Best Charlie Gilkey Podcasts (2025)

1
Ancient Wisdom Meets Modern Life: Finding Ease and Clarity with Charlie Gilkey 51:44

10d ago51:44

51:44

You're doing everything right, staying productive, chasing growth, keeping up. But what if the discomfort you feel isn't a sign that you need to do more, but a signal to let go? In this episode, Charlie Gilkey and I explore the Tao Te Ching, which is one of my favorite books of all time, but not as a relic from the past, but as a guide for navigati…

1
The Hidden Cause of Procrastination and How to Finally Move Forward with Taylor Jacobson 52:32

1h ago52:32

52:32

In this episode, Taylor Jacobson discusses the hidden cause of procrastination and how to finally move forward in your life. He explores how transformation rarely feels graceful, how repressed emotions shape our behavior, and what it takes to live a life true to your inner compass. It’s a vulnerable, grounded conversation about fear, reinvention, a…

1
Jenny Wood Talks About Wild Courage and Fearless Self-Advocacy 43:45

2d ago43:45

43:45

In this episode of A Productive Conversation, I'm joined by Jenny Wood — author of the book Wild Courage: Go After What You Want and Get It. Jenny and I dive deep into the nine supposedly “negative” traits she reclaims as powerful tools for getting what you want in work and life. From her 18-year journey at Google, rising from entry-level to execut…

1
The Quiet Pain of Self-Loathing and Finding the Courage to Face It with Sarah Gormley 1:02:08

3d ago1:02:08

1:02:08

In this episode, Sarah Gormley discusses the quiet pain of self-loathing and finding the courage to face it. Sarah had it all – a thriving corporate career, success, and admiration. But beneath was a quiet, relentless self-loathing she couldn’t shake. In her memoir, The Order of Things, Sarah shares the profound turning point at 40 when she finally…

1
How to Embrace the 'In-Between' Space After Shedding an Old Identity | Laura Gassner Otting 31:16

3d ago31:16

31:16

Have you ever felt like the very identity that defined you was becoming a straightjacket? That the career path, role, or persona you'd so carefully crafted suddenly felt constraining rather than purposeful? If so, you've likely experienced the disorienting - yet potentially catalyzing - transition I'm exploring with my guest today. I’m joined by La…

1
Why We Stop Noticing What Matters and How to Feel Alive Again with Tali Sharot 1:01:35

7d ago1:01:35

1:01:35

In this episode, Tali Sharot explains why we stop noticing what matters and how to start feeling alive again. She describes what habituation is and how our minds normalize what once moved us. Tali also explores ways that we can reawaken joy, purpose, and even moral clarity. It’s an eye-opening look at the subtle ways we lose and then can reclaim ou…

1
Dana Caspersen Talks About Navigating Conflict with Curiosity and Clarity 40:12

9d ago40:12

40:12

In this episode of A Productive Conversation, I dive into a topic that’s often overlooked when discussing productivity: conflict. But not just any conversation about conflict — this one’s with Dana Caspersen, conflict engagement specialist, TEDx speaker, and author of Conflict Is an Opportunity: 20 Fundamental Decisions for Navigating Difficult Tim…

1
How to Prioritize Fun and Still Get Brilliant Work Done | Bree Groff 1:06:13

10d ago1:06:13

1:06:13

Have you ever found yourself dreading Monday, counting down the hours until Friday? And wondering, when did work get so devoid of joy and fun? When did we start sacrificing playfulness and authentic connection at the altar of professionalism? And is that really giving anyone, including your employer, what they want and need? Today, we're cracking o…

1
How to Recognize the Hidden Signs of Burnout with Leah Weiss 57:56

14d ago57:56

57:56

What if the very thing that gives your life meaning is also what's burning you out? That's the paradox. Leah Weiss found herself in teaching compassionate leadership at Stanford. Working with organizations inspired by the Dalai Lama. Doing the kind of work most of us dream of. And yet she was falling apart. In today's conversation, we unpacked the …

1
PM Talks S2E6: Momentum 42:07

16d ago42:07

42:07

This episode is the latest installment in our monthly PM Talks series, where Patrick Rhone and I dive deep into ideas that shape how we manage time, energy, and focus. This month, we explored a topic that sneaks into our workflows and sustains our best efforts when used wisely—momentum. Momentum isn’t just a starting gun. It’s a rhythm, a flow, a t…

