leaders x design

This week we talked to Isaias Hernandez, an environmental educator, and influencer (@queerbrownvegan). We discuss the importance of environmental education and resources, how being vegan can positively impact not just the world but also individuals, and why disengaging from technology and connecting with nature is vital.

In this episode, we talk to Kendra Stepp-Davis. A Black artist and creative hailing from New York, and the co-founder of The Culture Rooms (@theculturerooms). We talk about the importance of representation, how Black culture is culture, and why learning about Black artists is everyone’s responsibility.

This week we’re joined by Shannon Downey— an Artist, activist, craftivist— and the mastermind behind Badass Cross Stitch (@badasscrossstitch). We talk about the importance of activism and connecting with your community, ethics in creating and the connection to erasure of marginalized folks, and dealing with your own shit as a way of better aiding causes.

In this bonus episode Allie and Krista talk about the cost of experience and how it relates to not only their field of design, but other avenues as well. The old saying of "you get what you pay for" is absolutely true with everything. Tune in to hear our thoughts on the matter.

This week we talk to Eden and Jess, the ladies behind Kith & Kin Philly— A playing and gathering place here in Philadelphia (@kithkinphilly). We talk about the importance of community with parenting and raising tiny humans, how they pivoted their business model in the pandemic, and how the best guilty pleasures happen when the kiddos are asleep. Basically, this is the motherhood episode…

This week we chatted with Rina Stone (@rinajstone), the Executive Creative Director at InStyle Magazine (@instylemagazine). We discuss the importance of mentorship at every level, balancing not only work and life but life and the highlight reel of social media, and how what we do as creatives is actually pretty darn cool.

This week, we talk to Juliana Laury. A writer, podcaster, artist, and creative maven— and an old friend to both Allie & Krista. She just launched an INCREDIBLE podcast— FLOW (which you can find wherever you get your podcasts). And, as a bonus, stick around after the interview for a sneak preview of the first episode. We discuss giving space to grow and mourn each stage in life, the process of cult...

Coming off of the week post-wedding for Allie, we chat about wedding industry misconceptions and how bullshit they are. Really, don't stress and just take it all in stride. We promise that this is just one day in your life and it isn't a big deal in the grand scheme of things. But alcohol helps get through it!

This episode we talk to Lauren Foundos, the CEO and founder of Forte Fitness (@forte.fit)— a tech/streaming fitness platform that is transforming the fitness industry that makes working out at home a viable option. We talk about her shift from a career from finance on Wall Street to leading an innovative tech and fitness company, how her experience as an athlete shaped her as a business woman and...

This week we talk to Jen Kober, a comedian, writer, and actor, and a mean maker of Fried Chicken hailing from Los Angeles. We talk about suffering for our art, why prioritizing your sanity is key, and the importance of the buddy system. Take a listen to the episode, and find Jen online at JenKober.com.

In this episode, we talk to our former classmate Mary Guiles, a freelance Maker and Creative from Virginia. We discuss the importance of doing what makes you happy, the impact that COVID had on her businesses, how she pivoted, and how being a mother has enhanced her creative process.

This episode we talked to Christania, the editor and chief of AZ Mag (@azmaguk), an online publication in the UK that focuses on highlighting “QTIBPOC” talents and issues. We discuss the importance of story telling for marginalized experiences, how the team curates meaningful content, and why we should always celebrate the small victories. With that, here’s Christania.

This episode Allie and Krista talk about their experiences with unwanted attention in the form of sexual advances. Let us be clear, you are not alone if you have received any, and if you are sending any - go kick rocks.

This episode we talk to Amanda Petrellis, a clinical trial project manager and current grad student from Philadelphia. We talk about the importance of research to the human experience, why taking care of yourself is essential, and the power of women in STEM. We’re excited to get back to our regularly scheduled program.

This week Allie and Krista talk about their experiences within the Me Too Movement. Honestly, there isn't much more to say about it ahead of time. If you or someone you know needs assistance because of an attack, you can reach out to us to talk, or you can talk to a professional at the National Sexual Assault Hotline available 24 hours hours a day through 1-800-656-4673. www.rainn.org www.nottoday...

In this episode, we talk to Phillip Ramautar (@pdcr91). A social worker in Philadelphia and a self-described “Queer Indo-Guyanese-American trying to exist." We discuss the journey of sexual identity, what it was like growing up as a minority in the south, and how families are not just made in one way. This is a long one, but one of the best conversations we have had on the show

In this episode, we had the opportunity to speak with Eve Berg, the retired California Police Chief (and as a cool bonus, was also the bodyguard for Kobe Bryant during his time with the LA Lakers). We learn about how it was for her to be the first female captain and then chief in her jurisdiction, how being a mom was always a priority within her life, and what she is most proud of accomplishing wi...

This week we took a bit of a break from our normal interviews and chatted about body image. We talk about how both of us view ourselves and each other differently, how the media has started to turn the corner with displaying real bodies, and stories about how people shamed us for how we looked. Essentially, this is just another bitch session - but we hope you like it all the same.

In this episode, we talk to Molly Alloy (@mollyalloy). A fine artist and designer from Portland Oregon and the co-director of the Five Oaks Museum(@fiveoaksmuseum). We discuss the differences between art and design, why creativity plays a huge role in the systems that surround us -- like parenting, technology, and white supremacy-- and how societal views of gender are finally evolving.

This week we talk to Lennie Gray Mowris— a self taught designer, magically disgruntled manifestor, and the curator of @Lenspeace. We discuss the importance of showing up for yourself and your community, why being an upstarter is actually an amazing thing, and how living in truth is key. They're also a hero of ours both in the design field and for the work they do on self actualization.

This week we chatted with Carly Longo, a recent college grad who is jumping headfirst into the world of software engineering. We discuss the importance of mental health, being a woman in a male-dominated field, and why advocating and rooting for yourself is key. What a strong and resilient young woman--it must run in the family.

In this episode, we talk to Caroline Tiger and Royce Epstein, the creative minds and curators behind the Instagram account @Dissent_By_Design. We discuss how radical protests can be in the form of the simplest of actions, the importance of empathy and education, and why words matter. Tune in and listen to two friends… interview another pair of friends.

This episode features our very own Allie! Just like the episode where Allie interviewed Krista, we flipped the tables and Krista interviewed Allie. We talk about motherhood, giving yourself permission to be, and dealing with the punches that life has a tendency to throw at you.

On this episode we talked to our old classmate, Christina Minopoli. A designer, illustrator, and fellow typography nerd. We reminisce about our college days (and dish on old professors), discuss what Christina’s been up to since we last spoke at graduation, and how life never goes exactly to plan.

We mixed things up a bit this week and decided to interview each other. This time, Krista is up to bat. Tune in to learn a little bit about her, what inspires her, and - of course - what makes her truly angry.