Never Work a Day

Terry Guy has spent his career turning the art world's rules upside down — and he's not done yet. As the founder of Secret Walls, the global competitive art event that's redefined what it means to watch someone create, Terry has had a front-row seat to one of the most dramatic cultural shifts of our time: the moment graffiti stopped being a crime and started becoming a career. In th...

On this episode of Never Work a Day, we sit down with Shantell Martin, a visual artist, performer, and cultural facilitator whose iconic line based work sits at the intersection of art, identity, and technology. From teaching at MIT Media Lab and NYU Tisch to collaborating with brands like The North Face, Tiffany & Co, and Vitra, Shantell has built a multidisciplinary practice rooted in explor...

On this episode of Never Work a Day , we sit down with Tracey Baker-Simmons — a pioneering producer and entertainment executive whose 25+ year career helped shape modern music video culture and reality television. From her early days in marketing at Warner Bros. and producing alongside Organized Noize, to creating iconic visuals with artists like Nas, Brandy, and Queen Latifah, Tracey went on to b...

One year ago, Never Work a Day began as a search for fulfillment in work and grew into honest, generous conversations about creativity, community, reinvention, and moving forward when the world feels uncertain. In this special episode, we revisit favorite moments from the past year exploring world building, truth telling, designing people first systems, making space for joy, and using new tools (i...

In this episode of Never Work a Day, we sit down with legendary creative thought leader James Victore — the artist, designer, and renegade educator known for pushing people to live boldly and create with purpose. Described as “part Darth Vader, part Yoda,” James has spent his career helping others find clarity, courage, and their true creative voice. From apprenticing under Paul Bacon at 23, to ex...

On this episode of Never Work a Day, we sit down with Vaughn Terry Jelks — a fashion designer, bespoke tailor, and cultural architect whose roots in Gary, Indiana shaped a lifelong belief that style is identity, dignity, and storytelling. From discovering his craft at home to training at FIDM and breaking into the industry under legendary costumer Bill Whitten, Vaughn went on to design for Earth,...

On this episode of Never Work a Day , we sit down with Atiba T. Edwards , President & CEO of the Brooklyn Children’s Museum — the first museum in the world created just for kids. From his early days on Wall Street as a top-ranked Fixed Income Research Analyst to leading one of Brooklyn’s most beloved cultural institutions, Atiba’s journey is one of purpose, reinvention, and impact. We talk abo...

This week on Never Work a Day , Kanene Ayo Holder sits down with Arana Hankin‑Biggers, co-founder of The Travel Agency: A C*nn*bis Store — New York’s premier legal retail brand. Arana shares how she helped elevate the brand through design, social equity, and community-first values while scaling multiple flagship locations across NYC. We explore the changing landscape of the legal C*nn*bis market,...

On this episode of Never Work a Day , we welcome Noor Tagouri — award-winning journalist, producer, and media innovator. From founding At Your Service Media to launching her investigative series REP , Noor’s work explores how narrative, truth, and representation shape our culture. In this episode, she shares how she bridges storytelling with integrity, why REP rethinks objectivity in media, and ho...

We’re joined by sibling duo Mica and Noah Scalin — artists, authors, and creative leaders behind Another Limited Rebellion . Together, they’ve built a practice rooted in the belief that creativity is not just for a select few but a skill anyone can cultivate. In this episode, Mica and Noah share how they’ve used art, coaching, and collaboration to inspire growth in individuals, organizations, and...

In this episode, we sit down with Kanene Ayo Holder , a three-time National Endowment for the Humanities award-winning educator, AI strategist, and comedian. Known as the “FutureFixer,” Kanene advises organizations like The United Nations HIVE, Shutterstock, and The American Red Cross on AI ethics, the future of work, innovation, and creative strategy. Kanene shares her unique perspective on AI’s...

In the season finale of Never Work A Day , we’re turning the mic on our very own Nickey Frankel . The visionary founder and CEO of Preview Media . With a career spanning UX, creative direction, and experiential design, Nickey has worked with some of the world’s top theaters and Fortune 500 companies—translating big ideas into meaningful, real-world experiences. In this conversation, we get a rare...

