Best Amber Asay Podcasts (2025)

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036. Gee's Bend Quilters and Francine Thompson: Threads of Resistance 48:44

8d ago48:44

48:44

This dual feature episode highlights the artistry of the Gee’s Bend Quilters, whose improvisational designs and cultural resilience transformed necessity into celebrated textile art, alongside Francine Thompson, Design Director at Hims & Hers, who shares insights on visual storytelling and building compelling brand narratives. _______ Support this …

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035. Jeanetta Gonzales on Mentorship 25:45

22d ago25:45

25:45

Mentorship isn’t just about giving advice—it can be a full-circle moment that shapes both the mentor and the mentee. In this episode, Jeanetta Gonzales, a celebrated surface designer, illustrator, and creative coach, shares how mentorship has impacted her career, why representation in design matters, and how guiding others can be just as transforma…

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034: Ti Chang on Designing for Human Connection 33:06

28d ago33:06

33:06

Just in time for Valentine’s Day, join us as Ti Chang, cofounder of CRAVE, shares how she’s revolutionizing the way we connect through design, pioneering the category of pleasure jewelry with elegant, empowering products that redefine intimacy and human connection. Ti Chang is a designer and cofounder of CRAVE, a brand known for pioneering pleasure…

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033. Nanna Ditzel and Kate Arends: Furniture That Sparks Conversation 49:14

1M ago49:14

49:14

This dual feature episode explores the visionary work of Nanna Ditzel—who designed furniture for movement, conversation, and mental well-being—alongside Kate Arends, founder of Wit & Delight, as we discuss how design shapes our emotions, interactions, and everyday lives. _______ Support this podcast with a small donation: Buy Me A Coffee This show …

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032. Elsa Schiaparelli: Where Fashion and Surrealism Began (w/ Darrian Wright) 48:34

1M ago48:34

48:34

Hear the extraordinary life of Elsa Schiaparelli. From her rebellious youth and surrealist collaborations to her iconic designs like the lobster dress and shocking pink, discover how Schiaparelli redefined fashion as art and left a legacy of daring innovation, with guest and fashion enthusiast, Darrian Wright. _______ Support this podcast with a sm…

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031. Mary E. J. Colter: Fred Harvey’s Architect and the Fate of Altadena’s Past 35:28

2M ago35:28

35:28

Explore the life and legacy of Mary Colter, a groundbreaking architect and interior designer who crafted iconic buildings at the Grand Canyon and beyond, blending Native American traditions with innovative architectural design, who also lost a home in a 1968 Eaton Canyon fire, which felt oddly topical. _______ Support this podcast with a small dona…

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RERUN 006. Gail Anderson: On Racism, Resilience, and the Power of Mentorship 33:53

2M ago33:53

33:53

This episode didn't get nearly as many listens as it should, probably being that it was only episode 6, so now is a good time to push this rerun out into the world. Especially since LA is on fire, and I've been temporarily displaced by the fires. Enjoy! Renowned graphic designer Gail Anderson shares her journey from creating magazines in her youth …

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030. Mary Blair: Designing Disney’s Worlds (w/ Mike Asay) 37:46

2M ago37:46

37:46

Explore the extraordinary life and career of Mary Blair, the visionary artist behind Disney classics like Cinderella and It’s a Small World, whose bold use of color and modernist style transformed animation and design history, with special guest, Mike Asay. _______ Support this podcast with a small donation: Buy Me A Coffee This show is powered by …

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2024 Rewind: Highlights and Insights 37:59

2M ago37:59

37:59

2024 has been a whirlwind year for Women Designers You Should Know, with 29 inspiring episodes celebrating groundbreaking women in design + 6 bonus episodes that dive into the layers between these stories. This recap dives into the podcast’s journey, from tackling the glaring absence of women in design education to uncovering recurring themes in th…

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029. Corita Kent and Britt Rohr: Peace & Love & Printmaking 45:22

3M ago45:22

45:22

This dual feature episode highlights Corita Kent’s journey from nun to Pop Art pioneer, using screen printing to champion love and justice, and Britt Rohr’s modern take on printmaking as the founder of Swell Press, blending craftsmanship and storytelling in her designs. _______ Support this podcast with a small donation: Buy Me A Coffee This show i…

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028. Jacqueline Casey: Shaping the MIT Style (w/ Michael Bierut) 43:13

3M ago43:13

43:13

Explore the life and legacy of graphic design pioneer Jacqueline Casey, whose bold, modernist posters defined MIT’s visual identity for decades — with insights from designer Michael Bierut, we uncover how Casey infused Swiss design principles with American ingenuity, led campus-wide design efforts, and created work that remains timeless and influen…

