Design Matters with Debbie Millman

Suzan-Lori Parks, the groundbreaking playwright and the first African American woman to win the Pulitzer Prize for Drama, shares insights into her illustrious career. She delves into the complexities of love and identity in her recent work, 'Sally and Tom.' Parks reflects on her upbringing in a military family and its influence on her creativity. She discusses the emotional journey of theater, the dual nature of artistic recognition, and her new novel alongside the music of her band, Sula and the Joyful Noise.

New York Times bestselling author Emily Nagoski discusses strategies for maintaining passion in long-term relationships, distinctions between desire and pleasure, impact of illness on intimacy, challenging societal norms through sex education, and the dual control mechanism in sexual response.

Writer Amy Lin discusses the science of grief and coping with young widowhood in her memoir 'Here After'. Topics include childhood eccentricities and storytelling abilities, a blind date mix-up, navigating grief and support, healing in the hospital, the complexity of grief, the interplay of grief and narrative structure, and finding courage in unexpected moments.

Distinguished historian, award-winning author, and artist Nell Irvin Painter discusses her unique perspective on American history, intertwining history and art in her life. She reflects on challenges in academia, human tendencies of cruelty and kindness, and overcoming discouragement in artistic pursuits. The conversation also explores issues of otherness, intersectionality, and upcoming book projects.

David Remnick, Editor of The New Yorker, shares insights on his journalism journey, experiences in Russia, and the impact of demagoguery on news credibility. From Yeshiva mishaps to interviewing icons, his reflections on writing, music as escapism, and the evolving media landscape make for an engaging discussion.

Renowned writer, Lucy Sante, shares her late-in-life gender transition journey and new memoir. She discusses her admiration for the American Thesaurus of Slang, struggles with questioning her gender identity, and reflections on childhood experiences. Lucy also explores the influence of a poetry class on her teaching and writing style, encounters with artists, and pivotal mentors. She delves into challenges with success, feelings of inadequacy, and the impact of self-acceptance on her life.

David Byrne, a versatile artist known for his diverse work, discusses his creative process blending art, technology, and perspective. Topics include the Talking Heads' unique sound, the impact of music technology evolution, instrument swapping in the studio, and adapting to new technologies in music production.

From acclaimed pop spectacles to Super Bowl halftime shows to the Closing Ceremony for the London Olympics, artist and stage designer Es Devlin has transformed large-scale performative sculptures and environments transporting audiences. She joins to discuss two decades of design spanning opera, theatre, and stadium extravaganzas. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Aparna Nancherla, a comedian, shares her experiences with impostor syndrome and how she copes with self-doubt. She discusses creating a resume listing failures, making up words to gauge reactions, and not putting too much value on success. The podcast explores societal perceptions of impostor syndrome and the importance of embracing failure for personal growth.

Priscilla Gilman, author of "The Critic's Daughter," shares insights from her poignant memoir that explores her complex relationship with her father, a noted literary critic. She discusses how his expectations shaped her identity and the journey of navigating grief after her parents' divorce. Gilman reflects on storytelling's emotional impact, the balance of familial love and societal stigma, and her shift from academia to a more fulfilling writing career. This heartfelt conversation highlights themes of forgiveness, personal growth, and the evolving nature of literary criticism.