Best Design Podcasts To Follow This Year

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If you’re a designer, your education doesn’t end with tutorials or courses—it’s a continuous journey of expanding perspectives, understanding industry trends, and sharpening your creative thinking.

One of the most effective (and accessible) ways to grow as a designer today is by listening to the best design podcasts.

Whether you’re commuting, prototyping, or taking a midday break, podcasts let you absorb valuable insights from industry leaders, uncover new workflows, and even learn how to navigate the business side of design.

But with hundreds of podcasts available, which ones are worth your attention?

This Design Journal curated list of the best design podcasts to follow will help you cut through the noise.

Each one brings a unique perspective—from design systems and UI/UX processes to creative direction and design entrepreneurship—ensuring your time spent listening is both educational and inspiring.

20 best design podcasts

Looking to enhance your design skills and stay updated with industry trends? Check out these 20 best design podcasts that offer inspiration, insights, and valuable tips from top professionals in the field.

1. The Design Better Podcast

The Design Better Podcast, produced by InVision, is a staple for design leaders and teams looking to level up.

Hosted by Aarron Walter and Eli Woolery, the podcast interviews global design leaders from companies like Google, IDEO, and Airbnb to explore how to build high-functioning design teams, adopt design systems, and foster creativity within organizations.

Why it stands out:

• Focus on design leadership: Perfect for those moving from execution to strategy, helping you understand how to scale design within teams.
• Actionable frameworks: Discusses design systems, collaboration, and design operations with clear, applicable insights.
• Top-tier guests: Features design thinkers who shape industry standards.

Best for: Mid-level to senior designers, design managers, and design ops professionals seeking to align business strategy with design.

2. Design Matters

Design Matters is one of the longest-running and most respected design podcasts globally.

Hosted by Debbie Millman—designer, author, and educator—the show explores what it means to be a creative professional today.

With over 500 episodes, Debbie interviews the world’s leading designers, writers, artists, and thinkers, digging deep into their creative journeys, challenges, and philosophies.

Why it stands out:

• Depth of conversation: The interviews go beyond surface-level questions, exploring the psychology and human stories behind creativity.
• Diverse guests: From Stefan Sagmeister and Paula Scher to Seth Godin and Roxane Gay, it features voices across design, art, and culture.
• High production quality: Clear, engaging, and intimate audio that makes you feel like you’re part of the conversation.

Best for: Designers seeking inspiration, understanding creative processes, and learning from industry veterans.

3. 99% Invisible

99% Invisible, hosted by Roman Mars, explores the hidden design and architecture that shape our world, from city planning and infrastructure to product design and cultural artifacts.

It uncovers the unnoticed yet critical aspects of design that influence how we live and interact with our environments.

Why it stands out:

• Storytelling mastery: Beautifully produced narrative episodes that draw you into design stories you never knew you cared about.
• Broadens design thinking: Encourages you to look at everyday objects and environments with a design lens.
• Engages non-designers: Makes design accessible and fascinating, ideal for sharing with clients or non-designer peers.

Best for: Designers looking to deepen their appreciation for how design influences society and culture.

4. The Honest Designers Show

The Honest Designers Show offers raw, unscripted conversations between designers Tom Ross, Ian Barnard, Dustin Lee, and Lisa Glanz.

They candidly discuss the realities of being a designer, including dealing with burnout, client challenges, pricing, and growing a design business without sugar-coating the struggles.

Why it stands out:

• Genuine conversations: Feels like chatting with experienced designer friends who openly share wins and failures.
• Actionable advice: Covers freelancing, mindset, and client management with practical tips.
• Motivational: Encourages you to navigate your design journey realistically and with confidence.

Best for: Freelance designers and creatives seeking relatable guidance and support in their day-to-day practice.

5. UI Breakfast

UI Breakfast, hosted by Jane Portman, focuses on UI/UX design, product strategy, and running SaaS products, often featuring experts who discuss real-world UI/UX challenges, research practices, and design-driven growth.

Why it stands out:

• UI/UX focused: Dives into interface design, usability, and product thinking without fluff.
• Product-centric: Offers insights for designers working on SaaS and digital products.
• Guest variety: Interviews with product managers, researchers, and design leaders broaden perspectives.

Best for: UI/UX designers looking to refine interface design skills and understand product thinking.

6. Creative Pep Talk

Creative Pep Talk, hosted by illustrator and speaker Andy J. Pizza, is designed to motivate and empower creatives to build fulfilling careers while nurturing their creative process.

The podcast blends practical advice with inspiring stories to help you navigate creative block, personal branding, and finding your artistic voice.

Why it stands out:

• Pep talk style: Andy’s energetic delivery genuinely motivates and encourages.
• Creative mindset: Helps overcome imposter syndrome and find clarity in your creative journey.
• Blend of inspiration and strategy: Perfect for creatives who need both mindset and tactical guidance.

