Design Matters with Debbie Millman
Episodes
Best of Design Matters: Bobbi Brown
28 Mar 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Bobbi Brown had a revolutionary idea: to create a natural-look makeup line that would make people feel like the best version of themselves. She launch...
Best of Design Matters: Nick Cave & Bob Faust
21 Mar 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Nick Cave and Bob Faust discuss the incredible life of creativity, courageousness and community they have built together. Hosted on Acast. See acast.c...
Best of Design Matters: Jacqueline Woodson
14 Mar 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In her inspiring creative journey, author Jacqueline Woodson went from struggling with words as a child to mastering them today. Hosted on Acast. See ...
Best of Design Matters: Adam Grant
07 Mar 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In an illuminating and cerebral discussion, Adam Grant discusses his new book “Think Again: The Power of Knowing What You Don't Know”—and the va...
Best of Design Matters: Karen Finley
28 Feb 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Karen Finley reflects on her legendary performance pieces, censorship and decades of groundbreaking work—and the sheer joy in creating art. Hosted o...
Best of Design Matters: Glennon Doyle & Abby Wambach
21 Feb 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Soccer star Abby Wambach and author Glennon Doyle discuss their striking first meeting, falling in love as pen pals, addiction and sobriety, and the a...
Best of Design Matters: Bisa Butler
17 Feb 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Fiber artist Bisa Butler discusses the AfriCOBRA tradition, the artistic breakthrough that led to her finding her voice, and the process behind her am...
Best of Design Matters: Lisa Taddeo
14 Feb 2022
Contributed by Lukas
From The Last Days of Heath Ledger to Lebron James to the title characters of THREE WOMEN, writer Lisa Taddeo’s words have captured her subjects in ...
Best of Design Matters: Sarah Kay
10 Feb 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Sarah Kay thrives in poetry on and off the stage—and here, she discusses the immense power of the craft. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for ...
Best of Design Matters: Shirley Manson
07 Feb 2022
Contributed by Lukas
After a lifetime on stage, musician Shirley Manson reflects on the extraordinary ways she sees the world today. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/priva...
Best of Design Matters: Pete Souza
03 Feb 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Pete Souza has taken photographs for National Geographic, Life Magazine, and other dream outlets, leading to his ultimate subject as Chief Official Wh...
Best of Design Matters: Priya Parker
31 Jan 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Priya Parker discusses the art of gatherings—and how we can truly take the events that punctuate our lives to the next level. Hosted on Acast. See a...
Best of Design Matters: Edwin Schlossberg
27 Jan 2022
Contributed by Lukas
A master at creating interactive, immersive experiences—Edwin Schlossberg joins to talk about his artwork and the 40th anniversary of his firm, ESI ...
Best of Design Matters: Kaki King
24 Jan 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Rolling Stones has called Kaki King a genre unto herself—she joins to talk about her career path and even plays a song or two. Hosted on Acast. See...
Best of Design Matters: Richard Saul Wurman
20 Jan 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Making information understandable both for himself and others—TED founder and author of numerous books, Richard Saul Wurman, joins to talk about edu...
Best of Design Matters: Deborah Kass
17 Jan 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Artist Deborah Kass joins to talk about her extraordinary career, examining the interactions of politics, pop culture, art history, and identity withi...
Best of Design Matters: Sarah Jones
13 Jan 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Known for her multi-character, one-person Broadway hit Bridge & Tunnel—Sarah Jones joins to talk about identity, community, social justice, and ...
Best of Design Matters: Brian Koppelman
10 Jan 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Brian Koppelman joins to talk about his remarkable life, sharing why he became a writer after years of working as a record promoter and producer. Host...
Best of Design Matters: Roz Chast
06 Jan 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Roz Chast joins to talk about her remarkable life and how she earned a coveted spot as a cartoonist for The New Yorker. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com...
