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.
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David & Mike discuss the difference between task triage and time architecture when designing your week and using rituals to help you transition from one task to the next. This episode of Focused is sponsored by: Vitally : Your Copilot for AI-Powered Customer Success. Get a free pair of AirPods Pro when you book a qualified meeting. Keeper : Get 60% off personal and family plans. Links and Show Notes: Deep Focus: Extended ad-free episodes with bonus deep dive content. Video version of this ep...
In this feedback episode, David and Mike discuss slowing down, complicated second brains, and the minimum viable productivity system. This episode of Focused is sponsored by: Squarespace : Save 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain using code FOCUSED. Links and Show Notes: Deep Focus: Extended ad-free episodes with bonus deep dive content. Video Version of This Episode Focused #254: Battling Burnout Mike's Newsletter on The Amateur Advantage Focused #87: Nerds Like Us, with Myke Hur...
David & Mike discuss the many different flavors of burnout, why productivity nerds are so susceptible, and what you can do to fight back against this insidious foe of focus. This episode of Focused is sponsored by: Vitally : Your Copilot for AI-Powered Customer Success. Get a free pair of AirPods Pro when you book a qualified meeting. Gusto : Payroll, HR, Benefits. Simplified. Get 3 months free. Incogni : Take your personal data back with Incogni! Use code FOCUSED with this link and get 60% ...
Corporate lawyer David Roth joins to talk about the challenges of staying focused in a fast-paced profession where small mistakes can cost millions of dollars. This episode of Focused is sponsored by: Squarespace : Save 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain using code FOCUSED. Guest Starring: David Roth Links and Show Notes: Deep Focus: Extended ad-free episodes with bonus deep dive content. Video for this episode David Roth | Attorney & Technologist Remember The Milk Getting Th...
David has a new Field Guide, and both he & Mike discuss the ways they're using AI to have their robot assistants help with the donkey work. This episode of Focused is sponsored by: Gusto : Payroll, HR, Benefits. Simplified. Get 3 months free. Incogni : Take your personal data back with Incogni! Use code FOCUSED with this link and get 60% off an annual plan. Links and Show Notes: Deep Focus: Extended ad-free episodes with bonus deep dive content. Video for this episode Robot Assistant Field G...
Podcast coach and Streamlined Soloprenuer founder Joe Casabona joins us to talk about building systems, effective delegation, and when to actually automate. This episode of Focused is sponsored by: Squarespace : Save 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain using code FOCUSED. Guest Starring: Joe Casabona Links and Show Notes: Deep Focus: Extended ad-free episodes with bonus deep dive content. Joe's Website Joe Casabona | LinkedIn Focused #249: What if This Were Easy? with Ernie Svenso...
David & Mike discuss how to plan your week and share their own weekly planning workflows. This episode of Focused is sponsored by: Gusto : Payroll, HR, Benefits. Simplified. Get 3 months free. Links and Show Notes: Deep Focus: Extended ad-free episodes with bonus deep dive content. Productivity Field Guide 2026 (Pro Edition) | MacSparky Field Guides The 4 Disciplines of Execution Supernote Nomad Analog Weekly Cards | Ugmonk The End of Burnout by Jonathan Malesic The Peace Of Wild Things by W...
David's personal Yoda is back to talk about curiosity, creativity, and the role of AI in focused work. This episode of Focused is sponsored by: Incogni : Take your personal data back with Incogni! Use code FOCUSED with this link and get 60% off an annual plan. Squarespace : Save 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain using code FOCUSED. Guest Starring: Ernie Svenson Links and Show Notes: Deep Focus: Extended ad-free episodes with bonus deep dive content. Ernie the Attorney Circle | T...
David & Mike discuss the Hero's Journey and how focus can help in your own epic quest. This episode of Focused is sponsored by: Gusto : Payroll, HR, Benefits. Simplified. Get 3 months free. Links and Show Notes: Deep Focus: Extended ad-free episodes with bonus deep dive content. Video version of this episode Productivity Field Guide 2026 (Pro Edition) | MacSparky Field Guides Use coupon code FOCUSEDPFG for 10% off. Die Empty by Todd Henry How many career changes in a lifetime? | The Universi...
