Listen to some of my favorite podcasts, plus a bunch more to check out on my own to-do list, too! Pick your own favorites, it’s your destiny! ×

Funnily enough, I’ve never seen Tenacious D in The Pick of Destiny, but I’ve listened to the POD song like a thousand times. Speaking of things I’ve never actually seen but listened to – Podcasts.

Back in the day, I never understood the hype of Podcasts. Listening to people talk? But you don’t see them? As a visual learner, it didn’t make sense to me. But a few years back, I came across the Instagram, Women of Illustration, after they posted my Janelle Monáe black & white illustration. I followed them for the art and didn’t focus on anything else at first. Then I happened to be on their profile again and saw they had “Podcast” in their bio – welp. I mean. Sure, maybe I’d just check it out.

Well, the host, Dina Rodriguez of Letter Shoppe, had some fantastic guests on the show, and it wasn’t all formatted boringly. They gave great advice business advice, plus relatable content, and great tips – plus a bonus of being real and a bit NSFW 😁 But, hey, I’ll get to that Podcast below.

After my intro to Podcasts from Women of Illustration, I looked for a bunch more and have found some really great podcasts that are filled with info and great to listen to. All of these, except for maybe one or two, I listen to and are available on Spotify. Most of these can be found on Apple Podcasts, or other Podcast playing apps that you love. And, some of the below are on my to-do list [noted]. I’m more than happy to add a volume 2, so send any recommendations along, too! Enjoy!

MY GO-TO PODCASTS

1. Women of Illustration

Let’s get it started with Women of Illustration! One of my favorites on the fact that they share so much great information, and relatable content – like hardships, burnout, mistakes, and more. Even if you’re not an illustrator, it’s great to hear from these illustrators / designers. They also have a great Instagram filled with amazing illustrators. From their Spotify About: I’m going to introduce you to inspiring female artists from all over the world. Each with unique accents, cultures, and struggles so we can begin to learn from each other on how to get noticed in this male-dominated industry.

2. The Quickie Podcast for Designers

On my quest to find more podcasts after listening to WOI, I found this gem! It takes a few episodes [if I remember correctly] for the format to get where it is now, or at least at the point I’m at because there are a TON of episodes! It’s great to hear everyone’s answers to similar questions and see how vastly different everyone’s designer journey is, and, again, how relatable a lot of it is, too.

From their Spotify About: The Quickie Podcast for Graphic Designers is a damn good show where host Dave Hopkins interviews talented Graphic Designers, Illustrators, and Creative Directors, quickly – usually 30 minutes or less. Hear from freelancers to creatives at world-renown businesses and agencies, about their wins, their fails, lessons learned, what inspired them, and the story about how they even got there. Subscribe to be entertained and inspired by each guest’s unique journey. Plus who doesn’t love a good quickie?! Go on, get in there.

3. Per Our Last Email

This one may be my new absolute favorite. It’s hilarious, but educational, and just good times. The hosts Elle Mitchell and Arabela Espinoza of Weekend Creative are fantastic together [third host, Anna McNaught departs after the first few episodes to travel]. They have a special cocktail every episode, read emails from creatives of all types and their client interactions, plus have interviews with amazing creatives, too. All around high recommend. The most out-there, crazy episode that you don’t have to be creative to listen to because it’s incredible and unpredictable, is That’s Where the Story Should Have Ended ft. Little Drill. But you’ve gotta listen to ‘em all. So good. They release a new episode [so far!] every Monday, so get yourself caught up as I did, and give it a listen. Also, check out their Podcast Instagram and the hosts’ business Instagram. You’ve definitely seen their photography work before.

From their Spotify About: We started Per Our Last Email because we know first hand how hard it can be to be a freelancer. Our hope is that the stories we share and the guests that we interview will be a reminder that you are not alone in this crazy entrepreneur life. Mix up a cocktail (you’re going to need it), listen, and laugh along with us. Follow us on Instagram at @perourlastemail for podcast updates, cocktail recipes, and freelancing memes. Got a crazy freelancing story? Submit it at perourlastemail.com. Artwork by Good Vibes Type and Podcast Intro by SLVM and Sara Witsch.

3. Design Break

Design Break is hosted by Rocky Roark of Blue Cyclops Co., and is another good one that has a lot of great info from both Rocky’s solo episodes, plus his Interview episodes!

From their Spotify About: Breaking into the creative world is hard enough—and making it as a full-time freelance designer is even tougher. Join host and freelance designer and illustrator Rocky Roark as he talks with special guests about all things freelancing. If you’ve been thinking about starting your own creative projects or you just want to hear thoughtful, actionable advice for your creative career, this podcast is for you.

SPORTS DESIGN RELATED PODCASTS

Another area that I dabble in a lot is Sports Design – for companies like PLB Sports & Entertainment and Ready® Nutrition at ocreations – I like to immerse myself in all the Sports I can. From Instagram accounts, Courses from Front Office Sports, and a heck ton more. While getting certified in two courses from Front Office Sports, I found their podcast The Leadoff, which prompted me to find Makers of Sport®, which I had been following for a long time on LinkedIn! I’ve only listened a little to The Leadoff, but have listened to Makers of Sport®, which I really like. Another two below are also on my to-do list but are sports-related.

