Wake Up Excited!

I Feel Like I Have Lightning in My Fingertips with Ridd

Brad Frost — Thu, 16 Jul 2026 11:43:45 -0400

Ridd feels like he’s having more fun than ever as a designer because he can now code and close the gap using Claude to build features with full control over pixels, animations, and interactions. Brad and Ridd discuss how AI shrinks learning barriers, helps translate vague intentions into technical language, and enables individuals to realize ideas with less reliance on others, while complicating collaboration and threatening specialized roles. They explore problem-finding, local/community applications, hybrid service-plus-software models, anxiety about oversupply and discoverability, and Ridd’s deliberate optimism and early-adopter mindset.

Links:
◉ Jitter · A fast and simple motion design tool on the web
◉ Dive Club 🤿
◉ Ridd 🤿 (@ridd_design) / X
◉ Emancipator
◉ Layup

Chapters:

(00:00) - Introduction
(01:38) - Coding Unlocks Control
(13:16) - AI's Original Sin
(26:48) - Oversupply And Taste
(29:36) - Rebuilding Local Culture
(35:37) - Software As A Gift
(42:41) - Designers As Problem Finders
(51:46) - Design Identity Shift
(01:01:53) - Teaching The First Step
(01:10:36) - Flattened Hierarchies Opportunity
(01:15:18) - Optimism As Strategy
(01:21:44) - Music Picks And Playlists

Docs First, AI-Ready Design Systems with Afyia Smith

Brad Frost — Thu, 09 Jul 2026 03:00:00 -0400

Afyia Smith talks about her separation from Epic Games and choosing optimism by exploring the city and visiting new coffee shops, even amid anxiety and uncertainty. Afyia explains her work as a design systems documentation specialist, arguing that documentation is becoming foundational, especially with AI and agentic workflows, because it captures rationale, behaviors, edge cases, and shared truth across teams.

Topics:

(00:00) - Meet Afyia Smith
(00:55) - Coffee Shop Reset
(01:56) - Epic Departure Fallout
(03:39) - Choosing Optimism Daily
(07:27) - Docs Finally Matter
(22:21) - Docs as Team Alignment
(28:41) - Facilitating with Neutrality
(33:24) - From Solo to Collaborative
(36:02) - Docs First Humanity
(46:58) - Career Reinvention Mindset
(54:18) - Music Picks and Memories
(01:00:55) - Where to Connect with Afyia Smith

Links:
◉ Michael Jackson — Off the Wall

◉ Michael Jackson — Bad

◉ Michael Jackson — Thriller

◉ Xscape — Who Can I Run To

◉ Lauryn Hill — The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill

◉ Michael Jackson biopic (Michael)

◉ afyiasmith.co

◉ LinkedIn — Afyia Smith

◉ ChatGPT

◉ Figma

◉ Storybook

◉ Jira

◉ Google Docs

◉ Epic Games

◉ Tower Records

◉ AI and Design Systems course

Mountain Biking, Parenting, and AI’s Breakneck Evolution with Luke Wroblewski

Brad Frost — Thu, 02 Jul 2026 18:27:25 -0400

Luke Wroblewski talks about what’s waking him up excited these days and draws an analogy between trail building and product building, emphasizing prototyping and especially maintenance. The conversation shifts to parenting teens and Luke’s view that people should find their own path, criticizing cookie-cutter career thinking and overly mechanical approaches to life and design. They discuss AI’s rapid, compounding evolution, the widening gap between those keeping up and those not, and how automation should free humans to focus on purpose. Luke shares concerns about awareness and control in agentic systems, shows examples of interfaces for visibility, and argues for collaboration-focused workspaces.

Chapters:

(00:00) - Intro
(03:41) - Trails are a lot like products
(10:28) - Purpose over process
(15:57) - AI moving at warp speed
(23:15) - What interfaces look like next
(27:53) - Keeping the web open
(32:34) - Writing with AI
(44:47) - Can you trust what agents do
(53:13) - Did AI steal the training data?
(57:52) - Building an ethics harness for AI tooling
(01:13:30) - Luke's work on a shared AI tool workspace for teams
(01:22:47) - Grit, incentives, and the mess left behind
(01:28:16) - Music picks from Luke
(01:32:12) - Where to find Luke online

Links:

Creative Unblock, Ethical Tensions, and Pragmatism with Luke Murphy

Brad Frost — Tue, 30 Jun 2026 16:36:41 -0400

Luke and Brad discuss feeling newly unblocked by today’s tools which enable rapid experimentation, which must be done at a human level. Exploring nuance over binary positions, comparing reactions to AI to stages of grief, and exploring baking harm reduction and accessibility into systems.

