Time and Attention
Self-Improvement
About
Time and Attention is a podcast that will help you become more intentional and productive. Hosted by Chris Bailey, the author of two productivity books, and Ardyn Nordstrom, a nerdy economist, the show covers topics as diverse as productivity, focus, procrastination, time management, money, happiness, gratitude, and disconnecting. We occasionally also welcome a bestselling author onto the show to talk about a book they wrote.
Episodes
- Something is Brewing…
In this episode of Time and Attention, the host discusses a new direction for the podcast and shares a bittersweet announcement.
- 166: The Happiness Dollar
In this episode of Time and Attention, host Chris Bailey interviews author Ashley Whillans about her book, Time Smart.
- 165: Productive with AI
This episode examines the integration of AI tools like Claude Cowork into knowledge work workflows. It covers the transition from manual execution to directing intelligent systems and applying intention-setting frameworks to increase produ…
- 164: 50 Shades of Goals
In this episode, the hosts discuss four distinct types of goals: outcome, process, learning, and performance goals.
- 163: Intentional (Goal Attainment)
In this episode, the host discusses the science of goal attainment as explored in his new book, Intentional.
- 162: Nobody Cares About Productivity During the Holidays
In this episode, the host reflects on the past year and looks ahead to the upcoming 2026 release of his book, Intentional. The episode concludes with holiday wishes.
- 161: The Intention Stack
In this episode, Chris Bailey discusses the 'Intention Stack,' a core concept from his new book, 'Intentional,' which explores the various timelines of intentionality.
- 160: Success is a Numbers Game
In this episode, host Chris Bailey speaks with Kyle Austin Young about his new book, Success is a Numbers Game.
- 159: Waking Up Early
In this episode, Chris discusses his experiments with waking up at 5:30 a.m. for a month and drinking only water for 30 days. He shares the lessons learned, potential changes for the future, and insights from productivity and health resear…
- 158: Working 90-Hour Weeks
In this episode, Chris discusses the lessons learned from two productivity experiments: working 90-hour weeks for a month and taking a three-hour afternoon siesta for three weeks.
- 157: Being Productive When You Don't Feel Like It
This episode discusses strategies for maintaining productivity when motivation levels are low. The conversation explores why energy and attention levels fluctuate and suggests tactical ways to manage these changes throughout the day.
- 156: Last Call (And a Review)
In this episode, the hosts discuss Chris's new course, including the four included webinars and upcoming signup deadline. Additionally, they provide a brief review of the AirPods Pro 3.
- 155: Values-Based Goals
In this episode, the hosts discuss how to align personal goals with individual values. Key topics include the connection between values and goal attainment, the role of values in procrastination, and strategies for editing or dropping goal…
- 154: Why We Procrastinate
In this episode of Time and Attention, the science of overcoming procrastination is explored. Key topics include the triggers of aversion, the role of impulsiveness and perfectionism, and techniques like aversion journaling.
- 153: Managing Attention
In this episode of Time and Attention, the hosts discuss creating an attentional foundation for focus and provide strategies for daily attention management. The episode also features a preview of Chris Bailey's upcoming book.
- 152: Reel Talk
This episode explores strategies for managing attention, the impact of algorithms on the mind, and the changing nature of our engagement with novelty. The discussion also touches upon the natural rhythms of human attention.
- 151: Distractions
This episode of Time and Attention explores strategies for overcoming distraction, including the four types of distractions, utilizing a distractions list, and using a blocker tool.
- 150: Fake Deadlines
This episode explores the use of fake deadlines, the pros and cons of four-day workweeks, and the effectiveness of managing attention over time.
- 149: Everyday Carry
In this episode of Time and Attention, the hosts discuss the items they carry in their bags to help them be productive while on the go. They detail the specific technology, stationery, and personal accessories they use in their daily lives.
- 148: Fancy Health Stuff
In this episode of Time and Attention, the host shares long-term reviews of the Ozlo Sleepbuds, Apple Watch 10, and Peloton Bike+. The discussion also explores whether high-end health products are necessary.
- 147: Good Productivity
In this episode of Time and Attention, the host explores strategies for managing instant messages and discusses the importance of pursuing productivity for the right reasons. The episode also references articles on AI writing and basic hum…
- 146: Econ Corner 2.0
In this episode, the hosts discuss the economics of productivity, covering topics such as comparative advantage, the use of finite resources, and marginal decision-making. The discussion also references several previous episodes of the pod…
- 145: Inbox Zero Is Dumb
This episode discusses the limitations and potential drawbacks of aiming for "Inbox Zero" with email. It also considers the specific circumstances in which the practice can be useful.
- 144: Bad Productivity Advice
This episode explores strategies for evaluating productivity advice, including how to distinguish between helpful guidance and methods used to procrastinate.
- 143: The End of Year Survey
In this episode of Time and Attention, Chris and Ardyn share a year-end survey to gather listener feedback for future content. They also extend holiday wishes to their audience.
