Design Of Podcast

Epizódy

• S11 Episode 78: Dena Blevins - The Design Of Making Things That Matter 24.06.2026 38min

  After helping lead creative and innovation efforts for global brands including Starbucks and Hydro Flask, Dena Blevins found herself asking a different question: What happens when you stop building for some of the world's most recognized brands and start building something that feels deeply personal? In this episode of Design Of, Dena shares her journey from corporate leadership to entrepreneurship and the launch of Frank, a company inspired by the messy, funny, difficult, and beautiful realities of everyday life. At Frank, the mission is simple: create products inspired by what life throws at us and what's happening in the world around us. Sometimes that means diving into difficult topics. Sometimes it means finding humor in uncomfortable moments. And sometimes it means offering a proud middle finger and an undeniably frank point of view. Through a growing collection of bandanas, scarves, cocktail napkins, and thoughtful products, Frank gives people a way to wear, share, celebrate, mourn, laugh, support, and express what they're feeling. Or not. The choice is theirs. What makes this conversation compelling isn't the products. It's the story behind them. "I love that I can put something out there that hopefully resonates with others as well." — Dena Blevins After years helping shape stories for global brands, Dena found herself building a company rooted in that belief. We explore how leadership evolves over time, how personal experiences often become the foundation for meaningful businesses, and why some of the most impactful ideas begin not with a market opportunity but with a human one. Along the way, we talk about entrepreneurship, reinvention, grief, humor, purpose, storytelling, and what it means to create work that reflects who you are, not just what you do. And perhaps the biggest takeaway is this: The most meaningful businesses don't just create products. They create connection. In This Episode, We Explore • Dena's journey from global creative leadership at Starbucks and Hydro Flask to entrepreneurship • The story behind Frank and why she started it • Building a business rooted in honesty, humor, and humanity • How personal experiences can become meaningful products and opportunities • Why storytelling remains one of the most powerful business tools • The relationship between purpose, creativity, and entrepreneurship • What it means to redefine success in a new chapter of life Key Takeaways • Experience often reveals what matters most • Great businesses begin with real human needs • Stories create connection when they are relatable, honest, and human • Humor can help people navigate difficult conversations • Purpose and business can strengthen one another • New chapters require courage, curiosity, and conviction About Dena Dena Blevins is an entrepreneur, storyteller, and former global creative leader whose career includes leadership roles with Starbucks and Hydro Flask. She is the founder of Frank, a brand that creates bold, honest products inspired by real life and the world around us. Through bandanas, scarves, cocktail napkins, and storytelling, Frank helps people express themselves with humor, humanity, and an unapologetically frank point of view.
• S11 Episode 77: Nancy O'Connor - The Design Of Figuring It Out on Stage 16.05.2026 47min

  Nancy O’Connor is building a comedy career the old-fashioned way. By bombing, writing, trying again, living with her 91-year-old great aunt, and realizing almost everything in life can become material if you are paying attention. In this episode of Design Of, Nancy talks about growing up in a big Irish Catholic family where getting heard at the dinner table was basically a competitive sport. She shares how her dad’s full-body laugh shaped her sense of humor, why open mics are both terrifying and useful, and how living with her great aunt has become part roommate story, part sitcom, part writing lab. It’s funny, but there’s something real underneath it. Nancy is not pretending the path is clear. She is working it out in real time. Corporate jobs, comedy classes, silent open mics, family stories, dating in New York, and a 90+ year-old roommate who may or may not be the best unpaid writing partner in Brooklyn. And if nothing else, here’s your takeaway: + Pay attention to your life. That’s the material. + Even the weird parts. Especially the weird parts. + Because if Nancy can turn living with a 91-year-old roommate and arguing at the dinner table into a comedy career… you’re probably sitting on something too. + You just have to be willing to write it down. In This Episode, We Explore + What it takes to build a stand-up career one open mic at a time + How growing up in a big family teaches you timing, volume, and survival + Why bombing is awful, helpful, and somehow part of the job + How Nancy’s dad became both comedy influence and recurring material + Why the best stories usually come from real life, not perfect conditions + How to keep going when the room is silent and karaoke is apparently next Key Takeaways + A loud dinner table can be better training than a classroom + Sometimes the safest career path is the one that feels least alive + Your family may be your first audience and your most dangerous source material + Good comedy starts with paying attention + Bombing does not mean stop. It means rewrite About Nancy: Nancy O’Connor is a New York City-based stand-up comedian who is building her career through writing, performing, producing shows, and finding material in the everyday moments most people miss. Her comedy draws from family, dating, Catholic guilt, corporate life, and the strange gift of living with her 91-year-old great aunt. She has also been featured in Artists of New York in an episode titled “Comedy Over Corporate.”
• S11 Episode 76: Rhyon Nicole Brown - The Design Of Who Gets to Tell the Story 30.04.2026 42min

