Big Ideas explored through Little Pictures.
It's certainly not a self-help podcast, but you might take something away that helps you notice or even enjoy the world around you a little more.
We offer up great conversations about ideas based on simple and insightful sketches in the Sketchplanations online collection, with the aim of giving listeners something fun and interesting to have their own conversations about.
This is an explainer podcast for the curious-minded. Topics covered include science, behavioural economics, wellbeing, nature, psychology frameworks, business models, cognitive biases, and even domestic life-hacks.
Sketchplanations illustrator and author Jono Hey joins lifelong friends Tom Pellereau (2011 Apprentice Winner) and Rob Bell (Engineer & Broadcaster) to share ideas and stories catalysed by each week's sketch. The 3 of us have been friends for over 20 years and have always enjoyed delving into all sorts of conversation topics - usually with some silliness along the way.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Big Ideas explored through Little Pictures.
It's certainly not a self-help podcast, but you might take something away that helps you notice or even enjoy the world around you a little more.
We offer up great conversations about ideas based on simple and insightful sketches in the Sketchplanations online collection, with the aim of giving listeners something fun and interesting to have their own conversations about.
This is an explainer podcast for the curious-minded. Topics covered include science, behavioural economics, wellbeing, nature, psychology frameworks, business models, cognitive biases, and even domestic life-hacks.
Sketchplanations illustrator and author Jono Hey joins lifelong friends Tom Pellereau (2011 Apprentice Winner) and Rob Bell (Engineer & Broadcaster) to share ideas and stories catalysed by each week's sketch. The 3 of us have been friends for over 20 years and have always enjoyed delving into all sorts of conversation topics - usually with some silliness along the way.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
When describing something with numerous adjectives (eg. the big brown dog, the heavy square steel door) there's a natural order we all instinctively follow as english speakers. I don't remember ever being taught it, nor would I be able to explain it to you, but my ear can definitely tell if someone gets it wrong!
English adjectives follow a specific order. Who Knew?!?
Well, there's one person for sure:
What our special guest on this episode, award-winning author, journalist, and etymologist, Mark Forsyth, doesn't know about the English language, simply isn't worth knowing.
In our conversation, Mark breaks down the correct traditional ordering of adjectives. And Mark's passion for the English language becomes clear as he walks us through other nuances of English, such as Ablaut Reduplication (why it's Zig Zag and Splish-Splash rather than Zag-Zig or Splash-Splish), Chiasmus (inverting phrases in a speech eg. “Ask not what your country can do for you — ask what you can do for your country.” — John F. Kennedy, Inaugural Address (1961)) and many more.
Additionally, in celebration of Mark's latest book; "Rhyme and Reason : A short history of Poetry and People (for people who don’t usually read poetry)" we talk about the history of poetry and its impact on readers from medieval times to the present. We learn how poetry was once widely shared and enjoyed socially (a bit like sharing memes on social media today) and how English has natural cadences and rhythm to it, that we all make use of every day - again, without having a clue that we're doing it. And we also learn why most of us have been thinking about poetry all wrong ever since school.
In the episode, we also reference Mark's other books such as The Etymologist and The Elements of Eloquence, which can all be found here.
And you can follow Mark's musings and love of language on his blog as The Inky Fool, on Twitter, and on Instagram.
Episode Summary
00:00 Welcome & Introduction to Mark Forsyth: Wordsmith Extraordinaire
01:05 Mark Forsyth's Journey with the English Language
01:44 The Fascinating World of Words and Their Origins
02:27 Mark Forsyth's Books and Their Unique Insights
06:32 The Popularity of Poetry Through the Ages
11:06 The Decline of Poetry and Rise of Pop Lyrics
12:48 Exploring English Syntax and Adjective Order
15:03 The Intricacies of English Grammar
21:38 Fun with Language: Reduplication and Compounds
27:38 Rhyme and Reason: Poetry in Society
29:27 The Unsung Heroes of Songwriting
30:42 The Evolution of Poetry's Popularity
41:33 The Rhythms of English Language
50:54 The Charm of Limericks
54:49 The Joy of Reading Poetry Aloud
56:45 Closing Thoughts and Farewell
All music on this podcast series is provided by the wonderfully talented Franc Cinelli.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
This time we discuss Jevons' Paradox, the counterintuitive concept that improvements in fuel efficiency can lead to increased overall fuel use.
