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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    #255: Get Your Machete Out

    May 5th, 2026 · 59 minutes

    In this feedback episode, David and Mike discuss slowing down, complicated second brains, and the minimum viable productivity system.

    This episode of Focused is sponsored by:

    • Squarespace: Save 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain using code FOCUSED.

    Stream this episode

    Download: MP3 (54.68 MB)

    Links and Show Notes

    Video Version of This Episode
    Focused #254: Battling Burnout
    Mike's Newsletter on The Amateur Advantage
    Focused #87: Nerds Like Us, with Myke Hurley
    The Pen Addict
    Obsidian
    NotePlan
    I Deleted My Second Brain by Joan Westenberg | Medium
    Why You Should Write Every Day (Even if You’re Not a Writer) by Joan Westenberg | Medium
    Mac Power Users #845: Intentional Technology with Patrick Rhone
    NextLevel Pulsar Brewer
    Ruby Coffee Roasters
    How to Live a Meaningful Life by Bill Burnett & Dave Evans
    Designing Your Life by Bill Burnett & Dave Evans
    Good Eye | Lost Art Press