Productivity Smarts

Episode 147 - The PhotoReading Whole Mind System

Did you know you could read a 200-page book in under 10 minutes and actually retain it? In this episode of Productivity Smarts, host Gerald J. Leonard sits down with Dr. Paul Scheele, PhD, a pioneer in accelerated learning and creator of the Photo Reading Whole Mind System. Gerald shares how Dr. Paul's work personally transformed his life, from managing the mental and physical challenges of vestibular imbalance to completing four Ivy League programs simultaneously, while Dr. Paul unpacks the neuroscience and methodology behind one of the most powerful learning systems in the world. Dr. Paul explains how the non-conscious mind processes information at a scale of 10 billion to one over the conscious mind, and how Photo Reading taps into that vast reservoir to help professionals digest complex material in a fraction of the time. From the five core steps: Prepare, Preview, Photo Read, Post view, and Activate, to the power of syntopic reading and speed listening, this episode reveals how to stop fighting overwhelm and start leveraging your brain's true potential. With Photo Reading now published in 19 languages, taught in 43 countries, and even mandated for Supreme Court justices in Mexico, the results speak for themselves. Whether you are a professional drowning in information, a student facing an avalanche of reading, or a creative trying to break into a new field, this episode will show you a smarter, faster, and more joyful way to learn. Ready to stop reading word for word and start learning at the speed of your mind? Listen to the full episode now and discover what your brain has been capable of all along. Let's dive in! What We Discuss * [00:00] Introduction * [02:01] Meet Dr. Paul Scheele, PhD * [03:46] Gerald's personal journey with Photo Reading * [06:21] Origins of the Photo Reading Whole Mind System * [09:42] How Gerald uses Photo Reading to prepare for podcast interviews * [12:21] The non-conscious mind: 10 billion to one over the conscious mind * [15:36] Real-world application: reading podcast guests' books the morning of * [16:40] Neuroscience behind non-conscious acquisition * [18:19] The rods and cones connection: what an optometrist confirmed * [19:53] The five steps of the Photo Reading process * [22:46] How Photo Reading saves you money at the bookstore * [25:44] Spontaneous activation: when knowledge floods in on its own * [27:30] Photo Reading in the age of AI information overload * [28:47] Speed listening and the auditory channel * [31:39] Gerald's Harvard case study experience * [33:24] Syntopic reading: mastering a field in an afternoon * [35:45] Building new practice areas through syntopic reading * [37:24] Addressing skeptics: trusting your brain, not the system * [39:26] The biggest mistake professionals make with learning * [41:35] How to access Photo Reading resources * [43:51] Closing remarks Notable Quotes * [14:10] "The concept of photo reading turns that absolutely upside down and backwards, because we're putting the information in at a page a second." – Dr. Paul Scheele * [13:10] "Your conscious mind's database being a circle of about 12 inches, that circle sits in another circle 11 miles across. That's the difference in the database." – Dr. Paul Scheele * [15:36] "Most of the time, I will photo read the book the morning of the podcast. I sit there for five to ten minutes flipping through pages, and when I start talking with the author, all of this information starts coming up." – Gerald J. Leonard * [19:16] "Your cones are responsible for what your conscious mind sees. The rods are directly connected to your non‑conscious mind." – Gerald J. Leonard (quoting his optometrist) * [26:25] "The brain is built to do this. But nobody ever taught us how to use it. I've created a protocol that allows the unconscious mind to do the heavy lifting for you." – Dr. Paul Scheele * [33:11] "The joy, I really want to underscore this, the idea of making learning a joy, that's what our brains can give us if we follow the right protocol." – Dr. Paul Scheele * [40:28] "The big mistake most people make is they default to their fear rather than saying, 'Wait, there's gotta be a better way to do this.'" – Dr. Paul Scheele * [42:57] "If there's one skill I've learned in my later life that has radically transformed every part of it, it's PhotoReading and the accelerated learning techniques from Dr. Paul." – Gerald J. Leonard Resource and Links Dr. Paul Scheele * LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulscheelephd/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulscheelephd/] * PhotoReading Program learningstrategies.com/gerald [https://www.learningstrategies.com/Gerald] * * Book: The Photoreading Whole Mind System [https://www.amazon.com/Photoreading-Whole-Mind-System/dp/0925480525] Productivity Smarts Podcast * Website - productivitysmartspodcast.com [http://productivitysmartspodcast.com] Gerald J. Leonard * Website - geraldjleonard.com [http://geraldjleonard.com] * Turnberry Premiere website - turnberrypremiere.com [http://turnberrypremiere.com] * Scheduler - vcita.com/v/geraldjleonard [http://vcita.com/v/geraldjleonard] Kiva is a loan, not a donation, allowing you to cycle your money and create a personal impact worldwide. https://www.kiva.org/lender/topmindshelpingtopminds [https://www.kiva.org/lender/topmindshelpingtopminds]

