Someone is always asking what apps and tools I use for productivity and to run Redeeming Productivity. So, inspired by my friend Darryl Dash’s recent rundown of his 2025 Tech Stack, I thought I’d share my own.
These are the tools I currently rely on to stay productive and manage Redeeming Productivity.
Task Management & Goal Tracking
I use the Christian Productivity Planner template in Notion to manage all my tasks, projects, and goals. It’s designed around the principles I teach in my books and courses, and it helps me connect daily tasks with longer-term objectives.
I also use the paper Waypoints Goal Planner to stay focused during the week. After reviewing my plans in Notion, I write out a weekly plan and then copy my top three tasks for each day. Having a single piece of paper helps me to focus rather than an endless list of tasks.
Writing
- Logseq for notes, research, quotes, and capturing ideas.
- Notion for writing this newsletter, podcast scripts, and other Redeeming Productivity content. My entire content calendar also lives here.
- Paper notebooks for long-form writing. I usually use Leuchtturm notebooks, but right now I’m finishing a gifted notebook (not sure the brand). All my essays start on paper—it forces me to slow down and think before moving to the computer.
- Obsidian for typing and editing long-form writing. It shares a vault with Logseq, but I prefer Obsidian for pure text editing. It lets me use Vim motions to navigate and edit quickly—super nerdy, but I love it.
Website (redeemingproductivity.com)
I probably wouldn’t choose WordPress again today, but migrating would be a bigger hassle than maintaining it.
Reading
- I still prefer physical books, but after downsizing my library this year, I now use a Kindle Paperwhite for new releases (books I’m unsure I want on my shelf) and classics in the public domain.
- I use Readwise Reader to curate online reading. I subscribe to RSS feeds, newsletters, and save shared articles there. The “roundup” section of my newsletter is just the best stuff from my Readwise feed each week.
- Apple Mail for reading email. (I used Spark for years, but their push toward AI features wasn’t for me. Apple Mail covers everything I need.)
- Kit (formerly ConvertKit) for sending my newsletter.
Calendar
I use a mix of Apple Calendar and the Waypoints Goal Planner. Long-term events go in Apple Calendar, while I use the goal planner’s calendar to make sure I dedicate time each week to long-term goals.
This is a shift from last year—I had used Fantastical for years, but Apple Calendar has come a long way, so I made the switch for simplicity’s sake and to save on another subscription.
Misc. Productivity
- Raycast: Mac app launcher, quick commands, and Bible verse pasting. I remapped CMD+Space from Spotlight to Raycast (switched from Alfred last year).
- Rize: Automatically tracks computer time, reminds me to take breaks, and provides daily productivity reports.
- ChatGPT Plus: I’m pretty wary of AI, but I do use ChatGPT for search and brainstorming. Pro tip: It’s awesome for DIY projects. I wish I’d had it during my remodel.
Artwork & Design
- Figma for most graphics and YouTube thumbnails.
- Procreate on iPad for hand-drawn artwork (like the green watercolor illustrations on my website and slides).
- Affinity Publisher for making worksheets, planners, and the course workbooks. Affinity is a great alternative to Adobe’s subscription model, and their photo app replaces Photoshop nicely.
Devices
- Computer: M1 MacBook Pro 14”
- Phone: None! I use a standalone Apple Watch with cellular.
Academy & Courses
- Circle hosts the Redeeming Productivity Academy and all our courses. I love the platform—it makes managing communities and courses simple.
Bible Software
- I’ve used Accordance since seminary. Everyone tells me to switch to Logos. But I’m not interested in rebuying my library. And I only use it for the languages.
Video & Podcasting
- Main Camera: Canon R8 with Sigma 18-35mm F1.8 Art DC HSM Lens
- Secondary Camera: DJI Osmo Pocket 3
- Microphone: RØDE PodMic USB
- Editing: Final Cut Pro and Descript
- Podcast Hosting: Spotify for Creators (because it’s free and lets me put the video version of the podcast on Spotify)
That’s everything I can think of. Drop me an email if you’re curious to know more, or if there are any categories I missed.
