Clever with Amy Devers
Arts
About
Clever is an award-winning, independent podcast that offers a window into the humanity behind the design of the world around us. In each episode, designer Amy Devers has candid and revealing conversations with the visionaries, culture-makers, and creative forces who shape our world and inform our society. Through a disarming mix of raw candor and honest shop-talk, Clever peels back the layers to unearth the gritty, authentic and sometimes surprising details of their creative paths. Clever Confidential is Clever’s offshoot series where we dig into the lesser told stories of the darker side of design; the shadowy, sometimes sordid, tales hiding under a glossy top coat of respectable legacy. Visit our website: <a href="https://www.cleverpodcast.com/" rel="noopener
Episodes
- Ep. 56: Jerry Helling [encore]
This encore episode of Clever celebrates the podcast's 10th anniversary by revisiting a conversation with Jerry Helling, President and Creative Director of Bernhardt Design. Helling shares his unconventional path from a small-town ranch to…
- Ep. 213: The Quiet Rebellion of Biodesigner Natsai Audrey Chieza [encore]
This encore episode of Clever highlights biodesigner Natsai Audrey Chieza, founder of Faber Futures. Chieza discusses her unconventional path, from growing up in Zimbabwe to studying material futures and ultimately designing with bacteria…
- Clever Ep. 1: Joe Doucet [encore]
This encore episode celebrating Clever’s 10th anniversary revisits the podcast's first conversation with multidisciplinary designer Joe Doucet. Doucet shares insights on his design process, how avant-garde headphones gained Lady Gaga's att…
- Ep. 237: Curator Alyssa Velazquez on Craft-itarianism: Community Action Through Craft
Curator Alyssa Velazquez discusses her exhibition "Craft-itarianism: Community Action Through Craft," which explores how craft can provide resources, joy, and community support for at-risk and marginalized individuals. Her work applies cra…
- Ep. 228: Lo-TEK’s Julia Watson on Applying Indigenous Knowledge to Climate-Adaptive Design [encore]
Julia Watson, an advocate for indigenous knowledge, discusses her work applying Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK) to contemporary design challenges. Her efforts with Lo-TEK aim to integrate indigenous systems and technologies for clim…
- Ep. 232: Studio O’s Liz Ogbu on Spatial Justice and the Role of Design in Healing Grief [encore]
Designer Liz Ogbu grew up in Oakland as the daughter of Nigerian immigrants, but it wasn’t until her first trip to Nigeria at 16 that she grasped the profound role place, family, and cultural context play in shaping who we are—and what we…
- Ep. 236: The Living Architectural Dream Worlds of Dennis Maher
Artist and designer Dennis Maher has spent decades exploring the life cycles of buildings. After studying architecture at Cornell, he moved to Buffalo, New York—where a job in demolition introduced him to the visceral reality of the built…
- Ep. 185: Costume Designer Deborah L. Scott on Building Worlds with Character and Depth [encore]
This encore episode features Oscar-winning costume designer Deborah L. Scott, who shares her journey from sewing doll clothes and working on the Vegas strip to costuming major films for directors like Steven Spielberg and James Cameron.
- Ep. 235: Secret Mall Apartment’s Michael Townsend on Ephemeral Art with Enduring Impact
Michael Townsend, founder of the Tape Art movement, discusses his career creating ephemeral public art, underground installations, and collaborations like the Secret Mall Apartment, featured in a Netflix documentary. His public art practic…
- Ep. 231: True Crime Podcaster Stephanie Tinsley on Everything They Missed [encore]
Stephanie Tinsley shares her journey into true-crime storytelling with her podcast "Everything They Missed," highlighting the importance of human dignity and her experience covering high-profile cases like the Murdaugh trials.
- Ep. 225: Norman Teague on Cultural Storytelling Through Design [encore]
Norman Teague, a designer, craftsman, artist, and educator, shares his journey from Chicago to major design roles, including the Obama Presidential Center. His work emphasizes cultural storytelling and challenges the traditional design can…
- Ep. 234: From Band to CCO: Laura Stein’s Road to Creative Leadership
Laura Stein, Chief Creative Officer of Bruce Mau Design, shares her path from a unique childhood on Nun’s Island to leading creative at BMD. Her journey included a culture shock move to Texas, a degree in English followed by art studies, a…
- 233: Clever Extra - Mick De Giulio on Designing Kitchens That Sing [encore]
Mick De Giulio, a kitchen designer with over 40 years of experience, shares his approach to creating kitchens that emphasize flow, proportion, beauty, utility, and emotional connection. He is known for his attention to detail and materials…
- Ep. 227: Designer Cas Holman is Giving Us All Permission to Play [encore]
Designer Cas Holman, inspired by her childhood, focuses on designing for play, creating systems like Geemo and Rigamajig. Her book "Playful" aims to help adults reconnect with the benefits of play for creativity and productivity.
