns how to say “no.” David learns the hard way from his recent travels but has a plan for what to do differently next time. Tue, 07 Aug 2018 13:15:00 GMT http://relay.fm/freeagents/53 http://relay.fm/freeagents/53 The Value of Your Time 53 David Sparks and Mike Schmitz David and Mike talk about protecting your most valuable resource - your time. Mike gets inspired during his personal retreat and learns how to say “no.” David learns the hard way from his recent travels but has a plan for what to do differently next time. David and Mike talk about protecting your most valuable resource - your time. Mike gets inspired during his personal retreat and learns how to say “no.” David learns the hard way from his recent travels but has a plan for what to do differently next time. clean 4338 David and Mike talk about protecting your most valuable resource and how to figure out what you shouldn’t be doing anymore. Mike gets inspired during his personal retreat and learns how to say “no.” David learns the hard way from his recent travels but has a plan for what to do differently next time.

This episode of Free Agents is sponsored by:

  • Hover: Show the world what you’re passionate about with 10% off your first purchase
  • Squarespace: Make your next move. Enter offer code FREEAGENTS at checkout to get 10% off your first purchase.
  • Freshbooks: Online invoicing made easy.

Links and Show Notes

Unique Ability® 2.0 by Catherine Nomura, Julia Waller, Shannon Waller
Deep Work: Rules for Focused Success in a Distracted World by Cal Newport
Timing (Mac app)
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52: You Can't Be What You Can't See with Ann Shen Ann Shen started her career as a grant writer and realized the ladder she was climbing was leaning against the wrong wall. She then took the courageous step of going to art school and starting over again. Since then, with a combination of skill, grit, and newfound faith in herself, she's gone a long way as a Free Agent. Tue, 24 Jul 2018 15:00:00 GMT http://relay.fm/freeagents/52 http://relay.fm/freeagents/52 You Can't Be What You Can't See with Ann Shen 52 David Sparks and Mike Schmitz Artist and businesswoman Ann Shen joins the Free Agents to share her journey from grant writer to successful artist to successful author. Artist and businesswoman Ann Shen joins the Free Agents to share her journey from grant writer to successful artist to successful author. clean 3659 Ann Shen started her career as a grant writer and realized the ladder she was climbing was leaning against the wrong wall. She then took the courageous step of going to art school and starting over again. Since then, with a combination of skill, grit, and newfound faith in herself, she's gone a long way as a Free Agent.

This episode of Free Agents is sponsored by:

  • Hover: Show the world what you’re passionate about with 10% off your first purchase
  • Freshbooks: Online invoicing made easy.

Guest Starring:

Ann Shen

Links and Show Notes

Ann Shen • Illustration & Design
Ann on Twitter
The War of Art: Winning the Inner Creative Battle
Ann on Instagram
Ann's Books
The Free Agents Forum

The new Free Agents forum.

Automators - Relay FM
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51: Freedom Frogs David and Mike talk about why “eating your frog” is an important Free Agent survival skill. David talks through a pivot in his approach to book publishing. Mike shares his struggles with “Imposter Syndrome” and how he overcomes it. Tue, 10 Jul 2018 21:30:00 GMT http://relay.fm/freeagents/51 http://relay.fm/freeagents/51 Freedom Frogs 51 David Sparks and Mike Schmitz David and Mike talk about why “eating your frog” is an important Free Agent survival skill. David talks through a pivot in his approach to book publishing. Mike shares his struggles with “Imposter Syndrome” and how he overcomes it. David and Mike talk about why “eating your frog” is an important Free Agent survival skill. David talks through a pivot in his approach to book publishing. Mike shares his struggles with “Imposter Syndrome” and how he overcomes it. clean 3271 David and Mike talk about why “eating your frog” is an important Free Agent survival skill. David talks through a pivot in his approach to book publishing. Mike shares his struggles with “Imposter Syndrome” and how he overcomes it.

This episode of Free Agents is sponsored by:

  • Squarespace: Make your next move. Enter offer code FREEAGENTS at checkout to get 10% off your first purchase.
  • Freshbooks: Online invoicing made easy.

Links and Show Notes

Eat That Frog! by Brian Tracy
The Productivity Project by Chris Bailey
The Accidental Creative by Todd Henry
The Compound Effect by Darren Hardy
Overlap: A simple strategy for closing the gap w/ Sean McCabe (Podcast)
Headspace - Meditation and Mindfulness Made Simple
Calm - Meditation Techniques for Sleep and Stress Reduction
Day One - A simple and elegant journal for iPhone, iPad, and Mac
Mike's Reflection Workflow
Herman Miller Embody Office Chair
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50: Bet on Yourself Mike Schmitz joins as the new Free Agents co-host. In this episode, we get to know Mike better, learn about his journey, and discuss the show format going forward. Tue, 26 Jun 2018 13:45:00 GMT http://relay.fm/freeagents/50 http://relay.fm/freeagents/50 Bet on Yourself 50 David Sparks and Mike Schmitz Mike Schmitz joins as the new Free Agents co-host. In this episode, we get to know Mike better, learn about his journey, and discuss the show format going forward. Mike Schmitz joins as the new Free Agents co-host. In this episode, we get to know Mike better, learn about his journey, and discuss the show format going forward. clean 2687 Mike Schmitz joins as the new Free Agents co-host. In this episode, we get to know Mike better, learn about his journey, and discuss the show format going forward.

This episode of Free Agents is sponsored by:

  • Freshbooks: Online invoicing made easy.
  • Casper: The Internet’s favorite mattress. Get $50 off select mattresses with the code ‘FREEAGENTS’.

Links and Show Notes

MIke's website
Mike on Twitter
The New Free Agents Discourse Forum

After recording the episode, we ended up moving the Facebook group to Discourse after all. Free Agents has a room on the Mac Power Users Discourse forum. Go check it out!

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49: Panting to the Finish Line Family members with employment issues remind Jason about just how far he's come; David grapples with letting go of control and working with an assistant; and Jason hands in his resignation and participates in an "exit interview" with David. Tue, 12 Jun 2018 14:45:00 GMT http://relay.fm/freeagents/49 http://relay.fm/freeagents/49 Panting to the Finish Line 49 David Sparks and Jason Snell Family members with employment issues remind Jason about just how far he's come; David grapples with letting go of control and working with an assistant; and Jason hands in his resignation and participates in an "exit interview" with David. Family members with employment issues remind Jason about just how far he's come; David grapples with letting go of control and working with an assistant; and Jason hands in his resignation and participates in an "exit interview" with David. clean 2883 Family members with employment issues remind Jason about just how far he's come; David grapples with letting go of control and working with an assistant; and Jason hands in his resignation and participates in an "exit interview" with David.

This episode of Focused is sponsored by:

  • Squarespace: Make your next move. Enter offer code FREEAGENTS at checkout to get 10% off your first purchase.
  • Freshbooks: Online invoicing made easy.

Links and Show Notes:

Support Focused with a Relay FM Membership
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48: Lousy With the Stink of Freedom, with Merlin Mann Podcaster Merlin Mann joins us to discuss his long journey as an independent worker, during which he's pivoted from tech guy to productivity expert to a specializer in cult hits. Tue, 29 May 2018 16:15:00 GMT http://relay.fm/freeagents/48 http://relay.fm/freeagents/48 Lousy With the Stink of Freedom, with Merlin Mann 48 David Sparks and Jason Snell clean 3300 Podcaster Merlin Mann joins us to discuss his long journey as an independent worker, during which he's pivoted from tech guy to productivity expert to a specializer in cult hits.

This episode of Focused is sponsored by:

  • Timing: The automatic time tracking app for macOS. Use this link to save 10% on your purchase.
  • Squarespace: Make your next move. Enter offer code FREEAGENTS at checkout to get 10% off your first purchase.

