On this special episode of Design Matters, Debbie Millman features brilliant writers Alexandra Horowitz, Rick Rubin, and Kevin Kelly. They discuss topics such as white rhinoceros behavior, dog interactions, inclusion of artists with disabilities, and changing perceptions. They also touch on religious experiences, the impact of life-threatening situations, and appreciating ordinary experiences.

Roy Wood Jr., Emmy-nominated comedian, discusses his career, growing up in Birmingham, experiences of racism, hope in racial division, inclusive art collaborations, overcoming adversity, finding joy in comedy, and mentoring young comics.

Journalist Audie Cornish discusses her career in journalism, challenges faced by people of color in Boston during the 80s, growing up in the South, the value of collaboration and design partnerships, podcasting vs. radio, and the pressure of being busy and ambitious.

Legendary singer and author Rosanne Cash discusses her illustrious career in music, including her iconic album 'The Wheel'. She also shares childhood memories, the significance of dreams in her life, and her daily process of clearing the static. The podcast explores the remarkable work of visually impaired artists and the integration of design and art in their work. Additionally, it touches upon Creative Growth's collaborations with brands, Rosanne Cash's early experiences as a musician, and the struggles and triumphs of being an artist in New York City.

Isaac Fitzgerald, New York Times bestselling author of Dirtbag, Massachusetts, discusses poverty, privilege, substance abuse, and self-awareness in his revealing confessional memoir. He also reflects on attending a private boarding school, overcoming substance abuse, and rediscovering New York City during COVID.

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.