On this special episode of Design Matters, Debbie Millman features brilliant writers Alexandra Horowitz, Rick Rubin, and Kevin Kelly. They discuss topics such as white rhinoceros behavior, dog interactions, inclusion of artists with disabilities, and changing perceptions. They also touch on religious experiences, the impact of life-threatening situations, and appreciating ordinary experiences.
Dogs' scent-based communication reveals the complexity of their individual life histories, enhancing our understanding of animal behavior.
Creativity is a collaborative process, with artists being channels for ideas rather than sole creators, requiring presence and openness to inspiration.
Deep dives
The Profound Insights of Alexandra Horowitz
Alexandra Horowitz, a professor of psychology, shares her research on dog cognition. She reveals that studying dogs helped her understand animal behavior and the complexity of their individual life histories. She explains how dogs communicate with each other through scent and shows her appreciation for their extraordinary responsiveness to humans.
Rick Rubin's Perspective on Creativity
Rick Rubin, a renowned record producer, discusses his views on creativity. He emphasizes the importance of being in tune with the planet and playing a role in the ongoing creative process. He believes that ideas come through artists rather than from them and encourages artists to be present and open to inspiration. He highlights the balance between preparation and allowing lightning to strike in the creative process.
Kevin Kelly's Reflections on Life and Death
Kevin Kelly, co-founder of Wired Magazine, shares his experience of thinking he only had six months to live. He talks about how this experience transformed his perspective on life and time. He discusses the significance of being present in the ordinary aspects of life and the importance of having a future. He also reflects on his countdown clock and the mindset it helps him maintain to focus on his commitments.
Diverse Voices and Perspectives in Design Matters
Debbie Milman, the host of Design Matters, reflects on the interviews she conducted with writers in 2023 and highlights the diversity of voices and perspectives shared on the podcast. She mentions upcoming episodes featuring interviews with award-winning female filmmakers. She concludes by expressing gratitude for the audience's support and emphasizes the power of both talking about making a difference and actually making a difference.
On this special episode of Design Matters, we take a look back at the collective brilliance of writers interviewed in 2023. Best of Design Matters 2023 with Alexandra Horowitz, Rick Rubin, and Kevin Kelly is live!