Guest Starring:

Merlin Mann

Links and Show Notes:

Support Focused with a Relay FM Membership
Reconcilable Differences - Relay FM
Roderick on the Line - Merlin Mann
5by5 | Back to Work
Do By Friday
43 Folders | Time, Attention, and Creative Work
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47: Personal Floating Holiday David needs to deal with some clients who aren't paying him. Jason thinks about "taking a personal day" and how that's different from going on vacation or taking a few hours off. David ponders creating a mission statement for himself. And Jason questions whether he's unable to give himself credit for doing certain kinds of work. Tue, 15 May 2018 17:00:00 GMT http://relay.fm/freeagents/47 http://relay.fm/freeagents/47 Personal Floating Holiday 47 David Sparks and Jason Snell David needs to deal with some clients who aren't paying him; Jason thinks about taking a personal day; David ponders creating a mission statement for himself; Jason questions whether he's unable to give himself credit for doing certain kinds of work. David needs to deal with some clients who aren't paying him; Jason thinks about taking a personal day; David ponders creating a mission statement for himself; Jason questions whether he's unable to give himself credit for doing certain kinds of work. clean 2834 David needs to deal with some clients who aren't paying him. Jason thinks about "taking a personal day" and how that's different from going on vacation or taking a few hours off. David ponders creating a mission statement for himself. And Jason questions whether he's unable to give himself credit for doing certain kinds of work.

This episode of Focused is sponsored by:

  • Freshbooks: Online invoicing made easy.
  • Warby Parker: Quality eyewear at a fraction of the usual price. Order your FREE Home Try-On kit today

Links and Show Notes:

Support Focused with a Relay FM Membership
iPhone Field Guide — MacSparky
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46: Being Comfortable Is Not an Option, with Jaimee Newberry Longtime web developer, tech executive, startup co-founder, inspirational speaker, and coach Jaimee Newberry joins David and Jason to discuss her own journey, when to go out on your own, when to walk way from projects, and how to deal with unexpected success. Tue, 01 May 2018 18:15:00 GMT http://relay.fm/freeagents/46 http://relay.fm/freeagents/46 Being Comfortable Is Not an Option, with Jaimee Newberry 46 David Sparks and Jason Snell Longtime web developer, tech executive, startup co-founder, inspirational speaker, and coach Jaimee Newberry joins us to discuss her own journey, when to go out on your own, when to walk way from projects, and how to deal with unexpected success. Longtime web developer, tech executive, startup co-founder, inspirational speaker, and coach Jaimee Newberry joins us to discuss her own journey, when to go out on your own, when to walk way from projects, and how to deal with unexpected success. clean 2927 Longtime web developer, tech executive, startup co-founder, inspirational speaker, and coach Jaimee Newberry joins David and Jason to discuss her own journey, when to go out on your own, when to walk way from projects, and how to deal with unexpected success.

This episode of Focused is sponsored by:

  • Timing: The automatic time tracking app for macOS. Use this link to save 10% on your purchase.
  • Freshbooks: Online invoicing made easy.

Guest Starring:

Jaimee Newberry

Links and Show Notes:

Support Focused with a Relay FM Membership
@jaimeejaimee
About TinyChallenges — @jaimeejaimee
Picture This Clothing - Wear your Imagination!
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45: Like Going Back to High School David's home workspace gets invaded by teenagers, Jason reprises his old commute and learns to appreciate the ability to work from anyplace, and a listener reminds us of a classic technique: making promises that your future self has to keep. Tue, 17 Apr 2018 16:45:00 GMT http://relay.fm/freeagents/45 http://relay.fm/freeagents/45 Like Going Back to High School 45 David Sparks and Jason Snell David's home workspace gets invaded by teenagers, Jason reprises his old commute and learns to appreciate the ability to work from anyplace, and a listener reminds us of a classic technique: making promises that your future self has to keep. David's home workspace gets invaded by teenagers, Jason reprises his old commute and learns to appreciate the ability to work from anyplace, and a listener reminds us of a classic technique: making promises that your future self has to keep. clean 2502 David's home workspace gets invaded by teenagers, Jason reprises his old commute and learns to appreciate the ability to work from anyplace, and a listener reminds us of a classic technique: making promises that your future self has to keep.

This episode of Focused is sponsored by:

  • Timing: The automatic time tracking app for macOS. Use this link to save 10% on your purchase.
  • Freshbooks: Online invoicing made easy.

Links and Show Notes:

Support Focused with a Relay FM Membership
iPad Air 2 Review: Why the iPad Became My Main Computer – MacStories
Working on the iPad: One Year Later, Still My Favorite Computer – MacStories
(14) Seinfeld - Night Guy, Morning Guy, Day Guy - YouTube
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44: Maybe You'll Get a Real Job, with David Wain You might not realize it, but creative professionals in the entertainment industry are also free agents. In this episode we talk to writer/actor/director David Wain of "Wet Hot American Summer" and "The State" about his life as a free agent, from hitting MTV right out of college to the lean times that followed. Turns out that juggling a busy schedule, learning to say no, and not being able to plan vacations far in advance are all features of his line of work. Tue, 03 Apr 2018 14:45:00 GMT http://relay.fm/freeagents/44 http://relay.fm/freeagents/44 Maybe You'll Get a Real Job, with David Wain 44 David Sparks and Jason Snell You might not realize it, but creative professionals in the entertainment industry are also free agents. In this episode we talk to writer/actor/director David Wain of "Wet Hot American Summer" and "The State." You might not realize it, but creative professionals in the entertainment industry are also free agents. In this episode we talk to writer/actor/director David Wain of "Wet Hot American Summer" and "The State." clean 3280 You might not realize it, but creative professionals in the entertainment industry are also free agents. In this episode we talk to writer/actor/director David Wain of "Wet Hot American Summer" and "The State" about his life as a free agent, from hitting MTV right out of college to the lean times that followed. Turns out that juggling a busy schedule, learning to say no, and not being able to plan vacations far in advance are all features of his line of work.

This episode of Focused is sponsored by:

  • Squarespace: Make your next move. Enter offer code FREEAGENTS at checkout to get 10% off your first purchase.
  • Freshbooks: Online invoicing made easy.

Guest Starring:

David Wain

Links and Show Notes:

Support Focused with a Relay FM Membership
DAVIDWAIN.COM
David Wain (@davidwain) • Instagram photos and videos
David Wain - IMDb
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43: Don’t Ask Us Permission David attended a conference and was asked for advice (or was it permission?) from many potential free agents. When he got home, his professional life was in disarray. What are the lessons to take from that? Jason ponders putting more effort into video. David continues down the path of hyperscheduling. Tue, 20 Mar 2018 17:30:00 GMT http://relay.fm/freeagents/43 http://relay.fm/freeagents/43 Don’t Ask Us Permission 43 David Sparks and Jason Snell David attended a conference and was asked for advice (or was it permission?) from many potential free agents. When he got home, his professional life was in disarray. What are the lessons to take from that? David attended a conference and was asked for advice (or was it permission?) from many potential free agents. When he got home, his professional life was in disarray. What are the lessons to take from that? clean 2920 David attended a conference and was asked for advice (or was it permission?) from many potential free agents. When he got home, his professional life was in disarray. What are the lessons to take from that? Jason ponders putting more effort into video. David continues down the path of hyperscheduling.

This episode of Focused is sponsored by:

  • Squarespace: Make your next move. Enter offer code FREEAGENTS at checkout to get 10% off your first purchase.
  • Freshbooks: Online invoicing made easy.

Links and Show Notes:

Support Focused with a Relay FM Membership
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42: Learning Your Creative Rhythms, with Shawn Blanc David and Jason go through the Free Agents Mailbag with observations about the legend of the man who outsourced his own job, taking a hobby to the next level, and the menace of Imposter Syndrome. Then we welcome our guest, Shawn Blanc, creator of The Sweet Setup and shawnblanc.net, to discuss building an independent business with collaborators, solid project planning, and sensible work hours. Tue, 06 Mar 2018 18:00:00 GMT http://relay.fm/freeagents/42 http://relay.fm/freeagents/42 Learning Your Creative Rhythms, with Shawn Blanc 42 David Sparks and Jason Snell David and Jason go through the Free Agents Mailbag and welcome Shawn Blanc to discuss building an independent business with collaborators, solid project planning, and sensible work hours. David and Jason go through the Free Agents Mailbag and welcome Shawn Blanc to discuss building an independent business with collaborators, solid project planning, and sensible work hours. clean 3503 David and Jason go through the Free Agents Mailbag with observations about the legend of the man who outsourced his own job, taking a hobby to the next level, and the menace of Imposter Syndrome. Then we welcome our guest, Shawn Blanc, creator of The Sweet Setup and shawnblanc.net, to discuss building an independent business with collaborators, solid project planning, and sensible work hours.

