The Wholistic Productivity Podcast

Chris LeBrun

Welcome to The Wholistic Productivity Podcast!Join us weekly as we redefine the concept of productivity. We'll help you ditch the toxic culture that promotes a "work harder" mentality and give you proven strategies for working smarter to achieve your goals.    The Wholistic Productivity Podcast is designed for entrepreneurs, high-achievers, and anyone who dreams of doing more but isn't sure how to achieve their goals. Our discussions focus on effective time management, strategic planning, and goal-setting that align with what truly matters to you in every area of life.   Whether you're pursuing a meaningful side project or enhancing your daily routines, each episode offers actionable insights and inspiration to help you achieve your goals. You'll also hear from entrepreneurs and business leaders about their productivity journey.   Subscribe now and unlock your full potential by achieving in your professional, personal, and purpose-driven goals!

  1. #42 Making the Call: Leadership Lessons from the Stripes with guest Jimmy Arnett

    2D AGO

    #42 Making the Call: Leadership Lessons from the Stripes with guest Jimmy Arnett

    In this episode of the Wholistic Productivity Podcast, Chris LeBrun sits down with Jimmy Arnett, a seasoned sales leader and longtime high school sports official, to talk about what sustained performance really looks like—when the pressure is real and the spotlight is on. Jimmy offers a unique dual lens. In his professional life, he manages $150M in annual revenue as a National Account Sales Manager. Outside of work, he’s spent over three decades officiating high school basketball, volleyball, and softball, including state championship games—where decisions must be made instantly and confidently. Chris and Jimmy explore the shared skills that connect officiating, leadership, sales, and productivity, including preparation, resilience, handling criticism, learning from mistakes, and staying patient when emotions run high. This conversation reframes productivity as something deeper than efficiency—highlighting confidence, perspective, and sustainable excellence over the long haul. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why preparation builds confidence in high-pressure momentsHow to handle criticism without letting it derail your focusThe leadership lessons that translate across careers and callingsWhy patience and perspective improve decision-makingHow to recover from mistakes and keep moving forwardWhat sustainable excellence really looks like over the long haulShow Links Connect with Jimmy on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jimmy-arnett-ab37aa/ Connect with Jimmy on Twitter - https://x.com/jarnett34  Connect with Jimmy on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/jimmy.arnett.16 Chapters 00:00 Introduction 06:01 Exploring the Uniform Industry 11:05 The Art of Sales and Relationship Building 13:48 Getting Started With Officiating 16:03 Lessons from Officiating and Sports 24:14 The Impact of Preparation in Sports and Sales 27:57 Navigating High-Stakes Moments in Officiating 29:07 Connecting Sales and Officiating Experiences 33:33 Navigating Criticism and Heckling 36:59 The Impact of Social Media on Officiating 39:54 Learning from Mistakes and Moving Forward 43:29 Instant Feedback: A Double-Edged Sword 48:34 Common Mistakes of New Officials 49:37 Building Relationships Through Officiating 51:01 Personal Reflections and Motivations This episode is sponsored by Efficient.appDon't waste time searching for the best software. Let the experts at efficient.app do it for you. They have tons of "No BS" reviews on all kinds of software so you'll always get an honest recommendation. When you're ready to buy they offer discounts as well. So check them out next time you are looking for new software! This episode is sponsored by Little Golden ShepherdIf you're looking for an all-natural remedy to manage your muscle, joint, and nerve pain, check out Little Golden Shepherd butters. Made with herbs and natural oils, LGS butters are a great natural alternative for pain. Use this link & the promo code "wholprod" to save 15% on your first order. Experience relief, naturally. Support the show Join the free Wholistic Productivity community on Skool

