The Productive Woman

Women, Stress, and Productivity – TPW414

28 Sep 2022

Contributed by Lukas

This week's episode is a refresher on the causes and effects of stress, as well as some techniques for minimizing its negative impact on our lives and...

Quality vs. Quantity – TPW413

21 Sep 2022

Contributed by Lukas

There are good reasons to choose quality over quantity--but sometimes quantity matters too. This week we’re talking about evaluating quality versus ...

Don’t Wait – TPW412

14 Sep 2022

Contributed by Lukas

There are many reasons why we put off doing certain things, and many times those reasons seem to make sense. This week I'm encouraging us all to rethi...

Questions to Ask Yourself Every Day – TPW411

07 Sep 2022

Contributed by Lukas

We can improve our productivity by asking the right questions of ourselves.

8 Books I Recommend and Why – TPW410

31 Aug 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Looking for a good read to help you on your productivity journey? This week I’m sharing 8 books I recommend and why I think they’re worth reading.

Rethink and Refresh Your Productivity System – TPW409

24 Aug 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Is your productivity system still working for you? This week we talk about evaluating and tweaking our productivity system to make sure it's helping u...

Doing It All vs. Doing Enough – TPW408

17 Aug 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Being a productive woman doesn't mean doing all the things all the time. Meaningful productivity--making a life that matters requires us to consider -...

Transition to a New School Year – TPW407

10 Aug 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Whether or not school is a part of your current life, the end of summer feels like a time of transition, which makes it a great time to pause and cons...

Favorite Productivity Advice & Tools – TPW406

03 Aug 2022

Contributed by Lukas

This week I’m sharing some favorite productivity advice and tools & how I use them to make the most of my time. I'd love to hear your recommendation...

Take it or Leave It: Productivity Advice That Might or Might Not Work – TPW405

27 Jul 2022

Contributed by Lukas

This week we're talking about common productivity advice that might or might not work for you--and ideas for how you can modify it to meet your needs.

Lightening the Load – TPW404

20 Jul 2022

Contributed by Lukas

No matter how much we love our life, sometimes our commitments and obligations (and our thoughts) can weigh us down. This week we're considering ways ...

Productive Reading: Life Makeover by Dominique Sachse – TPW403

13 Jul 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In this latest episode of our recurring Productive Reading series, I share my favorite quotes and key takeaways from TV news anchor and YouTuber Domin...

Halftime Break, Mid-Year Review – TPW402

06 Jul 2022

Contributed by Lukas

This week we discuss the importance of taking time for an effective mid-year review and how it can benefit us throughout the rest of 2022.

Make a Difference – TPW401

29 Jun 2022

Contributed by Lukas

By taking even small actions in our home, our workplace, and our local community, we can make a difference in the world. This week we're looking at so...

Do the Next Thing – TPW400

22 Jun 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Planning is an important part of a productive life and a frequent topic of discussion on this podcast. Sometimes, though, we just need to do the next ...

Getting Past Monotony – TPW399

15 Jun 2022

Contributed by Lukas

When routines turn to monotony, it can derail our productivity. Let's talk about some ways we can overcome the monotony, reengage, and stay productive

Productive Use of Our Time – TPW398

08 Jun 2022

Contributed by Lukas

What is a productive use of time? This week we're looking at that question and offering some suggestions about how to use our time more productively.

Personal Mantras for Personal Productivity – TPW397

01 Jun 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Words matter--especially the words we say to ourselves. We can retrain our thinking in more productive directions by adopting personal mantras.

A Manifesto for a Life that Matters – TPW396

25 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

This week I'm sharing thoughts from my personal manifesto for living a meaningfully productive life--a life that matters as I define it.

When Life Isn’t Fun Anymore – TPW395

18 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

What do we do when life feels monotonous and predictable and our work becomes drudgery? Let's consider ways to renew our energy and enthusiasm.

Lessons from My Daughters – TPW394

11 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

This week I'm sharing some of the things I've learned from my own daughters about the qualities we need in order to make a life that matters.

Productivity by the Numbers – TPW393

04 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

This week we're looking at productivity by the numbers--including some numbers-based tools and techniques that can help boost our productivity.

Dealing with an Unexpected Monkey Wrench – TPW392

27 Apr 2022

Contributed by Lukas

What do we do when life throws a monkey wrench into our carefully designed plans? We're looking at how to deal with unexpected disruptions.

Creating a Functional To-Do List – TPW391

20 Apr 2022

Contributed by Lukas

This week we're looking at practical ways to create a to-do list that actually helps make sure you get the things done that matter most to you.

Dream Big, Act Small – TPW390

13 Apr 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Dream big? Yes! This week we're talking about how we can achieve big dreams by taking small actions consistently.

