Tools They Use
By Keep Productive
Guests include high performing professionals to discover what apps they use day to day to get things done.
Tools They Use is a Tool Finder production.
Tool Finder helps people find the best productivity tools - toolfinder.co
Tools They UseMay 29, 2020
85: Should You Change Project Management Tools?
This week, we share how you can effectively make decisions on whether to move from your project management software as a team or not.
This month is sponsored by ClickUp.
ClickUp is a powerful project management tool used by teams and professionals around the globe. Get it free [here]((http://www.clickup.com/?utm_source=keepproductive&utm_medium=youtube&utm_campaign=sponsor-promo)).
Thank you for tuning in, remember come back next week for more.
84: OmniFocus CEO Ken Case shares his toolkit and story of OmniGroup
This week, we're lucky to have Ken Case with us to discuss OmniFocus and OmniGroup's toolkit, also his own tools, productivity values & more
This month is sponsored by ClickUp.
ClickUp is a powerful project management tool used by teams and professionals around the globe. Get it free [here]((http://www.clickup.com/?utm_source=keepproductive&utm_medium=youtube&utm_campaign=sponsor-promo)).
Thank you for tuning in, remember come back next week for more.
Special Guest: Ken Case.
83: Will Roam Surpass Evernote as Number One Note-Taker?!
This week, we uncover whether Roam Research has the potential to take on Evernote to the title of the best note-taking tool in the world.
This month is sponsored by ClickUp.
ClickUp is a powerful project management tool used by teams and professionals around the globe. Get it free [here]((http://www.clickup.com/?utm_source=keepproductive&utm_medium=youtube&utm_campaign=sponsor-promo)).
Thank you for tuning in, remember come back next week for more.
82: News: Trello goes dark, Newton returns, Zoom updates & more
This week, we explore the latest news and updates in the productivity space from Trello's new Butler update and dark mode to Zoom's patches to security.
This month is sponsored by ClickUp.
ClickUp is a powerful project management tool used by teams and professionals around the globe. Get it free [here]((http://www.clickup.com/?utm_source=keepproductive&utm_medium=youtube&utm_campaign=sponsor-promo)).
Thank you for tuning in, remember come back next week for more.
81: Roam's $15 pricing, Woven adds Home and more news
This week, we explore all the latest productivity software news - including Roam's new pre-released pricing, Woven's new home tab, finance in productivity.
This episode is sponsored by Woven.
Woven is a powerful, smart calendar for managing meetings and planning your week.
It's my go-to calendar app, check it out here.
Thank you for tuning in and see you next week!
80: Beyond the To-Do List with Erik Fisher
This week, we have Erik Fisher, creator of Beyond the To-Do List - a podcast all about task management, time management, and productivity.
This episode is sponsored by Woven.
Woven is a powerful, smart calendar for managing meetings and planning your week.
It's my go-to calendar app, check it out here.
Thank you for tuning in and see you next week!
79: The No Code Revolution with Ben Tossell
This week, we have Ben Tossell, founder of MakerPad and no code enthusiast as we discuss the future of tools, his chosen tools and the building blocks to future productivity.
This episode is sponsored by Woven.
Woven is a powerful, smart calendar for managing meetings and planning your week.
It's my go-to calendar app, check it out here.
Thank you for tuning in and see you next week!
78: OmniFocus Workflows, iOS Shortcuts & Nested Folders with Rosemary Orchard
This week, we're lucky to have Rosemary Orchard - co-host of Automators FM and Nested Folders to discuss her love for OmniFocus, iOS Shortcuts and lots more.
This episode is sponsored by Woven.
Woven is a powerful, smart calendar for managing meetings and planning your week.
It's my go-to calendar app, check it out here.
Thank you for tuning in and see you next week!
Special Guest: Rosemary Orchard.
77: Being Productive as a Doctor, YouTube & Learner with Ali Abdaal
This week, we host Ali Abdaal - a friend, YouTuber, NHS doctor and lifelong learner - we chat about his toolkit for work and life
You can subscribe to Ali on YouTube here.
