Design Of Podcast

Hosted by Justin Ahrens

Insights, ideas, and inspiration for what's next. Stories that ignite change, challenge perspectives, and bring people together.

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The Design Of: Ten Years of Listening

“The universe is made of stories, not of atoms.” — Muriel Rukeyser Listening is an act of respect. It says this matters. It says slow down. It says there’s something here worth understanding.

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S10, Ep73

The Design Of Getting Unstuck: Meet Sarah Kissko Hersh

What happens when a communicator turns the mirror on herself? Sarah Kissko Hersh of Type A Consultancy shares honest insights on clarity, burnout, and real influence—revealing how listening, constraint, and courage fuel better leadership and communication.

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S10, Ep72

The Design Of Legacy and Clarity: Meet Gordon Kaye of GDUSA

In this episode, we meet Gordon Kaye, a lawyer who once reviewed scripts for Saturday Night Live and now runs one of the most respected design and communication magazines in America. His story is one of legacy, reinvention, and the quiet power of clarity.

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S10, Ep71

The Design Of People-First Events: Meet Together By Design

What if virtual events sparked real connection? Hear how Rachel Elnar, Heather Lynn, and David Carr-Berry turned Adobe’s Creative Jams into energizing, human-centered experiences. Learn their secrets for building belonging and community online—and why treating audiences as people, not numbers, transforms everything. Tune in for a fresh take on digital gatherings.

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S10, Ep70

The Design Of Beauty and Provocation: Meet Brian Singer

What if changing minds isn’t about new campaigns, but new perspectives? Brian Singer (“Someguy”) uses beauty and play to reveal what’s uncomfortable.

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S10, Ep69

The Design Of Bold Joy: Meet Alyssa Low

What if a side project changed everything? Meet Alyssa Low, whose bold, joyful work now lives on walls, in stadiums, and across Chicago.

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S10, Ep68

The Design Of Clarity and Metaphor: Meet Craig Frazier

What if clarity became your edge? Meet Craig Frazier, the illustrator who left a thriving design firm to craft bold, timeless work seen on stamps, in airports,

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S10, Ep67

The Design Of You Are Enough: Meet Miss Katie Sings

What if the strongest brand didn’t shout, but whispered, “You’re enough”? In this episode of Design Of, we meet Katie Norregaard (Miss Katie Sings), whose gentle, authentic approach has made her a global voice in children’s music. From a box of rice as a drum to a viral anthem of resilience, Katie proves that empathy, representation, and quiet consistency can build something louder than any marketing campaign. Her story is a reminder for creatives, educators, and leaders alike: authenticity scales, and one kind, clear voice can change everything.

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S10, Ep66

The Design Of Leading What’s Next: Meet Doug Powell

In this episode of Design Of, design leader Doug Powell shares how building IBM’s global design program and leading at AIGA shaped his belief that design thinking is a business advantage. We explore why downturns are the best time to invest in innovation, how human-centered design helps leaders align teams and strategy, and why creative problem-solvers will be at the center of the next wave of AI breakthroughs. This is a timely conversation for executives and brand leaders on making innovation a cultural habit, and why empathy, curiosity, and collaboration are the skills every organization needs to grow.

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S10, Ep65

Design Of: The Work is The Way: Meet Billy Oppenheimer

In this episode of Design Of, writer and researcher Billy Oppenheimer shares how following curiosity, from ski towns and side jobs to working alongside Ryan Holiday, shaped his creative life and led to his upcoming book The Work Is the Win. We explore his disciplined note card system, the influence of mentors like Robert Greene, and how his popular Six at Six newsletter became a trusted source of insight for leaders and creatives. This is a powerful conversation about trusting the process, honoring your interests, and designing a meaningful life through intentional work.

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