Thanks for coming back! I've surprised myself here. I wasn't actually expecting to bring the podcast back at all until later in the year. But, such is life; full of surprises. Box of chocolates something something... This week; why I haven't been reading enough and why you should read more.

Thanks for coming back! I've surprised myself here. I wasn't actually expecting to bring the podcast back at all until later in the year. But, such is life; full of surprises. Box of chocolates something something... This week; why I haven't been reading enough and why you should read more.

Episode 022 - Read more; it's good for you

Robert Skrobe

This episode - the TENTH in Season 2 and the TWENTY-FIRST overall! - holds another Creative Conversation. This time, I sit down with GVDS and Dallas Design Sprints founder Robert Skrobe. We talked about Design Sprints in general, the GVDS event, bringing communities together, and what might be next for collaborative design activities. Robert gives us some amazing insights into how he thinks about Sprinting - there are a couple of great takeaways that might improve your own sessions, too. He also turned the tables on me and dug into my experience during GVDS, which I was more than happy to share! Enjoy the episode. Show Notes Dallas Design Sprints Global Virtual Design Sprint Robert Skrobe on LinkedIn

This episode - the TENTH in Season 2 and the TWENTY-FIRST overall! - holds another Creative Conversation. This time, I sit down with GVDS and Dallas Design Sprints founder Robert Skrobe. We talked about Design Sprints in general, the GVDS event, bringing communities together, and what might be next for collaborative design activities. Robert gives us some amazing insights into how he thinks about Sprinting - there are a couple of great takeaways that might improve your own sessions, too. He also turned the tables on me and dug into my experience during GVDS, which I was more than happy to share! Enjoy the episode. Show Notes <a href="https://www.dallasdesignsprints.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Dallas Design Sprints</a> <a href="https://www.virtualdesignsprint.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Global Virtual Design Sprint</a> <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/robert-skrobe-8620901/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Robert Skrobe on LinkedIn</a>

Episode 021 - Creative Conversations - Robert Skrobe

EPISODE 20! Amazing stuff. I wanted to bring you another Creative Conversation this week, but the Tech Gods were conspiring against me. Instead, you've got a brief ramble-cast to get you to work. I chat GVDS, Death Stranding, 'The Power Of Moments', and consider why you need to tie your shoes before you leave the house (or something to that effect!)

EPISODE 20! Amazing stuff. I wanted to bring you another Creative Conversation this week, but the Tech Gods were conspiring against me. Instead, you've got a brief ramble-cast to get you to work. I chat GVDS, Death Stranding, 'The Power Of Moments', and consider why you need to tie your shoes before you leave the house (or something to that effect!)

Episode 020 - Tie Your Shoes Before Stepping Out!

Welcome back! This week I had the opportunity to sit down with my good friend Helen Joy - UX researcher, speaker, and tech community advocate - to talk about the work she's doing right now, the state of our communities, and inclusive design. It was a long-overdue chat; we could have gone on way longer than our hour. There'll be a Part 2 at some point... Enjoy this episode of The Sideman Designer: Creative Conversations.

Welcome back! This week I had the opportunity to sit down with my good friend Helen Joy - UX researcher, speaker, and tech community advocate - to talk about the work she's doing right now, the state of our communities, and inclusive design. It was a long-overdue chat; we could have gone on way longer than our hour. There'll be a Part 2 at some point... Enjoy this episode of The Sideman Designer: Creative Conversations.

Episode 019 - Creative Conversations - Helen Joy

Check out that clickbait title! Seriously, though... I don't believe that 'effective multitasking' is a possibility even for the most self-aware, personally in-tune amongst us. This week I had a short conversation with myself about feeling overwhelmed and how, when trying to cram too much in, we limit our capacity to do our best work. Join me online! Instagram (@tomjepsoncreative) Twitter (@thepixelgrid) Patreon.com/tomjepsoncreative

Check out that clickbait title! Seriously, though... I don't believe that 'effective multitasking' is a possibility even for the most self-aware, personally in-tune amongst us. This week I had a short conversation with myself about feeling overwhelmed and how, when trying to cram too much in, we limit our capacity to do our best work. Join me online! <a href="https://www.instagram.com/tomjepsoncreative/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Instagram (@tomjepsoncreative)</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/thepixelgrid" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Twitter (@thepixelgrid)</a> <a href="https://www.patreon.com/tomjepsoncreative" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Patreon.com/tomjepsoncreative</a>