We explore the origin of this idea, dating back to 1865 by British economist William Stanley Jevons, and discuss its relevance today in areas such as car fuel efficiency, advances in battery technology, and even the proliferation of LED lighting in homes. Inevitably, the impact of emerging technologies like AI also arise. We also talk about the broader implications of Jevons' Paradox in everyday life and business, and how it can be managed through policies and smart design.
Quick Links
Some links are included below to certain topics we reference in the chat:
Summary
00:00 Introduction to Sketchplanations Podcast
00:33 Exploring Jevons Paradox
01:11 Historical Context of Jevons Paradox
02:37 Modern Examples of Jevons Paradox
05:14 Personal Anecdotes and Parallels
10:12 AI and Future Implications
15:29 Energy Demands of AI and Nuclear Facilities
15:51 The Evolution of Spreadsheets and Work Efficiency
17:07 Jevons Paradox and Environmental Concerns
17:29 Advancements in Battery and Water-Saving Technologies
19:33 The Impact of Video Compression on the Internet
21:47 LED Lights and Household Energy Consumption
24:27 Government Policies and Behavioral Incentives
26:10 Reflections on Jevons Paradox and Human Nature
28:26 William Stanley Jevons' Insights and Predictions
30:06 Conclusion and Farewell
All music on this podcast series is provided by the very talented Franc Cinelli.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Do you like using interesting words in your conversations? We do. And there's one that's a tip top favourite...
You're guaranteed* to learn loads of interesting words from this episode.
Special guest Grant Snider - author, illustrator, poet (and orthodontist) talks about the illustration of interesting words, particularly obscure, outdated or esoteric ones. We kick off with a word both Jono and Grant have illustrated: 'apricity,' which means the warmth of the sun in winter and is a big favourite of ours - now that we know it. Grant shares his fascination with words and his 'Words of Wonder' series, where he illustrates intriguing words from his readings. We touch on the emotional connection words can create through compelling illustrations and delve into the creative processes behind these illustrations as well as the influence of childhood comics like Calvin and Hobbes.
Links for further investigation
Episode Summary
00:00 Introduction and Grant Snider's Background
02:18 Exploring the Word 'Apricity'
04:34 Grant's Words of Wonder Series
07:24 The Joy of Learning New Words
11:24 Favourite Words and Their Illustrations
20:28 Exploring Obscure Words and Their Origins
21:16 The Fascinating Concept of 'Greeble'
22:50 The Joy of Discovering New Words
23:52 Sketching Words and Their Meanings
28:22 The Beauty of Children's Language Development
30:35 Grant's New Book: Thinking About Thinking
33:46 The Influence of Calvin and Hobbes
37:04 Grant's Unique Use of Colour in Comics
39:26 Final Thoughts and Upcoming Projects
*We make no actual guarantees.
All music on this podcast series is provided by the highly talented Franc Cinelli
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
As we return from our summer break we discuss various ways to instantly feel better - timely perhaps for the Big Back to Work / School / Normality of September. We explore eight emotions—anger, burnout, overthinking, anxiety, stress, sadness, impatience, and laziness—and suggest instant proactive remedies to each. We highly encourage you to try these out whenever you're feeling any of the emotions discussed. Let us know if they work.
Here are links to a few items we refer to in the chat:
Episode Summary
00:00 Welcome Back to Sketchplanations
00:53 Instant Ways to Feel Better
03:16 The Power of Singing to Dispel Anger
08:19 Walking Off Burnout
11:46 Writing to Stop Overthinking
16:20 Breathing Techniques for Anxiety
20:49 The Power of Exercise for Stress Relief
25:22 Gratitude as a Remedy for Sadness
28:18 Reflecting on Progress to Combat Impatience
30:56 Cold Showers to Overcome Laziness
33:50 Final Thoughts and Takeaways
All music on this podcast series is provided by the highly talented Franc Cinelli
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Here on the podcast, we love our exercise and we love our sleep so in this summer break, check-in mini-episode, we discuss the interconnectedness of exercise and sleep, citing Novak Djokovic's book 'Serve to Win' as an influential source. While Tom shares his typical experience of staying active during holidays, Robbie bemoans the challenges of getting good sleep with young children, and Jono explores how his smart watch monitors his sleep and activity levels. In keeping with the holiday theme we also share tips for keeping kids entertained on long road trips.
