Yellow Eyed Cats with Bernie Roth

What happens when you take a leap without knowing exactly how it will turn out? In this bonus episode, Krista sits down with Bernie and Perry Klebahn , who now teaches The Designer in Society , 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 i...

In this *mini* bonus episode , Bernie and David Janka , our guest from episode 11, share the advice they give students when asked about classes, careers, and first jobs. 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 t...

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 ri...

In this episode, Bernie explores how learning from others helps us learn about ourselves, especially when we are seeking assistance. From mantras collected from colleagues ("We don't have enough time to hurry" and “All design is redesign”) to the powerful tool of projection, Bernie offers tools to help us navigate interactions, teamwork, and life. We're joined by Wendy Ju , a lea...

In this episode, we talk about the importance of shared humanity within teams or groups. Bernie explains his original, and often awkward, icebreaker “When was the last time you…” and explains how Stanford's Design Group operated without a traditional leader for over 40 years. From learning names with gestures to the “I like… I  wish…” way of giving feedback, we explore Bernie's version of...

Bernie explores one of his most liberating concepts: your self-image is malleable. From a show business manager who found it "really hurt" to be nice, to students writing down "10 things you would never do" and then doing them, this episode considers how our perceptions of ourselves can both limit and liberate us. We're joined by Jeff Brown , an engineer who transformed from a by-the-book governme...

In this bonus episode, Bernie walks you through his exercise, “The Truth Process.” Using simple guided imagery, he shares a helpful way to tackle something you’re struggling with or to let go of what you don’t need anymore. We'll talk about this exercise in episode 8. 00:00 Intro  01:29 Get comfortable… 04:25 The Truth Process

In this bonus episode, Bernie guides you through his exercise, “The House Fantasy.” By imagining and exploring a house as a stand-in for yourself, you might discover new insights about who you are and what’s going on in your life. It’s a creative way to get to know yourself a little better. We'll talk about this exercise in episode 8. 00:00 Intro 01:51 Get comfortable… 04:42 The House Fantasy...

Bernie teaches that the words you choose can shape your reality. In this episode, we explore the subtle but powerful impact of language on how we think, act, and relate to others. From a simple yes/no exercise to the power of and versus but , this episode explores how language can either empower or disempower us—and why Bernie earned the nickname ‘Bernie's with And.’ We're joined by Allison Okamur...

Ever get stuck on a problem that keeps you up at night? Bernie says it might not be the problem—it might be the question.  In this episode, we talk about how reframing problems can open up a whole new world of solutions. Bernie also helps us spot when we're solving the wrong problem and shares tools to help us reframe. We’re joined by special guests Sheila and Harrison Wang , who took 'The...

What shaped generations of Stanford engineers? A reading list that hasn't changed much in 40 years. Bernie reveals the backstories behind his famous (and famously intensive) reading list for 'The Designer in Society'—texts that ranged from sociology to sci-fi, all exploring the human experience in a changing world. We dive into why these particular books have remained so powerfully rel...

What if nothing has inherent meaning—and that’s actually empowering? Bernie draws on his decades of teaching ‘The Designer in Society’ to explore a provocative idea: We give things meaning. Including even: Your life has no meaning... unless you give it one. It’s not nihilism—it’s liberation. Join us to discuss meaning with special guest Professor Sheri Sheppard —who did not like the exercise when...

What if sometimes ‘trying’ is better than doing? This week, Bernie makes the case for why the world and Yoda need to rethink ‘try.’ We discuss why ‘doing’ is still important, especially when it matters—we just need to be honest about the difference. We’re joined in this episode by Steve Myers who shares his roller coaster journey of founding and running an engineering consulting company after grad...

“Pipe dreams are okay, but they really get in the way of stuff.” — Professor Bernie Roth Stanford’s The Designer in Society isn’t your typical academic course — and Bernie’s assigned project wasn’t your typical assignment. It was a bold challenge to stop thinking, start doing . In this episode, we’re joined by former student Janay Smith , who shares how that experience assisted her in facing later...

Bernie talks about one of his most provocative ideas: Reasons are bull**** , explaining that they often serve as excuses. Dropping them can unlock clarity and greater self-awareness, and don't we all need that? We also hear how being chronically late led to a personal epiphany—and a lasting habit shift. Plus, Bernie reveals the story behind the podcast’s name : a child spotting a cat with yellow e...

Welcome to Yellow Eyed Cats with Bernie Roth, 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. Whether you're stuck, seeking, or simply...