Free Daily Podcast Summary
By Design: Daily Summaries Delivered
by Fast Company
Design is no longer just about aesthetics—it's shaping the way we live, work, and interact with the world. Join ‘Fast Company’ senior editor Liz Stinson and global design editor Mark Wilson as they dive into the latest innovations in the world of user experience and product and architectural design. ‘By Design’ focuses on the macro impacts of design trends, covering topics like the future of wearable technology, how AI is affecting product design, and, more broadly, how design intersects with business, tech, politics, and culture.
Latest Episodes
The most recent episodes — sign up to get AI-powered summaries of each one.
- Jun 17, 202642 min
Meet the godfather of the protein boom
If you’re extra focused on hitting your macros, Peter Rahal has more to do with it than most other people. He’s the co-founder of RXBAR and, more recently, David Protein. With David, Rahal and his team have figured out how to capture attention for something as commonplace as a protein bar while using minimal advertising and sleek, simple packaging. It appears David has struck gold again with their newest product, ice cream. The $15 pints sold out in less than a half hour. On this episode, Liz and guest host Grace Snelling go deep with Rahal on how he built yet another protein empire and the design choices that went into it.
- Jun 3, 202625 min
Tim Heidecker’s plan to get you off social media and onto InfoWars
As you’ve probably heard, The Onion is in the process of taking over InfoWars, the platform started by right-wing conspiracy theorist Alex Jones. How is this a design story, you may ask? Well, we’ve got an interview with the creative director for new InfoWars — Tim Heidecker. Liz sat down with Tim and Fast Company’s Lilly Smith, who has been reporting on The Onion’s InfoWars takeover, to talk about Tim’s vision for the platform.
- May 20, 20261h 16m
Life, love, and design with Samsung’s Mauro Porcini + Mark’s big news
It’s a jam-packed episode of By Design—and for good reason. First, we’ll share some big news of our own before moving onto the design world’s latest. We look at how Claude Design caught Anthropic’s collaborators (and competitors) by surprise and unpack the Trump administration’s newest design hire: Peter Arnell as the nation’s “chief brand architect.” Then, Mark sits down with Mauro Porcini, Samsung’s chief design officer, for a wide-ranging conversation about his illustrious career. To close things out, we have a good, old-fashioned hot-or-not. Mentioned this time: Target’s revamped cart, an overdue Venmo update, Threads’ new logo, Pinterest tells users to go outside, and Ikea’s latest stab at an inflatable chair.
- Apr 29, 20261h 5m
Why furniture designer Tyler Hays is ‘obsessed’ with AI
Tyler Hays has made a career working with his hands. Making everything from couches to jigsaw puzzles to guitars, the BDDW founder and lead designer says he has now fallen for AI. “I'm absolutely obsessed with it,” Hays says. “Every single thing you wanna know about … you can pick any subject and ask it in 10 different ways and spend an embarrassing amount of hours” As BDDW closes its SoHo showroom after 25 years, Hays joined By Design to reflect on his career and what’s next as he moves into a new chapter. Plus, we get a dispatch from host Mark Wilson’s trip to Italy for Milan Design Week and Salone del Mobile. We close with an edition of Hot or Not. Mentioned: Claude Design, a $545 cutting board, and a very special bike bell.
- Apr 1, 20261h 12m
What is a design job in 2026? Plus, Anthropic’s head of design gets an unexpected critique
We’re taking a trip to the Bay Area on this very special episode of By Design. We’ll start off by discussing a very big question: What is a design job in 2026? The answer, in part, can be found in San Francisco and Silicon Valley, where Mark Wilson brings a dispatch from his latest reporting trip. Plus, the latest design job numbers and what they mean. Then, he and Liz Stinson interview one of the most powerful people in the world of AI design—Joel Lewenstein, Anthropic’s design chief. Joel explains Claude’s personality quirks, why he’s doubling his design team, and more. Finally, we close with a spring edition of Hot or Not. Mentioned: Coleman’s Snap ‘N Go cooler, the 2028 Olympics branding, and a big Google Maps redesign. Plus, two quick plugs for some great Fast Company stuff: First, check out our 2026 Most Innovative Companies in design. And if you haven’t, make sure to get in your applications for the 2026 Innovation By Design awards — submissions are due April 10.
- Feb 24, 20261h 3m
Behind the Oscar-nominated design: How ‘Sinners’ makes you believe its world
With the Oscars coming up quickly, we spoke with the woman behind the design landscape for Sinners: Hannah Beachler. She’s been director Ryan Coogler’s go-to production designer for several films, including Fruitvale Station, Creed, two Black Panther movies, and now Sinners, which smashed the record for most Academy Award nominations. Beachler sat down for a long, ranging interview full of Sinners lore and what challenge she wants to take on next. But first, we hit the news: Crotchgate, everything else in Olympics design, Jony Ive’s Ferrari, the enshittification of ChatGPT, and the trial of Meta and Google’s allegedly addictive design. We’ll close with a new segment: Fix Your Shit. This episode’s target: Microsoft Teams.
