Really? no, Really?

Museum of Failure, Meaningful Risk + BBQ Oreos

Jun 6, 2023

Dr. Samuel West, curator of the Museum of Failure, joins the hosts to discuss the relationship between failure and innovation. Topics include Anthony Bourdain's worst meal, the reason behind the plethora of Oreo flavors, and Silicon Valley's "fail fast" ethos. They also touch on the Museum of Disgusting Foods and the culture of failure in different places.

42:44

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Episode guests

Samuel West

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Episode notes

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Quick takeaways

The Museum of Failure challenges societal stigmatization of failure and promotes understanding of its role in innovation and progress.

Silicon Valley values the fail-fast mentality but often fails to learn from past mistakes, resulting in significant financial losses.

The entertainment industry, like Broadway and Hollywood, places immense pressure on success, making failure highly visible and subject to critical scrutiny.

Deep dives

The Museum of Failure explores the paradox of society's perception of failure

The Museum of Failure aims to challenge the societal stigmatization of failure and promote a better understanding of its role in innovation and progress. While society applauds risk-taking and innovation, it often harshly judges and punishes failure. The museum showcases various failures, whether they are from reputable companies or individuals, and highlights the need to accept and learn from failure for true progress to happen.

Introduction

4min

The Museum of Disgusting Foods

12min

Innovation in Oreo Flavors and an Ad for Kind Breakfast Bars

5min

The Absurdity of Urinating on a Golf Course

12min

The Failure Culture in Silicon Valley

8min

The Concept of Failure and Personal Growth

7min

Exploring Schadenfreude and the Psychology of Laughter

4min

When Peter and Jason discovered that there was a museum dedicated to failure, their response was of course… Really, no really?

They both began to ruminate about their own failures and the relationship between failure and innovation, so they turned to Swedish psychologist and innovation researcher, Dr. Samuel West for more insight.

Dr. West is the curator of the Museum of Failure, a collection of over 150 failed products and services from around the world. This rare collection includes flops designed by world famous companies like Colgate’s Beef Lasagna. And if anyone could make Jason and Peter feel better about their failed T.V. show… Bob Patterson… it should be Dr. West.

During their conversation you’ll hear:

The worst thing Anthony Bourdain ever ate.
The beloved American beverage considered disgusting by the rest of the world.
Why Procter & Gamble invented the phrase ‘anal leakage.’
Jason’s notorious McDonalds fail.
The secret reason Oreos come in so many crazy flavors.
The small-bladdered golf enthusiasts dream accessory.
The automotive failure that featured a Frank Sinatra TV show & a female genitalia-like grill.
The “Failure Paradox”.
Silicon Valley’s “fail fast” ethos.
And you can take the Failure quiz!