The Heartful Technologist

CK Hicks
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  • TECHNOLOGY

Exploring the intersection of technology, humanity, and purposeful work. Through personal stories and interviews with peers, we focus on slowing down to find fulfillment and make meaningful contributions in a fast-paced world. Whether you're a technologist by trade or just seeking inspiration, this show will encourage and challenge you to approach your work and life with intention and heart.

Episodes

  1. JAN 29

    Valuing the Invisible Details

    EPISODE 11 This episode explores the importance of small diligences in our work and personal lives. CK uses the cleanliness of headphones as a metaphor to discuss how we take care of the small, often invisible things that make up our daily routines. By paying attention to these small details, we can build habits and disciplines that contribute to our creative confidence and professional growth. The episode invites listeners to reflect on their own practices and share their thoughts on how small diligences can add up over time.

    6 min

  2. JAN 21

    The Power of Daily Creative Practice

    EPISODE 10 CK shares his experience with a photography project where he takes and posts a photo every day for a year. He discusses how this daily practice has become more intentional over time, forcing him to be more observant and creative. This project has also given him a new perspective on the importance of daily practices and creative processes. Through his journey, CK highlights the value of committing to a daily practice, whether it's photography, writing, or coding, and how it can lead to personal growth, increased confidence, and a greater appreciation for the world around us. He invites listeners to share their own experiences with daily practices and offers ways to follow along with his project.

    9 min

  3. JAN 6

    Balancing Human Intervention

    EPISODE 009 This episode explores the importance of human intervention in technology systems. CK shares a recent experience where a small change to a routine process had unintended consequences due to a breakdown in communication and human interpretation. Let's discuss the need for a balance between human intervention and automation, emphasizing that technology systems are built for humans...right? CK encourages listeners to reflect on their own experiences with technology systems and to consider the importance of human communication and collaboration in ensuring that these systems work effectively and efficiently. He promotes a deeper understanding of the complex relationships between humans, technology, and processes.

    13 min

  4. 11/20/2025

    Fighting Through G.A.S.

    EPISODE 008 This episode explores the concept of "gear acquisition syndrome" (G.A.S.) where individuals feel an overwhelming desire to acquire new equipment, often driven by influencer marketing. CK shares his personal experience with G.A.S. while preparing for a 365 photography project and discusses how he overcame the urge to buy a more expensive camera. By being mindful of the underlying desires and needs, individuals can shift their focus from acquiring gear to acquiring experiences and lessons, ultimately leading to a more fulfilling and creative journey.

    12 min

  5. 08/14/2025

    Your Proficiency Craves Purpose

    EPISODE 007 This episode explores the importance of having a purpose or plan for growth as a creative. CK shares insights on how to break out of a creative rut by developing simple habits such as documenting lessons learned, maintaining a tidy workspace and personal appearance, and regularly exploring new experiences. By incorporating these habits into daily life, creatives can build confidence, stay adaptable, and approach problems with a fresh perspective. Not only is this encouraging, it's the key to growth and a greater impact in any field.

    16 min

  6. 08/12/2025

    Rubber Ducking and Beyond

    EPISODE 006 Feeling stuck? Explaining your problems out loud can help. This simple trick, known as "rubber ducking," can be done with a rubber duck, a large language model, or another human being. Explaining yourself in detail to someone else can lead to surprising results and new insights. By sharing your thoughts and problems with others, you can gain a deeper understanding and find solutions. The key is to seek out opportunities to explain yourself in long form to other humans, rather than just relying on technology or solo reflection.

    8 min

  7. 06/28/2025

    Courage for Creativity in the Daytime

    EPISODE 005 This episode explores the idea of when we do our best creative work. CK reflects on his personal journey of realizing that his most productive and creative hours are not late at night - they're actually during the day. He discusses how this shift in perspective has impacted his approach to work and creativity. He invites listeners to consider their own productivity and creative patterns, encouraging them to experiment with focusing their best work during daytime hours. If you've known CK for any length of time, this is a big mindset shift for him. Tune in to hear how his thinking has changed over the years - you might find something that unlocks your creative output as well!

    11 min

  8. 04/09/2025

    Meaningful Individual Contributions

    EPISODE 004 “It's not even for clean water, man." In this episode, CK reflects on late nights, big efforts, and the sobering realization that some projects weren't all that meaningful. We sometimes experience a quiet disillusionment - perhaps you feel it in your own work - and it's not bitterness, just perspective. Even when your contributions feel small or disconnected, they still matter if you bring heart and intention to them. Not everything we do needs to be world-changing to be worthwhile. Sometimes, the best thing you can do is show up, do your piece well, support the people around you, and keep moving forward.

    7 min

  9. 12/17/2024

    Childlike Relationships with Tools and Gear

    EPISODE 003 In this episode, CK gets a little sentimental (in the best way) reflecting on the gear we collect in tech—and how our relationship with tools can shape our work. Watching how children curate their own little “kits” of favorite objects, their simplicity stands in stark contrast to his collections. It’s not an anti-gear rant, more of a gentle nudge: don’t let the hardware become the point. The real work isn’t in collecting, optimizing, or system-switching. It’s in creating, sharing, solving, and doing. The childlike mindset isn’t naive, it’s pure. Use what you have, share it freely, and don’t overthink the setup. Gear should be a means, not an end. A delight when possible, yes—but never the destination. A great reminder that in the endless churn of tools and tech, sometimes the best compass is a little Sterilite bin full of favorite things.

    9 min

  10. 10/02/2024

    Finding Purpose in Slow Work

    EPISODE 002 In this reflective episode, CK shares how a year of independent work has brought a deep sense of calm and clarity. He ties the feeling to the changing Midwest seasons—fall’s natural slowing echoing his own shift in pace. After years of software development at agencies, this new rhythm has helped him realize the power of purposeful work. Even amid stress and uncertainty, having direction reshapes how he approaches his craft and manages tension. It’s not about working less, but working with intention. We often get pulled into directionless building in tech, which traps us in limbo. It's exciting at first but ultimately hollow. Listeners are urged to build with purpose—not just because we can but because something meaningful is worth sustaining. Our best work is done not out of opposition but out of love for what we’re trying to protect or create.

    11 min
  • 10 Episodes

About

Exploring the intersection of technology, humanity, and purposeful work. Through personal stories and interviews with peers, we focus on slowing down to find fulfillment and make meaningful contributions in a fast-paced world. Whether you're a technologist by trade or just seeking inspiration, this show will encourage and challenge you to approach your work and life with intention and heart.

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