Podcast appearances and mentions of Debbie Millman

For the 20th anniversary of Design Matters, Debbie Millman revisits conversations with renowned poets Eileen Myles, Elizabeth Alexander, Sarah Kay, and Amber Tamblyn. These excerpts reflect on language, identity, memory, and the lived experience that fuels their work. Together, they reveal poetry as an intimate practice that resonates beyond the page.Learn more about our flagship conference happening this April at attend.ted.com/podcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Many of us feel like we're drowning in invisible complexity. So I wanted to hit pause and ask a simple question: What are 1-3 decisions that could dramatically simplify my life in 2026? To explore that, I invited five long-time listener favorites: Maria Popova, Morgan Housel, Cal Newport, Craig Mod, and Debbie Millman.This episode is brought to you by:Shopify global commerce platform, providing tools to start, grow, market, and manage a retail business: Shopify.com/timHelix Sleep premium mattresses: HelixSleep.com/TimTimestamps:Intro: [00:00:00]Maria Popova [00:01:49]Morgan Housel [00:04:40]Cal Newport [00:12:20]Craig Mod [00:24:04]Debbie Millman [00:33:08] More about today's guests:Maria Popova (@mariapopova) thinks and writes about our search for meaning, lensed sometimes through science and philosophy, sometimes through poetry and children's books, always through wonder. She is the creator of The Marginalian (born in 2006 under the name Brain Pickings), which is included in the Library of Congress permanent digital archive of culturally valuable materials. Her books and projects include Traversal, The Universe in Verse, Figuring, The Coziest Place on the Moon, and An Almanac of Birds: 100 Divinations for Uncertain Days.Morgan Housel (@morganhousel) is a partner at The Collaborative Fund. His book The Psychology of Money has sold more than three million copies and has been translated into 53 languages. Morgan is also the author of Same As Ever: A Guide to What Never Changes and The Art of Spending Money.Cal Newport is a professor of computer science at Georgetown University, where he is also a founding member of the Center for Digital Ethics. In addition to his academic work, Newport is a New York Times bestselling author who writes for a general audience about the intersection of technology, productivity, and culture. His books have sold millions of copies and been translated into over forty languages. He is also a contributor to The New Yorker and hosts the popular Deep Questions podcast. His latest book is Slow Productivity: The Lost Art of Accomplishment Without Burnout.Craig Mod (@craigmod) is a writer, photographer, and walker living in Tokyo and Kamakura, Japan. He is the author of Things Become Other Things and Kissa by Kissa. He also writes the newsletters Roden and Ridgeline and has contributed to The New York Times, The Atlantic, Wired, and more. Debbie Millman (@debbiemillman) has been named one of the most creative people in business by Fast Company and one of the most influential designers working today by Graphic Design USA. She is the host of Design Matters—a great show and one of the world's longest-running podcasts. She is also chair of the Masters in Branding Program at the School of Visual Arts in New York City, editorial director of Print magazine, a Harvard Business School Case Study, and a member of the board of directors at the Joyful Heart Foundation.*For show notes and past guests on The Tim Ferriss Show, please visit tim.blog/podcast.For deals from sponsors of The Tim Ferriss Show, please visit tim.blog/podcast-sponsorsSign up for Tim's email newsletter (5-Bullet Friday) at tim.blog/friday.For transcripts of episodes, go to tim.blog/transcripts.Discover Tim's books: tim.blog/books.Follow Tim:Twitter: twitter.com/tferriss Instagram: instagram.com/timferrissYouTube: youtube.com/timferrissFacebook: facebook.com/timferriss LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/timferrissSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Jack Schlossberg—the writer, lawyer, political correspondent, and only grandson of President John F. Kennedy—joins Debbie Millman live at On Air Fest to discuss political legacy, internet culture, and the future of Democratic leadership. With humor and candor, he reflects on growing up in a historic political family, the power and peril of social media, the spread of misinformation, and why authenticity and risk-taking are essential to reaching a new generation of voters.Learn more about our flagship conference happening this April at attend.ted.com/podcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Debbie Millman, designer, author, educator, curator, artist, and pioneering podcast host, joins Designers On Film to talk about Arrival (2016), a movie that has all the ingredients to keep you engaged and make you curious about life on this planet, or life beyond this planet. Amy Adams is Louise Banks, Jeremy Renner is Ian Donnelly, and together they're brought into a government operation to understand, analyze, and hopefully communicate with visitors from another planet. In addition to sharing everything about the movie that she loves, Debbie also talks about how science has been an integral part of her own life, why she believes in alien lifeforms, and ponders big questions about language, love, and time.-Debbie Millman is host of the pioneering podcast Design Matters. Fast Company called her "one of the most creative people in business" and Graphic Design USA called her "one of the most influential designers working today." She's a "woman of influence" as Success Magazine has said, building a career at the intersection of design, storytelling, and cultural commentary. As the founder and host of Design Matters, one of the first and longest-running podcasts in the world, she's interviewed more than 700 of the world's most creative thinkers and makers, having earned the Cooper Hewitt National Design Award, multiple Webby awards and Ambie nominations, and numerous accolades from Apple Podcasts who named Design Matters one of their "All-Time Favorites" three times. Debbie worked on the concept and design of the vault plate that's aboard NASA's Europa Clipper mission to Jupiter's moon. Her work has also appeared in The New York Times, The Washington Post, Philadelphia Inquirer, New York Magazine, The Baffler, The New York Review of Books, and Fast Company. The author of two books of illustrated essays, plus author of eight books, she's also Editorial Director of PrintMag.com which she co-owns, Debbie and her business partners rescued the publication from bankruptcy in 2019, preserving its 80-year legacy. Debbie and her wife, best-selling author Roxane Gay, recently acquired The Rumpus. Debbie lives in New York City and Los Angeles with her beautiful wife, two lovable cats and a very charismatic dog.https://www.printmag.com/author/debbie-millman/https://www.instagram.com/debbiemillman/https://designmattersmedia.com/https://apple.co/designmattershttps://debbiemillman.com/https://therumpus.net/-Zipeng Zhu is a Chinese-born artist, designer, educator, and founder of the award-winning creative studio Dazzle in New York City. He wants to make every day a razzle-dazzle musical and has collaborated with iconic brands such as Apple, Adidas, Adobe, Coca-Cola, Instagram, MTV, Microsoft, Netflix, The New York Times, The New Yorker magazine, Samsung and Uber. His work has been exhibited at major museums and institutions in cities all over the world, including New York, Barcelona, Dubai, Shanghai, Beijing, and Mumbai. Zipeng dedicates his days running both the Dazzle Studio and merch shop Dazzle Supply, bringing his dazzling design to clients and fans around the globe.https://dazzle.studio/-Arrival (2016)https://www.imdb.com/title/tt2543164/‍ ‍https://www.imdb.com/name/nm5384213/‍ ‍Stories of Your Life and Others by Ted Chianghttps://amzn.to/4rfSiBk‍ ‍-Other movies, shows, and books discussed:Close Encounters of the Third Kind (1977)Contact (1997)Interstellar (2014) The Twilight Zone, S3.E24: To Serve Man (1962)