5. Makers of Sport® Podcast

As mentioned above, I’ve listened to MOS Podcast hosted by T. Adam Martin. Still making my way through the many episodes, but already love all the info I’ve gotten. And, honestly, you don’t have to be in sports design to appreciate the info. A lot of the information can be applied to multiple areas of design. Adam interviews some crazy awesome names from big brands like Adidas, ESPN, NFL, and a ton, ton, more.

From their Spotify About: Conversations about design, branding, creative business, products, footwear, technology, entrepreneurship, and more in the sports industry. Featured in Apple Podcasts New & Noteworthy. Missing episode numbers are paid & private community content. Joint the community at makersofsport.com/community

6. The Leadoff

Hosted by Front Office Sports. From their Spotify About: The most important business of sports stories of the day in five minutes or less. Insights from record-breaking earnings reports, investments, stocks, acquisitions, and deals that shake up the conversation — a close look at everything going on in the $641+ billion business of sports.

7. Bad Design Podcast

Hosted by Sean Reilly. From their Spotify About: A design podcast for the people, by the people. Breaking down everything design related in the sports industry.

8. Creative Waffle 

Hosted by Mark Hirons. From their Spotify About: A weekly design and illustration podcast for students, graduates and emerging creatives. Bringing you top tips and honest advice from industry professionals every Monday.

ON MY TO-DO LIST

9. The CMO Podcast

Hosted by Gallery Media Group & Jim Stengel. From their Spotify About: Jim Stengel, former CMO of the largest marketer in the world (Procter & Gamble), and now small company entrepreneur sits down for intimate conversations with the most dynamic CMOs from all over the industry. This is not your typical marketing podcast, this is a unique look at the thought process and motivation of the CMO. Jim, who put purpose on the map gets in depth with each guest to reveal more about this pivotal role every brand seeks to fill. Through personal and revealing discussions Jim and his guests paint a picture of this demanding position that very few understand, yet affects the entire consumer experience.

10. The Creative Minute

Hosted by Maud Passini. From their Apple Podcast About: The Creative Minute is a series of interviews focusing on entrepreneurs, change-makers and creatives, telling us how creativity has helped them overcome hardships in their professional journey, especially in 2020.

11. Creative Pep Talk 

Hosted by Andy J. Pizza, Co-Loop Podcast Network. From their Spotify About: Creative Pep Talk helps you build a thriving creative practice! Each week, host Andy J. Pizza serves up monologues and interviews with creative powerhouses like Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Abbi Jacobson and Morgan Harper Nichols that are chocked to the brim with creative performance hacks and fresh marketing tactics. Time to fill up your tank with a generous helping of PEP! Open up your ears and get that breakthrough perspective you need, the second you need it! Andy J. Pizza is an illustrator for the likes of The New York Times, The Washington Post, Google, YouTube and Nickelodeon. Andy J. Pizza – instagram.com/andyjpizza

12. Design Better Podcast by InVisionApp  

Hosted by InVisionApp, Inc. From their Spotify About: The DesignBetter.Co Podcast is from DesignBetter.Co, where we want to make it easier for you to design great products. Visit us at www.designbetter.co. DesignBetter.Co is brought to you by InVision, the platform that helps you design better, faster, together. In Season 1 of the DesignBetter.Co Podcast, we’ll focus on what it takes to be a product-driven company—including exploring human-centered design, and how strong collaboration between product, design, and engineering helps make great products. This podcast is hosted by Aarron Walter and Eli Woolery, and is brought to you by InVision: The world’s leading prototyping, communication and workflow platform. [more on their page]

13. Design Details  

Hosted by Brian Lovin, Marshall Bock. From their Spotify About: A weekly conversation about design process and culture. Hosted by Marshall Bock and Brian Lovin.

14. Design Matters with Debbie Millman  

Hosted by Design Matters Media / Debbie Millman. From their Spotify About: Design Matters with Debbie Millman is one of the world’s very first podcasts. Broadcasting independently for over 15 years, the show is about how incredibly creative people design the arc of their lives.

15. Dribbble’s Overtime

Hosted by Dribbble / Meg Lewis. From their Spotify About: Overtime, Dribbble’s weekly podcast, explores the most interesting design news and gives you the tips you need to create your best work. No need to scroll copious news sites and design Twitter—host Meg Lewis and friends are primed to inform, entertain, and inspire you each week. Consider Overtime your audio lifeline to the design community, packaged in a perfectly punchy Shot. Subscribe and listen every Wednesday to stay ahead of the game.

16. Drunk on Lettering

Hosted by Pandr Designer Co. From their Spotify About: Welcome to Drunk on Lettering with Roxy Prima and Phoebe Cornog! Each week we get drunk and Skype with one of our favorite letterers. We specialize in making our guests feel uncomfortable and asking them pointless questions. This podcast is 1 part informative, 1 part entertaining, and 1 part cheese!