- Jan 27, 20261h 10m
Apple robs Google, Joe Gebbia goes to the White House, and Ikea's CEO on what matters more than profit
It’s a packed first episode of the year at By Design and we have a big guest: Ikea’s Juvencio Maeztu gives his first major interview since taking over as CEO. It’s a deep, candid conversation about his philosophy on affordability, life at home, and how Ikea’s business structure allows it to have motives that aren’t all about profit. But first, the news: We go deep on global design editor Mark Wilson’s profile of Joe Gebbia, Airbnb’s design co-founder who now begins his new role as the nation’s chief design officer. Gebbia is now tasked with reshaping the government in President Trump’s image. Mark and senior editor Liz Stinson also talk about Apple’s major deal with Google to use Gemini for Siri and Apple Intelligence products, a major victory for a company trailing in the AI race. We’ll also talk about a trend you might not realize you're seeing: meme wear. And to close the show, producer Cody Nelson joins for Hot or Not. Mentioned this time: Honda 2.0, brick-and-mortar Turbo Tax, new Legos, a pen lamp, and more.
- Dec 23, 202549 min
The 7 biggest design trends of 2025
What defined design in 2025? For our December episode, we look back at the seven most significant design trends of the year. This time, Liz and Mark are joined by some special guests, as they discuss growing movements ranging from vibecoding to ragebait advertising. They ask questions like, is craft dead in the age of AI? And, when did everything in design become so political? Tune in for the best analysis of our year that was from some of the sharpest minds in the industry, and stay for hints to what’s coming next in 2026.
Get By Design summaries in your inbox
Free AI-powered daily recaps. Key takeaways, quotes, and mentions — in a 5-minute read.
Get Free Summaries →Free forever for up to 3 podcasts. No credit card required.
You Might Also Like
Listeners also like.
The iDesign Lab Podcast
Explores how intentional design in business, culture, and creativity shapes human behavior, industries, and the way we live.
The Honest Designers Show
A candid look at building a successful creative career, covering client work, personal style, branding, and fulfillment in design.
TED Tech
Experts examine how technology reshapes society, science, design, and business through TED Talks hosted by Sherrell Dorsey.
Thrive In Design
Thrive In Design
UI Breakfast: UI/UX Design and Product Strategy
Discussions with UI/UX and product strategy experts on applying practical insights to design and SaaS businesses.
Design Matters with Debbie Millman
Creative people discuss how they shape their lives and careers through design, art, and personal philosophy.
The Interface
Explores how technology shapes human life, culture, and identity through discussions on AI, social media, cybersecurity, and digital trends.
Top Five Tech
A weekly roundup of five tech-related recommendations spanning media and ideas, curated and delivered each Friday.
The a16z Show
Explores technology and cultural shifts shaping the future through conversations with industry leaders and innovators.
Uncanny Valley | WIRED
Examines power and influence in Silicon Valley through interviews and reporting on major tech stories.
The Cal Newport Show
Explores strategies for thriving mentally and professionally in a world saturated with digital technology.
The Second Studio Design and Architecture Show
Architects discuss design, architecture, and everyday life with creative professionals in unscripted conversations.
About By Design
Design is no longer just about aesthetics—it's shaping the way we live, work, and interact with the world. Join ‘Fast Company’ senior editor Liz Stinson and global design editor Mark Wilson as they dive into the latest innovations in the world of user experience and product and architectural design. ‘By Design’ focuses on the macro impacts of design trends, covering topics like the future of wearable technology, how AI is affecting product design, and, more broadly, how design intersects with business, tech, politics, and culture.
Customized Recaps
AI-powered recaps with compact key takeaways, quotes, and insights.
Straight to Your Inbox
Get key takeaways from By Design in a 5-minute read.
Save Hours Every Week
Stay current on your favorite podcasts without falling behind.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Podzilla's By Design daily summary?
It's a free AI-powered email that summarizes new episodes of By Design as soon as they're published. You get the key takeaways, notable quotes, and links & mentions — all in a quick read.
How does the By Design podcast summary work?
When a new episode drops, our AI transcribes and analyzes it, then generates a personalized summary tailored to your interests and profession. It's delivered to your inbox every morning.
Is this an official By Design product?
No. Podzilla is an independent service that summarizes publicly available podcast content. We're not affiliated with or endorsed by Fast Company.
Can I get summaries of other podcasts too?
Absolutely! The free plan covers up to 3 podcasts, any in the catalog. Basic raises that to 15, Pro to 40 and Max to 100. Browse our full catalog at /podcasts.
How often does By Design release new episodes?
By Design publishes monthly. Our AI generates a summary within hours of each new episode.
What topics does By Design cover?
By Design covers topics including Technology, Arts, Design, Culture, Society & Culture. Our AI identifies the specific themes in each episode and highlights what matters most to you.
Start getting By Design summaries tomorrow morning.
Free forever for up to 3 podcasts. No credit card required.
Free forever for up to 3 podcasts. No credit card required.