Using many different examples, we frame the distinction as “accuracy being true to intention and precision being true to itself,” also phrased as doing the right thing versus doing it right.

The sketch is inspired by Simon Winchester's book, Exactly, where precision and accuracy are connected to the industrial revolution via Henry Maudsley’s innovative screw-cutting lathe, micrometer, and the concept of interchangeable parts. The conversation broadens to explore examples in food (McDonald’s vs artisan meals), recipes, recruiting, IQ tests (validity vs reliability), indoctrinated beliefs, gut feelings, culture’s return to individual craftsmanship, AI’s variable answers, LED mask wavelength tolerances, and targeting weapons.

External links

Also referenced in this episode:

• Jono's sketch that describes the difference between Reliability and Validity.
• Jono's sketch inspired by Roger Martin's Knowledge Funnel.
• Jono's sketch outlining The Beard Cycle.

Episode Outline

00:00 Accuracy vs Precision: the Four Target Sketch

03:23 True to Intention

04:11 Ball Through Window

05:44 Precision Built World

09:45 Food and Recipes

13:27 Calibration and Scales

14:47 Manufacturing Tolerances

16:51 Hiring and Testing

19:16 Beliefs and Education

23:01 Culture and Craft

26:09 Doctors Robots and AI

29:03 Wrap Up and Credits

All music on this podcast series is provided by the very talented Franc Cinelli and you can find more tracks at franccinelli.com

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We geek out on the subtle, but incredibly important and occasionally crucial differences between three little horizontal lines: the hyphen - the En Dash – and the Em Dash —

Jono explains hyphens for line breaks and compound terms, how usage can evolve into single words (e.g., wildlife, wellbeing), and why hyphen placement can change meaning (e.g., five-dollar bills). The en dash is described as linking ranges and relationships (pages, dates, times, scores, routes, debates, partnerships, negotiations), with notes on how to type it. The em dash is framed as a stronger-than-comma interruption for added thoughts, with style cautions and typing methods. They discuss underscore origins from typewriters, punctuation differences across countries, and how AI popularized em dashes as a telltale sign of machine-written text.

Most importantly though, we discuss why this matters and that if used correctly, they can help avoid misunderstandings.

Episode Summary

00:00 Welcome to Sketchplanations

00:40 What Are Dashes

03:09 Hyphen Basics

04:32 Hyphenated Words

05:35 Language Evolves

07:00 Hyphen Pitfalls

07:31 Tom on Hyphens

10:38 Meet the En Dash

11:41 Typing En Dashes

12:32 En Dash Use Cases

14:47 Spacing and Style

15:30 Introducing Em Dash

15:33 Em Dash Basics

16:15 Style Guide Rules

18:08 Brackets vs Speech

18:57 Where Names Come From

20:32 Underscore Origins

22:05 Reading Dashes Aloud

24:39 Does It Matter

26:04 Oxford Comma Stakes

28:36 AI Em Dash Tell

29:59 Typing Em Dashes

30:32 Punctuation By Country

31:41 Morse Code And Minus

32:43 Final Sign Off

External Link

There's only one link this week:

• Jono referenced the book Strunk and White : The Elements of Style

All music on this podcast is provided by the very talented Franc Cinelli.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Wherever you are on our planet, there's a good chance you'd need a snorkel.

In this episode, we explore the concept of antipodes—the exact point on the opposite side of Earth from wherever you're standing. We discover why most antipodes end up in the ocean rather than on land and cover a whole host of fascinating geographic facts, including how the Northern Hemisphere contains the vast majority of Earth's land and population, how map projections distort our view of the planet, and why Earth's oblate spheroid shape means some antipode distances are longer than others.

Along the way, we also raise the big questions like how deep have humans ever dug into Earth and how long it would take to fall through a frictionless tunnel to your antipode.

External Links and mentions on the show:

• Jono's sketch that explains the Mercator Map Projection
• Jono references the Antipodal Map in the book Marvellous Maps by  Simon Kuestenmacher
• The 7.6 mile deep hole Jono talks about is the Kola Superdeep Borehole in Russia, initiated by Soviet scientists in 1970, primarily to better understand the earth’s crust. 
• Here's Jono's sketch about the thickness of the earth's crust being proportionally similar to the thickness of an apple's skin.
• And finally, if you want to know your exact antipode, you can look here on AntipodeMap.com

Episode Summary

00:00 What Are Antipodes

03:23 Land Distribution on Earth

04:14 Map Projections and Perspectives

07:19 Antipodal Map Overlay

08:56 Cultural References Worldwide

10:15 Etymology of Antipode

10:41 Digging Through Earth

12:44 UK Antipodes

13:29 Great Circle Routes

14:20 Earth's Oblate Shape

15:25 Tunnel Through Earth

16:34 Closing Remarks

All music on this podcast series is provided by the very talented Franc Cinelli

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

But when it comes to measuring the length of a coastline, things get a bit tricky and totally counter intuitive. 🌊

The science and maths of measuring wiggly coastlines reveal that the smaller the unit of measure, the longer the coastline becomes. Jono recounts the origins of this phenomenon from polymath, Lewis Fry Richardson and its further exploration by Benoit B. Mandelbrot. The trio also relate the concept to various other real-world examples, including the surfaces of the brain and lungs, Romanesco cauliflower, and stock market patterns. Additionally, they touch on the philosophical implications of measurement and delve into the concept of infinity.

Episode Summary:

00:00 Introduction the Coastline Paradox

04:12 Historical Context and Discovery

14:10 Fractals and Natural World Applications

17:26 Modern Implications and Analogies

24:36 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

External Links and mentions on the show:

• Jono refers to and leans heavily on the writing of Geoffrey West in his book "Scale" to tell the story of how this was discovered.
• Rob's half-baked fact about The Standardised Meter can be expanded on here.
• This is what the self-similarity of a Romanesco Cauliflower looks like
• Here is the avenue of trees in Bushy Park, in Southwest London that Jono slalomed.
• Here are more facts on who originally defined the number 'zero' as we know it today.

All music on this podcast series is provided by the very talented Franc Cinelli

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Olympic logo is a globally recognised brand and remarkably, it was designed over 100 years ago by the founder of the modern Olympic Games, Pierre de Coubertin.

This time, we discuss the history and symbolism of this design icon ahead of the Winter Olympic Games in Milano Cortina, Italy. We find out about its representation of unity among the five (?) continents (one for each ring), and the careful selection of the flag's colours. The episode also delves into fascinating Olympic trivia, including the evolution of the games, historical moments, and the development of the Olympic motto. Rob also shares insights from filming at the Olympic Museum in Lausanne, Switzerland, for his series 'The Vault,' which explores Olympic history through artefacts found in their archives.

You can watch all 10 episodes of The Vault for free here on the Olympics Channel.

Episode Summary

00:00 Introduction and Excitement for the Winter Olympics

01:42 The Genesis of the Olympic Flag

02:50 Symbolism and Design of the Olympic Flag

05:06 Pierre de Coubertin: The Visionary Behind the Olympics

05:21 Exploring Olympic History and Artifacts

09:35 Evolution of the Olympic Games and Flag

22:28 Conclusion and Farewell

All music on this podcast series is by the very talented Franc Cinelli.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Tsundoku is a Japanese word for buying books and letting them pile up unread. It’s a familiar habit to book lovers everywhere — that growing stack of books you intend to read but haven’t yet. In this episode of Sketchplanations The Podcast, we explore why we buy books we don’t read, why unread books don’t always feel like a bad thing, and what this habit says about curiosity, identity, and our relationship with reading.

In this episode we embrace Tsundoku and our conversation ranges from buying too many books to the joy and guilt of collecting unread books, and how tsundoku can extend to audiobooks, hobbies, and other unread things. If you’ve ever wondered why you buy books faster than you can read them — or felt conflicted about your own unread pile — this episode is for you.

Links to items (mainly books) that we discussed:

• The book that changed Tom's life: Rocket Fuel by Gino Wickman and Mark Winters
• The book from Jono's pile he next wants to start: A few short sentences about writing by Verlyn Klinkenborg
• Robbie is most looking forward to getting started on: Whatever will be will be by Felix White
• Jono recommends cartoons about books and reading by Tom Gauld
• Big Ideas, Little Pictures is the Sketchplanations book by Jono Hey

Summary:

00:00 Introduction to Tsundoku: The Act of Collecting Unread Books

02:52 Personal Stories and Reflections on Tsundoku

05:20 The Broader Implications of Tsundoku

07:49 Books as Gifts and Their Value

10:03 The Joy and Guilt of Collecting Books

17:14 Final Thoughts and Reflections

19:34 Conclusion and Farewell

All music on this podcast series is by the very talented Franc Cinelli

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Tune in to this episode as we unravel the mysteries of family relations—which we figured would be particularly helpful at the festive time of year.