  What happens when a triple threat talent decides it’s not enough to perform in the system, and starts building a new one? In this episode of Design Of, I sit down with Rhyon, an actor, singer, and entrepreneur who is stepping into a new role. Not just as a performer, but as a creator and builder through her company, Rhume. Rhyon has spent years in the entertainment industry, building a career across film, television, and music. She knows what it takes to show up, deliver, and succeed in spaces that are competitive and often limiting. But success inside the system raised a bigger question for her. What if the system itself needs to change? Through Rhume, Rhyon is working to rethink how media is created and shared. Not just more content, but better ownership. More intentional storytelling. More opportunity for voices that don’t always get a seat at the table. This conversation is about that shift. From being cast to creating. From performing to producing. From participating to building. It’s about what it takes to carry multiple identities. The pressure of being known for one thing while feeling called to something more. And the discipline required to actually build it. Because building your own platform sounds exciting. Until you realize you’re responsible for everything. Why You Should Listen + If you’ve ever felt like you’ve outgrown the role you’re in, this episode will hit. + If you’re navigating multiple paths and trying to make them make sense, this will feel familiar. + And if you care about where media is going, and who gets to shape it, this conversation matters. Rhyon isn’t waiting for permission anymore. She’s building something new with Rhume. In This Episode, We Explore + What it really means to be a triple threat in today’s world + The shift from performer to entrepreneur and builder + Why Rhume exists and what it aims to change in media + The limitations of traditional entertainment systems + How to move from being selected to self-directed + The tension of evolving your identity in public + What it takes to build something from the ground up + The responsibility that comes with owning your voice Key Takeaways + Talent gets you in the room. Ownership changes the room + You can succeed in a system and still decide to outgrow it + Building something new requires clarity, not just ambition + Multi-dimensional careers are harder, but more honest + Media is shifting toward creators who own their platforms + The future belongs to those willing to rethink the structure, not just the output Whether you’re building something new, refining what already exists, or simply paying closer attention to where you are… this conversation is for you. Take a few minutes and sit with it. About Rhyon: Rhyon is an actor, singer, and entrepreneur whose work spans film, television, and music. Starting her career at a young age, she built a strong foundation in performance before expanding into business and media. She is the founder of Rhume, a company focused on rethinking how stories are created, shared, and owned.
• S11 Episode 75: John Pobojewski- The Design Of Across Disciplines 09.04.2026 44min

  What happens when a creative leader realizes that style alone isn’t enough, and decides to build something rooted in idea, intention, and longevity instead? In this episode of Design Of, I sit down with John Pobojewski to explore the tension between style and substance, and what it really takes to create work that lasts. This is a conversation about design, yes—but more importantly, it’s about leadership, conviction, and the responsibility that comes with shaping brands in a world that moves fast but forgets even faster. John has spent his career helping organizations think more clearly about who they are and why they exist. Along the way, he’s seen what happens when brands chase trends, confuse motion with progress, or mistake aesthetic for meaning. His perspective is simple, but not easy: without a real idea, design becomes decoration, and decoration doesn’t endure. This episode is not about making things look better. It’s about making them matter. Key Takeaways “If there’s no idea behind it, it’s just style. And style doesn’t last.” Strong brands are built on clear ideas, not visual trends Design without meaning creates noise, not impact The best creative work simplifies, not complicates Longevity comes from conviction, not reaction Clients don’t need more options, they need clearer direction John’s perspective is a reminder that great design is not about decoration. It’s about decision-making. It’s about knowing what matters, and having the discipline to build around it. If you care about building a brand that lasts, not just one that looks good today, this conversation will stay with you. Listen now and rethink what your brand is really built on.
• S11 Episode 74: Nathan Thornburgh - The Design Of Roads & Kingdoms 25.02.2026 54min