Best for: Designers, illustrators, and creatives needing a push to stay inspired and consistent in their craft.

7. The Futur With Chris Do

The Futur, led by Chris Do, is not just a podcast but a platform for creative entrepreneurs and designers to learn the business side of design.

Chris and his team share actionable insights on pricing, positioning, branding, and building a sustainable creative business, often bringing in experts from marketing, design, and entrepreneurship.

Why it stands out:

• Actionable business insights: Unlike many design podcasts that focus solely on inspiration, The Futur gives clear, practical advice on freelancing, client management, and scaling your creative business.
• Community-driven: The Futur has a large global community, allowing listeners to apply lessons collaboratively.
• Diverse formats: Includes interviews, solo teachings, and live coaching sessions.

Best for: Designers who want to transition from freelancer to creative entrepreneur or learn to run a profitable design practice.

8. Scratching The Surface

Scratching the Surface, hosted by Jarrett Fuller, explores the intersection of design criticism, education, and practice.

The podcast features deep, intellectual conversations with designers, educators, writers, and theorists, focusing on how design connects to culture, theory, and the broader world.

Why it stands out:

• Intellectual depth: Explores design beyond tools and processes, delving into its societal role.
• Diverse voices: Guests include design critics, authors, educators, and practitioners, offering layered perspectives.
• Encourages critical thinking: Perfect for designers who want to move beyond execution to critical, reflective design practices.

Best for: Designers interested in the philosophy, criticism, and cultural context of design.

9. Monocle On Design

Monocle on Design is a weekly podcast from Monocle magazine exploring global design, architecture, fashion, and craft, showcasing stories from the design world with a unique international lens.

Why it stands out:

• Global perspective: Highlights design trends and projects from around the world.
• Short, insightful episodes: Perfect for quick yet valuable listening during your day.
• Broad coverage: Includes architecture, industrial design, graphic design, and product design.

Best for: Designers looking to stay informed about international design culture and trends.

10. Design Life

Design Life is hosted by Charli Marie and Femke van Schoonhoven, focusing on the day-to-day challenges of being a designer, with a particular emphasis on side projects, career growth, and personal development.

Why it stands out:

• Relatable content: Perfect for early to mid-career designers navigating growth challenges.
• Side project encouragement: Helps you build and manage side projects alongside your full-time design role.
• Actionable discussions: Offers practical strategies for portfolio building, job hunting, and skill development.

Best for: Designers in the early stages of their careers or those balancing full-time work with side projects.

11. Design Details

Design Details, hosted by Marshall Bock and Brian Lovin, is a podcast about the craft of digital product design.

The show features conversations with designers working at leading tech companies, discussing workflows, design processes and challenges in product and interface design.

Why it stands out:

• Practical product design insights: Offers real-world stories and workflows from designers at top tech companies.
• Focus on craft: Discusses UI/UX design decisions, design systems, and team collaboration.
• Accessible conversations: Friendly, relaxed tone that feels like listening to peers discuss their day-to-day design work.

Best for: Product designers, UI/UX designers, and those interested in tech industry design workflows.

12. UX Podcast

UX Podcast, hosted by Per Axbom and James Royal-Lawson, focuses on usability, UX design, and digital strategy.

It is a resourceful podcast for designers seeking to deepen their understanding of human-centered design, accessibility, and UX research.

Why it stands out:

• Broad UX topics: Covers everything from accessibility and cognitive biases to service design.
• Global perspective: The hosts often explore how UX challenges differ across cultures and contexts.
• Resource-heavy: Includes book reviews and recommendations, helping you expand your learning beyond episodes.

Best for: UX designers, researchers, and service designers seeking a holistic view of user experience.

13. The Deeply Graphic Designcast

The Deeply Graphic DesignCast, hosted by Wes McDowell and a panel of design professionals, covers a wide range of practical topics, including pricing, client relationships, design tools, and business strategies specifically for graphic designers.

Why it stands out:

• Practical, no-nonsense advice: Ideal for working graphic designers navigating business realities.
• Wide topic range: From branding and client management to SEO and marketing your services.
• Listener questions: The podcast regularly addresses listener-submitted questions for personalized advice.

Best for: Freelance graphic designers and design business owners seeking actionable, real-world guidance.

14. Inspiring Design

Inspiring Design, hosted by Rashan Senanayake, is an educational podcast that uncovers the future of design and education, featuring conversations with design leaders and educators who are shaping the industry through innovative practices and technologies.

Why it stands out:

• Future-focused: Explores the intersection of design, technology, and education.
• Educational lens: Discusses how design is taught and learned in different contexts.
• Innovation stories: Shares case studies and insights into transformative design projects.

Best for: Designers, educators, and design students looking to understand the evolving future of design and learning.

15. The Logo Geek Podcast

The Logo Geek Podcast, hosted by Ian Paget, is dedicated to the art and business of logo design.

Featuring interviews with top logo designers and branding experts, it dives into workflows, case studies, and practical branding strategies that every designer can apply.