Episode 018 - Anyone Who Says They Can Multitask Effectively Is Lying To You

In this episode - the latest in the Creative Conversations series - I sit down with online educator, speaker, and writer Stephen Haunts. A tenured software engineer, Stephen runs his own business creating courses for Pluralsight along with writing books on technical (and non-technical) subjects, speaking at conferences around the globe, along with running his own podcast 'The Side Hustle Success'. It was great to talk to Stephen at length about technical education along with a number of other very interesting topics Enjoy the episode!

In this episode - the latest in the Creative Conversations series - I sit down with online educator, speaker, and writer Stephen Haunts. A tenured software engineer, Stephen runs his own business creating courses for Pluralsight along with writing books on technical (and non-technical) subjects, speaking at conferences around the globe, along with running his own podcast 'The Side Hustle Success'. It was great to talk to Stephen at length about technical education along with a number of other very interesting topics Enjoy the episode!

Episode 017 - Creative Conversations - Stephen Haunts

In this weeks' episode, I talk about getting showered with shade online! With every post, every comment, and every ‘share’ we make, we as content creators stand a pretty good chance of upsetting someone. It’s increasingly apparent that you can’t please everyone. I want to dig in and think about a way we can (try to) make the best of a bad situation, put ourselves in someone else's shoes, and learn from the experience. Show Links 'Screw The Nine To Five' podcast Patreon Twitter Instagram

In this weeks' episode, I talk about getting showered with shade online! With every post, every comment, and every ‘share’ we make, we as content creators stand a pretty good chance of upsetting someone. It’s increasingly apparent that you can’t please everyone. I want to dig in and think about a way we can (try to) make the best of a bad situation, put ourselves in someone else's shoes, and learn from the experience. Show Links '<a href="https://www.screwtheninetofive.com/podcast/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Screw The Nine To Five' podcast</a> <a href="https://www.patreon.com/tomjepsoncreative" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Patreon</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/thepixelgrid" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Twitter</a> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/tomjepsoncreative/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Instagram</a>

Episode 016 - Handling the Haters

Charles Burdett

In this week's Creative Conversation, I talk to Charles Burdett; a freelance UX consultant and the creator of 'Workshop Tactics'. We talked about the state of workshop resources, planning and facilitating workshops, how your experience and confidence leads to developing your own style, plus the experience of designing and developing a product from the ground up. I really enjoyed talking with Charles about his journey; I hope you enjoy listening in. Show Notes Gamestorming SessionLab Workshop Tactics on Twitter Pre-order v1 of the Workshop Tactics deck Workshop Tactics online for FREE! The Sideman Designer on Patreon @tomjepsoncreative on Instagram @thepixelgrid on Twitter tomjepsoncreative.work on the web

In this week's Creative Conversation, I talk to <a href="https://twitter.com/DurableStretch" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Charles Burdett</a>; a freelance UX consultant and the creator of 'Workshop Tactics'. We talked about the state of workshop resources, planning and facilitating workshops, how your experience and confidence leads to developing your own style, plus the experience of designing and developing a product from the ground up. I really enjoyed talking with Charles about his journey; I hope you enjoy listening in. Show Notes <a href="https://gamestorming.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Gamestorming</a> <a href="https://www.sessionlab.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">SessionLab</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/WorkshopTactics" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Workshop Tactics on Twitter</a> <a href="https://www.workshoptactics.com/products/workshop-tactics-deck" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Pre-order v1 of the Workshop Tactics deck</a> <a href="https://www.workshoptactics.com/pages/tactics" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Workshop Tactics online for FREE!</a> <a href="https://www.patreon.com/tomjepsoncreative" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Sideman Designer on Patreon</a> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/tomjepsoncreative" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">@tomjepsoncreative on Instagram</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/thepixelgrid" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">@thepixelgrid on Twitter</a> <a href="https://tomjepsoncreative.work" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">tomjepsoncreative.work on the web</a>

