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Harry Potter has been brought to life on page and screen. But what would it take to make the wizarding world come alive using sound alone? In this episode, we go behind the scenes of the new full-cast editions of the Harry Potter series, where a team of sound designers spent eighteen months crafting 130 hours of immersive audio. From the whistle of the Hogwarts Express to the rasp of the Dementors, every spell, creature, and location had to sound tangible and emotionally distinct. Featuring Will Cohen and Lawrence Kendrick of String and Tins. Twenty Thousand Hertz is produced by Defacto Sound. Support the show and get ad-free episodes at 20k.org/plus. Subscribe on YouTube to see our video series. If you know what this week's mystery sound is, tell us at mystery.20k.org. Follow Dallas on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and LinkedIn. Join our community on Reddit. Follow You'll Hear It wherever you get your podcasts, or subscribe on Youtube. Explore incredible speakers, soundbars, and more at sonos.com. Get 3 months of free payroll at gusto.com/20k. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
John and Ryan open the episode with their latest game pickups. Ryan is currently playing Resident Evil Requiem and shares his initial thoughts on the atmosphere, pacing, and early gameplay feel. John, meanwhile, continues his play of Valkyrie Profile. Ryan also brings updates from his ongoing grind in Guilty Gear Strive, talking about fundamentals, improvement, and the competitive mindset. That leads into a look at the fighting game community as he prepares for an upcoming event in Seattle and reflects on the energy of in‑person tournaments. John shifts the discussion to Magic: The Gathering, breaking down the latest Universes Beyond release and why the TMNT crossover is struggling to gain traction. From there, the guys explore the downfall of High Guard, the launch of Marathon, and what these releases reveal about current industry trends. The future of Xbox takes the spotlight as they discuss Project Helix and how it could shape Microsoft's long‑term strategy. They also recap the biggest highlights from Pokémon Day, including new releases and updates worth watching. The episode continues with a look at Sony's evolving PC porting strategy before wrapping up with the Inflation Deflation Game of the Week. This week's pick is McDonald's Treasure Land Adventures, as the guys revisit the Sega Genesis platformer and debate its place in today's retro market. 00:00 Introduction to the Game Deflators Podcast 01:19 Recent Game Pickups and Current Playthroughs 08:47 Resident Evil Requiem: Gameplay Dynamics and Mechanics 14:50 Plucky Squire: Game Completion and Future Plans 19:51 Striving for Excellence in Guilty Gear Strive 26:46 Magic: The Gathering and Universes Beyond 31:40 High Guard's Demise and Industry Insights 36:27 Marathon's Launch and Player Reception 42:28 Project Helix and the Future of Xbox 44:22 Pokemon Day Highlights and New Releases 54:55 Sony's Shift in Game Porting Strategy 01:01:21 The Legacy of McDonald's Treasure Land Adventures Find us on TheGameDeflators.com Twitter - www.twitter.com/GameDeflators Facebook - www.facebook.com/TheGameDeflators Instagram - www.instagram.com/thegamedeflators The views and opinions expressed on this channel are solely those of the author. The content within these recordings are property of their respective Designers, Writers, Creators, Owners, Organizations, Companies and Producers. Copyright Disclaimer Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for "fair use" for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research. Fair use is a use permitted. Permission for intro and outro music provided by Matthew Huffaker http://www.youtube.com/user/teknoaxe 2_25_18
This week on Not Your Granny's Quilt Show, I'm joined by the incredible sewist and fabric designer Terrance Williams of Terrance Williams Designs. Terrance taught himself to sew as a kid after falling in love with fashion magazines and the drama of couture design. What started as fascination quickly turned into a creative practice that blends bold garments, thoughtful design, and a deep commitment to community. Before building his fashion brand, Terrance pursued an intense academic path. He studied Political Science in Global Studies with plans for law school, while also completing triple minors in African Studies, Asian Studies, and Women's Studies. During college he also stayed close to his creative side through his campus Fashion Club.Eventually Terrance realized his heart was not in law. It was in fashion.Today Terrance is known for his flowing, dramatic garments including embroidered tulle duster cardigans, elegant caftans, dresses, and his ever popular knotted headbands. His business is also guided by strong values. Terrance only works with companies that maintain ethical environmental and human rights policies, and he donates 5 percent of his profits to environmental causes. So far his business has contributed more than $13,000 to environmental organizations. Terrance's story is one of resilience, creativity, and building community through authenticity. His passion for fashion and human rights shines through everything he creates.Take a look at Terrance's beautiful work while you listen and enjoy this conversation.Want to see more? You can find it here: Find Podcast Merch here! nygqs.printify.me Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/notyourgrannysquiltshow https://www.instagram.com/sweetpeadesigncompany YouTube: https://youtube.com/@notyourgrannysquiltshow Get episodes ad free at Patreon: patreon.com/notyourgrannysquiltshow Want to be on the show? Send us a message
Tahra Zafar is a costume and creature effects designer. She designed the Paddington Bear puppet featured in the hit West End production Paddington: The Musical.Born into a theatre family, she grew up with an Armenian American father who worked as a choreographer in the first West End production of West Side Story, and a mother who moved from a career as a ballerina to theatre work around the world. Her interest in making began early, helping her father with practical projects such as restoring their house, even learning to build walls and spending her spare time model making, with Airfix creations suspended from her bedroom ceiling.After studying theatre design at Central Saint Martins, she began her career making theatre costumes. She spent some time at the Jim Henson creature workshop where she made some of the creatures for the first Harry Potter film including Hedwig the owl and Scabbers the rat.After her daughter was born, Tahra worked on some of the characters for In the Night Garden with her daughter, a willing judge of what worked for toddlers. In 2012, Tahra was in charge of 23,000 costumes for the London 2012 Olympic opening and closing ceremonies. This role included an audience with the late Queen to ensure the wig and dress were correct for Her Majesty's stunt double when that iconic skydive was performed at the Olympic opening ceremony. Tahra lives in London with her daughter.DISC ONE: Thunderbirds (Main Theme) - The Barry Gray Orchestra DISC TWO: Gee, Officer Krupke. Composed by Leonard Bernstein and performed by Leo Kharibian, Norman Furber and Vince Logan DISC THREE: Beethoven: Symphony No. 9 In D Minor (movement six) Composed by Ludwig van Beethoven and performed by Berlin Philharmoniker, Wiener Singverein and conducted by Herbert von Karajan DISC FOUR: Brazil – Geoff Muldaur DISC FIVE: Sir Duke - Stevie Wonder DISC SIX: Groove Is in the Heart - Deee-Lite DISC SEVEN: Eclipse - Pink Floyd DISC EIGHT: Take Five - Dave Brubeck BOOK CHOICE: The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy Complete Books by Douglas Adams LUXURY ITEM: A set of art materials and a storage box CASTAWAY'S FAVOURITE: Eclipse - Pink Floyd Presenter: Lauren Laverne Producer: Sarah TaylorDesert Island Discs has cast other costume designers away to the island over the years including Oscar winners Jenny Beavan and Sandy Powell. You can hear their programmes if you search through BBC Sounds or our own Desert Island Discs website.
Rachel How is one of Malaysia's top UX/UI designer - entirely self-taught - with a huge 330k following she's built over the last 4+ years!But finding her path wasn't easy.She quit law school after 2 months because it wasn't for her.Worked 10 different odd jobs - including as a body lotion rep & real estate agent - to figure out her interests.Her realisation: She enjoyed designing property posters over selling the houses themselves.That led to her joining a hackathon organised by Hong Leong Bank as a designer.They ranked 10 top.That led to a role as a Senior Product Designer Fave.While working full-time, she launched her UX/UI YouTube channel and started building different income streams.By 2022, she was generating $106,241/year from her freelance work itself, which gave her the confidence to take the leap.Quit.And become a solopreneur.But career journeys are never linear.To learn more about how Rachel built her 8 income streams, her advice for building a YouTube channel & what keeps her going, tune in! Highlights: 1:24 The $106,241 year3:15 Growing up wanting to be "somebody" 8:02 The RM50,000 Law School 10:45 Quitting Law after 2 months:13:10 Working 10 odd jobs15:45 The turning point19:12 Entering the Hong Leong Bank hackathon 22:30 Self-teaching UX/UI: YouTube vs. Reality 26:40 Landing the role at Fave 29:15 Launching her YouTube channel: 10k subs in 3 months 32:50 Burnout & health struggles 35:20 Being the sole provider for her family 38:44 Why her revenue dropped to $70k in 202347:12 Don't follow passion, follow curiosity 50:05 Advice for aspiring solopreneurs
Gil Even-Tsur is an architect and designer based out of New York and Tel Aviv. His work focuses on cultural projects among others. He started out playing the saxophone and he studied at The Jerusalem Academy Of Music And Dance. But he switched to architecture and now has over two decades of architectural experience. He was a Finalist To Design The Israel National Library. And he is also an author of a book called “Enclosures”, which explores space, light, and material. My featured song is “Out Of Tahini”, from the album Play by my band Project Grand Slam. Spotify link. —----------------------------------------------------------- The Follow Your Dream Podcast:Top 1% of all podcasts with Listeners in 200 countries! Click here for All Episodes Click here for Guest List Click here for Guest Groupings Click here for Guest Testimonials Click here to Subscribe Click here to receive our Email Updates Click here to Rate and Review the podcast —---------------------------------------- CONNECT WITH GIL:www.ge-t.com —---------------------------------------- ROBERT'S LATEST RELEASE: “MA PETITE FLEUR STRING QUARTET” is Robert's latest release. It transforms his jazz ballad into a lush classical string quartet piece. Praised by a host of classical music stars. CLICK HERE FOR YOUTUBE LINK CLICK HERE FOR ALL LINKS —--------------------------------------- ROBERT'S RECENT SINGLE “MI CACHIMBER” is Robert's recent single. It's Robert's tribute to his father who played the trumpet and loved Latin music.. Featuring world class guest artists Benny Benack III and Dave Smith on flugelhorn CLICK HERE FOR YOUTUBE LINK CLICK HERE FOR ALL LINKS —-------------------------------------- ROBERT'S LATEST ALBUM: “WHAT'S UP!” is Robert's latest compilation album. Featuring 10 of his recent singles including all the ones listed below. Instrumentals and vocals. Jazz, Rock, Pop and Fusion. “My best work so far. (Robert)” CLICK HERE FOR THE OFFICIAL VIDEO CLICK HERE FOR ALL LINKS —---------------------------------------- Audio production: Jimmy RavenscroftKymera Films Connect with the Follow Your Dream Podcast: Website - www.followyourdreampodcast.comEmail Robert - robert@followyourdreampodcast.com Follow Robert's band, Project Grand Slam, and his music: Website - www.projectgrandslam.comYouTubeSpotify MusicApple MusicEmail - pgs@projectgrandslam.com
With her new book Mona celebrates the classic teen rom com that launched her and ignited a firestorm in fashion. https://bit.ly/4765ema Cozy Earth - Luxurious bamboo sheets, pajamas, & more Get 21%OFF | Promo Code: REBEL https://cozyearth.com/discount/REBEL
THE MAGAZINE OF THE MONTH CLUB — One of the things I've learned while hosting this podcast is that there are a lot of magazines out there. More than I imagined. Meaning there was never a “death of the magazine,” simply a realignment of dollars and attention. If anything, there are more magazines being published than ever. But, and it's a big but, they are harder and harder to find. There are fewer magazine stores. There are almost no newsstands, at least in North America. And bookstores, well, ok, go to your local bookstore and good luck. Which brings us to Steve Watson. He worked in the industry and he lived what was happening to it. And so he created Stack which is, essentially, a discovery system. Or a club. Call it The Magazine of the Month Club. Join it and you receive random independent magazines from around the world, chosen by Steve—or curated, let's use the word—curated by Steve, and if you like the magazine, great, go out and subscribe to it, and you've just expanded your world. I asked Steve about the changes in the industry, how he builds community and what the future of magazines might be. He's an optimist. And that makes me feel good about things. — This episode is made possible by our friends at Freeport Press. A production of Magazeum LLC ©2021–2025
Barock, brillant und beneidenswert diszipliniert: Harald Glööckler ist zu Gast bei „Mit den Waffeln einer Frau“. Er erzählt, wofür er diverse Königshäuser angeschrieben hat, weshalb Teleshopping für ihn eine Krönung war und wieso man besser keinen Apfel in seiner Nähe essen sollte. Zwischen Sonnenkönig-Portrait, Ordnungstick und Hund Ikarus wird klar: Ohne Disziplin wäre er „fett, verwildert und dumm“. Eine Folge voller Glamour, Strasssteinen und großer Lebenspläne – mindestens bis 120.