Links:

(00:00) - Introduction
(03:25) - ADHD And Unfinished Ideas
(12:06) - Using Suno to unlock ideas
(23:46) - Nuance In Roles
(33:19) - Living With Contradictions
(39:28) - Systems Over Symptoms
(44:22) - An idea: AI Through Grief Stages
(56:11) - Techno Pragmatism And Activism
(59:49) - Luddites And Worker Rights
(01:02:02) - Baking Ethics Into Workflows
(01:08:40) - UN Goals As Software Lint
(01:18:02) - Luke's Music Pick And Where To Follow

Incubating Ideas, Human Memory, and Designing for Humanity with Don Norman

Brad Frost — Fri, 26 Jun 2026 15:48:27 -0400

Don Norman discusses how his best ideas arrive through “incubation,” often waking him at 1–2 AM to write, and explains how he starts books by finding a guiding title and compelling theme rather than dull “history and basics.” He compares the subconscious to AI: it creatively assembles plausible outputs that may be wrong, requiring conscious evaluation—unlike today’s AI, which can “hallucinate.” The conversation explores reconstructive memory and the unreliability of eyewitness testimony, the power of framing and placebo effects, and how emotions chemically change how the brain operates. Norman describes managing creativity with playful, noncritical collaboration followed by focused stress, and shares optimism rooted in action via the Don Norman Design Award and an “Alliance for Humanity” aligned with UN Sustainable Development Goals. They address AI’s impact on designers, artists, and musicians, arguing for attribution, licensing, collaboration, and the need for all of us to start getting weird.

Links:

Topics:

(00:00) - Welcome
(01:55) - Finding the Book
(03:26) - Incubation and Breakthroughs
(09:24) - Eyewitness and Word Framing
(11:52) - Placebos and Double Blind
(14:34) - Emotions Change the Brain
(16:08) - Creativity Needs Stress
(23:35) - Optimism as a Choice
(25:35) - AI and the Future of Music and Art
(37:21) - Rethinking Cheating With AI
(40:45) - Cooperation Beats Competition
(47:01) - Alliance for Humanity
(51:33) - LLMs as Collaboration Hub
(59:10) - Humanity Centered Design
(01:08:03) - Disagreeing Without Conflict

Homeschooling, Community Confidence, and Being Human at Work with Abby Covert

Brad Frost — Tue, 23 Jun 2026 18:31:27 -0400

Abby Covert shares what excites her now, leaving corporate life, reclaiming creativity through recovery work, sobriety, journaling, and disciplined writing, and how community builds confidence beyond capability. They explore being willing to be bad at things, the pressure to “pick a specialty” online, and bringing fun and psychological safety into work by modeling humanity. They also talk about knowledge decay on the web, AI’s mixed effects, and Abby recommends listening to live Grateful Dead recordings.

Links:

◉ How to Make Sense of Any Mess — Abby Covert's first book (mentioned via the "coffee filter" metaphor)

◉ Stuck — Abby Covert's second book, written during her early recovery

◉ Silent Spring — Rachel Carson's landmark book, discussed in the context of posthumous recognition

◉ Grateful Dead — Abby's music recommendation; suggests listening to live recordings

◉ Dick's Picks — Grateful Dead live album series, recommended for newcomers

◉ Live at the Mars Hotel — Brad's Grateful Dead recommendation

◉ Furthur — Post-Dead touring band

◉ Dead & Company — Current continuation of the Grateful Dead legacy

◉ Otis Redding — "(Sittin' On) The Dock of the Bay" — Discussed as an example of posthumous impact

◉ abbycovert.com — Abby's personal site

◉ thesensemakersclub.com — Abby's membership community (weekly discussion meetings)

◉ Be Internet Awesome — Google's internet safety curriculum for grades 2–9

◉ Wayback Machine — Internet Archive, mentioned in discussion of digital decay/link rot

◉ The Pastry Box Project — Defunct web publication both Brad and Abby contributed to

◉ YouTube — Discussed in context of parental controls and kids' online safety

◉ ChatGPT — Referenced in discussion of AI democratization and vibe coding

◉ Wix — Website builder mentioned in the "mouth coding" story

◉ LinkedIn — Discussed critically re: pressure to specialize publicly

◉ Ikigai — Japanese concept of life purpose, referenced via Alfie Lowe's Venn diagram renovation

◉ The Artist's Way (Morning Pages) — Julia Cameron's journaling practice Abby used in recovery

◉ Indie Web movement — Brad references the ethos of personal websites and decentralized publishing

◉ Information Architecture Institute — Abby was president; discussed in context of community and link rot

◉ Etsy — Abby's last corporate employer before going independent

◉ Stax Records — Memphis label, discussed in context of Otis Redding and posthumous work