Episode 015 - Creative Conversations - Charles Burdett

In this weeks' verbose solocast, I talk about the week that was and dig into two themes that mean a lot to me: doing good work, and working remotely. I look at some thoughts sent to me from creative pros on the Twitterverse on the subject of what good work looks like and what drives them; thanks to everyone who sent commentary on that. I also dig into some initial thoughts on remote work, what that might look like for you, and how it can be a catalyst for doing your best work. Enjoy episode 14 of The Sideman Designer.  Show Notes Last week’s episode Website progress Adam Savage - Every Tool’s a Hammer Support your meetups - DxN, Nottingham @simonrohrbach  05:57 - Theme: What does good work look like to you? Contributors: @stephenhaunts @MarosiLorant  09:41 - Theme: Remote work, pricing, and doing your best work @theChrisDo @thefuturishere  Patreon - patreon.com/tomjepsoncreative Twitter - @thepixelgrid Instagram - tomjepsoncreative Online - tomjepsoncreative.work

In this weeks' verbose solocast, I talk about the week that was and dig into two themes that mean a lot to me: doing good work, and working remotely. I look at some thoughts sent to me from creative pros on the Twitterverse on the subject of what good work looks like and what drives them; thanks to everyone who sent commentary on that. I also dig into some initial thoughts on remote work, what that might look like for you, and how it can be a catalyst for doing your best work. Enjoy episode 14 of The Sideman Designer. Show Notes <a href="https://anchor.fm/tomjepsoncreative/episodes/Episode-013---Creative-Conversations---Jonathan-Relf-e63n41" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Last week’s episode</a> Website progress <a href="https://amzn.to/2B9gOxC" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Adam Savage - Every Tool’s a Hammer</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/dxnevent" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Support your meetups - DxN, Nottingham</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/simonrohrbach" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">@simonrohrbach</a> 05:57 - Theme: What does good work look like to you? Contributors: <a href="https://twitter.com/stephenhaunts" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">@stephenhaunts</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/marosilorant" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">@MarosiLorant</a> 09:41 - Theme: Remote work, pricing, and doing your best work <a href="https://twitter.com/theChrisDo" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">@theChrisDo</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/thefuturishere" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">@thefuturishere</a> <a href="https://www.patreon.com/tomjepsoncreative" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Patreon - patreon.com/tomjepsoncreative</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/thepixelgrid" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Twitter - @thepixelgrid</a> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/tomjepsoncreative/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Instagram - tomjepsoncreative</a> <a href="https://tomjepsoncreative.work" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Online - tomjepsoncreative.work</a>

Episode 014 - Wherever You Are You Can Be Where The Action Is

It's here! Episode 13 of The Sideman Designer podcast, a show for creative minds, companies of one, and the people both behind the scenes and front-of-house making great work happen. This week I am over the moon to bring you the first 'Creative Conversation'; we kick off this new format with my friend and ex-podcast colleague Jonathan Relf (@jbjon on Twitter). It was a smashing conversation; we went quite deep into creativity in 'non-creative' roles and putting ourselves in a place where we can 'think better'. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did! As always, there's some commentary and weekly chat from me to start and close the episode. Show Notes and Links Live on Instagram Offscreen Mag Issue 21 Deep Work by Cal Newport The Power of Habit by Charles Duhigg Support the podcast on Patreon Find me on Twitter

It's here! Episode 13 of The Sideman Designer podcast, a show for creative minds, companies of one, and the people both behind the scenes and front-of-house making great work happen. This week I am over the moon to bring you the first 'Creative Conversation'; we kick off this new format with my friend and ex-podcast colleague <a href="https://twitter.com/jbjon" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Jonathan Relf</a> (@jbjon on Twitter). It was a smashing conversation; we went quite deep into creativity in 'non-creative' roles and putting ourselves in a place where we can 'think better'. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did! As always, there's some commentary and weekly chat from me to start and close the episode. Show Notes and Links <a href="https://www.instagram.com/tomjepsoncreative/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Live on Instagram</a> <a href="https://www.offscreenmag.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Offscreen Mag Issue 21</a> <a href="https://amzn.to/2oSOSer" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Deep Work by Cal Newport</a> <a href="https://amzn.to/2Vdx2Pk" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Power of Habit by Charles Duhigg</a> <a href="https://www.patreon.com/tomjepsoncreative" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Support the podcast on Patreon</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/thepixelgrid" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Find me on Twitter</a>

Episode 013 - Creative Conversations - Jonathan Relf

The Sideman Designer is a podcast for creative minds, companies of one, and the people both behind the scenes and front of house making great work happen.