We explore the subtleties of family trees, making our way to 'Second Cousins Once Removed'. We dig into the confusion around generational terms and the importance of knowing your extended family. We share a few family-related anecdotes and cultural differences, such as the Chinese family tree and Icelandic naming conventions. We strongly encourage you to follow along with the sketch at Sketchplanations.com to better understand your own family connections.

Here are the Chinese family tree names mentioned.

Episode Summary

00:00 Welcome to Sketchplanations

00:47 Understanding Family Relations

02:13 Exploring Second Cousins

06:06 Generational Differences Explained

11:48 Cultural Perspectives on Family Trees

14:57 Famous Families and Their Connections

15:08 The Mayflower Ancestor Story

15:55 Family Trees and Their Complexity

16:43 The Importance of Family Connections

18:01 Tracing Family History

21:07 Unique Family Names and Their Origins

22:28 Surname Origins and Commonality

25:58 Gender-Neutral Family Terms

27:07 Concluding Thoughts

All music on this podcast series is provided by the very talented Franc Cinelli

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Coined in the 1990s by Linda Stone, Continuous Partial Attention describes the state of being constantly connected; trying to do multiple things at once, which often leads to an ever-present, low-level form of stress. We explore how this phenomenon affects modern life, compare it to multitasking, and discuss both its positive and negative aspects. The podcast also highlights how technology has exacerbated this issue and considers potential solutions, such as mindfulness and turning off notifications, to better manage one's attention.

Links to stuff we discussed:

Dan Kahneman

Mind Over Tech

Video of Woman who Walks into Fountain Whilst Texting

The Film: Her, starring Joaquin Phoenix.

Other Sketches and podcast episodes referenced:

Phubbing episode and sketch

Phone Zombie sketch

Hegel's Dialectic: Thesis, Antithesis, Synthesis sketch

Yak Shaving episode and sketch

5 Ways to Wellbeing episode and sketch

Everyone's a Geek About Something episode and sketch

How to Instantly Feel Better episode and sketch

Picking the Perfect Present episode and sketch

Buy Jono's Book: Big Ideas, Little Pictures, for a loved one this Christmas - The Perfect Present and then some...

Summary

00:00 Introduction to Continuous Partial Attention

01:31 Depicting Continuous Partial Attention in a Sketch

04:25 Personal Experiences with Continuous Partial Attention

05:54 The Impact of Technology on Attention

08:49 Multitasking vs. Continuous Partial Attention

11:15 The Challenge of Staying Focused

17:05 The Role of Continuous Partial Attention in Different Professions

20:38 The Dilemma of Turning Off Notifications

21:15 Balancing Work and Family Life

22:03 The Art of Multitasking

22:59 The Pitfalls of Continuous Partial Attention

23:49 Turning Cognition into Automation

25:25 The Rise of Single Tasking

27:54 The Productivity of Focused Work

32:07 The Future of AI and Continuous Partial Attention

34:20 Final Thoughts and Recommendations

All music on this podcast is provided by the very talented Franc Cinelli.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sir David Spiegelhalter is a celebrated Professor of Statistics at the University of Cambridge; widely accepted as one of the UK's foremost statisticians. He explains the concepts of 'micromorts' and 'microlives', which quantify risk and the impact of lifestyle choices on life expectancy. The discussion delves into acute vs. chronic risks, with practical examples such as the dangers of skydiving or how regular smoking affects longevity of life. The conversation also covers the application of statistics in medicine, the importance of randomisation in clinical trials, and the philosophical underpinnings of uncertainty. Additionally, David highlights the human capacity to judge risks, the pitfalls of intuition, and offers practical advice on dealing with uncertainty in everyday life. Lively anecdotes, insightful explanations, and practical takeaways make this episode a compelling listen for anyone interested in the intersection of statistics, risk, and daily decision-making.

David's latest book, The Art of Uncertainty is available in all good bookshops and online.

Here are some useful links to further explore some topics raised:

• The work of Ron Howard at Stanford University
• Jono's sketch on Word Spectrums
• David's many other books - including Sex by Numbers
• Poisson Distribution explained
• David tells the tale of Persi Diaconis - the Mathemagician.

Episode Summary:

00:00 Introduction, David's Background & Achievements

01:43 The Wipeout Experience

03:13 Understanding Micro-Morts

04:27 Acute vs. Chronic Risks

05:29 Micro-Morts in Everyday Activities

12:05 Introduction to Micro-Lives

18:03 Medical Applications of Data and Statistics

21:27 The Role of Uncertainty in Life

27:52 Building Resilience Over Robustness

29:18 Embracing Uncertainty in Life

33:35 Misuse of Statistics in Media and Politics

40:30 The Gamblers Fallacy and Intuition

42:29 The Uniqueness of Card Shuffles

45:43 Common Misconceptions About Probability

48:02 Practical Tips for Dealing with Uncertainty

51:33 Final Thoughts and Reflections

All music is provided by Franc Cinelli.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Could this be our favourite procrastination buster yet!?!

External links

In 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 Effect
• Remarkably, 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 Summary

00:00 Introduction to Sketchplanations Podcast

00:29 Exploring the Pomodoro Technique

01:03 Origins and Basics of the Pomodoro Technique

02:57 Implementing the Pomodoro Technique in the Office

07:23 Challenges and Adaptations of the Pomodoro Technique

17:10 Alternative Productivity Methods

18:53 Accountability and Shame in Productivity

19:40 Origins of the Pomodoro Technique

20:17 Applying Pomodoro in Different Environments

21:32 Psychological Benefits of Time Blocking

22:38 Challenges and Adaptations in the Office

23:01 Personal Admin and Procrastination

23:22 Flow and Creative Tasks

26:16 Post-pod Findings on Pomodoro Technique Usage

28:44 Final Thoughts and Outro

All music on this podcast series is kindly provided by the very talented Franc Cinelli.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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. 

Links

See 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".

Summary

00:00 Welcome to Sketchplanations - introducing David Macaulay

01:30 David's Journey into Explanations

03:42 The Way Things Work

04:35 The Joy of Learning and Teaching

04:47 Collaborating on The Way Things Work

09:54 Exploring Canal Locks

15:24 The Art of Sketching and Curiosity

20:05 The Importance of Sketching

20:34 Humour in Learning

25:07 The Origin of the Woolly Mammoth in David’s drawings

26:37 Balancing Humour and Information

30:07 Encouraging Sketching in Education

33:30 Everyday Wonders and Final Thoughts

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 Summary

00:00 Welcome & Introduction to Mark Forsyth: Wordsmith Extraordinaire

01:05 Mark Forsyth's Journey with the English Language

01:44 The Fascinating World of Words and Their Origins

02:27 Mark Forsyth's Books and Their Unique Insights

06:32 The Popularity of Poetry Through the Ages

11:06 The Decline of Poetry and Rise of Pop Lyrics

12:48 Exploring English Syntax and Adjective Order

15:03 The Intricacies of English Grammar

21:38 Fun with Language: Reduplication and Compounds

27:38 Rhyme and Reason: Poetry in Society

29:27 The Unsung Heroes of Songwriting

30:42 The Evolution of Poetry's Popularity

41:33 The Rhythms of English Language

50:54 The Charm of Limericks

54:49 The Joy of Reading Poetry Aloud

56:45 Closing Thoughts and Farewell

All music on this podcast series is provided by the wonderfully talented Franc Cinelli.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 Links

Some 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 Expansion
• You can also listen to our previous podcast on The Peter Principle.
• More Work For Mother book by Ruth Cowan

Summary

00:00 Introduction to Sketchplanations Podcast

00:33 Exploring Jevons Paradox

01:11 Historical Context of Jevons Paradox

02:37 Modern Examples of Jevons Paradox

05:14 Personal Anecdotes and Parallels

10:12 AI and Future Implications

15:29 Energy Demands of AI and Nuclear Facilities

15:51 The Evolution of Spreadsheets and Work Efficiency

17:07 Jevons Paradox and Environmental Concerns

17:29 Advancements in Battery and Water-Saving Technologies

19:33 The Impact of Video Compression on the Internet

21:47 LED Lights and Household Energy Consumption

24:27 Government Policies and Behavioral Incentives

26:10 Reflections on Jevons Paradox and Human Nature

28:26 William Stanley Jevons' Insights and Predictions

30:06 Conclusion and Farewell

All music on this podcast series is provided by the very talented Franc Cinelli.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 investigation

• Apricity sketches: Jono's Sketchplanation & Grant's Words of Wonder
• Some other of Jono's word-related Sketchplanations we reference are: Snerdle & Greeble
• Previous podcast episodes we bring up include: Schadenfreude and we also talk about Apophenia in the episode on Crossmodal Perception
• Susie Dent's Word of the Day thread on X.
• Jono mentions the fun he had reading Etymologicon by Mark Forsyth
• Grant's latest book Thinking About Thinking is available now.

