Design Of Podcast
The Design Of is a podcast hosted by brand strategist and storyteller Justin Ahrens. It explores the intentional design of how we live, lead, create, and pursue what matters most. Through conversations with startup founders, authors, artists, and other innovators, each episode reveals what it takes to build a life and legacy with intention. The podcast is brought to you by Rule29 and O'Neil Printing.
Episodes
S11 Episode 77: Nancy O'Connor - The Design Of Figuring It Out on Stage
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
S11 Episode 76: Rhyon Nicole Brown - The Design Of Who Gets to Tell the Story
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 acr
S11 Episode 75: John Pobojewski- The Design Of Across Disciplines
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 le
S11 Episode 74: Nathan Thornburgh - The Design Of Roads & Kingdoms
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 n
S10 Episode 73: Sarah Kissko Hersh - The Design Of Getting Unstuck
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, de
S10 Episode 72: Gordon Kaye - The Design Of Legacy and Clarity
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 ta
S10 Episode 71: TBD - The Design of People-First Events
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 mus
S10 Episode 70: Brian Singer - The Design Of Beauty and Provocation
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 d
S10 Episode 69: Alyssa Low - The Design Of Bold Joy
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 be
S10 Episode 68: Craig Frazier - The Design Of Clarity and Metaphor
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
S10 Episode 67: Miss Katie Sings - The Design Of Feeling Enough
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
S10 Episode 66: Doug Powell - The Design Of Leading What’s Next
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 t
S10 Episode 65: Billy Oppenheimer - The Design Of The Work Is the Win
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
S10 Episode 64: Jerry Takigawa - The Design Of Embracing Paradox and Personal Growth
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
S10 Episode 63: Ali Schwanke of Simple Strat - The Design Of Marketing With Heart and Hustle
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
S10 Episode 62: Peter Aguero of The Moth - The Design Of Authentic Storytelling
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 P
S10 Episode 61: Scott Meyer of Chipp.ai- The Design Of AI as a Creative Partner
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
S10 Episode 60: Ryan O'Neil of Sleeping At Last- The Design Of a Brand With Heart
“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 a
S9 Episode 59: Andy Stoll- The Design Of Social Entrepreneurship and Global Connector
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
S9 Episode 58: Julie Sims- The Design of Leadership With Loyalty and Purpose
Julie Sims, a global marketing and communications leader and strategist, has had quite a career. Knowing what she wanted to do at age 10, she followed her path and curiosity across the country, exploring different industries and searching for meaning in her work. From working in a newsroom and a staffing agency to dedicating her talents to a non-profit focused on creating a world free of illiterac
S9 Episode 57: Christine Taylor - The Design of a Pop Culturist and Professional Fan
Christine Taylor's journey has been filled with extraordinary adventures that have aligned perfectly with her personal passions and interests. It's the kind of dream we all secretly harbor. A true creative at heart, she has immersed herself in the realms of film, video, music, and theatre. For years, she has been an integral part of the TV and movie entertainment industry, specializing in licensin
S9 Episode 56: Debbie Millman - The Design of an Artist, Author, Designer, and Leading Podcaster
Debbie Millman is the creator and host of Design Matters, which is the world’s first podcast about design and is known for its wide-ranging conversations with designers, writers, artists, curators, musicians, and other prominent figures in contemporary thought. Additionally, Debbie is an author, teacher, and co-curator of the online Print Magazine. She is also an artist, speaker, and curator of cr
S9 Episode 55: Ciara Panacchia - The Design Of a Bridge of Culture and Art
Ciara Panacchia's story is a remarkable example of the power of the American Dream. She rose from humble beginnings in a small Irish town, despite facing adversity in the classroom and limited resources. But her passion, creativity, and tenacity led her to fall in love with an American and move to the United States. Through sheer determination and hard work, Ciara has become a successful author an
S9 Episode 54: Steven Morris - The Design Of The Beautiful Business
Steven Morris is a brand and culture advisor, author, and speaker. He believes that, at its heart, business is a human-to-human venture. Much of what people do, they do unconsciously. People make decisions with their heads but act with their hearts. This is true for leaders, employees, investors, and customers. Steven is in the business of bringing that heart, or dare I say, love, to the center of
S8 Episode 53: Patty Lennon - The Design Of Creating Space for Receiving Magic in Life and Business
This episodes guest writes something that I think may resonate with you: When you’re constantly focused on what you can do for others, how you can show up in the world and “make things happen”, without balancing that effort with rest, support and love you end up exhausted and overwhelmed or worse, you start to lose sight of possibility and your sense of purpose.
