Thought Leaders... But Lofi PALA

As Apple was failing in the mid 1990’s, Steve Jobs came back to the company to try to turn things around. And he did in a major way. One of the first priorities for Jobs was to re-introduce Apple to the market. This rebrand was a critical part of the equation for success because it set Apple on the right track during a time when it desperately needed leadership.

The “Think Different” campaign was launched as a result. In this internal speech given to the team by Jobs himself, he outlines the strategy and goals of this campaign, as well as the thought processes behind it. It’s a rare and interesting look at what went into creating such a massive and successful brand.

This is undoubtedly one of the most important and impactful speeches ever given. MLK’s “I Have A Dream…” speech is a symbolic and powerful speech that is known around the globe.

I knew that I wanted to feature this speech in an episode at some point, and Avenda brought it up that he would love for his music to used in this episode. His tracks work so beautifully as a backdrop to this touching and exhilarating speech.

Listen to more of Avenda wherever you stream music, like on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/4K55ith2dRcuXzVMy4rkLH?si=fCZZ8LadTpeN5I5A2XrA2g

FDR was one of the best leaders in American history - he was able to lead a nation out of the worst financial crisis it had ever endured. He not only had the plans and ability to do the hard work that such a massive task required, but he knew how to lead the American people through a tough time.

This speech is one of the first examples of this remarkable leadership. I’ve pasted a transcript below if you’d like to follow along.

The music in this episode was provided by Anatomy Park and Len Trexler, a couple of my lofi music projects - check them out wherever you listen to music.

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March 04, 1933

I am certain that my fellow Americans expect that on my induction into the Presidency I will address them with a candor and a decision which the present situation of our Nation impels. This is preeminently the time to speak the truth, the whole truth, frankly and boldly. Nor need we shrink from honestly facing conditions in our country today. This great Nation will endure as it has endured, will revive and will prosper. So, first of all, let me assert my firm belief that the only thing we have to fear is fear itself—nameless, unreasoning, unjustified terror which paralyzes needed efforts to convert retreat into advance. In every dark hour of our national life a leadership of frankness and vigor has met with that understanding and support of the people themselves which is essential to victory. I am convinced that you will again give that support to leadership in these critical days.

In such a spirit on my part and on yours we face our common difficulties. They concern, thank God, only material things. Values have shrunken to fantastic levels; taxes have risen; our ability to pay has fallen; government of all kinds is faced by serious curtailment of income; the means of exchange are frozen in the currents of trade; the withered leaves of industrial enterprise lie on every side; farmers find no markets for their produce; the savings of many years in thousands of families are gone.

This week, we have a very calming speech that might remind you of your childhood - that is, if you watched Mr. Rogers' Neighborhood! Fred Rogers gives this exceptional speech at Dartmouth in 2002, and it is full of amazing stories and anecdotes. His delivery is so pure and calming, it provides an exceptional listen.

The music in this episode is provided by Anatomy Park and Len Trexler - listen to more of their work on Spotify, Apple Music, or wherever you stream music.

Elon Musk gave an incredibly insightful speech at Caltech back in 2012. One of my favorite parts about this speech is that it provided insight into the way Musk sees the world - and the way he problem-solves. He is most attracted to the biggest problems of humanity, which is always intriguing to think about.

In this episode, we're hearing sounds from the amazing lofi producer "Fthmlss" - his music is incredible and goes so well with this speech. Plus, I got to sit down and have a chat with him - there are some really interesting production tips and insights in this chat, I think you'll really enjoy it!

Be sure to check out Fthmlss wherever you stream music, like on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/7v0VFJ0OHoYAVJ3F9Iapv3?si=7pfT6tU_T9O5kopGbdWI4A

Jim Carrey gave this commencement address in 2014, and it's one of my favorite speeches so far. It's so well worded and poetic, and equally inspiring to listen to.

What is so magnetic about Jim Carrey is his unique views on life and how the world works. He articulates them very well, and when you decide to agree with him or not, it certainly has the potential to expand your mind in ways that very few speakers are able to do.

The music for this episode was supplied by my projects, Anatomy Park and Len Trexler - check them out wherever you listen to music to hear more!