Thanks again for Ali for coming onto Keep Productive. You can watch the video edition over on the channel!
Thanks for stopping by folks!
Special Guest: Ali Abdaal.
76: How Minda Harts of the MEMO Organizes Her Company & Life
This week, we host Minda Harts, the creator of the MEMO - a book helping women of colour to secure a seat at the table.
Get the US edition of the MEMO on Amazon: here
A big thanks to Minda for coming on and sharing her adventures with work and productivity.
Thanks for stopping by today folks!
Special Guest: Minda Harts.
75: Woven is the New Sunrise & Why
This week, we discuss the capabilities and features of Woven. Woven is a fairly new calendar application but looks very similar to Sunrise back in 2014.
Thanks to Zoho Suite for sponsoring this month, February 2020
You can learn more about them here.
Thanks for stopping by this week!
74: Notion Competitors & The Current Modular Work Tools
This week, we chat Notion competitors and the current snapshot of the "modular productivity software" market and what's currently available.
Thanks to Zoho Suite for sponsoring this month, February 2020
You can learn more about them here.
Thanks for stopping by this week!
73: Fantastical 3, monday.com 2.0 & New Milanote upgrades
This week, we discuss the latest news in the productivity software space. We chat about what's new with Fantastical 3, monday.com 2.0 & Milanote.
Thanks to Zoho Suite for sponsoring this month, February 2020
You can learn more about them here.
Thanks for stopping by this week!
72: Mindful Productivity with Ness Lab Chief Editor Anne-Laure Le Cunff
This week, Anne-Laure Le Cunff, the marvellous writer at Ness Labs and Neuroscience student stops by to chat about her productivity process for focus, managing high workloads and mindful productivity.
Follow Anne-Laure on Twitter: here.
Get on the Ness Labs newsletter: here.
Thanks to Notion for sponsoring this month, January 2020
Amazing to have them onboard!
Get access to Notion here and get started free!
71: Florence Ion shares her favourite Android Tools, love for TwoBirds and how she manages her day
This week, Florence Ion, host of the Android Show and Material Podcast stops by to share insights into how she's managing her day, using Android productivity tools and rocking writing and podcasting.
Thanks to Notion for sponsoring this month, January 2020
Amazing to have them onboard!
Get access to Notion here and get started free!
Follow Florence on Twitter: here.
And more about her work and great reads: here.
Special Guest: Florence Ion.
70: WireCutter's Melanie Pinola Chats Offline Weekly Lists & Productivity Tool Balance
This week, Melanie Pinola from New York Time's WireCutter stops by to chat how she retains her productivity across her busy work day reviewing new software and how she routines her day.
*Thanks to Notion for sponsoring this month, January 2020.
*
Amazing to have them onboard!
Get access to Notion here and get started free!
Follow Melanie Pinola on Twitter: here.
And more about WireCutter's fantastic reads: here.
Special Guest: Melanie Pinola.
69: Preparing for 2020 and Setting Goals
This month, December 2019, Tools They Use is sponsored by TMetric.com
This episode covered the key ways you can implement goals and resolutions and looking into a worshop based method of improving your goals and work.
Thanks for a fantastic year on Tools They Use folks!
Special Guest: Tiago Forte.
68: The Second Brain with Tiago Forte
This month, December 2019, Tools They Use is sponsored by TMetric.com
Here's Tiago Forte's course, the Second Brain - check it out for more details.
Our final episode of 2019 will be all about goals and resolutions.
67: Founder of TickTick, Zhimin Chen shares the future features
This month, December 2019, Tools They Use is sponsored by TMetric.com
This is a re-post from the Keep Productive YouTube channel.
We were so lucky to have the marvellous TickTick co-founder on and it won't be the last time.
66: The Full Toolkit of OmniFocus 3 Master, Peter Akkies
This month, December 2019, Tools They Use is sponsored by TMetric.com
This week's guest Peter Akkies shares his inner working and use of OmniFocus 3 and many more tools in the ecosystem.