Zipeng Zhu talks about his time studying design in New York and learning from Debbie Millman. He also gives thanks to all the amazing people who helped him on his creative journey, including Jessica Walsh who loves the movie Amélie as much as Zipeng. Amélie lives in a world unto herself, full of imagination and creativity, but she's kind and gives back to others, creating joy in a variety of ways.-Zipeng Zhu is a Chinese-born artist, designer, educator, and founder of the award-winning creative studio Dazzle in New York City. He wants to make every day a razzle-dazzle musical and has collaborated with iconic brands such as Apple, Adidas, Adobe, Coca-Cola, Instagram, MTV, Microsoft, Netflix, The New York Times, The New Yorker magazine, Samsung and Uber. His work has been exhibited at major museums and institutions in cities all over the world, including New York, Barcelona, Dubai, Shanghai, Beijing, and Mumbai. Zipeng dedicates his days running both the Dazzle Studio and merch shop Dazzle Supply, bringing his dazzling design to clients and fans around the globe.https://dazzle.studio/https://dazzle.supply/ https://x.com/zzdesign https://www.instagram.com/zzdesign https://sva.edu/features/sva-creators-zipeng-zhu-makes-exuberant-designs-that-leave-you-dazzled -Amélie (2001)https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0211915/‍ ‍https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5yy0dc-mzTM https://www.npr.org/2001/11/02/1132568/amelie https://www.bbc.com/culture/article/20210916-amlie-the-most-stylish-film-ever-made

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 challenged, surprised, and have continued to evolve in meaning over time. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We sit down with Debbie Millman, one of the most influential voices in design and brand thinking, to talk about what endures when trends fade and platforms shift. Learn more at https://justcreative.com/podcast Debbie is the host of Design Matters, the longest running podcast on design, launched in 2005. She is the co founder and chair of the Masters in Branding program at School of Visual Arts, and spent two decades at Sterling Brands leading work for global icons like Burger King and Tropicana. She is also the author of multiple books, including Why Design Matters and Brand Thinking. We go beyond surface level branding to unpack why personal branding can quietly trap creatives, how to define real brand DNA without freezing your identity, and how meaning is built honestly rather than manufactured theatrically. We also explore why big redesigns so often fail, how to separate non negotiable DNA from executional style, and the fastest way to create meaning without faking it. Along the way, Debbie shares what hundreds of interviews have taught her about creative careers, patience, and long term reputation. This conversation is for designers, strategists, founders, and creators who want their work to compound with integrity rather than perform for attention. And yes, we also touch on symbols, objects, and why the most powerful brands behave more like living systems than campaigns.

In the second episode of our January series, The Year for Irrational Hope, Leah Smart sits down with legendary designer, author, educator, and podcast host Debbie Millman to explore the power of the 10-year plan. Originally taught to Debbie by her mentor Milton Glaser, this visioning exercise is about suspending limiting beliefs and imagining an ideal day ten years from now without worrying about how it will happen. Debbie shares how it shaped her career, creativity, and personal life, and why declaring hope can quietly set real change in motion. This conversation invites you to think bigger, let go of outdated identities, and make room for who you're becoming. If you liked this episode, you'll also love this one where Leah walks through exactly how you can do this visioning exercise: The 10-Year Plan: A Roadmap to Designing Your Dream Life Follow Debbie Millman on LinkedIn.  For more from Leah Smart while Everyday Better goes on hiatus, follow her on Substack,  LinkedIn and Instagram.