This episode of Focused is sponsored by:

  • Squarespace: Make your next move. Enter offer code FREEAGENTS at checkout to get 10% off your first purchase.
  • Casper: The Internet’s favourite mattress. Get $50 off select mattresses with the code ‘FREEAGENTS’.
  • Freshbooks: Online invoicing made easy.

Guest Starring:

Shawn Blanc

Links and Show Notes:

Support Focused with a Relay FM Membership
Shawn Blanc
Time Ownership: A free email course from Shawn Blanc and The Focus Course
Discover the best apps and workflows for your iPhone, Mac, and iPad — The Sweet Setup
All The Things — A Calm Video Course on Productivity and Task Management
Outsourced: Employee Sends Own Job To China; Surfs Web : The Two-Way : NPR
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41: A Walk on the Beach David has a big birthday and joins Jason in discovering the value of embracing a lull; David's wife gets a new job, leading to changes in working at home; and Team Sparky expands as David gets some help with his business. Wed, 21 Feb 2018 02:00:00 GMT http://relay.fm/freeagents/41 http://relay.fm/freeagents/41 A Walk on the Beach 41 David Sparks and Jason Snell David has a big birthday and joins Jason in discovering the value of embracing a lull; David's wife gets a new job, leading to changes in working at home; and Team Sparky expands as David gets some help with his business. David has a big birthday and joins Jason in discovering the value of embracing a lull; David's wife gets a new job, leading to changes in working at home; and Team Sparky expands as David gets some help with his business. clean 2849 David has a big birthday and joins Jason in discovering the value of embracing a lull; David's wife gets a new job, leading to changes in working at home; and Team Sparky expands as David gets some help with his business.

This episode of Focused is sponsored by:

  • Squarespace: Make your next move. Enter offer code FREEAGENTS at checkout to get 10% off your first purchase.
  • Freshbooks: Online invoicing made easy.

Links and Show Notes:

Support Focused with a Relay FM Membership
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40: Like Being in a Boat, with Kourosh Dini Psychiatrist, writer and musician Kourosh Dini joins us to discuss his long journey to being an independent worker, mixing his various jobs, dealing with the stress of being on your own, and much more. Tue, 06 Feb 2018 19:30:00 GMT http://relay.fm/freeagents/40 http://relay.fm/freeagents/40 Like Being in a Boat, with Kourosh Dini 40 David Sparks and Jason Snell Psychiatrist, writer and musician Kourosh Dini joins us to discuss his long journey to being an independent worker, mixing his various jobs, dealing with the stress of being on your own, and much more. Psychiatrist, writer and musician Kourosh Dini joins us to discuss his long journey to being an independent worker, mixing his various jobs, dealing with the stress of being on your own, and much more. clean 3196 Psychiatrist, writer and musician Kourosh Dini joins us to discuss his long journey to being an independent worker, mixing his various jobs, dealing with the stress of being on your own, and much more.

This episode of Focused is sponsored by:

  • Squarespace: Make your next move. Enter offer code FREEAGENTS at checkout to get 10% off your first purchase.
  • Freshbooks: Online invoicing made easy.

Guest Starring:

Kourosh Dini

Links and Show Notes:

Support Focused with a Relay FM Membership
Kourosh Dini MD – Psychiatry and Psychoanalysis
Using OmniFocus | Productivity & Workflow Mastery
Kourosh Dini | Mind, Music, and Productivity
Kourosh Dini (@kouroshdini) | Twitter
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39: Quality Time with a Sledgehammer David tries to not work too hard on his European vacation, while Jason tries to do the same in his own house; David's experiments with hyper-scheduling and the Twelve Week Year; Jason performs some drastic office remodeling. Tue, 23 Jan 2018 16:45:00 GMT http://relay.fm/freeagents/39 http://relay.fm/freeagents/39 Quality Time with a Sledgehammer 39 David Sparks and Jason Snell clean 3694 David tries to not work too hard on his European vacation, while Jason tries to do the same in his own house; David's experiments with hyper-scheduling and the Twelve Week Year; Jason performs some drastic office remodeling.

This episode of Focused is sponsored by:

  • Squarespace: Make your next move. Enter offer code FREEAGENTS at checkout to get 10% off your first purchase.
  • Freshbooks: Online invoicing made easy.

Links and Show Notes:

Support Focused with a Relay FM Membership
Upgrade #170: The Rat King of Cables - Relay FM
High Scores Arcade
Deep Work by Cal Newport
The 12-Week Year by Moran and Lennington
Bullet Journal - The Analog System for the Digital Age
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38: Knit Your Parachute on the Way Down, with Thom Zahler David and Jason talk to artist and writer Thom Zahler, an independent creator for 15 years in indie comics (Love and Capes, Warning Label), licensed comics (My Little Pony), and animated television (Spider Man: Web Warriors, Knights of the Zodiac), about his journey from art school student to freelancer to full-on free agent, and how his business has grown and changed over the years. Tue, 09 Jan 2018 22:00:00 GMT http://relay.fm/freeagents/38 http://relay.fm/freeagents/38 Knit Your Parachute on the Way Down, with Thom Zahler 38 David Sparks and Jason Snell David and Jason talk to artist and writer Thom Zahler, an independent creator for 15 years in independent comics, licensed comics, and animated television, about his journey from art school to freelancer to full-on free agent. David and Jason talk to artist and writer Thom Zahler, an independent creator for 15 years in independent comics, licensed comics, and animated television, about his journey from art school to freelancer to full-on free agent. clean 3827 David and Jason talk to artist and writer Thom Zahler, an independent creator for 15 years in indie comics (Love and Capes, Warning Label), licensed comics (My Little Pony), and animated television (Spider Man: Web Warriors, Knights of the Zodiac), about his journey from art school student to freelancer to full-on free agent, and how his business has grown and changed over the years.

This episode of Focused is sponsored by:

  • Squarespace: Make your next move. Enter offer code FREEAGENTS at checkout to get 10% off your first purchase.
  • Timing: The automatic time tracking app for macOS. Use this link to save 10% on your purchase.
  • Freshbooks: Online invoicing made easy.

Guest Starring:

Thom Zahler

Links and Show Notes:

Support Focused with a Relay FM Membership
Thom Zahler Art Studios
Warning Label
Love and Capes
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37: The Twelve-Week Year We wrap up the year with a discussion of navigating holidays and vacations, David's thoughts about getting projects to completion in the new year, Jason's update to his Not-To-Do List, setting the bar high for taking on new clients, end-of-year appreciation gifts for clients, and holiday seasonality. Tue, 26 Dec 2017 18:15:00 GMT http://relay.fm/freeagents/37 http://relay.fm/freeagents/37 The Twelve-Week Year 37 David Sparks and Jason Snell We wrap up the year with a discussion of navigating holidays and vacations, David's thoughts about getting projects to completion in the new year, Jason's update to his Not-To-Do List, end-of-year appreciation gifts for clients, and more. We wrap up the year with a discussion of navigating holidays and vacations, David's thoughts about getting projects to completion in the new year, Jason's update to his Not-To-Do List, end-of-year appreciation gifts for clients, and more. clean 3254 We wrap up the year with a discussion of navigating holidays and vacations, David's thoughts about getting projects to completion in the new year, Jason's update to his Not-To-Do List, setting the bar high for taking on new clients, end-of-year appreciation gifts for clients, and holiday seasonality.

