Each week we choose three pieces from the magazine, and ask their writers to read them aloud.
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Hosted by productivity strategist Mike Vardy, A Productive Conversation is a podcast that discusses tips, tools, tactics, and tricks that are designed to help you take your productivity, time management, goals, to do lists, habits, and workflow to new heights - both at work and at home. If you're looking to focus your efforts on getting the right things done and start living the good life, then this weekly conversational podcast – crafted in the tradition of Slate's Working, Back to Work, an ...
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Laura Thomae Young is a writer, workshop leader, and international speaker with more than twenty years of experience working with teens, young adults, and women. The idea for the “Adulting Like a Boss” website, book, and podcast came after her return from living abroad for more than a decade. Upon acclimating back to life in the States, she came across more and more friends in the upcoming generation who lacked confidence in tackling adult situations, both big and small. Her passion for teac ...
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Listen as Mimi talks with storytellers, therapists, activists, humans about complex, relational trauma, naming intrusive thoughts that nobody wants to say out loud, bringing education + awareness to various mental health conditions, what it means for our bodies to be our homes and how to come home to ourselves, + more. As both a therapy-goer and therapist myself, I love relationships and stories, fostering nuanced conversations and delving deep. TLBP is all about exploring, inviting us to na ...
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Katy Balls, Gavin Mortimer, Sean Thomas, Robert Colvile and Melissa Kite
30:47
30:47
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On this week’s Spectator Out Loud: Katy Balls reflects on the UK general election campaign and wonders how bad things could get for the Tories (1:02); Gavin Mortimer argues that France’s own election is between the ‘somewheres’ and the ‘anywheres’ (7:00); Sean Thomas searches for authentic travel in Colombia (13:16); after reviewing the books Great…
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FROM THE VAULT: Corey Poirier Talks About Finding Your Passion and Overcoming Public Speaking Fears
56:44
56:44
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In this episode of the podcast, I'm joined by Corey Poirier, a renowned speaker and author for a special double episode. We discuss the inspiration behind writing a parable-style book (like his book "The Enlightened Passenger", the importance of passion in one's work, and the unique challenges of stand-up comedy. Corey shares his journey of discove…
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Matt Ridley, William Cook, Owen Matthews and Agnes Poirier
28:05
28:05
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28:05
On this week’s Spectator Out Loud: Matt Ridley argues that whoever you vote for, the blob wins (1:02); William Cook reads his Euros notebook from Germany (12:35); Owen Matthews reports on President Zelensky’s peace summit (16:21); and, reviewing Michael Peel’s new book ‘What everyone knows about Britain’, Agnes Poirier ponders if only Britain knew …
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Laura Mae Martin Talks About Personalized Productivity Systems and Well-being
47:50
47:50
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In this episode of A Productive Conversation, I sit down with Google’s productivity expert, Laura Mae Martin, to explore the nuances of personal and business productivity. With thirteen years at Google under her belt, Laura has experience in sales, product operations, event planning, and executive coaching. During our conversation, Laura shares her…
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Natasha Feroze, Robert Ades, Lucasta Miller, Sam McPhail, Toby Young and Catriona Olding
37:43
37:43
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On this week’s Spectator Out Loud: Natasha Feroze reports on the return of ex-Labour MP Keith Vaz (1:10); Robert Ades presents the case against sociology A-level (7:39); Lucasta Miller reviews Katherine Bucknell’s book, Christopher Isherwood Inside Out (15:24); Sam McPhail provides his notes on the lager Madri (23:16); Toby Young explains why he wi…
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Welcome to the latest episode of PM Talks, our monthly series on A Productive Conversation where I engage in thought-provoking conversations with my good friend Patrick Rhone. This time around we dive deep into our unique approaches to writing, balancing productivity, and embracing creative freedom. Patrick and I share our experiences with writer's…
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Max Jeffery, Melanie McDonagh, Matthew Parris, Iain MacGregor and Petronella Wyatt
28:05
28:05
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On this week’s Spectator Out Loud: Max Jeffery reports on the rise of luxury watch thefts in London (1:18); Melanie McDonagh discusses the collapse of religion in Scotland (5:51); reflecting on the longevity of Diane Abbott and what her selection row means for Labour, Matthew Parris argues that shrewd plans need faultless execution (10:44); Iain Ma…
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Scott Rusnak Talks About Integrating EOS for Maximum Impact
32:19
32:19
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In this episode, I sit down with Scott Rusnak to explore the powerful integration of the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS) into both personal and professional lives. Scott and I talk about the importance of prioritizing and designing one's life intentionally, providing actionable insights and tools for personal growth and maximum impact. We al…
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Peter Parker, Wayne Hunt, Nicholas Lezard, Mark Mason and Nicholas Farrell
32:44
32:44
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On this week’s Spectator Out Loud: Peter Parker takes us through the history of guardsmen and homosexuality (1:12); Prof. Wayne Hunt explains what the Conservatives could learn from the 1993 Canadian election (9:10); Nicholas Lezard reflects on the diaries of Franz Kafka, on the eve of his centenary (16:06); Mark Mason provides his notes on Horse G…