17. The Follow-up by Brand New

This one is a bit unique – it’s not free, but it is fairly affordable as it comes with the subscription to Brand New / Under Consideration. A blog that I recommended here, plus they also host conferences and have a great book, and more. The monthly subscription is currently $2 OR $20 for a full year. Check out all the current episodes [multi-pages] here.

About their podcast: A bi-weekly podcast that goes in-depth into projects recently reviewed on Brand New, featuring conversations with the designers — and sometimes their clients — uncovering the context, background, and design decisions behind the work. About Follow-up.

18. For the Love of Freelance

Hosted by Freelancing Females. From their Spotify About: For the Love of Freelance is the confidence-boosting coffee chat for freelancers everywhere, hosted by Freelancing Females Founder Tia Grado, and her trusty Co-host Lisa Ann “LAMARKS” Markuson. Each week brings new guests, new discussions, and actionable ideas in new content drops to actually make your work and life better. Consider us your friends, mentors, collaborators, peers, and cheerleaders for all elements of successful and sustainable freelance living.

19. The Futur with Chris Do

Hosted by The Futur / Chris Do. From their Spotify About: The Futur podcast is a show that explores the interesting overlap between design, marketing, and business. Our host (and CEO of The Futur), Chris Do, holds candid conversations with inspirational people from the worlds of design, technology, marketing, business, philosophy and personal development. These conversations go deep. With the aim of understanding who these incredible people are, what drives them to do what they do, and what can we—the listener—learn from it all. Visit thefutur.com/podcast for show notes and additional information from each episode.

20. Greyscalegorilla Podcast

Hosted by Greyscalegorilla. From their Spotify About: A show for creatives who want to learn about motion design, 3D rendering, Cinema 4D, working with clients, and much more.

21. The Hectic Podcast

Hosted by Darryl Kelly, Founder of Hectic App. From their Spotify About: The future of work is changing, and Hectic is here to make it happen. Discover the stories behind some of the best independent creators in their industries and learn what motivates, challenges, and changes them. Join host Darryl Kelly, Founder of Hecticapp.com, as he sits down with freelancers who are on their journey to becoming unstoppable. Hear their advice on overcoming mental hurdles and adversity, freelancer life hacks, and insight on starting, running, and growing a freelancing career so you too can build the life you love.

22. The Illustration Department Podcast

Hosted by Giuseppe Castellano. From their Spotify About: Giuseppe Castellano talks to folks in illustration, graphic design, publishing, animation, and other creative fields about the ups and downs of their careers.

23. Illustration Hour

Hosted by Julia Dufossé. From their Spotify About: Illustration Hour is a long-form interview podcast about the craft and business of illustration and design hosted by illustrator Julia Dufossé. With the help of successful illustrators, designers and art directors, we unpack how you can ideate better, learn new skills, keep yourself fresh, promote yourself and your work, and maintain a profitable freelance business. Note: This Podcast Is No Longer Ongoing. The website has not been renewed but the episodes will remain available for educational purposes. Thank you!

24. Side Hustler’s Perspective with Scotty Russell

Hosted by Scotty Russell | Creative Side Hustle Coach. From their Spotify About: The Side Hustler’s Perspective Podcast is fuel for your mind and creative grind. The goal, soul, and mission of this show are to help creatives transform their side hustle into their main hustle while finding balance around day jobs and life responsibilities. Every Wednesday at 5 am CT, designer, artist, and coach Scotty Russell of Perspective-Collective dishes out fiery episodes built on mindset, motivation, and marketing. He features industry-leading guests like Lincoln Design, Jon Contino, and Lauren Hom as well as up and coming creatives that should be on everyone’s radar. This is for those who want to master the art of healthy hustling, get out of their own way, and grow their creative business. You can follow the podcast on Instagram @SideHustlersPerspective and Scotty @CoachScottyRussell.

25. The Striving Artist

Hosted by Stefan Kunz and Lauren Hom. From their Spotify About: The podcast for creative people working towards BIG goals. Listen in on candid conversations that dive deep into making art, making a living and making it all work as a modern-day artist. We’re your hosts, Stefan Kunz and Lauren Hom. We’re lettering artists, entrepreneurs, and most importantly friends, and we’re so excited you’re here. So pull up a seat in our virtual studio and join the creative conversation!

26. The Uncool Designer

Hosted by Anna Dower. From their Spotify About: The podcast helping graphic designer boss-ladies work smarter and not harder in their design businesses. Your guru: the clever Anna Dower; mentor, designer, cake-lover and rad chick. ‘Cos not all creatives wear hip black clothes and are design snobs. Some – like us – wear colourful Birkenstocks and believe in community over competition.

Have Another Favorite Podcast?

I’d love to add it to the list or create a volume two! The more, the merrier, and not only happy to share, but I’m also happy to listen, too! Send me a note and I’ll be sure to check it out! 

Curious what Fonts I used? Check out my very first blog post for the rundown. 

This post is not sponsored or an advertisement. these are just genuine recommendations, or/and thoughts.