This episode of Focused is sponsored by:

  • Freshbooks: Online invoicing made easy.
  • Squarespace: Make your next move. Enter offer code FREEAGENTS at checkout to get 10% off your first purchase.

Links and Show Notes:

Support Focused with a Relay FM Membership
Amazon.com: The 12 Week Year: Get More Done in 12 Weeks than Others Do in 12 Months eBook: Brian P. Moran, Michael Lennington: Kindle Store
Shawn Blanc
Photos: A Take Control Crash Course | Take Control Books
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36: My App Story, with John Voorhees John Voorhees of MacStories is a brand-new free agent, a lawyer who left his job in Chicago to set out on his own as a writer and app developer. He tells us how he decided to leave the legal profession and go full time as an independent worker. Tue, 12 Dec 2017 20:45:00 GMT http://relay.fm/freeagents/36 http://relay.fm/freeagents/36 My App Story, with John Voorhees 36 David Sparks and Jason Snell John Voorhees of MacStories is a brand-new free agent, a lawyer who left his job in Chicago to set out on his own as a writer and app developer. He tells us how he decided to leave the legal profession and go full time as an independent worker. John Voorhees of MacStories is a brand-new free agent, a lawyer who left his job in Chicago to set out on his own as a writer and app developer. He tells us how he decided to leave the legal profession and go full time as an independent worker. clean 2428 John Voorhees of MacStories is a brand-new free agent, a lawyer who left his job in Chicago to set out on his own as a writer and app developer. He tells us how he decided to leave the legal profession and go full time as an independent worker.

This episode of Focused is sponsored by:

  • Freshbooks: Online invoicing made easy.
  • Squarespace: Make your next move. Enter offer code FREEAGENTS at checkout to get 10% off your first purchase.

Guest Starring:

John Voorhees

Links and Show Notes:

Support Focused with a Relay FM Membership
John Voorhees (@johnvoorhees) | Twitter
My App Story – MacStories
John Voorhees' website
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35: I Guess I'm Felix Unger David and Jason discuss the importance of prep time, resetting your balance, gauging the value of your work, time tracking, managing ongoing commitments, getting sick and keeping clients happy, and the value of uncluttered office space. Tue, 28 Nov 2017 17:00:00 GMT http://relay.fm/freeagents/35 http://relay.fm/freeagents/35 I Guess I'm Felix Unger 35 David Sparks and Jason Snell David and Jason discuss the importance of prep time, resetting your balance, gauging the value of your work, time tracking, managing ongoing commitments, getting sick and keeping clients happy, and the value of uncluttered office space. David and Jason discuss the importance of prep time, resetting your balance, gauging the value of your work, time tracking, managing ongoing commitments, getting sick and keeping clients happy, and the value of uncluttered office space. clean 3542 David and Jason discuss the importance of prep time, resetting your balance, gauging the value of your work, time tracking, managing ongoing commitments, getting sick and keeping clients happy, and the value of uncluttered office space.

This episode of Focused is sponsored by:

  • Freshbooks: Online invoicing made easy.
  • Squarespace: Make your next move. Enter offer code FREEAGENTS at checkout to get 10% off your first purchase.

Links and Show Notes:

Support Focused with a Relay FM Membership
Photos: A Take Control Crash Course | Take Control Books
Photos — MacSparky
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34: I Think I Just Got Fired, with Marco Arment App developer, podcaster, analyst, and secret entrepreneur Marco Arment joins us to discuss his journey from college to Tumblr, building Instapaper, getting quit-fired, setting out on his own, and working in bursts of productivity. Tue, 14 Nov 2017 18:45:00 GMT http://relay.fm/freeagents/34 http://relay.fm/freeagents/34 I Think I Just Got Fired, with Marco Arment 34 David Sparks and Jason Snell App developer, podcaster, analyst, and secret entrepreneur Marco Arment joins us to discuss his journey from college to Tumblr, building Instapaper, getting quit-fired, setting out on his own, and working in bursts of productivity. App developer, podcaster, analyst, and secret entrepreneur Marco Arment joins us to discuss his journey from college to Tumblr, building Instapaper, getting quit-fired, setting out on his own, and working in bursts of productivity. clean 3030 App developer, podcaster, analyst, and secret entrepreneur Marco Arment joins us to discuss his journey from college to Tumblr, building Instapaper, getting quit-fired, setting out on his own, and working in bursts of productivity.

This episode of Focused is sponsored by:

  • Freshbooks: Online invoicing made easy.
  • Squarespace: Make your next move. Enter offer code FREEAGENTS at checkout to get 10% off your first purchase.

Guest Starring:

Marco Arment

Links and Show Notes:

This episode was audio-synced by a tool Marco wrote, encoded with a tool Marco wrote, includes ads managed with a tool Marco wrote, and might be being played by an app Marco wrote. Thanks, Marco!

Support Focused with a Relay FM Membership
Under the Radar - Relay FM
Accidental Tech Podcast
Overcast
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33: When You Say Yes to Everything On Halloween, David and Jason revamp the podcast with a new format. David struggles with how he's spending his time. Jason tries to figure out when to say no and gets a better perspective about how well his business is doing, prompted by a job inquiry from a former co-worker. Tue, 31 Oct 2017 19:00:00 GMT http://relay.fm/freeagents/33 http://relay.fm/freeagents/33 When You Say Yes to Everything 33 David Sparks and Jason Snell David struggles with time management. Jason gets a better perspective on how his business is performing. David struggles with time management. Jason gets a better perspective on how his business is performing. clean 3264 On Halloween, David and Jason revamp the podcast with a new format. David struggles with how he's spending his time. Jason tries to figure out when to say no and gets a better perspective about how well his business is doing, prompted by a job inquiry from a former co-worker.

This episode of Focused is sponsored by:

  • Freshbooks: Online invoicing made easy.
  • Podcast Listener Survey: We rely on advertising as a way to support this show. If you could do us a favor and answer a few short questions, it would be really helpful to us.

Links and Show Notes:

Support Focused with a Relay FM Membership
My App Story – MacStories
Under the Radar #102: Procrastiworking - Relay FM
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32: It's Scary, Dude! with Kathy Campbell Unicorn Sidekick Kathy Campbell joins us to discuss how she ended up becoming a Free Agent while behind a desk at her "real job," when having her new career discovered her. Tue, 17 Oct 2017 20:00:00 GMT http://relay.fm/freeagents/32 http://relay.fm/freeagents/32 It's Scary, Dude! with Kathy Campbell 32 David Sparks and Jason Snell Unicorn Sidekick Kathy Campbell joins us to discuss how she ended up becoming a Free Agent while behind a desk at her "real job," when having her new career discovered her. Unicorn Sidekick Kathy Campbell joins us to discuss how she ended up becoming a Free Agent while behind a desk at her "real job," when having her new career discovered her. clean 2849 Unicorn Sidekick Kathy Campbell joins us to discuss how she ended up becoming a Free Agent while behind a desk at her "real job," when having her new career discovered her.

This episode of Focused is sponsored by:

  • Freshbooks: Online invoicing made easy.
  • Squarespace: Make your next move. Enter offer code FREEAGENTS at checkout to get 10% off your first purchase.

Guest Starring:

Kathy Campbell

Links and Show Notes:

Support Focused with a Relay FM Membership
The Unicorn Sidekick
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31: Being Selective About Clients, with Aleen Simms Relay FM Host and App Launch Map founder Aleen Simms joins us to talk about her accidental fall into freelance work and setting high standards for her clients. Tue, 03 Oct 2017 23:30:00 GMT http://relay.fm/freeagents/31 http://relay.fm/freeagents/31 Being Selective About Clients, with Aleen Simms 31 David Sparks and Jason Snell Relay FM Host and App Launch Map founder Aleen Simms joins us to talk about her accidental fall into freelance work and setting high standards for her clients. Relay FM Host and App Launch Map founder Aleen Simms joins us to talk about her accidental fall into freelance work and setting high standards for her clients. clean 2274 Relay FM Host and App Launch Map founder Aleen Simms joins us to talk about her accidental fall into freelance work and setting high standards for her clients.

