Matters of Experience

As museums evolve from traditional repositories of art and artifacts to dynamic spaces that reflect their visitors’ diverse voices and experiences, creating inclusive spaces for audiences is more critical than ever. This week’s guest is on a mission to foster inclusivity in cultural institutions. Join Abby and Brenda as they chat with Jamie Lawyer, the Chief Experience Officer at the Rubin Museum...

What do textiles and technology have in common? Independently, each medium can be used as a form of artistic expression. Together, they can combine to tell stories that blur the boundaries between the digital and the physical. Nicole Yi Messier is a multidisciplinary artist and the co-founder of Craftwork, who loves to create experiences that push the envelope in terms of how we interact with them...

In this episode, discover the transformative power of mentorship, visitor-centered design, and innovative storytelling with Trent Oliver, the Principal and Managing Director of Blue Telescope. From fostering diversity and inclusion to balancing work-life as a parent, Trent shares insights on shaping the future of interactive experiences. If you’re curious about the unique perspectives and challeng...

Remember the excitement of exploring new worlds as a child? What if you could step back into that sense of wonder and curiosity? Join us as we journey into the captivating realm of children’s museums with this week’s guest, Anne Fullenkamp, the Senior Director of Creative Experiences at the Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh. From interactive exhibits to inclusive experiences, this episode embarks on...

In this episode of Matters of Experience, Abby and Brenda engage in a dynamic conversation with Dr. Kiersten F. Latham , co-author of Flourishing in Museums: Towards a Positive Museology . Together, they delve into the transformative power of positivity within the museum field, exploring how fostering a culture of flourishing not only enhances visitor experiences but also empowers museum staff to...

This week’s guest believes that the future is not for us to await, but rather to create, and that every idea exists for us to envision and then manifest. In this episode, hosts Abby and Brenda engage in a dynamic conversation with Creative Engineer, Sundar Raman about art, technology, and human experience. From embracing curiosity to fostering empathy, this episode offers a glimpse into the boundl...

Why accept the rules of reality when you can explore the power of possibility? How can immersive experiences invite people to embrace the present moment and challenge the boundaries of what’s possible? The answers to these questions and more, on this insightful episode featuring Ed Purver , a creative director and thought leader. His work on projects, including the Sphere in Las Vegas, encourages...

In this episode of Matters of Experience, explore the intricacies of curating stories that breathe life into artifacts, revealing raw emotions and untold narratives. Join Abby and Brenda in conversation with Jan Seidler Ramirez, the founding Chief Curator of the National September 11th Memorial and Museum in New York City. Jan shares insights into the delicate balance between remembrance and hope,...

/imagine two podcast hosts, Abby and Brenda, speaking to a guest, Chris Cooper, at a recording studio in New York City about utilizing artificial intelligence to explore the synergy of human ingenuity and machine intelligence within experience design. --style raw Show Notes: ChatGPT Claude AI Midjourney Stability AI DALL·E 3 If you have any comments, suggestions or questions about the show please...

Are you curious to discover what an abundance mindset, JEDI meeting, or radical hospitality is? In this episode, we’ll talk about these topics and more with special guest Bosco Hernandez, the design director at the SFMOMA. Bosco delves into his approach to making museums more inclusive, enhancing visitor experiences, and the importance of framing questions with possibilities. This episode is a mus...

Neil Mendoza is a leading figure in new media, experimental art, and technology who challenges preconceived notions and offers fresh perspectives on familiar subjects. In this episode, Neil shares his childhood experiences, discussing the blend of curiosity, technical exploration, and creativity that shaped his path. Discover how Neil’s work connects with viewers on a deeper level, creating a brid...

Have you ever wondered how a museum turns the secret world of spies into an exciting experience? Join Abby and Brenda in a captivating conversation with Kathryn Keane, Vice President of Exhibitions & Collections at the International Spy Museum, as she discusses how to create exhibits that are both serious and seriously fun. Explore the challenges and successes of bringing history to life and g...