Episode Summary

00:00 Introduction and Grant Snider's Background

02:18 Exploring the Word 'Apricity'

04:34 Grant's Words of Wonder Series

07:24 The Joy of Learning New Words

11:24 Favourite Words and Their Illustrations

20:28 Exploring Obscure Words and Their Origins

21:16 The Fascinating Concept of 'Greeble'

22:50 The Joy of Discovering New Words

23:52 Sketching Words and Their Meanings

28:22 The Beauty of Children's Language Development

30:35 Grant's New Book: Thinking About Thinking

33:46 The Influence of Calvin and Hobbes

37:04 Grant's Unique Use of Colour in Comics

39:26 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.

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 Wellbeing
• In 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 Summary

00:00 Welcome Back to Sketchplanations

00:53 Instant Ways to Feel Better

03:16 The Power of Singing to Dispel Anger

08:19 Walking Off Burnout

11:46 Writing to Stop Overthinking

16:20 Breathing Techniques for Anxiety

20:49 The Power of Exercise for Stress Relief

25:22 Gratitude as a Remedy for Sadness

28:18 Reflecting on Progress to Combat Impatience

30:56 Cold Showers to Overcome Laziness

33:50 Final Thoughts and Takeaways

All music on this podcast series is provided by the highly talented Franc Cinelli

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 episode

Episode Summary

00:00 Introduction and Summer Break Announcement

00:35 The Virtuous Cycle of Exercise and Sleep

01:39 Personal Experiences with Exercise and Sleep

03:53 The Importance of Sleep on general wellbeing

09:12 Keeping Kids Entertained on Long Trips

11:23 Conclusion and Farewell

All music on the podcast series is provided by the hugely talented Franc Cinelli.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 Madson
• Danny Wallace's book Yes Man
• Derek Sivers - The Hell Yes or Hell No philosophy and a video explaining the concept of The First Follower.

Episode Summary

00:00 Introduction and Hosts

00:28 This Week's Sketch: Yes Sayers and No Sayers

01:07 Exploring the Sketch

03:45 Personal Reflections on Yes and No

05:27 Social Dynamics of Yes and No

19:44 Career Perspectives on Yes and No

23:43 The Power of Saying No in Business

25:01 The Benefits of Saying No

25:45 The Adventure of Saying Yes

26:34 Balancing Yes and No in Life

30:17 Regrets of Not Saying Yes

31:54 The Yes Man Experiment by Danny Wallace

38:19 Deciding When to Say Yes or No

41:55 Final Thoughts on Yes and No

All music on this podcast series is provided by the highly talented Franc Cinelli

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 episode
• Front Stage / Back Stage podcast episode

Episode Summary

00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome

00:51 Exploring the Awkwardness Vortex

02:51 Personal Experiences of Awkwardness

05:51 The Science Behind Awkwardness

08:49 Practical Tips to Overcome Awkwardness

22:23 Awkwardness in Media and Comedy

25:06 Exploring Empathy and Awkwardness

25:41 The Science Behind Secondhand Embarrassment

26:30 Empathy Spectrum and Social Interactions

29:25 Awkwardness in Media and Society

31:33 Cringe Mountain and Overcoming Embarrassment

34:37 The Irreconcilable Gap and Self-Perception

36:58 The Power of Awkward Silences

39:16 Growth Through Awkwardness

43:45 Final Thoughts and Upcoming Projects

All music on this podcast series is provided by the highly talented Franc Cinelli

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 Summary

00:00 Introduction and Hosts

00:45 Introducing the ZanClean Megaflood

01:43 Special Guest: Mike Sowden

03:01 Mike Sowden's Journey and Writing Style

07:29 The ZanClean Megaflood: Geological Background

12:55 The Catastrophic Flood Event

17:25 Speculations and Analogies

22:33 Doggerland and Other Historical Floods

23:43 The Storegga Slide and Doggerland Tsunamis

24:45 Dating the Storegga Slide

25:06 The Zanclean Megaflood

27:23 The Role of Storytelling in Science Communication

32:23 The Human Element in Engineering

34:30 The Fascination with Scientists' Obsessions

40:54 Geological Events and Their Impact

45:53 The Process of Science Writing

50:42 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

All music on this podcast series is provided by the highly talented Franc Cinelli

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 Giving

00:52 Welcome to Sketchplanations Podcast

02:32 Exploring the Sketch: Picking a Present

03:23 The Venn Diagram of Gift Giving

06:50 Personal Experiences with Gift Giving

16:18 The Art of Giving Useful Gifts

20:15 Wedding Registry Dilemmas

24:42 The Worst Gifts Ever Given

26:15 Go-To Thank You Gifts

27:53 The "Olive Oil" Story

30:10 The Hunter-Gatherer Instinct in Gift Giving

34:18 Challenges of Buying Gifts for Dads

38:33 Designing Gifts for Others

43:01 The Greatest Gift Ever Given

45:10 Reflections on Gift Giving

All music on this podcast series is provided by Franc Cinelli.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 Mars
• The Don't Say Velcro Song
• Many more of Jono's sketches under the category of words
• Previous 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 Eponyms

00:57 Meet the Hosts

01:56 Exploring Famous Eponyms

03:11 The Fun of Sketchplanations

11:42 Scientific Eponyms

17:31 Controversial and Historical Eponyms

23:47 The Origin of Hoover

24:58 Matthew McConaughey's Career Shift

25:59 The Concept of Genericide

28:12 Famous Eponyms: Zipper, Escalator, and More

32:11 Boycott and Maverick: Stories Behind the Words

35:42 Eponyms in Everyday Language

38:19 The Art of Naming and Eponyms in History

40:36 Final Thoughts and Takeaways

All music on this podcast series is provided by Franc Cinelli.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

• Jono's mindmap travel journal from 7 months traveling in Central America, South East Asia, and South Africa, and
• Eva-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 Rohde

Mind-mapping guru - Tony Buzan

Improvisation coach - Dan Klein

External links to Eva-Lotta's work and classes

YogaNotes

EvaLotta.shop

Instagram account

Pragmatic Sketching Masterclass

Little People Basics

Little People Pairs

Podcast Summary

00:00 Introduction

01:27 Meet Eva-Lotta Lamm

02:23 Eva-Lotta's Career Journey

05:09 Mind Map Travel Journals

06:08 The Art of Visual Note-Taking

07:37 The Evolution of Sketch Notes

15:16 The Power of Analogies in Sketching

21:01 Creating Mind Map Travel Journals

27:48 Capturing Emotions in Sketches

28:40 Travel Sketching Experiences

30:20 The Concept of Aphantasia

31:55 Improvisation in Sketching

34:58 Analog vs Digital Sketching

38:51 The Joy of Travel Journals

40:46 Encouraging Visual Thinking

44:41 Overcoming the Fear of Drawing

52:33 Eva-Lotta's Teaching and Projects

54:01 Conclusion and Farewell

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 Speeches

00:57 The Concept of Short Speeches

01:50 Jono's Inspiration and the Sketch

02:40 The Importance of Preparation

04:23 Examples of Short Speeches

06:10 Personal Experiences with Speeches

12:44 The Apprentice Application Process

14:52 The Art of Concise Communication

19:45 Podcasting vs Traditional Media

21:29 Editing Challenges in Media Production

22:42 Respecting Listeners' Time

23:57 The Emotional Detachment in Editing

24:24 Long-Form Media and Political Impact

25:09 The Pressure of Impromptu Speeches

26:53 Famous Short Speeches

32:14 The Art of Simplifying Communication

40:55 The Role of AI in Summarising Content

42:24 Key Takeaways and Conclusion

All music on this podcast series is provided by the very talented Franc Cinelli.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 Discussed

00:00 Introduction to Sketchplanations Podcast

01:14 Exploring the Sketch: Everyone's a Geek About Something

04:21 Personal Geekiness and Social Perceptions

06:43 The Evolution of the Term 'Geek'

12:18 Finding Your Tribe in the Digital Age

23:00 Diving into Copywriting

23:39 Tom's Passion for Efficiency

25:53 The Rise of Spreadsheet Geeks

26:36 Professional Specialisation and Geekiness

27:54 The Value of Multidisciplinary Teams

31:36 Personal vs. Professional Geekiness

33:28 The Intersection of Passion and Geekiness

35:24 Defining Geekiness

42:31 Famous Geeks and Their Impact

44:03 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.

