• The Man of Many Jobs: Living Sustainably with a Packed Schedule ft. Chris Nicdao
    Jul 4 2025

    On this episode of Digital Dopamine, we sit down with UX designer, dancer, and creative powerhouse Chris Nicdao, for a wide-ranging convo that’s equal parts vulnerable and insightful. From psychology, to the marketing world, to user experience design, Chris shares the winding path that led him to creative clarity—including burnout red flags, startup chaos, and the art of asking better questions.

    Follow us on Instagram!

    Chris: https://www.instagram.com/nvcdao/

    Tuft Grove: https://www.instagram.com/tuftgrove/

    Riley: https://www.instagram.com/rileymelinaschmitz/

    Digital Dopamine: https://www.instagram.com/digitaldopamine.podcast/

    00:00:00 - Introduction

    00:00:32 - Meet Chris!

    00:01:07 - Chris's Career Journey

    00:03:35 - Transition to User Experience

    00:05:51 - Overcoming Creative Blocks

    00:11:18 - Productivity and Time Management

    00:18:24 - Recognizing and Overcoming Burnout

    00:27:04 - Design Trends: Likes and Dislikes

    00:27:55 - Most Challenging Project Experience

    00:33:08 - Learning from Mistakes

    00:45:12 - Future of User Experience Design

    00:50:55 - Tuft Grove: Hand Made Rugs

    00:54:49 - Chris' Dance Accomplishments

    00:59:27 - Goals for 2025

    01:05:25 - Rapid Fire Questions

    01:06:36 - Closing Remarks and Social Media Handles

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    1 hr and 6 mins
  • Touch Grass Bro! ft. Ronald Atutubo | Part 2
    Mar 17 2025

    This Episode, we talk to junior UX designer and industry Graphic Designer Ronald Atutubo. A lot of great insights here on managing creative burnout, what creativity really looks like, and minimalist design best practices.

    • In case you missed it...
    • Check out Ron's Podcast ‪ @ugoodhomiepodcast5196
    • And Ron's Instagram @ronaldatutubo
    • Also, Ron's Portfolio www.ronaldatutubo.com
    • And finally, Ronald's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ronaldatutubo/
    • Other Instragrams to visit: @digitaldopamine.podcast, @rileymelinaschmitz, @ugh.podcast

    I took some time of from Digital Dopamine land to get myself set up for success on Instagram! Thank you for your patience, and see you soon, as we are switching to two part episodes on a weekly uploading basis!

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    39 mins
  • Touch Grass Bro! (And Other Tips on Managing Creative Burnout) ft. Ronald Atutubo
    Mar 6 2025

    This Episode, we talk to junior UX designer and industry Graphic Designer Ronald Atutubo. A lot of great insights here on managing creative burnout, what creativity really looks like, and minimalist design best practices.

    In case you missed it... Check out Ron's Podcast ‪ @ugoodhomiepodcast5196

    And Ron's Instagram @ronaldatutubo

    Also, Ron's Portfolio www.ronaldatutubo.com

    And finally, Ronald's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ronaldatutubo/

    Other Instragrams to visit: @digitaldopamine.podcast, @rileymelinaschmitz, @ugh.podcast

    I took some time of from Digital Dopamine land to get myself set up for success on Instagram! Thank you for your patience, and see you soon, as we are switching to two part episodes on a weekly uploading basis!

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    44 mins
  • A Love/Hate Relationship with Research ft. Aaron Nicor
    Jan 31 2025

    This week, we chat with my buddy Aaron about his journey to becoming a UX designer, starting a youtube channel, and staying productive with ADHD.

    In case you missed it...

    Check out Aaron's channel @AaronNicor

    And Aaron's Instagram @aaron.nicor

    And finally, Aaron's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aaron-nicor/

    Other Instragrams to visit: @digitaldopamine.podcast, @rileymelinaschmitz

    Thank you everyone for your continued support in this adventure! See you soon!

    Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/adi-goldstein/i-dont-need-your-love License code: FYTQP1MXBJJFCQXC

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    53 mins
  • It's All About Pretending ft. Tina Le
    Jan 17 2025

    On this week's episode we chat with my good friend, Tina Le. Covering topics like impostor syndrome, pretending until things feel natural, using AI to validate your opinions, and of course, STICKERS!

    These are the Asian creators that Tina mentioned, on Instagram:

    • @chloe.shih
    • @theresa.notes
    • @edgykatrina

    Tina's Sticker Shop on Instagram: @stickersbytina

    Tina's personal Instagram: @tiina.le

    Tina's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tina-le-6173ba1a5/

    Digital Dopamine on Instagram and Youtube: @digitaldopamine.podcast

    My personal Instagram: @rileymelinaschmitz

    My LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/riley-schmitz-designs3113/

    Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):

    https://uppbeat.io/t/fourth-dogma/asi-es

    License code: 0L3SW8RZMKXFTECV

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    55 mins
  • Making Sh*t Up As We Go ft. Briana Truong
    Jan 3 2025

    This week, we are joined by talented UX designer Briana Truong, as she walks us through her process of finding inspiration, staying motivated, and managing her time with group projects.

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    59 mins