◉ Epic Universe — New Universal theme park in Florida; Abby's family visited to celebrate her son's reading milestone

Topics Covered:

(00:00) - Homeschool Wins
(01:05) - SenseMaker Salon Plans
(01:51) - Leaving Corporate Comfort
(04:51) - Learning While Being Bad
(06:30) - Public Failure Online
(08:37) - Make It Up
(11:53) - Information Is Sketchy
(14:38) - Reclaiming Creativity
(18:12) - Recovery Journaling Rituals
(21:32) - Community Builds Confidence
(24:47) - Mentors And Role Models
(29:28) - Bringing Fun To Work
(32:15) - Authenticity In Meetings
(37:09) - Cracking Tough Nuts
(43:27) - Teaching Internet Safety
(45:04) - Kids Online Boundaries
(46:23) - YouTube Parental Controls Fail
(47:56) - Internet Safety Curriculum
(48:43) - Schools Lag Behind Tech
(51:01) - AI Adoption Timelines
(54:35) - Digital Decay and Link Rot
(56:27) - Indie Web and Collective Memory
(01:00:08) - AI Democratization Limits
(01:01:45) - Mouth Coding for Nonprofits
(01:06:08) - When Vibe Coding Breaks
(01:11:36) - Human Culture and Agency
(01:15:20) - Privilege Diversity and Consulting
(01:24:37) - Coffee Filter Discernment
(01:27:54) - Grateful Dead Community
(01:30:42) - Where to Find Abby
(01:31:28) - Closing Thanks
(01:31:50) - Morning Excitement Check

Design, Teaching, and Staying Human in the Age of AI with Dan Saffer

Brad Frost — Thu, 18 Jun 2026 14:19:04 -0400

Dan and Brad explore AI as a creative partner for drafting and ideation while requiring strong human direction, and compare today’s shift to the desktop-to-web and mobile transitions, including recurring backlash to new tech. They address risks: metacognitive laziness, erosion of expertise, stolen training data, environmental and geopolitical harms, and weak regulation, alongside benefits like empowering small nonprofits and accelerating creative and product work.

Chapters:
00:00 Welcome
01:06 Claude Update Frustrations
04:50 AI as Writing Partner
07:23 Teaching During Shifts
11:29 Backlash and Nuance with AI
27:48 Design Process Upended
38:22 AI As Creative Accelerant
41:07 Andy Warhol Tech And Art
44:28 Music Gets Weird
54:30 Expertise In The Push a Button AI Era
01:02:34 Music Pick
01:05:03 Where To Follow Dan Saffer

Links

World Party
The Waterboys
Snarky Puppy
Andy Warhol Museum
AI in Design Pod
Claude
Claude Code
Figma
Suno
Wix
Adbusters
Sturgeon's Law — "90% of everything is crap"
Double Diamond design model

More Queue, Less Feed with Sacha Judd

Brad Frost — Tue, 12 May 2026 04:53:00 -0400

Sacha Judd discusses what excites her now: founding Lume Music, which aims to fix broken subscription-era music economics by launching a digital album format bundled with behind-the-scenes content in a beautiful app for dedicated music lovers. She argues the core problem online isn’t digital vs analog but feed vs queue—algorithmic, engagement-driven firehoses versus intentional, chosen experiences—and critiques venture-capital incentives, dark patterns, and how everything breaks at scale. With search and discovery degraded by AI slop, she advocates for human curation (newsletters, blogs, Reddit) and rebuilding “small shops” and healthy neighborhood-like communities, including optimism about AT Protocol apps. She’s writing a book on internet history through online fan communities, highlighting women and queer power users who pioneered governance, tagging, and moderation, and warns against conspiracy thinking and blunt teen social-media bans.

Chapters:

(00:00) - Lume Music Vision
(02:12) - Albums as Artifacts
(04:17) - Feed Versus Queue
(07:48) - How Platforms Broke
(11:45) - Human Curation Returns
(14:08) - Finding Real Recommendations
(18:06) - Small Networks Not Mega
(22:35) - Everything Breaks at Scale
(25:56) - Small Shops Web Future
(32:58) - Lume Focused Audience
(35:08) - Fandom Conspiracies
(39:24) - Deepfakes and Literacy
(41:55) - Don't Turn It Off
(44:24) - Gen Z and Web Memory
(47:25) - Unsung Fan Builders
(49:56) - Fandom Journey Origins
(55:39) - Community Creativity Loop
(01:02:25) - Teens Need Safe Spaces
(01:04:38) - Wrap Up and Motto
(01:06:23) - Music Recommendation
(01:07:42) - Where to Find Sasha
(01:08:22) - Closing Thanks
(01:08:35) - Morning Excitement Check

Links

The Revenge of the Real with Amber Case

Brad Frost — Thu, 07 May 2026 10:58:37 -0400

Amber Case reflects on where you live and how returning to a familiar place can help think clearer. Case discusses seeking authentic, small-scale community, work nights, recess-like breaks, welcoming rituals, and mutual support. She contrasts these with expensive, scalable “community” models and argues effective communities rely on kindness, simplicity, history, and durable governance patterns. She connects this to “revenge of the real,” emphasizing tactile cognition, constraints, long-term thinking, and calm technology principles.