This episode of Focused is sponsored by:

  • Squarespace: Make your next move. Enter offer code FREEAGENTS at checkout to get 10% off your first purchase.
  • Podcast Listener Survey: We rely on advertising as a way to support this show. If you could do us a favor and answer a few short questions, it would be really helpful to us.

Guest Starring:

Aleen Simms

Links and Show Notes:

Support Focused with a Relay FM Membership
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30: Tito Needs to Pay the Rent So you're working in a house full of kids. Or a partner who is there all the time. It can make working from home difficult to say the least. We discuss the good and bad of working around kids (and others) who are in your house with you. Tue, 19 Sep 2017 15:45:00 GMT http://relay.fm/freeagents/30 http://relay.fm/freeagents/30 Tito Needs to Pay the Rent 30 David Sparks and Jason Snell So you're working in a house full of kids. Or a partner who is there all the time. It can make working from home difficult to say the least. We discuss the good and bad of working around kids (and others) who are in your house with you. So you're working in a house full of kids. Or a partner who is there all the time. It can make working from home difficult to say the least. We discuss the good and bad of working around kids (and others) who are in your house with you. clean 2817 So you're working in a house full of kids. Or a partner who is there all the time. It can make working from home difficult to say the least. We discuss the good and bad of working around kids (and others) who are in your house with you.

This episode of Focused is sponsored by:

  • Freshbooks: Online invoicing made easy.
  • Timing: The automatic time tracking app for macOS. Use this link to get 10% off your purchase of Timing.

Links and Show Notes:

Support Focused with a Relay FM Membership
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29: The Spreadsheet So you're thinking about going out on your own. It's time to build The Spreadsheet, a tool to let you gauge your potential income and expenses and give you a realistic view of what it will take to succeed. Tue, 05 Sep 2017 16:15:00 GMT http://relay.fm/freeagents/29 http://relay.fm/freeagents/29 The Spreadsheet 29 David Sparks and Jason Snell So you're thinking about going out on your own. It's time to build The Spreadsheet, a tool to let you gauge your potential income and expenses and give you a realistic view of what it will take to succeed. So you're thinking about going out on your own. It's time to build The Spreadsheet, a tool to let you gauge your potential income and expenses and give you a realistic view of what it will take to succeed. clean 2416 So you're thinking about going out on your own. It's time to build The Spreadsheet, a tool to let you gauge your potential income and expenses and give you a realistic view of what it will take to succeed.

This episode of Focused is sponsored by:

  • Eero: Never think about WiFi again. Use code FREEAGENTS for free overnight shipping.
  • Freshbooks: Online invoicing made easy.

Links and Show Notes:

Support Focused with a Relay FM Membership
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28: David's Origin Story Jason asks David to explain where he came from, the background of his career, and what the circumstances were that led him to become an independent worker, and then asks him to reflect on his two-plus years no longer being employed by a law firm. Tue, 22 Aug 2017 21:00:00 GMT http://relay.fm/freeagents/28 http://relay.fm/freeagents/28 David's Origin Story 28 David Sparks and Jason Snell Jason asks David to explain where he came from, the background of his career, and what the circumstances were that led him to become an independent worker, and then asks him to reflect on his two-plus years no longer being employed by a law firm. Jason asks David to explain where he came from, the background of his career, and what the circumstances were that led him to become an independent worker, and then asks him to reflect on his two-plus years no longer being employed by a law firm. clean 2828 Jason asks David to explain where he came from, the background of his career, and what the circumstances were that led him to become an independent worker, and then asks him to reflect on his two-plus years no longer being employed by a law firm.

This episode of Focused is sponsored by:

Links and Show Notes:

Support Focused with a Relay FM Membership
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27: Bird in the Bush Passion projects can be an enjoyable outlet. But how do you balance the work that pays the bills with the work that feeds the soul? Tue, 08 Aug 2017 20:15:00 GMT http://relay.fm/freeagents/27 http://relay.fm/freeagents/27 Bird in the Bush 27 David Sparks and Jason Snell Passion projects can be an enjoyable outlet. But how do you balance the work that pays the bills with the work that feeds the soul? Passion projects can be an enjoyable outlet. But how do you balance the work that pays the bills with the work that feeds the soul? clean 2619 Passion projects can be an enjoyable outlet. But how do you balance the work that pays the bills with the work that feeds the soul?

This episode of Focused is sponsored by:

Links and Show Notes:

Support Focused with a Relay FM Membership
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26: A Batphone to My Heart Telephones and text messaging seem like necessary evils at best, but for many small businesses they're required. You just need to figure out how to use them effectively--and set rules so that they aren't abused. While Jason leaves the phone off the hook, David describes his trial of Google Voice and ultimate decision to use a live receptionist service. Tue, 25 Jul 2017 15:15:00 GMT http://relay.fm/freeagents/26 http://relay.fm/freeagents/26 A Batphone to My Heart 26 David Sparks and Jason Snell While Jason leaves the phone off the hook, David describes his trial of Google Voice and ultimate decision to use a live receptionist service. While Jason leaves the phone off the hook, David describes his trial of Google Voice and ultimate decision to use a live receptionist service. clean 3530 Telephones and text messaging seem like necessary evils at best, but for many small businesses they're required. You just need to figure out how to use them effectively--and set rules so that they aren't abused. While Jason leaves the phone off the hook, David describes his trial of Google Voice and ultimate decision to use a live receptionist service.

This episode of Focused is sponsored by:

  • Timing: The automatic time tracking app for OS X. Use code FREEAGENTS for 20% off until the end of July.
  • Freshbooks: Online invoicing made easy.

Links and Show Notes:

Support Focused with a Relay FM Membership
Virtual Receptionist & Live Call Answering Service | Ruby Receptionists
Google Voice
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25: Breadcrumb of My Life, with Stephen Hackett Relay FM co-founder Stephen Hackett discusses his origin story, including an abortive attempt at being an Apple blogger, a fateful meeting over tea with Jason and David, how he left his job to become a full-time podcast entrepreneur, and the personal challenges he first encountered when he went independent. Tue, 11 Jul 2017 18:45:00 GMT http://relay.fm/freeagents/25 http://relay.fm/freeagents/25 Breadcrumb of My Life, with Stephen Hackett 25 David Sparks and Jason Snell Relay FM co-founder Stephen Hackett discusses his origin story, including the personal challenges he first encountered when he went independent. Relay FM co-founder Stephen Hackett discusses his origin story, including the personal challenges he first encountered when he went independent. clean 3391 Relay FM co-founder Stephen Hackett discusses his origin story, including an abortive attempt at being an Apple blogger, a fateful meeting over tea with Jason and David, how he left his job to become a full-time podcast entrepreneur, and the personal challenges he first encountered when he went independent.

This episode of Focused is sponsored by:

  • Casper: Because everyone deserves a great night sleep. Get $50 off with the code ‘FREEAGENTS’
  • Timing: The automatic time tracking app for OS X. Use code FREEAGENTS for 20% off until the end of July.

Guest Starring:

Stephen Hackett

Links and Show Notes:

Support Focused with a Relay FM Membership
Free Agents #3: My Curse and My Reward, with Myke Hurley - Relay FM
Analog(ue) #9: My Shoes Are A Bit Dusty - Relay FM
512 Pixels
The Reality of Indie Life
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24: Take Care of Yourself What happens if you're a lone-wolf independent operator, and then you get sick? Jason was recently out of commission for several days, and David had serious health issues immediately upon going independent. What strategies can help mitigate against illness? How can you avoid getting sick? And what's the deal with disability insurance? Tue, 27 Jun 2017 15:30:00 GMT http://relay.fm/freeagents/24 http://relay.fm/freeagents/24 Take Care of Yourself 24 David Sparks and Jason Snell What happens if you're a lone-wolf independent operator, and then you get sick? We discuss staying healthy, getting help, and buying insurance. What happens if you're a lone-wolf independent operator, and then you get sick? We discuss staying healthy, getting help, and buying insurance. clean 2628 What happens if you're a lone-wolf independent operator, and then you get sick? Jason was recently out of commission for several days, and David had serious health issues immediately upon going independent. What strategies can help mitigate against illness? How can you avoid getting sick? And what's the deal with disability insurance?