Patty Lennon's mission is to ensur
S8 Episode 52: Travis Thrasher - The Design Of Writing, Collaborating, and Authoring Your Dream
Travis Thrasher has known since the third grade that he was meant to tell tales and shape big ideas. His dream of being an author led him to write original works for over a decade — ranging from fiction to nonfiction to children’s books.
Travis’ unique talent has resulted in many unique experiences including collaborative writing for a range of celebrities including musicians such as Blake Shelto
S8 Episode 51: Dessa - The Design Of a Unique Sound, Approach, and Style
Singer, rapper, and writer Dessa has made a career of bucking genres and defying expectations. Her résumé as a musician includes performances at Lollapalooza and Glastonbury, co-compositions for 100 Voices Choir, performances with the Minnesota Orchestra, and Top 200 entries on the Billboard charts. She contributed to the number-one album The Hamilton Mixtape and the RBG documentary; her track “Co
S8 Episode 50: David Wallace Haskins - The Design Of Light, Space, Time, and Sound
David Wallace Haskins is an American interdisciplinary artist using light, space, time, and sound to create experiential installations, sculptures, and architectural interventions. His works often invite exploration and participation, challenging visitors’ assumptions while highlighting the interrelational dynamic they share with themselves, others, and the world around them.
Haskins develops and
S8 Episode 49: Melissa Coleman aka The Faux Martha - The Design Of Minimizing and Reducing an Ideal
Social media influence depends on the follower base. How active they are, how likely they are to engage, and more. This presents an interesting challenge for those exploring the lifestyle of how to live a curious life while being more present with less.
Add taking on a hobby and some massive social media success to that mindset and you will be ready to hear the journey and story of Melissa Coleme
S8 Episode 48: James Tutson - The Design Of Discovering an Authentic Path and Voice
Many of us have found these last few years the need to shift, reevaluate, celebrate what is good, and move into spaces that will help us grow and feel life in a new way. This next episode highlights this experience for a musician who is exploring his voice as a singer-songwriter, husband, father, and socially-minded nonprofit leader through music, actions, and having his eyes and heart wide open.
S8 Episode 47: Carl Honoré - The Design Of Building a Slower (and Better) Life
Do you live in fast forward? Always rushing, always busy, always distracted?
Do you yearn to slow down? These are just a few of the questions our guest, Carl Honoré, asked himself years ago. This has led him on an epic journey to understand the concept of slowing down and to help others learn to see that we live in a world addicted to speed, and that slowness is a superpower. Carl is an award-winn
S7 Episode 46: Rachel Marie-Crane Williams - The Design Of Broadening Imagination and Openness
Rachel Marie-Crane Williams believes that story is a pathway into empathy. It is a causeway of understanding and connection to other people. This belief is just one of the amazing perspectives of Rachel’s who is a professor at the University of Iowa in both Gender, Women’s, and Sexuality Studies and the School of Art and Art History. If that wasn’t interesting enough she is also an artist, author,
S7 Episode 45: David Jon Walker - The Design of Lettering a New Career
Many of us dream of creating a new path, a new career, or just some new life options, but more often than not they stay just that- dreams. David Jon Walker is a graphic designer of color, educator, and community advocate from Tennessee that is just now beginning a new chapter all thanks to chasing his dreams. Through his lettering and design works, he strives to express perspective and question me
S7 Episode 44: Ed Hess - The Design Of Kindness and High Performance
We all have the potential to step up and help those around us. The question is: will you do that when the situation presents itself? If we take an honest look back we will see and remember the people who extended a helping hand. This episode highlights the incredible story of Ed Hess, one of the preeminent authority figures on organizational and human high performance. A Professor Emeritus at the
