Sketchplanations - The Podcast

This genius time management hack was conceived by Francesco Cirillo. The technique involves working for 25 minutes followed by a mandatory 5-minute break, repeating this cycle three to four times before taking a longer break. We share our personal attempts at using the method, explore the psychology behind productive work cycles, the importance of taking breaks and reflect on its effectiveness in both office and home environments. We also discuss the broader context of productivity obsession and share insights from using related tools eg. online "focus buddies". The session concludes with a follow-up on how the Pomodoro Technique has worked for them a week after recording the episode, reenforcing a lot of the theory we originally set out. Could this be our favourite procrastination buster yet!?!External linksIn the episode we reference a number of items you can find out more on here: Previous podcast episodes came up a lot (procrastination is a recurring theme for us): How to Instantly Feel Better; Yak Shaving; Goldilocks Tasks & The Fresh Start EffectRemarkably, there's currently no sketch for it, but Jono talks about The Red Queen Effect or Hypothesis - the concept of having to run to stay still.The Bear Focus Timer (used by Jono and now Tom as well). Available on Apple Store Examples of Focus Buddy or Accountability Partner websites include Focus Mate and Flow Club.Episode Summary00:00 Introduction to Sketchplanations Podcast00:29 Exploring the Pomodoro Technique01:03 Origins and Basics of the Pomodoro Technique02:57 Implementing the Pomodoro Technique in the Office07:23 Challenges and Adaptations of the Pomodoro Technique17:10 Alternative Productivity Methods18:53 Accountability and Shame in Productivity19:40 Origins of the Pomodoro Technique20:17 Applying Pomodoro in Different Environments21:32 Psychological Benefits of Time Blocking22:38 Challenges and Adaptations in the Office23:01 Personal Admin and Procrastination23:22 Flow and Creative Tasks26:16 Post-pod Findings on Pomodoro Technique Usage28:44 Final Thoughts and OutroAll music on this podcast series is kindly provided by the very talented Franc Cinelli. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, Jono meets one os his heroes, as we engage in a conversation with acclaimed author, illustrator and explainer, David Macaulay.We talk about David's journey from architecture to creating educational illustrations that make complex concepts understandable and engaging - and the Canal Lock is a great example of this from Jono's collection.We discuss the significance of sketching for understanding and teaching intricate ideas, and reflect on some of David's famous works, including his book, 'The Way Things Work.'David shares insights into his creative process, the importance of curiosity, and how integrating humour and playfulness in his illustrations can enhance learning.This conversation would not be complete without questioning David about his famous woolly mammoths - used in his illustrations to help explain machines, mechanics, physics and science. LinksSee here for more information about David as well as his bibliography.Jono specifically references David's maths book, Mammoth Maths, when comparing his own sketch on "Parts of a Circle".When addressing humour in Architecture, David talks about his book "Great Moments in Architecture".Summary00:00 Welcome to Sketchplanations - introducing David Macaulay01:30 David's Journey into Explanations03:42 The Way Things Work04:35 The Joy of Learning and Teaching04:47 Collaborating on The Way Things Work09:54 Exploring Canal Locks15:24 The Art of Sketching and Curiosity20:05 The Importance of Sketching20:34 Humour in Learning25:07 The Origin of the Woolly Mammoth in David’s drawings26:37 Balancing Humour and Information30:07 Encouraging Sketching in Education33:30 Everyday Wonders and Final Thoughts 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 