This episode of Focused is sponsored by:

  • Freshbooks: Online invoicing made easy.
  • Timing: The automatic time tracking app for OS X. Use code FREEAGENTS for 20% off until the end of July.

Links and Show Notes:

Support Focused with a Relay FM Membership
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23: It's Hard To Get on a Different Train When should you form a corporation, and if so, what kind? David has some broad advice, though you should be sure to consult with a local attorney and your accountant before making any final decisions. Tue, 13 Jun 2017 15:00:00 GMT http://relay.fm/freeagents/23 http://relay.fm/freeagents/23 It's Hard To Get on a Different Train 23 David Sparks and Jason Snell When should you form a corporation, and if so, what kind? David has some broad advice, though you should be sure to consult with a local attorney and your accountant before making any final decisions. When should you form a corporation, and if so, what kind? David has some broad advice, though you should be sure to consult with a local attorney and your accountant before making any final decisions. clean 2426 When should you form a corporation, and if so, what kind? David has some broad advice, though you should be sure to consult with a local attorney and your accountant before making any final decisions.

This episode of Focused is sponsored by:

Links and Show Notes:

Support Focused with a Relay FM Membership
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22: Staying Agile One of your great advantages as an independent worker is your agility. While larger companies have more resources, they can be much slower to react to change. David and Jason swap war stories about adapting and changing, including Jason's decision to leave one podcast and start another. Tue, 30 May 2017 21:30:00 GMT http://relay.fm/freeagents/22 http://relay.fm/freeagents/22 Staying Agile 22 David Sparks and Jason Snell One of your great advantages as an independent worker is your agility. While larger companies have more resources, they can be much slower to react to change. David and Jason swap war stories about adapting and changing. One of your great advantages as an independent worker is your agility. While larger companies have more resources, they can be much slower to react to change. David and Jason swap war stories about adapting and changing. clean 1677 One of your great advantages as an independent worker is your agility. While larger companies have more resources, they can be much slower to react to change. David and Jason swap war stories about adapting and changing, including Jason's decision to leave one podcast and start another.

This episode of Focused is sponsored by:

  • Sanebox: Clean up your inbox in minutes. Sign up for a two-week free trial and a $20 credit.

Links and Show Notes:

Support Focused with a Relay FM Membership
Download - Jason's new podcast
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21: The Second Feedback Episode We're once again answering your letters and tweets In a wide-ranging episode covering all sorts of aspects of being an independent worker. Tue, 16 May 2017 23:15:00 GMT http://relay.fm/freeagents/21 http://relay.fm/freeagents/21 The Second Feedback Episode 21 David Sparks and Jason Snell We're once again answering your letters and tweets In a wide-ranging episode covering all sorts of aspects of being an independent worker. We're once again answering your letters and tweets In a wide-ranging episode covering all sorts of aspects of being an independent worker. clean 3457 We're once again answering your letters and tweets In a wide-ranging episode covering all sorts of aspects of being an independent worker.

This episode of Focused is sponsored by:

  • Sanebox: Clean up your inbox in minutes. Sign up for a two-week free trial and a $20 credit.
  • Freshbooks: Online invoicing made easy.

Links and Show Notes:

Support Focused with a Relay FM Membership
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20: Jason's Origin Story David asks Jason to explain where he came from, the background of his career, and what the circumstances were that led him to become an independent worker, and then asks him to reflect on his two-plus years no longer being employed by a big corporation. Wed, 03 May 2017 18:15:00 GMT http://relay.fm/freeagents/20 http://relay.fm/freeagents/20 Jason's Origin Story 20 David Sparks and Jason Snell David asks Jason to explain where he came from, the background of his career, and what the circumstances were that led him to become an independent worker, and then asks him to reflect on his two-plus years no longer being employed by a big corporation. David asks Jason to explain where he came from, the background of his career, and what the circumstances were that led him to become an independent worker, and then asks him to reflect on his two-plus years no longer being employed by a big corporation. clean 3576 David asks Jason to explain where he came from, the background of his career, and what the circumstances were that led him to become an independent worker, and then asks him to reflect on his two-plus years no longer being employed by a big corporation.

This episode of Focused is sponsored by:

  • Casper: Because everyone deserves a great night sleep. Get $50 off with the code ‘FREEAGENTS’
  • Freshbooks: Online invoicing made easy.

Links and Show Notes:

Support Focused with a Relay FM Membership
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19: Nobody Grades You on the Scaffolding Every independent worker will agree that being organized is important. But should you adopt an organizational system? How can these systems help you, and are they worth the investment? Jason and David detail their own personal organization systems and discuss approaches to getting more organized, as well as tools to use to help in the process. Tue, 18 Apr 2017 14:00:00 GMT http://relay.fm/freeagents/19 http://relay.fm/freeagents/19 Nobody Grades You on the Scaffolding 19 David Sparks and Jason Snell Should you adopt an organizational system? How can these systems help you, and are they worth the investment? Jason and David detail their own personal organization systems and discuss approaches to getting more organized. Should you adopt an organizational system? How can these systems help you, and are they worth the investment? Jason and David detail their own personal organization systems and discuss approaches to getting more organized. clean 3597 Every independent worker will agree that being organized is important. But should you adopt an organizational system? How can these systems help you, and are they worth the investment? Jason and David detail their own personal organization systems and discuss approaches to getting more organized, as well as tools to use to help in the process.

This episode of Focused is sponsored by:

  • Sanebox: Clean up your inbox in minutes. Sign up for a two-week free trial and a $20 credit.
  • Freshbooks: Online invoicing made easy.

Links and Show Notes:

Support Focused with a Relay FM Membership
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18: A Series of Logical Decisions, with Greg Pierce Agile Tortoise's Greg Pierce discusses what he's learned in a decade as an independent developer and consultant. Tue, 04 Apr 2017 14:00:00 GMT http://relay.fm/freeagents/18 http://relay.fm/freeagents/18 A Series of Logical Decisions, with Greg Pierce 18 David Sparks and Jason Snell Agile Tortoise's Greg Pierce discusses what he's learned in a decade as an independent developer and consultant. Agile Tortoise's Greg Pierce discusses what he's learned in a decade as an independent developer and consultant. clean 2677 Agile Tortoise's Greg Pierce discusses what he's learned in a decade as an independent developer and consultant.

This episode of Focused is sponsored by:

  • Sanebox: Clean up your inbox in minutes. Sign up for a two-week free trial and a $20 credit.
  • Freshbooks: Online invoicing made easy.

Guest Starring:

Greg Pierce

Links and Show Notes:

Support Focused with a Relay FM Membership
Agile Tortoise
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17: Stop Digging Not all clients are good clients. If you don't manage the herd, you could lose the farm. This is why it's important to consider the right time, and right way, to fire a client. We discuss fireable offenses both obvious and subtle, and the best approach to take when firing a client. Tue, 21 Mar 2017 15:45:00 GMT http://relay.fm/freeagents/17 http://relay.fm/freeagents/17 Stop Digging 17 David Sparks and Jason Snell Not all clients are good clients. If you don't manage the herd, you could lose the farm. This is why it's important to consider the right time, and right way, to fire a client. Not all clients are good clients. If you don't manage the herd, you could lose the farm. This is why it's important to consider the right time, and right way, to fire a client. clean 1730 Not all clients are good clients. If you don't manage the herd, you could lose the farm. This is why it's important to consider the right time, and right way, to fire a client. We discuss fireable offenses both obvious and subtle, and the best approach to take when firing a client.