S7 Episode 43: Scott & Madison from eMite - The Design Of a Matchmaker for Donors and Charities
Scott and Madison Toal are the father-daughter duo behind eMite, a non-profit dedicated to connecting donors with impactful charity around the world. Serving people throughout the globe has a family lineage and means a great deal to these leaders aiming to bring all ages and at any donation amount into the celebration of giving. Described as a “matchmaker for donors and charities”, eMite’s mission
S7 Episode 42: Stefan Mumaw - The Design Of a Storyteller, Speaker, and Idea Shaman
Stefan Mumaw is a man of many talents. A tall, former college basketball player, jokester, creative, best-selling author, idea generator, LinkedIn instructor, cinephile (watches 120 movies a year), and storyteller. He has led a career working with companies like Coke, Hurley, Chevrolet, and Hallmark. His ability to help organizations learn how to generate ideas, be more creative, use stories, and
S7 Episode 41: Ashley Easter - The Design Of a Survivor and Abuse Advocate
Ashley Easter grew up and lived in a cult for 22 years. Thankfully, she was able to break free and decided to take control of her life. Join Justin Ahrens and guest co-host Katie McConville in this episode as they discuss Ashely’s experience and world-shift as she began her healing journey while also founding and creating an amazing organization Courage 365 which seeks to transform the lives of ot
S7 Episode 40: Sam Harrison - The Design Of Speaking as a Performance
Sam Harrison has been on all sides of business storytelling and working in creative communications, marketing, and branding – the agency and freelance side, the client and corporate side, and, most recently, the academic and coaching side. This includes years of crafting his skills to be a sought-after and engaging speaker.
In this episode, we dig into that speaking process, preparation, and the
S6 Episode 39: David C. Baker - Advisor, Expert, Author
The New York Times once wrote about David Baker, “What’s so compelling about Mr. Baker is that he’s an expert on being an expert”. This week’s guest, David Baker, is a well-known author of five books (so far), an international speaker, co-host of his podcast 2 Bobs, and advisor to over 900 firms. Enjoy this conversation about David’s start living among a remote Mayan community to becoming a leadin
S6 Episode 38: Dan Gable - Coach, Legend, Olympian
You will hear people often debate what makes a legend, or the G.O.A.T. of a sport. Is it the record? Championships? Or is it how you respond to what life throws at you and how you turn that into the fuel to propel you? All of those incredible questions are a part of the life of the legendary wrestler and coach Dan Gable. As a wrestler, Dan compiled an unbelievable record of 181-1. He was undefeate
S6 Episode 37: Vernon Lockhart - Creative Therapist, Mentor, Ultraman
In an open letter to the public, Vernon Lockhart wrote the following: AS A BLACK MAN who grew up in one of the toughest areas of St. Louis, I didn’t think I would live to see 21. The neighborhood I grew up in wasn’t much different than the one many Black youths who live in impoverished urban neighborhoods in the U.S. are navigating. Even with everything I saw happening around me, I was still able
S6 Episode 36: Rudy Niswanger - NFL Lineman to CEO - Humble, Leader, Athlete
Some may think being a lineman in the NFL is a relatively simple position, one that doesn’t require much brain power. The reality is that offensive linemen are among the smartest players on the field. The various plays, blocking schemes, and last-second changes that need to be made makes their capacity to know almost everything that goes on the field critical to their success. Rudy Niswanger is an
S6 Episode 35: Christian Vande Velde - Professional Cyclist and Analyst - Cyclist, Olympian, Fan
Christian Vande Velde is a former professional cyclist who now serves as a cycling analyst for NBC Sports. Christian is joining DesignOf for his second episode where we talk about life, the current state of cycling during a pandemic, and the hopeful return of the Tour De France. We hope you enjoy this conversation with a two-time Olympian turned pro cycling analyst.