- Ep. 196: Bradley L. Bowers on the Magic of Blending Technology and Craft [encore]
In this encore episode, Amy Devers talks with designer Bradley L. Bowers, who discusses his experiences growing up with his upholsterer grandmother and how he integrates technology with craft. Bowers shares his unique approach to gathering…
- Ep. 86: Designer of Joy Ingrid Fetell Lee [encore]
Ingrid Fetell Lee, a designer, researcher, and author, shares her journey to studying joy and the profound effects of our environment on well-being. The episode, hosted by Amy Devers, also mentions sponsors and production details.
- Ep. 233: Clever Extra - Mick De Giulio on Designing Kitchens That Sing
Mick De Giulio, a kitchen designer with over 40 years of experience, discusses his approach to creating kitchens that balance flow, proportion, beauty, utility, and emotional resonance. He is known for his attention to detail and material…
- Ep. 232: Studio O’s Liz Ogbu on Spatial Justice and the Role of Design in Healing Grief
Designer Liz Ogbu shares insights on the role of place and cultural context in shaping identity and creative work. Her design practice focuses on transforming communities, healing after societal fractures, and integrating grief and repair…
- Clever Presents: Everything They Missed
This episode of Everything They Missed, hosted by Stephanie Tinsley, examines the 2007 murder of Danny Harris. Tinsley revisits the crime scene, the initial investigation, and overlooked evidence, questioning whether justice was served in…
- Ep. 231: True Crime Podcaster Stephanie Tinsley on Everything They Missed
Stephanie Tinsley, a true-crime devotee, shares her journey into advocacy and podcasting with "Everything They Missed," focusing on human dignity in storytelling after her husband
- Ep. 230: SVA’s Molly Heintz on Why Design Writing Matters
Molly Heintz shares her journey from mythology and fashion to academia and co-founding Superscript, highlighting why design writing is crucial for the design process and broader understanding.
- Clever Confidential Ep. 4: Olivetti and the Race to Create the First Personal Computer [encore]
Clever Confidential revisits Olivetti, an Italian company on the verge of releasing the first personal computer. The episode investigates the mysterious deaths of its leader Adriano Olivetti and engineer Mario Tchou amid Cold War paranoia,…
- Ep. 229: Costume Designer Virginia B. Johnson Deploys Deep Craft and Rigorous Cultural Authenticity for Powerful Storytelling
Emmy-nominated costume designer Virginia B. Johnson shares how her childhood experiences, including learning various crafts from her Filipina aunties, influenced her career path. She discusses her transition from pre-med to costume design…
- Ep. 228: Lo-TEK’s Julia Watson on Applying Indigenous Knowledge to Climate-Adaptive Design
Landscape architect Julia Watson, inspired by global cultures, dedicates her career to applying Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK) to contemporary design challenges like climate adaptation and resource management.
- Ep. 74: Aaron Draplin [encore]
Graphic designer Aaron Draplin shares his background, influenced by LEGOs, pizza, punk rock, and snowboarding. He discusses his approach to design, hard work, and financial success, as featured on Clever with Amy Devers.
- Ep. 227: Designer Cas Holman is Giving Us All Permission to Play
Designer Cas Holman shares her lifelong focus on open-ended play, stemming from her childhood experiences and leading to the creation of play systems like Rigamajig. Her work aims to help adults reconnect with play to foster creativity and…
- Ep. 226: Neuroaesthetics Pioneer Suchi Reddy on How Form Follows Feeling
Suchi Reddy, founder of Reddymade, explores neuroaesthetics and her philosophy "form follows feeling," discussing how environments shape experiences and how design can nurture wellbeing. The episode covers her work in architecture, art ins…
- Ep. 225: Norman Teague on Cultural Storytelling Through Design
Norman Teague, designer and educator, shares his career path from Chicago to the Venice Architecture Biennale and MoMA, focusing on cultural storytelling through design and his role in educating future designers.
- Ep. 158: Bringing Data to Life with Information Designer Giorgia Lupi [encore]
This encore episode of Clever features information designer Giorgia Lupi, discussing her background in Italy, her punk rock teenage years, and her transition into data design. Lupi co-founded Accurat and is now a partner at Pentagram, advo…
- Ep. 76: Todd Oldham [encore]
This encore episode of Clever features fashion designer Todd Oldham, who shares insights on his creative path, emphasizing the importance of process, curiosity, and eschewing societal boundaries. The discussion highlights his commitment to…
- Ep. 183: Determined by Design’s Kia Weatherspoon is a Champion of Design Equity [encore]
Kia Weatherspoon, an interior designer, shares how her youth and military experience motivated her to advocate for design equity. She strives to make interior design accessible, particularly for those in economically challenged communities.
- Ep. 207: Creative Pep Talk’s Andy J. Pizza on ADHD, the heroine’s journey, & Invisible Things [encore]
Andy J. Pizza, illustrator and podcaster, shares his experiences growing up with contrasting parents, his journey through indie music and graphic design, and his candid reflections on being a neurodivergent creative.
