The Curious Storyteller: From late nights in a Hackspace to a Train Tracker people watch for comfort

Why a Real-Time Train Board Feels So Calming to WatchWhat starts as a story about a train board turns into something much bigger: pattern, comfort, design, and the quiet pull of watching a system move in real time.In this episode, I sit down with Griffin Van Horn, creator of Traintrakr.io, to talk about how a late-night makerspace idea became a product people connect with in ways no one fully expected. We get into the moment the project stopped feeling like an experiment, why simple design can say more than a screen full of data, and what happened when customers began sharing deeply personal reasons they loved it.I also explore something that really stayed with me: why movement, rhythm, and visible patterns can feel so grounding. If you’ve ever wondered why certain objects bring comfort, focus, or connection, this conversation will give you a lot to think about.About my guest: Griffin Van Horn is the creator of Train Tracker, a real-time transit display that turns live train data into a clean, visual experience. His work brings together engineering, design, and a strong respect for community-built ideas.You’ll hear how Train Tracker grew from a handmade prototype into something people use for far more than commute info—and why that matters.Key Timestamps0:03 - I welcome Griffin Van Horn and introduce Train Tracker0:21 - How the idea began in the Cambridge Hackspace9:01 - The surprise behind what they were really building17:57 - The moment the project started feeling real20:36 - What the first version looked like behind the scenes26:02 - What early users taught them about simplicity32:21 - Why people connect with the feeling, not just the data40:12 - The unexpected stories that made the work feel bigger44:11 - Why trains and patterns can feel oddly calming55:05 - Where to learn more about TraintrakrYou can find out more at: Traintrackr.ioIf this episode speaks to you, listen to the full conversation and share it with someone who loves design, transit, or the comfort of patterns in motion.#TrainTrackr #DesignStory #TransitDesign #Makerspace #CuriousStorytellerHosted by Reid Miles.Conversations unfold naturally — no scripts, no rush.🎧 Subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts🌐 More about the show and past episodes: https://podcast.ausha.co/neurodivergantconnection-thecuriousstroyteller📩 Guest inquiries & media: [email protected] on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.