Best WGSN Podcasts (2024)

1
108. Hand Luggage Only: WGSN Unpacks Future Travel-wear Trends 25:06

13h ago25:06

25:06

Hello and welcome to the fortnightly Create Tomorrow podcast, which brings you the latest innovations impacting the future of design and products. Planning a vacation? Hands up if you overpack, underpack, or just epically fail when packing for a holiday. Well, this episode is for you. Sprinkled in among the forecasting chat, we have some hacks and …

1
How Brands Can Make us Happy, with Bestselling Author and Happiness Expert Gretchen Rubin 21:53

41m ago21:53

21:53

Hello and welcome to the fortnightly podcast about macro societal shifts, exploring what they mean for all of us and how they will affect our Lives of Tomorrow. What makes you happy? This episode focuses on the huge importance of this emotion for us all, now and in the future. WGSN forecasts a very real need and desire for people to feel joy, parti…

1
107. Mall Rats, Magic Mirrors and the Great Retail Revival 23:50

5h ago23:50

23:50

Hello and welcome to the fortnightly Create Tomorrow podcast, bringing you the latest innovations impacting the future of design and product. IRL retail is very much back with a bang. Discussing the green shoots of physical retail 2024 is Joe McDonnell, Director of Insight, together with our Insight retail experts Laura Saunter, Senior Strategist, …

1
How to be an Influencer in the Creator Economy, with Mae Karwowski 28:07

6d ago28:07

28:07

Hello and welcome to the fortnightly Lives of Tomorrow podcast about the macro societal shifts, exploring what they mean for all of us and how they will affect our Lives of Tomorrow. In this episode, WGSN CEO Carla Buzasi discusses the future of the creator economy with Mae Karwowski, CEO and founder of Obviously, a technology-led social influencer…

1
106. Milan Design Week 2024: Swings, Vibrating Bathtubs and Optimising the Senses 24:35

14d ago24:35

24:35

Milan Design Week is the world’s biggest event dedicated to design and innovation – and WGSN’s team of experts visit every year. In this episode, hear from WGSN forecasters Lisa White, Director of Strategic Forecasting and Creative Direction, Gemma Riberti, Director of Interiors, and Helen Palmer, Head of Materials, Textiles & Knit, as they dive in…

1
The Future of Fashion Retail with Jane Shepherdson 29:17

1M ago29:17

29:17

Hello and welcome to the fortnightly Lives of Tomorrow podcast about the macro societal shifts, exploring what they mean for all of us and how they will affect our Lives of Tomorrow. In this episode, WGSN CEO Carla Buzasi discusses the future of fashion with Jane Shepherdson, the founder of clothing resale and rental company MyWardrobeHQ. Jane is w…

1
105. Cosmoprof Unveiled with WGSN: AI, Beauty Glimmers, and ‘Tweakment Adjacent’ Skincare 29:00

29d ago29:00

29:00

Hello and welcome to the fortnightly Create Tomorrow podcast, bringing you the latest innovations impacting the future of design and product. In this episode of WGSN’s Create Tomorrow podcast, the WGSN Beauty team reflects on Cosmoprof Bologna – the biggest annual beauty trade show in the world that sets the agenda for all categories of beauty. Spe…

1
New Kidults on the Block – Why Grown-ups Are Falling in Love with LEGO 27:33

1M ago27:33

27:33

Hello and welcome to the fortnightly Lives of Tomorrow podcast about the macro societal shifts, exploring what they mean for all of us and how they will affect our Lives of Tomorrow. In this episode, we discuss the rise of the kidult. At WGSN, ‘kidults’ are simply put, adults that shop like children. Adults around the world are escaping the polycri…

1
Forecasting Glimmers with Psychotherapist Deb Dana 22:35

2M ago22:35

22:35

Hello and welcome to the fortnightly Lives of Tomorrow podcast about the macro societal shifts, exploring what they mean for all of us and how they will affect our Lives of Tomorrow. We are forecasting Glimmers for 2026. If you don’t know what they are, consider them the inspiring, positive antidote to triggers. Glimmers describe micro-moments of j…

