
Design Matters with Debbie Millman
Design Matters with Debbie Millman is one of the world’s very first podcasts. Broadcasting independently for over 15 years, the show is about how incredibly creative people design the arc of their lives. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Latest episodes

30 snips
Jun 16, 2025 • 55min
Craig Federighi and Alan Dye
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.

Jun 9, 2025 • 53min
Dane Laffrey
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.

Jun 2, 2025 • 1h 7min
Leisha Hailey and Kate Moennig
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.

6 snips
May 26, 2025 • 1h 4min
Best of Design Matters: Olafur Eliasson
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.

11 snips
May 19, 2025 • 1h 7min
Best of Design Matters: Carson Ellis
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!

9 snips
May 12, 2025 • 1h
Best of Design Matters: David Kwong
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.

23 snips
May 5, 2025 • 1h 15min
Best of Design Matters: Frances Frei and Anne Morriss
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.

10 snips
Apr 28, 2025 • 58min
Best of Design Matters: David Remnick
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.Want to help shape TED’s shows going forward? Fill out our survey! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

20 snips
Apr 21, 2025 • 1h 6min
Best of Design Matters: Es Devlin
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.

Apr 14, 2025 • 59min
Best of Design Matters: Lucy Sante
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.