Why it stands out:

• Niche focus: One of the few podcasts focusing entirely on logos and branding.
• Practical tips: Covers pricing logos, client management, and design processes.
• Industry insights: Shares stories of how iconic logos were crafted and refined.

Best for: Logo designers and brand identity specialists looking to master their craft and business skills.

16. School Of Motion Podcast

The School of Motion Podcast is a premier resource for motion designers, animators, and creatives interested in the motion design industry.

Hosted by Joey Korenman, it features conversations with industry veterans covering everything from animation techniques to the business side of motion design.

Why it stands out:

• Motion design focused: Provides deep insights into animation workflows, techniques, and tools.
• Industry guidance: Offers career advice for freelancers and in-house motion designers.
• Wide guest range: Interviews top animators, VFX artists, and motion design educators.

Best for: Motion designers, animators, and visual storytellers seeking practical and inspirational insights.

17. Clever With Amy Devers

Clever, hosted by designer Amy Devers, features conversations with designers, artists, and creatives across various disciplines, exploring their personal stories, inspirations, and the realities of living a creative life.

Why it stands out:

• Human-centered stories: Goes beyond work to explore who designers are as people.
• Diverse guests: Features voices across architecture, product design, graphic design, and art.
• Relatable conversations: Inspires while remaining down-to-earth about the challenges creatives face.

Best for: Designers looking for personal stories that inspire and humanize the creative journey.

18. The Weekly Typographic

The Weekly Typographic, by the team at League of Moveable Type, is a podcast dedicated to type lovers.

It covers typography trends, type design, and practical discussions around using type effectively in design work.

Why it stands out:

• Typography focus: Perfect for designers passionate about type and lettering.
• Digestible format: Short, weekly updates on type news and trends.
• Practical resources: Offers type-related tips, resources, and discoveries each week.

Best for: Graphic designers, type designers, and typographic enthusiasts wanting to stay current.

19. A Change Of Brand

A Change of Brand, hosted by Blake Howard, dives into the stories behind major brand transformations, rebrands, and redesigns, featuring discussions with the people behind these significant projects.

Why it stands out:

• Case study approach: Each episode dissects the strategy and process behind rebrands.
• Real-world insights: Shares challenges, decision-making processes, and lessons learned during rebrands.
• Story-driven: Engaging storytelling makes complex rebrand journeys accessible and interesting.

Best for: Designers and brand strategists who want to learn how major brands approach transformation.

20. Design Emergency

Design Emergency, hosted by Paola Antonelli (MoMA) and critic Alice Rawsthorn, explores how design is addressing the critical issues of our time—from climate change and social justice to health and technology.

Why it stands out:

• Design with purpose: Focuses on design’s role in solving societal challenges.
• Global perspectives: Features designers and thinkers working on world-changing projects.
• High-level conversations: Encourages designers to think about impact and responsibility.

Best for: Designers interested in using their skills for social impact and exploring the future of design.

Conclusion

Design is a fast-evolving field, and staying relevant requires continuous learning.

These best design podcasts offer a practical, engaging way to fuel your creativity, sharpen your technical skills, and expand your thinking—whether you’re commuting, taking a walk, or working on your next project.

From mastering UI/UX workflows and branding strategies to exploring design’s role in social change, each podcast on this list brings unique insights you can apply to your practice.

Instead of doom-scrolling during downtime, transform those moments into opportunities for growth and connection with the global design community.

Pick 2-3 podcasts aligned with your current goals, subscribe, and let them become your on-the-go design mentors.

Over time, you’ll notice how these conversations influence your thinking, improve your craft, and inspire you to build meaningful work that lasts.

Frequently asked questions

What are the best design podcasts for UI/UX designers?

For UI/UX designers, Wireframe, Design Details, and UI Breakfast are excellent choices.

They dive into user research, product workflows, interface decisions, and real-world case studies, helping you refine your design thinking and technical skills while staying updated with industry trends.

Are there any design podcasts that focus on the business side of design?

Yes, The Futur, The Deeply Graphic DesignCast, and The Honest Designers Show focus on freelancing, pricing strategies, building a design business, and navigating client relationships.

These podcasts are ideal for designers looking to move beyond execution and build a sustainable, profitable practice.

Can design podcasts help with creative block and inspiration?

Absolutely. Podcasts like Creative Pep Talk, Clever, and 99% Invisible are perfect for breaking through creative block, providing fresh perspectives, and reminding you why you started in design.

Listening to other creatives’ journeys can reignite your passion and spark new ideas for your projects.

How do I choose the best design podcast to start with?

Start by identifying your current learning goals. If you want to improve technical skills, choose Design Better or School of Motion Podcast.

For inspiration and broader design thinking, try Scratching the Surface or Design Emergency. Choose 1-2 podcasts, listen during your daily routine, and reflect on how you can apply what you learn to your work.