Focused
Self-Improvement
About
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.
Episodes
- 255: Get Your Machete Out
In episode 255, titled "Get Your Machete Out," David and Mike discuss slowing down, the concept of 'second brains,' and minimum viable productivity systems. This episode is part of the Focused podcast.
- 254: Battling Burnout
On this episode of Focused, David and Mike explore different forms of burnout, particularly why individuals focused on productivity are prone to it, and offer advice on how to resist burnout.
- 253: Finding Focus in the Midst of Chaos, with David Roth
In this episode of Focused, corporate lawyer David Roth shares insights on the difficulties of staying focused within a high-pressure career. He addresses the challenges inherent in a fast-paced professional environment where even minor mi…
- 252: Donkey Work
In episode 252 of Focused, titled "Donkey Work," David and Mike explore how they utilize AI to have their robot assistants manage tedious tasks. The discussion touches upon David's new Field Guide related to this topic.
- 251: Not Throwing Away My Shot, with Joe Casabona
Joe Casabona, founder of Streamlined Soloprenuer, joins Focused to discuss building systems, delegation, and automation. The episode is sponsored by Squarespace.
- 250: Planning Your Week
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-…
- 249: What if This Were Easy? with Ernie Svenson
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…
- 248: Seriously, A Heroic Journey
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-fre…
- 247: Getting Intentional, with Chris Bailey
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 c…
- 246: A Cleansing Palette of Joy
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% o…
- 245: Fashionable & Functional, with Patrick Rhone
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 FOCU…
- 244: You're Holding It Wrong
In episode 244 of Focused, hosts David and Mike discuss listener feedback, common productivity myths, and difficulties with focus. They also reflect on their favorite episodes from the last year. The episode includes sponsorships from Squa…
- 243: The Single Source of Truth is On the Fridge, with Thom Gibson
Social Media Content Specialist Thom Gibson joins the Focused podcast to discuss Sunday meetings, journaling, and the challenges of working from home. The episode also touches on various resources and tools related to focus and productivit…
- 242: The Case for Analog
In episode 242 of Focused, David and Mike explore the value of analog tools in their work processes. They share specific analog tools they recommend, and mention sponsors Squarespace and Gusto.
- 241: Less But Better, with Austin L. Church
Freelance business coach Austin L. Church appeared on the Focused podcast to discuss strategies for avoiding burnout and establishing more sustainable business systems. The episode mentions several books and resources.
- 240: Q4 Planning
In episode 240 of Focused, David and Mike review the final quarter of 2025 and plan for the upcoming quarter. Mike also created a personal planner, which is mentioned.
- 239: How to Focus Like a Roman Emperor, with Donald J. Robertson
Donald Robertson, a cognitive-behavioral psychotherapist and author, appeared on the podcast Focused to discuss how ancient philosophy can be used as a tool for improving focus. The episode mentions several of Robertson's books and related…
- 238: Knitting Our Parachutes
In episode 238 of Focused, David and Mike address listener feedback concerning the ability to decline requests, the concepts of deep and shallow work, and the decision-making process for discontinuing a focus area. David also mentions the…
- 237: Everything is Figureoutable, with Max Roberts
Max Roberts, a podcaster and technical writer, joins Focused to discuss the application of AI in the writing process, his interest in video games, and the value of maintaining curiosity. The conversation touches on various tools and resour…
- 236: Focus Traps
In episode 236,
- 235: Practical Wisdom for Mindful Living, with John Chandler
Freelance WordPress developer and spiritual director John Chandler discusses the pursuit of practical wisdom and being intentional about being intentional on the Focused podcast.
- 234: Intentional Friction
In episode 234 of Focused, hosts David and Mike discuss the importance of intentional friction within focused workflows. They share personal insights on where they choose to implement this concept.
- 233: I Wanna Be Me When I Grow Up, with Kara Monroe
Kara Monroe joins Focused to discuss creative problem solving, the impact of coaching, and the importance of a "Facts of Life" book. The episode also touches upon various recommended resources and books.
- 232: Useful Not True, with Derek Sivers
Derek Sivers joins Focused to discuss personal agency, idea ownership, saying no, and journaling. The episode also mentions several of Sivers's books and projects, including "Hell Yeah or No" and "Anything You Want."
- 231: Overwhelm, AI, and Life's Balancing Acts
In this feedback episode of Focused, David and Mike address listener inquiries regarding their utilization of AI, the implementation of reset rituals, the practice of discontinuing books, and other subjects pertaining to maintaining focus.…
- 230: Journaling & Intention, with Joe Moyer
Joe Moyer, a journaling guide, appeared on the Focused podcast to discuss how to begin journaling, manage significant life changes, and the advantages of a consistent reflection routine. The episode also mentions sponsors and provides link…
- 229: Workflow Check-In
David and Mike revisit workflows like time blocking, weekly review, reading, and writing, discussing what has changed since they last covered them. This episode is sponsored by Squarespace and Incogni.
