Focused
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.
Personal Defaults
David & Mike discuss protecting your capacity, honoring your chronotype, and changing your personal defaults.
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. 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 version of this episode
Intentional AI
Robot Assistant Field Guide
<...I Go By Vibes, with Stephen Robles
Stephen Robles joins us to talk about reading, intentional technology use, directing AI, and the golden era of the generalist.
This episode of Focused is sponsored by:
Keeper: Get 60% off personal and family plans. Squarespace: Save 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain using code FOCUSED.Guest Starring:
Stephen Robles
Links and Show Notes:
Deep Focus: Extended ad-free episodes with bonus deep dive content.
Focused 257 on YouTube
Stephen's website
Riverside.fm
Stephen's YouTube channel
Treo 755p | Wikipedia<...
Calendar Modes & Transitions Rituals
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 episode
Focused #250: Planning Your Week
Don't Plan...
Get Your Machete Out
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 Hurley
The Pen Addict
Obsidian
...
Battling Burnout
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% off an annual plan.Links and Show Notes:
Deep Focus: Extended ad-free episodes...
Finding Focus in the Midst of Chaos, with David Roth
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 Things Done®
OmniFocus
Donkey Work
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 Guide | MacSparky Field Guides
Save 10...
Not Throwing Away My Shot, with Joe Casabona
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 Svenson
Toggl
Focus app | App St...
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-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 Wendell Berry
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% 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 | The complete community platform<...
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-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 University of Queensland
Hero's...
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 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 content.
Focused...
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% 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 Newsletter
Building a Master...
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 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 content.
YouTube video for...
You're Holding It Wrong
David & Mike catch up on listener feedback and discuss productivity myths, focus struggles, and their favorite episodes from the last year.
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.
Video for this episode
Focused YouTube channel
Give the Gift of...
The Single Source of Truth is On the Fridge, with Thom Gibson
Social Media Content Specialist Thom Gibson joins us to talk about Sunday meetings, journaling in broad strokes, and the struggles that come with working from home.
This episode of Focused is sponsored by:
Indeed: Join more than 3.5 million businesses worldwide using Indeed to hire great talent fast.Guest Starring:
Thom Gibson
Links and Show Notes:
Deep Focus: Extended ad-free episodes with bonus deep dive content.
Work-From-Home Dads
Kolbe A™ Index
Takes Two
Hunt, Gather, Parent by Michaeleen Doucleff
Hyperfocus by...
The Case for Analog
David & Mike revisit the role of analog in their focused workflows and share some of their favorite analog tools.
This episode of Focused is sponsored by:
Squarespace: Save 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain using code FOCUSED. Gusto: Payroll, HR, Benefits. Simplified. Get 3 months free.Links and Show Notes:
Deep Focus: Extended ad-free episodes with bonus deep dive content.
Apple Productivity Suite Field Guide (Expert)
Apple Productivity Suite Field Guide (Essentials)
The Pen Is Mightier Than the Keyboard | Pam A. Mueller, Daniel M. Oppenheimer, 2014<...
Less But Better, with Austin L. Church
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: Extended ad-free episodes with bonus deep dive content.
The 2026 Focused...
Q4 Planning
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!Links and Show Notes:
Deep Focus: Extended ad-free episodes with bonus...
How to Focus Like a Roman Emperor, with Donald J. Robertson
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, automate lifecycle management, and optimize SaaS spend.Guest Starring:
Donald Robertson
Links and Show Notes:<...
Knitting Our Parachutes
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. HelloFresh: Get 10 Free Meals + a Free Item for Life!Links and...
Everything is Figureoutable, with Max Roberts
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 fast. 1Password: Discover SaaS applications, automate lifecycle management, and optimize SaaS spend....
Focus Traps
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 with bonus deep dive content.
Tot
...
Practical Wisdom for Mindful Living, with John Chandler
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.
John's website
John's YouTube Channel
Macstock Conference...
Intentional Friction
David & Mike discuss the role of friction and where they choose to add it into their own focused workflows.
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.
David's Whiteboard
Focused #228: Time Surfing, with Paul Loomans
Field Notes | Memo Books, Notebooks...
I Wanna Be Me When I Grow Up, with Kara Monroe
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...