Next week, we share our interview with TickTIck co-founder, Zhimin Chen.
Special Guest: Peter Akkies.
65: The Future of Keep Productive in 2020
A new look, a new course and a new vision for the next year!
*This week, we've got Joshua Zerkel from Asana on! WooO! A bonus episode. *
64: Why Modular Tools Aren't Always The Best
Modular productivity tools are the new tools in the space, also known as no-code productivity tools are the rising stars.
We discuss whether these tools can affect our productivity if you don't set up rules that guide us.
*We're back next week to chat the Future of Keep Productive and what's next! *
63: Creative Productivity Expert David Kadavy dives into how mental states can impact your productivity and his love for Todoist
This episode is perfect for those creators out there or those looking to boost their creativity and productivity at the same time. Ideal for designers, professionals and freelancers - David's mental state approaches are fantastic to implement.
You can find David here on Twitter: here.
Follow the "Love Your Work" podcast here
All David's Tools: find them here.
And the mental states article and how David uses them, you can find that here.
If all goes well with my scheduling, I will have the marvellous Ali Abdaal on Tools They Use to discuss and share his student related productivity insights.
Special Guest: David Kadavy.
62: Zapier CEO Wade Foster chats about the future of work and automation tools
This episode will be really fun whether or not you are a Zapier user, Wade shares his insights into remote work, automation tools and what the future of work looks like.
Find Wade on Twitter: here
Check out Zapier and how it can help you automate work.
Next week, we have David Kadavy - a creative productivity expert sharing his insights into weekly workload, themes and mental states. Make sure you are subscribed!
Special Guest: Wade Foster.
61: Offline Productivity, Mastering Journals & BuJos - with Matt Ragland
Matt Ragland is well-known for his offline productivity tips and tricks and Notion BuJo set-ups too! This episode his insights into how to balance the digital with the physical is super interesting!
Follow Matt on YouTube here!
We highly recommend that!
You can learn more about Matt below!
Next week, we chat with Wade Foster, the founder of Zapier - and we chat automations galore!
Special Guest: Matt Ragland.
60: The Most Organized Human in the World Chris Dancy Stops By
Chris Dancy is called the most connected human in the world but in my opinion, one of the most organized people in the world too. This conversation was gold as Chris explores productivity, toolkits, daily routines, mortality, being connected and much more. You will learn so much for this podcast!
Listen to our Airtable tour: here
**Get Chris's Book "Don't Unplug": here.
*Follow Chris Dancy below! *
- Chris on Twitter: here
- Learn more about Chris's tasks & speaking: [here](chrisdancy.com)
Thanks so much for stopping by, stop by next week for a full interview with the legend of BuJo tours, Matt Ragland!
Special Guest: Chris Dancy.
59: Superhuman - is it worth $30 per month? ft. Joel Kai Lenz
Superhuman is one of the newest email applications in the market and this week, we chat with Joel who's been using it for 3 months, he shares his opinions and experience - good and bad!
You can follow Joel here:
Check in next week for the chat with Chris Dancy about tools + being the most connected human in the world!
Special Guest: Joel Kai Lenz.
58: Top 10 Tools for Remote Workers ft. Justin DiRose
Justin, the host of the Effective Remote podcast and community, shares his insights into what tools matter to his day-to-day remote work. Justin has been a routine guest of Tools They Use, and he's back to share all these useful tools and why they're awesome for Tools They Use.
Justin and how to find him
All The Tools We Mention
- Discourse
- Loom
- Nexstand or Roost
- SetApp
- CalZones
- Audible
- Noise cancelling headphones
- Twist
- CleanMyMac X
- Mattermost (open-source self-hosted slack alternative)
We hope you enjoy this episode!
Special Guest: Justin DiRose.
57: Tech Journalist Jill Duffy weighs in on over-work research & her spreadsheet productivity
This week, Jill Duffy joins us for an episode to discuss her views on the world of productivity tools. Jill reviews apps for her work at PC Mag and explores productivity as a passionate, we discuss research into over-work and more in this episode of Tools They Use.
