Best Designthinking Podcasts (2025)

1
160. Modernism’s Magic Hat with Ijlal Muzzafar 1:00:05

6d ago1:00:05

1:00:05

Today, we are joined by Ijlal Muzzafar who is a professor at RISD and author of Modernism’s Magic Hat: Architecture and the Illusion of Development without Capital. The book is M’s thesis on how modernists in the post-war era invoked and worked with the concept of development to produce a re-imaging of development as a process of self-actualization…

1
The Story of Alwin Put - Why Holding Space is Exhausting (and Beautiful) 1:41:27

15d ago1:41:27

1:41:27

The Hidden Life of a Facilitator By Arne van Oosterom Facilitation often looks easy from the outside. A room full of people, energy, sticky notes, good vibes, some structure, and someone calmly guiding the process. But what most people don’t see is the part that happens afterwards. When the room is empty again. When you’re back in the car. Or alone…

1
COLUMN - by Arne van Oosterom - AI and the Human Experience 6:45

21d ago6:45

6:45

Hey everyone, welcome to another episode of Future Skills Academy Podcast with a Column by Arne van oosterom: I’m really excited to share something that’s been on my mind for a while. We’ve all heard how technology—and more specifically AI—seems to be creeping into every corner of our lives. I mean, it’s not just about writing blog posts or crunchi…

1
The Story of Annika Madejska - Ethical Debt, AI and Neurodiversity 1:28:53

26d ago1:28:53

1:28:53

Wired Differently: A Conversation with Annika Madejska on AI, Neurodiversity, and Ethical Debt When we spoke with Annika Madejska for our podcast, it was one of those conversations that lingered long after we hit stop on the recording. Thoughtful, sharp, and honest—Annika shared stories and insights that connected the personal and the professional …

1
159. Devising Theater with Jeffrey Fracé 55:37

1M ago55:37

55:37

Today, we are joined by Jeffrey Fracé who is the chair of acting at the University of Washington. Fracé discusses his background of the arts through Shakespeare, improvisational theater, the different modalities of theater, and the difference between producing theater and producing architecture.

1
158. Jean Louis Cohen and the Transurbanism of the Modern City 52:44

2M ago52:44

52:44

“Architecture and culture operate in a porous manner through the construction of ideas…Trotsky reading Henry George, who had an impact on Frank Lloyd Wright in the U.S. which then bounced back into Russia in the 1930s… so I’m interested in the worldwide circulation of ideas, and their patterns and themes of discourse. ” Jean Louis Cohen We are brin…

1
EDITORIAL - The Edge of Chaos - 11:31

2M ago11:31

11:31

Welcome to this week’s Editorial. I’m thrilled you’re joining me today. I want to dive into a topic that’s central to how we innovate, lead, and navigate our constantly changing world. And the metaphor I love using for this is the image of a tightrope walker. So, picture yourself on a tightrope, arms stretched out, wobbling just enough to keep your…

1
The Story of Samuel West - Museum of Failure and conceptual dyslexia 1:34:55

2M ago1:34:55

1:34:55

In this episode, we explore the concept of "conceptual dyslexia" with Samuel West, the founder of the Museum of Failure. We discuss how this term illuminates the cognitive processes of creative thinkers who connect diverse concepts, enhancing our understanding of the world. Samuel shares insights on navigating creativity amidst uncertainty, emphasi…

1
157. Life is a River, A Conversation with 2018 Pritzker Prize Winner BV Doshi 47:22

3M ago47:22

47:22

At age 90, Balkrishna Vithaldas (B.V.) Doshi's journey in architecture has spanned 70 years, starting from Indian independence in 1947, to the vicissitudes of postmodernism and globalization. Doshi's voice is a touchstone in global and Indian modernism. Conversation topics include his reflection on life and creativity, his 'favorite' projects, the …

