The Productivity Show

Discover how to reclaim 10+ hours every week by turning AI into your personal execution system. In this episode, we break down a simple, real-world workflow that uses AI to handle planning, decision-making, and repetitive tasks—without adding more tools or complexity. Learn how to automate context-gathering, research, and follow-ups so you can stop digging through your inbox and start focusing on the high-value work that actually matters. Visit www.asianefficiency.com for more productivity tips and tactics. Masterclass.com/TPS for at least 15% off any annual membership. Go to HomeServe.com to find the plan that's right for you. Not available everywhere. Most plans range between $4.99 to $11.99 a month your first year. Terms apply on covered repairs. Ready to tackle bigger problems? Go to Claude.ai/tps. Cheat Sheet Top 3 Productivity Resources [1:46] The shift that changes everything: when AI stops advising and starts executing [5:53] Why the Mac Mini is sold out everywhere (and what it unlocks for your workflow) [9:32] The uncomfortable test for whether you're actually using AI or just playing with it [14:07] The $1 morning briefing that replaces your executive assistant [22:27] How to stop your AI from reminding you about things you've already handled [28:39] Three things a digital chief of staff does that you probably didn't know were possible [37:29] Thanh's personal rule for what AI can do without checking with him first [46:54] Four AIs coded and argued for five straight days while Thanh watched a paddle tournament [50:36] Links MasterClass HomeServe Claude 25X Productivity Coaching Lindy Perplexity Computer Wispr Flow What’s Possible with AI in 2026: From Flashy Demos to Quiet Leverage (TPS600) Obsidian Brave Search Otter Granola Mac Studio Hermes Agent OpenAI Codex Qwen 3.5 If you enjoyed this episode, follow the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, Overcast, Pocket Casts or your favorite podcast player. It’s easy, you’ll get new episodes automatically, and it also helps the show. You can also leave a review!

Discover how to turn AI from a novelty into a productivity powerhouse. Thanh Pham shares practical tips on using integrated writing tools, automating meetings with bots, and leveraging AI agents to transform your workflow. Learn why the real magic happens in implementation and how to start with just one tweak this week. Visit www.asianefficiency.com for more productivity tips and tactics. DripDrop — Get 20% off your first order at dripdrop.com with promo code tps. Links DripDrop — use promo code tps for 20% off your first order 25X Productivity Coaching Claude Claude for Chrome Lindy Otter Calendly OpenClaw Manus If you enjoyed this episode, follow the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, Overcast, Pocket Casts or your favorite podcast player. It’s easy, you’ll get new episodes automatically, and it also helps the show. You can also leave a review!

Hidden cognitive biases quietly sabotage your productivity every day, from the planning fallacy that ruins your schedule to decision fatigue that drains your willpower. In this episode, we explore the psychology behind these mental shortcuts and provide practical systems to beat them. Learn how to recognize traps like anchoring and confirmation bias, and discover simple frameworks—like buffer time and friction reduction—that help you make better choices with less effort. Visit www.asianefficiency.com for more productivity tips and tactics. Sign up for a $1/month trial period at shopify.com/tps. Get 20% off your first order: dripdrop.com — use promo code TPS. Ready to tackle bigger problems? Go to Claude.ai/tps. Cheat Sheet Top 3 Productivity Resources [1:40] Why your brain — not your tools — is the real productivity bottleneck [6:55] Why spending $40 on tickets might cost you a good night's sleep [8:57] The cognitive trap that was wrecking Brooks's sleep before concerts [10:50] The billion-dollar version of that thing you do with your gym membership [11:42] Why your brain erases all the annoying parts when estimating how long things take [13:27] The buffer time trick that turns chaotic schedule blowouts into clean handoffs [21:00] Why designing your environment beats relying on willpower every time [23:52] What judges reveal about why you make worse decisions after lunch [28:50] The counterintuitive reason Brooks banned snacks from his car [31:35] The three hidden biases that are skewing your decisions right now [33:19] How Thanh uses AI to surface and audit his own past decisions [38:00] Links Shopify DripDrop — promo code: TPS for 20% off Claude 25X Productivity Coaching Espresso Display 15.6″ The Design of Everyday Things — Don Norman System Design Interview: An Insider's Guide — Alex Xu TPS152: How to Beat Your Brain and Conquer Cognitive Biases The Art of Thinking Clearly — Rolf Dobelli If you enjoyed this episode, follow the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, Overcast, Pocket Casts or your favorite podcast player. It’s easy, you’ll get new episodes automatically, and it also helps the show. You can also leave a review!

Discover the “Fresh Start Effect” and how to use psychological clean slates to reset your habits. We explore Katy Milkman's research on why Mondays and birthdays boost motivation, the hidden danger of resets for high performers, and how to mentally subdivide your day into chapters so one bad morning doesn't ruin your entire day. Visit www.asianefficiency.com for more productivity tips and tactics. Visit Upwork.com right now and post your job for free. Links Upwork 25X Productivity Coaching How to Change by Katy Milkman If you enjoyed this episode, follow the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, Overcast, Pocket Casts or your favorite podcast player. It’s easy, you’ll get new episodes automatically, and it also helps the show. You can also leave a review!

Do you ever feel like your brain is stuck in “buffer mode” after switching tasks? That’s attention residue—the hidden productivity tax that quietly reduces your focus and performance every time you context-switch. In this episode, we explore the neuroscience behind why part of your mind stays stuck on previous tasks and how this makes deep work harder. We share practical strategies, including environment design and outcome-focused scheduling, to protect your attention so you can work with greater clarity and efficiency. Visit www.asianefficiency.com for more productivity tips and tactics. Make the switch! MINTMOBILE.com/PRODUCTIVITY Visit Upwork.com right now and post your job for free. Cheat Sheet Top 3 Productivity Resources [1:12] The hidden tax on your focus that builds up every time you switch tasks [5:11] Why your brain and ChatGPT crash the same way [7:34] The 90s computer problem that explains your scattered modern brain [12:05] The 30-second habit that closes open loops before they pile up [15:38] Why classic GTD advice still fixes problems that didn’t exist when it was written [16:44] How a self-described people-pleaser learned to protect his mornings [26:53] The 10-minute buffer that changes everything about back-to-back meetings [31:17] The one thing to write down before you close your laptop tonight [38:25] Links Mint Mobile Upwork 25X Productivity Coaching Tailscale Dell Pro Desktop Speakerphone SP3022 Wispr Flow Getting Things Done by David Allen Atomic Habits by James Clear Drafts If you enjoyed this episode, follow the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, Overcast, Pocket Casts or your favorite podcast player. It’s easy, you’ll get new episodes automatically, and it also helps the show. You can also leave a review!