All Episodes

March 20, 2024 45 mins

Just because we live in the age of information doesn’t mean that we’re actually learning. As a society, we’re overwhelmed, and there’s a reason for it — the explosion of non-information. This candid episode reveals more about it.

Today, we’re diving into the mind of Richard Saul Wurman, an American architect, designer, and visionary creator behind the TED Conference. He is a prolific thinker and content creator, having written, designed, and published 90 books, among a plethora of other accomplishments.

Considered the father of information architecture, he shares his unique approach to understanding complex subjects and why he believes in embracing our “stupidity” as a way to innovate and remain curious and open to new ideas. 

Wurman also delivers a relevant criticism of the current state of education that relies on memorization and how AI is disrupting that. On the same note, he elaborates on the concepts behind his books “Information Anxiety” and “UnderstandingUnderstanding,” delivering a unique POV on how the currently overwhelming amount of non-information clouds our minds. 

Beyond AI, we also dig into how the TED conference was born and Wurman’s philosophy of work. These unconventional perspectives on innovation, learning, and communication offer listeners a fresh viewpoint on how to navigate the complexities of the modern world.

Tune in for a dose of unconventional wisdom.

Key Takeaways:

Introduction (00:00) Richard’s Take On Simplifying, Curiosity, and Embracing Ignorance (01:11) Discussing AI’s Impact on Information Anxiety (11:24) Facing Failure by Doing Good Work (16:40) Understanding, Understanding / Explaining, Explaining (22:02) Richard on His Experience With the TED Conference (27:58) Speed Round Questions (36:42)

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

Learn more about Richard Saul Wurman: https://www.wurman.com

Subscribe to our YouTube channel:

https://bit.ly/44ieyPB

Follow our podcast:

Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/44kONi6

Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3NtVK9W

Join the TDW tribe and learn more:

https://disruptedwork.com

🙏 - Alex & Nate

[Free Download] The Future of Work Mindset: https://www.thedisruptedworkforce.com/mindset

Connect with us:

✩ TDW Website - https://www.thedisruptedworkforce.com/

✩ TDW Podcast - https://www.thedisruptedworkforce.com/podcast

✩ LinkedIn Alex -  https://www.linkedin.com/in/iamalexschwartz/

✩ LinkedIn Nate -  https://www.linkedin.com/in/healthydisruptor/

✩ Instagram -  https://www.instagram.com/disruptedwork/

✩ Support the Podcast - coming soon! — ABOUT THE DISRUPTED WORKFORCE:

The Disrupted Workforce is a podcast focusing on the intersection of human experience, AI, and the Future of Work. 

Is your company ready for the most disrupted and digital workforce in history? 

It is estimated over 1 billion people will need reskilling by 2030, and more than 300 million jobs will be impacted by AI.

Work, identity, and what it means to be human are rapidly changing. Join Nate Thompson and Alex Schwartz in conversations with the top voices in the Future of Work and uncover how to meet this dynamic new reality driven by AI, hybrid work, societal shifts, and our increasingly digital world. 

Discover why a Future of Work Mindset is your key to prep

Mark as Played

Advertise With Us

Popular Podcasts

On Purpose with Jay Shetty

On Purpose with Jay Shetty

I’m Jay Shetty host of On Purpose the worlds #1 Mental Health podcast and I’m so grateful you found us. I started this podcast 5 years ago to invite you into conversations and workshops that are designed to help make you happier, healthier and more healed. I believe that when you (yes you) feel seen, heard and understood you’re able to deal with relationship struggles, work challenges and life’s ups and downs with more ease and grace. I interview experts, celebrities, thought leaders and athletes so that we can grow our mindset, build better habits and uncover a side of them we’ve never seen before. New episodes every Monday and Friday. Your support means the world to me and I don’t take it for granted — click the follow button and leave a review to help us spread the love with On Purpose. I can’t wait for you to listen to your first or 500th episode!

Crime Junkie

Crime Junkie

Does hearing about a true crime case always leave you scouring the internet for the truth behind the story? Dive into your next mystery with Crime Junkie. Every Monday, join your host Ashley Flowers as she unravels all the details of infamous and underreported true crime cases with her best friend Brit Prawat. From cold cases to missing persons and heroes in our community who seek justice, Crime Junkie is your destination for theories and stories you won’t hear anywhere else. Whether you're a seasoned true crime enthusiast or new to the genre, you'll find yourself on the edge of your seat awaiting a new episode every Monday. If you can never get enough true crime... Congratulations, you’ve found your people. Follow to join a community of Crime Junkies! Crime Junkie is presented by audiochuck Media Company.

Ridiculous History

Ridiculous History

History is beautiful, brutal and, often, ridiculous. Join Ben Bowlin and Noel Brown as they dive into some of the weirdest stories from across the span of human civilization in Ridiculous History, a podcast by iHeartRadio.

Music, radio and podcasts, all free. Listen online or download the iHeart App.

Connect

© 2025 iHeartMedia, Inc.