This episode of Focused is sponsored by:

Links and Show Notes:

Support Focused with a Relay FM Membership
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16: R2-D2 on My Desk Jason and David discuss their home-office set-ups and the challenges they face when working in a house they share with other people. When do you lock your doors? How do you "go home" at the end of the day? What gear do they use? And do they admit to their clients that they're working in their pajamas? Tue, 07 Mar 2017 18:00:00 GMT http://relay.fm/freeagents/16 http://relay.fm/freeagents/16 R2-D2 on My Desk 16 David Sparks and Jason Snell Jason and David discuss their home-office set-ups and the challenges they face when working in a house they share with other people. Jason and David discuss their home-office set-ups and the challenges they face when working in a house they share with other people. clean 3223 Jason and David discuss their home-office set-ups and the challenges they face when working in a house they share with other people. When do you lock your doors? How do you "go home" at the end of the day? What gear do they use? And do they admit to their clients that they're working in their pajamas?

This episode of Focused is sponsored by:

Links and Show Notes:

Support Focused with a Relay FM Membership
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15: Put on the Business Hat You can't earn a living as a Free Agent if you don't get paid. In this episode we discuss why the sign of a true professional is ensuring that they're being compensated. Why is getting paid so hard? How do we handle billing? When you're on your own, you're the one who has to make sure that the money is flowing in. If you don't get paid, you won't be an independent worker for very long. Tue, 21 Feb 2017 20:45:00 GMT http://relay.fm/freeagents/15 http://relay.fm/freeagents/15 Put on the Business Hat 15 David Sparks and Jason Snell You can't earn a living as a Free Agent if you don't get paid. In this episode we discuss why true professionals ensuring they're being compensated. When you're on your own, you're the one who has to make sure that the money is flowing in. You can't earn a living as a Free Agent if you don't get paid. In this episode we discuss why true professionals ensuring they're being compensated. When you're on your own, you're the one who has to make sure that the money is flowing in. clean 2499 You can't earn a living as a Free Agent if you don't get paid. In this episode we discuss why the sign of a true professional is ensuring that they're being compensated. Why is getting paid so hard? How do we handle billing? When you're on your own, you're the one who has to make sure that the money is flowing in. If you don't get paid, you won't be an independent worker for very long.

This episode of Focused is sponsored by:

Links and Show Notes:

Support Focused with a Relay FM Membership
Free Agents facebook group
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14: Putting Numbers in Boxes, with Andrew Carroll A new year brings accounting and tax challenges for independent workers, so we asked accountant and financial advisor Andrew Carroll to join us. Andrew recently went out on his own and now provides tax and financial advice to free agents and entrepreneurs. Tue, 07 Feb 2017 18:45:00 GMT http://relay.fm/freeagents/14 http://relay.fm/freeagents/14 Putting Numbers in Boxes, with Andrew Carroll 14 David Sparks and Jason Snell A new year brings accounting and tax challenges for independent workers, so we asked accountant and financial advisor Andrew Carroll to join us. A new year brings accounting and tax challenges for independent workers, so we asked accountant and financial advisor Andrew Carroll to join us. clean 2336 A new year brings accounting and tax challenges for independent workers, so we asked accountant and financial advisor Andrew Carroll to join us. Andrew recently went out on his own and now provides tax and financial advice to free agents and entrepreneurs.

This episode of Focused is sponsored by:

Guest Starring:

Andrew Carroll

Links and Show Notes:

Full disclosure: Andrew mentioned the sponsor of this week's episode, Freshbooks (as well as two of its competitors). He wasn't aware that Freshbooks was a sponsor of this episode when he said it.

Support Focused with a Relay FM Membership
Orthogonal by Spec on iTunes
CFO Andrew | A New Vision for How to Work With a Financial Professional
Andrew Carroll (@cfoandrew) | Twitter
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13: Promotion Can Feel Gross Being good at what you do isn't enough. You also need customers, clients, or whatever else you need to pay for shoes. That may mean you have to do a little promotion of your own. But you can be really great at what you do and still terrible at self-promotion. Tricky stuff! Tue, 24 Jan 2017 16:30:00 GMT http://relay.fm/freeagents/13 http://relay.fm/freeagents/13 Promotion Can Feel Gross 13 David Sparks and Jason Snell Being good at what you do isn't enough. You also need customers, clients, or whatever else you need to pay for shoes. That means you need to promote yourself. But you can be really great at what you do and still be terrible at self-promotion. Being good at what you do isn't enough. You also need customers, clients, or whatever else you need to pay for shoes. That means you need to promote yourself. But you can be really great at what you do and still be terrible at self-promotion. clean 2382 Being good at what you do isn't enough. You also need customers, clients, or whatever else you need to pay for shoes. That may mean you have to do a little promotion of your own. But you can be really great at what you do and still terrible at self-promotion. Tricky stuff!

This episode of Focused is sponsored by:

Links and Show Notes:

Support Focused with a Relay FM Membership
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12: Right Now It's Only Me, with Katie Floyd Very recently David's Mac Power Users co-host, Katie Floyd, left her law firm and went out on her own. We ask Katie about making the move, her workspace and work habits, and the issues of adding support staff and partners versus staying entirely independent. Tue, 10 Jan 2017 18:30:00 GMT http://relay.fm/freeagents/12 http://relay.fm/freeagents/12 Right Now It's Only Me, with Katie Floyd 12 David Sparks and Jason Snell David's Mac Power Users co-host Katie Floyd, a very recent Free Agent herself, tells us about the early days of her independent life. David's Mac Power Users co-host Katie Floyd, a very recent Free Agent herself, tells us about the early days of her independent life. clean 2607 Very recently David's Mac Power Users co-host, Katie Floyd, left her law firm and went out on her own. We ask Katie about making the move, her workspace and work habits, and the issues of adding support staff and partners versus staying entirely independent.

This episode of Focused is sponsored by:

Links and Show Notes:

Support Focused with a Relay FM Membership
Free Agents Facebook Group (ask to be invited)
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11: Balancing Dollars and Delight One of the best things an independent worker can do is invest in both belts and suspenders. We discuss cultivating and managing multiple income streams, and both the risks and benefits of getting your money from a bunch of different places. Wed, 14 Dec 2016 19:45:00 GMT http://relay.fm/freeagents/11 http://relay.fm/freeagents/11 Balancing Dollars and Delight 11 David Sparks and Jason Snell We discuss cultivating and managing multiple income streams, why it's so important to do so, and both the risks and benefits of getting your money from a bunch of different places. We discuss cultivating and managing multiple income streams, why it's so important to do so, and both the risks and benefits of getting your money from a bunch of different places. clean 1433 One of the best things an independent worker can do is invest in both belts and suspenders. We discuss cultivating and managing multiple income streams, and both the risks and benefits of getting your money from a bunch of different places.

This episode of Focused is sponsored by:

  • Equal Experts: A diverse network of experienced software consultants, specialising in agile delivery

Links and Show Notes:

Support Focused with a Relay FM Membership
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10: Indie Vacation We discuss planning and taking vacations as an independent worker. How do you set client expectations? How do you set boundaries with the people you're traveling with? What's the best way to get prepared for taking a trip? Most importantly, we talk about the importance of taking time off and meaning it. Tue, 29 Nov 2016 17:15:00 GMT http://relay.fm/freeagents/10 http://relay.fm/freeagents/10 Indie Vacation 10 Jason Snell and David Sparks Planning and taking vacations as an independent worker. Planning and taking vacations as an independent worker. clean 2244 We discuss planning and taking vacations as an independent worker. How do you set client expectations? How do you set boundaries with the people you're traveling with? What's the best way to get prepared for taking a trip? Most importantly, we talk about the importance of taking time off and meaning it.

This episode of Focused is sponsored by:

  • Sanebox: Clean up your inbox in minutes. Sign up for a two-week free trial and a $20 credit.