We'll be back with regular episodes in August.
Until then, Go well, stay well and vacay well.
In this mini-episode, we reference a previous podcast episode:
All music on the podcast series is provided by the hugely talented Franc Cinelli.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
This time we explore whether it is better to generally say 'yes' or 'no' in various situations, and how each choice can offer distinct rewards. The conversation is framed by a quote from improvisation expert Keith Johnston, which asserts, 'Yes Sayers are rewarded by adventure and No Sayers are rewarded by safety.' The hosts consider personal anecdotes, the impact of these attitudes on careers, social settings, and mental well-being. They also touch on tools for making these decisions, such as the Eisenhower Matrix and the 'Hell Yes or Hell No' philosophy. The episode emphasizes the value of appreciating one's decisions, whether they lead to adventure or provide comfort and security.
Here are links to a bunch of stuff we discuss in case you fancy reading a bit more about them:
Episode Summary
00:00 Introduction and Hosts
00:28 This Week's Sketch: Yes Sayers and No Sayers
01:07 Exploring the Sketch
03:45 Personal Reflections on Yes and No
05:27 Social Dynamics of Yes and No
19:44 Career Perspectives on Yes and No
23:43 The Power of Saying No in Business
25:01 The Benefits of Saying No
25:45 The Adventure of Saying Yes
26:34 Balancing Yes and No in Life
30:17 Regrets of Not Saying Yes
31:54 The Yes Man Experiment by Danny Wallace
38:19 Deciding When to Say Yes or No
41:55 Final Thoughts on Yes and No
All music on this podcast series is provided by the highly talented Franc Cinelli
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Have you ever found yourself spiralling uncontrollably downwards in the "awkwardness vortex"? 🤔 Tune in to our latest podcast episode where we chat with celebrated science journalist Melissa Dahl about conquering those cringe-worthy moments and how awkwardness might just be a sign of empathy!
This sketch is exclusive to the Sketchplanations Book : Big Ideas, Little Pictures - so check that out if you'd like to see this sketch in full (as well as number of other exclusive sketches).
Melissa is a science journalist, specialising in Psychology, Health and Lifestyle, and author of the very well received book Cringeworthy: A Theory of Awkwardness.
The conversation delves into retrospectively amusing personal experiences of social awkwardness, the psychological aspects behind it, and offers insights on how to manage and embrace these uncomfortable moments. Key tactics include focusing outside oneself, reappraising anxiety as excitement, and appreciating awkwardness as a sign of empathy. Melissa reflects on how researching awkwardness has changed her perspective, highlighting the growth and connection that can come from embracing this very human emotion. Melissa also shares how awkwardness can have a positive side, signalling empathy and social awareness. Tune in for a thought-provoking discussion that will have you rethinking your relationship with awkwardness.
Here are links to a bunch of stuff we discuss in case you fancy reading a bit more about them:
Episode Summary
00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome
00:51 Exploring the Awkwardness Vortex
02:51 Personal Experiences of Awkwardness
05:51 The Science Behind Awkwardness
08:49 Practical Tips to Overcome Awkwardness
22:23 Awkwardness in Media and Comedy
25:06 Exploring Empathy and Awkwardness
25:41 The Science Behind Secondhand Embarrassment
26:30 Empathy Spectrum and Social Interactions
29:25 Awkwardness in Media and Society
31:33 Cringe Mountain and Overcoming Embarrassment
34:37 The Irreconcilable Gap and Self-Perception
36:58 The Power of Awkward Silences
39:16 Growth Through Awkwardness
43:45 Final Thoughts and Upcoming Projects
All music on this podcast series is provided by the highly talented Franc Cinelli
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In this episode we discuss the Zanclean Megaflood, a massive flood event that filled the Mediterranean Sea in a remarkably short period of time. The episode dives into the geological events and evidence leading up to this flood, challenging the earlier gradualist theories and promoting a catastrophic model. We are joined by Mike Soden, whose engaging Twitter thread about the Zanclean Megaflood reached over 10 million people. Soden, a travel writer and science communicator, shares insights on his curiosity-driven approach to science writing and storytelling. They explore other massive geological events, the nature of scientific discovery, and the human stories behind scientific advancements. The episode is filled with fascinating facts, storytelling techniques, and a deep appreciation for the wonders of our planet.