  What happens when a foreign correspondent watches legacy media shrink, and decides to build something more human instead? In this Season 11 opener of Design Of, Justin Ahrens sits down with Nathan Thornburgh, former Time Magazine foreign correspondent and co-founder of Roads & Kingdoms, to explore journalism, leadership, American identity, and the future of immersive storytelling. Nathan spent nearly a decade reporting from Moscow and across Europe during a period of global change. As foreign bureaus closed and media shifted toward digital scale, he saw the rise of compassion fatigue — the growing distance between audiences and the people in the story. Roads & Kingdoms became his response. Built at the intersection of food, geopolitics, and culture, the company became a creative partner to Anthony Bourdain and a home for long-form journalism rooted in shared humanity. Today, it has evolved into a print magazine, curated travel experiences, and a membership community built around real-world connection. This episode explores: • The myth of journalistic neutrality • Why humility matters in global reporting • How food unlocks difficult cultural conversations • Leadership after loss • Designing a brand around depth instead of scale • Why community and in-person experiences are a strategic advantage For founders, marketers, and cultural leaders, this conversation is a powerful case study in values-driven brand building. If you care about storytelling, media, travel, culture, or building something that lasts in an automated world — this episode is for you. Listen now and discover what it means to design human-sized stories.
• S10 Episode 73: Sarah Kissko Hersh - The Design Of Getting Unstuck 18.12.2025 49min

  What if great communication isn’t about saying more, but saying what actually matters? Sarah Kissko Hersh has spent more than two decades inside agencies, brands, and leadership rooms where words carry weight. She grew up in Indiana, built her career in Chicago and New York, and learned early that clarity, not polish, is what moves people forward. Along the way, she worked across architecture, design, travel, luxury, and global firms, often stepping into messy moments where teams felt stuck and leaders felt unsure of what to say next. What started as a traditional PR career slowly evolved into something deeper. Sarah saw how often people were promoted into leadership without being taught how to manage. How communication broke down not because of bad intentions, but because of fear, burnout, and lack of direction. And how simple, honest language could reset entire teams. Today, Sarah is the founder of Type A, a communications and leadership consultancy based outside New York City. Her work focuses on helping people get unstuck, communicate directly without losing kindness, and lead with clarity in moments that matter. In this conversation, Sarah and Justin talk about what PR really is and what it is not. Why simple stories still win. How bad managers can teach you just as much as good ones. Why constraints often unlock better ideas. And how platforms like LinkedIn are less about self-promotion and more about learning to name what you already know. For leaders, creatives, and communicators, this episode is about making work feel lighter without making it shallow. About learning while you laugh. And about remembering that the most effective communication is deeply human. What You’ll Learn + Clarity beats complexity. Simple, honest language builds trust faster than polished noise. + PR is about truth, not spin. Good communication starts with what’s real. + Leadership is learned. Managing people requires skills most of us were never taught. + Fear keeps teams stuck. Naming it is often the first step forward. + Constraints spark creativity. Less can actually lead to better ideas. Why It Matters Sarah’s perspective reminds us that communication is not a soft skill. It is leadership in action. Whether you manage a team, tell stories for a living, or simply want to be understood at work, this episode shows how clarity, humor, and care can change the way people listen and respond. Listen Now If this conversation made you laugh, think, or see your work a little differently, share it with someone who leads, writes, or communicates for a living. Follow Design Of wherever you listen, and keep building work that helps people understand what truly matters.
• S10 Episode 72: Gordon Kaye - The Design Of Legacy and Clarity 30.11.2025 44min

  What if the most powerful kind of creativity isn’t about making things beautiful, but making them clear? Gordon Kaye never planned to work in design. He studied law, built a career in New York, and handled media and trademark cases before joining NBC as counsel, reviewing everything from late-night jokes to broadcast standards. But when his father’s health declined, he stepped away from law to take over the family publication, Graphic Design USA (GDUSA), a magazine his father had launched in the 1960s to celebrate the people behind design, not just the work itself. What began as a rescue mission became a lifelong calling. Gordon brought his legal mind and curiosity for communication to a creative field that thrives on clarity. Over the decades, he’s evolved GDUSA into more than a design magazine, it’s a respected voice for how ideas move through business, marketing, and culture. In our conversation, Gordon and Justin talk about what design can teach every leader: how to communicate simply, lead with empathy, and build trust through the way we share information. They discuss how his outsider’s view helped him see design not as decoration, but as direction. And how clarity, when done well, can turn creative thinking into real influence. For business and marketing leaders, this episode is about more than design. It’s about the responsibility of communication. About how we help people see what matters. And how legacy, when guided by purpose, can evolve without losing its truth. What You’ll Learn + Clarity earns influence. The best ideas don’t need to shout—they need to be understood. + Every message is designed. The way you shape words, visuals, or decisions defines how people respond. + Legacy means evolution. True leadership honors the past while adapting to what’s next. + Trust is the real deliverable. In every field, communication rooted in honesty connects. + Purpose over polish. Simplicity, empathy, and meaning will always outperform noise. Why It Matters Gordon’s journey, from NBC’s legal floors to the heart of the design community, proves that communication is leadership. You don’t have to be a designer to think like one. You just have to care about how people understand you. Listen Now If this episode helps you think differently about how you lead, share it with someone who shapes communication where you work. Follow Design Of wherever you listen, and keep building teams, messages, and brands that people can trust.
• S10 Episode 71: TBD - The Design of People-First Events 19.11.2025 47min

