Mikes on Mics

“The Mikes” are joined by Brett Terpstra, maker of all things internet, for a conversation about accomplishing your obligations when there are far too many appealing options that can pull you away. Terpstra makes more things in a week than Schechter and Vardy combined could create in a lifetime, the man has several balls in the air. We talk about how he keeps them all up there and what happens to them all when one responsibility requires his full attention. “The Mikes” have also launched a new free newsletter and supplemental podcast called Mike Techniques. They’d really appreciate it if you would check it out and let them know what you think. What Mikes Are Drinking Mike Vardy - Writers Tears Michael Schechter - Russian Roulette - Evil Twin Brewing Brett Terpstra - Casa Noble Anejo Tequila Links Brett and Schechter’s ADHD Episode | Systematic #7: Riding The Wave Marked - smart tools for smart writers nvALT 2.1 - Notational Velocity Fork Social Logging by any other name would have a better name - Brett Terpstra 5 Ways to Get Nothing Done | Mashable.com 60 Mountain Lion Tips by David Sparks and Brett Terpstra Day One | A simple Journal for iPhone, iPad and Mac App Store Engadget Follow Brett, Schechter and Vardy on Twitter. This episode is brought to you by: Squarespace, the secret behind exceptional websites. Go to squarespace.com/70decibels to start your free trial and use the offer code '70decibels12' at checkout to get 10% off your first order. Download Subscribe in iTunes

“The Mikes” are joined by C.C. Chapman, author of Content Rules and the imminent new release, Amazing Things Will Happen, for a conversation about how… well… to make amazing things happen. Vardy and C.C. talk about how to balance the desire to be present at home with the career and personal benefits that come from being on the road. Schechter thanks C.C. for writing a self-help book (after all, Schechter needs all the help he can get) that takes a more realistic approach to improving your life. Note: A phone dings every minute on the minute for a few minutes in the middle there… Schechter’s wife may or may not have left her phone on and in the room where he records. So please, don’t drive yourself crazy looking for the phone making noise while listening to the episode (you know, like Schechter did while writing these show notes)… What Mikes Are Drinking Mike Vardy - Writers tears Michael Schechter - Houblon Chouffe Dobbelen IPA Tripel | La chouffe C.C. Chapman - Bulleit Bourbon Links Whisky Advent Calendar | Uncrate Digital Dads No more yes. It’s either HELL YEAH! or no. | Derek Sivers 70Decibels - Mikes On Mics - Episode 39: Zooming Out with Julien Smith Follow C.C. Chapman, Schechter and Vardy on Twitter. This episode is brought to you by: Squarespace, the secret behind exceptional websites. Go to squarespace.com/70decibels to start your free trial and use the offer code '70decibels11' at checkout to get 10% off your first order. Subscribe in iTunes

Inspired by a conversation on Twitter, “The Mikes” both share their respective approaches to their daily routine. In addition to painting a “day in the life”, Schechter and Vardy explain how they structure their days and what they count on in order to get things done. What Mikes Are Drinking Mike Vardy - Basil Hayden’s Bourbon Michael Schechter - HOUBLON CHOUFFE Dobbelen IPA Tripel | La chouffe Links - Vardy Getting Things Done with Asana The “Big Rocks” of Life by Dr. Stephen R. Covey 30/30 « Binary Hammer - Games. Tools. Technology. EISENHOWER: The urgent-important matrix for time management fans Flow | Online Task Management and Team Collaboration Software Drafts - Agile Tortoise Evernote | Remember everything with Evernote, Skitch and our other great apps. OmniFocus for Mac - The Omni Group Lift Keeps You On Track, Helps You Master Seinfeld’s Productivity Method Lift Follow Vardy on Twitter and App.net Links - Schechter Instapaper The Emergent Task Planner | David Seah Home Work - 006 - The Mental Office OmniFocus for Mac - The Omni Group Frictionless — Capture Cards Follow Schechter on Twitter and App.net This episode is brought to you by: Squarespace, the secret behind exceptional websites. Go to squarespace.com/70decibels to start your free trial and use the offer code '70decibels11' at checkout to get 10% off your first order. Subscribe in iTunes