Useful Not True, with Derek Sivers
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: Extended episodes with bonus deep dive content.
<...Overwhelm, AI, and Life's Balancing Acts
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:
Deep Focus: Extended episodes with bonus deep dive content.
On Teachers...
Journaling & Intention, with Joe Moyer
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 Starring:
Joe Moyer
Links and Show Notes:
Deep Focus: Extended...
Workflow Check-In
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
David's newsletter
Focused #228: Time Surfing, with Paul Loomans
<...Time Surfing, with Paul Loomans
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 Time by...
Quarterly Planning
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
The People Note: The Key...
The Importance of Review
David & Mike discuss the power of review and reflection in your focused productivity system.
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.Links and Show Notes:
Deep Focus: Extended ad-free episodes with bonus deep dive content.
MacSparky Productivity Field Guide 2025 (Plus Edition)
The 12 Week Year by Brian Moran and Michael Lennington
Mike's Personal Retreat Handbook
Focused #225: Tiny Experiments, with...
Tiny Experiments, with Anne-Laure Le Cunff
Anne-Laure Le Cunff joins us to talk about the value of tiny experiments and how they enable us to live more focused, intentional lives.
This episode of Focused is sponsored by:
Squarespace: Save 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain using code FOCUSED. Cleft: Capture and Share Notes With Cleft's AI Scribe.Guest Starring:
Anne-Laure Le Cunff
Links and Show Notes:
Deep Focus: Extended ad-free episodes with bonus deep dive content.
Tiny Experiments by Anne-Laure Le Cunff
Ness Labs Newsletter
Liminal...
Chasing Valuable Rabbits, with Chenell Basilio
Chenell Basilio joins us to talk about cultivating curiosity, finding your people, and avoiding burnout.
This episode of Focused is sponsored by:
Indeed: Join more than 3.5 million businesses worldwide using Indeed to hire great talent fast. Cleft: Capture and Share Notes With Cleft's AI Scribe. Zocdoc: Find the right doctor, right now with Zocdoc. Sign up for free.Guest Starring:
Chenell Basilio
Links and Show Notes:
Deep Focus: Extended ad-free episodes with bonus deep dive content.
Chenell's Craft + Commerce Talk
Growth in Reverse
...
Solving the Actual Problem, with Ian Byrd
Ian Byrd is back to talk about flexibility, focus traps, and finding balance.
This episode of Focused is sponsored by:
Squarespace: Save 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain using code FOCUSED.Guest Starring:
Ian Byrd
Links and Show Notes:
Deep Focus: Extended ad-free episodes with bonus deep dive content.
Byrdseed TV | Taking work off of teachers' plates.
Byrdseed | Lessons that get kids’ brains sweating.
Wacom Tablets
Notability
Goodnotes | Notes Reimagined
ROOM | Soundproof Office Phone Bo...
The 2025 Productivity Field Guide
David reflects on a year of teaching the Productivity Field Guide, talks about what's new and what's changed, and Mike shares the details of his interesting twist to time-blocking.
This episode of Focused is sponsored by:
Jelly: A better way to share an inbox. Get 15% off your first year. 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.
Productivity Field Guide 2025 (Standard Edition)
Use coupon code PFG10 to get 10% off.<...
A Focus on Creativity
David & Mike consider the relationship between productivity & creativity, how focus plays a role in the creative process, and the details of their own creativity systems.
This episode of Focused is sponsored by:
Squarespace: Save 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain using code FOCUSED. 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.
Mike's Practical PKM Cohort
Steal Like an Artist by Austin Kleon
Everything is a...
2024 Retrospective
David & Mike reflect on the things that worked (and the things that didn't) in 2024 and set their intentions for 2025.
This episode of Focused is sponsored by:
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.
Practical PKM (Mike's Newsletter)
Mike's YouTube channel
LifeHQ (Mike's done-for-you Obsidian vault)
Postcard Cabins (formerly Getaway House)
David's Productivity Field Guide
Bookworm podcast
Paracord
...
A Focused Smorgasbord
David & Mike catch up with listener feedback regarding the use of AI, reading workflows, anxious parenting, and what the heck even is a sabbatical.
