Thought Leaders... But Lofi

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. - 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!

Jeff Bezos has become the worlds richest man due to the massive success of Amazon.com, the company he started in 1994 that has revolutionized so many industries and driven the growth of e-commerce. In this inspiring talk / Q&A he gave, he sheds light on some of the earlier days of Amazon.com and shares stories and thoughts on starting the retail giant. What is so interesting about it is how it humanizes the growth of a the company, from the very earliest days to the massive success that it is today. It reminds us that even the biggest companies in the world all started out as start-ups at one point. And it’s up to their founders and the team they assemble to make it into a successful venture. The music in this episode was provided by eleven, a super talented lofi artist based in India. I think you’ll really enjoy his vibes as you listen to this speech. Be sure to check him out wherever you stream music, like on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/2je6GFLTZmAbrnjokRtWfU?si=ID9tBty3Toy3z_hOU0mtrg Drift off, let your mind wander, and enjoy this lofi rendition of Jeff Bezos On Starting Amazon (feat. eleven).

In 2017, Will Ferrell gave the graduation commencement speech to the graduating class at the University of Southern California. As you can imagine, as with any comedian giving a speech like this, it usually turns out to be quite hilarious. The music in this episode was provided by Anatomy Park and Len Trexler, check them out wherever you stream music. Tune in, drift off, and enjoy this light and inspiring speech, but it’s lofi…

The past couple weeks, I've been wanting to listen to speeches that are hopeful, positive, and reminders of the good that humanity can do when working together. One of my favorite speeches like this is Obama's 2009 Inauguration Address. This week, we're featuring music by the amazing Epifania. Stay tuned - at the end of the episode, I interview Epifania and get some insight into his artistry and how he came to start creating Lofi music. You can listen to Epifania wherever you stream music, like Spotify. Follow Epifania on Instagram too! So enjoy this week's episode, let your mind drift, and stay hopeful.

The moon is 240,000 miles away - it’s hard to even picture how far that is. But JFK pledged to the American people that we would reach the moon. But not only reach it, but do it in just a few short years. JFK gives this speech at Rice University in Houston Texas on September 12, 1962. It’s an inspiring speech. And I like to think back to this one whenever I’m setting goals for myself that seem insurmountable - because it's a great reminder that anything is possible. You've likely heard an excerpt of this speech before - "we choose to go to the moon not because it is easy, but because it is hard." Enjoy this lofi edition of JFK inspiring a nation. Drift off and have a thoughtful day... This episode features music from Anatomy Park and Len Trexler, enjoy!

When the first iPhone was announced at the Apple Worldwide Developers Conference on June 29, 2007, it was clear that it would have a major impact on the tech industry for years to come. It is an inspiring speech to listen to, because you can feel the excitement in the room and the energy that Steve Jobs brings. At the time of this presentation, Apple had shipped nearly 100 million iPod devices. It was wildly popular. But what Jobs was about to present was way more impactful than the iPod ever was. And that’s saying a lot - the iPod changed the entire music industry… Enjoy this lofi edition of the first iPhone being announced by Steve Jobs. Drift off and have a thoughtful day...