124: I’m a Failing Nuclear Power Plant with James Thomson

James joins Kathy again to give an update on the past years since he's last been on Conduit, and it's a lot. Warning: there is a lot of talk about serious medical conditions, death, dying, and burnout. It's okay to skip if you can't handle that.

Jay and Kathy tackle how to give constructive feedback at work and interviews and peer reviews. They discussed assuming positive intent, cultural dynamics, power dynamics, and making criticism actionable.

Jay is gone again, so Kathy brings back Merlin Mann to discuss productivity porn as well as a ton of other topics of import.

Conduit is two people that AREN’T productivity pros giving you messy real world advice for messy real world lives. We haven’t spent much time talk about what we ACTUALLY DO! This episode is about Jay, the Staff Developer Advocate.

Conduit is two people that AREN’T productivity pros giving you messy real world advice for messy real world lives. We haven’t spent much time talk about what we ACTUALLY DO! This episode is about Kathy, your business unicorn!

"Networking" is a dirty word. Jay and Kathy break down how to build professional relationships without feeling slimy. From Jay’s strict rules to Kathy’s "vibes-based" approach, learn how to be authentic, add value, and network without being a jerk.

It’s the last episode of the year (and the first of 2026), and Jay and Kathy are wrapping up 2025 with their annual Systems Check. The hosts review a year defined by "Environmental Hacking", looking back at how their tools and habits evolved.

Kathy and Jay discuss end-of-year planning. Kathy's 2026 theme: "The Year to Be Selfish." Jay commits to boundaries and self-preservation. They cover nonprofit transitions and preparing for the annual systems check.

Jay and Kathy discuss their end-of-year plans as things slow down for the holidays. They talk about decluttering spaces, being kinder to themselves, preparing for next year's challenges, and the importance of celebrating wins throughout the year.

Kathy is joined by the Nameless of the Show, Nameless, to talk about how to be productive when the system is one you don't control.