    1h 4m
  2. #41 Winning the Week Without Burning Out with Guest Demir Bentley

    12/30/2025

    #41 Winning the Week Without Burning Out with Guest Demir Bentley

    In this episode of the Wholistic Productivity Podcast, Chris LeBrun sits down with executive productivity coach and bestselling author Demir Bentley to challenge one of the most dangerous productivity myths of our time: that success requires constant hustle, long hours, and personal sacrifice. Demir shares his powerful personal story of burnout on Wall Street—and the moment a health crisis forced him to completely rethink how work, time, and success actually function. From that experience emerged the Winning the Week method, a practical framework designed to help high achievers reclaim their time, reduce overwhelm, and create sustainable momentum without burning out. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why hustle culture often leads to burnout instead of resultsHow to plan your week in a way that actually works in real lifeThe difference between a wish list and a realistic planWhy putting personal priorities on your calendar first mattersThe four types of freedom that redefine true productivityShow Links http://winningtheweek.com  https://www.instagram.com/lifehackmethod_/  https://www.linkedin.com/in/demirbentley/  https://www.youtube.com/c/LifehackBootcamp  https://lifehackmethod.com/  Chapters 00:00 Introduction 02:41 Welcome Demir Bentley 04:02 Demir Bentley's Journey from Wall Street to Wellness 07:03 The Shift from Hustle Culture to Planning 10:15 Recognizing Rock Bottom and Embracing Change 14:08 The Digital Nomad Lifestyle 16:59 Understanding the Four Freedoms 18:55 The Winning the Week Method: Overcoming Resistance 21:51 Leveraging Priorities for Long-Term Success 22:49 Winning Your Week Method 30:06 Leveraging Time for Productivity 31:12 Interrogating Your Calendar 34:29 Understanding Time Supply and Liabilities 36:10 Calendarizing Your Tasks 41:19 The Importance of Accountability 45:40 AI: The Future of Productivity 51:43 Busting Myths About Productivity This episode is sponsored by Efficient.appDon't waste time searching for the best software. Let the experts at efficient.app do it for you. They have tons of "No BS" reviews on all kinds of software so you'll always get an honest recommendation. When you're ready to buy they offer discounts as well. So check them out next time you are looking for new software! This episode is sponsored by Little Golden ShepherdIf you're looking for an all-natural remedy to manage your muscle, joint, and nerve pain, check out Little Golden Shepherd butters. Made with herbs and natural oils, LGS butters are a great natural alternative for pain. Use this link & the promo code "wholprod" to save 15% on your first order. Experience relief, naturally. Support the show Join the free Wholistic Productivity community on Skool

    1h 3m
  3. #40 A Wholistic Year-End Review: Celebrating Progress, Not Just Results

    12/23/2025

    #40 A Wholistic Year-End Review: Celebrating Progress, Not Just Results

    In this episode of the Wholistic Productivity Podcast, Chris LeBrun takes you behind the scenes of his own year-end review—reflecting honestly on the goals, progress, setbacks, and unexpected wins of 2025. Rather than focusing only on outcomes, this episode highlights why reviewing your year is one of the most important (and overlooked) parts of the goal-setting process. Chris walks through how reflection builds clarity, reinforces momentum, and helps you course-correct before setting goals for the year ahead. You’ll hear how evaluating professional, personal, and purpose-driven goals reveals patterns you can learn from—whether goals were fully achieved, partially completed, or reshaped by circumstances outside your control. From running milestones and family priorities to business growth, creative projects, and long-term planning, this episode models what a healthy, wholistic review can actually look like. Rather than chasing perfection, this conversation centers on progress, process, and intention—so you can move into 2026 with confidence instead of pressure. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why year-end reflection matters more than year-end resultsThe difference between celebrating progress and only celebrating successHow reviewing roadblocks helps you plan smarter goals for the futureWhy accountability doesn’t have to be public to be powerfulHow to reflect on professional, personal, and purpose-driven goals togetherThe role consistency and systems play in long-term productivityHow to use your review to course-correct before setting new goalsA simple reflection challenge to help you close the year with clarityThis episode is a reminder that Wholistic Productivity isn’t about doing more—it’s about learning from where you’ve been so you can move forward with intention. Show Link Apps I love (may contain affiliate links...but that's not why I love them): Runna for training https://chrislebrun.link/runnaCapacities for personal knowledge management https://wholprod.link/capacitiesChapters 00:00 Introduction 03:12 Accountability and Celebrating Progress 04:41 2025 Review 06:16 Personal Goals and Achievements 07:26 Travel Experiences and Family Connections 10:29 Miscellaneous Goals and Discoveries 12:04 Purpose Goals From 2025 - The Podcast 15:07 Redesigning the Wholistic Productivity Planner 16:22 Coaching,  Publications, and Community 19:49 Looking Ahead to 2026 Goals This episode is sponsored by Efficient.appDon't waste time searching for the best software. Let the experts at efficient.app do it for you. They have tons of "No BS" reviews on all kinds of software so you'll always get an honest recommendation. When you're ready to buy they offer discounts as well. So check them out next time you are looking for new software! This episode is sponsored by Little Golden ShepherdIf you're looking for an all-natural remedy to manage your muscle, joint, and nerve pain, check out Little Golden Shepherd butters. Made with herbs and natural oils, LGS butters are a great natural alternative for pain. Use this link & the promo code "wholprod" to save 15% on your first order. Experience relief, naturally. Support the show Join the free Wholistic Productivity community on Skool