Meet Renaissance Man, Don Zwernemann- Fort Lee's community garden designer, town welder, and amazing citrus growing expert! Backyard Chickens! Urban Farming! Really cool community gardens, backyard plots and actual farms!Experience it all from a wide range of chicken lovers, veggie enthusiasts and other creative outdoor endeavors.
In this episode we interview Catherine who is a Content Designer in the Automation Centre at the Home Office. She works within a user-centred design team supporting multiple projects aimed at automating processes to make life easier for Home Office staff.She describes how her brother, a developer, introduced her to content design and how she applied twice for a role, being rejected the first time and then succeeding after learning more and preparing better for interviews. She outlines transferable skills from earlier jobs including extensive customer service and call-centre experience and discusses career changes driven by lockdown.Catherine also describes balancing work with caring responsibilities for her children, later returning to full-time work, and being widowed, which prompted a reassessment of her future. She chose digital work due to long-standing interest in computing and learning.She reflects on being late-diagnosed neurodivergent and how neurodivergence affects her communication needs, and highlights Home Office support including a Workplace Adjustment Passport as a way to formalise needs, and initiatives such as a monthly Women in Tech forum and allyship workshops.Catherine says she enjoys continual learning in digital, organising information and ideas, and feeling appreciated on her current team. Her advice to women who are neurodivergent and considering tech is to persevere through rejection sensitivity and imposter syndrome, seek coaching/mentoring and feedback, and to keep refining applications and interview skills.LinksHome Office Careers: https://careers.homeoffice.gov.uk/ReferencesHome Office DigitalManchester DigitalSubscribe to the podcastIf you'd like to have new episodes of the show appear right in your podcast player, you can subscribe via our page on Apple Podcasts and follow the show on Spotify, or search for us in your podcast app of choice!Notes and LinksThis interview was recorded online by Sarah Lister, Membership Coordinator at Sheffield Digital, on 30th January 2026.Join the conversationWe're really keen to get your feedback on the podcast. You can email info@sheffield.digitalThank you for the musicThanks to Alex Mclean – aka Yaxu – for the show's intro music, licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0.
Viele Designer:innen glauben, dass Talent der entscheidende Faktor für Erfolg ist. Dass gutes Design automatisch gute Kund:innen bringt. Dass Qualität sich irgendwann durchsetzt.Die Realität in der Designbranche zeigt etwas anderes. Es gibt unglaublich talentierte Designer:innen, die kaum sichtbar sind und um Aufträge kämpfen. Gleichzeitig gibt es andere, die den Markt dominieren, höhere Preise verlangen und konstant gebucht werden.Der Unterschied liegt selten im Talent.Er liegt in der Positionierung.In dieser Folge spreche ich darüber, warum gutes Design heute nicht mehr ausreicht, um ein erfolgreiches Business aufzubauen. Du erfährst, welche Rolle Positionierung wirklich spielt, warum viele Designer:innen trotz Können unter ihrem Wert arbeiten und was sich in der Branche gerade grundlegend verändert.Wenn du verstehen willst, warum manche Designer:innen wachsen, während andere stagnieren, dann ist diese Episode für dich.Instagram Tanja:https://www.instagram.com/tanja.kammlerInstagram the brand. Boutique:https://www.instagram.com/the.brand.boutique/Buche dir hier ein unverbindliches Erstgespräch:https://thebrandboutique.at/buchung-erstgespraech
Get MORE Coaches Don't Play at our PatreonThank you to our Sponsors: Glow Room BC Glow Room BC Laser & Skin spa. Mention coaches for 15% offStay tuned for Kyle's Children's Book https://bit.ly/49SJXwVFollow Gurk Follow GurveenDesi Dontdoze PlaylistProducer/Audio Engineer Kyle BhawanSong "Be Like That" by REVAY ----------------------------00:00 Iran-Israel-US war 18:50 BC Day-light savings 21:40 Yaara Candy23:50 Celebrity crowd funding 35:20 Designer lengha wars 48:02 Drowning in the shower 57:10 modern DIL's
Before audiences fall in love with a story, they fall into a world—one shaped by the unseen artistry that turns empty space into something alive. Set and production designer Paul Tate dePoo III has built a career shaping the physical environments that hold our favorite stories. From intimate stages to large-scale productions, his work lives at the intersection of architecture, storytelling, and psychology, where space itself becomes a character. In this episode, Paul reflects on how ideas move from sketch to stage, the collaborative nature of his work, and the responsibility designers carry in shaping how audiences experience a narrative. ----- LINKS: Tate Design Group: https://www.pauldepoo.com/ The New York Public Library for the Performing Arts: https://www.nypl.org/locations/lpa The New York Public Library Photography Collection: https://www.nypl.org/locations/schwarzman/wallach-division/photography-collection
In this episode, Nathan Wrigley talks with Ben Pines about founder-led marketing, particularly in the WordPress and SaaS spaces. Ben explains how traditional marketing tactics like SEO and paid ads are less effective due to AI-generated content, and advocates for a personal, trust-building approach where founders consistently share authentic insights. He describes how he helps founders develop a marketing system with minimal time commitment, just 1-2 hours a week, focused on genuine business sense and value, not just features. The discussion also touches on the importance of making marketing feel human and credible. Go listen...
Good day ladies and gentlemen, this is IRC news, and I am Joy Stephen, an authorized Canadian Immigration practitioner bringing out this Canada Work Permit application data specific to LMIA work permits or employer driven work permits or LMIA exempt work permits for multiple years based on your country of Citizenship. I am coming to you from the Polinsys studios in Cambridge, OntarioNova Scotia issued work permits between 2015 and 2024 for Software engineers and designers under the former 4 digit NOC code 2173, currently referred to as NOC 21231.A senior Immigration counsel may use this data to strategize an SAPR program for clients. More details about SAPR can be found at https://ircnews.ca/sapr. Details including DATA table can be seen at https://polinsys.co/dIf you have an interest in gaining assistance with Work Permits based on your country of Citizenship, or should you require guidance post-selection, we extend a warm invitation to connect with us via https://myar.me/c. We strongly recommend attending our complimentary Zoom resource meetings conducted every Thursday. We kindly request you to carefully review the available resources. Subsequently, should any queries arise, our team of Canadian Authorized Representatives is readily available to address your concerns during the weekly AR's Q&A session held on Fridays. You can find the details for both these meetings at https://myar.me/zoom. Our dedicated team is committed to providing you with professional assistance in navigating the immigration process. Additionally, IRCNews offers valuable insights on selecting a qualified representative to advocate on your behalf with the Canadian Federal or Provincial governments, accessible at https://ircnews.ca/consultant.Support the show
Good day ladies and gentlemen, this is IRC news, and I am Joy Stephen, an authorized Canadian Immigration practitioner bringing out this Canada Work Permit application data specific to LMIA work permits or employer driven work permits or LMIA exempt work permits for multiple years based on your country of Citizenship. I am coming to you from the Polinsys studios in Cambridge, OntarioNova Scotia issued work permits between 2015 and 2024 for Computer engineers (except software engineers and designers) under the former 4 digit NOC code 2147, currently referred to as NOC 21311.A senior Immigration counsel may use this data to strategize an SAPR program for clients. More details about SAPR can be found at https://ircnews.ca/sapr. Details including DATA table can be seen at https://polinsys.co/dIf you have an interest in gaining assistance with Work Permits based on your country of Citizenship, or should you require guidance post-selection, we extend a warm invitation to connect with us via https://myar.me/c. We strongly recommend attending our complimentary Zoom resource meetings conducted every Thursday. We kindly request you to carefully review the available resources. Subsequently, should any queries arise, our team of Canadian Authorized Representatives is readily available to address your concerns during the weekly AR's Q&A session held on Fridays. You can find the details for both these meetings at https://myar.me/zoom. Our dedicated team is committed to providing you with professional assistance in navigating the immigration process. Additionally, IRCNews offers valuable insights on selecting a qualified representative to advocate on your behalf with the Canadian Federal or Provincial governments, accessible at https://ircnews.ca/consultant.Support the show
Plans to regenerate two derelict houses in Phibsborough have been abandoned due to the cost.The Government had bought the two houses on Connaught Street for €700,000 seven years ago.Despite the approval of planning in 2023, the work would now cost an expected €1.7 million…Joining Andrea to discuss this is Feljin Jose, Green Party Councillor for Phibsborough, Frank O'Connor, Artist, Designer and Derelict Ireland campaigner, Architect and Director at Maremoto Architects Alfonso Bonilla and listeners.
In diesem FM4 Game Podcast Spezial spricht Robert Glashüttner mit Jordan Mechner, dem Schöpfer und Designer von "Prince of Persia", "Karateka" und "The Last Express". In den letzten Jahren ist Mechner vorrangig als Zeichner und Autor von Comics aktiv. Er ist auch für seine umfangreichen Dokumentationen seiner Games bekannt - vor allem "Prince of Persia" ist eines der am besten dokumentierten Computerspiele überhaupt.Vor drei Jahren ist die Graphic Novel "Replay" erschienen, die die Geschichte von Mechners Familie erzählt, die 1938 vor den Nazis aus Wien flüchten musste. Heute lebt Jordan Mechner in Montpellier in Frankreich und ist seit ein paar Jahren dank einer Gesetzesnovelle aus 2019 Österreicher – wie sein mittlerweile 95-jähriger Vater.Vergangene Woche war Jordan Mechner in Wien, um die deutsche Übersetzung seiner Graphic Novel zu präsentieren, die vor kurzem beim Vermes Verlag erschienen ist.Sendungshinweis: FM4 Game Podcast, 5. März 2025, 0-1 Uhr (Folge #192)
You, Me & Mike is back after a short winter weather induced hiatus and immediately choosing chaos: designer brain versus civilian brain. In this episode, Jenn and Mike go toe to toe on design decisions, from interior fashion fads (here's looking at you bathroom saloon doors) to timeless trends (cue the Zellige tile). In this tell all conversation they're diving into behind the scenes stories from No Demo Reno and even turning the conversation to design decisions in their own home. It's a thoughtful, funny look at how aesthetics meet actual living, and reminder that while no design decision is bad, some are just more questionable than others.NEW for season two- we're on YouTube! You can still listen on all your favorite podcast platforms, and you can watch the show on our YouTube channel! Want to submit an idea for a topic to be discussed on the show? Have a crazy question for the jar of weird questions? Just want to say hi? We'd love to hear from you! Leave us a review on Apple Podcasts or send us an email at youmeandmikepodcast@gmail.com!You, Me & Mike is a production of The Rambling Redhead from Thirteen Media.