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027. Marget Larsen: Revolutionizing Mid-Century Advertising (w/ Sean Adams) 46:26

3M ago46:26

46:26

Discover the story of Marget Larsen, a trailblazing designer whose iconic Christmas boxes, bold typography, and fearless creativity shaped mid-century advertising and design in San Francisco right as the psychedelic / counterculture era was budding, with industry insights from guest Sean Adams, previous AIGA President, and Dean at Art Center. _____…

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Extra Sketches: The Oppression of Women 14:28

3M ago14:28

14:28

For hundreds of years, society has systematically kept women from rising to their full potential—whether through laws denying them the right to own property, vote, or even open a bank account without a man’s signature—and today, I'm diving into the receipts. _______ Support this podcast with a small donation: Buy Me A Coffee This show is powered by…

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026. Ellen Raskin and Briar Levit: Storytelling through Design and Writing 44:49

4M ago44:49

44:49

(**Trigger Warning: This episode discusses Suicide) This dual feature episode celebrates Ellen Raskin’s transformation from a prolific book designer to an award-winning author, seamlessly blending design and storytelling in works like The Westing Game. Briar Levit shares her own journey as a designer and author, using mediums like film, exhibitions…

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025. Eileen Gray and Emily Farnham: Protecting Stories in Modernist Architecture 1:05:32

4M ago1:05:32

1:05:32

This dual feature episode explores Eileen Gray’s journey from interior design to groundbreaking modernist architecture, including the challenges of vandalism, loss, and rediscovery, alongside Emily Farnham’s dedication to preserving architectural history and working on both Mandy Moore and Lilly Collin's Mid-Century homes. _______ Support this podc…

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024. Agnes Martin and Michelle & Ellen: Creative Risks, Process, and Balance 1:20:41

4M ago1:20:41

1:20:41

This TRIPLE feature episode delves into the life of Agnes Martin, whose serene abstract expressionist art was born from a strict, meditative process and a journey of balancing inner turmoil. Michelle and Ellen, co-founders of Nature, share their layered stories of changing creative disciplines, finding balance, and embracing risks in their own desi…

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Design Dialogues: Creative Burnout (w/ Badal Patel) 35:15

4M ago35:15

35:15

67% of creative professionals reported experiencing burnout, with women more likely to report feeling overwhelmed by their work environments. Badal Patel opens up about how she struggled with creative burnout, and what she does now to prevent it from happening. _______ Support this podcast with a small donation: Buy Me A Coffee This show is powered…

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023. Ray Eames and Amanda Jane Jones: Modernism and Motherhood 45:27

4M ago45:27

45:27

A dual feature episode exploring Ray Eames' transformative impact on mid-century design and Amanda Jane Jones' reflections on creativity, authorship, and the lessons we can draw from Ray's life. _______ Support this podcast with a small donation: Buy Me A Coffee This show is powered by Nice People Join this podcast and the Patreon community: patreo…

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022. Charlotte Perriand and Adi Goodrich: Redefining Spaces Through Design 57:08

5M ago57:08

57:08

Learn the untold story of architect and furniture designer, Charlotte Perriand, whose innovative designs and fearless independence reshaped modern interiors and how she escaped Le Corbusier's shadow, with insights from special guest Adi Goodrich, spatial designer, who reflects on how Charlotte's legacy continues to inspire today's designers. ______…

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021. Susan Skarsgard: On Calligraphy, Cars, and Designing Your Career 56:46

5M ago56:46

56:46

Hear how Susan Skarsgard built her career from calligraphy to founding the GM Design Archive, blending art, design, and education to leave her mark on both the art and automotive worlds. _______ Support this podcast with a small donation: Buy Me A Coffee This show is powered by Nice People Join this podcast and the Patreon community: patreon.com/wo…

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020. Elaine Lustig Cohen and Steven Heller: Rewriting Design History 47:21

5M ago47:21

47:21

This dual feature episode highlights Elaine Lustig Cohen’s self-taught rise to modernist graphic design and fine art, alongside Steven Heller’s efforts to rewrite design history by amplifying the contributions of women like Elaine. _______ Support this podcast with a small donation: Buy Me A Coffee This show is powered by Nice People Join this podc…

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019. Zelda Wynn Valdes: Mermaid Silhouette Master (w/ Tobi Ashiru) 35:27

5M ago35:27

35:27

Uncover the fascinating story of Zelda Wynn Valdes, whose mastery of the mermaid silhouette led to her creation of the iconic Playboy Bunny costume, with insights from special guest Tobi Ashiru. _______ Support this podcast with a small donation: Buy Me A Coffee This show is powered by Nice People Join this podcast and the Patreon community: patreo…