1
The Nobility of Service: Finding Magic and Connection in the Smallest Gestures with Will Guidara 1:00:34

17d ago1:00:34

1:00:34

What do a fine dining maitre d. A magician burying cards in a backyard and a toddler looking for Elsa have in common? They all show us that magic still exists. If we’re willing to care more, than seems reasonable. In this episode, Will Guidara, who’s a former co-owner of 11 Madison Park, which was once named the best restaurant in the world, the au…

1
How to Cultivate Sustainable Ambition in Life and Work | Kathy Oneto 26:08

17d ago26:08

26:08

Have you ever felt like your ambition was unsustainable? That drive to achieve and succeed was slowly draining you, leaving you unfulfilled despite your accomplishments? What if there was a way to align your ambitions with your deepest motivations and capacity for a lifetime of thriving? Today, we're turning our attention to the concept of sustaina…

1
Embrace the Chaos: Finding Clarity Through Meditation with Henry Shukman (Part 2) 1:00:08

21d ago1:00:08

1:00:08

In part one of this two-part conversation, we walked along the edge of paradox where effort gives way to ease and the search itself becomes the obstacle. In this second part of my conversation with Zen teacher Henry Shukman, the way begins to reveal itself, not as something we grasp, but something we live. We talk about awakening, the collapse of s…

1
Dr. Martin Moore-Ede Talks About Light, Health, and Productivity 35:48

23d ago35:48

35:48

Light is something we often take for granted. We flip a switch, our rooms brighten, and we move on with our day. But what if the light we’re exposed to is impacting our sleep, health, and overall longevity? Dr. Martin Moore-Ede, a pioneer in circadian science, joins me on A Productive Conversation to discuss the powerful role light plays in our liv…

1
Embrace the Chaos: Finding Clarity Through Meditation with Henry Shukman (Part 1) 1:00:25

24d ago1:00:25

1:00:25

In this episode, Henry Shukman discusses how to embrace the chaos and find clarity through meditation while exploring themes of self-development and self-love. Henry emphasizes the balance between effort and acceptance in spiritual practice, highlighting the interplay between sudden insights (satori) and gradual progress. He also discuss the import…

1
How to Burn Bright Without Burning Out | Daisy Auger-Domínguez 41:41

24d ago41:41

41:41

Ever felt the crushing weight of burnout slowly snuffing out your spark? That bone-deep exhaustion that leaves you questioning if this is really the path for you? Imagine a world where you can thrive without feeling endlessly drained, where purpose and joy intertwine in beautiful harmony. Today, we're embarking on a profound exploration of burnout …

1
Navigating Fear and Hope: the Everyday Courage That Shapes Our Lives with Ryan Holiday 52:41

28d ago52:41

52:41

In this episode, Ryan Holiday explores navigating fear and hope and the everyday courage that shapes our lives. He unpacks how to confront our fears and how we need to do so, over and over. With great stories and insights, we are reminded that we don’t have to be fearless, we just have to begin. Key Takeaways: The concept of courage and its signifi…

1
Alice Draper Talks About Rejection, Resilience, and Podcast Pitching 33:29

1M ago33:29

33:29

What if rejection wasn’t something to fear—but a skill to build? In this episode of A Productive Conversation, I chat with Alice Draper, founder of Hustling Writers and host of My Rejection Story. Alice has helped clients land interviews on hundreds of top podcasts and is on a mission to demystify the power of rejection, especially for creatives an…

1
“Ditch the Ditty” with Lindsey Godwin, Molly McGuigan, and Miriam Novotny 53:25

1M ago53:25

53:25

In today’s episode, Jeremie Miller is talking with the authors of Ditch the Ditty: Doing What Matters Instead of Doing it All about their work and how it applies to the work of advocates. Episode Time Codes 01:28 Introductions 04:26 Can you share the story that lead to the concept of ditties and the importance of ditching them? 08:22 “Ditch the Dit…

1
Failure as Fertilizer: Learning to Bloom Again with Debbie Millman 59:56

1M ago59:56

59:56

In this episode, Debbie Millman explores how we can use failure as fertilizer and learn to bloom again. Debbie's book and this conversation is about more than just gardening tips or tools, it's about what happens when we let ourselves be bad at something, especially later in life. Debbie opens up about learning to grow and why failure might be the …

