by Bernie Roth and Krista Donaldson
“You can’t fix the world unless you fix yourself” – Professor Bernie Roth This is a podcast about seeing the world differently—and doing something about it. Join co-hosts Stanford professor Bernie Roth and former student Krista Donaldson in this limited series inspired by Bernie’s iconic class, The Designer in Society. Listen in as Bernie challenges us to rewire how we think, live, and lead. Check out our instagram account (@yelloweyedcatspodcast) for show extras and announcements.
Language
🇺🇲
Publishing Since
5/3/2025
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January 6, 2026
<p>What happens when you take a leap without knowing exactly how it will turn out?</p><p>In this bonus episode, Krista sits down with Bernie and <strong>Perry Klebahn</strong>, who now teaches The Designer in Society,<strong> </strong>to reflect on the evolution of the course — and the changing philosophies behind it. Recorded on the eve of the Stanford d.school’s 20th anniversary, two years after Bernie’s retirement, this conversation is part history, part love letter to teaching, and part reminder that learning often works best when you’re willing to take the leap before you have all the answers.</p><p>We talk about why doing—not overthinking—has always been at the course’s core. Bernie and Perry touch on the beloved class projects, taking small but meaningful actions, and creating a community built on presence, trust, and real conversation. </p><p>00:00 A willingness to give things a chance</p><p>00:59 Perry’s path to Stanford, through industry, and teaching with Bernie</p><p>01:44 The legendary art Professor Matt Kahn</p><p>04:31 How The Designer in Society evolved with the d.school and Perry</p><p>11:29 More on projects and taking the first real step</p><p>17:11 Prototyping life decisions with projects</p><p>22:06 Long-form reading, presence, and real conversation</p><p>23:13 No absences and don’t be late (or you fail the course)</p><p>24:08 Exercises that create trust and discomfort</p><p>25:56 Letting the class evolve</p><p>27:20 Appreciations & Regrets</p><p>32:15 The Blind Walk exercise</p><p>Follow us on Instagram<a href="https://www.instagram.com/yelloweyedcatspodcast" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer"> @yelloweyedcatspodcast</a> for fun extras.</p><p>Co-hosts: Bernie Roth & Krista Donaldson</p><p>Producer: Krista Donaldson<br></p>
September 17, 2025
<p>In this <strong>*mini* bonus episode</strong>, Bernie and <strong>David Janka</strong>, our guest from episode 11, share the advice they give students when asked about classes, careers, and first jobs.</p><p>Bernie likes to tell students that planning often doesn’t work — life is full of chance and change — and to embrace it. David encourages students to explore, enjoy the detours, and turn “mistakes” (aka learnings...) into part of their story.</p><p><strong>Together, their wisdom: expect the unexpected, and enjoy the voyage of discovery.</strong></p><p><strong> 01:08</strong> Bernie: Logic doesn’t matter, embrace change </p><p><strong>01:52 </strong>David: Exploration over perfection </p><p><strong>02:44</strong> The value of misinterpretation and detours </p><p><strong>04:00 </strong>Connecting your diverse interests into a story </p><p><strong>04:23</strong> Krista’s wrap-up: enjoy the voyage, welcome the unexpected</p><p>Follow us on Instagram<a href="https://www.instagram.com/yelloweyedcatspodcast" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer"> @yelloweyedcatspodcast</a> for fun extras.</p><p>Co-hosts: Bernie Roth & Krista Donaldson</p><p>Producer: Krista Donaldson</p>
August 20, 2025
<p>In this (final official!) episode, Bernie reflects on how the most meaningful turns in life often come from chance rather than careful planning. He shares his own serendipitous journey to becoming a professor at Stanford (involving a case of two professors named Arnold), his unexpected entry into robotics, how a single phone call led to his pioneering work in design —and why saying “yes” at the right time matters.</p><p>We’re joined by <strong>David Janka</strong>, a physician-turned-designer and faculty member at Stanford’s d.school. David opens up about leaving medicine to explore design, how the Designer in Society class helped him navigate that transition, and why creating a physical project in the class, a gift for friends, became a pivotal part of his journey. </p><p>Together, we explore questions of work, purpose, and meaning, with a little help from Gandhi and E.F. Schumacher.</p><p>00:00 Life is a c***shoot: accidents that shape our paths</p><p>01:00 Bernie on chance and opportunity</p><p>02:34 The wrong Arnold: how Bernie got to Stanford</p><p>06:13 A phone call that led to robotics</p><p>07:10 Another call that sparked Designer in Society</p><p>09:03 Are we the type of people who say yes or no?</p><p>10:00 The blessing (and curse) of work</p><p>12:53 The “Who am I?” exercise</p><p>17:30 Introducing David Janka</p><p>21:16 David’s Designer in Society project</p><p>28:25 Serendipity, careers, and saying yes</p><p>30:29 Bernie’s Burning Man camp</p><p>Follow us on Instagram: @yelloweyedcatspodcast to see extras from this episode, like David's atrium staircase.</p><p>Co-hosts: Bernie Roth & Krista Donaldson; Producer: Krista Donaldson</p>
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“You can’t fix the world unless you fix yourself” – Professor Bernie Roth
This is a podcast about seeing the world differently—and doing something about it. Join co-hosts Stanford professor Bernie Roth and former student Krista Donaldson in this limited series inspired by Bernie’s iconic class, The Designer in Society. Listen in as Bernie challenges us to rewire how we think, live, and lead.
Check out our instagram account (@yelloweyedcatspodcast) for show extras and announcements.
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