  What happens when you stop chasing views and start designing for belonging? When the world went online, most virtual events started to feel the same, flat, distant, and forgettable. But not for Rachel Elnar, Heather Lynn, and David Carr-Berry. Together, they built some of Adobe’s most loved digital experiences: Creative Jams and The Perfect Match, a 1970s-style design game show complete with music, lights, wigs, and real connection. These weren’t webinars. They were living, breathing events that made thousands of creatives feel seen. Each brought something vital: Rachel’s heart for community, David’s director’s eye for rhythm and flow, and Heather’s producer’s instinct for care and calm. Their shared secret? Treat every audience like a room full of humans. When layoffs hit, they took that shared language and built something new: Together By Design—a creative studio helping others build programs with purpose, host events with empathy, and grow communities that last. This is a conversation about saying yes to collaboration, honoring craft, and leading with care in a digital world that often forgets what connection really means. In This Episode + What makes a live event feel alive, and how to design for it + The small touches that make an audience feel seen + Why systems and empathy are equally important behind the scenes + The difference between an audience and a community (and why it matters) + A behind-the-scenes story of a live show gone wrong, and what it taught them + Why joy and structure are the true foundation of creative work Guests Rachel Elnar is a creative producer, designer, and founder of Together By Design. She previously led Adobe’s Creative Jam program, helping thousands of designers connect and grow. Heather Lynn is a digital events producer and educator who helps speakers and teams show up with confidence, presence, and calm. David Carr-Berry is a director who sees live production as choreography for people, story, and emotion, and loves when the unexpected brings beauty. Key Takeaways + Design events for belonging, not performance + The most powerful tool in live work is empathy + Systems create space for spontaneity and joy + Building community requires care before, during, and after the show + When you respect your audience, they’ll keep showing up The Heart of It At its heart, this episode is about something bigger than events. It’s about presence. About noticing the people on the other side of the screen. Because when we create with care, whether it’s a meeting, a mural, or a moment—we remind the world what it feels like to be together.
• S10 Episode 70: Brian Singer - The Design Of Beauty and Provocation 07.11.2025 43min

  What if the most honest way to change minds isn’t a new campaign, but a new way to see familiar things? Brian Singer, known as “Someguy,” makes work that lures us with beauty and play, then nudges us to sit with what’s uncomfortable. Brian’s projects cross gallery walls and public space. The 1000 Journals Project sent blank books into the world for strangers to fill. TWIT Spotting put photos of distracted drivers on billboards to make a daily danger impossible to ignore. His recent pieces deconstruct books, flags, and everyday objects to examine censorship, identity, and what we choose to remember. In this conversation, we talk about how design craft and social commentary can live together. We also talk about heritage, silence, and what it means to make work that is both kind and clear. For the Rule29 community, this is a practical lens for client work and culture. Brian shows how to use material, language, and context to create meaning. He shows why public engagement matters. And he reminds us that strong ideas don’t need to shout. They need to connect. Brian Singer is a San Francisco artist and designer. His work has been exhibited at SFMOMA, the Skirball Cultural Center, and the Torrance Art Museum. The 1000 Journals Project became a book and a feature documentary. He has led design for brands like Apple, Adidas, and Chronicle Books, and served as AIGA SF president. What you’ll learn: + Make the familiar new. Reframe common symbols. Use deconstruction and reconstruction to reveal hidden meaning. + Design for public impact. Borrow trusted forms. Invite participation. Meet people where they are. + Beauty is a strategy. A clean, striking form opens the door. The message keeps people in the room. + Hold tension with care. Pair empathy with truth. It is possible to be humane and direct. + Build time into ideas. Let projects evolve. Some work needs years, not weeks. + Lead with context. Materials matter. Where a piece lives changes what it says. If you want work that moves people, don’t add more noise. Create encounters. Give your audience a role. Use your craft to lower defenses, then be honest about the issue. This approach works in public art, brand systems, and campaigns. It also builds trust. If this episode gives you one nudge, let it be this: pick one symbol you use every day and ask what it really says. Then design a way for someone to see it fresh. That’s how change starts. Thanks for listening to Design Of. If this conversation helped you think differently, share it with one person who leads creative work. Leave a rating where you listen. And keep making work that tells the truth with care. Links and references for episode: https://someguy.is/
• S10 Episode 69: Alyssa Low - The Design Of Bold Joy 05.10.2025 33min