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Extra Sketches: Design & Murder 13:32

6M ago13:32

13:32

(**Trigger Warning: This episode discusses an explicit Murder) A brutal massacre at Frank Lloyd Wright’s Taliesin estate, where love, scandal, racism, paranoia, and murder intersect in a story that few have heard, involving the murder of his mistress, Martha Borthwick Cheney, at his beloved home he designed for their love. _______ Support this podc…

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018. Lella Vignelli and Giorgia Lupi: Designing for Humanity 51:40

6M ago51:40

51:40

This dual feature episode highlights both Lella Vignelli and Giorgia Lupi and their focus on human connection through design. Lella Vignelli's multi-hyphenate modernist design, along with Giorgia Lupi’s innovative approach to data visualization. _______ Support this podcast with a small donation: Buy Me A Coffee This show is powered by Nice People …

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Extra Sketches: Men Who Amplify 12:18

6M ago12:18

12:18

Host, Amber Asay, explores the male designers who have either championed or dismissed the contributions of women in the design world. From Le Corbusier’s undermining of female collaborators to Paul Rand’s advocacy for Lella Vignelli, we dive into the varying dynamics of support—or lack thereof—among iconic male figures in design. Tune in to hear wh…

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017. Anni Albers and Marian Bantjes: Modern Takes on Weaving and Ornamentation 49:36

6M ago49:36

49:36

In this double feature, discover how Anni Albers revolutionized the traditional craft of weaving into a modern art form as a Bauhaus trailblazer, while Marian Bantjes shares her creative journey of transforming ornamental graphic design into a contemporary storytelling medium. _______ Support this podcast with a small donation: Buy Me A Coffee This…

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016. Phyllis Madonna and Emily Heyward: Iconic Branding like the Madonna Inn 44:54

7M ago44:54

44:54

This dual feature episode highlights Phyllis Madonna’s fearless and eccentric design vision for the Madonna Inn, alongside branding expert Emily Heyward’s journey co-founding Red Antler and her insights into building iconic brands, including the lasting cultural impact of the Madonna Inn. _______ Support this podcast with a small donation: Buy Me A…

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Extra Sketches: The Hidden Half 11:02

7M ago11:02

11:02

Host Amber Asay dives into the untold stories of design power couples where the husbands received most of the credit, exploring how history has often overlooked the equally brilliant contributions of their wives. (This new bonus series, called "Extra Sketches" will be where we explore common themes and trends within women designer stories.) _______…

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015. Betty Cooke and Ellen Lupton: From Jewelry to Typography 40:09

7M ago40:09

40:09

This dual feature episode spotlights Betty Cooke, the minimalist jewelry designer known for her sculptural creations, alongside Ellen Lupton, celebrated graphic designer and author, who reflects on Cooke’s influence and shares insights from her own legendary career in design and education. _______ Support this podcast with a small donation: Buy Me …

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014. Louise Fili and Kevin Cantrell: Masters of Lettering & Typography 46:38

7M ago46:38

46:38

This dual feature episode highlights Louise Fili, the iconic designer celebrated for her exquisite typography and branding, alongside Kevin Cantrell, a master of lettering and typography, who shares how her work has shaped his own career and creative philosophy. _______ Support this podcast with a small donation: Buy Me A Coffee This show is powere…

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013. Iris Apfel and Adam Vicarel: Creativity Fueled by Travel 45:30

7M ago45:30

45:30

This dual feature episode explores the life of Iris Apfel, a globe-trotting icon whose design career spans interiors, textiles, and fashion, alongside Adam Vicarel, a designer and lettering artist whose work is deeply inspired by his love of travel and storytelling. Together, they demonstrate how the experiences of the world can shape bold, creativ…

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012. Ann Lowe: A Trailblazing Black Couturier (w/ Elizabeth Way) 59:58

7M ago59:58

59:58

Discover the captivating and untold story of Ann Lowe, the brilliant designer behind Jackie Kennedy’s wedding dress, as we delve into her legacy with fashion historian and author, Elizabeth Way, who has researched and written about Ann Lowe's life. _______ Support this podcast with a small donation: Buy Me A Coffee This show is powered by Nice Peop…

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Karmele Leizaola with Faride Mereb and Oriana Nuzzi: Pioneering Venezuelan Design 40:34

8M ago40:34

40:34

This TRIPLE feature episode explores the groundbreaking career of Venezuelan graphic designer Karmele Leizaola, whose pioneering work shaped the nation’s design identity. Guests Faride Mereb and Oriana Nuzzi, Venezuelan designers now based in Brooklyn, share their research on Leizaola’s legacy and reflect on how her vision continues to influence co…

