Blameless Post-Mortems: Turning Failure into Strategy
In this episode of The Product Handbook, we explore how product managers can run post-mortems that actually drive learning and improvement — without the blame game.You’ll learn:What makes a post-mortem different from a retrospective, and when to use eachHow to structure a post-mortem for clear insights and actionable outcomesTechniques to keep the process focused on systems and decisions, not individual mistakesThe role of documentation and follow-ups in building long-term team resilienceHow AI tools are starting to streamline analysis, reporting, and action trackingIf you’ve ever wrapped a project or release and thought, “We should’ve learned more from this,” this episode gives you the framework to make post-mortems a habit that strengthens your team and your product.
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59:35
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59:35
API Product Management: From Endpoints to Ecosystems
In this episode of The Product Handbook, we explore how APIs have evolved from technical connectors to full-fledged products — and what it takes to manage them successfully.You’ll learn:The fundamentals of APIs — requests, responses, authentication, and what they mean in practiceThe difference between internal and external APIs, and how each drives business valueWhy APIs should be treated like products, with strategy, customer focus, and clear success metricsThe emerging role of the API Product Manager — from setting vision to engaging the developer communityKey metrics to track adoption, reliability, and ecosystem impactIf you’ve ever wondered how APIs shape modern products, or what it means to manage one like a product manager, this episode connects the dots — from endpoints to ecosystems.
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56:37
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56:37
Structured Brainstorming Techniques for Product Teams
In this episode of The Product Handbook, we look at how product teams can brainstorm effectively — moving beyond sticky notes and chaos to structured, creative problem-solving.You’ll learn:Proven brainstorming methods like Crazy 8s, SCAMPER, and Design Thinking sessions — and when to use eachHow to avoid groupthink and ensure diverse voices actually shape the outcomeTools for remote and hybrid brainstorming that keep energy high and ideas flowingHow to connect ideation sessions to real product decisions, MVPs, and discovery workIf your brainstorming sessions have ever felt like noisy idea dumps with no clear results, this episode shows you how to bring structure, creativity, and focus to your team’s innovation process.
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1:06:27
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1:06:27
Handling Difficult Conversations with Engineers and Designers
In this episode of The Product Handbook, we explore how product managers can navigate tough conversations with engineers and designers — the kind that can make or break collaboration.You’ll learn:How to prepare for difficult discussions with empathy, clarity, and dataThe psychology behind conflict — and how reframing, perspective-taking, and emotional regulation can change the outcomePractical tactics for design feedback sessions, sprint debates, and roadmap disagreementsHow to move from tension to alignment by focusing on shared goals and mutual respectIf you’ve ever walked into a meeting knowing it might get uncomfortable, this episode gives you the tools to manage conflict constructively and strengthen your partnerships instead of straining them.
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30:46
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30:46
Technical Debt: How to Identify, Prioritize, and Communicate It as a PM
In this episode of The Product Handbook, we break down the concept of technical debt — what it is, why it matters, and how product managers can handle it without drowning in metaphors.You’ll learn:What technical debt actually means, and how to spot it in your product or teamThe trade-offs that create debt — from time pressure to outdated technology — and why it compounds like interestHow to prioritize repayment alongside new features without losing stakeholder trustCommunication strategies for explaining technical debt to non-technical audiences and getting buy-in to address itIf you’ve ever struggled to defend refactoring or tech investment on your roadmap, this episode gives you the language and tools to make technical debt a visible, manageable part of your product strategy.
The Product Handbook is a practical show for product manager interview prep and day-to-day skills. Learn frameworks, product sense, metrics, estimation, prioritization, A/B testing, and strategy. Episodes explore case-style topics, roadmaps, and stakeholder communication across startups and big tech. Built for aspiring product managers through senior leaders.