Choose to be Curious Ep. #309: Curiosity & Re-Evaluating Failure, with Samuel West
Jan 8, 2026
Samuel West, a clinical psychologist and creator of the Museum of Failure, redefines how we view setbacks. He discusses how a playful mindset can make failure less daunting and drive innovation. By curating failed products, he aims to destigmatize failure and encourage learning from mistakes. Samuel emphasizes the importance of curiosity in unpacking complex failures, using examples like the pinky glove to highlight lessons learned from the lack of user input. He believes owning up to failures can lead to forgiveness and personal growth.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Play Makes Failure Palatable
- Playful mindsets reduce fear of failure and invite experimentation.
- Samuel West says play makes results less important and enables risk-taking.
Ask If Anyone Actually Needs It
- Design with the end user and ask if people actually want the product.
- Samuel West advises keeping innovations focused on meaningful risk, not sloppiness.
Reframe Failure As Progress
- Re-evaluate your stance on failure and reduce fear of it.
- Samuel West urges people to see failures as steps that enabled today's successes.