    32 min
  4. #39 The 5 Mindsets That Turn Dreamers Into Doers

    12/16/2025

    #39 The 5 Mindsets That Turn Dreamers Into Doers

    In this episode of the Wholistic Productivity Podcast, Chris LeBrun breaks down five essential mindsets that separate dreamers from doers—and why mindset is often the missing piece that determines whether your goals become reality. Most people don’t fail because they lack a plan. They fail because they never developed the mental framework required to follow through when things get hard, uncomfortable, or slow. I n this episode, Chris explains how high achievers think differently—and how you can adopt the same internal strategies to dream big, plan smart, and live fully. You’ll discover: Why identity shapes behavior more powerfully than goal-settingHow to build comfort with discomfort so distractions lose their gripThe power of patient urgency and long-term thinkingHow ruthless prioritization frees you to focus on what matters mostWhy process-driven people achieve more with less stressHow these mindsets compound and make each other easierThe fastest way to decide which mindset will move the needle for you right nowIf you’ve ever wondered why you “know what to do” but still struggle to do it, this episode will give you the clarity—and the mindset tools—to finally bridge that gap. Chapters 00:00 Introduction 03:19 The Importance of Mindset in Achieving Goals 05:20 Identity Over Goals 10:05 Comfort with Discomfort 13:57 Patient Urgency 18:09 Ruthless Prioritization 22:03 Process Over Outcome 25:30 Developing a High-Achiever Mindset 26:46 Recap and Conclusion: Embracing Mindset Shifts This episode is sponsored by Efficient.appDon't waste time searching for the best software. Let the experts at efficient.app do it for you. They have tons of "No BS" reviews on all kinds of software so you'll always get an honest recommendation. When you're ready to buy they offer discounts as well. So check them out next time you are looking for new software! This episode is sponsored by Little Golden ShepherdIf you're looking for an all-natural remedy to manage your muscle, joint, and nerve pain, check out Little Golden Shepherd butters. Made with herbs and natural oils, LGS butters are a great natural alternative for pain. Use this link & the promo code "wholprod" to save 15% on your first order. Experience relief, naturally. Support the show Join the free Wholistic Productivity community on Skool

    32 min
  5. #38 When Productivity Advice Doesn’t Fit Corporate Reality

    12/09/2025

    #38 When Productivity Advice Doesn’t Fit Corporate Reality

    In this episode of the Wholistic Productivity Podcast, Chris LeBrun explores a critical truth: most productivity advice is designed for entrepreneurs—not the millions working inside corporate systems where calendars, priorities, and workflows are not self-determined. This episode continues the two-week deep dive on productivity vs. corporate structure, turning the lens toward the productivity space itself and the myths, assumptions, and gaps that don’t translate inside organizational culture. Chris breaks down why so many mainstream strategies (deep work blocks, eliminating meetings, outsourcing low-value tasks, inbox “once-a-week” habits) become frustrating—not because employees lack discipline, but because the work environment operates on shared autonomy, collaboration, and collective performance. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why corporate productivity is built on team rhythms, not solo optimizationHow mandatory meetings & shared calendars reshape productivity expectationsWhat “saying no” actually looks like when role-based KPIs and hierarchy applyHow to adapt advice like deep work, 80/20 focus, and task elimination to fit real corporate constraintsWhy communication norms (email, Teams/Slack, chat) are organizational—not personal—choicesHow political capital, influence, and relationship equity determine what productivity changes are possiblePractical ways corporate professionals can negotiate, adapt, and implement changes without friction or falloutThis episode will help you dream big, plan smart, and live fully within the structure you actually work in—without guilt, comparison, or unrealistic expectations. Show Links Episode 37 What Corporate America Gets Wrong About Productivity - https://wholisticproductivity.com/37 Chapters 00:00 Introduction 02:51 Understanding Productivity in Corporate America 06:47 Task/Energy Matching and Saying No 10:27 Outsourcing and the 80/20 Rule 14:15 Time Blocking 17:07 Adapting Productivity Tools for Corporate Environments 18:47 Reduce Email Usage 20:42 Building Productive Relationships and Communication 26:48 Conclusion This episode is sponsored by Efficient.appDon't waste time searching for the best software. Let the experts at efficient.app do it for you. They have tons of "No BS" reviews on all kinds of software so you'll always get an honest recommendation. When you're ready to buy they offer discounts as well. So check them out next time you are looking for new software! This episode is sponsored by Little Golden ShepherdIf you're looking for an all-natural remedy to manage your muscle, joint, and nerve pain, check out Little Golden Shepherd butters. Made with herbs and natural oils, LGS butters are a great natural alternative for pain. Use this link & the promo code "wholprod" to save 15% on your first order. Experience relief, naturally. Support the show Join the free Wholistic Productivity community on Skool