This week, “The Mikes” are joined by Mr. Myke Hurley, fearless leader of the 70Decibels Podcasting Network and Executive Producer of this very show to revisit the topic of self-employment vs. a traditional career. In a previous episode Vardy shared his risky approach to career growth, while Schechter came off as a giant, self-admitted chicken. This time around, Schechter brought in Hurley -- who also juggles a traditional career with a demanding side project -- to help him examine the positive aspects of a full-time job. Unrelated Side Note: Vardy launched his latest endeavor, Productivityist.com. If you’re looking to be more productive, be sure to give it a look. What Mikes Are Drinking Mike Vardy - Aeropress Coffee Michael Schechter - Sodastream Myke Hurley - Mango, Orange and Cinnamon Tea Links Disk Coffee Filter for AeroPress Mikes On Mics - Episode 33: Taking The Risks (Or Not) Enough - Ep 165 - Career Change So Good They Can’t Ignore You by Cal Newport Mitigating My Mitigating Donate to 70Decibels Follow Myke, Schechter and Vardy on App.net. This episode is brought to you by: Squarespace, the secret behind exceptional websites. Go to squarespace.com/70decibels to start your free trial and use the offer code '70decibels11' at checkout to get 10% off your first order. Subscribe in iTunes

“The Mikes” are joined by Marina Arnaout from Steam Whistle. Long time listeners of the show will know that Schechter has been on a fruitless journey to find a Pilsner that comes close to his beloved Steam Whistle (sadly and admirably, Steam Whistle will not import to the US until they are ubiquitous in Canada). Beyond being a great beer, Steam Whistle is a great company. They show tremendous care in everything they do and their choices are extremely intentional. Sit back, crack a beer and learn about what it takes to “do one thing, really, really well.” What Mikes Are Drinking Sadly, this was recorded mid-day. No one, not even Marina indulged in a tasty beverage. However, both Marina and Vardy ended their days with a delicious Steam Whistle Pilsner (Schechter’s not angry at all… not even one bit…). Links Steam Whistle on Twitter Follow Schechter and Vardy on Twitter. Download This episode is brought to you by: Squarespace, the secret behind exceptional websites. Go to squarespace.com/70decibels to start your free trial and use the offer code '70decibels11' at checkout to get 10% off your first order. And by Igloo, an intranet you'll actually like. Sign up for a free 30-day trial now Subscribe in iTunes

“The Mikes” are joined by David Finch, author of The Journal of Best Practices to talk about the importance of self-improvement, even in the face of significant challenges. Schechter and Finch swap tales of their respective ADHD and Aspergers impacts their relationships while Vardy reminds us all that neurotypicals have plenty challenges of their own. What Mikes Are Drinking Mike Vardy - Slipstream | Phillips Beer Michael Schechter - Heady Topper | The Alchemist David Finch - Samuel Adams® Noble Pils Links David Finch | New York Times Best Seller Inside My ADHD (Redux) David Finch’s life with Asperger’s through the lens of a news camera - Rock Center with Brian Williams Modern Love - Dealing With Asperger’s Syndrome, With the Help of His Wife - NYTimes.com Follow David, Schechter and Vardy on Twitter. Download Subscribe in iTunes

While finishing up a recording session “The Mikes” started to talk about Letterpress. This casual conversation turned into an examination of how the game both reflects and impacts the way that Schechter and Vardy approach personal productivity. They also totally nerd about about just how great the game is, but that’s a given. Note: This is not an “official” episode, just a conversation we thought was worth sharing, so forgive that it does not follow traditional format and has not been edited for added sound quality. Vardy wasn’t even using his standard mic. What Mikes Are Drinking Mike Vardy - Spring Fever Gruit by Saltspring Island Ales Michael Schechter - 60 Minute IPA | Dogfish Head Craft Brewed Ales Links Letterpress by Atebits The Brooks Review - Membership Seven Days Later Follow Schechter and Vardy on Twitter. Subscribe in iTunes

“The Mikes” are joined by Julien Smith, co-author of The Impact Equation and Trust Agents for alternative side to the previous episode with his partner in crime, Chris Brogan. Vardy and Julien share Canadian references while Schechter scrambles to hide his ignorance of the North by changing subjects and asking Julien about his bible. What Mikes Are Drinking Mike Vardy - Ethical Coffee Chain - Home Michael Schechter - Sleepytime® Herbal Tea | Celestial Seasonings Julien Smith - Columbian Coffee from Café Saint Henri Links Julien Smith video: JOLT! Rick Mercer - Rick Mercer.com Aeropress Metal Filter from Able Brewing Company Choosing your Bible by Julien Smith Merlin Mann Episode 35: So Good They Can’t Ignore Us with Cal Newport The Flinch by Julien Smith Lift Follow Julien, Schechter and Vardy on Twitter. Subscribe in iTunes