1
104. WGSN Live From SXSW 25:05

2M ago25:05

25:05

Hello and welcome to the fortnightly Create Tomorrow podcast bringing you the latest innovations impacting the future of design and product. In this episode of WGSN’s Create Tomorrow podcast, we report from this year’s SXSW festival, the annual event in Austin, Texas which brings together tech, film, music, education, and culture – it’s always buzz…

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103. Illuminating Nocturnal Living with Dutch Artist Daan Roosegaarde 25:28

2M ago25:28

25:28

How can the beauty of light help solve the climate crisis? What does it mean to see the stars at night? And what can we learn from fireflies? These are the questions answered by the enlightening artworks of Dutch artist Daan Roosegaarde. Daan is the founder of the social design lab Studio Roosegaarde, most famous for Spark, organic sustainable fire…

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The Future of Ageing with Lyn Slater 28:44

3M ago28:44

28:44

In this episode we discuss ageing. We are all living longer and this is creating consumer shifts, opportunities and imperatives for age-positive products and services. WGSN’s CEO Carla Buzasi welcomes fashion influencer Lyn Slater, aka the accidental icon to talk about life after influencing, the narrative around ageing, the lack of women over 50 r…

1
102. Collectible Figurines and Parasols with Passementerie - The Latest Decor Trends from Maison & Objet 25:07

2M ago25:07

25:07

We’re constantly scouring the globe for the latest trends, and in this episode of Create Tomorrow we report back from Maison & Objet, the biannual interiors trade fair in Paris. One of the most important global events for the interior design industry. Director of WGSN Interiors Gemma Riberti shares her fair highlights, from the colours she’s tracke…

1
Nocturnal Living: Why the Future is Bright for the Night 24:22

3M ago24:22

24:22

In this episode of Lives of Tomorrow – WGSN’s podcast about how we will live our lives in the future – we discuss nocturnal living. Director of Strategic Forecasting at WGSN, Lisa White, joins Carla Buzasi, CEO of WGSN, to talk about why daytime activities in many regions of the world are shifting to happen at night. Scorching temperatures are push…

1
101. Why Apricot Crush is WGSN’s Colour of 2024 21:38

3M ago21:38

21:38

Why is 2024 set for a warm glow? Tune in to hear how WGSN – in collaboration with sibling business Coloro – forecasts the colour of the year 18 months in advance and why this year’s shade is such a warming, gentle and versatile hue. Exploring the inclusive, nourishing power of Apricot Crush with WGSN’s editorial director Bethan Ryder is Petra Lundg…

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Sex, Porn, and Everything in Between, with Cindy Gallop 27:26

4M ago27:26

27:26

WGSN CEO Carla Buzasi talks about the future of sex, sex tech investment, and how porn is impacting young people with guest Cindy Gallop. Former advertising executive Cindy is the founder of Make Love Not Porn, a user-generated video-sharing platform. A sex-tech pioneer, she aims to build a community to promote positive sexual values through user-g…

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100. Olympic Breakdancing, Election Fever and Collective Effervescence – WGSN’s 2024 preview 20:43

3M ago20:43

20:43

Very much near-forecasting, in this episode we preview the year ahead, considering how the key events from politics, sports and entertainment will impact consumers and brands. WGSN’s editorial director Bethan Ryder speaks to Joe McDonnell, director of Insight, as he discusses 2024’s major events in relation to consumer behaviour. Discover how elect…

1
Dancing into the Future of Luxury with Diana Verde Nieto 25:32

4M ago25:32

25:32

How can luxury brands build a more sustainable future? What does luxury mean in a climate crisis? In this episode of Lives of Tomorrow, WGSN CEO Carla Buzasi discusses the future of luxury exploring ways brands can uphold their social and environmental responsibilities. Joining Carla to explore the evolution of the luxury market is Diana Verde Niet…

1
99. Pack Your Totes – WGSN’s Top Three Cities to Watch in 2024 26:20

4M ago26:20

26:20

In this episode, editorial director Bethan Ryder is joined by colleagues Raeesa Brey, Cassandra Gagnon, and Natacia Lim to reveal three of WGSN’s cities to watch in 2024.From coastal concrete jungles to hyper-connected tech hubs preserving traditional cultures, here’s our pick of the cities now rising to meet the changing demands of urban living.We…