If you want to find out more about certain topics that come up you can try these:
Episode Summary
00:00 Introduction and Hosts
00:45 Introducing the ZanClean Megaflood
01:43 Special Guest: Mike Soden
03:01 Mike Soden's Journey and Writing Style
07:29 The ZanClean Megaflood: Geological Background
12:55 The Catastrophic Flood Event
17:25 Speculations and Analogies
22:33 Doggerland and Other Historical Floods
23:43 The Strega Slide and Doggerland Tsunamis
24:45 Dating the Strega Slide
25:06 The Zary and Mega Flood
27:23 The Role of Storytelling in Science Communication
32:23 The Human Element in Engineering
34:30 The Fascination with Scientists' Obsessions
40:54 Geological Events and Their Impact
45:53 The Process of Science Writing
50:42 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
All music on this podcast series is provided by the highly talented Franc Cinelli
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
This time, we delve into the complexities of choosing the perfect gift. The discussion is framed around a Venn diagram Sketchplanation that identifies three key factors in gift selection: what the recipient actually likes, what you think they like, and what you think they ought to like. We share personal anecdotes about both successful and less successful gifts we've given and received, emphasising the emotional aspects of gift-giving for both the giver and the recipient. We also touch on practical gift-giving strategies, such as buying from registries, focusing on useful and consumable items, and considering the recipient's values. The episode also addresses the challenges of buying gifts for individuals who have seemingly everything, and the importance of shared experiences in gift giving. And we invite you to share your own gift-giving experiences and tips, aiming to provide food for thought for anyone looking to improve their gift-giving skills.
NB. In the podcast we reference how old this sketch is and that it was one of the first Jono did out of a collection that's now nearing 1000. Jono also suggested he might upgrade the sketch, which of course he has which is what you see as the artwork now. He's kept the original however, and you can see it here if you like.
00:00 Introduction to Gift Giving
00:52 Welcome to Sketchplanations Podcast
02:32 Exploring the Sketch: Picking a Present
03:23 The Venn Diagram of Gift Giving
06:50 Personal Experiences with Gift Giving
16:18 The Art of Giving Useful Gifts
20:15 Wedding Registry Dilemmas
24:42 The Worst Gifts Ever Given
26:15 Go-To Thank You Gifts
27:53 The "Olive Oil" Story
30:10 The Hunter-Gatherer Instinct in Gift Giving
34:18 Challenges of Buying Gifts for Dads
38:33 Designing Gifts for Others
43:01 The Greatest Gift Ever Given
45:10 Reflections on Gift Giving
All music on this podcast series is provided by Franc Cinelli.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
This time, we delve into the concept of eponyms—words or names derived from people's names or places that capture little slices of history. The discussion starts with general definitions and shares interesting examples like the Jacuzzi, named after the Jacuzzi brothers, and the sandwich named after the fourth Earl of Sandwich. The hosts explore how eponyms often tell compelling stories, sometimes reveal historical facts, and occasionally involve controversies or unintended legacies, such as the 'Pellereau,' a term humorously defined by Lord Sugar. They also touch on the potential pitfalls of eponyms associated with infamous figures, brands becoming generic terms, like 'Hoover' and 'Google,' and the implications of eponyms on intellectual property law. The episode is rich with anecdotes that illustrate the origin and importance of these linguistic phenomena.
Apology: In the podcast Rob insists that the word for shadow in French is Silhouette and Jono confirms this. Strictly speaking, the word for shadow is "ombre", but silhouette is sometimes used.
