Stephen finally breaks the seal on AI — not with a prompt tutorial or workflow breakdown (he’s got a YouTube video for that), but with a deeper dive into the real conversation: how AI is shaking the creative industry to its core.

From WWDC buzz to Liquid Glass backlash, this one’s not about UI drama — it’s about system strategy. Stephen unpacks Apple’s latest moves through a deeper lens: unified design, AI readiness, and what it really takes to build future-proof experiences. Because this moment isn’t just about skeuomorphism making a comeback. It’s about Apple quietly setting the stage for a smarter, more integrated creative ecosystem — and what that signals for the rest of us.

• Why design decisions at Apple are never just about design
• The real story behind Liquid Glass (and why most people missed it)
• How systems thinking reveals the future of AI integration
• What creative leaders can learn from Apple’s long game

This one might age like milk — or prove prophetic. Either way, it’s a must-listen.

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In this episode of The Crazy One, Stephen Gates shares the lessons learned from his journey of leaving corporate America to start his own agency. With over 20 years of experience across industries, Stephen dives deep into the tough decisions that led him to bet on himself. He talks about embracing the fear of failure, navigating imposter syndrome, and overcoming the challenges of creative work in a corporate culture that doesn’t always value it. Whether you’re considering going out on your own, struggling with self-doubt, or just looking for a way to reconnect with your creative passions, Stephen’s story offers valuable insights and actionable advice to help you take the next step in your career. Tune in for a candid conversation about the challenges and rewards of betting on yourself and turning your passion into your profession.

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This one’s part wake-up call, part battle cry. After too many sleepless nights and too many same-old conversations, Stephen Gates climbs up on the soapbox to call out the hard truth: if you’re shocked by the state of the design industry right now, you haven’t been paying attention. From AI disruption to undervalued creativity to toxic corporate cultures, this episode breaks down the brutal reality creatives are living in—and why we need to stop hoping for change and start building it ourselves.

Stephen shares personal stories, historical receipts, and one hell of a perspective shift to challenge the narrative, reset expectations, and reframe what creative success looks like in 2025 and beyond.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• Why most companies never really valued design—and probably never will
• The moment every designer faces that kills creative trust
• Why AI isn’t the end of creativity—it’s a shift in where the value lives
• What’s really behind career burnout, layoffs, and toxic work
• The dangerous comfort of comfort—and why it’s time to get uncomfortable
• Where bold creatives are finding better work, better clients, and more impact
• How to reframe your mindset, career path, and energy for what’s next

This is not a pity party. It’s a gut check. A rally cry. A reminder that we’ve always had the power—we just have to stop pretending we don’t.

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SHOW NOTES AND MORE:
https://thecrazy1.com/

WATCH MORE CONTENT ON YOUTUBE:
https://www.youtube.com/@StephenGates

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http://crzydesign.com/

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