Best of Design Matters: Krista Tippett
03 Jan 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Debbie Millman talks with Krista Tippett about her religious orientation, her struggle with depression, and why it's so hard to understand our histori...
Best of Design Matters: Simon Sinek
31 Dec 2021
Contributed by Lukas
“To see your team achieve more than they thought they were capable of, that they will advance the organization further than you even imagined—beca...
Design Matters: Best of 2021
27 Dec 2021
Contributed by Lukas
On this special episode of Design Matters, we take a look back at 2021, revel in the collective brilliance of Catherine Opie, Ethan Hawke, Randa Jarra...
Best of Design Matters: Wendy MacNaughton and Caroline Paul
23 Dec 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Illustrator and author duo Wendy MacNaughton and Caroline Paul join to talk about their book, “Lost Cat: A True Story of Love, Desperation, and GPS ...
Best of Design Matters: Hrishikesh Hirway
20 Dec 2021
Contributed by Lukas
From practicing on his first piano—drawn on a piece of paper—to recording albums and launching the podcast and Netflix show “Song Exploder,” H...
Best of Design Matters: Amy Webb
16 Dec 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Named “one of the five women changing the world” by Forbes—Amy Webb advises CEOs of the world’s most-admired companies, three-star admirals an...
Anita Hill
13 Dec 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Thirty years ago, Anita Hill became a household name and a hero for many women when she told the world about how Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas...
Best of Design Matters: Jason Kottke
09 Dec 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Founded in 1998, kottke.org is one of the oldest blogs on the web. It’s written and produced by Jason Kottke and covers the essential people, inve...
Michael Stipe
06 Dec 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Michael Stipe joins to talk about his remarkable life, photography practice, and career as the lead singer and lyricist for the band R.E.M. Hosted on ...
Best of Design Matters: Roman Mars
02 Dec 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Roman Mars is the host and creator of 99% Invisible, a sound-rich, narrative podcast about the unnoticed architecture and design that shape our world....
Keenan Scott II
29 Nov 2021
Contributed by Lukas
A playwright, poet, actor, director, and producer—Keenan Scott II joins to discuss his powerful and captivating Broadway play “Thoughts of a Color...
Best of Design Matters: Dr. Dori Tunstall
25 Nov 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Dr. Dori Tunstall joined OCAD University in 2016 as Dean of Design. She is a design anthropologist, public intellectual, and design advocate who works...
Ai Weiwei
22 Nov 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Ai Weiwei joins to discuss his new memoir “1000 Years of Joys and Sorrows,” depicting a century-long epic tale of China told through a story of hi...
Best of Design Matters: Rob Walker
18 Nov 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Rob Walker discusses his interest in death and how our digital records remain online, being shy and how this influenced his decision to become a journ...
Ashley C. Ford
15 Nov 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Ashley C. Ford joins to discuss her memoir “Somebody’s Daughter,” capturing a complex childhood shaped by family secrets, incarceration, and res...
From the Archive: Massimo Vignelli
11 Nov 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Legendary graphic designer Massimo Vignelli, best-known for creating the iconic New York City subway map, discusses intellectual elegance, education, ...
Toshi Reagon
08 Nov 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Shaped by music and activism, Toshi Reagon reflects on her upbringing and remarkable career writing, playing, singing, and producing music. Hosted on ...
Nick Offerman
01 Nov 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Reflecting on his remarkable life and career, Nick Offerman shares his insights on acting, marriage and the current state of the world. Hosted on Acas...
Alisa Cohn
25 Oct 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Alisa Cohn—named Top Startup Coach in the World—shares her secrets, insights and strategies from nearly 20 years of turning startup founders into ...
Adam J. Kurtz
18 Oct 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Adam J. Kurtz delves into the human experience and explores the duality of time—everything changes, yet tomorrow isn’t promised—in his new book,...
Amy Koppelman
11 Oct 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Amy Koppelman penned A Mouthful of Air, a powerful novel years ahead of its time—and now, 20 years on, she discusses the film version of it she dire...