THE BBC Report piece Jill was working on: http://bit.ly/2lSH5M2
Find Jill here!:
We're super excited to have had Jill on and please do thank her on Twitter for coming on!
Special Guest: Jill Duffy.
56: Total Evernote Use & Lessons from the GTD method with Stacey Harmon
Stacey is one of the wisest people I know when it comes to Evernote. We discuss a range of topics, from Evernote to GTD and how the GTD Summit went for her.
Follow Stacey's Courses & Work
- Radical Productivity with Evernote Course: here
- Trauma Free Tax: here
- Her Twitter: here
- Harmon Enterprises: here
- Stacey's EverDone Course: here
Stay tuned next week for an interview with Jill Duffy about overload research.
Special Guest: Stacey Harmon.
55: MAKE TIME... with John Zeratsky - Halt Distractions & Boost Focus
This book is a smashing take on keeping productive and taking control of your lives. John and Jake's relaxed take on productivity + time helps warn you of the effects of phones on your time and how to combat your approach to task priorities.
Get the MakeTime Book: https://amzn.to/2N622zAYou can follow John Zeratsky here on Twitter and check out the Time Dorks blog too!
*Note: the link for the book is an affiliate link. If you decide to purchase, we'll make a small cut of the fee.
Special Guest: John Zeratsky.
54: Save Money & Review Your Productivity Tools
Want to save money with your productivity software? Well, it's time to audit it!
Our CoursesNotion Made Simple - your forever guide to Notion and organizing your total Notion set-up. Be ready and take the first module free: here.
Essentials of Todoist - your guide to getting started with Todoist and mastering the applciation. Here's the course, use the code "PRODUCTIVE20" for 20% off: here.
Next week, we have John Zeratsky, the author of MakeTime book. Exciting stuff!
53: Q&A: 500+ Tasks, Goodbye Productivity Tools, & What Tool Would I Create?
It's time to answer your questions. We've put together 5 questions from the Keep Productive community and Patreon. Ranging from using productivity tools less, to tackling a 500+ long Todoist list.
Our August SponsorSanebox is our first sponsor back. Time to get your email under-control!
And get $25 off and 14-day free trial with our link (new accounts): https://www.sanebox.com/toolstheyuse
- Should you remove productivity technologies when you do technology audits? - Adam Staples
- I have 500+ tasks in my Todoist account, how do I deal with that? - No name - RGauffman
- If you could build a new app from scratch - but with all the resources in the world - what would it be? (Alex)
- How do you guys externalise your productivity system? For example friends/family/SO who are less reliable, so even delegations become more stressful where you have to constantly check up on (how's the party planning coming along, how's your visa application, etc) - Edison
- Do productivity tools actually make people more productive? Or are they just making people less forgetful and enabling easier reporting on what you've done/have to do - No Name
- What is the recurring “pain point” that you see in task/productivity management, and what are some of the solutions that either you or others have come up with to address it? - Eric Bower
52: 7 Outstanding Ways to Stay on Task
Staying on task is tricky. With all the distractions around us and our mind wandering, it feels much harder to keep just on one task. This episode will hopefully help by introducing methods & tools for you all.
Our August SponsorSanebox is our first sponsor back. Time to get your email under-control!
And get $25 off and 14-day free trial with our link (new accounts): https://www.sanebox.com/toolstheyuse
- Use Toggl or Timely
- Introduce a Freedom or Forest
- Host a Buddy Accountability — For remote or non-remote
- Plan Your Breaks
- Don't Overstack Lists
- Office Rituals
- Todoist Open Comment
51: How Woven & Tim Campos aim to upgrade your calendar with AI
Woven is attempting to change the calendar game by using AI and intelligence to schedule and communicate better with others. Their CEO, Tim Campos, uncovers how his work at Facebook has inspired Woven and what matters to the future of their application and AI.
Our August SponsorSanebox is our first sponsor back. Time to get your email under-control!