Chris Bailey is back to talk about his new book, The Intention Stack, fundamental human values, and why S.M.A.R.T. goals aren't very smart. This episode of Focused is sponsored by: Incogni : Take your personal data back with Incogni! Use code FOCUSED with this link and get 60% off an annual plan. Squarespace : Save 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain using code FOCUSED. Guest Starring: Chris Bailey Links and Show Notes: Deep Focus: Extended ad-free episodes with bonus deep dive co...
David & Mike reflect on everything that happened in 2025 and set their intentions for the new year. This episode of Focused is sponsored by: Incogni : Take your personal data back with Incogni! Use code FOCUSED with this link and get 60% off an annual plan. Gusto : Payroll, HR, Benefits. Simplified. Get 3 months free. Links and Show Notes: Deep Focus: Extended ad-free episodes with bonus deep dive content. Video for this episode The Practical PKM Cohort is Now Open! David's Newsletter Mike's...
Patrick Rhone is back to talk about his love for calendars and why curiosity is essential if you want to become a knower of things. This episode of Focused is sponsored by: Incogni : Take your personal data back with Incogni! Use code FOCUSED with this link and get 60% off an annual plan. Indeed : Join more than 3.5 million businesses worldwide using Indeed to hire great talent fast. Guest Starring: Patrick Rhone Links and Show Notes: Deep Focus: Extended ad-free episodes with bonus deep dive co...
David and Mike discuss listener feedback on productivity tools, philosophical versus tactical approaches, and the value of guest episodes. They delve into common productivity myths, personal struggles with focus and planning, and the challenge of balancing tech enthusiasm with intentional living. The hosts also share their favorite episodes from the past year and insights on maintaining creative momentum and managing work-life balance.
Thom Gibson, founder of Work From Home Dads, shares his personal journey from teaching to remote work, navigating the complexities of balancing a full-time job, side hustle, and raising young children. He highlights the importance of intentional communication with a spouse, using tools like a "Sunday meeting" and a physical family calendar, and adapting productivity systems to prioritize family values and mental well-being over "hustle culture." The discussion also delves into managing "dad guilt," intentional screen time, and the benefits of a reflective journaling practice.
This episode delves into the case for analog tools in a modern, focused workflow. David and Mike share their personal analog evolutions, from childhood experiences to current practices, highlighting how physical methods aid retention, intentionality, and overall productivity. They discuss specific tools, the joy of ritual, and the benefits of a hybrid approach that leverages both analog and digital strengths, emphasizing that the best tool depends on the task and desired outcome.
Freelance business coach Austin L. Church joins us to talk about avoiding burnout and building more sustainable systems. This episode of Focused is sponsored by: Incogni : Take your personal data back with Incogni! Use code FOCUSED with this link and get 60% off an annual plan. Gusto : Payroll, HR, Benefits. Simplified. Get 3 months free. Indeed : Join more than 3.5 million businesses worldwide using Indeed to hire great talent fast. Guest Starring: Austin Church Links and Show Notes: Deep Focus...
David & Mike attempt to end 2025 on a high note by reviewing the last quarter and planning the next one. Also, Mike made a planner. This episode of Focused is sponsored by: Squarespace : Save 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain using code FOCUSED. Incogni : Take your personal data back with Incogni! Use code FOCUSED with this link and get 60% off an annual plan. Gusto : Payroll, HR, Benefits. Simplified. Get 3 months free. HelloFresh : Get 10 Free Meals + a Free Item for Life!...
Cognitive-behavioral psychotherapist & author Donald J. Robertson joins us to talk about ancient philosophy as a tool for focus. This episode of Focused is sponsored by: Incogni : Take your personal data back with Incogni! Use code FOCUSED with this link and get 60% off an annual plan. 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. 1Password : Discover SaaS applications,...
David & Mike catch up on listener feedback, including how to say no more often, deep vs. shallow work, and when to abandon a focus area. Also, David made an app?!? This episode of Focused is sponsored by: Nexos.ai : All-in-one AI platform for enterprises. Get a 14 day free trial now. Squarespace : Save 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain using code FOCUSED. Incogni : Take your personal data back with Incogni! Use code FOCUSED with this link and get 60% off an annual plan. Hell...