1
Trends On the Run - Setting the Pace With Apple Fitness+ & Nike Running Guru 22:46

4M ago22:46

22:46

In this episode of Lives of Tomorrow, WGSN CEO Carla Buzasi speaks to Apple Fitness+ Trainer Cory Wharton-Malcolm about running. We’ve been tracking the boom in outdoor lifestyles since 2015, and in this episode we throw the spotlight on arguably the most accessible form of exercise. We discuss the future of running, the importance of different run…

1
98. Top Trends for 2024 - From the Multi-Species Home to Meals as Drinks 18:47

4M ago18:47

18:47

Will the robots take over? How will brands tackle sustainability? And what will become our favourite tipple in 2024? Tune in to get the answers as we discover just some of the trends WGSN is forecasting for the coming year. Join Carla Buzasi, CEO of WGSN and the host of this end-of-the-year episode with her fellow WGSN guests Andrea Bell, VP of Con…

1
Top Trends for 2024 - From the Multi-Species Home to Meals as Drinks 19:04

5M ago19:04

19:04

Will the robots take over? How will brands tackle sustainability? And what will become our favourite tipple in 2024? Tune in to get the answers as we discover just some of the trends WGSN is forecasting for the coming year. Join Carla Buzasi, CEO of WGSN and the host of this end-of-the-year episode with her fellow WGSN guests Andrea Bell, VP of Con…

1
"I Hate CEOs That Moan": Forecasting Success with WGSN’s CEO Carla Buzasi 19:04

5M ago19:04

19:04

Normally Carla Buzasi the CEO of WGSN asks the questions in the Lives of Tomorrow podcasts. But in this special end of the year episode we turn things around and put Carla in the hot seat and ask her the questions she normally asks her guests. So listen in and find out what makes her tick, what drives her in her role as CEO of WGSN and what she thi…

1
97. Snow Globes, Teatails and Pudding Extinction… WGSN’s Festive Table Trends 24:47

5M ago24:47

24:47

Are you swapping your panettone for Christmas pudding? Toasting Lunar New Year with a Teatail? Or livening up your Hanukkah sufganiyot with Mexican guava flavours? If not, this episode might encourage you to dip into these new trends. As the year draws to a close, we tickle your tastebuds and take a look at how annual festive food and drink traditi…

1
This is Not Just Trend Forecasting... It's 25 Years of WGSN x Marks & Spencer 24:01

5M ago24:01

24:01

Let’s be honest, trend forecasting is a really unique industry. We've been global leaders in this space for 25 years, and because it’s our birthday, we’re making some noise about it. We compile and analyse information for brands to use to help them make informed decisions about the future of their business and the products they should create, whate…

1
96. Faux Nipples and Leak-Proof Knickers – Underwear Trends Uncovered 29:34

5M ago29:34

29:34

Join us for a rifle through the underwear drawer of fashion, as we examine this often contentious category, which historically has been very polarised. Intimates and Lingeries is often a category split between the fun - read sexy - and the functional and never the twain shall meet. But the smalls category has come on in leaps and bounds and in this…

1
Ending Loneliness for the Elderly with AI 25:28

6M ago25:28

25:28

In this episode of Lives of Tomorrow, Dor Skuler, CEO and co-founder of Intuition Robotics, joins WGSN CEO Carla Buzasi to discuss the future of aged care, and how AI can play a part. How much do we think about care for the elderly, and what questions are we asking about how we will care for the elderly in the future? To address this social issue, …

1
95. Lounge Car – Why Electric Vehicles Are the Relaxation Pods Of the Future 28:43

6M ago28:43

28:43

Plump, swivel seats that offer massage functionality and bed-down flat, wraparound screens, lighting that boosts circadian rhythms and reduces stress and scentscaping possibilities… Lounge or spa? Neither actually. This could be the car interior of the future if CASE innovations (tune in to discover what that is) continue to evolve, helping to push…

1
What Makes a Manager – And Do We Still Need Them? 26:22

6M ago26:22

26:22

Do we respond best to managers or leaders, and what is the difference? CEO of WGSN, Carla Buzasi, talks about the future of management with Sarah Moore, UK head of workforce at PwC – one of the Big Four accounting firms. Sarah explains what it means to be a manager, the fine line between leading and managing, plus what the future holds for manageme…