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 Discussed

00:00 Introduction to Thoughtless Acts

01:53 Defining Thoughtless Acts

03:24 Origins of the Concept

05:58 Examples of Thoughtless Acts

08:20 Degrees of Thoughtlessness

11:12 Importance in Design

12:40 Personal Hacks and Innovations

15:27 Observations in Design

21:26 Coffee Mugs and Shopping Trolleys

22:19 Observing Daily Interactions

24:04 Designing for Better Usability

26:14 Everyday Improvisations

32:02 Signalling and Subtle Messages

33:58 Accidents and Tool Design

37:17 Listener Engagement and Conclusion

All music on this podcast series is provided by the extremely talented Franc Cinelli.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 Anecdotes

00:57 Hanlon's Razor Explained

05:27 Examples of Hanlon's Razor in Action

14:33 Philosophical Discussion on Human Nature

22:09 Clearing Up the Confusion About Hanlon's Razor

22:32 The Origin and Meaning of Occam's Razor

24:27 Misunderstandings and Miscommunications

26:10 More Real-Life Examples of Hanlon's Razor

33:54 The Importance of Giving Others the Benefit of the Doubt

38:21 Fun and Thought-Provoking Rules from Murphy's Law Book

40:34 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

All music on this podcast is provided by the very talented Franc Cinelli

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 McKenna

Timeline of topics discussed:

00:00 Understanding the Power of Self-Talk

00:57 Introducing Anchors and Tugboats

02:11 The Origin of Anchors and Tugboats

03:49 Applying the Metaphor to Sports and Life

05:09 Awareness and Self-Talk

06:00 The Role of Friends and Environment

10:45 Personal Examples and Practical Tips

18:33 Swimming and Self-Talk

25:08 Understanding the Brain's Tactical Advantage

25:35 The Accountability Mirror Technique

26:12 The Importance of Eating for Energy

28:03 Personal Experiences with Energy and Focus

33:01 The Power of Positive Self-Talk

36:04 Anchors and Tugboats: A Metaphor for Self-Talk

40:49 The Role of Mental Training in Sports

42:38 Toxic Language and Self-Talk

46:27 Concluding Thoughts and Summary

All music on this podcast is provided by the very talented Franc Cinelli

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 Company

04:48 The Role of Money and Support in Entrepreneurship

06:50 The Importance of Team and Adaptability

10:05 The Reality of Entrepreneurial Risks and Rewards

18:36 The Power of Early Adopters and Team Dynamics

21:16 Wallace and Gromit: A Metaphor for Entrepreneurship

23:14 Navigating Business Challenges

23:52 Growth and Expansion Strategies

24:18 Facing New Market Requirements

25:34 Building a Supportive Team

26:09 The Reality of Running a Business

29:01 The Role of Optimism in Business

33:53 The Rewards of Entrepreneurship

37:16 Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs

41:13 Closing Thoughts and Reflections

All music in this series is provided by Franc Cinelli.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 Cakewrecks

00:57 Everyday Essentials and the Magic of Three

01:44 The Versatile Bic Four Colours Pen

02:17 Reminiscing About Handwriting and Notes

05:31 Introduction to the Podcast and Guest

05:39 Exploring Cake Wrecks and Misinterpretation

06:29 John Cutler's Journey and Insights

13:47 Challenges in Product Development

20:07 The Illusion of Fixing Decisions

20:28 Challenges in Hardware Manufacturing

21:13 The Importance of Clear Communication

22:44 Prototyping and Specification

23:46 Avoiding Misunderstandings in Projects

25:20 Participatory Design and User Experience

28:18 Embracing Diverse Perspectives

34:48 The Role of Sketching in Communication

37:55 Concluding Thoughts and Resources

Get in Touch

Have 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.com
• OR leave us a voice note

Reference Links

In this episode we also reference:

• YouTube clip of John's first digital product development project; the computer bar tending game, Last Call
• Jen Yates' amusing blog on Cake Wrecks
• Jeff Patton's book; User Story Mapping
• Spinal 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 Done

All music on this podcast is provided by the very talented Franc Cinelli.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

So why wouldn't we compliment each other more often?

In this episode, what with it being nearly Christmas, we use the metaphor that compliments are gifts - and not one you'd pick out of a lucky dip. These gifts have been made and wrapped especially for you. There's your name on the label and everything!

Not only do we offer advice on noticing when you could give compliments more regularly, we discuss the etiquette in receiving compliments and make Tom feel very awkward with a little complimentary experiment!

We apply our theories to the usual work, home and play scenarios and ponder why compliments from our parents mean so much.

Get in Touch

How do you feel about compliments? Regular giver or a bit shy? How well do you receive a compliment?

And if you want to rise to the challenge laid out in this episode and give 5 compliments you wouldn't have given otherwise in the next 2 weeks, then let us know how you get on.

• email us: hello@sketchplanations.com
• OR leave us a voice note

Reference Links

In this episode we also reference:

• Previous Podcast Episodes: 5 Ways to Wellbeing and Words & Language sketches compilation (@48m25 Compliment v Complement)
• Jono's sketch on how to Accept Compliments
• Jono's sketch on Giving gifts others can give
• Jono's sketch on Extrinsic motivation

All music on this podcast is provided by the very talented Franc Cinelli.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

There's the old mantra that people do business with people and there's something a lot more human and emotive about explaining why you want to do or have done something, than just saying what you've done.

Our guest for this discussion is the co-founder of Marloe Watch Company, Ollie Goffe. Along with his co-founder and business partner Gordon Fraser (our guest for the episode on Only Dead Fish Go With The Flow) they design and make watches. And boy, do these guys always have a beautifully compelling WHY behind each of their watch designs.

As business leaders Ollie and Tom explain how crucial it is to instil the WHY behind a business into every employee but how much of a challenge that can become as the number of staff grows.

We offer up a number of examples in brands, in sports and in family life of when the WHY is kept crystal clear to great effect.

We talk how purpose-driven work can sometimes be exploited.

And how sometimes the WHAT and the HOW are so compelling that we allow ourselves to ignore the WHY - even if we're sometimes a little embarrassed by it - think buying cheap products off Amazon.

Get in Touch

Are you conscious of the WHYs that drive your work or activities?

What examples can you share with us where you've been seduced by someone's WHY?

Let us know:

• email us: hello@sketchplanations.com
• OR leave us a voice note

Reference Links

In this episode we also reference:

• Simon Sinek's TED Talk - How Great Leaders Inspire Action
• Patagonia founder, Yvon Chouinard's book: Let my people Go Surfing
• Nike founder, Phil Knight's book: Shoe Dog
• Team GB Rowing's Ben Hunt-Davis & Harriet Beveridge's book: Will It Make The Boat Go Faster?

All music on this podcast is provided by the very talented Franc Cinelli.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Between us, we had lots of examples of where it's been observed in others. Of course we did.

We discuss theories of why this is a human phenomenon and even examples of when we've been at the sharp end of it.

The most innocuous and probably most common example was the WhatsApp Group chat.

Who in your group is the one to take charge and suggest actual dates for things rather than the very non-committal "yeah - we should do that"?

Jono describes solid works of research using CCTV footage that backs up the hypothesis and we ponder whether the effect is different in cultures and societies other than our own.

Tell us your stories or examples of The Bystander Effect:

• hello@sketchplanations.com
• OR leave us a voice note

In the episode we reference the following which you might like to read more into:

• The Whose Job Is It poem sketch
• The Accountability Ladder podcast episode and sketch
• The Ask The Question At Talks sketch

And in the Listener Comments section at the end of the show we talked about:

• The Gartner Hype Cycle sketch
• The Long Nose of Innovation sketch
• The Learning Pit sketch
• The Optimism Bias podcast episode and sketch
• The Dunning-Kruger Effect sketch is exclusively in Jono's book Big Ideas, Little Pictures
• The Hofstadter's Law sketch
• The Cat-filter lawyer zoom call that went viral during Covid as an example of a Human Risk fail.

All music expertly provided by Franc Cinelli.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Oh dear.

In this episode we speak with the tireless behavioural scientist and Human Risk expert, Christian Hunt who tells us about the fundamental elements of human risk and how to avoid it; with plenty of juicy examples to bring this topic to life. Whilst the majority of the episode focuses on Human Risk in the professional environment, we also talk about how we all experience it in our day-to-day personal and family lives too; in Christian's own words, we all do stupid things every now and then.

