Fail. Hard. with Will Hall

Each year, host Will Hall makes six predictions about tech, design, and innovation. In this first of two bonus episodes, Will shares the results from his predictions last year and revisits his forecast about TikTok’s looming ban. Don’t miss this journey through the past, present, and what’s next! Host: Will Hall https://www.willhall.co https://www.instagram.com/willhall.co/ https://www.youtube.com...

In the season finale of Fail Hard, host Will Hall welcomes Giorgia Lupi, partner at Pentagram and the visionary behind data humanism, for a conversation that bridges the worlds of creativity, design, and data. From her groundbreaking Dear Data project to her celebrated work at Pentagram, Giorgia reveals how she turns raw, impersonal data into deeply human stories. They explore her architectural ro...

What does it mean to create without compromise? Emmy-winning artist and designer Mike Perry joins host Will Hall to unpack just that. From the hand-drawn charm of his early work to the endlessly playful animations of Broad City , Mike has carved out a career brimming with creativity, joy, and unapologetic authenticity.  In this episode, we discuss trusting your intuition, navigating success withou...

What happens when a city’s grand vision for an architectural icon goes hilariously—and gloriously—off the rails? In this episode of Fail Hard, we unpack the bizarre and captivating tale of the Memphis Pyramid, a towering stainless steel structure that’s equal parts ancient grandeur, space-age ambition, and commercial spectacle. Originally conceived as a cultural centerpiece to rival the pyramids o...

We're on the road this week filming Hotels by Design, so are away from the recording studio. We'll see you next week with a shiny new episode! 

In this episode, we dive into the power of storytelling in design and innovation. Host Will Hall speaks with Tim Shih, a visionary designer in the automotive industry, as they explore how we live, shape, and even rewrite the stories that define us. Tim shares insights from his career journey, touching on his experiences in transportation design at places like Volvo and BMW to his latest venture, t...

In this episode of Fail Hard , host Will Hall dives deep into the world of subversive pop art with none other than THE SUCKLORD, a pioneer in the art of bootleg toys. Known for embracing the "suckiness" in his work, The Sucklord reflects on his journey, the tension between success and failure, and his unique perspective on creativity. The conversation explores themes of artistic identity...

We're living in a time where the pace of innovation is accelerating so rapidly that it feels almost instantaneous. The systems we're building—especially in AI—are often black box, with consequences that remain largely unknown. So, who is shaping and steering this future?   Nearly 50% of employees at AI companies are under 40, with an acceleration in hires under the age of 25. This means...

In this episode of Fail Hard, Will Hall sits down with Angelina Lippert, executive director and curator of New York’s Poster House, to dive into the fascinating world of posters, design, and ephemera.  From the fascinating history of vintage posters to the cultural shifts in advertising, this episode delves into the creative process and the surprising connections between art, history, and everyday...

In this episode of Fail Hard, host Will Hall sits down with legendary photographer Frank Ockenfels III, whose iconic imagery has shaped some of the most defining moments in entertainment. From Breaking Bad and Mad Men to The Bear and American Horror Story, Frank’s visual storytelling has left an indelible mark on television. His work extends to blockbuster films like Harry Potter, Pirates of the C...

In this episode of Fail Hard, host Will Hall sits down with acclaimed industrial designer Scott Henderson for a conversation about design, intuition, and the creative process.    Scott, founder of his own design studio in Brooklyn, shares insights into the role of subconscious creativity, the importance of "trapped energy" in great design, and how fun and joy should never be overlooked i...

In this episode of Fail Hard , host Will Hall dives deep into the creative chaos of insomnia and the strange beauty of late-night life. Will reflects on his lifelong struggle with sleep, the surreal experiences that come from wandering the streets in the early hours, and the unexpected inspiration found in those dark, quiet moments.  Supplemental videos for some episodes will be posted to Will&apo...

