Design Matters with Debbie Millman

Steven Heller, an influential art director and cultural critic, and Nicolas Heller, an acclaimed commercial director known as New York Nico, discuss their careers, love for New York City, and shared experiences. They explore the city's influence, dreams of filmmaking, attracting outlandish events, and pride in each other's work.

Neville Brody, celebrated graphic designer, discusses typography's manipulative nature and its influence on audience response. He also talks about his background, the experimental design of The Face Magazine, the inclusion of artists with disabilities in contemporary art, partnerships with Creative Growth, challenges in redesigning newspapers, the shift in design culture, social media challenges, and a meeting with Steve Jobs.

Stella Bugbee, former Editor-in-Chief of The Cut, talks about her career in fashion journalism, her childhood fascination with magazines, her struggles with illness and ambition, and the importance of promoting inclusion for artists with disabilities. They also discuss the shifting perception of time and success due to the pandemic, and the differences between reporting and attending events like the Met Gala.

Nobel Prize winning physicist Kip Thorne and artist Lia Halloran discuss their collaboration on a book exploring black holes, gravitational waves, and more through art and poetry. They also share anecdotes from their childhood and the origins of their book from a rejected Playboy article.

Celeste Ng, New York Times bestselling author, explores complex family dynamics and themes of identity, race, and culture. Topics discussed include the power of repair, childhood interests and early passion for writing, exploring miniatures and writing, the creative process of crafting fiction, the power of fiction and counterfactual thinking, the challenges and rewards of writing success, and Ng's upcoming project on families, parents, children, and being Chinese American.

Tech journalist Kara Swisher discusses her career, reflections on loss and assertiveness, childhood aspirations and disillusionment, the transition to the internet, women and money in the workplace, and admiration for tech industry figures.

Jad Abumrad, MacArthur Fellow and creator of Radiolab, discusses the early days of editing, the meaning of 'OG', the best techno song, growing up in Nashville, the success of Radio Lab, the state of podcasting, and his personal identity.

Mary Ellen Matthews, the chief photographer for Saturday Night Live since 1999, discusses her career and how she creates the distinctive look for the show's images. She shares insights into capturing great shots, talks about her upbringing in Madison, New Jersey with her photographer father, and reflects on her athletic journey. The chapter also explores her experiences in the music industry, photographing Paul McCartney, shooting photographs for weddings and rock and roll tours, and creating memorable moments through photography.

Design royalty Paula Scher, Emily Oberman and Michael Bierut celebrate the 50th anniversary of Pentagram. They discuss the unique structure and success of Pentagram, the power of a strong work culture, the partner-owned business model, competition and inspiration in the industry, the adoption of successful systems, and the unique culture and identity of Pentagram.

Kevin Kelly, digital visionary and bestselling author, talks about the connection between technology and creativity, the significance of a deep balcony or porch, the evolution of symbols and branding, embracing mortality, using technology and social media, the origin and purpose of 'Excellent Advice for Living', minimizing deathbed regret, and the power of fully becoming yourself.