Rickie Lee Jones
04 Oct 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Long a believer in the impossible, Rickie Lee Jones has lived an extraordinary life of song. Here, she reflects on five decades of making music. Hoste...
Jonathan Fields
27 Sep 2021
Contributed by Lukas
What makes you feel most alive? Jonathan Fields is here to help you figure it out—and infuse it into your career in truly transformative ways. Hoste...
Dorie Clark
20 Sep 2021
Contributed by Lukas
In our short-term world, Dorie Clark is proof positive that there’s incredible power in long-term strategy—and here she riffs on her new book, “...
Catherine Opie
13 Sep 2021
Contributed by Lukas
At 8 years old, Catherine Opie realized “that history is made within an image culture”—and here, she discusses her incredible life as a photogra...
Design Matters From the Archive: V (Formerly Eve Ensler)
06 Sep 2021
Contributed by Lukas
After surviving intense abuse as a child, V grew up to pen powerful prose and plays—and today fights for women suffering around the world. Hosted on...
Design Matters From the Archive: Seth Godin
30 Aug 2021
Contributed by Lukas
In his third Design Matters interview, writer Seth Godin riffs on his 20th book—“The Practice”—a milestone text exploring creativity and the s...
Carly Kuhn
23 Aug 2021
Contributed by Lukas
From the Groundlings and “Chelsea Lately” to fashion illustration, textile work and beyond, Carly Kuhn—aka The Cartorialist—may not have set o...
Quiara Alegría Hudes
16 Aug 2021
Contributed by Lukas
After dreaming of becoming a musician, Quiara Alegría Hudes found her true future on the page—and in such works as “My Broken Language” and “...
Suneel Gupta
09 Aug 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Forging on past failure, Suneel Gupta began to ask wildly successful people about their less-successful moments—and that laid the foundation for his...
Bobbi Brown
02 Aug 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Bobbi Brown had a revolutionary idea: to create a natural-look makeup line that would make people feel like the best version of themselves. She launch...
Design Matters From the Archive: Claire Danes
26 Jul 2021
Contributed by Lukas
At 10, she announced that money or no money, she would be true to her art—and there was no plan B. And, well, actress Claire Danes stuck to it. Host...
Design Matters From the Archive: Bisa Butler
19 Jul 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Fiber artist Bisa Butler discusses the AfriCOBRA tradition, the artistic breakthrough that led to her finding her voice, and the process behind her am...
Design Matters From the Archive: Miranda July
12 Jul 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Writer, director and actress Miranda July discusses the surreality of releasing a surreal movie in an even more surreal time—and the eternal magic o...
Jonny Sun
05 Jul 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Feeling like an outsider, Jonny Sun turned to performance, comedy and Twitter—eventually channeling his thoughts into Jomny Sun and his signature Al...
Design Matters: Celebrating Pride
28 Jun 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Alison Bechdel. Eileen Myles. Kenny Fries. Saeed Jones. Four icons reflect on their journeys in this special Pride episode of Design Matters. Hosted o...
Ping Zhu
21 Jun 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Ping Zhu’s parents were afraid her interest in illustration might just be a phase … and then she landed her first assignment ever at The New York ...
Fabien Baron
14 Jun 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Fabien Baron wanted to follow in his father’s footsteps—so he dropped out of school to conquer the magazine world, and has since realized that sto...
Susan Orlean
07 Jun 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Susan Orlean takes what appears to be ordinary corners of everyday life—and brings them to the page with startling wonderment and wit. Hosted on Aca...
Nick Cave & Bob Faust
31 May 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Nick Cave and Bob Faust discuss the incredible life of creativity, courageousness and community they have built together. Hosted on Acast. See acast.c...
Tavi Gevinson
24 May 2021
Contributed by Lukas
She was a teenage media mogul—and now her story extends to the page and the stage … not to mention the reboot of “Gossip Girl.” Get to know Ta...
