Examining the Past to Figure Out the Future with Jeffrey Zeldman

Brad Frost sits down with the legendary Jeffrey Zeldman, a pioneer in web design and an influential figure in Brad's life. Jeffrey shares his journey, from writing 'Designing with Web Standards' to founding 'A List Apart,' and how these accomplishments impacted the web design community. The conversation delves into a variety of profound topics including the changing nature of family relationships, the power of vulnerability, creativity and its intersection with making a living, the role of artificial intelligence, and the ongoing influence of the early web ideals. They also explore personal anecdotes about the transformative power of music, the value of quiet resistance, and the importance of finding joy and purpose despite life's challenges.

Topics discussed:

• (00:00) - Intro
• (02:40) - Introduction and Opening Question
• (02:59) - Family and Personal Reflections
• (05:30) - Podcast Plans and AI Interests
• (09:53) - Music and Its Emotional Impact
• (12:46) - Creativity and Career Challenges
• (23:53) - Navigating the Modern Job Market
• (43:08) - The Role of AI in Creativity
• (44:58) - Encouraging Personal Creativity
• (53:40) - Finding Purpose and Meaning
• (57:47) - Discussing Mr. Sulu and Social Media
• (58:56) - Different Ways to Show Up and Fight
• (01:01:05) - The Importance of Quiet Resistance
• (01:03:38) - The Role of Civil Servants and Government
• (01:06:24) - Balancing Personal Happiness and Responsibility
• (01:23:18) - The Value of Open Source and Creative Expression
• (01:30:53) - Reflecting on Personal and Professional Growth
• (01:41:32) - Concluding Thoughts and Future Conversations
• (01:46:44) - The Power of Music and Art

Links Mentioned:

• zeldman.com – Jeffrey Zeldman’s personal website
• A List Apart – Long-running web design publication
• A Book Apart – Publisher of books for web professionals
• bradfrost.com/courses – Brad Frost’s online courses
• Last.fm – Music discovery and tracking service
• Designing with Web Standards by Jeffrey Zeldman
• Learning Web Design by Jennifer Robbins
• Miles Davis – Jazz musician
• MF DOOM – Hip hop artist
• Count Bass D – Hip hop artist
• Your Old Droog – Hip hop artist
• Brian Eno – Musician and composer
• David Bowie – Musician and artist
• King Crimson – Progressive rock band
• Willie Nelson – Country musician
• Paul Desmond – Jazz saxophonist, composer of “Take Five”
• Dave Brubeck Quartet – Jazz group, known for “Take Five”
• Tom Waits – Singer-songwriter
• Prince – Musician and artist
• A Clockwork Orange (Soundtrack)
• M (1931 film) – German film by Fritz Lang

Creators and Guests

Host

Brad Frost

Creator, web designer & developer, teacher, consultant, speaker, writer, musician, & artist. Author of Atomic Design. Enthusiasm enthusiast.

Guest

Jeffrey Zeldman

Ava’s dad. OG blogger/web designer. Automattician. Author, “Designing With Web Standards” and “Taking Your Talent to the Web.” Publisher, A LIST APART and A BOOK APART. Emeritus: Happy Cog™, An Event Apart, School of Visual Arts MFA IXD faculty, and The Web Standards Project.

What is Wake Up Excited!?

Inspiring conversations with exuberant humans about how to live a creative, fulfilling, and authentic life. Hosted by enthusiasm enthusiast, Brad Frost.

We experience a brief moment of truth when we first wake up in the morning. Before the cold shower of reality, our infinite to-do lists, and macro-level woes seize our consciousness. We experience a brief moment of excitement — and this pure moment tells us something important about ourselves.

There are people out there who seem to move through life with intention, authenticity, creativity, kindness, and enthusiasm. And they do this despite the deeply inperfect world we inhabit. This podcast is an attempt to learn from these people.

Through wide-ranging conversations, Wake Up Excited explores guests' passions, interests, enthusiasms, and philosophy of life.