Productivity Alchemy

This week, the Wombat co-host and I will discuss the new tools and techniques I am using to rebuild my good work habits. We also discuss the upcoming con, and then we sit down with long-time listener Star Picucci and find out how she stays productive. Links for this Episode : Star Picucci on Instagram Lovecraft Cocktails on Instagram Happy Planner Moleskine Voyageur Remember The Milk Todoist PomoDone Things Henge Dock Evernote Midnight Inbox "Latin Liver" from This American Life Ep 452 : Poultry Slam 2011

This week we'll talk about what happens to me when Ursula travels. Hint : it is similar to what happens to her when I go out of town. We also talk about having a bad day, and wrap up by finding out how Assistant Professor Michael Gray stays productive! Links for this Episode : The Microlab (includes contact information) Big Rose Studios The Murderbot Diaries Lab Notebooks (Amazon link) Mis en Place Sanebox (Kevin's Referal Link) Badge How-to

This week, we talk about not planning ahead properly, as Ursula has a new computer for her art - that isn't ready yet, and a deadline is looming. We also talk about volunteerism, and wrap it all up with your letters. Links for this Episode: Elastic Cares Scrapbooking (Wikipedia) Basic Inventory Management with Square (OK, I know the list is short this week, but a lot of it references prior episodes, so....)

This is it! Episode 100, and the 2nd anniversary of Productivity Alchemy! That means that Ursula (former Wombat Test Subject and now Wombat co-host) sits in the interviewer chair and Kevin gets to answer his own questions and we find out how things have changed since last year! Thank you ALL for the last two years! Kevin's Original Interview Kevin's Year One review Kevin on Twitter Things OmniFocus 3 How long it takes to make a habit

Hi folks! This week we discuss Kevin's First Day (and week) of his new job, Ursula (the Wombat Co-Host) discusses her issues with linear time, as well as both our strategies for taking the stress out of special gift-giving days like Birthdays and Holidays. Finally, we wrap up by talking to the CEO and co-founder of Zapier, Wade Foster! Links for this Episode: Zapier Wade Foster on Twitter Todoist Wunderlist The Bone Box Subscription Native Seed SEARCH

This week, we talk about getting ready to cover things while Kevin is out of the loop, the new project Ursula is fiddling around with, filling fountain pens, and the double-edged sword of online community for those of us that word from home. We then get to catch up with Alicia (Day) Baker, who tells us how her productivity has changed since we spoke last year. Links for this Episode: Episode 44 with Alicia Alicia on Twitter Extraordinary Adulting Contact Alicia Essential Planner (Amazon) Microsoft Office 365 Microsoft Sharepoint Smartsheet Dogday Gardens The Honey Truck Salesforce Microsoft OneDrive FERPA (Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act) Blackboard NerdWallet K.B. Spangler's Open Letter to President-Elect Obama (Nov 12, 2008) Elastic.co

I got a new job! I am not going to talk too much about it (yet), since we're in the "hired-but-not-started" paperwork phase, but you can expect updates as things progress. In the mean time, we have a great talk with Jenett Silver! Enjoy it, and remember to Stay Productive! Links for this Episode: Jenett Silver Seeking Celia Lake books and stories Todoist Uysses for Mac Sample Google Sheet from Jenett Yearly Cycle List Seek Knowledge Find Wisdom Productivity Links Ravelry Celestarium Pattern The Spoon Theory (Wikipedia)

We're back! This week, we will talk about some of our experiences in Tibet, and the follow it up by reading your letters! Links for this Episode The Great Thangka Rongbuk Monastery Google Trips Moleskine Voyager Notebook

Hi folks! We are on an airplane headed home from China (if all has gone according to plan), and so this week we jump right into the interview with Emily Koehler-Platten. See you next week! Emily on Twitter The University of Alaska Museum of the North Don't Break the Chain

Hi everyone! I hope you are having a productive month! If all is going according to the plan, we are currently travelling in Tibet! How awesome is that! While we do that, I have this incredible interview with Anna James for you! Links for this Episode: Anna James on Twitter From the Blanket Fort (Anna's Blog) 21 Tips to Keep Your Shit Together When You're Depressed Interactive Self Care Guide (For When You Feel Like Shit) Anna's Feel Better Pinterest Board Anna's Dissertation Dashboard Productivity Alchemy Habitica Guild April 2019 Take This! Challenges on Habitica Daylio Google Trips Fibonacci Numbers Kevin on Pinterest IFTTT

We're still in China! If all has gone according to plan, we are leaving the Valley of the Cats, and headed to Tibet! While we're off doing that, please enjoy this really great interview with Augusta Scarlet!