When Christian talks with companies about their Human Risk and how to mitigate it, he talks about "getting people to do what you want without p*ssing them off" - which we do reference a fair bit in the podcast. [potty mouths].

Get in Touch

You will definitely have examples of Human Risk in your own personal or professional lives, and we'd love to hear about them. Anonymous submissions very welcome :-)

• email us: hello@sketchplanations.com
• OR leave us a voice note

Reference Links

In this episode we also reference:

• Jono's sketch on Phishing
• Absolute carnage at the Oscars when the wrong film was read out for Best Picture. Kinda funny. Hugely awkward.
• In our Listener Comments at the end of the episode we reference an awesome inforgraphic on "The Emotion of Colour" in reference to our episode with Lucia Fraser on The Basic Colour Wheel. It's well worth a look.

Guest Profile

Christian Hunt has over 27 years of experience in Financial Services, working in Investment Banking, Asset Management and a Family Office.

 His work benefits from the unique perspective of having held senior roles as both a Regulator and Risk & Compliance Officer.

You can find more information about Christian and his services and his book, Humanizing Rules at www.human-risk.com

You can peruse his collection of amusing "Compliance in the Wild" spotting on LinkedIn.

You can also listen to the Human Risk Podcast.

All music on this podcast is provided by the very talented Franc Cinelli.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Why not try a MicroAdventure?

They're smaller, achievable, won't break the bank and will go a long way to scratching that itch you might never have reached anyway.

In this episode we speak with the charming and inspirational Al Humphreys about adventures in his life, before focussing on the smaller, more achievable things we could all fit into our busy lives to keep our thirst for fun, physical activity and spiritual reward truly quenched. Al is the author of 14 books to date, is an accomplished and entertaining public speaker, podcaster and general all-round good guy. Our conversation is packed full of ideas for things you can do from your own doorstep that will ensure you have some great stories (and maybe photos) to share with friends and family - in fact, why not share your MicroAdventures with them too?

I know for a fact that since this conversation, Tommy climbs a tree near his office once a month during his lunch break!

Amongst many topics, we talk about the character traits of someone who enjoys adventure and adversity, what drives us to seek adventure and the legal & moral wrangling of responsible wild camping.

Get in Touch

How important is adventure in your life?

Do you have examples of your own MicroAdventures?

Let us know:

• email us: hello@sketchplanations.com
• OR leave us a voice note

Reference Links

In this episode we also reference:

• Custom Made Ordnance Survey Maps
• The Fun Scale podcast episode
• Small Little People TRIZ Tool podcast episode
• The book "As I Walked Out One Midsummer Morning" by Laurie Lee
• Example of a simple Bivvy Bag
• How to find the halfway point between you and others to define the perfect place to meet.

All music on this podcast is provided by the very talented Franc Cinelli.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Life wouldn’t be the same without it. 

But there are so many to choose from, how do we know which is the right colour?

eg. What colour car would you buy? What colour shoes? What colour paint for the new feature wall in the kitchen? 

Sometimes you just instinctively know what colour(s) to choose. It’s a vibe thing.

Other times, it’s nice to get a bit of help. And in this episode we speak with celebrated artist and ceramicist Lucia Fraser about the Basic Colour Wheel: Bringing a bit of structure and dare we say it, science to proceedings to help understand how colours relate to and complement each other. 

We also discuss how colour can affect and reflect our emotions.

I particularly enjoyed our discussion about how brand logos are different to art when it comes to colour and that the colours chosen often have clear functions to play.

Get in Touch

How important is colour in your life?

Have you ever used the colour wheel to help make a decision on something?

Let us know:

• email us: hello@sketchplanations.com
• OR leave us a voice note

Lucia Fraser profile

Lucia studied for her Honours degree in Fine Art at the University of Newcastle-upon-Tyne. She has since exhibited her work in galleries across the UK and has collaborated with iconic British design brands such as Hobbs and Heal’s Furniture. 

Lucia is a friend of mine, and I’m very proud to say that I have a few bits of her work in my house, like this gorgeous landscape-inspired ink canvas.

For more information on Lucia's work visit LuciaFraser.com

And you can follow her antics on Instagram.

Reference Links

In this episode we also reference:

• The iconic Gulf Oil racing livery
• Jono's Sketchplanation on Atmospheric Perspective

All music on this podcast is provided by the very talented Franc Cinelli.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We discuss our own tolerances for menial tasks (such as loading the dishwasher) and find examples of our own Goldilocks Tasks (like tough IKEA furniture builds). Through this, we dissect what makes us feel motivated in the work we do, and more importantly the work we enjoy doing.

How do ours compare to your Goldilocks Tasks? Where have you found your flow? Let us know:

• hello@sketchplanations.com
• OR leave us a voice note

In the podcast we reference the following which you might like to read more into:

• The Basic Colour Wheel
• Biz Stone's Book: Things a Little Bird Told Me
• Match challenge with skills to avoid boredom and anxiety
• The concept of Flow

All music provided by Franc Cinelli.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

So often in our professional and personal lives we're too busy to ever pause, reflect, and recharge before continuing.

One of the key mantras from Stephen Covey's book, 7 Habits of Highly Successful People is to stop and sharpen the saw every now and then to gain perspective, refresh thinking and re-prioritise.

Jono & Tommy give examples from their lives about how this approach has helped them at work and at home.

Rob brings the metaphor into the literal world with stories from his wood workshop.

In our discussion, we mention the following items, which you might want to take a closer look at:

• This song, It Costs That Much did the rounds on social media a while back for frustrated makers and crafters. It made me laugh.
• We covered the 5 Ways to Wellbeing with wellness expert Nancy Hey in podcast #15 from Series 1.
• Here's an example of a 5-year journal that Tommy was talking about. (Tommy sent me one of these in the post after we recorded the episode! :-)
• Jono references Arnold Schwarzenegger's motivational speech. Here's a clipped edit of the 1-hour a day section.
• Sketchplanations referenced:

Jólabókaflóð - Icelandic tradition of giving books at Christmas and staying in to read them.

Forest Bathing - to soak in the atmosphere of a forest

Solvitur Ambulando - It is solved by walking

From the postbag, Jono also references sketches to do with the dining / kitchen table:

• Kitchen Table Survival Skills
• Set your table in time-honoured positions

Tell us your stories or experiences with Sharpening The Saw.

email: hello@sketchplanations.com or leave us a voice note by clicking the blue microphone button.

All Music on this podcast series is provided by Franc Cinelli. Find many more tracks at franccinelli.com

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We chat with charming and witty, American author, illustrator, film-maker and ultra-runner Brendan Leonard about how he motivates himself to get going on various projects. Through his stories of physical adventure and creative endeavours we explore the different ways in which a definitive end-point to something (and sometimes a fear of it) can serve as the biggest kick.

In this discussion we reference:

• Brendan's latest book; Ultra Something
• Brendan's book on the journey of creative expression; Make It - 50 Myths and Truths about Creating
• Brendan's book on running; I Hate Running and You Can Too
• Brendan's film (and look out for the bit at the Finish Line that Brendan references in the podcast); How to Run 100 miles

Jono references his sketch on Forcing Function

We'd love to hear your stories of any experience with Finishing Lines. How much of a motivator are they for you? 

Ping us an email to: hello@sketchplanations.com or leave us a voice note when you click the blue microphone button on the website.

All Music on this podcast series is provided by Franc Cinelli. Find many more tracks at franccinelli.com

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As mentioned in the podcast, here's me on my 80s BMX with my 1st place trophy for cycling proficiency.

And here's a clip of the awards ceremony Jono referenced with the inimitable Steve Martin.

If you'd like to get in touch with us about any of our previous episode topics, your own experiences with the subjects we explore, or just to say hi, you can email us:

hello@sketchplanations.com

Or you can leave us a note or even a voice note on the podcast website.

Oh - and here's Jono's Imposter Syndrome sketch which is the best possible artwork we could chose for this episode - and which I'm sure we'll come back to at some point for a full podcast as it feels like something a lot of people can probably relate to.

Have a great summer and we'll see you in August.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

1 in 8 men will be diagnosed with Prostate Cancer in their lifetime and that number rises to 1 in 4 for black men.

Chances of survival increase dramatically with early diagnosis and so the best thing you can do as a man in the next 30 seconds is complete this Online Risk Checker which will guide you through your personal risk and advise on any next steps.

There's not a latex glove in sight! And that's exactly the point with the new and improved way for detecting prostate cancer.

We speak with Amy Rylance from Prostate Cancer UK to understand the new process for detecting prostate cancer and how it's both safer and more accurate.