Topics discussed:

(00:00) - Morning Excitement Check
(00:42) - Hot Wheels New York
(01:46) - Secret Summer Chateau
(03:01) - Dopamine Defragging
(04:09) - Why Denver Feels Right
(07:37) - Growth And Change
(10:43) - Finding Real Community
(12:23) - The Company Work Nights
(15:44) - Against Scaled Clubs
(19:23) - Designing Durable Groups
(32:10) - Why People Dont Join
(40:31) - History Analog Wisdom
(46:00) - Unmoored Digital Life
(48:13) - AI Effort Paradox
(49:11) - Tactile Work Matters
(50:16) - Constraints Create Meaning
(51:17) - Handwriting And Cognition
(52:42) - Farm Fantasy Reality
(57:27) - Arts Therapy Embodiment
(59:33) - Multisensory Education
(01:00:57) - Long Term Craft Economy
(01:07:06) - Local Repair Culture
(01:10:37) - Universals Of Design
(01:12:42) - Collaboration Conference Idea
(01:14:33) - Against Main Character Metrics
(01:16:48) - Buzzwords Get Commodified
(01:19:24) - Calm Tech Certification
(01:22:55) - Human Breaks And Texture
(01:25:09) - Wrap Up And Music Pick
(01:28:00) - Final Thanks And Goodbye
(01:28:43) - Morning Excitement Check

Links & Resources

Adaptability, Curiosity, & Creative Breadth with Brendan Dawes

Brad Frost — Tue, 05 May 2026 02:54:00 -0400

Brendan Dawes is a multi-disciplinary artist, designer, and technologist. joins me to talk about creativity, curiosity, and what it actually means to thrive as a maker right now — when everything feels like it's being disrupted overnight.

Brendan has been combining different inputs with creative outputs for his vast career, so I've been thinking about him a lot as we enter this new creative age. When I saw his name in the credits of the incredible Eno documentary, I screamed and reached out to him immediately.

In our conversation, we get into Brendan's "event horizon" theory of creativity (staying at the edge of what you know and don't know), why judgment matters more than skill in a world of generative systems, and what Brian Eno figured out about technology that most designers are still catching up to.

(00:00) - Morning Excitement Check
(00:11) - What Drives You
(02:48) - Living On The Edge Of Your Knowledge
(06:12) - Adapting To Change
(10:42) - Tools And Modular Thinking
(19:12) - AI And Human Judgment
(22:44) - From One To Many
(29:15) - Humanities And Work
(35:27) - The Eno Documentary Story
(40:54) - The Collaboration-Community Magic of the Web
(43:28) - Say Yes To Opportunities
(44:30) - Craft + Time + Judgement + People
(45:40) - Designing Successful Collaborations
(48:55) - Creative Tension Stories
(52:36) - Creative continuity vs "Great Artists Steal"
(56:49) - Looking Backwards, Capturing, and Archiving For Future Inspiration
(59:24) - A Nonlinear Journey Into a Broad Creative Career
(01:04:49) - Leaving The Factory
(01:06:30) - Full-Self Creativity
(01:08:33) - Vinyl Recommendations
(01:12:22) - Where To Follow Brendan

Follow Brendan:
◉ Website: https://brendandawes.com
◉ Instagram: https://instagram.com/@brendandawes
◉ Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/brendandawes.xyz

Follow Brad:
◉ Website: https://bradfrost.com
◉ Newsletter: https://bradfrost.com/newsletter
◉ LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/bradfrost
◉ Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/bradfrost.com

Design, Creativity, Systems, and Potential in the Agentic Age with Jem Gold

Brad Frost — Thu, 30 Apr 2026 04:14:00 -0400

As we put our course together, I want to have conversations with people who are thinking about things deeply, creatively, and responsibly. That's why it was an absolute pleasure to chat with my long-time internet friend, Jem Gold, technology as a creative medium, the soul of the early web, and the new era of AI-assisted making.