For the 20th anniversary of Design Matters, Debbie Millman revisits conversations with renowned poets Eileen Myles, Elizabeth Alexander, Sarah Kay, and Amber Tamblyn. These excerpts reflect on language, identity, memory, and the lived experience that fuels their work. Together, they reveal poetry as an intimate practice that resonates beyond the page. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

For the 20th anniversary of Design Matters, Debbie Millman revisits conversations with distinguished actors Claire Danes, Ethan Hawke, Nick Offerman, Kyra Sedgwick, and Josh Brolin. These excerpts explore how they approach their craft, work with directors and fellow actors, and what it means to inhabit a role and sustain a creative life on stage and on screen. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode 55: What Is Good Design? – features Debbie Millman, breaking down good design as intention, effortlessness, and respect for the human experience.Episode Summary: This episode of The Simple Questions Podcast features a conversation with Debbie Millman, a designer, author, educator, and host of the Design Matters podcast.Listen as Debbie breaks down what good design really is, how design shows up in everyday life, why intention and effortlessness matter, how taste evolves, and what separates good design from great design. In this episode we discuss:00:27 – Introducing Debbie Millman03:00 – Where design exists in everyday life04:00 – Design as intention-making05:30 – What good design feels like (effortlessness, comfort, safety)09:20 – Common design challenges and constraints13:10 – What separates good design from great22:30 – How design has evolved with technology24:30 – AI-generated design 26:30 – How taste changes over time29:40 – Advice for aspiring designers30:40 – Learning more31:10 – ConclusionResources:Debbie's WebsiteDesign Matters PodcastThis episode includes the track 'RSPN' by Blank & Kytt. The song is used under the Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported License. You can find more of Blank & Kytt's music ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here.⁠

For the 20th anniversary of Design Matters, Debbie Millman revisits conversations with acclaimed directors Brian Koppelman, Thomas Kail, Mike Mills, Sarah Polley, and Siân Heder. These excerpts explore the director's role as the central collaborator, guiding creative teams and shaping a project from vision to execution. Together, they reflect on the choices, pressures, and responsibilities of bringing a story to life. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

For the 20th anniversary of Design Matters, Debbie Millman revisits previous episodes with activists and advocates Gloria Steinem, Anita Hill, Cindy Gallop, Sonya Passi, and Dr. Joy Buolamwini. These excerpts highlight conversations about power, accountability, and the urgent work of dismantling inequality across culture, institutions, and technology. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In celebration of the 20th anniversary of Design Matters, Debbie Millman shares excerpts from interviews with typographers and lettering artists Marian Bantjes, Oded Ezer, Jessica Hische, Tobias Frere-Jones, Matthew Carter, and Kris Holmes, reflecting on legibility and expression, how letters behave, the discipline of refinement, and how type has evolved from hand-crafted processes to the digital tools we use today. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Toy designer and RISD professor Cas Holman shows how rediscovering play can help adults build resilience, spark creativity, and forge deeper connections in an achievement-focused world.In this revealing conversation about her book "Playful: How Play Shifts Our Thinking, Inspires Connection, and Sparks Creativity," Holman shares practical ways to embrace uncertainty through play and explains why putting down our phones might be the first step toward reclaiming our natural capacity for joy.You can find Cas at: Website | Instagram | Episode TranscriptIf you LOVED this episode, you'll also love the conversations we had with Debbie Millman about designing a life through creativity and story.Check out our offerings & partners: Join My New Writing Project: Awake at the WheelVisit Our Sponsor Page For Great Resources & Discount Codes Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

For the 20th anniversary of Design Matters, Debbie Millman revisits conversations with theatre designers David Korins, Ina Mayhew, David Rockwell, Es Devlin, and Dane Laffrey. From Broadway landmarks to innovative film and live performance design, these excerpts reveal how sets and spaces shape emotion, deepen story, and draw audiences into the moment. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

For the 20th anniversary of Design Matters, Debbie Millman revisits past interviews with technology pioneers Bill Moggridge, Jason Kottke, Anil Dash, and Kevin Kelly. These excerpts reflect on how technology emerged, how it shapes the way we live, and how these early thinkers imagined the future unfolding. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As part of the 20th anniversary of Design Matters, Debbie Millman shares Part Two of her most surprising first questions, the curious openings that sparked honesty, humor, and revelation. These excerpts highlight the unexpected moments that shaped some of the show's most memorable conversations. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

To celebrate 20 years of Design Matters, Debbie Millman revisits standout moments from past conversations with photographers Catherine Opie, Albert Watson, Pete Souza, Lynn Goldsmith, and Mary Ellen Matthews. These excerpts explore how they approach craft, capture truth, and use the camera to tell the stories that define us. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