Workplace Productivity – TPW389

06 Apr 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Whether you work for yourself or for a company, workplace productivity is as important as productivity in our home. This week we're considering some w...

Time, Energy, & Attention: Making Good Use of Finite Resources – TPW388

30 Mar 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Making good use of our time, energy, and attention is essential to a meaningfully productive life.

Quick Reset Process for When Life’s Out of Control – TPW387

23 Mar 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Whatever the reason, when life gets out of control, this simple reset process might just help you regain a sense of control and confidence.

Food for Thought for a Life That Matters – TPW386

16 Mar 2022

Contributed by Lukas

This week I’m sharing some thought-provoking ideas from books I’m reading that inspire and motivate me to think differently about life and product...

4 Personal Productivity Problem Areas – TPW385

09 Mar 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Productivity problem areas? This week I share my current top 4, along with some plans to "fix" them! Maybe some of the tips I found will help you, too...

Serenity in Stressful Times – TPW384

02 Mar 2022

Contributed by Lukas

This week we're looking at ways to keep our worry and anxiety under control and our minds serene and focused.

Making the Most of Time Off – TPW383

23 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Time to rest and recharge is an essential component of a productive life. This week we discuss how to make the most of time off.

Getting Organized, Part 2: Your Time – TPW382

16 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In this week's episode, we continue our conversation about getting organized, this time looking specifically our time and how we can better use it.

A Few Tips for Getting Organized – TPW381

09 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Getting organized brings big productivity benefits. This week we consider some tips for getting our space and stuff organized.

6 Ways to Make This Year Better than Last Year – TPW380

02 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Coming out of my January podcasting sabbatical, I'm sharing 6 simple ways we can make this year better than last year.

Who Will You Be This Time Next Year? Setting Goals that Matter – TPW379

29 Dec 2021

Contributed by Lukas

This week we're looking at a simple process for setting meaningful goals for the coming year.

Laying a Foundation: Lessons Learned – TPW378

22 Dec 2021

Contributed by Lukas

This week we look at one way to conduct a year-end review that can lay the foundation for setting meaningful goals for the coming year.

Laying a Foundation: Primary Values & Guiding Principles – TPW377

15 Dec 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Before we dig into setting ambitious goals for the next year, let's lay a foundation by identifying our primary values and the principles we live by.

Making Space for the New Year – TPW376

08 Dec 2021

Contributed by Lukas

These last few weeks of the year are a great time to clear out some clutter--physical & mental--and make space for good things in the new year!

Favorite Productive Gifts for Yourself & Others – TPW375

01 Dec 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Looking for some gift ideas (or productivity tools for yourself)? Here are a few I can recommend!

Thanksgiving and a Life that Matters – TPW374

24 Nov 2021

Contributed by Lukas

The Thanksgiving holiday is a great time to remember the ways giving thanks contributes to a meaningfully productive life.

Saying No (and Yes) in “No”vember – TPW373

17 Nov 2021

Contributed by Lukas

"No"vember is a great time to think about when to say no, when to say yes, and how getting it right contributes to a meaningfully productive life.

Countdown to Year-End – TPW372

10 Nov 2021

Contributed by Lukas

It's nearly the end of the year (if you can believe it). Let's look at a few things we can do in the coming weeks to end the year on a productive note...

Personal Retreats: Getting Away to Move Forward – TPW371

03 Nov 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Have you ever gone on a retreat? This week we're talking about how taking a step back can help us move forward toward more productive lives.

Productive Living: Wardrobe Wisdom, with Geralin Thomas – TPW370

27 Oct 2021

Contributed by Lukas

An organized closet and a functional wardrobe can be a part of our meaningfully productive life. This week Geralin Thomas and I talk about building a ...

Inspiration for a Meaningfully Productive Life – TPW369

20 Oct 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Other people's thoughts and writings can provide inspiration for our own meaningfully productive lives. 

Buying Ourselves Time – TPW368

13 Oct 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Sometimes spending money on the right tools and carefully chosen resources can buy back time for what matters most.

Obstacles to Productivity – TPW367

06 Oct 2021

Contributed by Lukas

This week we're talking about ways to overcome some of the most common (and frustrating) obstacles to our productivity.

Productive Reading: Digital Minimalism, by Cal Newport – TPW366

29 Sep 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode we continue our recurring “Productive Reading” series, this time talking about my key takeaways from Digital Minimalism, by Cal Ne...

Productive Living: Span of Control, with Carey Lohrenz – TPW365

22 Sep 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In this latest episode of our 2021 Productive Living series, Navy fighter pilot, bestselling author, and mom Carey Lohrenz and I talk about formulati...

Productivity for Free – TPW364

15 Sep 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Productivity doesn't have to be costly. This week I share ideas for free productivity tools that can help you accomplish more of what matters to you.