1
94. The Rise of Beauty’s Age-Positive Movement 25:17

7M ago25:17

25:17

How do brands speak to us as we age? Does the language used encourage us to buy from them or steer clear? Food for thought on this conversation around age beauty and brands. Director of Editorial at WGSN Bethan Ryder speaks about the age-agnostic shift we are seeing in beauty products. Age-agnostic is essentially a move away from skin resilience cl…

1
How Electric Eels Can Teach Us to Power the Future 23:21

7M ago23:21

23:21

In this episode we explore how systems found in nature can futureproof our lives. WGSN Consumer Tech Editor Matt Zara argues that many solutions to modern problems already exist in plants, animals and other living organisms. Matt recently published a forecast, Intelligence: Biomimicry, which looked at the evolution of designs and production methods…

1
93. Must-Have Decor Trends for the Festive Season 26:32

7M ago26:32

26:32

In this episode, WGSN Interiors strategists discuss the key trends in Holiday decor, from tablescaping to gift wrapping. Host Bethan Ryder, Editorial Director at WGSN, speaks to Bonnie Pierre-Davis and Cassandra Gagnon about how consumers are approaching gifting for the Holiday season, interior trend aesthetics and ways we can gift wrap with a focu…

1
All You Need is Love – How the Polycrisis is Shifting Our Relationship with Brands 28:11

7M ago28:11

28:11

Martina Rocca, Cultural Strategist and Foresight Lead at WGSN, talks polycrisis, shifting consumer brand relationships and what tomorrow looks like. In this episode, WGSN CEO Carla Buzasi and Martina unpack what a polycrisis is, how it’s impacting our lives and what the future holds for consumer brand relationships. Martina’s forecasts on this topi…

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92. Scenarios of the Future with Climate Fiction Writer Kim Stanley Robinson 30:57

7M ago30:57

30:57

In this episode, WGSN Creative Director Lisa White and acclaimed climate fiction writer Kim Stanley Robinson discuss biodiversity, sustainability incentives and regulations, and whether AI is impacting human creativity. Kim Stanley Robinson has been writing for over 40 years and has published more than 20 books, focusing on near and far futures. He…

1
Welcome to the Future: Does Social Media Rule the Music Industry? 27:17

8M ago27:17

27:17

In 1979, The Buggles sang Video Killed the Radio Star. If they were to rewrite that hit today, the new title might well be TikTok Killed the Radio Star. On the one hand TikTok and other social media platforms surface music in very short snippets, so a song that lasts around three minutes stands little chance of a full airing. But on the other hand,…

1
91. Exploring Inclusive Design with Lekker Architects at Singapore Design Week 28:31

8M ago28:31

28:31

Exploring Inclusive Design with Lekker Architects at Singapore Design WeekFrom ceramics that conduct electricity to visions of the inclusive urban environments of tomorrow, in this episode, we preview Singapore Design Week (SDW) which runs until October 1. Dawn Lim, executive director of DesignSingapore Council, talks about this festival of creativ…

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90. London Design Festival Special #3 - Materials are the Message 21:16

8M ago21:16

21:16

In our final episode of mini-episodes reporting from the London Design Festival, an annual event that takes over the UK capital every September, we visit Material Matters on London’s Southbank. Now in its second year, the fair has sprung from a podcast of the same name and occupies the atmospheric Bargehouse at the Oxo Tower. On until September 23,…

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89. London Design Festival Special #2 - Colourful, Convivial Design Collaborations 25:37

8M ago25:37

25:37

In episode two of our series of mini-episodes reporting from the London Design Festival, an annual event that takes over the UK capital every September, we visit some of the exhibitions on show in the west side of town at Brompton Design District. Curator of the area, design writer and consultant Jane Withers, explains the theme, Conviviality – The…

1
88. London Design Festival Special #1 – Building Regenerative Futures 16:58

8M ago16:58

16:58

As the London Design Festival kicks off, we take Create Tomorrow on the road for a series of mini-episodes reporting on the various events, installations and exhibitions that pop up across the UK capital every September. Tune in to hear our host Bethan Ryder, Editorial Director at WGSN, catch up with some of the curators, designers and studios cont…

1
The Future of Sex, Therapy and Relationships 28:39

8M ago28:39

28:39

In this episode of Lives of Tomorrow, sex and relationship therapist Jordan Dixon joins WGSN CEO Carla Buzasi to talk about AI sex hotels, sexual optimisation and whether there’s a future for marriage. Jordan is a psychosexual and relationship psychotherapist who runs a busy private practice in London, and is also an associate at The Thought House …

