In a world where there’s plenty of digital content to consume, it can be tough to find the media you’d like to listen to, read and enjoy. According to Buzzsprout, there are around 2.4 million podcasts, although only a fraction of these are active. Exploring the world of design can feel intimidating but podcasts are a good entry point to expand your knowledge. Take some time out of your day to learn more about design trends, brands and designers you’ve spotted.
This isn’t the first time we’ve had design podcasts on our radar - and COVID-19 saw a boom in podcasts and a clear trend for downloadable media.
We’ve rounded up some new and older podcasts to listen to on your daily commute, when you’re cooking or doing a spring clean.
The AD Aesthete
A podcast hosted by Mitch Owens and launched by Conde Nast, the AD Aesthete is a great archive podcast discussing design elements along with iconic eras in fashion and design. Think chats with UK designer Matilda Goad about her design process to an in-depth look at the White House design choices during the Obama era.
Inclusive Designers
Recently, the world has been more adaptive around the world of design and who it needs to cater for. Often, the way we put together a home, office or institution isn’t as accessible as it could and should be. This podcast focuses on a myriad of ways that design intersects with different health conditions from what to look for when purchasing toys for kids to building flexible and adaptive spaces.
Home Style Green
Sustainability is more than just a buzzword and the way we furnish, design and build homes has shifted. Hosted by Matthew Cutler Welsh, a sustainable housing expert, Home Style Green aims to highlight the ways in which we can improve our homes and who is currently pushing this movement forward. Matthew’s expertise seems to be with the materials used to build a home, from sustainably sourced timber to choosing efficient lighting technology.
Design Time
One of the newer podcasts on the list, US-based magazine Domino has launched their own podcast, called Design Time, hosted by the publication’s editor-in-chief. One of the first season’s episode guests included world-renowned designer Kelly Wearstler, and the topics throughout the podcast range from designing for kids to the pantry essentials from culinary greats like Ina Garten.
Life of an Architect
If you’re a budding architecture student, a seasoned professional or just curious about how the industry works, Life of an Architect is a great podcast to explore. Hosted by Bob Borson, an industry expert with over 20 years of experience, the show aims to shine light on the design process. You can learn more about how architects use construction drawings, why burnout occurs in the industry and reasons why you should or should not become an architect yourself.