Hi everyone! If all is going well, Ursula and I are on our way to the Valley of the Cats in China at this very moment. In the mean time, listen to this amazing interview with V. Medina. Links for this Episode : V. Medina on Twitter V. Medina on Instagram SEEDLING on Factor Four Magazine I Will Be There by Odessa (YouTube) The Valley of the Cats

This week on Productivity Alchemy we talk about being frazzled and only being able to keep track of a few things big things happening. We also talk about one of those big things we did this week : making a will. We'll also briefly discuss the Wombat Co-Host's most recent Hugo Nomination, the upcoming shows for when we are in China, and then we wrap up by talking to listener Laura Rivella, about how she stays productive! Links for this Episode: Laura on Instagram Laura's Blog Email Laura Neil Gaiman's Literary Will Blog Post Donut County RetroPie Raspberry Pi Zero W The Red Strings Club Kevin's finished Cockatrice Tattoo The 2019 Hugo Awards Finalists T. Kingfisher's "The Rose MacGregor Drinking and Mutual Admiration Society"

This week we will be taking the time to discuss Kevin's Travel Planner and a lot of the prep work we are doing before we leave for China. We also check in with the state of the Wombat Co-Host, and explain why we are currently between roosters. After all that, we have a chat with Rachel Anson and how she stays productive! Links for this Episode: MYU A5 Planner (mochithings) MYU A5 String Tie Binder (mochithings) Silvopasture (Wikipedia) Silvopasture (USDA) Oak Savanna Rachel Anson on Twitter Rachel's Dog on Instagram National Association of School Psychologists Girls who Hike SameGoal/IEP Anywhere Powerschool Google for Education Infinite Campus Vitamin String Quartet Airtable

This week we will talk about adapting to new glasses, both our experiences with Driver's Education classes, and the fact that the Teenager is about to embark on this new and exciting journey. We also talk about packing, and then wrap it all up with your letters! Links for this Episode : Political Agency and Changing the World by Jo Walton (with the quote from Lois McMaster Bujold) Harvard Planners Kuyoko Systemic Refillable Notebook (Amazon) Tobias Buckell's "What Tools Does a Professional Fiction Writer Use" Blog post Rev. Mord Moni-taur The Grocery Bag Conundrum (Youtube) Italia Squisita (Youtube) Ask a Mortician (Youtube)

Hi everyone! This week, we talk about the cholera vaccine, how it may impact Kevin's code homework for one of his job interviews. We also talk about Ursula's latest projects, her latest contact announcement, and how this is all impacting her productivity. We wrap it all up by talking to Sharon J. Gochenour! Links for this episode: Sharon J Gochenour on Twitter Sharon J Gochenour's Blog Sharon J Gochenour's Patreon Your Life Can Be Better by Douglas Puryear (amazon) Writing Begins with Forgiveness by Daniel J. Older File770 : T. Kingfisher TOR announcement The Twisted Ones pre-order (amazon)

This week we're not doing the usual thing - instead we're going to listen to the talk Kevin and returning guest Dino Sarma had about getting an interview, what hiring managers often look for, and how to tailor your resume to suit the job and focus on your skills. We even talk about the dreaded cover letter! It's a long one, so I hope you enjoy it!

This week we are both in flurry of things that need to be done with deadlines in the very, very near future. It is stressful, and we talk about some of the side effects of that. We also discuss our progress on those projects, and wrap it all up by talking to artist and fellow traveller Laura Garabedian. Links for This Episode: Fairy Tales with Tails Laura Garabedian's Patreon Laura Garabedian on Twitter Laura Garabedian on Instagram Creative Sojourn Volume 2 Kickstarter Bubonicon 2019 Worldcon 2019

This week we talk about the things that go into planning and running a conference, and the things lots of us don't think about when we attend or staff one. There is also a review of some new products, talk about our upcoming China trip, and a new bundle that's out now. Finally, we talk to Anne "Tyrrlin" Williams about how she stays productive! Links for this Episode: Gryphon Winds LLC Tyrrlin on Etsy Ultimate Bundles TUL Limited Edition Work Inserts (2019) TUL Limited Edition Home Inserts (2019) Creative Sojourn 2 Kickstarter OpenOffice Quickbooks Square Instrument Assembly Boards