- 228: Time Surfing, with Paul Loomans
Paul Loomans, author of 'I've Got Time,' joins Focused to discuss time surfing, described as a zen approach to keeping time on your side. The episode is sponsored by Indeed and Zocdoc.
- 227: Quarterly Planning
David and Mike discuss their quarterly planning processes and share their intentions for the next quarter. This episode of Focused covers planning and goal setting.
- 226: The Importance of Review
In episode 226 of Focused, David and Mike explore the significance of review and reflection within a productivity system. The episode mentions resources like "Deep Focus," "The 12 Week Year," and various productivity tools.
- 225: Tiny Experiments, with Anne-Laure Le Cunff
Anne-Laure Le Cunff joins the podcast to discuss the value of tiny experiments and how they contribute to a more focused and intentional life.
- 224: Chasing Valuable Rabbits, with Chenell Basilio
Chenell Basilio joins the Focused podcast to discuss cultivating curiosity, finding one's people, and avoiding burnout. The episode mentions Chenell's craft and related podcasts.
- 223: Solving the Actual Problem, with Ian Byrd
Ian Byrd rejoins the Focused podcast to discuss flexibility, focus traps, and finding balance. Information on related resources such as Byrdseed TV, Wacom Tablets, and Notability is mentioned.
- 222: The 2025 Productivity Field Guide
In episode 222 of Focused, David reviews the Productivity Field Guide
- 221: A Focus on Creativity
In episode 221 of Focused, David and Mike explore the relationship between productivity and creativity, the importance of focus in the creative process, and share details about their individual systems for creativity.
- 220: 2024 Retrospective
In episode 220, David and Mike review the successes and failures of 2024, and outline their goals for the upcoming year 2025. The episode is sponsored by Zocdoc.
- 219: A Focused Smorgasbord
In episode 219, David and Mike address listener feedback covering topics such as AI, reading workflows, anxious parenting, and the definition of a sabbatical.
- 218: Turning Down the Volume, with Stephen Hackett
Stephen Hackett joins Focused to share insights from his recent sabbatical. The episode covers what he learned from taking an extended break.
- 217: The Anxious Generation
In episode 217 of Focused, hosts David and Mike discuss the hidden costs of prioritizing the virtual world over the real world and explore ways to fight for focus in an age of distraction.
- 216: Wholehearted Transformation, with Amy Wicks
Amy Wicks, a business and life coach, joins the Focused podcast to discuss the Enneagram personality assessment and the importance of presenting one's true self. The episode is sponsored by Squarespace and Indeed.
- 215: The Sparky Language Model
In episode 215 of Focused, hosts David and Mike explore recent developments in AI and how it can support a focused lifestyle. The episode is supported by sponsors Zocdoc, ExpressVPN, and Indeed.
- 214: Solving Gnarly Problems, with Clarke Ching
This episode of Focused features Clarke Ching, "The Bottleneck Guy," who joins the show to discuss strategies for solving difficult problems and improving systems, applicable to both personal and professional contexts.
- 213: Developing Skills
In episode 213 of Focused, hosts David and Mike explore deliberate practice and the process of skill development for both personal enjoyment and professional gain. The episode mentions sponsors Zocdoc, Vitally, and ExpressVPN, and includes…
- 212: Living the Llama Life, with Marie Ng
Marie Ng, founder of Llama Life, joins the podcast to discuss time-boxing, the importance of systems, and productivity. The episode mentions sponsors Squarespace and Vitally.
- 211: The Focus MOB
In episode 211 of Focused, hosts David and Mike explore the concepts of Margin, Ownership, and Boundaries as essential elements for living a focused life. The discussion draws upon various resources and mentions several relevant books.
- 210: Media Strategies for a Focused Life
In episode 210, hosts David and Mike explore intentional media consumption. The discussion references various books, including Deep Focus, Hidden Genius, The Alchemist, and Dune.
- 209: A System for Writing, with Bob Doto
Bob Doto discusses creative systems and connecting ideas on the Focused podcast. The conversation highlights the importance of zettelkasten and related resources for writers.
- 208: Moving the Needle Revisited
In this episode of Focused, David and Mike revisit the topic of moving the needle. They discuss what strategies are currently working and what changes have occurred in this area.
- 207: What Would Sparky Say?
In episode 207, David and Mike review listener feedback concerning scheduling, journaling, delegation, and slow productivity.
- 206: Rapt
In episode 206, titled Rapt, hosts David and Mike delve into Winifred Gallagher's book to discuss methods for protecting one's attention and cultivating a focused existence. The discussion references other works on focus and deep living.