Design Matters with Debbie Millman

20th Anniversary celebration with the most memorable guests: Jason Reynolds, Marina Abramović, Chris Ware, Richard Saul Wurman, Rick Rubin, and Roxane Gay

Jan 19, 2026
Join award-winning author Jason Reynolds, known for his impactful storytelling, as he reflects on his upbringing and the power of language in shaping identity. Rick Rubin, the legendary record producer behind Def Jam, shares insights on his punk origins and the DJ-centric roots of hip hop. Artist Marina Abramović discusses her provocative performance Rhythm Zero, exploring vulnerability and audience interaction. Finally, Roxane Gay talks about women's autonomy and the honest journey of writing her memoir, Hunger.
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INSIGHT

Language Shapes Identity

  • Jason Reynolds says language, repeated early, embeds itself into your identity and shapes behavior.
  • He credits his mother's mantra "I can do anything" for removing fear around trying and learning.
ANECDOTE

A Tenth Year That Changed Everything

  • Jason Reynolds recounts his turbulent tenth year: parents split, new school, bullying, his grandmother's death, and discovering writing.
  • He read rap lyrics, wrote lines that were printed on the funeral program, and that moment redirected his life toward writing.
ANECDOTE

Surrendering To The Audience

  • Marina Abramović describes Rhythm 0 where she offered 72 objects and surrendered will to the audience for six hours.
  • The experiment escalated into violence and nearly lethal danger, teaching her that the public can kill you and revealing limits of trust.
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