The Creative Boom Podcast

Jeff Staple, a designer and cultural figure, discusses his journey from an imaginative New Jersey childhood to becoming a sneaker icon. He shares life-changing near-death experiences that reshaped his perspective on risk and creativity. The making of the Nike Pigeon Dunk, which famously sparked a riot, reveals the fine line between success and being pigeonholed. With humor and insight, Jeff explains how he revitalized brands like Brooks and Crocs, blending nostalgia with innovation while embracing resilience in an ever-evolving creative landscape.

Ashley Johnson, Head of Brand Narrative at Pentagram, shares a playful side in a lively chat filled with impulsive stories and confessions. She discusses the challenges of public speaking and embracing discomfort for growth. Ashley recounts a whimsical travel tale that highlights her risk-taking nature and contrasts her creative process with the art of brand storytelling. With a humorous take on her inner critic and early internet personas, she also critiques performative brand language, reminding us of the power words hold. It's a delightful exploration of creativity and spontaneity.

n this episode of The Creative Boom Podcast, Katy chats with Ashley Johnson, Head of Brand Narrative at Pentagram in London, about the winding path that took her from Canadian TV journalism to one of the world's most respected design studios. Ashley shares how early experiences with online harassment pushed her out of the newsroom, why she calls her career "squiggly", and how she discovered a love for shaping brand stories that are as strategic as they are creative. Ashley explains how great design and great copy are two languages expressing the same powerful idea, and why the best words are often the simplest. She talks about creating a "source code" for clients—a clear, truthful narrative that defines what they stand for before anything goes public. Along the way, she reflects on feminist leadership, the quiet sexism still present in the industry, and the importance of psychological safety in allowing creative teams to take risks and be brave. This is a warm, funny, and deeply honest conversation about finding your voice, redefining success, and holding your nerve in a world that often rewards style over substance. Whether you're a writer, designer, or anyone navigating a creative career, Ashley's insights on storytelling, authenticity, and quiet power will leave you feeling inspired and understood.

In this playful bonus of The Spark, Katy Cowan welcomes back Zoë Thompson, founder of Sweet Thang and proud zine entrepreneur, for a quick-fire round of joy-filled questions. After sharing her creative journey in Monday's episode, Zoë returns to talk about creative jealousy and how she reframes it with her "love it for you, want it for me" list. She makes a strong case for anti-hustle creativity, too. Sometimes, doing nothing is where good ideas arrive. Zoë shares the small rituals that keep her grounded, including solo dance parties to a playlist that gets her out of her head and back into her body. She goes nostalgic with scents that pull her straight back to her childhood years in Brunei. Think bug spray, sunscreen, and memories of the rainforest. There are fairy folktales, a dream dinner with Ella Fitzgerald, and a defence of Helvetica that will make every designer nod. You also get TikTok envy handled with grace, a love letter to Pinterest, a new font purchase, and a gentle debate on spice levels. It is warm, funny, and honest. Listen if you need a creative lift, a reminder that balance beats hustle, and a nudge to make space for play.

For The Creative Boom Podcast this week, Katy Cowan chats with Zoë Thompson, the founder of Sweet Thang, an independent arts and literary zine that champions black creatives around the world. Zoë launched the publication when she was just 18, driven by a love of magazines and a desire to create a platform where underrepresented voices could shine. What began as a scrappy DIY project has grown into a celebrated space for fresh talent, first-time writers, and those often overlooked by mainstream media. Zoë shares the story behind Sweet Thang's beginnings, from collaging spreads at home to crowdfunding to pay contributors. She explains why zines remain such a powerful and democratic medium, offering a direct connection between creator and reader, without the need for algorithms or gatekeepers. With a warm and candid honesty, Zoë talks about the freedom of imperfection, the joy of making something physical, and the thrill of giving people their first-ever byline. Together, Katy and Zoë explore the enduring magic of print in a digital world. They discuss why physical publications feel more important than ever, offering permanence and value in an age of fleeting feeds. They also touch on the challenges of running a passion project, the lessons learned along the way, and the communities that keep them both inspired. It's a conversation filled with humour, insight, and plenty of creative wisdom—perfect listening for anyone who wants to make something of their own.

In this charming conversation, Emily Penny, brand strategist and founder of Be Colourful, shares her creative insights and whimsical thoughts. She playfully insists that Kate Winslet should portray her in a movie and recounts her hill to die on: the essential collaboration between copy and design. Emily reflects on the joys of solo travel, her love for condiments, and her childhood magazine venture. With a lighthearted belief in fairies, she envisions a hopeful future for design, emphasizing the importance of human intuition amid change.

Emily Penny, a brand strategist with over 25 years of experience and founder of Be Colourful, dives into the issue of design studios blending into the crowd. She discusses her findings from the Fully Saturated report, highlighting how fear and sameness hinder creativity. Emily introduces her Brand Strand framework, offering 18 strategies for studios to embrace their uniqueness. She emphasizes the importance of authenticity, the value of community, and positioning as key to success in a competitive industry.

We're back with another instalment of The Spark, Creative Boom's bonus episode that gets under the skin of each week's guest. This time, host Katy Cowan is joined by Claire Blyth, founder of Red Setter and a passionate advocate for design PR. In this light-hearted after-show, Claire shares the rituals that keep her grounded, the superstition she secretly (or not so secretly) follows, and the teenage scents that instantly take her back. She reminisces about nights out at the legendary Hacienda, admits the last time she felt out of her depth, and reveals the music icon she'll always worship. It's fun, personal and full of surprises – the perfect companion to her full conversation with Katy, released earlier this week.

Claire Blyth, founder of the PR agency Red Setter, shares her insights on the evolving landscape of public relations in an AI-driven world. She highlights the necessity of human connection amid declining traditional media and the rise of generative AI. Claire discusses the challenges of maintaining authenticity and trust in PR, as well as the importance of quality journalism over clickbait. Additionally, she reflects on her personal journey with public speaking and the need for agencies to engage meaningfully with their audiences.

In a playful and candid conversation, legendary designer Brian Collins shares insights from his creative journey. He reveals why he ignores conventional presentation advice, his secret wish to master postmodern dance, and his unwavering defense of team ideas. Brian describes Oreos as the ultimate cookie, akin to a perfect design, and explains why orange is his defining color. He reflects on the importance of helpfulness over happiness and names Pablo Neruda as his dream dinner guest, all while showcasing his trademark humor and creativity.