Episode 146 - Route 66, Research, and the Writer's Mind: Productivity Lessons from a Lifelong Storyteller

What does it take to stay creatively productive for five decades? In this episode of Productivity Smarts, host Gerald J. Leonard sits down with Annette LaFortune Murray, storyteller, educator, and Route 66 expert, to unpack the habits and mindset behind five decades of prolific, purposeful creativity. Annette shares how she spent years researching the life of Cyrus Avery, the visionary behind America's most iconic highway, and how that deep dive transformed her approach to writing and productivity. From structuring her peak energy hours (8 to 10 AM) to using the BIC (Butt in Chair) method, Annette reveals how she balances disciplined focus with intentional breaks, field trips, and real world inspiration. She discusses overcoming writer's block by "trying on a new hat," using virtual writing communities on Zoom to combat isolation, and organizing research with visual templates borrowed from award winning authors. Annette also emphasizes the power of mentorship, peer critique, and reading work aloud to sharpen its impact. Her four keys, listen and look, write down the thought, stay happy with your work, and read it aloud, offer a practical framework that writers and creators at any stage can apply immediately. Ready to unlock your own prolific creativity? Listen to the full episode now, and put Annette's four keys into action on your very next project.Let's dive in! What We Discuss * [00:00] Introduction * [02:02] Meet Annette Le Fortune Murray * [04:12] Route 66 book and research origins * [05:42] Learning from other researchers * [06:52] Productivity lessons from research * [07:48] Organizing research and writing tools * [08:55] Writing process and book structure * [09:38] Learning during the pandemic * [10:37] Creative prompts and experiential writing * [11:03] Daily writing structure * [12:51] Editing and peer critique * [13:41] Engaging storytelling techniques * [14:11] Maintaining focus and motivation * [16:42] Editing by listening * [18:12] Dealing with writer's block * [20:02] Coping with solitude in writing * [22:18] Balancing passion and discipline * [23:25] Research and outlining methods * [24:39] Virtual writing communities * [26:26] Book marketing and public speaking * [27:41] Mentorship and networking * [29:12] Closing remarks Notable Quotes * [07:14] "Productivity in his world meant go out and explore. Go to the territory, take little field trips." – Annette LaFortune Murray * [10:07] "What you're doing at your desk is important, but also you need to get out in the world and be creative. Go to a park, a museum, a concert, a restaurant you've never been to – and take notes." – Annette LaFortune Murray * [12:19] "I'm disciplined enough and I enjoy it. The writing process, to me, it's fun, it's invigorating." – Annette LaFortune Murray * [15:28] "So many times you're trying to please others. Make sure you're happy with it." – Annette LaFortune Murray * [23:12] "To me, writing is playful. It's experimentation, it's creative." – Annette LaFortune Murray * [25:49] " There's a transfer of consciousness and there's a transfer of energy." – Gerald J. Leonard (on Zoom writing groups) * [28:25] "Don't be afraid to make connections to the people around you who you admire. They can be your mentors and help you get where you want to be." – Annette LaFortune Murray Resource and Links Annette LaFortune Murray * Website: https://annettemurraybooks.com/ [https://annettemurraybooks.com/] * LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/annette-lafortune-murray-2a484719/ [http://linkedin.com/in/annette-lafortune-murray-2a484719/] * Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/annettemurraywrites [https://www.facebook.com/annettemurraywrites] * YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@murraymedia111 [https://www.youtube.com/@murraymedia111] * Book: https://annettemurraybooks.com/books [https://annettemurraybooks.com/books] Productivity Smarts Podcast * Website - productivitysmartspodcast.com [http://productivitysmartspodcast.com] Gerald J. Leonard * Website - geraldjleonard.com [http://geraldjleonard.com] * Turnberry Premiere website - turnberrypremiere.com [http://turnberrypremiere.com] * Scheduler - vcita.com/v/geraldjleonard [http://vcita.com/v/geraldjleonard] Kiva is a loan, not a donation, allowing you to cycle your money and create a personal impact worldwide. https://www.kiva.org/lender/topmindshelpingtopminds [https://www.kiva.org/lender/topmindshelpingtopminds]