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Scott H. Young Talks About Getting Better at Anything
1:07:10
1:07:10
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In this captivating episode of the podcast, I sit down with the renowned author and self-directed learning enthusiast, Scott H. Young, to dive into the intricacies of mastering new skills and the science of learning. Scott, known for his groundbreaking work on rapid skill acquisition, shares his unique insights into writing, learning, and the criti…
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Quentin Letts, Owen Matthews, Michael Hann, Laura Gascoigne, and Michael Simmons
30:08
30:08
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On this week’s Spectator Out Loud: Quentin Letts takes us through his diary for the week (1:12); Owen Matthews details the shadow fleet helping Russia to evade sanctions (7:15); Michael Hann reports on the country music revival (15:05); Laura Gascoigne reviews exhibitions at the Tate Britain and at Studio Voltaire (21:20); and, Michael Simmons prov…
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John Diggs Talks About Unlocking Potential with Mind Mapping
46:14
46:14
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Welcome to this episode where we dive deep into the world of mind mapping with John Diggs, a former NFL player turned coach – but not a coach of the football variety. John brings a unique perspective on how mind mapping has not only transformed his personal life but also how he coaches others to achieve their fullest potential. We explore the broad…
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Max Jeffery, David Shipley, Patrick Kidd, Cindy Yu, and Hugh Thomson
32:50
32:50
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On this week’s Spectator Out Loud: Max Jeffery interviews Afghan resistance leader Ahmad Massoud (1:13); former prisoner David Shipley ponders the power of restorative justice (8:23); Patrick Kidd argues that the Church should do more to encourage volunteers (14:15); Cindy Yu asks if the tiger mother is an endangered species (21:06); and, Hugh Thom…
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Steven Bertrand Talks About Overcoming Challenges and Embracing Meditation
47:32
47:32
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In this episode, I'm joined by Steven Bertrand, who shares his inspiring transition from blogging and web design to becoming a public speaker and a meditation advocate. In this episode, we explore how Steven has overcome significant personal challenges and how meditation has played a pivotal role in his life From tackling physical disabilities to c…
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Slavoj Zizek, Angus Colwell, Svitlana Morenets, Cindy Yu, and Philip Hensher
32:09
32:09
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On this week’s Spectator Out Loud: Philosopher Slavoj Zizek takes us through his diary including his Britney Spears Theory of Action (1:08); Angus Colwell reports from the front line of the pro-Palestinian student protests (8:09); Svitlana Morenets provides an update on what’s going on in Georgia, where tensions between pro-EU and pro-Russian facti…
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PM Talks S1E5: What Do You Want From Us?
1:06:21
1:06:21
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In this latest installment of our monthly series PM Talks, I had the pleasure of chatting with my good friend Patrick Rhone about the vast theme of choices and how they weave through our personal and professional lives. This episode delves into everything from the cultural impact of wrestling to the profound topics of longevity, mortality, and the …
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Sean Thomas, Kara Kennedy, Philip Hensher, Damian Thompson and Toby Young
34:34
34:34
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On this week’s Spectator Out Loud: Sean Thomas worries that Paris has lost some of its charm (1:21); Kara Kennedy reports on US-style opioids arriving in Britain (8:43); Philip Hensher describes how an affair which ruined one woman would be the making of another (15:32); Damian Thompson reflects on his sobriety and his battle with British chemists …
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Mat Ellis Talks About Balancing Productivity and Personal Connection with AI
43:33
43:33
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In this engaging episode of the podcast, I sit down with Mat Ellis, a pioneer in the productivity software arena, to explore how modern tools like AI can enhance both our work efficiency and our personal lives. We delve into the evolution of productivity platforms, particularly Mat's work with Sixty, and discuss the significant impact of these tool…
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Douglas Murray, Lionel Shriver, Mark Mason and Graeme Thomson
28:19
28:19
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On this week’s Spectator Out Loud: reporting from St Helena, Douglas Murray reflects on the inhabitants he has met and the history of the British Overseas Territory (1:12); Lionel Shriver opines on the debate around transgender care (9:08); following a boyhood dream to visit the country to watch cricket, Mark Mason reads his letter from India as he…
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FROM THE VAULT: Thomas Frank Talks About Elevating Creativity in Productivity
1:01:43
1:01:43
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In this episode, originally broadcast in April 2020, I'm joined by Thomas Frank, a prominent content creator who has significantly influenced the YouTube and productivity community. Thomas opens up about his journey into video creation, sharing the nuances of his creative process and how he has successfully integrated his personal interests with pr…
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Svitlana Morenets, Mary Wakefield, Max Jeffery, Sam Leith and Richard Bratby
34:26
34:26
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On this week’s Spectator Out Loud: In light of the help Israel received, Svitlana Morenets issues a challenge to the West to help Ukraine (1:15); Mary Wakefield questions the slow response to the Ministry of Defence being daubed in paint (7:33); Max Jeffery discusses the aims and tactics of the group responsible for the protest, Youth Demand (13:25…
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Dr. Dale Whelehan Talks About Revolutionizing Work with a Four-Day Week