Back to School (as an adult) – TPW363

08 Sep 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode we discuss returning to school as an adult student and how to balance your studies and other responsibilities, while still making time...

Creating Productive Routines – TPW362

01 Sep 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Developing intentional and purposeful routines can make a big difference in our day-to-day productivity.

Using Words Productively – TPW361

25 Aug 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Using words productively calls for intentionality but can maximize our positive impact on the world around us.

Productive Living: Mental Health, with Scout Sobel – TPW360

18 Aug 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In this latest installment of our 2021 Productive Living series, Scout Sobel and I talk about mental health & productivity--feeling safe in your emoti...

15 Productive Things You Can Do in 15 Minutes or Less – TPW359

11 Aug 2021

Contributed by Lukas

We don't always have big chunks of time to devote to particular tasks or projects. Let's look at some ways to be productive when we only have a few mi...

Recent Finds – Productivity Resource Discoveries – TPW358

04 Aug 2021

Contributed by Lukas

This week I'm sharing some recently discovered productivity resources that you might find helpful as well!

Productive Living: Self Care, with Jaime McLaughlin – TPW357

28 Jul 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Self-care matters! In this installment of the Productive Living series beauty expert Jaime McLaughlin and I talk about quick and easy daily self-care ...

How to Enjoy Rest – TPW356

21 Jul 2021

Contributed by Lukas

We can give ourselves permission to rest, relax and recharge without feeling guilty about it. It's possible to make time for rest, enjoy it, and still...

Simple Way to Manage To-Dos – TPW355

14 Jul 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Looking for a simple but effective way to get your to-do list under control? That's our topic on this week's episode of The Productive Woman podcast.

Getting Back on Track – TPW354

07 Jul 2021

Contributed by Lukas

No matter the reason, when you've let things slide for a while, getting back on track can feel like an overwhelming task. Let's talk about some tips t...

Mid-Year Checkin – TPW353

30 Jun 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Mid-year is a good time to pause and reflect. Are you happy with how the year has gone so far?

Productive Living: Lifestyle Medicine, with Sarah Keyes – TPW352

23 Jun 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Join Physician Assistant Sarah Keyes and me in this latest episode of the Productive Living series as we talk about how to taking care of our health b...

Doing Things Badly – TPW351

16 Jun 2021

Contributed by Lukas

This week I discuss our fears surrounding trying new things and why doing things badly can be very productive.

Prioritizing Your Passions, with Mary Sutton – TPW350

09 Jun 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Multi-published mystery author and full-time technical writer Mary Sutton and I chat about committing to your passions and finding time for “your”...

Productive Reading: Effortless – TPW349

02 Jun 2021

Contributed by Lukas

The most essential things don't have to be so hard. In this newest installment of our recurring Productive Reading series I'm sharing my key takeaways...

Productive Living: Getting Dinner on the Table, with Kelly Senyei – TPW348

26 May 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In a continuation of the 2021 Productive Living series, I talk with chef, cookbook author, and mom Kelly Senyei about feeding our families, maximizing...

10 Unproductive Things to Stop Doing – TPW347

19 May 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Sometimes in order to make space in our lives for the good and productive things, we need to weed out the unproductive things--things we do habituall...

Productive Living: Women and Leadership, with Lydia Fenet – TPW346

12 May 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Author, auctioneer, and NYC mom Lydia Fenet and I talk about leading with confidence, negotiating for what you're worth, and networking like a pro.

Personal Productivity: 10 Things You Might Not Know About Me – TPW345

05 May 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Since productivity is such a personal thing, I thought it might be fun to share a few things you might not know about me and how they affect my produc...

Productive Living: Finding Peace In Our Parenting, with Lynyetta Willis – TPW344

28 Apr 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Psychologist Dr. Lynyetta Willis and I discuss parenting, productivity, and family empowerment.

Five Ways To Get Started – TPW343

21 Apr 2021

Contributed by Lukas

How do you get started when faced with paralyzing overwhelm? In this episode I share 5 tips that can help.

Building Meaningful Relationships in a Virtual World, with Betsy Hays – TPW342

14 Apr 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Author and college professor Betsy Hays and I talk about how we can build and nurture professional and personal relationships through virtual networki...

How to Be Happy – TPW341

07 Apr 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Studies show happy people are more productive. This week we're talking about things we can do to be happy.

13 Apps That Help Me Manage My Life – TPW340

31 Mar 2021

Contributed by Lukas

This week I'm sharing some apps that help me manage my life, get things done that are important to me, and stay productive throughout my day.

Productive Living: Managing Your Money Well, with Alaina Fingal – TPW339

24 Mar 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In this installment of our Productive Living series, I talk with accountant and certified financial coach Alaina Fingal about money and productivity--...

