When thinking about design, the first thing that comes to most people's minds is a specific type of design, whether it be interior design, architecture, or graphic design. And while design does encompass all of these fields, it’s also a massive—and often seamlessly hidden—part of our existence. Design is a fascinating process, a system of tools and ideas that affects every aspect of our lives. Design influences not only the built environments we move through, but the ways we structure our days and our lives.
There’s no shortage of wonderful design podcasts spanning every aspect and kind of design—from how-to graphic design podcasts to podcasts that blend history and culture with design theory. This list includes some of the best design podcasts available. Whether you’re looking to learn a new skill or you want to stay up to date on the latest design trends, we’ve got you covered. Aspiring designers, interested amateurs, and professional creatives alike are sure to find their perfect next listen, full of new ideas and practical advice, on this list.
Best General Design Podcasts
Design Matters is one of the longest-running podcasts around—it's been broadcasting for more than 15 years—for good reason. Whether she's talking with actors, artists, entrepreneurs, or writers, the conversations that host Debbie Millman has with her guests are always illuminating and inspiring. Each week, she sits down with a different highly creative person to discuss...well, why design matters to them. You'll learn about how these remarkable people design their creative projects, as well as how they use design principles in their personal and professional lives.
If you think design isn't an important part of your field, then this might be the perfect podcast for you. Each week, hosts Aarron Walter and Eli Woolery discuss all things design with some of the most successful creative leaders, thinkers, and entrepreneurs in the world. Their goal is to help people in all fields learn to design better products and experiences. Past guests have included designers from Google, Airbnb, and Ford. Whether they're discussing inclusive design, human-centered design, or the art of persuasion, there's something for everyone in this far-ranging and engaging podcast.
Design is all around us, all the time—it's in the cars we drive, the streets we walk, the buildings we work in, the parks we play in, even the food we eat. The objects and environments that comprise our world are all designed by someone. In this eye-opening podcast, Amy Devers sits down to have open, honest, and often revelatory conversations with the designers who help shape our lives. She speaks with architects, activists, restaurateurs, and many other creatives. The podcast is full of fascinating insights into design itself, but it's also about how we relate to each other and the world around us. Clever is a captivating blend of information, conversation, and philosophy.
If you're looking for a great catch-all listen about everything that's going on in the world of design, you'll want to check out this podcast. Monocle on Design covers design across many fields, including interior design, graphic design, architecture, digital design, fashion design, and craft. Episodes are roughly 30 minutes long and usually touch on a range of design-related topics—the latest design news, interviews with designers about their current projects, analysis of new design trends, and more.
Best Design Theory and History Podcasts
Some elements of design are obvious to all of us. An eye-catching logo or a perfectly curated living room are clear examples of graphic and interior design. But some of the most interesting and important designs are harder to see. This podcast is all about these nearly-invisible elements of design—the routinely overlooked craft and architecture present in everyday places and utilitarian objects. Each week, host Roman Mars explores a particular theme from several angles, interviewing designers and other experts. Tune in to learn about everything from the effects of COVID-19 on city design to the aesthetics of prosthetic limbs to the science of color—plus a whole lot more.
Maybe you're not an aspiring graphic designer or architect, but that doesn't mean design isn't meaningful for you. Design is a powerful system that can be applied to just about anything, including our everyday lives. In this accessible and engaging podcast, host Vince Frost talks with designers and creatives about how they've applied the principles of design to their own daily lives. Whether you're trying to build better sleep habits, create space for well-being and self care, or improve your home life, Design Your Life will offer you expert guidance and lots of new ideas.
Best Graphic Design Podcasts
This podcast has something for everyone, whether you're a newcomer to graphic design, a veteran professional, or simply interested in exploring the subject. Hosts Nick Longo, Mikelle Morrison, and Jordan Wilson, all graphic designers, are committed to helping creative people become even more creative—in their projects, ideas, and careers. The DGDC combines interviews, practical advice, and round-table discussions, making for a lively listen. It's a fantastic podcast to check out if you're passionate or curious about graphic design, but that's just the jumping off point for conversations about the creative process in all its forms.
Logo Geek is an entertaining and informative podcast all about, well, logos. What goes into designing a good logo? For starters, it’s a lot more than you might think. Host Ian Paget is determined to find out what it takes to design the perfect logo. Each week, he interviews successful graphic designers about their triumphs and mistakes. This is a must-listen for anyone involved in logo design: you'll learn about pricing, branding, online marketing, design dos and don'ts, and a whole lot more.
If you run your own business or do freelance work, you know that all the extra stuff—marketing, pricing, accounting, and more—can take up a lot of time. Resourceful Designer is a podcast created to help graphic designers and web designers streamline their business skills. Host Mark Des Cotes offers dozens of useful tips and tricks, resources, and practical advice on everything from self-promotion and media exposure to setting prices and record-keeping.
Best Interior Design Podcasts
If you're intimidated by DIY home renovation—or don't even know what your style is, let alone how to create it in your home—you're going to want to tune into Make Space. Host Cara Newhart knows that interior design goes beyond picking a sofa color, and her conversations with designers go much deeper than that. Her expert guests discuss the ups and downs of their careers, what motivates them, and how they made their own dream space. In each episode, Cara offers empowering advice to help nervous design novices find their own style, redecorate on a budget, tackle big projects with confidence, and use power tools.
The Great Indoors is a fun, lighthearted podcast about what it takes to turn a house into a welcoming and well lived-in home. In each episode, TV personality Sophie Robinson and journalist Kate Watson-Smyth sit down to talk all things interior design. In each engaging episode, the hosts typically cover a range of topics—from the latest design trends and hottest new innovations to practical tips on choosing lighting, using color, and designing for coziness to their own passion projects—bouncing back and forth with ease.
Witty and informative, this deep dive into the world of interior design will delight and inspire professional interior designers and serious amateurs alike. In each episode, host Michael Boodro is joined by several other design experts, including architects, manufacturers, and craftspeople. Discussions cover every part of the design process, from finding inspiration to bringing glamour and fun back to decorating to dealing with supply chain disruptions. Some episodes of The Chairish Podcast focus on a specific place, such as Austin, Texas, or Washington, DC, while others focus on a theme, ranging from post-pandemic trends in entertaining to social media marketing.
Best Niche Design Podcasts
The history of design and the history of fashion are inextricably intertwined, as hosts DJ Clara Amfo and fashion historian Amber Butchart make clear in Fashioned. This in-depth Audible Original Podcast explores how fashion has shaped the world we live in today. Clara and Amber delve into the history of fashion from the Middle Ages through the 20th century, going beyond fashion design and trends to reveal the many ways that fashion continues to influence pop culture, society's notions about gender and class, feminism, activism, and even the environment.
Digital design is a fast-growing and continually evolving field that affects so many aspects of life, from how we manage our finances to how we interact with family on social media. In Presentable, host Jeff Veen brings his two decades-plus of experience as a designer, developer, entrepreneur, and investor to explore the world of digital design from just about every angle. He speaks with designers, web developers, marketing experts, and other digital creatives about the tools they use to shape the digital world and the trends they see looming on the horizon.
Revision Path is a podcast that celebrates and showcases Black designers and digital creators. Each week, host Maurice Cherry interviews Black creatives from all over the world. They discuss their motivations and inspirations, career goals, successes and mistakes, and so much more. You'll hear from video game designers, writers, sound designers, web developers, digital artists, and many other passionate creatives. The conversations often go to unexpected places. Revision Path is not just about digital design—it's also about art, philosophy, the role of the internet, overcoming creative blocks, and personal growth.
