Finding unusual business angles (Sharpie example)

Rob describes researching brands and seeking counterintuitive business stories, illustrated by his Sharpie reporting.

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Episode Summary

"If all you do is pay attention to what everyone else is paying attention to, then by definition you're not likely to innovate anything or create anything very original or different or surprising." - Rob Walker

Writer and cultural observer Rob Walker joins Ken to explore how questions and noticing reshape the way we move through the world. Rob traces his origin story back to discovering journalism at 18, a framework that gave a shy, introverted kid permission to ask questions on behalf of others.

They dig into his book and newsletter The Art of Noticing, talking about everyday noticing assignments, why “what am I missing?” is a powerful self-question, and how small acts of attention can mark time and make life more memorable.

Rob shares the story behind the Significant Objects project and why story, and not a price tag, creates real value in the objects we keep. From New Orleans as a “conversational city” to his teaching on point of view and manifestos, Rob reflects on questions as both agency and responsibility, in democracies, organizations, and personal life. Be sure to subscribe to Rob's Substack The Art of Noticing newsletter at https://robwalker.substack.com/

This Curated Questions episode can be found on all major platforms and at CuratedQuestions.com.

Keep questioning!

Episode Notes

00:00 Introduction to Overlooked Ideas

01:56 Introducing Rob Walker

03:19 Rob Walker's Early Life and Career

04:28 Discovering Journalism and the Power of Questions

05:54 Embracing Curiosity and Askew Perspectives

08:57 The Influence of Laurie Anderson

13:30 Living in New Orleans

14:56 The Unique Culture of New Orleans

21:21 The Art of Noticing