To mark 20 years of Design Matters, Debbie Millman revisits standout moments with Julia Turshen, Christina Tosi, Gabrielle Hamilton, Fanny Singer, and Will Guidara—voices who reimagined how we cook, write, and welcome. From recipe testing as poetry to tinkering with desserts, from building a neighborhood bistro to building a culture of “unreasonable hospitality,” these excerpts show how design shapes flavor, service, and the shared joy of a good meal.Interested in learning more about upcoming TED events? Follow these links:TEDNext: ted.com/futureyou Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

I started a podcast as a hack. I wanted to speak to my heroes. If you email Seth Godin, Debbie Millman or Oliver Jeffers and ask for an hour of their time, the answer will probably be no.A podcast is the cheat code to having a conversation you never imagined you'd have and this week I get to tick another hero off of my list and share it with you.Oliver Jeffers has sold 18million books. But the first thing I asked about was his dip paintings. Because, it's one of my all time favourite art projects.We spoke about Oliver's long career as an author, illustrator and artist and navigating between them. This will be an episode I come back to many times. I hope you enjoy it. If you do - tell a stranger on the bus about it.Oliver's links:Website - oliverjeffers.comInsta - @oliverjeffers To hear more, visit creativerebels.substack.com

Movies and guests coming soon! Stefan Sagmeister who talks about his documentary The Happy Film (2006), plus plenty of other awesome guests COMING SOON!Get ready for upcoming episodes. WATCH NOW!The Happy Film (2016) with Stefan Sagmeister-https://sagmeister.com/rent or purchase The Happy Film @ Amazonhttps://amzn.to/3WIdnb6Amelie (2002) with Zipeng Zhu-https://www.instagram.com/zzdesign/rent or purchase Amelie @ Amazonhttps://amzn.to/3LrsvY0Then, our next episodes, listed alphabetically.Blade Runner (1982) with Kevin Finn-https://thesumof.com.au/Arrival (2006) with Debbie Millman-https://designmattersmedia.com/Her (2013) with Weber Wong-https://weberwong.cargo.site/Moon (2009) with Andy Pratt-https://andyprattdesign.com/Tron (1982) with Tim LapetinoTron: Ares (2025) with Tim Lapetino-https://www.instagram.com/timlapetino/

To celebrate 20 years of Design Matters, Debbie Millman revisits standout moments from past conversations with illustrators Brian Rea, Maira Kalman, Barry Blitt, Edel Rodriguez, and Christoph Niemann. These excerpts explore how ideas drive style, how collaboration and constraint shape the work, and how a single image can speak fast and stay with you.Interested in learning more about upcoming TED events? Follow these links:TEDNext: ted.com/futureyou Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

To celebrate two decades of Design Matters, Debbie Millman gathers favorite moments from past interviews with podcast hosts Krista Tippett, Ira Glass, Hrishikesh Hirway, Kara Swisher, and Jad Abumrad. These excerpts trace how each host found their voice, shaped a format, and learned to listen, revealing the craft and conviction behind the shows that shaped podcasting.Interested in learning more about upcoming TED events? Follow these links:TEDNext: ted.com/futureyou Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In honor of 20 years of Design Matters, Debbie Millman revisits unforgettable moments from her conversations with iconic musicians Kaki King, David Lee Roth, Lucy Wainwright Roche, Michael Stipe, and the Indigo Girls. Through their stories and songs, this special episode reflects on the meaning of a creative life and the artists who have shaped the sound of our time.Interested in learning more about upcoming TED events? Follow these links:TEDNext: ted.com/futureyou Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

For the 20th anniversary of Freakonomics, Debbie Millman of Design Matters interviews Stephen Dubner about his upbringing, his writing career, and why it's important to “swing your swing.” Plus: a sneak peek at a new project. SOURCES:Debbie Millman, writer and host of Design Matters with Debbie Millman. RESOURCES:"Stephen J. Dubner," by Design Matters with Debbie Millman (2025).Turbulent Souls: A Catholic Son's Return To His Jewish Family, by Stephen Dubner (1999)."Choosing My Religion," by Stephen Dubner (New York Times, 1996). EXTRAS:"In Search of the Real Adam Smith," by Freakonomics Radio (2022). Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Neil deGrasse Tyson—world-renowned astrophysicist, Emmy-nominated host, science communicator, and author—is one of the most influential voices in modern science. In this live conversation, recorded at On Air Presents, he joins Debbie Millman to explore the role of science education and why defending science has never been more vital.Interested in learning more about upcoming TED events? Follow these links:TEDNext: ted.com/futureyou Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In celebration of 20 years of Design Matters, Debbie Millman revisits one of the show's most endearing traditions—the very first question. For years, she's opened each conversation with a playful, deeply researched inquiry: something personal, unexpected, and revealing. In this special anniversary episode, listeners will hear some of Debbie's favorite first questions and the illuminating answers they inspired.Interested in learning more about upcoming TED events? Follow these links:TEDNext: ted.com/futureyou Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Debbie Millman, with over 20 years of hosting Design Matters, offers insights into what creative leadership is evolving into by 2025. From brand purpose to courage, she discusses how the best leaders inspire and uplift. A must-listen for anyone in the creative field.

