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Wake Up Excited!

Wake Up Excited!

By: Brad Frost
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About this listen

 Inspiring conversations with exuberant humans about how to live a creative, fulfilling, and authentic life. Hosted by enthusiasm enthusiast, Brad Frost. We experience a brief moment of truth when we first wake up in the morning. Before the cold shower of reality, our infinite to-do lists, and macro-level woes seize our consciousness. We experience a brief moment of excitement — and this pure moment tells us something important about ourselves. There are people out there who seem to move through life with intention, authenticity, creativity, kindness, and enthusiasm. And they do this despite the deeply inperfect world we inhabit. This podcast is an attempt to learn from these people. Through wide-ranging conversations, Wake Up Excited explores guests' passions, interests, enthusiasms, and philosophy of life.2025 Art Personal Development Personal Success
Episodes
  • The Power of Exuberance with Rebecca Garza-Bortman

    The Power of Exuberance with Rebecca Garza-Bortman
    Oct 22 2025

    Brad Frost sits down with the enthusiastic and ultra-talented Rebecca Garza Bortman. As a story designer, Rebecca is known for her contributions like the iconic red YouTube play button and her current role at the Chan Zuckerberg Institute. The conversation covers a broad range of topics, from the importance of family and the influence of music on immortality, to creative inspiration, career paths for young people, and the significance of playing in everyday life. Rebecca also shares about her unique rock opera wedding and how her exuberance fuels her life and work. This episode is a joyful dive into the essence of creativity and the power of enthusiasm.

    Topics discussed:

    • (00:00) - Introduction
    • (00:15) - Meet Rebecca Garza Bortman
    • (01:05) - Conversation Overview
    • (01:31) - Support Wake Up Excited
    • (02:06) - Parenting Stories and Morning Routines
    • (02:43) - What has you waking up excited?
    • (07:32) - Creative Inspirations and Childhood Memories
    • (12:18) - Rebecca's Design Journey
    • (19:11) - How did Brad and Rebecca meet?
    • (22:15) - Meeting Brian Garza
    • (26:08) - The Exuberance of Life and Relationships
    • (29:21) - The need to include others in exuberant parts of life
    • (31:39) - The Importance of Play and Joy
    • (35:55) - The Power of Storytelling
    • (37:14) - Designing at YouTube
    • (38:17) - Building from Scratch: Masterclass
    • (39:03) - The Role of Exuberance in Problem Solving
    • (40:46) - Reinforcing Systems vs. Starting Anew
    • (41:55) - Balancing Enthusiasm with Judgement
    • (53:39) - The Importance of Creativity
    • (55:34) - Encouraging Others to Pursue Their Passions
    • (56:41) - What is the last crafty thing you bought that you haven't utilized yet?
    • (01:09:45) - What music do you want more people to know about?
    • (01:11:38) - Concluding Thoughts and Reflections
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    1 hr and 13 mins
  • Finding Balance in Design, Creativity and Life with Aaron Draplin