Gretchen Coss is a passionate educator and industry luminary who has been a driving force in cultivating and supporting students and emerging professionals in experience design. Her transformative work as the Senior Vice President of Strategic Partnerships at G&A (formerly Gallagher and Associates) mirrors her commitment to fostering talent. Tune in to this episode of Matters of Experience as...

Dive into a rollercoaster of emotions with our latest podcast episode and join Abby and Brenda as they explore the fascinating interplay of emotions in the world of experience design. From understanding the emotional volatility of historical figures to managing creative teams and clients, this episode delves deep into the power of emotions in storytelling and design. Don't miss this insightful jou...

Coming to you live from the American Museum of Natural History, Abby and Brenda provide their unique perspective on museum design as they explore the new Gilder Center on the latest episode of Matters of Experience. Join them as they share their unfiltered impressions about their on-site visit, revealing the museum’s impressive aspects while also addressing elements that fell short of their expect...

This week’s guest genuinely believes that solutions to the world’s most challenging problems, including climate change, are well within our reach. In this episode, hosts Abby and Brenda sit with accomplished advisor, speaker, and changemaker Tom Bowman to explore the intersection of climate change and the design industry, unveiling how innovative design concepts and practices can drive positive en...

Imagine being a kid again - that's what this week's guest, Victor Torregroza, challenges designers to do as they create experiences. Victor, the Events & Experiences Program Manager at Intel Corporation, joins the podcast to talk about the business of connecting people to stories and how experience designers can enrich the human connection to create moments of sensory excitement, information,...

When people think of the event industry, they don’t necessarily think about them as designed experiences. However, industry events and trade shows provide a unique opportunity for companies to create a narrative that resonates with the audience’s needs and challenges. In this episode of Matters of Experience, join Abby and Brenda as they explore the dynamic world of trade shows with seasoned indus...

Live from SEGD’ s 50th Anniversary Conference in Washington, DC, join Abby and Brenda for a special episode that captures the essence of design excellence across five decades. As they celebrate this milestone, we bring you exclusive interviews with some of the design world’s finest minds, including Rich Burns (SEGD Founder), Llisa Demetrios ( Eames Institute ), Gretchen Coss ( Gallagher & Asso...

This enlightening episode explores the intersection of art, design, empathy, and societal transformation with creative producer and curator Andrea Hadley-Johnson. Andrea, currently the Artistic Program Manager for the National Justice Museum, takes us on a journey through her creative process and the power of objects to convey messages of love, justice, and social change within exhibitions. Drawin...

In a rapidly evolving technological landscape within designed experiences, where does the human element fit in? Join Abby and Brenda in a captivating conversation with Immersive Thought Leader/Co-Founder/Emmy Award-Winning Creator/Experience Designer Brian Allen , as they delve into the delicate balance between cutting-edge innovations and maintaining the essence of human connection. Discover the...

In this inspiring episode, Abby and Brenda sit with the brilliant Cybelle Jones, CEO of the Society for Experiential Graphic Design (SEGD), to explore her incredible journey in the experience design field. Cybelle shares her transformative experiences while working on projects like the International Spy Museum and the Mississippi Arts + Entertainment Museum , highlighting her dedication to making...

Who truly owns historical objects? And what happens when Indigenous cultural artifacts are returned to their rightful communities? Join Abby and Brenda in a thought-provoking conversation with Terry Snowball, Museum Specialist at the Smithsonian Institution. In this episode, Terry shares his experiences and insights into the complicated world of repatriation, exploring the challenges and triumphs...

In this episode, Abby and Brenda invite Ed Rodley , an award-winning experience designer and co-founder of Experience Alchemists , to discuss the creativity, psychology, and innovation behind designed experiences. Ed shares his journey from being an 11-year-old museum volunteer to becoming a prominent figure in experience design for cultural organizations. The episode also explores holistic visito...

Emotion. Surprise. Beauty. These elements of sensation are what make design compelling in immersive experiences. This week’s guest is Ellen Lupton , a curator, educator, designer, and expert on multi-sensory design. In this episode, Ellen discusses her design approach to influence emotions, behavior, and memory. So whether you’re a designer, a business owner, or simply someone interested in learni...