You can see a bigger version of this week's sketch here.

We reference a number of research papers in the episode, which you can find here:

• The Lancet Commission on Prostate Cancer (gives a global perspective).
• The BJGP piece on how the evidence has shifted on the value of the digital rectal exam.

If you have any thoughts or stories you'd like to share with us please email us: hello@sketchplanations.com

Alternatively, leave us a message or even a voice note through the contact form .

I'm so grateful for my Dad's early diagnosis and treatment and will be celebrating that this Sunday.

And in case anyone's interested, I did phone up my GP after we recorded the podcast and was told my PSA blood results were normal.

It feel good to have started the conversation with my doctor though.

Find many more sketches at Sketchplanations.com

All Music on this podcast series is provided by Franc Cinelli. Find many more tracks at franccinelli.com

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It was observed and written about by American technology writer and consultant, Clay Shirky and has thus been given the name The Shirky Principle.

Through many examples, we explore how prevalent it's been in the world of products and consumables and try (but in all honesty, probably fail) to offer advice on how to avoid falling foul of it oneself.

We conclude that it's definitely something much easier to spot in others!

Here are some useful links if you want to find out more about some of the bits we discussed:

• Clay Shirky's book on Cognitive Surplus
• Jono's sketch on the Data, Information, Knowledge, Wisdom chain.
• Mitchell & Webb Toothbrush design marketing comedy sketch
• Structure of Scientific Revolutions by Thomas Kuhn
• Sketchplanations on the S-Curve

Please consider giving us a review or subscribing to our podcast on your podcast player. It really helps.

We'd love to hear your stories of any experience with The Shirky Principle.

Ping us an email to: hello@sketchplanations.com

All Music on this podcast series is provided by Franc Cinelli. Find many more tracks at franccinelli.com

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It's not always a given that your customers want dramatically different and perhaps there are times when you should swim against the current and others when you should let yourself go with the flow.

The real skill comes from experience, to know which mode to activate when.

Gordon also speaks about the need to be allowed to dream as an antidote to creative blockages.

Could this mindset help with any endeavours, be they creative or otherwise, in your world?

Additionally, we reference:

• Jono's Prints & Performances sketch.
• Approach Buffet from both Sides sketch
• The British Museum Clock Gallery

Please consider giving us a review or subscribing to our podcast on your podcast player. It really helps.

Please also consider ordering a copy of Jono's Sketchplanations book: Big Ideas, Little Pictures. Out now!

We'd love to hear your stories of creative mindsets and how you've overcome any barriers.

Ping us an email to: hello@sketchplanations.com

All Music on this podcast series is provided by Franc Cinelli. Find many more tracks at franccinelli.com

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It can be a very personal thing. It can be most powerful when shared.

It's on the radio, in our headphones on the commute, at the gym, on TV ads, in our favourite movies... what would the world be without it?

And what would the world be without the people who create it?

This episode, we interrogate singer, songwriter, producer, and friend of the show Franc Cinelli to find out how he goes about creating new music.

Where does it come from?

What are his processes?

And how does creating music relate to other areas of creativity in our lives?

if you're a regular listener you may or may not be aware that it's Franc's music we use on the podcast.

Most notably:

Driver - as our intro music.

The Impossible Breaks Free - as our transition into the episode's sketch-specific discussion

Julius Play His Winning Ace - (my favourite) at the end of the Listener Comments that round off each episode.

Find his music here on Apple or Spotify

Here's some good stuff to check out that we reference in the podcast:

Short Film: From Somewhere - Franc talks about his music making

Axis of Awesome - songs that use the same 4 chords

Steal Like An Artist - Book by Austin Kleon : 10 things nobody told you about being creative

And what would an episode of this podcast be without referring to another of Jono's sketches: 3,500 lifetime reads

As always, we'd love to know your thoughts about our discussion and you can email us here

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What about you?

In this episode:

• We discuss how beaches are prime spots for enjoyment for all ages and at any time of year.
• We talk about how they can be places for excitement and adrenaline; places to encourage creativity; places for quiet contemplation; and places that bring perspective to life.
• Tommy goads Jono into a debate about what's better: Mountains or Beaches.
• We share our best beach-find stories
• and as ever, we bring in a few of Jono's other related sketches:

+ Sea Jellies and Sea Stars

+ Types of surf breaks (waves)

+ The Anatomy of a wave

+ The Strand Line

And here's the photo of "the bomb" found on the beach up near Middlesbrough.

We'd love to hear from you about your best finds or your most memorable moments at the beach.

Email us: hello@sketchplanations.com

All music on this podcast series provided by the very talented Franc Cinelli.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Amongst many other clever things, Jono applies the principle to Football Management.

Tommy gives his insight to how relevant it is managing at the very top of a business.

And I tell how my capacity to teach stuff is severely limited by exactly the kind of incompetence the Peter Principle is based on.

Where do you feel you or maybe more interestingly, where do those around you sit within the Peter Principle?

Here are some useful links if you want to find out more about some of the bits we discussed:

• The Peter Principle was first proposed by Canadian educator, Laurence J. Peter . In one of his books, he also said that "noblest of all dogs is the hot dog; it feeds the hand that bites it."
• Creator of The Paula Principle is Tom Schuller
• The Dilbert Principle
• The Generalised Peter Principle sketch
• #1 Rule of Indoor Games
• The BBC Peter Principle sitcom with Jim Broadbent on YouTube

Please consider giving us a review or subscribing to our podcast on your podcast player. It really helps.

Please also consider putting in a pre-order for Jono's Sketchplanations book: Big Ideas, Little Pictures. Out very soon.

We'd love to hear your stories of any experience with The Peter Principle.

Ping us an email to: hello@sketchplanations.com

All Music on this podcast series is provided by Franc Cinelli. Find many more tracks at franccinelli.com

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this compilation, double-header episode discussing some of Jono's sketches that cover fascinating elements of botany, we are joined by 2-time gold medal winner at the world famous Chelsea Flower Show, author of 6 best-selling books, and ambassador for Kew Gardens; celebrated botanist, James Wong.

Rather than edit out a tonne of insightful, educational discussion points from James, we decided to publish this episode in two parts. This is Part 2.

The sketches we discussed are:

• Heat Islands
• The Browse Line
• The Hungry Gap
• Phoenix Trees
• Nurse Logs
• How to make your own Fresh Air

This last sketch was based on a TED talk by Kamal Meattle - and it's an interesting listen to hear how James dissects the theory behind it.

It was also a delight to discover that all 4 of us attended the University of Bath at the same time.

Please consider giving us a review or subscribing to our podcast on your podcast player. It really helps.

Please also consider putting in a pre-order for Jono's Sketchplanations book: Big Ideas, Little Pictures. Out very soon now.

Have a story or a thought about botany and your experiences with plants?

Ping us an email to: hello@sketchplanations.com

All Music on this podcast series is provided by Franc Cinelli. Find many more tracks at franccinelli.com

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this compilation, double-header episode discussing some of Jono's sketches that cover fascinating elements of botany, we are joined by 2-time gold medal winner at the world famous Chelsea Flower Show, author of 6 best-selling books, and ambassador for Kew Gardens; celebrated botanist, James Wong.

Rather than edit out a tonne of insightful, educational discussion points from James, we decided to publish this episode in two parts. This is Part 1.

The sketches we discussed are:

• Heat Islands
• The Browse Line
• The Hungry Gap
• Phoenix Trees
• Nurse Logs
• How to make your own Fresh Air

This last sketch was based on a TED talk by Kamal Meattle - and it's an interesting listen to hear how James dissects the theory behind it.

It was also a delight to discover that all 4 of us attended the University of Bath at the same time.

Please consider giving us a review or subscribing to our podcast on your podcast player. It really helps.

Please also consider putting in a pre-order for Jono's Sketchplanations book: Big Ideas, Little Pictures. Out very soon now.

Have a story or a thought about botany and your experiences with plants?

Ping us an email to: hello@sketchplanations.com

All Music on this podcast series is provided by Franc Cinelli. Find many more tracks at franccinelli.com

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It's just no fun.

And so we're starting the campaign to ditch biweekly and use fortnightly instead. See sketch here.

Try it out. You won't regret it.

Our discussion turns to the general ambiguity of language and how in many senses it's quite a good thing.

It allows for creative writing, comedy and ease of communication.

Lots of bits to link to this week from this week's episode - enjoy:

• Ian Hollingshead book - Imagine my surprise...
• William Empson's book - The 7 types of Ambiguity
• TED talk by Lera Boroditsky & here's her Instagram account too.
• Sketch on the Oxford comma
• Sketch on Context is King
• Sketch on Capitonyms
• Sketch on homonyms, homographs, homophones, heteronyms

Please consider giving us a review or subscribing to our podcast on your podcast player. It really helps.