  What happens when you say yes to what brings you joy, even if it starts on the side? For Chicago-based artist and designer Alyssa Low, it began with a quiet sketch. A visual diary during the early days of the pandemic. “I was just trying to express what I was feeling, when words didn’t quite work,” she says. That simple practice of showing up for herself turned into something bigger. One mural became two. Then came the collaborations: Wayfair. The Chicago Bulls. Soho House. Public art that now lives across city walls, basketball courts, patios, and even 10,000 hats handed out at a Bulls game. Alyssa is a multidisciplinary artist and muralist whose work is rooted in bold color, community connection, and movement. But she still holds a full-time design job. And she still approaches every project with the same focus and curiosity that shaped her as a kid, watching her mom run a design studio out of their home, playing competitive soccer, and practicing Tae Kwon Do forms that taught her how to focus, adapt, and flow. I n her words: “If it brings me joy, I keep going. That’s when the best work shows up.” I n this episode, Alyssa shares: + How to build something meaningful, while still working full-time + The moment murals “clicked” and what made her say yes before she felt ready + What it felt like to see thousands of people wearing her design at a Bulls game vHow sports and martial arts helped her find her rhythm as an artist and entrepreneur vWhy staying connected to identity, culture, and community gives her work purpose Whether you’re a creative, a leader, a builder, or simply someone figuring out what’s next—this story is a reminder to pay attention to what lights you up. Because sometimes, the most important step is simply starting. 🎧 Listen to The Design Of Bold Joy wherever you get your podcasts. #DesignOfPodcast #AlyssaLow #CreativeJourney #SideHustle #PublicArt #Murals #ChicagoCreatives #Identity #Leadership #JoyAtWork #BoldJoy
• S10 Episode 68: Craig Frazier - The Design Of Clarity and Metaphor 11.09.2025 54min

  What happens when a designer at the top of his field walks away to chase something simpler, sharper, and harder? Illustrator Craig Frazier did exactly that, leaving a thriving design practice for a life defined by clarity and metaphor. Craig shares how he built a signature style that makes the complex instantly understandable. From Time magazine covers to U.S. postage stamps, his work proves how powerful reduction can be, and why the best ideas often live just shy of obvious. We talk about the moves that changed his career: a humble self-promo that landed Time magazine, a decade-long brand system made of pictures not paragraphs, the discipline of offering three strong options, and why clarity comes from pulling back just before obvious. Craig Frazier is an illustrator, designer, and author whose clients include The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, Adobe, and the U.S. Postal Service. His work is known for clarity, wit, and staying power. In this episode, you’ll hear: + Why Craig left a successful design firm to pursue illustration full time + How clarity, reduction, and metaphor became the foundation of his style + Lessons from projects ranging from national publications to U.S. postage stamps + The role of trust, discipline, and play in creative problem-solving + Why leaping into uncertainty may be the only way to grow as a creative and leader “There’s not just one solution to everything. The rightness of a solution has to do with its measurement against an objective, not personal taste.” – Craig Frazier Clarity, metaphor, and discipline aren’t just tools for illustrators, they’re lessons for anyone leading, communicating, or building something that lasts.
• S10 Episode 67: Miss Katie Sings - The Design Of Feeling Enough 27.08.2025 47min

  What if the most powerful brand you could build didn’t shout, it whispered, “You’re enough”? That’s the quiet revolution Miss Katie Sings is leading. In this episode of Design Of, we sit down with Katie Norregaard, aka Miss Katie Sings, a musician, educator, and content creator who’s redefining what it means to connect with your audience. With calm clarity and cultural depth, she’s grown from a single homemade video during lockdown to a trusted global presence in children’s music, simply by being herself. She didn’t launch with a marketing team or a strategy deck. She launched with a box of rice as a drum, a $0 brand name, and an unwavering belief that kids deserve better. Her presence, gentle, intentional, and deeply human, has drawn comparisons to Mister Rogers. Not because she imitates him, but because she shares his radical belief: that children deserve to be seen, heard, and taken seriously. Here’s why this one’s worth your time: Because Katie’s story is what every brand leader, creative, educator, or purpose-driven entrepreneur needs right now, proof that authenticity scales, and that the right voice can cut through the noise by being exactly what the world needs: human. And if you’re simply someone trying to be a good human yourself, this story will remind you how much impact one kind, clear voice can make. In this episode, you’ll hear: + How “I Am Enough” became a viral anthem for emotional resilience + Why Miss Katie’s Mr. Rogers-style calm is her brand, and a differentiator + How representation and anti-bias education are built into her content strategy + What it means to grow a community by showing up gently but consistently + How a non-flashy approach became her biggest competitive advantage + Stories that reveal the real impact of leading with empathy and intention “You can be loved exactly as you are.” It’s not just a lyric. It’s a strategy, and a reminder. Whether you’re building a brand, telling a story, or trying to connect more deeply with your audience, this episode is a blueprint for how powerful simplicity and honesty can be. 🎧 Listen to Design Of: Feeling Enough with Miss Katie Sings, and rethink what it really means to resonate. https://www.misskatiesings.com/
• S10 Episode 66: Doug Powell - The Design Of Leading What’s Next 21.08.2025 53min