Summary00:00 Welcome & Introduction to Mark Forsyth: Wordsmith Extraordinaire01:05 Mark Forsyth's Journey with the English Language01:44 The Fascinating World of Words and Their Origins02:27 Mark Forsyth's Books and Their Unique Insights06:32 The Popularity of Poetry Through the Ages11:06 The Decline of Poetry and Rise of Pop Lyrics12:48 Exploring English Syntax and Adjective Order15:03 The Intricacies of English Grammar21:38 Fun with Language: Reduplication and Compounds27:38 Rhyme and Reason: Poetry in Society29:27 The Unsung Heroes of Songwriting30:42 The Evolution of Poetry's Popularity41:33 The Rhythms of English Language50:54 The Charm of Limericks54:49 The Joy of Reading Poetry Aloud56:45 Closing Thoughts and FarewellAll 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 LinksSome links are included below to certain topics we reference in the chat:Other Sketchplanations referenced include: The Generalised Peter Principle, The Peter Principle, The Laws of ExpansionYou can also listen to our previous podcast on The Peter Principle.More Work For Mother book by Ruth CowanSummary00:00 Introduction to Sketchplanations Podcast00:33 Exploring Jevons Paradox01:11 Historical Context of Jevons Paradox02:37 Modern Examples of Jevons Paradox05:14 Personal Anecdotes and Parallels10:12 AI and Future Implications15:29 Energy Demands of AI and Nuclear Facilities15:51 The Evolution of Spreadsheets and Work Efficiency17:07 Jevons Paradox and Environmental Concerns17:29 Advancements in Battery and Water-Saving Technologies19:33 The Impact of Video Compression on the Internet21:47 LED Lights and Household Energy Consumption24:27 Government Policies and Behavioral Incentives26:10 Reflections on Jevons Paradox and Human Nature28:26 William Stanley Jevons' Insights and Predictions30:06 Conclusion and FarewellAll 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 investigationApricity sketches: Jono's Sketchplanation & Grant's Words of WonderSome other of Jono's word-related Sketchplanations we reference are: Snerdle & GreeblePrevious podcast episodes we bring up include: Schadenfreude and we also talk about Apophenia in the episode on Crossmodal PerceptionSusie Dent's Word of the Day thread on X.Jono mentions the fun he had reading Etymologicon by Mark ForsythGrant's latest book Thinking About Thinking is available now. Episode Summary00:00 Introduction and Grant Snider's Background02:18 Exploring the Word 'Apricity'04:34 Grant's Words of Wonder Series07:24 The Joy of Learning New Words11:24 Favourite Words and Their Illustrations20:28 Exploring Obscure Words and Their Origins21:16 The Fascinating Concept of 'Greeble'22:50 The Joy of Discovering New Words23:52 Sketching Words and Their Meanings28:22 The Beauty of Children's Language Development30:35 Grant's New Book: Thinking About Thinking33:46 The Influence of Calvin and Hobbes37:04 Grant's Unique Use of Colour in Comics39:26 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:We reference a couple of previous podcast episodes: The Awkwardness Vortex, 5 Ways to WellbeingIn reference to when you're feeling anxious you can try Box Breathing. If all else fails, with any of these emotions you can instantly make yourself feel better by Walking in Nature. Gorefest: The Dutch (not Belgian as wrongly I said in the podcast) Death Metal band from the 90s who to the casual listener, their singing might sound like screaming. The Artist's Way by Julia Cameron. in reference to writing your "morning pages". Episode Summary00:00 Welcome Back to Sketchplanations00:53 Instant Ways to Feel Better03:16 The Power of Singing to Dispel Anger08:19 Walking Off Burnout11:46 Writing to Stop Overthinking16:20 Breathing Techniques for Anxiety20:49 The Power of Exercise for Stress Relief25:22 Gratitude as a Remedy for Sadness28:18 Reflecting on Progress to Combat Impatience30:56 Cold Showers to Overcome Laziness33:50 Final Thoughts and TakeawaysAll 