And get $25 off and 14-day free trial with our link (new accounts): https://www.sanebox.com/toolstheyuse
Special Guest: Tim Campos.
50: 5 Ways to Curb Loneliness in Remote Work
Loneliness is a real thing in the remote work environment. Today, we discuss exactly how you can curb that and about our own issues that we've faced since working without colleagues around us.
Justin DiRoseFollow his Twitter here and check out Effective Remote Work here.
Our August SponsorSanebox is our first sponsor back. Time to get your email under-control!
And get $25 off and 14-day free trial with our link (new accounts): https://www.sanebox.com/toolstheyuse
- Disconnect - Take a walk, lay on your bed, relax and set a 5PM out time.
- Local Gym - Get outside and visit your local gym - being around people helps
- Hobby Groups - Find a group that shares your interests and invest time in this community
- Coffee Friends - Befriend your local barista and chit chat
- Relationships/Work - Taking time out to respect the differences between the two.
Tweet us with your requests: here.
Special Guest: Justin DiRose.
49: The Art of Choosing the Best To Do List App
A solo episode this week, with your host, Francesco D'Alessio.
We tackle the age of question. How do I find the best to-do list application for my needs?
Sanebox is our first sponsor back. Time to get your email under-control!
And get $25 off and 14-day free trial with our link (new accounts): https://www.sanebox.com/toolstheyuse
- Needs - Create a list of features your to-do list app needs, and the situation you're in.
- Research - Shortlist the top 3 tools that match needs, then trial one for a full 90-days.
- Optimize - Finetune your application through courses, videos and discussing workflows.
Tweet us with your requests: here.
48: How to Be a Productive Teacher in 2019 with TickTick, Notion & Plenty of Focus
Tools They Use is back! After 2 months off, we're back with regular episodes. This first episode back, we have Martine Ellis, host of the Teaching Space and teacher on a mission to boost teacher productivity and awareness of time-saving methods.
Our August SponsorSanebox is our first sponsor back. Time to get your email under-control!
And get $25 off and 14-day free trial with our link (new accounts): https://www.sanebox.com/toolstheyuse
With plenty of advice, tools and ways to stay ahead of the game. Martine explores the very topics that matter to the teaching industry and how to become a productive teacher in the process.
EP48: Podcast Notes- Martine Ellis on Twitter: here.
- The Teaching Space Podcast: here
- Our Episode on Teaching Space: here
- Martine's Book for Productive Teachers: here
Special Guest: Martine Ellis.
47: Evernote's Behind the Scenes Search & Editor
Today, we discuss Evernote's new series "Behind the Scenes" - a look into what the Evernote team are working on!
MENTIONED
Next week, we'll have a feature on the different life stages of productivity and how to handle them.
Back next week, with a solo segment!
46: Ultimate Productivity Tips with Scott Friesen
Today, we discuss productivity techniques with Scott Friesen of Simpletivity - one of the most popular productivity YouTube channels out there.
Become a subscriber of Simpletivity on YouTube: here
Thanks so much to Scott from coming and sharing his insights, applaud everyone to check out his YouTube channel and all the smashing content over there!
Back next week, with a solo segment!
Special Guest: Scott Friesen.
45: The Future of Todoist with Amir Salihefendić, Doist Founder
Today, we chat with Amir Salihefendić, the founder at Todoist & Twist - one of the most popular to-do list tools.
You can follow Amir on Twitter: follow here.
This was recorded at the Business of Software Conference in Cambridge.
Thank you to their team for hosting us and it was great fun!
Special Guest: Amir Salihefendić.
44: Co-founder of Notion, Ivan Zhao shares his story + vision
Today, we chat with Ivan Zhao, the co-founder at Notion - a fast growing productivity software
INFORMATION SHEET
- Ivan's Twitter: follow him
- Notion: Get it here
- Learn Notion from Scratch: here
Thanks to Ivan for having me in the office to interview him.
See you next week for the Todoist CEO, Amir.
