Episode 296: A Productive Conversation with Thomas Frank

I’m excited to welcome Thomas Frank to this episode of the podcast. Thomas is an author, YouTuber, musician, and podcaster who is passionate about helping people become more capable and productive.

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Thomas does most of his work at College Info Geek, one of the world’s largest and best-loved resources for students. College Info Geek includes a blog, podcast, and a YouTube channel with over 1.7 million subscribers.

I’ve been looking forward to releasing this episode for a long time. As a matter of fact, it’s bizarre that I haven’t had Thomas on the show until now. (That’s probably why this episode clocks in as my longest to date, both in terms of length and amount of links in the show notes.)

There’s so much we talk about during this episode – as you can see and soon will hear. I hope you enjoy this lengthy and deep discussion that I’m thrilled to send your way.

Talking Points



When did Thomas decide that video was the route he was going to take? (2:56)Thomas talks about his inspiration to “do video” a little differently (7:46)When Thomas researches these videos, what does that look like? (11:27)Thomas shares how many videos he has in the making process at once (13:34)This is what his framework looks like (29:52)What does a typical day look like for Thomas? (39:15)Who inspires Thomas to make films? (49:32)

“If you’re the kind of person who’s only ever reading productivity books and reading self help books you’re getting a pretty narrow world view.“

– Thomas Frank

Helpful Links



Thomas’s Office TourProductivity Hacks with My Friend Mike Vardy of Productivityist (College Info Geek Ep. 39)The Fizzle Show #356 How Thomas Frank grew his YouTube channel to 1.6 million subscribers and 91 million viewsSPI 324: From College Nerd to Wildly Successful Personal Brand with Thomas FrankEpisode 290: Creative Menopause with Chase Reeves [Recorded LIVE at The BIG Ready]HabiticaEpisode 75: Level Up Your Life with Steve KambNotionThe Good Place: The PodcastProcessThe Money Lab Podcast: Building A YouTube Engine with Thomas FrankThis is How Matt D’Avella WorksJet Parker: Action HeroShould You Add This To Your Workspace?I tracked every minute of my life for 3 months.The Best Book I Read in 201910 Great Gifts for the Productive Person in Your LifeThe One Hour Morning RoutineIcicle Swords (Live Looping)So Good They Can’t Ignore You: Why Skills Trump Passion in the Quest for Work You LoveThe Ultimate Study Music PlaylistNebulaBaby Driver, by Edgar Wright (2017) – Opening creditsPotato Jet on YouTubeBEING Potato Jet // Working 70 hours a week to be a YoutuberDeep Work: Rules for Focused Success in a Distracted WorldThomas Frank’s WebsiteThe Productivityist Podcast Pick of the Week: College Info Geek

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