- 142: Smart Home Shenanigans
In this episode of Time and Attention, the hosts discuss their personal smart home setups, including the protocols used and various devices like smart lights, switches, thermostats, and speakers. They also share links to resources regardin…
- 141: Trip Wires
This episode explores the concept of "trip wires," defined as habit interrupts that can help individuals follow through on their goals.
- 140: Tech Setups
In this episode of Time and Attention, the hosts discuss the various tech stacks and gear they use for their daily work. They review specific items, including headphones, backpacks, and docking stations.
- 139: Writing Workflows
In this episode, the hosts discuss their personal writing workflows for various formats, including academic papers and books. They also share recommendations for tools and resources to support the writing process.
- 138: Tactics That Haven’t Stuck
In this episode of Time and Attention, the hosts discuss which habits and tactics from previous episodes they have struggled to maintain.
- 137: Productivity Guilt
In this episode of Time and Attention, Chris Bailey discusses the concept of productivity guilt, exploring its origins and ways to address it.
- 136: Travel Hacks
In this episode, the hosts discuss various strategies for making travel easier, including tips for managing time zones, packing efficiently, and improving the overall travel experience.
- 135: Busyness
This episode of Time and Attention explores the concept of busyness, examining the difference between feeling busy and being truly productive. Topics include how busyness is often worn as a status symbol and the relationship between busywo…
- 134: The News
This episode of Time and Attention explores the impact of news consumption on the mind and provides research-backed tactics for consuming news more deliberately. The hosts discuss their own consumption patterns and the concept of our surfa…
- 133: Learn Anything
In this episode of Time and Attention, host Chris Bailey interviews author Scott Young about his book, Get Better at Anything: 12 Maxims for Mastery, discussing strategies for learning and achieving mastery.
- 132: Meeting Tactics
This episode explores the science of effective meetings, covering topics such as meeting roles, recurring meeting assessment, agenda setting, and reducing Zoom fatigue. The discussion also addresses improving meeting engagement and the val…
- 131: Meetings
In this episode of Time and Attention, the hosts discuss the science of workplace meetings, including the benefits, common frustrations, and the costs associated with them. They also explore the balance between collaborative and focused wo…
- 130: Time Blocking 2.0
In this episode of Time and Attention, the hosts discuss various strategies for time blocking, including the benefits and sustainability of the practice. They explore methods like rolling time blocking, the length of their blocks, and how…
- 129: Slow Productivity
Cal Newport discusses his book 'Slow Productivity', covering themes such as slowing down for better output, engineering simplicity at work, and managing administrative overhead. The episode explores the history and practical application of…
- 128: Social Media
This episode of Time and Attention explores how we interact with social media, discussing issues like novelty bias and stimulation loops. The hosts offer tactics for managing social media use and share personal book recommendations.
- 127: Rising Early
This episode examines the benefits and drawbacks of waking up early, exploring how individual biology and daily constraints influence optimal sleep schedules. The discussion covers natural wakeup times, morning routines, and the impact of…
- 126: All or Something Thinking (Replay)
This episode explores the concept of all-or-nothing thinking, examining how it affects behavior and strategies for overcoming it. The discussion includes the roles of awareness, partial success, and sunk costs in managing this mindset.
- 125: Getting Unstuck
This episode of Time and Attention discusses strategies for maintaining productivity when feeling unmotivated. Topics include managing expectations, understanding procrastination triggers, and methods for overcoming resistance to tasks.
- 124: Home Screens
In this episode, the hosts discuss their phone home screen layouts, debate the effectiveness of their setups, and explore whether focus modes should influence home screen design. The conversation also includes mentions of various apps and…
- 123: Leveraged Productivity
This episode discusses how the nature of productivity is evolving, with a focus on how AI increases leverage by moving work to higher layers of abstraction. The hosts explore strategies for delegating tasks to AI, saving time, and identify…
- 122: The Fake Commute
This episode of Time and Attention explores the concept of a "fake commute," discussing its potential benefits and how commuting habits relate to happiness and daily rituals. The discussion incorporates research on commute times and subjec…
- 121: How To Get A Book Published
This episode of Time and Attention explores the book publishing industry, discussing traditional versus nontraditional paths. The host and guest cover topics including the role of literary agents, crafting query letters, finding an author'…
- 120: Chore Points
This episode of Time and Attention discusses a chore credits system designed to help couples manage household responsibilities. The hosts explore chore-related conflict, methods for splitting tasks, and the benefits of tracking chores.
- 119: Books We’re Reading
In this episode of Time and Attention, the hosts discuss their recent reading lists, ranging from fiction to nonfiction titles. They also rank the books written by Chris Bailey.
- 118: The Fourth Annual Holiday Spectacular (w. gift recs!)
In this episode, the hosts share their favorite productivity-related gift ideas to help save time and improve efficiency. This is the second part of a holiday gift guide series, featuring various stationery, office supplies, and other util…