Habits That Help Me Stay Productive (and a Few I Need to Work On) – TPW338

17 Mar 2021

Contributed by Lukas

This week we’re talking about habits, specifically looking at some habits that help me stay productive and a few that don’t. We also discuss how t...

Productivity While Living Abroad, with Sarah Tulen – TPW337

10 Mar 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Newlywed, Gen-Z'er, and small business owner Sarah Tulen and I talk about balancing and growing a new business (and a new marriage!), all while living...

How to Choose and Use a Planner – TPW336

03 Mar 2021

Contributed by Lukas

This week we're talking about how to choose and use a paper planner to be more productive.

Productive Living: Prioritizing Health and Fitness, with Jennifer Nagel – TPW335

24 Feb 2021

Contributed by Lukas

This week's episode, which is part of our Productive Living series, features my conversation with certified personal trainer and CEO of Figured Out Fi...

Creating a Weekly Schedule That Helps You Get Things Done – TPW334

17 Feb 2021

Contributed by Lukas

If you’re frustrated by the feeling that weeks go by with no progress on the things that matter to you, or you don’t seem to have enough time i...

Maintaining Balance as a Military Spouse, with Carla Swartz – TPW333

10 Feb 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Special education professional, mom, and military wife Carla Swartz and I discuss balancing a busy career, parenting, and a spouse in the military.

Simple Daily Hacks for a Productive Home – TPW332

03 Feb 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Often we don’t have the time to spend all day cleaning. But there are small things we can do each day to help maintain order, peace, and productivit...

Productive Living: Avoiding Career Burnout, with Errin Weisman, DO – TPW331

27 Jan 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Have you experienced burnout in your profession or career? This week's episode, the first in our new Productive Living series, features my conversatio...

Multifaceted Productivity – TPW 330

20 Jan 2021

Contributed by Lukas

This week I introduce a new recurring series featuring conversations with women who have expertise, insights, or experience in areas that are importan...

Creating a Balanced Life, with Whitnee Hawthorne – TPW329

13 Jan 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Busy mom, podcaster, and Fortune 500 executive Whitnee Hawthorne and I talk about how she balances her professional life with her commitment to her fa...

Ideas For a Productive New Year – TPW328

06 Jan 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Turning the calendar to a new year doesn’t actually have any meaning in and of itself, but it can be a great time to do a reset and take a few actio...

Thank You – TPW327

30 Dec 2020

Contributed by Lukas

As we wrap up this unusual year, I wanted to take just a few minutes to say thank you--and to leave you with some quotes that inspire me to dream big ...

This Time Next Year – TPW326

23 Dec 2020

Contributed by Lukas

This year has been challenging, to say the least. As the year wraps up, let's take time to look towards the future and think about where we'd like to ...

Lessons from an Unusual Year – TPW325

16 Dec 2020

Contributed by Lukas

This unusual year has shaken us as individuals and as a society. A lot of us have had to rethink our priorities, even our identity. The upheaval and c...

Productive Reading: The Minimalist Home – TPW324

09 Dec 2020

Contributed by Lukas

This week we continue our Productive Reading Series, talking about my key takeaways from Joshua Becker's excellent book, The Minimalist Home.

Discovering Your Potential, with Margaret Alabi – TPW323

02 Dec 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Margaret Alabi is a busy Pharmacist by day but spends her free time coaching others to reach their full potential as leaders through The Pivot Consult...

Giving Thanks – TPW322

25 Nov 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Giving thanks and feeling grateful matter to our mental and physical health, to our relationships--and to our productivity. Especially in light of the...

Getting and Staying Motivated – TPW321

18 Nov 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Motivation is what drives us to act and keep acting. But internal and external obstacles can sap our motivation and keep us from accomplishing goals. ...

Prioritizing Your Time, with Elizabeth Hill – TPW320

11 Nov 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Elizabeth Hill is a busy mom, business owner, and lawyer who is trying to make the best use of her time, while also being careful to make time for her...

Holiday Prep – TPW319

04 Nov 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Our 2020 holiday celebrations and gatherings may look different from years past. This week we discuss some things we can do now to prepare for a joyou...

Healthy Habits for Productive Living – TPW318

28 Oct 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Being physically, mentally, and emotionally healthy leads to a more productive life. This week we consider a few healthy habits that can help.

Searching for Balance, with Sarah Im – TPW317

21 Oct 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Like many of us, mom and Realtor Sarah Im is searching for a workable balance between work and family. This week she and I talk about that search, and...

6 Productive Things to Do Before the Year Ends – TPW316

14 Oct 2020

Contributed by Lukas

This week we're looking at what can we do in the coming weeks to ensure our year ends on a productive note and to prepare for next year.

Favorite Productivity Tools and How I Use Them – TPW315

07 Oct 2020

Contributed by Lukas

I don’t believe productivity is dependent on particular tools or apps, but we are fortunate to live in an age when there are many resources availabl...