Episodes

  • The Genetic Panopticon: Mewgenics, Eugenics, and the War on Neurodiversity

    The Genetic Panopticon: Mewgenics, Eugenics, and the War on Neurodiversity
    Feb 12 2026

    In this special of Productivity Next, we step away from our usual systems-building to conduct a vital ethical audit of one of the gaming world's most anticipated titles: Mewgenics.


    While the industry celebrates this "magnum opus" of systemic design, we dive beneath the surface to uncover an architecture built on the bones of historical trauma. From the gamification of eugenics to the pathologization of ADHD, Autism, and Dyslexia as "stat penalties," we explore how Mewgenics represents a fundamental conflict with the values of the neurodiversity movement.


    In this episode, we discuss:


    • The Architecture of Exclusion: How the game's core "breeding" mechanics mirror early 20th-century eugenicist rhetoric.
    • The Savant Trope & Stat Penalties: Why framing neurodivergence as a transactional trade-off (Intelligence vs. Charisma) is damaging to real-world advocacy.
    • Extractive Productivity: Analyzing the "No Naming" rule and the ethics of treating living beings (even digital ones) as disposable resources.
    • The Medical vs. Social Model: Why "curing" neurodivergence in-game reinforces the idea that our brains are inherently defective.


    Stay focused. Stay compassionate. Your mind is not a defect.

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    9 mins
  • BONUS EPISODE: Interview with Mark Struczewski (host of The Mister Productivity Podcast)

    BONUS EPISODE: Interview with Mark Struczewski (host of The Mister Productivity Podcast)
    Nov 7 2025

    If you feel overwhelmed by your to-do list, this episode is for you. Host Stuart McDonald sits down with the renowned Mister Productivity, Mark Struczewski, to dismantle the myth that busyness equals results. Mark argues that the true enemy of productivity isn't laziness, but rather a lack of clarity.


    In this concise, high-value conversation, Mark shares the systems he uses to coach executives and entrepreneurs worldwide. We discuss:


    • Taming the Major Distractions: Practical strategies for cutting through digital and mental noise to reclaim your time.
    • Action Over Strategy: Why focusing on small, consistent steps is more powerful than endless planning.
    • The Power of the Breaks: How a simple, 5-minute break from the noise can set the stage for sustainable success.
    • Building Your Own System: How Mark maintains his own incredible consistency, including hosting his 1,300+ episode podcast, and the simple practices that fuel his productivity.


    Check out The Mister Productivity Podcast!

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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    15 mins
  • Systems In The Wild part 7

    Systems In The Wild part 7
    Oct 29 2025
    In this episode, Stuart McDonald steps into the forge to discover how blacksmiths build resilience, piece by piece. Stuart breaks down the process of transformation into four key systems: Focused Heat (concentrating energy on high-leverage tasks), The Iterative Blow (embracing measured repetition and revision over aiming for first-time perfection), Quenching (the non-negotiable role of rest and recovery in consolidating strength), and Understanding the Metal (the system of personalized productivity that requires knowing your unique limits and what kind of pressure makes you stronger). It's a powerful guide to handling pressure and forging true, durable strength.

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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    14 mins
  • Systems In The Wild part 6

    Systems In The Wild part 6
    Oct 10 2025
    In this episode, Stuart McDonald explores the world of music to uncover powerful systems for creative focus and collaboration. He looks at how a musician’s commitment to systematised repetition (practice) leads to mastery, and how the musical score serves as the ultimate documentation standard for consistency. The episode also frames the composer as an entrepreneur, challenging norms and following an internal vision. Stuart then discusses the crucial skill of improvisation for handling failure, and, with a nod to the Lofi-Lawyer channel, dedicates a segment to the intentional use of lo-fi music as an auditory system for supporting mood and deep work flow.

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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    20 mins
  • Systems In The Wild part 5

    Systems In The Wild part 5
    Sep 23 2025

    In this episode, Stuart McDonald takes us behind the scenes of filmmaking to find powerful lessons on managing projects and personal workflows. Using the ongoing production of the feature film His Designed Fall as a case study, he breaks down the core concepts of the creative process. Stuart discusses how a storyboard acts as a flexible guide, not a rigid law, and how a shot list helps break overwhelming tasks into manageable steps. He then explores the crucial editing process as an exercise in ruthless subtraction, the importance of sound design (the unseen elements of a project), and the value of a premiere as a tool for receiving feedback and iterating on your work.


    business enquiries: underthemushroomhouse@gmail.com

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    12 mins
  • Systems In The Wild part 4

    Systems In The Wild part 4
    Sep 16 2025
    In this episode, Stuart McDonald reflects on a recent two-week break for his mental health, using it to show that practicing self-care is a fundamental part of building a sustainable system. He then explores the world of an architect to find surprising productivity lessons. Stuart breaks down how to use a blueprint as a flexible guide, not a rigid law, and how to apply the principle of "form follows function" to design systems that work for you, not against you. He also discusses identifying your personal load-bearing walls and why building with inclusive design in mind benefits everyone. Finally, Stuart explains the importance of stress-testing your systems to ensure they can handle unexpected challenges.

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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    10 mins
  • Systems in the Wild part 3

    Systems in the Wild part 3
    Aug 28 2025
    In this episode, host Stuart McDonald finds profound lessons for a more sustainable work life by looking at a garden. He explores how the right supportive environment is crucial for growth, drawing parallels to companies like Google. The episode discusses working with your natural energy rhythms instead of fighting them and the importance of weeding your workflow to remove distractions, much like Basecamp's approach to communication. A new segment introduces the art of composting, showing how you can turn professional "waste"—like a failed project or a period of burnout - into fertile ground for future success. Stuart concludes by reflecting on the patient growth that compounds over time, emphasizing that a truly productive life is a cultivated one, not a rushed one.

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    15 mins
  • Systems In the Wild part 2

    Systems In the Wild part 2
    Aug 20 2025
    In this episode, Stuart McDonald takes listeners to the garage to explore powerful productivity principles from the world of a mechanic. He breaks down how a diagnostic mindset - how Netflix makes recommendations - can help you solve problems more effectively by listening before leaping. Stuart also discusses the importance of having a well-organised toolkit, much like the systems at a company like Stripe, to reduce friction in your workflow. The episode introduces a new concept: knowing the difference between generalist and specialist tools and how to use both effectively. Finally, he explores the critical role of preventive maintenance (like Toyota's production system) and the test drive (like Slack's beta testing) to ensure your work and well-being are sustainable. This episode is a grounded guide to building resilient, efficient systems for your professional life.

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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    12 mins