What is the 2/3 rule and why does it matter? We'll explain and once you get it, it's super easy to use the rule. Remember you don't need to be precise. There's no need to use a tape measurer; it's just a guidelineWe participate in the affiliate program with Amazon and other retailers. We may receive a small fee for qualified purchases at no extra cost to you.Kelly's crush is the series "Knife's Edge - Chasing Michelin Stars". Check it out HERE.Anita's crush is a new pair of duck boots HERE.SCHEDULE A DESIGN CONSULTNeed help with your home? We'd love to help! We do personalized consults, and we'll offer advice specific to your room that typically includes room layout ideas, suggestions for what the room needs, and how to pull the room together. We'll also help you to decide what isn't working for you. We work with any budget, large or small. Find out more HERECheck out Anita's Amazon shop HERE.Are you subscribed to the podcast? Don't need to search for us each Wednesday let us come right to your door ...er...device. Subscribe wherever you listen to your podcasts. Just hit the SUBSCRIBE button & we'll show up!XX,Anita & KellyDI - 6:07 / 15:24See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
If you've ever wondered what a movie production designer actually does, our guest today describes it in the simplest terms: it is everything you see in the frame that isn't a costume. It turns out, production design has a lot in common with product design. Our guest is the visionary production designer Fiona Crombie. You've seen her work in incredible films like The Favourite, and most recently, in the hauntingly beautiful Hamnet. This film is currently taking the industry by storm with eight Academy Award nominations, including a nod for Fiona herself for Best Production Design. Trailer for Hamnet, nominated for 8 Academy Awards in including Fiona Crombie for production design From the sprawling architecture of a Tudor estate down to the specific curve of a spoon or the texture of a tablecloth, Fiona's job is to build a physical reality that reflects the interior lives of the characters on screen. In our conversation, we explore how production design shapes performance, how historical accuracy balances with storytelling, how a visual “mission statement” guides an entire crew, and what it means to create environments that carry grief, love, and memory. Bio Fiona Crombie is an Australian production designer, twice nominated for the Academy Award for Best Production Design — for The Favourite and Hamnet. Born in Adelaide and raised in Sydney, she trained at the National Institute of Dramatic Art (NIDA) before becoming the resident designer at the Sydney Theatre Company, where she developed the deep relationship with text and storytelling that still shapes her work today. *** Premium Episodes on Design Better This is a premium episode on Design Better. We release two premium episodes per month, along with two free episodes for everyone. New premium benefit: get a behind-the-scenes pass to every episode with The Roundup, where each week we bring you insights and actionable tactics from recent episodes. Premium subscribers get access to the documentary Design Disruptors and our growing library of books. You'll also get access to our monthly AMAs with former guests, ad-free episodes, discounts and early access to workshops, and our monthly newsletter The Brief that compiles salient insights, quotes, readings, and creative processes uncovered in the show. And subscribers at the annual level now get access to the Design Better Toolkit, which gets you major discounts and free access to tools and courses that will help you unlock new skills, make your workflow more efficient, and take your creativity further. Upgrade to paid
Mark's dainty dancer's wrists are tired from making a bunch of frame and panel doors. Bruce sprays finish on the drawers he recently made and a whole lot more. If you want to write in a question, email it to webuiltathing@gmail.com. Mark's YouTube Channel: http://youtube.com/gunflintdesigns Bruce's YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/bruceaulrich DIRTtoDONE on YouTube: http://tinyurl.com/DIRTtoDON Become a patron of the show! http://patreon.com/webuiltathing OUR TOP PATREON SUPPORTERS -Scott @ Dad It Yourself DIY http://bit.ly/3vcuqmv -Ray Jolliff -Deo Gloria Woodworks (Matthew Allen) https://www.instagram.com/deogloriawoodworks/ -Henry Lootens (@Manfaritawood) -Maddux Woodworks http://bit.ly/3chHe2p -Bruce Clark -Monkey Business Woodworks -AC Nailed It -Joe Santos from Designer's Touch Kitchen & Bath Studio -Trevor Support our sponsors: TOOL CODES: -MagSwitch: "GUNFLINT10" -SurfPrep: "BRUCEAULRICH" -Starbond: "BRUCEAULRICH" -Brunt Workgear: "GUNFLINT10" -Rotoboss: "GUNFLINT" -Montana Brand Tools: "GUNFLINT10" -Monport Lasers: "GUNFLINT6" -Stone Coat Epoxy: Gunflint -MAS Epoxy: FLINT -YesWelder: GUNFLINT10 -Millner-Haufen Tool Co: "ULRICH20" for 20% off -Camel City Mill: GUNFLINT10 -Arbortech Tools: "BRUCEAULRICH" for 10% off -Wagner Meters: https://www.wagnermeters.com/shop/orion-950-smart/?ref=210 ETSY SHOPS: Bruce: https://www.etsy.com/shop/BruceAUlrich?ref=simple-shop-header-name&listing_id=942512486 Mark: https://www.etsy.com/shop/GunflintDesigns?ref=search_shop_redirect We are makers, full-time dads and have YouTube channels we are trying to grow and share information with others. Throughout this podcast, we talk about making things, making videos to share on YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, etc...and all of the life that happens in between. CONNECT WITH US: WE BUILT A THING: www.instagram.com/webuiltathingWE BUILT A THING EMAIL: webuiltathing@gmail.com BRUDADDY: www.instagram.com/brudaddy/ GUNFLINT DESIGNS: https://www.instagram.com/gunflintdesigns
Smart Agency Masterclass with Jason Swenk: Podcast for Digital Marketing Agencies
Would you like access to our advanced agency training for FREE? https://www.agencymastery360.com/training Most agency owners don't fail because they're bad at delivery. They fail because they underprice, overcomplicate, and build businesses that trap them instead of freeing them. Today's featured guest unpacks the type of life he envisioned when he set out to start an agency, it took to scale from charging $2,500 a month to closing $45,000/month retainers, surviving a market collapse, and making the counterintuitive decision to split one agency into two. Eli Rubel is the founder of Matter Made, a B2B SaaS marketing agency, and No Boring Design, a premium design studio serving high-growth tech companies. He entered the agency world in 2019 after burning out on the venture-backed SaaS model, despite a previous exit. What drew him to agencies wasn't prestige or scale; it was a desire to take control over his time, lifestyle, income, and location. Agencies, when built correctly, offered the fastest path to freedom without sacrificing ambition. Over the next few years, Eli scaled MatterMade aggressively, navigated a brutal tech downturn, and rebuilt his business with sharper positioning, stronger pricing, and clearer operational boundaries. In this episode, we discussed: Why hiking prices was the right choice early one How and why he decided to create his second agency The reason that shared services failed fast Subscribe Apple | Spotify | iHeart Radio Sponsors and Resources E2M Solutions: Today's episode of the Smart Agency Masterclass is sponsored by E2M Solutions, a web design, and development agency that has provided white-label services for the past 10 years to agencies all over the world. Check out e2msolutions.com/smartagency and get 10% off for the first three months of service. Toggl: Agencies could be losing 15–30% of their profit every year without seeing it. The usual suspects are time tracking, messy manual timesheets, scope creep, untracked revisions, and all those "quick" client requests that never get billed. That's why Toggl created the Agency Profit Heist, a fast, interactive way to uncover exactly where your margins are leaking. Start your investigation now at toggl.com/smartagency and use the code SMARTAGENCY10 at checkout for a 10% off annual plans. Why Agencies Beat Venture-Backed SaaS (If You Want Freedom) After years in venture-backed SaaS, chasing growth at all costs, Eli was done with a model he realized was grinding him down. The pressure, the lack of control, and the delayed payoff didn't align with what he actually wanted: family, flexibility, and financial independence. Agencies offered speed to cash and autonomy, which SaaS didn't. Instead of swinging for a hypothetical future exit, Eli chose a business model that paid well now and let him design his life intentionally. It was a shift he made with eyes wide open and clear expectations. The "best" business model depends on what you want your life to look like. For Eli, agencies weren't a step down. They were a strategic upgrade. Hiking His Prices Relying on Capacity and Confidence Eli's agency launched at $2,500 a month, not because that was the "right" price, but because he backed into a simple income goal. Sixteen clients at $2,500 got him to $40,000 a month. On paper, it worked. In reality, it broke fast. As soon as clients started saying "yes" too quickly, Eli knew something was off. The work was heavy, margins were thin, and building a team at that price point wasn't sustainable. Instead of obsessing over competitive pricing, he leaned into price sensitivity testing. Every time the team hit capacity, prices went up. If prospects said no, it didn't matter, they couldn't take on more work anyway. If prospects said yes, it justified hiring and scaling. Over three years, pricing climbed from $2,500 to $45,000 per month. What he learned was that underpricing doesn't just hurt margins. It traps you in constant hiring, delivery stress, and low-leverage work. Raising prices isn't greedy, it's operational discipline. What Actually Changes When You Raise Prices Eli didn't wake up one day and charge $45,000 for the same work he was doing at $2,500. Early on, the offering was vague: "We'll help with demand gen." Strategy was loose, scope was unclear, and the team was tiny. As pricing increased, the delivery model matured into a defined pod structure with paid media, design, strategy, and leadership baked in. However, once his agency hit around $15,000 per month, the services didn't change much after that. What changed was credibility. Case studies stacked up. Results became undeniable. Sales conversations shifted from "this is a great deal" to "this is what it costs to remove risk." Eli was upfront with prospects: MatterMade would be $10,000–$15,000 more per month than competitors, and nothing about the deliverables would look different. The difference was the track record. For buyers who weren't cash-sensitive, that pitch landed hard. They weren't paying for tasks. They were paying for certainty. Why Splitting One Agency into Two Was the Right Move At its peak in 2021, MatterMade was flying high, with $4.2M in EBITDA, tech clients everywhere, and acquisition talks underway. Then the tech market collapsed. Almost overnight, VC-backed clients cut agencies, froze spending, and hunkered down. They went from crushing it to losing nearly $200,000 a month. Eli held on too long, assuming it was temporary, and paid dearly for it. During the restructuring, Eli noticed something interesting: design had become a bottleneck across tech companies. Designers were laid off, but the need for creative work didn't disappear. So he spun up No Boring Design as a separate entity, fast. New brand, new site, launched in a weekend. Within months, it was profitable. Separating the businesses allowed each to have crystal-clear positioning. MatterMade stayed focused on growth marketing. No Boring Design became a premium creative solution for companies stuck in hiring freezes. Trying to keep design tucked inside the marketing agency would have slowed everything down. Separation created speed, clarity, and growth. Why Shared Services Across Agencies Sound Smart and Fail Fast One of Eli's biggest mistakes came after the split. He tried to create a shared management company to handle leadership, recruiting, and operations across multiple agencies. On paper, it looked efficient. In practice, it was chaos. Each agency had subtle but important differences in how it worked. SOPs drifted. Leaders got stretched thin. The "squeaky wheel" agency got attention while others suffered. Eventually, Eli unwound the entire structure. The hard truth: unless your companies operate almost identically, shared services create more friction than savings. Clarity beats efficiency. Do You Want to Transform Your Agency from a Liability to an Asset? Looking to dig deeper into your agency's potential? Check out our Agency Blueprint. Designed for agency owners like you, our Agency Blueprint helps you uncover growth opportunities, tackle obstacles, and craft a customized blueprint for your agency's success.
