Anything creative comes with a chaotic process, right? But what comes within that creative process is even more unpredictable. Some turn on upbeat music with headphones, some rewatch their favorite TV show for the 10th time, some take refuge in the calming effects of classical music, some go for endless walks, and some listen to Podcasts.
Podcasts are the trendy companions for creators. If the music is distracting or you don’t want to divide your attention to something visual, put on an interesting audio background, and you are good to go! Here are the Top 10 Podcasts for Creators that will provoke your thoughts and keep you inspired during your design processes:
1. PA Talks
PA Talks is an interview series by Parametric Architecture moderated by PA’s founder, Hamid Hassanzadeh. With this Podcast, we aim to create conversations about architecture, design, and manufacturing and host pioneers in the context.
PA Talks episodes offer various topics, such as computational design, parametricism, artificial intelligence, automation and architecture, 3D printing, sustainability, and more. We have hosted architects and designers like Peter Eisenman, Winy Maas (MVRDV), Ben van Berkel (UNStudio), Patrik Schumacher (Zaha Hadid Architects), Refik Anadol (RAS), and many more.
2. Let’s Talk Architecture
Published by the one and only DAC – Danish Architecture Center and moderated by Michael Booth, the Let’s Talk Architecture Podcast dives into how cities are built and the roles of architects, designers, engineers, planners, and urban developers.
Their episodes help raise awareness about topics such as rising sea levels and their possible effects on the built environment, rebuilding war-torn cities, adapting our cities to climate change, etc. Recent episodes include Rising Sea Levels: Adapting Our Cities, discussing how urban planning can prepare for climate change, Rebuilding War-Torn Cities, a look at architectural efforts to restore communities after conflict, The Future of Sustainable Architecture, and sharing insights about eco-friendly architecture practices.
3. Design Better
Hosted by Eli Woolery and Aarron Walter, the Design Better podcast is resourceful content for all types of creators. They have hosted genius designer minds such as Scott Berkun, author of The Myths of Innovation; David Kelley, founder of IDEO and Stanford school; John Maeda, design visionary; and many more.
They have covered a wide range of topics like design and business, design and art, design and curiosity, creative work with ADHD, sound design, collaborative design, artificial intelligence and design, etc.
4. Monocle on Design
Published by Monocle Media Company and moderated by Nic Monisse, Monocle on Design boldly offers “everything about design, from furniture to fashion and craft to architecture.” Their episodes have covered timeless design, jewelry design, science-fiction design (how speculative fiction shapes real-world innovation), Copenhagen Fashion Week, London Festival of Architecture, 3 Days of Design, Stockholm Design Week, Lake Como Design Festival, Istanbul Quality of Life Conference, and so on. A captivating episode called Istanbul Quality of Life Conference discussed how cities can be built with human well-being kept in mind.
5. 99% Invisible
Created and hosted by Roman Mars, who surprisingly doesn’t hold an Architecture or Design degree. 99% Invisible aims to show the architecture and design elements that are most likely unappreciated or even pointed out. It is a weekly exploration, and its episodes cover interesting ideas like The 15 Minute City, explaining urban planning strategies for compact, walkable neighborhoods, Raccoon Resistant Compost Bins, detailing the design solution to keep the wildlife away from urban life, Devolutionary Redesign, exploring how revisiting old designs can solve modern problems, Super Citizens, which examines the role of design in civic engagement, Imitation Nation, discussing the fine line between respect and intellectual theft in creative industries, etc. They also create Mini Stories where they discuss random topics like highway signs, alarm tones, Lizzie No’s last tour, and the Greek’s ideal foot obsession.
6. Theory of Architecture
Theory of Architecture is a Podcast series by Buckland Architects. This Podcast series promises the audience deep, philosophical conversations about architecture, design, society, urbanism, art, modernism, and many more.
With their YouTube videos, it is extremely easy to follow the conversation since the videos provide a clear structure to the discussion. Their guests include Dr. Nikos Salingaros, discussing the science behind architectural beauty, Dr. Timothy Brittain-Catlin, exploring the overlooked history of architectural critics and their influence on the built environment, Dr. Eleanor Ratcliffe, exploring how spaces influence emotions and behavior, Dame Laura, sharing insights on architecture’s role in healthcare, Nicholas Ray, reflecting on the relationship between architectural practice and education and so on.
7. On Design with Justyna Green
The On Design Podcast by Justyna Green is creating an environment where creators are reviving themes like society, nostalgia, crafting, rebellion, responsible design, innovation, Biodesign, longterm, authentic storytelling, and so on.
Justyna Green collaborates with Hiroki Asai, former Apple marketing and design executive, discussing the intersection of branding and creativity, Jonny Tansley, ounder of Batch. Works, exploring the potential of sustainable 3D printing, Damian Bradfield, co-founder of WeTransfer, reflecting on ethical business practices in the creative industry, Micaiah Carter, a celebrated photographer, sharing how personal history influences visual storytelling, Paola Antonelli, senior curator of architecture and design at MoMA, and many more.
8. Extraordinary Creatives
Hosted by Ceri Hand, a professional coach for creators, Extraordinary Creatives invites listeners to explore the stories of revolutionary, multidisciplinary, and exceptional artists. Hend believes that creativity is the key to success, but true transformation comes from those who dare to be different.
Her episodes feature Es Devlin, an award-winning stage designer, discussing how immersive storytelling transforms live experiences, Lubaina Himid, a Turner Prize-winning artist, reflecting on the role of art in social activism, Tom Dixon, a pioneering industrial designer, sharing insights into material experimentation and product innovation, and Hetain Patel, a performance artist and filmmaker, exploring cultural identity through multimedia storytelling. If you’re seeking motivation, her episodes offer inspiring insights into the minds of bold and visionary creators.
9. Tomorrow’s Designers by Fergus Inns
Fergus Inns is a design student from London, and he is bringing insight, clarity, and purpose to the next generation of design leaders with his podcast Tomorrow’s Designers. Inns brings up topics like excellence, innovation, design, originality, storytelling, networking, and many more.
Inns hosted Melissa Sherman, former Vice President of Design Logitech, Joanne Jørgensen, Ex-Materials Director at Nike, Damian Mycroft, Senior Design Director of Coca-Cola, and many more.
10. Design Matters
Design Matters is a groundbreaking podcast hosted by Debbie Millman, exploring the deep connections between design, creativity, and storytelling. Launched in 2005, it is one of the longest-running podcasts in the design world, featuring in-depth conversations with some of the most influential figures in art, design, literature, and culture. Through thoughtful interviews, Millman delves into the personal and professional journeys of her guests, uncovering the inspirations, struggles, and philosophies that shape their work. The podcast has become a trusted resource for creatives seeking insights into the evolving role of design and its impact on society.
Over the years, Design Matters has welcomed a diverse range of notable guests, including design legends like Paula Scher, Stefan Sagmeister, and Massimo Vignelli, as well as influential thinkers and creators such as Roxane Gay, Seth Godin, Marina Abramović, and Malcolm Gladwell. Each episode offers a unique perspective on the creative process, blending personal storytelling with profound discussions on design, branding, writing, and innovation. With its rich archive of conversations, Design Matters continues to inspire and educate designers, artists, and curious minds around the world.
Everybody wants to share their stories, from thousands of dollars worth of media companies to naive design student communities. Others’ paths enrich ours. That’s why we continue to listen, especially at the very moment when we create. We are happy to be your company in your creative process with our PA Talks!
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