Episode 145 - Crack the LUCK Code: How to Change Your Business and Personal Life Using the 4 Personality Expressions

How often does an employee's personality get mistaken for a performance problem, quietly undermining productivity across teams? In this episode of Productivity Smarts, host Gerald J. Leonard sits down with Ariel Vox, award-winning author of Crack the Luck Code. Ariel blends psychology, storytelling, and leadership to help individuals unlock hidden strengths. Drawing on her unique LUCK personality archetypes, Lion, Umbrella Cockatoo, Coral, and Koala, she explains why high achievers often feel stuck, how weaknesses can become superpowers, and why one-size-fits-all productivity advice rarely works. Gerald and Ariel explore how understanding your dominant archetype (and those of your team or family) can transform communication, reduce conflict, and dramatically improve results. From the goal-driven Lion who needs big challenges to the detail-obsessed Koala who struggles to launch, you'll learn practical ways to work smarter, not harder. Ariel shares memorable analogies (including how each archetype would talk about buying a car) and real-world applications for leaders, employees, and families. She also opens up about sharing the stage with legends Les Brown and Jack Canfield, and the powerful lesson she learned about owning your unique voice. If you've ever felt misunderstood at work or home, or if you're leading a team that just can't seem to click, this episode will help you decode the personalities around you and unlock a new level of productivity. What We Discuss * [00:00] Introduction * [02:01] Meet Ariel Vox and Cracking the Luck Code * [05:04] Book Crack the Luck Code and the four archetypes * [06:26] L.U.C.K acronym explained * [06:56] Lion personality * [08:20] Umbrella Cockatoo (Parrot) personality * [09:08] Coral personality * [09:46] Koala personality * [11:07] The car analogy * [14:54] Communicating by personality type * [15:42] Weaknesses as strengths * [17:02] Balancing traits for growth * [19:26] Gerald's mix (Lion + Koala) * [21:18] Most people are mixed types * [22:48] Goal setting for Lions * [24:59] Productivity pitfalls and burnout * [26:18] Leading different types * [29:18] Travel plans for a family of four with different personalities * [30:44] Stress and personality awareness * [31:57] Lessons from Les Brown & Jack Canfield * [33:41] One practical productivity tip you can apply today * [34:41] Owning your unique value and voice * [36:46] Where to find Ariel and her book * [38:46] Podcast outro Notable Quotes * [05:30] " The reason productivity is very low sometimes, so with some people, some employees is because often they remain misunderstood." – Ariel Vox * [05:59] " By overcoming these negative qualities, they achieve their superpowers." – Ariel Vox * [06:41] " No one is just one expression of personality, but some of them are more dominant than others." – Ariel Vox * [07:13] " Lions, they get excited by big goals. They would never go to chase a mouse. They would go to chase an antelope." – Ariel Vox * [14:17] " You need to understand the personality of the other person, and it's very important the people give a subtle cues all the time, but you need to learn to read them." – Ariel Vox * [15:48] " I firmly believe that behind your weakness is where your greatest strength is hidden." – Ariel Vox * [16:48] " You need to adopt some of the other qualities. Or if you cannot adopt these other qualities, maybe find a partner." – Ariel Vox * [23:53] " A lion person would need not just to delegate the low value tasks, but understand that they can overlook the low value tasks as well." – Ariel Vox * [27:40] " I plan every single outfit that I'll put in my suitcase. Someone else would just go and pick it, but not a Koala person." – Ariel Vox * [33:49] " Les Brown is Les Brown. He will always be Les Brown because he's the only Les Brown. The same with Jack Canfield." – Ariel Vox Resource and Links Ariel Vox * Website: arielvox.com [http://arielvox.com] * LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/ariel-vox/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/ariel-vox/] * YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Fear2Fierce [https://www.youtube.com/@Fear2Fierce] * Book: Crack the Luck Code [https://www.amazon.in/Crack-LUCK-Code-Personality-Expressions-ebook/dp/B0FDBQ4PXY] Productivity Smarts Podcast * Website - productivitysmartspodcast.com [http://productivitysmartspodcast.com] Gerald J. Leonard * Website - geraldjleonard.com [http://geraldjleonard.com] * Turnberry Premiere website - turnberrypremiere.com [http://turnberrypremiere.com] * Scheduler - vcita.com/v/geraldjleonard [http://vcita.com/v/geraldjleonard] Kiva is a loan, not a donation, allowing you to cycle your money and create a personal impact worldwide. https://www.kiva.org/lender/topmindshelpingtopminds [https://www.kiva.org/lender/topmindshelpingtopminds]