A short bonus episode showcasing a few stand out moments from this weeks guest interview with Debbie MillmanDaring Creativity. Daring Forever. Podcast with Radim Malinic Show questions or suggestions to desk@daringcreativity.com Latest books by Radim MalinicMindful Creative: How to understand and deal with the highs and lows of creative life, career and business Paperback and Kindle > https://amzn.to/4biTwFcFree audiobook (with Audible trial) > https://geni.us/free-audiobookSigned books https://novemberuniverse.co.ukLux Coffee Co. https://luxcoffee.co.uk/ (Use: PODCAST for 15% off)November Universe https://novemberuniverse.co.uk (Use: PODCAST for 10% off)

In honor of 20 years of Design Matters, Debbie Millman revisits memorable conversations with memoirists Elissa Altman, Thomas Page McBee, Ashley C. Ford, Josh Brolin, and Isaac Fitzgerald. This anniversary collection reflects on the candor, resilience, and storytelling power of five voices who have turned personal experience into unforgettable art. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On August 28, I hosted a webinar on Building Diverse Design Teams in which I spoke to some of the top leaders in design about the importance of building a more diverse, equitable and representative profession—and what we as individual leaders can do to make that happen. The event was also a fundraiser for an organization called Diversify by Design, and their program DESIGN=, which provides design curriculum kits, teacher training, mentorship, and career guidance to middle- and high-school classrooms in marginalized communities. My co-host for the event was design leader, educator, author, and tv presenter, Kevin Bethune. In part two of this two-part episode, Kevin and I are joined by Tysonn Betts, Omari Souza, and Debbie Millman, and we also heard from students who are working with the DESIGN= curriculum kits in the classroom. In part one—which dropped last week—we were joined by Oen Hammonds, Shawn Williams, and Ellen McGirt.Doug Powell is an award-winning designer and executive design leader with more than 30 years of experience in a wide range of design disciplines. Learn more about Doug's practice as a consultant, educator, and coach at his website dougpowell.design.

To celebrate 20 years of Design Matters, Debbie Millman revisits highlights from her conversations with groundbreaking artists Bisa Butler, Deborah Kass, Marilyn Minter, Amy Sherald, and Ai Weiwei. This anniversary collection brings together the voices of five visionaries whose work challenges conventions, sparks dialogue, and redefines the role of art in our culture. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On August 28, I hosted a webinar on Building Diverse Design Teams in which I spoke to some of the top leaders in design about the importance of building a more diverse, equitable and representative profession—and what we as individual leaders can do to make that happen. The event was also a fundraiser for an organization called Diversify by Design, and their program DESIGN=, which provides design curriculum kits, teacher training, mentorship, and career guidance to middle- and high-school classrooms in marginalized communities. My co-host for the event was design leader, educator, author, and tv presenter, Kevin Bethune. In part one of this two-part episode, Kevin and I are joined by Oen Hammonds, Shawn Williams, and Ellen McGirt, and we also heard from teachers who are working with the DESIGN= curriculum kits in their classroom. In part two—dropping next week—we are joined by Tysonn Betts, Omari Souza, and Debbie Millman.Doug Powell is an award-winning designer and executive design leader with more than 30 years of experience in a wide range of design disciplines. Learn more about Doug's practice as a consultant, educator, and coach at his website dougpowell.design.

What do you believe you can't do now, but future-you knows you can?In this episode, I take you on a journey ten years into the future — inspired by Debbie Millman's “10-Year Plan for a Remarkable Life.” Together, we'll step into the life waiting for us a decade from now: where we live, the love that surrounds us, the health we embody, the work we've mastered, and the happiness we define for ourselves.I'll guide you through reflective prompts and visualization, inviting you to imagine in vivid detail what your remarkable life could look like. This isn't about daydreaming — it's about aligning with the version of you that already exists, waiting patiently in the future.Whether you're craving clarity, longing for hope, or simply curious about what's possible, this practice will give you space to pause, dream, and write your own 10-year letter. The future belongs to those who begin envisioning it today.References: Debbie Millman

Today, you're getting a step-by-step process for designing the life you want. Right now, you might think that “designing your life” sounds impossible, or that it's something reserved for people with more time, money, or resources. But what if it wasn't just a nice idea? What if it was a simple, concrete, and clear process you could start right now? Here's the truth: You have the power to design the exact life you've always wanted and today you're getting the blueprint to make it happen – with this episode and the free companion workbook. In this episode, Mel sits down with Debbie Millman. Debbie is “one of the most creative people in business” according to Fast Company, and is a professor who has been teaching a course on designing your life for over a decade at the School of Visual Arts. Graphic Design USA calls her “one of the most influential designers working today,” Harvard Business School teaches a case study on her career to all first-year students, and today Debbie is here to teach you the lessons from her renowned course on life design. Debbie will show you that no matter where you are right now, no matter how stuck, lost, or uncertain you feel, you can start creating a more intentional, meaningful future. To get the free companion workbook that goes with this episode, click here. In this episode, you'll learn: -The exact questions to ask yourself to create your dream life -The most important choices that can change your life -How to stop focusing on what's probable and start thinking about what's possible -The exact steps that allow you to create your dream reality -The one mistake that will sabotage your vision, and how to avoid it Plus, Mel and Debbie have created a free workbook to walk you through the step-by-step process of designing your own remarkable life, and you can download it here. If you're ready to stop letting life just happen to you and want to start creating the life you've always wanted, this episode is for you. For more resources, including a free companion workbook, click here for the podcast episode page. If you liked the episode, check out this one next: 5 Powerful Questions to Ask Yourself Right NowConnect with Mel:  Get Mel's #1 bestselling book, The Let Them TheoryWatch the episodes on YouTubeFollow Mel on Instagram The Mel Robbins Podcast InstagramMel's TikTok Sign up for Mel's personal newsletter Subscribe to SiriusXM Podcasts+ to listen to new episodes ad-freeDisclaimer