Below are links to more information and depth on topics and content we reference in the podcast:
00:00 Introduction to Eponyms
00:57 Meet the Hosts
01:56 Exploring Famous Eponyms
03:11 The Fun of Sketchplanations
11:42 Scientific Eponyms
17:31 Controversial and Historical Eponyms
23:47 The Origin of Hoover
24:58 Matthew McConaughey's Career Shift
25:59 The Concept of Genericide
28:12 Famous Eponyms: Zipper, Escalator, and More
32:11 Boycott and Maverick: Stories Behind the Words
35:42 Eponyms in Everyday Language
38:19 The Art of Naming and Eponyms in History
40:36 Final Thoughts and Takeaways
All music on this podcast series is provided by Franc Cinelli.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Before you go any further with this episode, check out both:
With the help of visual thinking expert Eva-Lotta Lamm, in this episode we discuss how using techniques like sketch-noting and mind-mapping can enrich travel experiences, offer a deeper connection to the moment, and create engaging and memorable journals. Eva-Lotta shares her professional journey from UX designer to visual thinking consultant and provides practical tips for anyone looking to enhance their note-taking and journaling skills, no matter their drawing ability.
The discussion covers the concept of improvisation in drawing, the benefits of using a pen instead of pencils to avoid early editing, the freedom of mind mapping compared to linear note-taking, and the guest's personal experiences with sketch noting during her 14-month global odyssey.
Further information and links
"The Godfather" of Sketch-noting - Mike Rohde
Mind-mapping guru - Tony Buzan
Improvisation coach - Dan Klein
External links to Eva-Lotta's work and classes
Pragmatic Sketching Masterclass
Podcast Summary
00:00 Introduction
01:27 Meet Eva-Lotta Lamm
02:23 Eva-Lotta's Career Journey
05:09 Mind Map Travel Journals
06:08 The Art of Visual Note-Taking
07:37 The Evolution of Sketch Notes
15:16 The Power of Analogies in Sketching
21:01 Creating Mind Map Travel Journals
27:48 Capturing Emotions in Sketches
28:40 Travel Sketching Experiences
30:20 The Concept of Aphantasia
31:55 Improvisation in Sketching
34:58 Analog vs Digital Sketching
38:51 The Joy of Travel Journals
40:46 Encouraging Visual Thinking
44:41 Overcoming the Fear of Drawing
52:33 Eva-Lotta's Teaching and Projects
54:01 Conclusion and Farewell
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
What was the best speech you've ever heard?
And how long was it?
Are shorter speeches more effective than longer ones? In this episode, Rob Bell, Jono Hey, and Tom Pellereau dive into the concept that short speeches often take more time and effort to prepare. They discuss historical examples like the Gettysburg Address and Winston Churchill's wartime speeches, the importance of simplicity in communication, and even share personal anecdotes about delivering best man speeches and after dinner talks. The episode also touches on the impact of preparation, audience engagement, and the potential role of AI in summarising and organising content.
Tune in to explore how less can indeed be more when it comes to effective communication.
00:00 Introduction: The Power of Short Speeches
00:57 The Concept of Short Speeches
01:50 Jono's Inspiration and the Sketch
02:40 The Importance of Preparation
04:23 Examples of Short Speeches
06:10 Personal Experiences with Speeches
12:44 The Apprentice Application Process
14:52 The Art of Concise Communication
19:45 Podcasting vs Traditional Media
21:29 Editing Challenges in Media Production
22:42 Respecting Listeners' Time
23:57 The Emotional Detachment in Editing
24:24 Long-Form Media and Political Impact
25:09 The Pressure of Impromptu Speeches
26:53 Famous Short Speeches
32:14 The Art of Simplifying Communication
40:55 The Role of AI in Summarising Content
42:24 Key Takeaways and Conclusion
All music on this podcast series is provided by the very talented Franc Cinelli.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
This time, we explore the origins of the word 'geek,' its evolution from a negative to a positive term, and discuss why some subjects are more cool than others. We share our own personal geek topics and celebrate how social media and online communities have made it easier to find like-minded people. We argue that passion, knowledge and experience are all critical ingredients within the geek cocktail which may help differentiate between geekiness and professional expertise. Mainly though, this episode highlights the joy of discovering others' geekiness and we encourage our listeners to reflect on their own interests and support others in their passions.
