Sketchplanations - The Podcast

Have you ever wondered what's happening on the exact opposite side of the world to you? 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.

When you want to measure something you take your ruler or tape measure and read off the length right? 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.

Have you ever wondered what the colours on the Olympic flag represent? 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.

How big is that pile of books next to your bed? 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.

Do you know who your second cousins are or if you even have any? And what does "once removed" mean anyway? 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.

What's your life expectancy trade-off for enjoying a crispy bacon sandwich? 🥓 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.

This genius time management hack was conceived by Francesco Cirillo. The technique involves working for 25 minutes followed by a mandatory 5-minute break, repeating this cycle three to four times before taking a longer break. We share our personal attempts at using the method, explore the psychology behind productive work cycles, the importance of taking breaks and reflect on its effectiveness in both office and home environments. We also discuss the broader context of productivity obsession and share insights from using related tools eg. online "focus buddies". The session concludes with a follow-up on how the Pomodoro Technique has worked for them a week after recording the episode, reenforcing a lot of the theory we originally set out. 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.

In this episode, Jono meets one of his heroes, as we engage in a conversation with acclaimed author, illustrator and explainer, David Macaulay. 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.

When describing something with numerous adjectives (eg. the big brown dog, the heavy square steel door) there's a natural order we all instinctively follow as english speakers. I don't remember ever being taught it, nor would I be able to explain it to you, but my ear can definitely tell if someone gets it wrong! 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.

This time we discuss Jevons' Paradox, the counterintuitive concept that improvements in fuel efficiency can lead to increased overall fuel use. 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.

Do you like using interesting words in your conversations? We do. And there's one that's a tip top favourite... 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.

As we return from our summer break we discuss various ways to instantly feel better - timely perhaps for the Big Back to Work / School / Normality of September. We explore eight emotions—anger, burnout, overthinking, anxiety, stress, sadness, impatience, and laziness—and suggest instant proactive remedies to each. We highly encourage you to try these out whenever you're feeling any of the emotions discussed. Let us know if they work. 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.

Here on the podcast, we love our exercise and we love our sleep so in this summer break, check-in mini-episode, we discuss the interconnectedness of exercise and sleep, citing Novak Djokovic's book 'Serve to Win' as an influential source. While Tom shares his typical experience of staying active during holidays, Robbie bemoans the challenges of getting good sleep with young children, and Jono explores how his smart watch monitors his sleep and activity levels. In keeping with the holiday theme we also share tips for keeping kids entertained on long road trips. 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.

This time we explore whether it is better to generally say 'yes' or 'no' in various situations, and how each choice can offer distinct rewards. The conversation is framed by a quote from improvisation expert Keith Johnston, which asserts, 'Yes Sayers are rewarded by adventure and No Sayers are rewarded by safety.' The hosts consider personal anecdotes, the impact of these attitudes on careers, social settings, and mental well-being. They also touch on tools for making these decisions, such as the Eisenhower Matrix and the 'Hell Yes or Hell No' philosophy. The episode emphasizes the value of appreciating one's decisions, whether they lead to adventure or provide comfort and security. 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.

Have you ever found yourself spiralling uncontrollably downwards in the "awkwardness vortex"? 🤔 Tune in to our latest podcast episode where we chat with celebrated science journalist Melissa Dahl about conquering those cringe-worthy moments and how awkwardness might just be a sign of empathy! 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 discuss the Zanclean Megaflood, a massive flood event that filled the Mediterranean Sea in a remarkably short period. The episode dives into the geological events and evidence leading up to this flood, challenging the earlier gradualist theories and promoting a catastrophic model. 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.

This time, we delve into the complexities of choosing the perfect gift. The discussion is framed around a Venn diagram Sketchplanation that identifies three key factors in gift selection: what the recipient actually likes, what you think they like, and what you think they ought to like. We share personal anecdotes about both successful and less successful gifts we've given and received, emphasising the emotional aspects of gift-giving for both the giver and the recipient. We also touch on practical gift-giving strategies, such as buying from registries, focusing on useful and consumable items, and considering the recipient's values. The episode also addresses the challenges of buying gifts for individuals who have seemingly everything, and the importance of shared experiences in gift giving. And we invite you to share your own gift-giving experiences and tips, aiming to provide food for thought for anyone looking to improve their gift-giving skills. 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.

This time, we delve into the concept of eponyms—words or names derived from people's names or places that capture little slices of history. The discussion starts with general definitions and shares interesting examples like the Jacuzzi, named after the Jacuzzi brothers, and the sandwich named after the fourth Earl of Sandwich. The hosts explore how eponyms often tell compelling stories, sometimes reveal historical facts, and occasionally involve controversies or unintended legacies, such as the 'Pellereau,' a term humorously defined by Lord Sugar. They also touch on the potential pitfalls of eponyms associated with infamous figures, brands becoming generic terms, like 'Hoover' and 'Google,' and the implications of eponyms on intellectual property law. The episode is rich with anecdotes that illustrate the origin and importance of these linguistic phenomena. 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.

Before you go any further with this episode, check out both: 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.