Hi TYP’ers. Today we’re revisiting one of my favourite chats with Debbie Millman. She was a delight; super smart, awesome energy, engaging, creatively brilliant and despite her enormous success, totally grounded and authentic. I loved this chat. Graphic Design USA named her one of the most influential designers of our times. She is the president emeritus of AIGA, the professional association of designers in the US, and one of the five women to hold this position in the organisation’s 100-year history. Debbie co-founded the world’s first graduate program in branding at the School of Visual Arts in New York City in 2010, she is the editorial and creative director of Print Magazine, the oldest magazine on design in the States, she has written seven books, is a world-renowned educator and hosts one of the longest-running podcasts on the planet; the super successful ‘Design Matters’. Growing up, Debbie’s family life was difficult and traumatising, with frequent episodes of violence and sexual abuse. “I had a lot of brutality in my life, for the first 18 years I lived in a state of constant terror and compensated with art”, she says. This lady is an inspiration who has succeeded, despite her circumstances and experiences. I loved her and you might too. Enjoy. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

To mark 20 years of Design Matters, Debbie Millman revisits some of her most memorable conversations with acclaimed non-fiction writers Lisa Taddeo, Malcolm Gladwell, Anne Lamott, Maria Konnikova, and Alain de Botton. This anniversary collection captures the insight, candor, and wisdom of five extraordinary thinkers whose work continues to shape how we see ourselves and the world around us.For a chance to give your own TED Talk, fill out the Idea Search Application: ted.com/ideasearch. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In honor of 20 years of Design Matters, Debbie Millman revisits standout moments from her conversations with some of the most celebrated voices in graphic storytelling—Chris Ware, Alison Bechdel, Roz Chast, Seth, and Lynda Barry. This special retrospective highlights the artistry, humor, and humanity of five groundbreaking creators whose work has transformed the world of comics and beyond.For a chance to give your own TED Talk, fill out the Idea Search Application: ted.com/ideasearch. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

To celebrate 20 years of Design Matters, Debbie Millman revisits some of her most memorable conversations with design legends Massimo Vignelli, Michael Bierut, Paula Scher, Chip Kidd, and Louise Fili—icons whose voices and vision have shaped the field.For a chance to give your own TED Talk, fill out the Idea Search Application: ted.com/ideasearch. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dr. Dan sits down with the incomparable Debbie Millman – acclaimed designer, illustrator, author of Love Letter to a Garden (foreword by Roxane Gay), and host of the groundbreaking podcast Design Matters. This moving episode is a conversation about creativity and a profound reflection on resilience, self-awareness, and the courage to heal and grow. Debbie shares the story of her nonlinear journey into design, the trauma that shaped her early years, and how creativity and advocacy became paths to her empowerment. From working alongside Mariska Hargitay at the Joyful Heart Foundation to exploring the intersections of art, activism, and authenticity, Debbie opens up to Dr. Dan and listeners with vulnerability and wisdom. Dr. Dan and Debbie also discuss the healing power of purpose and design; gardening as a metaphor for creativity, resilience, and existence; and embracing imperfection and aging. Whether you're a creative, a leader, or someone on a path of growth and healing, this conversation offers insight, inspiration, and hope. For more information debbiemillman.com and  designmattersmedia.com, and follow @debbiemillman on Instagram. Please listen, follow, rate, and review Make It a Great One on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts. Follow @drdanpeters on social media. Visit www.drdanpeters.com and send your questions or guest pitches to podcast@drdanpeters.com. We have this moment, this day, and this life—let's make it a great one. – Dr. Dan Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Before taking a pause for the Summer, Carl revisits moments with recent guests Austin Kleon, Debbie Millman, Tom Fishburne, and Gretchen Rubin to pulling together common threads about the hidden stories we tell ourselves about money. Ask yourself the following questions while listening: Where does your money come from and what does it cost you? What stories are you believing about money, and are they even true? The answers to these questions may help you start writing a new story about money.  ### Follow 50 Fires on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/50firespod/ Please direct business inquires to: blindnilaudio@magnolia.com Cover Art: Josh Passler - TheFinArtist.com Music Credits:  Alexandra Woodward / Rabbit Reggae / courtesy of www.epidemicsound.com Cody Francis / Wherever You're Going / courtesy of www.epidemicsound.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

