Death, Sex & Money The Real-Life Willy Wonka Who Built Tony Hawk a Secret Desert Train
11 snips
Jul 29, 2025 
N.D. Austin, an innovative experience designer who grew up in a doomsday cult, shares how his unique background fuels his passion for transformative rituals. He recounts creating a heartfelt experience for Tony Hawk, involving a homemade train that helped mend friendships. The conversation dives into the power of storytelling and creativity in making personal and emotional moments memorable. They also explore the role of generosity in overcoming struggles, highlighting how these experiences foster meaningful connections.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Tony Hawk's Desert Train Experience
- Tony Hawk experienced a secret desert train adventure designed by N.D. Austin to mend friendships at his office holiday event.
- The train featured whimsical cars and a ceremony involving burying a whiskey bottle with promises among colleagues.
Designing Personal Experiences
- N.D. Austin designs experiences as a series of stepping stones that lead to personal, transformative stories.
- These experiences are not scripted stories but unique to each participant's personal journey.
Funeral Board Game Ritual
- N.D. Austin designed a unique funeral board game for a terminally ill man and his friends to celebrate their decades of friendship.
- The game included the man's ashes to be buried secretly after a final play, honoring his wishes in a meaningful way.