1
87. Will AI Become Your New Design Superpower? 28:32

8M ago28:32

28:32

Does AI pose an existential threat to designers? In this episode of Create Tomorrow, Director of WGSN Consumer Tech Lisa Yong discusses how AI is impacting the creative design process, and what it might mean for the future of creativity. Joining Lisa are Reiko Morrison, WGSN’s Head of CMF, and Matt Zara, WGSN Consumer Tech Strategist. The team cove…

1
How to Save the Planet with Gaia Vince 25:30

9M ago25:30

25:30

The climate crisis is an existential threat unlike any we have ever faced, but can its consequences also be its solutions? In this episode of Lives of Tomorrow, award-winning science and environment writer Gaia Vince joins WGSN CEO Carla Buzasi to talk about climate change, and climate solutions. Gaia left a career in journalism to undertake a firs…

1
86. Slime Moulding the Future with ecoLogicStudio 24:47

9M ago24:47

24:47

How can microorganisms such as algae, fungi and slime mould be used to create a better future? In this episode of Create Tomorrow WGSN Editorial Director Bethan Ryder examines the future of biodesign. Her guests are Marco Poletto and Claudia Pasquero, architects, academics and co-founders of ecoLogicStudio, who talk about how we might create a bett…

1
Less Sex, More Toys and the Future of Sexual Awareness in Asia 27:31

9M ago27:31

27:31

Why is a sexual revolution happening in Asia-Pacific, and how is it impacting global sexual awareness? In this episode of Lives of Tomorrow, WGSN CEO Carla Buzasi is joined by Debbie Yong, WGSN’s Senior Strategist for Insight in APAC, to find out why. Beyond sexual awareness, Carla and Debbie talk about shifting attitudes towards marriage in the re…

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85. Low & No Alcohol: The Sober-Curious Movement 19:37

9M ago19:37

19:37

Is the low or no alcohol movement a passing fad or a new lifestyle choice that’s here to stay? WGSN discussed a more mindful approach to drinking alcohol back in November 2022. In this episode, we delve further into the low and no alcohol drinking movement, discover why it’s popular with Gen Z and discuss its global expansion. Plus we offer a taste…

1
Dissecting the News Portfolio of the Future 29:39

10M ago29:39

29:39

Research by media company The News Movement finds 75% of new information consumed by 18-25 year olds globally is on social media. So, most things this cohort will hear about for the first time in their lives will be on a social platform. Does this idea shock you, or is this the new norm for the long run? In this episode of Lives of Tomorrow, WGSN C…

1
84. Inspiring coastal destinations from Rio to Margate 28:29

10M ago28:29

28:29

At WGSN, our mission is to stay ahead of the curve for our clients. In this episode of Create Tomorrow, we explore the coastal cities making strides in retail, hospitality and culture. Our City by City team share insights on must-visit destinations in Asia, South America and Europe for fresh and inspirational experiences – all featured in our lates…

1
Will Gen Z Save the World? 29:09

10M ago29:09

29:09

As Gen Z is maturing, fast approaching a pivotal time in their lives, starting their careers and occupying key positions in society. Their impact on the future of our communities remains a significant question. How will this generation shape society in the years ahead? Additionally, it's essential to explore the thoughts of Gen Z concerning the fut…

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83. Building a Timber Future with Waugh Thistleton 25:30

10M ago25:30

25:30

Could wood be the key to building more sustainable cities? In this episode of Create Tomorrow, architect Andrew Waugh and WGSN’s Editorial Director Bethan Ryder explore the power of engineered timber and how it might help us to build a better future for people and the planet. Andrew Waugh is co-founder with Anthony Thistleton of British architectur…

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The Truth Dilemma: Trust and Misinformation With the Rise of AI 28:25

11M ago28:25

28:25

In this week’s episode, Cassandra Napoli, Senior Strategist on our Insight team, joins WGSN CEO Carla Busazi to discuss what is real and what is fake online, and how AI is impacting this. In an age where more and more information is AI-created, how do we gauge its authenticity? This inspired Cassandra Napoli to write a forecast on this topic lookin…

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