Design Matters with Debbie Millman

Jennifer Pastiloff, bestselling author of 'On Being Human' and 'Proof of Life', leads transformative workshops that blend writing, yoga, and radical honesty. In her engaging discussion, she opens up about turning pain into purpose, emphasizing the power of vulnerability. Pastiloff reflects on her personal journey through trauma, identity, and self-discovery, illuminating how embracing imperfections can foster deeper connections. She highlights the importance of authenticity in living a fulfilling life, encouraging others to redefine their narratives.

In this Pride Month special, guests Carol Leifer, a trailblazing comedian, Paul Tazewell, an award-winning costume designer, and Sonya Passi, a dedicated activist, share their incredible journeys. Leifer reflects on the influence of family in her comedy roots, while Tazewell discusses his creative evolution and the challenges faced as a Black man in the arts. Passi highlights her fight against gender-based violence, emphasizing community engagement and the urgent need for change. The conversation celebrates resilience, creativity, and the power of storytelling.

James Dyson, the British inventor and founder of Dyson, shares his journey from aspiring designer to groundbreaking entrepreneur. He emphasizes the significance of learning from failure, revealing how setbacks fueled his innovative mindset. Dyson recounts his childhood in Norfolk, highlighting how challenges shaped his creativity and resilience. The conversation dives into the revolutionary bagless vacuum and the crucial balance between design and engineering. He also champions young inventors, showcasing their impactful solutions to real-world problems.

Craig Federighi, Apple's Senior VP of Software Engineering, and Alan Dye, VP of Human Interface Design, dive into the creative synergy behind iOS 26. They highlight how innovation intertwines with user comfort, exploring advancements like live translation features. They share their early tech stories, reflecting on the influence of Steve Jobs, and emphasize the importance of evolving design for better user experiences. The duo also discusses the development of San Francisco typefaces and the emotional legacy of technology, showcasing how design shapes meaningful connections.

Dane Laffrey, a Tony-winning scenic and costume designer, shares insights from his illustrious career marked by emotional storytelling in theater. He discusses the innovative design of 'Maybe Happy Ending,' transforming the narrative of love between robots onstage. Laffrey reflects on how nostalgia shapes his artistic vision, recounts his journey from the Midwest to Broadway, and emphasizes the power of collaboration in creative processes. He also highlights the unique challenges of diversity in design, particularly in productions that integrate multiple languages and cultures.

Leisha Hailey and Kate Moennig, renowned for their roles as Alice and Shane on The L Word, discuss their deep friendship and creative collaboration. They share personal anecdotes about navigating the entertainment industry and the emotional rollercoaster of auditions. The duo reflects on queer representation and their memorable experiences on set. They also touch on mental health, emphasizing the importance of community, and celebrate their upcoming book release. Their candid camaraderie offers insights into their identities shaped by music and acting.

Olafur Eliasson, a renowned artist, explores the intersection of art and nature through his captivating installations and sculptures. In a thought-provoking discussion, he shares insights on his seminal works, like the 'weather project,' and their connection to climate awareness. Eliasson reflects on the relationship between art and perception, revealing how individual experiences shape our understanding of art. He also discusses the role of vulnerability in fostering emotional connections within public spaces, challenging listeners to rethink their interactions with art.

Carson Ellis, an acclaimed author and illustrator of bestselling picture books like "Home" and "Du Iz Tak?", discusses her fascinating life on a farm in Oregon. She reflects on her whimsical journey through art and identity, sharing memories of her unconventional upbringing and the creative struggles she faced. The importance of childhood literature, emotional depth in storytelling, and the process of visual storytelling are explored, as well as the lasting impact of illustrations in children's books. Dive into her inspiring artistic journey!

David Kwong, a magician and puzzle creator known for his work on films like Now You See Me, shares his journey blending magic and puzzles. He recounts childhood moments that sparked his passion and discusses the cultural implications of magic through academic insights. Kwong reveals his unique artistry, including a captivating trick with a dollar bill, and emphasizes the importance of storytelling in creative processes. He also touches on the rise of word games like Wordle, showcasing their appeal and social dynamics.

Frances Frei, a Harvard Business School professor and strategist for major companies, and Anne Morriss, a leadership consultant and author, discuss their new book, 'Move Fast and Fix Things.' They explore overcoming fears that hinder organizational change and share insights on innovation using Warby Parker as a case study. Their conversation dives into personal anecdotes reflecting on childhood, resilience, and the importance of diverse leadership. They also emphasize actionable strategies for fostering collaboration and driving transformation in workplaces.