S6 Episode 34: Kathy Eldon - Founder of Creative Visions - Creative Activist, Filmmaker, Purposeful
Kathy Eldon's life has been and continues to be, one of reinvention and transformation. Hear the story of a woman that has lived a life of adventure and it's fair share of tragedy, but through it all, her commitment to making the world a better place has stayed in focus. In this episode, we talk about her midwest roots, her son Dan Eldon, and how she and her daughter Amy have created a world-chang
S6 Episode 33: Nichole Carter - Senior Program Director of BSCO - Family Advocate, Change Maker
“The time is now for uncomfortable conversations”- Nichole Carter
In this episode of Design Of, meet Nichole Carter. A woman of many roles. Mother, wife, fighter, advocate, leader, and academic. Together, we have an open and honest conversation about race, #BlackLivesMatter, privilege, and what America feels like for people of color. Nichole is the Senior Program Director at Bright Star Community
S6 Episode 32: Dr. JJ Peterson - Chief of Teaching at Storybrand - Storyteller, Author, Giggler
Humans are designed to understand and process information through storytelling whether we are sharing our experiences or building a community. Dr. JJ Peterson has spent his lifetime exploring how to define stories and their impact. This episode shares that adventure. JJ is the Chief of Teaching and Facilitation at Storybrand(https://storybrand.com), a marketing company started by the New York Time
S6 Episode 31: Britt Kulsveen - Chief Whiskey Officer - Authentic, Kentucky, Bourbon
Bourbon. These days it seems to be the hottest spirit around, but do you ever wonder where it is made? Who are the actual bourbon makers? We did too — so much so that we produced a book about it (check out https://simplybourbon.com)! We did our research by going to the only place one should go to look for Bourbon Truth: Kentucky.
Kentucky is synonymous with bourbon, for many reasons. It’s most li
S5 Episode 30: Samantha Curley - Producer, Perspective Changer, Listener
Do you create the space to have conversations with strangers or people who travel in different circles than you? How often do you consider others before yourself? In this episode, you'll meet someone who has spent the last several years doing just that.
Sometimes the stars align and you get to meet someone who is incredibly brilliant, charming and has the ability to influence the way you see the
S5 Episode 29: Kerri Walsh Jennings - Olympian, Purpose, SixFeetOfSunshine
Do you ever wonder what it is like to be an Olympic athlete? Better yet, have you ever imagined what it is like to be an Olympic champion? To watch your flag raise to your anthem on that podium with hand over heart? Yeah us too :)
Because of that for our 29th episode of Design Of we are featuring not only a five-time Olympian, but someone who works unbelievably hard day in and day out. Someone wh
S5 Episode 28: Hugh Weber - Optimist, Recovered Mercenary, Community Builder
To say Hugh Weber is one of a kind is an understatement. From the age of 8, he was writing to leaders in congress and ended up becoming pen pals with none other than Rose Kennedy, President Kennedy’s mother. But when you hear Hugh’s story, you realize that it is no surprise this small-town kid went from a young political mercenary to leading an inauguration to a reformed community organizer, influ
S5 Episode 27: Larry Harper - Dreamer, Doer
For 25 years, Larry Harper has been a beacon of hope for children, teens, and families within the Bay Area by providing them the chance to play, learn, and grow. Get ready to meet a man who believed in hard work and dreaming big. Listen to his journey and how three of his role models became good friends as they sought to give tens of thousands of kids the opportunity to dream bigger and brighter.
S5 Episode 26: Charles Adler - Entrepreneur, Kickstarter
Charles Adler is an incredible mash-up of experiences and interests. He’s an East Coast kid who grew up digging street art, skateboarding, break dancing, and all the forms of music that aligned with those interests: punk, hip-hop, and electronic. He was also an Eagle Scout. He loves exploring the outdoors and cycling. Add his curiosity with technology and his skill as a designer, and you have a st
S5 Episode 25: MartyNeumeier - Director of Transformation, Thought Leader, Brand Expert
Marty Neumeier has lived a pretty amazing life. His brushes with fame, celebrity, and how a season of failure pushed him into becoming a bestselling author is a fascinating story. Marty’s mission is to bring the principles and processes of creativity to industry. He is a sought-after teacher, speaker, and one of the leading authors on creativity and business. His book Zag was named one of the “top
S4 Episode 24: Bill Gardner - Logo Connoisseur, Entertainer, Kansan
Bill Gardner is one of those people that you are just happy to be around. He is the creator of Logo Lounge in addition to being a natural entertainer, entrepreneur, creative, teacher, and author. He is extremely thoughtful and has even experienced a little magic in his life. Listen to this episode and hear the story of an authentic Kansan who followed his DNA-destined career as he lives each day w