  What if your next competitive advantage wasn’t a new product, but a new kind of leader? Doug Powell believes designers and design thinkers have the skills business needs most right now, the ability to connect human needs with strategic goals, to navigate uncertainty, and to see opportunities others miss. In a world of rapid technological change and economic contraction, that perspective can be the difference between falling behind and defining what’s next. Doug has spent his career proving it. At IBM, he helped build one of the largest corporate design programs in history, hiring over 1,000 designers, embedding human-centered design across global teams, and aligning design thinking with enterprise strategy. He’s led at the highest levels of AIGA, advised Fortune 100 leaders, and now coaches executives on how to integrate design into the core of their decision-making. This is an essential time for design and designers. In the face of unprecedented global challenges and a rapidly evolving technological landscape, the core skills of human-centered design, empathy, curiosity, inclusion, collaboration, and craft, are needed more than ever. Doug believes designers are made for this moment. For business leaders, Doug’s perspective is a wake-up call: designers and design thinkers are not just executors of creative work, they are catalysts for innovation, culture change, and long-term growth. Research from McKinsey shows that companies excelling in design outperform industry peers by up to 2x in revenue growth and shareholder returns. A 2023 InVision report found that 92% of high-maturity design organizations report a strong connection between design and business strategy. Doug argues that in a time of technological disruption and market uncertainty, leaders who integrate human-centered design into the decision-making core of their companies will be the ones defining what’s next. In this conversation, you’ll hear about: + Why companies that integrate design at the leadership level grow faster and create greater shareholder value +Lessons from building IBM’s global design program from scratch in under four years +How human-centered design can break down silos and speed decision-making across functions +Why downturns are a prime opportunity to invest in innovation and talent +The lasting influence of Tibor Kalman and the responsibility of design to challenge complacency +How AIGA builds leadership capacity across industries and the value of giving back +Why designers will be at the center of AI’s most transformative breakthroughs, and what leaders should do now Whether you’re a CEO, CMO, or innovation lead, this episode will show you how to harness design as a strategic advantage, not just for better products, but for stronger teams, sharper strategy, and sustainable growth.
• S10 Episode 65: Billy Oppenheimer - The Design Of The Work Is the Win 08.07.2025 45min

  Billy Oppenheimer is a pattern-seeker, storyteller, and creative thinker who turns curiosity into clarity. His path, from ski towns and side jobs to working alongside bestselling author Ryan Holiday, is a powerful reminder that following what fascinates you isn’t a distraction; it’s a direction. In this episode of Design Of, Billy shares how his instinct to notice, capture, and connect ideas has shaped his creative journey, and how it continues to evolve through deep research, disciplined writing, and his upcoming book with Penguin Random House, The Work Is the Win. Billy’s creative trajectory began with a bold, curiosity-fueled email to Ryan Holiday, whose own career was launched under the mentorship of Robert Greene (The 48 Laws of Power). That lineage, Greene to Holiday to Oppenheimer, reflects more than just professional mentorship. It reveals a shared creative philosophy: do the work, think deeply, and trust that the process itself holds the reward. Now, through his widely followed newsletter Six at Six, Billy shares six thought-provoking quotes every Sunday evening. What began as a personal archive has become a trusted source of insight for thousands of creatives, leaders, and lifelong learners looking to build their lives, and their brands, with greater purpose and intention. This is a conversation for leaders, storytellers, and anyone building something that matters. Billy doesn’t offer hacks, he shares a mindset and a method. One rooted in showing up, tuning in, and trusting that the work is always worth it. In this episode, you’ll hear: + Why “the work is the win”, and how process over outcomes leads to deeper fulfillment + How his note card system fuels storytelling, pattern recognition, and long-term creative value + What he learned from working with Ryan Holiday and through the influence of Robert Greene + How Six at Six became a trusted source of wisdom for thousands + What his upcoming book The Work Is the Win reveals about building a life through curiosity + How to turn inspiration into a personal archive of insight and meaning + Why curiosity is a compass, not a detour “None of it is wasteful. Every job, every quote, every story, it all has a place.” Whether you’re leading a brand, guiding a team, or searching for your next creative spark, this episode is a powerful invitation to slow down, notice more, and trust the work. 🎧 Listen now to Design Of: The Work Is the Win , and rediscover the value of following what fascinates you.
• S10 Episode 64: Jerry Takigawa - The Design Of Embracing Paradox and Personal Growth 19.06.2025 35min