💥 Want to learn how to use AI & Design Systems together to make great digital products? Preorder our AI & Design Systems online course and join our vibrant community here: https://aianddesign.systems/

Topics Covered:

◉The counterculture lineage of the web and why reclaiming it matters now
◉ Technology as artistic expression — Jem's concept of the "technology artist"
◉ The flow state in music and how it translates to building with technology
◉ Should designers code? Why the answer is changing fast
◉ Skill-driven development and teaching LLMs how to design (not just what to build)
◉ One-shotting beautiful, branded interfaces with minimal input
◉ Jem shows off some wonderful one-shotted demos
◉ Generative UI as superposition: interfaces that adapt to the person observing them
◉ Design systems, Web Components, and building durable foundations for a non-deterministic future
◉ AI as a creative process tool — not replacing the music, but clearing the way for it
◉ ADHD as a superpower in the agentic era

Links & Resources:
◉ Jem's newsletter: https://superposition.jem.computer
- Support Jem and her work for $8/month; and use code JEMANDBRAD for an annual discount
◉ Jenny Wen's interview on Lenny's Podcast: • The design process is dead. Here's what's ...
◉ The Grid (Jem's AI design startup, ca. 2015) https://thegrid.io/
◉ Everything Just Gets Built: https://superposition.jem.computer/ev...
◉ I Don't Miss Code https://superposition.jem.computer/i-...
◉ Real-Time UI https://bradfrost.com/blog/post/real-...
◉ "Ghostwriter" by RJD2 drum/synth cover • Ghostwriter by RJD2 -

(00:00) - Chapter 1

Georgia Lupi on Brain Retraining, and Visual Storytelling with Data

Brad Frost — Tue, 28 Apr 2026 04:00:00 -0400

Georgia Lupi shares what she’s excited to wake up for with us. She recounts getting COVID in 2020, developing worsening long COVID symptoms with reinfections, becoming house- and sometimes bed-bound, and stopping work in 2023 before beginning recovery in early 2024. Lupi and Brad discuss the anxiety and trauma that can persist during physical recovery, the scientific mind-body connection, and how nervous system regulation, brain retraining, and visualization became central to her healing. She describes publishing a New York Times visual op-ed using her symptom data, the messages it sparked, and how a conversation prompted her to commit to brain retraining, leading to slow but meaningful functional return and recent confidence saying she’s fully recovered, alongside an ongoing reintegration into work, creativity, and life.

Links:

Chapters:

(00:00) - Morning Excitement Check
(00:25) - Yoga Team Gratitude
(01:18) - Long COVID Journey
(02:46) - Trauma And Body Trust
(05:38) - Brain Retraining Turning Point
(06:18) - NYT Visual Op Ed
(08:41) - Feeling Fully Recovered
(15:02) - Reintegration After Recovery
(17:11) - Returning To Creative Work
(19:29) - Presence Priorities And Limits
(23:21) - From Darkness To Acceptance
(25:57) - Art Data And Experience
(28:56) - Art Beyond Words
(30:22) - Branding as Narrative
(32:28) - Sketching to Think
(33:25) - Designing Shared Languages
(35:42) - Healing and Tracking
(38:16) - Vulnerability and Sharing
(39:27) - Dear Data Origins
(43:36) - Learning Through Speaking
(48:23) - Finding Your Style
(52:31) - Obsessions as Projects
(56:31) - Electro Swing Picks
(57:40) - Where to Follow
(58:03) - Closing Reflections

Ben Callahan on Building Community, Your Values, and the Power of Connection

Brad Frost — Tue, 21 Apr 2026 03:00:00 -0400

Ben Callahan joins Brad to discuss what’s currently motivating him, from enjoying homemade ham and bean soup in Ohio to a deeper focus on connecting people through curiosity-led facilitation. Ben reflects on a transitional season of life, the importance of personal and organizational values, and how communities work best when they’re allowed to form organically. He describes his annual values exercise, the role of sharing and teaching in web culture, and the need to reintroduce humanity after COVID. The conversation also explores music’s ability to create presence and unity, with recommendations including Chanticleer, Jacob Collier, and Radiohead.

Books

Get Together — Building Community

Music / Artists

Websites / Communities / Projects

ben callahan.com — Ben's home base for everything
The Question — Weekly open community design systems research project
Redwoods — Ben's new paid community for design systems practitioners
Sparkbox — Ben's consultancy
Design Downtime — Podcast by Guy Siegall (Ben was a season 1 guest)

Chapters:

(00:00) - Introduction
(00:26) - What has Ben waking up excited?
(09:37) - Community as Resistance
(13:55) - Values and Learning Mode
(35:08) - Hardship Resets Trajectory
(37:52) - Sharing Culture Of The Web
(42:46) - Music Presence And Connection
(50:39) - Consciousness Curiosity And Openness
(57:02) - Music Recommendations
(01:01:00) - Where To Find Ben