Links and Show Notes:

Deep Focus: Extended episodes with bonus deep dive content.
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9: The Feedback Episode In a wide-ranging episode, David and Jason answer your letters and tweets. Tue, 15 Nov 2016 19:00:00 GMT http://relay.fm/freeagents/9 http://relay.fm/freeagents/9 The Feedback Episode 9 David Sparks and Jason Snell In a wide-ranging episode, David and Jason answer your letters and tweets. In a wide-ranging episode, David and Jason answer your letters and tweets. clean 3124 In a wide-ranging episode, David and Jason answer your letters and tweets.

This episode of Focused is sponsored by:

  • Sanebox: Clean up your inbox in minutes. Sign up for a two-week free trial and a $20 credit.

Links and Show Notes:

Deep Focus: Extended episodes with bonus deep dive content.
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8: Email Is Not Your Job Email can be a vital communication mechanism, but it can also be a black hole of lost productivity. David and Jason discuss managing email and setting rules about how you use it. Tue, 01 Nov 2016 17:00:00 GMT http://relay.fm/freeagents/8 http://relay.fm/freeagents/8 Email Is Not Your Job 8 David Sparks and Jason Snell Managing email and setting rules about how you use it. Managing email and setting rules about how you use it. clean 1656 Email can be a vital communication mechanism, but it can also be a black hole of lost productivity. David and Jason discuss managing email and setting rules about how you use it.

This episode of Focused is sponsored by:

Links and Show Notes:

Deep Focus: Extended episodes with bonus deep dive content.
Inbox Zero - YouTube
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7: Be Like a Duck So you've decided to leave the nest. What can you do to prepare while you're still working for the man? What's the right way to give notice, and prepare for the aftermath? David and Jason discuss getting set up, preparing your loved ones for the change, rehearsing your big break-up speech, and the importance of not panicking when everything goes sideways. Tue, 18 Oct 2016 17:45:00 GMT http://relay.fm/freeagents/7 http://relay.fm/freeagents/7 Be Like a Duck 7 David Sparks and Jason Snell So you've decided to leave the nest. What can you do to prepare while you're still working for the man? What's the right way to give notice, and prepare for the aftermath? So you've decided to leave the nest. What can you do to prepare while you're still working for the man? What's the right way to give notice, and prepare for the aftermath? clean 2422 So you've decided to leave the nest. What can you do to prepare while you're still working for the man? What's the right way to give notice, and prepare for the aftermath? David and Jason discuss getting set up, preparing your loved ones for the change, rehearsing your big break-up speech, and the importance of not panicking when everything goes sideways.

This episode of Focused is sponsored by:

Links and Show Notes:

Deep Focus: Extended episodes with bonus deep dive content.
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6: The Shawshank Redemption, with Shahid Kamal Ahmad PlayStation veteran Shahid Kamal Ahmad left Sony to become an independent game developer. We discuss why he left and how he schedules his workday in his garden shed, the ShaShed. Tue, 04 Oct 2016 15:15:00 GMT http://relay.fm/freeagents/6 http://relay.fm/freeagents/6 The Shawshank Redemption, with Shahid Kamal Ahmad 6 David Sparks and Jason Snell PlayStation veteran Shahid Kamal Ahmad left Sony to become an independent game developer. We discuss why he left and how he schedules his workday in his garden shed, the ShaShed. PlayStation veteran Shahid Kamal Ahmad left Sony to become an independent game developer. We discuss why he left and how he schedules his workday in his garden shed, the ShaShed. clean 2900 PlayStation veteran Shahid Kamal Ahmad left Sony to become an independent game developer. We discuss why he left and how he schedules his workday in his garden shed, the ShaShed.

This episode of Focused is sponsored by:

  • Equal Experts: A diverse network of experienced software consultants, specialising in agile delivery

Guest Starring:

Shahid Kamal Ahmad

Links and Show Notes:

Deep Focus: Extended episodes with bonus deep dive content.
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5: Envision a Bonfire Clients: Getting them (by marketing yourself), keeping them, and the dangers and rewards of taking them with you from your previous job. Wed, 21 Sep 2016 15:30:00 GMT http://relay.fm/freeagents/5 http://relay.fm/freeagents/5 Envision a Bonfire 5 David Sparks and Jason Snell clean 1875 Clients: Getting them (by marketing yourself), keeping them, and the dangers and rewards of taking them with you from your previous job.

This episode of Focused is sponsored by:

  • Equal Experts: A diverse network of experienced software consultants, specialising in agile delivery

Links and Show Notes:

Deep Focus: Extended episodes with bonus deep dive content.
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4: Location, Location, Location Deciding where to get your work done can be a difficult challenge for an independent worker. Can you work out of the house? Does renting office space make sense? What about co-working spaces, or that long wooden table at your neighborhood Starbucks? There are a lot of options. Tue, 06 Sep 2016 15:00:00 GMT http://relay.fm/freeagents/4 http://relay.fm/freeagents/4 Location, Location, Location 4 David Sparks and Jason Snell Deciding where to get your work done can be a difficult challenge for an independent worker. Can you work out of the house? Does renting office space make sense? What about co-working spaces, or that long wooden table at your neighborhood Starbucks? Deciding where to get your work done can be a difficult challenge for an independent worker. Can you work out of the house? Does renting office space make sense? What about co-working spaces, or that long wooden table at your neighborhood Starbucks? clean 2357 Deciding where to get your work done can be a difficult challenge for an independent worker. Can you work out of the house? Does renting office space make sense? What about co-working spaces, or that long wooden table at your neighborhood Starbucks? There are a lot of options.

This episode of Focused is sponsored by:

  • Equal Experts: A diverse network of experienced software consultants, specialising in agile delivery

Links and Show Notes:

Deep Focus: Extended episodes with bonus deep dive content.
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3: My Curse and My Reward, with Myke Hurley Myke Hurley, co-founder of Relay FM, discusses transitioning from his bank job to a full-time podcaster, including the inherent contradictions in working a dream job that never lets you take a vacation. Thu, 25 Aug 2016 19:15:00 GMT http://relay.fm/freeagents/3 http://relay.fm/freeagents/3 My Curse and My Reward, with Myke Hurley 3 David Sparks and Jason Snell Myke Hurley, co-founder of Relay FM, discusses transitioning from his bank job to a full-time podcaster, including the inherent contradictions in working a dream job that never lets you take a vacation. Myke Hurley, co-founder of Relay FM, discusses transitioning from his bank job to a full-time podcaster, including the inherent contradictions in working a dream job that never lets you take a vacation. clean 2578 Myke Hurley, co-founder of Relay FM, discusses transitioning from his bank job to a full-time podcaster, including the inherent contradictions in working a dream job that never lets you take a vacation.

Guest Starring:

Myke Hurley

Links and Show Notes:

Deep Focus: Extended episodes with bonus deep dive content.
Analogue 9: My Shoes Are A Bit Dusty
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2: Booked Up With Myself Just because you're independent doesn't mean you don't need a schedule. This episode is about building (and breaking) routines. Tue, 09 Aug 2016 17:00:00 GMT http://relay.fm/freeagents/2 http://relay.fm/freeagents/2 Booked Up With Myself 2 David Sparks and Jason Snell Just because you're independent doesn't mean you don't need a schedule. This episode is about building (and breaking) routines. Just because you're independent doesn't mean you don't need a schedule. This episode is about building (and breaking) routines. clean 1522 Just because you're independent doesn't mean you don't need a schedule. This episode is about building (and breaking) routines.

Links and Show Notes:

Deep Focus: Extended episodes with bonus deep dive content.
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1: The Temptation of Yes In our very first episode, David and Jason discuss narrowing scope and taking on too much work. Tue, 26 Jul 2016 18:30:00 GMT http://relay.fm/freeagents/1 http://relay.fm/freeagents/1 The Temptation of Yes 1 David Sparks and Jason Snell In our very first episode, David and Jason discuss narrowing scope and taking on too much work. In our very first episode, David and Jason discuss narrowing scope and taking on too much work. clean 2143 In our very first episode, David and Jason discuss narrowing scope and taking on too much work.

Links and Show Notes:

Deep Focus: Extended episodes with bonus deep dive content.
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