Episode 144 - Gray Divorce: My Life, Rewritten

What do you do when life looks successful on the outside but deep down you feel stuck, unfulfilled, and disconnected from yourself? In this episode of Productivity Smarts, Gerald J. Leonard sits down with Anne Smith, a seasoned corporate trainer and HR expert who transformed her life after the end of a 29-year marriage. Instead of staying stuck, Anne chose to rebuild, turning her journey into her powerful memoir Gray Divorce: My Life, Rewritten. Gerald and Anne dive into what it really takes to create meaningful change, not just externally but internally. From developing self-awareness and breaking lifelong patterns to using journaling as a tool for clarity, Anne shares how she moved from simply surviving to intentionally designing a life aligned with her values. They explore the hidden cost of "hustle culture," why many high achievers feel stuck despite success, and how small daily practices like early morning routines, reflection, and creative thinking can unlock a completely new direction in life. Anne also shares practical tools like the "Five Whys" framework, identifying core values, and asking the right questions to uncover what is really holding you back. If you have ever felt like you are going through the motions or questioning what is next, this episode will challenge you to pause, reflect, and start rewriting your story. What We Discuss * [00:00] Introduction * [02:03] Meet Anne Smith * [04:12] The secret sauce: making space for your own feelings * [05:57] Why hustle culture fails us * [06:38] Making time to write: waking up at 4:30 AM * [08:32] The role of self-awareness in divorce and productivity * [08:57] Being the common denominator in two failed marriages * [11:47] Journaling for self-reflection * [14:46] Advice for feeling stuck in your 40s and 50s * [16:24] The Five Whys (Lean/Six Sigma) for personal growth * [17:34] Limiting beliefs and the shadow self (Peter Pan metaphor) * [21:35] 95% of life is non-conscious how to wake up * [24:04] How to discover your core values (the dinner party exercise) * [26:08] Protecting your peace as a core value * [27:00] The importance of being creative * [29:19] FedEx, banks, and thinking differently * [32:19] "This I Believe" exercise from Jeffrey Berlin * [36:04] Where to find Anne's book and website * [37:18] Podcast outro Notable Quotes * [04:12] "I think the core of it for me, I had to learn to listen to what I needed. And in order for me to do that, I had to make space for my feelings." – Anne Smith * [06:53] "I was never going to magically find the time, they were not going to be extra hours manufactured and added to my day or my evening that I needed to make the time." – Anne Smith * [09:00] "I was the common denominator in both relationships. It's easy to point fingers, but you miss out on learning about yourself." – Anne Smith * [15:16] " Whatever environment you operate best in to listen to yourself. Make space to listen to yourself and don't numb yourself. Don't stay so busy." – Anne Smith * [16:35] "The Five Whys is a fabulous tool for professional and personal life. It's like peeling the onion to get to the root cause." – Anne Smith * [20:24] "The shadow self that you created as a child that helped you grow up is no longer serving you, and you've got to unscrew your shadow." – Anne Smith * [26:08] "Protecting my peace became a core value. I realized I had sacrificed it for 10 or 12 years." – Anne Smith * [27:38] "Creativity takes many forms…connecting different dots is creativity in itself." Anne Smith * [33:13] "We tend to focus on all the things that keep us up at 3:00 in the morning that we can't affect or change." – Anne Smith * [32:41] "Oftentimes our fears when we put them down, when we acknowledge them, they're really not that big." – Anne Smith Resource and Links Annee L. Smith * Website: https://Anneelsmith.com/ [https://annelsmith.com/] * Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/Anneesmithauthor/ [https://www.instagram.com/annesmithauthor/] * YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@AnneeLSmithAuthor [https://www.youtube.com/@AnneLSmithAuthor] * Book: Gray Divorce: My Life, Rewritten [https://www.amazon.com/Gray-Divorce-My-Life-Rewritten/dp/B0G2HNV8TS] Productivity Smarts Podcast * Website - productivitysmartspodcast.com [http://productivitysmartspodcast.com] Gerald J. Leonard * Website - geraldjleonard.com [http://geraldjleonard.com] * Turnberry Premiere website - turnberrypremiere.com [http://turnberrypremiere.com] * Scheduler - vcita.com/v/geraldjleonard [http://vcita.com/v/geraldjleonard] Kiva is a loan, not a donation, allowing you to cycle your money and create a personal impact worldwide. https://www.kiva.org/lender/topmindshelpingtopminds [https://www.kiva.org/lender/topmindshelpingtopminds]

