Effectively Listening in 2024

Every now and then, I like to break the usual structure of this newsletter for a special occasion. Whether you're wrapping up your work deliverables or resting on your couch, the next couple of weeks are rarely "regular" days.

2024 was a year of transition for me. I wrote more than ever and leaned heavily into audio content. I actually clocked over 30,000 minutes of listening. Some of the podcast episodes on this list were actually recommendations from you, so thanks!

As we close out the year, I’m breaking the mold to share two lists: my Top 10 Podcast Episodes of 2024 and the Top 10 Most-Clicked Links from this newsletter (coming next week). As always, if something here resonates (or you just want to say hi) hit reply. I always enjoy hearing from you.

Top 10 PODCAST EPISODES

[Side Note: Start by checking out the playlist here. I know listening to all these episodes is a big time investment, so if you find any of these on YouTube, you can paste the link into this CustomGPT to get a quick summary. Then decide which ones deserve your full attention.]

1. "How to Embrace Slow Productivity, Build a Deep Life, Achieve Mastery, and Defend Your Time" (The Tim Ferriss Show, Guest: Cal Newport)

   • Main Takeaways: They explore slow productivity and building a meaningful life by prioritizing high-impact tasks, values alignment, and meaningful relationships. Shares strategies to protect time through focused practice, time-blocking, and minimizing distractions.

2. "The Infinite Game with Dr. James Carse" (A Bit of Optimism)

   • Main Takeaways: Adopting an infinite mindset encourages organizations to focus on long-term value and resilience rather than short-term victories. Leaders who embrace this perspective prioritize trust, innovation, and sustainable success.

3. "Rules of the Money Game" (The Morgan Housel Podcast)

   • Main Takeaways: Housel shares 30 key principles of personal finance, focusing on behavior and psychology over technical knowledge. Highlights the importance of managing emotions and biases to make better financial decisions.

4. "How to Love Criticism" (WorkLife with Adam Grant)

   • Main Takeaways: Viewing criticism as a tool for improvement rather than a personal attack creates a growth-oriented mindset. Creating environments where feedback is openly exchanged enhances team dynamics and individual performance.

5. "You 2.0: The Gift of Other People" (Hidden Brain, Guest: Nicholas Epley)

   • Main Takeaways: Engaging in conversations with strangers can lead to unexpectedly positive experiences. Overcoming the reluctance to initiate interactions actually improves well-being.

6. "The Attention Graph" (The Prof G Pod with Scott Galloway, Guest: Dr. Jennifer Aaker and Naomi Bagdonas)

   • Main Takeaways: Humor, when used appropriately, can enhance leadership effectiveness and team cohesion. Understanding the dynamics of attention in the digital age is crucial for effective communication and influence.

7. "Tony Robbins Changes My Life (48 Minute Coaching Session)" (My First Million, Guest: Tony Robbins)

   • Main Takeaways: Robbins shares strategies for overcoming limiting beliefs and cultivating a mindset geared toward personal and professional growth. He also shared techniques to achieve peak performance.

8. "Elizabeth Gilbert | The Simple Practice That Changed Her Life (and might change yours)" (Good Life Project, Guest: Elizabeth Gilbert)

   • Main Takeaways: Elizabeth Gilbert shares a writing practice starting with "Dear Love," building self-compassion and self-awareness. Quieting the inner critic enables authentic self-expression and personal growth.

9. "Transform Your Life: How One More Can Change Everything" (The Ed Mylett Show)

   • Main Takeaways: Small, consistent actions like doing "one more" rep, call, or act of kindness can lead to extraordinary outcomes. By committing to "one more," you cultivate discipline, resilience, and the ability to push past perceived limits.

10. "Be a Better Leader, the Human Paradox, and the Folly of a Plan" (The Prof G Pod with Scott Galloway, Guest: Simon Sinek)

    • Main Takeaways: Sinek explores leadership strategies, emphasizing mentorship and meaningful relationship-building. Highlights the power of storytelling to inspire and create deeper connections.

Stay tuned to next week's Top 10 Most-Clicked Links (by you all) of 2024.

Until the next episode,

Jorge Luis Pando