When interiors meet intention: a dynamic panel on how color theory, holistic living, sustainable materials, and design thinking come together to redefine residential spaces for 2025 and beyond. Sherwin Williams set out to cover Earth with beautiful colors over 150 years ago. 1866, Henry Sherwin and Edward Williams founded the company in Cleveland, Ohio, on a mission really. And the result is a company dedicated to delivery of the best in paints, coatings and related products to discerning clients all over the world. That dedication was evident from the start with the hiring of Percy Neyman, the very first chemist employed by an American paint manufacturer. Sherwin Williams continues to set the bar high and provide the design community with the essential tools to create superior projects. Sherwin Williams is commitment to supporting the design community, which is why they sponsor programs, like this one. They are also dedicated to a betterment philosophical approach which is why they selected ‘wellness” as the topic for this talk.Thank you Sherwin Williams for your tireless support. In this timely conversation, experts from across interior design and sustainable living explore what it means to design for wellness in 2025. Moderated by Sue Wadden and Ashlynn Bourque of Sherwin-Williams, the panel features voices from: Jeanne Chung (Cozy, Stylish, Chic) — known for crafting spaces that blend comfort, style, and emotional balance. Julee Ireland (Julee Ireland Design Studio) — bringing a refined, intentional aesthetic rooted in longevity and livable elegance. Greg Roth (CarbonShack) — spotlighting eco-conscious material sourcing, sustainable practices, and climate-aligned living environments. Together they examine how interior design can be a catalyst for holistic living — from color palettes that promote calm and emotional balance, to spatial planning that supports aging in place, to circadian lighting and neurodiversity-friendly layouts. The discussion underscores a rising trend: residential interiors inspired by hospitality, wellness, and sustainability principles. Listeners will come away with fresh ideas on turning their homes into future-proof sanctuaries — design-forward, earth-conscious, and emotionally attuned. Health span-focused design: Designing spaces that help residents live longer, healthier lives at home. Aging in place: Home layouts that accommodate long-term functionality and wellness. Home gyms, saunas, cold plunges: Integrating spa-level wellness amenities in private residences. Dual kitchens: Inspired by Italian family homes for multigenerational living. Collaboration with architects: Designers as integral contributors to maximize natural light and spatial flow. VR visualization: Helping clients experience proportion, scale, and sightlines before construction. Problem-solving as designers: Addressing unforeseen construction issues creatively while maintaining aesthetics. Circadian lighting: Lighting systems (e.g., Lutron Ketra) that mimic natural light patterns to support sleep and productivity. Plant-based fabrics (hemp, bamboo, kelp): Sustainable, high-performance materials. Evidence-based color design: Physiological effects of color on multigenerational inhabitants. Neurodiverse design considerations: Minimizing overstimulation in homes for ADHD, dementia, or sensory sensitivity. Hospitality influence on residential design: Bringing experiences from wellness hotels into private homes. Storytelling & provenance: Educating clients about material sourcing and sustainable practices. Sustainability education: Visiting factories, quarries, and trade shows to understand materials and processes. Relevant Web Links Lutron Ketra Lighting: https://www.lutron.com/en-US/Products/Pages/WholeHome/ketra/overview.aspx Round Top Market (antiques & sustainability): https://roundtoptexasantiques.com Hemp & sustainable fabrics: https://www.hemp-trade.com
This month on Down the Garden Path, Joanne welcomes four talented landscape designers, each with their own style, story, and specialty. What connects them all is a shared passion for creating beautiful, thoughtful outdoor spaces for their clients. Tune in each week in March as they share their experiences, perspectives, and the many ways landscape design can shape how we live outdoors. This week, Joanne welcomes John Bright, a certified landscape designer in London, Ontario, and owner of BRIGHT Design Studio. Topics Covered Why landscape design matters (for homeowners) John compares exterior projects to interior renovations or building a home: you wouldn't start without drawings; outdoors shouldn't be any different. A plan helps homeowners avoid expensive mistakes before "dig day," especially when space is tight. What makes landscape design uniquely challenging Designers work with living things that change over time (plant growth, seasonal interest, variability in nursery stock). Outdoor spaces must function across four seasons, not just look good in summer. Microclimates, soil, sun/shade, and neighbouring conditions are all part of the design reality. Small-space design: why it's harder than it looks John's specialty is small-space landscapes, influenced by his Toronto experience and today's shrinking lots. In small yards, every inch counts and being off by even a foot can ruin furniture clearances and functionality. Strategy: prioritize needs vs. wants, then get creative to fit the wish list. How to make a small yard feel bigger "Go up" with pergolas, trellises, archways, and vertical structure. Use larger-format pavers and thoughtful laying patterns to change how the eye reads the space. Darker fences/screens can help the background "disappear." Use a few anchoring shrubs/trees and keep the plant palette simpler for a cleaner, more expansive feel. Why designers bring value beyond the property line John and Joanne talk about "borrowed landscape" (benefiting from neighbours' trees) and the risk of relying on neighbours for privacy or shade. Designers look at the whole context, including what could change next door. John's process and how he tailors deliverables Starts with a short discovery call and then a deeper consultation on-site. He adapts to how clients "receive information": Technical clients: plans, CAD drawings, details/sections Visual clients: concept sketches and/or 3D visuals Tools: AutoCAD (plans/details), hand sketching (idea exploration), SketchUp (3D & grading/spot elevations). "Design in a Day" (and what it really means) It's more like an accelerated intro, often 24-72 hours, depending on scope. Best for smaller areas (like a front garden) and for clients who want quick concepts or a DIY jumping-off point. If clients continue into a full package, the initial investment can roll forward (rather than starting over). Materials and palettes as part of design John treats exterior materials like interior selections: coordinated colour palettes, wall stone, caps, pavers, decking options, etc. Contractor preferences and client budgets shape what's realistic, but the goal is always a coherent plan. Takeaways and Tips Treat outdoors like a renovation. If you'd never renovate a kitchen without a plan, don't rebuild a backyard without one. Small yards need more planning, not less. Tight spaces amplify mistakes, design prevents "we're off by a foot" problems that become expensive fixes. Start with needs, then earn the wants. Sorting the wish list into must-haves vs nice-to-haves makes the design process faster and smarter. Make small spaces feel larger with a few key moves: go vertical, simplify the plant palette, choose bigger-format hardscape materials, and use placement to guide sightlines. Don't borrow privacy from your neighbours. Neighbours change; trees get removed; pools get installed. Build privacy and shade into your plan when possible. Expect the landscape to get better with time. Planting often looks "new" at install; maturity is the real finish line. If you can't visualize plans, ask for the right format. Some people need detailed drawings; others need sketches or 3D. A good designer adjusts how they communicate. You can find BRIGHT Design Studio online at www.brightds.ca and on Instagram. Have a topic you'd like Joanne to discuss? Email your questions and comments to downthegardenpathpodcast@hotmail.com, or connect with Joanne on her website: down2earth.ca Find Down the Garden Path on Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube: @downthegardenpathpodcast. Down the Garden Path Podcast On Down The Garden Path, professional landscape designer Joanne Shaw discusses down-to-earth tips and advice for your plants, gardens and landscapes. As the owner of Down2Earth Landscape Design, Joanne Shaw has been designing beautiful gardens for homeowners east of Toronto for over a decade. She does her best to bring you interesting, relevant and useful topics to help you keep your garden as low-maintenance as possible. In Down the Garden Path: A Step-By-Step Guide to Your Ontario Garden, Joanne and fellow landscape designer Matthew Dressing distill their horticultural and design expertise and their combined experiences in helping others create and maintain thriving gardens into one easy-to-read monthly reference guide. Get your copy today on Amazon. Don't forget to check out Down the Garden Path on your favourite podcast app and subscribe! You can now catch the podcast on YouTube.
In this special live recording, my first ever, I'm joined by director, designer and relentless maker Gavin Strange (Director at Aardman Animations and creator of Jam Factory) for a joyful, honest and deeply inspiring conversation about creativity, consistency and carving out your own path. From building a 25-year personal project alongside a full-time creative career, to teaching himself electronics to build a life-sized virtual pinball machine, Gavin shares what it really looks like to stay creatively alive over decades; not just seasons. We talk about stop-frame animation, side projects, public speaking, learning in public, raising creative kids, and why it's not your employer's job to make you creatively fulfilled. If you've ever felt like you're "not the naturally talented one," or you're waiting for permission to start; this episode will give you the nudge you need. Key Takeaways If you don't get the opportunity; build your own version of it. When the door doesn't open, make something anyway. If you practise the thing before you're chosen for it, you'll already be ready when the moment comes. When you treat your side projects like a playground, you'll grow without fear. When you create a space where you can experiment, break things and try again, you remove the pressure; and that's where real growth happens. Repeating the work, builds strength. Creativity isn't about waiting for a breakthrough. It's about repetition. Do the work over and over; and one day you'll look back and realise you've built creative muscle you didn't know you had. When you take responsibility for your own creative fulfilment, you stop waiting. It's not your job, your clients or your industry's responsibility to keep you inspired. When you own your growth, you unlock momentum. If you protect your creativity with rhythm and routine, it will flourish. Even two hours in the evening, consistently, can change everything. Creative energy doesn't need endless time; it needs intention. When you stay curious, you stay alive. Falling down rabbit holes, learning new tools, trying something "unnecessary" is not distraction; that's how you stay creatively awake. Episode Timestamps 03:48 – Live recording begins & Gavin's creative journey (Aardman + 25 years of Jam Factory) 08:41 – How stop-motion animation actually works (pre-production to post) 14:33 – Getting bored, long projects & taking responsibility for your creativity 17:54 – The origin of Jam Factory & learning in public 25:53 – Building a life-sized virtual pinball machine (and why side projects matter) 31:04 – Balancing creativity, family life & routine 36:20 – Public speaking, fear & putting yourself forward 44:43 – Generative AI, creative fear & what still excites him about animation Mentioned in the Episode Wallace & Gromit: The Curse of the Were-Rabbit Chicken Run Strange Kids Toys (creative project Gavin has with his son) OFFF Festival (creative conference mentioned) Signalnoise (James White) About the Guest Gavin Strange is an award-winning Director and Designer for the UK's beloved creative studio Aardman. Working there for over seventeen years, Gavin's creative output ranges from title sequences to channel idents, short films to Christmas ads and everything in-between. His work is diverse in nature but all held together of a common thread of fun and high energy. By night he goes under the alias of 'Jamfactory', indulging in all manner of passion projects, from filmmaking to illustration, pinball to photography. He even puts out wonky music under the (other) alias of 'Project Toy'. Event Sponsors Matt Joyce https://matt-joyce.com/ Studio Cotton https://studiocotton.co.uk/ Adobe Express https://adobe.com/express (Aff link) -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- I would love to hear what you think of this episode, so please do let me know on Instagram where I'm @lizmmosley or @buildingyourbrandpodcast and I hope you enjoy the episode! This episode was written and edited by me and recorded live at Cornerstone in Cardiff with Kingsbane Studio If you like to watch your podcasts you can watch this and all of my solo episodes YouTube. If you enjoyed this episode please leave a 5* rating and review!
Ever feel like life is moving so fast you barely know yourself anymore? That was me last week, scrolling through emails, thinking about my next move, and realizing I haven't hit pause to really check in with my own gut in ages. That's exactly why I was so pumped to sit down with Julie Reisler on The Happy Hustle Podcast. If you're a high performer trying to navigate success without losing yourself, this conversation is gold. Julie is a HeartLed Intuitive Guide, two-time Tech-X speaker, host of the USU podcast, board-certified master coach, faculty member at Georgetown University, and founder of the Intuitive Life Designer Coach Academy. She helps purpose-driven leaders trust their intuition and create success that feels aligned, fulfilling, and sustainable. On top of that, she's a mother, wife, and a Happy Hustler just like the rest of us, juggling multiple roles. Her book, Getting a PhD in You, dives deep into self-discovery and learning to make decisions from your truest sense. In this episode, Julie and I explored how to understand yourself better, honor your present, and navigate life's big decisions from intuition instead of stress. We also went down some fun rabbit holes about acting, modeling, and how even unexpected experiences in life can shape your clarity and confidence. This episode matters because it's a reminder that knowing yourself isn't just self-indulgent—it's essential for building a life and career that truly works for you. Here are a few takeaways from our conversation that you can start applying today: Your past is your fertilizer. Julie calls it compost. The struggles and challenges you've faced aren't just bumps in the road—they're material you can use to grow wisdom, clarity, and confidence. Honor the present. No matter where you are in life, give yourself grace. Celebrate small wins, acknowledge your efforts, and be fully present before moving to the next goal. Direction is everything. Like an archer aiming at a target, clarity about where you want to go ensures your actions are aligned and effective. Without a clear aim, you risk being reactive instead of proactive. Intuition is built-in. Everyone has access to guidance from within, but most of us haven't practiced listening to it. Start with meditation, grounding walks, or simple awareness exercises to tap into your inner compass. Curiosity and grace keep you learning. When you approach life with curiosity instead of judgment and give yourself grace for mistakes, you open up space to learn, grow, and make better decisions. If you want to dive deeper and actually start getting a PhD in you, you've got to hear the full episode. Julie drops actionable strategies, personal stories, and exercises you can start today to create clarity and alignment in your life. Listen to the full episode now at caryjack.com/podcastin. What does Happy Hustlin mean to you? Julie says it means getting paid to do something I am in love with and would do for free. Connect with Julie Instagram Facebook Linkedin Youtube Find Dr. Joy on her website: Awaken To Your You-est You® Connect with Cary! Instagram Facebook Linkedin Twitter Youtube Get a copy of his new book, The Happy Hustle, 10 Alignments to Avoid Burnout & Achieve Blissful Balance Sign up for The Journey: 10 Days To Become a Happy Hustler Online Course Apply to the Montana Mastermind Epic Camping Adventure “It's time to Happy Hustle, a blissfully balanced life you love, full of passion, purpose, and positive impact!” Episode Sponsors: If you're feeling stressed, not sleeping great, or your energy's been kinda meh lately—let me put you on to something that's been a total game-changer for me: Magnesium Breakthrough by BiOptimizers. This ain't your average magnesium—it's got all 7 essential forms that your body needs to chill out, sleep deeper, and feel more balanced. I take it every night and legit notice the difference the next day. No more waking up groggy or tossing and turning all night If you're ready to sleep like a baby, calm your nervous system, and optimize your recovery, go grab yours now at bioptimizers.com/happy and use code HAPPY10 for 10% OFF.