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:Sharpen The Saw previous podcast episodeEpisode Summary00:00 Introduction and Summer Break Announcement00:35 The Virtuous Cycle of Exercise and Sleep01:39 Personal Experiences with Exercise and Sleep03:53 The Importance of Sleep on general wellbeing09:12 Keeping Kids Entertained on Long Trips11:23 Conclusion and FarewellAll 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:We reference a number of previous podcast episodes including: The Fun Scale, The Awkwardness Vortex, Finishing Lines, and Microadventures. Jono's sketch "Notice When You're Happy" and on "The Eisenhower Matrix"Improv Wisdom by Patricia Ryan MadsonDanny Wallace's book Yes ManDerek Sivers - The Hell Yes or Hell No philosophy and a video explaining the concept of The First Follower.Episode Summary00:00 Introduction and Hosts00:28 This Week's Sketch: Yes Sayers and No Sayers01:07 Exploring the Sketch03:45 Personal Reflections on Yes and No05:27 Social Dynamics of Yes and No19:44 Career Perspectives on Yes and No23:43 The Power of Saying No in Business25:01 The Benefits of Saying No25:45 The Adventure of Saying Yes26:34 Balancing Yes and No in Life30:17 Regrets of Not Saying Yes31:54 The Yes Man Experiment by Danny Wallace38:19 Deciding When to Say Yes or No41:55 Final Thoughts on Yes and NoAll 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:Barry Schwarz - Author of The Paradox of Choice : Why Less is More. Examples of the hugely effective End The Awkward campaign from Scope (a disability equality charity in England and Wales). Don’t Fill The Silence podcast episodeFront Stage / Back Stage podcast episodeEpisode Summary00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome00:51 Exploring the Awkwardness Vortex02:51 Personal Experiences of Awkwardness05:51 The Science Behind Awkwardness08:49 Practical Tips to Overcome Awkwardness22:23 Awkwardness in Media and Comedy25:06 Exploring Empathy and Awkwardness25:41 The Science Behind Secondhand Embarrassment26:30 Empathy Spectrum and Social Interactions29:25 Awkwardness in Media and Society31:33 Cringe Mountain and Overcoming Embarrassment34:37 The Irreconcilable Gap and Self-Perception36:58 The Power of Awkward Silences39:16 Growth Through Awkwardness43:45 Final Thoughts and Upcoming ProjectsAll music on this podcast series is provided by the highly talented Franc Cinelli Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We discuss the Zanclean Megaflood, a massive flood event that filled the Mediterranean Sea in a remarkably short period. 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 Sowden, whose engaging Twitter thread about the Zanclean Megaflood reached over 10 million people. Sowden, 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:Julian May Sci-Fi books.Roland Emmerich disaster films.Previous Al Humphreys and Brendan Leonard podcast episodes.Missoula Floods in the USA.Episode Summary00:00 Introduction and Hosts00:45 Introducing the ZanClean Megaflood01:43 Special Guest: Mike Sowden03:01 Mike Sowden's Journey and Writing Style07:29 The ZanClean Megaflood: Geological Background12:55 The Catastrophic Flood Event17:25 Speculations and Analogies22:33 Doggerland and Other Historical Floods23:43 The Storegga Slide and Doggerland Tsunamis24:45 Dating the Storegga Slide25:06 The Zanclean Megaflood27:23 The Role of Storytelling in Science Communication32:23 The Human Element in Engineering34:30 The Fascination with Scientists' Obsessions40:54 Geological Events and Their Impact45:53 The Process of Science Writing50:42 Conclusion and Final ThoughtsAll 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 Giving00:52 Welcome to Sketchplanations Podcast02:32 Exploring the Sketch: Picking a Present03:23 The Venn Diagram of Gift Giving06:50 Personal Experiences with Gift Giving16:18 The Art of Giving Useful Gifts20:15 Wedding Registry Dilemmas24:42 The Worst Gifts Ever Given26:15 Go-To Thank You