
Productivity A to Z 2025: Letters N Through Z with Mike Vardy
About this episode
I’m excited to welcome Mike Vardy back to Beyond The To-Do List for one of our ongoing traditions: Productivity A-Z!
This is Part 2 of a two-part conversation — and we split it across both shows. Part 1 is over on Mike Vardy’s podcast, A Productive Conversation. You can also watch the whole two part video here.
Here on Beyond The To-Do List, we pick up the thread and cover letters N-Z.
In this part of the conversation, we cover:
- What “Nuance” Actually Means for Productivity: Moving beyond rigid rules and one-size-fits-all advice into decisions that fit real life.
- Pacing vs. Speed: Why sustainable progress is less about going hard and more about going smart—without the burnout tax.
- Rhythm and Cadence: How to build productivity patterns that flex with your energy, your season, and your responsibilities.
- Rest as Part of the System: Why recovery isn’t a bonus feature—it’s a core component of doing meaningful work consistently.
- The Middle Ground Between Chaos and Control: How to keep enough structure to stay on track, without so much rigidity that the whole system snaps.
Connect with Erik:
This podcast is Powered By:
- Descript
- Descript 101
- Castmagic
- Ecamm
- Podpage
- Rodecaster Pro
- Top Productivity Books List
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Get every episode summarized
Each time Beyond the To-Do List - Productivity for Work and Life publishes, we email you a written briefing from the transcript — the topics, who appeared, and any specific claims, with the ad reads skipped.
Email me new episodesFree for 3 shows. No card needed.
Hosts & guests
No transcript yet
This episode has not been transcribed. Request it and it moves to the front of the queue.
More episodes
More from Beyond the To-Do List - Productivity for Work and Life

Mindset: Why Fixing Your Habits Won't Fix Your Self-Trust with Lester Clowes
Beyond the To-Do List - Productivity for Work and Life

Burnout: Why Thought Load, Not Workload, Is Draining You with Liane Davey
Beyond the To-Do List - Productivity for Work and Life

Creativity: How Rest, Wonder, and AI Redefine Productivity with Natalie Nixon
Beyond the To-Do List - Productivity for Work and Life

Energy Management: What Johnny Carson Knew About Saying No with Mark Malkoff
Beyond the To-Do List - Productivity for Work and Life