S4 Episode 23: Chris Harris PCH - Community Protector, Vocalist, Pastor
Chris Harris (PCH) is a self-proclaimed son of the soil within the Bronzeville community, a historic neighborhood near the South Side of Chicago. Decades ago, Bronzeville was the destination for thousands of black southerners migrating North to find better employment, education, and living opportunities. Harris has spent his life living and working alongside the South Side community as they contin
S4 Episode 22: Emily Cohen - Consultant, Speaker, Brutally Honest
Emily is articulate, passionate, and not afraid to tell it like it is. As an extremely successful consultant for leading design firms, Emily is a thought leader in the world of design and just a lot of fun to talk to. Emily was raised to be fearless when her father encouraged eight-year-old Emily to take the train from Long Island to New York City…by herself. That courageous spirit has more than b
S4 Episode 21: Kristin Ellison - Writer, Circumnavigator, Great Shipmate
Kristin Ellison is an author, editor, content creator, and collaborator at LinkedIn Learning. She is a thoughtful and compassionate human being that is enthusiastic about the things she believes in. Some of our favorite characteristics about Kristen is that she has an adventurous drive to enjoy life, she is always there when you need her, and she is someone who has been on some amazing journeys. G
S4 Episode 20: Matthew Hoffman - Designer, Artist, Human Megaphone
Matthew Hoffman is a Chicago based artist & designer whose public works have been exhibited internationally. His ideas and work have been included in Good, the New York Times Magazine, and Ready Made. Justin and Wills visited Matthew in his studio to see some of his work firsthand, and to hear more about the man behind the message.
S4 Episode 19: Where are they now?
In this episode, we're inaugurating a new tradition of starting each season with a recap and check of the previous season's guests. Listen in as Wills and Justin share updates from some of our most popular guests from Seasons 1-3, plus a bonus segment on how one kid spent an evening thinking he had become temporarily invisible.
S3 Episode 18: Tanner Woodford - Designer, Author, ChiDM Executive Director
Tanner Woodford wanted to create new opportunities for people to experience the power and impact of design. As Executive Director of the Chicago Design Museum, Tanner is working to preserve and showcase how design has shaped and is shaped by this great city.
This is our last episode of Design Of Season 3! We look forward to sharing more stories of people and process in 2018.
S3 Episode 17: Greg Wittstock - CEO, Turtle Wrangler, Pond Guy
Greg Wittstock took his childhood passion of turtles, ponds, and the outdoors to create a Fortune 500 company. As Founder and CEO of Aquascape, a leading manufacturer of water gardens, water features, and products for backyard ponds, Greg is serious about giving everyone the enjoyment of a pond in their own backyard and living life to the fullest.
S3 Episode 16: Kim Nevels - Investigator, Advocate, Fair Housing Defender
From an early age, Kim Nevels has been driven by a hope for equality in her hometown of Chicago. As the Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity Center Director at the Department of Housing and Urban Development, Kim fights injustice in the form of discriminatory housing practices and policies. We traveled to Kim's office to hear more about her journey to this point, and her vision for a more inclusive
S3 Episode 15: Dan Lerner - Author, Teacher, Performance Coach
Daniel Lerner doesn't easily fit into defined categories. Following an impressive career as an agent in the classical music industry, Dan decided to follow a life-long passion to explore how people can flourish in career and life. Dan's answers to that question, informed by years of academic research and real-life experience, have placed him in front of Fortune 100 executives, classrooms of gradua
S3 Episode 14 - Nate Staniforth: Magician, Author, Student of Wonder
For over a decade, Nate has toured the US college circuit as one of the busiest working magicians in the country. He’s given a TEDx Talk, lectured at the world-famous Oxford Union, and in 2018 the Harry Potter-famed Bloomsbury Publishing will release Nate’s memoir in bookstores worldwide. Here is Real Magic follows Nate's evolution from obsessed wunderkind to disillusioned wanderer, and tells the
S3 Episode 13 - Kelsey Timmerman: Author, Activist, Manufacturing Spy
Kelsey Timmerman is the New York Times Bestselling author of Where Am I Wearing? A Global Tour to the Countries, Factories, and People That Make Our Clothes and Where Am I Eating? An Adventure Through the Global Food Economy. His writing has appeared in places such as the Christian Science Monitor and has aired on NPR. Kelsey is also the cofounder of the Facing Project, which seeks to connect peop
S3 Episode 12 - Karen Sabo: Soccer Star, Youth Trainer, American Ninja Warrior
Justin and Wills hang out with Karen Sabo – a humble midwesterner with a unique hobby: she's an American Ninja Warrior. We learn about how an ASU soccer star went from the field to the Ninja pit, and how she's using her passion to inspire the next generation of Ninjas.
