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

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

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

• 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

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

• 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
• (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

• 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
• (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

• 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.