Welcome to Season 2 of The Sideman Designer! In this first full episode, I talk about two fantastic books I read over the summer, give you a candid breakdown of the strategies I laid out for my business and where I got to with them and talk about distraction and how I'm managing it day-to-day. I hope you enjoy this feature-length solo-cast.  Show Notes Patreon &amp; shout-outs Podcast progress 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Steven R. Covey Start Now. Get Perfect Later by Rob Moore (@robprogressive) Strategy chat Managing distraction Love Your Work from David Kadavy (@kadavy) Love Your Work Ep. 195 with Nir Eyal (@nireyal)  Links https://www.patreon.com/tomjepsoncreative https://twitter.com/thepixelgrid https://www.instagram.com/tomjepsoncreative https://tomjepsoncreative.work/

Welcome to Season 2 of The Sideman Designer! In this first full episode, I talk about two fantastic books I read over the summer, give you a candid breakdown of the strategies I laid out for my business and where I got to with them and talk about distraction and how I'm managing it day-to-day. I hope you enjoy this feature-length solo-cast. Show Notes <a href="https://www.patreon.com/tomjepsoncreative" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Patreon</a> &amp; shout-outs Podcast progress <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Habits-Highly-Effective-People/dp/0684858398/ref=as_li_ss_tl?crid=2THSVV3A3LA18&amp;keywords=7+habits+of+highly+effective+people&amp;qid=1569744492&amp;sprefix=7+h,aps,145&amp;sr=8-1&amp;linkCode=ll1&amp;tag=tomjepsoncrea-21&amp;linkId=0152445dc86ee92943111f13333aae71&amp;language=en_GB" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">7 Habits of Highly Effective People</a> by Steven R. Covey <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Start-Now-Get-Perfect-Later/dp/1473685435/ref=as_li_ss_tl?keywords=start+now&amp;qid=1569744528&amp;sr=8-1&amp;linkCode=ll1&amp;tag=tomjepsoncrea-21&amp;linkId=aee733ce9e6f923f2294a68d6efba3ed&amp;language=en_GB" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Start Now. Get Perfect Later</a> by Rob Moore (<a href="https://twitter.com/robprogressive" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">@robprogressive</a>) Strategy chat Managing distraction <a href="https://kadavy.net/blog/archive/love-your-work/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Love Your Work</a> from David Kadavy (<a href="https://twitter.com/kadavy" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">@kadavy</a>) <a href="https://kadavy.net/blog/posts/nir-eyal-indistractable/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Love Your Work Ep. 195</a> with Nir Eyal (<a href="https://twitter.com/nireyal" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">@nireyal</a>) Links <a href="https://www.patreon.com/tomjepsoncreative" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.patreon.com/tomjepsoncreative</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/thepixelgrid" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://twitter.com/thepixelgrid</a> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/tomjepsoncreative/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.instagram.com/tomjepsoncreative</a> <a href="https://tomjepsoncreative.work/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://tomjepsoncreative.work/</a>

Episode 012 - The One Where I Didn't Finish Anything

In this pre-season warm-up, I talk about making conscious choices in your digital life, giving yourself the space to be more present and the space to have space! Season 2 of The Sideman Designer will be back in the coming weeks with some new formats, great conversations, and plenty of food for thought.

In this pre-season warm-up, I talk about making conscious choices in your digital life, giving yourself the space to be more present and the space to have space! Season 2 of The Sideman Designer will be back in the coming weeks with some new formats, great conversations, and plenty of food for thought.

Episode 011 - Your Choice of Channels

This week we hit a milestone: it's episode 10! In what is the final episode of the first season of the show, I talk about staying well-rounded as a designer (and a human being who is interested in, well, things!), share my summer reading list, and celebrate working for yourself and doing things your way.

This week we hit a milestone: it's episode 10! In what is the final episode of the first season of the show, I talk about staying well-rounded as a designer (and a human being who is interested in, well, things!), share my summer reading list, and celebrate working for yourself and doing things your way.