    33 min
  6. #37 What Corporate America Gets Wrong About Productivity

    12/02/2025

    #37 What Corporate America Gets Wrong About Productivity

    In this episode of the Wholistic Productivity Podcast, Chris LeBrun kicks off a two-episode series exploring one of the biggest truths about work today: Much of corporate productivity still runs on systems built for a world that no longer exists. This conversation isn’t a criticism of corporate America—it’s an honest look at why so many high-capacity people feel exhausted, unfocused, or frustrated despite working hard and caring deeply. And more importantly, what’s actually driving the disconnect. Chris breaks down why the 40-hour workweek still dominates, why meeting overload and “always-on” culture undermine true productivity, and why time-based performance metrics fall short for modern knowledge workers. You’ll gain clarity, validation, and a more grounded understanding of how to work in healthy, human-centered ways—even inside systems that weren’t designed for today’s reality. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why today’s workplaces still rely on 1938 industrial-era rulesHow “hours worked” became the default measure of valueThe hidden cost of meeting overload and proximity biasThe difference between appearing productive and being productiveWhat hybrid and remote work have revealed about how people actually performHow outcome-based metrics shift culture and resultsWhy deep work and autonomy matter more than everA practical awareness challenge to help you spot time-based traps this weekThis episode helps you dream big, plan smart, and live fully by giving you a clearer lens to evaluate workplace expectations and reclaim how you approach your time and energy. 👉 Listen now to this opening episode in a two-part series on the Wholistic Productivity Podcast—and don’t miss next week’s follow-up exploring what productivity experts often misunderstand about the corporate world. Show Links Episode 13 - How Meetings and Email are Wasting Your Time (And What to Do About It) - https://wholisticproductivity.com/37 Chapters 00:00 Introduction 05:08 Historical Context of Productivity Systems 08:46 The Impact of Technology on Work Culture 12:36 The Illusion of Productivity Theater 16:02 Rethinking Work Models for Modern Needs 20:18 Empowering Employees for Greater Output This episode is sponsored by Efficient.appDon't waste time searching for the best software. Let the experts at efficient.app do it for you. They have tons of "No BS" reviews on all kinds of software so you'll always get an honest recommendation. When you're ready to buy they offer discounts as well. So check them out next time you are looking for new software! This episode is sponsored by Little Golden ShepherdIf you're looking for an all-natural remedy to manage your muscle, joint, and nerve pain, check out Little Golden Shepherd butters. Made with herbs and natural oils, LGS butters are a great natural alternative for pain. Use this link & the promo code "wholprod" to save 15% on your first order. Experience relief, naturally. Support the show Join the free Wholistic Productivity community on Skool

    30 min
  7. #36 Stop Comparing Yourself: How Gratitude Transforms You

    11/25/2025

    #36 Stop Comparing Yourself: How Gratitude Transforms You

    In this episode of the Wholistic Productivity Podcast, Chris LeBrun explores a surprising truth: comparison is the enemy of gratitude—and one of the fastest ways to drain your motivation, confidence, and momentum. Instead of measuring yourself against impossible standards or other people’s timelines, Chris breaks down a healthier, more empowering model: Competing only with your past self. This gratitude-driven mindset shift helps you recognize your progress, build resilience, and create sustainable motivation—without the toxic side effects of comparison culture. Through relatable stories, insights from The Gap and the Gain, and practical tools like the Momentum Matrix, you’ll learn how to reframe success and celebrate the growth that’s already happening in your life. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why comparison always focuses on what’s missing, not what’s been gainedHow gratitude helps rewire your focus toward progressThe difference between “living in the gap” vs. “living in the gain”How to measure success in a healthier wayWhy rewarding small wins fuels long-term productivityHow the Momentum Matrix builds motivation and consistencyWhy accountability works—and how to choose the right partnerA weekly challenge to help you break free from comparisonThis episode will help you dream big, plan smart, and live fully by redefining success on your own terms. Show Links Listen to other episodes in the 2025 Gratitude Series: Episode 34 - How Practicing Gratitude Transforms Your Life & Productivity with Guest Dr. Will Johns - https://wholisticproductivity.com/34Episode 35 - Self-Care Is Gratitude in Action: How Rest, Connection, and Joy Fuel Productivity - https://wholisticproductivity.com/35Episode 17 - How to Redefine Success With a "Gain" Mindset - https://wholisticproductivity.com/17 Chapters 00:00 Introduction  03:35 The Toxicity of Comparison 07:16 Shifting Focus: From Gap to Gain 10:33 Defining Success and Celebrating Wins 12:26 The Momentum Matrix: A Tool for Progress 15:55 The Power of Accountability 17:20 Practicing Gratitude in Self-Improvement 19:44 Recap and Final Thoughts This episode is sponsored by Efficient.appDon't waste time searching for the best software. Let the experts at efficient.app do it for you. They have tons of "No BS" reviews on all kinds of software so you'll always get an honest recommendation. When you're ready to buy they offer discounts as well. So check them out next time you are looking for new software! This episode is sponsored by Little Golden ShepherdIf you're looking for an all-natural remedy to manage your muscle, joint, and nerve pain, check out Little Golden Shepherd butters. Made with herbs and natural oils, LGS butters are a great natural alternative for pain. Use this link & the promo code "wholprod" to save 15% on your first order. Experience relief, naturally. Support the show Join the free Wholistic Productivity community on Skool