What does it truly mean to be a professional? Beyond dedication, discipline, and perseverance, there's another key factor that often goes overlooked: mindset. In this episode of Fail Hard, host Will Hall unpacks this question, exploring how mental barriers can prevent us from reaching our full potential.  Through compelling stories and real-life examples, Will offers insights into overcoming...

After a two-year hiatus, Fail Hard is BACK! In this season three premiere, we dive into the idea of creative seasons—those periods of intense growth, reflection, and everything in between.    Host Will Hall shares his journey over the past 24 months and how these moments have shaped his view on creativity and life. Whether you're in the planting phase of a new idea or hunkered down in the gri...

We answer some listener mail in this Season Two Finale (Season Three is just around the corner!). Questions covered the pesky topic of procrastination, promoting iteration within organizations, professional advancement, and the somewhat questionable origins of the podcast's name. CREDITS Host: Will Hall https://www.willhall.co https://www.instagram.com/willhall.co/ Engineer: Martin Nayeri htt...

Creativity is born from constraints. And of all the limitations we have to deal with, the restriction of time is the most profound. In this episode, we explore the topic of time and its relationship to expression and meaning.  CREDITS Host: Will Hall https://www.willhall.co https://www.instagram.com/willhall.co/ Engineer: Martin Nayeri https://kariom.art/ https://www.instagram.com/kariomart/ Spons...

Montreal's Olympic Stadium is often considered the most poorly managed construction project ever. What started as a $140 million project ballooned to over $3 billion. Every moment of this stadium's 50-year legacy is laced with failure.    This episode explores how the stadium went off the rails and what we can learn from it. CREDITS Host: Will Hall https://www.willhall.co https://www.ins...

Caught the 'vid. Be back next week! 

Internet fame is a double-edged sword. On the one hand, having a large audience opens doors and builds influence. On the other, it can also become a burden and warp everything around you. In this episode, Christian Watson of 1924us sat down with host Will Hall to discuss navigating success early on, the evolution of his studio, and the virtues of finding your creative voice.     CREDITS  Guest: 19...

In this short teaser, host Will Hall gives an update on travel and next episodes. 

There's an artistic whisper before every significant scientific breakthrough — an intuition of what's to come. In this episode, host Will Hall explores the unexpected relationship between creative exploration and scientific discoveries.  CREDITS Host: Will Hall https://www.willhall.co https://www.instagram.com/willhall.co/ Engineer: Martin Nayeri https://kariom.art/ https://www.instagram...

Matt Owens is a Designer and partner at Athletics in NYC. In this episode, Matt sat down with host Will Hall to discuss his early days in music, his time at Cranbrook, the future of creative agencies, and the value of creating programs for your life.  CREDITS Guest: Matt Owens // Athletics https://athleticsnyc.com/ https://www.instagram.com/athleticsnyc/ https://www.volumeone.com/ https://www.inst...

In this second installment of our two-part interview, Draplin of DDC and Field Notes fame sits down with host Will Hall to discuss running a merch empire, the surprise success of his book, and speculations about the next ten years. Hint: sweatpants will still be involved.    CREDITS Guest: DDC // Aaron James Draplin https://www.draplin.com/ https://www.instagram.com/draplin/ Host: Will Hall https:...

From running his studio, DDC, to starting everyone's favorite EDC, Field Notes, few designers have been more influential than Aaron James Draplin over the past two decades.  In this part one of a two-part interview, Draplin sits down with host Will Hall to discuss his early days at Charles S. Anderson/CSA Archive, the art of building an empire in your backyard, and the virtues of being frugal...

The Royal Oak. Falling Water. Rocky. In this episode, host Will Hall explores how moments of creative genius often emerge in a single night. But these sparks of inspiration aren't always what they seem to be. CREDITS Host: Will Hall https://www.willhall.co https://www.instagram.com/willhall.co/ Engineer: Martin Nayeri https://kariom.art/ https://www.instagram.com/kariomart/ Music: Spencer Ber...