Join the conversation and share your own examples of geekiness by emailing hello@sketchplanations.com or by leaving us a voice note here. Don't forget to check out the episode artwork and visit sketchplanations.com for more insightful sketches!
Timeline of Topics Discussed
00:00 Introduction to Sketchplanations Podcast
01:14 Exploring the Sketch: Everyone's a Geek About Something
04:21 Personal Geekiness and Social Perceptions
06:43 The Evolution of the Term 'Geek'
12:18 Finding Your Tribe in the Digital Age
23:00 Diving into Copywriting
23:39 Tom's Passion for Efficiency
25:53 The Rise of Spreadsheet Geeks
26:36 Professional Specialisation and Geekiness
27:54 The Value of Multidisciplinary Teams
31:36 Personal vs. Professional Geekiness
33:28 The Intersection of Passion and Geekiness
35:24 Defining Geekiness
42:31 Famous Geeks and Their Impact
44:03 Our own takeaways about Geekdom.
All music on this podcast series is provided by the extremely talented Franc Cinelli.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
This time, we discuss the fascinating concept of 'Thoughtless Acts'—simple, everyday innovations people make to adapt to their environment without even thinking about it. From hanging tea bags on mug handles to hanging shirts on a washing machine door, we explore how unnoticed behaviours can inspire better design and usability. We also delve into the origins of the term inspired by the work and book from human factors researcher, Jane Fulton Suri and her work at IDEO. Once again, the team come prepared with buckets full of examples of Thoughtless Acts they've caught themselves doing or have observed in others - unsurprisingly, Tom brings ups dishwashers again!
Join the conversation and share your own examples of thoughtless acts by emailing hello@sketchplanations.com or by leaving us a voice note here. Don't forget to check out the episode artwork and visit sketchplanations.com for more insightful sketches!
Timeline of Topics Discussed
00:00 Introduction to Thoughtless Acts
01:53 Defining Thoughtless Acts
03:24 Origins of the Concept
05:58 Examples of Thoughtless Acts
08:20 Degrees of Thoughtlessness
11:12 Importance in Design
12:40 Personal Hacks and Innovations
15:27 Observations in Design
21:26 Coffee Mugs and Shopping Trolleys
22:19 Observing Daily Interactions
24:04 Designing for Better Usability
26:14 Everyday Improvisations
32:02 Signalling and Subtle Messages
33:58 Accidents and Tool Design
37:17 Listener Engagement and Conclusion
All music on this podcast series is provided by the extremely talented Franc Cinelli.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
This episode is jam-packed with personal anecdotes and examples from real life of where we've fallen foul of Hanlon's Razor - wrongly attributing malice to a situation. The most recognisable is possibly in the car when someone cuts you up or pulls out in front of you. We cover a whole heap of other examples including misunderstandings during endurance swimming events, misplaced anger or frustration at home, and accidental mishaps in public places. We explore how acknowledging Hanlon's Razor can help reduce unnecessary stress and improve patience and understanding in everyday life. The episode wraps up with reflections on human nature, individual conditioning, and the importance of giving others the benefit of the doubt. Jono also shares related sketches and humorous laws from Murphy's Law book - where if something can go wrong, it will.
You can send examples of your own stories and experiences of Hanlon's Razor in action to hello@sketchplanations.com OR leave us a voice note on the podcast website.
We reference the following in the podcast:
+ Jono's Sketchplanation on Fundamental Attribution Error
+ Murphy's Law Book 1 & Murphy's Law Book 2
+ Jono's sketch on Narrative Bias
+ William of Ockham and Occam's Razor.
+ The previous podcast episode on The Peter Principle.