  Jerry Takigawa is a rare kind of thinker, someone who approaches the world not just with creativity but with deep awareness, humility, and care. His work as an artist and storyteller explores what it means to carry a legacy, reframe pain into purpose, and make meaning in a world that often feels fragmented. In this episode of Design Of, Jerry shares how his Japanese American heritage, his parents’ experience with internment, and his lifelong creative practice have shaped the way he see, and responds to, the world. This is a conversation for leaders, creators, and anyone navigating complexity. Jerry doesn’t just talk about ideas, he embodies a way of thinking that invites reflection, connection, and change. You’ll hear: + Why embracing uncertainty can lead to more authentic leadership + How silence and heritage shape our voice, and our responsibility vWhat it means to create from both logic and intuition + How storytelling, metaphor, and vulnerability unlock deeper trust + And why making space for meaning is essential to resilience and growth One of the most powerful ideas Jerry shares is this: “Your thinking is genesis, and your actions are contagious. So what is worth doing?” Whether you’re building a business, guiding a team, or simply trying to live with more intention, this conversation is a meaningful invitation to pause, look closer, and move forward with greater clarity. 🎧 Listen now to Design Of with Jerry Takigawa, and explore how the way you see the world shapes the way you change it. To dive deeper into Jerry’s philosophy, we highly recommend his book, Grace in Uncertainty: A Designer’s Search for Meaning. You can explore it here: 👉 https://www.takigawadesign.com/grace-in-uncertainty
• S10 Episode 63: Ali Schwanke of Simple Strat - The Design Of Marketing With Heart and Hustle 28.05.2025 46min

  Ali Schwanke isn’t just a marketer, she’s a builder of trust, a champion for clarity, and a quiet force of curiosity. As the founder of Simple Strat and the face of HubSpot Hacks (with over 3 million views and counting), Ali has become one of the most trusted voices in helping businesses unlock their true potential, not just in tools, but in people. In this episode, we trace Ali’s journey from a childhood of small-town hustle, selling greeting cards door-to-door, to becoming a sought-after strategist who sees marketing as more than data and automation. For Ali, marketing is about heart: the stories we tell, the ways we listen, and the empathy that holds it all together. Along the way, we explore: + Why “helping is the new selling” became her mantra + How she navigates the balance between data and human connection + What it means to stand out in a world of noise and sameness + The emotional power of B2B marketing—often overlooked, but never absent + And how Ali sees growth as an experiment in courage and care Ali’s story is a reminder that the best businesses, and the best leaders, start by understanding people. They’re built on curiosity, driven by service, and never stop learning. In this episode, you’ll hear: + Why empathy is more than a buzzword, it’s a competitive advantage + How Ali built a company that leads with clarity and connection + The challenges and joys of turning curiosity into action + And why the future of marketing might just belong to those who aren’t afraid to help first Whether you’re refining your brand, growing your team, or rethinking your approach to connection, this conversation is for anyone who believes that real impact is built with both heart and hustle.
• S10 Episode 62: Peter Aguero of The Moth - The Design Of Authentic Storytelling 15.05.2025 51min

  Peter Aguero isn’t just a performer, he’s a presence. Known for his emotionally charged, wildly entertaining, and deeply human stories, Peter has become one of the most beloved voices in the storytelling world. A longtime host and GrandSLAM champion with The Moth, Peter’s work explores grief, rage, love, redemption, and the quiet moments that define who we are. In this episode, we sit down with Peter to trace the creative arc of his life, from growing up in South Jersey and leaving football behind, to traveling the country with Chicago City Limits, and eventually becoming a core figure in The Moth’s rise to cultural prominence. Along the way, we explore why storytelling isn’t just communication, it’s how we make sense of being human. Peter’s story intersects with some of the greats, including his longtime friendship with creative musician and experimental educator Dave Gould, who introduced him at a transformative moment in Iowa City. Together, their work reminds us that story is not just scientific, it’s deeply experiential. It’s memory. It’s identity. It’s the way we heal, connect, and lead. We also revisit some of Peter’s most memorable performances, including: “You’re Not Alone” (The Moth Mainstage, Metropolitan Museum of Art), a heartbreaking and healing story about Christmas with his mother “The Italian Ice Fight” — a wild, true tale about a summer job that ended with a hammer, a fight, and a lesson in fear Daddy Issues (his one-man show) — a raw, theatrical journey through masculinity, shame, and survival Appearances on Conan and in venues like the Bitter End, Highline Ballroom, and under-the-radar NYC gems like Under St. Mark’s In this episode, you’ll learn: + How vulnerability builds creative credibility + Why your real voice is more powerful than your polished one + How to structure stories that resonate emotionally, without overproducing + What brands and leaders can learn from live storytelling and audience honesty + How to tell stories that invite recognition, not just applause Whether you’re leading a brand, creating a presentation, or trying to inspire others, this episode is a reminder that the most unforgettable stories are the ones that don’t try too hard. They just tell the truth.
• S10 Episode 61: Scott Meyer of Chipp.ai- The Design Of AI as a Creative Partner 27.04.2025 38min

