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Artwork for Design Matters

Design Matters with Debbie Millman

Design Matters Media
Rosanne Cash
The Wheel
Music Industry
Nashville Songwriters Hall Of Fame
Design
Grammy Awards
John Leventhal
Human Progress
Black Lives Matter
Creative Growth
Creativity
Habits
Lucy Wainwright Roche
Dirtbag, Massachusetts
Stories We Tell
Space Oddity
Coda
Social Media
New York City
Roy Wood Jr.

Design Matters with Debbie Millman is one of the world’s very first podcasts. Broadcasting independently for over 15 years, the show is about how incredibly creative people design the arc of their lives.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

PublishesWeeklyEpisodes660Founded16 years ago
Number of ListenersCategories
ArtsDesign

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Artwork for Design Matters

Latest Episodes

Chris Duffy—comedian, writer, and host of the TED podcast How to Be a Better Human—joins to discuss how humor shaped his path from teaching and improv to podcasting and television. Together, they explore why laughing more isn’t about being funny, but... more

YouTube

Ruth Ann Harnisch is an investor, philanthropist, social activist, media producer, and founder of Harnisch Foundation, which supports work that breaks down barriers to equality and opportunity. She joins CreativeMornings live to reflect on her path f... more

YouTube

Brian Chesky is the co-founder and CEO of Airbnb, a company that began with airbeds and grew into a worldwide community built on trust and belonging. He joins to discuss how imagination and design shaped his path from art school to entrepreneurship, ... more

YouTube

For the 20th anniversary of Design Matters, Debbie Millman revisits excerpts from her most memorable interviews. Featuring Jason Reynolds, Marina Abramović, Chris Ware, Richard Saul Wurman, Rick Rubin, and Roxane Gay, this episode gathers voices that... more

Key Facts

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Recent Guests

Ruth Ann Harnisch
Investor, philanthropist, social activist, and media producer
Episode: Ruth Ann Harnisch
Richard Saul Wurman
Designer and founder of the TED Conference, author of over 90 books.
Episode: 20th Anniversary celebration with the most memorable guests: Jason Reynolds, Marina Abramović, Chris Ware, Richard Saul Wurman, Rick Rubin, and Roxane Gay
Roxane Gay
Writer and cultural critic, known for her essays on feminism and body image.
Episode: 20th Anniversary celebration with the most memorable guests: Jason Reynolds, Marina Abramović, Chris Ware, Richard Saul Wurman, Rick Rubin, and Roxane Gay
Jason Reynolds
Author and MacArthur Fellow, known for his impactful storytelling in literature.
Episode: 20th Anniversary celebration with the most memorable guests: Jason Reynolds, Marina Abramović, Chris Ware, Richard Saul Wurman, Rick Rubin, and Roxane Gay
Marina Abramović
Legendary performance artist known for her innovative and often controversial works.
Episode: 20th Anniversary celebration with the most memorable guests: Jason Reynolds, Marina Abramović, Chris Ware, Richard Saul Wurman, Rick Rubin, and Roxane Gay
Chris Ware
Influential illustrator and graphic novelist, celebrated for his intricate graphic novels.
Episode: 20th Anniversary celebration with the most memorable guests: Jason Reynolds, Marina Abramović, Chris Ware, Richard Saul Wurman, Rick Rubin, and Roxane Gay
Siân Heder
Director of 'Coda' and writer for 'Orange is the New Black'
Episode: 20th Anniversary Celebration with acclaimed directors Brian Koppelman, Thomas Kail, Mike Mills, Sarah Polley, and Siân Heder
Mike Mills
Director known for films like 'Thumbsucker' and '20th Century Women'
Episode: 20th Anniversary Celebration with acclaimed directors Brian Koppelman, Thomas Kail, Mike Mills, Sarah Polley, and Siân Heder
Brian Koppelman
Director, writer, and producer known for 'Billions' and 'Rounders'
Episode: 20th Anniversary Celebration with acclaimed directors Brian Koppelman, Thomas Kail, Mike Mills, Sarah Polley, and Siân Heder

Host

Debbie Millman
Host of Design Matters, recognized for her engaging interview style and ability to elicit deep insights from her guests. Millman has a significant background in design and branding, contributing to her expertise in the creative fields.

Reviews

4.6 out of 5 stars from 2.3k ratings
  • Not engaging

    Initially was excited to follow this show. But after several tries, had to abandon the effort. Guests seemed intriguing, but missed opportunities by the host to be engaging. It felt like listening to paint dry.

    Unfollowed.

    Apple Podcasts
    1
    SheSheOak
    United States2 months ago
  • Listen while I ride

    I’m a long-time listener and absolutely love your show. My husband and I take long motorcycle rides, and getting to binge your podcast along the way is such a treat. I always learn something new—it’s informative, engaging, and full of fresh perspectives. Thank you for all the time and effort you and your team put into making it so consistently great. I’m truly grateful for what you do.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Uslover2001
    United States7 months ago
  • The best podcast out there!