It's that time again, when we read your letters on air! We also discuss our productivity for the week, and there is a discussion of why a particular YA book was so popular when Kevin was in High School. Enjoy, and thanks for listening! Links for this Episode: Huntr.io Knock Knock Now/Later pad This is How I Bullet Journal by Tobias Buckell Flowers in the Attic by V.C. Andrews The Black Tattoo by Sam Enthoven

This week, well talk about the frustration in trying to find remote jobs, and what Kevin's job market looks like. We'll also talk about Ursula's hitting of a milestone, a little conflict resolution, and then wrap it all up with an interview with Meera Stapleton. Enjoy! Links for this Episode: Planner Pads Remote Jobs - RemoteList Todoist The Year Ahead BabyConnect Tumbr Adult Content Policy Change (Dec 2018) Your ability to focus: a limited mental resource (clearthinking.co)

This week we talk about what happens to us mentally when we finish a big project. We also discuss how outlining a novel is like doing a project plan, as well as how that goes sideways once the project is underway. I wrap it all up by talking to Seraphim Dibble and how they stay productive. Links for this Episode: Seraphim Dibble's Photography Fuel the Scene Magazine Boomerang Valentine preformed by Andrea Gibson Boomerang Valentine text Hannah Gadsby's Nanette Kevin's Articles List

This week we will talk about the difficulties our Wombat Co-Host (artist and author Ursula Vernon) is having with design and fonts, and how that is actually an Agile process. We don't dig too deep into Agile and Scrum, but we do give a brief summary of what they are and how they are (and aren't) used. We also check in with the Teenage Test Subject, and then talk to Sandra Tayler about how she stays productive. Links for this Episode: Sandra Tayler on Twitter One Cobble at a Time Planet Mercenary Hold On To Your Horses The Agile Manifesto The Wallington Pro font Scrum.org Kevin's Articles on Opensource.com

This week on our productivity check-in, we talk about the projects we are both moving forward on. It is a good week so far, and added to that, I get to share the talk I had with Howard Tayler a few months ago. Enjoy! Links for this Episode: Schlock Mercenary by Howard Tayler Writing Excuses Podcast Howard Tayler on Twitter Randal Mulholland's Something Positive Jennie Breeden's The Devil's Panties Schlock Mercenary Patreon Uni Posca White Pen Kevin Sonney on OpenSource.com Joplin Note Taking App Dragon Quest Builders

Welcome to the monthly letters show! This week we will be reading your feedback and letters, as well as answering questions. We'll also talk about the challenges brought on by the weather, and the impending return of the Wombat Co-Host! Links for This Episode: Timbuk2 Backpack of Holding Tilley Convertible Knapsack (Kevin's choice) Osprey Bags Zotero Privacy Badger Ghostery Mint by Intuit Swordheart by T. Kingfsher (aka Ursula Vernon aka the Wombat Co-Host)

This week, we will talk about the feelings when we have to put a "passion project" on hold, and how to deal with that. We also briefly discuss the reason why the Wombat Co-Host is not here this week before part two of my conversation with Dino Sarma, which has some very real talk about growing up poor, burnout, and privilege. We end it all with two great offers from Dino. Links for This Episode: Alternative Vegan by Dino Sarma Dino's AltVeg Blog Mis En Place Varna Caste Systems in Hinduism Warren Ellis's Orbital Operations "Jee Veerey" - Bloodywood ft. Raoul Kerr Avatar: The Last Airbender (tv series) The Crow (movie) Dino's Email : dino (at) Me (dot) com

This is an episode I've been REALLY excited about for a while now. This week we have part one of the interview with one of my favorite people : Dino Sarma. Before we get to that, though, we discuss when and why to send gifts during the holidays for business purposes, as well as the need to pay your contractors and freelancers on time, and how that differs from making payments in a corporate environment. Links for this Episode: Alternative Vegan by Dino Sarma A Southern Season Google Calendar Doodle The Splendid Table on NPR Mis En Place

This week my Wombat Co-Host and I discuss dealing with the emotional impact of job hunting, the holidays, and some of the related challenges. After that, we take some time to talk to Christy "Lilisonna" Howard about how she stays productive in both her professional and personal lives. Links for this Episode: Lilisonna on Twitter Find your local Food Pantry Resource: Getting through the Holidays when Grieving (Dougy Center) Resource: Tips for coping with stress and depression over the holidays (Mayo Clinic) Resource : Coping With Holiday Depression (IUOP)