Max Roberts is a podcaster, video editor, and technical writer who joins us to talk about using AI in the writing process, video games, and the importance of staying curious. This episode of Focused is sponsored by: Incogni : Take your personal data back with Incogni! Use code FOCUSED with this link and get 60% off an annual plan. 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 fas...
David & Mike talk about focus traps, consider the ones they tend to fall into, and discuss how to create systems to help avoid them. This episode of Focused is sponsored by: Squarespace : Save 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain using code FOCUSED. Incogni : Take your personal data back with Incogni! Use code FOCUSED with this link and get 60% off an annual plan. HelloFresh : Get 10 Free Meals + a Free Item for Life! Links and Show Notes: Deep Focus: Extended ad-free episodes ...
Freelance WordPress developer and spiritual director John Chandler joins us to talk about the pursuit of practical wisdom and being intentional about being intentional. 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. Guest Starring: John Chandler Links and Show Notes: Deep Focus: Extended ad-free episodes with bonus deep dive content. ...
Mike Schmitz and David Sparks delve into "intentional friction," questioning the modern obsession with optimizing for speed in productivity. They illustrate how introducing friction, such as using analog tools for daily planning and journaling, or deeply engaging with learning material, can lead to greater clarity, focus, and higher quality output. The discussion also covers when friction is detrimental, like during idea capture or overcoming procrastination, and how to critically approach AI tools to preserve the valuable human thinking process.
Kara Monroe joins us to talk about creative problem solving, the power of coaching, and why you should have a Facts of Life book. This episode of Focused is sponsored by: Incogni : Take your personal data back with Incogni! Use code FOCUSED with this link and get 60% off an annual plan. Guest Starring: Kara Monroe Links and Show Notes: I Wanna Be Me When I Grow Up The Library Community Kara's Facts of Life Book course Bookworm podcast The Confident Mind by Nate Zinser Ultralearning by Scott Youn...
Derek Sivers joins us to talk about personal agency, idea ownership, saying no, and (of course) journaling. This episode of Focused is sponsored by: Incogni : Take your personal data back with Incogni! Use code FOCUSED with this link and get 60% off an annual plan. Indeed : Join more than 3.5 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: Derek Sivers Links and Show Notes: Deep Focus: E...
In this feedback episode, David & Mike tackle listener questions about their use of AI, reset rituals, quitting books, and a variety of other focus-related topics. This episode of Focused is sponsored by: Squarespace : Save 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain using code FOCUSED. TRMNL : Clarity, at a glance. Get $15 off for 1 week only. Incogni : Take your personal data back with Incogni! Use code FOCUSED with this link and get 60% off an annual plan. Links and Show Notes: Dee...
Journaling Guide Joe Moyer joins us to talk getting started with journaling, navigating major life transitions, and the power of a regular reflection practice. This episode of Focused is sponsored by: Indeed : Join more than 3.5 million businesses worldwide using Indeed to hire great talent fast. Zocdoc : Find the right doctor, right now with Zocdoc. Sign up for free. Incogni : Take your personal data back with Incogni! Use code FOCUSED with this link and get 60% off an annual plan. Guest Starri...
David & Mike revisit some old workflows (time blocking, weekly review, reading, and writing) and talk about what's changed. This episode of Focused is sponsored by: Squarespace : Save 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain using code FOCUSED. Incogni : Take your personal data back with Incogni! Use code FOCUSED with this link and get 60% off an annual plan. Links and Show Notes: Deep Focus: Extended ad-free episodes with bonus deep dive content. Mike's Practical PKM Hybrid Cohort...
Author Paul Loomans joins us to talk about time surfing, a zen approach to keeping time on your side. This episode of Focused is sponsored by: Indeed : Join more than 3.5 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: Paul Loomans Links and Show Notes: Deep Focus: Extended ad-free episodes with bonus deep dive content. Timesurfing | The zen approach to keeping time on your side I've Got...
David & Mike discuss their quarterly planning processes and share their intentions for the next quarter. This episode of Focused is sponsored by: Squarespace : Save 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain using code FOCUSED. Links and Show Notes: Deep Focus: Extended ad-free episodes with bonus deep dive content. The Focused Calendar How to Do a Personal Retreat in Obsidian Webinar Replay Postcard Cabins Whisper Memos The Library | A private PKM community for curious sensmakers Th...