- Ep. 189: Clodagh on the Twist & Turns of Her Extraordinary Life & Career [encore]
This encore episode of Clever with Amy Devers features interior designer Clodagh, who shares her life story from a childhood in the Irish countryside to a career spanning over 50 years in design. She is recognized as a pioneer in biophilic…
- Ep. 140: Creative Reaction Lab CEO Antionette Carroll [encore]
Antionette Carroll, founder of Creative Reaction Lab, educates youth to challenge racial and health inequities affecting Black and Latinx populations through Equity-Centered Community Design. She is an ADL and Aspen Institute Civil Society…
- Ep. 157: Designing for Dramatic Effect with Yasmine Ghoniem [encore]
Interior designer Yasmine Ghoniem shares her journey from a nomadic upbringing to founding YSG Studio in Sydney. She discusses her design philosophy, which incorporates eclectic influences and a flair for theatrical drama in creating space…
- Ep. 188: Afrotectopia’s Ari Melenciano on Synthesizing, Art, Tech, Epigenetics, and more [encore]
Ari Melenciano, artist and technologist, founded Afrotectopia, an institution exploring the intersection of art, science, and technology through an Afrocentric lens, inspired by her early interests and frustrations with academic and techno…
- Ep. 191: Rodolfo Agrella Uses Laughter as a Powerful Design Tool [encore]
Multidisciplinary designer Rodolfo Agrella shares his approach to design, which incorporates laughter and translates the vibrancy of the tropics into a universal language. Agrella discusses his background in Venezuela and his work in produ…
- Ep. 211: The Soulful Renovations of House of Rolison [encore]
This encore episode of Clever with Amy Devers features Amanda Leigh and Taylor Hahn of House of Rolison, who renovate old homes into elegant, modern spaces. Their work emphasizes art, architecture, and a deep respect for their craft.
- Ep. 160: Peeking into the Creative World of Pop-Polymath Willo Perron [encore]
Willo Perron shares his path from dropping out of high school to designing for major pop music artists and founding the multidisciplinary firm Perron-Roettinger. He discusses his work in interior design, live experiences, and brand identit…
- Ep. 97: Cognitive Neuroscientist Dr. Sahar Yousef [encore]
Cognitive neuroscientist Sahar Yousef shares insights on accelerating creativity and preventing brain drain, drawing from her work with leaders to maximize their potential.
- Ep. 218: The Exquisite Love, Magic and Maximalism of Londubh Studio [encore]
Londubh Studio, founded by partners Lisa Donohoe and Brynn Gelbard, creates elaborate, maximalist surface designs. They met in San Francisco in 2002 and later moved to Los Angeles, specializing in hand-applied surface artistry that celebra…
- Ep. 224: Charlotte McCurdy is Charting the Path to a Very Desirable Bio-Based Future
Designer Charlotte McCurdy shares her work on "charismatic objects" like a carbon-negative raincoat and an algae sequin dress. These serve as tangible experiments for a bio-based future that supports planetary healing and human well-being,…
- Ep. 223: Dan Heath's "Unnatural" Curiosity Provides a Feast of Revelatory Insights
This episode features author Dan Heath, known for his bestselling books and podcast "What It's Like to Be." Heath shares how his curiosity leads him to explore universal themes of relationships, purpose, and the meaning of work, drawing fr…
- Ep. 122: Design Advocate Jessie McGuire [encore]
Jessie McGuire, a branding and design strategist, shares her journey from El Salvador to becoming managing director at ThoughtMatter. She focuses on fostering creativity, curiosity, thoughtfulness, and generosity in her work.
- Ep. 215: Kinfolk’s Idris Brewster Uses AR to Empower Collective Memory Building [encore]
In this encore episode of Clever, Amy Devers speaks with Idris Brewster, co-founder and Executive Director of Kinfolk Foundation. Brewster utilizes augmented reality and location-based technology to place digital monuments, build collectiv…
- Ep. 222: Stop Disrupting, Start Caring with ustwo’s CEO Nicki Sprinz
Nicki Sprinz, CEO of ustwo, shares her experiences of overcoming early life challenges and health issues, which fostered optimism and a sense of urgency. She discusses her decade-long career at ustwo, highlighting her efforts to close the…
- Ep. 221: Blu Dot’s John Christakos on Combining Artistic Vision and Business Acumen
John Christakos, co-founder and CEO of Blu Dot, shares his path from early experiences in textile mills to co-founding the design company. His background in economics and studio art informed his leadership at Blu Dot, which has achieved su…
- Ep 45: Fashion Designer Mary Ping [encore]
Fashion designer Mary Ping shares how her grandmother influenced her sewing skills and her journey to founding her conceptual line, Slow and Steady Wins the Race. She prefers social commentary and wit over trends in her work.
- Ep. 220: Designing Belonging: Alma Jimenez Lopez on Art, Heritage, and Home
Alma Jimenez Lopez, a designer, artist, and curator, shares how her experiences as a first-generation Mexican American influence her work, emphasizing empathy and community building through initiatives like "Of Threads," which highlights M…
- Clever Confidential Ep. 6: The Brilliant Life and Tragic Death of Florence Broadhurst
This episode of Clever Confidential delves into the life and mysterious death of Australian design icon Florence Broadhurst. Hosted by Amy Devers and Andrew Wagner, it covers her creative genius, the circumstances of her violent demise, an…