1
The Story of Jim Kalbach - Improvisation, Music and the Future of Organizations 1:24:51

3M ago1:24:51

1:24:51

Jim Kalbach is the Chief Evangelist at Mural 00:00:08 Intro / Chatting / Holiday Reflections 00:02:40 Introducing Jim Kalbach 00:04:20 The Influence of Jazz 00:04:25 Comfort with Uncertainty 00:07:26 The Role of Language 00:09:48 The Nature of Truth 00:10:20 The Importance of Art 00:13:42 Jim's Journey to Mural 00:14:43 Defining Creativity 00:18:28…

1
156. Modernism, Utopia, and Living the Catastrophe with Anthony Vidler 1:02:00

3M ago1:02:00

1:02:00

As we kick off our new season on ArchitectureTalk, we are bringing back our conversation with Anthony Vidler: Modernism, Utopia, and Living the Catastrophe. Anthony Vidler (1941-October 19, 2023) was an architectural historian, role model, and friend who will be missed dearly.

1
The Story of Duncan Wardle - Disney, Playfulness and not being afraid of Failure 1:02:17

4M ago1:02:17

1:02:17

With Duncan Wardle, the former head of innovation and creativity at Disney, we delve into the essence of creative leadership. Duncan shares insights on unlocking creativity in everyone, emphasizing the importance of playfulness and personal narratives. We explore interactive exercises that highlight the relationship between lived experiences and cr…

1
The Story of Anderson Gomes Da Silva - Bold Leadership, Automation and Games 1:26:09

5M ago1:26:09

1:26:09

The Flower Analogy: Lessons in Leadership and Design from Anderson Gomes da Silva In the recent episode of Creative Leaders Unplugged, Anderson Gomes da Silva, Head of Product Design at Bol.com, shared his thoughts on leadership, design, and innovation. Among the many insights he offered, one stood out as a profound metaphor for organizations and s…

1
The Story of Ewelina Polińska Nadra - Curiosity, Leadership and work life balance 1:27:42

5M ago1:27:42

1:27:42

Curiosity and Authenticity: Foundations of Modern Leadership leaders are increasingly challenged to balance innovation with empathy. Ewelina Polińska Nadra, an innovation manager and mother, exemplifies how curiosity and authenticity can serve as the cornerstones of effective leadership. Her journey offers valuable insights into integrating persona…

1
The Story of Ari Elefterin - Embracing Your Unique Perspective - 1:15:51

5M ago1:15:51

1:15:51

Serious Attention to Touch When screens often mediate our interactions, the profound significance of touch in our lives can easily be overlooked. Ari Elefterin, a transdisciplinary designer and somatic researcher, is passionately exploring this very terrain. Through their project “Touch Starved,” Ari delves into our intrinsic need for tactile conne…

1
The Story of Rachel Davis - Brave Space and 'weirdness' as a superpower 1:15:36

5M ago1:15:36

1:15:36

Creating a Brave Space for Creative Minds In the latest episode of the Creative Leaders Unplugged Podcast, we explored an inspiring concept for fostering creativity: the “brave space.” Unlike a “safe space,” which aims to protect participants, a brave space encourages individuals to bring forward their unique perspectives and unconventional ideas. …

1
The story of Alan Moore - Beauty is the ultimate metric 1:18:47

6M ago1:18:47

1:18:47

Join hosts Morgan and Arne in this episode of *Creative Leaders Unplugged* as Alan Moore explores beauty as a transformative force. He emphasizes personal responsibility and regenerative practices, inspiring listeners to enhance beauty in their lives. A quick yet impactful conversation on redefining creativity awaits!…

1
The Story of Karen Hold - Skills, Behaviors, Design and an Amazing Grandfather 1:27:01

7M ago1:27:01

1:27:01

In this episode of Creative Leaders Unplugged, we converse with Karen Hold about her unique journey connecting design and business. We explore how her husband’s grandfather influenced her perspective on innovation through empathy-driven problem-solving during World War II. Karen discusses the barriers to learning within organizations and the import…