Gemma O’Brien on Neuroaesthetics, Flow States, and Trusting Creative Intuition

Brad Frost — Wed, 11 Mar 2026 13:33:15 -0400

Brad Frost welcomes Sydney-based artist and designer Gemma O’Brien to Wake Up Excited to discuss her work in murals, lettering, and calligraphy and her recent move to London to study at the intersection of art and neuroscience. Gemma shares what she learned shifting from “thinking like an artist” to “thinking like a scientist,” including the rigor of statistics and research, and describes her flow-state study with artists, where self-reported intuition in the creative process significantly predicted flow even after controlling for expertise. They explore how to foster flow through attention, intrinsic motivation, goals, and challenge-skill balance, plus the healing power of the arts, stepping outside comfort zones, collaboration, and optimism as a learned superpower.

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction
02:20 Neuroaesthetics Leap
03:31 Thesis Crunch Time
05:47 Artist Workflow Reset
09:09 Science Learning Curve
12:37 Studying Flow And Intuition
20:40 Why Art Moves Us
25:37 Arts Therapy And Healing
34:38 Optimism As Superpower
38:32 Helping Without Burning Out
42:04 Strengths Gratitude Daily Practice
45:56 Beginner Mind And Discomfort
51:55 Collaboration Ego And Delegation
01:00:57 Flow State Conditions And Attention
01:07:54 Intrinsic Motivation
1:12:07 Music Playlists
01:15:07 Wrap Up Links

Mike Rybachuk on Self-Honesty, Resilience, and Spreading Joy

Brad Frost — Tue, 17 Feb 2026 17:41:42 -0500

Brad Frost welcomes Mike Rybachuk, founder of Ukraine-based design education platform The Projector Institute, to discuss living a positive, fulfilling life while Russia’s war impacts Mike’s family, friends, colleagues, and business in Ukraine.

From Prague, Mike shares practical, low-cost ways to improve daily life and spread positivity—working outdoors with a hammock and foldable chair, waving to strangers, and intentionally combining work, nature, and social time. They talk about making work fun without diminishing seriousness, prioritizing joy, and avoiding cultures of constant complaining. Mike emphasizes self-honesty, introspection, and personal responsibility, including his five-year commitment to becoming honest with himself, reframing emotions like fear as signals for action, and using simple techniques like counting to three before reacting. He stresses helping others from where you are with what you have, collaborating rather than starting alone, and choosing responsible work that improves the world.

Topics discussed:

(00:00) - Introduction
(01:34) - Support the Podcast: Brad’s Courses + Discount Code
(02:20) - Kicking Off in Prague: Why Mike’s Waking Up Excited
(03:04) - Starting Skateboarding at 40
(05:20) - Cheap Ways to Upgrade Your Day
(08:25) - Why Can’t Work Be Fun?
(11:30) - Not Waiting for Retirement to Live
(16:11) - Priorities, Joy, and Escaping the “Complaining Communities” Trap
(19:56) - Micro-Positivity in Real Life
(30:11) - The 5-Year Project: Practicing Self-Honesty (and What It Changes)
(37:19) - Subjective vs Objective Thoughts: Letting Go of Stress Triggers
(47:51) - Stop Mind-Reading: Ask, Validate, and Communicate Clearly
(52:00) - Emotions Aren’t Weakness
(58:25) - Stoicism & Philosophy as Tools
(01:08:48) - Ukraine’s Resilience on the Ground: Living Life Under Bombs
(01:19:45) - Education as Resistance
(01:28:00) - Choosing Work That Makes the World Better
(01:33:33) - Collaboration Creates Magic
(01:38:55) - Where to Find Projector Institute

Designing a Life That Excites You with Christine Vallaure

Brad Frost — Thu, 22 Jan 2026 04:00:00 -0500

Brad sits down with Christine Vallaure, a renowned designer, speaker, and founder of Moon Learning. Christine shares insights into living a balanced and fulfilling life, drawing from her experiences as a solo entrepreneur and author. The conversation explores the importance of agency autonomy, the difference between ambition and competition, and the joy of finding fulfillment in daily actions rather than future goals. Christine also emphasizes the value of enjoying mundane tasks, maintaining a healthy work-life balance, and staying motivated through passion and interest. Whether you are an entrepreneur, a creative professional, or someone seeking inspiration, this episode is packed with valuable takeaways on designing a life that excites you every day.