This week, we have the interview from Productivity Alchemy LIVE! at WindyCon 45 on November 10. Before that, through, we discuss some of the challenges of leadership, why Ursula doesn't work with others, letting go of things you can delegate, and stepping back when it isn't working. Links for this Episode: D. T. Rodriguez on Twitter Megan Rodriques on Spoonflower Megan on Shapeways Megan's Blog Barfleet U.B.S. Abandon Triangle Linux User's Group Heinlein's "Specialization is for Insects" How to think like Leonardo da Vinci (Amazon Link) The Dorsai Irregulars Happier Podcast by Gretchen Ruben ISFIC WindyCon Elizabeth Gilbert When an Idea Comes Knocking Paul Akers (Author of 2 Second Lean)

Hi everyone. This week we have, in no particular order, an absent Teenager, a recovering Wombat Co-Host, and convention prep to be done. So we are going right to the interview with Biologist, Cartographer, Carpenter, and Writer Chris Scheiner. Enjoy! Links for This Episode: Chris Scheiner on Twitter Microsoft OneNote Evernote Zotero Post-It Notes Trepanation The Malcom in the Middle Lightbulb scene Ditch Diggers Episode 64 with Malka Older Questionable Content Write. Ten Days to OverCome Writer's Block. Period (on Amazon)

This week we talk about some goals we have moved forward recently. This included the unexpected need to migrate from one hosting provider to another. We then discuss what to do when something just isn't working, the joy of throwing things out, and finish the episode by talking to production potter Frank Gosar. Links for this Episode: Frank Gosar's Website Frank Gosar's Blog Dan Chen's Website Ties of Blood and Silver by Joel Rosenberg Corvallis Clay Festival Clay Fest Clayfolk Eugene OR Saturday Market Wildfire Pottery Expo Chatham Artists Guild Studio Tour Evernote Smart Notebooks by Moleskine Download

This week our Wombat Co-host is back, and we'll talk about some of the challenges when scheduling her two really big projects that are due at about the same time. We then have an interview with Damien Ryan, and wrap up the show with a discussion of the quality of ditches to die in. Note: Due to scheduling issues, this interview references an interview that has not aired yet. We'll get it running. Links for this Episode: Damien Ryan's Twitter Sublime Text YouTrack The Phoenix Project Featurespace Useful Tech Terms (Yak Shaving, Bikeshedding) Ren and Stimpy Yak Shaving Day The Goal Critical Chain All Things Open Todd Lewis on Twitter Download

This week, I am flying solo while the Womat co-host heads out to a speaking engagement. We'll talk a little about what has kept me from being as productive as I'd like this week, some exciting news, and we'll wrap up by talking to Emily Guyton-Lange. Links for this Episode: Emily Guyton-Lange's Blog Elon University WindyCon 2018

This week, talk about Kevin's new routine, Ursula's successes, and why the Teen Test Subject gets the week off. We will wrap up by reading letters and comments from you, the listeners! Links for this Episode: Fighter's Block! (code on github) Intuit Mint Hoki One One Bondi 6 shoes Adobe Spark The Noun Project

In our typical manner, what started as a discussion about what we did this week worked it's way around to the impact of foot health on our productivity, followed by a discussion of how Ursula isn't REALLY celebrating the completion of her newest book. After all that, I talk to Clair A. Miller, who is a librarian and crafter, and has some really cool things to share. Links for this Episode: Clair's Blog Planner Presentation by Claire and Cori Emergent Task Planner Post It Notes Pilot Dr. Grip 4-Color Pen Uni-ball Signo 307 Habitica Beeminder Big Brothers Big Sisters of America Minecraft Download

This week, we will discuss how one handles being suddenly unemployed, and what I'm doing to cope with it. We will also check in with the Teen Test Subject, and wrap up by talking to author Malka Older. Updated 09-28-2018: Added a link to Born to the Blade and Arisia 2019. Malka Older Website Malka Older on Amazon Malka Older on Twitter Infomocracy on Amazon (special Price through Sept 30) Flyleaf Books Arisia 2019 (Malka Older is an Author GoH) Born to the Blade on SerialBox Download this Episode

This week, we will be talking about the distractions we've had this last week, and how we've dealt with them. We also have some gifts from listeners we'll talk about, and finally we'll do a check-in interview with Dylan Wilbanks, who was on last year, to see how his methods have changed. Links for this Episode: PA Episode 15 with Dylan Wilbanks Dylan Wilbanks's Twitter Dylan Wilbanks on Medium The End-of-Interview Handshake Naomi Osaka The Rule of Three (Forbes.com) JIRA Slack NC Hurricane Relief - Get Help, Give Help