Timeline of topics discussed:
00:00 Introduction and Personal Anecdotes
00:57 Hanlon's Razor Explained
05:27 Examples of Hanlon's Razor in Action
14:33 Philosophical Discussion on Human Nature
22:09 Clearing Up the Confusion About Hanlon's Razor
22:32 The Origin and Meaning of Occam's Razor
24:27 Misunderstandings and Miscommunications
26:10 More Real-Life Examples of Hanlon's Razor
33:54 The Importance of Giving Others the Benefit of the Doubt
38:21 Fun and Thought-Provoking Rules from Murphy's Law Book
40:34 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
All music on this podcast is provided by the very talented Franc Cinelli
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Inspired by Sports Psychologist, Justin Ross on the Løw Tide Bøyz Podcast, this episode explores the metaphors of 'anchors' and 'tugboats' to illustrate the impact of negative and positive self-talk on our mental state and performance. We discuss how negative thoughts can anchor us down, whereas positive thinking acts as a tugboat, pulling us forward. We delve into examples from sports psychology, personal professional experiences, parenting and everyday scenarios to highlight the importance of being aware of our inner dialogue. The conversation also touches on the role of friends, the significance of small changes like having a snack, and practical tips for reframing negative thoughts. Join us as we navigate these concepts, and provide practical advice for turning your mental anchors into tugboats that propel you forward.
We reference the following in the podcast:
+ Jono's Sketchplanations on The Stages of Competence Framework
+ David Goggins' Book: Can’t Hurt me.
+ Jono's sketch on Complaining at the Weather
+ Jono's Paradox of Choice sketch
+ Tommy's positive manifestations of "There will be a parking space" - as popularised by Paul McKenna
Timeline of topics discussed:
00:00 Understanding the Power of Self-Talk
00:57 Introducing Anchors and Tugboats
02:11 The Origin of Anchors and Tugboats
03:49 Applying the Metaphor to Sports and Life
05:09 Awareness and Self-Talk
06:00 The Role of Friends and Environment
10:45 Personal Examples and Practical Tips
18:33 Swimming and Self-Talk
25:08 Understanding the Brain's Tactical Advantage
25:35 The Accountability Mirror Technique
26:12 The Importance of Eating for Energy
28:03 Personal Experiences with Energy and Focus
33:01 The Power of Positive Self-Talk
36:04 Anchors and Tugboats: A Metaphor for Self-Talk
40:49 The Role of Mental Training in Sports
42:38 Toxic Language and Self-Talk
46:27 Concluding Thoughts and Summary
All music on this podcast is provided by the very talented Franc Cinelli
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In this episode, Rob, Tom and Jono discuss a compelling quote from American internet entrepreneur Reid Hoffman (who is also the founding host the Masters of Scale podcast), which compares starting a company to jumping off a cliff and assembling a plane on the way down. Tom and Jono share their personal experiences and insights into the chaos and exhilaration of entrepreneurship. We also explore the deeper meanings behind such journeys, offering advice for aspiring entrepreneurs and relating to various iconic metaphors. Highlights include the challenges and rewards of starting a business, the importance of having a supportive team, and advice for aspiring entrepreneurs. They also bring up Wallace and Gromit's hilarious train track scene and share insights into psychological and logistical hurdles faced while building a business.
Other links to references made in the podcast include:
+ A video of a lone dancer in a field at a festival who starts a craze - a very uplifting watch demonstrating the different roles of leadership and first follower.
+ The Sketchplanations The Podcast episode on Optimism Bias - referencing a typical character trait of entrepreneurs.
+ The Sketchplanation on The Twin Engines of Altruism and Ambition
+ Big Ideas, Little Pictures: The Sketchplanations book where you can see the Starting a Company sketch with even more detail and on a double page spread.
+ American writer Ray Bradbury and his wonderful quote about missing life if you don't jump off cliffs and build your wings on the way down.
02:16 The Chaos of Starting a Company
04:48 The Role of Money and Support in Entrepreneurship
06:50 The Importance of Team and Adaptability
10:05 The Reality of Entrepreneurial Risks and Rewards
18:36 The Power of Early Adopters and Team Dynamics
21:16 Wallace and Gromit: A Metaphor for Entrepreneurship
23:14 Navigating Business Challenges
23:52 Growth and Expansion Strategies
24:18 Facing New Market Requirements
25:34 Building a Supportive Team
26:09 The Reality of Running a Business
29:01 The Role of Optimism in Business
33:53 The Rewards of Entrepreneurship
37:16 Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs
41:13 Closing Thoughts and Reflections
All music in this series is provided by Franc Cinelli.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Have you ever had your order or instructions (for a cake or otherwise) go hilariously awry?
