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.

Hosts

David Sparks

MacSparky.com

Mike Schmitz

practicalpkm.com

Navigation

  • Previous Episode
  • Focused Archives

    • Links

  • Sponsor
  • Contact

    • The Focused Forum

    Focused is edited by Jim Metzendorf.

    Follow _focusedfm

    Support this show

    Join for $7/month Join for $70/year
    Learn more about membership.

    #248: Seriously, A Heroic Journey

    January 27th, 2026 · 57 minutes

    David & Mike discuss the Hero's Journey and how focus can help in your own epic quest.

    This episode of Focused is sponsored by:

    • Gusto: Payroll, HR, Benefits. Simplified. Get 3 months free.

    Stream this episode

    Download: MP3 (53.11 MB)

    Links and Show Notes

    Video version of this episode
    Productivity Field Guide 2026 (Pro Edition) | MacSparky Field Guides

    Use coupon code FOCUSEDPFG for 10% off.

    Die Empty by Todd Henry
    How many career changes in a lifetime? | The University of Queensland
    Hero's Journey Overview | Wikipedia
    Joseph Campbell and The Power of Myth | BillMoyers.com
    From Strength to Strength by Arthur Brooks
    The Library Community
    The Personal Retreat Planner