Beeple
17 May 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Beeple began creating a new piece of art each day with his aptly titled “everydays” series … which ultimately led to an astonishing $69 million ...
Futura
10 May 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Across 50 years in the art scene, Futura has undergone a brilliant evolution from graffiti prodigy to design master. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/pr...
Tanya Selvaratnam
03 May 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Tanya Selvaratnam has said that when life throws you lemons, make art—and she has profoundly done just that in the face of unimaginable circumstance...
Ethan Hawke
26 Apr 2021
Contributed by Lukas
From the profound experience of making “Dead Poets Society” to the “Before” trilogy and his marvelous new book, Ethan Hawke discusses a life s...
Design Matters From the Archive: Lisa Congdon
19 Apr 2021
Contributed by Lukas
From finding and focusing in on your artistic voice to staying passionate and purposefully driven, creative sherpa Lisa Congdon once again helps liste...
Design Matters From the Archive: Robert Wong
12 Apr 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Robert Wong ditched accounting and pursued his artistic dreams, criss-crossing the world before co-creating the innovative Google Creative Lab. Hosted...
Design Matters From the Archive: Ira Glass
05 Apr 2021
Contributed by Lukas
From creativity to creative struggles and what makes or breaks a “This American Life” story, Ira Glass reflects on a career in the airwaves. Hoste...
Robyn Kanner
29 Mar 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Robyn Kanner’s sponsor asked what her goals were. She said she was going to elect the next president of the United States. And in this episode explo...
Randa Jarrar
22 Mar 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Randa Jarrar has made the world a sexier and more thoughtful place—and on this episode, she discusses her powerful new memoir, "My Love is an Ex-Cou...
Jacqueline Woodson
15 Mar 2021
Contributed by Lukas
In her inspiring creative journey, author Jacqueline Woodson went from struggling with words as a child to mastering them today. Hosted on Acast. See ...
David Byrne
08 Mar 2021
Contributed by Lukas
The legendary David Byrne reflects on his formative years, the mystery that underpins making music, and his cathartic Broadway experience, “American...
Jenna Lyons
01 Mar 2021
Contributed by Lukas
From her trend-setting career with J.Crew to the medley of new projects she has launched over the past year, Jenna Lyons has perpetually made the worl...
Adam Grant
22 Feb 2021
Contributed by Lukas
In an illuminating and cerebral discussion, Adam Grant discusses his new book “Think Again: The Power of Knowing What You Don't Know”—and the va...
Design Matters From the Archive: Marilyn Minter
15 Feb 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Sex, power, feminism—Marilyn Minter reflects on her rise, being banished from the art world, and her return and personal revolution. Hosted on Acast...
Design Matters From the Archive: Esther Perel
08 Feb 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Esther Perel explores the fascinating design of marriage, modern intimacy and relationships—and the complex dynamics of infidelity. Hosted on Acast....
Design Matters From the Archive: Brené Brown
01 Feb 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Belonging. Human connection. Vulnerability. Failure. Perseverance. On this episode, Brené Brown discusses the highs and lows of her creative journey—...
Design Matters From the Archive: Marina Abramović
25 Jan 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Marina Abramović reflects on all the moments that made her the performance genius that she is today—in which the artist is, indeed, utterly present...
Hrishikesh Hirway
11 Jan 2021
Contributed by Lukas
From practicing on his first piano—drawn on a piece of paper—to recording albums and launching the podcast and Netflix show “Song Exploder,” H...
Best of 2020
28 Dec 2020
Contributed by Lukas
On this special episode of Design Matters, we take a look back at 2020, revel in the collective brilliance of Bisa Butler, Miranda July, Marilyn Minte...
Wael Morcos & Jonathan Key
21 Dec 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Hailing from Lebanon and Alabama, respectively, Wael Morcos and Jonathan Key discuss their amazing journeys that coalesced into their groundbreaking d...