Episode 143 - Not Just Sunglasses and Autographs: Turning Life's Setbacks into Stepping Stones

What happens when a Hollywood insider faces career-ending setbacks, cancer, and a Parkinson's diagnosis all while refusing to give up? In this episode of Productivity Smarts, Gerald J. Leonard chats with Tommy Burke, a film and TV veteran who turned some of life's hardest punches into stepping stones. From getting kicked off a film set early in his career to working alongside stars like Ben Affleck and Johnny Depp, Tommy shares how grit and persistence became his superpowers and how those same traits help him face Parkinson's head-on. Gerald and Tommy dig into the real, everyday side of resilience. Tommy talks about why staying busy can be a survival strategy, how he flipped a career-ending rejection into a turning point, and the daily habits like exercising and sticking to a strict routine that keep him moving when life feels unpredictable. Drawing from stories in his book, Tommy also shares the secrets of smart networking, why he shows up in shorts and a button-up to doctor's appointments, and how he turned a life of nonstop hustle into a mission to inspire others. Tune in to hear how Tommy proves that no matter how many times you mess up, the key is simple, you just don't give up. What We Discuss * [00:00] Introduction * [00:52] Meet Tommy Burke * [02:13] The "don't give up" philosophy * [03:50] An early career setback * [04:53] Bouncing back with hard work * [06:06] The strategy of networking * [07:41] Working with Hollywood stars * [08:32] Battling cancer and Parkinson's * [10:32] The necessity of daily exercise * [12:47] Current focus: book and workouts * [14:18] Dealing with uncertainty * [17:20] The book's inspiring message * [18:06] The power of a daily routine * [21:08] Where to find Tommy's book * [22:29] Podcast outro Notable Quotes * [02:18] "I screwed up so many times, but I just don't give up. I just keep plugging away." – Tommy Burke * [05:24] "I bust my ass, and a few months later, they hired me again. I became the number one PA boss, which is like being a dishwasher—it's not a big deal, but it was good." – Tommy Burke * [06:19] " Don't call people when you don't have work. Even though you're the best actress in the world, it sounds desperate. Call it when you have job," – Tommy Burke * [08:43] " Cancer was tough. The cancer was set the ground for my Parkinson's. I mean, I was working 70 hours a week and I did chemo midnight. I drive after work."– Tommy Burke * [10:35] "When you get diagnosed with Parkinson's, you go right home and exercise. I work out every day. I don't have a choice." – Tommy Burke * [14:24] "I just kept moving. I came from a hardworking family. We always worked. Now, I try to do a lot to keep my mind straight."– Tommy Burke * [19:44] "I keep my life straightforward… I wake up at 7:00, go to bed at 9:00, eat well, and have boundaries." – Tommy Burke Resource and Links Tommy Burke * Website: https://tommyburke.com/ [https://tommyburke.com/] * LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tommyburke [https://www.linkedin.com/in/tommyburke] * Book: Not Just Sunglasses and Autographs [https://www.amazon.com/Not-Just-Sunglasses-Autographs-Television/dp/1667823132] Productivity Smarts Podcast * Website - productivitysmartspodcast.com [http://productivitysmartspodcast.com] Gerald J. Leonard * Website - geraldjleonard.com [http://geraldjleonard.com] * Turnberry Premiere website - turnberrypremiere.com [http://turnberrypremiere.com] * Scheduler - vcita.com/v/geraldjleonard [http://vcita.com/v/geraldjleonard] Kiva is a loan, not a donation, allowing you to cycle your money and create a personal impact worldwide. https://www.kiva.org/lender/topmindshelpingtopminds [https://www.kiva.org/lender/topmindshelpingtopminds]