Oh dear... How funny. Never mind eh?!? I'm sure there's a lesson in these somewhere.
In this episode, we discuss the phenomenon of 'Cake Wrecks,' where instructions for creating something go hilariously wrong, and how this applies broadly to miscommunication in product development. The conversation is joined by John Cutler, a prolific writer and ("on second") thought leader in digital product development. We delve into the importance of clear communication, prototypes, and iterative understanding in avoiding these 'wrecks' in both hardware and software realms. As always, we also touch on real-world examples, the role of user experience, and the necessity of involving all team members in the design process to ensure a shared and accurate understanding of project goals.
Stay tuned for practical advice on improving clarity and collaboration in your projects.
Topics Covered.
00:00 Introduction to Cakewrecks
00:57 Everyday Essentials and the Magic of Three
01:44 The Versatile Bic Four Colours Pen
02:17 Reminiscing About Handwriting and Notes
05:31 Introduction to the Podcast and Guest
05:39 Exploring Cake Wrecks and Misinterpretation
06:29 John Cutler's Journey and Insights
13:47 Challenges in Product Development
20:07 The Illusion of Fixing Decisions
20:28 Challenges in Hardware Manufacturing
21:13 The Importance of Clear Communication
22:44 Prototyping and Specification
23:46 Avoiding Misunderstandings in Projects
25:20 Participatory Design and User Experience
28:18 Embracing Diverse Perspectives
34:48 The Role of Sketching in Communication
37:55 Concluding Thoughts and Resources
Get in Touch
Have you ever had your instructions result in something way more literal than intended? Or did you mis-interpret the orders of someone else?
Let us know:
Reference Links
In this episode we also reference:
All music on this podcast is provided by the very talented Franc Cinelli.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Doesn't it feel good to be told something positive about yourself and vice versa if you notice something positive about others?
So why wouldn't we compliment each other more often?
In this episode, what with it being nearly Christmas, we use the metaphor that compliments are gifts - and not one you'd pick out of a lucky dip. These gifts have been made and wrapped especially for you. There's your name on the label and everything!
Not only do we offer advice on noticing when you could give compliments more regularly, we discuss the etiquette in receiving compliments and make Tom feel very awkward with a little complimentary experiment!
We apply our theories to the usual work, home and play scenarios and ponder why compliments from our parents mean so much.
Get in Touch
How do you feel about compliments? Regular giver or a bit shy? How well do you receive a compliment?
And if you want to rise to the challenge laid out in this episode and give 5 compliments you wouldn't have given otherwise in the next 2 weeks, then let us know how you get on.
Reference Links
In this episode we also reference:
All music on this podcast is provided by the very talented Franc Cinelli.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
If you have a story to tell, a presentation to pitch, or a product to sell; in this episode on The Golden Circle, we explore the importance of focussing on the why before you expand into the how and the what.
There's the old mantra that people do business with people and there's something a lot more human and emotive about explaining why you want to do or have done something, than just saying what you've done.
Our guest for this discussion is the co-founder of Marloe Watch Company, Ollie Goffe. Along with his co-founder and business partner Gordon Fraser (our guest for the episode on Only Dead Fish Go With The Flow) they design and make watches. And boy, do these guys always have a beautifully compelling WHY behind each of their watch designs.
As business leaders Ollie and Tom explain how crucial it is to instil the WHY behind a business into every employee but how much of a challenge that can become as the number of staff grows.
We offer up a number of examples in brands, in sports and in family life of when the WHY is kept crystal clear to great effect.
We talk how purpose-driven work can sometimes be exploited.
And how sometimes the WHAT and the HOW are so compelling that we allow ourselves to ignore the WHY - even if we're sometimes a little embarrassed by it - think buying cheap products off Amazon.
Get in Touch
Are you conscious of the WHYs that drive your work or activities?
What examples can you share with us where you've been seduced by someone's WHY?
Let us know:
Reference Links
In this episode we also reference:
All music on this podcast is provided by the very talented Franc Cinelli.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