Karen Finley
14 Dec 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Karen Finley reflects on her legendary performance pieces, censorship and decades of groundbreaking work—and the sheer joy in creating art. Hosted o...
Laurie Haycock Makela
07 Dec 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Laurie Haycock Makela discusses her revolutionary typography days at Cranbrook with Scott Makela, surviving two brain hemorrhages—and arriving at “...
Seth Godin
30 Nov 2020
Contributed by Lukas
In his third Design Matters interview, writer Seth Godin riffs on his 20th book—“The Practice”—a milestone text exploring creativity and the s...
Design Matters From the Archive: Thomas Page McBee
23 Nov 2020
Contributed by Lukas
In his extraordinary journey, Thomas Page McBee traversed trauma and wound up in the ring at Madison Square Garden, brimming with a host of wisdoms on...
Design Matters Live: Gemma O'Brien
16 Nov 2020
Contributed by Lukas
From a life-changing letterpress moment to early viral fame and the current COVID crossroads, Gemma O’Brien remains a master of illustrious letterfo...
Design Matters From the Archive: Malcolm Gladwell
09 Nov 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Malcolm Gladwell discusses his book "Talking to Strangers”—and how we default to truth … but not necessarily the whole truth. Hosted on Acast. S...
Glennon Doyle & Abby Wambach
02 Nov 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Soccer star Abby Wambach and author Glennon Doyle discuss their striking first meeting, falling in love as pen pals, addiction and sobriety, and the a...
Design Matters From the Archive: Tiffany Shlain
26 Oct 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Tiffany Shlain completely unplugs from technology one day a week—and week after week, it completely refuels her creative well. Here, she reveals how...
Miranda July
19 Oct 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Writer, director and actress Miranda July discusses the surreality of releasing a surreal movie in an even more surreal time—and the eternal magic o...
Design Matters from the Archive: Sarah Kay
12 Oct 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Debbie talks to performance poet Sarah Kay about teaching people to write. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Design Matters from the Archive: Priya Parker
05 Oct 2020
Contributed by Lukas
On this pre-pandemic archive episode, Debbie talks to Priya Parker about meetings and gatherings and why so many of them don’t work. Hosted on Acast...
Design Matters from the Archive: Lynda Barry
28 Sep 2020
Contributed by Lukas
On this archive episode cartoonist Lynda Barry talks to Debbie about learning how to draw, and the damaging effects of one’s own opinion. Hosted on ...
Jacqueline Novogratz
22 Sep 2020
Contributed by Lukas
On this episode, Jacqueline Novogratz talks about her long career fighting poverty around the world. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more i...
Claire Danes
15 Sep 2020
Contributed by Lukas
On this episode Claire Danes talks to Debbie about her long career, and what she learned about spies from playing one. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/...
Bisa Butler
07 Sep 2020
Contributed by Lukas
On this episode, artist Bisa Butler talks to Debbie about her career, and about how making a quilted portrait of her grandmother led to an artistic br...
Michael R. Jackson
31 Aug 2020
Contributed by Lukas
On this episode, Debbie talks to Michael R. Jackson about his latest musical, which is about a gay man trying to write a musical. Hosted on Acast. See...
Fanny Singer
24 Aug 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Debbie talks to Fanny Singer about her career writing about art and food, and about cooking in the time of Coronavirus. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com...
Maurice Cherry
03 Aug 2020
Contributed by Lukas
On this episode, Debbie talks with Maurice Cherry about his education and career, and about why the profession of graphic design has been so slow to a...
Gabrielle Hamilton
20 Jul 2020
Contributed by Lukas
On this episode Debbie talks to Gabrielle Hamilton about her career as a chef, and as a late-blooming writer. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy f...
Mauro Porcini
13 Jul 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Debbie talks to Mauro Porcini, Chief Design Officer at Pepsico, about his childhood and his corporate work. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for...