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Focused
Life is more than cranking widgets
Hosted by David Sparks and Mike Schmitz.
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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Latest Episodes
#29: The Spreadsheet
September 5th, 2017 · 40 minutes
So you're thinking about going out on your own. It's time to build The Spreadsheet, a tool to let you gauge your potential income and expenses and give you a realistic view of what it will take to succeed.
#28: David's Origin Story
August 22nd, 2017 · 47 minutes
Jason asks David to explain where he came from, the background of his career, and what the circumstances were that led him to become an independent worker, and then asks him to reflect on his two-plus years no longer being employed by a law firm.
#27: Bird in the Bush
August 8th, 2017 · 43 minutes
Passion projects can be an enjoyable outlet. But how do you balance the work that pays the bills with the work that feeds the soul?
#26: A Batphone to My Heart
July 25th, 2017 · 58 minutes
While Jason leaves the phone off the hook, David describes his trial of Google Voice and ultimate decision to use a live receptionist service.
#25: Breadcrumb of My Life, with Stephen Hackett
July 11th, 2017 · 56 minutes
Relay FM co-founder Stephen Hackett discusses his origin story, including the personal challenges he first encountered when he went independent.
#24: Take Care of Yourself
June 27th, 2017 · 43 minutes
What happens if you're a lone-wolf independent operator, and then you get sick? We discuss staying healthy, getting help, and buying insurance.
#23: It's Hard To Get on a Different Train
June 13th, 2017 · 40 minutes
When should you form a corporation, and if so, what kind? David has some broad advice, though you should be sure to consult with a local attorney and your accountant before making any final decisions.
#22: Staying Agile
May 30th, 2017 · 27 minutes
One of your great advantages as an independent worker is your agility. While larger companies have more resources, they can be much slower to react to change. David and Jason swap war stories about adapting and changing.
#21: The Second Feedback Episode
May 16th, 2017 · 57 minutes
We're once again answering your letters and tweets In a wide-ranging episode covering all sorts of aspects of being an independent worker.
#20: Jason's Origin Story
May 3rd, 2017 · 59 minutes
David asks Jason to explain where he came from, the background of his career, and what the circumstances were that led him to become an independent worker, and then asks him to reflect on his two-plus years no longer being employed by a big corporation.