10 podcasts that will help boost your productivity

Flickr/John Benson

Tools — hardware, software, apps, etc. — come and go. That's the nature of progress. But what never goes away is knowledge.

Once you know a way to be more efficient and effective — a new approach, a new mindset, a new strategy or technique — that tool is yours forever.

And so is your ability to get more done.

Fortunately, learning ways to be more efficient and effective is really easy, especially if you listen to the experts. Here are 10 of the best productivity podcasts — check them out and let me know what you think.

1. Getting Things Done

Many believe that David Allen, author of Getting Things Done (or GTD, as disciples call it), wrote the definitive book on time management. In his podcast, David uses the GTD system to help listeners achieve what he calls a "mind like water." Among the various topics discussed: technology, creativity, and improving mental flow.

2. The 5 AM Miracle

Jeff Sanders's weekly podcast, The 5 AM Miracle, is all about "dominating your day before breakfast" by developing powerful early-morning habits and rituals. Sanders says this approach is key to his personal success as a marathon runner, entrepreneur, and healthy vegan. Sanders features well-known celebrities and experts like Deepak Chopra, Stephanie Gibson, and Ted Ryce, who share their views on getting the most out of life.

3. Accidental Creative

Aimed at members of the "creative economy," or those who view themselves as more creative than organized, Todd Henry's Accidental Creative podcast covers a range of topics including leveraging competition, minimizing regrets, and common leadership mistakes. Todd's weekly show shares his insights as well as those of his guests, who include Dan Harris, Cal Newport, and Laura Vanderkam.

4. The Tim Ferriss Show

Whether it's minimizing the workweek or maximizing your fitness, Tim Ferriss is all about the "minimum effective dose." Newsweek calls him "the world's best human guinea pig." Tim's weekly podcast shares the results of his own life experiments as well as those of many famous guests.

Regardless of the topic, Tim always asks his guests about their morning rituals and habits for productivity.

5. The Productivityist Podcast

Self-described "productivity enthusiast" Mike Vardy hosts a weekly show that examines tactical time-management techniques to boost efficiency and effectiveness. Recent shows have explored the topics of mindfulness, ADHD, tracking productivity data, and how to be productive while homeschooling your kids.

6. ProdPod

Two minutes. That's how short each of Ray Sidney-Smith's ProdPod productivity podcasts is. However, a lot of actionable information is packed into every episode. Recent topics include rewarding yourself for reaching your goals, kaizen, and several book summaries. No matter how busy you are, you can definitely make time for ProdPod's episodes.

7. Back to Work

Merlin Mann and Dan Benjamin bring together a great talk show about productivity, constraints, tools, and communication. While each episode lasts an average of an hour and a half, listeners are entertained by the duo's funny antics on the side.

Unlike most of the other podcasts that offer quick actionable tips, Back to Work offers a deeper look at important topics, including work, identity, and expectations. Not your ordinary podcast.

8. Extreme Productivity With Kevin Kruse

Seeing so many people feeling overworked and overwhelmed, New York Times best-selling author Kevin Kruse sought to uncover the secrets behind achieving productivity while also feeling a sense of peace and balance.

Each 15-minute show is based on insights gained from his interviews with more than 200 highly successful people, including billionaires, Olympic athletes, Silicon Valley entrepreneurs, and even straight-A students.

9. Beyond the To-Do List

Albert Einstein said, "The only source of knowledge is experience." Erik Fisher sure knows this by heart, since his podcast features interviews with people who share their successes but also their lessons learned from failure. Recent themes explored by Fisher and his guests include remote management, inbox zero, creativity, and hustle.

10. The Action Catalyst

Known around the globe as the leading expert on self-discipline, best-selling author Rory Vaden knows a thing or two about habits for success. He is the leader of a multimillion-dollar global consulting firm, which brings practicality to the advice he gives. His podcast also features other renowned experts, including psychologists, entrepreneurs, and even his grandmother.

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