1
The Story of Alizée Bollen - Community, Crampy and a multicultural upbringing - 1:18:35

7M ago1:18:35

1:18:35

In this episode, we dive deep into a conversation with Alizée Bollen, a socially conscious designer and the founder of Crampy, a project centered around menstrual equity and the importance of community in fostering open conversations about uncomfortable topics. Alize's background is richly woven with her multicultural upbringing—half Congolese and …

1
The Story of Miikka Leinonen - 1:24:28

9M ago1:24:28

1:24:28

In this episode, we speak with facilitator, innovator and philosopher Miikka Leinonen about using AI in workshops, his book "The Intangible Future," and community building. We discuss evolving education roles, challenges in translating physical interactions to digital spaces, and redefining productivity and fulfillment in a changing professional la…

1
DC169 Interview: Michael Levine on the USA Patent Process 1:09:48

9M ago1:09:48

1:09:48

Patent Agent Michael Levine joins Timothy Keirnan to discuss the process by which inventors obtain patent protection for their ideas in the United States. What is a patent? How do inventors research to learn whether their idea is truly novel? What are the steps and costs associated with researching and filing for a patent? What about patenting a no…

1
The Story of Victor Udoewa - Worlds, Worldviews and an Ethics of Hopelessness 1:40:52

10M ago1:40:52

1:40:52

In this episode of Creative Leaders Unplugged, we engage in a thought-provoking conversation with Victor Udoewa. Victor's exploration of distinguishing between worlds and worldviews challenges our perspectives, urging us to reconsider our understanding of the complexities of identity and culture.

1
155. Homelessness is a Housing Problem with Gregg Colburn 54:12

10M ago54:12

54:12

Today we are joined by Gregg Colburn who co-wrote “Homelessness is a Housing Problem”. Colburn also shares with us his findings about causes of homelessness, his views on the situation, and some solutions that could remove the problem.

1
The Story of John Bielenberg - Thinking Wrong and Doing Good - 1:25:15

10M ago1:25:15

1:25:15

In this episode of Creative Leaders Unplugged, we engage with John Bielenberg, delving into his journey as a creative leader and designer. We explore his unique approach to decision-making, emphasizing authenticity and resisting societal pressures. From defying conventional design norms in college to championing sustainability, John's experiences h…

1
The Story of Myriam Hadnes - Accidental Facilitator and Community Builder - 1:43:22

11M ago1:43:22

1:43:22

Myriam is Facilitation Evangelist, Podcaster, PhD in Behavioural Economics and is building an ecosystem for facilitators to leverage the impact of their work. Check out her Podcast 'Workshops Work'. In this freeflowing episode, we discuss the accidental expertise leading to unexpected career paths, highlighting the significance of facilitation skil…

1
154. Alternative Futures with SB Divya 1:00:15

11M ago1:00:15

1:00:15

Today we are joined by SB Divya who wrote the science fiction novel Meru and helps us think about potential futures on Earth. Meru as we discuss in this episode is a future in which tech is developed based on imaginations of current technology and science and possibilities unknown but conceivable.

1
The Story of Stephen Steers - Storytelling, Sales and Genuine Connections 1:16:42

11M ago1:16:42

1:16:42

Stephen offers a refreshing perspective on sales by focusing on facilitating engaging narratives that resonate with customers instead of resorting to aggressive tactics. Central to his approach is the emphasis on providing value, fostering genuine connections, and engaging with the right audience authentically. Storytelling in sales is underscored …

1
153. Decolonizing Archives with Martien de Vletter 48:10

12M ago48:10

48:10

Today we are joined by Martien de Vletter who is the associate director of the Canadian Centre for Architecture (CCA) and gathers archival material dedicated to rethinking, remembering, and preserving architectural thoughts and memories. Vletter also talks about decolonizing the archive and transforming it into something more diverse, inclusive, an…