    26 min
  8. #35 Self-Care Is Gratitude in Action: How Rest, Connection, and Joy Fuel Productivity

    11/11/2025

    #35 Self-Care Is Gratitude in Action: How Rest, Connection, and Joy Fuel Productivity

    Gratitude isn’t just something you say; it’s something you practice. And one of the most powerful ways to express gratitude is by taking care of your body, mind, and soul. In this episode of the Wholistic Productivity Podcast, host Chris LeBrun explores why self-care isn’t selfish—it’s strategic. He breaks down what self-care truly means (and what it doesn’t), and how intentional habits in your health, relationships, and routines create the foundation for sustainable productivity and fulfillment. This episode dives deep into how caring for yourself helps you show up better for everything and everyone that matters most. You’ll learn: Why self-care is a form of gratitude—not indulgenceHow to create healthy rhythms for rest, nutrition, and exercisePractical ways to unwind before bed and protect your peaceWhy connection and community are essential to emotional healthHow hobbies and simple joys can recharge your motivationIf you’ve ever struggled to balance achievement with well-being, this episode will remind you that real productivity starts with gratitude for your life and yourself. Show Links Episode 8 - Gratitude and Self Care: The Secret Weapons of Wholistic Productivity - https://wholisticproductivity.com/8 Episode 34 - How Practicing Gratitude Transforms Your Life & Productivity with Guest Dr. Will Johns - https://wholisticproductivity.com/34 Chapters 00:00 Introduction 02:24 Defining Self-Care: What It Isn't 05:47 Practicing Self-Care as a Form of Gratitude 10:43 The Importance of Mental Rest and Breaks 14:54 Connection and Community as Self-Care 19:19 Finding Joy in Hobbies and Personal Time 22:41 Recap: Self-Care as Gratitude in Action This episode is sponsored by Efficient.appDon't waste time searching for the best software. Let the experts at efficient.app do it for you. They have tons of "No BS" reviews on all kinds of software so you'll always get an honest recommendation. When you're ready to buy they offer discounts as well. So check them out next time you are looking for new software! This episode is sponsored by Little Golden ShepherdIf you're looking for an all-natural remedy to manage your muscle, joint, and nerve pain, check out Little Golden Shepherd butters. Made with herbs and natural oils, LGS butters are a great natural alternative for pain. Use this link & the promo code "wholprod" to save 15% on your first order. Experience relief, naturally. Support the show Join the free Wholistic Productivity community on Skool

    29 min

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

Welcome to The Wholistic Productivity Podcast!Join us weekly as we redefine the concept of productivity. We'll help you ditch the toxic culture that promotes a "work harder" mentality and give you proven strategies for working smarter to achieve your goals.    The Wholistic Productivity Podcast is designed for entrepreneurs, high-achievers, and anyone who dreams of doing more but isn't sure how to achieve their goals. Our discussions focus on effective time management, strategic planning, and goal-setting that align with what truly matters to you in every area of life.   Whether you're pursuing a meaningful side project or enhancing your daily routines, each episode offers actionable insights and inspiration to help you achieve your goals. You'll also hear from entrepreneurs and business leaders about their productivity journey.   Subscribe now and unlock your full potential by achieving in your professional, personal, and purpose-driven goals!