Design Matters with Debbie Millman

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.

Since 1998, David Remnick has been the editor of The New Yorker and has written hundreds of pieces for the magazine, including reporting from Russia, the Middle East, and Europe and Profiles of Barack Obama, Bill Clinton, Katharine Graham, Mike Tyson, Bruce Springsteen and more. He also hosts the magazine’s national radio program and podcast, “The New Yorker Radio Hour.” He joins live at the On Air Fest to talk about his legendary life and career. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Es Devlin, an acclaimed artist and stage designer, dives into her two-decade journey transforming performance art across theatres and stadiums. She reflects on childhood memories that shaped her creative philosophy and discusses the balance between technology’s grip on us and the authenticity of live experiences. Devlin highlights modern performance with immersive designs, sharing insights into her artistic evolution and the necessity of trusting instincts in creativity. With a blend of ambition and innovation, her narrative is both personal and inspiring.

Lucy Sante, a celebrated writer and cultural critic known for her insightful views on the demimonde, shares her journey of self-discovery in her latest memoir, “I Heard Her Call My Name.” She discusses the transformative nature of gender identity and the importance of embracing one's true self. Sante reflects on the influence of language as a tool for personal exploration, her literary evolution, and the challenges of navigating critique in the literary world. Through candid anecdotes, she illustrates the delicate interplay of identity, freedom, and authenticity.

Carol Leifer, a veteran stand-up comedian and award-winning writer, shares her journey through four decades in comedy. She reflects on the hurdles of being a female comedian in a male-dominated industry, including twenty-two auditions for The Tonight Show. Leifer offers insights on writing for iconic shows like Saturday Night Live and Seinfeld, emphasizing resilience and adaptability. Also discussed is her new book, which guides crafting humorous speeches, showcasing the powerful role of comedy in storytelling and connection.

Jon Batiste, a Grammy, Emmy, and Oscar-winning musician, shares his journey from a shy child to a confident performer. He discusses the profound impact of his New Orleans roots and family on his musical identity. The conversation touches on the intersection of music and spirituality, emphasizing authenticity and social impact. Batiste reflects on his collaborations and the legacy of gaming in fostering creativity, ultimately celebrating the power of music to connect people and inspire change.

Michael Goldberg, Founder and CEO of Something Special Studios, is a creative powerhouse behind brand-building and cultural experiences. He shares insights about the fascinating revival of Luna Luna, the world’s first art amusement park created by legendary artists like Salvador Dali. Michael recounts his journey from nightlife to entrepreneurship, highlighting key lessons in relationship-building. He also discusses the complex process of reviving a unique art experience while emphasizing the importance of authenticity in creative collaborations.

Todd Pruzan—a prolific writer, editor, and journalist—recently inherited a collection of several thousand New Yorker covers from his family spanning the past 77 years. He joins to read an essay that explores a number of realizations while reviewing the covers, including his family’s Jewish identity. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Throughout her prolific writing career, Nell Irvin Painter has published works on such luminaries as Sojourner Truth, Ralph Waldo Emerson, and Malcolm X. Her unique vantage on American history pushes the boundaries of personal narrative and academic authorship and asks readers to reconsider ideas of race, politics, and identity. She joins to discuss her legendary career as a distinguished historian, award-winning author, and artist. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Suzan-Lori Parks, a Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright, discusses her impressive career in theater, music, and literature. She dives into her latest work on the complex relationship between Sally Hemings and Thomas Jefferson, blending history and art. Parks shares her transformative journey from karate to yoga, reflecting on identity and resilience. She also touches on the art of storytelling, the emotional essence of collaboration in her band Sula and the Joyful Noise, and the profound themes of love, race, and forgiveness woven throughout her creations.