1
How to Playfully "Date" Potential Careers and Callings | Charlie Gilkey 36:43

1M ago36:43

36:43

Have you ever felt stuck pursuing a path that didn't truly resonate with you? A career, creative endeavor or major life change that you committed to fully, told the world it’s what you were doing, and who you were now…only to realize it wasn't what you really wanted? Today, we're going to explore a more forgiving approach - one that allows you to e…

1
From Benches to Breakthroughs: A New Approach to Mental Health with Dixon Chibanda 54:52

1M ago54:52

54:52

In this episode, Dr. Dixon Chibanda explores from benches to breakthroughs: a new approach to mental health. He explains why storytelling, radical empathy, and solving daily-life problems often outperform medication-first approaches; how three simple steps—opening the mind, uplifting, strengthening—turn elders into community healers; and why hope, …

1
PM Talks S2E5: Adaptability 36:50

1M ago36:50

36:50

This episode marks the latest in our ongoing monthly PM Talks series, where I sit down with Patrick Rhone to explore a theme through candid conversation, lived experience, and a touch of real-time reflection. This time, we didn’t just talk about adaptability—we lived it. Technical issues and illness meant we had to reschedule and re-record, but in …

1
Beyond Anxiety: How Curiosity Turns Fear Into Fuel with Martha Beck 58:00

1M ago58:00

58:00

In this episode, Martha Beck explores how to move beyond anxiety and how curiosity turns fear into fuel. Martha dives into why anxiety can’t simply be silenced. It has to be replaced with things like creativity, curiosity, and a deep kindness towards ourselves. Key Takeaways: Discussion of anxiety versus fear and their psychological implications. E…

1
How to Optimize Your Brain and Transform the Way You Work | Dr. Mithu Storoni 1:05:24

1M ago1:05:24

1:05:24

Are you tired of feeling drained and unfocused at work? Do you wish you could harness your brain’s full creative potential without sacrificing productivity? In this thought-provoking conversation, Dr. Mithu Storoni, a neuroscience researcher and ophthalmic surgeon, reveals revolutionary insights from her book Hyperefficient: Optimize Your Brain to …

1
Move Your Body, Free Your Mind: The Science of Movement and Mental Health with Caroline Williams 1:07:20

1M ago1:07:20

1:07:20

In this episode, Caroline Williams shares how moving your body can free your mind as she dives into the surprising science of movement and mental health. Caroline spent years studying the brain until she realized she was ignoring half the equation. She explains how movement of all kinds, walking, stretching, dancing, and even laughter can reshape o…

1
Anne Marie Anderson Talks About Cultivating Audacity and Navigating Fear 31:29

1M ago31:29

31:29

This episode features a truly audacious guest—Anne Marie Anderson. A three-time Emmy award-winning broadcaster and the author of Cultivating Audacity, Anne Marie has spent her career on the sidelines of high-stakes sporting events and inside boardrooms, observing what sets bold, high performers apart. But this isn’t just about elite athletes or exe…

1
Navigating the Messy Parts of Life: Embracing Imperfection and Growth with Josh Radnor 50:14

2M ago50:14

50:14

In this episode, Josh Radnor discusses the messy parts of life and embracing imperfection and growth. Josh Radnor explains how, even outward success, fame, acclaim, creative fulfillment isn’t enough to quiet the deeper battles within. He shares how real freedom comes not from achieving perfection, but from making peace with the messy, unfinished pa…

1
How to Develop the 7 Traits of Emotional Fitness | Dr. Emily Anhalt 39:10

2M ago39:10

39:10

Ever felt like your emotions were running the show? One moment you're mindfully present, the next hijacked by anxiety over the future or paralyzed by regrets of the past. If this resonates, you're not alone. But what if there was a way to cultivate profound emotional fitness - the ability to embrace the full range of your feelings while navigating …

1
Why Community and Courage Matter More Than Ever with Laura McKowen 58:14

2M ago58:14

58:14

In this episode, Laura McKowen explores why community and courage matter more than ever in making change in your life. She dives into the “messy midle” – theu ncertain space between giving up what umbs us and becoming someone new. She shares the story of the Luckiest Club, a global sobriety community. Key Takeaways: Understanding that real transfor…