1
The Story of Jeanne Liedtka 1:27:41

12M ago1:27:41

1:27:41

Jeanne Liedtka is on the show! She's an author and has been involved in the corporate strategy field for over 30 years. As a professor at the Darden Graduate School of Business at the University of Virginia, she teaches both MBAs and executives and consults on innovation, organic growth and design thinking.…

1
152. Songs of Protest and Sorrow and Connecting Civilizations with Sumangala Damodaran 1:03:26

1y ago1:03:26

1:03:26

Today we are joined by Sumangala Damodaran who teaches in the Gender, Women and Sexuality Studies at the University of Washington, trained economist, dedicated her life to documenting and being a part of leftist oppositional protest movements. Today, Damodaran discusses her protest songs, her songs of sorrow, her singing, the research she has done …

1
The Story of Junko Mori - Being an artist, grounded and minor repetitive actions 1:29:15

1y ago1:29:15

1:29:15

In this episode we are treated to a thought-provoking conversation with the talented artist Junko Mori, who sheds light on the intricate relationship between art, science, and human nature. Through our dialogue, we explore how seemingly mundane actions and minor errors can pave the way for groundbreaking artistic discoveries, blurring the boundarie…

1
The Story of Tiz Creel - Maker, Breaker and artist challenging traditional art world norms - 1:33:17

1y ago1:33:17

1:33:17

In this episode of Creative Leaders Unplugged, we are joined by Tiz Creel, an undisciplined artist challenging traditional art world norms by embodying the essence of a maker and a breaker. Tiz encourages individuals to question norms, engaging with creativity through unconventional means.By Arne van Oosterom and Morgan Duta

1
151. Soft Data and Common Wares with Afroditi Psarra and Audrey Desjardins 54:48

1y ago54:48

54:48

Today we are joined by Afroditi Psarra and Audrey Desjardins who talk about building alternative technologies that respond to and critique the world of data, and their project “Soft Data and Common Wares”.

1
The Story of Marc Stickdorn - Service Design, The book, Travel and what is changing 1:39:15

1y ago1:39:15

1:39:15

We discuss how Marc's book, "This is Service Design Thinking," has affected us and the wider service design movement. We also have thoughtful conversations about our experiences and how they have shaped our viewpoints and how we see the future.By Arne van Oosterom and Morgan Duta

1
The Story of Adam Lawrence - Facilitation, Theatre, Psychology and Monkeys 1:29:33

1y ago1:29:33

1:29:33

In this episode of Creative Leaders Unplugged, we have a captivating conversation with Adam Lawrence, a facilitator and influential figure in the service design movement. We start by discussing Adam's background in psychology, theater, and zoology, all of which contribute to his understanding of collaboration and teamwork.…

1
150. Before and After Our Wars with Eliyahu Keller 54:51

1y ago54:51

54:51

Today we are joined by Eliyahu Keller who shares with us the relationship between war, war technology, architectural thinking, the climate crisis, the post-COVID era, and the crisis of imagination.

1
The Story of Clyve Grinyer - design, passion and making the world a better place 1:22:39

1y ago1:22:39

1:22:39

In this episode, we speak with Clive Grinyer, an highly experienced and influential voice in the world of design and service design. Clive shares his ambition to make the world a better place through design and his passion for inspiring creativity.

1
149. Architecture as the Rearrangement of Relationships with Neelkanth Chhaya 1:04:23

1+ y ago1:04:23

1:04:23

To kick off the new year, today we are joined by Neelkanth Chhaya who is a professor in India. Chhaya discusses forms and contingence of south Asian aesthetic theory, he is an open-minded and inquisitor thinker, and examines the ideas and interests and cross-references them.

