Episode 2 · · 1:19:10
Exploring Life's Design with Aarron Walter
About this episode
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:
- designbetterpodcast.com
- reconsidering.org
- CodePen
- Don Quixote by Miguel de Cervantes
- Les Misérables by Victor Hugo
- The Power of Regret by Daniel H. Pink
- The Element by Sir Ken Robinson
- Rick Rubin's Book ("The Creative Act: A Way of Being")
- Kamasi Washington – The Epic (2015)
- Kamasi Washington – Fearless Movement (2024)
Chapters
- 0:00 Introduction and Guest Overview
- 0:17 Aaron Walter's Background and Influence
- 0:54 Topics of Discussion
- 1:17 Support and Online Courses
- 2:02 Starting the Conversation
- 2:13 Self-Improvement and Reflection
- 8:05 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
- 1:05:11 The Examined Life and Seasons of Life
- 1:10:50 Presence and Gratitude in Everyday Moments
- 1:16:56 Final Thoughts and Resources
About Aarron Walter
- Design Better podcast (designbetterpodcast.com); Reconsidering podcast (reconsidering.org); aarronwalter.com; LinkedIn (linkedin.com/in/aarron)
Aarron Walter's music pick
Kamasi Washington — Fearless Movement (2024), and his earlier album The Epic