Productivity Alchemy

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:

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: ()  

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.&...

The first episode of Year Two falls on the second week of the month, so it is time to read your letters and answer listener questions. We will also check in with our Wombat Test Subject, and discover that the new setup needs a pop filter, while the old setup didn't. Links for This Episode:

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:

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:

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:  

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.

So here it is, Episode 50. This week, we will discuss some of the challenges of no longer being tied to an office schedule, our Wombat Test Subject (Ursula Vernon) discusses the realization that she likely has ADD,  and we'll put Kevin in the hot-seat to answer the seven questions (which he has never done). Links for this episode:

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:

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:

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 Thom...

After a great time at OpenSource 101 in Columbia SC, the Wombat Test Subject (author and illustrator Ursula Vernon) and I will talk about using Kanban boards. We also start to discuss burnout (which will be an ongoing discussion), and Kevin takes some time to talk to Alan Wexelblat about how he stays productive. Links for this Episode:

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:

One week to go until AnthroCon, and we are both in Convention Prep Mode. While I work out better ways to keep the Security team organized and display useful information, the Wombat Test Subject is working on her table display, art, and a whole bunch of other stuff. We will also talk to Diana Harlan Stein, three-time Hugo nominee and fantasy artist. Links for this Episode:

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:

Hi everyone, this week we're talking about collaboration, and playing well with others. We'll also look at the letter sized TUL inserts vs the half/classic sized inserts. We'll wrap up with an interview with our friend Michelle Wexelblat. Links for 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 thi...

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:  

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:

Setbacks are a thing that happens, and this week we'll talk to our Wombat Test Subject (Author Ursula Vernon) about her latest in the garden. We'll also talk about recharging and taking breaks, and wrap it all up with a discussion of how Park Ranger Alicia Day stays organized. Links For 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:

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:

This week we will be talking about email. Recently I've been working with two products to help me with my email sorting and processing. Then we'll check in with the recovering Wombat Test Subject, who is between projects right now. After that we'll talk with friend of the show Will Frank about how he stays productive. Links for this Episode:

Hi everyone! Our Wombat Test Subject is not feeling well this week, and so I'll be talking about taking sick time to be sick and get better, and not pushing yourself to be productive. After that, I have an amazing discussion with Thomas Brandt, a schoolteacher in Germany. I hope you enjoy the discussion as much as I did. Links for this Episode: HabbitTracker for iOS