Oscar-winning costume designer Deborah L. Scott grew up sewing doll clothes, puppets, and getting swept up by the stories at the cinema. At 21 she went to work costuming show girls on the Vegas strip. Once in film, her adaptability, imagination, and resourcefulness carved a path that led to projects with Steven Spielberg and James Cameron, and onto sets of the biggest films of our time. Images, links and more from Deborah on cleverpodcast.com!Special thanks to our sponsor! Wix Studio is a platform built for all web creators to design, develop, and manage exceptional web projects at scale.If you enjoy Clever we could use your support! Please consider leaving a review, making a donation, becoming a sponsor, or introducing us to your friends! We love and appreciate you!Clever is hosted & produced by Amy Devers, with editing by Rich Stroffolino, production assistance from Ilana Nevins and Anouchka Stephan, and music by El Ten Eleven.SUBSCRIBE - listen to Clever on any podcast app!SIGN UP - for our Substack for news, bonus content, new episode alertsVISIT - cleverpodcast.com for transcripts, images, and 200+ more episodesSAY HI! - on Instagram & LinkedIn @cleverpodcast @amydeversApply to participate in Emerging Designers Spotlight LIVESpecial thanks to our sponsors!Wix Studio is a platform built for all web creators to design, develop, and manage exceptional web projects at scale. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
This episode is part eight in an ongoing series about brands and how they influence our identities and drive consumerism. In this episode, we will talk about how the price we are willing to pay for an item is directly related to branding:Why "perceived value" is almost more important than mathing the math,How brands manipulate the perceived value via small changes to products, Why even the graphic design of a brand's website will change your expectations around pricing,How you often guess the prices in a store just by looking at the merchandising and fixtures,And why we have to stop expecting small business prices to align with fast fashion/fast everything pricing.Add your address to get a postcard.Get your Clotheshorse merch here: https://clotheshorsepodcast.com/shop/For the next month, use promo code THEPRICEISRIGHT to get 50% off all merch! Amanda and Dustin care for a colony of 11 feral cats and they want to get them all fixed this spring. So help them cover that cost by picking up some hot deals on Clotheshorse merch.If you want to share your opinion/additional thoughts on the subjects we cover in each episode, feel free to email, whether it's a typed out message or an audio recording: amanda@clotheshorse.worldDid you enjoy this episode? Consider "buying me a coffee" via Ko-fi: ko-fi.com/clotheshorseClotheshorse is brought to you with support from the following sustainable small businesses:Slow Fashion Academy is a size-inclusive sewing and patternmaking studio based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Designer and fashion professor Ruby Gertz teaches workshops for hobbyists and aspiring designers, so that anyone can learn the foundational skills of making, mending, and altering their own clothes. Ruby also provides professional design and patternmaking services to emerging slow fashion brands, and occasionally takes commissions for custom garments and costume pieces. She has also released several PDF sewing patterns for original designs under her brands Spokes & Stitches, and Starling Petite Plus. Check the schedule for upcoming workshops, download PDF sewing patterns, and learn about additional sewing and design services at www.slowfashion.academy.Deco Denim is a startup based out of San Francisco, selling clothing and accessories that are sustainable, gender fluid, size inclusive and high quality--made to last for years to come. Deco Denim is trying to change the way you think about buying clothes. Founder Sarah Mattes wants to empower people to ask important questions like, “Where was this made? Was this garment made ethically? Is this fabric made of plastic? Can this garment be upcycled and if not, can it be recycled?” Signup at decodenim.com to receive $20 off your first purchase. They promise not to spam you and send out no more than 3 emails a month, with 2 of them surrounding education or a personal note from the Founder. Find them on Instagram as @deco.denim.Selina Sanders, a social impact brand that specializes in up-cycled clothing, using only reclaimed, vintage or thrifted materials: from tea towels, linens, blankets and quilts. Sustainably crafted in Los Angeles, each piece is designed to last in one's closet for generations to come. Maximum Style; Minimal Carbon Footprint.Republica Unicornia Yarns: Hand-Dyed Yarn and notions for the color-obsessed. Made with love and some swearing in fabulous Atlanta, Georgia by Head Yarn Wench Kathleen. Get ready for rainbows with a side of Giving A Damn! Republica Unicornia is all about making your own magic using small-batch, responsibly sourced, hand-dyed yarns and thoughtfully made notions. Slow fashion all the way down and discover the joy of creating your very own beautiful hand knit, crocheted, or woven pieces. Find us on Instagram @republica_unicornia_yarns and at www.republicaunicornia.com.Cute Little Ruin is an online shop dedicated to providing quality vintage and secondhand clothing, vinyl, and home items in a wide range of styles and price points. If it's ethical and legal, we try to find a new home for it! Vintage style with progressive values. Find us on Instagram at @CuteLittleRuin.
I have a confession to make. I'm exhausted. In the best possible way after a week in Orlando, Florida for the Kitchen & Bath Industry Show. I have so much to share with you today! My journey started on the Monday before the show began for a travel day, sound check and confirming the final details form the show. In addition to hosting the KBIS Podcast Studio again this year, moderating a panel on the NEXT Stage and recording conversations for the show, I wanted to help you prepare for the show next February in Las Vegas. But Josh, next February is like 11 months away. That's true, but here's a secret. Come a little closer, it's just us. KBIS is the essential American kitchen and bath show, full stop. It's about learning, seeing, connecting and putting all of the pieces together to understand how the American market is setting up for the next year and the trending ideas that have staying power for the next 5-10 years. Designer Resources Pacific Sales Kitchen and Home. Where excellence meets expertise. TimberTech – Real wood beauty without the upkeep You can listen to Convo By Design for the conversations with industry insiders. If I were a designer, I would. I believe that this show tells the stories that you should really know to get a feel for directionality of the industry. Specifiers are the plus of the industry and the ideas emanating from the show this year covered the technology revolution taking place from an AI perspective, but there's more. The kitchen is in the midst of a wholesale change. And it's exciting to see it happen in real time. Learning was a key theme this year. If you were not at the show this year, you are behind the curve. I don't say this to scare you, I tell you this so you make the time to get to the show next year. All three days and plan to see as much as you can. But, I wanted to share some of the key ideas from the show this year. For additional details, check the show notes. Luxury is the measurable outcome of thoughtful design—where performance, longevity, and relevance align to support the way people actually live. Luxury is the removal of friction from daily life. Luxury is durability aligned with intent. Luxury is design that continues to perform long after the purchase is forgotten. Luxury is confidence—in function, longevity, and fit. Luxury is not what you spend. It's what you never have to rethink. The Kitchen as the Primary Investment The kitchen remains the #1 homeowner investment nationwide. Homeowners are willing to exceed budget in the kitchen more than any other space. The kitchen is the most public and social room in the home. It represents identity: “I'm a cook,” “I entertain,” “I host.” Food equals memory; appliances enable those memories. The Expanding Kitchen Ecosystem Kitchens are no longer singular spaces—they expand throughout the home. Secondary kitchens (sculleries, prep kitchens, butler's pantries) are rising. Beverage centers, bars, and wine storage are increasingly common. Coffee stations and en-suite kitchenettes are viewed as lifestyle enhancements. Outdoor kitchens are now expected in many markets. Refrigeration appears in bathrooms (skincare), offices, and guest suites. Multigenerational living drives multi-kitchen design. Post-COVID entertaining shifted bar culture into the home. Value Has Replaced Price as the Primary Decision Driver Consumers rarely regret investing more in appliances. Longevity, performance, and service support define value. Sustainability increasingly aligns with durability. Human-Centric Design Is the New Standard Appliances must be intuitive without relying on manuals. UX consistency across appliances improves adoption. Technology must solve real problems—not create new friction. Appliances Are Expanding Beyond the Kitchen Refrigeration, coffee systems, and specialty appliances now appear throughout the home. Multi-kitchen and multi-generational design is driving specification complexity. Flexibility and modular integration are essential. Practical Innovation vs Feature Saturation Most consumers use only a small percentage of available features. Simplification improves usability, adoption, and satisfaction. Innovation must solve real problems—not marketing problems. Appliances as Infrastructure for Daily Life Refrigerators open dozens of times daily, making ergonomic design critical. Dishwashers, washers, and refrigeration now integrate into behavioral routines. Appliances increasingly support lifestyle efficiency, not just task completion. Quiet Luxury: The New Definition of Premium Quiet luxury shifts focus from visual dominance to experiential excellence. Appliances integrate seamlessly into architecture. Minimal visual disruption supports design continuity. Performance becomes more important than appearance. Identity & Evolution in Design Designers must periodically redefine themselves and their work to remain relevant. Personal growth and evolving priorities shape professional identity and approach. Burnout vs Ambition Burnout is not a badge of honor; it results from overextension and emotional labor. Ambition aligns energy with superpowers and opportunities, creating sustainable growth. Setting boundaries is essential to differentiate productive ambition from harmful overwork. Emotional Labor & Client Management Design work involves managing client emotions, expectations, and second-guessing. Designers act as liaisons between clients, contractors, and teams, absorbing invisible pressures. Managing scope creep and change orders is a practical strategy to protect both energy and profitability. Social Media & Comparison Culture Social media can amplify unrealistic expectations and unhealthy competition. Designers often feel compelled to accommodate clients' desires, sometimes overextending themselves to maintain a positive perception. These core themes coming out of the show this year tell a story that cannot be ignored. The thought process is changing. More human-centric at a time when technology seems to be taking over. Interesting times. Shifting away from that, I want to share two conversations from the show. Brandon Kirschner | Azzuro Living – Control the Process, Control the Outcome: Inside Azzurro Living's Design Advantage Brandon Kirshner of Azzurro Living explains how factory ownership, material innovation, and hands-on experimentation are redefining luxury outdoor furniture—and why relationships and resilience matter more than ever. Recorded live at the Kitchen and Bath Industry Show in Orlando, this conversation with Brandon Kirshner, Partner and VP of Design at Azzurro Living, explores what it means to design, manufacture, and deliver luxury outdoor furniture with complete control over the process. Kirshner shares how owning and operating their own production facility provides a rare advantage in a crowded marketplace. This vertical integration allows Azzurro Living to oversee every step—from raw material sourcing to fabrication—ensuring performance, durability, and design integrity in extreme climates. The conversation also explores the realities of modern product manufacturing: navigating global instability, breaking through to specifiers in an oversaturated marketplace, and the renewed importance of in-person relationships. At its core, this is a story about design leadership, material obsession, and maintaining optimism in a rapidly shifting industry. Vertical Integration Changes Everything Full ownership of production facility ensures quality control Ability to experiment directly with materials and fabrication Eliminates reliance on third-party manufacturing limitations Material Innovation Drives Luxury Performance Products engineered for extreme heat and harsh winters Hands-on experimentation with rope, wicker, and aluminum Performance and longevity are core to brand value Design as the Core Differentiator Industrial design roots shape product philosophy Focus on original forms rather than “me-too” furniture Design enhances lifestyle, not just aesthetics Relationships Still Drive Specification Trade shows like High Point Market remain essential Face-to-face interaction builds trust and long-term partnerships Education through sales teams and specifier outreach is critical Resilience and Optimism in a Volatile Industry Navigating tariffs, supply chains, and global uncertainty Maintaining a solution-oriented mindset Viewing disruption as part of long-term growth In luxury outdoor furniture, control isn't just an operational advantage—it's a creative one. For Brandon Kirshner, Partner and VP of Design at Azzurro Living, ownership of the manufacturing process is the foundation of everything the company does. Unlike many competitors who rely on outsourced production, Azzurro Living operates its own factory, giving Kirshner and his team direct oversight of every detail, from raw materials to finished form. This control allows for something rare in today's manufacturing environment: true experimentation. Working directly with fabricators, Kirshner explores new weaving techniques, tests material durability, and refines structural details. The result is furniture engineered not just to look refined, but to perform in punishing environments—from desert heat exceeding 115 degrees to unpredictable seasonal extremes. Kirshner's path into furniture design began with industrial design studies, where exposure to iconic modernist designers revealed furniture as both functional object and artistic expression. That perspective continues to shape his work today, where innovation isn't driven by trend cycles, but by material curiosity and structural integrity. Launching Azzurro Living in 2020 presented immediate challenges, from supply chain disruption to economic uncertainty. Yet