Topics discussed:

00:00 Introduction
01:25 Supporting the Podcast
02:19 What has Christine waking up excited?
04:16 The Struggle for Autonomy
05:29 Remote Work and Flexibility
08:02 Overcoming Creative Blocks
16:58 Focus on the Process, Not the Outcome
22:22 Ambition vs. Competition
28:45 Finding Inspiration and Community
36:12 Finding Joy in the Mundane
39:55 The Importance of Self-Awareness
49:18 Redefining Success and Ambition
53:24 Embracing Privilege and Opportunity
01:02:14 Encouraging Creativity and Exploration

Embracing Authenticity and Creativity with Marc Thiele

Brad Frost — Wed, 10 Dec 2025 04:20:00 -0500

Marc Thiele is the organizer of the Fantastic Beyond Tellerrand Conference that happens every year in Germany. I just got back from his event in Berlin, and I really feel like Beyond Tellerrand should be on every creative person's bucket list. The show is exceptional and balances practical knowledge with diverse creative inspiration. The curation, care craft, and effort that Marc puts into each show is so abundantly clear, and everyone has a great time as a result. Marc's conference holds a special place in my heart because back in 2013, I introduced Atomic design to the world at Beyond Tellerrand, and Marc is one of the kindest, most authentic and sincere people I know, and it's real privilege to call him a friend. In our conversation, Marc and I talk about the hard work behind creative projects, intrinsic versus extrinsic motivation, embracing vulnerability and sincerity, continuing to cultivate joy and satisfaction, even for long running creative endeavors. The value of community and relationships, learning from failure and a whole lot more.

Topics discussed:

(00:00) - Introduction to Wake Up Excited
(01:28) - Support Wake Up Excited
(02:05) - Introduction to the Conversation
(02:13) - Marc Thiele on Event Planning and Motivation
(04:34) - The Reality of Social Media and Authenticity
(05:05) - Imposter Syndrome and Self-Doubt
(15:35) - The Joy and Challenges of Event Management
(29:59) - Reflecting on Success and Authenticity
(39:02) - Dealing with Self-Doubt and Finding Motivation
(40:07) - The Power of Gratitude and Community
(41:20) - Rebuilding Social Connections Post-COVID
(42:10) - The Magic of Creativity and Community
(46:38) - Curiosity and Creativity Across Mediums
(54:08) - Maintaining Relationships in a Digital Age
(01:02:02) - Balancing Work and Passion
(01:07:46) - Exploring New Music and Breaking Boundaries
(01:12:15) - Conclusion and Event Promotion

Working Towards Balance with Designer Cameron Moll

Brad Frost — Wed, 26 Nov 2025 05:00:00 -0500

I talk with Cameron Moll, a veteran web designer, leader, consultant, maker, and family man. Our wide-ranging conversation covers longevity in a fast-moving industry, diverse management and design styles, the power of authenticity, the importance of diversity, how Cameron's faith informs his values, and the significance of cultivating hobbies. Join us as we explore what keeps Cameron excited about his career and life.

Topics discussed:

(00:00) - Introduction
(01:05) - Supporting the Show
(01:53) - Introducing Cameron Moll
(06:13) - Balancing Design and Management
(17:58) - The Importance of Authenticity in Leadership
(26:59) - Family and Career Balance
(32:22) - Diversity and Team Dynamics
(38:09) - Faith and Professional Life
(42:43) - Building Long-Term Relationships in the Industry
(45:20) - The Nature of Competition and Collaboration
(46:54) - Balancing Performance and Well-being
(50:51) - The Role of a Good Manager
(01:09:31) - The Importance of Hobbies and Creativity
(01:22:32) - Music and Personal Joy
(01:25:50) - Conclusion and Final Thoughts

AI and Design Systems course
Brad Frost's Courses
Cameron Moll's Website
Cameron Moll's Shop (posters & doits)
Zac Brown Band (Also available on Spotify and Apple Music)
Miles Davis - Kind of Blue (Also available on Spotify and Apple Music)
John Coltrane (Also available on Spotify and Apple Music)
Spotify: "This Is Zac Brown Band" Playlist

Crafting Joyful Experiences Through Music with Seth Casana

Brad Frost — Fri, 14 Nov 2025 15:11:57 -0500

I talk with Seth Casana, an entertainment consultant at BigWig Productions, DJ, and musician based in Fredericksburg, VA. At first glance, Seth appears unassuming, but his stage presence is unforgettable. He's known for his soulful funk performances in unique costumes, including a moped helmet with bowling trophies and samurai armor made from computer keyboards. Seth was a crucial part of my Frostapalooza concert, bringing both his band, Elby Brass, and infectious energy. We explore the power of live music, the importance of shared joyful experiences, the arts as a profession vs. a practice, the effort behind creating fun experiences, the role of humor and whimsy in tough times, and tips for cultivating creativity.