In this episode of Never Work a Day , we sit down with Kemar Jewel—a powerhouse Black Queer Director and Choreographer reshaping the future of storytelling through movement, theatre, and unapologetic authenticity. From going viral with Voguing Train to headlining Global Black Pride and choreographing for icons like Bob Sinclar and Todrick Hall, Kemar’s journey blends the magic of Blackness, Queern...

In this episode of Never Work A Day , we speak with Emily Fields Joffrion—a storyteller, artist, and communications leader whose career spans startups, unicorns, and myth-making. As Airbnb’s first communications hire, Emily helped define the Sharing Economy and shape one of the most iconic travel brands in the world. Today, she helps leaders craft human-centric narratives that build culture, trust...

In this episode, we sit down with Lauren Ducrey , a poet, UX content strategist, and advocate for mindful communication. From crafting language for Google’s AI to performing poetry at Burning Man, Lauren’s journey bridges tech, art, and healing in profound ways. We talk about poetic leadership, the power of language in shaping culture, and how creative practice can ground us in an AI-driven world....

In this episode of Never Work a Day , we sit down with Sean Blanda—writer, editor, creative leader, and founder of Gate Check Studios. With a background that includes leading content at Crossbeam, InVision, Adobe’s 99U, and more, Sean shares his thoughts on the power of owning your content, how brands can authentically tell their own stories, and why so many agency case studies miss the mark. From...

In this episode of Never Work a Day , we’re joined by Paul Jun—a multi-hyphenate creative force whose career spans brand leadership, design direction, writing, and photography. Currently the Director of Brand at Personio, Paul’s journey includes shaping brand identities at Mixpanel, launching IDEAS at COLLINS, and helping build the foundation of Seth Godin’s altMBA. We dive into what it means to l...

In this episode of Never Work a Day , we sit down with Joe Lazer—best-selling author of The Storytelling Edge , Fractional CMO at Pepper, and the creator of a storytelling newsletter read by over 185,000 people each week—to explore why storytelling is the most essential skill of the AI era. From the limitations of AI-generated narratives to the deep human need for meaning and connection, Joe break...

In this episode, Nickey is joined by the incredibly talented Marisa Löwenstein to explore the intersection of meditation and creativity. With a background in set design for theater and opera, Marisa has spent over 20 years shaping artistic narratives across industries—from fine arts to high fashion. As the former Senior Director of Creative Services at Ralph Lauren, she has mastered the art of sto...

In this episode of Never Work a Day , Nickey sits down with the brilliant Mica Scalin—artist, innovator, coach, and co-founder of Another Limited Rebellion. Mica shares her insights on integrating creativity into corporate culture, the power of art in fostering connection, and how we can come together to make a real impact. With a dynamic career spanning media, communications, and the arts, Mica h...

In this episode of Never Work a Day , Nickey is joined by the incredible Solonje Burnett—a people advocate, breathwork guide, and culture curator. Solonje shares her journey of blending activism, wellness, and community care, emphasizing the power of self-care as the foundation for collective well-being. From her work in social equity and sustainability to her role in the Resistance Revival Chorus...

On this episode of Never Work a Day , Nickey is joined by Amber Godfrey, a seasoned international school counselor. Amber shares her unique journey growing up in international schools, navigating career shifts, and ultimately returning to her passion for education. She discusses the challenges and rewards of guiding students across cultures, balancing life abroad with her family, and the ever-evol...

On this episode of Never Work a Day , Nickey sits down with James Phillipp, also known as The Turbulence Coach. James shares his inspiring journey of guiding individuals through life’s uncertainties and transitions, helping them uncover their truest selves. Together, they explore the profound impact of grief work, the art of finding purpose during turbulent times. Visit https://www.theturbulenceco...

 “Never Work a Day” is a podcast featuring genuine discussions with individuals who are reshaping the concept of work and discovering purpose through their passions. On this episode Nickey is joined by Eleni Simos also known as The Clean Eating Chick. Together, the two discuss Eleni’s journey into health and wellness, how she created her juice company, CLEANSED, and how she perseveres through impo...