Kirshner views volatility as inevitable rather than exceptional. Experience has taught him that adaptability—not stability—is the constant in product manufacturing. Equally important is maintaining strong relationships within the design community. Trade shows, in-person meetings, and direct engagement remain essential tools for connecting with specifiers and building trust. In an increasingly crowded marketplace, Azzurro Living's approach is clear: control the process, push material boundaries, and let design lead. The result is furniture that reflects not just luxury, but intention. “Owning our factory gives us complete control—from raw material to finished product—and that changes everything.” “Design is the reason people invest in luxury furniture. Performance just makes it last.” “You can't innovate from a distance. Being hands-on with materials is where real progress happens.” “Trade shows and face-to-face interaction still matter because this industry runs on relationships.” “No matter what challenges come—tariffs, supply chain, geopolitics—we'll figure it out. That mindset is essential.” This is Cathy Purple Cherry – Founding Principal | Purple Cherry, freshly installed in the Convo By Design Icon Registry, we caught up at KBIS for a fresh take. Human-Centered Architecture, Resilience, and the Responsibility of Design Cathy Purple Cherry reflects on architecture as a lifelong act of care—supporting people through turbulence, embracing multigenerational living, rejecting trend culture, and using design as a tool for healing, connection, and growth. Recorded live at the Kitchen and Bath Industry Show, this conversation with Cathy Purple Cherry of Purple Cherry Architects explores architecture not as a moment of visual impact, but as a lifelong framework for human support. Purple Cherry shares her philosophy that architecture must evolve alongside the people it serves, especially during times of societal turbulence and personal change. Her work is grounded in human-centered thinking, emotional durability, and the belief that design can create stability amid chaos. The discussion moves beyond aesthetics into deeper territory—resilience shaped by hardship, the responsibility of creatives to provide clarity and options, and the importance of giving back. Purple Cherry also addresses the rise of multigenerational living, generational shifts in work culture, and the dangers of trend-driven design thinking. At its core, this conversation reveals architecture as both a professional discipline and a personal calling—one rooted in empathy, long-term thinking, and service. Architecture as Long-Term Support, Not Momentary Expression Design must serve people across decades, not just visual moments Architecture provides emotional stability during uncertain times Human-centered design is becoming essential, not optional Growth Through Challenge and Adversity Personal and professional hardship builds resilience Lessons learned shape better architects and stronger leaders Teaching and mentoring are essential responsibilities Multigenerational Living as a Cultural Shift Economic and social changes are reshaping American housing Families are staying connected longer Architecture must adapt to evolving family dynamics The Responsibility of Creatives in Times of Tension Architects provide clarity and solutions amid chaos Design can serve as a “relief valve” for societal stress Creatives help people reimagine how they live Rejecting Trend Culture in Favor of Lasting Design Trend cycles are often superficial and misleading True architecture transcends short-term aesthetic movements Enduring design comes from purpose, not prediction Giving Back as a Core Professional and Personal Value Sharing knowledge strengthens the profession Service to others creates deeper meaning in creative work Design is both a gift and a responsibility For Cathy Purple Cherry, architecture has never been about creating a moment. It's about supporting a lifetime. As founder of Purple Cherry Architects, with offices in Annapolis, Charlottesville, and New York City, Purple Cherry has built a practice grounded in the belief that design must evolve alongside the people it serves. Architecture, she explains, is not about solving for a single moment, but about creating environments that support human life over time. That perspective feels especially relevant today. As social, economic, and cultural turbulence reshapes how people live and work, architecture has taken on a new role—not just as shelter, but as emotional infrastructure. Spaces must provide calm, clarity, and flexibility, particularly as multigenerational living becomes more common and families remain connected longer under one roof. Purple Cherry rejects the idea that architecture should chase trends. While the industry often focuses on forecasting aesthetic movements, she believes true design transcends these cycles. Lasting architecture emerges from purpose, empathy, and a deep understanding of human behavior. Her perspective is shaped not only by decades of professional experience, but by personal adversity. Hardship, she explains, builds resilience and strengthens one's ability to serve others. That philosophy extends into her commitment to mentorship, service, and giving back—values she sees as inseparable from meaningful creative work. For Purple Cherry, architecture is both discipline and calling. It is a lifelong process of learning, teaching, and refining. And in a world defined by rapid change, her message is clear: the most important role of design is not to impress, but to support the people who live within it. “Architecture isn't about solving for a moment. It's about supporting people over time.” “Through suffering, we become stronger—and that's what allows us to better serve others.” “Anything in the built environment that can calm us and organize our lives becomes essential.” “Design should never be driven by trends. It should be driven by purpose and people.” “The meaning of life is discovering your gifts. The purpose of life is sharing them.”
In this episode of Get Real or Die Trying, host Amadon DellErba sits down with Brit Arthur—founder of http://AutoimmuneDiseaseAwareness.com, CEO and designer of BeachCandy Organics (the trailblazing organic swimwear brand), holistic healer, and creator of the Feast to Wellness Protocol—for a fierce, unfiltered confrontation with autoimmune disease and the toxic systems designed to keep us dependent and unwell. Filmed on-location at Avalon EcoVillage.Brit delivers her story without apology: decades of hidden suffering—asthma, acne, body odor, gut chaos, and escalating inflammation that exploded into spinal autoimmune disease at 34, complete with genetic markers and CRP levels screaming cancer territory. Doctors pushed lifelong steroid injections and heavy pharma; she endured a year of minimal gains before walking away in fury at a system that silences symptoms instead of healing roots. She plunged into gut biome research, Ayurveda, Chinese medicine, herbalism, detox protocols, and non-toxic truth—then committed fully to plant-based living, toxin elimination, and radical simplicity.The shift was explosive: joint pain and immobility dissolved in days. From needing help to turn doorknobs and being carried from bed, she climbed 8 grueling miles with a 60-pound pack months later. Her Feast to Wellness Protocol—165+ anti-inflammatory, medicinal recipes plus daily detox rituals—has now empowered over 30,000 people globally to claim symptom-free lives from every corner of the planet.Amadon and Brit tear into the heart of it:The medical and food industries that suppress rather than solve—pushing seed oils, ultra-processed garbage, mycotoxin-laden grains, GMOs, pork's toxin accumulation, and endless chemicals while ignoring root causes like glyphosate, plastics, and emotional baggageShattering hustle culture, plastic dependency, restaurant traps, and inflammatory poisons that quietly destroy usThe freedom of minimalism in India, authentic Ayurvedic immersion, copper-charged water, farmers market allegiance, and transforming every meal into medicineWhere spirituality collides with biology: how toxic thoughts, chronic judgment, fear, unresolved trauma, and victim attachment literally manifest disease—and why forgiveness, embracing discomfort, emotional alchemy, and genuine loving connection are essential for extreme, integrated healthThe urgent poisoning of our supply chain, the call for real outrage and collective rebellion, and why every choice—what we eat, wear, think, buy—is sacred resistance and stewardship of body, land, and futureThis isn't soft self-care—it's a battle cry to wake up, purge the poisons (physical, emotional, systemic), reject the "pill up and power through" deception, and seize vibrant, liberated living on your own fierce terms. If you're done suffering quietly, questioning the chemical matrix and quick-fix lies, or ready to turn pain into unbreakable purpose—this raw exchange will set you ablaze.
Most designers think landing high end projects is about better aesthetics or more visibility. It is not. The difference between a three thousand dollar project and a ten thousand dollar project almost always comes down to clarity. In this episode, I break down what actually makes a designer high end, why positioning matters more than your list of services, and how authority driven content and a single clear offer change how clients perceive your value. If you are a freelance designer or brand and web designer trying to figure out how to get graphic design clients who are ready to invest, this episode will help you rethink how you show up as a creative CEO and design business owner.You will learn:Why high end designers do not blend in even in crowded marketsHow positioning becomes the real product you are sellingWhy choosing a niche creates more demand, not lessHow authority content attracts better clients without posting moreGrab a cup of coffee, your notes, and get ready to see why standing out is a decision, not a design style.Aventive Academy's Resources:Fully Booked Designer (6-week biz program) : https://aventiveacademy.com/fullybookeddesigner/From Crickets to Clients: https://aventiveacademy.com/crickets-to-clients/Client Portal for Designers: https://aventiveacademy.com/client-portal/ The Wealthy Client Blueprint: https://aventiveacademy.com/wealthy-client/Brand Guidelines Template: https://aventiveacademy.com/brand-guidelines/ The Creative CEO Accelerator: https://aventiveacademy.com/accelerator
Mike and Trey Farley interview Mitch Martinez, design manager at Diamond Spas, a 30-year-old company fabricating custom stainless steel and copper vessels including spas, cold plunges, plunge pools, pools, swim spas, and water features for luxury residential and commercial wellness projects. Martinez explains benefits over fiberglass/gunite such as 316L shells, 304 supports, 25-year warranty, contemporary straight-line designs, lighter weight for rooftops, energy efficiency from closed-cell spray foam insulation, and two-stage containment via a vault with access for maintenance and leak monitoring. He compares stainless vs copper mainly by aesthetics and copper's antimicrobial properties, notes salt/chlorine/bromine void warranties, and recommends UV with hydrogen peroxide or AOP systems. The episode covers customization (jet layouts, loungers, acrylic windows, infinity edges, covers, movable floors), installation logistics, bonding, lighting, climate-related heating/chilling, and common issues like improper sanitizers or rigging. Discover more: https://www.diamondspas.com/ (720) 864-9115 https://www.farleypooldesigns.com/ https://www.instagram.com/farleydesigns/ https://www.instagram.com/luxuryoutdoorlivingpodcast/ https://www.instagram.com/poolzila/ 00:00 Podcast Welcome 01:12 Meet Mitch Martinez 01:50 What Diamond Spas Makes 02:58 Mitch Career Path 04:40 Who Buys These 05:15 Metal vs Fiberglass 06:27 Stainless vs Copper 08:39 Tile and Finishes 09:59 Heating and Insulation 11:21 Climate and Chillers 12:28 Equipment Options 13:43 Rooftop Weight Benefits 14:12 Leak Protection Strategy 16:18 Welding and Quality 17:24 Expansion and Movement 18:36 Custom Features and Ergonomics 21:19 Edges Windows Covers Floors 22:55 Sanitizers and Chemicals 24:52 Wellness Center Boom 26:46 Coastal Salt Considerations 29:45 Delivery and Installation 32:01 Wild Install Stories 33:51 Recycled Metals and Repairs 35:40 Shipping Size Limits 37:39 Structural Support Planning 38:28 How to Start a Project 40:18 Pre-Patina Copper Finish 40:55 Cost vs Gunite Pools 42:47 Infinity Edges and Acrylic 44:07 Water Color and Reflection 45:35 Surface Feel and Slip 46:52 Bonding and Electrical Safety 47:28 LED Lighting Options 48:20 Covers and Debris Control 51:12 Install Risks and Scope 54:54 Warranty and Jobsite Protection 58:50 Vault Access and Drainage 01:04:53 Rapid Fire Personal Q&A 01:08:42 Cold Plunges and Chillers 01:15:20 Wrap-Up and Show Mission
40% de desconto nos cursos da Accademia de Como para os ouvintes do Buongiorno San Paolo Cursos IED com desconto exclusivo para seguidores do Buongiorno San Paolo:https://bit.ly/ied-buongiorno***Pasquale Volpe è business developer presso l'Accademia di ComoComo, una città che rappresenta una delle eccellenze italiane, l'equilibrio tra bellezza, natura, industria e design.Studiare in Italia il design significa imparare metodicamente il lavoro in una piccola bottega ricca di creatività e di geni che presto o tardi trasformeranno l'ambiente e il mercato circostante. Una storia che in Italia si ripete sin dal medioevo. Oggi a Como si studia come aiutare le imprese del territorio con tecnica e creatività e lo si fa in un ecosistema di ottimi professionisti che insegnano a pochi studenti selezionati da ogni parte del mondo (1 professore ogni 5 studenti).Pasquale Volpe è anche l'ideatore di Design in town, un'iniziativa speciale per i ragazzi a fine liceo che vogliono conoscere l'Italia e studiare design durante un periodo estivo di 2-3 settimane in una piccola città italiana. ***Pasquale Volpe é é desenvolvedor de novos negócios na Accademia di Como.Como, uma cidade que representa uma das mais belas expressões da Itália, um equilíbrio entre beleza, natureza, indústria e design.Estudar design na Itália significa aprender a profissão de forma metódica em uma pequena oficina repleta de criatividade e gênios que, mais cedo ou mais tarde, transformarão o ambiente e o mercado ao seu redor.Uma história que se repete na Itália desde a Idade Média.Hoje, em Como, os alunos aprendem a apoiar os negócios locais com técnica e criatividade, e fazem isso dentro de um ecossistema de excelentes profissionais que ensinam um seleto grupo de alunos do mundo todo (um professor cada 5 estudantes).Pasquale Volpe também é o criador do Design in Town, uma iniciativa especial para alunos do ensino médio que desejam explorar a Itália e estudar design durante um período de 2 a 3 semanas em uma pequena cidade italiana durante o verão.Junte-se ao network de Buongiorno San Paolo com o aplicativo Bizzy Now: https://go.bizzynow.com/buongiornosan...Quer se MUDAR para ITÁLIA ? Aproveite nosso curso sobre como escolher a cidade italiana onde investir e morar: https://hotmart.com/pt-br/marketplace...