Please also consider putting in a pre-order for Jono's Sketchplanations book: Big Ideas, Little Pictures. Out very soon now.

We'd love to hear your stories of any confusion with the words biweekly, bimonthly or biannually.

Ping us an email to: hello@sketchplanations.com

All Music on this podcast series is provided by Franc Cinelli. Find many more tracks at franccinelli.com

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Actually, it doesn't matter if you do or not, you're bound to have come across averages of some kind at some point.

And, as we discuss in this episode, the average can often hide key information about a data set.

We'd love to know your thoughts or experiences with Sneaky Averages.

email us: hello@sketchplanations.com

There's an old story about the statistician who drowned after seeing that the average depth was 3ft. Averages, or in this case the mean, necessarily hide some data, but very often they also hide what's really going on.

As Jono's psychology professor at UC Berkeley, Sheldon Zedeck, taught him; spend time with your data.

You can find the headline sketch here.

Other sketches referenced in this episode include:

• SwimRun
• Wealth inequality in the US
• The BS Asymmetry Principle

Additionally, we mention the very entertaining website spurious correlations - where you'll find a whole load of amusing graphs.

We mentioned Edward Tufty's work: The Visual Display of Quantitative Information

There's the ever-fascinating musings of Tim Harford in his podcast (More or Less) and his book (The Undercover Economist)

And there's our mate Jez Clements who holds the Guiness World marathon record for the fastest male dressed as a 3D TV Character.

Finally, I'm not the only one who struggles saying the word "statistics" repeatedly!!

Find many more sketches at Sketchplanations.com

All Music on this podcast series is provided by Franc Cinelli. Find many more tracks at franccinelli.com

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

That's Groupthink!

Do you remember the story of 12 Angry Men? How it took the resilience of one jury member to arrive at a correct verdict of not guilty.

That's Groupthink.

Thankfully, Jono suggests various ways to help avoid falling into the Groupthink mentality. See the sketch online for more details.

The sketchplanation itself is set in a professional environment - where I'm sure many people have experienced it.

Let us know.

email hello@sketchplanations.com

Other sketches referenced include:

• Bandwagon Effect
• Bystander Effect
• Firehouse Effect
• Abilene Paradox

We also reference the concept of psychological safety - a very apt phrase in this context coined by American author and Professor of Leadership at Harvard Business School, Amy Edmondson

All Music on this podcast series is provided by Franc Cinelli. Find many more tracks at franccinelli.com

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

#EpicFail comes to mind.

This human experience can also be described as Schadenfreude, a nifty German word made up of schaden for damage, harm or hurt and freude for joy. Taking pleasure in others’ misfortunes.

And so begins a litany of examples amongst the three of us of times we've felt schadenfreude.

We learn that there are different types (summarised as 'good' and 'bad'), that some of us experience it more than others, and that there could be learnings in it for all of us to help consider our relationship with those around us.

You can find the headline sketch here.

We regularly reference the writing of cultural historian, Tiffany Watt Smith and her book on the topic.

Let us know your stories where you've experienced schadenfreude. We'll try not to laugh.

email us: hello@sketchplanations.com

alternatively, you can find all three of us on Social Media here too: Jono Hey, Tom Pellereau, Rob Bell.

Find many more sketches at Sketchplanations.com

All Music on this podcast series is provided by Franc Cinelli. Find many more tracks at franccinelli.com

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Do you identify as someone who regularly spends too much time on various projects or endeavours for the quality of output required?

Yeah - you're not alone.

This week we discuss the Law of Diminishing Returns and explore how prevalent it is across all our lives: professionally, academically, socially - it's everywhere.

We try to identify various ways to know when enough is enough. But it's not always easy.

You can find the headline sketch here.

Other sketches referenced in this episode include:

• In Tandem
• 5 User Tests find 85% of problems
• For want of a nail

Additionally, we reference the inspiration for Jono's sketch itself from this absolute favourite sketch of mine about Too Many Cooks Spoil The Broth from the masterful comedy team Big Train.

Go on. Lose yourself for 10 minutes!

We'd love to know your thoughts or experiences with The Law of Diminishing Returns.

email us: hello@sketchplanations.com

alternatively, you can find all three of us on Social Media here too: Jono Hey, Tom Pellereau, Rob Bell.

Find many more sketches at Sketchplanations.com

All Music on this podcast series is provided by Franc Cinelli. Find many more tracks at franccinelli.com

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It might surprise you to know that Designers and Problem Solvers sometimes imagine this exact scenario to help them overcome creative challenges.

"Smart Little People" is one of a number of tools from a design framework called TRIZ.

In this episode, we talk about what TRIZ involves, and how Smart Little People have helped Jono, Tommy and others produce products and services in our every day lives.

Find the Smart Little People sketch here.

See Jono's other sketches related to TRIZ tools here.

What problems would you employ Smart Little People to help you figure out?

Let us know at hello@sketchplanations.com or by leaving us comments on social media.

All Music on this podcast series is provided by Franc Cinelli. Find many more tracks at franccinelli.com

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Find the answer to all these questions and more in this compilation episode about cars, driving and life on the road.

Find all the sketches referenced here:

• Passing on an inside Bend
• Marchetti's Constant
• Exhaust Idling
• The Doppler Effect
• The Piston
• The Windscreen Phenomenon
• Tiredness Can Kill
• Use of the Car Horn
• Human senses and pace

We also referenced a BBC video demonstrating The Doppler Effect with a trombone on a train.

Let us know your thoughts on all these topics by emailing us: hello@sketchplanations.com

Or leave us a comment or a message on Social Media.

Extended version of the podcast now available to watch here on YouTube.

All music on the podcast series kindly provided by Franc Cinelli. Find all his music, gigs and more here.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Too much can be a real burden.

This week we talk about the 4 Pillars of Too Much - as explored by simplicity parenting, and it doesn't take us long to reveal that all 3 of us feel like we suffer from too much stuff, too much choice, too much information and things happening around us too fast.

Is this the modern world we live in? Or a world we've created ourselves?

We try to offer up some strategies to try and cope with and manage these excesses, but are also the first to admit how difficult we find it to make changes. That said, I'm off to charity shop now to offload some books I've already read, or know I'll never read.

We'd love to hear from you with your thoughts on, experiences with and strategies to manage The 4 Pillars of Too Much.

Email us: hello@sketchplanations.com

Or leave us a comment or a message on Social Media.

Extended version of the podcast now available to watch here on YouTube.

The artwork for this episode should be displaying the sketch under examination. If not, you can find it here.

Other connected sketches discussed include:

• The Laws of Expansion
• The Paradox of Choice
• A Good Teacher is like a DJ for Learning
• When Drinking Tea, Just Drink Tea
• Mean World Syndrome

All music on the podcast series kindly provided by Franc Cinelli. Find all his music, gigs and more here.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How does the number 150 sit with you and your social network?

Or the number of contacts on your phone?

Or even the number of people invited to your wedding?

We'd love to hear from you. Let us know at hello@sketchplanations.com or by leaving comments and messages for this episode on Instagram or Twitter.

You can find all three of us on Social Media here too: Jono Hey, Tom Pellereau, Rob Bell.

Find many more sketches at Sketchplanations.com

All Music on this podcast series is provided by Franc Cinelli. Find many more tracks at franccinelli.com

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The experience or event that we remember through the Peak-End filter can be short or long, it can be good or bad. Our brains are very good at dropping a lot of the detail and focussing on Peaks and Ends. You can see Jono's sketch on it here.

Can you think of times in your life where your memory might be affected by this? Let us know at hello@sketchplanations.com or by leaving comments and messages for this episode on Instagram or Twitter.

This is our final episode of Series 1, but we'll be back in the Autumn with a second series.

In the meantime, you can find all three of us on Social Media here: Jono Hey, Tom Pellereau, Rob Bell.

Find many more sketches at Sketchplanations.com

All Music on this podcast series is provided by Franc Cinelli. Find many more tracks at franccinelli.com

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Suggestions for actions we can all integrate into our lives to try and take a holistic approach to improving our mental capacity and wellbeing.

Do you have any additional suggestions or things that work for you? Let us know at hello@sketchplanations.com or by leaving comments and messages for this episode on Instagram or Twitter.

See Jono's sketch here: https://sketchplanations.com/5-ways-to-wellbeing

You can find all three of us on Social Media here too: Jono Hey, Tom Pellereau, Rob Bell.