Topics discussed:

(00:00) - Introduction
(01:49) - Supporting the Show
(02:18) - Starting the Conversation
(02:35) - Seth's Journey in Music
(03:01) - Entertainment Consulting Explained
(07:47) - Challenges and Decisions
(12:45) - The Magazine Venture
(18:04) - Pursuing Creative Passions
(33:56) - The Role of Music in Society
(38:54) - DJing vs. Live Performance
(41:59) - The DJ's Litmus Test: Is My Set Working?
(42:22) - The Power of Music in Human Connection
(45:34) - Live DJing vs. Pre-recorded Sets
(48:37) - The Impact of COVID on Live Music
(56:30) - Creating Joy with the Walking Disco
(01:02:10) - The Role of Humor and Levity in Creativity
(01:07:38) - The Importance of Live Music and Community
(01:15:43) - Music as a Universal Language
(01:19:09) - Where to Find More About Seth and His Projects

The Power of Exuberance with Rebecca Garza-Bortman

Brad Frost — Wed, 22 Oct 2025 12:27:49 -0400

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

Finding Balance in Design, Creativity and Life with Aaron Draplin

Brad Frost — Thu, 09 Oct 2025 04:00:00 -0400

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 Plans

Links Mentioned:

Books

Movies

TV Shows

Game of Thrones

Websites

People

Bands/Artists

Examining the Past to Figure Out the Future with Jeffrey Zeldman

Brad Frost — Fri, 22 Aug 2025 17:54:48 -0400

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

Unlocking Creativity and Positivity with Jessica Hische

Brad Frost — Wed, 16 Jul 2025 13:21:52 -0400

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

Links Mentioned:

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)

Exploring Life's Design with Aarron Walter

Brad Frost — Wed, 16 Jul 2025 12:53:06 -0400

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

Links Mentioned:

Restoring Cast Iron as a Pathway to Creativity with Denise Jacobs

Brad Frost — Wed, 16 Jul 2025 11:39:51 -0400

Brad talks with author Denise Jacobs. Denise shares her insights on restoring cast iron, building connections between past and present passions, and navigating today's challenging environment. They also delve into the importance of empowerment through creativity and highlight Denise's incredible backyard garden as a sanctuary. Additionally, Denise discusses her journey in teaching and her philosophy of sharing knowledge.

Topics discussed:

(00:00) - Introduction
(00:12) - Meet Denise Jacobs: Creativity Evangelist
(01:25) - Restoring Cast Iron: A New Passion
(03:05) - The Process of Cast Iron Restoration
(07:02) - Connecting Past and Present Passions
(08:17) - Empowerment Through Creativity
(12:59) - The Importance of Curiosity and Learning
(21:48) - Teaching and Sharing Knowledge
(29:38) - The Journey of Overcoming Inner Critic
(31:21) - Creativity, Community, and Collaboration
(35:28) - Starting Out: Teaching Soap Making
(35:47) - Starting the Soap Making Class
(36:38) - The Popularity of Soap Making Classes
(37:02) - The Popularity of the Class
(38:05) - The Joy of Teaching and Speaking
(40:21) - Embracing Vulnerability and Curiosity
(42:22) - Recognizing Opportunities and Serendipity
(46:51) - Creating Safe Spaces and Community
(53:18) - Transforming Spaces: The Edible Food Forest
(56:32) - Upcycling and Creative Constraints
(01:04:38) - Empowerment Through Creativity
(01:10:02) - Music That Inspires: Moon Child
(01:11:43) - Where to Find Denise Jacobs

Links Mentioned:

Banish Your Inner Critic (Book by Denise Jacobs)
The CSS Detective Guide (Book by Denise Jacobs)
Denise Jacobs' Website
Brad Frost's Online Courses
LinkedIn Learning Courses by Denise Jacobs
Cast Iron Chris (Instagram)
Josh Shapiro (YouTube/Instagram, Cast Iron Restoration)
Moonchild (Band)
- Albums mentioned: Little Ghost, Voyager, Please Rewind, and their first album
OfferUp (Upcycling Materials)
South by Southwest (SXSW)
LinkedIn
Instagram (Denise Jacobs)
Facebook (Denise Jacobs)

Introducing Wake Up Excited!

Brad Frost — Tue, 15 Jul 2025 15:00:47 -0400

Hosted by enthusiasm enthusiast, Brad Frost, welcome to Wake Up Excited!

I believe that we experience this brief moment of truth in the morning when we first wake up before our calendars, our responsibilities, and the often depressing state of the world takes over and steals our attention away. We have this very brief window of time where we're excited about getting into something and I think that this actually tells us a lot about ourselves and how we should be spending our finite time on earth.

I feel that we all have the capacity to wake up excited and to cultivate that enthusiasm in order to live better lives.