The New Appliance Ecosystem: Translating Value, Technology, and Human-Centric Design The modern appliance conversation has shifted beyond features and price into something far more consequential: value, usability, and human-centered design. Designers, manufacturers, showrooms, and independent testing labs now operate as an interconnected ecosystem guiding consumers through increasingly complex decisions. The future of appliance specification belongs to those who can translate technology into meaningful, intuitive, lifestyle-driven solutions. Featuring insights from Nicole Papantoniou of the Good Housekeeping Institute, Jeff Sweet of Sub-Zero Group Inc., and Christa Mallinger of AJ Madison, this conversation explores how appliances have evolved from commodities into lifestyle infrastructure—and why education, not persuasion, defines the next era. KBIS Podcast Studio Resources: KBIS AJ Madison NKBA LUXE Interiors + Design SubZero, Wolf & Cove SKS | Signature Kitchen Suite Hearth & Home Technologies Kitchen365 Green Forrest Cabinetry Midea The appliance industry has entered a human-centric phase, where performance, intuitive use, and real lifestyle benefit outweigh raw features or price alone. Designers act as translators of lifestyle, manufacturers as problem-solvers, and showrooms as educators—collectively helping consumers navigate increasingly sophisticated choices. Panelists discussed the shift from feature-driven sales toward performance-driven value, emphasizing longevity, ease of use, and frictionless integration into daily life. They also explored the growing role of education, testing standards, showroom partnerships, and post-installation support in helping consumers fully realize the value of their investment. Technology remains central, but its success depends entirely on reducing friction—not adding novelty. The conversation revealed that the future of appliances lies not in more technology, but in better technology—technology that disappears into the experience. The Appliance Ecosystem Is Interdependent Designers interpret lifestyle and aesthetic needs. Manufacturers engineer performance-driven solutions. Showrooms educate and guide decision-making. Independent testing organizations validate performance and usability. Value Has Replaced Price as the Primary Decision Driver Consumers rarely regret investing more in appliances. Longevity, performance, and service support define value. Sustainability increasingly aligns with durability. Human-Centric Design Is the New Standard Appliances must be intuitive without relying on manuals. UX consistency across appliances improves adoption. Technology must solve real problems—not create new friction. Education Is More Important Than Selling Many consumers buy appliances only once every 10–15 years. Showrooms and testing labs bridge the knowledge gap. Post-installation education helps unlock full product potential. Appliances Are Expanding Beyond the Kitchen Refrigeration, coffee systems, and specialty appliances now appear throughout the home. Multi-kitchen and multi-generational design is driving specification complexity. Flexibility and modular integration are essential. Technology Adoption Depends on Familiarity and Trust Induction adoption accelerates when paired with familiar controls. Consumers embrace technology that feels intuitive and beneficial. Novelty alone does not guarantee long-term value. The modern appliance is no longer just a tool. It's infrastructure. At KBIS, where the industry gathers annually to define its future, a clear shift has emerged. Appliances are no longer judged solely by features or price, but by how effectively they integrate into human behavior. The question is no longer, “What does it do?” but rather, “What does it enable?” This shift has elevated the importance of collaboration across the appliance ecosystem. Designers serve as translators, interpreting the client's lifestyle into functional requirements. Manufacturers act as problem-solvers, engineering solutions grounded in real user needs. Showrooms and retailers bridge the gap between technology and understanding, while independent testing organizations validate claims and ensure products deliver on their promises. This ecosystem exists because appliance decisions have become more consequential—and more complex. Unlike consumer electronics, appliances are purchased infrequently. A homeowner may go fifteen years between purchases. During that time, the category evolves dramatically. Induction replaces gas. Steam ovens expand culinary capability. Refrigeration becomes modular, flexible, and architectural. Appliances no longer exist solely in kitchens, but in offices, bedrooms, outdoor spaces, and wellness areas. With that expansion comes responsibility. Technology must reduce friction, not create it. Christa, Nicole and Jeff all emphasized that human-centric design now drives product development. Appliances must be intuitive enough to operate without instruction, consistent enough to feel familiar, and purposeful enough to justify their presence. Technology for its own sake has limited value. Technology that removes mental load, improves performance, or enhances daily living defines the future. This is where education becomes critical. Showrooms no longer simply display products; they contextualize them. Independent testing organizations evaluate not only performance, but usability, cleanability, and intuitive function. Manufacturers increasingly provide post-installation support, recognizing that the real product experience begins after installation, not at purchase. Value, therefore, is no longer measured in features alone. It is measured in longevity. In reliability. In the confidence that a product will perform consistently over time. In the reduction of friction between intention and outcome. Perhaps most importantly, appliances have become emotional infrastructure. They support gathering, creativity, ritual, and identity. They enable the modern kitchen to function not just as a place of preparation, but as a center of living. The future of appliances will not be defined by how advanced they are. It will be defined by how invisible they become—seamlessly enabling life without demanding attention. And those who understand that distinction—designers, manufacturers, and educators alike—will define the next generation of the built environment.
In this episode of the Game Deflators podcast, hosts John and Ryan recap their latest gaming sessions before diving into the major leadership shake‑ups happening at Microsoft's gaming division. With longtime Xbox chief Phil Spencer stepping down and former CoreAI executive Asha Sharma taking over as the new CEO of Microsoft Gaming, the hosts explore what this transition could mean for Xbox's long‑term direction. They also touch on the departure of Sarah Bond and the broader restructuring that has reshaped the upper ranks of the Xbox organization, a shift that has drawn significant attention across the industry. The conversation connects these changes to ongoing challenges in the fighting‑game genre and how shifting leadership priorities might influence future platform strategy, content pipelines, and studio support. The episode wraps with a review of the Rambo NES game and a preview of their upcoming food‑themed gaming month. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Gaming Pickups 06:21 Current Games and Anime Recommendations 12:08 Discussion on Marathon and Gaming Trends 17:59 Fighting Game Strategies and Progress 22:19 AI in Gaming Reviews and Industry Changes 28:05 Microsoft's Leadership Changes and Future Directions 35:47 The Future of Xbox and AI Integration 42:41 Fighting Games: Challenges and Opportunities 50:45 Rambo: The NES Game Review 58:29 Food Month: Upcoming Game Themes Find us on TheGameDeflators.com Twitter - www.twitter.com/GameDeflators Facebook - www.facebook.com/TheGameDeflators Instagram - www.instagram.com/thegamedeflators The views and opinions expressed on this channel are solely those of the author. The content within these recordings are property of their respective Designers, Writers, Creators, Owners, Organizations, Companies and Producers. Copyright Disclaimer Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for "fair use" for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research. Fair use is a use permitted. Permission for intro and outro music provided by Matthew Huffaker http://www.youtube.com/user/teknoaxe 2_25_18
Design Curious | Interior Design Podcast, Interior Design Career, Interior Design School, Coaching
Have you ever walked into a space and immediately felt calmer, without knowing why? Or noticed how a room flooded with natural light just feels better to be in? That's not an accident. It's your nervous system responding to your environment, and it's exactly why biophilic design matters more than ever in interior design today.In this episode, I'm sitting down with returning guest and seasoned residential designer Martha Lowry to unpack what biophilic design really is — beyond the buzzword. We're talking about how bringing elements of the natural environment indoors can dramatically improve emotional well-being, mental health, creativity, and even how clients experience their homes daily. This conversation is especially important for interior designers who want to design spaces that don't just look beautiful, but truly support the people living in them.If you've ever struggled to explain why certain design choices feel right — or you want to add more depth, science, and intention to your client communication — this episode will help you understand how natural light, plants, color psychology, organic shapes, and neuro-aesthetics work together to create homes that heal, calm, and inspire. Biophilic design isn't about trends. It's about designing with the human experience in mind.Featured GuestMartha Lowry is a residential interior designer with over three decades of experience and a unique balance of analytical and creative expertise. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Mathematics and a Bachelor of Arts in Interior Design, and she is a member of the Design Leaders Collective. Based in North Carolina, Martha's work focuses on creating emotionally supportive, beautifully intentional homes rooted in biophilic design, neuro-esthetics, and a deep understanding of how people experience space.What You'll Learn in This Episode✳️ What biophilic design is and why it matters✳️ How natural light impacts mood, energy, and well-being✳️ Using plants and materials to bring nature indoors✳️ Color psychology and emotional responses in interior design✳️ How designers apply biophilic principles for healthier homesRead the Blog >>> 5 Biophilic Design Elements for Healthier, Calmer HomesNEXT STEPS:
There's nothing more exciting than a new idea. A new offer or a fresh direction.For designers, especially those with ADHD or highly creative brains, novelty feels electric. It feels productive. It feels like momentum.But, are you making a strategic pivot or are you escaping the discomfort of the messy middle?In this episode, I'm diving into the unique wiring of the ADHD designer brain in business, the dopamine spikes, shiny object syndrome and the tendency to overbuild. You'll learn how to discern whether it's time to shift or time to stay the course.Because hard doesn't always mean wrong and boredom doesn't always mean broken.Curious about working with me as your mentor and coach?If you want predictable, profitable cash flow in your interior design business through quality referrals, apply to the Luxury Client Academy here>> https://luxuryclientacademy.com/Not sure what to do next in your interior design business to drum up business? Sign up for a clarity call here: https://links.elevateinnercircle.com/widget/bookings/lca-clarity
Think AI can do everything? We put that assumption under the microscope with AI engineering leader and author Sairam Sundaresan, and walk away with a playbook that's practical, ethical, and built for real classrooms and design teams. We break down why narrow, well-scoped tasks are where AI shines, how to turn prompting into a repeatable workflow, and what it looks like to treat a model like a new hire you're onboarding—clear roles, examples, and tight feedback loops.We dig into the big wins for educators and instructional designers: personalized learning at scale, faster feedback cycles, and smarter revisions between sessions. Imagine a 24/7 teaching assistant that adapts to your students' levels, flags weak spots, and helps you adjust the curriculum without waiting for the next term. Pair that with your human superpowers—reading the room, motivating learners, and connecting dots—and you get a learning ecosystem that's both efficient and deeply human. Along the way, we share hands-on tips with tools like Notebook LM, Canva, Gamma, and Genially to prototype content, translate assets, and build interactive experiences without months of overhead.Enjoyed the episode? Follow the show, leave a quick review, and share it with a colleague who's experimenting with AI in education. Your support helps more educators discover practical, ethical ways to use these tools.