Find many more sketches at Sketchplanations.com

All Music on this podcast series is provided by Franc Cinelli. Find many more tracks at franccinelli.com

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

If you're interested in quirky words, linguistic devices and grammar, then there'll be lots in this week's episode for you.

It's another BUMPER PACK QuickFire Round.

Every day's a school day! But we promise you won't get told off if you haven't done your homework.

In order of appearance:

1/. Kaffikok

2/. Advise vs Advice

3/. Affect vs Effect

4/. Pleonasm

5/. Amateur vs Professional

6/. Pyrrhic Victory

7/. Flotsam & Jetsam

8/. Contranym

9/. NATO Phonetic Alphabet

10/. Compliment vs Complement

11/. Less vs Fewer

12/. Tsundoku

Email us at hello@sketchplanations.com with your takes on these sketches or you can leave us comments and messages for this episode on Social Media.

You can find all three of us on Social Media here too: Jono Hey, Tom Pellereau, Rob Bell.

All Music on this podcast series is provided by Franc Cinelli. Find many more tracks at franccinelli.com

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week we discuss our relationships with time-keeping and explore how the impacts can be much bigger than you might first think.

What's your relationship with punctuality? We'd love to hear from you. Let us know at hello@sketchplanations.com or by leaving comments and messages for this episode on Instagram or Twitter.

You can find all three of us on Social Media here too: Jono Hey, Tom Pellereau, Rob Bell.

Find many more sketches at Sketchplanations.com

All Music on this podcast series is provided by Franc Cinelli. Find many more tracks at franccinelli.com

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

See Jono's sketch of Crossmodal Perception here.

We also mentioned Jono's proprioception sketch.

Here's the YouTube video of the McGurk Effect.

And here's that silly but quite funny police dashcam video of the driver getting caught out being drunk. We do not condone this behaviour.

Any specific examples of crossmodal perception that you're aware of? We'd love to hear from you. Let us know at hello@sketchplanations.com or by leaving comments and messages for this episode on Instagram or Twitter.

You can find all three of us on Social Media here too: Jono Hey, Tom Pellereau, Rob Bell.

Find many more sketches at Sketchplanations.com

All Music on this podcast series is provided by Franc Cinelli. Find many more tracks at franccinelli.com

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We explore the phenomenon of Goodhart's Law; which says that as soon as a measure of something becomes a target determining success or failure, it ceases to be a good measure of performance - because there's a high chance we'll find cheeky ways to get there... won't we?

See Jono's sketch of Goodhart's Law here.

Jono mentions his sketch covering The Cobra Effect.

Have you ever played the system to hit a target or have you been frustrated when it's been done to you? Let us know at hello@sketchplanations.com or by leaving comments and messages for this episode on Instagram or Twitter.

You can find all three of us on Social Media here too: Jono Hey, Tom Pellereau, Rob Bell.

Find many more sketches at Sketchplanations.com

All Music on this podcast series is provided by Franc Cinelli. Find many more tracks at franccinelli.com

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Then this is the episode for you.

This week we try out a new format - The BUMPER PACK QuickFire Round of our favourite Sketches that we've found to be remarkably surprising.

In order of appearance:

1/. Moonpool

2/. Twit-Twoo

3/. Better To Be Interested Than Interesting

4/. Ordering Adjectives

5/. Ablaut Reduplication

6/. Bright Light to Free Your Sneeze

7/. Keep Your Night Vision

8/. 1.5 Billion Heartbeats

9/. Stack Shirts Vertically

10/. Wayne's World Pizza

11/. Enjoy Your Hotel Room More

12/. Use Both Sides of the Towel

Email us at hello@sketchplanations.com with your takes on these sketches or you can leave us comments and messages for this episode on Social Media.

You can find all three of us on Social Media here too: Jono Hey, Tom Pellereau, Rob Bell.

All Music on this podcast series is provided by Franc Cinelli. Find many more tracks at franccinelli.com

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We stretch the metaphor of Life As Theatre about as far as we can in this episode to explore just how different we act when the spotlight is either on or off of us.

If not already visible as the artwork for this episode, check out Jono's sketch here: https://sketchplanations.com/front-stage-back-stage

Let us know how your stories of Front and Back stage at hello@sketchplanations.com or by leaving comments and messages for this episode on Instagram or Twitter.

You can find all three of us on Social Media here too: Jono Hey, Tom Pellereau, Rob Bell.

Find many more sketches at Sketchplanations.com

All Music on this podcast series is provided by Franc Cinelli. Find many more tracks at franccinelli.com

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Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Behaviours like blame, or making excuses only leave you with a victim mindset - which isn't usually very productive.

Jono references another of his sketches: Reasons Stop Mattering

Have you had experiences of when being accountable, no matter how difficult the situation, have resulted in positive outcomes? Let us know at hello@sketchplanations.com or by leaving comments and messages for this episode on Instagram or Twitter.

You can find all three of us on Social Media here too: Jono Hey, Tom Pellereau, Rob Bell.

Find many more sketches at Sketchplanations.com

All Music on this podcast series is provided by Franc Cinelli. Find many more tracks at franccinelli.com

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Is there perhaps something you deem fungible that other don't; or vice versa? Let us know by emailing hello@sketchplanations.com or leave us comments and messages for this episode on Instagram or Twitter.

You can find all three of us on Social Media here too: Jono Hey, Tom Pellereau, Rob Bell.

Find many more sketches at Sketchplanations.com

All Music on this podcast series is provided by Franc Cinelli. Find many more tracks at franccinelli.com

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We also discuss how at times, it's nearly killed us!

We'd love to hear your experiences of when being optimistic has really worked out for you, or not... You can send us an email to hello@sketchplanations.com or leave us comments and messages for this episode on Instagram or Twitter.

You can find all three of us on Social Media here too: Jono Hey, Tom Pellereau, Rob Bell.

Find many more sketches at Sketchplanations.com

All Music on this podcast series is provided by Franc Cinelli. Find many more tracks at franccinelli.com

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The best answer to that is possibly; Now. Like, right now!

But if you need a bit more of a kick to get going, why not tie it in with the start of something else? Like the start of the day, or the start of the week, or the month or the year?

Jono references a different sketch in the podcast about 9-enders ; which I love.

Let us know your experiences with making a fresh start by sending us an email to hello@sketchplanations.com or by leaving comments and messages for this episode on Instagram or Twitter.

You can find all three of us on Social Media here too: Jono Hey, Tom Pellereau, Rob Bell.

Find many more sketches at Sketchplanations.com

All Music on this podcast series is provided by Franc Cinelli. Find many more tracks at franccinelli.com

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We discuss how much more effective and open a conversation can be by not filling a silence.

Jono references another of his sketches: Listen with Passion

Let us know your thoughts on using silence in your interactions by sending us an email to hello@sketchplanations.com or by leaving comments and messages for this episode on Instagram or Twitter.

You can find all three of us on Social Media here too: Jono Hey, Tom Pellereau, Rob Bell.

Find many more sketches at Sketchplanations.com

All Music on this podcast series is provided by Franc Cinelli. Find many more tracks at franccinelli.com

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Tom references Mind Over Tech as helping him with his phone habits.

Let us know your thoughts on Phubbing by leaving comments and messages for this episode on Instagram or Twitter.

You can find all three of us on Social Media here too: Jono Hey, Tom Pellereau, Rob Bell.

Find many more sketches at Sketchplanations.com

All Music on this podcast series is provided by Franc Cinelli. Find many more tracks at franccinelli.com

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In the podcast, we apply it to software coding, project management, family holidays, winning The Apprentice and more...

Jono also references another sketch that covers Hofstadter's Law.

Let us know when you've ended up Yak Shaving by leaving comments for this sketch on Instagram or Twitter.

You can find all three of us on Social Media here: Jono Hey, Tom Pellereau, Rob Bell.

Find many more sketches at Sketchplanations.com

All Music on this podcast series is provided by Franc Cinelli. Find many more tracks at franccinelli.com

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Type 1: Fun to do at the time and fun to think back on.

Type 2: Requires a bit of work at the time, but ultimately fun in retrospect

Type 3: Not necessarily fun at all, but makes for a great story (the telling of which is fun!).

In this episode we discuss our experiences with all 3 of them and propose a possible 4th Type of "Fun".

Let us know your experiences of The Fun Scale by leaving comments for this sketch on Instagram or Twitter.

You can find all three of us on Social Media here: Jono Hey, Tom Pellereau, Rob Bell.

Find many more sketches at Sketchplanations.com

All Music on this podcast series is provided by Franc Cinelli. Find loads more tracks at franccinelli.com

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.