    This is the single podcast I consistently listen to. Debbie does such a great job of researching and asking great and sometime hard questions. She talks to perfect amount. I’d listen to anyone if Debbie was leading the way.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Suzeet
    United Statesa year ago
  • A treasure

    The Design Matters podcast is an absolute treasure for anyone who loves creativity and storytelling! Debbie Millman’s conversations with artists, designers, and thinkers are so insightful and beautifully crafted. Every episode feels like an intimate look into the minds of some of the most inspiring and innovative people, covering not only their creative journeys but also the philosophies and personal stories that drive their work. Debbie’s interviewing style is warm, thoughtful, and truly brings... more

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    savvy_entrepreneur
    United Statesa year ago
  • Quality content

    Debbie & Roseanne are beyond compare. Quality & care shine from these episodes. I have learnt so much, from people I would never have crossed paths with. I’m so grateful. I hope this podcast stays for a long time to come. Nothing compares to what Debbie does 💖

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Lostincolour
    United Kingdom2 years ago

Listeners Say

Key themes from listener reviews, highlighting what works and what could be improved about the show.

Listeners frequently praise the show for its engaging and insightful conversations, particularly appreciating the host's approach to interviewing guests and allowing their stories to shine.
A few critical voices express dissatisfaction with the direction of certain episodes, suggesting some discussions may feel forced or disconnected from what they expected.
Overall, feedback indicates a deep appreciation for the quality and consistency of the show's content, with many considering it a must-listen for anyone interested in creativity.
Some listeners admire the depth of topics covered, noting that it transcends mere design discussions to delve into broader societal issues.
Many highlight the podcast's capacity to blend creativity with personal narratives, making it a substantial resource for artists and creative professionals.

Chart Rankings

How this podcast ranks in the Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube charts.

Apple Podcasts
#9
United States/Arts/Design
Apple Podcasts
#207
United States/Arts
Apple Podcasts
#7
Canada/Arts/Design
Apple Podcasts
#25
United Kingdom/Arts/Design
Apple Podcasts
#156
Canada/Arts
Apple Podcasts
#10
Australia/Arts/Design

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

Ruth Ann Harnisch
Q: How were you able to cultivate that mentality, that sense of self-reliance and security?
By making a decision to change and sticking with that, keeping promises to herself.
20th Anniversary celebration with the most memorable guests: Jason Reynolds, Marina Abramović, Chris Ware, Richard Saul Wurman, Rick Rubin, and Roxane Gay
Q: What was it like for you to reach such an immensely positive reaction to something that was so difficult to write?
It was good. It was great. I was terrified about what people would think, but many responded positively, seeing themselves in my story.
Stephen J. Dubner
Q: What do you hope the lasting legacy of Freakonomics will be?
To emphasize the importance of storytelling backed by data in journalism and to remind economists to remember the human side of their work.
Stephen J. Dubner
Q: How has your lifelong fascination with questions about identity and belonging shaped your worldview?
It prompted me to pursue connection and understanding in life, affecting both my career choices and personal relationships.
Suzanne Vega
Q: How did your childhood experiences impact your songwriting?
I learned to define myself from the inside and not cling to cultural identity, which shaped my perspective as an observer.

Audience Metrics

Listeners, social reach, demographics and more for this podcast.

Listeners per Episode
Gender Skew
Location
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Frequently Asked Questions About Design Matters

What is Design Matters about and what kind of topics does it cover?

The content captures the journeys of creatively influential individuals across various fields, emphasizing the intersection of personal experience and professional artistry. Through insightful dialogues, it explores themes such as identity, the impact of culture, and the importance of community in the creative process. The in-depth conversations cover a wide variety of topics including art, design, technology, culinary creativity, and the dynamics of storytelling in the modern age, making it a valuable resource for those interested in the creative industry and personal growth. Notably, the podcast celebrates its 20th anniversary by revisiting significant episodes and milestones, highlighting its long-standing dedication to fostering meaning... more

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Which podcasts are similar to Design Matters?

These podcasts share a similar audience with Design Matters:

1. Fresh Air
2. Hidden Brain
3. A Slight Change of Plans
4. The Happiness Lab
5. Creative Pep Talk

How many episodes of Design Matters are there?

Design Matters launched 16 years ago and published 660 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.

How do I contact Design Matters?

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What guests have appeared on Design Matters?

Recent guests on Design Matters include:

1. Ruth Ann Harnisch
2. Richard Saul Wurman
3. Roxane Gay
4. Jason Reynolds
5. Marina Abramović
6. Chris Ware
7. Siân Heder
8. Mike Mills

To view more recent guests and their details, simply upgrade your Rephonic account. You'll also get access to a typical guest profile to help you decide if the show is worth pitching.

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