Design Matters

Writer, director and actress Miranda July discusses the surreality of releasing a surreal movie in an even more surreal time—and the eternal magic of kissing, cakes and clothes.

Feeling like an outsider, Jonny Sun turned to performance, comedy and Twitter—eventually channeling his thoughts into Jomny Sun and his signature Aliebn, and now his beautifully, happily sad book, “Goodbye, Again.”

Alison Bechdel. Eileen Myles. Kenny Fries. Saeed Jones. Four icons reflect on their journeys in this special Pride episode of Design Matters.

Ping Zhu’s parents were afraid her interest in illustration might just be a phase … and then she landed her first assignment ever at The New York Times. Here, she discusses her career trajectory.

Fabien Baron wanted to follow in his father’s footsteps—so he dropped out of school to conquer the magazine world, and has since realized that storytelling is at the core of everything he does, including his latest passion: film.

Susan Orlean takes what appears to be ordinary corners of everyday life—and brings them to the page with startling wonderment and wit.

Nick Cave and Bob Faust discuss the incredible life of creativity, courageousness and community they have built together.

She was a teenage media mogul—and now her story extends to the page and the stage … not to mention the reboot of “Gossip Girl.” Get to know Tavi Gevinson.

Beeple began creating a new piece of art each day with his aptly titled “everydays” series … which ultimately led to an astonishing $69 million NFT sale. Here, he breaks down how it all happened.

Across 50 years in the art scene, Futura has undergone a brilliant evolution from graffiti prodigy to design master.

Tanya Selvaratnam has said that when life throws you lemons, make art—and she has profoundly done just that in the face of unimaginable circumstances over the course of a long career blending activism and creativity.

From the profound experience of making “Dead Poets Society” to the “Before” trilogy and his new book, Ethan Hawke discusses a life spent celebrating creativity in its many forms.

From finding and focusing in on your artistic voice to staying passionate and purposefully driven, creative sherpa Lisa Congdon once again helps listeners take their work to new heights.

Robert Wong ditched accounting and pursued his artistic dreams, criss-crossing the world before co-creating the innovative Google Creative Lab.

From creativity to creative struggles and what makes or breaks a “This American Life” story, Ira Glass reflects on a career in the airwaves.

Robyn Kanner’s sponsor asked what her goals were. She said she was going to elect the next president of the United States. And in this episode exploring her powerful journey, she breaks down how she helped do exactly that.

Randa Jarrar has made the world a sexier and more thoughtful place—and on this episode, she discusses her powerful new memoir, "My Love is an Ex-Country."

In her inspiring creative journey, author Jacqueline Woodson went from struggling with words as a child to mastering them today.

The legendary David Byrne reflects on his formative years, the mystery that underpins making music, and his cathartic Broadway experience, “American Utopia.”

From her trend-setting career with J.Crew to the medley of new projects she has launched over the past year, Jenna Lyons has perpetually made the world a more stylish, joyful place.

In an illuminating and cerebral discussion, Adam Grant discusses his new book “Think Again: The Power of Knowing What You Don't Know”—and the value of checking in and checking up on yourself.

Sex, power, feminism—Marilyn Minter reflects on her rise, being banished from the art world, and her return and personal revolution.

Esther Perel explores the fascinating design of marriage, modern intimacy and relationships—and the complex dynamics of infidelity.

Belonging. Human connection. Vulnerability. Failure. Perseverance. On this episode, Brené Brown discusses the highs and lows of her creative journey—and the essential elements of a life lived bravely.

Marina Abramović reflects on all the moments that made her the performance genius that she is today—in which the artist is, indeed, utterly present.