    Finding Balance in Design, Creativity and Life with Aaron Draplin
    Oct 9 2025
    Brad Frost sits down with legendary graphic designer Aaron Draplin to discuss his distinctive thick line style and extensive portfolio, ranging from logos to the iconic Field Notes brand. The conversation takes a deep dive into the complexities of work, hustle, and burnout, along with the struggle to overcome a scarcity mindset despite achieving financial stability. They also reflect on redefining success, simplifying life, and staying true to intrinsic motivators over external pressures. Topics include life transitions, the importance of family, and Brad's advice to Aaron on planning a sabbatical. Aaron also shares anecdotes about personal growth and the evolving nature of creative pursuits. Don't miss this insightful discussion on creativity, life balance, and the joy of authentic work.Topics discussed:(00:00) - Introduction(00:19) - Meet Aaron Draplin: The Designer Dynamo(01:06) - Deep Dive into Work, Hustle, and Burnout(01:17) - Redefining Success and Simplifying Life(01:48) - Supporting the Show and Online Courses(02:28) - Aaron Draplin's Website Journey(04:19) - The Struggles and Joys of Authenticity(06:59) - Financial Stability and Scarcity Mindset(13:26) - Life Transitions and Sabbaticals(17:18) - The Importance of Joy and Personal Fulfillment(21:39) - Navigating Financial Independence(27:15) - Reflections on Life and Career Choices(52:14) - The Role of Service and Giving Back(53:58) - The Freedom of Ideas(55:17) - Summer Jobs in Alaska(57:26) - The Work Ethic Instilled by Family(58:17) - The Struggle with Gaps and Productivity(01:03:45) - Balancing Work and Personal Projects(01:11:32) - The Value of Hard Work and Advice(01:25:47) - Decluttering and Prioritizing(01:34:20) - Reflecting on Life and Career Choices(01:38:37) - Concluding Thoughts and Future PlansLinks Mentioned:BooksField Notes NotebooksAtomic Design (by Brad Frost)Superdrag - Head Trip in Every KeyMoviesE.T. the Extra-TerrestrialRaiders of the Lost ArkThe Beatles: Get BackTV ShowsGame of ThronesWebsitesBrad Frost’s CoursesDraplin Design Co.PanicPocket Protector GalleryPeopleAaron DraplinBrad FrostCabell SasserSteve JobsDan MallJay Maskis (of Dinosaur Jr.)John Davis (of Superdrag)Chris StapletonChuck ProphetJeffrey ZeldmanIan MacKaye (of Fugazi)Bands/ArtistsThe BeatlesPaul McCartneyWingsSuperdragNada SurfThe Jesus LizardArchers of LoafPavementShellacMuleSmashing PumpkinsElliott SmithUncle TupeloBrainiacIdaho
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    1 hr and 45 mins
  • Examining the Past to Figure Out the Future with Jeffrey Zeldman

    Examining the Past to Figure Out the Future with Jeffrey Zeldman
    Aug 22 2025

    Brad Frost sits down with the legendary Jeffrey Zeldman, a pioneer in web design and an influential figure in Brad's life. Jeffrey shares his journey, from writing 'Designing with Web Standards' to founding 'A List Apart,' and how these accomplishments impacted the web design community. The conversation delves into a variety of profound topics including the changing nature of family relationships, the power of vulnerability, creativity and its intersection with making a living, the role of artificial intelligence, and the ongoing influence of the early web ideals. They also explore personal anecdotes about the transformative power of music, the value of quiet resistance, and the importance of finding joy and purpose despite life's challenges.

    Topics discussed:

    • (00:00) - Intro
    • (02:40) - Introduction and Opening Question
    • (02:59) - Family and Personal Reflections
    • (05:30) - Podcast Plans and AI Interests
    • (09:53) - Music and Its Emotional Impact
    • (12:46) - Creativity and Career Challenges
    • (23:53) - Navigating the Modern Job Market
    • (43:08) - The Role of AI in Creativity
    • (44:58) - Encouraging Personal Creativity
    • (53:40) - Finding Purpose and Meaning
    • (57:47) - Discussing Mr. Sulu and Social Media
    • (58:56) - Different Ways to Show Up and Fight
    • (01:01:05) - The Importance of Quiet Resistance
    • (01:03:38) - The Role of Civil Servants and Government
    • (01:06:24) - Balancing Personal Happiness and Responsibility
    • (01:23:18) - The Value of Open Source and Creative Expression
    • (01:30:53) - Reflecting on Personal and Professional Growth
    • (01:41:32) - Concluding Thoughts and Future Conversations
    • (01:46:44) - The Power of Music and Art

    Links Mentioned:
    • zeldman.com – Jeffrey Zeldman’s personal website
    • A List Apart – Long-running web design publication
    • A Book Apart – Publisher of books for web professionals
    • bradfrost.com/courses – Brad Frost’s online courses
    • Last.fm – Music discovery and tracking service
    • Designing with Web Standards by Jeffrey Zeldman
    • Learning Web Design by Jennifer Robbins
    • Miles Davis – Jazz musician
    • MF DOOM – Hip hop artist
    • Count Bass D – Hip hop artist
    • Your Old Droog – Hip hop artist
    • Brian Eno – Musician and composer
    • David Bowie – Musician and artist
    • King Crimson – Progressive rock band
    • Willie Nelson – Country musician
    • Paul Desmond – Jazz saxophonist, composer of “Take Five”
    • Dave Brubeck Quartet – Jazz group, known for “Take Five”
    • Tom Waits – Singer-songwriter
    • Prince – Musician and artist
    • A Clockwork Orange (Soundtrack)
    • M (1931 film) – German film by Fritz Lang
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    1 hr and 52 mins
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