“If you're a good designer in five or ten years, you're gonna want to look back on your portfolio with horror and nostalgia and somewhat amusement… because you want to be growing,” says illustrator Debbie Millman. Debbie is the host of the longest running podcast, Design Matters, and the author of the book, Love Letter to a Garden. In this episode, authenticity and growth are at the forefront. Debbie talks about the loss of humanity with the rise of personal branding, how her fascination with origin stories and the universe led her to gardening, and her advocacy with the Joyful Heart Foundation, an organization working to help sexual assault victims heal and reclaim their lives.FollowHost: Chris Duffy (Instagram: @chrisiduffy | chrisduffycomedy.com)Guest: Debbie Millman (Instagram: @debbiemillman | LinkedIn: @deborahmillman | Website: debbiemillman.com/) LinksLove Letter to a Garden (Bookshop.org)joyfulheartfoundation.org/Subscribe to TED Instagram: @tedYouTube: @TEDTikTok: @tedtoksLinkedIn: @ted-conferencesWebsite: ted.comPodcasts: ted.com/podcastsFor the full text transcript, visit go.ted.com/BHTranscriptsWant to help shape TED's shows going forward? Fill out our survey here!Learn more about TED Next at ted.com/futureyou Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Debbie Millman is a celebrated designer, writer, educator, and host of the long-running podcast Design Matters. In this conversation, Debbie opens up about a subject she rarely discusses publicly: her lifelong relationship with money. Together with Carl, she traces the roots of scarcity, shame, and control that shaped her childhood and career decisions—from hiding candy in a handbag as a little girl, to working three jobs to ensure she'd never need to depend on anyone. She reflects on how money became synonymous with safety, and shares the surprising realization that no amount of wealth can truly provide the security we seek if we don't already feel safe within ourselves. They also discuss Debbie's transformative 10-year vision exercise, the power of clarity in goal-setting, and why even our biggest accomplishments can lose their luster fast. A powerful exploration of what “enough” really means. Follow 50 Fires on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/50firespod/ Please direct business inquires to: blindnilaudio@magnolia.com Cover Art: Josh Passler - TheFinArtist.com Music Credits:  Alexandra Woodward / Rabbit Reggae / courtesy of www.epidemicsound.com Cody Francis / Wherever You're Going / courtesy of www.epidemicsound.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, Debbie Millman explores how we can use failure as fertilizer and learn to bloom again. Debbie's book and this conversation is about more than just gardening tips or tools, it's about what happens when we let ourselves be bad at something, especially later in life. Debbie opens up about learning to grow and why failure might be the richest soil we have. Whether you've ever felt stuck, afraid to try, or unsure if it's too late to start. Key Takeaways: Personal growth and development through gardening Lessons learned from failure and embracing new experiences The metaphor of gardening as a reflection of personal growth The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on personal endeavors The importance of understanding circumstances that affect growth The balance between effort and environmental conditions in achieving success The significance of being a beginner and confronting fears later in life The role of external support and accountability in personal challenges The interplay between creativity, self-worth, and professional obligations The connection between nature, personal experiences, and emotional well-being If you enjoyed this conversation with Debbie Millman, check out these other episodes: Fluke or Fate? Embracing Uncertainty to Live a Fuller Life with Brian Klaas How to Find Zest in Life with Dr. John Kaag For full show notes, click here! Connect with the show: Follow us on YouTube: @TheOneYouFeedPod Subscribe on Apple Podcasts or Spotify Follow us on Instagram See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Growth sounds beautiful—until you're knee-deep in failure, self-doubt, and a garden full of dead plants. Amy gets real with Debbie Millman—design legend, branding expert, and accidental gardener—to unpack the not-so-glamorous side of creativity, leadership, and learning to suck at something new. Debbie shares how screwing up (repeatedly) can actually make you better at just about everything and why success can kill your spark, how confidence actually works (spoiler: it's not magic), and what gardening taught her about patience, failure, and asking for help. Her new book Love Letter to a Garden isn't just about flowers—it's about finding hope in the mess and meaning in the mistakes. Oh, and her wife, Roxane Gay, included a killer tomato sauce recipe. If you've ever felt stuck, scared, or unsure where to begin, this is your reminder to grab a shovel and just plant something already. Get all of the show notes at ⁠⁠RadicalCandor.com/podcast⁠⁠. Episode Links: ⁠⁠Transcript⁠⁠ ⁠Debbie Millman  Debbie Millman: Creativity, Leadership And The Courage To Tend | Radical Candor Design Matters Love Letter to a Garden Connect: ⁠⁠Website⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠ ⁠⁠TikTok⁠⁠ ⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠ ⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠ ⁠Bluesky⁠ Chapters: (00:00:00) Introduction Amy introduces guest Debbie Millman, designer, author, and host of Design Matters. (00:04:05) Starting Design Matters How Debbie started the podcast to reconnect with creative purpose. (00:07:17) From Maker to Manager The tough transition from doing creative work to leading others. (00:09:28) Communicating with Impact Why how you show up matters as much as what you say. (00:12:00) Feedback & Growth Learning to receive criticism and evolve from it. (00:16:48) Confidence Through Repetition Why confidence comes after doing — not before. (00:19:05) A Gardener's Beginning How one creative experiment led to Love Letter to a Garden. (00:24:54) Learning to Ask for Help A turning point in accepting guidance and sharing vulnerability. (00:27:51) Hope Over Shame Choosing to keep going — one molecule of hope at a time. (00:31:20) Processing Emotions The value of feeling your feelings, not rushing past them. (00:34:40) Fulfillment in the Process Why lasting joy is found in the act of creating, not accolades. (00:38:06) Control & Chaos Using design and gardening as ways to find agency. (00:41:11) Harvesting and Sharing Turning garden bounty into nourishment and love. (00:42:55) Something to Plant Debbie's parting wisdom: plant something—and let go. (00:45:54) Conclusion Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In the age of social media and influencers, we're constantly pushed to think of ourselves as brands—shiny packages containing all of our best traits to market to employers and followers. But striving to build a “personal brand” may actually hinder your ability to make genuine connections and maintain a strong reputation. In this episode, Adam explores the science on alternatives to personal branding and explains why contribution, collaboration, and humility are better self-promotional tools than a carefully crafted image. Guests: management professor Mark Bolino; military leader Chevy Cook; writer and brand consultant Debbie Millman, host of the podcast Design Matters.Host: Adam Grant (Instagram: @adamgrant | LinkedIn: @adammgrant | Website: adamgrant.net/)Guest:Mark Bolino (Instagram: | Website: ou.edu/price/bios/mark-bolino)Chevy Cook (LinkedIn: @chaveso-chevy-cook | Website: ausa.org/people/ltc-chaveso-cook)Debbie Millman (Instagram: @debbiemillman | LinkedIn: @deborahmillman | Website: https://debbiemillman.com/) Linkshttps://www.centerformentoring.com/about-us/meet-chevy-cook-phdSubscribe to TED Instagram: @tedYouTube: @TEDTikTok: @tedtoksLinkedIn: @ted-conferencesWebsite: ted.comPodcasts: ted.com/podcastsFor the full text transcript, visit ted.com/podcasts/worklife/worklife-with-adam-grant-transcriptsWant to help shape TED's shows going forward? Fill out our survey! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Debbie Millman and Roxane Gay know a thing or two about building creative lives. Debbie is a legendary designer, writer, and podcast host. Roxane is a bestselling author and cultural critic. Together, they've built a partnership rooted in discipline, love, and slow growth. On this week's episode of Hello Monday, Jessi Hempel welcomes the couple back to the studio to talk about their new book, and what it really takes to live a meaningful creative life. Their book, Love Letter to a Garden, is both literal and metaphorical. It's about vegetables, sure. But it's also about how we learn, how we fail, and how we grow. Debbie shares stories of her journey from struggling gardener to seasoned grower, an arc that mirrors her creative life. Roxane contributes recipes she's crafted using the produce Debbie grows.  Jessi, Debbie, and Roxane dig into the kind of growth that takes time, and the work required to nurture it. They discuss: • The invisible years behind every “overnight” success • How to keep going when you fail again and again • Why your hope must be slightly bigger than your shame • What it means to save your best energy for what matters most • The difference between meaningful work and making work your meaning Continue the conversation with us at Hello Monday Office Hours! Join us here, on the LinkedIn News page, this Wednesday at 3 PM EST.