1
Kerry Hoffman Talks About Order, Chaos, and Planning with Purpose 34:45

2M ago34:45

34:45

When you gain agency over your time—whether stepping out of a traditional 9-to-5 job or shifting into self-employment—it can feel liberating… and overwhelming. Kerry Hoffman knows this tension well. As someone who helps individuals and teams make sense of what they’re doing and when they’re doing it, she offers a refreshingly practical approach to …

1
Anxiety, Beauty, and the Unknown: A Map to Emotional Resilience with David Whyte 57:53

2M ago57:53

57:53

In this episode, David Whyte explores anxiety, beauty, and the unknown as a true map to emotional resilience. David shares how anxiety can be a doorway to deeper understanding and connection. He and Eric discuss the paradox of holding both joy and struggle, the surprising wisdom hidden in everyday emotions, and how poetry and language can bring us …

1
How to Stay Creatively Relevant in the Age of AI | Mitch Joel 34:47

2M ago34:47

34:47

My guest today is Mitch Joel, a marketing visionary who has been at the forefront of exploring how generative AI can enhance rather than replace human creativity. When brands like Google, Starbucks, and GE want to leverage technology to connect with consumers, they call Mitch. He's the Co-Founder of ThinkersOne, and his books like "Six Pixels of Se…

1
Unlock Your Inner Anthem: A Tribute to Mike Peters 38:07

2M ago38:07

38:07

This is a special episode from our archives with one of my favorite musicians, Mike Peters. Mike recently passed away, and this episode is more than a conversation; it’s a tribute to a beautiful soul. In our chat, we explored the idea of our lives being anthems; how defiance, hope, and inner strength were a soundtrack for his formative years, and l…

1
A VERY SPECIAL EPISODE: Mike Vardy Talks About The Productivity Diet 46:38

2M ago46:38

46:38

What happens when the host becomes the guest? In this special episode of A Productive Conversation, I sit on the other side of the mic as Tim O’Hare—an active and insightful member of the TimeCrafting Trust Premium community—interviews me about my latest book, The Productivity Diet. We explore why this book took years to come together, what makes i…

1
Fluke or Fate? Embracing Uncertainty to Live a Fuller Life with Brian Klaas 56:53

2M ago56:53

56:53

In this episode, Brian Klaas explains the concept of whether things are a fluke or fate, and explores how embracing uncertainty can lead to a living a fuller life. Brian makes the case that randomness and chaos might be exactly what makes our lives matter so much, and how we tend to worship at the “Altar of Progress in the Church of Control.” We ma…

1
From Chief Technology Officer to Solopreneur 37:39

2M ago37:39

37:39

Today’s Career Transformation Story features a trailblazer's journey from the apex of the corporate tech world to embracing the path of the solopreneur coach. It's a tale of reclaiming autonomy and giving voice to one's innermost callings. My guest today is Christian Röpke, who spent over a decade rising through AI leadership roles like Head of AI …

1
The Bittersweet Truth About Beauty, Sorrow, and What Makes Life Worth Living with Susan Cain 51:55

2M ago51:55

51:55

In this episode, Susan Cain explores the bittersweet truth about beauty, sorrow, and what makes life worth living. She emphasizes the transformative power of music and bittersweet emotions and also discusses how acknowledging grief can lead to deeper connections and creativity. This episode encourages listeners to embrace their emotions and seek be…

1
Yvonne Heimann Talks About Building Freedom Through Systems 1:08:01

2M ago1:08:01

1:08:01

In this episode, I reconnect with productivity strategist Yvonne Heimann—aka AskYvi—who’s not only made a bold geographic shift but is navigating personal and professional freedom with intention and clarity. We explore what it looks like to trust the systems you’ve built, especially when life throws curveballs or invites you into a new chapter. Yvi…

1
Flaws as Fuel: Harness Doubt, Cynicism & Ambition for Real Growth with Claire Hoffman 51:23

2M ago51:23

51:23

In this episode, Claire Hoffman explores the idea behind how our flaws, doubt, cynicism, and even ambition aren’t signs of failure, but can be used as fuel. She tells the story of Aimee Semple McPherson, a woman who built a religious empire and faked her own kidnapping. But this episode isn’t about scandal. It’s about the tension that we all carry …

