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

• 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)

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

• 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)

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

• 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)

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.