Designing Thoughts

Designing Thoughts

By Glory K & Yen Shan TEducationSelf-Improvement
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Designing Thoughts episodes

  • Why do we feel pressured to do well in School & Life? | The Curse of Perfectionism

    In this episode, we talk about everything to do with perfectionism and how we feel the need to excel in every part of life. Yen Shan and Glory go back to their childhood to discover why this mindset is ingrained in them (e.g. Asian culture and ranking systems), the negatives that resulted in this, such as self-blame and destructive thinking. We go through our journey of university and life and talk about parts we felt that we might have missed out on or did not experience in a 'perfect' way. Then we finally move onto alternatives and solutions to mentally escape this crazy rat race called life.


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    References:

    Mimetic Traps by Brian Timar /

    Glory is a second year architecture student studying at the Bartlett School of Architecture UCL, originally from Hong Kong.
    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/glory.kuk/
    Art Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gk.draws.archi/
    Website: https://glorykuk.wixsite.com/portfolio

    Yen Shan is a second year architecture student studying at the Bartlett School of Architecture UCL, originally from Malaysia.
    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tingyenshan/


    56 min
  • Does being an Introvert or Extrovert really matter?

    In this episode, we have our first guest, Valerie, who is studying Law at the University of Warwick! We talk about introversion and extraversion, which we identify with based on tests, and if these tests are really accurate at all. We discuss stereotypes surrounding each type, and if there are any advantages and disadvantages that come with it. Finally, we question whether your type is based on genetics or upbringing and if your type really matters in society and the work field.


    References:
    'Quiet' by Susan Cain

    Glory is a second year architecture student studying at the Bartlett School of Architecture UCL, originally from Hong Kong.
    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/glory.kuk/
    Art Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gk.draws.archi/
    Website: https://glorykuk.wixsite.com/portfolio

    Yen Shan is a second year architecture student studying at the Bartlett School of Architecture UCL, originally from Malaysia.
    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tingyenshan/

    59 min
  • Should we have Regrets in Life? | "The Midnight Library" Book Discussion

    In this episode, we discuss our thoughts after reading "The Midnight Library" (2020) by Matt Haig. After a quick summary, we talk about what we think constitutes a good life: celebrating the ordinary, mattering and impacting people around you etc. Also our thoughts on some literature and books glamorising depression and suicidal thoughts, and does accepting your fate means not being ambitious? Finally, we talk about how mindsets impact your life, how to live with regrets, and if we should really have regrets in life.

    48 min
  • What is the Purpose of Friendships in University (and Life)?

    In this episode, we talk about everything related to friendships. We go through our thoughts of friendships in university and different stages of life, the indicators of strong friendships, and the negative side of friendships, such as drifting apart and toxic friends. Yen Shan and Glory also discover their style of making friends between being in a friend group or one-to-one, and what factors they think make their friendships valuable: networking, reassurance, having fun, and clarifying thoughts.


    References:

    The School of Life: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aGedUxTAfBk

    57 min
  • A Civil Discussion Between a Vegan and a Non-Vegan

    Initiated by Yen Shan (non-vegan) to ask Glory (vegan) questions, this episode discusses topics related to veganism, ranging from why vegans get hate based on stereotypes, why it is so hard for vegans to change people's minds etc. We also explore topics of why doesn't everyone become vegan despite the benefits, how eating meat is a cultural construct, and why men believe eating meat is a part of masculinity.


    References:

    Gary Rofsky's Lecture: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U5hGQDLprA8

    Netflix Documentary: Game Changers

    Sex Robots and Vegan Meat by Jenny Kleeman: https://www.amazon.com/Sex-Robots-Vegan-Meat-Adventures/dp/1643135724#:~:text=In%20Sex%20Robots%20%26%20Vegan%20Meat,it%20means%20to%20be%20human.

    45 min
  • Should we follow the Traditional Career Trajectory & Climb the Career Ladder?

    In this episode, we talk about our thoughts on following a 'traditional' career path and climbing up the career ladder. Yen Shan expresses how architecture may be a gateway into larger corporate firms while Glory brings up the question of if our career choice is determined by our culture and constant pressure from other people. Glory also expresses her passion for the creative industry as Yen Shan questions the difficulties of pursuing a job in this field. Finally, we consider the psychology of selecting jobs and the importance of soul-searching.


    References:

    NYT TangPing article: https://www.nytimes.com/2021/07/08/business/china-mao.html

    School of life video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9sVrUTRjjVc

    The Four-Hour Work Week by Tim Ferris

    The Midnight Library by Mark Haig

    47 min
  • Why do Group Projects Fail Sometimes?

    In this episode, we share our own experiences with bad group project dynamics, dissecting what causes a group project to fail. Glory talks about bad leader dynamics and what traits define a leader, while Yen Shan discusses how cultural differences can potentially lead to group conflicts. Finally, we discuss solutions and advice on how to potentially solve a group project with poor team dynamics.

    41 min
  • How can we Maintain a Healthy Lifestyle during School/Work?

    In this episode, we discuss how to create a healthy lifestyle in the physical sense through diet, cooking, and exercise while being in school or work where we might be very busy. We discuss our own routines related to our physical health, how to bond with friends through cooking, and tips to start your journey on healthy living. We also explore topics of why people order take out of convenience and the glorification of staying busy which can lead to poor health and irregular meals.


    References:

    PickUpLimes: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCq2E1mIwUKMWzCA4liA_XGQ
    LesMills Exercise Channel: https://watch.lesmillsondemand.com/browse

    43 min
  • How Do We Cultivate Creativity?

    In this episode, we talk about our personal journeys with discovering what creativity means to us, cultivating and maintaining creativity, and what conditions can optimise our creativity. Glory talks about how creativity was not appreciated in Asian culture, while Yen Shan discusses how we romanticise suffering for creative results, finally we talk about how all creative practices are similar and the techniques used can be interchangeable. 


    References:

    Steal Like an Artist: https://austinkleon.com/steal
    Walden, Thoreau: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Walden-Henry-David-Thoreau/dp/1505297729
    Chef’s Table - https://www.netflix.com/gb/title/80007945
    Chef’s Table Episode on Patagonia (Francis Mallmann): S6E3
    Chef’s Table Episode on Social Justice and Mexican Food (Cristina Martinez): S5E1
    Pixar Behind the Scenes:  https://www.pixar.com/feature-films-launch

    Business Podcasts:

    Thrilling Tales of Modern Capitalism: https://slate.com/podcasts/thrilling-tales-of-modern-capitalism
    Joy at Work: https://www.kearney.com/joyatwork

    40 min

About Designing Thoughts

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A podcast about working and creativity, living well, the human condition with relationships and life experiences. Glory and Yen Shan share their personal experiences and discuss things that are worth…