Special Guest: Ivan Zhao.
43: Preview: Notion Offices + CEO Interview
On Monday, we'll be interviewing Ivan Zhao, co-founder at Notion all about his story and vision
INFORMATION SHEET
- Ivan's Twitter: follow him
- Notion: Get it here
- Learn Notion from Scratch: here
On 6th May, we have Todoist CEO Amir ready to interview - stay tuned!
Please, if you have 2-3 minutes, pop us a review!
Francesco :-)
Special Guest: Ivan Zhao.
42: Optimising Your Mental Fitness for Work and Life with Marc Champagne
Today, we chat with Marc Champagne, creator of KYO about mental health and fitness at the workplace.
FOLLOW MARC AND KYO'S WORK
Let me know if you want to hear more on the topic of health at work!
Thanks for stopping by guys! :-)
Francesco
Special Guest: Marc Champagne.
41: 10 Productivity Channels to Follow in 2019
Today, we discuss the best resources for improving your productivity!
10 CHANNELS TO FOLLOW FOR PRODUCTIVITY
- Thomas Frank: here.
- Matthew Encina, Futur: here, our Notion chat here.
- Carl Pullein: here.
- CharliMarieTV: here.
- Wandering Aimfully: here.
- Matt D'Avella: here.
- Mariana's Study Corner: here.
- Atlassian Blog: here.
- Jeff Eisley: here.
- Paul Minors: here.
100% worth following all these guys! They are brilliant!
Thanks for stopping by guys! :-)
Francesco
40: ADHD, Productivity Tools & Coping with Overwhelm: A Chat with Pete Wright
Today, Pete and I sit down to discuss the world of ADHD and how it affects productivity. We chat about the tools that matter and how you can do your best to manage it day to day.
FOLLOW THE BRILLIANT PETE WRIGHT
Thanks for stopping by guys! :-)
Francesco
Special Guest: Pete Wright.
39: To-Do List App Switching is Dangerous, We Should Stop it!
Today, we discuss the concept of switching in to-do list applications, and why we should try not to do it once we've made a base.
BUSINESS OF SOFTWARE, UK EVENT: here
SWITCHING ADVICE
- Write out your 3-5 of the key features you need - shortlist the features that will make your to-do list manager. These are a must-have for this choice of application.
- Filter your options to 3 tools:
- Use the Matrix here to determine what sort of tool you need here.
Thanks for stopping by guys! :-)
Francesco
38: Evernote Death Spiral, Methods Before Tools & How GTD Changes Lives with Stacey Harmon
Today, we chat with Stacey Harmon all about Evernote, GTD techniques and Methods Before Tools - this one was a perfect conversation for active Evernote users worldwide.
Follow Stacey's Courses & Work
- Radical Productivity with Evernote Course: here
- Trauma Free Tax: here
- Her Twitter: here
- Harmon Enterprises: here
- Stacey's EverDone Course: here
You'll enjoy this one if you're wanting to absorb Evernote advice.
Thanks for stopping by guys! :-)
Francesco
Special Guest: Stacey Harmon.
37: The Case for Personal Project Managers
Today, we discuss the concept of the personal project management tool and how tools like Notion, ClickUp, Bonsai are becoming tools used by professionals to manage not only lists but projects too.
Mentioned tools:
Next week, we have Stacey Harmon of Harmon Enterprises to discuss all about the Evernote death spiral, her GTD facinsation and more! Subscribe on your podcast app of choice.
Tweet us too @KeepProductive
36: Common Productivity Dilemmas, Managing Tasks and Reference Materials with Justin DiRose
With our first guest episode of 2019, we chat with Justin DiRose today - we chat everything productivity tools from OmniFocus to Evernote, and everything in between, highlighting the importance of methods above tools too.
Give some love to Justin
Thanks again to Justin for a lovely chatter and our post conversation will probably discuss self-employed loneliness - a topic that I think will help professionals manage a new workplace issue.
Thanks for stopping by guys! :-)
Francesco
Special Guest: Justin DiRose.