1
The Story of Sarah Drummond - a Scottish Polymath Breaking Down Barriers - 1:11:08

1+ y ago1:11:08

1:11:08

Sarah Drummond represents a modern-day Renaissance person. In the podcast, she shared insights into her varied pursuits, ranging from design, music and film to renovating a farmhouse and developing a vegan meats production farm. This tapestry of interests highlights a critical message for our times: the value of multidisciplinary approaches in solv…

1
The Story of Christof Zürn - The Power of Listening - 1:44:15

1+ y ago1:44:15

1:44:15

In this episode, we dive into Christof Zürn's background in Music and belief in the interconnection between Music and Design Thinking, the Missing Element: Craftsmanship in Our Time, The power of Listening and the Power of Music Thinking as an AnalogyBy Arne van Oosterom and Morgan Duta

1
148. The Promise. Architect B.V. Doshi with Jan Schmidt-Garre 41:48

1+ y ago41:48

41:48

This week, we are joined by Jan Schmidt-Garre, who directed the film The Promise. Architect B.V. Doshi which was shown at the ADFF (Architecture Design Film Festival). This film took place in the last few years of his life and highlighted his philosophies and outlook on architecture and design.

1
Physicality, Our Buddy and Instrument of Intelligence 1:16:21

1+ y ago1:16:21

1:16:21

Being friends Colin Skelton and Yuen Yen continue their conversation on play and physicality in the working contexts. A playful mind and the human body are always within our reach. But our rational thinking forgets or ignores them regularly. Both friends think connecting again with our human playfulness and physicality, is an important future skill…

1
147. Moby Dick and Modernism with Ayad Rahmani 1:17:21

1+ y ago1:17:21

1:17:21

Today we are joined with Ayad Rahmani who teaches architecture at Washington State University. Rahmani's love for literature and architecture leads us to today's conversation about Moby Dick and architecture.

1
The Story Of David Kester - mentorship, allyship and teamwork - 1:30:46

1+ y ago1:30:46

1:30:46

David Kester is the Managing Director of DK&A, Design Thinkers Academy London and the former CEO of the British Design Council. In this episode, David reflect on the lessons learned through mentorship and allyship. He highlights the role of a supportive mentor and the importance of fostering a collaborative work environment. We discuss responsible …

1
146. Modernism, Utopia, and Living Catastrophe with Anthony Vidler 1:02:22

1+ y ago1:02:22

1:02:22

As we kick off our new season on ArchitectureTalk, we are bringing back our conversation with Anthony Vidler: Modernism, Utopia, and Living Catastrophe. Anthony Vidler (1941-October 19, 2023) was an architectural historian, role model, and friend who will be missed dearly.

1
DC168 Interview: Viktor Rydal on the Nomono Sound Capsule 1:03:12

1+ y ago1:03:12

1:03:12

This is our last episode for a while, but is well worth the wait! We have an interview with Viktor Rydal, industrial designer from Nomono, who talks with Tim about the Nomono Sound Capsule. Visit the Nomono website about the SoundCapsule to see and hear their demonstrations. This truly innovative solution records conversations with its custom lapel…

1
The Story of Marc Bolick - the power of human connections and personal growth - 1:37:38

1+ y ago1:37:38

1:37:38

A thought-provoking and inspiring conversation about the power of human connections, personal growth, and the importance of empowering future generations. Marc Bolick joins us as a guest, and we are struck by his ability to connect with others and his insights on leadership.By Arne van Oosterom and Morgan Duta

1
The Story of Lee Kim - Korea, islands girl, New York City, and the story of the Wearable Tracy 1:21:05

1+ y ago1:21:05

1:21:05

In this episode of Creative Leaders Unplugged, we have a conversation with Lee Kim, an inspiring guest who shares her reflections on identity and experiences. Lee introduces us to her fascinating creations called Tracys, wearable hats made of pipe cleaners. As we delve into the story behind these unique pieces, we are captivated by the impact, crea…

Podcasts Worth a Listen

Designthinking Podcasts

Podcasts Worth a Listen

Quick Reference Guide