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010. Pum Lefebure: On Process, Philosophy, and Parenthood 32:51

8M ago32:51

32:51

Renowned designer Pum Lefebure shares her journey from her artistic roots in Bangkok to co-founding Design Army in Washington, D.C. She discusses her experiences leading high-profile campaigns for clients like the Washington Ballet, her philosophy on creativity and design, and the challenges of balancing her roles as a business owner, creative visi…

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009. Norma Merrick Sklarek and Tobi Ashiru: Celebrating Black Women in Architecture 40:56

8M ago40:56

40:56

This dual feature episode celebrates the trailblazing career of Norma Merrick Sklarek, the first Black woman licensed in architecture in New York and California, whose work broke barriers and paved the way for future generations. Guest Tobi Ashiru, a Black architectural designer and educator, shares how Norma’s legacy has inspired her own journey a…

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Design Dialogues: Submit Your Story 10:27

9M ago10:27

10:27

New Bonus Episode series! The topic for the first one is all about Persistence, submit your story and listen to host, Amber Asay's own story of Persistence on this episode. _______ Support this podcast with a small donation: Buy Me A Coffee This show is powered by Nice People Join this podcast and the Patreon community: patreon.com/womendesignersyo…

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008. Muriel Cooper and Kelli Anderson: From Print to Pixels 48:13

9M ago48:13

48:13

This dual feature episode explores Muriel Cooper’s groundbreaking innovations in user interface and information design at MIT, alongside Kelli Anderson’s boundary-pushing work in paper art and design, inspired by Cooper’s merging of technology and creativity. _______ Support this podcast with a small donation: Buy Me A Coffee This show is powered b…

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007. Roanne Adams: On Sustainable Fashion and How Women Are Leading the Charge 37:47

9M ago37:47

37:47

This episode spotlights Roanne Adams’ journey as a creative leader and her passion for sustainable fashion, exploring how women are at the forefront of shaping a kinder, more eco-conscious future. Together, we highlight five influential women in sustainable fashion who are redefining the industry with innovative, earth-friendly designs. _______ Sup…

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006. Gail Anderson: On Racism, Resilience, and the Power of Mentorship 33:38

10M ago33:38

33:38

Renowned graphic designer Gail Anderson shares her journey from creating magazines in her youth to working at Rolling Stone and beyond, discussing her experiences as a woman of color in the design industry and the evolution of her career. Listen in on how Gail's mentors shaped her path and the fulfillment she finds in seeing her designs in the worl…

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005. Gere Kavanaugh and Lisa Congdon: Creativity at Any Age 41:55

10M ago41:55

41:55

This dual feature episode highlights Gere Kavanaugh, the multi-hyphenate designer whose legendary career was championed by key figures in design, alongside Lisa Congdon’s inspiring story of building a thriving creative career later in life, proving it’s never too late to pursue your passions. _______ Support this podcast with a small donation: Buy …

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004. Barbara Kruger and Catherine Casalino: Challenging the Status Quo 42:50

10M ago42:50

42:50

In this dual feature episode we highlight the work of Barbara Kruger, whose graphic design background shaped her iconic, subversive collaged art. Alongside a discussion of Kruger’s legacy and the ironic Supreme lawsuit saga, guest Catherine Casalino shares her own journey as a celebrated book designer, including her experience creating book props f…

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003. Barbara Stauffacher Solomon and Rachel Gogel: Defining Design, Then and Now 37:03

10M ago37:03

37:03

This dual feature episode honors the life and legacy of Barbara Stauffacher Solomon, the trailblazing graphic designer who defined California cool with her iconic supergraphics. Joining today's episode is Rachel Gogel, a Bay Area-based designer and fractional design leader, who reflects on Barbara’s influence and shares her own story of building a …

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002. Evelyn Ackerman: Mid-Century Designs for Home (w/ Laura Ackerman) 39:55

10M ago39:55

39:55

On today’s episode, we’ll discuss the life and work of industrial designer, Evelyn Ackerman, who’s work was prolific during the Mid-Century California Modernism era in the 50s and 60s But what makes this episode even more exciting is that we’re joined by her daughter, Laura Ackerman-Shaw, who offers a unique perspective and personal insights on the…

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001. Gunta Stölzl and Meryl Vedros: Redefining Textiles and Living to Design 41:41

11M ago41:41

41:41

Discover the groundbreaking work of Gunta Stölzl, the only female Bauhaus Master, who redefined weaving as an art form, alongside Meryl Vedros’ own creative journey and insights on preserving history through design. _______ Support this podcast with a small donation: Buy Me A Coffee This show is powered by Nice People Join this podcast and the Patr…

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Amber Asay Podcasts

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