35:59
35:59
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In an enlightening conversation with Dr. Dale Whelehan, CEO of Four Day Week Global, we dive into the evolving landscape of work and the compelling argument for a four-day workweek. This discussion unfolds organically, touching on the profound benefits that a shortened workweek can offer not just to individual productivity and well-being but also t…
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Matthew Parris, Laurie Graham, Rachel Johnson, Laura Gascoigne and Angus Colwell
32:21
32:21
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This week: Matthew Parris questions what's left to say about the Tories (00:57), Laurie Graham discusses her struggle to see a GP (07:35), Rachel Johnson makes the case against women only clubs (13:38), Laura Gascoigne tells us the truth about Caravaggio's last painting (19:21) and Angus Colwell reads his notes on wild garlic (28:58). Produced by O…
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In this month's installment of our PM Talks series, Patrick Rhone and yours truly (Mike Vardy) dissect the multifaceted concepts of failure, choice, and the consequent growth that can emerge from these experiences. Through a series of engaging stories and personal reflections, we delve into how our perceptions of failure and the choices we make in …
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James Heale, Madeleine Teahan, Tanya Gold and William Moore
22:49
22:49
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On this week’s Spectator Out Loud: James Heale suggests that the London mayoral race could be closer than we think (1:02); Madeleine Teahan argues that babies with down’s syndrome have a right to be born (6:15); Tanya Gold reports from Jerusalem as Israel’s war enters its seventh month (12:32); and William Moore reveals what he has in common with K…
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Derin "DMac" McMains Talks About Talks About Transitioning from Sports to Mental Performance Coaching
38:12
38:12
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In this episode I sit down with Derin McMains, affectionately known as DMac, a former professional baseball player turned mental performance coach. DMac shares the journey behind his nickname and how it has followed him from high school baseball to the major leagues. Our conversation delves into the critical transition from sports to life after, hi…
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Sophie Winkleman, Svitlana Morenets, Candida Crewe and Ysenda Maxtone Graham
27:59
27:59
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27:59
This week: Sophie Winkleman tells us why she's fighting to ban smartphones for children (01:01), Svitlana Morenets details how Ukraine plans to revive its birthrate (05:52), Candida Crewe laments the blight that is UHT milk (12:41), and Ysenda Maxtone Graham mourns the loss of the St John's Voices choir (22:43).…
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FROM THE VAULT: Ian Morgan Cron Talks About Enneagram Self-Discovery
41:39
41:39
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In this episode of the podcast, we delve deep into the realms of self-discovery and personal growth with the insightful Ian Morgan Cron, a renowned author and Enneagram expert. Our conversation, originally released in March 2022, revolves around Ian's book, "The Story of You," which introduces a fresh perspective on understanding our personalities …
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Richard Madeley, Kate Andrews, Lloyd Evans, Sam McPhail and Graeme Thomson
35:02
35:02
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This week: Richard Madeley reads his diary (01:06), Kate Andrews describes how Kate-gate gripped America (06:18), Lloyd Evans warns against meddling with Shakespeare (11:38), Sam McPhail details how Cruyff changed modern football (18:17), and Graeme Thomson reads his interview with Roxy Music's Phil Manzanera (25:23). Produced and presented by Osca…
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Lindsey Roy Talks About Overcoming Adversity with Perspective
39:24
39:24
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In this inspiring episode, I sit down with Lindsey Roy, who shares her incredible journey of overcoming adversity through a profound change in perspective. Lindsey's story of losing a leg and both lungs is nothing short of remarkable, and her insights into harnessing personal tragedy to cultivate wisdom and a new outlook on life are both enlighteni…
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William Moore, Sean Thomas, Matt Ridley, Lionel Shriver and Kate Andrews
41:03
41:03
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On this week’s Spectator Out Loud: William Moore questions if the Church of England is about the apologise for Christianity (1:19); Sean Thomas recounts his experience taking ayahuasca in Colombia (8:13); Matt Ridley argues that private landowners make better conservationists (16:40); Lionel Shriver warns against pathological niceness in the debate…
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Welcome to the latest episode of our monthly series, PM Talks, where we delve deep into the nuances of productivity, creativity, and the art of living a thoughtful life. In this episode, Patrick and I have taken an explorative dive into the realms of language evolution, the essence of creativity, and the significance of nuance in our fast-paced wor…
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Mary Wakefield, Hannah Tomes and Cosmo Landesman
17:15
17:15
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On this episode of Spectator Out Loud, Mary Wakefield has a solution to smartphone addition (00:28), Hannah Tomes reviews the latest production of King Lear (07:27) and Cosmo Landesman gets high (11:13).By Spectator Out Loud
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Chris Knudsen Talks About Unconventional Business Wisdom
46:07
46:07
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In this episode, I had the pleasure of sitting down with Chris Knudsen, author of the non-traditional business book, "Trust Me, I'm a Consultant." Chris shared insights into the unconventional approach to writing a business book, reflecting on his extensive experience in the corporate world and his successful transition to self-employment. We delve…
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