Gifts27:53 The "Olive Oil" Story30:10 The Hunter-Gatherer Instinct in Gift Giving34:18 Challenges of Buying Gifts for Dads38:33 Designing Gifts for Others43:01 The Greatest Gift Ever Given45:10 Reflections on Gift GivingAll 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:The 99% Invisible podcast with Roman MarsThe Don't Say Velcro SongMany more of Jono's sketches under the category of wordsPrevious Eponym podcast episodes include: The Peter Principle; Hanlon's Razor; Goldilocks Tasks; The Shirky Principle; Dunbar's Number; and Goodhart's Law.00:00 Introduction to Eponyms00:57 Meet the Hosts01:56 Exploring Famous Eponyms03:11 The Fun of Sketchplanations11:42 Scientific Eponyms17:31 Controversial and Historical Eponyms23:47 The Origin of Hoover24:58 Matthew McConaughey's Career Shift25:59 The Concept of Genericide28:12 Famous Eponyms: Zipper, Escalator, and More32:11 Boycott and Maverick: Stories Behind the Words35:42 Eponyms in Everyday Language38:19 The Art of Naming and Eponyms in History40:36 Final Thoughts and TakeawaysAll 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:Jono's mindmap travel journal from 7 months traveling in Central America, South East Asia, and South Africa, andEva-Lotta Lamm's sketchnotes from her 14-month world trip.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 RohdeMind-mapping guru - Tony BuzanImprovisation coach - Dan KleinExternal links to Eva-Lotta's work and classesYogaNotesEvaLotta.shop Instagram accountPragmatic Sketching MasterclassLittle People BasicsLittle People PairsPodcast Summary00:00 Introduction01:27 Meet Eva-Lotta Lamm02:23 Eva-Lotta's Career Journey05:09 Mind Map Travel Journals06:08 The Art of Visual Note-Taking07:37 The Evolution of Sketch Notes15:16 The Power of Analogies in Sketching21:01 Creating Mind Map Travel Journals27:48 Capturing Emotions in Sketches28:40 Travel Sketching Experiences30:20 The Concept of Aphantasia31:55 Improvisation in Sketching34:58 Analog vs Digital Sketching38:51 The Joy of Travel Journals40:46 Encouraging Visual Thinking44:41 Overcoming the Fear of Drawing52:33 Eva-Lotta's Teaching and Projects54:01 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 Speeches00:57 The Concept of Short Speeches01:50 Jono's Inspiration and the Sketch02:40 The Importance of Preparation04:23 Examples of Short Speeches06:10 Personal Experiences with Speeches12:44 The Apprentice Application Process14:52 The Art of Concise Communication19:45 Podcasting vs Traditional Media21:29 Editing Challenges in Media Production22:42 Respecting Listeners' Time23:57 The Emotional Detachment in Editing24:24 Long-Form Media and Political Impact25:09 The Pressure of Impromptu Speeches26:53 Famous Short Speeches32:14 The Art of Simplifying Communication40:55 The Role of AI in Summarising Content42:24 Key Takeaways and ConclusionAll 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!We reference the following in the podcast+ Book by Alexandra Robbins: The Geeks Shall Inherit The Earth+ Adam Smith - known as the Father of modern economics.+ Jono's sketch on "T-shape" people.+ Sketchplanations The Podcast episodes with James Wong; Part 1 & Part 2+ Subtly referenced by Jono, a song about artisan crafters whose work might be expensive, but it's expensive for a reason. Song: "It costs that much cos it takes me F-ing hours"Timeline of Topics Discussed00:00 Introduction to Sketchplanations Podcast01:14 Exploring the Sketch: Everyone's a Geek About Something04:21 Personal Geekiness and Social Perceptions06:43 The Evolution of the Term 'Geek'12:18 Finding Your Tribe in the Digital Age23:00 Diving into Copywriting23:39 Tom's Passion for Efficiency25:53 The Rise of Spreadsheet Geeks26:36 Professional Specialisation and Geekiness27:54 The Value of Multidisciplinary Teams31:36 Personal vs. Professional Geekiness33:28 The Intersection of Passion and Geekiness35:24 Defining Geekiness42:31 Famous Geeks and Their Impact44:03 