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

• 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

Brad talks with Jessica Hische who is known for her work ranging from illustrated children's books to designing iconic logos and her new venture, Studio Works, a software and community for creative professionals. We delve into a wide array of topics including the power of positivity, the challenges of ADHD and mental health, balancing personal and societal responsibilities, and fostering local community engagement. Jessica shares her personal journey, her insights about work-life balance, and her vision for the future of creativity.

Topics discussed:

• (00:00) - Introduction to Wake Up Excited
• (00:13) - Meet Jessica Hische
• (01:23) - Support Wake Up Excited
• (02:05) - What is Jessica Waking Up Excited About?
• (03:08) - Jessica's New Venture: Studio Works
• (06:01) - The Importance of Positivity and Local Community
• (13:36) - The Impact of Social Media Algorithms
• (23:26) - Parenting and Emotional Intelligence
• (29:44) - Mental Health and Medication
• (44:27) - The Impact of Psychedelics on Mental Health
• (47:27) - The Importance of Joy and Wonder
• (49:37) - Reconnecting with Music and Art Post-COVID
• (51:36) - The Role of Arts in Breaking Routine
• (54:17) - Fighting for Causes and Community Engagement
• (01:00:44) - The Challenges of Implementing Big Changes
• (01:04:37) - Balancing Personal and Community Financial Goals
• (01:17:16) - Future Plans and Creative Ambitions
• (01:20:53) - Parenting and Removing Obstacles for Kids
• (01:25:40) - Music Recommendations and Final Thoughts

• Studio Works (invoicing and payment software)
• Studio Works Community
• Brad Frost’s Online Courses
• Spotify BPM Playlists
• Band: Bronco
• Band: FIDLAR
• Jessica Hische’s “My First Book of Fancy Letters”
• Jessica Hische’s “I’m in Progress” Book (pre-order)
• Paradiso Event (by Off) (OFFF is a creative festival, Paradiso is an event by one of its founders)

Brad chats with Aarron Walter, co-host of the Design Better and Reconsidering podcasts, and author of several design books. We cover topics like personal growth, the significance of curiosity, the philosophy of 'super activities', the role of money in achieving life goals, and the importance of living an examined life. Aarron shares his journey from his time as UX Director at MailChimp to his exploration of new skills and creative endeavors.

Topics discussed:

• (00:00) - Introduction and Guest Overview
• (00:17) - Aaron Walter's Background and Influence
• (00:54) - Topics of Discussion
• (01:17) - Support and Online Courses
• (02:02) - Starting the Conversation
• (02:13) - Self-Improvement and Reflection
• (08:05) - The Pursuit of Mastery
• (14:33) - Creativity and Lifelong Learning
• (34:03) - Super Activities and Personal Growth
• (41:34) - The Importance of Attitude in Shared Activities
• (42:20) - Social Constructs and Parental Consent
• (45:47) - Financial Independence and Early Retirement (FIRE)
• (47:34) - Money as a Tool for Freedom and Growth
• (56:56) - Aligning Money with Personal Values
• (01:05:11) - The Examined Life and Seasons of Life
• (01:10:50) - Presence and Gratitude in Everyday Moments
• (01:16:56) - Final Thoughts and Resources

• designbetterpodcast.com
• reconsidering.org
• CodePen
• Don Quixote by Miguel de Cervantes
• Les Misérables by Victor Hugo
• The Power of Regret by Daniel H. Pink
• The Element by Sir Ken Robinson
• Rick Rubin's Book ("The Creative Act: A Way of Being")
• Kamasi Washington – The Epic (2015)
• Kamasi Washington – Fearless Movement (2024)