In this episode of LIGHT TALK, The Lumen Brothers and Sister welcome acclaimed lighting designer Ben Stanton to the show! Join Ben, Ellen, Zac, Steve, and David, as they discuss: Shoverling snow; Early days at UMASS as a jazz drummer; Teaching at Brooklyn College; Early inspirations; Beyond Synergy; Discovering lighting from music; How drumming connects with the creative process of lighting design; The connection of jazz and lighting improvisation; The process behind "Maybe Happy Ending"; Using Lightstrike; "A Strong, single gesture..."; The process behind "Fun Home"; Living and working with a video designer, and raising children when both parents are working on the same production; Relying on our programmers; How to prepare students for their future in the profession; Finding and choosing a mentor; and What makes YOU unique. Nothing is Taboo, Nothing is Sacred, and Very Little Makes Sense.
Costume Designer Luis Sequeira shares his journey of costume design from starting his own business to working on Oscar winning film, Shape of Water to his latest work on IT: Welcome to Derry!
The USA is a young country, but our fashion design is even younger. Like who are the titans of American fashion design? It's Donna Karan, Tommy Hilfiger, Calvin Klein, Ralph Lauren...these designers who are all still alive.And if you want to look at where these titans of American fashion design got it all from, there was a great American fashion designer who many of them were looking towards. To see Claire McCardell's incredible modern fashions for yourself, head to articlesofinterest.substack.com Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices
What happens when a commercial interior designer falls in love with Excel spreadsheets and watercolor painting? In this episode, Alexandra sits down with Rebekah Jacobi, Design Director at Pivot Interiors in San Francisco, to explore what it means to be a whole creative human in the commercial interiors industry. From leading high-level workplace design strategy and tracking performance metrics to rediscovering watercolor painting and surface pattern design, Rebekah shares how embracing her duality has transformed the way she leads. We talk about data, design time tracking, decision making, creative identity, and the courage it takes to evolve beyond your job title. If you're a design leader, interior designer, or creative professional navigating the balance between business and artistry, this conversation will leave you rethinking what it really means to thrive in this industry. Sometimes the most strategic thing you can do is make space to create. Join a Design POP Circle Connect with Rebekah on LinkedIn Check out Rebekah's art on Lavender Canyon Co Learn more about Pivot Interiors Connect with Alexandra on LinkedIn Follow The Design Pop on LinkedIn Access on-demand training at The Design POP. Questions? Email info@thedesignpop.com The Design Pop is an Imagine a Place Production (presented by OFS) Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Today Allie highlights Olympic figure skater Alysa Liu's incredible success while examining the ethical problems with IVF, surrogacy, and “designer babies” from a Christian perspective. She exposes the global surrogacy industry's darker side, including ties to China and the commodification of children, while insisting every child remains an image-bearer of God. Allie also celebrates Team USA's win over Canada in hockey and unpacks what healthy Christian patriotism should look like today. Share the Arrows 2026 is on October 10 in Dallas, Texas! Tickets are on sale now at: https://sharethearrows.com Buy Allie's book "Toxic Empathy: How Progressives Exploit Christian Compassion": https://www.toxicempathy.com — Timecodes: (00:00) Intro (02:45) Alysa Liu (10:30) Adoption vs. Surrogacy (19:10) China & Surrogates (29:00) Designer Babies (35:30) USA Hockey (43:20) Embracing Patriotism (49:45) Biblical Response — Today's Sponsors: Good Ranchers | If you go to GoodRanchers.com and subscribe to any of their boxes of 100% American meat, you'll save up to $500 a year! Plus, if you use code ALLIE, you'll get an additional $25 off your first order. Legacy Box | Trust the experts to bring those moments back to life. Go to legacybox.com/ALLIE right now to take advantage of the 50% discount they are offering my listeners. Voice of the Martyrs | Visit VOM.org/Allie to get your free copy of "Hearts of Fire 2" today! EveryLife | Visit EveryLife.com and use promo code ALLIE10 to get 10% off your first order today! Alliance Defending Freedom | Go to JoinADF.com/Allie or text ALLIE to 83848 to encourage Gabby today. Holy Pals | Go to HolyPals.com and shop while it's still in stock. Use code ALLIE26 for 10% off. — Related Episodes: Ep 1308 | Frida Baby Exposed: The Truth Behind Its Sick Campaign https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ep-1308-frida-baby-exposed-the-truth-behind-its-sick/id1359249098?i=1000751072088 Ep 1295 | The Sad Truth Behind Meghan Trainor's Surrogacy Story https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/relatable-with-allie-beth-stuckey/id1359249098?i=1000747085607 Ep 1296 | Uncovered: Our Enemies Are Fueling Anti-ICE Protests | Peter Schweizer https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/relatable-with-allie-beth-stuckey/id1359249098?i=1000747464982 — Buy Allie's book "You're Not Enough (and That's Okay): Escaping the Toxic Culture of Self-Love": https://www.alliebethstuckey.com Relatable merchandise: Use promo code ALLIE10 for a discount: https://shop.blazemedia.com/collections/allie-stuckey Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
The sets for the film "Hamnet" included a recreation of the Globe theater and period-accurate homes from 16th century England. Production designer Fiona Crombie discusses her work on the film, which earned her an Oscar nomination. This interview is part of our ongoing Oscar series "The Big Picture." Image courtesy of Focus Features
It's Witness Wednesday! Students at Georgia Tech have their worldviews tested as Todd Friel brings the biblical Christian faith to bear on issues like the afterlife, morality, our conscience, and our ultimate hope. Have you ever wondered how you'd approach someone on the street with the truth of the gospel? Wonder no longer - join Todd to learn how you can evangelize lovingly, truthfully, and effectively. Segment 1 • Orrin says he's a Christian—but struggles to define his purpose in life beyond career success. • He claims he's a “good person,” then wrestles with Scripture's claim that no one is good. • Orrin is forced to examine whether he's truly born again—or just culturally Christian. Segment 2 • French student rejects organized religion—but concedes design may imply a Designer. • Confronted with the moral law: Are you good by God's standard—or just by your own? • Hears the gospel clearly contrasted with every other religion: “Do” vs. “Done.” Segment 3 • Professing Christian claims Jesus is the “tipping point”—but hesitates when truth becomes exclusive. • Todd presses to explain why Christianity alone is true—and why other faiths are wrong. • The gospel is made painstakingly clear: We go to heaven by faith—not because we're “good.” Segment 4 • Georgia Tech student accepts design logic—but questions who designed the Designer. • Claims to be “generally good”—until conscience is examined under God's law. • Hears a direct appeal: justice demands payment—but mercy offers substitution. ___ Thanks for listening! Wretched Radio would not be possible without the financial support of our Gospel Partners. If you would like to support Wretched Radio we would be extremely grateful. VISIT https://fortisinstitute.org/donate/ If you are already a Gospel Partner we couldn't be more thankful for you if we tried!
Trending with Timmerie - Catholic Principals applied to today's experiences.
Grayson Quay author of The Transhumanist Temptation joins Trending with Timmerie Episode Guide Design your own baby, design her mom out of her life, and expect her to perform at the highest level – Olympic gold medalist Alysa Liu (0:50) The nonexistent cyberchip behind transgenderism – living your life uploaded to the database (18:16) Aren’t happy with yourself? Create your AI self – you birth, raise, and set loose (39:44) Resources mentioned: The Transhumanist Temptation: How Technology and Ideology are Reshaping Humanity–And How to Resist by Grayson Quay https://sophiainstitute.com/product/the-transhumanist-temptation/ Designer babies at the Olympics https://www.instagram.com/p/DVG6EMHiEef/?igsh=MWtyaWFxdHNkbWllNQ== Make your Catholic Will today https://catholiclegacy.com/
Now that Mark has new insulation everywhere on the main floor of his house, he has to find a new fireplace protocol to heat the other floors. It is very different than before. Bruce struggles to figure out the measurements of the drawer bottoms to fit in a dado. Also, they answer a listener question. If you want to write in a question, email it to webuiltathing@gmail.com. Mark's YouTube Channel: http://youtube.com/gunflintdesigns Bruce's YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/bruceaulrich DIRTtoDONE on YouTube: http://tinyurl.com/DIRTtoDON Become a patron of the show! http://patreon.com/webuiltathing OUR TOP PATREON SUPPORTERS -Scott @ Dad It Yourself DIY http://bit.ly/3vcuqmv -Ray Jolliff -Deo Gloria Woodworks (Matthew Allen) https://www.instagram.com/deogloriawoodworks/ -Henry Lootens (@Manfaritawood) -Maddux Woodworks http://bit.ly/3chHe2p -Bruce Clark -Monkey Business Woodworks -AC Nailed It -Joe Santos from Designer's Touch Kitchen & Bath Studio -Trevor Support our sponsors: TOOL CODES: -MagSwitch: "GUNFLINT10" -SurfPrep: "BRUCEAULRICH" -Starbond: "BRUCEAULRICH" -Brunt Workgear: "GUNFLINT10" -Rotoboss: "GUNFLINT" -Montana Brand Tools: "GUNFLINT10" -Monport Lasers: "GUNFLINT6" -Stone Coat Epoxy: Gunflint -MAS Epoxy: FLINT -YesWelder: GUNFLINT10 -Millner-Haufen Tool Co: "ULRICH20" for 20% off -Camel City Mill: GUNFLINT10 -Arbortech Tools: "BRUCEAULRICH" for 10% off -Wagner Meters: https://www.wagnermeters.com/shop/orion-950-smart/?ref=210 ETSY SHOPS: Bruce: https://www.etsy.com/shop/BruceAUlrich?ref=simple-shop-header-name&listing_id=942512486 Mark: https://www.etsy.com/shop/GunflintDesigns?ref=search_shop_redirect We are makers, full-time dads and have YouTube channels we are trying to grow and share information with others. Throughout this podcast, we talk about making things, making videos to share on YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, etc...and all of the life that happens in between. CONNECT WITH US: WE BUILT A THING: www.instagram.com/webuiltathingWE BUILT A THING EMAIL: webuiltathing@gmail.com BRUDADDY: www.instagram.com/brudaddy/ GUNFLINT DESIGNS: https://www.instagram.com/gunflintdesigns
Willam and Alaska dive head first into this week's gossip. From Cardi B in concert, to Monét's exposé on YouTube, to Tyra and the ANTM documentary on Netflix. Plus they talk about the magical appearance of strippers at The Abbey the moment the Drag Race credits roll every Friday night. And an extra special tip spot with the one and only Sapphira Cristál to discuss her upcoming comedy tour and her foot that is in fact, slue.And a very special Birthday Bukkake to our sister Courtney Act!Get tickets at SEESAPPHIRA.com for upcoming comedy dates in March!Listen to Race Chaser Ad-Free on MOM PlusFollow us on IG at @racechaserpod and click the link in bio for a list of organizations you can donate to in support of Black Lives MatterRainbow Spotlight: World Stops Turning by Scooben Von DubenFOLLOW ALASKAhttps://twitter.com/Alaska5000https://www.instagram.com/theonlyalaska5000https://www.facebook.com/AlaskaThunderhttps://www.youtube.com/channel/UC9vnKqhNky1BcWqXbDs0NAQFOLLOW WILLAMhttps://twitter.com/willamhttps://www.instagram.com/willamhttps://www.facebook.com/willamhttps://www.youtube.com/channel/UCrO9hj5VqGJufBlVJy-8D1gRACE CHASER IS A FOREVER DOG PODCASTSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.