Debbie Millman, host of the Design Matters podcast, another podcast in the TED Audio Collective, doesn't have a natural green thumb. But when the pandemic hit, she embraced the challenge and picked up gardening as a new hobby. As she learned to grow vegetables in her home garden, she realized the earth had much to teach her about growing as a human being, too.Debbie documents this journey in her new book, “Love Letter to a Garden” — a visual story with bright illustrations and recipes from her partner, Roxane Gay. Joining host Elise Hu for this TED Talks Daily Book Club interview, Debbie shares the lessons she learned from her failures and successes in the garden. She also digs into reconnecting with the earth amid a climate crisis and getting inspired by the resilience of nature growing all around us. The TED Talks Daily Book Club series features TED speakers discussing their latest books and exploring their ideas beyond the page. Stay tuned to our feed for more interviews like this one and for special live book club events open exclusively to TED members. This interview was recorded live as part of the TED Membership program. TED Members are invited to attend our live recordings and participate in Q&As with authors. To join in on the fun, sign up at go.ted.com/membership Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Doree and Elise speak with Debbie Millman about learning how to garden and the steps that led to her latest book, Love Letter to a Garden, which features recipes from her wife Roxane Gay. The design legend and podcaster also shares how she has learned to embrace growth through discomfort, the thrilling yet difficult moments of teaching, and the decision to just start something new, even if it means looking foolish.To leave a voicemail or text for a future episode, reach Doree & Elise at 781-591-0390. You can also email the podcast at forever35podcast@gmail.com.Take our listener survey and help us make our show better!Visit forever35podcast.com for links to everything they mention on the show or visit shopmyshelf.us/forever35.Follow the podcast on Instagram (@Forever35Podcast) and sign up for the newsletter at forever35podcast.com/newsletter. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.