S2 Episode 11 - Josh Higgins: Facebook Creative Director, Punk Rocker, Do Gooder
How many hours do you spend on Facebook per week? Afraid to say? Now imagine you're the person creating the Facebook experience that 1.3 billion people use every day. On this episode of Design Of, we speak with Josh Higgins, one of Facebook's top Creative Directors, and how he went from playing punk rock in San Diego, to designing for the 2012 Obama presidential campaign, to leading creative teams
S2 Episode 10 - Von Glitschka: Illustrative Designer, Creative Director, Monster Wrangler
Von Glitschka is principal of Glitschka Studios, a boutique design firm located in the Pacific Northwest. His diverse range of illustrative design has been used by some of the most respected brands in the world. He creatively collaborates with ad agencies, design firms, in-house corporate art departments, and small businesses to produce compelling visual narratives.
S2 Episode 9 - Pete Docter: Pixar Director, Master Storyteller, Kid at Heart
Pete Docter’s imagination is capable of some pretty incredible things. As a director at Pixar Animation Studios, it brought us Toy Story, Monsters Inc., and UP. It makes us wonder, it makes us dream. Justin and Wills travel to California to sit down with Pete and learn about how these films originate in his imagination and end up on the big screen.
S2 Episode 8 - David Gould: Educator, Artist, Las Vegas Dreamer
As the Obermann Public Scholar at the University of Iowa, David Gould helps students plot the course to their dream career and a fulfilling personal life. He previously led a collaboration with Zappos CEO, Tony Hsieh in rebuilding the social and economic structure of downtown Las Vegas.
S2 Episode 7 - Father Richard Rohr: Author, Friar, Gentle Revolutionary
Known around the world for his teaching, counsel, and compassion, Friar Richard Rohr, O.F.M. is a Franciscan Priest who has devoted his life to helping people walk the challenging road of self-acceptance and understanding. Justin and Wills traveled to the Center for Action and Contemplation in Albuquerque, NM to learn firsthand Richard's take on life, faith, society, and knowing our true selves.
S2 Episode 6 - Mike Erwin: Founder of Team RWB & The Positivity Project
In this episode, we sit down with Mike Erwin, founder and chairman of Team Red, White & Blue (Team RWB) and The Positivity Project. From a childhood steeped in service (his mother was the first female police officer in Syracuse, NY) to three deployments as an Army intelligence officer, Mike’s journey is a powerful testament to resilience, leadership, and the belief that small acts of connection ca
S2 Episode 5 - Alice Cooper: Rock Legend
Alice Cooper is one of the most recognizable and iconic musicians of all time. As the Godfather of Shock Rock, Alice continues to break new ground in creating an unforgettable show experience for audiences both young and old.
S1 Episode 4 - Justin Narducci: CEO of Lifewater International
The global water crisis is one of the most complex and demoralizing challenges present in our world. Thousands die each day from disease, infections, and dehydration, all easily preventable with adequate safe water and sanitation resources. Justin Narducci and his team at Lifewater International are not content with this reality. On this episode of Design Of, we'll get to hear how one organization
S1 Episode 3 - Christian Vande Velde: Tour de France Cyclist
Few people know what it's like to pedal up a mountain in France with legs throbbing, heart pounding, and a world championship title on the line. Even fewer know what it's like to stand on the podium alongside one of the most decorated cycling teams in history. Christian Vande Velde is one of those few people. In this exclusive interview, Christian brings us into how his father's cycling legacy pav
S1 Episode 2 - Victor Saad: Education Innovator
Victor Saad believes there’s something wrong with conventional higher education.
A few years ago, Victor took a leap and wasn’t sure where he would land. He quit his job and set out to learn about how organizations can focus on people and flourish. Now a few years later, Victor leads an experiential learning community called Experience Institute where he helps students create their own higher edu
S1 Episode 1 - Ryan O'Neal of Sleeping At Last
Justin and Wills sit down with Ryan O'Neal, the mind behind the successful indie music outfit Sleeping At Last. Ryan fills us in on the inner-workings of his creative process and how he balances well-deserved fame with a growing family.
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