Design Matters with Debbie Millman

Ruth Ann Harnisch, investor, philanthropist and media producer who founded the Harnisch Foundation. She traces her rise from teen broadcaster to pioneering anchor. She discusses founding a foundation to break barriers, shifting from many small gifts to bigger systemic investments, and how money, scarcity, integrity, and improv-shaped leadership inform her work.

Brian Chesky, co-founder and CEO of Airbnb and trained industrial designer, talks about how imagination and design shaped his path from art school to building a worldwide hospitality community. He recalls redesigning toys and cities, RISD rituals like 200 self-portraits, founding Airbed & Breakfast, solving trust for adoption, and how AI and philanthropy factor into design-led leadership.

Join award-winning author Jason Reynolds, known for his impactful storytelling, as he reflects on his upbringing and the power of language in shaping identity. Rick Rubin, the legendary record producer behind Def Jam, shares insights on his punk origins and the DJ-centric roots of hip hop. Artist Marina Abramović discusses her provocative performance Rhythm Zero, exploring vulnerability and audience interaction. Finally, Roxane Gay talks about women's autonomy and the honest journey of writing her memoir, Hunger.

Celebrating 20 years of creativity, renowned poets Eileen Myles, Elizabeth Alexander, Sarah Kay, and Amber Tamblyn share their profound insights on language and identity. Myles reflects on the vibrant NYC poetry scene and the influence of Ginsberg, while Alexander connects ballet disciplines to her writing craft. Kay reveals how slam poetry intertwined her passion for theater, and Tamblyn discusses the personal power of poetry as she recounts her journey through acting and her poignant work on grief and identity. Together, they explore poetry as a deeply intimate practice that transcends the page.

In a special celebration, Claire Danes, Ethan Hawke, Nick Offerman, Kyra Sedgwick, and Josh Brolin share their fascinating journeys in acting. Danes explores how childhood therapy sparked her imagination and led her to acting at a young age. Hawke reflects on his adventurous spirit and personal growth stemming from his parents' divorce. Offerman discusses the influence of Kabuki theater on his craft, while Sedgwick reveals her early desire for control through acting. Brolin recounts lessons from The Goonies and the reinvention that shaped his career.

Join acclaimed directors Brian Koppelman, Thomas Kail, Mike Mills, Sarah Polley, and Siân Heder as they discuss their creative journeys. Koppelman shares insights on storytelling and collaboration, while Kail reflects on his theater roots and early collaborations with Lin-Manuel Miranda. Mills dives into the emotional core of filmmaking, drawing from personal history. Polley explores family narratives and memory, emphasizing the value of listening. Heder highlights representation in cinema, sharing her experience adapting CODA and centering deaf stories.

Join iconic activists Gloria Steinem, Cindy Gallop, Sonya Passi, and Dr. Joy Buolamwini as they reflect on their impactful journeys. Steinem shares how her childhood molded her activism. Gallop opens up about the role of pornography in sex education and promotes healthier conversations around intimacy. Passi frames gender violence as an economic issue and highlights the importance of legal change. Buolamwini discusses her groundbreaking work uncovering bias in AI, urging us to confront the implications of surveillance technology.

In this celebration of creativity, Canadian artist Marian Bantjes showcases her distinct approach to typography, emphasizing the harmony of visuals and text. She boldly discusses how her designs blend legibility with expression, steering clear of typographic conventions. Featured guests like Oded Ezer highlight playful typographic experiments, while Jessica Hische reflects on her transformative Daily Drop Cap project. Meanwhile, Tobias Frere-Jones and Matthew Carter share insights on type evolution and historical practices, illuminating the rich tapestry of lettering.

For a special anniversary, Debbie Millman chats with renowned theatre designers. David Korins shares insights on designing 'Hamilton,' including innovative turntables and meticulous set details. Ina Mayhew reflects on her journey from hair and makeup to film, highlighting trust-building with directors like Spike Lee. David Rockwell discusses the evolution of theatre and his pandemic outdoor dining kits. Es Devlin reveals her 'Betrayal' design inspired by art, while Dane Laffrey talks about blending technology with storytelling in his scenic designs.

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.