1
The 2-year Experiment That’s Quietly Changing My Life | The 2×20 Project™ Update 1:50:25

2M ago1:50:25

1:50:25

Learn more about working with Jonathan to craft your 2×20 Project™. A few months ago, I introduced my personal 2×20 Project™ – taking two years to intentionally design my ideal life for the next twenty. If you missed that powerful first discussion, you’ll want to start there. Now, I’m back with an unfiltered update. What if you could take two years…

1
The Midlife Makeover: Redefining Success and Happiness After 40 with Chip Conley 45:44

2M ago45:44

45:44

In this episode, Chip Conley defines a midlife makeover and how to redefine success and happiness after 40. He shares how the most difficult stretches of his life ended up being the start of something completely new. Chip also explains the pull of the ego, the search for identity and how letting go of traditional success can open the door for somet…

1
Keith Ferrazzi Talks About Teamship and Transforming the Way We Work 36:05

2M ago36:05

36:05

It was a real treat to welcome Keith Ferrazzi back to the show—especially to discuss his latest book, Never Lead Alone: 10 Shifts from Leadership to Teamship. Keith’s work has long pushed beyond traditional leadership models, and this conversation builds on that legacy with his fresh concept of “teamship.” We dig into how the book is structured lik…

1
How to Turn Life’s Big Decisions into Tiny Experiments | Anne-Laure 1:03:51

2M ago1:03:51

1:03:51

What if you could transform uncertainty from a source of anxiety into fuel for discovery? That’s the invitation former Google executive turned neuroscientist Anne-Laure Le Cunff extends in this illuminating conversation about living life as a series of tiny experiments. Drawing from her own journey – from prestigious tech career to startup founder …

1
How to Nurture Creativity in a Noisy World with Maggie Smith 1:03:42

2M ago1:03:42

1:03:42

In this episode, Maggie Smith explores how to nurture creativity in a noisy world. A lot of people think creativity is something you do with a paintbrush or a poem but Maggie challenges us to think differently about creativity. It isn’t about what you make, but how you live. She dives into what it really means to be creative, even when you’re overw…

1
From Loneliness to Belonging: Small Steps That Change Everything with Jillian Richardson 52:38

3M ago52:38

52:38

In this episode, Jillian Richardson discusses the journey from loneliness to belonging and shares the small steps that can change everything. She delves into why friendship takes more effort than we expect and how we can actually get better at it. Jillian also explores what gets in the way of connection, why it’s not just about putting yourself out…

1
PM Talks S2E4: Focus 51:09

3M ago51:09

51:09

This episode is the latest in our monthly PM Talks series, where Patrick Rhone and I go deep on foundational elements of productiveness. And for this one—our 600th episode, no less—we dive into a topic that touches everything from our to-do lists to our dinner prep: focus. What does it really mean to focus? And more importantly, how do we hold onto…

1
What If You’re Wrong? How Uncertainty Makes Us More Human with William Egginton 58:43

3M ago58:43

58:43

In this episode, William Egginton invites you to ask the question, “What if you’re wrong?” as he explains how being uncertain makes us more human. William explores the surprising overlap between a physicist, a philosopher, and a poet—each of whom came to the same unsettling truth: that we mistake our model of reality for reality itself. But this is…

1
How to Transform Yourself From Job Seeker to Job Shopper | Madeline Mann 35:35

3M ago35:35

35:35

Have you ever felt like the traditional job search process just isn't working for you? That sending out resume after resume into a black hole, praying for any response, is a soul-crushing cycle of rejection and disappointment? If so, you’re not alone. What if there was a way to rethink the job hunt? That’s where we're heading in today’s Sparked Hot…

1
Using PERMA in Our Work and Lives 36:38

3M ago36:38

36:38

In today’s episode, the RAFT team is talking about PERMA, a simple, but powerful, way to think about well-being and resilience. It comes from Dr. Martin Seligman, a leader in positive psychology, and it’s all about five key elements: Positive emotions, Engagement, Relationships, Meaning, and Accomplishment. During the conversation, the RAFT team un…

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Charlie Gilkey Podcasts

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