  If you’re a business leader, creative director, entrepreneur, or someone curious (or even a little anxious) about how AI fits into your work, this episode is for you. In this conversation, Justin Ahrens talks with Scott Meyer, co-founder of Chipp.ai, about designing AI tools that don’t just automate, but amplify creativity, strategy, and human connection. Scott’s journey, from studying peace and conflict in Norway to building tech startups. has always centered on clarity, access, and community. Together, they explore what it means to make AI more human, more useful, and more aligned with how we actually think, lead, and create. In this episode, you’ll discover: + Why now is the best time to start exploring AI (even if you’re intimidated) + How to build your own “digital protégé” that thinks and sounds like you + New ways AI can streamline marketing, strategy, and internal operations + How curiosity and courage, not technical skills, are the real superpowers + And why “At Last” by Etta James might be the perfect anthem for embracing new technology This episode is packed with real stories, honest insights, and practical ideas to help you move from hesitation to confidence, and integrate AI into your business and brand with purpose, creativity, and heart. 🔗 Recommended Links: Chipp.ai – Build & deploy your AI assistants: https://chipp.ai Chipp on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@chippai
• S10 Episode 60: Ryan O'Neil of Sleeping At Last- The Design Of a Brand With Heart 14.04.2025 1h 16min

  “Music is completely emotion-driven for me. If I don’t feel it, I can’t fake it. That’s why I keep writing, to stay close to that feeling.” In this deeply reflective episode of The Design Of, Justin Ahrens sits down with musician, composer, and sonic storyteller Ryan O’Neal, best known as Sleeping At Last. With millions of listeners around the world and a body of work that’s as emotionally rich as it is expansive, Ryan shares how he intentionally designs not just music, but meaning. We explore how Ryan’s creative process is rooted in emotion, curiosity, and the desire to stay connected to what truly moves him. From writing songs inspired by the Enneagram to scoring film and television, Ryan talks about chasing wonder, navigating vulnerability, and using music as a mirror for growth. While Ryan is a musician, his approach offers powerful insights for anyone in business, branding, or leadership. His creative process models how to: + Lead with emotional intelligence, understanding the power of empathy in connection + Tell stories that resonate, by tapping into universal emotions and personal truths + Build a brand with heart, that earns trust, loyalty, and long-term impact + Design experiences that feel human, not just polished If you're trying to inspire teams, connect with customers, or create more meaningful marketing—this episode will remind you why feeling is often more powerful than strategy alone.
• S9 Episode 59: Andy Stoll- The Design Of Social Entrepreneurship and Global Connector 20.12.2023 49min

  Andy Stoll is the guy you want at your dinner party if you're looking for some serious entrepreneurial wisdom mixed with a dash of world-traveler intrigue. As a Senior Program Officer in Entrepreneurship at the Kauffman Foundation, he's got a cool $25 million philanthropic portfolio to work with, all in the name of strengthening entrepreneurship and innovation across the United States. This Omaha native with family roots in a small Japanese farming community in western Nebraska embarked on a four-year solo trip around the world, visiting a whopping 40 countries. He's been inspired ever since, founding not one, not two, but six entrepreneur-focused companies over the past two decades. Throughout his career, Andy has collaborated with industry leaders such as Steve Case, Paul Allen, and Tony Hsieh. He's now considered one of the leading national voices on how cities can build more vibrant and equitable entrepreneurial communities. From working in Bollywood to living in a mud hut village in Zambia, and even teaching apple pie making on Armenian National television, this guy's life is like a travel documentary of experiences. He also moonlights as a photographer, sometimes chef, and cooking class instructor. You might be asking yourself…Is there anything this guy hasn't done? We're not sure, but we can guarantee that he'll bring some serious insight and a good story or two to any podcast he's on. Don't miss out on hearing from this multi-talented entrepreneur.