Every week, we share the shortcuts, workspaces, and productivity tips of our favorite experts.

This week, were going behind the scenes at Lifehacker.

Im Abu Zafar, and this is how I work.

I went to school for journalism in Ohio.

I think I also started a short-lived podcast in there somewhere too.

Eventually, I decided I hated Ohio and promptly moved to New York after graduation.

From there, I made the jump to a video producer position here at Lifehacker.

What are your job responsibilities?

I research, pitch, schedule, shoot, edit, and host videos for Lifehacker.

Take us through a recent workday.

I attempt to get in to work around 8:30-9 a.m.

I dont really have a morning routine, and my days depend entirely on what my next deadline is.

Some days are spent just editing a video.

Other days there might a shoot, or I might be scheduling or scripting an upcoming video.

Besides your phone, what apps, gadgets, or tools cant you live without?

Listening to podcasts onPocket Castskeeps me sane during my commutes.

Besides my phone and laptop, the only gadget I absolutely couldnt live without is myNintendo Switch.

I used to be a big gamer growing up, but basically stopped gaming when I went to college.

Whats your workspace setup like?

The poor mans tech YouTuber setup.

My cables are actually managed really well though.

Whats your favorite shortcut or hack?

We have a small three-person video team at work and I rely on my two colleaguesfor everything.

Our skills complement each other well, and Ive learned lots of new things from them.

Our senior producer Joel is an organization and logistics whiz.

My fellow producer Heather does amazing animation work.

Whats the biggest mistake youve made at work, and how did you deal with it?

Luckily, no one dies if I do my job wrong.

So I try not to take things too seriously.

How do you recharge or take a break?

Ill fire up my Nintendo Switch, put on a podcast, and chill.

Currently Im playingCivilization VIand catching up on old episodes ofConan OBrien Needs a Friend.

Whats your favorite side project?

What are you currently reading, or what do you recommend?

Im currently re-reading theWitcher seriesin preparation for the upcoming Netflix show.

I recently finisheda biography of Saladin, the legendary leader of the Muslims during the Crusades.

Can you share a music playlist youve made, whether for working or elsewhere?

I dont really listen to music.

When I do, its only Childish Gambino or Logic.

Who else would you like to see answer these questions?

Lil Nas X and Kara Swisher.

Whats the best advice youve ever received?

Take a break, dude.

Whats a problem youre still trying to solve?

Whether I want a corgi or a golden doodle.