This week, we'll talk about preparing for a disaster. In . our case, it is Hurricane Florence, but it could be any number of things. We talk about online backups, password vaults, and the difference between "helpful" and "helpy." And then we will read and respond to your letters. Links for this Episode: Bullet Journaling as a Fantasy Writer Bad Art Permission Slip Hurricane Prep from ready.gov PC Magazine's 2018 Best Online Backup Services Dropbox SyncThing Remember the Milk Download this Episode

The focus of this week is on the AMAZING interview I did with my friends Bill and Laura. I do take a moment to discuss taking a day off since I recorded this one on Labor Day here in the US, and have given both the Wombat Co-Host and the Teenage Test Subject the week off. Quack Quack Honk Designs Quack Quack Honk Designs Patreon Quack Quack Honk Designs Youtube Quack Quack Honk Designs on Twitter Galaxy Quest "Never Give Up..." Toxoplasmosis The History of Labor Day Download this Episode

After a refreshing break, we return this week with our status on catching up post-con. We'll also talk about how Kevin is using his Bullet Journal and the challenges around having one person use a digital calendar and the other using paper. We'll check in with the Teen Test Subject, and then talk to Jim C. Hines on how he stays productive! Links for this Episode: Jim C. Hines Jim C. Hines on Twitter Jim C. Hines on Amazon Habitica Kobayashi Maru Bullet Journal

The time has come, the wombat said, to introduce a new test subject. The Wombat Test Subject won't be going anywhere (I suppose she is now the Wombat Co-Host?), but we will be starting to work with the Teenage Test Subject, my son Jacob, who is starting his Junior year of High School. After that, we have an interview with the Space Unicorns themselves, Lynne M. & Michael Damian Thomas, publisher and editor of Uncanny Magazine! Links for this Episode: Uncanny Magazine Uncanny Magazine Year 5 Kickstarter Lynn M. Thomas on Twitter Michael Damian Thomas on Twitter Aicardi Syndrome Moleskine Pro Notebooks Trello QuickBooks Staples Arc Notebooks Download this Episode

We spend a lot of time this week talking about talking - or rather, talking about speaking in public - since WorldCon is just around the corner and the Wombat Test Subject (author Ursula Vernon) has to prep not one, but two speeches she probably won't have to give. We follow that up with Kevin's initial foray into Bullet Journalling, and wrap it all up with your letters and comments! Links for this Episode : Toastmasters International Time & ToDo Planner Bullet Journal Leonardo Da Vinci's To Do List Antidepressant Microbes in Soil PlannerPads Getting Nothing Done: a misguided quest for productivity Confessions of a recovering lifehacker I read Cal Newport's DEEP WORK so you don't have to

This week we will discuss the pros and cons of "disconnecting" as we are about to head off to a short get-away that will have spotty to no internet access. We also talk about balancing out productive and non-productive days. Finally, we have an interview with friend of the show and long-time listener Cori Large, to find out how she stays organized. Links for this Episode: Tales from a Polk County Girl Blog Tales from a Polk County Girl YouTube Tales from a Polk County Girl Facebook Crafts By Cori Crafts by Cori Etsy Shop Knitting All The Blankets YouTube Knitting All The Blankets Ravelry Perfect Planner Tag Video Cori's Flex Binder Playlist Plannerology Facebook Passion Planner The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Plannerverse

This week we talk a little more about why and when we play video games, and how it is important for us (and many others) as part of our self-care routines. We'll also catch up on the Wombat Test Subject's productivity, and top it off by talking to my cousin Susan Anderson about how she stays productive. Links for this Episode: Susan Anderson on Instagram Time and Todo Planner OneNote Google Calendar Emergent Task Planner Butterscotch Shenanigans Crashlands Wunderlist Warhammer 40,000: Gladius - Relics of War (GoG) Download this Episode

We are home from AnthroCon, and we'll talk about the stresses and organizational hurdles we encountered while we were there. And then, since it is the second show of the month, we have answers to your letters! Links for this Episode: Picniic App Google Keep Erin Condran Planners OmniFocus Bullet Journal ExOfficio Santiago de Compostela SuperBetter

We are at AnthroCon this weekend, and we are looking forward to meeting everyone of our listeners who is able to come. In the mean time, we have a really good interview with Dr. Jennifer Askey, an Academic and Career Coach. Links for this Episode: Energized Academic Jennifer Askey on Twitter Bullet Journal Google Calendar Google Keep Huawei Watch Blair Braverman Twitter Konmari Daylio Twsbi Fountain Pens Bella_Boodle Instagram DoesTheDogDie.com Download this Episode