David Sparks and Mike Schmitz are not nearly as productive as they’d like to be. Join these fellow travelers (and a bunch of special guests) as they share the best ways to get focused, and talk through their successes and failures along the way.

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David Sparks

MacSparky.com

Mike Schmitz

practicalpkm.com

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    #247: Getting Intentional, with Chris Bailey

    January 13th, 2026 · 69 minutes

    Chris Bailey is back to talk about his new book, The Intention Stack, fundamental human values, and why S.M.A.R.T. goals aren't very smart.

    Guest Starring: Chris Bailey

    This episode of Focused is sponsored by:

    • Incogni: Take your personal data back with Incogni! Use code FOCUSED with this link and get 60% off an annual plan.
    • Squarespace: Save 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain using code FOCUSED.

    Stream this episode

    Download: MP3 (64.01 MB)

    Links and Show Notes

    Focused on YouTube
    Chris' website
    Intentional by Chris Bailey
    Hyperfocus by Chris Bailey
    An Overview of the Schwartz Theory of Basic Values
    Overcoming Procrastination (Chris' course)
    The Productivity Project by Chris Bailey
    How to Calm Your Mind by Chris Bailey
    Notes on Being a Man by Scott Galloway
    The Wealthy Barber by David Chilton
    Proust and the Squid by Maryanne Wolf
    Reader, Come Home by Maryanne Wolf
    The Myth of Sisyphus by Albert Camus
    How to Calm Your Mind by Chris Bailey