Design Matters with Debbie Millman

In celebration of 20 years, Debbie Millman chats with tech pioneers: Bill Moggridge, co-founder of IDEO, who shares insights on the user-centered design of the first laptop; Jason Kottke, a blogging legend, discussing the evolution and ethics of online curation; Anil Dash, an advocate for humane tech, who critiques social media's impact and its moral responsibilities; and Kevin Kelly, co-founder of Wired, who explores technological inevitability and the ecosystem of innovation. Together, they reflect on how these advancements shape our daily lives.

As part of a 20th anniversary celebration, playful first questions lead to unexpected revelations. Guests share quirky stories, like Adam J. Kurtz's childhood creativity and Brian Koppelman's familial pride in their egg carton invention. Sarah Jones hilariously recalls an awkward accent mishap, while Brené Brown reflects on her obsession with 'Grease.' Other highlights include Richard Saul Wurman's teddy bear tradition and Patricia Cronin's protest arrest. Throughout, humor and authenticity reign in these captivating anecdotes.

Celebrating 20 years of impactful conversations, Debbie Millman revisits insights from leading photographers. Catherine Opie discusses her work documenting queer communities and the importance of a protective approach to intimacy. Albert Watson shares his evolution in technical mastery and his early revelations with photography. Pete Souza reflects on capturing political life and significant moments with Obama. Mary Ellen Matthews recounts her serendipitous journey to becoming SNL’s chief photographer. Lynn Goldsmith shares her unforgettable experience capturing the Beatles, highlighting iconic details.

In this celebration of culinary creativity, guests like Julia Turshen, a cookbook author, delve into how poetry influences recipe writing. Christina Tosi shares her playful approach to baking, stemming from childhood food memories. Gabrielle Hamilton reflects on founding her beloved bistro, Prune, amidst changing neighborhoods. Fanny Singer evokes sensory food memories, while Will Guidara emphasizes the importance of hospitality culture. Together, they explore the intersection of food, memory, and the joy of sharing meals.

Celebrating 20 years of impactful design, Debbie Millman chats with renowned illustrators Brian Rea, Maira Kalman, Barry Blitt, Edel Rodriguez, and Christoph Niemann. Brian shares his journey from collage to narrative-driven storytelling, while Maira reflects on the spontaneity that fuels her work, including her beloved dog. Barry discusses the humor in political satire, and Edel reveals the process behind his provocative magazine covers. Christoph emphasizes the essence of concept-driven illustration and how limitations can spark extraordinary creativity.

Debbie Millman celebrates 20 years of her podcast by featuring insights from notable hosts Krista Tippett, Ira Glass, Hrishikesh Hirway, Kara Swisher, and Jad Abumrad. Krista explores her journey back to spirituality, while Ira reveals his interviewing techniques that encourage vulnerability. Hrishikesh shares the creation story of Song Exploder, driven by a desire to dive deeper into music. Kara discusses the impact of loss on her life perspective and the importance of setting boundaries. Jad reflects on his evolution in radio and the experimental roots of Radiolab.

Join iconic musicians as they celebrate creativity and life lessons! David Lee Roth reflects on his formative days and the moral urgency that shaped his singing career. Michael Stipe reveals how punk's ethos fueled his journey in music, turning insecurities into strengths. Amy Ray of the Indigo Girls shares the joys of finding a musical soulmate and overcoming personal struggles, including acceptance from her family. Each artist brings unique insights into their craft, showcasing the power of music to connect and heal.

Neil deGrasse Tyson, the celebrated astrophysicist and science communicator, dives into the importance of science education and its role in shaping society. He shares insights on how sanitation and vaccines have dramatically improved life expectancy. Tyson emphasizes the need for the U.S. to regain its scientific leadership amid global competition. He also tackles public skepticism towards science, using examples like vaccine hesitancy and flat Earth beliefs. Finally, he advocates for teaching critical thinking skills to combat misinformation.

In a special anniversary compilation, various past guests share their quirky answers to Debbie Millman's signature first questions. Eric Spiekermann discusses a climber’s harness that recalls childhood treehouses, while Roman Mars recalls attending college at 15. Jessica Hische humorously explains her cat’s name change to Olivia Benson. Other guests like Chip Kidd, Isaac Mizrahi, and Roxane Gay offer amusing and insightful anecdotes about life, creativity, and personal quirks, making this reflection on a two-decade tradition both nostalgic and entertaining.

In a heartfelt celebration, memoirists Elissa Altman, Thomas Page McBee, Ashley C. Ford, Josh Brolin, and Isaac Fitzgerald share their powerful stories. Altman recounts food-related family influences and her writing journey. McBee explores gender transition and healing through storytelling. Ford reflects on resilience shaped by family dynamics, while Brolin candidly discusses sobriety and navigating a chaotic upbringing. Fitzgerald unpacks the impact of relocation and parental struggles, offering insights into his complex childhood.