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 Discussed00:00 Introduction to Thoughtless Acts01:53 Defining Thoughtless Acts03:24 Origins of the Concept05:58 Examples of Thoughtless Acts08:20 Degrees of Thoughtlessness11:12 Importance in Design12:40 Personal Hacks and Innovations15:27 Observations in Design21:26 Coffee Mugs and Shopping Trolleys22:19 Observing Daily Interactions24:04 Designing for Better Usability26:14 Everyday Improvisations32:02 Signalling and Subtle Messages33:58 Accidents and Tool Design37:17 Listener Engagement and ConclusionAll 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 Anecdotes00:57 Hanlon's Razor Explained05:27 Examples of Hanlon's Razor in Action14:33 Philosophical Discussion on Human Nature22:09 Clearing Up the Confusion About Hanlon's Razor22:32 The Origin and Meaning of Occam's Razor24:27 Misunderstandings and Miscommunications26:10 More Real-Life Examples of Hanlon's Razor33:54 The Importance of Giving Others the Benefit of the Doubt38:21 Fun and Thought-Provoking Rules from Murphy's Law Book40:34 Conclusion and Final ThoughtsAll 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 McKennaTimeline of topics discussed:00:00 Understanding the Power of Self-Talk00:57 Introducing Anchors and Tugboats02:11 The Origin of Anchors and Tugboats03:49 Applying the Metaphor to Sports and Life05:09 Awareness and Self-Talk06:00 The Role of Friends and Environment10:45 Personal Examples and Practical Tips18:33 Swimming and Self-Talk25:08 Understanding the Brain's Tactical Advantage25:35 The Accountability Mirror Technique26:12 The Importance of Eating for Energy28:03 Personal Experiences with Energy and Focus33:01 The Power of Positive Self-Talk36:04 Anchors and Tugboats: A Metaphor for Self-Talk40:49 The Role of Mental Training in Sports42:38 Toxic Language and Self-Talk46:27 Concluding Thoughts and SummaryAll 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 Company04:48 The Role of Money and Support in Entrepreneurship06:50 The Importance of Team and Adaptability10:05 The Reality of Entrepreneurial Risks and Rewards18:36 The Power of Early Adopters and Team Dynamics21:16 Wallace and Gromit: A Metaphor for Entrepreneurship23:14 Navigating Business Challenges23:52 Growth and Expansion Strategies24:18 Facing New Market Requirements25:34 Building a Supportive Team26:09 The Reality of Running a Business29:01 The Role of Optimism in Business33:53 The Rewards of Entrepreneurship37:16 Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs41:13 Closing Thoughts and ReflectionsAll 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 Cakewrecks00:57 Everyday Essentials and the Magic of Three01:44 The Versatile Bic Four Colours Pen02:17 Reminiscing About Handwriting and Notes05:31 Introduction to the Podcast and Guest05:39 Exploring Cake Wrecks and Misinterpretation06:29 John Cutler's Journey and Insights13:47 Challenges in Product Development20:07 The Illusion of Fixing Decisions20:28 Challenges in Hardware Manufacturing21:13 The Importance of Clear Communication22:44 Prototyping and Specification23:46 Avoiding Misunderstandings in Projects25:20 Participatory Design and User Experience28:18 Embracing Diverse Perspectives34:48 The Role of Sketching in Communication37:55 Concluding Thoughts and ResourcesGet in TouchHave 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:email us: hello@sketchplanations.comOR leave us a voice noteReference LinksIn this episode we also reference:YouTube clip of John's first digital product development project; the computer bar tending game, Last CallJen Yates' amusing blog on Cake WrecksJeff Patton's book; User Story MappingSpinal Tap's Cake Wreck moment when they accidentally order an 18" tall model of Stonehenge in stead of an 18' model. Bent Flyvbjerg and Dan Gardner's book, How Big Things Get DoneAll music on this podcast is provided by the very talented Franc Cinelli. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.