Episode 010 - You Can Go Your Own Way

Knowing when the time is right to ‘make a leap’ or pursue the type of people you want to work with can feel very intimidating. This week, we’re all about feeling good enough to do what you want to do as a professional and valuing ‘your take’ on whatever it is you’re doing.

Knowing when the time is right to ‘make a leap’ or pursue the type of people you want to work with can feel very intimidating. This week, we’re all about feeling good enough to do what you want to do as a professional and valuing ‘your take’ on whatever it is you’re doing.

Episode 009 - You Are Good Enough

This week, I talk about something really important (no, seriously); staying healthy both physically and mentally when you work for yourself. Working in a place where we could be glued to our chair for 8 hours a day, on our own, we need to make sure we're getting up, out, and into the company of others (if only to remember how to say 'Hi, how's it going?').

This week, I talk about something really important (no, seriously); staying healthy both physically and mentally when you work for yourself. Working in a place where we could be glued to our chair for 8 hours a day, on our own, we need to make sure we're getting up, out, and into the company of others (if only to remember how to say 'Hi, how's it going?').

Episode 008 - Staying Healthy When Working For Yourself

In this episode, I share my experience of running a workshop that didn't go quite how I was expecting. There's some practical advice on staying flexible and making the most of what happens in the room. Plus, Hamilton, Stranger Things, and more...!

In this episode, I share my experience of running a workshop that didn't go quite how I was expecting. There's some practical advice on staying flexible and making the most of what happens in the room. Plus, Hamilton, Stranger Things, and more...!

Episode 007 - In the room where it happens...

I wondered how long into the lifecycle of this podcast it would take me to hit into some real 'business end' conversation... As it happens, six is the magic number! This time, I share the current lay of the land for my business, why I've pivoted away from some strategic moves I was making, and how iteration in your own business can be a really positive thing. If you want to support the podcast, you can do so here: www.patreon.com/tomjepsoncreative

I wondered how long into the lifecycle of this podcast it would take me to hit into some real 'business end' conversation... As it happens, six is the magic number! This time, I share the current lay of the land for my business, why I've pivoted away from some strategic moves I was making, and how iteration in your own business can be a really positive thing. If you want to support the podcast, you can do so here: <a href="https://gate.sc/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.patreon.com%2Ftomjepsoncreative&amp;token=b7805e-1-1569750315691" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">www.patreon.com/tomjepsoncreative</a>

Episode 006 - Pivot!

I thought this week's episode was going to be a brief review of Warren Berger's magnificent 'A More Beautiful Question'. It turns out I fancied a bit of a ramble and dug a little deeper... Welcome to The Sideman Designer, episode five!

I thought this week's episode was going to be a brief review of Warren Berger's magnificent 'A More Beautiful Question'. It turns out I fancied a bit of a ramble and dug a little deeper... Welcome to The Sideman Designer, episode five!

Episode 005 - A More Beautiful Question

Four weeks in and we're building momentum... This episode I share some great podcast I've been listening to during a week of torrential rain, plus go (sort of) deep on when quitting your job is a good idea. As always feedback, comments, and conversation are welcome!

Four weeks in and we're building momentum... This episode I share some great podcast I've been listening to during a week of torrential rain, plus go (sort of) deep on when quitting your job is a good idea. As always feedback, comments, and conversation are welcome!

Episode 004 - Quitting Your Job

We're three episodes in which some people might call a milestone. This week I have a small ramble about the week that was - reading, networking, and giant monsters punching each other - and go deep on why I really love a Monday morning. You could learn to love them, too!

We're three episodes in which some people might call a milestone. This week I have a small ramble about the week that was - reading, networking, and giant monsters punching each other - and go deep on why I really love a Monday morning. You could learn to love them, too!

Episode 003 - It's Not a Case of The Mondays

The Sideman Designer

The best podcast episodes on global issues affecting everyone. Covering topics such as the #metoo movement, climate change, the impact of technology and some of the biggest global issues facing us right now. For anyone interested in learning more about the world, and some of the issues we're facing, pick an episode below and start listening! Add episodes you're interested into your queue below!

Best Episodes on Global Issues

The best episodes for anyone looking to learn more about topics such as happiness, fulfillment, depression and psychology/mental health in general. With interviews with industry experts, personal stories of individuals, this topic has lessons applicable to everyone. Add episodes you're interested into your queue below!