“The Mikes” are joined by Chris Brogan, co-author of The Impact Equation and Trust Agents, for a conversation about how to stop making noise and start making progress. Vardy tries to deny his tendency to stalk Chris at conferences around the world while Schechter asks about Chris’ recent foray into bravery. They also examine why the talk Chris gave at the World Domination Summit may have been his best. What Mikes Are Drinking Mike Vardy - Sartori Harvest IPA « Driftwood Brewery Michael Schechter - Prima Pils | Victory Brewing Company Chris Brogan - Hendrick’s Gin Links In Over Your Head | Julien Smith Julien Smith video: JOLT! The Best Speech I Ever Gave | Chris Brogan Mom Pop Pow Episode 35: So Good They Can’t Ignore Us with Cal Newport Chris Brogan’s Blog Posts at Lifehack Google+ for Business by Chris Brogan Evernote | Remember everything Remember The Milk: Online to-do list and task management Podio Project Management Software Project management software, online collaboration: Basecamp Steven Pressfield – NEARLY Exclusive Interview | Chris Brogan Skip1.org Follow Chris, Schechter and Vardy on Twitter. Download Subscribe in iTunes This episode is brought to you by: Squarespace, the secret behind exceptional websites. Go to squarespace.com/70decibels to start your free trial and use the offer code '70decibels10' at checkout to get 10% off your first order.

“The Mikes” are joined by David Allen, the author of Getting Things Done and Making It All Work, to discuss both the perceived challenges and the ways to get started applying the GTD methodology to your life. Vardy follows up on a few of his previous interviews with David and Schechter questions what to do when you lack the most basic skills to, you know, actually get things done. Links David Allen & Mike Williams on The Productivardy Podcast Work Awesome Podcast with David Allen Getting Things Done by David Allen Making It All Work by David Allen ADHD to GTD by Michael Schechter of A Better Mess Inbox Zero by Merlin Mann The State of Getting Things Done by Sven Fechner of SimplicityBliss This Life of Leisure, Rethinking Productivity for Creatives by C.J. Chilvers Rob Corddry on Back to Work #29 Follow David, Schechter and Vardy on Twitter. Download Subscribe in iTunes This episode is brought to you by: Squarespace, the secret behind exceptional websites. Go to squarespace.com/70decibels to start your free trial and use the offer code '70decibels10' at checkout to get 10% off your first order.

“The Mikes” are joined by Jared Goralnick of AwayFind and Technotheory.com for a conversation about email and the myriad of challenges that come along with it. Jared shares some of the best ways to get away from your inbox, Vardy asks about those who live their lives out of their inbox and Schechter shares his stressful days of doing exactly that. They also talk about the striking similarities between Awayfind and the new VIP features in iOS 6. What Mikes Are Drinking Mike Vardy - Cream Ale | Lighthouse Brewing Company Michael Schechter - Jack D’Or | Pretty Things Beer and Ale Project, Inc. Jared Goralnick - Hot and Sour Soup Links What Safari’s Reading List means for Instapaper – Marco.org Enough - Ep 153 - AwayFind Minimal Mac | On Email Looking for advanced iPhone Mail VIP Settings? Welcome to AwayFind, the original and much more powerful VIP. | The AwayFind Blog Launch Center Pro Speeding Up OmniFocus on iOS with Launch Center Pro Follow Jared, Schechter and Vardy on Twitter. This episode is brought to you by: Squarespace, the secret behind exceptional websites. Go to squarespace.com/70decibels to start your free trial and use the offer code '70decibels10' at checkout to get 10% off your first order. Download Subscribe in iTunes

This week Cal Newport, author of the newly published “So Good They Can’t Ignore You”, joins “The Mikes”. Cal explains why Vardy shouldn’t follow his passion and tells Schechter why we now live in a post-productivity world. There’s also a somewhat controversial conversation questioning Steve Jobs passion that should bring an angry letter or ten… What Mikes Are Drinking Mike Vardy - Steam Whistle Brewing - Canada’s Premium Pilsner (Schechter’s not bitter…) Michael Schechter - Festbier | Victory Brewing Company Cal Newport - Monumental IPA | Port City Brewing Company Links So Good They Can’t Ignore You by Cal Newport The Most Unconventional Book Review I’ve Ever Written | Vardy.me Post-Productivity, Work Philosophy & Cal Newport | The ProductiVardy Podcast How to Be So Good They Can`t Ignore You | Lifehack.org Study Hacks | Welcome to the Post-Productivity World Do Like Steve Jobs Did: Don’t Follow Your Passion | Cal Newport for Fast Company Steve Jobs by Walter Isaacson Follow Schechter and Vardy on Twitter. This episode is brought to you by: Squarespace, the secret behind exceptional websites. Go to squarespace.com/70decibels to start your free trial and use the offer code '70decibels9' at checkout to get 10% off your first order. And Drafts. Where text starts on your iPhone or iPad. If you want to win a copy then click here and tweet this text! Download Subscribe in iTunes

“The Mikes” are joined this week by yet another Mike! Mike Rose of TUAW and Geek Parent talks with Schechter and Vardy about the often futile attempts (often in vain) to balance jobs, lives, families and passions. What Mikes Are Drinking Mike Vardy - Lighthouse Racerocks Ale Michael Schechter - Pretty Things Jack D’Or Mike Rose - High Note Malbec 2010 Links Mitigating My Mitigating | A Better Mess The TUAW Podcast Rose on Brett Terpstra’s Systematic Schechter on Brett Terpstra’s Systematic Generational Podcast Listary App Mike Rose’s Review of Avacado Due App Follow Mike Rose, Schechter and Vardy on Twitter. Download Subscribe in iTunes

“The Mikes” talk about the various approaches to risk, especially when it comes to careers choices. This is a Vardy-centric episode, mostly because Schechter can’t stop talking about how Vardy quit his job without telling his wife. Hat tip to Todd Chandler for suggesting this weeks topic. Have a topic for “The Mikes”? Contact them here. Note: We apologize for some intermittent static throughout the episode. We don’t want to say whose fault it is, but it’s totally Vardy’s. Sorry for the temporary dip in audio quality, but we hope you’ll agree that the conversation is worth a little bit of static. What Mikes Are Drinking Mike Vardy - Woodford Reserve Michael Schechter - Midnight Sun Brewing Company | Meltdown Double IPA Links ‎Victoria Film Festival OmniFocus to Mind Map using OPML | A Better Mess Jonathan Coulton The Ideas That We Can’t Not Do, But Still Haven’t Done | A Better Mess Follow Schechter and Vardy on Twitter. This episode is brought to you by: Squarespace, the secret behind exceptional websites. Go to squarespace.com/70decibels to start your free trial and use the offer code '70decibels9' at checkout to get 10% off your first order. And Shutterstock. Over 20 million stock photos, illustrations, vectors, and videos. Use the code 'decibel9' at checkout to receive 30% off. Download Subscribe in iTunes

After listening to the latest episode of the Zen Geek Podcast on writing, “The Mikes” thought they would get in on the fun and talk about their own writing workflows. What Mikes Are Drinking Mike Vardy - 2009 Cedar Creek Estate Winery Proprietor’s Red: Critic Scores and Price History Michael Schechter - Midnight Sun Brewing Company | Meltdown Double IPA Links On Not Writing | Vardy.me Fire | Vardy.me Eventualism — Productivity Punditry Personified. And Parodied. So Good They Can’t Ignore You by Cal Newport Systematic #7: Riding The Wave Drafts for iPhone Byword • A Simple Text Editor for Mac and iOS Daedalus Touch for iPad How I Get Writing Done | Vardy.me Daring Fireball: Markdown Notesy for iOS OmniFocus for the Mac Marked by Brett Terpstra nvALT 2.1 - Notational Velocity Fork Naming Files And Avoiding Folders | A Better Mess How A Lazy Person Writes In Markdown | A Better Mess Keyboard Maestro: Work Faster with Macros for Mac OS X Michael Schechter’s Writer Workflow | Guest post for Macdrifter Follow Schechter and Vardy on Twit